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Wang J, Li J, Hu M. Mechanism analysis of Buyang Huanwu decoction in treating atherosclerosis based on network pharmacology and in vitro experiments. Chem Biol Drug Des 2024; 103:e14447. [PMID: 38230788 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14447] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis (AS) is one of the main risk factors of ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Buyang Huanwu decoction (BYHWT) is a classic Chinese medicine prescription that is used for treating AS. However, the underlying pharmacological mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to clarify the molecular mechanism of BYHWT in treatment of AS through network pharmacology and in vitro experiments. Molecular structure information and targets of core components of BYHWT were obtained from PubChem and UniProtKB databases. Genes involved in AS were obtained from DisGeNet, GeneCards and OMIM databases. The core targets of BYHWT in AS treatment were identified by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis with STRING platform, and analyzed by gene ontology (GO) analysis and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomics (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Molecular docking was used to verify the binding affinity between the core targets and the bioactive ingredients. HUVEC viability, inflammatory response and mRNA expression levels of core target genes were evaluated by cell counting kit 8 assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and qRT-PCR. A total of 60 candidate compounds and 325 predicted target genes were screened. PPI network analysis suggested that TP53, SRC, STAT3, and AKT1 may be the core targets. BYHWT in AS treatment was associated with 46 signaling pathways. GA120, baicalein, and 3,9-di-o-methylnissolin had good binding affinity with core target proteins. Baicalein treatment could significantly promoted the viability and repress the inflammatory response of HUVEC cells stimulated by ox-LDL. In addition, Baicalein can regulate the expression of core targets including AKT1, MAPK1, PIK3CA, JUN, TP53, SRC, EGFR, and ESR1. In conclusion, BYHWT and its main bioactive component baicalein, inhibit inflammatory response and modulate multiple downstream genes of endothelial cells, and show good potential to block the progression of AS and cardiovascular/cerebrovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Division of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiajun Li
- Division of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Min Hu
- Division of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Zhi W, Liu Y, Wang X, Zhang H. Recent advances of traditional Chinese medicine for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. J Ethnopharmacol 2023; 301:115749. [PMID: 36181983 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [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: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Atherosclerosis (AS) is a common systemic disease with increasing morbidity and mortality worldwide. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with characteristics of multiple pathways and targets, presents advantages in the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis. AIM OF THE STUDY With the modernization of TCM, the active ingredients and molecular mechanisms of TCM for AS treatment have been gradually revealed. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the existing studies on TCM therapies aimed at regulating AS over the past two decades. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using "atherosclerosis" and "Traditional Chinese medicine" as keywords, all relevant TCM literature published in the last 10 years was collected from electronic databases (such as Elsevier, Springer, PubMed, CNKI, and Web of Science), books and papers until March 2022, and the critical information was statistically analyzed. RESULTS In this review, we highlighted extracts of 8 single herbs, a total of 41 single active ingredients, 20 TCM formulae, and 25 patented drugs, which were described with chemical structure, source, model, efficacy and potential mechanism. CONCLUSION We summarized the cytopathological basis for the development of atherosclerosis involving vascular endothelial cells, macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells, and categorically elaborated the medicinal TCM used for AS, all of which provide the current evidence on the better management of atherosclerosis by TCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbing Zhi
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Shaanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital), Xi'an, 710003, PR China.
| | - Yang Liu
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Shaanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital), Xi'an, 710003, PR China
| | - Xiumei Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Hong Zhang
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Shaanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital), Xi'an, 710003, PR China.
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Li S, Liu P, Feng X, Du M, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Wang J. Mechanism of Tao Hong Decoction in the treatment of atherosclerosis based on network pharmacology and experimental validation. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1111475. [PMID: 36776258 PMCID: PMC9909180 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1111475] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Atherosclerosis (AS) has long been recognized as a cardiovascular disease and stroke risk factor. A well-known traditional Chinese medicine prescription, Tao Hong decoction (THD), has been proven effective in treating AS, but its mechanism of action is still unclear. Objective To assess the effects, explore THD's primary mechanism for treating AS, and provide a basis for rational interpretation of its prescription compatibility. Methods Based on network pharmacology, we evaluated the mechanism of THD on AS by data analysis, target prediction, the construction of PPI networks, and GO and KEGG analysis. AutoDockTools software to conduct Molecular docking. Then UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was used to identify significant constituents of THD. Furthermore, an AS mice model was constructed and intervened with THD. Immunofluorescence, RT-qPCR, and Western blot were used to verify the critical targets in animal experiments. Results The network pharmacology results indicate that eight core targets and seven core active ingredients play an essential role in this process. The GO and KEGG analysis results suggested that the mechanism is mainly involved in Fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis and Lipid and atherosclerosis. The molecular docking results indicate a generally strong affinity. The animal experiment showed that THD reduced plaque area, increased plaque stability, and decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines (NF-κB, IL-1α, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-18, IL-1β) in high-fat diet -induced ApoE-/-mice. Decreased levels of PTGS2, HIF-1α, VEGFA, VEGFC, FLT-4, and the phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, and p38 were detected in the THD-treated group. Conclusion THD plays a vital role in treating AS with multiple targets and pathways. Angiogenesis regulation, oxidative stress regulation, and immunity regulation consist of the crucial regulation cores in the mechanism. This study identified essential genes and pathways associated with the prognosis and pathogenesis of AS from new insights, demonstrating a feasible method for researching THD's chemical basis and pharmacology.
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Li RL, Wang LY, Duan HX, Qian D, Zhang Q, He LS, Li XP. Natural flavonoids derived from herbal medicines are potential anti-atherogenic agents by inhibiting oxidative stress in endothelial cells. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1141180. [PMID: 36909175 PMCID: PMC10001913 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1141180] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
As the common pathological basis of various cardiovascular diseases, the morbidity and mortality of atherosclerosis (AS) have increased in recent years. Unfortunately, there are still many problems in the treatment of AS, and the prevention and treatment of the disease is not ideal. Up to now, the occurrence and development of AS can roughly include endothelial cell dysfunction, vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, inflammation, foam cell production, and neoangiogenesis. Among them, endothelial dysfunction, as an early event of AS, plays a particularly important role in promoting the development of AS. In addition, oxidative stress occurs throughout the causes of endothelial dysfunction. Some previous studies have shown that flavonoids derived from herbal medicines are typical secondary metabolites. Due to its structural presence of multiple active hydroxyl groups, it is able to exert antioxidant activity in diseases. Therefore, in this review, we will search PubMed, Web of Science, Elesvier, Wliey, Springer for relevant literature, focusing on flavonoids extracted from herbal medicines, and summarizing how they can prevent endothelial dysfunction by inhibiting oxidative stress. Meanwhile, in our study, we found that flavonoid represented by quercetin and naringenin showed superior protective effects both in vivo and in vitro, suggesting the potential of flavonoid compounds in the treatment of AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruo-Lan Li
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling-Yu Wang
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hu-Xinyue Duan
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Die Qian
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Li-Sha He
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xue-Ping Li
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Zhang ZZ, Yu XH, Tan WH. Baicalein inhibits macrophage lipid accumulation and inflammatory response by activating the PPARγ/LXRα pathway. Clin Exp Immunol 2022; 209:316-325. [PMID: 35749304 PMCID: PMC9521661 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxac062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipid accumulation and inflammatory response are two major risk factors for atherosclerosis. Baicalein, a phenolic flavonoid widely used in East Asian countries, possesses a potential atheroprotective activity. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. This study was performed to explore the impact of baicalein on lipid accumulation and inflammatory response in THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells. Our results showed that baicalein up-regulated the expression of ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), ABCG1, liver X receptor α (LXRα), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), promoted cholesterol efflux, and inhibited lipid accumulation. Administration of baicalein also reduced the expression and secretion of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Knockdown of LXRα or PPARγ with siRNAs abrogated the effects of baicalein on ABCA1 and ABCG1 expression, cholesterol efflux, lipid accumulation as well as pro-inflammatory cytokine release. In summary, these findings suggest that baicalein exerts a beneficial effect on macrophage lipid accumulation and inflammatory response by activating the PPARγ/LXRα signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Zhen Zhang
- School of Medicine, Hunan Polytechnic of Environment and Biology, Hengyang Hunan, China
| | - Xiao-Hua Yu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Wei-Hua Tan
- Correspondence: Wei-Hua Tan, Emergency Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang 421001 Hunan, China.
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Chen Y, Hamidu S, Yang X, Yan Y, Wang Q, Li L, Oduro PK, Li Y. Dietary Supplements and Natural Products: An Update on Their Clinical Effectiveness and Molecular Mechanisms of Action During Accelerated Biological Aging. Front Genet 2022; 13:880421. [PMID: 35571015 PMCID: PMC9096086 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.880421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Accelerated biological aging, which involves the gradual decline of organ or tissue functions and the distortion of physiological processes, underlies several human diseases. Away from the earlier free radical concept, telomere attrition, cellular senescence, proteostasis loss, mitochondrial dysfunction, stem cell exhaustion, and epigenetic and genomic alterations have emerged as biological hallmarks of aging. Moreover, nutrient-sensing metabolic pathways are critical to an organism’s ability to sense and respond to nutrient levels. Pharmaceutical, genetic, and nutritional interventions reverting physiological declines by targeting nutrient-sensing metabolic pathways can promote healthy aging and increase lifespan. On this basis, biological aging hallmarks and nutrient-sensing dependent and independent pathways represent evolving drug targets for many age-linked diseases. Here, we discuss and update the scientific community on contemporary advances in how dietary supplements and natural products beneficially revert accelerated biological aging processes to retrograde human aging and age-dependent human diseases, both from the clinical and preclinical studies point-of-view. Overall, our review suggests that dietary/natural products increase healthspan—rather than lifespan—effectively minimizing the period of frailty at the end of life. However, real-world setting clinical trials and basic studies on dietary supplements and natural products are further required to decisively demonstrate whether dietary/natural products could promote human lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Modern Chinese Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Sherif Hamidu
- Clinical Pathology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Xintong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Modern Chinese Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yiqi Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Modern Chinese Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Qilong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Modern Chinese Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Lin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Modern Chinese Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Patrick Kwabena Oduro
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Modern Chinese Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Clinical Pathology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Yuhong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Modern Chinese Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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7
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Zhang X, Qin Y, Ruan W, Wan X, Lv C, He L, Lu L, Guo X. Targeting inflammation-associated AMPK//Mfn-2/MAPKs signaling pathways by baicalein exerts anti-atherosclerotic action. Phytother Res 2021; 35:4442-4455. [PMID: 34008261 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7149] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Inflammatory responses in macrophages, endothelial cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells play crucial roles in the development of atherosclerosis. Baicalein, a flavonoid phytochemical, possesses anti-inflammatory properties, but the underlying mechanisms of its action are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to explore whether baicalein inhibited inflammatory activities in RAW264.7, HUVEC, and MOVAS cells and to analyze its underlying mechanisms. Our results showed that baicalein treatment effectively reduced the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, PAI-1, and MMP-9 released by these cells upon stimulation with Ang II or ox-LDL. We discovered that the molecular mechanisms underlying baicalein suppression of the generation of proinflammatory cytokines were associated with the inhibition of MAPK/NF-κB pathway activity. Moreover, Ang II and ox-LDL intervention decreased the content of Mfn-2 in the three types of cells, but incubation of baicalein alleviated the Ang II/ox-LDL-induced reduction of Mfn-2 levels. Adv-Mfn2 treatment not only increased the expression of Mfn-2 but also reduced the levels of phosphorylated ERK1/2, p38, JNK, and NF-κB, followed by a decrease in the concentrations of IL-6, TNF-α, PAI-1, and MMP-9 in the supernatant. Furthermore, our findings indicated that baicalein treatment markedly suppressed the decrease in AMPK activity induced with Ang II and ox-LDL, and incubation with Compound C reversed the effects of baicalein on AMPK activation and Mfn-2 expression. In conclusion, our data suggest that baicalein shows anti-inflammatory properties, probably by activating the AMPK/Mfn-2 axis, accompanied by inhibition of downstream MAPKs/NF-κB signaling transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yating Qin
- Department of Cardiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Weibin Ruan
- Department of Cardiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoning Wan
- Department of Cardiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chao Lv
- Department of Cardiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lin He
- Department of Cardiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education) Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Lu
- Department of Cardiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaomei Guo
- Department of Cardiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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8
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Lee AY, Lee JY, Chun JM. Exploring the Mechanism of Gyejibokryeong-hwan against Atherosclerosis Using Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking. Plants (Basel) 2020; 9:plants9121750. [PMID: 33321972 PMCID: PMC7764045 DOI: 10.3390/plants9121750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Gyejibokryeong-hwan (GBH) is a traditional formula comprised of five herbal medicines that is frequently used to treat blood stasis and related complex multifactorial disorders such as atherosclerosis. The present study used network pharmacology and molecular docking simulations to clarify the effect and mechanism of the components of GBH. Active compounds were selected using Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System (OASIS) and the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), and target genes linked to the selected components were retrieved using Search Tool for Interacting Chemicals (STITCH) and GeneCards. Functional analysis of potential target genes was performed through the Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) database and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, and molecular docking confirmed the correlation between five core compounds (quercetin, kaempferol, baicalein, ellagic acid, and baicalin) and six potential target genes (AKT1, CASP3, MAPK1, MAPK3, NOS2, and PTGS2). Molecular docking studies indicated that quercetin strongly interacted with six potential target proteins. Thus, these potential target proteins were closely related to TNF, HIF-1, FoxO, and PI3K-Akt signal pathways, suggesting that these factors and pathways may mediate the beneficial effects of GBH on atherosclerosis. Our results identify target genes and pathways that may mediate the clinical effects of the compounds contained within GBH on atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Yeong Lee
- Herbal Medicine Resources Research Center, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Naju-si 58245, Korea;
| | - Joo-Youn Lee
- Therapeutics and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Korea;
| | - Jin Mi Chun
- Herbal Medicine Resources Research Center, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Naju-si 58245, Korea;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-613-387-130
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Wang K, Zhou A, Ruan M, Jin Z, Lu J, Wang Q, Lu C. Dehydrocostus lactone suppresses ox-LDL-induced attachment of monocytes to endothelial cells. Am J Transl Res 2019; 11:6159-6169. [PMID: 31632584 PMCID: PMC6789208] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a cardiovascular disease that affects most people to at least some extent by old age. Many factors contribute to atherogenesis, and although it is extremely common, the mechanisms behind the pathogenesis of the disease remain poorly understood. Endothelial dysfunction is thought to be one of the main causes of atherosclerosis along with numerous other factors, such as oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokine upregulation. The culmination of the complications that lead to atherogenesis is the formation of a fatty plaque on the intima of the arterial endothelium. In this study, we explore these aspects and others in regard to the treatment potential of dehydrocostus lactone (DHL), which is naturally occurring in certain flora such as the Saussurea lappa costus plant. Having long been used in traditional Chinese medicine, the effects of this plant are only just beginning to be studied by modern science. Among our most noteworthy findings are that DHL exerts an inhibitory effect against the increased expression of VCAM-1 and E-selectin induced by exposure to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), which has been linked to the development and progression of atherosclerosis. The introduction of DHL also significantly diminished the downstream effects of VCAM-1 and E-selectin, such as the attachment of monocytes to the endothelium and the release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including TNF-α, MCP-1, and HMGB1. Furthermore, DHL is capable of rescuing the expression of KLF2, an important regulator of VCAM-1 and E-selectin expression. Together, our findings demonstrate the potential of DHL as a prophylactic or therapeutic treatment against ox-LDL-induced atherosclerosis via inhibition of the attachment of monocytes to endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Aihua Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Miaohua Ruan
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zengyou Jin
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jiacheng Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qiu Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Chaosheng Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
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Wang W, Wang D, Kong C, Li S, Xie L, Lin Z, Zheng Y, Zhou J, Han Y, Ji Y. eNOS S-nitrosylation mediated OxLDL-induced endothelial dysfunction via increasing the interaction of eNOS with β‑catenin. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1865:1793-801. [PMID: 29471036 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Protein S-nitrosylation plays an important role in the progression of cardiovascular diseases. eNOS can be S-nitrosylated in endothelial cells, and this modification reversibly attenuates enzyme activity. Under physiological conditions, eNOS directly interacts with β‑catenin. However, whether and how eNOS S-nitrosylation regulates the β‑catenin signal pathway and participates in endothelial dysfunction remains unknown. Here, we show that OxLDL induces the S-nitrosylation of eNOS, which enhances the interaction between eNOS and β‑catenin, transcriptional activity of β‑catenin, cell migration and adhesion molecule expression in endothelial cells. In addition, these effects are partially abolished after eNOS is mutated at Cys94 and Cys99, but not Cys441, in endothelial cells. Furthermore, OxLDL increases iNOS expression. The specific iNOS inhibitor 1400 W decreases eNOS S-nitrosylation and the association of eNOS and β‑catenin, thereby blocking the β‑catenin signal pathway to alleviate OxLDL-induced endothelial dysfunction. Taken together, OxLDL induces eNOS S-nitrosylation at Cys94 and Cys99 via an iNOS-dependent manner, which may increase β‑catenin activation and trigger endothelial injury. This study describes a novel mechanism of endothelial dysfunction.
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Magnifico MC, Oberkersch RE, Mollo A, Giambelli L, Grooten Y, Sarti P, Calabrese GC, Arese M. VLDL Induced Modulation of Nitric Oxide Signalling and Cell Redox Homeostasis in HUVEC. Oxid Med Cell Longev 2017; 2017:2697364. [PMID: 29085553 DOI: 10.1155/2017/2697364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
High levels of circulating lipoprotein constitute a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, and in this context, the specific role of the very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) is poorly understood. The response of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) to VLDL exposure was studied, especially focusing on the pathways involved in alteration of redox homeostasis and nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. The results obtained by the analysis of the expression level of genes implicated in the NO metabolism and oxidative stress response indicated a strong activation of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) upon 24 h exposure to VLDL, particularly if these have been preventively oxidised. Simultaneously, both mRNA and protein expression of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) were decreased and its phosphorylation pattern, at the key residues Tyr495 and Ser1177, strongly suggested the occurrence of the eNOS uncoupling. The results are consistent with the observed increased production of nitrites and nitrates (NOx), reactive oxygen species (ROS), 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), and, at mitochondrial level, a deficit in mitochondrial O2 consumption. Altogether, these data suggest that the VLDL, particularly if oxidised, when allowed to persist in contact with endothelial cells, strongly alter NO bioavailability, affecting redox homeostasis and mitochondrial function.
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Liang C, Wang QS, Yang X, Niu N, Hu QQ, Zhang BL, Wu MM, Yu CJ, Chen X, Song BL, Zhang ZR, Ma HP. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein stimulates epithelial sodium channels in endothelial cells of mouse thoracic aorta. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 175:1318-1328. [PMID: 28480509 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Revised: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is expressed in endothelial cells and acts as a negative modulator of vasodilatation. Oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) is a key pathological factor in endothelial dysfunction. In the present study we examined the role of ENaC in ox-LDL-induced endothelial dysfunction and its associated signal transduction pathway. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Patch clamp techniques combined with pharmacological approaches were used to examine ENaC activity in the endothelial cells of a split-open mouse thoracic aorta. Western blot analysis was used to determine ENaC expression in the aorta. The aorta relaxation was measured using a wire myograph assay. KEY RESULTS Ox-LDL, but not LDL, significantly increased ENaC activity in the endothelial cells attached to split-open thoracic aortas, and the increase was inhibited by a lectin-like ox-LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1) antagonist (κ-carrageenan), an NADPH oxidase inhibitor (apocynin), and a scavenger of ROS (TEMPOL). Sodium nitroprusside, an NO donor, diminished the ox-LDL-mediated activation of ENaC, and this effect was abolished by inhibiting soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) and PKG. Ox-LDL reduced the endothelium-dependent vasodilatation of the aorta pectoralis induced by ACh, and this reduction was partially restored by blocking ENaC. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Ox-LDL stimulates ENaC in endothelial cells through LOX-1 receptor-mediated activation of NADPH oxidase and accumulation of intracellular ROS. Since the stimulation of ENaC can be reversed by elevating NO, we suggest that both inhibition of ENaC and an elevation of NO may protect the endothelium from ox-LDL-induced dysfunction. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Spotlight on Small Molecules in Cardiovascular Diseases. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.8/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Liang
- Departments of Cardiology and Clinical Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Institute of Metabolic Disease, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Qiu-Shi Wang
- Departments of Cardiology and Clinical Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Institute of Metabolic Disease, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Xu Yang
- Departments of Cardiology and Clinical Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Institute of Metabolic Disease, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Na Niu
- Departments of Cardiology and Clinical Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Institute of Metabolic Disease, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Qing-Qing Hu
- Departments of Cardiology and Clinical Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Institute of Metabolic Disease, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Bao-Long Zhang
- Departments of Cardiology and Clinical Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Institute of Metabolic Disease, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Ming-Ming Wu
- Departments of Cardiology and Clinical Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Institute of Metabolic Disease, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Chang-Jiang Yu
- Departments of Cardiology and Clinical Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Institute of Metabolic Disease, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Departments of Cardiology and Clinical Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Institute of Metabolic Disease, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Bin-Lin Song
- Departments of Cardiology and Clinical Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Institute of Metabolic Disease, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Ren Zhang
- Departments of Cardiology and Clinical Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Institute of Metabolic Disease, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - He-Ping Ma
- Department of Physiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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