Salvianolic acid B attenuates cyclooxygenase-2 expression in vitro in LPS-treated human aortic smooth muscle cells and in vivo in the apolipoprotein-E-deficient mouse aorta

Pharmacological Effects of Salvianolic Acid B Against Oxidative Damage

Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) is one of the main active ingredients of Salvia miltiorrhiza, with strong antioxidant effects. Recent findings have shown that Sal B has anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-fibrotic effects and can promote stem cell proliferation and differentiation, and has a beneficial effect on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, aging, and liver fibrosis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) include oxygen free radicals and oxygen-containing non-free radicals. ROS can regulate cell proliferation, survival, death and differentiation to regulate inflammation, and immunity, while Sal B can scavenge oxygen free radicals by providing hydrogen atoms and reduce the production of oxygen free radicals and oxygen-containing non-radicals by regulating the expression of antioxidant enzymes. The many pharmacological effects of Sal B may be closely related to its elimination and inhibition of ROS generation, and Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2/Kelch-like ECH-related protein 1 may be the core link in its regulation of the expression of antioxidant enzyme to exert its antioxidant effect. What is confusing and interesting is that Sal B exhibits the opposite mechanisms in tumors. To clarify the specific target of Sal B and the correlation between its regulation of oxidative stress and energy metabolism homeostasis will help to further understand its role in different pathological conditions, and provide a scientific basis for its further clinical application and new drug development. Although Sal B has broad prospects in clinical application due to its extensive pharmacological effects, the low bioavailability is a serious obstacle to further improving its efficacy in vivo and promoting clinical application. Therefore, how to improve the availability of Sal B in vivo requires the joint efforts of many interdisciplinary subjects.

The Effect of Salvianolic Acid on Vascular Protection and Possible Mechanisms

Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen), as an important traditional Chinese medicinal plant, has been used in China for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases for hundreds of years. Salvianolic acids (salvianolic acid A and salvianolic acid B) as the most abundant water-soluble component extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza have attracted more and more attention from cardiovascular scientists due to its comprehensive cardiovascular actions. In vivo and in vitro studies have rendered salvianolic acid an excellent drug candidate for the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we surveyed the protective effects of salvianolic acid A and salvianolic acid B against cardiovascular diseases and the pharmacological basis, providing a strong scientific rationale for elucidating the important role of Salvia miltiorrhiza in cardiovascular therapy. More importantly, we also hope to provide new inspiration and perspectives on the development and innovation of small-molecule cardiovascular drugs based on salvianolic acid.

Targeting Foam Cell Formation in Atherosclerosis: Therapeutic Potential of Natural Products

Foam cell formation and further accumulation in the subendothelial space of the vascular wall is a hallmark of atherosclerotic lesions. Targeting foam cell formation in the atherosclerotic lesions can be a promising approach to treat and prevent atherosclerosis. The formation of foam cells is determined by the balanced effects of three major interrelated biologic processes, including lipid uptake, cholesterol esterification, and cholesterol efflux. Natural products are a promising source for new lead structures. Multiple natural products and pharmaceutical agents can inhibit foam cell formation and thus exhibit antiatherosclerotic capacity by suppressing lipid uptake, cholesterol esterification, and/or promoting cholesterol ester hydrolysis and cholesterol efflux. This review summarizes recent findings on these three biologic processes and natural products with demonstrated potential to target such processes. Discussed also are potential future directions for studying the mechanisms of foam cell formation and the development of foam cell-targeted therapeutic strategies.

Salvianolic Acid B Slows the Progression of Breast Cancer Cell Growth via Enhancement of Apoptosis and Reduction of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Angiogenesis

Breast cancer is the current leading cause of cancer death in females worldwide. Although current chemotherapeutic drugs effectively reduce the progression of breast cancer, most of these drugs have many unwanted side effects. Salvianolic acid B (Sal-B) is a bioactive compound isolated from the root of Danshen Radix with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Since free radicals play a key role in the initiation and progression of tumor cells growth and enhance their metastatic potential, the current study was designed to investigate the antitumor activity of Sal-B and compare it with the antitumor activity of the traditional anticancer drug, cisplatin. In vitro, Sal-B decreased the human breast cancer adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells proliferation in a concentration and time dependent manner. In vivo and similar to cisplatin treatment, Sal-B significantly reduced tumor volume and increased the median survival when compared to tumor positive control mice group injected with Ehrlich solid carcinoma cell line (ESC). Sal-B decreased plasma level of malondialdehyde as a marker of oxidative stress and increased plasma level of reduced glutathione (GSH) as a marker of antioxidant defense when compared to control ESC injected mice. Either Sal-B or cisplatin treatment decreased tumor tissue levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), and Cyclin D1 in ESC treated mice. Contrary to cisplatin treatment, Sal-B did not decrease tumor tissue Ki-67 protein in ESC injected mice. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that Sal-B or cisplatin treatment increased the expression of the apoptotic markers caspase-3 and P53. Although Sal-B or cisplatin significantly reduced the expression of the angiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in ESC injected mice, only Sal-B reduced expression level of COX-2 in ESC injected mice. Our data suggest that Sal-B exhibits antitumor features against breast cancer cells possibly via enhancing apoptosis and reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and angiogenesis.

Cardiotonic Pills Plus Recombinant Human Prourokinase Ameliorates Atherosclerotic Lesions in LDLR-/- Mice

Aim

This study was to explore the protective effects of cardiotonic pills (CP) or/and recombinant human prourokinase (proUK)on the atherosclerosis and the potential underlying mechanism.

Methods and Results

Atherosclerosis was induced in LDLR^–/^– mice by high fat diet contained 20% lard and 0.5% cholesterol. Daily oral administration of CP (130 mg/kg) or/and intravenous injection of proUK (2.5 mg/kg, twice a week) began at 8 weeks after feeding with high fat diet and continued for 4 weeks. CP alone treatment markedly decreased plasma triglyceride, but did not ameliorate atherosclerosis plaque. No effect was observed for proUK alone on any endpoints tested. CP plus proUK induced a significantly reduction in the atherosclerotic lesions, along with decreased levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride in the plasma. CP plus proUK inhibited the elevated hepatic total cholesterol and triglyceride in high fat diet-fed LDLR^–/– mice, up-regulating the expressions of ATP-binding cassette gene 5 and 8, and adipose triglyceride lipase. In the aorta, CP plus proUK inhibited the expression of scavenger receptor A and CD36 in LDLR^–/– mice. In addition, we observed that systemic inflammation was inhibited, manifested downregulation of plasma macrophage inflammatory protein-1α and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1.

Conclusion

CP plus proUK effectively attenuated atherosclerosis plaque in LDLR^–/– mice, which is associated with normalizing the lipid metabolism in the liver and aorta, reducing phagocytosis of receptor-mediated modified-LDL uptake and inhibiting systemic inflammation.

Salvianolic acid B inhibits the development of diabetic peripheral neuropathy by suppressing autophagy and apoptosis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of SalB on high glucose (HG)-induced excessive autophagy and apoptosis in vitro.

METHODS

The proliferation and apoptosis of RSC96 cells were determined using the MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Western blot analysis was performed to examine the expression of autophagy and apoptosis-related proteins. RT-PCR and flow cytometry were manipulated to examine the level of Bcl-2. The signals of autophagy markers were detected using immunofluorescence methods.

KEY FINDINGS

We found that HG significantly reduced RSC96 cell's proliferation and induced apoptosis. What's more, HG increased the level of autophagy and apoptosis-related proteins. However, these effects were reversed by SalB. In addition, we also found that 3-MA decreased the expression of LC3A/B and Beclin1, while the JNK inhibitor SP600125 reduced the levels of phosphorylated JNK, LC3A/B and Beclin1.

CONCLUSIONS

High glucose not only induced apoptosis but also caused autophagic cell death by activating the JNK pathway. These effects prevented by SalB in an opposite manner.

Tocilizumab, a Humanized Monoclonal Antibody Against the Interleukin-6 Receptor, Inhibits High Glucose-Induced Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Migration Through Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathways

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with diabetes increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) promotes the disease activity of RA and insulin resistance. This study aimed to evaluate the potential effects and molecular mechanisms of IL-6 blocker, tocilizumab, in atherosclerosis with diabetes. Human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) cultured under hyperglycemic conditions were evaluated for migration, expression of adhesion molecules, and matrix metalloproteinases before and after treatment with tocilizumab. High glucose (HG) significantly increased expression of IL-6, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1), matrix metalloproteinase-2 & 9, and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells. Tocilizumab suppressed HG-induced expression of ICAM-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9. Pretreatment with tocilizumab also inhibited migration, MAPK signaling, and nuclear translocation of p65-NF-κB in HG-stimulated HASMCs. Our data suggested that tocilizumab may exert an antiatherosclerotic activity in diabetes.

Salvia miltiorrhizaBurge (Danshen): a golden herbal medicine in cardiovascular therapeutics

Salvia miltiorrhiza Burge (Danshen) is an eminent medicinal herb that possesses broad cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protective actions and has been used in Asian countries for many centuries. Accumulating evidence suggests that Danshen and its components prevent vascular diseases, in particular, atherosclerosis and cardiac diseases, including myocardial infarction, myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, arrhythmia, cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis. The published literature indicates that lipophilic constituents (tanshinone I, tanshinone IIa, tanshinone IIb, cryptotanshinone, dihydrotanshinone, etc) as well as hydrophilic constituents (danshensu, salvianolic acid A and B, protocatechuic aldehyde, etc) contribute to the cardiovascular protective actions of Danshen, suggesting a potential synergism among these constituents. Herein, we provide a systematic up-to-date review on the cardiovascular actions and therapeutic potential of major pharmacologically active constituents of Danshen. These bioactive compounds will serve as excellent drug candidates in small-molecule cardiovascular drug discovery. This article also provides a scientific rationale for understanding the traditional use of Danshen in cardiovascular therapeutics.

VPO1 mediates oxidation of LDL and formation of foam cells

Deposition of oxidized-LDL in vascular walls is essential in the initiation of atherosclerosis. Oxidation of LDL has been attributed to myeloperoxidase as its generation of potent oxidants. However, the exact mechanism of LDL oxidation and foam cell formation in atherosclerosis remains to be elucidated. Vascular peroxidase-1 (VPO1), a newly-identified heme-containing peroxidase, is primarily expressed in cardiovascular systems, and secreted into the circulation. The present study evaluates VPO1-mediated LDL oxidation and its role in atherosclerosis. VPO1 was first demonstrated binding to LDL. VPO1-mediated oxidation of proteins and lipids in LDL was verified by a variety of methods including immunoblot analysis, free tryptophan assay, UV absorbance, and thiobarbituric acid assay. VPO1-oxidized LDL caused accumulation of LDL in monocyte-like cells and promoted formation of foam cells. Administration of inflammation factors, LPS or TNF-α, induced increasing expression of VPO1 in aorta and secretion to plasma. TNF-α also promoted formation and retention of VPO1-oxidized LDL in aortic walls. Our data suggest that VPO1 contributes to oxidation and retention of LDL in vessel walls, and formation foam cells, indicating VPO1 as a novel potential mediator of atherosclerosis.

Anticancer Effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza Alcohol Extract on Oral Squamous Carcinoma Cells

Researchers have reported significant effects from Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) in terms of inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis in breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinomas, promyelocytic leukemia, and clear cell ovary carcinomas. Here we report our data indicating that Danshen extracts, especially alcohol extract, significantly inhibited the proliferation of the human oral squamous carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines HSC-3 and OC-2. We also observed that Danshen alcohol extract activated the caspase-3 apoptosis executor by impeding members of the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) family, but not by regulating the Bcl-2-triggered mitochondrial pathway in OSCC cells. Our data also indicate that the extract exerted promising effects in vivo, with HSC-3 tumor xenograft growth being suppressed by 40% and 69% following treatment with Danshen alcohol extract at 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively, for 34 days. Combined, our results indicate appreciable anticancer activity and significant potential for Danshen alcohol extract as a natural antioxidant and herbal human oral cancer chemopreventive drug.

Salvianolic Acid B (Sal B) Protects Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells from Oxidative Stress-Induced Cell Death by Activating Glutaredoxin 1 (Grx1)

Protein glutathionylation, defined as the formation of protein mixed disulfides (PSSG) between cysteine residues and glutathione (GSH), can lead to cell death. Glutaredoxin 1 (Grx1) is a thiol repair enzyme which catalyzes the reduction of PSSG. Therefore, Grx1 exerts strong anti-apoptotic effects by improving the redox state, especially in times of oxidative stress. However, there is currently no compound that is identified as a Grx1 activator. In this study, we identified and characterized Salvianolic acid B (Sal B), a natural compound, as a Grx1 inducer, which potently protected retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells from oxidative injury. Our results showed that treatment with Sal B protected primary human RPE cells from H₂O₂-induced cell damage. Interestingly, we found Sal B pretreatment upregulated Grx1 expression in RPE cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), the key transcription factor that regulates the expression of Grx1, was activated in Sal B treated RPE cells. Further investigation showed that knockdown of Grx1 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) significantly reduced the protective effects of Sal B. We conclude that Sal B protects RPE cells against H₂O₂-induced cell injury through Grx1 induction by activating Nrf2 pathway, thus preventing lethal accumulation of PSSG and reversing oxidative damage.

Salvianolic acid B induced upregulation of miR-30a protects cardiac myocytes from ischemia/reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a novel class of powerful, endogenous regulators of gene expression. This study was designed to ascertain if miR-30a is involved in the cardioprotective actions of salvianolic acid B (Sal B) against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury through suppression of autophagy.

METHODS

Murine myocardial cells that had undergone primary culture were induced by I-R and incubated with Sal B (25, 50, 100 μM) in the presence of a miR-30a mimic or miR-30a inhibitor. Expression of miR-30a, beclin-1, LC3-II and p-Akt protein, cell viability, and lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) release were assessed.

RESULTS

miR-30a expression was down-regulated remarkably in I-R cells, and this suppression could be reversed by Sal B in a dose-dependent manner. Sal B repressed autophagy in I-R myocardial cells. Sal B improved cell viability and reduced the rate of LDH leakage, which suggested that autophagy suppression was beneficial for cell survival. Knockdown of miR-30a with a miR-30a inhibitor could reverse the anti-autophagy effect of Sal B against I-R injury. Furthermore, we confirmed that Sal B has a protective role in miR-30a-mediated autophagy through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, which was abrogated by the PI3K inhibitor LY294002.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that miR-30a is involved in Sal B-mediated cardioprotection against I-R injury through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Polyphenols: Potential source of drugs for the treatment of ischaemic heart disease

Polyphenols, which are naturally present in plants, have been studied for their chemical and pharmacological properties. Polyphenols have been found to exhibit various bioactivities such as antioxidant, free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory effects, in addition to regulating the intracellular free calcium levels. These bioactivities are related to the underlying mechanisms of ischaemic heart diseases. Pharmacological studies have proven polyphenols to be effective in treating cardiovascular diseases in various ways, particularly ischaemic heart diseases. Based on their mode of action, we propose that some polyphenols can be developed as drugs to treat ischaemic heart diseases. For this purpose, a strategy to evaluate the therapeutic value of drugs for ischaemic heart diseases is needed. Despite several advances in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), the incidence of myocardial infarction and deaths due to cardiovascular diseases has not decreased markedly in China. Due to their pleiotropic properties and structural diversity, polyphenols have been of great interest in pharmacology. In the present review, we summarize the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of polyphenols reported after 2000, and we analyse the benefits or druggability of these compounds for ischaemic heart diseases.

Anti-acetylcholinesterase potential and metabolome classification of 4 Ocimum species as determined via UPLC/qTOF/MS and chemometric tools

Ocimum (sweet basil) is a plant of considerable commercial importance in traditional medicine worldwide as well as for the flavor and food industry. The goal of this study was to examine Ocimum extracts anti-acetylcholinesterase activity and to correlate the activity with their secondary metabolites profiles via a metabolome based ultraperformance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) approach coupled to chemometrics. The metabolomic differences in phenolics from leaves derived from 4 Ocimum species: Ocimum basilicum, Ocimum africanum, Ocimum americanum and Ocimum minimum were assessed. Under optimized conditions, 81 metabolites were identified including 21 hydroxy cinnamic acids, 4 benzoic acid conjugates, 14C/O flavonoid conjugates, 2 alcohols, 5 acyl sugars, 4 triterpenes and 12 fatty acids. Several salviolanic acid derivatives including salviolanic acid A, B, C & I found in Salvia, were found in Ocimum herein for the first time. Unsupervised principal component analysis (PCA) and supervised orthogonal projection to latent structures-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were further used for comparing and classification of samples. A clear separation among the four investigated Ocimum species was revealed, with O. africanum samples found most enriched in hydroxy cinnamates conjugates (HC) and flavonoids. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report for compositional differences among Ocimum leaves via a metabolomic approach revealing that among examined species O. africanum leaves present a better source of Ocimum bioactive metabolites. The anticholinesrase activity of examined species was further assessed with a potent IC50 values for O. americanum, O. africanum, O. basilicum ranging from 2.5 to 6.6mg/ml, whereas O. minimum was least active with IC50 of 31.4mg/ml. Furthermore, major HC i.e., caftaric, chlorogenic and rosmarinic acids identified in extracts via UPLC-MS analysis exhibited IC50 values of 24, 0.5 and 7.9mg/ml respectively, suggesting that HCs are likely to mediate for the anticholinesterase effect in Ocimum extracts.

Salvianolic Acid B Down-regulates Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Activity and Expression in Tumor Necrosis Factor-α-induced Human Coronary Artery Endothelial Cells

BACKGROUND

Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) is a bioactive water-soluble compound of Salviae miltiorrhizae, a traditional herbal medicine that has been used clinically for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. This study sought to evaluate the effect of Sal B on matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and on the underlying mechanisms in tumor necrosis factor-α± (TNF-α±)-activated human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs), a cell model of Kawasaki disease.

METHODS

HCAECs were pretreated with 1-10 αμmol/L of Sal B, and then stimulated by TNF-α± at different time points. The protein expression and activity of MMP-9 were determined by Western blot assay and gelatin zymogram assay, respectively. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation was detected with immunofluorescence, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and Western blot assay. Protein expression levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase (c-Jun N-terminal kinase [JNK], extra-cellular signal-regulated kinase [ERK], and p38) were determined by Western blot assay.

RESULTS

After HCAECs were exposed to TNF-α±, 1-10 αμmol/L Sal B significantly inhibited TNF-α±-induced MMP-9 expression and activity. Furthermore, Sal B significantly decreased IκBα± phosphorylation and p65 nuclear translocation in HCAECs stimulated with TNF-α± for 30 min. In addition, Sal B decreased the phosphorylation of JNK and ERK1/2 proteins in cells treated with TNF-α± for 10 min.

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggested that Sal B suppressed TNF-α±-induced MMP-9 expression and activity by blocking the activation of NF-κB, JNK, and ERK1/2 signaling pathways.

In silico database screening of potential targets and pathways of compounds contained in plants used for psoriasis vulgaris

Reviews and meta-analyses of clinical trials identified plants used as traditional medicines (TMs) that show promise for psoriasis. These include Rehmannia glutinosa, Camptotheca acuminata, Indigo naturalis and Salvia miltiorrhiza. Compounds contained in these TMs have shown activities of relevance to psoriasis in experimental models. To further investigate the likely mechanisms of action of the multiple compounds in these TMs, we undertook a computer-based in silico investigation of the proteins known to be regulated by these compounds and their associated biological pathways. The proteins reportedly regulated by compounds in these four TMs were identified using the HIT (Herbal Ingredients' Targets) database. The resultant data were entered into the PANTHER (Protein ANnotation THrough Evolutionary Relationship) database to identify the pathways in which the proteins could be involved. The study identified 237 compounds in the TMs and these retrieved 287 proteins from HIT. These proteins identified 59 pathways in PANTHER with most proteins being located in the Apoptosis, Angiogenesis, Inflammation mediated by chemokine and cytokine, Gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor, and/or Interleukin signaling pathways. All four TMs contained compounds that had regulating effects on Apoptosis regulator BAX, Apoptosis regulator Bcl-2, Caspase-3, Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) or Prostaglandin G/H synthase 2 (COX2). The main proteins and pathways are primarily related to inflammation, proliferation and angiogenesis which are all processes involved in psoriasis. Experimental studies have reported that certain compounds from these TMs can regulate the expression of proteins involved in each of these pathways.

Chinese Herbal Compounds for the Prevention and Treatment of Atherosclerosis: Experimental Evidence and Mechanisms

Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. Research into the disease has led to many compelling hypotheses regarding the pathophysiology of atherosclerotic lesion formation and the resulting complications such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Herbal medicine has been widely used in China as well as other Asian countries for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases for hundreds of years; however, the mechanisms of action of Chinese herbal medicine in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis have not been well studied. In this review, we briefly describe the mechanisms of atherogenesis and then summarize the research that has been performed in recent years regarding the effectiveness and mechanisms of antiatherogenic Chinese herbal compounds in an attempt to build a bridge between traditional Chinese medicine and cellular and molecular cardiovascular medicine.

Salvianolic acid B attenuates lung inflammation induced by cigarette smoke in mice

Salvianolic acid B (Sal B), a bioactive compound isolated from the Chinese herb Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae, has been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidantive effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of Sal B on cigarette smoke (CS)-induced acute lung inflammation. Sal B was given intraperitoneally (i.p.) to mice 1h before CS exposure daily for four consecutive days. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected to assess the levels of inflammatory cytokines and cell counts. Lung tissues were used to analysis pathological changes, total glutathione (GSH), nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf-2), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) expression. The results showed that Sal B inhibited CS-induced lung pathological changes, the infiltration of inflammatory cells, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) productions. Sal B also up-regulated CS-induced total glutathione (GSH) production. Furthermore, Sal B was found to up-regulate Nrf-2, hemeoxygenase1 (HO1) expression and suppress CS-induced NF-κB activation. In conclusion, the current study demonstrated that Sal B exhibited a protective effect on CS-induced lung injury and the possible mechanism was involved in activating Nrf-2 and inhibiting NF-κB activation.

Salvianolic acid B improves bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into alveolar epithelial cells type I via Wnt signaling

Acute lung injury (ALI) is among the most common causes of mortality in intensive care units. Previous studies have suggested that bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) may attenuate pulmonary edema. In addition, alveolar epithelial cells type I (ATI) are involved in reducing the alveolar edema in response to ALI. However, the mechanism involved in improving the efficiency of differentiation of MSCs into ATI remains to be elucidated. In the present study, the effect of salvianolic acid B (Sal B) on the differentiation of BMSCs into ATI and the activities of the Wnt signaling pathways were investigated. The BMSCs were supplemented with conditioned medium (CM). The groups were as follows: i) CM group: BMSCs were supplemented with CM; ii) lithium chloride (LiCl) group: BMSCs were supplemented with CM and 5 mM LiCl; iii) Sal B group: BMSCs were supplemented with CM and 10 mM Sal B. The samples were collected and assessed on days 7 and 14. It was revealed that aquaporin (AQP)-5 and T1α were expressed in BMSCs, and induction with LiCl or Sal B increased the expression of AQP-5 and T1α. Furthermore, the Wnt-1 and Wnt-3a signaling pathways were activated during the differentiation of BMSCs into ATI. In conclusion, it was suggested that the promotive effects of Sal B on the differentiation of BMSCs into ATI occurred through the activation of Wnt signaling pathways.

The identification and pharmacokinetic studies of metabolites of salvianolic acid B after intravenous administration in rats

AIM

To identify and quantify the major metabolites of salvianolic acid B (SAB) after intravenous injection in rats.

METHODS

LC-IT/TOF-MS was used to identify the metabolites in rat bile, plasma, and urine; LC-MS/MS was used to quantify the two major metabolites.

RESULTS

In rat bile, plasma, and urine, nine metabolites were identified, including methylated metabolites of SAB, lithospermic acid (LSA), the decarboxylation and methylation metabolites of LSA, salvianolic acid S (SAS), and dehydrated-SAS. The t1/2 of monomethyl-SAB and LSA were both very short, and monomethyl-SAB had a larger AUC than LSA in rats.

CONCLUSION

Nine metabolites were found, the metabolic pathway was described, and the pharmacokinetic profiles of LSA and monomethyl-SAB were studied, thereby clarifying that methylation was the dominant metabolic pathway for SAB in rats.

Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharides Reduce Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Interleukin-1 β Expression in Cultured Smooth Muscle Cells and in Thoracic Aortas in Mice

The expression of inflammatory cytokines on vascular walls is a critical event in vascular diseases and inflammation. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of an extract of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) polysaccharides (EORPs), which is effective against immunological disorders, on interleukin- (IL-) 1β expression by human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) and the underlying mechanism. The lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced IL-1β expression was significantly reduced when HASMCs were pretreated with EORP by Western blot and immunofluorescent staining. Pretreatment with 10 μg/mL EORP decreased LPS-induced ERK, p38, JNK, and Akt phosphorylation. But the increase in IL-1β expression with LPS treatment was only inhibited by pretreatment with the ERK1/2 inhibitor, while the JNK and p38 inhibitors had no effect. In addition, EORP reduced the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor- (NF-) κB p65 in LPS-treated HASMCs. Furthermore, in vivo, IL-1β expression was strongly expressed in thoracic aortas in LPS-treated mice. Oral administration of EORP decreased IL-1β expression. The level of IL-1β expression in LPS-treated or in LPS/EORP-treated group was very low and was similar to that of the saline-treated group in toll-like receptor 4-deficient (TLR4^−/−) mice. These findings suggest that EORP has the anti-inflammatory property and could prove useful in the prevention of vascular diseases and inflammatory responses.

Cardiovascular effects of salvianolic Acid B

Salvianolic acid B (SAB, Sal B) is the representative component of phenolic acids derived from the dried root and rhizome of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge (Labiatae) which has been used widely and successfully in Asian countries for clinical therapy of various vascular disturbance-related diseases for hundreds of years. However, its exact cardioprotective components and the underlying mechanism for therapeutic basis are still poorly understood. This paper discussed and elucidated the underlying biological mechanisms and pharmacology of Sal B and their potential cardioprotective effects.

A herbal formula containing roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) and Pueraria lobata (Gegen) inhibits inflammatory mediators in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages through inhibition of nuclear factor κB (NFκB) pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The herbal formula DG, containing roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) and Pueraria lobata (Gegen), has long history in treating cardiovascular diseases. It has been shown to be able to reduce intima-media thickening in coronary patients in our previous clinical study. Since intima-media thickening is the hallmark of atherosclerotic disease, the etiology of which is inflammation of the arterial wall, the mechanism underlying the effect of DG may be related to its anti-inflammatory activities.

AIM OF STUDY

The present study aims to determine the anti-inflammatory activity of DG and elucidate its underlying mechanisms with regards to its molecular basis of action.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

The anti-inflammatory effect of DG was studied by using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated activation of nuclear factor κB (NFκB) pathway and subsequent production of inflammatory mediators, including nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and macrophage chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), in mouse RAW 264.7 macrophages.

RESULTS

The present study demonstrated that DG could suppress the production of NO and PGE(2) through the inhibition of iNOS and COX-2 genes. DG could also inhibit the production of IL-1β, IL-6 and MCP-1, but not TNF-α, through the inhibition of respective mRNA expressions. Further investigations showed the inhibitory effect of DG on activation of IKKα/β and degradation of IκBα, thus preventing nuclear translocation of NFκB. All these results suggested the inhibitory effects of DG on the production of inflammatory mediators through the inhibition of the NFκB pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

The inhibitory effects of DG on the production of inflammatory mediators by LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, are accomplished by inhibiting the nuclear translocation of NFκB through inactivating IKKα/β and preventing degradation of IκBα.

A system-level investigation into the mechanisms of Chinese Traditional Medicine: Compound Danshen Formula for cardiovascular disease treatment

Compound Danshen Formula (CDF) is a widely used Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which has been extensively applied in clinical treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, the underlying mechanism of clinical administrating CDF on CVDs is not clear. In this study, the pharmacological effect of CDF on CVDs was analyzed at a systemic point of view. A systems-pharmacological model based on chemical, chemogenomics and pharmacological data is developed via network reconstruction approach. By using this model, we performed a high-throughput in silico screen and obtained a group of compounds from CDF which possess desirable pharmacodynamical and pharmacological characteristics. These compounds and the corresponding protein targets are further used to search against biological databases, such as the compound-target associations, compound-pathway connections and disease-target interactions for reconstructing the biologically meaningful networks for a TCM formula. This study not only made a contribution to a better understanding of the mechanisms of CDF, but also proposed a strategy to develop novel TCM candidates at a network pharmacology level.

Pharmacological actions and therapeutic applications of Salvia miltiorrhiza depside salt and its active components

Salvia miltiorrhiza, a traditional medical herb known as danshen, has been widely used in China to improve blood circulation, relieve blood stasis, and treat coronary heart disease. S miltiorrhiza depside salt is a novel drug recently developed at the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica; it contains magnesium lithospermate B (MLB) and its analogs, rosmarinic acid (RA) and lithospermic acid (LA), as active components. The drug has been used in the clinic to improve blood circulation and treat coronary heart disease. The pharmacological effects of the depside salt from S miltiorrhiza and its components have been extensively investigated. Experimental studies have demonstrated that magnesium lithospermate B possesses a variety of biological activities, especially protective effects in the cardiovascular system such as attenuation of atherosclerosis and protection against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Rosmarinic acid and lithospermic acid also show beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. This paper reviews the recent findings regarding the mechanisms underlying the pharmacological actions of the active components of S miltiorrhiza depside salt, based on published works and our own observations.

Salvianolic acid B inhibits macrophage uptake of modified low density lipoprotein (mLDL) in a scavenger receptor CD36-dependent manner

CD36, a class B scavenger receptor, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a host of vascular inflammatory diseases. Through a high-throughput screening (HTS) assay for CD36 antagonist, we previously identified salvianolic acid B (SAB), a hydrophilic component derived from the herb Danshen, as a potential candidate. Danshen, the dried roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza, has been widely used in China for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis-related disorders. Previous studies showed that SAB acted as an anti-oxidant by preventing lipid peroxidation and oxidized LDL (oxLDL) formation. The present study was to investigate the specificity and efficacy of SAB in the inhibition of CD36-mediated lipid uptake. SAB reduced modified LDL (mLDL) uptake in a dose-dependent manner in phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-stimulated THP-1 and RAW 264.7 cells. In the CD36 silenced THP-1 cells, SAB had no effect in reducing mLDL uptake, whereas its overexpression in CHO cells reinstates the effect, indicating a specific involvement of SAB in antagonizing the CD36's function. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis revealed a direct binding of SAB to CD36 with a high affinity (K(D) = 3.74 μM), confirming physical interactions of SAB with the receptor. Additionally, SAB reduced oxLDL-induced CD36 gene expression in the cultured cell lines and primary macrophages. In ApoE KO mice fed a high fat diet, SAB reduced CD36 gene expression and lipid uptake in macrophages, showing its ability to antagonize CD36 pathways in vivo. These results demonstrate that SAB is an effective CD36 antagonist and suggest SAB as a potential anti-atherosclerotic agent.

Pharmacokinetic comparisons of single herb extract of Fufang Danshen preparation with different combinations of its constituent herbs in rats

Salvianolic acid B (SAB), tanshinone IIA (TS), ginsenoside Rb₁ (Rb₁), ginsenoside Rg₁ (Rg₁) and notoginsenoside R₁ (R₁) are major active ingredients of Fufang Danshen preparation (FDP) for its protective effects on myocardial ischemia. This study investigated the pharmacokinetics of marker compounds after oral administration of single herb extract and different combinations of constitutional herbs in FDP, and explored potential herb-herb interactions among the ingredients in the multi-herb medicine. The pharmacokinetics study on the target compounds in rat plasma was performed using an optimal ultra performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS) coupled with protein precipitation method. There were no statistically significant differences in pharmacokinetic parameters of SAB, TS, Rb₁, Rg₁ and R₁ between single Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza (S. miltiorrhiza) or Radix Panax notoginsen (P. notoginseng) extract and combination treatment. While, in comparison with oral administration of P. notoginseng extract alone, the pharmacokinetic parameters (C(max), AUC(0-72 h), AUC(0-∞), Cl, V), particularly for Rb₁ and Rg₁, were significantly different after oral administration P. notoginseng extract with addition of borneol (p<0.05). The AUC(0-72 h) values of Rb₁ and Rg₁ were significantly increased 1.3-fold and 1.6-fold, respectively, after P. Notoginsen extract co-administered with borneol. The results showed that herb-herb interactions may be accounting for the different pharmacokinetic behaviors of active constituents administered in compound prescriptions versus in single-herb extracts, however, which were not significant in most cases.

Salvianolic acid B suppresses IFN-γ-induced JAK/STAT1 activation in endothelial cells

INTRODUCTION

Dysfunction of the endothelium contributes to pathological conditions of the arterial wall including atherosclerosis as a result of immunological and/or inflammatory responses. Salvianolic acid B (Sal B), a pure and active compound extracted from the Chinese herb Salvia miltiorrhizae (SM) was characterized for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties on vascular system.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Sal B pretreatment significantly inhibited the IFN-γ-induced phosphorylations of JAK2 (Tyr 1007/1008) and STAT1 (Tyr701 and Ser727). Consistently, IFN-γ-induced STAT1 downstream targets CXC chemokines' IP-10, Mig, and I-TAC were suppressed by Sal B pretreatment. Sal B inhibited promoter activities of IP-10 and the secretion of IP-10 protein. The monocyte adhesion to IFN-γ-treated ECs was observed to be reduced after Sal B pretreatment. ECs treated with Sal B alone also increased the expression of PIAS1 and SOCS1 which may also contribute to its inhibitory effect on JAK-STAT1 signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

The anti-inflammatory properties of Sal B on IFN-γ-induced JAK-STAT1 activation were demonstrated in the present study which provides a molecular basis for possible therapeutic usage on vascular disorders.

Viscolin reduces VCAM-1 expression in TNF-α-treated endothelial cells via the JNK/NF-κB and ROS pathway

Viscolin, a major active component in a chloroform extract of Viscum coloratum, has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. We focused on its effects on the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The TNF-α-induced expression of VCAM-1 was significantly reduced by respectively 38±7 or 34±16% when HUVECs were pretreated with 10 or 30μM viscolin, as shown by Western blotting, and was also significantly reduced by pretreatment with the antioxidants N-acetylcysteine, diphenylene iodonium chloride, and apocynin. Viscolin also reduced TNF-α-induced VCAM-1 mRNA expression and promoter activity, decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity, and significantly reduced the binding of monocytes to TNF-α-stimulated HUVECs. The attenuation of TNF-α-induced VCAM-1 expression and cell adhesion was partly mediated by a decrease in JNK phosphorylation. Furthermore, viscolin reduced VCAM-1 expression in the aorta of TNF-α-treated mice in vivo. Taken together, these data show that viscolin inhibits TNF-α-induced JNK phosphorylation, nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65, and ROS generation and thereby suppresses VCAM-1 expression, resulting in reduced adhesion of leukocytes. These results also suggest that viscolin may prevent the development of atherosclerosis and inflammatory responses.

Effects of compounds from bi-qi capsule on the expression of inflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages

AIM OF THE STUDY

The Bi-Qi Capsule (Bi-Qi) has been used in clinic as prescribed drug for the treatment of rheumatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other osteoarticular diseases about 20 years in China. Pharmacological and clinical studies have confirmed the anti-inflammatory and analgesic action of Bi-Qi in vivo. However, its anti-inflammatory molecular mechanism is still unclear. The objective of the study is to reveal the anti-inflammatory molecular mechanism of Bi-Qi which would form an additional proof to the traditional experience of Bi-Qi in clinical administration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The aqueous extract of Bi-Qi was used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory action in murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay. Production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) were measured by the Griess colorimetric method and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Protein expression levels of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) were monitored by cell-based ELISA. Proteome profiler array was analyzed to evaluate 40 cytokines at protein level. In addition, interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) synthesis were analyzed using ELISA to confirm the result of the Proteome profiler array. The gene expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), COX-2, TNF-α, IL-6, and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) were detected by quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR).

RESULTS

Bi-Qi significantly decreased the production of NO, PGE(2), and inhibited the protein expression of COX-2. The Proteome profiler array showed that eight protein cytokines were down-regulated and six protein cytokines were up-regulated by Bi-Qi. Furthermore, the results of TNF-α and IL-6 protein expression analyzed by ELISA were similar to those of Proteome profiler array. The results of real-time RT-PCR demonstrated that iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β gene expression were also significantly reduced by Bi-Qi.

CONCLUSION

These results suggested that the anti-inflammatory molecular mechanism of Bi-Qi might be the results from modulating the LPS-mediated NO-iNOS pathway, COX-2 pathway via inhibition of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β expression in activated macrophages. In addition, these results provided evidence to understand the therapeutic effects of Bi-Qi on various inflammatory diseases, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatic arthritis and other osteoarticular diseases.

Modulation of growth and angiogenic potential of oral squamous carcinoma cells in vitro using salvianolic acid B

Background

Our previous studies showed that Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) inhibited 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced oral carcinogenesis in hamsters and such anti-cancer effects might be related to the inhibition of angiogenesis. This study was aimed to further investigate the anti-proliferative effect of Sal B on the most common type of oral cancer, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and the possible mechanisms of action with respect to angiogenesis inhibition.

Methods

Two well-characterized oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines, CAL27 and SCC4, and premalignant leukoplakia cells were treated with different concentrations of Sal B. Cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT assay. cDNA microarray was utilized to evaluate the expression of 96 genes known to be involved in modulating the biological processes of angiogenesis. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis was conducted to confirm the cDNA microarray data.

Results

Sal B induced growth inhibition in OSCC cell lines but had limited effects on premalignant cells. A total of 17 genes showed a greater than 3-fold change when comparing Sal B treated OSCC cells to the control. Among these genes, HIF-1α, TNFα and MMP9 are specifically inhibited, expression of THBS2 was up-regulated.

Conclusions

Sal B has inhibitory effect on OSCC cell growth. The antitumor effect can be attributed to anti-angiogenic potential induced by a decreased expression of some key regulator genes of angiogenesis. Sal B may be a promising modality for treating oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Salvianolic acids: small compounds with multiple mechanisms for cardiovascular protection

Salvianolic acids are the most abundant water-soluble compounds extracted from Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen). In China, Danshen has been wildly used to treat cardiovascular diseases for hundreds of years. Salvianolic acids, especially salvianolic acid A (Sal A) and salvianolic acid B (Sal B), have been found to have potent anti-oxidative capabilities due to their polyphenolic structure. Recently, intracellular signaling pathways regulated by salvianolic acids in vascular endothelial cells, aortic smooth muscle cells, as well as cardiomyocytes, have been investigated both in vitro and in vivo upon various cardiovascular insults. It is discovered that the cardiovascular protection of salvianolic acids is not only because salvianolic acids act as reactive oxygen species scavengers, but also due to the reduction of leukocyte-endothelial adherence, inhibition of inflammation and metalloproteinases expression from aortic smooth muscle cells, and indirect regulation of immune function. Competitive binding of salvianolic acids to target proteins to interrupt protein-protein interactions has also been found to be a mechanism of cardiovascular protection by salvianolic acids. In this article, we review a variety of studies focusing on the above mentioned mechanisms. Besides, the target proteins of salvianolic acids are also described. These results of recent advances have shed new light to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for salvianolic acids to treat cardiovascular diseases.

Coenzyme Q10 reduces ethanol-induced apoptosis in corneal fibroblasts

Dilute ethanol (EtOH) is a widely used agent to remove the corneal epithelium during the modern refractive surgery. The application of EtOH may cause the underlying corneal fibroblasts to undergo apoptosis. This study was designed to investigate the protective effect and potential mechanism of the respiratory chain coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10)), an electron transporter of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and a ubiquitous free radical scavenger, against EtOH-induced apoptosis of corneal fibroblasts. Corneal fibroblasts were pretreated with CoQ(10) (10 µM) for 2 h, followed by exposure to different concentrations of EtOH (0.4, 2, 4, and 20%) for 20 s. After indicated incubation period (2-12 h), MTT assay was used to examine cell viability. Treated cells were further assessed by flow cytometry to identify apoptosis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the change in mitochondrial membrane potential were assessed using dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate/2',7'-dichlorofluorescein (DCFH-DA/DCF) assays and flow-cytometric analysis of JC-1 staining, respectively. The activity and expression of caspases 2, 3, 8, and 9 were evaluated with a colorimetric assay and western blot analysis. We found that EtOH treatment significantly decreased the viability of corneal fibroblasts characterized by a higher percentage of apoptotic cells. CoQ(10) could antagonize the apoptosis inducing effect of EtOH. The inhibition of cell apoptosis by CoQ(10) was significant at 8 and 12 h after EtOH exposure. In EtOH-exposed corneal fibroblasts, CoQ(10) pretreatment significantly reduced mitochondrial depolarization and ROS production at 30, 60, 90, and 120 min and inhibited the activation and expression of caspases 2 and 3 at 2 h after EtOH exposure. In summary, pretreatment with CoQ(10) can inhibit mitochondrial depolarization, caspase activation, and cell apoptosis. These findings support the proposition that CoQ(10) plays an antiapoptotic role in corneal fibroblasts after ethanol exposure.

MEK/ERK pathway mediates cytoprotection of salvianolic acid B against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in rat bone marrow stem cells

To improve the survival and/or differentiation of grafted BMSCs (bone marrow stem cells) represents one of the challenges for the promising cell-based therapy. Considerable reports have implicated Sal B (salvianolic acid B), a potent aqueous extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza, in enhancing the survival of cells under various conditions. In this study, we investigated the effect of Sal B on H₂O₂-induced apoptosis in rat BMSCs, focusing on the survival signalling pathways. Results indicated that the MEK [MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase)/ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase) kinase] inhibitor (PD98059) and 10 μM Sal B remarkably prevented BMSCs from H₂O₂-induced apoptosis through attenuating caspase-3 activation, which is accompanied by the significant up-regulation of Bcl-2. In addition, the ROS (reactive oxygen species) accumulation was also reduced after Sal B treatment. Furthermore, Sal B inhibited the ERK1/2 phosphorylations stimulated by H₂O₂. Taken together, our results showed that H₂O₂-induced apoptosis in BMSCs via the ROS/MEK/ERK1/2 pathway and Sal B may exert its cytoprotection through mediating the pathway.

Salvianolic acid B inhibits low-density lipoprotein oxidation and neointimal hyperplasia in endothelium-denuded hypercholesterolaemic rabbits

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerosis and restenosis are inflammatory responses involving free radicals and lipid peroxidation and may be prevented/cured by antioxidant-mediated lipid peroxidation inhibition. Salvianolic acid (Sal B), a water-soluble antioxidant obtained from a Chinese medicinal herb, is believed to have multiple preventive and therapeutic effects against human vascular diseases. In this study the in vitro and in vivo inhibitory effects of Sal B on oxidative stress were determined.

RESULTS

In human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs), Sal B reduced oxidative stress, inhibited low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and reduced oxidised LDL-induced cytotoxicity. Sal B inhibited Cu(2+) -induced LDL oxidation in vitro (with a potency 16.3 times that of probucol) and attenuated HAEC-mediated LDL oxidation as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. In cholesterol-fed New Zealand White rabbits (with probucol as positive control), Sal B intake reduced Cu(2+) -induced LDL oxidation, lipid deposition in the thoracic aorta, intimal thickness of the aortic arch and thoracic aorta and neointimal formation in the abdominal aorta.

CONCLUSION

The data obtained in this study suggest that Sal B protects HAECs from oxidative injury-mediated cell death via inhibition of ROS production. The antioxidant activity of Sal B may help explain its efficacy in the treatment of vascular diseases.

Salvianolic Acid B, a potential chemopreventive agent, for head and neck squamous cell cancer

Head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) is one of the top ten cancers in the United States. The survival rate of HNSCC has only marginally improved over the last two decades. In addition, African-American men bear a disproportionate burden of this preventable disease. Therefore, a critical challenge of preventive health approaches is warranted. Salvianolic acid B (Sal-B) isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge, which is a well-know Chinese medicines has been safely used to treat and prevent aging diseases for thousand of years. Recently, the anticancer properties of Sal-B have received more attention. Sal-B significantly inhibits or delays the growth of HNSCC in both cultured HNSCC cells and HNSCC xenograft animal models. The following anticancer mechanisms have been proposed: the inhibition of COX-2/PGE-2 pathway, the promotion of apoptosis, and the modulation of angiogenesis. In conclusion, Sal-B is a potential HNSCC chemopreventive agent working through antioxidation and anti-inflammation mechanisms.

Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides attenuate endotoxin-induced intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression in cultured smooth muscle cells and in the neointima in mice

The expression of adhesion molecules on vessels and subsequent leukocyte recruitment are critical events in vascular diseases and inflammation. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of an extract of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) polysaccharides (EORP), which is effective against cancer and immunological disorders, on adhesion molecule expression by human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) and the underlying mechanism. EORP significantly suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) mRNA and protein expression and reduced the binding of human monocytes to LPS-stimulated HASMCs. Immunoprecipitation and real-time polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that EORP markedly reduced the interaction of human antigen R protein (HuR) with the 3'-UTR of ICAM-1 mRNA in LPS-stimulated HASMCs. EORP treatment also suppressed extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation and reduced the density of the shifted bands of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB after LPS-induced activation. In an endothelial-denuded artery model in LPS-treated mice, daily oral administration of EORP for 2 weeks decreased neointimal hyperplasia and ICAM-1 expression in the plasma and neointima. These results provide evidence that EORP attenuates LPS-induced adhesion molecule expression and monocyte adherence and that this protective effect is mediated by decreased ERK phosphorylation and NF-kappaB activation. These findings suggest that EORP has anti-inflammatory properties and could prove useful in the prevention of vascular diseases and inflammatory responses.

Combination effects of salvianolic acid B with low-dose celecoxib on inhibition of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma growth in vitro and in vivo

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) development is closely associated with inflammation. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an important mediator of inflammation. Therefore, celecoxib, a selective inhibitor of COX-2, was hailed as a promising chemopreventive agent for HNSCC. Dose-dependent cardiac toxicity limits long-term use of celecoxib, but it seems likely that this may be diminished by lowering its dose. We found that salvianolic acid B (Sal-B), isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge, can effectively suppress COX-2 expression and induce apoptosis in a variety of cancer cell lines. In this study, we report that combination of Sal-B with low-dose celecoxib results in a more pronounced anticancer effect in HNSCC than either agent alone. The combination effects were assessed in four HNSCC cell lines (JHU-06, JHU-011, JHU-013, and JHU-022) by evaluating cell viability, proliferation, and tumor xenograft growth. Cell viability and proliferation were significantly inhibited by both the combined and single-agent treatments. However, the combination treatment significantly enhanced anticancer efficacy in JHU-013 and JHU-022 cell lines compared with the single treatment regimens. A half-dose of daily Sal-B (40 mg/kg/d) and celecoxib (2.5 mg/kg/d) significantly inhibited JHU-013 xenograft growth relative to mice treated with a full dose of Sal-B or celecoxib alone. The combination was associated with profound inhibition of COX-2 and enhanced induction of apoptosis. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that combination of Sal-B, a multifunctional anticancer agent, with low-dose celecoxib holds potential as a new preventive strategy in targeting inflammatory-associated tumor development.

Anti-inflammatory activity of salvianolic acid B in microglia contributes to its neuroprotective effect

This study examined whether Salvianolic acid B (Sal B), a major active component of Chinese herb Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae, may exert an anti-inflammatory effect in microglia and may be neuroprotective by regulating microglial activation. Our results showed that Sal B significantly reduced the production of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment in rat primary microglia in a dose-dependent manner. Sal B had no effects on ATP-dependent IL-1beta release and interferon (IFN)-gamma-induced NO production. Sal B also suppressed LPS-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), TNF-alpha, and IL-1beta mRNA expression, which was accompanied by inhibiting transcription factor NF-kappaB activation. Sal B could protect neurons through inhibition of microglial activation in a microglia-neuron coculture system. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that anti-inflammatory activity of Sal B in microglia contributes to its neuroprotective effect and suggest that it may be useful for preventing microglia-mediated neuroinflammation.

Discovery of antagonists for human scavenger receptor CD36 via an ELISA-like high-throughput screening assay

CD36, a member of the class B scavenger receptor, is a high-affinity receptor for oxidatively modified low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL). Extensive evidence points to a significant role of CD36 in atherosclerosis and suggests that CD36 could be a potential target for treatment of atherosclerosis. Here, the extracellular domain of human CD36 (Gly(30)-Asn(439)) was expressed in Escherichia coli as His(6)-tagged soluble CD36 (sCD36), which could bind oxLDL specifically and effectively inhibit the uptake of oxLDL by murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-like high-throughput screening (HTS) assay was developed for the discovery of CD36 antagonists, based on the competition of sCD36 binding to immobilized oxLDL and detection with a monoclonal antibody against His-tag. This assay was suitable for HTS in a 96-well format and was robust and reliable according to the evaluation parameter Z' value of 0.82. The developed HTS assay was applied to both pure chemical compounds and microbial secondary metabolite crude extracts to identify CD36 antagonists. Three active compounds-sodium danshensu (DSS), rosmarinic acid (RA), and salvianolic acid B (SAB)-were shown to be antagonistic to sCD36-oxLDL binding and further validated by their inhibition of oxLDL uptake in RAW 264.7 cells. These results suggest that the ELISA-like assay represents a promising screening for identifying bioactive molecules targeting atherosclerosis at the level of CD36-ligand binding.