Schisandrin B exerts anticancer effects on human gastric cancer cells through ROS-mediated MAPK,STAT3,and NF-κB pathways

Schisandrin B(Sch B)is a monomer with anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects,which are isolated from the plant Schisandra chinensis(Turcz)Baillon.We investigated the anti-gastric cancer(GC)effects of Sch B and its underlying molecular mechanisms.The Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was used to determine the effects of Sch B on the viability of GC and normal cell lines.Hoechst/propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry were used to assess the apoptosis induction of Sch B.Western blotting was used to evaluate the effects of Sch B on downstream apoptotic proteins.The DCFH-DA fluorescent probe was used to assess the regulatory effects of Sch B on reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels and related signaling pathways in GC cells.The results showed that Sch B could regulate the phosphorylation level of mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)by upregulating ROS accumulation in gastric cancer cells,and then reduce the expression of nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)and phosphorylated transcription 3(p-STAT3).In addition,Sch B downregulated the cell cycle proteins cyclin-dependent kinase 2/4/6 and cyclin D1/E,and arrested cells in the G0/G1 phase.Moreover,it also inhibited cell migration,which was reversed with Nacetylcysteine pretreatment.In summary,Sch B has killing effects on GC cells by upregulating the production of intracellular ROS and regulating the MAPK/STAT3/NF-κB signaling pathway,leading to the migration arrest and apoptosis of GC cells.

Study on HPLC method to determine contents of Schisandrin A and Schisandrin B in Schisandra chinensis extraction

The determination method of Schisandrin A and Schisandrin B in Schisandra chinensis was improved with the high performance liquid chromagraphy （HPLC）. The sample was extracted exceedingly in the critical limit of CO2. The retention time of Schisandrin A and Schisandrin B was reduced, with methano/water （75 ： 25） as mobile phase. The wavelength for detection was 254 nm. The R^2 of standard curve was 0.9998 and the relative standard deviation was 2.31% and 3.17% with the recovery of 96.45% and 97.37%, respectively. The result shows that the rate of veracity of this method is higher and it proves that the determination method of Sehisandrin A and Schisandrin B in Schisandra chinensis is a feasible method.

Investigation of in Vitro and in Vivo Metabolism of Schisandrin B from Schisandrae Fructus by Liquid Chromatography Coupled Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Schisandrin B (Sch B) is one of the active dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans found in the Schisandrae Fructus. Experimental studies have shown that Sch B possesses various pharmacological properties, including anti-cancer, neuroprotective and nephroprotective activities. However, no detailed information on its biotransformation was reported in the literature. Here, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo metabolism of Sch B by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. In vitro study detected and identified one oxygenated metabolite. Four metabolites were detected and identified from the in vivo study. The results indicated that the metabolism of Sch B mainly involved the demethylation of methoxy groups, the opening of five-member ring and the glucuronidation of metabolites in rats. The metabolites were identified for the first time by MS/MS analyses.

Schisandrin B protects PC12 cells by decreasing the expression of amyloid precursor protein and vacuolar protein sorting 35

PC12 cell injury was induced using 20 μM amyloid β-protein 25-35 to establish a model of Alzheimer＇s disease. The cells were then treated with 5, 10, and 25 μM Schisandrin B. Methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assays and Hoechst 33342 staining results showed that with increasing Schisandrin B concentration, the survival rate of PC12 cells injured by amyloid β-protein 25-35 gradually increased and the rate of apoptosis gradually decreased. Reverse transcription-PCR, immunocytochemical staining and western blot results showed that with increasing Schisandrin B concentration, the mRNA and protein expression of vacuolar protein sorting 35 and amyloid precursor protein were gradually decreased. Vacuolar protein sorting 35 and amyloid precursor protein showed a consistent trend for change. These findings suggest that 5, 10, and 25 μM Schisandrin B antagonizes the cellular injury induced by amyloid β-protein 25-35 in a dose-dependent manner. This may be caused by decreasing the expression of vacuolar protein sorting 35 and amyloid precursor protein.

Inhibitory effect of schisandrin B on gastric cancer cells in vitro

AIM: To investigate the inhibitory effect and possible mechanism of action of schisandrin B in SC-B on gastric cancer cells in vitro. METHODS: SC-B consisted of schisandrin B, aloe- emodin, and Astragalus polysaccharides. Exponentially growing human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells were divided into six treatment groups: (1) control group (RPMI 1640 medium); (2) negative control group (2% DMSO); (3) positive control group (50 mg/L 5-Fluorouracil, 5-FU); (4) low-dose group (LSC, fi nal concentration of schisandrin B, 25 mg/L); (5) moderate-dose group (MSC, fi nal concentration of schisandrin B, 50 mg/L); (6) high- dose group (HSC, fi nal concentration of schisandrin B, 100 mg/L). Follow-up was done at 12-48 h. An MTT (Methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) assay was used to examine the inhibitory effect of SC-B on gastric cancer cells. The mitosis index was assessed using an inverted microscope. Flow cytometry was used to visualize the cell cycle. An RT-PCR (Reverse transcription-Polymerase chain reaction) -based assay was used to detect mRNA expression for cyclin D1 and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). RESULTS: The MTT assay showed that the number of living cells in the LSC, MSC and HSC groups was signif icantly smaller than that in the DMSO-treated group (P < 0.05) at 12- 48 h. The inhibitory rate (IR) of the LSC group was 41.15% ± 3.86%, 59.24% ± 5.34% and 69.93% ± 7.81% at 12, 24 and 48 h, respectively. The IR of the MSC group was 42.82% ± 4.94%, 62.68% ± 7.58% and 71.79% ± 8.12% at 12, 24 and 48 h, respectively. The IR of the HSC group was 37.50% ± 3.21%, 40.34% ± 2.98% and 61.99% ± 4.88% at 12, 24 and 48 h, respectively. These results suggested that a moderate dosage had the most obvious inhibitory efficacy at 48 h. Compared to the DMSO group, themitosis index of the LSC, MSC, HSC groups was greatly decreased (P < 0.05) at all time points. Any dose of SC-B suppressed mitosis within 12-48 h. Compared to the DMSO group, the percentage of cells in the G0/G1 phase of the MSC group was greatly increased, and that of the S + G2M phase was greatly decreased, while the percentage of cell inhibition (PCI) in the MSC group was greatly increased (P < 0.05). This suggested that SC-B could exclusively arrest cells in the G0/G1 phase. Cyclin D1 mRNA expression was lower in the MSC group than that in the DMSO group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: SC-B can inhibit the proliferation and aberrant mitosis of human gastric cancer SCG-7901 cells in vitro. This inhibitory effect may be due to the down- regulation of cyclin D1 mRNA expression, which causes cell cycle arrest of gastric cancer cells.

Inhibitory effect of schisandrin B on free fatty acid-induced steatosis in L-02 cells

AIM:To investigate the effects of schisandrin B (Sch B) on free fatty acid (FFA)-induced steatosis in L-02 cells.METHODS:Cellular steatosis was induced by incubating L-02 cells with a FFA mixture (oleate and palmitate at the ratio of 2:1) for 24 h.Cytotoxicity and apoptosis were evaluated by 3-(4,5-dmethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay and Annexin V/propidium iodide staining,respectively.Cellular total lipid was determined using a photocolorimetric method after Nile red staining,and triglyceride content was measured using an enzymatic kit.To study the effects of Sch B on steatosis,L-02 cells were treated with Sch B (1-100 μmol/L) in the absence or presence of 1 mmol/L FFA for 24 h,and cellular total lipid and triglyceride levels were measured.To explore the mechanisms of action of Sch B in the steatotic L-02 cells,mRNA levels of several regulators of hepatic lipid metabolism including adipose differentiation related protein (ADRP),sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP-1),peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α and PPAR-γ were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR),and protein levels of ADRP and SREBP-1 were measured by immunoblotting.RESULTS:Treatment with 1 mmol/L FFA for 24 h induced intracellular lipid accumulation in L-02 cells comparable to that in human steatotic livers without causing apparent apoptosis and cytotoxicity.Sch B mitigated cellular total lipid and triglyceride accumulations in the steatotic L-02 cells in a dose-dependent manner.Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analyses revealed that treatment of L-02 cells with 100 μmol/L Sch B reverted the FFA-stimulated up-regulation of ADRP and SREBP-1.CONCLUSION:Sch B inhibits FFA-induced steatosis in L-02 cells by,at least in part,reversing the up-regulation of ADRP and SREBP-1.

Novel discovery of schisandrin A regulating the interplay of autophagy and apoptosis in oligoasthenospermia by targeting SCF/c-kit and TRPV1 via biosensors

Oligoasthenospermia is the primary cause of infertility.However,there are still enormous challenges in the screening of critical candidates and targets of oligoasthenospermia owing to its complex mechanism.In this study,stem cell factor(SCF),c-kit,and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1(TRPV1)biosensors were successfully established and applied to studying apoptosis and autophagy mechanisms.Interestingly,the detection limit reached 2.787×10^(-15)g/L,and the quantitative limit reached 1.0×10^(-13)g/L.Furthermore,biosensors were used to investigate the interplay between autophagy and apoptosis.Schisandrin A is an excellent candidate to form a system with c-kit similar to SCF/c-kit with a detection constant(K_(D))of 5.701×10^(-11)mol/L,whereas it had no affinity for SCF.In addition,it also inhibited autophagy in oligoasthenospermia through antagonizing TRPV1 with a K_(D) of up to 4.181×10^(-10)mol/L.In addition,in vivo and in vitro experiments were highly consistent with the biosensor.In summary,high-potency schisandrin A and two potential targets were identified,through which schisandrin A could reverse the apoptosis caused by excessive autophagy during oligoasthenospermia.Our study provides promising insights into the discovery of effective compounds and potential targets via a well-established in vitro-in vivo strategy.

Chemoproteomics identifies Ykt6 as the direct target of schisandrin A for neuroprotection

Schisandrin A is a natural dibenzocyclooctene lignan with potent neuroprotective activity.However,the specific mechanisms or direct target proteins have not been clarified up to now.In this study,we designed and synthesized the probes of schisandrin A with photoreactive diazirine and clickable alkyne to identify its direct target in SH-SY5Y cells by employing activity-based protein profiling(ABPP)technique.Ykt6 was prominent among the 13 proteins obtained with high confidence and we confirmed Ykt6 as the direct target of schisandrin A by CETSA,IF,SPR and knockdown assay.Functionally,schisandrin A protected the cells against the injury induced by glutamate by regulating autophagy via Ykt6.This discovery may provide a novel therapeutic option for various neuronal cell damage-mediated diseases.

Schisandrin B Protects against Ischemic Brain Damage by Regulating PI3K/AKT Signaling in Rats

Objective To explore the effect and mechanism of schisandrin B(Sch B)in the treatment of cerebral ischemia in rats.Methods The cerebral ischemia models were induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)and reperfusion.Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups using a random number table,including sham,MCAO,MCAO+Sch B(50 mg/kg),MCAO+Sch B(100 mg/kg),MCAO+Sch B(100 mg/kg)+LY294002,and MCAO+Sch B(100 mg/kg)+wortmannin groups.The effects of Sch B on pathological indicators,including neurological deficit scores,cerebral infarct volume,and brain edema,were subsequently studied.Tissue apoptosis was identified by terminal transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling(TUNEL)staining.The protein expressions involved in apoptosis,inflammation response and oxidative stress were examined by immunofluorescent staining,biochemical analysis and Western blot analysis,respectively.The effect of Sch B on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(AKT)signaling was also explored.Results Sch B treatment decreased neurological deficit scores,cerebral water content,and infarct volume in MCAO rats(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Neuronal nuclei and TUNEL staining indicated that Sch B also reduced apoptosis in brain tissues,as well as the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caspase-3 expression(P<0.01).Sch B regulated the production of myeloperoxidase,malondialdehyde,nitric oxide and superoxide dismutase,as well as the release of cytokine interleukin(IL)-1βand IL-18,in MCAO rats(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Sch B promoted the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT.Blocking the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway with LY294002 or wortmannin reduced the protective effect of Sch B against cerebral ischemia(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusions Sch B reduced apoptosis,inflammatory response,and oxidative stress of MCAO rats by modulating the PI3K/AKT pathway.Sch B had a potential for treating cerebral ischemia.

五味子乙素通过TLR4/NF-κB信号通路对急性胰腺炎大鼠肺部损伤的影响

目的:探讨五味子乙素通过Toll样受体4(TLR4)/核转录因子-κB(NF-κB)信号通路对急性胰腺炎(AP)大鼠肺部损伤的影响。方法:取SD大鼠,通过胆胰管内逆行注射5%牛磺胆酸钠方法诱导建立AP肺损伤模型,经随机数表法分为模型组、五味子乙素组、TLR4过表达载体组、TLR4空载组、五味子乙素+TLR4过表达载体组,每组12只大鼠,再取12只SD大鼠仅翻动肠管不注射5%牛磺胆酸钠,作为假手术组。以药物分别干预大鼠后,检测各组大鼠肺功能及各组大鼠腹水量与肺组织湿重/干重(W/D);HE染色检测各组大鼠肺组织病理形态并评分;检测各组大鼠动脉血气;全自动生化分析仪检测大鼠血清淀粉酶,ELISA检测炎症细胞因子IL-6、IL-18水平;蛋白免疫印迹法检测肺组织TLR4/NF-κB通路蛋白表达;免疫组织化学染色检测肺组织TLR4蛋白表达。结果:与假手术组相比,模型组大鼠肺组织出现病理损伤改变,模型组大鼠MV、PEF、PaO_(2)、OI显著降低(P<0.05),Ri、腹水量与W/D、PaCO_(2)、Holfbauer评分、血清淀粉酶、IL-6与IL-18水平、肺组织TLR4阳性细胞比例、TLR4与MYD88蛋白表达、p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65水平显著升高(P<0.05)。与模型组、五味子乙素+TLR4过表达载体组分别相比,五味子乙素组大鼠肺组织病理损伤改变程度均减轻,MV、PEF、PaO_(2)、OI均升高(P<0.05),Ri、腹水量与W/D、PaCO_(2)、Holfbauer评分、血清淀粉酶、IL-6与IL-18水平、肺组织TLR4阳性细胞比例、TLR4与MYD88蛋白表达、p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65水平均降低(P<0.05);TLR4过表达载体组大鼠肺组织病理损伤改变程度均加重,MV、PEF、PaO_(2)、OI均降低(P<0.05),Ri、腹水量与W/D、PaCO_(2)、Holfbauer评分、血清淀粉酶、IL-6与IL-18水平、肺组织TLR4阳性细胞比例、TLR4与MYD88蛋白表达、p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65水平均升高(P<0.05)。与模型组相比,TLR4空载组大鼠各指标差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:五味子乙素可通过下调TLR4/NF-κB信号通路,抑制炎症,减轻AP大鼠肺部损伤,修复肺功能。

冰片修饰五味子乙素胶束处方优选及体外对bEnd.3细胞靶向性评价研究

目的优化冰片修饰五味子乙素胶束(Borneol-Schisandrin B-Micelles,Bor-Sch B-Ms)处方,并对其体外脑靶向作用进行初步探索。方法采用薄膜分散法制备Bor-Sch B-Ms;对Soluplus/TPGS1000质量比(mg/mg)、Soluplus/五味子乙素质量比(mg/mg)和水化温度(℃)进行优化,确定Bor-Sch B-Ms的最优处方制备工艺;并对最优处方工艺制得的胶束进行表征;采用高效液相色谱法(HPLC)对胶束中五味子乙素进行含量测定,以测得Bor-Sch B-Ms的包封率;利用不同药物对小鼠脑内血管内皮细胞(bEnd.3)的荧光摄取实验进行Bor-Sch B-Ms体外靶向性评价。结果最优处方为Soluplus 120 mg,Soluplus/TPGS1000=2∶1,Soluplus/五味子乙素=12∶1,DSPE-PEG20002 mg,水化温度40℃,处方量为5 mL。所得最优胶束的粒径为(93.72±0.65)nm,电位为(-2.73±0.35)mV,Bor-Sch B-Ms的包封率为(93.54±0.86)%。体外细胞摄取实验显示,与五味子乙素胶束组(Sch B-Ms)相比,Bor-Sch B-Ms组细胞的荧光强度明显增加(P<0.05)。结论通过Box-Behnken设计-响应面法确定Bor-Sch B-Ms最优处方,制备得到的Bor-Sch B-Ms具有潜在的脑靶向性。

天然产物五味子乙素对口腔癌细胞增殖、凋亡及侵袭的影响

目的 研究天然产物五味子乙素(Schisandrin B,Sch B)对口腔癌细胞增殖、凋亡和侵袭的影响。方法 用不同浓度的五味子乙素分别处理口腔癌细胞株SCC15和CAL27细胞24 h和48 h,采用CCK-8法和AnnexinV-FITC/PI双标记流式细胞术,检测五味子乙素对口腔癌细胞增殖及凋亡的影响;采用Transwell实验分别检测五味子乙素对细胞侵袭的影响,采用qRT-PCR和Western Blot检测五味子乙素对Prx1 mRNA与蛋白表达的影响。结果 CCK-8和流式细胞术检测发现五味子乙素明显抑制SCC15和CAL27细胞增殖并促进细胞凋亡,呈时间和剂量依赖性(P<0.05)。Transwell实验结果显示,五味子乙素对侵袭的抑制作用呈时间和剂量依赖性。五味子乙素对Prx1 mRNA的表达无显著影响,但对其蛋白表达有显著的抑制作用(P<0.05)。结论 五味子乙素可能通过调控Prx1蛋白的表达抑制口腔癌细胞的增殖、侵袭,促进细胞凋亡。

Network pharmacology-based prediction and verification of the molecular targets and pathways for schisandrin against cerebrovascular disease

AIM: To illuminate the molecular targets for schisandrin against cerebrovascular disease based on the combined methods of network pharmacology prediction and experimental verification. METHOD: A protein database was established through constructing the drug-protein network from literature mining data. The protein-protein network was built through an in-depth exploration of the relationships between the proteins. The computational platform was implemented to predict and extract the sensitive sub-network with significant P-values from the protein-protein network. Then the key targets and pathways were identified from the sensitive sub-network. The most related targets and pathways were also confirmed in hydrogen peroxide(H2O2)-induced PC12 cells by Western blotting. RESULTS: Twelve differentially expressed proteins(gene names: NFKB1, RELA, TNFSF10, MAPK1, CHUK, CASP8, PIGS2, MAPK14, CREB1, IFNG, APP, and BCL2) were confirmed as the central nodes of the interaction network(45 nodes, 93 edges). The NF-κB signaling pathway was suggested as the most related pathway of schisandrin for cerebrovascular disease. Furthermore, schisandrin was found to suppress the expression and phosphorylation of IKKα, as well as p50 and p65 induced by H2O2 in PC12 cells by Western blotting. CONCLUSION: The computational platform that integrates literature mining data, protein-protein interactions, sensitive sub-network, and pathway results in identification of the NF-κB signaling pathway as the key targets and pathways for schisandrin.

五味子苷B调控miR-370-3p/CCL3轴对幼年肺炎小鼠免疫炎症因子水平的影响

目的:探讨五味子苷B(Sch B)在幼年肺炎小鼠的作用机制。方法:将90只幼年雄性小鼠随机分为对照组、模型组、Sch B低剂量组(Sch BL组)、Sch B高剂量组(Sch BH组)、Sch BH+antagomir-NC组、Sch BH+miR-370-3p antagomir组各15只。Sch BL组和Sch BH组小鼠分别灌胃20、60 mg/kg的Sch B;Sch BH+antagomir-NC组和Sch BH+miR-370-3p antagomir组,先将1 nmol的miR-370-3p antagomir、antagomir-NC用20μL的磷酸盐缓冲液(PBS)溶解,在Sch B灌胃后将miR-370-3p antagomir、antagomir-NC质粒分别经尾静脉注射到小鼠体内;对照组和模型组给予等量生理盐水。每天1次,持续给药7 d。测定各组小鼠肺组织的湿干质量比;采用苏木精-伊红(HE)染色观察各组小鼠肺组织的病理形态;检测各组小鼠肺组织中炎症因子水平;流式细胞术检测外周血T淋巴细胞亚群;实时定量反转录聚合酶链式反应(qRT-PCR)检测肺组织中miR-370-3p和CCL3的mRNA水平;双荧光素酶实验验证miR-370-3p与CCL3的靶向关系。结果:与对照组相比,模型组幼鼠肺组织结构紊乱,肺泡壁变厚,出现大量炎性细胞浸润,组织受损严重,肺组织湿干质量比、CD8^(+)、肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)-α、白细胞介素(IL)-6、CCL3 mRNA水平均升高,CD4^(+)、CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)、miR-370-3p水平均降低(P均<0.05)。与模型组相比,Sch BL组和Sch BH组幼鼠肺组织中肺泡壁变薄,炎性细胞浸润明显减少,损伤减轻,肺组织湿干质量比、CD8^(+)、TNF-α、IL-6、CCL3 mRNA水平均降低,CD4^(+)、CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)、miR-370-3p水平均升高(P均<0.05)。加入miR-370-3p antagomir进行回补实验,结果显示Sch B对肺炎幼鼠免疫功能和炎症保护作用被逆转,且CCL3 mRNA水平升高(P<0.05);双荧光素酶报告基因实验验证了miR-370-3p与CCL3存在靶向关系。结论:Sch B能够通过靶向调节miR-370-3p/CCL3轴来增强幼年肺炎小鼠免疫功能,并抑制炎症反应。

Effectiveness of the analogue of natural Schisandrin C (HpPro) in treatment of liver diseases : an experience in Indonesian patients

Abstract Objective To determine the effect of dimethyl 4, 4' dimethoxy 5, 6, 5', 6 dimethylene dioxybiphenyl 2, 2' dicarboxylate (HpPro) on patients with acute and chronic liver diseases. Methods An open trial and a prospective randomized and controlled study were performed. The open trial consisted of 56 cases (16 cases of acute hepatitis, 20 cases of chronic hepatitis, 14 cases of liver cirrhosis and 6 cases of fatty liver). Controlled study consisted of 20 cases of Child A chronic hepatitis which were randomly treated with either HpPro or a mixture of known drugs which used as a liver protective agent in Indonesia as control for one week. The patients were then crossed over those two drugs in the next week. Results In the open trial, after 4 weeks' treatment with HpPro 7.5 mg orally three times daily, acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis and fatty liver cases showed rapid decrease of SGOT and SGPT. In the liver cirrhosis cases, SGOT and SGPT were decreased slowly. In the controlled trial, nine patients received HpPro 7.5 mg three times daily orally and eleven were treated with a mixture of known drugs as the controls. After one week treatment, HpPro group clinically showed significant decrease of SGPT and SGOT levels compared to control group (P=0.035). At the second week, HpPro group showed significant decrease of SGOT compared to control group (P=0.038) but the decrease of SGPT was not significant (P=0.096). Conclusion Treatment with HpPro is effective to reduce liver impairment in acute and chronic liver diseases on Indonesian patients. No side effect of HpPro was observed.

Schisandrin B Inhibits NLRP3 Inflammasome Pathway and Attenuates Early Brain Injury in Rats of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Objective: To determine whether Schisandrin B(Sch B) attenuates early brain injury(EBI) in rats with subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH). Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into sham(sham operation), SAH, SAH+vehicle, and SAH+Sch B groups using a random number table. Rats underwent SAH by endovascular perforation and received Sch B(100 mg/kg) or normal saline after 2 and 12 h of SAH. SAH grading, neurological scores, brain water content, Evan’s blue extravasation, and terminal transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling(TUNEL) staining were carried out 24 h after SAH. Immunofluorescent staining was performed to detect the expressions of ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1(Iba-1) and myeloperoxidase(MPO) in the rat brain, while the expressions of B-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2), Bax, Caspase-3, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3(NLRP3), apoptosis-associated specklike protein containing the caspase-1 activator domain(ASC), Caspase-1, interleukin(IL)-1β, and IL-18 in the rat brains were detected by Western blot. Results: Compared with the SAH group, Sch B significantly improved the neurological function, reduced brain water content, Evan’s blue content, and apoptotic cells number in the brain of rats(P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, Sch B decreased SAH-induced expressions of Iba-1 and MPO(P<0.01). SAH caused the elevated expressions of Bax, Caspase-3, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 in the rat brain(P<0.01), all of which were inhibited by Sch B(P<0.01). In addition, Sch B increased the Bcl-2 expression(P<0.01). Conclusion: Sch B attenuated SAH-induced EBI, which might be associated with the inhibition of neuroinflammation, neuronal apoptosis, and the NLRP3 inflammatory signaling pathway.

Scavenger receptor A-mediated nanoparticles target M1 macrophages for acute liver injury

Acute liver injury(ALI)has an elevated fatality rate due to untimely and ineffective treatment.Although,schisandrin B(SchB)has been extensively used to treat diverse liver diseases,its therapeutic efficacy on ALI was limited due to its high hydrophobicity.Palmitic acid-modified serum albumin(PSA)is not only an effective carrier for hydrophobic drugs,but also has a superb targeting effect via scavenger receptor-A(SR-A)on the M1 macrophages,which are potential therapeutic targets for ALI.Compared with the common macrophage-targeted delivery systems,PSA enables site-specific drug delivery to reduce off-target toxicity.Herein,we prepared SchB-PSA nanoparticles and further assessed their therapeutic effect on ALI.In vitro,compared with human serum albumin encapsulated SchB nanoparticles(SchB-HSA NPs),the SchB-PSA NPs exhibited more potent cytotoxicity on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)stimulated Raw264.7(LAR)cells,and LAR cells took up PSA NPs 8.79 times more than HSA NPs.As expected,the PSA NPs also accumulated more in the liver.Moreover,SchB-PSA NPs dramatically reduced the activation of NF-κB signaling,and significantly relieved inflammatory response and hepatic necrosis.Notably,the high dose of SchB-PSA NPs improved the survival rate in 72 h of ALI mice to 75%.Hence,SchB-PSA NPs are promising to treat ALI.

五味子乙素基于硫氧还蛋白互作蛋白/硫氧还蛋白/凋亡信号调节激酶1通路对大鼠急性心肌缺血损伤的影响

目的探讨五味子乙素(SchB)对急性心肌缺血损伤大鼠硫氧还蛋白互作蛋白(TXNIP)、硫氧还蛋白(TRX)与凋亡信号调节激酶1(ASK1)表达的影响。方法选取60只SPF级雄性SD大鼠(体重210~250 g),采用随机数字表法将其分为对照组、模型组及SchB低、中、高剂量组(20、40、80 mg/kg),每组12只。SchB低、中、高剂量组灌胃相应药物(10 ml/kg),对照组和模型组灌胃等量1%羧甲基纤维素钠,1次/d,连续14 d。末次给药2 h后,模型组及SchB低、中、高剂量组结扎冠状动脉左前降支建立心肌缺血模型,对照组仅开胸不结扎。缺血3 h后测量五组平均动脉压(MAP)、左心室收缩压(LVSP)、左心室舒张末压(LVEDP)、左心室内压上升或下降最大速率(±dp/dtmax)、左心室发展压(LVDP),然后处死大鼠。取五组心脏组织,采用酶标仪测定心肌组织中脂质过氧化物(LPO)、谷胱甘肽(GSH)含量和TRX还原酶(TrxR)活性;采用TTC染色测定心肌梗死面积;采用TUNEL染色观察心肌细胞凋亡情况;采用免疫印迹法检测TXNIP、TRX、胱天蛋白酶-3(caspase-3)、ASK1、p-ASK1水平。结果模型组MAP、LVDP、±dp/dtmax、GSH、TrxR、TRX表达低于对照组,LVEDP、LPO、心肌细胞凋亡指数(AI)及TXNIP、caspase-3、p-ASK1/ASK1表达高于对照组(P<0.05)。SchB低、中、高剂量组GSH、TrxR、TRX蛋白表达高于模型组,LPO、心肌梗死面积低于模型组(P<0.05)。SchB中、高剂量组MAP、LVDP、±dp/dtmax高于模型组,LVEDP、心肌细胞AI及TXNIP、caspase-3、p-ASK1/ASK1表达低于模型组(P<0.05)。SchB高剂量组MAP、LVDP、±dp/dtmax、TRX表达高于SchB低剂量组,LVEDP、心肌梗死面积、心肌细胞AI及TXNIP、caspase-3、p-ASK1/ASK1表达低于SchB低剂量组(P<0.05)。结论SchB可能通过TXNIP/TRX/ASK1通路减轻氧化应激损伤,抑制心肌细胞凋亡而发挥心肌保护作用。

基于明确靶标及分子对接验证技术探究五味子醇甲对阿尔茨海默病的作用机制

目的:明确五味子醇甲对阿尔茨海默病的作用机制。方法:选取24只大鼠按体质量随机分为空白组、模型组和给药组,每组8只。采用对大鼠海马CA1区注射Aβ1-40的方法制备阿尔茨海默病大鼠模型,造模1 d后灌胃给予30 mg/kg的五味子醇甲溶液,造模7 d后,进行Morris水迷宫行为学测试。在此基础上,对与阿尔茨海默病明确相关的β-分泌酶、雌激素受体β(ERβ)、谷氨酸受体1(NMDAR1)等蛋白进行验证,以蛋白表达量及药物成分与靶标作用的分子对接能进行评价,并通过分子对接技术计算五味子醇甲与各蛋白的对接能,达到理论验证的目的。结果:与空白组比较,模型组大鼠海马组织匀浆中β-分泌酶的活性含量明显增加(P<0.01),大鼠海马组织中ERβ表达显著降低(P<0.01),P-P38/P38表达明显升高(P<0.01),BACE1表达显著升高(P<0.01),NMDAR1表达明显降低(P<0.01);与模型组比较,给药组大鼠海马组织匀浆中β-分泌酶的活性含量明显减少(P<0.01),给药组大鼠海马组织中ERβ表达显著升高(P<0.01),P-P38/P38表达显著降低(P<0.01),BACE1表达显著降低(P<0.01),NMDAR1表达显著升高(P<0.01)。分子对接结果显示五味子醇甲与各靶蛋白对接的分子对接能稳定,从理论验证结果的可靠性。结论:基于已知靶点的五味子醇甲成分验证结果可知,五味子醇甲治疗阿尔茨海默病具有多成分、多靶点及多途径的作用特点,其作用机制可能与已知的阿尔茨海默病代谢通路直接相关,且通过对Beta-Secretase 1、ERβ、P-P38/P38、BACE1和NMDAR1蛋白的靶向调控实现。

五味子乙素减轻小鼠肠缺血再灌注损伤的网络药理学分析及实验验证

目的:网络药理学分析与动物实验相结合验证五味子乙素预处理(Sch B)减轻小鼠肠缺血再灌注损伤(IIRI)的作用机制。方法:(1)应用在线数据库获取Sch B、IIRI作用靶点,绘制二者交集靶点的Venn图。借助STRING数据库构建蛋白相互作用(PPI)网络导入Cytoscape软件获得“药物-疾病-核心靶基因”网络。GO和KEGG富集分析预测Sch B抗IIRI的作用机制。(2)36只C57BL/6J小鼠随机分6组(n=6),除假手术组外余4组构建IIRI模型。其中3组分别以Sch B、Nrf2抑制剂ML385、Sch B+ML385预处理。实验结束后取肠组织标本行HE染色、Chiu’s评分、凋亡染色、免疫组化(IHC)、免疫印迹(Western blot)。结果:(1)Sch B靶点412个,IIRI靶点2166个,二者共同靶点153个。“Sch B-IIRI-核心靶基因”88个,包括NFE2L2(Nrf2)、HMOX1(HO-1)、BCL2、CASP3(caspase 3)等。共同靶点的KEGG富集筛选出的163条通路显示凋亡通路位于前列,可能在Sch B抗IIRI的过程中起关键作用。动物实验表明Sch B降低Chiu’s评分和凋亡指数的同时上调Nrf2、HO-1、Bcl-2蛋白表达水平及Bcl-2/Bax、下调Bax、cleaved caspase-3表达水平从而减轻小鼠的IIRI,Nrf2抑制剂ML385逆转了该过程(P<0.05)。结论:与网络药理学预测结果相一致,Sch B减轻IIRI具有多靶点多通路的特点,Sch B可通过激活Nrf2/HO-1信号通路抑制凋亡减轻IIRI。