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Qu C, Li QP, Su ZR, Ip SP, Yuan QJ, Xie YL, Xu QQ, Yang W, Huang YF, Xian YF, Lin ZX. Nano-Honokiol ameliorates the cognitive deficits in TgCRND8 mice of Alzheimer's disease via inhibiting neuropathology and modulating gut microbiota. J Adv Res 2022; 35:231-243. [PMID: 35024199 PMCID: PMC8721355 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2021.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [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: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Honokiol (HO) exerts neuroprotective effects in several animal models of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the poor dissolution hampers its bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. Objectives A novel honokiol nanoscale drug delivery system (Nano-HO) with smaller size and excellent stability was developed in this study to improve the solubility and bioavailability of HO. The anti-AD effects of Nano-HO was determined. Methods Male TgCRND8 mice were daily orally administered Nano-HO or HO at the same dosage (20 mg/kg) for 17 consecutive weeks, followed by assessment of the spatial learning and memory functions using the Morris Water Maze test (MWMT). Results Our pharmacokinetic study indicated that the oral bioavailability was greatly improved by Nano-HO. In addition, Nano-HO significantly improved cognitive deficits and inhibited neuroinflammation via suppressing the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in the brain, preventing the activation of microglia (IBA-1) and astrocyte (GFAP), and reducing β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition in the cortex and hippocampus of TgCRND8 mice. Moreover, Nano-HO was more effective than HO in modulating amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing via suppressing β-secretase, as well as enhancing Aβ-degrading enzymes like neprilysin (NEP). Furthermore, Nano-HO more markedly inhibited tau hyperphosphorylation via decreasing the ratio of p-Tau (Thr 205)/tau and regulating tau-related apoptosis proteins (caspase-3 and Bcl-2). In addition, Nano-HO more markedly attenuated the ratios of p-JNK/JNK and p-35/CDK5, while enhancing the ratio of p-GSK-3β (Ser9)/GSK-3β. Finally, Nano-HO prevented the gut microflora dysbiosis in TgCRND8 mice in a more potent manner than free HO. Conclusion Nano-HO was more potent than free HO in improving cognitive impairments in TgCRND8 mice via inhibiting Aβ deposition, tau hyperphosphorylation and neuroinflammation through suppressing the activation of JNK/CDK5/GSK-3β signaling pathway. Nano-HO also more potently modulated the gut microbiota community to protect its stability than free HO. These results suggest that Nano-HO has good potential for further development into therapeutic agent for AD treatment.
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Key Words
- AD, Alzheimer’s disease
- APH-1, anterior pharynx-defective-1
- APP, amyloid precursor protein
- Aβ, β-amyloid
- BACE-1, β-site APP cleaving enzyme-1
- Bcl-2, B cell lymphoma-2
- CDK5, cyclin-dependent kinase 5
- CMC-Na, sodium carboxymethylcellulose
- Cognitive deficits
- GSK-3β, glycogen synthase kinase 3β
- Gut microbiota
- HO, Honokiol
- HPLC, high performance liquid chromatography
- Honokiol nanoscale drug delivery system
- IDE, insulin degrading enzyme
- IL-1β, interleukin 1β
- IL-6, interleukin 6
- JNK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase
- MCT, Medium-chain triglycerides
- MWMT, Morris Water Maze test
- NEP, neprilysin
- NFTs, neurofibrillary tangles
- Nano-HO, honokiol nanoscale drug delivery system
- Neuroinflammation
- PBS, phosphate-buffered saline
- PDI, poly-dispersity index
- PS-1, presenilin-1
- ROS, reactive oxygen species
- TEM, transmission electron microscope
- TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor
- Tau protein hyperphosphorylation
- TgCRND8 mice
- WT, wild type
- ZP, zeta potential
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Qu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Qiao-Ping Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Development and Research of Chinese Medicine, Mathematical Engineering Academy of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zi-Ren Su
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Development and Research of Chinese Medicine, Mathematical Engineering Academy of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Siu-Po Ip
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.,Brain Research Centre, School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Qiu-Ju Yuan
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.,Brain Research Centre, School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - You-Liang Xie
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Development and Research of Chinese Medicine, Mathematical Engineering Academy of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qing-Qing Xu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Wen Yang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Yan-Feng Huang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Yan-Fang Xian
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.,Brain Research Centre, School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Zhi-Xiu Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.,Brain Research Centre, School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.,Hong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
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Xu QQ, Shaw PC, Hu Z, Yang W, Ip SP, Xian YF, Lin ZX. Comparison of the chemical constituents and anti-Alzheimer's disease effects of Uncaria rhynchophylla and Uncaria tomentosa. Chin Med 2021; 16:110. [PMID: 34706756 PMCID: PMC8555092 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-021-00514-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uncaria tomentosa, which has similar chemical constituents with Uncaria rhynchophylla, has been reported to alleviate cognitive impairments in Alzheimer's disease (AD) animal models. This study aimed to compare the chemical constituents and anti-AD effect of the ethanol extracts of U. tomentosa (UTE) and U. rhynchophylla (URE). METHODS The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to compare the chemical constituents of UTE and URE. Streptozotocin (STZ) was intracerebroventricularly (ICV) injected into adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats to establish AD model. UTE (400 mg/kg) or URE (400 mg/kg) was administrated intragastrically once daily to the rats for 6 consecutive weeks. Morris water maze (MWM) test was conducted to assess the neurological functions in the STZ-induced AD rats. The brain tissues of the rats were harvested for further biochemical assay. RESULTS The MWM test results showed both UTE and URE could significantly improve the learning and memory impairments induced by STZ in rats. Both UTE and URE could significantly inhibit the hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, reduce the elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α), enhance activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT and GPx) and increase the protein expression of HO-1. In addition, UTE could decrease the malondialdehyde (MDA) level. Furthermore, both UTE and URE significantly enhanced Akt activation, down regulated the activation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β), and induced the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 in the STZ-induced AD rats. CONCLUSIONS UTE and URE contained similar chemical constituents. We found for the first time that both of them could ameliorate cognitive deficits in the STZ-induced AD rats. The underlying molecular mechanism involve suppression of tau hyperphosphorylation, anti-oxidant and anti-neuroinflammation via modulating Akt (Ser473)/GSK3β (Ser9)-mediated Nrf2 activation. These findings amply implicate that both of UTE and URE are worthy of being developed clinically into pharmaceutical treatment for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Qing Xu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
| | - Pang Chui Shaw
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin R&D Centre for Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhen Hu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wen Yang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
| | - Siu-Po Ip
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan-Fang Xian
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Xiu Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin R&D Centre for Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
- Hong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
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Zhang ZB, Ip SP, Cho WCS, Ng ACF, Hu Z, Huang YF, Luo DD, Xian YF, Lin ZX. Herb-drug interactions between androgenic Chinese herbal medicines and androgen receptor antagonist on tumor growth: Studies on two xenograft prostate cancer animal models. Phytother Res 2021; 35:2758-2772. [PMID: 33440458 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Our previous study revealed that Epimedii Folium (EF) and Codonopsis Radix (CNR) significantly promoted tumor growth on a subcutaneous mouse model of prostate cancer (PCa) via enhancing the mRNA and protein expressions of androgen receptor (AR), while Astragali Radix (AGR) inhibited tumor growth via suppressing the protein expression of AR. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the potential interactions between EF, CNR or AGR and AR antagonist (abiraterone acetate [ABI]) on the tumor growth using subcutaneous and orthotopic PCa mouse models. EF, CNR, AGR and ABI were intragastrically given to mice once every 2 days for 4 weeks. The pharmacokinetics of ABI were evaluated in the plasma of rats when combined with EF, CNR, or AGR. Our results demonstrated that EF or CNR could weaken the anti-tumor effects of ABI via increasing the AR expression involving activation of the PI3K/AKT and Rb/E2F pathways and decreasing the bioavailability of ABI, while AGR could enhance the anti-tumor effects of ABI through suppressing the AR expression via inhibiting the activations of PI3K/AKT and Rb/E2F pathways and increasing the bioavailability of ABI. These findings imply that cautions should be exercised when prescribing EF and CNR for PCa patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Biao Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Siu-Po Ip
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
- Brain Research Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | | | - Anthony Chi Fai Ng
- SH Ho Urology Centre, Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Zhen Hu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Yan-Feng Huang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Dan-Dan Luo
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yan-Fang Xian
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
- Brain Research Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Zhi-Xiu Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
- Brain Research Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
- Hong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
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Yang W, Ip SP, Liu L, Xian YF, Lin ZX. Uncaria rhynchophylla and its Major Constituents on Central Nervous System: A Review on Their Pharmacological Actions. Curr Vasc Pharmacol 2020; 18:346-357. [PMID: 31272356 DOI: 10.2174/1570161117666190704092841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [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: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq.) Jacks (Rubinaceae), a common herbal medicine known as Gou-teng in Chinese, is commonly used in Chinese medicine practice for the treatment of convulsions, hypertension, epilepsy, eclampsia and other cerebral diseases. The major active components of U. rhynchophylla are alkaloids, terpenoids and flavonoids. The protective effects of U. rhynchophylla and its major components on central nervous system (CNS) have become a focus of research in recent decades. OBJECTIVE The study aimed to systematically summarize the pharmacological activities of U. rhynchophylla and its major components on the CNS. METHODS This review summarized the experimental findings from our laboratories, together with other literature data obtained through a comprehensive search of databases including the Pubmed and the Web of Science. RESULTS U. rhynchophylla and its major components such as rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline have been shown to have neuroprotective effects on Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, depression, cerebral ischaemia through a number of mechanisms including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory actions and regulation on neurotransmitters. CONCLUSION U. rhynchophylla and its major components have multiple beneficial pharmacological effects on CNS. Further studies on U. rhynchophylla and its major components are warranted to fully illustrate the underlying molecular mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, and toxicological profiles of these naturally occurring compounds and their potential for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Yang
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Siu-Po Ip
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Brain Research Centre, School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ling Liu
- Basic Medical College, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yan-Fang Xian
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Brain Research Centre, School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhi-Xiu Lin
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Brain Research Centre, School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Hong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Zhang ZB, Ip SP, Cho WC, Hu Z, Huang YF, Luo DD, Xian YF, Lin ZX. Evaluation of the effects of androgenic Chinese herbal medicines on androgen receptors and tumor growth in experimental prostate cancer models. J Ethnopharmacol 2020; 260:113058. [PMID: 32525068 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Many prostate cancer (PCa) patients in Mainland China and other Asian countries often use Chinese herbal medicines as an adjuvant treatment while receiving Western medicines. However, concerns have been raised about the potential herb-drug interaction when using herbal medicines containing phytoandrogens. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to investigate the effects of the selected 21 Chinese herbal medicines on the proliferation and tumor growth using the relevant in vitro and in vivo models of PCa. MATERIALS AND METHODS After treatment of LNCaP and 22Rv1 cells with different concentrations of 70% ethanol extracts of the 21 selected herbal medicines for 48 h, the proliferative activity, the effects on androgen receptor (AR) and prostate specific antigen (PSA) were determined. The anti-tumor effects of the 21 herbs on PCa growth were also investigated on a subcutaneous mouse model of PCa. RESULTS The results showed that Epimedii Folium (EF) and Codonopsis Radix (CNR) could significantly increase the cell viability in LNCaP cells (p < 0.05 for both) and 22Rv1 cells (p < 0.05 for both), protein expressions of AR in LNCaP cells (p < 0.05 for both) and 22Rv1 cells (p < 0.05 for both), and PSA (p < 0.05 for both) in LNCaP cells. EF, CNR, and Cistanches Herba (CCH) markedly accentuated the tumor growth (p < 0.05 for three drugs) and AR expression (p < 0.05 for three herbs) in tumor tissues. On the other hand, treatment with Astragali Radix (AGR), Chuanxiong Rhizoma (CXR) and Bruceae Fructus (BF) significantly inhibited the cell viability in LNCaP cells (p < 0.05, p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively) and in 22Rv1 cells (p < 0.05, p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively), and the protein expression of AR in LNCaP cells (p < 0.05 for three herbs) and 22Rv1 cells (p < 0.05, p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively), and the protein expression of PSA (p < 0.05 for three herbs) in LNCaP cells, as well as tumor growth (p < 0.05 for three herbs) and the AR expression (p < 0.05 for AGR and CXR, p < 0.001 for BF) in tumor tissues. CONCLUSION Our results revealed that AGR, CXR and BF suppressed the PCa development via inhibition of AR expression, while EF, CNR and CCH promoted the development and progression of PCa via enhancement of AR expression. The results strongly suggest that caution should be exercised when using androgenic Chinese herbal medicines in PCa patients.
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MESH Headings
- Androgen Receptor Antagonists/pharmacology
- Androgen Receptor Antagonists/toxicity
- Androgens/pharmacology
- Androgens/toxicity
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/toxicity
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology
- Drugs, Chinese Herbal/toxicity
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Male
- Mice, Nude
- Prostatic Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Prostatic Neoplasms/genetics
- Prostatic Neoplasms/metabolism
- Prostatic Neoplasms/pathology
- Receptors, Androgen/drug effects
- Receptors, Androgen/genetics
- Receptors, Androgen/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Tumor Burden/drug effects
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Biao Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, PR China.
| | - Siu-Po Ip
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, PR China; Brain Research Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, PR China.
| | - William Chi Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.
| | - Zhen Hu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, PR China.
| | - Yan-Feng Huang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, PR China.
| | - Dan-Dan Luo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Development and Research of Chinese Medicine, Mathematical Engineering Academy of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, PR China.
| | - Yan-Fang Xian
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, PR China; Brain Research Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, PR China.
| | - Zhi-Xiu Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, PR China; Brain Research Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, PR China; Hong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, PR China.
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Li HQ, Ip SP, Yuan QJ, Zheng GQ, Tsim KKW, Dong TTX, Lin G, Han Y, Liu Y, Xian YF, Lin ZX. Isorhynchophylline ameliorates cognitive impairment via modulating amyloid pathology, tau hyperphosphorylation and neuroinflammation: Studies in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Brain Behav Immun 2019; 82:264-278. [PMID: 31476414 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2019.08.194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Isorhynchophylline (IRN) has been demonstrated to have distinct anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD) activity in several animal models of AD. In this study, we aimed at evaluating the preventive effect of IRN on the cognitive deficits and amyloid pathology in TgCRND8 mice. Male TgCRND8 mice were administered with IRN (20 or 40 mg/kg) by oral gavage daily for 4 months, followed by assessing the spatial learning and memory functions with the Radial Arm Maze (RAM) test. Brain tissues were determined immunohistochemically or biochemically for changes in amyloid pathology, tau hyperphosphorylation and neuroinflammation. Our results revealed that IRN (40 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated cognitive deficits in TgCRND8 mice. In addition, IRN (40 mg/kg) markedly reduced the levels of Aβ40, Aβ42 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-1β, and modulated the amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing and phosphorylation by altering the protein expressions of β-site APP cleaving enzyme-1 (BACE-1), phosphorylated APP (Thr668), presenilin-1 (PS-1) and anterior pharynx-defective-1 (APH-1), as well as insulin degrading enzyme (IDE), a major Aβ-degrading enzyme. IRN was also found to inhibit the phosphorylation of tau at the sites of Thr205 and Ser396. Immunofluorescence showed that IRN reduced the Aβ deposition, and suppressed the activation of microglia (Iba-1) and astrocytes (GFAP) in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of TgCRND8 mice. Furthermore, IRN was able to attenuate the ratios of p-c-Jun/c-Jun and p-JNK/JNK in the brains of TgCRND8 mice. IRN also showed marked inhibitory effect on JNK signaling pathway in the Aβ-treated rat primary hippocampus neurons. We conclude that IRN improves cognitive impairment in TgCRND8 transgenic mice via reducing Aβ generation and deposition, tau hyperphosphorylation and neuroinflammation through inhibiting the activation of JNK signaling pathway, and has good potential for further development into pharmacological treatment for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Qin Li
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Siu-Po Ip
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Brain Research Centre, School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Qiu-Ju Yuan
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Brain Research Centre, School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Guo-Qing Zheng
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Province, PR China.
| | - Karl K W Tsim
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Tina T X Dong
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Ge Lin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Yifan Han
- Department of Applied Biology & Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Yue Liu
- Cardiovascular Disease Centre, Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, PR China.
| | - Yan-Fang Xian
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Brain Research Centre, School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Zhi-Xiu Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Brain Research Centre, School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Hong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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Xie JH, Lai ZQ, Zheng XH, Xian YF, Li Q, Ip SP, Xie YL, Chen JN, Su ZR, Lin ZX, Yang XB. Apoptosis induced by bruceine D in human non‑small‑cell lung cancer cells involves mitochondrial ROS‑mediated death signaling. Int J Mol Med 2019; 44:2015-2026. [PMID: 31638181 PMCID: PMC6844635 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2019.4363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bruceine D is one of the active components of Brucea javanica (L.) Merr., which is widely used to treat cancer in China. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential effect of bruceine D against non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and delineate its underlying mechanisms. The results indicated that treatment with bruceine D markedly inhibited the proliferation of wild-type NSCLC cells and epidermal growth factor receptor-mutant cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and significantly decreased the colony-forming ability and migration of A549 cells. Hoechst 33342 staining and flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that treatment with bruceine D effectively induced apoptosis of A549 cells. In addition, the proapoptotic effect of bruceine D was found to be associated with G0-G1 cell cycle arrest, accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde, depletion of glutathione levels and disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine, a ROS scavenger, significantly attenuated the bruceine D-induced inhibition in A549 cells. Western blotting demonstrated that treatment with bruceine D significantly suppressed the expression of the anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2, BclxL and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis, enhanced the expression levels of apoptotic proteins Bax and Bak, and inhibited the expression of pro-caspase-3 and pro-caspase-8. Based on these results, it may be suggested that inhibition of A549 NSCLC cell proliferation by bruceine D is associated with the modulation of ROS-mitochondrial-mediated death signaling. This novel insight may provide further evidence to verify the anticancer efficacy of B. javanica, and support a role for bruceine D in the anti-NSCLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Hui Xie
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Zheng-Quan Lai
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
| | - Xing-Han Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Development and Research of Chinese Medicine, Mathematical Engineering Academy of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Yan-Fang Xian
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, SAR 999077, P.R. China
| | - Qian Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Siu-Po Ip
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, SAR 999077, P.R. China
| | - You-Liang Xie
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Development and Research of Chinese Medicine, Mathematical Engineering Academy of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Nan Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Development and Research of Chinese Medicine, Mathematical Engineering Academy of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Zi-Ren Su
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Development and Research of Chinese Medicine, Mathematical Engineering Academy of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Xiu Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Development and Research of Chinese Medicine, Mathematical Engineering Academy of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Bo Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
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Xian YF, Hu Z, Ip SP, Chen JN, Su ZR, Lai XP, Lin ZX. Comparison of the anti-inflammatory effects of Sinapis alba and Brassica juncea in mouse models of inflammation. Phytomedicine 2018; 50:196-204. [PMID: 30466979 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2018.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sinapis Semen is derived from the dried mature seeds of Sinapis alba L. or Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. et Coss. Traditionally, the seeds from S. alba are called "White Sinapis Semen" while those from B. juncea are called "Yellow Sinapis Semen". PURPOSE The present study aimed to compare the chemical composition and the anti-inflammatory effects of 50% aqueous ethanol extracts of the White Sinapis Semen (EWSS) and Yellow Sinapis Semen (EYSS) using both acute (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-acetate (TPA)- and arachidonic acid (AA)-induced mouse ear edema) and chronic (multiple applications of croton oil (CO)) inflammatory models. METHODS The anti-inflammatory effects of EWSS and EYSS were determined by measuring the ear thickness and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. The anti-inflammatory mechanism was explored by measuring the protein and mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 in the ear of the TPA-treated mice. RESULTS The results showed that both EWSS and EYSS significantly decreased the ear thickness in both the TPA- and AA-induced acute models, as well as in the CO-induced chronic model. In addition, EWSS and EYSS could markedly inhibit the MPO activity in the ears of TPA-, AA- or CO-treated mice. Moreover, EWSS and EYSS also remarkably inhibited the protein and mRNA levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the ears of TPA-treated mice. Comparatively, EWSS exerted more potent anti-inflammatory effect than that of EYSS. CONCLUSION Our results revealed that both EWSS and EYSS are effective anti-inflammatory agents against acute and chronic inflammatory processes, and EWSS possess more potent anti-inflammatory effect than EYSS. The anti-inflammatory effect of the two herbs may be mediated, at least in part, by suppressing the mRNA expression of a panel of inflammatory mediators including TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Fang Xian
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Zhen Hu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Siu-Po Ip
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Jian-Nan Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Development and Research of Chinese Medicine, Mathematical Engineering Academy of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Zi-Ren Su
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Development and Research of Chinese Medicine, Mathematical Engineering Academy of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Xiao-Ping Lai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Development and Research of Chinese Medicine, Mathematical Engineering Academy of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Zhi-Xiu Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, PR China.
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Xu CS, Ip M, Leung AW, Wang XN, Yang ZR, Zhang BT, Ip SP. Sonodynamic bactericidal activity of curcumin against foodborne bacteria. Hong Kong Med J 2018; 24 Suppl 6:43-44. [PMID: 30229738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- C S Xu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
| | - M Ip
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
| | - A Wn Leung
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
| | - X N Wang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
| | - Z R Yang
- Shenzhen Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - B T Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
| | - S P Ip
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
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Meng XX, Xian YF, Xiang L, Zhang D, Shi YH, Wu ML, Dong GQ, Ip SP, Lin ZX, Wu L, Sun W. Complete Chloroplast Genomes from Sanguisorba: Identity and Variation Among Four Species. Molecules 2018; 23:E2137. [PMID: 30149578 PMCID: PMC6225366 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23092137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Sanguisorba, which contains about 30 species around the world and seven species in China, is the source of the medicinal plant Sanguisorba officinalis, which is commonly used as a hemostatic agent as well as to treat burns and scalds. Here we report the complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequences of four Sanguisorba species (S. officinalis, S. filiformis, S. stipulata, and S. tenuifolia var. alba). These four Sanguisorba cp genomes exhibit typical quadripartite and circular structures, and are 154,282 to 155,479 bp in length, consisting of large single-copy regions (LSC; 84,405⁻85,557 bp), small single-copy regions (SSC; 18,550⁻18,768 bp), and a pair of inverted repeats (IRs; 25,576⁻25,615 bp). The average GC content was ~37.24%. The four Sanguisorba cp genomes harbored 112 different genes arranged in the same order; these identical sections include 78 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes, if duplicated genes in IR regions are counted only once. A total of 39⁻53 long repeats and 79⁻91 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified in the four Sanguisorba cp genomes, which provides opportunities for future studies of the population genetics of Sanguisorba medicinal plants. A phylogenetic analysis using the maximum parsimony (MP) method strongly supports a close relationship between S. officinalis and S. tenuifolia var. alba, followed by S. stipulata, and finally S. filiformis. The availability of these cp genomes provides valuable genetic information for future studies of Sanguisorba identification and provides insights into the evolution of the genus Sanguisorba.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Xiao Meng
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for Identification and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
| | - Yan-Fang Xian
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin 999077, N.T., Hong Kong, China.
| | - Li Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for Identification and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
| | - Dong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for Identification and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
| | - Yu-Hua Shi
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for Identification and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
| | - Ming-Li Wu
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for Identification and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
| | - Gang-Qiang Dong
- Amway (China) Botanical Research and Development Center, Wuxi 214145, China.
| | - Siu-Po Ip
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin 999077, N.T., Hong Kong, China.
| | - Zhi-Xiu Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin 999077, N.T., Hong Kong, China.
| | - Lan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for Identification and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin 999077, N.T., Hong Kong, China.
| | - Wei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for Identification and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
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Li HQ, Ip SP, Zheng GQ, Xian YF, Lin ZX. Isorhynchophylline alleviates learning and memory impairments induced by aluminum chloride in mice. Chin Med 2018; 13:29. [PMID: 29946349 PMCID: PMC6000983 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-018-0187-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To evaluate the effect of Isorhynchophylline (IRN) on the learning and memory impairments induced by aluminum chloride (AlCl3) in mice. METHODS Fifty male Balb-c mice (4-month-old) were randomly divided into five groups: control, AlCl3 plus vehicle, AlCl3 plus IRN (20 mg/kg), AlCl3 plus IRN (40 mg/kg) and AlCl3 plus donepezil (5 mg/kg). Learning and memory impairments were induced in mice by subcutaneously injecting with AlCl3 (50 mg/kg) once a day for 8 consecutive weeks. At the same time, mice were intragastrically given vehicle or IRN (20 and 40 mg/kg) or donepezil (5 mg/kg) 30 min before each AlCl3 injection. The spatial learning and memory function was assessed using radial arm maze. After sacrificed, the parameters of oxidative stress and cholinergic system in the brain tissues were examined with ELISA kits. Moreover, the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway was analyzed with western blotting. RESULTS The results showed that treatment with IRN could significantly ameliorate the cognitive deficits induced by AlCl3 in mice. In addition, treatment with IRN was found to reduce the level of malondialdehyde, enhance the activities of superoxide dismutases and catalase, increase the level of glutathione, and markedly inhibit the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the brain tissues of the AlCl3-treated mice. Moreover, IRN significantly suppressed the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and IκBα in the brain tissues of AlCl3-treated mice. However, IRN did not show significant effect on the activity of butyrylcholinesterase. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrated for the first time that IRN could alleviate learning and memory impairments induced by AlCl3 in mice. The neuroprotective effect of IRN against AlCl3-induced AD is probably mediated, at least in part, through inhibiting the AChE activity and reducing the oxidative damage of brain tissue via suppress the NF-κB signaling pathway. These results contributed to a better understanding of the in vivo anti-AD mechanism of IRN. It was concluded that IRN could protect the learning and memory function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Qin Li
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR People’s Republic of China
| | - Siu-Po Ip
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR People’s Republic of China
- Brain Research Centre, School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR People’s Republic of China
| | - Guo-Qing Zheng
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan-Fang Xian
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR People’s Republic of China
- Brain Research Centre, School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Xiu Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR People’s Republic of China
- Brain Research Centre, School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR People’s Republic of China
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Chen HM, Lai ZQ, Liao HJ, Xie JH, Xian YF, Chen YL, Ip SP, Lin ZX, Su ZR. Synergistic antitumor effect of brusatol combined with cisplatin on colorectal cancer cells. Int J Mol Med 2018; 41:1447-1454. [PMID: 29328398 PMCID: PMC5819912 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common and life-threatening type of malignant cancer, which is associated with a high mortality rate. Cisplatin (CDDP) is a commonly used chemotherapy drug with significant side effects. Brusatol (BR) is one of the principal chemical compounds isolated from the Chinese herb Bruceae Fructus, which has been reported to markedly inhibit the proliferation of numerous cancer cell lines. The present study aimed to investigate the possible synergistic anticancer effects of CDDP combined with BR on CT-26 cells, and to evaluate the underlying mechanisms of action. The growth inhibitory effects of BR, CDDP, and BR and CDDP cotreatment on CT-26 cells were assessed by MTT assay. Cell apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry and western blot analysis. The results indicated that compared with single-agent treatment, cotreatment of CT-26 cells with CDDP and BR synergistically inhibited cell proliferation and increased cellular apoptosis. Furthermore, treatment of CT-26 cells with CDDP and BR resulted in a marked increase in the release of cytosolic cytochrome c, decreased expression of procaspase-3 and procaspase-9, and upregulation of the B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein/Bcl-2 ratio compared with treatment with BR or CDDP alone. These results strongly suggested that the combination of CDDP and BR was able to produce a synergistic antitumor effect in CRC cells, thus providing a solid foundation for further development of this combination regimen into an effective therapeutic method for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Ming Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Zheng-Quan Lai
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR 999077, P.R. China
| | - Hui-Jun Liao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Services, Shenzhen Sixth People's Hospital (Nanshan Hospital), Shenzhen 518060, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Hui Xie
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Yan-Fang Xian
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR 999077, P.R. China
| | - Yun-Long Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR 999077, P.R. China
| | - Siu-Po Ip
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR 999077, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Xiu Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR 999077, P.R. China
| | - Zi-Ren Su
- College of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
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Lai ZQ, Ip SP, Liao HJ, Lu Z, Xie JH, Su ZR, Chen YL, Xian YF, Leung PS, Lin ZX. Brucein D, a Naturally Occurring Tetracyclic Triterpene Quassinoid, Induces Apoptosis in Pancreatic Cancer through ROS-Associated PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:936. [PMID: 29311937 PMCID: PMC5744014 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [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: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Brucein D (BD), a major active quassinoid in Brucea javanica, has exhibited pronounced anticancer activities. However, the biologic mechanisms have not been fully explored. In this study, BD exhibited more potent cytotoxic effect on pancreatic cancer (PanCa) cell lines, while exerted weaker cytotoxic effects on GES-1 cells (non-tumorigenic). BD was shown to elicit apoptosis through inducing both the intrinsic and extrinsic mitochondria-mediated caspase activations. Furthermore, the BD-induced apoptotic effects were dependent on the accumulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inactivation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Pretreatment with tempol completely prevented the cellular apoptosis induced by BD, and recovered the inactivation of AKT, which suggested ROS essentially involved in BD-elicited apoptosis and down-regulation of PI3K/Akt pathway. In addition, the results obtained from orthotopic xenograft in nude mice were congruent with those of the in vitro investigations. These results support the notion that BD held good potential to be further developed into an effective pharmaceutical agent for the treatment of PanCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Quan Lai
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Siu-Po Ip
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Hui-Jun Liao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Services, Shenzhen Sixth People's Hospital - Nanshan Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zheng Lu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.,Liver Cirrhosis Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Hui Xie
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zi-Ren Su
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Development and Research of Chinese Medicine, Mathematical Engineering Academy of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun-Long Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Yan-Fang Xian
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Po-Sing Leung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Zhi-Xiu Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
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14
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Xian YF, Fan D, Ip SP, Mao QQ, Lin ZX. Antidepressant-Like Effect of Isorhynchophylline in Mice. Neurochem Res 2016; 42:678-685. [PMID: 27900600 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-016-2124-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Revised: 11/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Isorhynchophylline (IRN), an oxindole alkaloid, has been identified as the main active ingredient responsible for the biological activities of Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq) Miq ex Havil. (Rubiaceae). Previous studies in our laboratory have revealed that IRN possesses potent neuroprotective effects in different models of Alzheimer's disease. However, the antidepressant-like effects of IRN are remained unclear. The present study aims to evaluate the antidepressant-like effects of IRN. The antidepressant-like effects of IRN was determined by using animal models of depression including forced swimming and tail suspension tests. The acting mechanism was explored by determining the effect of IRN on the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters and the activities of monoamine oxidases. Intragastric administration of IRN at 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg for 7 days caused a significant reduction of immobility time in both forced swimming and tail suspension tests, while IRN did not stimulate locomotor activity in the open-field test. In addition, IRN treatment antagonized reserpine-induced ptosis and significantly enhanced the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters including norepinephrine (NE) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and the activity of monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of mice. These results suggest that the antidepressant-like effects of IRN are mediated, at least in part, by the inhibition of monoamine oxidases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Fang Xian
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Ding Fan
- Shenzhen Wellsoon Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Siu-Po Ip
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing-Qiu Mao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Xiu Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China.
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15
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Li YC, Xian YF, Su ZR, Ip SP, Xie JH, Liao JB, Wu DW, Li CW, Chen JN, Lin ZX, Lai XP. Pogostone suppresses proinflammatory mediator production and protects against endotoxic shock in mice. J Ethnopharmacol 2014; 157:212-221. [PMID: 25256685 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 02/24/2014] [Revised: 05/25/2014] [Accepted: 09/15/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth is a well-known medicinal herb commonly used in many Asian countries for inflammatory diseases. Pogostone (PO), a natural product isolated from Pogostemon cablin, is known to exert various pharmacological activities. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory property of PO, to elucidate its mechanism of action, and to evaluate its potential acute toxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of PO was assessed using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. The protein and mRNA levels of proinflammatory mediators were measured with ELISA and RT-PCR, respectively. Proteins of the NF-κB and MAPK family were determined by Western blot to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of PO was tested using LPS-induced endotoxic shock in mice. In addition, the median lethal dose (LD50) of PO in mice was tested in an acute toxicity test. RESULTS In vitro, PO significantly inhibited the protein and mRNA expression of proinflammatory mediators including TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, NO, and PGE2. The action mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activity of PO was partly dependent on inhibition of the activation of NF-κB and the phosphorylation of JNK and p38 MAPK. In vivo, PO was able to significantly reduce the mortality induced by LPS in mice. Furthermore, PO could markedly suppress the production of the proinflammatory mediators in serum, and attenuate liver and lung injury. The action mechanisms of PO during endotoxic shock may be attributed to down-regulation of the mRNA expression of inflammatory mediators in multiple organs via inhibition of the activation of NF-κB and the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. Moreover, the LD50 of PO in mice was about 163mg/kg with intravenous administration, which was about 8-fold higher than the dose used in the animal experiment. CONCLUSIONS Our findings regarding the anti-inflammatory effect of PO and the underlying molecular mechanisms help justify the use of Pogostemon cablin in Chinese medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. More importantly, the results also render PO a promising anti-inflammatory agent worthy of further development into a pharmaceutical drug for the treatment of septic shock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Cui Li
- College of Chinese Medicines, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 232 Wai Huan Dong Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Yan-Fang Xian
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, PR China
| | - Zi-Ren Su
- College of Chinese Medicines, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 232 Wai Huan Dong Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; Dongguan Mathematical Engineering Academy of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Dongguan 523808, PR China
| | - Siu-Po Ip
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, PR China
| | - Jian-Hui Xie
- College of Chinese Medicines, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 232 Wai Huan Dong Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Jin-Bin Liao
- College of Chinese Medicines, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 232 Wai Huan Dong Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Dian-Wei Wu
- College of Chinese Medicines, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 232 Wai Huan Dong Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Chu-Wen Li
- College of Chinese Medicines, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 232 Wai Huan Dong Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Jian-Nan Chen
- College of Chinese Medicines, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 232 Wai Huan Dong Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; Dongguan Mathematical Engineering Academy of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Dongguan 523808, PR China
| | - Zhi-Xiu Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, PR China.
| | - Xiao-Ping Lai
- College of Chinese Medicines, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 232 Wai Huan Dong Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; Dongguan Mathematical Engineering Academy of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Dongguan 523808, PR China.
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Lai ZQ, Liu WH, Ip SP, Liao HJ, Yi YY, Qin Z, Lai XP, Su ZR, Lin ZX. Seven Alkaloids from Picrasma quassioides and Their Cytotoxic Activities. Chem Nat Compd 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10600-014-1106-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Xian YF, Mao QQ, Wu JCY, Su ZR, Chen JN, Lai XP, Ip SP, Lin ZX. Isorhynchophylline treatment improves the amyloid-β-induced cognitive impairment in rats via inhibition of neuronal apoptosis and tau protein hyperphosphorylation. J Alzheimers Dis 2014; 39:331-46. [PMID: 24164737 DOI: 10.3233/jad-131457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [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: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The progressive accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) in the form of senile plaques has been recognized as a key causative factor leading to the cognitive deficits seen in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent evidence indicates that Aβ induces neurotoxicity in the primary neuronal cultures as well as in the brain. Previously, we have demonstrated that isorhynchophylline (IRN), the major chemical ingredient of Uncaria rhynchophylla, possessed potent neuroprotective effects. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of IRN on cognitive function, neuronal apoptosis, and tau protein hyperphosphorylation in the hippocampus of the Aβ25-35-treated rats and to elucidate its action mechanisms. We showed that Aβ25-35 injection caused spatial memory impairment, neuronal apoptosis, and tau protein hyperphosphorylation. Treatment with IRN (20 or 40 mg/kg) for 21 days could significantly ameliorate the cognitive deficits induced by Aβ25-35 in the rats. In addition, IRN attenuated the Aβ25-35-induced neuronal apoptosis in hippocampus by down-regulating the protein and mRNA levels of the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax, cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-9, as well as suppressing the tau protein hyperphosphorylation at the Ser396, Ser404, and Thr205 sites. Mechanistic study showed that IRN could inhibit the glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) activity, and activate the phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) substrate Akt. These results indicate that down-regulation of GSK-3β activity and activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway are intimately involved in the neuroprotection of IRN. The experimental findings provide further evidence to affirm the potential of IRN as a worthy candidate for further development into a therapeutic agent for AD and other tau pathology-related neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Fang Xian
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Qing-Qiu Mao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Justin C Y Wu
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Zi-Ren Su
- College of Chinese Medicines, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian-Nan Chen
- College of Chinese Medicines, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Lai
- College of Chinese Medicines, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Siu-Po Ip
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhi-Xiu Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
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Mao QQ, Huang Z, Zhong XM, Xian YF, Ip SP. Piperine reverses the effects of corticosterone on behavior and hippocampal BDNF expression in mice. Neurochem Int 2014; 74:36-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2014.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Revised: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Xian YF, Su ZR, Chen JN, Lai XP, Mao QQ, Cheng CHK, Ip SP, Lin ZX. Isorhynchophylline improves learning and memory impairments induced by D-galactose in mice. Neurochem Int 2014; 76:42-9. [PMID: 24984171 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2014.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [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: 04/08/2014] [Revised: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 06/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Isorhynchophylline (IRN), an alkaloid isolated from Uncaria rhynchophylla, has been reported to improve cognitive impairment induced by beta-amyloid in rats. However, whether IRN could also ameliorate the D-galactose (D-gal)-induced mouse memory deficits is still not clear. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether IRN had potential protective effect against the D-gal-induced cognitive deficits in mice. Mice were given a subcutaneous injection of D-gal (100mg/kg) and orally administered IRN (20 or 40mg/kg) daily for 8weeks, followed by assessing spatial learning and memory function by the Morris water maze test. The results showed that IRN significantly improved spatial learning and memory function in the D-gal-treated mice. In the mechanistic studies, IRN significantly increased the level of glutathione (GSH) and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), while decreased the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the brain tissues of the D-gal-treated mice. Moreover, IRN (20 or 40mg/kg) significantly inhibited the production of prostaglandin E 2 (PGE2) and nitric oxide (NO), and the mRNA expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), as well as the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in the brain tissues of D-gal-treated mice. Our results amply demonstrated that IRN was able to ameliorate cognitive deficits induced by D-gal in mice, and the observed cognition-improving action may be mediated, at least in part, through enhancing the antioxidant status and anti-inflammatory effect of brain tissues via NFκB signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Fang Xian
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zi-Ren Su
- College of Chinese Medicines, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian-Nan Chen
- College of Chinese Medicines, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Lai
- College of Chinese Medicines, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qing-Qiu Mao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Christopher H K Cheng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Siu-Po Ip
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Zhi-Xiu Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Mao QQ, Huang Z, Zhong XM, Xian YF, Ip SP. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor signalling mediates the antidepressant-like effect of piperine in chronically stressed mice. Behav Brain Res 2014; 261:140-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2013.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2013] [Revised: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 12/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Xian YF, Lin ZX, Ip SP, Su ZR, Chen JN, Lai XP. Comparison the neuropreotective effect of Cortex Phellodendri chinensis and Cortex Phellodendri amurensis against beta-amyloid-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells. Phytomedicine 2013; 20:187-193. [PMID: 23123224 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2012.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2012] [Revised: 08/30/2012] [Accepted: 09/29/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Cortex Phellodendron chinensis (CPC) and Cortex Phellodendron amurensis (CPA) derived from the dried bark of Phellodendron chinense Schneid. or Phellodendron amurense Rupr., respectively, are used interchangeably in clinical practice under the name "Huang Bai" for centuries in Chinese medicine for the treatment of various inflammatory conditions. Previous study in our laboratory demonstrated that CPC and CPA had different anti-diarrheal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. In this present study, we aimed to compare the protective effect of ethanol extract of Cortex Phellodendri chinensis (ECPC) and Cortex Phellodendri Amurensis (ECPA) against beta-amyloid (Aβ)-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells, a typical model of Alzheimer's disease. The results showed that ECPC and ECPA contain four common chemical markers such as berberine, but palmatine and jatrorrhizin were not found in CPC in contrast to the presence in CPA. In addition, both ECPC and ECPA can significantly increase the cell viability in Aβ-treated PC12 cells. Moreover, ECPC and ECPA can markedly elevate the ratio of the protein and mRNA levels of Bcl-2/Bax, while remarkably decrease the release of cytochrome c, and the protein and mRNA expression of caspase-3. Interestingly, ECPA has better protective effect than ECPC against Aβ-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells. These results indicate that both ECPC and ECPA have potential protective effect against Aβ-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells, and ECPA is more potential of the two species to be used in traditional medicine as a neuroprotective agent for the treatment of AD. The neuroprotective effect of the two species may be mediated, at least in part, via suppressing of the cellular apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Fang Xian
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
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Chen M, Cheung FW, Chan MH, Hui PK, Ip SP, Ling YH, Che CT, Liu WK. Protective roles of Cordyceps on lung fibrosis in cellular and rat models. J Ethnopharmacol 2012; 143:448-454. [PMID: 22796203 PMCID: PMC7125542 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2011] [Revised: 06/11/2012] [Accepted: 06/19/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Cordyceps sinensis is a fungus used in traditional Chinese medicine as a tonic to soothe the lung for the treatment of fatigue and respiratory diseases. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic, irreversible and debilitating lung disease showing fibroblast/myofibroblast expansion and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix in the interstitium leading to breathing difficulty. Our previous observation revealed a partial relief of lung fibrosis in patients suffering from severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). We hypothesize that Cordyceps has beneficial effects on lung fibrosis and the objective of this study is to explore the target(s) of Cordyceps in the relief of lung fibrosis in animal and cell models and to gain insight into its underlying mechanisms. MATERIAL AND METHODS A rat model of bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung fibrosis and a fibrotic cell model with transforming growth factor beta-1 induction were employed in the studies. RESULTS Reduction of infiltration of inflammatory cells, deposition of fibroblastic loci and collagen, formation of reactive oxygen species, and production of cytokines, as well as recovery from imbalance of MMP-9/TIMP-1, were observed in fibrotic rats after treatment with Cordyceps in preventive (from the day of BLM administration) and therapeutic (from 14 days after BLM) regimens. In a fibrotic cell model with transforming growth factor beta-1 induction, the human lung epithelial A549 acquired a mesenchymal phenotype and an increase of vimentin expression with a concomitant decrease of E-cadherin. This epithelial-mesenchymal transition could be partially reverted by cordycepin, a major component of Cordyceps. CONCLUSION The findings provide an insight into the preventive and therapeutic potentials of Cordyceps for the treatment of lung fibrosis.
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Key Words
- balf, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
- blm, bleomycin
- ce, cordyceps powder extract in culture medium
- cs, cordyceps sinensis
- cs1, low-dose cs powder suspension treatment
- cs2, high-dose cs powder suspension treatment
- ecm, extracellular matrix
- emt, epithelial–mesenchymal transition
- ipf, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
- mmp, matrix metalloproteinases
- ros, reactive oxygen species
- tgf-β1, transforming growth factor beta-1
- timp, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases
- cordyceps sinensis
- cordycepin
- bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis
- traditional chinese medicine
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengli Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, General Hospital of PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Florence W.K. Cheung
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Ming Hung Chan
- Department of Medicine, Kwong Wah Hospital, The Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Pak Kwan Hui
- Department of Pathology, Kwong Wah Hospital, The Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Siu-Po Ip
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Yick Hin Ling
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Chun-Tao Che
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, IL 60612, USA
| | - Wing Keung Liu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
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Xian YF, Lin ZX, Xu XY, Su ZR, Chen JN, Lai XP, Ip SP. Effect of Rhizoma Polygonati on 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-acetate-induced ear edema in mice. J Ethnopharmacol 2012; 142:851-856. [PMID: 22710295 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2012] [Revised: 05/30/2012] [Accepted: 06/06/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Rhizoma Polygonati is originated from the dried rhizomes of Polygonatum sibircum Red. It has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of inflammatory disorders. AIM OF THE STUDY The present study aims to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of aqueous extract of Rhizoma Polygonati (ERP) in a mouse model of inflammation induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-acetate (TPA). MATERIALS AND METHODS The anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated by measuring the ear thickness and activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO). The anti-inflammatory mechanism was explored by determining the protein and mRNA levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6. RESULTS The results showed that ERP significantly decreased the ear thickness and MPO activity in mouse model of inflammation induced by TPA. In addition, ERP also remarkably inhibited the protein and mRNA levels of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that ERP has potential anti-inflammatory effect on TPA-induced inflammatory in mice, and the anti-inflammatory effect may be mediated, at least in part, by inhibiting the mRNA expression of a panel of inflammatory mediators including iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Fang Xian
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
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Chen ML, Miao L, Cao J, Ip SP, Che CT. Quantitative analysis of biologically active ingredients of Five Seeds Combo by liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry for quality control of commercial herbal product. J Sep Sci 2012; 35:1612-8. [PMID: 22761139 DOI: 10.1002/jssc.201200034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Li Chen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology; General Hospital of PLA; Beijing China
| | - Lan Miao
- Xiyuan Hospital; China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences; Beijing China
| | - Jin Cao
- Analysis Center of Food and Cosmetic; National Institutes of Food and Drug Control; Beijing China
| | - Siu-Po Ip
- School of Chinese Medicine; The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Sha Tin N.T. Hong Kong
| | - Chun-Tao Che
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy; College of Pharmacy; University of Illinois at Chicago; Chicago IL USA
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Yang JM, Ip SP, Xian Y, Zhao M, Lin ZX, Yeung JHK, Chan RCY, Lee SS, Che CT. Impact of the herbal medicine Sophora flavescens on the oral pharmacokinetics of indinavir in rats: the involvement of CYP3A and P-glycoprotein. PLoS One 2012; 7:e31312. [PMID: 22359586 PMCID: PMC3281083 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2011] [Accepted: 01/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sophora flavescens is a Chinese medicinal herb used for the treatment of gastrointestinal hemorrhage, skin diseases, pyretic stranguria and viral hepatitis. In this study the herb-drug interactions between S. flavescens and indinavir, a protease inhibitor for HIV treatment, were evaluated in rats. Concomitant oral administration of Sophora extract (0.158 g/kg or 0.63 g/kg, p.o.) and indinavir (40 mg/kg, p.o.) in rats twice a day for 7 days resulted in a dose-dependent decrease of plasma indinavir concentrations, with 55%-83% decrease in AUC(0-∞) and 38%-78% reduction in C(max). The CL (Clearance)/F (fraction of dose available in the systemic circulation) increased up to 7.4-fold in Sophora-treated rats. Oxymatrine treatment (45 mg/kg, p.o.) also decreased indinavir concentrations, while the ethyl acetate fraction of Sophora extract had no effect. Urinary indinavir (24-h) was reduced, while the fraction of indinavir in faeces was increased after Sophora treatment. Compared to the controls, multiple dosing of Sophora extract elevated both mRNA and protein levels of P-gp in the small intestine and liver. In addition, Sophora treatment increased intestinal and hepatic mRNA expression of CYP3A1, but had less effect on CYP3A2 expression. Although protein levels of CYP3A1 and CYP3A2 were not altered by Sophora treatment, hepatic CYP3A activity increased in the Sophora-treated rats. All available data demonstrated that Sophora flavescens reduced plasma indinavir concentration after multiple concomitant doses, possibly through hepatic CYP3A activity and induction of intestinal and hepatic P-gp. The animal study would be useful for predicting potential interactions between natural products and oral pharmaceutics and understanding the mechanisms prior to human studies. Results in the current study suggest that patients using indinavir might be cautioned in the use of S. flavescens extract or Sophora-derived products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Ming Yang
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Siu-Po Ip
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Yanfang Xian
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Ming Zhao
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Zhi-Xiu Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - John Hok Keung Yeung
- School of Biomedical Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | | | - Shui-Shan Lee
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
- Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Chun-Tao Che
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
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Mao QQ, Huang Z, Ip SP, Xian YF, Che CT. Peony glycosides reverse the effects of corticosterone on behavior and brain BDNF expression in rats. Behav Brain Res 2012; 227:305-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2011.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2011] [Revised: 11/08/2011] [Accepted: 11/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Abstract
CONTEXT Depression is a common psychiatric disorder, yet the clinical efficacy of antidepression therapies is unsatisfactory. Thus, the search for new anti-depressants continues, and natural products remain a promising source of new therapeutic agents. The root part of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (Ranunculaceae), known as peony, is often used in Chinese herbal prescriptions for the treatment of depression-like disorders. OBJECTIVES The objective of this review is to provide scientific evidence to support further research on peony as a potential anti-depressant drug. METHODS This review summarizes the results obtained in our laboratory, together with other literature data obtained through a comprehensive search in databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scirus, and Web of Science. RESULTS The peony extract is active in the mouse forced swim test and tail suspension test, and it produces anti-depressant effects in chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression model in mice and rats. The anti-depressant mechanisms of peony are likely mediated by the inhibition of monoamine oxidase activity, neuro-protection, modulation of the function of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, inhibition of oxidative stress, and the up-regulation of neurotrophins. CONCLUSIONS Peony is used clinically to treat depression-like symptoms in Chinese medicine, and it has been shown to possess anti-depressant property in a battery of test models using laboratory animals. Its effect is likely mediated by multiple targets. Further studies are warranted to delineate the molecular mechanisms of action, determine the pharmacokinetics, establish the toxicological profile, and assess the potentials of peony in clinical applications. Identification of the clinically active ingredient(s) is also warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Qiu Mao
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
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Mao QQ, Huang Z, Ip SP, Xian YF, Che CT. Protective Effects of Piperine Against Corticosterone-Induced Neurotoxicity in PC12 Cells. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2011; 32:531-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s10571-011-9786-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2011] [Accepted: 12/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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29
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Xian YF, Lin ZX, Zhao M, Mao QQ, Ip SP, Che CT. Uncaria rhynchophylla ameliorates cognitive deficits induced by D-galactose in mice. Planta Med 2011; 77:1977-1983. [PMID: 21858756 DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1280125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The stem with hooks of Uncaria rhynchophylla is a component herb of many traditional formulae for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. However, scientific evidence of the efficacy of Uncaria rhynchophylla in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in animal models is lacking. Thus, in the present study, we investigated whether the 70 % aqueous ethanol extract of Uncaria rhynchophylla (EUR) could protect against D-galactose (D-gal)-induced cognitive deficits in mice. Mice were given a subcutaneous injection of D-gal (50 mg/kg) and orally administered EUR (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg) daily for 8 weeks. The effect of EUR on D-gal-induced cognitive deficits was evaluated by measuring behavioral and neurochemical parameters of AD and the antioxidant status of brain tissue. The results showed that EUR (200 or 400 mg/kg) significantly increased exploratory behavior (assessed by an open-field test) and improved spatial learning and memory function (assessed by the Morris water maze test) in D-gal-treated mice. In addition, EUR (200 or 400 mg/kg) significantly increased the levels of acetylcholine and glutathione and decreased the activity of acetylcholinesterase and the level of malondialdehyde in the brains of D-gal-treated mice. These results indicate that EUR ameliorates cognitive deficits induced by D-gal in mice, and that this action may be mediated, at least in part, by the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity and the enhancement of the antioxidant status of brain tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Fang Xian
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N. T., Hong Kong SAR, China
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Li YC, Xian YF, Ip SP, Su ZR, Su JY, He JJ, Xie QF, Lai XP, Lin ZX. Anti-inflammatory activity of patchouli alcohol isolated from Pogostemonis Herba in animal models. Fitoterapia 2011; 82:1295-301. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2011.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2011] [Revised: 08/30/2011] [Accepted: 09/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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31
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Xian YF, Mao QQ, Ip SP, Lin ZX, Che CT. Comparison on the anti-inflammatory effect of Cortex Phellodendri Chinensis and Cortex Phellodendri Amurensis in 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate-induced ear edema in mice. J Ethnopharmacol 2011; 137:1425-1430. [PMID: 21875660 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2011] [Revised: 06/15/2011] [Accepted: 08/04/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Cortex Phellodendri is derived from the dried bark of Phellodendron chinense Schneid. or Phellodendron amurense Rupr. Traditionally, Cortex Phellodendron Chinensis (CPC) and Cortex Phellodendron Amurensis (CPA) are used interchangeably under the name "Huang Bai" for the treatment of gastroenteritis, abdominal pain or diarrhea. The present study aims to compare the anti-inflammatory effect of ethanol extracts of Cortex Phellodendri Chinensis (ECPC) and Cortex Phellodendri Amurensis (ECPA) in a mouse model of inflammation induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-acetate (TPA). MATERIALS AND METHODS The anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated by measuring the ear thickness, activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and the production reactive oxygen species (ROS). The anti-inflammatory mechanism was explored by determining the protein and mRNA levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6. RESULTS The results showed that both ECPC and ECPA significantly decreased the ear thickness, MPO activity and the ROS level in mouse model of inflammation induced by TPA. In addition, ECPC and ECPA also remarkably inhibited the protein and mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and COX-2. Interestingly, ECPC has better anti-inflammatory effect than that of ECPA. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that both ECPC and ECPA have potential anti-inflammatory effect on TPA-induced inflammatory in mice, and ECPC is more effective than ECPA. The anti-inflammatory effect of the herbal drugs may be mediated, at least in part, by down-regulating the mRNA expression of a panel of inflammatory mediators including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and COX-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Fang Xian
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, SAR, PR China
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Mao QQ, Huang Z, Ip SP, Xian YF, Che CT. Role of 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(1B) receptors in the antidepressant-like effect of piperine in the forced swim test. Neurosci Lett 2011; 504:181-184. [PMID: 21964383 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2011.09.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2011] [Revised: 09/14/2011] [Accepted: 09/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Our previous studies have showed that treating mice with piperine significantly decreased the immobility time of the animals in the forced swim test and tail suspension test, which was related to up-regulation of serotonin (5-HT) level in the brain. The purpose of this study is to explore the contribution of 5-HT receptors in the antidepressant-like effect of piperine. The results showed that pre-treating mice with methiothepin (a non-selective 5-HT receptor antagonist, 0.1mg/kg, intraperitoneally), 4-(2'-methoxy-phenyl)-1-[2'-(n-2″-pyridinyl)-p-iodobenzamino-]ethyl-piperazine (a selective 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist, 1mg/kg, subcutaneously) or 1-(2-(1-pyrrolyl)-phenoxy)-3-isopropylamino-2-propanol (a 5-HT(1B) receptor antagonist, 2.5mg/kg, intraperitoneally) was found to abolish the anti-immobility effect of piperine (10mg/kg, intraperitoneally) in the forced swim test. On the other hand, a sub-effective dose of piperine (1mg/kg, intraperitoneally) produced a synergistic antidepressant-like effect with (+)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (a 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist, 1mg/kg, intraperitoneally) or anpirtoline (a 5-HT(1B) receptor agonist, 0.25mg/kg, intraperitoneally). Taken together, these results suggest that the antidepressant-like effect of piperine in the mouse forced swim test may be mediated, at least in part, by the activation of 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(1B) receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Qiu Mao
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong; College of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, Hangzhou, 310053 Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhen Huang
- College of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, Hangzhou, 310053 Zhejiang, China
| | - Siu-Po Ip
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong.
| | - Yan-Fang Xian
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong
| | - Chun-Tao Che
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Tjong YW, Ip SP, Lao L, Wu J, Fong HHS, Sung JJY, Berman B, Che CT. Role of neuronal nitric oxide synthase in colonic distension-induced hyperalgesia in distal colon of neonatal maternal separated male rats. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2011; 23:666-e278. [PMID: 21410601 PMCID: PMC3117987 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2982.2011.01697.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nitric oxide (NO) is implicated in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) but the underlying mechanism is unclear. Thus, the aim of the present study is to examine the role of NO synthase (NOS) expression in the distal colon of neonatal maternal separation (NMS) model rats employed in IBS studies. METHODS Male neonates of Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into NMS and normal control (N) groups. Rats of NMS group were subjected to 3 h daily maternal separation on postnatal day 2-21. Rats were administrated non-selective NOS inhibitor l-NAME (100 mg kg(-1) ), selective neuronal NOS (nNOS) inhibitor 7-NINA (10mgkg(-1) ), selective inducible NOS (iNOS) inhibitor, endothelial NOS (eNOS) inhibitor (10mgkg(-1) ) or Vehicle (Veh; distilled water) intraperitoneally 1h prior to the experiment for the test and control groups, respectively. KEY RESULTS The amount of NO was significantly higher in the NMS Veh rats compared with unseparated N rats. Western-blotting and real-time quantitative PCR studies showed that protein and mRNA expression of nNOS were higher in the NMS group than that in the N rats; whereas no significant change in iNOS and eNOS was found in either groups. Neonatal maternal separation Veh rats showed low pain threshold and increased electromyogram (EMG) activity in response to colonic distension stimuli. l-NAME and 7-Nitroindazole monosodium salt (7-NINA) increased pain threshold pressure and attenuated EMG activity in the NMS rats. In addition, l-NAME and 7-NINA substantially reduced oxidative marker malondialdehyde level in NMS rats. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES Neonatal maternal separation increased the NO generation by nNOS upregulation that interact with reactive oxygen species contributing to the visceral hypersensitivity in IBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Wui Tjong
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong
| | - Siu-Po Ip
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong
| | - Lixing Lao
- Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Justin Wu
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong
| | - Harry HS Fong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, IL 60612, USA
| | - Joseph JY Sung
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong
| | - Brian Berman
- Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Chun-Tao Che
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, IL 60612, USA
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Xian YF, Li YC, Ip SP, Lin ZX, Lai XP, Su ZR. Anti-inflammatory effect of patchouli alcohol isolated from Pogostemonis Herba in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Exp Ther Med 2011; 2:545-550. [PMID: 22977538 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2011.233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2010] [Accepted: 02/21/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pogostemonis Herba has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of inflammation-related disorders. Patchouli alcohol (PA) isolated from Pogostemonis Herba is a tricyclic sesquiterpene that is known to exert a variety of pharmacological activities. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of PA on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Pre-treatment with PA at concentrations of 10, 20 or 40 μM dose-dependently decreased the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E(2) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. In addition, PA treatment also reversed the increased mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 caused by LPS in RAW264.7 cells. These results indicate that PA is an important anti-inflammatory constituent of Pogostemonis Herba and that its anti-inflammatory effect may be mediated, at least in part, by down-regulation of the mRNA expression of a panel of inflammatory mediators, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, iNOS and COX-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Fang Xian
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
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Mao QQ, Xian YF, Ip SP, Tsai SH, Che CT. Protective effects of peony glycosides against corticosterone-induced cell death in PC12 cells through antioxidant action. J Ethnopharmacol 2011; 133:1121-1125. [PMID: 21111797 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2010.11.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2010] [Revised: 10/18/2010] [Accepted: 11/18/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY Previous studies in our laboratory have shown that total glycosides of peony (TGP) produced antidepressant-like action in various mouse models of behavioral despair. However, the molecular mechanism by which TGP exerts antidepressant-like effect is not fully understood. This study examined the protective effects of TGP against corticosterone-induced neurotoxicity in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells and ts possible mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS The direct antioxidant effect of TGP was investigated by using a 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline- 6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical cation-scavenging assay in a cell-free system. PC12 cells were treated with 200 μM of corticosterone in the absence or presence of TGP in varying concentrations for 48 h. Cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, glutathione (GSH) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and catalase (CAT) activity were then determined. RESULTS TGP displayed antioxidant properties in the cell-free system, and the IC50 value in the ABTS radical cation-scavenging assay was 9.9 mg/L. TGP treatment at increasing doses (1-10 mg/L) protected against corticosterone-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The cytoprotection afforded by TGP treatment was associated with decreases in the intracellular ROS and MDA levels, and increases in the GSH level, SOD activity, and CAT activity in corticosterone-treated PC12 cells. CONCLUSION The results suggest that TGP has a neuroprotective effect on corticosterone-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells, which may be related to its antioxidant action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Qiu Mao
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong
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Chen Y, Ip SP, Ko KM, Poon TCW, Ng EWY, Lai PBS, Mao QQ, Xian YF, Che CT. A Proteomic Approach in Investigating the Hepatoprotective Mechanism of Schisandrin B: Role of Raf Kinase Inhibitor Protein. J Proteome Res 2011; 10:299-304. [DOI: 10.1021/pr100871h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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: 11/28/2022]
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Chen ML, Tsai SH, Ip SP, Ko KM, Che CT. Long-term treatment with a "Yang-invigorating" Chinese herbal formula, Wu-Zi-Yan-Zong-Wan, reduces mortality and liver oxidative damage in chronic alcohol-intoxicated rats. Rejuvenation Res 2010; 13:459-67. [PMID: 20583953 DOI: 10.1089/rej.2009.0985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term alcohol consumption has been reported to increase oxidative stress in multiple organs and accelerate the aging process. A previous study in our laboratory has shown that Wu-Zi-Yan-Zong-Wan (WZ), a "Yang-invigorating" Chinese herbal formula, protected against ethanol-induced toxicity in HepG2 cells transfected to express human CYP2E1, presumably by enhancing mitochondrial antioxidant status and functional ability. The present study aims to investigate whether WZ extract treatment can afford protection against chronic ethanol-induced oxidative stress (a major risk factor of aging) and mortality in rats. The effect of the extract (1.8 g, 4.5 g, and 9 g raw materials/kg per day) on chronic ethanol hepatotoxicity was investigated in rats receiving steady intragastric infusion of ethanol-containing liquid diet. The results showed that long-term (42 days) herbal co-treatment protected against chronic ethanol-induced mortality and hepatotoxicity and in rats, as evidenced by decreased plasma transaminases activities. The extract also suppressed the pathological development of fatty liver, as assessed by histopathological examination and the ratio of liver weight to body weight. The hepatoprotection afforded by the extract was associated with decreases in the extents of reactive oxygen species production, lipid peroxidation, and oxidative modification of proteins, as well as the reversal of altered mitochondrial reduced glutathione level. The results suggest that the suppressive effect of WZ on chronic ethanol-induced oxidative stress and mortality may be attributed to the antioxidant action, particularly in mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Li Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
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Chen ML, Xian YF, Ip SP, Tsai SH, Yang JY, Che CT. Chemical and biological differentiation of Cortex Phellodendri Chinensis and Cortex Phellodendri Amurensis. Planta Med 2010; 76:1530-1535. [PMID: 20354951 DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1249774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The Chinese herbal drug Cortex Phellodendri is derived from two species of PHELLODENDRON, P. CHINENSIS Schneid. and P. AMURENSE Rupr. Traditionally, Cortex Phellodendri Chinensis (CPC) and Cortex Phellodendri Amurensis (CPA) are used interchangeably because they are believed to share the same clinical efficacy. Berberine has been believed to be the active ingredient of the herbs. However, recent studies have shown that the content of berberine is much higher in CPC than in CPA. Interestingly, the majority of researches deal with CPA, the one with lower content of berberine. These observations provoke us to reconsider the active ingredients of Cortex Phellodendri. In this study, two traditional usages (antidiarrheal and antibacterial) of Cortex Phellodendri were compared with the chemical analysis of the two herb species used in its formulation. The results suggest that berberine is one of the active ingredients responsible for the antidiarrheal and antibacterial activities of the herbs, but that other chemical ingredients are also involved in regulating the biological actions of the herbal drug. These chemical ingredients may have the same or the opposite effect as berberine. The effectiveness of the herbs is more likely to correlate to the content of total alkaloids rather than to the content of berberine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Li Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N. T., Hong Kong
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Zhao M, Xian YF, Ip SP, Fong HHS, Che CT. A new and weakly antispasmodic protoberberine alkaloid from Rhizoma Coptidis. Phytother Res 2010; 24:1414-6. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.3154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Mao QQ, Huang Z, Zhong XM, Feng CR, Pan AJ, Li ZY, Ip SP, Che CT. Effects of SYJN, a Chinese herbal formula, on chronic unpredictable stress-induced changes in behavior and brain BDNF in rats. J Ethnopharmacol 2010; 128:336-341. [PMID: 20138132 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2010.01.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2009] [Revised: 01/18/2010] [Accepted: 01/25/2010] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY Suyu-Jiaonang (SYJN) is a Chinese herbal formula that contains four herbs: Bupleurum chinense DC, Curcuma aromatica Salisb., Perilla frutescens (Linn.) Britt., and Acorus tatarinowii Schott. Previous studies conducted in our laboratory have revealed an antidepressant-like effect of the formula in various mouse models of behavioral despair. The present study aimed to investigate whether SYJN could produce antidepressant-like effects in chronic unpredictable stress (CUS)-induced depression model in rats and its possible mechanism(s). MATERIALS AND METHODS Rats were subjected to an experimental setting of CUS. The effect of SYJN treatment on CUS-induced depression was examined using behavioral tests including the sucrose consumption and open field tests. The mechanism underlying the antidepressant-like action of SYJN was examined by measuring brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein and mRNA expression in brain tissues of CUS-exposed rats. RESULTS Exposure to CUS for 4 weeks caused depression-like behavior in rats, as indicated by significant decreases in sucrose consumption and locomotor activity (assessed in the open field test). In addition, it was found that BDNF protein and mRNA levels in the hippocampus and frontal cortex were lower in CUS-treated rats, as compared to controls. Daily intragastric administration of SYJN (1300 or 2600 mg/kg) during the 4-week period of CUS significantly suppressed behavioral changes and attenuated the CUS-induced decrease in BDNF protein and mRNA levels in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. CONCLUSION The results suggest that SYJN alleviates depression induced by CUS. The antidepressant-like activity of SYJN is likely mediated by the increase in BDNF expression in brain tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Qiu Mao
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China
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Chen ML, Ip SP, Tsai SH, Ko KM, Che CT. Biochemical mechanism of Wu-Zi-Yan-Zong-Wan, a traditional Chinese herbal formula, against alcohol-induced oxidative damage in CYP2E1 cDNA-transfected HepG2 (E47) cells. J Ethnopharmacol 2010; 128:116-122. [PMID: 20051262 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2009.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2009] [Revised: 09/08/2009] [Accepted: 12/28/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY Wu-Zi-Yan-Zong-Wan (WZ) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula which is commonly used for treating patients with "Yang deficiency". In the present study, the effect of WZ on ethanol-induced toxicity in CYP2E1 cDNA-transfected HepG2 (E47) cells was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS WZ extract was obtained by extracting the herbal powder with 50% ethanol (v/v, in water) and the effect of the extract on ethanol-induced toxicity was investigated in cultured cells. RESULTS The treatment with WZ extract (12.5-200 microg/mL) for 24h dose-dependently protected against ethanol-induced toxicity in E47 cells, as evidenced by the enhanced cell viability and decreased extent of lactate dehydrogeanse leakage. The cytoprotection against ethanol-induced toxicity was associated with decreases in the extents of reactive oxygen species production and lipid peroxidation, as well as increases in mitochondrial reduced glutathione and membrane potential. In addition, WZ extract treatment also suppressed the formation of DNA fragments in ethanol-intoxicated E47 cells. CONCLUSIONS WZ extract was found to protect against the ethanol-induced toxicity in E47 cells, possibly by virtues of its antioxidant activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Li Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong
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Ip SP, Zhao M, Xian Y, Chen M, Zong Y, Tjong YW, Tsai SH, Sung JJY, Bensoussan A, Berman B, Fong HHS, Che CT. Quality assurance for Chinese herbal formulae: standardization of IBS-20, a 20-herb preparation. Chin Med 2010; 5:8. [PMID: 20175906 PMCID: PMC2845568 DOI: 10.1186/1749-8546-5-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2009] [Accepted: 02/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The employment of well characterized test samples prepared from authenticated, high quality medicinal plant materials is key to reproducible herbal research. The present study aims to demonstrate a quality assurance program covering the acquisition, botanical validation, chemical standardization and good manufacturing practices (GMP) production of IBS-20, a 20-herb Chinese herbal formula under study as a potential agent for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Methods Purity and contaminant tests for the presence of toxic metals, pesticide residues, mycotoxins and microorganisms were performed. Qualitative chemical fingerprint analysis and quantitation of marker compounds of the herbs, as well as that of the IBS-20 formula was carried out with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Extraction and manufacture of the 20-herb formula were carried out under GMP. Chemical standardization was performed with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. Stability of the formula was monitored with HPLC in real time. Results Quality component herbs, purchased from a GMP supplier were botanically and chemically authenticated and quantitative HPLC profiles (fingerprints) of each component herb and of the composite formula were established. An aqueous extract of the mixture of the 20 herbs was prepared and formulated into IBS-20, which was chemically standardized by LC-MS, with 20 chemical compounds serving as reference markers. The stability of the formula was monitored and shown to be stable at room temperature. Conclusion A quality assurance program has been developed for the preparation of a standardized 20-herb formulation for use in the clinical studies for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The procedures developed in the present study will serve as a protocol for other poly-herbal Chinese medicine studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siu-Po Ip
- School of Chinese Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Mao QQ, Ip SP, Ko KM, Tsai SH, Che CT. Peony glycosides produce antidepressant-like action in mice exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress: effects on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2009; 33:1211-6. [PMID: 19596036 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2009.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2009] [Revised: 06/11/2009] [Accepted: 07/02/2009] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The root part of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (Ranunculaceae), commonly known as peony, is a commonly used Chinese herb for the treatment of depression-like disorders. Previous studies in our laboratory have demonstrated that total glycosides of peony (TGP) produced antidepressant-like action in various mouse models of behavioral despair. The present study aimed to examine whether TGP could affect the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression in mice. The mechanism(s) underlying the antidepressant-like action was investigated by measuring serum corticosterone level, glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA levels in brain tissues. CUMS, being lasted for 6 weeks, caused depression-like behavior in mice, as indicated by the significant decrease in sucrose consumption and increase in immobility time in the forced swim test. Whereas serum corticosterone level was significantly increased in mice exposed to CUMS, expressions of GR mRNA in hippocampus, and BDNF mRNA in hippocampus and frontal cortex, were decreased in CUMS-treated mice. Daily intragastric administration of TGP (80 or 160 mg/kg/day) during the six weeks of CUMS significantly suppressed behavioral and biochemical changes induced by CUMS. The results suggest that the antidepressant-like action of TPG is likely mediated by modulating the function of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and increasing the expression of BDNF in brain tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Qiu Mao
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China
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Mao QQ, Ip SP, Ko KM, Tsai SH, Xian YF, Che CT. Effects of peony glycosides on mice exposed to chronic unpredictable stress: further evidence for antidepressant-like activity. J Ethnopharmacol 2009; 124:316-320. [PMID: 19375493 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2009.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2008] [Revised: 04/06/2009] [Accepted: 04/07/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE Peony, the processed root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (Ranunculaceae), is a component herb of many traditional formulae for the treatment of depression-like disorders. AIM OF THE STUDY The present study aimed to investigate whether the total glycosides of peony (TGP) could prevent depression induced by chronic stress. MATERIALS AND METHODS Mice were subjected to an experimental setting of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). The effect of TGP treatment on CUS-induced depression was examined by measuring behavioral and neurochemical parameters of depression and the antioxidant status of brain tissue. RESULTS CUS-induced depression, as indicated by a significant increase in immobility time in the tail suspension test, was associated with increases in the activities of monoamine oxidases, depletion of reduced glutathione, and an increase in malondialdehyde level, in mice brains. TGP treatment alleviated the extent of CUS-induced depression and the associated impairment of antioxidant status in the mouse brain. CONCLUSION The results suggest that TGP alleviates depression induced by chronic unpredictable stress. The antidepressant-like activity of TGP is probably mediated by inhibition of monoamine oxidases and the attenuation of oxidative stress in mouse brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Qiu Mao
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong
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Mao QQ, Ip SP, Tsai SH, Che CT. Antidepressant-like effect of peony glycosides in mice. J Ethnopharmacol 2008; 119:272-275. [PMID: 18687393 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2008.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2008] [Revised: 06/04/2008] [Accepted: 07/12/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY The root part of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (Ranunculaceae), known as peony, is often used in Chinese herbal formulae for the treatment of depression-like disorders. Previous studies in our laboratory have shown that an ethanol extract of peony produced antidepressive effects in mouse models of depression. It is well known that peony contains glycosides such as paeoniflorin and albiflorin, yet it remains unclear whether the total glycosides of peony (TGP) are effective. The present study aims to evaluate the antidepressant-like effects of TGP. MATERIALS AND METHODS The antidepressant-like effects of TGP was determined by using animal models of depression including forced swim and tail suspension tests. The acting mechanism was explored by determining the effect of TGP on the activities of monoamine oxidases. RESULTS Intragastric administration of TGP at 80 and 160 mg/kg for seven days caused a significant reduction of immobility time in both forced swim and tail suspension tests, yet TGP did not stimulate locomotor activity in the open-field test. In addition, TGP treatment antagonized reserpine-induced ptosis and inhibited the activities of monoamine oxidases in mouse cerebrum. CONCLUSION These results suggest that the antidepressive effects of TGP are mediated, at least in part, by the inhibition of monoamine oxidases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Qiu Mao
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong
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Ip SP, Che CT. Determination of aflatoxins in Chinese medicinal herbs by high-performance liquid chromatography using immunoaffinity column cleanup Improvement of recovery. J Chromatogr A 2006; 1135:241-4. [PMID: 17083947 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2006.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 07/21/2006] [Revised: 10/09/2006] [Accepted: 10/11/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Although analytical methods are available for the determination of aflatoxins in medicinal herbs, none of them can be applied satisfactorily to all sample matrices. The difficulty arises from the complex chemical composition of the herbs. Recovery is generally low by using immunoaffinity column cleanup due to the acidity of the water extractive leading to a weakened binding affinity. As a solvent for dilution and neutralization, phosphate buffer saline is useful for certain herbs but not for others that have high acidity. The problem can be solved by using 0.1 M phosphate buffer, which has a higher buffering capacity and eliminates sodium chloride. The modified method was validated by the analysis of a certified reference material and shown to be useful for the determination of aflatoxins in herbal samples of high acidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siu-Po Ip
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China.
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47
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Abstract
Sabina przewalskii is a Tibetan medicinal plant. Pretreatment with an ethyl acetate-soluble fraction of the plant suppressed the plasma alanine aminotransferase activity in menadione-intoxicated mice. In vitro studies showed that the Sabina extract could inhibit NADH-induced superoxide production in isolated hepatocytes as indicated by a decrease of lucigenin-amplified chemiluminescence. In addition, the extract inhibited tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced lipid peroxidation in isolated hepatocytes dose-dependently. These results suggested that the protective action of the Sabina extract against menadione-induced hepatotoxicity is associated with its antioxidant activities including the scavenging of superoxide anion radicals and inhibition of lipid peroxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siu-Po Ip
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
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48
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Ip SP, Wong TP, Tsai SJ, Leung PS. The recovery of some components of the renin angiotensin system in the rat pancreas after chronic exposure to hypoxic condition. J Mol Endocrinol 2003; 31:563-71. [PMID: 14664716 DOI: 10.1677/jme.0.0310563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that the expression of the major components from a local pancreatic renin-angiotensin system (RAS) was upregulated after chronic exposure to oxygen deprivation (10% oxygen). In the present study, the reversibility of expression for the pancreatic RAS affected by chronic hypoxia was investigated in the pancreas. Rats were first subject to hypoxia for one Month and they were then returned to normoxic conditions for a varying period of time (1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks). The degree of recovery in the expression of RAS components was analyzed with standard curve-quantitative competitive-reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (SC-QC-RT-PCR), Western blot analysis and a specific assay for angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity. Results from SC-QC-RT-PCR showed that the upregulated expression of angiotensin II type 1 (AT(1)) receptor mRNA following chronic hypoxia could be completely restored to the control level after the rats were returned to the normoxic condition for 3 weeks. The reversibility of mRNA expression for angiotensin II type 2 (AT(2)) receptor and angiotensinogen was observed after the return to normoxic conditions for 2 and 3 weeks respectively when compared with that of their respective controls. Results from Western blot analysis further confirmed that the expression of AT(1) receptor protein was also reversible after return to normoxic conditions for 4 weeks. In addition, the activation of ACE activity returned to its normal level in a time-dependent manner. These data indicate that the upregulation of a local pancreatic RAS affected by chronic hypoxia could be recoverable. The significance of its reversibility and adaptability following chronic hypoxia may be of physiological relevance to the pancreas.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P Ip
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
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Ip SP, Yang H, Sun HD, Che CT. Dihydroisotanshinone I protects against menadione-induced toxicity in a primary culture of rat hepatocytes. Planta Med 2002; 68:1077-1081. [PMID: 12494333 DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-36345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Dihydroisotanshinone I is a phenanthrenequinone derivative isolated from the roots of Salvia trijuga Diels. The present study demonstrated the hepatoprotective effect of dihydroisotanshinone I against menadione-induced cytotoxicity in a primary culture of rat hepatocytes. Pretreating the cells with dihydroisotanshinone I at concentrations ranging from 2.5 microM to 20 microM for 24 hours caused dose-dependent protection against hepatotoxicity induced by menadione. Intracellular glutathione level and activity of DT-diaphorase have been suggested to play important roles in menadione-induced cytotoxicity. However, treating the hepatocytes with 20 microM dihydroisotanshinone I for 24 hours did not cause a significant change in glutathione level and DT-diaphorase activity. On the contrary, adding dihydroisotanshinone I to freshly isolated hepatocytes at concentrations between 50 nM to 200 nM inhibited NADH-induced superoxide production dose-dependently as indicated by the decrease of lucigenin-amplified chemiluminescence. In addition, dihydroisotanshinone I at concentrations ranging from 5 microM to 20 microM inhibited tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced lipid peroxidation dose-dependently in isolated hepatocytes as indicated by the level of malondialdehyde. These results suggest that the protective action of dihydroisotanshinone I against menadione-induced hepatotoxicity is attributed to its antioxidant properties including the free radical scavenging activity and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Abbreviations. DTD:DT-diaphorase GSH:glutathione LDH:lactate dehydrogenase MDA:malondialdehyde MTT:3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide TBHP: tert-butyl hydroperoxide
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Affiliation(s)
- Siu-Po Ip
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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50
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Our recent study has shown that chronic hypoxia could upregulate significantly a local renin-angiotensin system in the pancreas. The activation of such a local renin-angiotensin system may provide an alternate mechanism that leads to the generation of reactive radical species in the pancreas during chronically hypoxic exposure. The present study aims at elucidating the antioxidant status in the pancreas during varying degrees of chronic hypoxia. METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to an isobaric hypoxic (10% oxygen) chamber for a period up to 28 days. The glutathione status and membrane integrity of the pancreas were studied with a time course of chronic hypoxia (3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days). The effect of chronic hypoxia on changes of oxidative states in the pancreas was assessed based on the measurements of glutathione, malondialdehyde, alpha-amylase and DNA fragmentation using biochemical assays. RESULTS Pancreatic glutathione was decreased drastically after 3-day hypoxia and its level was almost completely recovered after 7-day hypoxia. Malondialdehyde was not affected while DNA fragmentation was increased significantly in a time-dependent manner during the course of chronic hypoxia. Membrane integrity of the pancreatic cells was improved, as evidenced by the decrease of plasma alpha-amylase during the time-course study of chronic hypoxia. CONCLUSION Pancreatic glutathione was depleted only in the early period of chronic hypoxia followed by a rapid recovery, suggesting that adaptive response of the pancreas may occur during chronic hypoxia. The enhancement of glutathione-dependent antioxidant capacity during chronic hypoxia prevented oxidative damage to the membrane of the pancreatic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P Ip
- School of Chinese Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong SAR
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