Pharmacological effects of bioactive agents in earthworm extract:A comprehensive review

This review compiles information from the literature on the chemical composition,pharmacological effects,and molecular mechanisms of earthworm extract(EE)and suggests possibilities for clinical translation of EE.We also consider future trends and concerns in this domain.We summarize the bioactive components of EE,including G-90,lysenin,lumbrokinase,antimicrobial peptides,earthworm serine protease(ESP),and polyphenols,and detail the antitumor,antithrombotic,antiviral,antibacterial,anti-i nflammatory,analgesic,antioxidant,wound-healing,antifibrotic,and hypoglycemic activities and mechanisms of action of EE based on existing in vitro and in vivo studies.We further propose the potential of EE for clinical translation in anticancer and lipid-modifying therapies,and its promise as source of a novel agent for wound healing and resistance to antibiotic tolerance.The earthworm enzyme lumbrokinase embodies highly effective anticoagulant and thrombolytic properties and has the advantage of not causing bleeding phenomena due to hyperfibrinolysis.Its antifibrotic properties can reduce the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix.The glycolipoprotein extract G-90 can effectively scavenge reactive oxygen groups and protect cellular tissues from oxidative damage.Earthworms have evolved a well-developed defense mechanism to fight against microbial infections,and the bioactive agents in EE have shown good antibacterial,fungal,and viral properties in in vitro and in vivo experiments and can alleviate inflammatory responses caused by infections,effectively reducing pain.Recent studies have also highlighted the role of EE in lowering blood glucose.EE shows high medicinal value and is expected to be a source of many bioactive compounds.

Neuroprotective effect and mechanism of daidzein in oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion injury based on experimental approaches and network pharmacology

Background:Daidzein,phytoestrogens derived from the Pueraria lobata(Willd.)Ohwi root used in traditional Chinese medicine,has a wide range of biological activities,including antioxidant,anti-inflammatory,and neuroprotection.However,the neuroprotective role of daidzein in oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion injury and its underlying mechanism are still unknown.Methods:In this study,we used pheochromocytoma cells induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation and reperfusion to study the potential effect in the protection of the nerve cells.Then,we used molecular docking simulation and network pharmacology to predict the possible targets and pharmacological pathways of daidzein.Western blot was used to verify the expression of target proteins with or without adding the inhibitors.Results:After daidzein treatment,cell vitality had an upward trend(P<0.05)and the release of lactate dehydrogenase had a downward trend(P<0.01)in dose-dependent compared with the model group by exposure to oxygen-glucose deprivation and reperfusion.Several core targets were analyzed through network pharmacology and molecular docking including catalase,peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma,vascular endothelial growth factor A,interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor,nitric oxide synthase 3,prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2,and RAC-alpha serine/threonine kinase 1.These results suggest that catalase may be a first-ranked target for the neuroprotective role of daidzein.Gene Ontology enrichment analysis indicated the pathways mainly contained molecule metabolic process,while Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis focus on pathways in terms of inflammation such as tumor necrosis factor signal pathway.Then,Western blot results showed that daidzein had a significant increase on the expression of protein catalase(P<0.01).Daidzein reversed catalase level alterations after oxygen-glucose deprivation reperfusion injury in a dose-dependent manner which was consistent with the catalase antagonists-based experiments.Conclusion:These outcomes provide new insights into the neuroprotective effect and mechanism of daidzein in oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion injury.

Recent developments of neuroprotective agents for degenerative retinal disorders

Retinal degeneration is a debilitating ocular complication characterized by the progressive loss of photoreceptors and other retinal neurons,which are caused by a group of retinal diseases affecting various age groups,and increasingly prevalent in the elderly.Age-related macular degeneration,diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma are among the most common complex degenerative retinal disorders,posing significant public health problems worldwide largely due to the aging society and the lack of effective therapeutics.Whilst pathoetiologies vary,if left untreated,loss of retinal neurons can result in an acquired degeneration and ultimately severe visual impairment.Irrespective of underlined etiology,loss of neurons and supporting cells including retinal pigment epithelium,microvascular endothelium,and glia,converges as the common endpoint of retinal degeneration and therefore discovery or repurposing of therapies to protect retinal neurons directly or indirectly are under intensive investigation.This review overviews recent developments of potential neuroprotectants including neuropeptides,exosomes,mitochondrial-derived peptides,complement inhibitors,senolytics,autophagy enhancers and antioxidants either still experimentally or in clinical trials.Effective treatments that possess direct or indirect neuroprotective properties would significantly lift the burden of visual handicap.

A role for lipids as agents to alleviate stroke damage： the neuroprotective effect of 2-hydroxy arachidonic acid

Cerebrovascular accident（CVA）or stroke is one of the world＇s leading causes of death and permanent disability.The high social and medical costs associated with this pathology mean there is an urgent need to find effective therapies.Occlusion of the middle cerebral artery（MCAO）,mainly by clots,is the origin of most CVAs in humans.

Neuroprotection by immunomodulatory agents in animal models of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson’s disease（PD） is an age-related neurodegenerative disease for which the characteristic motor symptoms emerge after an extensive loss of dopamine containing neurons.The cell bodies of these neurons are present in the substantia nigra,with the nerve terminals being in the striatum.Both innate and adaptive immune responses may contribute to dopaminergic neurodegeneration and disease progression is potentially linked to these.Studies in the last twenty years have indicated an important role for neuroinflammation in PD through degeneration of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway.Characteristic of neuroinflammation is the activation of brain glial cells,principally microglia and astrocytes that release various soluble factors.Many of these factors are proinflammatory and neurotoxic and harmful to nigral dopaminergic neurons.Recent studies have identified several different agents with immunomodulatory properties that protected dopaminergic neurons from degeneration and death in animal models of PD.All of the agents were effective in reducing the motor deficit and alleviating dopaminergic neurotoxicity and,when measured,preventing the decrease of dopamine upon being administered therapeutically after 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine,6-hydroxydopamine,rotenone-lesioning or delivery of adeno-associated virus-α-synuclein to the ventral midbrain of animals.Some of these agents were shown to exert an anti-inflammatory action,decrease oxidative stress,and reduce lipid peroxidation products.Activation of microglia and astrocytes was also decreased,as well as infiltration of T cells into the substantia nigra.Pretreatment with fingolimod,tanshinoine I,dimethyl fumarate,thalidomide,or cocaine-and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide as a preventive strategy ameliorated motor deficits and nigral dopaminergic neurotoxicity in brain-lesioned animals.Immunomodulatory agents could be used to treat patients with early clinical signs of the disease or potentially even prior to disease onset in those identified as having pre-disposing risk,including genetic factors.

Neuroprotective Effects of Bushen Decoction Against Glutamate-Induced Neurotoxicity in PC12 Cells

Aim The enhanced effect of Bushen (Kidney-tonifying) decoction (BS) oncultured PC12 cell proliferation and its antagonistic action on neurotoxicity induced by glutamatewere investigated by serum pharmacological method of the Chinese material medica (CMM) in vitro.Methods The effect of BS on cultured PC12 cell activity and its antagonistic action on neurotoxicityinduced by glutamate was observed by MTT method. Flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopetechniques were employed to observe the antagonistic effect of BS on early period apoptosis of PC12cells induced by glutamate. Results The serum with BS was able to enhance activity of PC12 cells andexert antagonistic effect on glutamate-induced neurotoxicity. Meanwhile, these beneficial effectsproduced by BS were found to be the strongest in 20% concentration of in serum BS. Moreover, it caninhibit apoptosis of PC12 cells induced by glutamate , which occurs in the early period. ConclusionBS may exert a potential neuroprotective effect.

Targeted thrombolysis strategies for neuroprotective effect

Stroke is usually treated by systemic thrombolytic therapy if the patient presents within an appropriate time window. There is also widespread interest in the development of thrombolytic agents that can be used in cases of delayed presentation. Current agents that can be used in cases of delayed presentation of nerve damage by thrombus. Current systemic thrombolytic therapy is associated with adverse effects such as fibrinogenolysis and bleeding. In an attempt to increase the efficacy, safety, and specificity of thrombolytic therapy, a number of targeted thrombolytic agents have been studied in recent years. This review focuses on the concepts underlying targeted thrombolytic therapy and describes recent drug developments in this field.

Neuroglobin and neuroprotection:the role of natural and synthetic compounds in neuroglobin pharmacological induction

Neuroglobin(Ngb)is a 17 kDa monomeric hexa-coordinated heme protein belonging to the globin family.Ngb is mainly expressed in neurons of the central and peripheral nervous system,although moderate levels of Ngb have been detected in non-nervous tissues.In the past decade,Ngb has been studied for its neuroprotective role in a large number of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease,Huntington’s disease,brain ischemia and hypoxia.This review discusses and summarizes the natural compounds and the small synthetic molecules capable of modulating Ngb expression that exhibits a protective role against various neurodegenerative diseases.

Pharmacological interventions targeting the microcirculation following traumatic spinal cord injury

Traumatic spinal cord injury is a devastating disorder chara cterized by sensory,motor,and autonomic dysfunction that seve rely compromises an individual's ability to perform activities of daily living.These adve rse outcomes are closely related to the complex mechanism of spinal cord injury,the limited regenerative capacity of central neurons,and the inhibitory environment fo rmed by traumatic injury.Disruption to the microcirculation is an important pathophysiological mechanism of spinal cord injury.A number of therapeutic agents have been shown to improve the injury environment,mitigate secondary damage,and/or promote regeneration and repair.Among them,the spinal cord microcirculation has become an important target for the treatment of spinal cord injury.Drug inte rventions targeting the microcirculation can improve the microenvironment and promote recovery following spinal cord injury.These drugs target the structure and function of the spinal cord microcirculation and are essential for maintaining the normal function of spinal neuro ns,axons,and glial cells.This review discusses the pathophysiological role of spinal cord microcirculation in spinal cord injury,including its structure and histopathological changes.Further,it summarizes the progress of drug therapies targeting the spinal cord mic rocirc ulation after spinal cord injury.

Design, synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of caffeic acid phenethyl ester acylation as multifunctional neuroprotective agents against oxidative stress injury

4-Acylated or 3,4-diacylated caffeic acid phenethyl ester （CAPE） was prepared as prodrug to improve its stability and lipid solubility. Their neuroprotective activities were assessed by H202 model and 6-OHDA model. The results showed that target compounds displayed positive abilities to protect PC 12 nerve cells from oxidative stress injury, superior to that of CAPE. Additionally, target compounds showed high blood-brain barrier permeability.

Research advances on the usage of traditional Chinese medicine for neuroprotection in glaucoma

Progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells （RGCs） and their axons is the main pathogenesis of glaucoma. The cause of glaucoma is not fully understood, but the neurodegeneration of glaucoma involves many mechanisms such as oxidative stress, glutamate toxicity and ischemia/ reperfusion insult. In order to target these mechanisms, multiple neuroprotective interventions have been investigated to prevent the death of RGCs. Of note are some tonic herbs from the traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） pharmacopeia that have shown neuroprotective effects in glaucoma. TCM differs from Western medicine in that TCM exhibits complicated bioactive com- ponents, triggering many signaling pathways and extensive actions on vital organs. Modern scientific approaches have demonstrated some of their underlying mechanisms. In this review, we used Lycium barbarum and Ginkgo biloba as examples to elaborate the characteristics of TCM and their potential applications in neuroprotection in glaucoma.

Protective effects of pharmacological therapies in animal models of multiple sclerosis: a review of studies 2014–2019

Multiple sclerosis(MS)is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system.The disability caused by inflammatory demyelination clinically dominates the early stages of relapsing-remitting MS and is reversible.Once there is considerable loss of axons,MS patients enter a secondary progressive stage.Disease-modifying drugs currently in use for MS suppress the immune system and reduce relapse rates but are not effective in the progressive stage.Various animal models of MS(mostly mouse and rat)have been established and proved useful in studying the disease process and response to therapy.The experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis animal studies reviewed here showed that a chronic progressive disease can be induced by immunization with appropriate amounts of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein together with mycobacterium tuberculosis and pertussis toxin in Freund's adjuvant.The clinical manifestations of autoimmune encephalomyelitis disease were prevented or reduced by treatment with certain pharmacological agents given prior to,at,or after peak disease,and the agents had protective effects as shown by inhibiting demyelination and damage to neurons,axons and oligodendrocytes.In the cuprizone-induced toxicity animal studies,the pharmacological agents tested were able to promote remyelination and increase the number of oligodendrocytes when administered therapeutically or prophylactically.A monoclonal IgM antibody protected axons in the spinal cord and preserved motor function in animals inoculated with Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus.In all these studies the pharmacological agents were administered singly.A combination therapy may be more effective,especially using agents that target neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration,as they may exert synergistic actions.

Research progress in pharmacological actions of ginsenoside-Rg3

Ginseng is a traditional Chinese medicine with a long medicinal history.Ginsenoside is the main compo⁃nent of ginseng,among which the ginsenoside-Rg3 possess higher medicinal value.The pharmacological studies reported that the ginsenoside-Rg3 exhibit a variety of pharmacological actions.For example,the ginsenoside-Rg3 exhibit an effective inhibitory effect against cancer and induce apoptosis,such as glioma,lung cancer,liver cancer,breast cancer,ovarian cancer,cervical cancer and so on.The anti-cancer effect will be significantly increased by combinning chemotherapy drugs with ginsenoside-Rg3.In addition,ginsenoside-Rg3 can reduce the side effects of chemotherapy drugs,such as cardiotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.Furthermore,ginsenoside-Rg3 could reverse the multidrug resistance of cancer cells against anticancer drugs.What′s more,ginsenoid-Rg3 has several other pharmacological actions as follows.At first,ginsenoid-Rg3 appears to anti-fatigue effect by reversing the dopamine reduction induced by fatigue.Secondly,ginsenoid-Rg3 can reverse chemical-induced memory damage and improve memory to exert neuroprotective effect.Finally,ginsenoid-Rg3 can improve mitochondrial function and insulin tolerance in skeletal muscle,suggesting that ginsenoid-Rg3 can be used as a hypoglycemic drug.In this review,I present an overview of the pharmacological actions of ginsenoside-Rg3 to provide theoretical guidance for further development and utilization of ginsenoside-Rg3.

Effects of neuroprotectant cocktails on focal cerebral ischemia in rats

AIM:To investigate whether cocktail theraphy combined with of neuroprotectants may have more advantages over single agents in treating focal cerebral ischemic cascade.METHODS:With the use of suture occlusin techique,the right middle cerebral artery in rats was occluded.Tirty minutes later,Frutose 1,6 diphosphate(FDP) (50 mg/kg,n=20), MK 801(1 mg/kg,n=20) and N acetylcystein (NAC)(150 mg/kg,n=20) were singly or combinantly infused intraperitoneally.At the same time the cocktail treated group(n=20)were infused the above agents combinationly and the control group(n=20)were infused normal saline intraperitoneally.6 hours and 24 hours after focal cerebral ischemia the animals were weighted and neurologically assessed on 5 point scale.The animals were killed,brains were stained 2,3,5 triphenyltetrazolium chloride for assessment of the infarct volume and then embedden onto slides with paraffin for morphological assessment and terminal transferase dUTP nick ending labeling(TUNEL )were carried out for apoptosis and immunohistochemistry were carried out to investigate the changes in bcl 2.RESULTS:All Neuroprotectants decreased volume of infarction (P< 0.05,F test).While cocktail treated group showed more distinct decrease than other groups(P< 0.05,F test).FDP treated group did not decrease the apoptosis of the neurons and did not increase the bcl 2 expression as well.MK 801 treated group,NAC treated group and cocktail treated group significantly decreased the apoptosis of the neurons and increased the bcl 2 expression (P< 0.05,F test).With cocktail treated group showing more distinct effect (P< 0.05,F test).CONCLUSION:Cocktail may be more effective than single neuroprotectant in this modle.

Pharmacological strategies for Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) or Paralysis Agitans was first formally described in “An essay on the shaking palsy”, published in 1817 by a British physician named James Parkinson. In the late 1950’s, dopamine was related with the function of the corpus striatum, thus with the control of motor function. But it was not until 1967, when the landmark study of George C. Cotzias, demonstrated that oral L-DOPA, the precursor of dopamine metabolism, was shown to induce remission of PD symptoms, that the definitive association between the two was firmly established. However, later on L-DOPA treatment began to show a loss of effectiveness and demonstrated to induce a variety of undesirable effects, the most prominent being diskinesia. As a result of this, a variety of alternative or complementary pharmacological strategies have been developed. In this chapter we review the wide variety of strategies that have been used through time, which are geared toward reducing the most disabling symptoms of PD. We additionally make some suggestions as to which are the most promising ones.

Study on the Pharmacological Effects of Aucubin

In this paper,the pharmacological effects of aucubin include anti-inflammatory effect,anti-tumor effect,neuroprotective effect,anti-cardiovascular disease effect,hepatoprotective effect,anti-oxidation effect and anti-aging effect,antibacterial effect,anti-diabetes effect and bone protection.The purpose of this study is to provide theoretical basis for the development and clinical application of aucubin.

Pharmacological Effects and Molecular Mechanism of Osthole

Osthole has various pharmacological effects such as anti-cancer,anti-inflammation,prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases and neuroprotection.This paper reviews the advances in the research of the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of osthole,in order to provide new ideas for further research and clinical application of osthole.

A Non-Invasive Skin Treatment Combining LED with Pharmacologic and Ultrasonic Technologies for Facial Rejuvenation

Background: Non-invasive facial treatments have the ability to rejuvenate the facial profile when specific pharmacologic agents and modalities are prescribed and used in combination taking into consideration each patient’s unique skin type and condition. RATIONALE Epinova is a non-invasive skin treatment that combines the correct concentrations and combinations of topicals and modalities to elicit facial rejuvenation with no down-time or side effects. Purpose: This paper focuses on facial rejuvenation improvements combining the RATIONALE Essential Six skincare system (RATIONALE, Victoria, Australia) to protect and repair the skin with the RATIONALE Epinova facial treatment every 4-6 weeks—which uses non-invasive technologies and professional strength active ingredients to deliver visible changes to skin tone and texture. Methods: Subjects underwent a RATIONALE consultation, including taking a skin history and skin imaging, followed by a data analysis and diagnosis of skin condition and prescription of a customized RATIONALE treatement (Epinova), including appropriate pharmacologic agents and treatment with personalized photo/sono therapeutic devices. Results: Subjects reported increased skin hydration, tactile improvements, skin firmness and visible radiance following the RATIONALE Epinova treatment. Further investigations will be initiated to explore the potential for longer term improvements, including connenctive tissue deposition, reduction of erythema etc. Treatments should be performed every 4-6 weeks for patients under 40 and every 3-4 weeks for patients over 40, to support cell differentiation, migration and desquamation to achieve non-invasive facial rejuvenation. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the synergy of pharmacologic, LED light therapy and ultrasonic technologies when prescribed and administered by a trained skin therapist, can lead to a visible improvement in the signs of facial ageing and photodamage, restoring the appearance of healthy, radiant skin. .

黄芩素的药理作用及研究进展

黄芩素是从黄芩中提取出的一种黄酮类化合物,对炎症、肿瘤、纤维化、心脑血管和神经系统疾病等均有较好的预防和治疗效果。总结黄芩素的药理作用及临床应用情况,为临床提供参考。

236例巴曲酶注射液治疗血管闭塞性疾病的警示医嘱用药分析

目的:回顾性分析巴曲酶注射液用于治疗血管闭塞性疾病的警示医嘱,为临床合理使用巴曲酶注射液提供参考。方法:基于PASS医嘱审核结果数据库,导出2020年9月至2023年6月河北省人民医院巴曲酶注射液所有警示级别的医嘱236例,进行统计分析。利用Excel软件辅助作图,计数资料采用频数及百分比描述,计量资料采用分段描述频数和百分比描述。结果:236例巴曲酶注射液治疗血管闭塞性疾病的警示医嘱中,男性患者(136例)、中老年患者(≥60岁,164例)居多;警示医嘱出现最多的科室是血管外科;警示级别中,橙灯问题占25.85%(61例),红灯问题占16.10%(38例),黑灯问题占58.05%(137例),黑灯警示医嘱均因为药物的相互作用。结论:男性、高龄是血管闭塞性疾病的高危因素;医嘱中存在禁忌证、超适应证、超频次及不符合维持剂量范围使用巴曲酶注射液的问题;同属纤维蛋白原溶解药以及巴曲酶注射液与阿司匹林的联合应用,并非绝对的禁忌,在控制好药物剂量、监测凝血-纤溶指标的前提下,上述药物联合应用可以进一步改善患者的临床结局。