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Dai H, Shan Y, Yu M, Wang F, Zhou Z, Sun J, Sheng L, Huang L, Sheng M. Network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental verification of the mechanism of huangqi-jixuecao herb pair in treatment of peritoneal fibrosis. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 318:116874. [PMID: 37437794 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The Huangqi-Jixuecao herb pair (HQJXCHP) is a traditional herbal formula composed of two widely applied TCM prescriptions, Huangqi (Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge) and Jixuecao (Centella asiatica (L.) Urb.), used for hundreds of years to replenish qi and clear away heat. However, the therapeutic effects of HQJXCHP against peritoneal fibrosis (PF) and potential targets are currently unclear. AIMS OF THE STUDY The main objective of this study was preliminary prediction and validation of the effects and molecular mechanisms of action of HQJXCHP against PF based on network pharmacology analysis and experimental verification. MATERIALS AND METHODS The ingredients of HQJXCHP were analyzed via HPLC-Q-TOF/MS. Bioactive compounds of HQJXCHP used for network pharmacology analysis were obtained from the TCMSP database. HQJXCHP-related therapeutic targets in PF were obtained from the GeneCards, OMIM, Therapeutic Targets and PharmGkb databases. Therapeutic target-related signaling pathways were predicted via GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. The targets of HQJXCHO were further validated in a PDS-induced PF mouse model in vivo and PMCs MMT model in vitro. RESULTS A total of 23 bioactive compounds of HQJXCHP related 188 target genes were retrieved. The HQJXCHP compound-target and PF-related target networks identified 131 common target genes. Subsequent protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis results disclosed Akt1, TP53, TNF, VEGFA and CASP3 as the top five key targets of HQJXCHP. Further molecular docking data revealed strong affinity of the two key compounds of HQJXCHP, quercetin and kaempferol, for these key targets. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses further showed that PI3K/Akt, IL-17, TNF and TLR pathways contribute to the therapeutic effects of HQJXCHP on PF. An in vivo PDS-induced PF mouse model and in vitro PMCs mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (MMT) model with or without HQJXCHP intervention were used to confirm the effects and mechanisms of action of HQJXCHP. Western blot and qRT-PCR results showed that HQ, JXC and HQJXCHP reduced PDS-induced inflammatory cell aggregation and peritoneal thickening through suppressing the MMT process, among which HQJXCHP exerted the greatest therapeutic effect. Moreover, HQJXCHP inhibited activation of the PI3K/Akt, IL-17, TNF and TLR signaling pathways induced by PDS. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to employ network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses to predict the targets of HQJXCHP with therapeutic effects on PDS-related PF. Data from in vivo and in vitro validation experiments collectively showed that HQJXCHP delays the PF process through inhibiting PI3K/Akt, IL-17, TNF and TLR signaling pathways. Overall, our findings highlight the successful application of network pharmacology theory to provide a scientific basis for clinical utility of HQJXCHP against PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huibo Dai
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; First Clinic Medical School, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yun Shan
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Manshu Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Funing Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; First Clinic Medical School, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ziren Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; First Clinic Medical School, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinyi Sun
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; First Clinic Medical School, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Sheng
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; First Clinic Medical School, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Liyan Huang
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; First Clinic Medical School, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Meixiao Sheng
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
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Gu JJ, Li HX, Wei W, Sun XL, Li BC, Chen Y, Li J, Gu X. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation alleviates radiation-induced myocardial fibrosis through inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway in rabbit model. Regen Ther 2023; 24:1-10. [PMID: 37292187 PMCID: PMC10244902 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2023.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose: Radiotherapy (RT) is an effective treatment for most malignant chest tumors. However, radiation-induced myocardial fibrosis (RIMF) is a serious side effect of RT. Currently, due to the mechanism of RIMF has not been fully elucidated, there is a lack of effective therapeutic approach. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role and possible mechanisms of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in the therapy of RIMF. Materials and methods Twenty-four New Zealand white rabbits were allotted into four groups (n = 6). Rabbits in the Control group received neither irradiation nor treatment. A single dose of 20 Gy heart X-irradiation was applied to the RT group, RT + PBS group and RT + BMSCs group. Rabbits in the RT + PBS group and RT + BMSCs group were injected with 200 μL PBS or 2 × 106 cells via pericardium puncture 24 h following irradiation, respectively. Echocardiography was used to test the cardiac function; Then the heart samples were collected, and processed for histopathological, Western blot and immunohistochemistry investigations. Results It was observed that BMSCs have therapeutic effect on RIMF. Compared with the Control group, inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress and apoptosis were significantly increased, meanwhile, cardiac function was remarkably decreased in the RT group and RT + PBS group. However, in the BMSCs group, BMSCs significantly improved cardiac function, decreased inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress and apoptosis. Furthermore, BMSCs remarkably reduced the expression level of TGF-β1 and the phosphorylated-Smad2/3. Conclusions In conclusion, our research indicates BMSCs have the potential to alleviate RIMF through TGF-β1/Smad2/3 and would be a new therapeutic approach for patients with myocardial fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Jun Gu
- Department of Cardiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, PR China
- Department of Cardiology, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225001, PR China
| | - Hong Xiao Li
- Department of Cardiology, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225001, PR China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Cardiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, PR China
- Department of Cardiology, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225001, PR China
| | - Xiao Lin Sun
- Department of Cardiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, PR China
- Department of Cardiology, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225001, PR China
| | - Bi Chun Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225001, PR China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Ultrasound, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225001, PR China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Radiology, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225001, PR China
| | - Xiang Gu
- Department of Cardiology, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225001, PR China
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3
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Shen A, Wu M, Ali F, Guo Z, Fang Y, Zhou Y, Zhang S, Zhang W, Wen Y, Yu M, Peng J, Chen K. Based on network pharmacology, gastrodin attenuates hypertension-induced vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and PI3K/AKT pathway activation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12140. [PMID: 37495624 PMCID: PMC10372005 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39202-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects and underlying mechanisms of gastrodin treatment on hypertensive vascular dysfunction and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were determined in vitro and in vivo. Using a pharmacological target network interaction analysis, 151 common targets and a PPI network were identified containing the top 10 hub genes. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis identified the PI3K/AKT pathway as a significantly enriched pathway. Both spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHRs) and Wistar Kyoto rats were used to assess the therapeutic effects of gastrodin on hypertension. Gastrodin treatment of the SHRs resulted in a marked attenuation of elevated blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, and pathological changes in the abdominal aorta. Moreover, gastrodin treatment significantly inhibited cell growth and downregulated the expression of PCNA as well as the p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT levels in angiotensin II-stimulated VSMCs. Taken together, gastrodin treatment attenuates blood pressure elevation, vascular dysfunction, and proliferation of VSMCs and inhibits the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aling Shen
- Postdoctoral Workstation, Department of Research and development, Tianjiang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., No.1 Xin Sheng Road, Jiangyin, 214400, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 1 XiyuanCaochang, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100091, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100091, China
- Clinical Research Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital & Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1 Qiuyang Road, MinhouShangjie, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
- Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Meizhu Wu
- Clinical Research Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital & Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1 Qiuyang Road, MinhouShangjie, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
- Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Farman Ali
- Clinical Research Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital & Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1 Qiuyang Road, MinhouShangjie, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
- Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Zhi Guo
- Clinical Research Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital & Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1 Qiuyang Road, MinhouShangjie, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Yi Fang
- Clinical Research Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital & Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1 Qiuyang Road, MinhouShangjie, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
- Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Yuting Zhou
- Clinical Research Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital & Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1 Qiuyang Road, MinhouShangjie, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Siyu Zhang
- Clinical Research Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital & Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1 Qiuyang Road, MinhouShangjie, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Wenqiang Zhang
- Clinical Research Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital & Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1 Qiuyang Road, MinhouShangjie, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Ying Wen
- Clinical Research Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital & Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1 Qiuyang Road, MinhouShangjie, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
- Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Min Yu
- Postdoctoral Workstation, Department of Research and development, Tianjiang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., No.1 Xin Sheng Road, Jiangyin, 214400, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jun Peng
- Clinical Research Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital & Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1 Qiuyang Road, MinhouShangjie, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China.
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China.
- Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China.
| | - Keji Chen
- Postdoctoral Workstation, Department of Research and development, Tianjiang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., No.1 Xin Sheng Road, Jiangyin, 214400, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 1 XiyuanCaochang, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100091, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100091, China.
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Ali F, Wang D, Cheng Y, Wu M, Saleem MZ, Wei L, Xie Y, Yan M, Chu J, Yang Y, Shen A, Peng J. Quercetin attenuates angiotensin II-induced proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells and p53 pathway activation in vitro and in vivo. Biofactors 2023; 49:956-970. [PMID: 37296538 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Quercetin is an essential flavonoid mostly found in herbal plants, fruits, and vegetables, which exhibits anti-hypertension properties. However, its pharmacological impact on angiotensin II (Ang II) induced the increase of blood pressure along with in-depth mechanism needs further exploration. The present study pointed out the anti-hypertensive role of quercetin and its comprehensive fundamental mechanisms. Our data showed that quercetin treatment substantially reduced the increase in blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, and aortic thickness of abdominal aorta in Ang II-infused C57BL/6 mice. RNA sequencing revealed that quercetin treatment reversed 464 differentially expressed transcripts in the abdominal aorta of Ang II-infused mice. Moreover, overlapping KEGG-enriched signaling pathways identified multiple common pathways between the comparison of Ang II versus control and Ang II + quercetin versus Ang II. Likewise, these pathways included cell cycle as well as p53 pathways. Transcriptome was further validated by immunohistochemistry, indicating that quercetin treatment significantly decreased the Ang II-induced expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclin-dependent kinase-4 (CDK4), and cyclin D1, while increased protein expression of p53, and p21 in abdominal aortic tissues of mice. In vitro, quercetin treatment meaningfully decreased the cell viability, arrested cell cycle at G0/G1 phase, and up-regulated the p53 and p21 proteins expression, as well as down-regulated the protein expression of cell cycle-related markers, for example, CDK4, cyclin D1 in Ang II stimulated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). This study addresses pharmacologic and mechanistic perspectives of quercetin against Ang-II-induced vascular injury and the increase of blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farman Ali
- Clinical Research Institute, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Di Wang
- Clinical Research Institute, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Ying Cheng
- Clinical Research Institute, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Meizhu Wu
- Clinical Research Institute, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Muhammad Zubair Saleem
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Lihui Wei
- Clinical Research Institute, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Center for Innovation and Transformation of Science and Technology, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yi Xie
- Clinical Research Institute, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Mengchao Yan
- Clinical Research Institute, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jiangfeng Chu
- Clinical Research Institute, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yanyan Yang
- Clinical Research Institute, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Center for Innovation and Transformation of Science and Technology, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Aling Shen
- Clinical Research Institute, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Center for Innovation and Transformation of Science and Technology, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jun Peng
- Clinical Research Institute, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
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Wu M, Zhang S, Zhang W, Zhou Y, Guo Z, Fang Y, Yang Y, Shen Z, Lian D, Shen A, Peng J. Qingda granule ameliorates vascular remodeling and phenotypic transformation of adventitial fibroblasts via suppressing the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway. J Ethnopharmacol 2023; 313:116535. [PMID: 37100260 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Qingda granule (QDG) exhibits significant therapeutic effects on high blood pressure, vascular dysfunction, and elevated proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells by inhibiting multiple pathways. However, the effects and underlying mechanisms of QDG treatment on hypertensive vascular remodeling are unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this study was to determine the role of QDG treatment in hypertensive vascular remodeling in vivo and in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS An ACQUITY UPLC I-Class system coupled with a Xevo XS quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometer was used to characterize the chemical components of QDG. Twenty-five spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were randomly divided into five groups, including SHR (equal volume of double distilled water, ddH2O), SHR + QDG-L (0.45 g/kg/day), SHR + QDG-M (0.9 g/kg/day), SHR + QDG-H (1.8 g/kg/day), and SHR + Valsartan (7.2 mg/kg/day) groups. QDG, Valsartan, and ddH2O were administered intragastrically once a day for 10 weeks. For the control group, ddH2O was intragastrically administered to five Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY group). Vascular function, pathological changes, and collagen deposition in the abdominal aorta were evaluated using animal ultrasound, hematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining, and immunohistochemistry. Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) was performed to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the abdominal aorta, and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed. Cell Counting Kit-8 assays, phalloidin staining, transwell assays, and western-blotting were performed to explore the underlying mechanisms in primary isolated adventitial fibroblasts (AFs) stimulated with transforming growth factor-β 1 (TGF-β1) with or without QDG treatment. RESULTS Twelve compounds were identified from the total ion chromatogram fingerprint of QDG. In the SHR group, QDG treatment significantly attenuated the increased pulse wave velocity, aortic wall thickening, and abdominal aorta pathological changes and decreased Collagen I, Collagen III, and Fibronectin expression. The iTRAQ analysis identified 306 DEPs between SHR and WKY and 147 DEPs between QDG and SHR. GO and KEGG pathway analyses of the DEPs identified multiple pathways and functional processes involving vascular remodeling, including the TGF-β receptor signaling pathway. QDG treatment significantly attenuated the increased cell migration, actin cytoskeleton remodeling, and Collagen I, Collagen III, and Fibronectin expression in AFs stimulated with TGF-β1. QDG treatment significantly decreased TGF-β1 protein expression in abdominal aortic tissues in the SHR group and p-Smad2 and p-Smad3 protein expression in TGF-β1-stimulated AFs. CONCLUSIONS QDG treatment attenuated hypertension-induced vascular remodeling of the abdominal aorta and phenotypic transformation of adventitial fibroblasts, at least partly by suppressing TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meizhu Wu
- Clinical Research Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital & Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China; Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China
| | - Siyu Zhang
- Clinical Research Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital & Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China; Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China
| | - Wenqiang Zhang
- Clinical Research Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital & Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China; Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China
| | - Yuting Zhou
- Clinical Research Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital & Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China; Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China
| | - Zhi Guo
- Clinical Research Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital & Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China; Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China
| | - Yi Fang
- Clinical Research Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital & Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China; Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China
| | - Yanyan Yang
- Clinical Research Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital & Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China; Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China; Innovation and Transformation Center, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China
| | - Zhiqing Shen
- Clinical Research Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital & Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China; Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China
| | - Dawei Lian
- Clinical Research Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital & Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China; Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China
| | - Aling Shen
- Clinical Research Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital & Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China; Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China; Innovation and Transformation Center, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China.
| | - Jun Peng
- Clinical Research Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital & Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China; Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China.
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6
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Lee SY, Kuo YH, Du CX, Huang CW, Ku HC. A novel caffeic acid derivative prevents angiotensin II-induced cardiac remodeling. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 162:114709. [PMID: 37084559 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Differentiation of cardiac fibroblasts into myofibroblasts is a critical event in the progression of cardiac fibrosis that causes pathological cardiac remodeling. Cardiac fibrosis is a hallmark of heart disease and is associated with a stiff myocardium and heart failure. This study investigated the effect of caffeic acid ethanolamide (CAEA), a novel caffeic acid derivative, on cardiac remodeling. Angiotensin (Ang) II was used to induce cardiac remodeling both in cell and animal studies. Treating cardiac fibroblast with CAEA in Ang II-exposed cell cultures reduced the expression of fibrotic marker α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen and the production of superoxide, indicating that CAEA inhibited the differentiation of fibroblast into myofibroblast after Ang II exposure. CAEA protects against Ang II-induced cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction in vivo, characterized by the alleviation of collagen accumulation and the recovery of ejection fraction. In addition, CAEA decreased Ang II-induced transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) expression and reduced NOX4 expression and oxidative stress in a SMAD-dependent pathway. CAEA participated in the regulation of Ang II-induced TGF-β/SMAD/NOX4 signaling to prevent the differentiation of fibroblast into myofibroblast and thus exerted a cardioprotective effect. Our data support the administration of CAEA as a viable method for preventing the progression of Ang II-induced cardiac remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Yi Lee
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; MacKay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Hsiung Kuo
- Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Xuan Du
- Department of Life Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Wei Huang
- Department of Life Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Chun Ku
- Department of Life Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
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7
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Li C, Meng X, Wang L, Dai X. Mechanism of action of non-coding RNAs and traditional Chinese medicine in myocardial fibrosis: Focus on the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1092148. [PMID: 36843918 PMCID: PMC9947662 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1092148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a serious public health problem worldwide that is closely linked to progression of many cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and adversely affects both the disease process and clinical prognosis. Numerous studies have shown that the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway plays a key role in the progression of cardiac fibrosis. Therefore, targeted inhibition of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway may be a therapeutic measure for cardiac fibrosis. Currently, as the investigation on non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) move forward, a variety of ncRNAs targeting TGF-β and its downstream Smad proteins have attracted high attention. Besides, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been widely used in treating the cardiac fibrosis. As more and more molecular mechanisms of natural products, herbal formulas, and proprietary Chinese medicines are revealed, TCM has been proven to act on cardiac fibrosis by modulating multiple targets and signaling pathways, especially the TGF-β/Smad. Therefore, this work summarizes the roles of TGF-β/Smad classical and non-classical signaling pathways in the cardiac fibrosis, and discusses the recent research advances in ncRNAs targeting the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway and TCM against cardiac fibrosis. It is hoped, in this way, to give new insights into the prevention and treatment of cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunjun Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiangxiang Meng
- College of Marxism, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Lina Wang
- First College of Clinical Medical, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xia Dai
- College of Health, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China,*Correspondence: Xia Dai,
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8
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Zeng W, Zhang X, Lu Y, Wen Y, Xie Q, Yang X, He S, Guo Z, Li J, Shen A, Peng J. Neferine ameliorates hypertensive vascular remodeling modulating multiple signaling pathways in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 158:114203. [PMID: 36916429 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neferine exhibits therapeutic effects on anti-hypertension. However, the effect of neferine on hypertensive vascular remodeling remains unexplored. Therefore, the current study was to investigate the effect of neferine on hypertensive vascular remodeling and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS Total 30 male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were divided randomly into five groups, including SHR, Neferine-L (2.5 mg/kg/day), Neferine-M (5 mg/kg/day), Neferine-H (10 mg/kg/day), and Valsartan (10 mg/kg/day) groups (n = 6 for each group). Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats were set as control group (n = 6). Noninvasive blood pressure system, ultrasound, hematoxylin and eosin staining, masson trichrome staining were used to detect the blood pressure, pulse wave velocity (PWV), pathological changes and collagen content in abdominal aortas of SHRs. RNA-sequencing and immunohistochemistry(IHC) analyses were used to identify and verify the differentially expressed transcripts and activation of associated signaling pathways in SHRs. RESULTS Various concentrations of neferine or valsartan treatment substantially reduced the elevation of blood pressure, PWV, and abdominal aortic thickening of SHRs. RNA-sequencing and KEGG analyses recognized 441 differentially expressed transcripts and several enriched pathways (including PI3K/AKT and TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling pathways) after neferine treatment. Masson trichromatic staining and IHC analysis demonstrated that neferine treatment decreased the collagen content and down-regulated the protein expression of PCNA, collagen I & III, and fibronectin, as well as p-PI3K, p-AKT, TGF-β1 and p-Smad2/3 in abdominal aortic tissues of SHRs. CONCLUSION Neferine treatment exhibits therapeutic effects on anti-hypertension and reduces vascular remodeling, as well as suppresses the abnormal activation of multiple signaling pathways, including PI3K/AKT and TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiquan Zeng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Rehabilitation Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350000, China; Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Xiuli Zhang
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Yao Lu
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Ying Wen
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Qiurong Xie
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Rehabilitation Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350000, China; Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Xuan Yang
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Shuyu He
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Zhi Guo
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Jiapeng Li
- Department of Physical Education, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Aling Shen
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China.
| | - Jun Peng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Rehabilitation Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350000, China; Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrative Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China.
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9
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Nie X, Fan J, Wang DW. The Function and Therapeutic Potential of lncRNAs in Cardiac Fibrosis. Biology (Basel) 2023; 12. [PMID: 36829433 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis remains an unresolved problem in cardiovascular diseases. Fibrosis of the myocardium plays a key role in the clinical outcomes of patients with heart injuries. Moderate fibrosis is favorable for cardiac structure maintaining and contractile force transmission, whereas adverse fibrosis generally progresses to ventricular remodeling and cardiac systolic or diastolic dysfunction. The molecular mechanisms involved in these processes are multifactorial and complex. Several molecular mechanisms, such as TGF-β signaling pathway, extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and degradation, and non-coding RNAs, positively or negatively regulate myocardial fibrosis. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as significant mediators in gene regulation in cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies have demonstrated that lncRNAs are crucial in genetic programming and gene expression during myocardial fibrosis. We summarize the function of lncRNAs in cardiac fibrosis and their contributions to miRNA expression, TGF-β signaling, and ECMs synthesis, with a particular attention on the exosome-derived lncRNAs in the regulation of adverse fibrosis as well as the mode of action of lncRNAs secreted into exosomes. We also discuss how the current knowledge on lncRNAs can be applied to develop novel therapeutic strategies to prevent or reverse cardiac fibrosis.
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10
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Gao Q, Ma E, Chen J, Zhao Q, He J, Peng J, Zhu W, Ren DN, Wo D. Qingda granule prevents obesity-induced hypertension and cardiac dysfunction by inhibiting adverse Akt signaling activation. Heliyon 2022; 8:e12099. [PMID: 36578425 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity rates have rapidly increased worldwide and obesity-related diseases such as hypertension and cardiovascular diseases have become leading factors for global morbidity and mortality. Currently, there are no effective treatments that can prevent or reverse obesity long-term, and hence the prevention of obesity-related adverse effects such as hypertension is critical. Qingda granule (QDG) is a condensed Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula that has been used clinically for treating hypertension, however, its effectiveness in obesity-induced hypertension and cardiac dysfunction remains explored. Mouse models of obesity via long-term feeding of high-fat high-fructose diet (HFFD) were established to examine the effect and mechanism of QDG in protecting against obesity-induced hypertension and cardiac dysfunction. C57BL/6 mice were fed with either normal diet or HFFD over a period of 16 weeks and administered with either saline or QDG for assessment of obesity-induced blood pressure and cardiac function. QDG administration demonstrated robust anti-hypertensive effects and significantly attenuated HFFD-induced elevations in blood pressures. Moreover, QDG treatment also demonstrated robust cardioprotective effects during obesity-induced hypertension by markedly improving cardiac function and preventing cardiac hypertrophy. QDG protected against obesity-induced hypertension and cardiac dysfunction was due to its ability to prevent adverse chronic activation of Akt signaling pathway during long-term feeding of HFFD. Long-term usage of QDG treatments exhibited no observable side effects and also completely prevented obesity-induced organ damage, demonstrating the feasibility and safety of prolonged use. Our findings thus elucidated the role of QDG in preventing obesity-induced hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy via inhibiting adverse activation of Akt signaling activation. Therefore, our study provides the theoretical basis for the utilization of QDG as both a safe and effective drug in the therapeutic treatment of metabolic diseases such as obesity-induced hypertension.
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11
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Liu M, Long X, Xu J, Chen M, Yang H, Guo X, Kang J, Ouyang Y, Luo G, Yang S, Zhou H. Hypertensive heart disease and myocardial fibrosis: How traditional Chinese medicine can help addressing unmet therapeutical needs. Pharmacol Res 2022; 185:106515. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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12
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Chen D, Long L, Lin S, Jia P, Zhu Z, Gao H, Wang T, Zhu Y, Shen A, Chu J, Lin W, Peng J, Chen K. Qingda granule alleviate angiotensin ⅱ-induced hypertensive renal injury by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation through NOX1 and NF-κB pathways. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113407. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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13
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Syed AM, Kundu S, Ram C, Kulhari U, Kumar A, Mugale MN, Mohapatra P, Murty US, Sahu BD. Up-regulation of Nrf2/HO-1 and inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling axis by daphnetin alleviates transverse aortic constriction-induced cardiac remodeling in mice. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 186:17-30. [PMID: 35513128 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative damage and accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components play a crucial role in the adverse outcome of cardiac hypertrophy. Evidence suggests that nuclear factor erythroid-derived factor 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) can modulate oxidative damage and adverse myocardial remodeling. Daphnetin (Daph) is a coumarin obtained from the plant genus Daphne species that exerts anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. Herein, we investigated the roles of Daph in transverse aortic constriction (TAC)-induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in mice. TAC-induced alterations in cardiac hypertrophy markers, histopathological changes, and cardiac function were markedly ameliorated by oral administration of Daph in mice. We found that Daph significantly reduced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, increased the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, and consequently, reinstated the protein levels of NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase1 (NQO1), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and other antioxidants in the heart. Besides, Daph significantly inhibited the TAC-induced accumulation of ECM components, including α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, collagen III, and fibronectin, and interfered with the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling axis. Further studies revealed that TAC-induced terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) positive nuclei and the protein levels of Bax/Bcl2 ratio and cleaved caspase 3 were substantially decreased by Daph treatment. We further characterized the effect of Daph on angiotensin II (Ang-II)-stimulated H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells and observed that Daph markedly decreased the Ang-II induced increase in cell size, production of ROS, and proteins associated with apoptosis and fibrosis. Mechanistically, Daph alone treatment enhanced the protein levels of Nrf2, NQO1, and HO-1 in H9c2 cells. The inhibition of this axis by Si-Nrf2 transfection abolished the protective effect of Daph in H9c2 cells. Taken together, Daph effectively counteracted the TAC-induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis by improving the Nrf2/HO-1 axis and inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abu Mohammad Syed
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Guwahati, Changsari, 781101, Assam, India
| | - Sourav Kundu
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Guwahati, Changsari, 781101, Assam, India
| | - Chetan Ram
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Guwahati, Changsari, 781101, Assam, India
| | - Uttam Kulhari
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Guwahati, Changsari, 781101, Assam, India
| | - Akhilesh Kumar
- Toxicology & Experimental Medicine, CSIR- Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow, 226 031, India
| | - Madhav Nilakanth Mugale
- Toxicology & Experimental Medicine, CSIR- Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow, 226 031, India
| | - Purusottam Mohapatra
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Guwahati, Changsari, 781101, Assam, India
| | - Upadhyayula Suryanarayana Murty
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Guwahati, Changsari, 781101, Assam, India
| | - Bidya Dhar Sahu
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Guwahati, Changsari, 781101, Assam, India.
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14
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Long L, Zhang X, Wen Y, Li J, Wei L, Cheng Y, Liu H, Chu J, Fang Y, Xie Q, Shen A, Peng J. Qingda Granule Attenuates Angiotensin II-Induced Renal Apoptosis and Activation of the p53 Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:770863. [PMID: 35222007 PMCID: PMC8867011 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.770863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Qingda granules (QDG) exhibit antihypertension and multiple-target-organ protection. However, the therapeutic potential of QDG on hypertensive renal injury remains unknown. Therefore, the main objective of the current study is to explore the effects and underlying mechanisms of QDG treatment on renal injury in angiotensin (Ang) II-infused mice. Methods and results: Mice were infused with Ang II (500 ng/kg/min) or saline for 4 weeks with subcutaneously implanted osmotic pumps. After infusion, mice in the Ang II + QDG group were intragastrically administrated with QDG daily (1.145 g/kg/day), whereas the control group and Ang II group were intragastrically administrated with the same amount of double-distilled water. Blood pressure of the mice monitored using the CODA™ noninvasive blood pressure system revealed that QDG treatment significantly attenuated elevated blood pressure. Moreover, hematoxylin-eosin staining indicated that QDG treatment ameliorated Ang II-induced renal morphological changes, including glomerular sclerosis and atrophy, epithelial cell atrophy, and tubular dilatation. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) identified 662 differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) in renal tissues of Ang II-infused mice, which were reversed after QDG treatment. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis based on DETs in both comparisons of Ang II vs. Control and Ang II + QDG vs. Ang II identified multiple enriched pathways, including apoptosis and p53 pathways. Consistently, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining and Annexin V staining revealed that QDG treatment significantly attenuated Ang II-induced cell apoptosis in renal tissues and cultured renal tubular epithelial cell lines (NRK-52E). Furthermore, western blot analysis indicated that Ang II infusion significantly upregulated the protein expression of p53, BCL2-associated X (BAX), cle-caspase-9, and cle-caspase-3, while downregulating the protein expression of BCL-2 in renal tissues, which were attenuated after QDG treatment. Conclusion: Collectively, QDG treatment significantly attenuated hypertensive renal injury, partially by attenuating renal apoptosis and suppressing p53 pathways, which might be the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linzi Long
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fuzhou, China.,Chen Keji Academic Thought Inheritance Studio, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiuli Zhang
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ying Wen
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jiapeng Li
- Department of Physical Education, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lihui Wei
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fuzhou, China.,Chen Keji Academic Thought Inheritance Studio, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ying Cheng
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fuzhou, China
| | - Huixin Liu
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jianfeng Chu
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fuzhou, China.,Chen Keji Academic Thought Inheritance Studio, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yi Fang
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fuzhou, China.,Chen Keji Academic Thought Inheritance Studio, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qiurong Xie
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fuzhou, China.,Chen Keji Academic Thought Inheritance Studio, Fuzhou, China
| | - Aling Shen
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fuzhou, China.,Chen Keji Academic Thought Inheritance Studio, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jun Peng
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fuzhou, China.,Chen Keji Academic Thought Inheritance Studio, Fuzhou, China
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15
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Xiong Y, Hu J, Xuan C, Tian J, Tan K, Chen Z, Luo Y, Du X, Cheng J, Zhang L, Cao W. Transcriptome analysis reveals the molecular mechanism of Yiqi Rougan decoction in reducing CCl 4-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Chin Med 2021; 16:142. [PMID: 34952623 PMCID: PMC8709947 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-021-00552-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Liver fibrosis develops from various chronic liver diseases, and there is currently a lack of specific treatment strategies. Yiqi Rougan decoction (YQRG) is a traditional Chinese medicine that has shown durative effects in the treatment of liver fibrosis; however, the mechanism associated with YQRG-related improvements in liver fibrosis remains to be experimentally determined. This study evaluated the therapeutic effect of YQRG on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in rats and its molecular mechanism. Methods We used low-, medium-, and high-dose YQRG to treat CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in rats, followed by assessment of liver injury and fibrosis according to liver appearance, body weight, liver mass index, histopathologic examination, and serum testing. Additionally, we performed transcriptome analysis using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) technology, including cluster, Gene Ontology (GO), and pathway analyses, to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and protein and gene expression were detected by immunofluorescence (IFC), western blot and real-time quantitative PCR. Results The results showed that YQRG effectively alleviated CCl4-induced liver injury and fibrosis in rats, including observations of improved liver function, decreased activity of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and decreased extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. Moreover, we identified downregulated and upregulated DEGs in the model group relative to the control and YQRG-treated groups, with GO analysis revealing their enrichment in biological processes, such as endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), apoptosis, and autophagy. Furthermore, pathway analysis showed that YQRG treatment downregulated the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt (PI3K/AKT) signalling pathways and upregulated other signalling pathways, including those related to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors(PPAR) and AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK), with these findings subsequently verified experimentally. Conclusion These findings showed that YQRG improved CCl4-induced liver fibrosis through multiple mechanisms and pathways, offering critical insight into the YQRG-related therapeutic mechanism and promoting further research into its potential application. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13020-021-00552-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Xiong
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jinyuan Hu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Chen Xuan
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jiayu Tian
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Kaiyue Tan
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Zhiwei Chen
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yan Luo
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, 400016, China.,Department of Kidney Disease, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, 400021, China
| | - Xuqin Du
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Junxiong Cheng
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Lanyue Zhang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Wenfu Cao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China. .,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, 400016, China. .,Department of Combination of Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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16
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Kim HS, Kim HY. Hypertensive effects of transforming growth factor-β1 in vascular smooth muscles cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats are mediated by sulfatase 2. Cytokine 2021; 150:155754. [PMID: 34808537 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2021.155754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular sulfatases (sulfatase 1 and sulfatase 2) mediate up- or down-regulatory effects of cytokines on angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced expression of hypertensive mediators in hypertensive cells. The overproduction of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is associated with chronic hypertension. In this study, we examined the role of extracellular sulfatases on TGF-β1-induced effects associated with the expression of mediators related to hypertension in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). First, TGF-β1 increased the expression of 12-lipoxygenase (12-LO) and endothelin-1 (ET-1), inhibited dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase-1 (DDAH-1) expression and showed additive effects on Ang II-induced 12-LO and ET-1 expression as well as Ang II-induced inhibition of DDAH-1 expression in SHR VSMCs. However, it had no effect on the expression of 12-LO, ET-1, and DDAH-1 in VSMCs from normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats. Downregulation of sulfatase 2 (Sulf2) inhibited all of these hypertensive effects caused by TGF-β1, while sulfatase 1 (Sulf1) had no effect on these events in SHR VSMCs. All these hypertensive effects of TGF-β1 were dependent on the Ang II subtype 1 receptor (AT1 R) pathway, and not on Ang II subtype 2 receptor (AT2 R). In addition, downregulation of Sulf2 inhibited the expression of TGF-β1-induced AT1 R and the additive effect of TGF-β1 on Ang II-induced AT1 R expression. Additionally, downregulation of Sulf2, but not Sulf1, abrogated TGF-β1-induced inhibition of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation and the additive effect of TGF-β1 on Ang II-induced inhibition of AMPK activation via the AT1 R pathway. Moreover, TGF-β1-induced VSMCs proliferation and the additive effect of TGF-β1 on Ang II-induced VSMCs proliferation were abrogated in Sulf2 siRNA-transfected SHR VSMCs, while these effects were maintained in Sulf1 siRNA-transfected SHR VSMCs. The hypertensive effects of TGF-β1 through the AT1 R pathway were mainly dependent on Sulf2 activity in SHR VSMCs. Taken together, these results suggest that Sulf2, but not Sulf1, plays a major role in mediating the increased effects of TGF-β1 in hypertensive VSMCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Sun Kim
- Department of Microbiology College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hye Young Kim
- Department of Microbiology College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
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17
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Zhang Y, Gong W, Xu M, Zhang S, Shen J, Zhu M, Wang Y, Chen Y, Shi J, Meng G. Necroptosis Inhibition by Hydrogen Sulfide Alleviated Hypoxia-Induced Cardiac Fibroblasts Proliferation via Sirtuin 3. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11893. [PMID: 34769322 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocardial ischemia or hypoxia can induce myocardial fibroblast proliferation and myocardial fibrosis. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gasotransmitter with multiple physiological functions. In our present study, primary cardiac fibroblasts were incubated with H2S donor sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, 50 μM) for 4 h followed by hypoxia stimulation (containing 5% CO2 and 1% O2) for 4 h. Then, the preventive effects on cardiac fibroblast proliferation and the possible mechanisms were investigated. Our results showed that NaHS reduced the cardiac fibroblast number, decreased the hydroxyproline content; inhibited the EdU positive ratio; and down-regulated the expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), the antigen identified by monoclonal antibody Ki67 (Ki67), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), collagen I, and collagen III, suggesting that hypoxia-induced cardiac fibroblasts proliferation was suppressed by NaHS. NaHS improved the mitochondrial membrane potential and attenuated oxidative stress, and inhibited dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1), but enhanced optic atrophy protein 1 (OPA1) expression. NaHS down-regulated receptor interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) and RIPK3 expression, suggesting that necroptosis was alleviated. NaHS increased the sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) expressions in hypoxia-induced cardiac fibroblasts. Moreover, after SIRT3 siRNA transfection, the inhibitory effects on cardiac fibroblast proliferation, oxidative stress, and necroptosis were weakened. In summary, necroptosis inhibition by exogenous H2S alleviated hypoxia-induced cardiac fibroblast proliferation via SIRT3.
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18
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Huang CW, Lee SY, Wei TT, Kuo YH, Wu ST, Ku HC. A novel caffeic acid derivative prevents renal remodeling after ischemia/reperfusion injury. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 142:112028. [PMID: 34399201 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute kidney disease due to renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) is a major clinical problem without effective therapies. The injured tubular epithelial cells may undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). It will loss epithelial phenotypes and express the mesenchymal characteristics. The formation of scar tissue in the interstitial space during renal remodeling is caused by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components and induced fibrosis. This study investigated the effect of caffeic acid ethanolamide (CAEA), a novel caffeic acid derivative, on renal remodeling after injury. The inhibitory role of CAEA on EMT was determined by western blotting, real-time PCR, and immunohistochemistry staining. Treating renal epithelial cells with CAEA in TGF-β exposed cell culture successfully maintained the content of E-cadherin and inhibited the expression of mesenchymal marker, indicating that CAEA prevented renal epithelial cells undergo EMT after TGF-β exposure. Unilateral renal I/R were performed in mice to induce renal remodeling models. CAEA can protect against I/R-induced renal remodeling by inhibiting inflammatory reactions and consecutively inhibiting TGF-β-induced EMT, characterized by the preserved E-cadherin expression and alleviated α-SMA and collagen expression, as well as the alleviated of renal fibrosis. We also revealed that CAEA may exhibits biological activity by targeting TGFBRI. CAEA may antagonize TGF-β signaling by interacting with TGFBR1, thereby blocking binding between TGF-β and TGFBR1 and reducing downstream signaling, such as Smad3 phosphorylation. Our data support the administration of CAEA after I/R as a viable method for preventing the progression of acute renal injury to renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Wei Huang
- Department of Life Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Yi Lee
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taiwan; MacKay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Taitung MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Tang Wei
- Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Hsiung Kuo
- Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, China Medical University, Taichung Taiwan; Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Tung Wu
- Department of Life Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Chun Ku
- Department of Life Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
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19
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Xuan C, Xi YM, Zhang YD, Tao CH, Zhang LY, Cao WF. Yiqi Jiedu Huayu Decoction Alleviates Renal Injury in Rats With Diabetic Nephropathy by Promoting Autophagy. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:624404. [PMID: 33912044 PMCID: PMC8072057 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.624404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a common microvascular complication of diabetes, is one of the main causes of end-stage renal failure (ESRD) and imposes a heavy medical burden on the world. Yiqi Jiedu Huayu decoction (YJHD) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula, which has been widely used in the treatment of DN and has achieved stable and reliable therapeutic effects. However, the mechanism of YJHD in the treatment of DN remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of YJHD in the treatment of DN. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal control group, a diabetic group, an irbesartan group, and three groups receiving different doses of YJHD. Animal models were constructed using streptozotocin and then treated with YJHD for 12 consecutive weeks. Blood and urine samples were collected during this period, and metabolic and renal function was assessed. Pathological kidney injury was evaluated according to the kidney appearance, hematoxylin-eosin staining, Masson staining, periodic-acid Schiff staining, periodic-acid Schiff methenamine staining, and transmission electron microscopy. The expression levels of proteins and genes were detected by immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and real-time qPCR. Our results indicate that YJHD can effectively improve renal function and alleviate renal pathological injury, including mesangial matrix hyperplasia, basement membrane thickening, and fibrosis. In addition, YJHD exhibited podocyte protection by alleviating podocyte depletion and morphological damage, which may be key in improving renal function and reducing renal fibrosis. Further study revealed that YJHD upregulated the expression of the autophagy-related proteins LC3II and Beclin-1 while downregulating p62 expression, suggesting that YJHD can promote autophagy. In addition, we evaluated the activity of the mTOR pathway, the major signaling pathway regulating the level of autophagy, and the upstream PI3K/Akt and AMPK pathways. YJHD activated the AMPK pathway while inhibiting the PI3K/Akt and mTOR pathways, which may be crucial to its promotion of autophagy. In conclusion, our study shows that YJHD further inhibits the mTOR pathway and promotes autophagy by regulating the activity of the PI3K/Akt and AMPK pathways, thereby improving podocyte injury, protecting renal function, and reducing renal fibrosis. This study provides support for the application of and further research into YJHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Xuan
- Department of Combination of Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu-Meng Xi
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, China.,College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu-Di Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, China.,College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chun-He Tao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, China.,College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lan-Yue Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, China.,College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wen-Fu Cao
- Department of Combination of Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, China.,College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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