Traditional Tibetan Medicine in Cancer Therapy by Targeting Apoptosis Pathways

Salidroside inhibited the proliferation of gastric cancer cells through up-regulating tumor suppressor miR-1343-3p and down-regulating MAP3K6/MMP24 signal molecules

Salidroside inhibited the proliferation of cancer cell. Nevertheless, the mechanism has not been completely clarified. The purpose of the study is to explore the mechanisms of salidroside against gastric cancer. To analyze the changes of microRNA (miRNA) in gastric cancer cells under the treatment of salidroside, the miRNA expression was analyzed by using RNA-seq in cancer cells for 24 h after salidroside treatment. The differentially expressed miRNAs were clustered and their target genes were analyzed. Selected miRNA and target mRNA genes were further verified by q-PCR. The expressions of target genes in cancer cells were detected by immunohistochemistry. Cancer cell apoptotic index was significantly increased after salidroside treatment. The proliferation of gastric cancer cells were blocked at S-phase cell cycle. The expression of 44 miRNAs changed differentially after salidroside treatment in cancer cells. Bioinformatic analysis showed that there were 1384 target mRNAs corresponding to the differentially expressed miRNAs. Surprisingly, salidroside significantly up-regulated the expression of tumor suppressor miR-1343-3p, and down-regulated the expression of MAP3K6, STAT3 and MMP24-related genes. Salidroside suppressed the growth of gastric cancer by inducing the cancer cell apoptosis, arresting the cancer cell cycle and down-regulating the related signal transduction pathways. miRNAs are expressed differentially in gastric cancer cells after salidroside treatment, playing important roles in regulating proliferation and metastasis. Salidroside may suppress the growth of gastric cancer by up-regulating the expression of the tumor suppressor miR-1343-3p and down-regulating the expression of MAP3K6 and MMP24 signal molecules.

Ameliorative effect of salidroside on the cyclophosphamide-induced premature ovarian failure in a rat model

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress injury is an important pathological factor of premature ovarian failure (POF). Salidroside, extracted from the Chinese herb-Rhodiola rosea, has advantages in antioxidant characteristics. However, their therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms in POF have not been explored.

PURPOSE

This study aims to assess the therapeutic effects of salidroside in chemotherapy-induced ovarian failure rats.

METHODS

A POF rat model was established by injection of cyclophosphamide, followed by treatment with salidroside. The therapeutic effect of salidroside was evaluated based on hormone levels, follicle count, and reproductive ability. Oxidative stress injury was assessed by the detection of SOD enzyme activity and MDA levels. Differential gene expression of Keap1, Nrf2, HMOX1, NQO1, AMH, BMP15, and GDF9, were identified by qRT‑PCR. The protein expression of Keap1, Nrf2, P53, and Bcl-2 were detected by western blot.

RESULTS

Salidroside treatment markedly restored FSH, E2, and AMH hormone secretion levels, reduced follicular atresia, and increased antral follicle numbers in POF rats. In addition, salidroside improves fertility in POF rats, activates the Nrf2 signaling pathway, and reduces the level of oxidative stress. The recovery function of high dose salidroside (50 mg/kg) in a reproductive assay was significantly improved than that of lower dose salidroside (25 mg/kg). Meanwhile, the safety evaluation of salidroside treatment in rats showed that salidroside was safe for POF rats at doses of 25-50 mg/kg.

CONCLUSIONS

Salidroside therapy improved premature ovarian failure significantly through antioxidant function and activating Nrf2 signaling.

'Pterocephalodes hookeri-Onosma hookeri' decoction protects against LPS-induced pulmonary inflammation via inhibiting TLR4/ NF-κB signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

As the second-largest traditional medical system in China, Tibetan medicine has a long history and abundant resources. To promote the development of the Tibetan medicine industry, it is essential to study the pharmacological activities of Tibetan medicine based on its traditional usage methods.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Pneumonia has been a worldwide health problem with high morbidity and mortality rates, especially in the context of the COVID-19 epidemic. Given the unique advantages of traditional Tibetan medicine in treating pulmonary diseases, further research is warranted to develop potential anti-pneumonia drugs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In our study, the potential combined decoction from traditional Tibetan medicine was determined by the data mining method. The antioxidant activity in vitro, anti-inflammatory effects on the macrophage cell model, as well as the anti-pulmonary inflammation effects on the LPS-induced mice model, have been explored to investigate the potential anti-pneumonia role of the decoction. Additionally, we conducted network pharmacology analysis to identify the potential targets against pneumonia, which were further confirmed by western blot assays.

RESULTS

Following the combination therapy of Pterocephalodes hookeri (C.B.Clarke) V.Mayer & Ehrend. and Onosma hookeri var. longiflora (Duthie) A.V.Duthie ex Stapf ('P-O'), the clearance of DPPH radical and the total reducing power were all improved, as well as alleviated the toxicity. On the in vitro level, 'P-O' pre-treatment reduced the secretion of NO, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, while promoting the concentration of IL-10. Meanwhile, on the in vivo level, the 'P-O' pre-treating also could alleviate LPS-induced pulmonary inflammation by reducing the pulmonary edema and leakage of the lung microvascular, improving the pathological change of lung tissue and regulating the cytokines content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Furthermore, network pharmacology analysis revealed that the mechanism of 'P-O' in treating pneumonia in a multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway network, with the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway playing a crucial role, as demonstrated by the western blot assay results.

CONCLUSION

In summary, the combination therapy of 'P-O' exhibited good antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory activity in vitro, as well as a therapeutic effect against pulmonary inflammation in vivo. These findings provide evidence for the clinical application of 'P-O' and offer new approaches for treating pneumonia.

Chemical Constituents and Anticancer Activities of the Extracts from Phlomis × commixta Rech. f. (P. cretica × P. lanata)

The present work is the first report on the ingredients of the P. × commixta hybrid, a plant of the genus Phlomis. So far, thirty substances have been isolated by various chromatographic techniques and identified by spectroscopic methods, such as UV/Vis, NMR, GC-MS and LC-MS. The compounds are classified as flavonoids: naringenin, eriodyctiol, eriodyctiol-7-O-β-D-glucoside, luteolin, luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, apigenin, apigenin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, diosmetin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, quercetin, hesperetin and quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucoside; phenylpropanoids: martynoside, verbascoside, forsythoside B, echinacoside and allysonoside; chromene: 5,7-dihydroxychromone; phenolic acids: caffeic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, chlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid methyl ester, gallic acid, p-coumaric acid and vanillic acid; aliphatic hydrocarbon: docos-1-ene; steroids: brassicasterol and stigmasterol; a glucoside of allylic alcohol, 3-O-β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-oct-1-ene-3-ol, was fully characterized as a natural product for the first time. Two tyrosol esters were also isolated: tyrosol lignocerate and tyrosol methyl ether palmitate, the latter one being isolated as a natural product for the first time. Moreover, the biological activities of the extracts from the different polarities of the roots, leaves and flowers were estimated for their cytotoxic potency. All root extracts tested showed a high cytotoxic activity against the Hep2c and RD cell lines.

Identification of the therapeutic mechanism of the saffron crocus on glioma through network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis

Saffron crocus is a herbal medicine of traditional Tibetan medicine (TTM). Saffron extract has been indicated to inhibit tumor cell growth and promote tumor cell apoptosis in a variety of cancers, including glioma, but the specific mechanism is not clear. To study the possible mechanism of saffron action on glioma, network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis methods were used in this study. We used the online database to obtain the active ingredients of saffron and their targets. Glioma-related targets were also acquired from online database. We intersected drug targets with glioma-related targets and conducted PPI network analysis to obtain network core genes. Then, we obtained RNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database for glioma patients. Through different expression analysis and lasso regression, further screening of core genes in the network was conducted, and a prognostic model was established. The sample was divided into two groups with high and low risk using this model. The RNA-seq data from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) database were used to further validate our prediction model. Then, we explored the difference in pathways enrichment between high-risk patients and low-risk patients and calculated the difference in immune microenvironment between the two groups. Finally, we used scRNA-seq data in the CGGA database to analyze the cell types in which the model gene is mainly enriched and predicted the cell types which saffron effected on.

Network pharmacology and experimental verification reveal the mechanism of safranal against glioblastoma (GBM)

Introduction

Safranal is an active component of the traditional Tibetan medicine (TTM) saffron, which has potential anticancer activity.

Methods and results

Here, we studied the therapeutic effect and mechanism of safranal on GBM. CCK-8, GBM-brain organoid coculture experiments and 3D tumour spheroid invasion assays showed that safranal inhibited GBM cell proliferation and invasion in vitro. Network pharmacology, RNA-seq, molecular docking analysis, western blotting, apoptosis, and cell cycle assays predicted and verified that safranal could promote GBM cell apoptosis and G2/M phase arrest and inhibit the PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis. In vivo experiments showed that safranal could inhibit GBM cell growth alone and in combination with TMZ.

Conclusion

This study revealed that safranal inhibits GBM cell growth in vivo and in vitro, promotes GBM cell apoptosis and G2/M phase arrest, inhibits the PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis and cooperate with TMZ.

Phyllanthus emblica fruits: a polyphenol-rich fruit with potential benefits for oral management

The fruit of Phyllanthus emblica Linn., which mainly grows in tropical and subtropical regions, is well-known for its medicine and food homology properties. It has a distinctive flavor, great nutritional content, and potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and immunoregulatory effects. According to an increasing amount of scientific and clinical evidence, this fruit shows significant potential for application and development in the field of oral health management. Through the supplementation of vitamins, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and other nutrients reduce virulence expression of various oral pathogens, prevent tissue and mucosal damage caused by oxidative stress, etc. Phyllanthus emblica fruit can promote saliva secretion, regulate the balance of the oral microecology, prevent and treat oral cancer early, promote alveolar bone remodeling and aid mucosal wound healing. Thus, it plays a specific role in the prevention and treatment of common oral disorders, producing surprising results. For instance, enhancing the effectiveness of scaling and root planing in the treatment of periodontitis, relieving mucosal inflammation caused by radiotherapy for oral cancer, and regulating the blood glucose metabolism to alleviate oral discomfort. Herein, we systematically review the latest research on the use of Phyllanthus emblica fruit in the management of oral health and examine the challenges and future research directions based on its chemical composition and characteristics.

Study the inhibitory effect and mechanism of the ethanol extract of deziyangxin on LLC cells

Background

Chinese Tibetan medicine plays a crucial role in complementary anti-tumor treatments. This article aims to investigate the inhibitory effect of the alcoholic extract of Tibetan medicine Deziyangxin (DZYX) on the proliferation and migration of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, specifically LLC cells, as well as explore its potential mechanism of action.

Methods

The effect of the alcoholic extract on LLC cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 method. The proliferation of LLC cells was evaluated using the EdU (5-Acetyl-2'-deoxyuridine) assay. Transwell assays were conducted to measure cell metastasis. Western blot analysis was performed to assess the expression of Cleaved Caspase-3, Bcl-2, Beciln-1, indicating the impact of DZYX on apoptosis and autophagy in LLC cells. Furthermore, the anti-tumor mechanism of DZYX was explored through transcriptome research and detection of Akt, p-Akt, p-mTOR protein levels.

Results

The ethanol extract of DZYX exhibited a concentration-dependent and time-dependent inhibitory effect on LLC cell viability, with an IC50 of 406.1 μg/ml. Moreover, the ethanol extract of DZYX significantly reduced the migration ability of LLC cells. Additionally, the alcoholic extract of DZYX upregulated the expression of Cleaved Caspase-3 and Beciln-1 proteins, while downregulating the expression of Bcl-2 in LLC cells. Importantly, DZYX ethanol extract down regulated the expression of Akt and p-mTOR proteins in LLC cells, which combined with transcriptome results indicated that the drug exerted a multi-target and multi-pathway effect, primarily related to inhibiting the activation of the PI3K/AKT/m-TOR signaling pathway.

Conclusion

The alcoholic extract of DZYX demonstrates inhibitory effects on LLC cells, promoting apoptosis and autophagy. It is hypothesized that its anti-tumor mechanism is associated with the PI3K/AKT/m-TOR pathway.

Phenolic Compounds of Rhodiola rosea L. as the Potential Alternative Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Diseases

The roots and rhizomes of Rhodiola rosea L. (Crassulaceae), which is widely growing in Northern Europe, North America, and Siberia, have been used since ancient times to alleviate stress, fatigue, and mental and physical disorders. Phenolic compounds: phenylpropanoids rosavin, rosarin, and rosin, tyrosol glucoside salidroside, and tyrosol, are responsible for the biological action of R. rosea, exerting antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-aging, anti-fatigue activities. R. rosea extract formulations are used as alternative remedies to enhance mental and cognitive functions and protect the central nervous system and heart during stress. Recent studies indicate that R. rosea may be used to treat diabetes, cancer, and a variety of cardiovascular and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. This paper reviews the beneficial effects of the extract of R. rosea, its key active components, and their possible use in the treatment of chronic diseases. R. rosea represents an excellent natural remedy to address situations involving decreased performance, such as fatigue and a sense of weakness, particularly in the context of chronic diseases. Given the significance of mitochondria in cellular energy metabolism and their vulnerability to reactive oxygen species, future research should prioritize investigating the potential effects of R. rosea main bioactive phenolic compounds on mitochondria, thus targeting cellular energy supply and countering oxidative stress-related effects.

Salidroside alleviates oxidative stress in dry eye disease by activating autophagy through AMPK-Sirt1 pathway

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disease, and oxidative stress plays a crucial role in its pathogenesis. Recently, multiple studies have shown that upregulation of autophagy can protect the cornea from oxidative stress damage. The present study investigated the therapeutic effects of salidroside, the main component of Rhodiola crenulata, in both in vivo and in vitro dry eye models. The results showed that topical eye drop treatment with salidroside restored corneal epithelium damage, increased tear secretion, and reduced cornea inflammation in the DED mice. Salidroside activated autophagy through AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-sirtuin-1 (Sirt1) signaling pathway, which promoted the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and increased the expression of downstream antioxidant factors heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1). This process restored antioxidant enzyme activity, reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and alleviated oxidative stress. The application of autophagy inhibitor chloroquine and AMPK inhibitor Compound C reversed the therapeutic efficacy of salidroside, validating the above findings. In conclusion, our data suggest that salidroside is a promising candidate for DED treatment.

Synergistic Effects of New Curcumin Analog (PAC) and Cisplatin on Oral Cancer Therapy

Oral cancer has traditionally been treated with surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these therapies. Although cisplatin, a chemotherapy drug, can effectively kill oral cancer cells by forming DNA adducts, its clinical use is limited due to adverse effects and chemo-resistance. Therefore, there is a need to develop new, targeted anticancer drugs to complement chemotherapy, allowing for reduced cisplatin doses and minimizing adverse effects. Recent studies have shown that 3,5-Bis (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-N-methyl-4-piperidine (PAC), a new curcumin analog, possesses anticancer properties and could be considered a complementary or alternative therapy. In this study, we aimed to assess the potential complementary effects of PAC in combination with cisplatin for treating oral cancer. We conducted experiments using oral cancer cell lines (Ca9-22) treated with different concentrations of cisplatin (ranging from 0.1 μM to 1 μM), either alone or in conjunction with PAC (2.5 and 5 μM). Cell growth was measured using the MTT assay, while cell cytotoxicity was evaluated using an LDH assay. Propidium iodide and annexin V staining were employed to examine the impact on cell apoptosis. Flow cytometry was used to investigate the effects of the PAC/cisplatin combination on cancer cell autophagy, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. Additionally, a Western Blot analysis was performed to assess the influence of this combination on pro-carcinogenic proteins involved in various signaling pathways. The results demonstrated that PAC enhanced the efficacy of cisplatin in a dose-dependent manner, leading to a significant inhibition of oral cancer cell proliferation. Importantly, treatment with PAC (5 μM) alongside different concentrations of cisplatin reduced the IC50 of cisplatin tenfold. Combining these two agents increased apoptosis by further inducing caspase activity. In addition, the concomitant use of PAC and cisplatin enhances oral cancer cell autophagy, ROS, and MitoSOX production. However, combined PAC with cisplatin inhibits the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), which is a marker for cell viability. Finally, this combination further enhances the inhibition of oral cancer cell migration via the inhibition of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition genes, such as E-cadherin. We demonstrated that the combination of PAC and cisplatin markedly enhanced oral cancer cell death by inducing apoptosis, autophagy, and oxidative stress. The data presented indicate that PAC has the potential to serve as a powerful complementary agent to cisplatin in the treatment of gingival squamous cell carcinomas.

A Meroterpenoid from Tibetan Medicine Induces Lung Cancer Cells Apoptosis through ROS-Mediated Inactivation of the AKT Pathway

As a traditional Tibetan medicine in China, Meconopsis grandis Prain has been used to treat a variety of illnesses by local people for thousands of years. However, the active ingredients contained in Meconopsis grandis Prain and its pharmacodynamic mechanisms have scarcely been reported. We isolated a meroterpenoid named D1399 from Meconopsis grandis Prain endophytic fungi with strong antitumor activity. The structure analysis showed that D1399 is an alkaloid containing a 13-membered macrocyclic structure. The IC₅₀ of D1399 for human lung cancer cells' viability ranged from 0.88 to 2.45 μM. Furthermore, we utilized TUNEL assay and western blotting to investigate the antitumor effectiveness of D1399. The results have shown that D1399 induced the apoptosis of lung cancer cells on the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways by boosting ROS generation and repressing AKT activity. In the mouse xenograft model, the average tumor weight with 30 mg·kg^-1 D1399 treatment exhibited 73.19% inhibition compared with the untreated control, without affecting body weight loss. Above all, for the first time, our study provides a possible mechanism for the antitumor activity of D1399 in vitro and in vivo as a natural product from Tibetan medicine with Meconopsis grandis Prain, which may be a potentially promising antitumor drug candidate.

Astragaloside IV, as a potential anticancer agent

Cancer is a global intractable disease, and its morbidity and mortality are increasing year by year in developing countries. Surgery and chemotherapy are often used to treat cancer, but they result in unsatisfactory outcomes, such as severe side effects and drug resistance. With the accelerated modernization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), an increasing body of evidence has shown that several TCM components have significant anticancer activities. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is considered the main active ingredient of the dried root of Astragalus membranaceus. AS-IV exhibits various pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, antifibrotic, and anticancer activities. AS-IV possesses a wide range of activities, such as the modulation of reactive oxygen species-scavenging enzyme activities, participation in cell cycle arrest, induction of apoptosis and autophagy, and suppression of cancer cell proliferation, invasiveness, and metastasis. These effects are involved in the inhibition of different malignant tumors, such as lung, liver, breast, and gastric cancers. This article reviews the bioavailability, anticancer activity, and mechanism of AS-IV and provides suggestions for further research of this TCM.

Elucidating the mechanism behind and investigating the efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Traditional Tibetan Medicine in combination with standard therapeutics in hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma in vitro

In this study, we investigated compounds of plant and mushroom origin belonging to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and to Traditional Tibetan Medicine (TTM): a sandy beige mushroom Trametes robiniophila Murr, commonly known as Huaier/TCM as well as Ershiwuwei Songshi Wan and Qiwei Honghua Shusheng Wan, which both belong to TTM. We aimed to study the efficacy of TTM and TCM in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) in vitro. TCM and TTM were tested either as a monotherapy, or in combination with standard therapeutics: sorafenib for HCC treatment and gemcitabine for CCA. We also discovered a protective mechanism behind the most successful therapeutic combinations. The results demonstrated that TCM and TTM inhibited the proliferation of cancer cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The results were compared to classical chemotherapeutics currently used in the clinic: sorafenib for HCC and gemcitabine for CCA. In HCC settings, a combination of Huaier (16 mg/ml) with half of the human plasma concentration of sorafenib, Qiwei Honghua Shusheng Wan (1 mg/ml) monotherapy as well as its combination with half or even a quarter dose of the human plasma concentration of sorafenib represented the most efficient treatments, inhibiting the growth of HCC cells more effectively than the standard therapy. The inhibitory mechanism relied on a strong induction of apoptosis. In CCA settings, Ershiwuwei Songshi Wan and Qiwei Honghua Shusheng Wan as monotherapies or in combination with very low doses of gemcitabine inhibited the growth of CCA cells more efficiently than the standard therapy. Importantly, Ershiwuwei Songshi Wan at the 8 and 16 mg/ml concentrations and Qiwei Honghua Shusheng Wan at the 4 mg/ml concentration were efficacious with gemcitabine applied at massively reduced concentrations. The protective mechanism in CCA relied on a strong induction of early and late apoptosis. Cellular senescence and necroptosis were not associated with protection against HCC/CCA. Combination therapy with TCM or TTM allowed for a dose reduction of standard chemotherapeutics. This is especially important as both chemotherapeutic drugs show strong side effects in patients. The reduction of chemotherapeutics and the synergistic effect observed while applying them in combination with TCM and TTM has strong perspectives for the clinic and patients suffering from HCC and CCA.

Exploring the mechanism of action of Sanzi formula in intervening colorectal adenoma by targeting intestinal flora and intestinal metabolism

Background

Sanzi formula (SZF) is a kind of Chinese herbal compound that has a certain effect on the prevention and treatment of colorectal adenoma (CRA), which can prevent and control the process of CRA-cancer transformation. In this study, we explored the mechanism of action of SZF in anti-CRA using 16S rRNA sequencing and metabolomics technology.

Methods

Mice were randomly divided into three groups: Control group, Apc^min/+ model group, and SZF treatment group. Except for the Control group, which used C57BL/6 J mice, the remaining two groups used Apc^min/+ mice. The Control group and Apc^min/+ model group were treated with ultrapure water by gavage, while the SZF treatment group was treated with SZF for 12 weeks. During this period, the physical changes of mice in each group were observed. The gut microbiota was determined by high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, and LC-ESI-MS/MS was used for colorectal metabolomics analysis.

Results

Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gut flora yielded 10,256 operational taxonomic units and metabolomic analysis obtained a total of 366 differential metabolites. The intestinal flora analysis showed that SZF could improve intestinal flora disorders in Apc^min/+ mice. For instance, beneficial bacteria such as Gastranaerophilales significantly increased and harmful bacteria such as Angelakisella, Dubosiella, Muribaculum, and Erysipelotrichaceae UCG-003 substantially decreased after the SZF intervention. In addition, metabolomic data analysis demonstrated that SZF also improved the colorectal metabolic profile of Apc^min/+ mice. In Apc^min/+ mice, metabolites such as Anserine and Ectoine were typically increased after SZF intervention; in contrast, metabolites such as Taurocholic acid, Taurochenodesoxycholic acid, Hyocholic acid, Cholic acid, and Tauro-alpha-muricholic acid showed noteworthy reductions. Metabolic flora association analysis indicated that 13 differential flora and 11 differential metabolites were associated.

Conclusion

SZF affects the abundance of specific intestinal flora and regulates intestinal flora disorders, improves colorectal-specific metabolites, and ameliorates intestinal metabolic disorders to prevent and treat CRA. Furthermore, the application of intestinal flora and colorectal metabolomics association analysis offers new strategies to reveal the mechanism of action of herbal medicines for the treatment of intestinal diseases.

Pharmacological Inhibition of Endogenous Hydrogen Sulfide Attenuates Breast Cancer Progression

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), a gaseous signaling molecule, is associated with the development of various malignancies via modulating various cellular signaling cascades. Published research has established the fact that inhibition of endogenous H₂S production or exposure of H₂S donors is an effective approach against cancer progression. However, the effect of pharmacological inhibition of endogenous H₂S-producing enzymes (cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE), cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS), and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MPST)) on the growth of breast cancer (BC) remains unknown. In the present study, DL-propargylglycine (PAG, inhibitor of CSE), aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA, inhibitor of CBS), and L-aspartic acid (L-Asp, inhibitor of 3-MPST) were used to determine the role of endogenous H₂S in the growth of BC by in vitro and in vivo experiments. An in silico study was also performed to confirm the results. Corresponding to each enzyme in separate groups, we treated BC cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) with 10 mM of PAG, AOAA, and L-Asp for 24 h. Findings reveal that the combined dose (PAG + AOAA + L-Asp) group showed exclusive inhibitory effects on BC cells’ viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion compared to the control group. Further, treated cells exhibited increased apoptosis and a reduced level of phospho (p)-extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases such as p-AKT, p-PI3K, and p-mTOR. Moreover, the combined group exhibited potent inhibitory effects on the growth of BC xenograft tumors in nude mice, without obvious toxicity. The molecular docking results were consistent with the wet lab experiments and enhanced the reliability of the drugs. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that the inhibition of endogenous H₂S production can significantly inhibit the growth of human breast cancer cells via the AKT/PI3K/mTOR pathway and suggest that endogenous H₂S may act as a promising therapeutic target in human BC cells. Our study also empowers the rationale to design novel H₂S-based anti-tumor drugs to cure BC.

Dietary Phytochemicals Targeting Nrf2 to Enhance the Radiosensitivity of Cancer

Nowadays, cancer has become the second leading cause of death worldwide. Radiotherapy (RT) is the mainstay in management of carcinoma; however, overcoming radioresistance remains a great challenge to successfully treat cancer. Nrf2 is a key transcription factor that is responsible for maintaining cellular redox homeostasis. Activation of Nrf2 signaling pathway could upregulate multifarious antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes, further scavenging excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS). Despite its cytoprotective roles in normal cells, it could also alleviate oxidative stress and DNA damage caused by RT in cancer cells, thus promoting cancer cell survival. Accumulating evidence indicates that overactivation of Nrf2 is associated with radioresistance; therefore, targeting Nrf2 is a promising strategy to enhance radiosensitivity. Dietary phytochemicals coming from natural products are characterized by low cost, low toxicity, and general availability. Numerous phytochemicals are reported to regulate Nrf2 and intensify the killing capability of RT through diverse mechanisms, including promoting oxidative stress, proapoptosis, and proautophagy as well as inhibiting Nrf2-mediated cytoprotective genes expression. This review summarizes recent advances in radiosensitizing effects of dietary phytochemicals by targeting Nrf2 and discusses the underlying mechanisms, including N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of Nrf2 mediated by phytochemicals in cancer.

Salidroside alleviates oxidative stress and apoptosis via AMPK/Nrf2 pathway in DHT-induced human granulosa cell line KGN

In the past few years, emerging evidence established persistent oxidative stress to be a key player in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Particularly, it damages the function of granulosa cells, and thus hinders the development of follicles. The present study aimed to explore and establish the protective effects of salidroside on dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced Granulosa-like tumor cell line (KGN), mediated via antioxidant mechanisms. The study assessed the positive effects of salidroside on DHT-induced apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, damage of antioxidant capacity, and mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization. Interestingly, salidroside partly reversed DHT mediated effects, via stimulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway and the downstream antioxidant proteins heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) and quinine oxidoreductase 1(NQO1). Additionally, the knockdown of Nrf2 partly moderated the antioxidant and anti-apoptosis effects of salidroside in DHT-treated KGN cells. Mechanistically, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was identified to be the upstream signaling involved in salidroside-induced Nrf2 activation, as silencing of AMPK partly prevented the upregulation of Nrf2 and the downstream proteins HO-1 and NQO1. Altogether, the present study is the first to effectively demonstrate the inhibitory effect of salidroside on DHT-stimulated oxidative stress and apoptosis in KGN cells, which was dependent on Nrf2 activation that involved AMPK.

A Protein from Dioscorea polystachya (Chinese Yam) Improves Hydrocortisone-Induced Testicular Dysfunction by Alleviating Leydig Cell Injury via Upregulation of the Nrf2 Pathway

Leydig cell injury has been described as a primary driver of testicular dysfunction and is affected by oxidative stress. Dioscorea polystachya (Chinese yam) is used to improve testicular dysfunction in clinical and pharmacological research via its antioxidative activity, but the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effect of Chinese yam on testicular dysfunction and its suppression of Leydig cell oxidative damage remain unclear. In this study, we obtained a Chinese yam protein (DP1) and explored its effectiveness and possible mechanism in improving testicular dysfunction in vivo and in vitro. We established a testicular dysfunction model in rats using hydrocortisone (HCT). DP1 increased body weight and organ index, improved the deterioration in testicular morphology (including increasing the diameter of seminiferous tubules and thickness of germinal cell layers, inhibiting testicular cell apoptosis by increasing the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, and impeding collagen leakage by downregulating TGF-β1 and p-SMAD2/3 expression), and restored the testosterone content. In addition, DP1 enhanced the number of Leydig cells in rats and H₂O₂-induced TM3 Leydig cells, and the effect of DP1 on the apoptosis, fibrosis, and testosterone content of TM3 cells was similar to that observed in vivo. These changes were dependent on the regulation of oxidative stress, including significantly reduced intracellular 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine levels, enhanced superoxide dismutase activities, and decreased superoxide anion levels, which were confirmed via a superoxide overexpression system. Furthermore, we observed that DP1 promoted Nrf2 nuclear import and upregulated antioxidant factor expression in vivo and in vitro. However, Nrf2 silencing eliminated the ability of DP1 to increase the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, reduce the expression levels of TGF-β1 and p-SMAD2/3, and increase testosterone contents in H₂O₂-induced TM3 cells. In conclusion, DP1 reversed the HCT-induced testicular apoptosis and fibrosis and decreased testosterone contents by alleviating Leydig cell oxidative damage via upregulation of the Nrf2 pathway.

A long-wavelength activable AIEgen fluorescent probe for HClO and cell apoptosis imaging

Hypochlorous acid (HClO) is an important bactericide, and adjusting the content of HClO helps to improve the host's innate immunity and resist microbial invasion. Aggregation-induced luminescence (AIE) is the opposite of aggregation-induced quenching (ACQ). Compounds with AIE properties emit weakly in a dispersed state in solution and they can emit strong fluorescence in an aggregated state. In this article, we proposed a new AIE fluorescent probe QM-ClO based on the quinoline-malononitrile (QM) fluorophore and dimethylthiocarbamate (DMTC) to detect HClO. The probe QM-ClO showed a fast response time, a low detection limit of 30.8 nM and a large Stokes shift (190 nm). Carbonyl cyanide metachlorophenyl-hydrazone (CCCP) was used to induce cell apoptosis, and then an increase in the HClO content was observed in the cell. It is proved that cell apoptosis can lead to the increase of the HClO content in the cell. This probe provides an effective tool for studying apoptosis-related diseases.

Anti-cancer effects of Hederoside C, a pentacyclic triterpene saponin, through the intrinsic apoptosis and STAT3 signaling pathways in osteosarcoma

Natural compounds have emerged as an approach in cancer therapy. Pulsatilla koreana Nakai is used as a traditional medicinal plant that found throughout China and Korea. However, anti-cancer effects of Hederoside C (HedC) isolated from P. koreana has not been investigated in osteosarcoma. The present study aimed to demonstrate anti-cancer functions of HedC against human osteosarcoma cells. Herein, we found that HedC suppressed the proliferation of MG63 cells and U2OS cells in the dose- and time-dependent manner, and caused intrinsic apoptosis pathways as evidenced by morphological changes, TUNEL-positive cells, cleaved-PARP, and cleaved-caspase 9 and 3. HedC increased p53, Bax, and p21, whereas HedC reduced Bcl-2. HedC-mediated apoptosis was accompanied by decreases in the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and STAT3 phosphorylation. Wound healing and Boyden chamber assays also showed the anti-metastatic effects of HedC by suppressing migration and invasion. In addition, the anti-cancer effects of HedC were observed in in vivo xenograft mice model, and HedC treatment induced the decreased PCNA and p-STAT3 as well as the increased p53 and cleaved caspase-3. Taken together, our results provide evidence that HedC might be an attractive therapeutic strategy against osteosarcoma.

The Role of Autophagy in Anti-Cancer and Health Promoting Effects of Cordycepin

Cordycepin is an adenosine derivative isolated from Cordyceps sinensis, which has been used as an herbal complementary and alternative medicine with various biological activities. The general anti-cancer mechanisms of cordycepin are regulated by the adenosine A3 receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β, leading to cell cycle arrest or apoptosis. Notably, cordycepin also induces autophagy to trigger cell death, inhibits tumor metastasis, and modulates the immune system. Since the dysregulation of autophagy is associated with cancers and neuron, immune, and kidney diseases, cordycepin is considered an alternative treatment because of the involvement of cordycepin in autophagic signaling. However, the profound mechanism of autophagy induction by cordycepin has never been reviewed in detail. Therefore, in this article, we reviewed the anti-cancer and health-promoting effects of cordycepin in the neurons, kidneys, and the immune system through diverse mechanisms, including autophagy induction. We also suggest that formulation changes for cordycepin could enhance its bioactivity and bioavailability and lower its toxicity for future applications. A comprehensive understanding of the autophagy mechanism would provide novel mechanistic insight into the anti-cancer and health-promoting effects of cordycepin.

Salidroside Prevents Hypoxia-Induced Human Retinal Microvascular Endothelial Cell Damage Via miR-138/ROBO4 Axis

Purpose

Retinopathies are associated with the injury of retinal microvascular endothelial cells. Salidroside (SAL) is a medicinal supplement that has antioxidative and cytoprotective properties. We hypothesized that SAL might have a protective function in retinopathies. This research aims to explore the function and mechanism of SAL in hypoxia-induced retinal microvascular endothelial cell injury.

Methods

Human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) injury was induced by culturing under hypoxic condition. The function of SAL on HRMECs injury was investigated using cell counting kit-8, 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, flow cytometry, Western blotting, and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. MicroRNA (miR)-138, roundabout 4 (ROBO4), and proteins in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways were examined using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or Western blotting. The target correlation was determined by dual-luciferase reporter analysis and RNA immunoprecipitation.

Results

Hypoxia resulted in proliferation inhibition, cycle arrest, apoptosis, inflammatory reaction, and oxidative stress in HRMECs. SAL attenuated hypoxia-induced HRMECs injury via increasing cell proliferation, and mitigating cycle arrest, apoptosis, inflammatory reaction, and oxidative stress. MiR-138 expression was enhanced by hypoxia, and decreased via SAL stimulation. MiR-138 upregulation reversed the influence of SAL on hypoxia-induced HRMECs injury. ROBO4 was targeted via miR-138. ROBO4 overexpression weakened the role of miR-138 in HRMECs injury. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway was inactivated under hypoxic condition, and SAL increased the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways by decreasing miR-138.

Conclusions

SAL protected against hypoxia-induced HRMECs injury through regulating miR-138/ROBO4 axis, indicating the protective potential of SAL in retinopathies.

Ethnobotanical study on herbal market at the Dragon Boat Festival of Chuanqing people in China

BACKGROUND

The Chuanqing people () are a linguistic group native to the Guizhou Province of China, with unique culture and rich knowledge of traditional medicinal plants. Herbal market at Dragon Boat Festival (DBF) plays an important role in the inheritance of traditional medicinal knowledge among the Chuanqing people. This study aims to record the profile of medicinal plants of the Chuanqing people, discuss the dilemmas faced by their inheritance, and propose some strategies for passing down information, which is critical for the inheritance and protection of the Chuanqing people's traditional medical knowledge.

METHODS

Data were collected through key informants and semi-structured interviews and free listing. Collected voucher specimens were identified using by botanical taxonomy method and deposited in the herbarium. Data were analyzed through use-value (UV) and cultural importance index (CI) values. Medicinal plants were compared with the Information System of Chinese Rare and Endangered Plants of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Results were compared with the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (ChP), the Quality Standard of Traditional Chinese Medicine and National Medicine in Guizhou Province (QSG), and traditional medicines of Southeast Asian countries.

RESULTS

A total of 102 species from 53 families and 92 genera were recorded, with Orchidaceae and Asparagaceae (six species each), and Berberidaceae and Asteraceae (five species each) as the predominant families. The whole plant (36%) was the most common medicinal part. Decoction (44%) was the most common preparation method. Seventy-one investigated human ailments were grouped into 12 categories. Diseases of the musculoskeletal system (34 mentions) were most frequently mentioned in this study. Moreover, the most frequently used taxon was Hedera sinensis (Tobler ) Hand.-Mazz. (UV and CI = 0.29). The Chuanqing people's medicine was highly similar to ChP and QSG. In comparison with Southeast Asian countries' traditional medicines, except for the same preparation methods, the similarities in terms of medicinal ingredients, plants, and disease treatment were very low.

CONCLUSIONS

The herbal market at the DBF is an important platform for exchanging knowledge about the Chuanqing people's traditional medicinal plants. The Chuanqing people's traditional medicine is facing many challenges to its inheritance and development. To solve these problems, this study highlights the traditional medicinal knowledge of the Chuanqing people, providing basic data for further research and protection of minority medicine.

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of the prickly blue poppy Meconopsis horridula Hook. f. & Thomson (Ranunculales: Papaveraceae)

The prickly blue poppy (Meconopsis horridula Hook. f. & Thomson) is a traditional Tibetan medicinal herb with high values. In this study, its chloroplast genome was determined to be 153,761 bp in length with an A + T-biased base composition, and comprises a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions (26,030 bp), separated by a large single-copy (LSC) region (83,803 bp) and a small single-copy (SSC) region (17,898 bp). A total of 113 gene species were annotated, with 20 of them being completely or partially duplicated and 18 of them harboring one or two introns. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that M. horridula is closely related to Meconopsis racemosa Maxim.