Radix Paeoniae Alba attenuates Radix Bupleuri-induced hepatotoxicity by modulating gut microbiota to alleviate the inhibition of saikosaponins on glutathione synthetase

Radix Bupleuri(RB)is commonly used to treat depression,but it can also lead to hepatotoxicity after longterm use.In many anti-depression prescriptions,RB is often used in combination with Radix Paeoniae Alba(RPA)as an herb pair.However,whether RPA can alleviate RB-induced hepatotoxicity remain unclear.In this work,the results confirmed that RB had a dose-dependent antidepressant effect,but the optimal antidepressant dose caused hepatotoxicity.Notably,RPA effectively reversed RB-induced hepatotoxicity.Afterward,the mechanism of RB-induced hepatotoxicity was confirmed.The results showed that saikosaponin A and saikosaponin D could inhibit GSH synthase(GSS)activity in the liver,and further cause liver injury through oxidative stress and nuclear factor kappa B(NF-kB)/NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)pathway.Furthermore,the mechanisms by which RPA attenuates RBinduced hepatotoxicity were investigated.The results demonstrated that RPA increased the abundance of intestinal bacteria with glycosidase activity,thereby promoting the conversion of saikosaponins to saikogenins in vivo.Different from saikosaponin A and saikosaponin D,which are directly combined with GSS as an inhibitor,their deglycosylation conversion products saikogenin F and saikogenin G exhibited no GSS binding activity.Based on this,RPA can alleviate the inhibitory effect of saikosaponins on GSS activity to reshape the liver redox balance and further reverse the RB-induced liver inflammatory response by the NFkB/NLRP3 pathway.In conclusion,the present study suggests that promoting the conversion of saikosaponins by modulating gut microbiota to attenuate the inhibition of GSS is the potential mechanism by which RPA prevents RB-induced hepatotoxicity.

Carbonic anhydrase 2 mediates anti-obesity effects of black tea as thermogenic activator

Obesity is a metabolic disorder due to over-accumulation of adipose tissue and ultimately becomes a“disease”.Brown adipose tissue(BAT)thermogenesis and white adipose tissue(WAT)browning emerge as a potential strategy of anti-obesity by dissipating energy as heat.However,drugs based on adipose tissue thermogenesis have not been successfully approved yet.In current study,we found that black tea extract(BTE)obtained by patentauthorized manufacturing process prevented body weight gain as novel thermogenic activator with reduction of adiposity,improvement of adipose distribution,and glucose metabolism improvement in diet-induced obesity mice.Mechanismly,anti-obesity effect of BTE depends on promoting BAT thermogenesis and WAT browning with upregulation of uncoupling protein 1(UCP1),especially visceral adipose tissue(VAT)with browning resistance.Specifically,utilizing in silico approach of network pharmacology and molecular docking,we identified carbonic anhydrase 2(CA2)in nitrogen metabolism as anti-obesity target of BTE and further elucidated that protein kinase B(AKT)signaling pathway linked CA2 and UCP1.Meanwhile gut microbiota regulation may prompt the CA2-dependent thermogenesis activation.Our findings demonstrated anti-obesity effect of BTE as thermogenic activator through CA2-mediated BAT thermogenesis and WAT browning via CA2-AKT-UCP1 signaling pathway,which could be developed as promising anti-obesity agent with good safety and efficacy.

Crystal Structures, Stability, and Solubility Evaluation of a 2:1 Diosgenin-Piperazine Cocrystal

A cocrystal of diosgenin with piperazine in 2:1 stoichiometry was successfully synthesized.The solid form was prepared by liquid assisted grinding,slurry and crystallization methods.The cocrystal was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction,differential scanning calorimetry,thermogravimetric analysis,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,and structure determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction,the hydrogen bonds formed into fish bone structure along the[010]direction and all the molecules packed into 3D layer structure along a axis.After formation of cocrystal,the solubility of diosgenin was improved,and the solubility value in 0.2%SDS solution was approximately 1.5 times as large as that of the parent material.

Tumorigenic bacteria in colorectal cancer:mechanisms and treatments

Colorectal cancer(CRC)is the third most common and the second most fatal cancer.In recent years,more attention has been directed toward the role of gut microbiota in the initiation and development of CRC.Some bacterial species,such as Fusobacterium nucleatum,Escherichia coli,Bacteroides fragilis,Enterococcus faecalis,and Salmonella sp.have been associated with CRC,based upon sequencing studies in CRC patients and functional studies in cell culture and animal models.These bacteria can cause host DNA damage by genotoxic substances,including colibactin secreted by pks+Escherichia coli,B.fragilis toxin(BFT)produced by Bacteroides fragilis,and typhoid toxin(TT)from Salmonella.These bacteria can also indirectly promote CRC by influencing host-signaling pathways,such as E-cadherin/β-catenin,TLR4/MYD88/NF-κB,and SMO/RAS/p38 MAPK.Moreover,some of these bacteria can contribute to CRC progression by helping tumor cells to evade the immune response by suppressing immune cell function,creating a proinflammatory environment,or influencing the autophagy process.Treatments with the classical antibacterial drugs,metronidazole or erythromycin,the antibacterial active ingredients,M13@Ag(electrostatically assembled from inorganic silver nanoparticles and the protein capsid of bacteriophage M13),berberine,and zerumbone,were found to inhibit tumorigenic bacteria to different degrees.In this review,we described progress in elucidating the tumorigenic mechanisms of several CRC-associated bacteria,as well as progress in developing effective antibacterial therapies.Specific bacteria have been shown to be active in the oncogenesis and progression of CRC,and some antibacterial compounds have shown therapeutic potential in bacteria-induced CRC.These bacteria may be useful as biomarkers or therapeutic targets for CRC.

Research Progress of the Antiviral Bioactivities of Natural Flavonoids

Flavonoids are now considered as an indispensable component in a variety of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.Most recent researches have focused on the health aspects of flavonoids for humans.Especially,different flavonoids have been investigated for their potential antiviral activities,and several natural flavonoids exhibited significant antiviral properties both in vitro and in vivo.This review provides a survey of the literature regarding the evidence for antiviral bioactivities of natural flavonoids,highlights the cellular and molecular mechanisms of natural flavonoids on viruses,and presents the details of most reported flavonoids.Meanwhile,future perspectives on therapeutic applications of flavonoids against viral infections were discussed.

Characterization of multiple chemical components of GuiLingJi by UHPLC-MS and ^(1)H NMR analysis

GuiLingJi(GLJ),a classic traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)formula,is composed of over 20 herbs,according to the Pharmacopeia of the People's Republic of China.Owing to its various activities,GLJ has been used in clinical settings for more than 400 years in China.However,the ambiguous chemical material basis limits the development of studies on the quality control and pharmacological mechanisms of GLJ.Therefore,comprehensive characterization of the multiple chemical components of GLJ is of great significance for the modernization of this formula.Given the great variety of herbs in GLJ,both UHPLCMS and ^(1)H NMR techniques were employed in this study.In addition,solvent extraction with different polarities was used to eliminate signal interference and the concentration of trace components.A variety of MS analytic methods were also used,including implementation of a self-built compound database,diagnostic ion filtering,mass defect filtering,and Compound Discoverer 3.0 analysis software.Based on the above strategies,a total of 150 compounds were identified,including 5 amino acids,13 phenolic acids and glycosides,11 coumarins,72 flavones,20 triterpenoid and triterpenoid saponins,23 fatty acids,and 6 other compounds.Moreover,13 compounds were identified by ^(1)H NMR spectroscopy.The UHPLC-MS and ^(1)H NMR results supported and complemented each other.This strategy provides a rapid approach to analyzing and identifying the chemical composition of Chinese herbal prescriptions.The current study provides basis for further research on the quality control and pharmacological mechanism of GLJ.

Anti-inflammatory Effects and Mechanisms of Rhein, an Anthraquinone Compound, and Its Applications in Treating Arthritis: A Review

Inflammation is a defensive response of living tissues to damaging agents,which exists in two forms,acute inflammation and chronic inflammation,and chronic inflammation is closely related to arthritis.Currently,the commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory medications are greatly limited by high incidence of gastrointestinal erosions in the clinical applications.Rhein,a bioactive constituent of anthraquinone,exhibits excellent anti-inflammatory activities and therapeutic effects on arthritis with less gastrointestinal damages.Although there are numbers of studies on anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of rhein in the last few decades,to the best of our knowledge,only a few review articles pay attention to the interactive relationships of rhein on multiple inflammatory signaling pathways and cellular processes from a comprehensive perspective.Herein,we summarized anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of rhein and its practical applications in the treatment of arthritis,thereby providing a reference for its basic researches and clinical applications.

Progress on diagnostic and prognostic markers of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a malignant disease characterized by low survival and high recurrence rate,whose patients are mostly at the stage of locally advanced or metastatic disease when first diagnosed.Early diagnosis is particularly important because prognostic/predictive markers help guide optimal individualized treatment regimens.So far,CA19-9 is the only biomarker for pancreatic cancer approved by the FDA,but its effectiveness is limited by low sensitivity and specificity.With recent advances in genomics,proteomics,metabolomics,and other analytical and sequencing technologies,the rapid acquisition and screening of biomarkers is now possible.Liquid biopsy also occupies a significant place due to its unique advantages.In this review,we systematically describe and evaluate the available biomarkers that have the greatest potential as vital tools in diagnosing and treating pancreatic cancer.

Screening, Characterization and Evaluation of Mangiferin Polymorphs

Mangiferin is a compound with many pharmacological activities and exists in many natural products.Anhydrous and hydrate of mangiferin have been reported separately in two literatures,but the polymorphism of this compound has not been realized until this paper.In this study,polymorph screening of mangiferin has been carried out and five forms have been obtained including three new forms never reported.Several solid state characterization methods,such as powder X-ray diffraction,differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry,are used to identify and characterize all of mangiferin forms.The comparison of the crystallographic data and hirshfeld surface analysis were first reported for mangiferin anhydrous and hydrate.Furthermore,the studies on stability,transformation and solubility have been undertaken,the results prompt that form V can be used as the dominant polymorph for the development of innovative pharmaceuticals.

Preparation and Certification of a New Salvianolic Acid A Reference Material for Food and Drug Research

Salvianolic acid A(Sal A),a water-soluble ingredient in Danshen,has various biological activities.Sal A and its impurities have similar physical and chemical properties,as well as strong reducibility;therefore,they are difficult to prepare and purify.In this study,high-purity Sal A was obtained by purification of sephadex chromatography and preparative chromatography.Furthermore,HPLC-DAD tandem ECD and HPLC-DAD tandem MS methods were used for non-volatile organic impurity analysis,ICP-MS method was used for non-volatile inorganic impurities and mass balance method and quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance were employed to certify the product.The structures of Sal A and its relative impurities were validated by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry,and their contents were quantified as well.Following the principles of ISO Guides 34:2009 and 35:2005,a Sal A reference material was certified,covering homogeneity studies,stability studies,characterization,and uncertainty estimations.

Integrating UHPLC-MS/MS quantitative analysis and exogenous purine supplementation to elucidate the antidepressant mechanism of Chaigui granules by regulating purine metabolism

Chaigui granules(CG)are a compound composed of six herbal medicines with significant antidepressant effects.However,the antidepressant mechanism of CG remains unclear.In the present study,we attempted to elucidate the antidepressant mechanism of CG by regulating purine metabolism and purinergic signaling.First,the regulatory effect of CG on purine metabolites in the prefrontal cortex(PFC)of chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)rats was analyzed by ultra high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry(UHPLC-MS/MS)targeted quantitative analysis.Meanwhile,purinergic receptors(P2X7 receptor(P2X7R),A1 receptor(A1R)and A2A receptor(A2AR))and signaling pathways(nod-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome pathway and cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP)-protein kinase A(PKA)pathway)associated with purine metabolism were analyzed by western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Besides,antidepressant mechanism of CG by modulating purine metabolites to activate purinergic receptors and related signaling pathways was dissected by exogenous supplementation of purine metabolites and antagonism of purinergic receptors in vitro.An in vivo study showed that the decrease in xanthine and the increase in four purine nucleosides were closely related to the antidepressant effects of CG.Additionally,purinergic receptors(P2X7R,A1R and A2AR)and related signaling pathways(NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and cAMP-PKA pathway)were also significantly regulated by CG.The results of exogenous supplementation of purine metabolites and antagonism of purinergic receptors showed that excessive accumulation of xanthine led to activation of the P2X7R-NLRP3 inflammasome pathway,and the reduction of adenosine and inosine inhibited the A1R-cAMP-PKA pathway,which was significantly ameliorated by CG.Overall,CG could promote neuroprotection and ultimately play an antidepressant role by inhibiting the xanthine-P2X7R-NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and activating the adenosine/inosine-A1R-cAMP-PKA pathway.

Optimized solubility and bioavailability of genistein based on cocrystal engineering

With various potential health-promoting bioactivities,genistein has great prospects in treatment of a series of complex diseases and metabolic syndromes such as cancer,diabetes,cardiovascular diseases,menopausal symptoms and so on.However,poor solubility and unsatisfactory bioavailability seriously limits its clinical application and market development.To optimize the solubility and bioavailability of genistein,the cocrystal of genistein and piperazine was prepared by grinding assisted with solvent based on the concept of cocrystal engineering.Using a series of analytical techniques including single-crystal X-ray diffraction,powder X-ray diffraction,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis,the cocrystal was characterized and confirmed.Then,structure analysis on the basis of theoretical calculation and a series of evaluation on the stability,dissolution and bioavailability were carried out.The results indicated that the cocrystal of genistein and piperazine improved the solubility and bioavailability of genistein.Compared with the previous studies on the cocrystal of genistein,this is a systematic and comprehensive investigation from the aspects of preparation,characterization,structural analysis,stability,solubility and bioavailability evaluation.As a simple,efficient and green approach,cocrystal engineering can pave a new path to optimize the pharmaceutical properties of natural products for successful drug formulation and delivery.

Sinomenine ester derivative inhibits glioblastoma by inducing mitochondria-dependent apoptosis and autophagy by PI3K/AKT/mTOR and AMPK/mTOR pathway

Glioblastoma multiforme(GBM)in the central nervous system is the most lethal advanced glioma and currently there is no effective treatment for it.Studies of sinomenine,an alkaloid from the Chinese medicinal plant,Sinomenium acutum,showed that it had inhibitory effects on several kinds of cancer.Here,we synthesized a sinomenine derivative,sino-wcj-33(SW33),tested it for antitumor activity on GBM and explored the underlying mechanism.SW33 significantly inhibited proliferation and colony formation of GBM and reduced migration and invasion of U87 and U251 cells.It also arrested the cell cycle at G2/M phase and induced mitochondria-dependent apoptosis.Differential gene enrichment analysis and pathway validation showed that SW33 exerted anti-GBM effects by regulating PI3 K/AKT and AMPK signaling pathways and significantly suppressed tumorigenicity with no obvious adverse effects on the body.SW33 also induced autophagy through the PI3 K/AKT/mTOR and AMPK/mTOR pathways.Thus,SW33 appears to be a promising drug for treating GBM effectively and safely.

加强生物医学大数据建设应用,推动健康中国战略实施

我国政府始终将人民的权益放在优先发展的地位,不断努力提高人民健康水平,主要健康指标总体上优于中高收入国家平均水平[1].2017年,“健康中国”被写入党的十九大报告,健康中国上升为国家战略[2].2019年印发的《关于实施健康中国行动的意见》(https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/content/2019-07/15/content_5409492.htm)和《健康中国行动(2019~2030年)》(https://www.gov.cn/xinwen/2019-07/15/content_5409694.htm)明确了健康中国战略的总体目标,部署了重点方向和任务.

Salvianolic acid A alleviates renal injury in systemic lupus erythematosus induced by pristane in BALB/c mice

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of salvianolic acid A (SAA) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) induced by pristane in BALB/c mice. Lupus mice were established by confirming elevated levels of autoantibodies and IL-6 after intraperitoneal injection of pristane. Mice were then treated with daily oral doses of SAA for 5 months in parallel with mice treated with prednisone and aspirin as positive controls. The levels of autoantibodies were monitored at monthly intervals and nephritic symptoms observed by hematoxylin and eosin(H&E) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. Western blot analysis of renal tissue was also employed. SAA treatment caused a significant reduction in the levels of anti-Sm autoantibodies and reduced renal histopathological changes and pathological effects. SAA treatment also significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of IKK, I kappa B and NF kappa B in renal tissues of lupus mice. In conclusion, the results suggest that SAA alleviates renal injury in pristane-induced SLE in BALB/c mice through inhibition of phosphorylation of IKK, I kappa B and NF kappa B. (C) 2017 Chinese Pharmaceutical Association and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.

Xiao-Xu-Ming decoction extract alleviates LPS-induced neuroinflammation associated with down-regulating TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo

In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of Xiao-Xu-Ming decoction extract(XXM) on lipopolysaccaride(LPS)-induced neuroinflammation in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, the microglia BV2 cells were treated with 200 ng/mL LPS for 24 h to induce inflammatory responses. In vivo, mice were treated with 5 mg/kg LPS to induce inflammatory responses. The NO level was determined by Griess Reagents. The levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and MCP-1 were determined by ELISA. The expressions of Iba-1, TLR4 and MyD88 at the protein levels were determined by Western blotting analysis. The mRNA levels of TLR4 and MyD88 were determined by real-time PCR. In vitro, XXM significantly reduced the levels of various pro-inflammatory factors, including NO, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, induced by LPS in the supernatant of BV2 cells and suppressed expressions of inflammatory proteins TLR4 and MyD88 induced by LPS in BV2 cells. In vivo, XXM significantly inhibited microglia activation, attenuated LPS-induced inflammatory factors and chemokine production, such as IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and MCP-1, and inhibited the expressions of inflammatory proteins including TLR4 and MyD88, in the cortex of LPS-induced mice. Our findings suggested that XXM could attenuate LPS-induced neuroinflammation via down-regulating TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway.

Esculin alleviates acute kidney injury and inflammation induced by LPS in mice and its possible mechanism

Acute kidney injury(AKI)is a common clinical serious illness.Esculin(ES)is a coumarin compound of traditional Chinese medicine Cortex Fraxini.Our previous study has found that ES protects against inflammation and renal damage in diabetic rats.In the present study,we aimed to investigate the effects and the possible mechanism of ES against lipopolysaccharides(LPS)-induced AKI in mice.Renal morphology was observed by H&E staining.Renal function was evaluated by blood urea nitrogen(BUN)level and creatinine content in serum.Inflammatory factor levels were measured by ELISA assay.The inflammatory proteins were analyzed by RT-PCR and Western blotting analysis.The results showed that ES alleviated LPS-induced pathological injury and renal dysfunction,and decreased BUN level and creatinine content in serum.In addition,ES significantly reduced the release of pro-inflammatory factors,including IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α,chemokine MCP-1 and cell adhesion molecule ICAM-1.Furthermore,the expressions of inflammatory pathway proteins P2 X7,HMGB1,TLR4 and MyD88 both at the mRNA and protein levels were all down-regulated by ES in the kidney tissue of LPS-challenged mice.These results suggested ES protected against LPS-induced AKI through inhibiting P2 X7 expression and HMGB1/TLR4 inflammatory pathway.

Protective effects of VMY-2-95 on corticosterone-induced injuries in mice and cellular models

Nicotinicα4β2 receptor antagonists have drawn increasing attention in the development of new antidepressants.In this study,we aimed to investigate the protective effect of VMY-2-95,the new selective antagonist ofα4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor(nAChR)on corticosterone(CORT)injured mice and cellular models.Fluoxetine was applied as a positive control,and the effects of VMY-2-95 were investigated with three different doses or concentrations(1,3,10 mg/kg in mice,and 0.003,0.03,0.1μmol/L in cells).As a result,VMY-2-95 showed significant antidepressant-like effects in the CORT injured mice by improving neuromorphic function,promoting hippocampal nerve proliferation,and regulating the contents of monoamine transmitters.Meanwhile,VMY-2-95 exhibited protective effects on cell viability,cell oxidant,cell apoptosis,and mitochondrial energy metabolism on corticosterone-impaired SH-SY5 Y cells.Also,the PKA-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway was up-regulated by VMY-2-95 both in vitro and in vivo,and pathway blockers were also combined with VMY-2-95 to verify the effects furtherly.Therefore,we preliminarily proved that VMY-2-95 had protective effects in depressed mice and SH-SY5 Y cells against injuries induced by corticosterone.This work indicated that the application of VMY-2-95 is a potential pharmacological solution for depression.This study also supported the development ofα4β2 nAChR antagonists towards neuropsychiatric dysfunctions.

Differential effects of Rho-kinase inhibitor and angiotensin Ⅱ type-1 receptor antagonist on the vascular function in hypertensive rats induced by chronic L-NAME treatment

Little attention has been paid to the effect of Rho-kinase inhibitor on the vascular dysfunction of nitric oxide-deficient hypertension.We aimed to investigate whether the Rho-kinase inhibitor fasudil showed beneficial effect on the vascular dysfunction of the N^(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester(L-NAME)treated rat,as well as to compare the differential effects of fasudil and angiotensin Ⅱ receptor antagonist valsartan on vascular function.In the present study,both valsartan and fasudil exerted antihypertensive action on the L-NAME-treated rats,while only va lsartan attenuated the cardiac hypertrophy.Treatment with valsartan showed improvement on vascular reactivity to norepinephrine,KCl and CaCl_(2),whereas fasudil therapy showed little effect on vasoconstriction.Endothelium-dependent vasodilation to acetylcholine was reduced in the NO-deficient group but was normalized by the fasudil therapy.The increased expression of RhoA and Rho-kinase(ROCK)in the vasculature was corrected well to normal level by either valsartan or fasudil administration,which seemed to be at least partially responsi ble for the beneficial effect of the drug infusion.These findings suggest that the angiotensin Ⅱ receptor antagonist interferes more with the contractile response than Rho-kinase inhibitor,whereas inhibition of Rho-kinase activity exhibits a better improvement on vasorelaxation than blockade of angiotensin Ⅱ receptor.

Author correction to‘Protective effects of VMY-2-95 on corticosterone-induced injuries in mice and cellular models’[Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 11(2021)1903-1913]

The authors regret that there was a picture error in Fig.5F owing to the inappropriate data statistics—forgetting gating when data collecting and a picture error in Fig.6F owing to the data copy mistake when drawing the column chart.The revisions cause some changes with the data value.