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Akram M, Egbuna C, Imtiaz A, Ogodo AC, Otekunrin OA, Ifemeje JC, Ezeonyebuchi FN, Archibong IE, Chandra S, Saklani S, Adetunji CO, Patrick-Iwuanyanwu KC, Zedech Uche C. Drug discovery opportunities from traditional practices against SARS-CoV-2. Coronavirus Drug Discovery 2022:191-205. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-95574-4.00007-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
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Xu Z, Liu X, Zhuang D. Artesunate inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of thyroid cancer by regulating the PI3K/AKT/FKHR pathway. Biochem Cell Biol 2021; 100:85-92. [PMID: 34797728 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2021-0275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study characterized the effects of artesunate on thyroid cancer and partially identified its related molecular mechanism. We determined the effect of artesunate on the proliferation of thyroid cancer cells using the MTT assay, cell colony formation experiments, and western blotting, and used flow cytometry to detect the apoptosis of cancer cells. Using a wound-healing assay, Transwell chamber experiments, and western blotting, we determined the effect of artesunate on cancer cell migration. By co-cultivating artesunate with the PI3K agonist, 740Y-P, we also partially identified the molecular mechanism. Artesunate significantly inhibited the growth, proliferation, migration, and invasion of thyroid cancer cells, and promoted the apoptosis of cancer cells. Using co-cultivation with a PI3K agonist, we found that the inhibitory effect of artesunate on cancer cells was mainly due to suppressing the PI3K/AKT/FKHR signaling pathway. By inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/FKHR signaling pathway, artesunate induced apoptosis of thyroid cancer cells and inhibited their proliferation and migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Xu
- Tongxiang First People's Hospital, Jiaxing, China;
| | - Xiaojian Liu
- Tongxiang First People's Hospital, Jiaxing, China;
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Efferth T, Oesch F. The immunosuppressive activity of artemisinin-type drugs towards inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Med Res Rev 2021; 41:3023-3061. [PMID: 34288018 DOI: 10.1002/med.21842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The sesquiterpene lactone artemisinin from Artemisia annua L. is well established for malaria therapy, but its bioactivity spectrum is much broader. In this review, we give a comprehensive and timely overview of the literature regarding the immunosuppressive activity of artemisinin-type compounds toward inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Numerous receptor-coupled signaling pathways are inhibited by artemisinins, including the receptors for interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), β3-integrin, or RANKL, toll-like receptors and growth factor receptors. Among the receptor-coupled signal transducers are extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K), AKT serine/threonine kinase (AKT), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) kinase (MEK), phospholipase C γ1 (PLCγ), and others. All these receptors and signal transduction molecules are known to contribute to the inhibition of the transcription factor nuclear factor κ B (NF-κB). Artemisinins may inhibit NF-κB by silencing these upstream pathways and/or by direct binding to NF-κB. Numerous NF-κB-regulated downstream genes are downregulated by artemisinin and its derivatives, for example, cytokines, chemokines, and immune receptors, which regulate immune cell differentiation, apoptosis genes, proliferation-regulating genes, signal transducers, and genes involved in antioxidant stress response. In addition to the prominent role of NF-κB, other transcription factors are also inhibited by artemisinins (mammalian target of rapamycin [mTOR], activating protein 1 [AP1]/FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homologue [FOS]/JUN oncogenic transcription factor [JUN]), hypoxia-induced factor 1α (HIF-1α), nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NF-ATC1), Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT), NF E2-related factor-2 (NRF-2), retinoic-acid-receptor-related orphan nuclear receptor γ (ROR-γt), and forkhead box P-3 (FOXP-3). Many in vivo experiments in disease-relevant animal models demonstrate therapeutic efficacy of artemisinin-type drugs against rheumatic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus erythematosus, arthrosis, and gout), lung diseases (asthma, acute lung injury, and pulmonary fibrosis), neurological diseases (autoimmune encephalitis, Alzheimer's disease, and myasthenia gravis), skin diseases (dermatitis, rosacea, and psoriasis), inflammatory bowel disease, and other inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Randomized clinical trials should be conducted in the future to translate the plethora of preclinical results into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Franz Oesch
- Oesch-Tox Toxicological Consulting and Expert Opinions, Ingelheim, Germany and Institute of Toxicology, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Dolivo D, Weathers P, Dominko T. Artemisinin and artemisinin derivatives as anti-fibrotic therapeutics. Acta Pharm Sin B 2021; 11:322-339. [PMID: 33643815 PMCID: PMC7893118 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological reparative process that can occur in most organs and is responsible for nearly half of deaths in the developed world. Despite considerable research, few therapies have proven effective and been approved clinically for treatment of fibrosis. Artemisinin compounds are best known as antimalarial therapeutics, but they also demonstrate antiparasitic, antibacterial, anticancer, and anti-fibrotic effects. Here we summarize literature describing anti-fibrotic effects of artemisinin compounds in in vivo and in vitro models of tissue fibrosis, and we describe the likely mechanisms by which artemisinin compounds appear to inhibit cellular and tissue processes that lead to fibrosis. To consider alternative routes of administration of artemisinin for treatment of internal organ fibrosis, we also discuss the potential for more direct oral delivery of Artemisia plant material to enhance bioavailability and efficacy of artemisinin compared to administration of purified artemisinin drugs at comparable doses. It is our hope that greater understanding of the broad anti-fibrotic effects of artemisinin drugs will enable and promote their use as therapeutics for treatment of fibrotic diseases.
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Key Words
- ALP, alkaline phosphatase
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- AMPK, AMP-activated protein kinase
- ASP, aspartate aminotransferase
- Artemisia
- Artemisinin
- Artesunate
- BAD, BCL-2-associated agonist of cell death
- BDL, bile duct ligation
- BSA, bovine serum albumin
- BUN, blood urea nitrogen
- CCl4, carbon tetrachloride
- CTGF, connective tissue growth factor
- Col I, type I collagen
- DHA, dihydroartemisinin
- DLA, dried leaf Artemisia
- ECM, extracellular matrix
- EMT, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition
- FLS, fibroblast-like synoviocyte
- Fibroblast
- Fibrosis
- HA, hyaluronic acid
- HSC, hepatic stellate cell
- HUVEC, human umbilical vein endothelial cell
- LAP, latency-associated peptide
- LDH, lactate dehydrogenase
- MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase
- MI, myocardial infarction
- MMP, matrix metalloproteinase
- Myofibroblast
- NAG, N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase
- NICD, Notch intracellular domain
- PCNA, proliferating cell nuclear antigen
- PHN, passive heymann nephritis
- ROS, reactive oxygen species
- STZ, streptozotocin
- Scar
- TGF, β-transforming growth factor-β
- TGF-β
- TIMP, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase
- UUO, unilateral ureteral obstruction
- i.p., intraperitoneal
- mTOR, mechanistic target of rapamycin
- sCr, serum creatinine
- α-SMA, smooth muscle α-actin
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Affiliation(s)
- David Dolivo
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Pamela Weathers
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609, USA
| | - Tanja Dominko
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609, USA
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Uzun T, Toptaş O, Aydın Türkoğlu Ş. Could Artesunate Have a Positive Effect on the Neurological Complications Related to Infection When It Is Used in the Treatment of COVID-19? ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:4001-4006. [PMID: 33269910 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Artesunate is a safe noncytotoxic drug with low side effects which is used in the treatment of chloroquine-resistant malaria. In addition to being an antimalarial drug, artesunate also has immunomodulatory, anticarcinogenic, and antiviral activity. There are in vivo and in vitro studies reporting that artesunate may have a positive effect on the treatment of COVID-19. Artesunate may be effective based on its effect on the anti-inflammatory activity, chloroquine-like endocytosis inhibition mechanism, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signal pathway. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may cause neurological complications in addition to targeting the respiratory system. In this study, we have discussed the possible neuroprotective action mechanisms of artesunate. We think that systemic and intranasal topical artesunate administration may have a positive effect on neurological complications resulting from COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuğçenur Uzun
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Trabzon Oral and Dental Health Hospital, Trabzon 61000, Turkey
| | - Orçun Toptaş
- Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Abant Izzet Baysal University, Bolu 14000, Turkey
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Septembre-Malaterre A, Lalarizo Rakoto M, Marodon C, Bedoui Y, Nakab J, Simon E, Hoarau L, Savriama S, Strasberg D, Guiraud P, Selambarom J, Gasque P. Artemisia annua, a Traditional Plant Brought to Light. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4986. [PMID: 32679734 PMCID: PMC7404215 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21144986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional remedies have been used for thousand years for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, particularly in developing countries. Of growing interest, the plant Artemisia annua, known for its malarial properties, has been studied for its numerous biological activities including metabolic, anti-tumor, anti-microbial and immunomodulatory properties. Artemisia annua is very rich in secondary metabolites such as monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and phenolic compounds, of which the biological properties have been extensively studied. The purpose of this review is to gather and describe the data concerning the main chemical components produced by Artemisia annua and to describe the state of the art about the biological activities reported for this plant and its compounds beyond malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axelle Septembre-Malaterre
- Unité de recherche Etudes Pharmaco-Immunologie (EPI), Université de La Réunion, CHU La Réunion site Félix Guyon, Allée des Topazes, CS11021, 97400 Saint Denis de La Réunion, France; (P.G.); (J.S.); (P.G.)
| | - Mahary Lalarizo Rakoto
- Faculté de Médecine, Université d’Antananarivo, Campus Universitaire Ambohitsaina, BP 375, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar;
| | - Claude Marodon
- APLAMEDOM Réunion, 1, rue Emile Hugot, Batiment B, Parc Technologique de Saint Denis, 97490 Sainte Clotilde, La Réunion, France; (C.M.); (J.N.); (E.S.); (L.H.)
| | - Yosra Bedoui
- INSERM, UMR 1188 Diabète athérothrombose Thérapies Réunion Océan Indien (DéTROI), Université de La Réunion, 97400 Saint Denis de La Réunion, France;
| | - Jessica Nakab
- APLAMEDOM Réunion, 1, rue Emile Hugot, Batiment B, Parc Technologique de Saint Denis, 97490 Sainte Clotilde, La Réunion, France; (C.M.); (J.N.); (E.S.); (L.H.)
| | - Elisabeth Simon
- APLAMEDOM Réunion, 1, rue Emile Hugot, Batiment B, Parc Technologique de Saint Denis, 97490 Sainte Clotilde, La Réunion, France; (C.M.); (J.N.); (E.S.); (L.H.)
| | - Ludovic Hoarau
- APLAMEDOM Réunion, 1, rue Emile Hugot, Batiment B, Parc Technologique de Saint Denis, 97490 Sainte Clotilde, La Réunion, France; (C.M.); (J.N.); (E.S.); (L.H.)
| | - Stephane Savriama
- EA929 Archéologie Industrielle, Histoire, Patrimoine/Géographie-Développement Environnement de la Caraïbe (AIHP-GEODE), Université des Antilles, Campus Schoelcher, BP7207, 97275 Schoelcher Cedex Martinique, France;
| | - Dominique Strasberg
- Unité Mixte de Recherche Peuplements Végétaux et Bio-agresseurs en Milieu Tropical (PVBMT), Pôle de Protection des Plantes, Université de La Réunion, 7 Chemin de l’IRAT, 97410 Saint-Pierre, La Réunion, France;
| | - Pascale Guiraud
- Unité de recherche Etudes Pharmaco-Immunologie (EPI), Université de La Réunion, CHU La Réunion site Félix Guyon, Allée des Topazes, CS11021, 97400 Saint Denis de La Réunion, France; (P.G.); (J.S.); (P.G.)
| | - Jimmy Selambarom
- Unité de recherche Etudes Pharmaco-Immunologie (EPI), Université de La Réunion, CHU La Réunion site Félix Guyon, Allée des Topazes, CS11021, 97400 Saint Denis de La Réunion, France; (P.G.); (J.S.); (P.G.)
| | - Philippe Gasque
- Unité de recherche Etudes Pharmaco-Immunologie (EPI), Université de La Réunion, CHU La Réunion site Félix Guyon, Allée des Topazes, CS11021, 97400 Saint Denis de La Réunion, France; (P.G.); (J.S.); (P.G.)
- Laboratoire d’immunologie clinique et expérimentale de la zone de l’océan indien (LICE-OI) CHU La Réunion site Félix Guyon, Allée des Topazes, CS11021, 97400 Saint Denis de La Réunion, France
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Choi WH. Novel Pharmacological Activity of Artesunate and Artemisinin: Their Potential as Anti-Tubercular Agents. J Clin Med 2017; 6:E30. [PMID: 28287416 PMCID: PMC5372999 DOI: 10.3390/jcm6030030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [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: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 02/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis is a major infectious disease that globally causes the highest human mortality. From this aspect, this study was carried out to evaluate novel pharmacological activities/effects of artesunate and artemisinin causing anti-tubercular activity/effects against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). The anti-Mtb activities/effects of artesunate and artemisinin were evaluated using different anti-Mtb indicator assays, such as the resazurin microtiter assay, the Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) 960 system assay, and the Ogawa slant medium assay, as well as in vivo tests. Artesunate showed selective anti-Mtb effects by strongly inhibiting the growth of Mtb compared to artemisinin, and consistently induced anti-Mtb activity/effects by effectively inhibiting Mtb in the MGIT 960 system and in Ogawa slant medium for 21 days with a single dose; its minimum inhibitory concentration was 300 µg/mL in in vitro testing. Furthermore, artesunate demonstrated an anti-tubercular effect/action with a daily dose of 3.5 mg/kg in an in vivo test for four weeks, which did not indicate or induce toxicity and side effects. These results demonstrate that artesunate effectively inhibits the growth and/or proliferation of Mtb through novel pharmacological activities/actions, as well as induces anti-Mtb activity. This study shows its potential as a potent candidate agent for developing new anti-tuberculosis drugs of an effective/safe next generation, and suggests novel insights into its effective use by repurposing existing drugs through new pharmacological activity/effects as one of the substantive alternatives for inhibiting tuberculosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won Hyung Choi
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, 26 Kyunghee-daero, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
- Department of Medical Zoology, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, 26 Kyunghee-daero, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
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Abstract
Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic with therapeutic efficacy in treatment-resistant schizophrenia patients and low incidence of extrapyramidal side effects. However, the use of clozapine has been limited by its adverse effects on metabolism. Artesunate is a semisynthetic derivative of artemisinin and was shown to decrease the plasma cholesterol and triglyceride in rabbits and rats in recent studies. The aim of this study was to examine possible effects of artesunate on the clozapine-induced metabolic alterations in rats given saline, clozapine, artesunate, or clozapine plus artesunate for 6 weeks. The clozapine group showed significantly high plasma levels of triglyceride, hepatic steatosis, and fibrosis along with high levels of C-reactive protein, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase compared to the saline group. But the treatment had no effect on weight gain and caused no hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and behavioral changes in the rats. More significantly, these clozapine-induced changes were not seen in rats coadministered with clozapine plus artesunate. These results added evidence supporting psychiatrists to try add-on treatment of artesunate in schizophrenia patients to ameliorate clozapine-induced adverse metabolic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmei Li
- The Mental Health Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Anatomy, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ruibing Su
- Department of Forensics and Pathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuqin Xu
- Department of Anatomy, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qingjun Huang
- The Mental Health Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haiyun Xu
- The Mental Health Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Anatomy, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Haiyun Xu, The Mental Health Center, Shantou University Medical College, 515041 Shantou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China, Email
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Zeng X, Zhang Y, Wang S, Wang K, Tao L, Zou M, Chen N, Xu J, Liu S, Li X. Artesunate suppresses RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis through inhibition of PLCγ1-Ca 2+ –NFATc1 signaling pathway and prevents ovariectomy-induced bone loss. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 124:57-68. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2016.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Jiang W, Cen Y, Song Y, Li P, Qin R, Liu C, Zhao Y, Zheng J, Zhou H. Artesunate attenuated progression of atherosclerosis lesion formation alone or combined with rosuvastatin through inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and pro-inflammatory chemokines. Phytomedicine 2016; 23:1259-66. [PMID: 27316397 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2016.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Inflammation plays an important role in all stages of atherosclerosis, but little is known about the therapeutic effects of quenching inflammation in atherosclerotic lesions formation. PURPOSE Herein, the effect of artesunate, a derivant from artemisinin from the traditional Chinese herb sweet wormwood, could attenuate the progression of atherosclerosis lesion formation alone or combined with rosuvastatin in Western-type diet (WD) fed ApoE(-/-) mice, and explored its possible mechanisms. METHODS The methods such as ELISA for plasma lipids and cytokines analyses, qRT-PCR and western blot for mRNA and protein expressions, and MTT assay for human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) viability were used for in vivo and in vitro experiments. RESULTS Artesunate could attenuate the progression of atherosclerosis lesion formation alone or combined with rosuvastatin in WD fed ApoE(-/-) mice without changes in food uptake, body weight and plasma lipids level, but with a significant reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokine, such as TNF-α and IL-6. Furthermore, artesunate could down-regulate the pro-inflammatory chemokines such as IL-8 and MCP-1 in aorta of mice. Besides, artesunate didn't influence IL-8 and MCP-1 secretion in HUVECs up-regulated by TNF-α, but inhibited IL-8 and MCP-1 secretion up-regulated by LPS. CONCLUSION AS attenuated progression of atherosclerosis lesion formation alone or combined with rosuvastatin through anti-inflammatory effect, resulting in down-regulation of TNF-α and IL-6, and further down-regulating IL-8 and MCP-1 expressions in aorta of WD fed ApoE(-/-) mice. Rosuvastatin combined with artesunate could more effectively attenuate the progression of atherosclerosis lesions than when treated by one of them, demonstrating that lipid-lowering agents combined with anti-inflammatory agents could provide the greater benefit for cardiovascular disease patients. Artesunate is worth further investigating as a candidate drug for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P. R. China
| | - Yanyan Cen
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P. R. China
| | - Yi Song
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P. R. China
| | - Pan Li
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P. R. China
| | - Rongxin Qin
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P. R. China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P. R. China
| | - Yibo Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P. R. China
| | - Jiang Zheng
- Medical Research Center, Southwestern Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P. R. China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P. R. China.
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Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivatives are the first-line antimalarial drugs, and have saved millions of lives across the globe, especially in developing world. The discovery of artemisinin by Youyou Tu was awarded the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. In addition to treating malaria, accumulating evidences suggest that artemisinin and its derivatives also possess potent anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties. We recently showed that artesunate, an artemisinin analog, dramatically ameliorated autoimmune arthritis by selectively diminishing germinal center B cells. Herein, we review the immunosuppressive properties of artemisinin family drugs and the potential underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifei Hou
- Department of Medicine, Section of Rheumatology, and Knapp Center for Lupus and Immunology Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Haochu Huang
- Department of Medicine, Section of Rheumatology, and Knapp Center for Lupus and Immunology Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States.
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Thomé R, de Carvalho AC, Alves da Costa T, Ishikawa LLW, Fraga-Silva TFDC, Sartori A, de Oliveira ALR, Verinaud L. Artesunate Ameliorates Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis by Inhibiting Leukocyte Migration to the Central Nervous System. CNS Neurosci Ther 2016; 22:707-14. [PMID: 27165523 DOI: 10.1111/cns.12561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [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: 02/24/2016] [Revised: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is T-cell-dependent disease of the central nervous system (CNS) of mice. This model resembles multiple sclerosis (MS) in many aspects. Therapies that focus in the modulation of the immune response and cellular infiltration in the CNS present best effects in the clinics. Artesunate (Art) is a semi-synthetic sesquiterpene derivative from artemisinin and has been shown to reduce the clinical signs of autoimmune disease models through mechanisms not yet understood. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether administration of Art would ameliorate EAE. METHODS AND RESULTS C57BL6 mice were immunized with MOG35-55 peptide to induce EAE. At the same time, Art treatment started (3 mg/kg/day via i.p.) for five consecutive days. We found that Art treatment reduced the clinical signs of EAE and that correlated with a reduced infiltration of cells in the CNS. Disease amelioration did not correlate with immunomodulation as recall responses, leukocyte subpopulations, and gene expression analysis were similar among treated and untreated mice. Ultimately, further analysis provided data indicating that a possible mechanism of action for Art is dependent on the cellular migration to the CNS. CONCLUSIONS Artesunate reduces the severity of EAE by inhibiting migration of pathogenic T cells to the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Thomé
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina de Carvalho
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Thiago Alves da Costa
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Larissa Lumi Watanabe Ishikawa
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | | | - Alexandrina Sartori
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | | | - Liana Verinaud
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
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Zuo S, Ge H, Li Q, Zhang X, Hu R, Hu S, Liu X, Zhang JH, Chen Y, Feng H. Artesunate Protected Blood-Brain Barrier via Sphingosine 1 Phosphate Receptor 1/Phosphatidylinositol 3 Kinase Pathway After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Rats. Mol Neurobiol 2017; 54:1213-28. [PMID: 26820677 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-9732-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Blood-brain barrier preservation plays an important role in attenuating vasogenic brain edema after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). This study was designed to investigate the protective effect and mechanism of artesunate, a traditional anti-malaria drug, on blood-brain barrier after SAH. Three hundred and seventy-seven (377) male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to endovascular perforation model for SAH. The rats received artesunate alone or in combination with Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor-1 (S1P1) small interfering RNA (siRNA), antagonist VPC23019, or phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin after SAH. Modified Garcia score, SAH grades, brain water content, Evans blue leakage, transmission electron microscope, immunohistochemistry staining, Western blot, and cultured endothelial cells were used to investigate the optimum concentration and the therapeutic mechanism of artesunate. We found that artesunate (200 mg/kg) could do better in raising modified Garcia score, reducing brain water content and Evans blue leakage than other groups after SAH. Moreover, artesunate elevated S1P1 expression, enhanced phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activation, lowered GSK-3β activation, stabilized β-catenin, and improved the expression of Claudin-3 and Claudin-5 after SAH in rats. These effects were eliminated by S1P1 siRNA, VPC23019, and wortmannin. This study revealed that artesunate could preserve blood-brain barrier integrity and improve neurological outcome after SAH, possibly through activating S1P1, enhancing phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activation, stabilizing β-catenin via GSK-3β inhibition, and then effectively raising the expression of Claudin-3 and Claudin-5. Therefore, artesunate may be favorable for the blood-brain barrier (BBB) protection after SAH and become a potential candidate for the treatment of SAH patients.
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Lü S, Wang Q, Li G, Sun S, Guo Y, Kuang H. The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis using Chinese medicinal plants: From pharmacology to potential molecular mechanisms. J Ethnopharmacol 2015; 176:177-206. [PMID: 26471289 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [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: 05/01/2015] [Revised: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/03/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common worldwide public health problem. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) achieved some results to some extent in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Especially in China, TCM formulas are used in the clinic because of their advantages. Some of these TCM formulas have been used for thousands of years in ancient China, they pays much attention to strengthening healthy qi, cleaning heat, and wet, activating blood, etc. So TCM in anti-RA drug is considered as a simple and effective method. In addition, TCM are also traditionally used as extracts and many Chinese herbs which are considered to be effective for RA. With the advancement of technologies and research methods, researchers have devoted themselves to exploring new therapeutic materials from troves of TCM. The components of TCM are identified and purified, which include alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids, saponins and so on. However, little or no review works are found in the research literature on the anti-RA drugs from TCM. The present review aims to provide systematically reorganized information on the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology of TCM used traditionally against RA. The information recorded in this review will provide new directions for researchers in the future. MATERIALS AND METHODS Relevant scientific literatures were collected from Chinese traditional books and Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Several important pharmacology data, clinical observations, animal experiments on effects of anti-RA drugs from TCM and their mechanisms were extracted from a library and electric search (Pubmed, PubChem Compound, Science Direct, Spring Link, Elsevier, Web of Science, CNKI, Wan Fang, Bai du, The Plant List, etc.). We collected information published between 2002 and 2015 on Chinese medicine in the treatment of RA. Information was also acquired from local classic herbal literature, conference papers, government reports, and PhD and MSc dissertations. RESULTS This review mainly introduces the current research on anti-RA TCM formulas, extracts and compounds from TCM, pharmacological data and potential mechanisms (inhibit osteoclast proliferation, suppress fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) growth, decrease the expression of inflammatory cytokines, blocking signal pathways, etc.). CONCLUSIONS TCM, as a multi-component and multi-target approach, which is a perfect match with the holistic concept of systems biology, is applicable in the treatment of RA. The synergistic connections of Chinese herbs and mechanisms of related active compounds on RA increase the trust for TCM. TCM as alternative remedies for RA not only has an important position in the world market, but also has an irreplaceable role in the treatment of RA in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaowa Lü
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education, Department of Pharmacology, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China.
| | - Qiushi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education, Department of Pharmacology, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China.
| | - Guoyu Li
- College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Shuang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education, Department of Pharmacology, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Yuyan Guo
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education, Department of Pharmacology, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Haixue Kuang
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education, Department of Pharmacology, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China.
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Ravindra KC, Ho WE, Cheng C, Godoy LC, Wishnok JS, Ong CN, Wong WSF, Wogan GN, Tannenbaum SR. Untargeted Proteomics and Systems-Based Mechanistic Investigation of Artesunate in Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells. Chem Res Toxicol 2015; 28:1903-13. [PMID: 26340163 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.5b00105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The antimalarial drug artesunate is a semisynthetic derivative of artemisinin, the principal active component of a medicinal plant Artemisia annua. It is hypothesized to attenuate allergic asthma via inhibition of multiple signaling pathways. We used a comprehensive approach to elucidate the mechanism of action of artesunate by designing a novel biotinylated dihydroartemisinin (BDHA) to identify cellular protein targets of this anti-inflammatory drug. By adopting an untargeted proteomics approach, we demonstrated that artesunate may exert its protective anti-inflammatory effects via direct interaction with multiple proteins, most importantly with a number of mitochondrial enzymes related to glucose and energy metabolism, along with mRNA and gene expression, ribosomal regulation, stress responses, and structural proteins. In addition, the modulatory effects of artesunate on various cellular transcription factors were investigated using a transcription factor array, which revealed that artesunate can simultaneously modulate multiple nuclear transcription factors related to several major pro- and anti-inflammatory signaling cascades in human bronchial epithelial cells. Artesunate significantly enhanced nuclear levels of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a key promoter of antioxidant mechanisms, which is inhibited by the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1). Our results demonstrate that, like other electrophilic Nrf2 regulators, artesunate activates this system via direct molecular interaction/modification of Keap1, freeing Nrf2 for transcriptional activity. Altogether, the molecular interactions and modulation of nuclear transcription factors provide invaluable insights into the broad pharmacological actions of artesunate in inflammatory lung diseases and related inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kodihalli C Ravindra
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Wanxing Eugene Ho
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore , Singapore 119228.,Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) , Singapore 138602
| | - Chang Cheng
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Singapore General Hospital , Singapore 169608.,Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore , Singapore 119228
| | - Luiz C Godoy
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - John S Wishnok
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Choon Nam Ong
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore , Singapore 119228
| | - W S Fred Wong
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore , Singapore 119228
| | - Gerald N Wogan
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Steven R Tannenbaum
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States.,Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) , Singapore 138602
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Cao Q, Jiang Y, Shi J, Xu C, Liu X, Yang T, Fu P, Niu T. Artemisinin inhibits the proliferation, migration, and inflammatory reaction induced by tumor necrosis factor-α in vascular smooth muscle cells through nuclear factor kappa B pathway. J Surg Res 2015; 194:667-678. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2014.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2014] [Revised: 11/28/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Yamasaki SC, Mendes MT, Alponti RF, Silveira PF. Efficacy of parenteral administration of bee venom in experimental arthritis in the rat: a comparison with methotrexate. Toxicon 2015; 98:75-88. [PMID: 25727381 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The use of bee venom (BV) to treat inflammation and pain in arthritis has become increasingly common. This study aimed to compare the effects of BV and methotrexate (MTX), the most used disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug, in arthritic rats. Edema, erythema, cyanosis, hyperalgesia, reduction of the body mass gain, high circulating tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and anti-type II collagen antibodies (AACII), and altered activity of basic (APB) and neutral (APN) aminopeptidases and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) are present in arthritic rats. MTX and/or BV do not affect AACII in healthy or arthritic individuals, but restores TNF-α to normal levels in arthritic rats. BV restores body mass gain to normal levels and MTX ameliorates body mass gain. BV contains DPPIV. BV restores APN in synovial fluid (SF) and in soluble fraction (S) from synovial tissue (ST), and DPPIV in solubilized membrane-bound fraction (M) from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). MTX restores APN of SF, as well as ameliorates APB of S-PBMCs, APN of S-ST and DPPIV of M-PBMCs. The combination therapy does not overcome the effects of BV or MTX alone on the peptidase activities. Edema is ameliorated by MTX or BV alone. MTX, but not BV, is effective in reducing hyperalgesia. Data show that anti-arthritic effects of BV at non-acupoints are not negligible when compared with MTX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone C Yamasaki
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Unit of Translational Endocrine Physiology and Pharmacology, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil 1500 Vital Brasil, CEP 05503-900, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; Interdepartmental Biotechnology Program at Instituto Butantan and Universidade de Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, Edifício ICB III, Cidade Universitária, CEP 05508-900, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariana T Mendes
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Unit of Translational Endocrine Physiology and Pharmacology, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil 1500 Vital Brasil, CEP 05503-900, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Rafaela F Alponti
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Unit of Translational Endocrine Physiology and Pharmacology, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil 1500 Vital Brasil, CEP 05503-900, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Paulo F Silveira
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Unit of Translational Endocrine Physiology and Pharmacology, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil 1500 Vital Brasil, CEP 05503-900, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Abstract
The antimalarial drug artemisinin and its derivatives exhibit potent immunosuppressive activity in several autoimmune disease models, however the mechanisms are not well-understood. This study was designed to investigate the therapeutic effects and the underlying mechanisms of the artemisinin analog artesunate using the K/BxN mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis. The well-studied disease mechanisms of K/BxN model allowed us to pinpoint the effect of artesunate on disease. Artesunate treatment prevented arthritis development in young K/BxN mice by inhibiting germinal center (GC) formation and production of autoantibodies. In adult K/BxN mice with established arthritis, artesunate diminished GC B cells in a few days. However, artesunate did not affect the follicular helper T cells (Tfh). In contrast to the spontaneous K/BxN model, artesunate treatment exerted minor influence on K/BxN serum transfer induced arthritis suggesting that artesunate has minimal effect on inflammatory responses downstream of antibody production. Finally, we showed that artesunate preferentially inhibits proliferating GC B cells. These results identify GC B cells as a target of artesunate and provide a new rationale for using artemisinin analogues to treat autoimmune diseases mediated by autoantibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifei Hou
- Department of Medicine and Knapp Center for Lupus and Immunology Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Katharine E. Block
- Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Haochu Huang
- Department of Medicine and Knapp Center for Lupus and Immunology Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Ho WE, Peh HY, Chan TK, Wong WF. Artemisinins: Pharmacological actions beyond anti-malarial. Pharmacol Ther 2014; 142:126-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2013.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 309] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Wang YL, Wang ZJ, Shen HL, Yin M, Tang KX. Effects of artesunate and ursolic acid on hyperlipidemia and its complications in rabbit. Eur J Pharm Sci 2013; 50:366-71. [PMID: 23954455 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2013.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [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: 10/21/2012] [Revised: 06/13/2013] [Accepted: 08/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To find the novel hypolipidemic agents, the effects of ursolic acid and artesunate on hyperlipidemia and its complications were determined in rabbit fed with Western-type diet. METHODS AND RESULTS New Zealand rabbits fed a Western-type diet developed a hyperlipidemia. Rabbits received ursolic acid (25mg/kg) or artesunate (25mg/kg) alone, or in combination (12.5+12.5mg/kg), to prevent hyperlipidemia. Ursolic acid or artesunate alone significantly decreased the plasma cholesterol and triglyceride in rabbits. Furthermore, they both attenuated liver steatosis and reduced the area of aortic root lesions. The combination of ursolic acid and artesunate was more potent than either agent alone, which indicates a strong synergistic effect. CONCLUSION The hypolipidemic effect of artesunate is firstly reported. Its combination with ursolic acid might have the potential to further develop for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y L Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Plant Biotechnology R&D Center, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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Snyder MR. Commentary on "Inhibitory effect of the antimalarial agent artesunate on collagen-induced arthritis in rats through nuclear factor kappa B and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway". Transl Res 2013; 161:85-8. [PMID: 23138104 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2012.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2012] [Accepted: 10/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa R Snyder
- Division of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
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Souza MC, Paixão FH, Ferraris FK, Ribeiro I, Henriques Md. Artesunate Exerts a Direct Effect on Endothelial Cell Activation and NF-κB Translocation in a Mechanism Independent of Plasmodium Killing. Malar Res Treat 2012; 2012:679090. [PMID: 23097741 DOI: 10.1155/2012/679090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2012] [Revised: 08/16/2012] [Accepted: 08/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivates are an important class of antimalarial drug and are described to possess immunomodulatory activities. Few studies have addressed the effect of artesunate in the murine malaria model or its effect on host immune response during malaria infection. Herein, we study the effect of artesunate treatment and describe an auxiliary mechanism of artesunate in modulating the inflammatory response during experimental malaria infection in mice. Treatment with artesunate did not reduce significantly the parasitemia within 12 h, however, reduced BBB breakdown and TNF-α mRNA expression in the brain tissue of artesunate-treated mice. Conversely, mefloquine treatment was not able to alter clinical features. Notably, artesunate pretreatment failed to modulate the expression of LFA-1 in splenocytes stimulated with parasitized red blood cells (pRBCs) in vitro; however, it abrogated the expression of ICAM-1 in pRBC-stimulated endothelial cells. Accordingly, a cytoadherence in vitro assay demonstrated that pRBCs did not adhere to artesunate-treated vascular endothelial cells. In addition, NF-κB nuclear translocation in endothelial cells stimulated with pRBCs was impaired by artesunate treatment. Our results suggest that artesunate is able to exert a protective effect against the P. berghei-induced inflammatory response by inhibiting NF-κB nuclear translocation and the subsequent expression of ICAM-1.
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Li B, Yao Q, Pan XC, Wang N, Zhang R, Li J, Ding G, Liu X, Wu C, Ran D, Zheng J, Zhou H. Artesunate enhances the antibacterial effect of β-lactam antibiotics against Escherichia coli by increasing antibiotic accumulation via inhibition of the multidrug efflux pump system AcrAB-TolC. J Antimicrob Chemother 2011; 66:769-77. [DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkr017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
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Li Y, Wu Y. A golden phoenix arising from the herbal nest — A review and reflection on the study of antimalarial drug Qinghaosu. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 5:357-422. [DOI: 10.1007/s11458-010-0214-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Mirshafiey A, Jadidi-Niaragh F. Immunopharmacological role of the Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists and inhibitors of leukotrienes generating enzymes in Multiple Sclerosis. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2010; 32:219-27. [DOI: 10.3109/08923970903283662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by inflammation, demyelination, axonal loss, and gliosis. The inflammatory lesions are manifested by a large infiltration and a heterogeneous population of cellular and soluble mediators of the immune system, such as T cells, B cells, macrophages, and microglia, as well as a broad range of cytokines, chemokines, antibodies, complement, and other toxic substances. Prostaglandins (PGs) are arachidonic acid-derived autacoids that have a role in the modulation of many physiological systems including the CNS, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, endocrine, and immune systems. PG production is associated with inflammation, a major feature in MS that is characterized by the loss of myelinating oligodendrocytes in the CNS. With respect to the role of PGs in the induction of inflammation, they can be effective mediators in the pathophysiology of MS. Thus use of agonists or antagonists of PG receptors may be considered as a new therapeutic protocol in MS. In this review, we try to clarify the role of PGs in immunopathology and treatment of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Mirshafiey
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 14155, Iran.
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Zhang YX, Sun HX. Immunosuppressive effect of ethanol extract ofArtemisia annuaon specific antibody and cellular responses of mice against ovalbumin. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2009; 31:625-30. [DOI: 10.3109/08923970902932954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Wang JX, Hou LF, Yang Y, Tang W, Li Y, Zuo JP. SM905, an artemisinin derivative, inhibited NO and pro-inflammatory cytokine production by suppressing MAPK and NF-kappaB pathways in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2009; 30:1428-35. [PMID: 19801997 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2009.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To elucidate the anti-inflammatory potentials and underlying mechanisms of SM905, a novel artemisinin derivative, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. METHODS Nitric oxide (NO) generation, cytokine production, and the protein expression levels of inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were examined using a Griess assay, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a Western blotting assay, respectively. The mRNA expression was measured using real-time PCR. The phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2), p38, c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and the degradation of IkappaBalpha were assessed by Western blotting analysis. The nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) was observed using confocal microscopy. RESULTS Pretreatment with SM905 (0, 0.1, 1, and 10 micromol/L) suppressed LPS-induced NO, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 production, and decreased both protein and mRNA levels of iNOS and COX-2. The mRNA expression of LPS receptor Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and myeloid differentiation protein-2 (MD-2) was not changed, while LPS-induced CD14 expression was slightly reduced after SM905 treatment. SM905 markedly decreased the activation of ERK1/2, p38 and JNK suppressed the degradation of IkappaBalpha, but did not modify the expression of interferon regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) or interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10). By using confocal microscopy, we further observed that NF-kappaB was correspondingly inhibited in SM905-treated cells. CONCLUSION SM905 inhibited NO and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and these effects are at least partially mediated through suppression of the MAPK and NF-kappaB signaling pathways.
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Krishna S, Bustamante L, Haynes RK, Staines HM. Artemisinins: their growing importance in medicine. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2008; 29:520-7. [PMID: 18752857 PMCID: PMC2758403 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2008.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2008] [Revised: 07/11/2008] [Accepted: 07/16/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinins are derived from extracts of sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua) and are well established for the treatment of malaria, including highly drug-resistant strains. Their efficacy also extends to phylogenetically unrelated parasitic infections such as schistosomiasis. More recently, they have also shown potent and broad anticancer properties in cell lines and animal models. In this review, we discuss recent advances in defining the role of artemisinins in medicine, with particular focus on their controversial mechanisms of action. This safe and cheap drug class that saves lives at risk from malaria can also have important potential in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeev Krishna
- Centre for Infection, Division of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, St. George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE, UK.
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Wang JX, Tang W, Zhou R, Wan J, Shi LP, Zhang Y, Yang YF, Li Y, Zuo JP. The new water-soluble artemisinin derivative SM905 ameliorates collagen-induced arthritis by suppression of inflammatory and Th17 responses. Br J Pharmacol 2008; 153:1303-10. [PMID: 18264129 DOI: 10.1038/bjp.2008.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Our previous study showed that SM905, a novel artemisinin derivative, exhibited potent immunosuppressive activity. In this study, we evaluate preventive and therapeutic effect of SM905 on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in DBA/1 mice, and investigate its mechanisms both in inflammatory and autoimmune aspects of the disease. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH CIA was induced by type II bovine collagen (CII) in DBA/1 mice. SM905 was given orally either before (continuously 1 day before booster immunization) or after disease onset (continuously 14 days after booster immunization). Disease incidence and severity were monitored, mRNA expression of proinflammatory mediators was determined by real-time PCR, purified T cell proliferation was assessed using [(3)H]-thymidine incorporated assay, and T helper (Th) 17/Th1/Th2 type cytokine production was examined by ELISA. KEY RESULTS Oral treatment with SM905 delayed disease onset, reduced arthritis incidence and severity, and suppressed the enhanced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and chemokine receptors in draining lymph nodes. The CII-induced T cell proliferation and production of interleukin (IL)-17A by T cells were strikingly inhibited. Correspondingly, the mRNA expression of IL-17A and RORgamma t (a specific transcription factor for Th17) was also reduced. This effect was coupled with a striking reduction of IL-6 production, which has a critical role in Th17 development. In established arthritis, SM905 profoundly inhibited disease progression, reduced IL-17A and RORgamma t mRNA expression, and suppressed pro-inflammatory mediator expression in arthritic joints. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS SM905 had beneficial effects on CIA by suppressing inflammatory and pathogenic Th17 responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- J-X Wang
- First Department of Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, PR China
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Li B, Zhang R, Li J, Zhang L, Ding G, Luo P, He S, Dong Y, Jiang W, Lu Y, Cao H, Zheng J, Zhou H. Antimalarial artesunate protects sepsis model mice against heat-killed Escherichia coli challenge by decreasing TLR4, TLR9 mRNA expressions and transcription factor NF-kappa B activation. Int Immunopharmacol 2007; 8:379-89. [PMID: 18279792 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2007.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2007] [Revised: 10/25/2007] [Accepted: 10/25/2007] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial DNA (bDNA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are potent activators of immune cells such as monocytes and macrophages, which contribute to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and sepsis. Unfortunately, many experimental inflammatory antagonist-based therapies have failed in sepsis trials, and currently there is only one adjuvant therapy in clinical use, e.g. activated protein C. Artesunate (AS), a water-soluble derivative of dihydroartemisinin, has recently been demonstrated to protect against LPS-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) activation and injury by inhibiting tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) mRNA expression. In the present study, heat-killed Escherichia coli was used to induce sepsis in the animal models. We observed that AS could protect mice against a lethal challenge with heat-killed E. coli in a dose-dependent manner. This protection was associated with reductions in serum TNF-alpha and measurable endotoxin levels. In addition, the treatment of murine peritoneal macrophage cells with AS strongly inhibited the release of TNF-alpha and IL-6 induced by CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG ODN), LPS, or heat-killed E. coli in a dose-dependent manner. Experiments using affinity sensor technology revealed that AS could not directly bind to CpG ODN or LPS. Moreover, AS could not neutralize LPS in vitro. Further, flow cytometry revealed that AS could not alter the binding of CpG ODN to cell surfaces but could promote CpG ODN accumulation within RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, AS reduced the expressions of TLR4 and TLR9 mRNA that were stimulated by LPS, CpG ODN, or heat-killed E. coli and inhibited heat killed E. coli-induced NF-kappaB activation. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that AS-mediated protection against a lethal heat-killed E. coli challenge was associated with a reduction in proinflammatory cytokine release and endotoxin levels via a mechanism involving a decrease in TLR4, TLR9 mRNA expression and NF-kappaB activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Li
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
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Wang JX, Tang W, Yang ZS, Wan J, Shi LP, Zhang Y, Zhou R, Ni J, Hou LF, Zhou Y, He PL, Yang YF, Li Y, Zuo JP. Suppressive effect of a novel water-soluble artemisinin derivative SM905 on T cell activation and proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Eur J Pharmacol 2007; 564:211-8. [PMID: 17349993 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2007.01.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2006] [Revised: 01/29/2007] [Accepted: 01/31/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivatives exhibit potent immunosuppressive activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the suppressive effects of SM905, a new water-soluble artemisinin derivative, on T lymphocytes both in vitro and in vivo, and explore its potential mode of action. The results showed that SM905 had a high inhibitory activity in Concanavalin A (ConA)-induced splenocyte proliferation and mixed lymphocyte reaction, and a relatively low cytotoxicity in vitro. In ovalbumin-immunized mice, oral administration of SM905 dose-dependently suppressed T cell proliferative response to ovalbumin, and inhibited anti-ovalbumin interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production by T cells. Further studies showed that SM905 inhibited TCR (T cell receptor)/CD3 plus CD28-mediated primary T cell proliferation and cytokine production (IL-2 and IFN-gamma), and exerted an inhibitory action on the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38 and Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and the activation of Ras. The results of this study provided experimental evidence that the new artemisinin derivative SM905 had immunosuppressive effects both in vitro and in vivo. SM905 suppressed T cell activation, which was associated with the inhibition of MAP kinases and Ras activation. Our results suggested a potential of SM905 to be developed as a new type agent for treating T cell-mediated immune disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Xia Wang
- First Department of Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China
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