Neuroprotective effect of tanshinone IIA-modified mesenchymal stem cells in a lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation model

In this study, the neuroprotective potential of tanshinone IIA (TIIA)-modified mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) were investigated using a murine model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation. The cognitive performance of the mice was assessed using the Y-maze and Morris water maze tests, while immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses were employed to evaluate the hippocampal expression of pertinent markers and inflammatory factors, respectively. The results from the behavioral experiments demonstrated discernible differences in learning and memory abilities between the model group and the control group (P < 0.05), confirming the successful induction of neuroinflammation. Both the MSC and TIIA-MSC groups exhibited enhancements in the cognitive abilities of neuroinflammatory mice, with the TIIA-MSC group demonstrating a more pronounced improvement (P < 0.01). Immunofluorescence analysis revealed significant activation of microglia in the model group, while the MSC and TIIA-MSC groups exhibited a reduction in hippocampal microglial activation, with the TIIA-MSC group displaying a more substantial decrease. A statistically significant difference in the expression levels of IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α was observed between the model and control groups (P < 0.05), indicating that IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α were downregulated in both the MSC and TIIA-MSC groups. Notably, the downregulatory effect was more prominent in the TIIA-MSC group (P < 0.01). Compared to MSC treatment alone, the administration of TIIA-modified MSC demonstrated a superior protective effect against lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation. These findings underscore the potential therapeutic efficacy of TIIA-modified MSC in mitigating neuroinflammatory responses.

Tanshinone IIA improves Alzheimer's disease via RNA nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1/microRNA-291a-3p/member RAS oncogene family Rab22a axis

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Tanshinone IIA (Tan-IIA), a bioactive compound isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza plants, has shown potential neuroprotective effects; however, the mechanisms underlying such a function remain unclear.

AIM

To investigate potential Tan-IIA neuroprotective effects in AD and to elucidate their underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Hematoxylin and eosin staining was utilized to analyze structural brain tissue morphology. To assess changes in oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, we performed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blotting. Additionally, the effect of Tan-IIA on AD cell models was evaluated in vitro using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Genetic changes related to the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1)/microRNA (miRNA, miR)-291a-3p/member RAS oncogene family Rab22a axis were assessed through reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

In vivo, Tan-IIA treatment improved neuronal morphology and attenuated oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in the brain tissue of AD mice. In vitro experiments showed that Tan-IIA dose-dependently ameliorated the amyloid-beta 1-42-induced reduction of neural stem cell viability, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. In this process, the lncRNA NEAT1 - a potential therapeutic target - is highly expressed in AD mice and downregulated via Tan-IIA treatment. Mechanistically, NEAT1 promotes the transcription and translation of Rab22a via miR-291a-3p, which activates nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling, leading to activation of the pro-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X protein and inhibition of the anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 protein, which exacerbates AD. Tan-IIA intervention effectively blocked this process by inhibiting the NEAT1/miR-291a-3p/Rab22a axis and NF-κB signaling.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that Tan-IIA exerts neuroprotective effects in AD by modulating the NEAT1/miR-291a-3p/Rab22a/NF-κB signaling pathway, serving as a foundation for the development of innovative approaches for AD therapy.

Tanshinone IIA acts as a regulator of lipogenesis to overcome osimertinib acquired resistance in lung cancer

Osimertinib is a novel epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI), acting as the first-line medicine for advanced EGFR-mutated NSCLC. Recently, the acquired resistance to osimertinib brings great challenges to the advanced treatment. Therefore, it is in urgent need to find effective strategy to overcome osimertinib acquired resistance. Here, we demonstrated that SREBP pathway-driven lipogenesis was a key mediator to promote osimertinib acquired resistance, and firstly found Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA), a natural pharmacologically active constituent isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza, could overcome osimertinib-acquired resistance in vitro and in vivo via inhibiting SREBP pathway-mediated lipid lipogenesis by using LC-MS based cellular lipidomics analysis, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis, western blotting analysis, flow cytometry, small interfering RNAs transfection, and membrane fluidity assay et al. The results showed that SREBP1/2-driven lipogenesis was highly activated in osimertinib acquired resistant NSCLC cells, while knockdown or inhibition of SREBP1/2 could restore the sensitivity of NSCLC to osimertinib via altered the proportion of saturated phospholipids and unsaturated phospholipids in osimertinib acquired-resistant cells. Furthermore, Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) could reverse the acquired resistance to osimertinib in lung cancer. Mechanically, Tan IIA inhibited SREBP signaling mediated lipogenesis, changed the profiles of saturated phospholipids and unsaturated phospholipids, and thus promoted osimertinib acquired resistant cancer cells to be attacked by oxidative stress-induced damage and reduce the cell membrane fluidity. The reversal effect of Tan IIA on osimertinib acquired resistant NSCLC cells was also confirmed in vivo, which is helpful for the development of strategies to reverse osimertinib acquired resistance.

Study on the role and mechanism of Tan IIA in Alzheimer's disease based on CREB-BDNF-TrkB pathway

The occurrence and development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is closely related to neuronal loss, inflammatory response, cholinergic imbalance, and Tau protein hyperphosphorylation. Previous studies have confirmed that Streptozotocin (STZ) can be used to establish a rat model of AD by injecting it into the rat brain via the lateral ventricle. Our previous research showed that Danshentone IIA (Tan IIA) can improve cognitive dysfunction in rats caused by CC chemokine ligand 2, and network pharmacology results show that Tan IIA is very likely to improve AD symptoms through the cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein (CREB), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and tyrosine kinase receptor protein (TrkB) pathway. The results of the water maze experiment showed that after Tan IIA treatment, the escape latency of AD rats was shortened and the number of platform crossings increased; in the new object recognition experiment, the discrimination index of AD rats significantly increased after treatment; Nissl staining and Tunel staining results showed that Tan IIA increased the number of surviving neurons in the hippocampus of cognitively impaired rats and reduced neuronal apoptosis; Bielschowsky silver staining results showed that Tan IIA reduced neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in the AD rats; Tan IIA can reduce the inflammatory response and oxidative stress reaction in the hippocampus of AD rats, and at the same time reduce the activity of acetylcholinesterase. Tan IIA can significantly increase the expression of CREB, BDNF, TrkB in the hippocampal tissue of STZ-injured rats (P < 0.05). These data suggest that Tan IIA may upregulate the expression of the CREB-BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway in the hippocampus of brain tissue, produce anti-neuroinflammatory, antioxidant stress, inhibit neuronal apoptosis effects, and improve cholinergic neurotransmitter disorder induced by STZ, reduce the neuronal damage and learning and memory impairment caused by STZ in rats, and improve the cognitive function of rats.

Structural modification of tanshinone IIA and their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity

α-Glucosidase is one of the therapeutic approaches for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus. Almost 95 % of diabetes patients worldwide have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, resulting in 1.5 million fatalities each year. Newly synthesized oxazole-based tanshinone IIA derivatives (1a-n) were designed and evaluated for their inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase enzyme. Eight compounds (1a-d, 1f-g, 1j, and 1m) demonstrated excellent inhibition with IC50 values ranging from 0.73 ± 0.11 to 9.46 ± 0.57 μM as compared to tanshinone IIA (IC50 = 11.39 ± 0.77 μM) and standard acarbose (IC50 = 100.00 ± 0.95 μM). Among this series, 1j bearing two hydroxyls group over the phenyl ring was identified as the most potent α-glucosidase inhibitor with IC50 value of 0.73 ± 0.11 μM. Molecular docking simulations were done for the most active compound to identify important binding modes responsible for inhibition activity of α-glucosidase. In addition, the kinetic study was also performed to understand the mode of inhibition.

Study on the Antitumor Mechanism of Tanshinone IIA In Vivo and In Vitro through the Regulation of PERK-ATF4-HSPA5 Pathway-Mediated Ferroptosis

As a traditional Chinese medicine, Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge was first recorded in the Shennong Materia Medica Classic and is widely used to treat "the accumulation of symptoms and masses". The main active ingredient of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, Tanshinone IIA (TIIA), has shown anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antifibrosis, antibacterial, and antioxidative activities, etc. In this study, the results showed that TIIA could inhibit the proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells and downregulate glutathione (GSH) and Glutathione Peroxidase 4 (GPX4) levels; besides, TIIA induced the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), and upregulated the total iron content. Based on network pharmacology analysis, the antitumor effect of TIIA was found to be focused on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-mediated ferroptosis signaling pathway, with protein kinase R (PKR)-like ER kinase (PERK)-activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4)-heat shock 70 kDa protein 5 (HSPA5) as the main pathway. Herein, TIIA showed typical ferroptosis characteristics, and a ferroptosis inhibitor (ferrostatin-1) was used to verify the effect. The antitumor effects of TIIA, occurring through the inhibition of the PERK-ATF4-HSPA5 pathway, were further observed in vivo as significantly inhibited tumor growth and the improved pathological morphology of tumor tissue in H22-bearing mice. In summary, the antitumor mechanism of TIIA might be related to the downregulation of the activation of PERK-ATF4-HSPA5 pathway-mediated ferroptosis.

Tanshinone IIA reverses gefitinib resistance in EGFR-mutant lung cancer via inhibition of SREBP1-mediated lipogenesis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Gefitinib resistance is an urgent problem to be solved in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) is one of the main active components of Salvia miltiorrhiza, which exhibits significant antitumor effects. The aim of this study is to explore the reversal effect of Tan IIA on gefitinib resistance in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant NSCLC and the underlying mechanism.

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

CCK-8, colony formation assay, and flow cytometry were applied to detect the cytotoxicity, proliferation, and apoptosis, respectively. The changes in lipid profiles were measured by electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (MS)/MS. Western blot, real-time q-PCR, and immunohistochemical were used to detect the protein and the corresponding mRNA levels. The in vivo antitumor effect was validated by the xenograft mouse model.

KEY RESULTS

Co-treatment of Tan IIA enhanced the sensitivity of resistant NSCLC cells to gefitinib. Mechanistically, Tan IIA could downregulate the expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1) and its downstream target genes, causing changes in lipid profiles, thereby reversing the gefitinib-resistance in EGFR-mutant NSCLC cells in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Tan IIA improved gefitinib sensitivity via SREBP1-mediated lipogenesis. Tan IIA could be a potential candidate to enhance sensitivity for gefitinib-resistant NSCLC patients.

Elucidating the distinctive regulatory effects and mechanisms of active compounds in Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge via network pharmacology: Unveiling their roles in the modulation of platelet activation and thrombus formation

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. (DS), as an important traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has a long history of usage for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis. Modern studies have shown that the chemical components of DS have many biological activities such as cardiovascular protection, anti-arrhythmia, anti-atherosclerosis, improvement of microcirculation, protection of myocardium, inhibition and removal of platelet aggregation. Nevertheless, the action mechanism of DS as well its active compounds on platelet activation has not been fully uncovered. This study aimed to find out the potential targets and mechanisms of DS in the modulation of platelet activation and thrombosis, using network pharmacology and biological experimental. These compounds with anti-thrombotic activity in DS, cryptotanshinone (CPT), isoeugenol (ISO) and tanshinone IIA (TSA), together with the corresponding targets being Src, Akt and RhoA are screened by network pharmacology. We confirmed that ISO, CPT and TSA dose-dependently inhibited platelet activation in vitro, mainly by inhibiting agonist-induced clot retraction, aggregation and P-selectin and ATP release. The western blot findings indicated that ISO, CPT, and TSA led to reduced levels of p-Akt and p-ERK in activated platelets. Additionally, ISO and TSA were observed to decrease p-cSrc expression while increasing RhoA expression. ISO, CPT, and TSA demonstrated a potential to restrict the advancement of carotid arterial thrombosis in vivo. We confirm that ISO, CPT and TSA are the key anti-thrombotic active compounds in DS. These active compounds exhibit unique inhibitory effects on platelet activation and thrombus formation by modulating the Akt/ERK and cSrc/RhoA signaling pathways.

Tanshinone IIA ameliorates cisplatin-induced toxicology and cisplatin resistance via regulating SLC7A11 expression

Cisplatin, a potent chemotherapy agent, is highly effective against various cancers but is hindered by resistance and toxicities. This study aims to investigate the roles of SLC7A11, a cystine/glutamate transporter, in cisplatin resistance, and explored Tanshinone IIA as a therapeutic option. Cisplatin reduced SLC7A11 in renal cells, worsening toxicity. Cisplatin-resistant gastric cancer cells show increased SLC7A11, driving resistance, while SLC7A11 knockdown curbed resistance. Tanshinone IIA showed promise in alleviating cisplatin toxicity by enhancing SLC7A11 expression and reducing associated adverse effects, while it effectively reversed cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer cells by suppressing SLC7A11. Additionally, Tanshinone IIA counteracted cisplatin resistance by inhibiting PIAS4-mediated SUMOylation of SLC7A11. Simultaneously, overexpressing miR-375, which has been shown to target SLC7A11, exacerbated cisplatin toxicity via SLC7A11 downregulation, which Tanshinone IIA attenuates. In summary, our study unveils complex SLC7A11 regulation in cisplatin resistance and toxicity. Tanshinone IIA emerges as a promising modulator of SLC7A11 through individual pathways, offering novel insights into overcoming cisplatin resistance and reducing toxicities in cancer therapy.

Tanshinone IIA alleviates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting Zbtb16

Pulmonary fibrosis is a complex disease that can occur in a variety of clinical settings. The Zinc Finger and BTB Domain Containing 16 (Zbtb16) is a transcription factor and has not been studied in pulmonary fibrosis. Lung tissues from rats which were treated with bleomycin and Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) were collected for mRNA sequencing. Zbtb16, a differentially expressed gene, was screened. Using adeno-associated virus to knock down Zbtb16 in rats, it was found that the lung index and the content of hydroxyproline in lung tissue were decreased. HE and Masson staining revealed that pathological symptoms of lung histopathology were relieved after Zbtb16 knockdown. Protein expressions of α-SMA, Collagen I and Fibronectin were significantly decreased after Zbtb16 knockdown in vivo and in vitro. Meanwhile, the protein content of TGF-β1 and the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 were inhibited by Zbtb16 knockdown. Conversely, under the treatment of Tan IIA and TGF-β1, overexpression of Zbtb16 improved cell viability, increased the expression of fibrosis-related proteins, and promoted the phosphorylation of Smad 2/3. All above demonstrates that Zbtb16 inhibition ameliorates pulmonary fibrosis and suppresses the TGF-β/Smad pathway. Furthermore, Zbtb16 mediates the inhibitory process of Tan IIA on pulmonary fibrosis. This study provides a novel candidate therapeutic target for pulmonary fibrosis.

Tanshinone IIA attenuates osteoarthritis via inhibiting aberrant angiogenesis in subchondral bone

Excessive angiogenesis in subchondral bone is a pathological feature of osteoarthritis (OA). Tanshinone IIA (TIIA), an active compound found in Salvia miltiorrhiza, demonstrates significant anti-angiogenic properties. However, the effect of TIIA on abnormal subchondral angiogenesis in OA is still unclear. This study aims to investigate the mechanism of TIIA in modulating subchondral bone angiogenesis during OA and assess its therapeutic potential in OA. Our findings demonstrate that TIIA attenuated articular cartilage degeneration, normalized subchondral bone remodeling, and effectively suppressed aberrant angiogenesis within subchondral bone in monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA mice. Additionally, the angiogenesis capacity of primary CD31hiEmcnhi endothelial cells was observed to be significantly reduced after treatment with TIIA in vitro. Mechanically, TIIA diminished the proportion of hypertrophic chondrocytes, ultimately leading to a substantial reduction in the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA). The supernatant of hypertrophic chondrocytes promoted the tube formation of CD31hiEMCNhi endothelial cells, whereas TIIA inhibited this process. Furthermore, TIIA effectively suppressed the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) along with its downstream MAPK pathway in CD31hiEmcnhi endothelial cells. In conclusion, our data indicated that TIIA could effectively inhibit the abnormal angiogenesis in subchondral bone during the progression of OA by suppressing the VEGFA/VEFGR2/MAPK pathway. These findings significantly contribute to our understanding of the abnormal angiogenesis in OA and offer a promising therapeutic target for OA treatment.

The combination of Tanshinone IIA and Astragaloside IV attenuates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting the STING pathway

BACKGROUND

Astragaloside IV (As-IV) and Tanshinone IIA (Ta-IIA) are the main ingredients of traditional Chinese medicinal Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, respectively, both of which have been employed in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Nevertheless, the efficacy of the combination (Co) of Ta-IIA and As-IV for cardiovascular diseases remain unclear and warrant further investigation. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and the underlying molecular mechanism of Co in treating myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI).

METHODS

In order to assess the efficacy of Co, an in vivo MIRI mouse model was created by temporarily blocking the coronary arteries for 30 min and then releasing the blockage. Parameters such as blood myocardial enzymes, infarct size, and ventricular function were measured. Additionally, in vitro experiments were conducted using HL1 cells in both hypoxia-reoxygenation model and oxidative stress models. The apoptosis rate, expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins, oxidative stress indexes, and release of inflammatory factors were detected. Furthermore, molecular docking was applied to examine the binding properties of Ta-IIA and As-IV to STING, and western blotting was performed to analyze protein expression of the STING pathway. Additionally, the protective effect of Ta-IIA, As-IV and Co via inhibiting STING was further confirmed in models of knockdown STING by siRNA and adding STING agonist.

RESULTS

Both in vitro and in vivo data demonstrated that, compared to Ta-IIA or As-IV alone, the Co exhibited superior efficacy in reducing the area of myocardial infarction, lowering myocardial enzyme levels, and promoting the recovery of myocardial contractility. Furthermore, the Co showed more potent anti-apoptosis, antioxidant, and anti-inflammation effects. Additionally, the Co enhanced the inhibitory effects of Ta-IIA and As-IV on STING phosphorylation and the activation of STING signaling pathway. However, the administration of a STING agonist attenuated the protective effects of the Co, Ta-IIA, and As-IV by compromising their anti-apoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects in MIRI.

CONCLUSION

Compared to the individual administration of Ta-IIA or As-IV, the combined treatment demonstrated more potent ability in inhibiting apoptosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and the STING signaling pathway in the context of MIRI, indicating a more powerful protective effect against MIRI.

Tanshinone IIA modulates cancer cell morphology and movement via Rho GTPases-mediated actin cytoskeleton remodeling

Actin filaments form unique structures with robust actin bundles and cytoskeletal networks affixed to the extracellular matrix and interact with neighboring cells, which are crucial structures for cancer cells to acquire a motile phenotype. This study aims to investigate a novel antitumor mechanism by which Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) modulates the morphology and migration of liver cancer cells via actin cytoskeleton regulation. 97H and Huh7 exhibited numerous tentacle-like protrusions that interacted with neighboring cells. Following treatment with Tan IIA, 97H and Huh7 showed a complete absence of cytoplasmic protrusion and adherens junctions, thereby effectively impeding their migration capability. The fluorescence staining of F-actin and microtubules indicated that these tentacle-like protrusions and cell-cell networks were actin-based structures that led to morphological changes after Tan IIA treatment by retracting and reorganizing beneath the membrane. Tan IIA can reverse the actin depolymerization and cell morphology alterations induced by latrunculin A. Tan IIA down-regulated actin and Rho GTPases expression significantly, as opposed to inducing Rho signaling activation. Preventing the activity of proteasomes and lysosomes had no discernible impact on the modifications in cellular structure and protein expression induced by Tan IIA. However, as demonstrated by the puromycin labeling technique, the newly synthesized proteins were significantly inhibited by Tan IIA. In conclusion, Tan IIA can induce dramatic actin cytoskeleton remodeling by inhibiting the protein synthesis of actin and Rho GTPases, resulting in the suppression of tumor growth and migration. Targeting the actin cytoskeleton of Tan IIA is a promising strategy for HCC treatment.

Tanshinone IIA ameliorates energy metabolism dysfunction of pulmonary fibrosis using 13C metabolic flux analysis

Evidence indicates that metabolic reprogramming characterized by the changes in cellular metabolic patterns contributes to the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis (PF). It is considered as a promising therapeutic target anti-PF. The well-documented against PF properties of Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) have been primarily attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potency. Emerging evidence suggests that Tan IIA may target energy metabolism pathways, including glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. However, the detailed and advanced mechanisms underlying the anti-PF activities remain obscure. In this study, we applied [U-13C]-glucose metabolic flux analysis (MFA) to examine metabolism flux disruption and modulation nodes of Tan IIA in PF. We identified that Tan IIA inhibited the glycolysis and TCA flux, thereby suppressing the production of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-dependent extracellular matrix and the differentiation and proliferation of myofibroblasts in vitro. We further revealed that Tan IIA inhibited the expression of key metabolic enzyme hexokinase 2 (HK2) by inhibiting phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) pathway activities, which decreased the accumulation of abnormal metabolites. Notably, we demonstrated that Tan IIA inhibited ATP citrate lyase (ACLY) activity, which reduced the collagen synthesis pathway caused by cytosol citrate consumption. Further, these results were validated in a mouse model of bleomycin-induced PF. This study was novel in exploring the mechanism of the occurrence and development of Tan IIA in treating PF using 13C-MFA technology. It provided a novel understanding of the mechanism of Tan IIA against PF from the perspective of metabolic reprogramming.

Tanshinone IIA inhibits proliferation and migration by downregulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway in small cell lung cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the most malignant lung cancer type. Due to the high rates of metastasis and drug resistance, effective therapeutic strategies remain lacking. Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) has been reported to exhibit anti-tumor activity. Therefore, this study investigated the ability and underlying mechanism of Tan IIA to inhibit the metastasis and proliferation of SCLC.

METHODS

H1688 and H446 cells were treated in vitro with Tan IIA (0, 1, 2 and 4 µM) or LY294002 (10 µM) for 24, 48, 72 h. H1688 and H446 cell migration was evaluated in wound healing and transwell migration assays. RNA-sequencing helped assess gene expression. BALB/c nude mice were injected with H1688 cells and treated with the Tan IIA group (10 mg/kg/day) or a control. Expression of E-cadherin, vimentin and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway proteins in tumors and H1688 was investigated by immunohistochemical analysis and western blot.

RESULTS

Tan IIA inhibited H1688 and H446 cell proliferation without inducing apoptosis and suppressed H1688 and H446 cell migration. E-cadherin expression was increased, while vimentin expression was reduced after administration of Tan IIA. RNA-sequencing revealed that some genes related with the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway were altered using Tan IIA treatment. Furthermore, western blot helped detect PI3K and p-Akt expression was also reduced by Tan IIA treatment. Tan IIA inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Moreover, Tan IIA increased tumoral expression of E-cadherin accompanied by PI3K and p-Akt downregulation.

CONCLUSION

Tan IIA suppresses SCLC proliferation and metastasis by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thereby highlighting the potential of Tan IIA as a new and relatively safe drug candidate to treat SCLC.

Salvianolic acid B and tanshinone IIA synergistically improve early diabetic nephropathy through regulating PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most common and serious complications of diabetes, which lacks effective treatment. Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix Et Rhizoma is one of the key compatible traditional Chinese medicine in the prescription for the treatment of DN. Salvianolic acid B and tanshinone IIA are two monomer active components with high content and clear structure in Salvia miltiorrhiza, which can effectively improve early (DN), respectively.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the compatible effect of salvianolic acid B and tanshinone IIA on early DN rats and elucidate the mechanism.

METHODS

Early DN rats were induced by streptozotocin combined with high glucose and high fat diet, and intervened by salvianolic acid B, tanshinone IIA and their combinations. The pathological sections of kidney, liver and biochemical indexes were analyzed. Network pharmacology method was used to predict the possible mechanism. The mechanisms were elucidated by metabolomics, Elisa, and Western blot.

RESULTS

Given our analysis, salvianolic acid B and tanshinone IIA can synergistically regulate 24 h UTP, Urea and Scr and improve kidney damage in early DN rats. The metabolic abnormalities of early DN rats were improved by regulating the biosynthesis of saturated fatty acids, glycerol phospholipid metabolism, steroid biosynthesis, alanine, and arachidonic acid. Salvianolic acid B combined with tanshinone IIA at a mass ratio of 13.4:1 can significantly reduce kidney inflammation, up-regulate p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt and down-regulate p-NF-κB/NF-κB, which better than the single-used group and can be reversed by PI3K inhibitor LY294002.

CONCLUSION

Salvianolic acid B and tanshinone IIA can synergistically improve glucose and lipid disorders, liver and kidney damage, and resist kidney inflammation in early DN rats, and the mechanism may be related to regulating PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Maintaining the Mitochondrial Quality Control System Was a Key Event of Tanshinone IIA against Deoxynivalenol-Induced Intestinal Toxicity

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is the one of the most common mycotoxins, widely detected in various original foods and processed foods. Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) is a fat-soluble diterpene quinone extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, which has multi-biological functions and pharmacological effects. However, whether Tan IIA has a protective effect against DON-induced intestinal toxicity is unknown. In this study, the results showed Tan IIA treatment could attenuate DON-induced IPEC-J2 cell death. DON increased oxidation product accumulation, decreased antioxidant ability and disrupted barrier function, while Tan IIA reversed DON-induced barrier function impairment and oxidative stress. Furthermore, Tan IIA dramatically improved mitochondrial function via mitochondrial quality control. Tan IIA could upregulate mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial fusion as well as downregulate mitochondrial fission and mitochondrial unfolded protein response. In addition, Tan IIA significantly attenuated mitophagy caused by DON. Collectively, Tan IIA presented a potential protective effect against DON toxicity and the underlying mechanisms were involved in mitochondrial quality control-mediated mitophagy.

Tanshinone IIA attenuates ox-LDL-induced endothelial cell injury by inhibiting NF-kapaB pathway via circ_0000231/miR-590-5p/TXNIP axis

Tanshinone IIA (TSIIA) exhibits inhibitory function in atherosclerosis (AS) progression, and circular RNAs (circRNAs) are pivotal regulators in AS. However, the relation between TSIIA and circ_0000231 in AS pathogenesis remains unknown. In this study, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) was used to establish AS cell model. Treatment of ox-LDL inhibited cell growth but promoted apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Then, TSIIA was shown to attenuate ox-LDL-induced endothelial injury. Furthermore, the protective effect of TSIIA against ox-LDL-induced endothelial cell injury was reversed by circ_0000231. Circ_0000231 was identified as a miR-590-5p sponge. Also, miR-590-5p downregulation restored the protection of TSIIA for endothelial cell function. Moreover, circ_0000231 was found to upregulate thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP) level via targeting miR-590-5p. TXNIP overexpression mitigated the regulatory function of circ_0000231 knockdown after co-treatment with ox-LDL and TSIIA. TXNIP upregulation recovered the inhibitory regulation of TSIIA in ox-LDL-induced cell damage. In addition, TSIIA inactivated NF-kapaB (NF-κB) signaling pathway via regulating miR-590-5p/TXNIP axis by downregulating circ_0000231. All these results suggested that TSIIA inhibited ox-LDL-induced AS progression in endothelial cells by affecting NF-κB pathway via circ_0000231/miR-590-5p/TXNIP.

Tanshinone IIA, the key compound in Salvia miltiorrhiza, improves cognitive impairment by upregulating Aβ-degrading enzymes in APP/PS1 mice

In Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyloid-beta (Aβ) plays a crucial role in pathogenesis. Clearing Aβ from the brain is considered as a key therapeutic strategy. Previous studies indicated that Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) could protect against AD. However, the main anti-AD components in Danshen and their specific mechanisms are not clear. In this study, pharmacological network analysis indicated that Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) was identified as the key active compound in Danshen contributing to protect against AD. Then, APP/PS1 double transgenic mice were employed to examine the neuroprotective effect of Tan IIA. APP/PS1 mice (age, 6 months) were administered (10 and 20 mg/kg) for 8 weeks. Tan IIA improved learning and anxiety behaviors in APP/PS1 mice. Furthermore, Tan IIA reduced oxidative stress, inhibited neuronal apoptosis, improved cholinergic nervous system and decreased endoplasmic reticulum stress in the brain of APP/PS1 mice. Moreover, Tan IIA treatment reduced the level of Aβ. Molecular docking result showed that Tan IIA might block AD by upregulating Aβ-degrading enzymes. Western blot results confirmed that the expressions of insulin degrading enzymes (IDE) and neprilysin (NEP) were significantly increased after Tan IIA treatment, which demonstrated that Tan IIA improved AD by increasing Aβ-degrading enzymes.

Tanshinone IIA protects intestinal epithelial cells from deoxynivalenol-induced pyroptosis

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is the most common mycotoxin in food and feed, which can cause undesirable effects, including diarrhea, emesis, weight loss, and growth delay in livestock. Intestinal epithelial cells were the main target of DON, which can cause oxidative stress and inflammatory injury. Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) is fat-soluble diterpene quinone, which is the most abundant active ingredient in salvia miltiorrhiza plant with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics. However, it is not clear whether Tan IIA can protect against or inhibit intestinal oxidative stress and inflammatory injury under DON exposure. This study aimed to explore the protective effect of Tan IIA on DON-induced toxicity in porcine jejunum epithelial cells (IPEC-J2). Cells were exposed to 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 µM DON and/or 45 µg/mL TAN ⅡA to detect oxidative stress indicators. inflammatory cytokines, NF-κB expression, NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis-related factors. In this study, DON exposure caused IPEC-J2 cells oxidative stress by elevating ROS and 8-OHdG content, inhibited GSH-Px activity. Furthermore, DON increased pro-inflammatory factor (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-18 and IL-6) expression and decreased the anti-inflammatory factor (IL-10) expression, causing inflammatory response via triggering NF-κB pathway. Interestingly, above changes were alleviated after Tan IIA treatment. In addition, Tan IIA relieved DON-induced pyroptosis by suppressing the expression of pyroptosis-related factors (NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1β, and IL-18). In general, our data suggested that Tan IIA can ameliorate DON-induced intestinal epithelial cells injury associated with suppressing the pyroptosis signaling pathway. Our findings pointed that Tan IIA could be used as the potential therapeutic drugs on DON-induced enterotoxicity.

Tanshinone IIA promotes the proliferation and differentiation ability of primary muscle stem cells via MAPK and Akt signaling

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge is a widely-used traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of diseases including muscle disorders. The underlying pharmacological mechanisms of which active component and how it functions are still unknown. Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) is the main active lipophilic compound in Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. Muscle stem cells (MuSCs) play a crucial role in maintaining healthy physiological function of skeletal muscle. For the purpose of this study, we investigated the effects of Tan IIA on primary MuSCs as well as mechanism. The EdU staining, cell counts assay and RT-qPCR results of proliferative genes revealed increased proliferation ability of MuSCs after Tan IIA treatment. Immunofluorescent staining of MyHC and RT-qPCR results of myogenic genes found Tan IIA contributed to promoting differentiation of MuSCs. In addition, enrichment analysis of RNA-seq data and Western blot assay results demonstrated activated MAPK and Akt signaling after treatment of Tan IIA during proliferation and differentiation. The above proliferative and differentiative phonotypes could be suppressed by the combination of MAPK inhibitor U0126 and Akt inhibitor Akti 1/2, respectively. Furthermore, HE staining found significantly improved myofiber regeneration of injured muscle after Tan IIA treatment, which also contributed to muscle force and running performance recovery. Thus, Tan IIA could promote proliferation and differentiation ability of MuSCs through activating MAPK and Akt signaling, respectively. These beneficial effects also significantly contributed to muscle regeneration and muscle function recovery after muscle injury.

The protective effect of an extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen) on cerebral ischemic injury in animal models: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cerebral ischemia is a common disease that seriously threatens the health of human beings. Tanshinone IIA (TSA) is a fat-soluble compound isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine Danshen. Recent studies have shown that TSA plays a significant protective role in the animal models of cerebral ischemic injury.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The meta-analysis was to evaluate the protective effect of Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge) extract (TSA) in cerebral ischemic injury, aiming at providing scientific evidence for clinical application of TSA in the treatment of cerebral ischemia in patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All relevant studies published in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP) and Chinese Biomedicine Database (CBM) before Jan 2023 were systematically retrieved. The methodological quality was assessed by SYRCLE's risk of bias tool for the animal studies. Data was analyzed using Rev Man 5.3 software.

RESULTS

A total of 13 studies were included. Compared with the control group, TSA significantly reduced the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) (mean difference [MD], -1.78; 95% CI, [-2.13, -1.44]; P < 0.00001) and high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) (MD, -0.69; 95% CI, [-0.87, -0.52]; P < 0.00001). TSA also inhibited the activation of brain nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) (MD, - 0.36; 95% CI, [-0.41, -0.32]; P < 0.00001), malondialdehyde (MDA) (MD, -0.90; 95% CI, [-1.66, -0.13]; P = 0.02), cysteine protease-3 (Caspase-3) (MD, -1.39; 95% CI, [-1.98, -0.81]; P < 0.00001), and reduced cerebral infarction volume(MD, -16.26; 95% CI, [-20.76, -11.77]; P < 0.00001), brain water content (MD, -4.89; 95% CI, [-7.06, -2.71]; P < 0.0001) and neurological deficit scores (MD, -1.19; 95% CI, [-1.48, -0.89]; P < 0.00001). Additionally, TSA increased the brain content of superoxide dismutase (SOD) (MD, 68.31; 95% CI, [10.41, 126.22]; P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The result of this study showed that TSA had a protective effect on cerebral ischemic injury in animal models, and the mechanism is associated with the reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress, and the inhibition of cell apoptosis. However, the quality of included studies may affect the accuracy of positive results. Therefore, more high-quality randomized controlled animal experiments are need for meta-analysis in the future.

Tanshinone IIA protects motor neuron-like NSC-34 cells against lipopolysaccharide-induced cell injury by the regulation of the lncRNA TCTN2/miR-125a-5p/DUSP1 axis

Background

Tanshinone IIA (TSIIA) exerts a protective role in spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the mechanism of TSIIA activity in SCI remains to be elucidated.

Methods

Cell viability and apoptosis were gauged by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The expression levels of lncRNA TCTN2, miR-125a-5p and DUSP1 were detected by qRT-PCR and western blot. Direct relationship between miR-125a-5p and TCTN2 or DUSP1 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay.

Results

In mouse NSC-34 cells, LPS reduced the expression of TCTN2. TSIIA alleviated cell injury induced by LPS and increased TCTN2 expression in LPS-exposed NSC-34 cells. TCTN2 was a downstream mediator of TSIIA activity. TCTN2 targeted miR-125a-5p, and TCTN2 over-expression attenuated LPS-induced cell damage in NSC-34 cells by down-regulating miR-125a-5p. TCTN2 functioned as a post-transcriptional regulator of DUSP1 expression through miR-125a-5p. DUSP1 was a functional target of miR-125a-5p in controlling NSC-34 cell injury induced by LPS. TSIIA inhibited miR-125a-5p expression and increased the level of DUSP1 protein in LPS-exposed NSC-34 cells.

Conclusion

Our study establishes a novel mechanism, the TCTN2/miR-125a-5p/DUSP1 axis, at least in part, for the protective activity of TSIIA in cell injury induced by LPS.

Tanshinone IIA is superior to paricalcitol in ameliorating tubulointerstitial fibrosis through regulation of VDR/Wnt/β-catenin pathway in rats with diabetic nephropathy

Glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF) are closely involved in the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Moreover, the development of TIF is closely related to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Tanshinone IIA (Tan) has various pharmacological effects, especially the anti-fibrotic effect. And it is mainly used in the clinical treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Currently, the protective effect of Tan on DN and its possible mechanism have not been clearly elucidated. Our previous studies illustrated that Tan could improve the EMT of HK-2 cells induced by high glucose by regulating the vitamin D receptor (VDR)/Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Here, we collected demographic information and laboratory results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database in order to investigate the relationship between VD and DN. Then, we established a DN model and treated DN rats with Tan and paricalcitol (Par) for 6 weeks. We subsequently compared the changes in general condition, renal function, pathological changes, and TIF-related protein expression levels of control rats, DN rats induced by STZ, DN rats with Tan at 5.4 mg/kg, DN rats with Tan at 10.8 mg/kg, and DN rats with Par at 0.054 µg/kg, to explore the effect and mechanism of Tan and Par on DN rats. The results showed that VD had a protective effect against DN in diabetic patients. And we found that Tan had a protective effect on renal fibrosis in DN rats, which was superior to Par in improving the symptoms of "three more and one less," reducing fasting blood glucose level, improving renal index, BUN/SCr, and UACR, reducing histopathological damage of kidney, and improving the expression of fibrosis-related proteins in kidney tissue by regulating VDR/Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Tan was superior to Par in ameliorating tubulointerstitial fibrosis by regulating VDR/Wnt/β-catenin pathway in rats with diabetic nephropathy.

PPARG is a potential target of Tanshinone IIA in prostate cancer treatment: a combination study of molecular docking and dynamic simulation based on transcriptomic bioinformatics

Tanshinone IIA is a lipophilic organic compound from the root of Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) and is one of the most well-known Tanshinone molecules by pharmacologists. In recent years, in addition to effects of anti-cardiovascular and neurological diseases, Tanshinone IIA has also shown some degrees of anti-prostate cancer potential. Although they do have some studies focusing on the molecular mechanism of Tanshinone IIA's anti-prostate cancer effects, a further understanding on the transcriptomic and structural level is still lacking. In this study, transcriptomic sequencing technology and computer technology were employed to illustrate the effects of Tanshinone IIA on prostate cancer through bioinformatic analysis and molecular dynamics simulation, and PPARG was considered to be one of the targets for Tanshinone IIA according to docking scoring and dynamic calculation. Our study provides a novel direction to further understand the mechanism of the effects of Tanshinone IIA on prostate cancer, and further molecular biological studies need to be carried on to further investigate the molecular mechanism of Tanshinone IIA's anti-prostate cancer effect through PPARG.

Protective effects of tanshinone IIA on Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced atherosclerosis via the downregulation of the NOX2/NOX4-ROS mediation of NF-κB signaling pathway

Tanshinone IIA (TSA), an active component isolated from Danshen, possess high medicinal values against atherosclerosis by reducing vascular oxidative stress, inhibiting platelet aggregation, and protecting the endothelium from damage. The periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) has been proven to accelerate the development of atherosclerosis. We aim to determine the effects of TSA on P. gingivalis-induced atherosclerosis in ApoE-knockout (ApoE-/-) mice. After feeding with a high-lipid diet and infected with P. gingivalis three times per week for four weeks, TSA-treated (60 mg/kg/d) mice greatly inhibited atherosclerotic lesions both morphologically and biochemically and exhibited significantly reduction ROS, 8-OHdG, and ox-LDL levels in serum compared with P. gingivalis-infected mice. Additionally, TSA-treated mice were observed a marked reduction of ROS, 8-OHdG and ox-LDL in the serum, mRNA levels of COX-2, LOX-1, NOX2 and NOX4 in the aorta, as well as the levels of NOX2, NOX4, and NF-κB. These results suggest that TSA attenuates oxidative stress by decreasing NOX2 and NOX4 and downregulating NF-κB signaling pathway, which might be contributed to the amelioration of atherosclerosis.

Effects and mechanisms of tanshinone IIA on PTSD-like symptoms

BACKGROUND

In recent years, Salvia miltiorrhiza and its active substances have remarkably progressed in treating central neurological disorders. Tanshinone IIA (TSA) is an active ingredient derived from the rhizome of Salvia miltiorrhiza that has been found to alleviate the symptoms of several psychiatric illnesses. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder that results after experiencing a serious physical or psychological injury. The currently used drugs are not satisfactory for the treatment of PTSD. However, it has been reported that TSA can improve PTSD-like symptoms like learning and memory, cognitive disorder, and depression through multi-target regulation.

PURPOSE

This paper discusses the ameliorative effects of TSA on PTSD-like symptoms and the possible mechanisms of action in terms of inhibition of neuronal apoptosis, anti-neuroinflammation, and anti-oxidative stress. Based on the pathological changes and clinical observations of PTSD, we hope to provide some reference for the clinical transformation of Chinese medicine in treating PTSD.

METHODS

A large number of literatures on tanshinone in the treatment of neurological diseases and PTSD were retrieved from online electronic PubMed and Web of Science databases.

CONCLUSION

TSA is a widely studied natural active ingredient against mental illness. This review will contribute to the future development of TSA as a new clinical candidate drug for improving PTSD-like symptoms.

Salvia miltiorrhiza and Tanshinone IIA reduce endothelial inflammation and atherosclerotic plaque formation through inhibiting COX-2

The mechanisms of Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM) and Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) in the treatment of atherosclerosis was examined by combining network pharmacology and molecular biology experiments. The TCMSP and BATMAN-TCM databases provided 104 SM candidate ingredients and 813 target genes, while GEO and GeneCards databases identified 35 overlapping targets between SM and coronary artery disease (CAD). From these data, we constructed a CAD-target-active ingredient network, and using Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analysis, 211 GO terms and 43 pathways were identified, which facilitated the construction of a key active ingredient-target-pathway network. We then constructed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and performed molecular docking simulations between Tan IIA and 10 key target proteins to analyze the interactions between the molecule and the protein. SM was found to alleviate CAD by reducing the expression of key pro-inflammatory factors, such as COX-2 (PTGS2), MMP9, ICAM1, TNF-α, and NF-κB. Tan IIA was identified as the primary effective component of SM in treating CAD, with TNF and PTGS2 being its main targets. We further validated these findings using in vitro/in vivo experiments. The results showed that both SM and Tan IIA attenuated the buildup of plaque and the accumulation of lipids in ApoE-/- mice. In addition, SM and Tan IIA reduced vascular inflammatory factors expression in ApoE-/- mice and ox-LDL-cultured HUVECs. Furthermore, our findings showed that Tan IIA reduced vascular endothelial inflammation and prevented plaque formation via COX-2/TNF-a/NF-κB signaling pathway. We have demonstrated for the first time that Tan IIA plays a vital role in attenuating atherosclerosis by downregulating COX-2 expression.

Tanshinone IIA protects mouse testes from heat stress injury by inhibiting apoptosis and TGFβ1/Smad2/Smad3 signaling pathway

Heat stress can cause testicular damage and affect male fertility. Tanshinone IIA (TSA) is a monomer substance derived from plants, with antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects. Whether it can repair testicular damage caused by heat stress is unclear. This study aims to construct a mouse testicular heat stress injury model and intervene with TSA. Various methods such as histopathology, high-throughput sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, and molecular biology were used to investigate whether TSA can alleviate heat stress-induced testicular injury and its mechanism. Results showed that heat stress significantly reduced the diameter of the mouse seminiferous tubules, increased cell apoptosis in the testicular tissue, and significantly decreased testosterone levels. After TSA intervention, testicular morphology and cell apoptosis improved significantly, and testosterone secretion function was restored. High-throughput transcriptome sequencing found that key differentially expressed genes between the HS group and the control and TSA groups clustered in the apoptosis and TGFβ signaling pathways. Using western blot technology, we found that the HS group upregulated TGFβ1/Smad2/Smad3 pathway protein expression, causing cell apoptosis, testicular tissue organic lesions, and affecting testicular secretion function. Through TSA intervention, we found that it can inhibit TGFβ1/Smad2/Smad3 pathway protein expression, thereby restoring testicular damage caused by heat stress. This study confirms that TSA can effectively restore testicular damage caused by heat stress in mice, possibly by inhibiting the TGFβ1/Smad2/Smad3 pathway to suppress apoptosis.

Tanshinone IIA attenuates valvular interstitial cells' calcification induced by oxidized low density lipoprotein via reducing endoplasmic reticulum stress

Recent studies revealed that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress played an emerging role of in valve calcification. Tanshinone IIA (TanIIA) has been a research hotspot in cardiovascular diseases. Previously we found that sodium TanIIA dampened the pathological phenotype transition of valvular interstitial cells (VICs) by affecting ER stress published in Chinese Journal. Here, we test the hypothesis that TanIIA attenuates the pro-osteogenic effects of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) in VICs by reducing induction of ER stress. Patients' aortic valve (AV) was collected, and porcine VICs were cultured for in vitro model. ER stress markers were tested in human leaflets by immunostaining. Immunoblotting were used to test the osteoblastic factors such as Runx2, osteocalcin, and ER stress markers GRP78, CHOP, XBP1, etc. Alkakine phosphate (ALP) activity assay were used to test the activity of ALP kinase. Pro-inflammatory gene expression was detected by polymerase chain reaction. As a result, ER stress markers were elevated in patients' calcified AVs. OxLDL induced osteogenesis and inflammation via promoting ER stress. TanIIA attenuated oxLDL induced ER stress. TanIIA also inhibited theosteoblastic factors and inflammatory cytokine expressions in VICs. In conclusion, our data provide evidence that TanIIA exerts anti-inflammation and anti-osteogenic effects in VICs by attenuating ER stress, and ER stress acts as an important regulator in oxLDL induced VICs' phenotype transition.

Therapeutic prospects of naturally occurring p38 MAPK inhibitors tanshinone IIA and pinocembrin for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2-induced CNS complications

P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) signaling pathway is closely related to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) replication and hyperinflammatory responses in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, blood-brain barrier-penetrating p38 MAPK inhibitors have good potential for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) complications of COVID-19. The aim of the present study is the characterization of the therapeutic potential of tanshinone IIA and pinocembrin for the treatment of CNS complications of COVID-19. Studies published in high-quality journals indexed in databases Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and so forth were used to review the therapeutic capabilities of selected compounds. In continuation of our previous efforts to identify agents with favorable activity/toxicity profiles for the treatment of COVID-19, tanshinone IIA and pinocembrin were identified with a high ability to penetrate the CNS. Considering the nature of the study, no specific time frame was determined for the selection of studies, but the focus was strongly on studies published after the emergence of COVID-19. By describing the association of COVID-19-induced CNS disorders with p38 MAPK pathway disruption, this study concludes that tanshinone IIA and pinocembrin have great potential for better treatment of these complications. The inclusion of these compounds in the drug regimen of COVID-19 patients requires confirmation of their effectiveness through the conduction of high-quality clinical trials.

Tanshinone IIA alleviates chondrocyte apoptosis and extracellular matrix degeneration by inhibiting ferroptosis

Articular cartilage degeneration caused by chondrocyte damage is the primary pathological mechanism of osteoarthritis (OA). Oxidative stress is correlated with chondrocyte injury by potentiating ferroptosis, a newly identified form of cell death. Given the effects of Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) on alleviating oxidative stress, we further explored whether Tan IIA inhibited chondrocyte death and cartilage degeneration by decreasing ferroptosis. ATDC5 chondrocytes were treated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and Tan IIA, and cell viability was assessed using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays. Matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP13), a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motif-5 (ADAMTS5), and type II collagen (Col II) levels were measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‒PCR), western blotting, and immunofluorescence (IF) analysis. We demonstrated that Tan IIA treatment prominently increased ATDC5 cell viability and decreased cell apoptosis in the presence of LPS-induced stress. MMP13 and ADAMTS5 expression was increased, and Col II expression was decreased in ATDC5 cells after LPS stimulation, whereas these changes were reversed by Tan IIA. Mechanistically, Tan IIA inhibited LPS-induced ferroptosis in ATDC5 cells, as indicated by decreased levels of iron, reactive oxygen species, and malondialdehyde and increased GSH levels. Importantly, a ferroptosis agonist partially abrogated the effect of Tan IIA on alleviating chondrocyte damage and death. Taken together, these results suggest that Tan IIA ameliorates chondrocyte apoptosis and cartilage degeneration by inhibiting ferroptosis and may be a potential therapeutic agent for OA.

Tanshinone IIA inhibits cell viability and promotes PUMA-mediated apoptosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma

Apoptosis alteration is responsible for tumorigenesis and tumor resistance to therapies. The natural product Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) exhibits potent inhibitory effects against various tumors. However, the effect of Tan IIA on apoptosis and its underlying mechanism remains elusive in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Here, we demonstrated that Tan IIA dose-dependently suppressed cell viability and colony formation in CAL27, SCC4, and SCC25 cells. Moreover, Tan IIA inhibited Akt activation from inducing Foxo3a dephosphorylation and PUMA-mediated apoptosis. PUMA or Foxo3a knockdown compromised the inhibitory effect of Tan IIA on OSCC cells. Tan IIA administration inhibited CAL27-deprived xenograft tumor growth and increased PUMA expression in vivo. Tan IIA synergistically intensified the efficacy of CDDP/5-FU-based chemotherapy on OSCC cells. Overall, our results revealed that Tan IIA exerted potent antitumor effects via promoting PUMA-mediated apoptosis in OSCC cells.

The therapeutic effect of tanshinone IIA in mouse astrocytes after treatment with Angiostrongylus cantonensis fifth-stage larval excretory-secretory products

BACKGROUND

Angiostrongylus cantonensis is an important food-borne zoonotic parasite that causes eosinophilic meningitis and meningoencephalitis in humans. Excretory-secretory products (ESPs) are valuable targets for studying host-parasite relationships. ESPs are composed of a variety of molecules that are used to penetrate defensive barriers and avoid immune attack of the host. Tanshinone IIA (TSIIA) is a vasoactive cardioprotective drug that is widely used in studies evaluating potential therapeutic mechanisms. In this study, we will evaluate the therapeutic effects of TSIIA in mouse astrocytes after A. cantonensis fifth-stage larvae (L5) ESPs treatment.

METHODS

Here, we examined the therapeutic effect of TSIIA by real-time qPCR, western blotting, activity assay, and cell viability assays.

RESULTS

First, the results showed that TSIIA can elevate cell viability in astrocytes after stimulation with ESPs. On the other hand, TSIIA downregulated the expression of apoptosis-related molecules. However, the expression of molecules related to antioxidant, autophagy, and endoplasmic reticulum stress was significantly increased. The results of antioxidant activation assays showed that the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and catalase were significantly increased. Finally, we found that cell apoptosis and oxidative stress were reduced in TSIIA-treated astrocytes by immunofluorescence staining.

CONCLUSION

The findings from this study suggest that TSIIA can reduce cellular damage caused by A. cantonensis L5 ESPs in astrocytes and clarify the related molecular mechanisms.

Tanshinone IIA targeting cell signaling pathways: a plausible paradigm for cancer therapy

Natural compounds originating from plants offer a wide range of pharmacological potential and have traditionally been used to treat a wide range of diseases including cancer. Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA), a bioactive molecule found in the roots of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herb Salvia miltiorrhiza, has been shown to have remarkable anticancer properties through several mechanisms, such as inhibition of tumor cell growth and proliferation, metastasis, invasion, and angiogenesis, as well as induction of apoptosis and autophagy. It has demonstrated excellent anticancer efficacy against cell lines from breast, cervical, colorectal, gastric, lung, and prostate cancer by modulating multiple signaling pathways including PI3K/Akt, JAK/STAT, IGF-1R, and Bcl-2-Caspase pathways. This review focuses on the role of Tan IIA in the treatment of various cancers, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms.

TanshinoneⅡA inhibits excessive autophagy and protects myocardium against ischemia/reperfusion injury via 14-3-3η/Akt/Beclin1 pathway

Excessive autophagy induced by reperfusion is one of the causes of severe myocardial injury. Tanshinone IIA (TSN) protects the myocardium against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. The mechanism by which the inhibition of excessive autophagy contributes to the myocardial protection by TSN is unclear. The protective effects and mechanisms of TSN were studied in H9c2 cells and rats after anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R)-or I/R-induced myocardial injury. The results showed that after the injury, cell viability decreased, lactate dehydrogenase and caspase 3 activity and apoptosis increased, and autophagy was excessively activated. Further, redox imbalance and energy stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, reduced myocardial function, increased infarct area, and severely damaged morphology were observed in rats. TSN increased 14-3-3η expression and regulated Akt/Beclin1 pathway, inhibited excessive autophagy, and significantly reversed the functional, enzymological and morphological indexes in vivo and in vitro. However, the protective effects of TSN were mimicked by 3-methyladenine (an autophagy inhibitor) and were attenuated by pAD/14-3-3η-shRNA, API-2 (an Akt inhibitor), and rapamycin (an autophagy activator). In conclusion, TSN could increase 14-3-3η expression and regulate Akt/Beclin1 pathway, inhibit excessive autophagy, maintain the mitochondrial function, improve energy supply and redox equilibrium, alleviate apoptosis, and ultimately protect myocardium against I/R injury.

Phytoestrogen-derived multifunctional ligands for targeted therapy of breast cancer

Nano-targeted delivery systems have been widely used for breast tumor drug delivery. Estrogen receptors are considered to be significant drug delivery target receptors due to their overexpression in a variety of tumor cells. However, targeted ligands have a significant impact on the safety and effectiveness of active delivery systems, limiting the clinical transformation of nanoparticles. Phytoestrogens have shown good biosafety characteristics and some affinity with the estrogen receptor. In the present study, molecular docking was used to select tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) among phytoestrogens as a target ligand to be used in nanodelivery systems with some modifications. Modified Tan IIA (Tan-NH2) showed a good biosafety profile and demonstrated tumor-targeting, anti-tumor and anti-tumor metastasis effects. Moreover, the ligand was utilized with the anti-tumor drug Dox-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles via chemical modification to generate a nanocomposite Tan-Dox-MSN. Tan-Dox-MSN had a uniform particle size, good dispersibility and high drug loading capacity. Validation experiments in vivo and in vitro showed that it also had a better targeting ability, anti-tumor effect and lower toxicity in normal organs. These results supported the idea that phytoestrogens with high affinity for the estrogen receptor could improve the therapeutic efficacy of nano-targeted delivery systems in breast tumors.

Tanshinone IIA changed the amniotic fluid volume and regulated expression of AQP1 and AQP3 in amniotic epithelium cells: a promising drug treating abnormal amniotic fluid volume

BACKGROUND

Many studies have confirmed the association of aquaporins (AQPs) with abnormal amniotic fluid volume (AFV). In our previous experiments, we found that Tanshinone IIA was able to regulate the expression of AQP1 and AQP3. However, the exact mechanism by which Tanshinone IIA regulates AQPs protein expression and its effect on AFV remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Tanshinone IIA on AFV and the possible molecular mechanism of regulation of AQP1 and AQP3.

METHODS

The expression of AQPs protein in the amniotic membranes was compared between pregnant women with normal pregnancy and those with isolated oligohydramnios. The AQP1 knockout (AQP1-KO) mice and wild-type (WT) mice were treated with saline or Tanshinone IIA (10 mg/kg) at 13.5GD and 16.5GD. Human amniotic epithelium cells (hAECs) from pregnant women with normal AFV and isolated oligohydramnios were incubated with 35 μmmol/L Tanshinone IIA or 25 mmol/L LiCl [inhibitor of glycogen synthetic kinase 3β (GSK-3β)]. The protein expressions of AQPs, GSK-3β, phospho-GSK-3β (Ser9) in fetal membranes of mice and human amniotic epithelium cells were detected by western blotting.

RESULTS

The expression of AQP1 protein in the amniotic membrane of isolated oligohydramnios was increased compared with normal pregnancy. The AFV in AQP1-KO mice is higher than that in WT mice. In wild-type mice, AFV in Tanshinone IIA group was significantly higher than that in control group, and AQP1 protein expression was significantly lower than that in control group, but in AQP1 knockout mice, Tanshinone IIA reduced amniotic fluid volume and AQP3 protein expression at 16.5GD. Tanshinone IIA reduced AQP1, AQP3 and p-GSK-3β (Ser9) protein expression in normal hAECs, and this effect was inhibited by LiCl. In hAECs with oligohydramnios, the down-regulation of AQP1 and up-regulation of AQP3 by Tanshinone IIA was independent of GSK-3β signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Tanshinone IIA may increase AFV in normal pregnancy by downregulating AQP1 protein expression in the fetal membranes, which may be associated with p-GSK-3β signaling pathway. But a larger AFV in AQP1-KO mice was significantly attenuated by Tanshinone IIA, which may be related to AQP3. Tanshinone IIA is a promising drug for the treatment of amniotic fluid abnormality.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Danzhi qing'e decoction inhibits inflammation-associated prostatic hyperplasia via inactivation of ERK1/2 signal pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Inflammation plays a critical role during benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) development. Danzhi qing'e (DZQE) decoction is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been widely used for estrogen and androgen-related diseases. However, its effect on inflammation-related BPH remains unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the effect of DZQE on inhibition of inflammation-related BPH, and further identify the possible mechanism involved.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP)-induced BPH was established and then 2.7 g/kg of DZQE was administrated orally for 4 weeks. The prostate sizes, weights and prostate index (PI) values were recorded. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) was performed for pathological analyses. Macrophage infiltrate was evaluated by Immunohistochemical (IHC). The inflammatory cytokine levels were measured by Rt-PCR and ELISA methods. The phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was examined by Western blot. The expression differences of mRNA expressions between EAP-induced and oestrogen/testosterone (E2/T)-induced BPH was investigated by RNA sequencing analyses. In vitro, human prostatic epithelial BPH-1 cells were stimulated with the conditioned medium from monocyte THP-1-derived M2 macrophages (M2CM), followed by treatment of Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA), Bakuchiol (Ba), ERK1/2 antagonist PD98059 or ERK1/2 agonist C6-Ceramide. The ERK1/2 phosphorylation and cell proliferation were then detected by Western blotting and CCK8 assay.

RESULTS

DZQE significantly inhibited the prostate enlargement and decreased PI value in EAP rats. Pathological analysis showed that DZQE alleviated prostate acinar epithelial cell proliferation by decreasing and reduction of CD68⁺ and CD206⁺ macrophage infiltration in the prostate. The levels of cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-17, MCP-1, TGF-β, and IgG in EAP rats' prostate or serum were significantly suppressed by DZQE as well. Moreover, mRNA sequencing data showed that the expressions of inflammation-related genes were elevated in EAP-induced BPH but not in E2/T-induced BPH. ERK1/2-related genes expression has been found in both E2/T and EAP-induced BPH. ERK1/2 is one of the core signal pathways involved in EAP-induced BPH, which was activated in EAP group but inactivated in DZQE group. In vitro, two active components of DZQE Tan IIA and Ba inhibited M2CM-induced BPH-1 cell proliferation, similarly to ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 did. Meanwhile, Tan IIA and Ba inhibited M2CM-induced ERK1/2 signal activation in BPH-1 cells. When re-activated the ERK1/2 by its activator C6-Ceramide, the inhibitory effects of Tan IIA and Ba on BPH-1 cell proliferation were blocked.

CONCLUSION

DZQE suppressed inflammation-associated BPH via regulation of ERK1/2 signal by Tan IIA and Ba.

Tanshinone IIA inhibits endometrial carcinoma growth through the MAPK/ERK/TRIB3 pathway

Endometrial carcinoma is the most common gynecological tumor in developed countries. Tanshinone IIA is a traditional herbal medicine which is to treat cardiovascular disease and has been shown to have various biological effects, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and antitumor activities. However, there has been no study about the effect of tanshinone IIA on endometrial carcinoma. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the antitumor activity of tanshinone IIA against endometrial carcinoma and investigate the associated molecular mechanism. We demonstrated that tanshinone IIA induced cell apoptosis and inhibited migration. We further demonstrated that tanshinone IIA activated the intrinsic (mitochondrial) apoptotic pathway. Mechanistically, tanshinone IIA induced apoptosis by upregulating TRIB3 expression and inhibiting the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. In addition, knockdown of TRIB3 with an shRNA lentivirus accelerated proliferation and attenuated inhibition mediated by tanshinone IIA. Finally, we further demonstrated that tanshinone IIA inhibited tumor growth by inducing TRIB3 expression in vivo. In conclusion, these findings suggest that tanshinone IIA has a significant antitumor effect by inducing apoptosis and may be used as a drug for the treatment of endometrial carcinoma.

Tanshinone IIA inhibited intermittent hypoxia induced neuronal injury through promoting autophagy via AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) is the primary pathophysiological process of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and is closely linked to neurocognitive dysfunction. Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) is extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge and used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to improve cognitive impairment. Studies have shown that Tan IIA has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties and provides protection in intermittent hypoxia (IH) conditions. However, the specific mechanism is still unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To assess the protective effect and mechanism of Tan IIA treatment on neuronal injury in HT22 cells exposed to IH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study established an HT22 cell model exposed to IH (0.1% O₂ 3 min/21% O₂ 7 min for six cycles/h). Cell viability was determined using the Cell Counting Kit-8, and cell injury was determined using the LDH release assay. Mitochondrial damage and cell apoptosis were observed using the Mitochondrial Membrane Potential and Apoptosis Detection Kit. Oxidative stress was assessed using DCFH-DA staining and flow cytometry. The level of autophagy was assessed using the Cell Autophagy Staining Test Kit and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Western blot was used to detect the expressions of the AMPK-mTOR pathway, LC3, P62, Beclin-1, Nrf2, HO-1, SOD2, NOX2, Bcl-2/Bax, and caspase-3.

RESULTS

The study showed that Tan IIA significantly improved HT22 cell viability under IH conditions. Tan IIA treatment improved mitochondrial membrane potential, decreased cell apoptosis, inhibited oxidative stress, and increased autophagy levels in HT22 cells under IH conditions. Furthermore, Tan IIA increased AMPK phosphorylation and LC3II/I, Beclin-1, Nrf2, HO-1, SOD2, and Bcl-2/Bax expressions, while decreasing mTOR phosphorylation and NOX2 and cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3 expressions.

CONCLUSION

The study suggested that Tan IIA significantly ameliorated neuronal injury in HT22 cells exposed to IH. The neuroprotective mechanism of Tan IIA may mainly be related to inhibiting oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis by activating the AMPK/mTOR autophagy pathway under IH conditions.

Tanshinone IIA mediates protection from diabetes kidney disease by inhibiting oxidative stress induced pyroptosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Salvia miltiorrhiza is widely used traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of diabetes kidney disease (DKD). Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) are one of the main components of the root of red-rooted Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. However, whether tanshinones delay the progression of DKD and the underlying mechanisms are unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Clarify the mechanisms underlying the occurrence and progression of DKDs from a novel viewpoint and confirm the function and mechanism of Tan IIA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We experimented with models of DKD (db/db mice) and cultured human renal glomerular endothelial cells (HRGECs). We measured the biochemical indicators of mouse blood and urine to confirmed that Tan IIA exerted protective effects on the kidneys of db/db mice. Renal histopathology and immunohistochemical staining were used to determine the role of Tan IIA. High glucose-induced HRGECs pyroptosis based on the results of Western blot, CCK-8 cell viability test, calcein/PI staining, ROS/superoxide anion generation and transmission electron microscope. We also confirmed that Tan IIA alleviated HRGEC pyroptosis through the same methods. The relationships between oxidative induction and regulation of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation were investigated using Western blot following the application of an NLRP3 inhibitor and oxidative stress inhibitor.

RESULTS

Tan IIA alleviated kidney injury and improved the levels of urine, blood indicators, the expression of NLRP3 and thioredoxin-interacting protein (Txnip) in db/db mice kidney. In vitro, high glucose inhibited HRGECs viability, increased ROS generation, enhanced the proportion of propidium iodide-stained cells. In addition, we discovered the expression of GSDMD-NT, NLRP3, cleaved IL-1β, cleaved caspase-1, and Txnip increased, but the expression of Trx1 decreased after treated by high glucose. These changes were partially ameliorated by Tan IIA.

CONCLUSION

Hyperglycemia could induce pyroptosis in renal glomerular endothelial cells. However, Tan IIA could delay the progression of DKD by inhibiting pyroptosis by regulating the Txnip/NLRP3 inflammasome.

Tanshinone IIA inhibits osteoclastogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis via LDHC-regulated ROS generation

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by bone destruction in the afflicted joints, and during the process of bone destruction, osteoclasts play a crucial role. Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) has shown anti-inflammatory effects in RA. However, the exact molecular mechanisms by which it delays bone destruction remain largely unexplained. Here, we found that Tan IIA decreased the severity of and ameliorated bone loss in an AIA rat model. In vitro, Tan IIA inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation. By activity-based protein analysis (ABPP) combined with LC‒MS/MS, we discovered that Tan IIA covalently binds to the lactate dehydrogenase subunit LDHC and inhibits its enzymatic activity. Moreover, we found that Tan IIA inhibits the generation of osteoclast-specific markers by reducing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus reducing osteoclast differentiation. Finally, our results reveal that Tan IIA suppresses osteoclast differentiation via LDHC-mediated ROS generation in osteoclasts. Tan IIA can thus be regarded as an effective drug for the treatment of bone damage in RA.

Tanshinone IIA suppresses burning incense-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways in astrocytes

The burning incense (BI) behavior could be widely observed in Asia families. Incense sticks are often believed to be made from natural herbs and powders, and to have minimal impact on human health; however, there is limited research to support this claim. The current study aimed to identify the components of BI within the particulate matter 2.5 µm (PM_2.5) range and explore if BI has bio-toxicity effects on rat astrocytes (CTX-TNA2). The study also examined the protective effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of tanshinone IIA, a primary lipid-soluble compound found in the herb danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge), which has been shown to benefit the central nervous system. Results showed that despite the differences in BI components compared to the atmospheric particulate matter (PM) standards, BI still had a bio-toxicity on astrocytes. BI exposure caused early and late apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, MAPKs (JNK, p38, and ERK), and Akt signaling activation, and inflammation-related proteins (cPLA2, COX-2, HO-1, and MMP-9) increases. Our results further exhibit that the tanshinone IIA pre-treatment could significantly avoid the BI-induced apoptosis and inflammatory signals on rat astrocytes. These findings suggest that BI exposure may cause oxidative stress in rat astrocytes and increase inflammation-related proteins and support the potential of tanshinone IIA as a candidate for preventing BI-related adverse health effects.

Tanshinone IIA enhances the therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells derived exosomes in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury via up-regulating miR-223-5p

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MI/RI) is a serious obstacle for patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) to benefit from post-ischemic reflow. The low immunogenicity and low carcinogenicity of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-derived exosomes (exo) offer advantage in treating myocardial injuries. Tanshinone IIA (TSA) is an effective drug for MI/RI treatment. However, the underlying mechanism and targets remain obscure. In this study, we systematically investigated the therapeutic effect and its mechanism of TSA-pretreated MSC-derived exosomes (TSA-MSC_exo) in ameliorating MI/RI in rats. Expectedly, the MI/RI was significantly relieved by TSA-MSC_exo compared with MSC_exo. Moreover, the overexpression of CCR2 in rats' heart was used to determine CCR2 had a regulatory effect on monocyte infiltration and angiogenesis after MI/RI. MiRNA microarray analysis of MSC_exo and TSA-MSC_exo revealed miR-223-5p an effective candidate mediator for TSA-MSC_exo to exert its cardioprotective function and CCR2 as the downstream target. In summary, our findings indicated that miR-223-5p packaged in TSA-MSC_exo inhibited CCR2 activation to reduce monocyte infiltration and enhanced angiogenesis to alleviate MI/RI. Thus, the development of cell free therapies for exosomes derived from the combination TSA and MSC provides an effective strategy for the clinical therapies of ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Hydrogen sulfide protects Sertoli cells against toxicant Acrolein-induced cell injury

Acrolein (ACR), a highly toxic α,β-unsaturated aldehyde, is considered to be a common mediator behind the reproductive injury induced by various factors. However, the understanding of its reproductive toxicity and prevention in reproductive system is limited. Given that Sertoli cells provide the first-line defense against various toxicants and that dysfunction of Sertoli cell causes impaired spermatogenesis, we, therefore, examined ACR cytotoxicity in Sertoli cells and tested whether hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), a gaseous mediator with potent antioxidative actions, could have a protective effect. Exposure of Sertoli cells to ACR led to cell injury, as indicated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, protein oxidation, P38 activation and ultimately cell death that was prevented by antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Further studies revealed that ACR cytotoxicity on Sertoli cells was significantly exacerbated by the inhibition of H₂S-synthesizing enzyme cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), while significantly suppressed by H₂S donor Sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS). It was also attenuated by Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA), an active ingredient of Danshen that stimulated H₂S production in Sertoli cells. Apart from Sertoli cells, H₂S also protected the cultured germ cells from ACR-initiated cell death. Collectively, our study characterized H₂S as endogenous defensive mechanism against ACR in Sertoli cells and germ cells. This property of H₂S could be used to prevent and treat ACR-related reproductive injury.

Beneficial effects of endophytic fungi inoculation on tanshinones and phenolic compounds of Salvia abrotanoides

Objectives

Salvia abrotanoides is considered as a new source of tanshinone-producing plants in Iran. Symbiosis of endophytic fungi with their host plants is an effective tool to promote the growth and secondary metabolism of medicinal herbs. Therefore, using endophytic fungi as a biotic elicitor is a proper solution to increase the yield of plant products.

Materials and Methods

In this study, some endophytic fungi were first isolated from the root of S. abrotanoides, then two of them (Penicillium canescens and Talaromyces sp.) were co-cultivated with the sterile seedling of S. abrotanoides in pot culture. After proving the colonization of these fungi in the root tissues by microscopic studies, their effects on the production of critical medicinal compounds such as tanshinones and phenolic acids were investigated in the vegetation stage (120 days).

Results

Our results showed that the content of cryptotanshinone (Cry) and tanshinone IIA (T-IIA) in plants inoculated with P. canescens increased by 77.00% and 19.64%, respectively, compared with non-inoculated plants (control). The contents of mentioned compounds in plants inoculated with Talaromyces sp. increased by 50.00% and 23.00%, respectively. In this case, in plants inoculated with P. canescens, it was found that the level of caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, and its PAL enzyme activity increased by 64.00%, 69.00%, and 50.00%, respectively, compared with the control.

Conclusion

Endophytic fungi have specific modes of action and the ability to provide multiple benefits. Each of the two strains is a highly considerable microbial resource for the growth and accumulation of active compounds of S. abrotanoides.

Tan IIA mitigates vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration induced by ox-LDL through the miR-137/TRPC3 axis

Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) has an important role in treatment of cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis. The vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are a major part of the atherosclerotic plaque. However, the biological functions of Tan IIA in regulating VSMCs function remain mostly unclear. This research aimed at identifying the explicit molecular mechanism that Tan IIA regulates oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-mediated VSMC proliferation and migration. VSMCs challenged by ox-LDL were adopted as cellular model of atherosclerosis, and suffered from Tan IIA treatment. After that, cells proliferation, apoptosis or migration were measured. The expression levels of microRNA (miR)-137, transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily C member 3 (TRPC3) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were measured. The targeting relationship between miR-137 and TRPC3 was determined. It was found that Tan IIA blunted VSMC proliferation, PCNA expression and migration mediated by ox-LDL. Tan IIA promoted miR-137 level, and miR-137 knockdown reversed the influences of Tan IIA on VSMC proliferation, PCNA expression and migration in the presence of ox-LDL. TRPC3 was verified to be targeted by miR-137. Moreover, TRPC3 silencing exacerbated the influences of Tan IIA on VSMC proliferation, apoptosis and migration, and it mitigated the inhibitive effects of miR-137 knockdown on function of Tan IIA. We confirmed for the first time that Tan IIA constrained ox-LDL-stimulated VSMC proliferation and migration via regulating the miR-137/TRPC3 axis, which provided a theoretical basis for the research and promotion of Tan IIA as a therapeutic drug.

Tanshinone IIA relieves arthritis by inhibiting autophagy of fibroblast-like synoviocytes via matrix metalloproteinase9/receptor for advanced glycation end product/toll-like receptor 9 signal axis in mice with collagen-induced arthritis

In this study, we probed into the related mechanism underlying the role of Tanshinone IIA (TIIA) in RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLSs). We constructed a mouse model of RA using the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) method. Gain- or loss-of-function approaches were used to manipulate matrix metalloproteinase9 (MMP9), receptor for advanced glycation end product (RAGE), and toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) in both CIA mice and RA-FLSs following treatment with TIIA to study the in vivo and in vitro effect of TIIA through analysis of cell viability, and measurement of autophagy and inflammatory proteins as well as severity of RA. In vitro and in vivo animal experiments results showed that TIIA could inhibit the proliferation of RA-FLSs and affect autophagy, thereby improving the symptoms of RA in mice. Mechanically, TIIA could inhibit the expression of MMP9 in RA-FLSs, thereby inhibiting the shedding of RAGE and thus inhibiting the activation of TLR9. Finally, animal experiments confirmed that TIIA affected autophagy by regulating the MMP9/RAGE/TLR9 axis, and finally improve the symptoms of RA in mice. Conclusively, TIIA may inhibit expression of MMP9 to suppress the combination of RAGE and TLR9, thereby inhibiting RA-FLS proliferation and affecting autophagy, eventually improve the RA.

Research Progress of Traditional Chinese Medicine Monomers in Reversing Multidrug Resistance of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a malignant disease with an increasing incidence. Chemotherapy is still an important means for breast cancer treatment, but multidrug resistance (MDR) greatly limits its clinical application. Therefore, the high-efficiency MDR reversal agents are urgently needed. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) monomers have unique advantages in reversing chemotherapeutic MDR because of its low toxicity, high efficiency, and ability to impact multiple targets. This review firstly summarizes the major mechanisms of MDR in breast cancer, including the reduced accumulation of intracellular chemotherapeutic drugs, the promoted inactivation of intracellular chemotherapeutic drugs, and the enhanced damage repair ability of DNA, etc., and secondly highlights the research progress of 15 kinds of TCM monomers, including curcumin, resveratrol, emodin, apigenin, tetrandrine, gambogic acid, matrine, paeonol, schisandrin B, [Formula: see text]-elemene, astragaloside IV, berberine, puerarin, tanshinone IIA, and quercetin, in reversing MDR of breast cancer. This review also provides the suggestion for the future research of MDR reversal agents in breast cancer.