1
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Zheng ZX, Liu EY, Wu QY, Wu JH, Dong TTX, Tsim KWK. The flavonoids induce the transcription of mRNA encoding erythropoietin in cultured embryonic stem cells via the accumulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 382:110609. [PMID: 37348668 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Flavonoids are the most common phytochemicals in vegetables and herbal products. The beneficial functions of flavonoids in the brain and erythropoietic system have been proposed. Erythropoietin (EPO) is a potent protective agent in the brain; but which has difficulty to cross the blood brain barrier (BBB). Here, about 60 flavonoids were screened for their potential activation on the transcription of EPO mRNA in the neuronal embryonic stem cell lines, NT2/D1 and PC12. Amongst the screened flavonoids, formononetin, calycosin, ononin, chrysin, baicalein and apigenin showed robust up regulation of EPO production via enhancement of hypoxia response element (HRE) activity in cultured embryonic stem cells. In addition, the flavonoids showed activation of HRE activity by having increased accumulation of HIF-1α, but not on level of HIF-1β, in the cultures. The accumulation of HIF-1α was attributed to up regulation of HIF-1α mRNA and blockade of HIF-1α degradation upon treatment of the flavonoids. These results suggested a promising trend of developing commercial products of flavonoids as food supplements tailored for brain health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoey X Zheng
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Etta Y Liu
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Q Y Wu
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - J H Wu
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tina T X Dong
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Karl W K Tsim
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.
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2
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Wu Q, Bai P, Guo H, Guo MSS, Xia Y, Xia Y, Gao X, Wang X, Wu J, Dong TTX, Tsim KWK. Capsaicin, a Phytochemical From Chili Pepper, Alleviates the Ultraviolet Irradiation-Induced Decline of Collagen in Dermal Fibroblast via Blocking the Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:872912. [PMID: 35370728 PMCID: PMC8967157 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.872912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Capsaicin, a major ingredient in chili pepper, has broad pharmaceutical applications, including relieving pain, anti-inflammation, and treating psoriasis. In dermatological biology, capsaicin has been shown to prevent the ultraviolet (UV)-induced melanogenesis via TRPV1 receptor. To strengthen the roles of capsaicin in skin function, the damaged skin, triggered by exposure to UV, was reversed by capsaicin in both in vitro and in vivo models. In cultured dermal fibroblasts, the exposure to UV induced a decrease of collagen synthesis and increases expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and phosphorylation of Erk and c-Jun, and these events subsequently led to skin damage. However, the UV-mediated damages could be reversed by pre-treatment with capsaicin in a dose-dependent manner. The effect of capsaicin in blocking the UV-mediated collagen synthesis was mediated by reducing generation of ROS in dermal fibroblasts, instead of the receptor for capsaicin. Hence, capsaicin has high potential value in applying as an agent for anti-skin aging in dermatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyun Wu
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Panzhu Bai
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hongsheng Guo
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Maggie S S Guo
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yingjie Xia
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yiteng Xia
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiong Gao
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiaoyang Wang
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jiahui Wu
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tina T X Dong
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Karl W K Tsim
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
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3
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Xia Y, Wu Q, Mak S, Liu EYL, Zheng BZY, Dong TTX, Pi R, Tsim KWK. Regulation of acetylcholinesterase during the lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in microglial cells. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22189. [PMID: 35129858 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101302rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The non-classical function of acetylcholine (ACh) has been reported in neuroinflammation that represents the modulating factor in immune responses via activation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR), i.e., a cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP). Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), an enzyme for ACh hydrolysis, has been proposed to have a non-classical function in immune cells. However, the involvement of AChE in neuroinflammation is unclear. Here, cultured BV2 cell, a microglial cell line, and primary microglia from rats were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce inflammation and to explore the regulation of AChE during this process. The expression profiles of AChE, α7 nAChR, and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) were revealed in BV2 cells. The expression of AChE (G4 form) was induced significantly in LPS-treated BV2 cells: the induction was triggered by NF-κB and cAMP signaling. Moreover, ACh or α7 nAChR agonist suppressed the LPS-induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as the phagocytosis of microglia, by activating α7 nAChR and followed by the regulation of NF-κB and CREB signaling. The ACh-induced suppression of inflammation was abolished in AChE overexpressed cells, but did not show a significant change in AChE mutant (enzymatic activity knockout) transfected cells. These results indicate that the neuroinflammation-regulated function of AChE may be mediated by controlling the ACh level in the brain system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjie Xia
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, SRI, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Qiyun Wu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, SRI, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shinghung Mak
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Etta Y L Liu
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Brody Z Y Zheng
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tina T X Dong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, SRI, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Rongbiao Pi
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Karl W K Tsim
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, SRI, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
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4
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Kwan KKL, Wong TY, Yu AXD, Dong TTX, Lam HHN, Tsim KWK. Integrated Omics Reveals the Orchestrating Role of Calycosin in Danggui Buxue Tang, a Herbal Formula Containing Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Astragali Radix, in Inducing Osteoblastic Differentiation and Proliferation. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:670947. [PMID: 34248625 PMCID: PMC8260986 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.670947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Systems biology unravels the black box of signaling pathway of cells; but which has not been extensively applied to reveal the mechanistic synergy of a herbal formula. The therapeutic efficacies of a herbal formula having multi-target, multi-function and multi-pathway are the niches of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Here, we reported an integrated omics approach, coupled with the knockout of an active compound, to measure the regulation of cellular signaling, as to reveal the landscape in cultured rat osteoblasts having synergistic pharmacological efficacy of Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT), a Chinese herbal formula containing Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Astragali Radix. The changes in signaling pathways responsible for energy metabolism, RNA metabolism and protein metabolism showed distinct features between DBT and calycosin-depleted DBT. Here, our results show that calycosin within DBT can orchestrate the osteoblastic functions and signaling pathways of the entire herbal formula. This finding reveals the harmony of herbal medicine in pharmacological functions, as well as the design of drug/herbal medicine formulation. The integration of systems biology can provide novel and essential insights into the synergistic property of a herbal formula, which is a key in modernizing TCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth K L Kwan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tin Yan Wong
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, China
| | - Anna X D Yu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tina T X Dong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Henry H N Lam
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, China
| | - Karl W K Tsim
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
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5
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Zhang ZY, Wang YJ, Yan H, Chang XW, Zhou GS, Zhu L, Liu P, Guo S, Dong TTX, Duan JA. Rapid Geographical Origin Identification and Quality Assessment of Angelicae Sinensis Radix by FT-NIR Spectroscopy. J Anal Methods Chem 2021; 2021:8875876. [PMID: 33505766 PMCID: PMC7815386 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8875876] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Angelicae Sinensis Radix is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine and spice in China. The purpose of this study was to develop a methodology for geographical classification of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and determine the contents of ferulic acid and Z-ligustilide in the samples using near-infrared spectroscopy. A qualitative model was established to identify the geographical origin of Angelicae Sinensis Radix using Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy. Support vector machine (SVM) algorithms were used for the establishment of a qualitative model. The optimum SVM model had a recognition rate of 100% for the calibration set and 83.72% for the prediction set. In addition, a quantitative model was established to predict the content of ferulic acid and Z-ligustilide using FT-NIR. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) algorithms were used for the establishment of a quantitative model. Synergy interval-PLS (Si-PLS) was used to screen the characteristic spectral interval to obtain the best PLSR model. The coefficient of determination for calibration (R2C) for the best PLSR models established with the optimal spectral preprocessing method and selected important spectral regions for the quantitative determination of ferulic acid and Z-ligustilide was 0.9659 and 0.9611, respectively, while the coefficient of determination for prediction (R2P) was 0.9118 and 0.9206, respectively. The values of the ratio of prediction to deviation (RPD) of the two final optimized PLSR models were greater than 2. The results suggested that NIR spectroscopy combined with SVM and PLSR algorithms could be exploited in the discrimination of Angelicae Sinensis Radix from different geographical locations for quality assurance and monitoring. This study might serve as a reference for quality evaluation of agricultural, pharmaceutical, and food products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-yu Zhang
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, and Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ying-jun Wang
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, and Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Hui Yan
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, and Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xiang-wei Chang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Gui-sheng Zhou
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, and Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Lei Zhu
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, and Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Pei Liu
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, and Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Sheng Guo
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, and Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Tina T. X. Dong
- Division of Life Science and Centre for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jin-ao Duan
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, and Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
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6
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Wu Q, Bai P, Xia Y, Xia Y, Xu B, Dai K, Zheng Z, Guo MSS, Fung KWC, Dong TTX, Tsim KWK. Capsaicin Inhibits the Expression of Melanogenic Proteins in Melanocyte via Activation of TRPV1 Channel: Identifying an Inhibitor of Skin Melanogenesis. J Agric Food Chem 2020; 68:14863-14873. [PMID: 33280383 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.0c06321] [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] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Chili pepper belongs to the genus Capsicum of Solanaceae family. Capsaicin is the primary capsaicinoid in placenta and flesh of chili pepper fruit, which has been shown to have various pharmacological functions, including gastric protection, anti-inflammation, and obesity treatment. Here, we revealed that capsaicin as well as chilli extract was able to inhibit synthesis of melanin in melanocytes. In cultured melanocytes, the melanin content was reduced to 54 ± 6.55% and 42 ± 7.41% with p < 0.001 under treatment of 50 μM capsaicin for 24 and 72 h, respectively. In parallel, the protein levels of tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein-1 were reduced to 62 ± 8.35% and 48 ± 8.92% with p < 0.001. Such an inhibitory effect of capsaicin was mediated by activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase. This resulted in a degradation of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, leading to reduction of melanogenic enzymes and melanin. These results revealed that capsaicin could be an effective inhibitor for skin melanogenesis. Hence, chili pepper, as our daily food, has potential in dermatological application, and capsaicin should be considered as a safe agent in treating hyperpigmentation problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyun Wu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen 518057, China
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Panzhu Bai
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen 518057, China
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yiteng Xia
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen 518057, China
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yingjie Xia
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen 518057, China
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Bowen Xu
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kun Dai
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhongyu Zheng
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Maggie S S Guo
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kelly W C Fung
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tina T X Dong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen 518057, China
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Karl W K Tsim
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen 518057, China
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong, China
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7
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Wu Q, Bai P, Xia Y, Lai QWS, Guo MSS, Dai K, Zheng Z, Ling CSJ, Dong TTX, Pi R, Tsim KWK. Solar light induces expression of acetylcholinesterase in skin keratinocytes: Signalling mediated by activator protein 1 transcription factor. Neurochem Int 2020; 141:104861. [PMID: 33038610 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2020.104861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) hydrolyses acetylcholine to choline and acetate, playing an important role in terminating the neurotransmission in brain and muscle. Recently, the non-neuronal functions of AChE have been proposed in different tissues, in which there are various factors to regulate the expression of AChE. In mammalian skin, AChE was identified in melanocytes and keratinocytes. Our previous study has indicated that AChE in keratinocyte affects the process of solar light-induced skin pigmentation; however, the expression of AChE in keratinocytes in responding to sunlight remains unknown. Here, we provided several lines of evidence to support a notion that AChE could be upregulated at transcriptional and translational levels in keratinocytes when exposed to solar light. The light-mediated AChE expression was triggered by Ca2+, supported by an induction of Ca2+ ionophore A23187 and a blockage by Ca2+ chelator BAPTA-AM. In addition, this increase on AChE transcriptional expression was eliminated by mutagenesis on the activating protein 1 (AP1) site in ACHE gene. Hence, the solar light-induced AChE expression is mediated by Ca2+ signalling through AP1 site. This finding supports the role of solar light in affecting the cholinergic system in skin cells, and which may further influence the dermatological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyun Wu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China; Division of Life Science and Centre for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Panzhu Bai
- Division of Life Science and Centre for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yingjie Xia
- Division of Life Science and Centre for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Queenie W S Lai
- Division of Life Science and Centre for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Maggie S S Guo
- Division of Life Science and Centre for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kun Dai
- Division of Life Science and Centre for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhongyu Zheng
- Division of Life Science and Centre for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Christine S J Ling
- Division of Life Science and Centre for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tina T X Dong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China; Division of Life Science and Centre for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Rongbiao Pi
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 518000, China
| | - Karl W K Tsim
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China; Division of Life Science and Centre for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China.
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8
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Wu Q, Xia Y, Dai K, Bai P, Kwan KKL, Guo MSS, Dong TTX, Tsim KWK. Solar light induces the release of acetylcholine from skin keratinocytes affecting melanogenesis. FASEB J 2020; 34:8941-8958. [PMID: 32519787 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000708r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Cholinergic system conducts signal transmission in brain and muscle. Besides nervous system, the nonneuronal functions of cholinergic system have been proposed in various tissues. The expression of cholinergic proteins and release of acetylcholine in human skin have been reported, but its mechanism and influence on dermatological functions is not elucidated. Here, the expression profile of cholinergic markers was further investigated in skin and keratinocyte. The expression levels of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), and synaptophysin, were upregulated during differentiation of keratinocytes. In cultured keratinocytes, a transient exposure of solar light induced the release of acetylcholine, which was mediated by intracellular Ca2+ mobilization. The light-induced acetylcholine release was mediated by the present of opsin. The light-induced melanogenesis was inhibited by acetylcholine or AChE inhibitor in melanocyte in vitro and mouse skin ex vivo. These results indicated that the potential role of cholinergic system could be a negative regulator in skin pigmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyun Wu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yiteng Xia
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kun Dai
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Panzhu Bai
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kenneth K L Kwan
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Maggie S S Guo
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tina T X Dong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Karl W K Tsim
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
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9
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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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10
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Wang H, Wang C, Guo L, Zheng Y, Hu W, Dong TTX, Wang T, Tsim KWK. Simultaneous determination of short‐chain fatty acids in human feces by HPLC with ultraviolet detection following chemical derivatization and solid‐phase extraction segmental elution. J Sep Sci 2019; 42:2500-2509. [DOI: 10.1002/jssc.201900249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Huai‐You Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal BioresourcesHKUST Shenzhen Research Institute Shenzhen P. R. China
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese MedicineThe Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Clear Water Bay P. R. China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal BioresourcesHKUST Shenzhen Research Institute Shenzhen P. R. China
| | - Lin‐Xiu Guo
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Standard ResearchShenzhen Institute for Drug Control Shenzhen P. R. China
| | - Yun‐Feng Zheng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal BioresourcesHKUST Shenzhen Research Institute Shenzhen P. R. China
- School of PharmacyNanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing P. R. China
| | - Wei‐Hui Hu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal BioresourcesHKUST Shenzhen Research Institute Shenzhen P. R. China
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese MedicineThe Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Clear Water Bay P. R. China
| | - Tina T. X. Dong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal BioresourcesHKUST Shenzhen Research Institute Shenzhen P. R. China
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese MedicineThe Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Clear Water Bay P. R. China
| | - Tie‐Jie Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Standard ResearchShenzhen Institute for Drug Control Shenzhen P. R. China
| | - Karl W. K. Tsim
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal BioresourcesHKUST Shenzhen Research Institute Shenzhen P. R. China
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese MedicineThe Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Clear Water Bay P. R. China
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11
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Lam KYC, Wu QY, Hu WH, Yao P, Wang HY, Dong TTX, Tsim KWK. Asarones from Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma stimulate expression and secretion of neurotrophic factors in cultured astrocytes. Neurosci Lett 2019; 707:134308. [PMID: 31153972 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.134308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (ATR, the dried rhizome of Acorus tatarinowii Schott.) is a traditional Chinese medicine widely used to treat brain diseases, e.g. depression, forgetfulness, anxiety and epilepsy. Several lines of evidence support that ATR has neuronal beneficial functions in animal models, but its action mechanism in cellular level is unknown. Here, we identified α-asarone and β-asarone could be the major active ingredients of ATR, which, when applied onto cultured rat astrocytes, significantly stimulated the expression and secretion of neurotrophic factors, i.e. nerve growth factor (NGF), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), in dose-dependent manners. These results suggested that the neuronal action of ATR, triggered by asarone, might be mediated by an increase of expression of neurotrophic factors in astrocytes, which therefore could support the clinical usage of ATR. In addition, application of PKA inhibitor, H89, in cultured astrocytes partially blocked the asarone-induced neurotrophic factor expression, suggesting the involvement of PKA signaling. The results proposed that α-asarone and β-asarone from ATR could serve as potential candidates for drug development in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Y C Lam
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Qi-Yun Wu
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wei-Hui Hu
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ping Yao
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Huai-You Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Tina T X Dong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen, 518000, China; Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Karl W K Tsim
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen, 518000, China; Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China.
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12
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Liu EYL, Xu ML, Xia Y, Kong X, Wu Q, Dong TTX, Tsim KWK. Activation of G protein-coupled receptor 30 by flavonoids leads to expression of acetylcholinesterase in cultured PC12 cells. Chem Biol Interact 2019; 306:147-151. [PMID: 31034797 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2019.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Flavonoids, considered as phytoestrogen mainly deriving from fruit and vegetable, are known to have beneficial effects in brain functions. The role of flavonoids in induction of a cholinergic enzyme, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), was being explored here. In cultured PC12 cells, twenty-four commonly found flavonoids were tested for its induction on AChE activity. Fourteen flavonoids showed induction, and five of them had robust effect, i.e. daidzin, alpinetin, irisflorentin, cardamonin and lysionotin. The induction of AChE was fully blocked by pre-treatment of G15 (a selective G protein-coupled receptor 30 [GPR 30] antagonist), suggesting a direct involvement of a membrane-bound estrogen receptor, named as GPR 30, in the cultures. In addition, daidzin was further identified to induce expression of tetrameric globular form of proline-rich membrane anchor (PRiMA)-linked AChE. In parallel, application of daidzin in cultured PC12 cells significantly induced expression of neurofilaments, markers for neuronal differentiation. Taken together, flavonoids could induce the expression of AChE via GPR 30 in cultured PC12 cells, which could be a good candidate for possible treatment of the brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etta Y L Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, SRI, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Shenzhen, China; Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Miranda L Xu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, SRI, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Shenzhen, China; Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yingjie Xia
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, SRI, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Shenzhen, China; Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiangpeng Kong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, SRI, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Shenzhen, China
| | - Qiyun Wu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, SRI, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Shenzhen, China; Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tina T X Dong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, SRI, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Shenzhen, China; Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Karl W K Tsim
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, SRI, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Shenzhen, China; Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China.
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13
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Wong ZCF, Chan GKL, Wu KQY, Poon KKM, Chen Y, Dong TTX, Tsim KWK. Complete digestion of edible bird's nest releases free N-acetylneuraminic acid and small peptides: an efficient method to improve functional properties. Food Funct 2019; 9:5139-5149. [PMID: 30206602 DOI: 10.1039/c8fo00991k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Edible bird's nest (EBN), an Asian health food, contains insoluble proteins and conjugated N-acetylneuraminic acid (NANA) that are difficult to be absorbed by humans. In order to increase the nutritional value of EBN, we developed methods to digest EBN targeting the release of proteins and NANA. By using simulated gastric fluid under acidic conditions, the complex proteins were fully digested into smaller peptides, and in parallel, NANA was fully released from the conjugated form. The completely digested EBN showed better nutraceutical properties. In a skin whitening test, the EBN digest showed stronger inhibition of melanogenesis of cultured B16 cells and enzymatic activity of tyrosinase, as compared to that of undigested EBN. In addition, the EBN digest exhibited stronger osteogenic activity in cultured osteoblasts. Thus, the complete digestion of EBN could be applied to the development of a new generation of EBN health food products, including EBN drinks and skincare products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zack C F Wong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Shenzhen, 518000, China
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14
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Gong G, Qi B, Liang YT, Dong TTX, Wang HY, Tsim KWK, Zheng Y. Danggui Buxue Tang, an ancient Chinese herbal decoction, protects β-amyloid-induced cell death in cultured cortical neurons. Altern Ther Health Med 2019; 19:9. [PMID: 30621672 PMCID: PMC6323849 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-018-2411-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) is a historical Chinese herbal decoction, and which has more than 800 years of applications. This herbal decoction solely contains two materials: Astragali Radix (AR) and Angelicae Sinensis Radix (ASR) at a weight ratio of 5:1. Clinically, DBT aims to improve anemia syndrome. In complementary and alternative medicine theory, the cause of neurodegenerative disease is proposed to be related with anemia. In line to this notion, low levels of hemoglobin and red blood cell have been reported in patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a chronic neurodegenerative disease caused by β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) accumulation. Therefore, we would like to probe the neuroprotective functions of this ancient herbal formula in vitro. Method The neuroprotective effects of DBT in the Aβ-induced cell death were detected in cultured cortical neurons by multiple techniques, i.e. confocal and western blot. Results In the cultures, application of DBT reduced Aβ-induced apoptosis rate in a dose-dependent manner. In Aβ-treated cortical neurons, the expression ratio of Bcl2 to Bax was altered by DBT. In parallel, application of DBT markedly suppressed the Aβ-induced expressions of apoptotic markers, i.e. cleaved-caspase 3/9 and PARP. Conclusion Taken these results, DBT shows promising protective effects against Aβ-induced stress or insult in cultured neurons.
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15
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Lou JS, Xia YT, Wang HY, Kong XP, Yao P, Dong TTX, Zhou ZY, Tsim KWK. The WT1/MVP-Mediated Stabilization on mTOR/AKT Axis Enhances the Effects of Cisplatin in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer by a Reformulated Yu Ping Feng San Herbal Preparation. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:853. [PMID: 30131696 PMCID: PMC6090061 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemo-resistance is an obstacle in therapy of lung cancer. Alternative therapy of using herbal medicine has been proposed to resolve this obstacle. Yu Ping Feng San (YPFS), a common Chinese herbal medicinal mixture, has been reported to show anti-drug resistance on cisplatin (DDP), a common lung cancer drug. To optimize the anti-cancer function of YPFS, different Chinese herbal extracts having known function to overcome lung cancer were screened in combining with YPFS, as to increase the efficacy of DDP in drug resistance lung cancer cell, A549/DDP. Amongst these herbal extracts, Ginkgo Folium exhibited the most promoting sensitized effect. This revised herbal formula, named as YPFS+GF, promoted the DDP-induced toxicity by over 2-fold as compared to that of YPFS alone; this potentiation was confirmed by inducing cell apoptosis. The anti-drug resistance of YPFS, triggered by an increase of intracellular concentration of DDP, was accompanied by an increased expression and activity of WT1, which consequently decreased the transcript level of MVP. In addition, the MVP-mediated downstream effector mTOR2/AKT was disrupted after application of YPFS+GF in DDP-treated A549/DDP cell: this disruption was characterized by the decline of mTORC2 components, e.g., Rictor, p-mTOR, as well as the phosphorylation level of its downstream protein AKT. The disruption on mTORC2/AKT could be reversed by mTORC2 inducer insulin and promoted by mTORC2 inhibitor PP242. Thus, the anti-drug resistance of YPFS+GF in DDP-treated lung cancer cells might be mediated by the down regulation of WT1/MVP axis, as well as the downstream anti-apoptotic pathway of mTORC2/AKT signaling. Herbal medicine is one of the main adjuvant therapies in non-small cell lung cancer, and this novel herbal formula supports the prescription of traditional Chinese medicine in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Shu Lou
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, SRI, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yi-Teng Xia
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, SRI, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Huai-You Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, SRI, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Xiang-Peng Kong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, SRI, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Ping Yao
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Tina T X Dong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, SRI, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Zhong-Yu Zhou
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, SRI, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Karl W K Tsim
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, SRI, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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16
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Wu Q, Fung AHY, Xu ML, Poon K, Liu EYL, Kong XP, Yao P, Xiong QP, Dong TTX, Tsim KWK. Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor up-regulates acetylcholinesterase expression during melanogenesis of murine melanoma cells. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:14417-14428. [PMID: 30076217 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.003729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 07/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) hydrolyzes the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in neurons. However, AChE has been proposed to also have nonneuronal functions in different cell types. Here, we report that AChE is expressed in melanocytes and melanoma cells, and that the tetrameric (G4) form is the major AChE isoform in these cells. During melanogenesis of B16F10 murine melanoma cells, AChE levels decreased markedly. The differentiation of melanoma cells led to (i) an increase in melanin and tyrosinase, (ii) a change in intracellular cAMP levels, and (iii) a decrease in microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF). We hypothesized that the regulation of AChE during melanogenesis is mediated by two transcription factors: cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) and MITF. In melanoma cells, exogenous cAMP suppressed AChE expression and the promoter activity of the ACHE gene. This suppression was mediated by a cAMP-response element (CRE) located on the ACHE promoter, as mutation of CRE relieved the suppression. In melanoma, MITF overexpression induced ACHE transcription, and mutation of an E-box site in human ACHE promoter blocked this induction. An AChE inhibitor greatly enhanced acetylcholine-mediated responses of melanogenic gene expression levels in vitro; however, this enhancement was not observed in the presence of agonists of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor. These results indicate that ACHE transcription is regulated by cAMP-dependent signaling during melanogenesis of B16F10 cells, and the effect of this enzyme on melanin production suggests that it has a potential role in skin pigmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyun Wu
- From the Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China and.,Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Aster H Y Fung
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Miranda L Xu
- From the Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China and.,Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kaman Poon
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Etta Y L Liu
- From the Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China and.,Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiang P Kong
- From the Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China and
| | - Ping Yao
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Qing P Xiong
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tina T X Dong
- From the Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China and.,Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Karl W K Tsim
- From the Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China and .,Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
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Xu Y, Tao Z, Jin Y, Yuan Y, Dong TTX, Tsim KWK, Zhou Z. Flavonoids, a Potential New Insight of Leucaena leucocephala Foliage in Ruminant Health. J Agric Food Chem 2018; 66:7616-7626. [PMID: 29953227 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.8b02739] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the constituents of Leucaena leucocephala foliage collected from Guangdong province in China and isolated 17 diverse flavonoids (1-17), including flavones (5-9, 11, and 12), flavonols (1, 10, and 16), flavanone 4, flavanonol 15, and flavonol glycosides (2, 3, 13, 14, and 17). Flavonoids quercetin (1), quercetin-3- O-α-rhamnopyranoside (2), and myricetin-3- O-α-rhamnopyranoside (17) were the major flavonoids components in L. leucocephala leaves, at a total concentration of about 2.5% of dry matter. pHRE-Luc inductive activity to mimic the activation of erythropoietin (EPO) gene, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antioxidant activities of isolated flavonoids (1-17) were evaluated. Flavonoids 7, 10, and 13 could strongly induce the transcriptional activity of pHRE-Luc, which indicated their potential to induce the expression of EPO. Flavonoids 7, 10, 13, and 17 displayed strong anti-inflammatory activity, relatively equal to the positive control dexamethasone. Flavonoids 1, 2, 3, 11, 12, 16, and 17 showed stronger antioxidant activities of DPPH radical scavenging capacity than ascorbic acid. Flavonoids 1, 2, and 10 showed weak cellular antioxidant activities against tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP) induced ROS formation. Flavonoid rhamnoside 2 and arabinoside 3 undergone deglycosylation to the aglycone quercetin under anaerobic incubation with cattle rumen microorganisms. Furthermore, the potential health benefits for ruminant of flavonoids, which was rich in L. leucocephala foliage, was also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingchao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Guangzhou , China 510650
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China 100049
| | - Zhenru Tao
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Guangzhou , China 510650
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China 100049
| | - Yu Jin
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Guangzhou , China 510650
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China 100049
| | - Yunfei Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Guangzhou , China 510650
| | - Tina T X Dong
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine , The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Hong Kong , China
| | - Karl W K Tsim
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine , The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Hong Kong , China
| | - Zhongyu Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Guangzhou , China 510650
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Xu ML, Luk WKW, Bi CWC, Liu EYL, Wu KQY, Yao P, Dong TTX, Tsim KWK. Erythropoietin regulates the expression of dimeric form of acetylcholinesterase during differentiation of erythroblast. J Neurochem 2018; 146:390-402. [PMID: 29675901 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 03/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE; EC 3.1.1.7) is known to hydrolyze acetylcholine at cholinergic synapses. In mammalian erythrocyte, AChE exists as a dimer (G2 ) and is proposed to play role in erythropoiesis. To reveal the regulation of AChE during differentiation of erythroblast, erythroblast-like cells (TF-1) were induced to differentiate by application of erythropoietin (EPO). The expression of AChE was increased in parallel to the stages of differentiation. Application of EPO in cultured TF-1 cells induced transcriptional activity of ACHE gene, as well as its protein product. This EPO-induced event was in parallel with erythrocytic proteins, for example, α- and β-globins. The EPO-induced AChE expression was mediated by phosphorylations of Akt and GATA-1; because the application of Akt kinase inhibitor blocked the gene activation. Erythroid transcription factor also known as GATA-1, a downstream transcription factor of EPO signaling, was proposed here to account for regulation of AChE in TF-1 cell. A binding sequence of GATA-1 was identified in ACHE gene promoter, which was further confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. Over-expression of GATA-1 in TF-1 cultures induced AChE expression, as well as activity of ACHE promoter tagged with luciferase gene (pAChE-Luc). The deletion of GATA-1 sequence on the ACHE promoter, pAChEΔGATA-1 -Luc, reduced the promoter activity during erythroblastic differentiation. On the contrary, the knock-down of AChE in TF-1 cultures could lead to a reduction in EPO-induced expression of erythrocytic proteins. These findings indicated specific regulation of AChE during maturation of erythroblast, which provided an insight into elucidating possible mechanisms in regulating erythropoiesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda L Xu
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresourses, Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wilson K W Luk
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Cathy W C Bi
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Etta Y L Liu
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kevin Q Y Wu
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ping Yao
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tina T X Dong
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresourses, Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Karl W K Tsim
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresourses, Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
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19
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Wong ZCF, Chan GKL, Dong TTX, Tsim KWK. Origin of Red Color in Edible Bird's Nests Directed by the Binding of Fe Ions to Acidic Mammalian Chitinase-like Protein. J Agric Food Chem 2018; 66:5644-5653. [PMID: 29751728 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.8b01500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The red color of edible bird's nests (EBNs) has remained a mystery for hundreds of years. Here, different analytical methods were employed to identify the color origin of EBNs. The treatment of white EBNs with NaNO2/HCl turned them red. In a simulated-gastric-fluid (SGF)-digested EBN, the HPLC chromatogram, NMR spectrum, circular-dichroism spectrum, and Raman spectrum of a NaNO2-treated white EBN closely resembled those of an authentic red EBN. From the HPLC chromatogram of the SGF-digested EBN, the peptides associated with red color were identified in a red EBN and NaNO2-treated white EBN. Several lines of evidence indicated that the color-containing peptide could be derived from the acidic mammalian chitinase-like (AMCase-like) protein of EBNs. Additionally, there was a noticeable increase in Fe-O-bonding intensity after the color change. On the basis of the findings, we proposed that the oxidation of Fe ions in AMCase-like proteins contributed significantly to the color change of EBNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zack C F Wong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible & Medicinal Bioresources , Hi-Tech Park , Nanshan, Shenzhen 518057 , China
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine R&D , The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR , China
| | - Gallant K L Chan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible & Medicinal Bioresources , Hi-Tech Park , Nanshan, Shenzhen 518057 , China
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine R&D , The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR , China
| | - Tina T X Dong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible & Medicinal Bioresources , Hi-Tech Park , Nanshan, Shenzhen 518057 , China
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine R&D , The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR , China
| | - Karl W K Tsim
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible & Medicinal Bioresources , Hi-Tech Park , Nanshan, Shenzhen 518057 , China
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine R&D , The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR , China
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20
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Gong AGW, Duan R, Wang HY, Kong XP, Dong TTX, Tsim KWK, Chan K. Evaluation of the Pharmaceutical Properties and Value of Astragali Radix. Medicines 2018; 5:E46. [PMID: 29883402 PMCID: PMC6023478 DOI: 10.3390/medicines5020046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Astragali Radix (AR), a Chinese materia medica (CMM) known as Huangqi, is an important medicine prescribed in herbal composite formulae (Fufang) by Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners for thousands of years. According to the literature, AR is suggested for patients suffering from “Qi”- and “Blood”-deficiencies, and its clinical effects are reported to be related to anti-cancer cell proliferation, anti-oxidation, relief of complications in cardiovascular diseases, etc. The underlying cell signaling pathways involved in the regulation of these various diseases are presented here to support the mechanisms of action of AR. There are two botanical sources recorded in China Pharmacopoeia (CP, 2015): Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. Var. mongohlicus, (Bge.) Hsiao, and Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. (Fam. Leguminosae), whose extracts of dried roots are processed via homogenization-assisted negative pressure cavitation extraction. Geographic factors and extraction methods have impacts on the pharmaceutical and chemical profiles of AR. Therefore, the levels of the major bioactive constituents of AR, including polysaccharides, saponins, and flavonoids, may not be consistent in different batches of extract, and the pharmaceutical efficacy of these bioactive ingredients may vary depending on the source. Therefore, the present review mainly focuses on the consistency of the available sources of AR and extracts and on the investigation of the biological functions and mechanisms of action of AR and of its major bioactive constituents. Furthermore, it will also include a discussion of the most popular AR composite formulae to further elucidate their chemical and biological profiles and understand the pharmaceutical value of AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy G W Gong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, SRI, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518057, China.
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong 100044, China.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai Campus, Zhuhai 519041, China.
| | - Ran Duan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, SRI, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518057, China.
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong 100044, China.
| | - Huai Y Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, SRI, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518057, China.
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong 100044, China.
| | - Xiang P Kong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, SRI, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518057, China.
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong 100044, China.
| | - Tina T X Dong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, SRI, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518057, China.
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong 100044, China.
| | - Karl W K Tsim
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, SRI, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518057, China.
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong 100044, China.
| | - Kelvin Chan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, SRI, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518057, China.
- School of Pharmacy & Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3 AF, UK.
- National Institute of Complementary Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2560, Australia.
- Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia.
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21
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Chen J, Gong AGW, Liu X, Li Z, Qi A, Dong TTX, Yi T, Tsim KWK, Li S. A Chinese herbal decoction, Jian-Pi-Yi-Shen, regulates the expressions of erythropoietin and pro-inflammatory cytokines in cultured cells. Altern Ther Health Med 2018; 18:119. [PMID: 29615029 PMCID: PMC5883303 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-018-2146-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Background A Chinese herbal formula, namely Jian-Pi-Yi-Shen (JPYS), has been clinically prescribed for patients with chronic kidney disease associated-anemia, and which can improve the patient’s immunological system. However, the mechanisms of JPYS involved in anemia and immune response have not been investigated. To study the role of JPYS in regulating hematopoietic and immunological functions, we investigated its activities on the expressions of erythropoietin and pro-inflammatory cytokines in cultured cells. Methods The standardized herbal extracts of JPYS (0–30 μg/ml) were applied onto cultured cells for 24–48 h. Total RNA was collected from the treated cells and subjected to real-time quantitative PCR analysis. Cultured HEK293T cells, transfected with a construct composed of hypoxia response element tagged with a luciferase gene, i.e. pHRE-Luc, were treated with JPYS extracts (1–30 μg/ml) for 24 h. The cell lysates were subjected to luciferase assay. Results The treatment with JPYS extract onto cultured HEK293T cells induced erythropoietin expression in a dose-dependent manner, having the highest response by ~ 50% of increase. In parallel, application of JPYS extract for 24 h stimulated expressions of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in cultured RAW 264.7 macrophages. In contrast, the pretreatment with JPYS extract suppressed expressions of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophages. Conclusions These results confirmed the hematopoietic function of JPYS in regulating erythropoietin expression, as well as the bidirectional immune-modulatory roles of JPYS by regulating the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in cultures.
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22
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Liu EYL, Xu ML, Jin Y, Wu Q, Dong TTX, Tsim KWK. Genistein, a Phytoestrogen in Soybean, Induces the Expression of Acetylcholinesterase via G Protein-Coupled Receptor 30 in PC12 Cells. Front Mol Neurosci 2018. [PMID: 29535608 PMCID: PMC5835133 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Genistein, 4′,5,7-trihydroxyisoflavone, is a major isoflavone in soybean, which is known as phytestrogen having known benefit to brain functions. Being a common phytestrogen, the possible role of genistein in the brain protection needs to be further explored. In cultured PC12 cells, application of genistein significantly induced the expression of neurofilaments (NFs), markers for neuronal differentiation. In parallel, the expression of tetrameric form of proline-rich membrane anchor (PRiMA)-linked acetyl-cholinesterase (G4 AChE), a key enzyme to hydrolyze acetylcholine in cholinergic synapses, was induced in a dose-dependent manner: this induction included the associated protein PRiMA. The genistein-induced AChE expression was fully blocked by the pre-treatment of H89 (an inhibitor of protein kinase A, PKA) and G15 (a selective G protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) antagonist), which suggested a direct involvement of a membrane-bound estrogen receptor (ER), named as GPR30 in the cultures. In parallel, the estrogen-induced activation of GPR30 induced AChE expression in a dose-dependent manner. The genistein/estrogen-induced AChE expression was triggered by a cyclic AMP responding element (CRE) located on the ACHE gene promoter. The binding of this CRE site by cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) induced ACHE gene transcription. In parallel, increased expression levels of miR132 and miR212 were found when cultured PC12 cells were treated with genistein or G1. Thus, a balance between production and destruction of AChE by the activation of GPR30 was reported here. We have shown for the first time that the activation of GPR30 could be one way for estrogen or flavonoids, possessing estrogenic properties, to enhance cholinergic functions in the brain, which could be a good candidate for possible treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etta Y L Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, SRI, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Miranda L Xu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, SRI, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yan Jin
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, SRI, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Qiyun Wu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, SRI, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Tina T X Dong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, SRI, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Karl W K Tsim
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, SRI, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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23
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Gong AGW, Duan R, Wang HY, Dong TTX, Tsim KWK. Calycosin Orchestrates Osteogenesis of Danggui Buxue Tang in Cultured Osteoblasts: Evaluating the Mechanism of Action by Omics and Chemical Knock-out Methodologies. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:36. [PMID: 29449812 PMCID: PMC5799702 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT), an ancient Chinese herbal decoction commonly used to mitigate menopausal osteoporosis, contains two herbs: Astragali Radix (AR) and Angelicae Sinensis Radix (ASR). The exact efficacy of individual chemical(s) within DBT, or in any herbal mixture, is hard to be revealed. Calycosin and ferulic acid have been reported to be the predominant chemicals found within DBT, and its roles in regulating osteoblastic differentiation have been proposed here. To probe the roles of calycosin and ferulic acid, these chemicals were specifically depleted from the DBT extracts. Here, calycosin-depleted DBT (DBTΔcal) and ferulic acid-depleted DBT (DBTΔfa), generated by semi-preparative HPLC, were coupled with RNA-seq and metabolomics analyses to reveal the synergistic functions of individual chemicals within a complex herbal mixture. The expressions of osteogenic differentiation markers were significantly increased under the treatments of DBT and DBTΔfa. The DBT-induced genes were markedly reduced in the absent of calycosin, i.e., DBTΔcal. In cultured osteoblasts, the DBT-activated Wnt/β-catenin and MAPK/Erk and signaling pathways were greatly affected when calycosin was depleted. By metabolomics analysis in DBT-treated osteoblasts, the profile of metabolites triggered by DBTΔcal showed distinction to that of DBT and/or DBTΔfa. Thus, our findings indicated that calycosin, rather than ferulic acid, could be an indispensable chemical in DBT to orchestrate multi-components of DBT in achieving maximal osteogenic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy G W Gong
- HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ran Duan
- HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Huai Y Wang
- HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Tina T X Dong
- HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Karl W K Tsim
- HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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24
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Xu Y, Tao Z, Jin Y, Chen S, Zhou Z, Gong AGW, Yuan Y, Dong TTX, Tsim KWK. Jasmonate-Elicited Stress Induces Metabolic Change in the Leaves of Leucaena leucocephala. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23020188. [PMID: 29364191 PMCID: PMC6017012 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23020188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 12/30/2017] [Revised: 01/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The plant Leucaena leucocephala was exposed to four jasmonate elicitors, i.e., jasmonic acid (JA), methyl jasmonic acid (MeJA), jasmonoyl-l-isoleucine (JA-Ile) and 6-ethyl indanoyl glycine conjugate (2-[(6-ethyl-1-oxo-indane-4-carbonyl)-amino]-acetic acid methyl ester) (CGM). The treatment was to mimic the herbivores and wounding stresses. By using NMR spectroscopy along with chemometric analysis, including principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), the changes of metabolites in the leaves of L. leucocephala were determined under the stress as induced by the four elicitors. The challenge of JA-Ile caused an accumulation of lactic acid (6), β-glucose (10), alanine (12), threonine (13), steroids (18), 3,4-dihydroxypyridine (19) and an unidentified compound 20. The chemometric analysis of the PCA and PLS-DA models indicated that the alternation of metabolites triggered by JA, MeJA, and CGM treatments were very minimum. In contrast, the treatment by JA-Ile could induce the most significant metabolic changes in the leaves. Moreover, there was very minimal new metabolite being detected in responding to the jasmonate-induced stresses. The results showed some metabolite concentrations changed after application of the elicitors, which may be related to a high level of tolerance to stress conditions as well as the strong ecological suitability of L. leucocephala.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingchao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Zhenru Tao
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Yu Jin
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Shuangyan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China.
- College of Light Industry and Food Sciences, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China.
| | - Zhongyu Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China.
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Amy G W Gong
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Yunfei Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China.
| | - Tina T X Dong
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Karl W K Tsim
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China.
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25
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Lou JS, Bi WC, Chan GKL, Jin Y, Wong CW, Zhou ZY, Wang HY, Yao P, Dong TTX, Tsim KWK. Ginkgetin induces autophagic cell death through p62/SQSTM1-mediated autolysosome formation and redox setting in non-small cell lung cancer. Oncotarget 2017; 8:93131-93148. [PMID: 29190983 PMCID: PMC5696249 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Promoting cell death by autophagy could be a novel treatment for cancer. The major player in autophagy, p62, serves as a good therapeutic target. Ginkgetin, a biflavonoid from Ginkgo biloba leaves, exhibited promising anticancer activity in non-small cell lung cancer cell lines, with an IC50 lower than that of cisplatin. This anticancer effect of ginkgetin was illustrated in a xenograft nude mouse model. Ginkgetin induced autophagic cell death in A549 cells, and this effect was markedly reversed by chemical and genetic approaches. Ginkgetin showed potential binding affinity to p62. Upregulation of p62 through chemical and genetic means decreased cell death, lysosome acidification, and autophagosome formation, which consequently disrupted autolysosome formation. In addition, the decreased autophagy induced by p62 overexpression increased Nrf2/ARE activity and the oxygen consumption rate and decreased on formation of reactive oxygen species. These phenomena were exhibited in a reciprocal manner when p62 was knocked down. Thus, p62 may be a potential target in ginkgetin-induced autophagic cell death, and ginkgetin could be developed as a novel anticancer drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Shu Lou
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wen-Chuan Bi
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gallant K L Chan
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yan Jin
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chau-Wing Wong
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhong-Yu Zhou
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Huai-You Wang
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ping Yao
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tina T X Dong
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Karl W K Tsim
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
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26
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Gong AGW, Wang HY, Dong TTX, Tsim KWK, Zheng YZ. Danggui Buxue Tang, a simple Chinese formula containing Astragali Radix and Angelicae Sinensis Radix, stimulates the expressions of neurotrophic factors in cultured SH-SY5Y cells. Chin Med 2017; 12:24. [PMID: 28852418 PMCID: PMC5568261 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-017-0144-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT), a phytoestrogen-enriched Chinese herbal formula, serves as dietary supplement in stimulating the “Blood” functions of menopausal women. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, “Blood” has a strong relationship with brain activities. Previous studies supported that some ingredients of DBT possessed neuronal beneficial functions. Therefore, the neurotrophic function and the mechanistic action of DBT were systematically evaluated in cultured human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Methods The DBT-triggered protein expressions were analyzed by western blotting, while the transcriptional activities of promoters coding for related genes were revealed by luciferase assays. For mechanistic analysis of DBT, Erk1/2 and its inhibitor U0126 were analyzed. Results The application of DBT in cultured neuroblastoma cells showed the efficacies in: (1) up-regulation of nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF); (2) activation of transcriptional activities of promoters coding for NGF, BDNF, GDNF; (3) activation of Erk1/2 and CREB; and (4) attenuation of the neurotrophic factor expression by the treatment of an Erk1/2 inhibitor. Conclusions Our study supports that MAPK/Erk pathway acts as fundamental role in monitoring DBT-induced expression of neurotrophic factors in cultured human neuroblastoma cell. These results shed light in developing the working mechanism of this ancient herbal decoction for its neuronal function. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13020-017-0144-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy G W Gong
- HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen, 518000 China.,Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Huai Y Wang
- HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen, 518000 China
| | - Tina T X Dong
- HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen, 518000 China.,Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Karl W K Tsim
- HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen, 518000 China.,Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Y Z Zheng
- Department of Biology, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, 521041 Guangdong China
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Xu ML, Bi CWC, Liu EYL, Dong TTX, Tsim KWK. Wnt3a induces the expression of acetylcholinesterase during osteoblast differentiation via the Runx2 transcription factor. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:12667-12678. [PMID: 28607150 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.777581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) hydrolyzes acetylcholine to terminate cholinergic transmission in neurons. Apart from this AChE activity, emerging evidence suggests that AChE could also function in other, non-neuronal cells. For instance, in bone, AChE exists as a proline-rich membrane anchor (PRiMA)-linked globular form in osteoblasts, in which it is proposed to play a noncholinergic role in differentiation. However, this hypothesis is untested. Here, we found that in cultured rat osteoblasts, AChE expression was increased in parallel with osteoblastic differentiation. Because several lines of evidence indicate that AChE activity in osteoblast could be triggered by Wnt/β-catenin signaling, we added recombinant human Wnt3a to cultured osteoblasts and found that this addition induced expression of the ACHE gene and protein product. This Wnt3a-induced AChE expression was blocked by the Wnt-signaling inhibitor Dickkopf protein-1 (DKK-1). We hypothesized that the Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), a downstream transcription factor in Wnt/β-catenin signaling, is involved in AChE regulation in osteoblasts, confirmed by the identification of a Runx2-binding site in the ACHE gene promoter, further corroborated by ChIP. Of note, Runx2 overexpression in osteoblasts induced AChE expression and activity of the ACHE promoter tagged with the luciferase gene. Moreover, deletion of the Runx2-binding site in the ACHE promoter reduced its activity during osteoblastic differentiation, and addition of 5-azacytidine and trichostatin A to differentiating osteoblasts affected AChE expression, suggesting epigenetic regulation of the ACHE gene. We conclude that AChE plays a role in osteoblastic differentiation and is regulated by both Wnt3a and Runx2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda L Xu
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China; HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Cathy W C Bi
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China; HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Etta Y L Liu
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China; HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Tina T X Dong
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China; HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Karl W K Tsim
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China; HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong Province, China.
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Lam KYC, Yao P, Wang H, Duan R, Dong TTX, Tsim KWK. Asarone from Acori Tatarinowii Rhizome prevents oxidative stress-induced cell injury in cultured astrocytes: A signaling triggered by Akt activation. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0179077. [PMID: 28598994 PMCID: PMC5466315 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0179077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Acori Tatarinowii Rhizome (ATR; the dried rhizome of Acori tatarinowii Schott) is a well-known herb being used for mental disorder in China and Asia. Volatile oil is considered as the active ingredient of ATR, and asarones account for more than 90% of total volatile oil. Here, the protective effects of ATR oil and asarones, both α-asarone and β-asarone, were probed in cultured rat astrocytes. The cyto-protective effect of ATR oil and asarones against tBHP-induced astrocyte injury was revealed, and additionally ATR oil and asarones reduced the tBHP-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. In parallel, the activity of anti-oxidant response element (ARE) promoter construct (pARE-Luc), being transfected in cultured astrocytes, was markedly induced by application of ATR oil and asarones. The mRNAs encoding anti-oxidant enzymes, e.g. glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutamate-cysteine ligase modulatory subunit (GCLM), glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) were induced by ATR oil and asarones in a dose-dependent manner. The ATR oil/asarone-induced gene expression could be mediated by Akt phosphorylation; because the applied LY294002, a phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor, fully abolished the induction. These results demonstrated that α-asarone and β-asarone could account, at least partly, the function of ATR being a Chinese medicinal herb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Y. C. Lam
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ping Yao
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Huaiyou Wang
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ran Duan
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Tina T. X. Dong
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Karl W. K. Tsim
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- * E-mail:
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Lin HQ, Gong AGW, Wang HY, Duan R, Dong TTX, Zhao KJ, Tsim KWK. Danggui Buxue Tang (Astragali Radix and Angelicae Sinensis Radix) for menopausal symptoms: A review. J Ethnopharmacol 2017; 199:205-210. [PMID: 28163116 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.01.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 01/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has contributed greatly to human health in past several thousand years. Today, the development of TCM is facing two obstacles: (i) quality control of herbal extract; and (ii) action mechanisms not known. OBJECTIVES Among thousands of complex TCM formulations, Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) is the simplest one. DBT is used to treat ailments in women and contains only two herbs, Astragali Radix (Huangqi; AR) and Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui; ASR). The weight ratio of AR to ASR in DBT must be 5:1, as stipulated in AD 1247. By using DBT as a model formula, we develop a strategy to reveal the complexity of a traditional TCM formula. RESULTS There are 3 levels of research directions: (i) the preparation of DBT and its rationale behind; (ii) the traditional theory of DBT is elucidated by chemical and biological determinations; and (iii) the action mechanisms of DBT are revealed. CONCLUSION Through the chemical, biological, genomic and proteomic studies, a possible direction in resolving the preparation mythologies, pharmacological and mechanistic analyses of a TCM decoction is being proposed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huang Q Lin
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Amy G W Gong
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Huai Y Wang
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China; HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Ran Duan
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tina T X Dong
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kui J Zhao
- Beijing Friendship Hospital, Affiliate of Capital University of Medical Sciences, 95 Yong An Road, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Karl W K Tsim
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China; HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong, China.
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30
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Zhang L, Gong AGW, Riaz K, Deng JY, Ho CM, Lin HQ, Dong TTX, Lee YK, Tsim KWK. A novel combination of four flavonoids derived from Astragali Radix relieves the symptoms of cyclophosphamide-induced anemic rats. FEBS Open Bio 2017; 7:318-323. [PMID: 28286727 PMCID: PMC5337903 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [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: 07/03/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
By using a feedback system control scheme, the best combination of formononetin, ononin, calycosin, and calycosin‐7‐O‐β‐d‐glucoside derived from Astragali Radix was shown to activate a hypoxia response element, a regulator for erythropoietin (EPO) transcription, in kidney fibroblast. In cyclophosphamide‐induced anemic rats, the treatment of combined flavonoids, or EPO, improved the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. In addition, the altered levels of antioxidant capacity, super oxidase dismutase, and malondialdehyde, triggered in anemic rats, were restored to control levels by the treatment of flavonoids. Here, we proposed a possible therapy by using the common flavonoids in treating anemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology China; School of Pharmacy Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine China
| | - Amy G W Gong
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology China
| | - Kashif Riaz
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology China
| | - Jun Y Deng
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology China
| | - Chih M Ho
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering University of California Los Angeles CA USA
| | - Huang Q Lin
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology China; HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute Nanshan Shenzhen Guangdong Province China
| | - Tina T X Dong
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology China; HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute Nanshan Shenzhen Guangdong Province China
| | - Yi-Kuen Lee
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology China
| | - Karl W K Tsim
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology China; HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute Nanshan Shenzhen Guangdong Province China
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Gong AGW, Huang VY, Wang HY, Lin HQ, Dong TTX, Tsim KWK. Ferulic Acid Orchestrates Anti-Oxidative Properties of Danggui Buxue Tang, an Ancient Herbal Decoction: Elucidation by Chemical Knock-Out Approach. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0165486. [PMID: 27824860 PMCID: PMC5100993 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ferulic acid, a phenolic acid derived mainly from a Chinese herb Angelica Sinensis Radix (ASR), was reported to reduce the formation of free radicals. Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT), a herbal decoction composing of Astragali Radix (AR) and ASR, has been utilized for more than 800 years in China having known anti-oxidative property. Ferulic acid is a major active ingredient in DBT; however, the role of ferulic acid within the herbal mixture has not been resolved. In order to elucidate the function of ferulic acid within this herbal decoction, a ferulic acid-depleted herbal decoction was created and named as DBTΔfa. The anti-oxidative properties of chemically modified DBT decoction were systemically compared in cultured H9C2 rat cardiomyoblast cell line. The application of DBT and DBTΔfa into the cultures showed functions in (i) decreasing the reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, detected by laser confocal; (ii) increasing of the activation of Akt; (iii) increasing the transcriptional activity of anti-oxidant response element (ARE); and (iv) increasing the expressions of anti-oxidant enzymes, i.e. NQO1 and GCLM. In all scenario, the aforementioned anti-oxidative properties of DBTΔfa in H9C2 cells were significantly reduced, as compared to authentic DBT. Thus, ferulic acid could be an indispensable chemical in DBT to orchestrate multi-components of DBT as to achieve maximal anti-oxidative functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy G. W. Gong
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Vincent Y. Huang
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Huai Y. Wang
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Huang Q. Lin
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tina T. X. Dong
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Karl W. K. Tsim
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- * E-mail:
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Lam KYC, Chen J, Lam CTW, Wu Q, Yao P, Dong TTX, Lin H, Tsim KWK. Asarone from Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma Potentiates the Nerve Growth Factor-Induced Neuronal Differentiation in Cultured PC12 Cells: A Signaling Mediated by Protein Kinase A. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163337. [PMID: 27685847 PMCID: PMC5042514 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (ATR), the rhizome of Acorus tatarinowii Schott, is being used clinically to treat neurological disorders. The volatile oil of ATR is being considered as an active ingredient. Here, α-asarone and β-asarone, accounting about 95% of ATR oil, were evaluated for its function in stimulating neurogenesis. In cultured PC12 cells, application of ATR volatile oil, α-asarone or β-asarone, stimulated the expression of neurofilaments, a bio-marker for neurite outgrowth, in a concentration-dependent manner. The co-treatment of ATR volatile oil, α-asarone or β-asarone, with low concentration of nerve growth factor (NGF) potentiated the NGF-induced neuronal differentiation in cultured PC12 cells. In addition, application of protein kinase A inhibitors, H89 and KT5720, in cultures blocked the ATR-induced neurofilament expression, as well as the phosphorylation of cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB). In the potentiation of NGF-induced signaling in cultured PC12 cells, α-asarone and β-asarone showed synergistic effects. These results proposed the neurite-promoting asarone, or ATR volatile oil, could be useful in finding potential drugs for treating various neurodegenerative diseases, in which neurotrophin deficiency is normally involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Y. C. Lam
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jianping Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Hospital Chinese Medicine Preparation, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Candy T. W. Lam
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Qiyun Wu
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ping Yao
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tina T. X. Dong
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Huangquan Lin
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Karl W. K. Tsim
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- * E-mail:
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Lou JS, Yan L, Bi CWC, Chan GKL, Wu QY, Liu YL, Huang Y, Yao P, Du CYQ, Dong TTX, Tsim KWK. Yu Ping Feng San reverses cisplatin-induced multi-drug resistance in lung cancer cells via regulating drug transporters and p62/TRAF6 signalling. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31926. [PMID: 27558312 PMCID: PMC4997265 DOI: 10.1038/srep31926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Yu Ping Feng San (YPFS), an ancient Chinese herbal decoction composed of Astragali Radix, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma and Saposhnikoviae Radix, has been used in the clinic for treating immune deficiency. In cancer therapy, YPFS is being combined with chemotherapy drugs to achieve improved efficacy; however, scientific evidence to illustrate this combination effect is lacking. The present study aims to demonstrate the anti-drug resistance of YPFS in cisplatin (DDP)-resistant non-small cell lung cancer cells (A549/DDP). The application of YPFS exhibited a synergistic enhancement of DDP-induced cytotoxicity as well as of the apoptotic signalling molecules. DDP-induced expression of the multi-drug-resistance efflux transporters was markedly reduced in the presence of YPFS, resulting in a higher intracellular concentration of DDP. In addition, the application of YPFS increased DDP-induced ROS accumulation and MMP depletion, decreased p62/TRAF6 signalling in DDP-treated A549/DDP cells. The co-treatment of DDP and YPFS in tumour-bearing mice reduced the tumour size robustly (by more than 80%), which was much better than the effect of DDP alone. These results indicate that YPFS can notably improve the DDP-suppressed cancer effect, which may be a consequence of the elevation of intracellular DDP via the drug transporters as well as the down regulation of p62/TRAF6 signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Shu Lou
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Lu Yan
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Cathy W. C. Bi
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Gallant K. L. Chan
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Qi-Yun Wu
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yun-Le Liu
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yun Huang
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ping Yao
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Crystal Y. Q. Du
- Department of Biology, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, Guangdong 521041, China
| | - Tina T. X. Dong
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Karl W. K. Tsim
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
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Xiong A, Yan AL, Bi CWC, Lam KYC, Chan GKL, Lau KKM, Dong TTX, Lin H, Yang L, Wang Z, Tsim KWK. Clivorine, an otonecine pyrrolizidine alkaloid from Ligularia species, impairs neuronal differentiation via NGF-induced signaling pathway in cultured PC12 cells. Phytomedicine 2016; 23:931-938. [PMID: 27387401 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2016.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Revised: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are commonly found in many plants including those used in medical therapeutics. The hepatotoxicities of PAs have been demonstrated both in vivo and in vitro; however, the neurotoxicities of PAs are rarely mentioned. PURPOSE In this study, we aimed to investigate in vitro neurotoxicities of clivorine, one of the PAs found in various Ligularia species, in cultured PC12 cells. STUDY DESIGN PC12 cell line was employed to first elucidate the neurotoxicity and the underlying mechanism of clivorine, including cell viability and morphology change, neuronal differentiation marker and signaling pathway. METHODS PC12 cells were challenged with series concentrations of clivorine and/or nerve growth factor (NGF). The cell lysates were collected for MTT assay, trypan blue staining, immunocytofluorescent staining, qRT-PCR and western blotting. RESULTS Clivorine inhibited cell proliferation and neuronal differentiation evidenced by MTT assay and dose-dependently reducing neurite outgrowth, respectively. In addition, clivorine decreased the level of mRNAs encoding for neuronal differentiation markers, e.g. neurofilaments and TrkA (NGF receptor). Furthermore, clivorine reduced the NGF-induced the phosphorylations of TrkA, protein kinase B and cAMP response element-binding protein in cultured PC12 cells. CONCLUSION Taken together, our results suggest that clivorine might possess neurotoxicities in PC12 cells via down-regulating the NGF/TrkA/Akt signaling pathway. PAs not only damage the liver, but also possess neurotoxicities, which could possibly result in brain disorders, such as depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aizhen Xiong
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China; Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Artemis Lu Yan
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Cathy W C Bi
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kelly Y C Lam
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gallant K L Chan
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kitty K M Lau
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tina T X Dong
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Huangquan Lin
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Li Yang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhengtao Wang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Karl W K Tsim
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong, China.
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Gong AGW, Lau KM, Xu ML, Lin HQ, Dong TTX, Zheng KYZ, Zhao KJ, Tsim KWK. The estrogenic properties of Danggui Buxue Tang, a Chinese herbal decoction, are triggered predominantly by calycosin in MCF-7 cells. J Ethnopharmacol 2016; 189:81-89. [PMID: 27196297 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 08/25/2015] [Revised: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT), a Chinese herbal decoction containing Astragali Radix (AR; roots of Astragalus memebranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge var. mongholicus (Bunge) Hsiao) and Angelicae Sinensis Radix (ASR; roots of Angelica sinensis Oliv.) at a weight ratio of 5:1, is used to improve menopausal syndromes in women. Several lines of evidence indicate that DBT has strong estrogenic property; however, the action mechanism of this herbal decoction is not known. Calycosin, a major flavonoid in AR, shares similar structure with β-estradiol, and thus which is hypothesized to be the key compound of DBT in responsible for such estrogenic properties. AIMS We aimed to determine the role of calycosin in DBT in terms of its estrogenic functions by the creation of calycosin-depleted DBT (DBTΔcal) and calycosin-added DBT (DBT+cal) herbal extracts. METHODS The signalings triggered by DBT∆cal, DBT+cal, and parental DBT were compared in cultured MCF-7 cells by determining: (i) the activation of estrogen responsive element; (ii) the phosphorylation of estrogen receptor α (ERα); and (iii) the phosphorylation of Erk1/2. The DBT-induced responses were in dose- and/or time-dependent manners. RESULTS The estrogenic signals triggered by DBT were markedly reduced in DBTΔcal, and in contrast the addition of calycosin in DBT, i.e. DBT+cal, enhanced the responses by 2-5 folds; however, calycosin alone did not show such properties. In parallel, the DBT-induced responses could be significantly blocked by inhibitors for estrogen receptor and mitogen activated protein kinases. CONCLUSION Thus, we hypothesize that calycosin is an indispensable chemical in DBT, and which plays a linker in orchestrating multi-components of DBT as to achieve the maximal estrogenic functions. These discoveries should be invaluable in drug development and in investigating the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine from a new perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy G W Gong
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kei M Lau
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Miranda L Xu
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Huang Q Lin
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tina T X Dong
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ken Y Z Zheng
- Department of Biology, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, Guangdong 521041, China
| | - K J Zhao
- Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 95, Yongan Road, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Karl W K Tsim
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China.
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Yan L, Hu Q, Mak MSH, Lou J, Xu SL, Bi CWC, Zhu Y, Wang H, Dong TTX, Tsim KWK. A Chinese herbal decoction, reformulated from Kai-Xin-San, relieves the depression-like symptoms in stressed rats and induces neurogenesis in cultured neurons. Sci Rep 2016; 6:30014. [PMID: 27444820 PMCID: PMC4957105 DOI: 10.1038/srep30014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Kai-Xin-San (KXS), a Chinese herbal decoction for anti-depression, is a combination of paired-herbs, i.e. Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (GR)-Polygalae Radix (PR) and Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (ATR)-Poria (PO). The make-up of the paired-herbs has been commonly revised according to syndrome differentiation and treatment variation of individual. Currently, an optimized KXS (KXS2012) was prepared by functional screening different combination of GR-PR and ATR-PO. The aim of this study was to verify the effect and underlying mechanism of KXS2012 against depression in chronic mild stress (CMS)-induced depressive rats and in primary cultures of neurons and astrocytes. In rat model, the CMS-induced depressive symptoms were markedly alleviated by the treatment with KXS2012. The CMS-suppressed neurotransmitter amounts were restored in the presence of KXS2012. And the expressions of neurotropic factors and its corresponding receptors were increased under KXS2012 administration. In cultured neurons, application of KXS2012 could promote neurogenesis by inducing the expression of synaptotagmin and dendritic spine density. Moreover, application of KXS2012 in cultured astrocytes, or in H2O2-stressed astrocytes, induced the expressions of neurotrophic factors: the increase might be associated with the modification of Erk1/2 and CREB phosphorylation. Our current results fully support the therapeutic efficacy of KXS2012 against depression in cell and animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yan
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Qinghua Hu
- College of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Marvin S. H. Mak
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jianshu Lou
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sherry L. Xu
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Cathy W. C. Bi
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Yue Zhu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Huaiyou Wang
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Tina T. X. Dong
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Karl W. K. Tsim
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518057, China
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Lam CTW, Gong AGW, Lam KYC, Zhang LM, Chen JP, Dong TTX, Lin HQ, Tsim KWK. Jujube-containing herbal decoctions induce neuronal differentiation and the expression of anti-oxidant enzymes in cultured PC12 cells. J Ethnopharmacol 2016; 188:275-283. [PMID: 27178633 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The fruit of Ziziphus jujuba (Mill.), known as Jujuba Fructus (JF) or jujube, is a well-known Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for blood nourishment and sedation effect. Apart from prescribing as single herb alone, JF is very often being included in multi-herbal decoctions to prolong, enhance and harmonize pharmaceutical effects of decoctions while at the same time reducing toxicity. Here, we aimed to compare the protective and differentiating activities of three chemically standardized jujube-containing decoctions, including Guizhi Tang (GZT), Neibu Dangguijianzhong Tang (NDT) and ZaoTang (ZOT) in cultured PC12 cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS The protein expressions of neurofilaments, including NF68, NF160 and NF200, under the herbal treatment were revealed by western blot. The determination of neurite outgrowth in cultured PC12 cells upon the treatment of herbal extracts was performed by light microscope equipped with a phase-contrast condenser and SPOT imaging software. The protective effect against tBHP-induced cytotoxicity under the herbal treatment was measured by MTT assay. A luciferase reporter construct carrying four repeats of anti-oxidant response element (ARE) and a downstream luciferase reporter gene luc2P was transfected into PC12 cells to study the transcriptional activation of ARE. The mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes under the herbal treatment was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. RESULTS These jujube-containing decoctions processed similar neuro-protective and brain beneficial properties. The herbal treatment induced the protein expression of neurofilaments. Neurite outgrowth was observed under the herbal treatment. In parallel, the pre-treatment of herbal extracts protected PC 12 cells against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the herbal treatments triggered the mRNA expressions of relevant anti-oxidation genes, i.e. glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), glutamate-cysteine ligase modulatory subunit (GCLM), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) via the activation of anti-oxidant response element (ARE). CONCLUSION The results therefore demonstrated neuro-protective and differentiating properties of the three closely related decoctions, and which subsequently illustrated the enhancement function of jujube within a multi-herbal decoction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candy T W Lam
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Amy G W Gong
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kelly Y C Lam
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Laura M Zhang
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jian-Ping Chen
- Pharmaceutical Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tina T X Dong
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Huang-Quan Lin
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Karl W K Tsim
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China.
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Cui JD, Xu ML, Liu EYL, Dong TTX, Lin HQ, Tsim KWK, Bi CWC. Expression of globular form acetylcholinesterase is not altered in P2Y1R knock-out mouse brain. Chem Biol Interact 2016; 259:291-294. [PMID: 27378627 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2016.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 01/15/2016] [Revised: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), a neurotransmitter and a neuromodulator, has been shown to be co-stored and co-released with acetylcholine (ACh) at the pre-synaptic vesicles in vertebrate neuromuscular junction (nmj). Several lines of studies demonstrated that binding of ATP to its corresponding P2Y1 receptors (P2Y1R) in muscle and neuron regulated the post-synaptic gene expressions. Indeed, the expression of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in muscle was markedly decreased in P2Y1R-/- (P2Y1R knock-out) mice. In order to search for possible role of P2Y1R in cholinergic function of the brain, the expression of globular form AChE was determined in the brain of P2Y1R-/- mice. In contrast to that in muscle, the amounts of AChE activity, AChE catalytic subunit, structure subunit PRiMA and the amount of ACh, in the brain were not, significantly, altered, suggesting the role of P2Y1R in neuron could have different function as that in muscle. However, the expressions of a series of neuronal development markers, i.e. neurofilaments, were reduced in P2Y1R-/- mouse brain, indicating P2Y1R may be involved in neuronal development process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane D Cui
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Miranda L Xu
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Etta Y L Liu
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tina T X Dong
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - H Q Lin
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Karl W K Tsim
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Cathy W C Bi
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China.
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Xu ML, Bi CWC, Kong AYY, Dong TTX, Wong YH, Tsim KWK. Flavonoids induce the expression of acetylcholinesterase in cultured osteoblasts. Chem Biol Interact 2016; 259:295-300. [PMID: 27019979 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2016.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [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: 01/16/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Flavonoids, a group of natural compounds mainly derived from plants, are known to possess osteogenic effects in bone cells. Here, we aimed to test if flavonoid could induce a cholinergic enzyme, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), as well as bone differentiation. In cultured rat osteoblasts, twenty flavonoids, deriving from Chinese herbs and having known induction of alkaline phosphatase (ALP1) expression, were tested for its induction activity on AChE expression. Eleven flavonoids showed the induction, and five of them had robust activation of AChE expression, including baicalin, calycosin, genistin, hyperin and pratensein: the induction of AChE included the levels of mRNA, protein and enzymatic activity. Moreover, the flavonoid-induced AChE expression in cultured osteoblast was in proline-rich membrane anchor (PRiMA)-linked tetrameric globular form (G4) only. In parallel, the expression of PRiMA was also induced by the application of flavonoids. The flavonoid-induced AChE in the cultures was not affected by estrogen receptor blocker, ICI 182,780. Taken together, the induction of PRiMA-linked AChE in osteoblast should be independent to classical estrogen signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda L Xu
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Cathy W C Bi
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ava Y Y Kong
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tina T X Dong
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yung H Wong
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Karl W K Tsim
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China.
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Lau KM, Gong AGW, Xu ML, Lam CTW, Zhang LML, Bi CWC, Cui D, Cheng AWM, Dong TTX, Tsim KWK, Lin H. Transcriptional activity of acetylcholinesterase gene is regulated by DNA methylation during C2C12 myogenesis. Brain Res 2016; 1642:114-123. [PMID: 27021952 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Revised: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The expression of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), an enzyme hydrolyzes neurotransmitter acetylcholine at vertebrate neuromuscular junction, is regulated during myogenesis, indicating the significance of muscle intrinsic factors in controlling the enzyme expression. DNA methylation is essential for temporal control of myogenic gene expression during myogenesis; however, its role in AChE regulation is not known. The promoter of vertebrate ACHE gene carries highly conserved CG-rich regions, implying its likeliness to be methylated for epigenetic regulation. A DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, 5-azacytidine (5-Aza), was applied onto C2C12 cells throughout the myotube formation. When DNA methylation was inhibited, the promoter activity, transcript expression and enzymatic activity of AChE were markedly increased after day 3 of differentiation, which indicated the putative role of DNA methylation. By bisulfite pyrosequencing, the overall methylation rate was found to peak at day 3 during C2C12 cell differentiation; a SP1 site located at -1826bp upstream of mouse ACHE gene was revealed to be heavily methylated. The involvement of transcriptional factor SP1 in epigenetic regulation of AChE was illustrated here: (i) the SP1-driven transcriptional activity was increased in 5-Aza-treated C2C12 culture; (ii) the binding of SP1 onto the SP1 site of ACHE gene was fully blocked by the DNA methylation; and (iii) the sequence flanking SP1 sites of ACHE gene was precipitated by chromatin immuno-precipitation assay. The findings suggested the role of DNA methylation on AChE transcriptional regulation and provided insight in elucidating the DNA methylation-mediated regulatory mechanism on AChE expression during muscle differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei M Lau
- Division of Life Science and Center of Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Amy G W Gong
- Division of Life Science and Center of Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Miranda L Xu
- Division of Life Science and Center of Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Candy T W Lam
- Division of Life Science and Center of Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Laura M L Zhang
- Division of Life Science and Center of Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Cathy W C Bi
- Division of Life Science and Center of Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - D Cui
- Division of Life Science and Center of Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Anthony W M Cheng
- Division of Life Science and Center of Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tina T X Dong
- Division of Life Science and Center of Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Karl W K Tsim
- Division of Life Science and Center of Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Huangquan Lin
- Division of Life Science and Center of Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong, China.
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Gong AGW, Lau KM, Zhang LML, Lin HQ, Dong TTX, Tsim KWK. Danggui Buxue Tang, Chinese Herbal Decoction Containing Astragali Radix and Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Induces Production of Nitric Oxide in Endothelial Cells: Signaling Mediated by Phosphorylation of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase. Planta Med 2016; 82:418-423. [PMID: 26824621 DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1558332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Danggui Buxue Tang, an ancient Chinese herbal decoction containing Astragali Radix and Angelicae Sinensis Radix at the weight ratio of 5:1, is used to mitigate menopausal syndromes in women. The pharmacological properties of Danggui Buxue Tang have been illustrated in bone development, blood enhancement, and immune stimulation. Here, we extended the possible pharmacological role of Danggui Buxue Tang in cardiovascular function. In cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells, the application of Danggui Buxue Tang induced the release of nitric oxide and the phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and Akt kinase in time- and dose-dependent manners. The robust activation of nitric oxide signaling, however, required the boiling of Astragali Radix and Angelicae Sinensis Radix together, i.e., as Danggui Buxue Tang instead of other herbal extracts. The Danggui Buxue Tang-induced phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and Akt kinase in human umbilical vein endothelial cells were fully blocked by treatment with an endothelial nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (L-NAME), a PI3K/Akt inhibitor (LY294002), and a Ca(2+) chelator (BAPTA-AM). In parallel, the blockage of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and Akt activation subsequently fully abolished the Danggui Buxue Tang-induced nitric oxide production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy G W Gong
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - K M Lau
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Laura M L Zhang
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - H Q Lin
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tina T X Dong
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Karl W K Tsim
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
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Chen J, Lam CTW, Li Z, Yao P, Lin H, Dong TTX, Tsim KWK. Extract of Ziziphus jujuba
Fruit (Jujube) Stimulates Expression of Enzymes Responsible for Heme Recycle via Anti-oxidant Response Element in Cultured Murine Macrophages. Phytother Res 2015; 30:267-71. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Revised: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Chen
- Pharmaceutical Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital; Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine; Shenzhen China
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine; The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Hong Kong China
| | - Candy T. W. Lam
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine; The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Hong Kong China
| | - Zhonggui Li
- Pharmaceutical Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital; Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine; Shenzhen China
| | - Ping Yao
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine; The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Hong Kong China
| | - Huangquan Lin
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine; The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Hong Kong China
| | - Tina T. X. Dong
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine; The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Hong Kong China
| | - Karl W. K. Tsim
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine; The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Hong Kong China
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Miernisha A, Bi CWC, Cheng LKW, Xing JG, Liu J, Maiwulanjiang M, Aisa HA, Dong TTX, Lin H, Huang Y, Tsim KWK. Badiranji Buya Keli, a Traditional Uyghur Medicine, Induces Vasodilation in Rat Artery: Signaling Mediated by Nitric Oxide Production in Endothelial Cells. Phytother Res 2015; 30:16-24. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Revised: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Miernisha
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine; The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Clear Water Bay Road Hong Kong China
| | - Cathy W. C. Bi
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine; The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Clear Water Bay Road Hong Kong China
| | - Lily K. W. Cheng
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine; The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Clear Water Bay Road Hong Kong China
| | - J. G. Xing
- The Xinjiang Institute of Materia Medica; Urumqi China
| | - J. Liu
- Institute of Vascular Medicine, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences; Chinese University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong China
| | - M. Maiwulanjiang
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine; The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Clear Water Bay Road Hong Kong China
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Natural Products Chemistry; Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Urumqi China
| | - H. A. Aisa
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Natural Products Chemistry; Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Urumqi China
| | - Tina T. X. Dong
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine; The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Clear Water Bay Road Hong Kong China
| | - Huangquan Lin
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine; The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Clear Water Bay Road Hong Kong China
| | - Y. Huang
- Institute of Vascular Medicine, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences; Chinese University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong China
| | - Karl W. K. Tsim
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine; The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Clear Water Bay Road Hong Kong China
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Yan L, Xu SL, Zhu KY, Lam KYC, Xin G, Maiwulanjiang M, Li N, Dong TTX, Lin H, Tsim KWK. Optimizing the compatibility of paired-herb in an ancient Chinese herbal decoction Kai-Xin-San in activating neurofilament expression in cultured PC12 cells. J Ethnopharmacol 2015; 162:155-162. [PMID: 25560671 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.12.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 06/06/2014] [Revised: 12/06/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Kai-Xin-San (KXS), a well-known traditional Chinese herbal decoction, has been widely used to treat mental depression and memory loss in China. It has a combination of four herbs: Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (GR; root and rhizome of Panax ginseng C. A. Mey.), Polygalae Radix (PR; root of Polygala tenuifolia Wild.), Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (ATR; rhizome of Acorus tatarinowii Schott), and Poria (PO; sclerotium of Poriacocos (Schw.) Wolf), from which a pairing of two herbs was considered as paired-herb, such as the pairing of GR-PR and ATR-PO. The depression-induced neural cell loss is one of the major pathogenesis in depression. Here, an optimized KXS by changing the ratio of paired-herbs in KXS was demonstrated aiming at promoting neural cell differentiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Quantitative assessment of chemical markers in each herbal extract was determined by LC-MS. Promoters of neurofilaments, NF68 and NF200, linked with luciferase reporter gene (pNF68-Luc and pNF200-Luc) were applied in cultured pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells to study the transcriptional activation of each herbal extract. The effect of GR-PR and ATR-PO in improving NF promoter activity was analyzed by Compusyn software. The activation of PKA was indicated. RESULTS In PC12 cells, an optimized KXS named KXS1:5 having 1:5 of GR-PR:ATR-PO had greater capability in promoting the expression of neurofilament. The synergistic effect of GR-PR and ATR-PO on the improved efficiency was further determined. Moreover, the treatment of H89, a PKA inhibitor, significantly inhibited the induced NF promoter activity. CONCLUSION These results indicated an optimized KXS by optimizing the compatibility of paired-herb and this compatibility was proven to exert synergistic effect. Moreover, the underlying mechanism was mediated by a PKA signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yan
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sherry L Xu
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kevin Y Zhu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Kelly Y C Lam
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Guizhong Xin
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Maitinuer Maiwulanjiang
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ning Li
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tina T X Dong
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Huangquan Lin
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Karl W K Tsim
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China.
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Maiwulanjiang M, Bi CWC, Lee PSC, Xin G, Miernisha A, Lau KM, Xiong A, Li N, Dong TTX, Aisa HA, Tsim KWK. The volatile oil of Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma induces endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity in HUVEC cells. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0116761. [PMID: 25643147 PMCID: PMC4359165 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0116761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2014] [Accepted: 12/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Nardostahyos Radix et Rhizoma (NRR; the root and rhizome of Nardostachys jatamansi DC.) is a widely used medicinal herb. Historically, NRR is being used for the treatment of cardiovascular and neurological diseases. To search for active ingredients of NRR, we investigated the vascular benefit of NRR volatile oil in (i) the vasodilation in rat aorta ring, and (ii) the release of nitric oxide (NO) and the phosphorylation of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). By measuring the fluorescence signal in cultures, application of NRR volatile oil resulted in a rapid activation of NO release as well as the phosphorylation of eNOS: both inductions were markedly reduced by L-NAME. In parallel, the phosphorylation level of Akt kinase was markedly increased by the oil treatment, which was partially attenuated by PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002. This inhibitor also blocked the NRR-induced NO production and eNOS phosphorylation. In HUVECs, application of NRR volatile oil elevated the intracellular Ca(2+) level, and BAPTA-AM, a Ca(2+) chelator, reduced the Ca(2+) surge: the blockage were also applied to NRR-induced eNOS phosphorylation and NO production. These findings suggested the volatile oil of NRR was the major ingredient in triggering the vascular dilatation, and which was mediated via the NO production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maitinuer Maiwulanjiang
- Division of Life Science and Centre for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Cathy W. C. Bi
- Division of Life Science and Centre for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Pinky S. C. Lee
- Division of Life Science and Centre for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Guizhong Xin
- Division of Life Science and Centre for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Abudureyimu Miernisha
- Division of Life Science and Centre for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kei M. Lau
- Division of Life Science and Centre for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Aizhen Xiong
- Division of Life Science and Centre for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ning Li
- Division of Life Science and Centre for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tina T. X. Dong
- Division of Life Science and Centre for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Haji A. Aisa
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Natural Products Chemistry, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, China
| | - Karl W. K. Tsim
- Division of Life Science and Centre for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
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Chen J, Chan PH, Lam CTW, Li Z, Lam KYC, Yao P, Dong TTX, Lin H, Lam H, Tsim KWK. Fruit of Ziziphus jujuba (Jujube) at two stages of maturity: distinction by metabolic profiling and biological assessment. J Agric Food Chem 2015; 63:739-744. [PMID: 25544316 DOI: 10.1021/jf5041564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The fruit of Ziziphus jujuba, named as jujube or Chinese date, is used as a health supplement worldwide. Two kinds of jujubes are commonly found in the market: immature jujubes eaten as fruits, and mature jujubes employed as medicinal herbs. To study the variation of jujubes at two developmental stages, we investigated their chemical and biological properties by metabolic profiling and cellular assays. In NMR profiling, the levels of 11 metabolites were measured. Statistically differences in the levels of threonine, alanine, acetate, creatine, glucose, sucrose, and formate were found between mature and immature jujubes. In parallel, their neuro-protecting and erythropoietic activities were compared. The water extract of mature jujube possessed better effect in inducing neurofilament expression than that of the immature one, while immature jujube extract performed better in activating HRE-mediated transcriptional activity. These findings suggest the maturity of jujube has to be considered when it is being used for health food products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Chen
- Pharmaceutical Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine , Shenzhen, China
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Du CYQ, Zheng KYZ, Bi CW, Dong TTX, Lin H, Tsim KWK. Yu Ping Feng San, an Ancient Chinese Herbal Decoction, Induces Gene Expression of Anti-viral Proteins and Inhibits Neuraminidase Activity. Phytother Res 2015; 29:656-61. [PMID: 25586308 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2014] [Revised: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 12/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Yu Ping Feng San (YPFS), a Chinese herbal decoction comprised of Astragali Radix (Huangqi), Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu) and Saposhnikoviae Radix (Fangfeng), has been used clinically for colds and flus; however, the action mechanism of which is not known. Previously, we had demonstrated that YPFS could modulate inflammatory response and phagocytosis in exerting anti-viral and anti-bacterial effects. Here, we further evaluated the bioactivities of YPFS in gene expression regulated by interferon (IFN) signaling and neuraminidase activity of influenza virus A. Application of YPFS onto cultured murine macrophages, the expressions of mRNAs encoding ribonuclease L (RNaseL), myxovirus (influenza virus) resistance 2 (Mx2), protein kinase R (PKR) and IFN-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) were induced from 2 to 30 folds in dose-dependent manners. In parallel, the transcriptional activity of IFN-stimulated response element (ISRE), an up stream regulator of the above anti-viral proteins, was also triggered by YPFS treatment. Conversely, YPFS was found to suppress the neuraminidase activity of influenza virus A in cultured epithelial cells, thereby preventing the viral release and spreading. Taken together, YPFS exerted anti-bacterial and anti-viral effects in innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal Y Q Du
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong, SAR, China; Department of Biology, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, Guangdong, 521041, China
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Chen J, Lam CTW, Kong AYY, Zhang WL, Zhan JYX, Bi CWC, Chan GKL, Lam KYC, Yao P, Dong TTX, Tsim KWK. The extract of Ziziphus jujuba fruit (jujube) induces expression of erythropoietin via hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in cultured Hep3B cells. Planta Med 2014; 80:1622-1627. [PMID: 25184890 DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1383049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The fruit of Ziziphus jujuba Mill., known as jujube or Chinese date, is commonly consumed as health supplement or herbal medicine worldwide. To study the beneficial role of jujube in enhancing hematopoietic function, we investigated its roles on the expression of erythropoietin in cultured Hep3B human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Application of chemically standardized jujube water extract stimulated erythropoietin expression in a dose-dependent manner, with the highest response by ~ 100 % of increase. A plasmid containing hypoxia response element, a critical regulator for erythropoietin transcription, was transfected into Hep3B cells. Application of jujube water extract onto the transfected cells induced the transcriptional activity of the hypoxia response element. To account for its transcriptional activation, the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α was increased after treatment with jujube water extract: the increase was in both mRNA and protein levels. These results confirmed the hematopoietic function of jujube in the regulation of erythropoietin expression in liver cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Chen
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Candy T W Lam
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ava Y Y Kong
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wendy L Zhang
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Janis Y X Zhan
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Cathy W C Bi
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gallant K L Chan
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kelly Y C Lam
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ping Yao
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tina T X Dong
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Karl W K Tsim
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
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Xu SL, Zhu KY, Bi CWC, Yan L, Men SWX, Dong TTX, Tsim KWK. Flavonoids, derived from traditional Chinese medicines, show roles in the differentiation of neurons: possible targets in developing health food products. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 99:292-9. [PMID: 24339039 DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.21054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2013] [Accepted: 10/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Flavonoids, a family of phenolic compounds, are distributed in a variety of fruits, vegetables, tea, and wine. More importantly, many flavonoids are served as the active ingredients in traditional Chinese herbal medicines, which in general do not have side effects. Several lines of evidence support that flavonoids have impacts on many aspects of human health, including anti-tumor, anti-oxidation, and anti-inflammation. Recently, there is significant attention focused on the neuronal beneficial effects of flavonoids, including the promotion of nervous system development, neuroprotection against neurotoxin stress, as well as the promotion of memory, learning, and cognitive functions. Here, the activities of flavonoids on the development of nervous system are being summarized and discussed. The flavonoids from diverse herbal medicines have significant effects in different developmental stages of nervous systems, including neuronal stem cell differentiation, neurite outgrowth, and neuronal plasticity. These findings imply that flavonoids are potential candidates for the development of health supplements in preventing birth defects and neuronal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherry L Xu
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
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Chen J, Yan AL, Lam KYC, Lam CTW, Li N, Yao P, Xiong A, Dong TTX, Tsim KWK. A chemically standardized extract of Ziziphus jujuba fruit (Jujube) stimulates expressions of neurotrophic factors and anti-oxidant enzymes in cultured astrocytes. Phytother Res 2014; 28:1727-30. [PMID: 25066116 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [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: 04/15/2014] [Revised: 05/27/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The fruit of Ziziphus jujuba Mill., known as jujube or Chinese date, is commonly consumed as a health supplement worldwide. To study the role of jujube in brain benefits, the expression of neurotrophic factors and anti-oxidant enzymes in the jujube-treated cultured astrocytes was determined. Application of a chemical standardized water extract of jujube in cultured astrocytes for 24 h stimulated the expressions of nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor in a concentration-dependent manner. The pre-treatment with H89, a protein kinase A inhibitor, attenuated the jujube-induced expression of neurotrophic factors. In parallel, the treatment of jujube water extract induced the transcriptional expressions of the enzymes responsible for anti-oxidation, i.e. NAD(P)H quinine oxidoreductase 1, glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit, glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit and glutathione S-transferase, in a concentration-dependent manner. These results proposed the benefits of jujube in regulating expressions of neurotrophic factors and anti-oxidant enzymes in cultured astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Chen
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
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