The potential role of apigenin in the enhancement of the antioxidant adaptation to exercise by bioactive dietary compounds

Oxidative stress (OS) occurs when the antioxidant defense system is overwhelmed by the predominance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro-oxidant factors. Several diseases such as hypertension, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus and neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by chronic OS. Physical exercise constitutes an affordable tool to prevent or ameliorate these conditions. However, during physical activity, acute ROS are produced inducing an activation in peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-Gamma Coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α), and nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), PGC-1α/Nrf2 pathway. This signaling pathway facilitates interaction with antioxidant response elements (ARE), thereby initiating an upregulation in the expression of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and mitochondrial biogenesis. In both cases, whether involving healthy animals or individuals engaged in physical exercise, supplementation with antioxidant scavengers leads to a reduction in the expression and activity of PGC-1α, SOD, CAT, and GPX across various tissues, which is not observed with indirect antioxidants. The preventive role of physical exercise against chronic OS is avoided when executed in conjunction with supplementation of scavenger antioxidants. However, similar to exercise, the indirect antioxidant apigenin can activate the PGC1-α/Nrf2 signaling pathway. Here, we summarize evidence supporting apigenin as a non-nutritional supplement that could enhance the adaptive effects of exercise, improving the endogenous antioxidant defense. Therefore, apigenin could be an interesting supplement to enhance the endogenous antioxidant adaptation induced by exercise in healthy subjects, but also to improve the effectiveness of exercise to prevent oxidative stress-associated diseases.

El estrés oxidativo (OS) ocurre cuando el sistema de defensa antioxidante es sobrepasado por el predominio de especies reactivas de oxígeno (ROS) y factores prooxidantes. Varias enfermedades como la hipertensión, la resistencia a la insulina, la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 y enfermedades neurodegenerativas se caracterizan por un OS crónico. El ejercicio físico constituye una herramienta asequible para prevenir o mejorar estas enfermedades. Sin embargo, durante la actividad física, se producen ROS agudas que inducen una activación en la vía PGC-1α/Nrf2. Esta vía de señalización facilita la interacción con los elementos de respuesta antioxidante (ARE), iniciando así una regulación que permite la expresión de enzimas antioxidantes, incluidas SOD, CAT, GPX y biogénesis mitocondrial. En ambos casos, ya sea que se trate de animales sanos o de individuos que practican ejercicio físico, la suplementación con antioxidantes "scavengers" conduce a una reducción en la expresión y actividad de PGC-1α, SOD, CAT y GPX en varios tejidos, lo que no se observa con antioxidantes "indirectos". El papel preventivo del ejercicio físico contra el OS crónico se atenúa cuando se realiza en conjunto con la suplementación de antioxidantes "scavengers". Sin embargo, de manera similar al ejercicio, la apigenina es un antioxidante "indirecto" que puede activar la vía de señalización PGC1-α/Nrf2. Aquí, resumimos la evidencia que respalda a apigenina como un suplemento no-nutricional que podría mejorar los efectos adaptativos del ejercicio, mejorando la defensa antioxidante endógena de sujetos sanos que no tienen suficiente tiempo para hacer ejercicio.

Effect of apigenin in combination with oxymatrine on non-small cell lung cancer and mechanism / 中国中药杂志

This study explores the effect of apigenin(APG), oxymatrine(OMT), and APG+OMT on the proliferation of non-small cell lung cancer cell lines and the underlying mechanisms. Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assay was used to detect the vitality of A549 and NCI-H1975 cells, and colony formation assay to evaluate the colony formation ability of the cells. EdU assay was employed to examine the proliferation of NCI-H1975 cells. RT-qPCR and Western blot were performed to detect the mRNA and protein expression of PLOD2. Molecular docking was carried out to explore the direct action ability and action sites between APG/OMT and PLOD2/EGFR. Western blot was used to study the expression of related proteins in EGFR pathway. The viability of A549 and NCI-H1975 cells was inhibited by APG and APG+OMT at 20, 40, and 80 μmol·L~(-1) in a dose-dependent manner. The colony formation ability of NCI-H1975 cells was significantly suppressed by APG and APG+OMT. The mRNA and protein expression of PLOD2 was significantly inhibited by APG and APG+OMT. In addition, APG and OMT had strong binding activity with PLOD2 and EGFR. In APG and APG+OMT groups, the expression of EGFR and proteins in its downstream signaling pathways was significantly down-regulated. It is concluded that APG in combination with OMT could inhibit non-small lung cancer, and the mechanism may be related to EGFR and its downstream signaling pathways. This study lays a new theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of non-small cell lung cancer with APG in combination with OMT and provides a reference for further research on the anti-tumor mechanism of APG in combination with OMT.

A threefold approach including quantum chemical, molecular docking and molecular dynamic studies to explore the natural compounds from Centaurea jacea as the potential inhibitors for COVID-19 / Uma abordagem tríplice incluindo química quântica, docking molecular e estudos dinâmicos moleculares para explorar os compostos naturais de Centaurea jacea como inibidores potenciais para Covid-19

In the current report, we studied the possible inhibitors of COVID-19 from bioactive constituents of Centaurea jacea using a threefold approach consisting of quantum chemical, molecular docking and molecular dynamic techniques. Centaurea jacea is a perennial herb often used in folk medicines of dermatological complaints and fever. Moreover, anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral properties of its bioactive compounds are also reported. The Mpro (Main proteases) was docked with different compounds of Centaurea jacea through molecular docking. All the studied compounds including apigenin, axillarin, Centaureidin, Cirsiliol, Eupatorin and Isokaempferide, show suitable binding affinities to the binding site of SARS-CoV-2 main protease with their binding energies -6.7 kcal/mol, -7.4 kcal/mol, -7.0 kcal/mol, -5.8 kcal/mol, -6.2 kcal/mol and -6.8 kcal/mol, respectively. Among all studied compounds, axillarin was found to have maximum inhibitor efficiency followed by Centaureidin, Isokaempferide, Apigenin, Eupatorin and Cirsiliol. Our results suggested that axillarin binds with the most crucial catalytic residues CYS145 and HIS41 of the Mpro, moreover axillarin shows 5 hydrogen bond interactions and 5 hydrophobic interactions with various residues of Mpro. Furthermore, the molecular dynamic calculations over 60 ns (6×106 femtosecond) time scale also shown significant insights into the binding effects of axillarin with Mpro of SARS-CoV-2 by imitating protein like aqueous environment. From molecular dynamic calculations, the RMSD and RMSF computations indicate the stability and dynamics of the best docked complex in aqueous environment. The ADME properties and toxicity prediction analysis of axillarin also recommended it as safe drug candidate. Further, in vivo and in [...].

No presente relatório, estudamos os possíveis inibidores de Covid-19 de constituintes bioativos de Centaurea jacea usando uma abordagem tripla que consiste em técnicas de química quântica, docking molecular e dinâmica molecular. Centaurea jacea é uma erva perene frequentemente usada em remédios populares de doenças dermatológicas e febre. Além disso, as propriedades anticâncer, antioxidante, antibacteriana e antiviral de seus compostos bioativos também são relatadas. A Mpro (proteases principais) foi acoplada a diferentes compostos de Centaurea jacea por meio de docking molecular. Todos os compostos estudados, incluindo apigenina, axilarina, Centaureidina, Cirsiliol, Eupatorina e Isokaempferide, mostram afinidades de ligação adequadas ao sítio de ligação da protease principal SARS-CoV-2 com suas energias de ligação -6,7 kcal / mol, -7,4 kcal / mol, - 7,0 kcal / mol, -5,8 kcal / mol, -6,2 kcal / mol e -6,8 kcal / mol, respectivamente. Dentre todos os compostos estudados, a axilarina apresentou eficiência máxima de inibidor, seguida pela Centaureidina, Isokaempferida, Apigenina, Eupatorina e Cirsiliol. Nossos resultados sugeriram que a axilarina se liga aos resíduos catalíticos mais cruciais CYS145 e HIS41 do Mpro, além disso a axilarina mostra 5 interações de ligações de hidrogênio e 5 interações hidrofóbicas com vários resíduos de Mpro. Além disso, os cálculos de dinâmica molecular em uma escala de tempo de 60 ns (6 × 106 femtossegundos) também mostraram percepções significativas sobre os efeitos de ligação da axilarina com Mpro de SARS-CoV-2 por imitação de proteínas como o ambiente aquoso. A partir de cálculos de dinâmica molecular, os cálculos RMSD e RMSF indicam a estabilidade e dinâmica do melhor complexo ancorado em ambiente [...].

A threefold approach including quantum chemical, molecular docking and molecular dynamic studies to explore the natural compounds from Centaurea jacea as the potential inhibitors for COVID-19

Abstract In the current report, we studied the possible inhibitors of COVID-19 from bioactive constituents of Centaurea jacea using a threefold approach consisting of quantum chemical, molecular docking and molecular dynamic techniques. Centaurea jacea is a perennial herb often used in folk medicines of dermatological complaints and fever. Moreover, anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral properties of its bioactive compounds are also reported. The Mpro (Main proteases) was docked with different compounds of Centaurea jacea through molecular docking. All the studied compounds including apigenin, axillarin, Centaureidin, Cirsiliol, Eupatorin and Isokaempferide, show suitable binding affinities to the binding site of SARS-CoV-2 main protease with their binding energies -6.7 kcal/mol, -7.4 kcal/mol, -7.0 kcal/mol, -5.8 kcal/mol, -6.2 kcal/mol and -6.8 kcal/mol, respectively. Among all studied compounds, axillarin was found to have maximum inhibitor efficiency followed by Centaureidin, Isokaempferide, Apigenin, Eupatorin and Cirsiliol. Our results suggested that axillarin binds with the most crucial catalytic residues CYS145 and HIS41 of the Mpro, moreover axillarin shows 5 hydrogen bond interactions and 5 hydrophobic interactions with various residues of Mpro. Furthermore, the molecular dynamic calculations over 60 ns (6×106 femtosecond) time scale also shown significant insights into the binding effects of axillarin with Mpro of SARS-CoV-2 by imitating protein like aqueous environment. From molecular dynamic calculations, the RMSD and RMSF computations indicate the stability and dynamics of the best docked complex in aqueous environment. The ADME properties and toxicity prediction analysis of axillarin also recommended it as safe drug candidate. Further, in vivo and in vitro investigations are essential to ensure the anti SARS-CoV-2 activity of all bioactive compounds particularly axillarin to encourage preventive use of Centaurea jacea against COVID-19 infections.

Resumo No presente relatório, estudamos os possíveis inibidores de Covid-19 de constituintes bioativos de Centaurea jacea usando uma abordagem tripla que consiste em técnicas de química quântica, docking molecular e dinâmica molecular. Centaurea jacea é uma erva perene frequentemente usada em remédios populares de doenças dermatológicas e febre. Além disso, as propriedades anticâncer, antioxidante, antibacteriana e antiviral de seus compostos bioativos também são relatadas. A Mpro (proteases principais) foi acoplada a diferentes compostos de Centaurea jacea por meio de docking molecular. Todos os compostos estudados, incluindo apigenina, axilarina, Centaureidina, Cirsiliol, Eupatorina e Isokaempferide, mostram afinidades de ligação adequadas ao sítio de ligação da protease principal SARS-CoV-2 com suas energias de ligação -6,7 kcal / mol, -7,4 kcal / mol, - 7,0 kcal / mol, -5,8 kcal / mol, -6,2 kcal / mol e -6,8 kcal / mol, respectivamente. Dentre todos os compostos estudados, a axilarina apresentou eficiência máxima de inibidor, seguida pela Centaureidina, Isokaempferida, Apigenina, Eupatorina e Cirsiliol. Nossos resultados sugeriram que a axilarina se liga aos resíduos catalíticos mais cruciais CYS145 e HIS41 do Mpro, além disso a axilarina mostra 5 interações de ligações de hidrogênio e 5 interações hidrofóbicas com vários resíduos de Mpro. Além disso, os cálculos de dinâmica molecular em uma escala de tempo de 60 ns (6 × 106 femtossegundos) também mostraram percepções significativas sobre os efeitos de ligação da axilarina com Mpro de SARS-CoV-2 por imitação de proteínas como o ambiente aquoso. A partir de cálculos de dinâmica molecular, os cálculos RMSD e RMSF indicam a estabilidade e dinâmica do melhor complexo ancorado em ambiente aquoso. As propriedades ADME e a análise de previsão de toxicidade da axilarina também a recomendaram como um candidato a medicamento seguro. Além disso, as investigações in vivo e in vitro são essenciais para garantir a atividade anti-SARS-CoV-2 de todos os compostos bioativos, particularmente a axilarina, para encorajar o uso preventivo de Centaurea jacea contra infecções por Covid-19.

Anti-hyperglycemic fraction from Alternanthera sessilis L. leaves gets elucidated following bioassay-guided isolation and mass spectrometry

Abstract The anecdotal use of Alternanthera sessilis L. as a relief for diabetes has been known in the Philippines for generations, and antidiabetic activity of similar varieties in other countries is likewise documented. However, the compounds responsible for this activity remain unclear. This study aims to isolate the anti-hyperglycemic fraction of local A. sessilis leaves and identify the compounds in this fraction. Methanol extract of A. sessilis leaves and its hexane, ethyl acetate (ASE), and water fractions were administered to alloxan-induced diabetic mice. ASE (250mg/kg) had the highest anti-hyperglycemic activity at 6-h post-treatment (25.81%±12.72%), with almost similar blood glucose reduction rate as metformin (30.13±3.75%, p=0.767). Repeated fractionation employing chromatographic separation techniques followed by in vivo anti-hyperglycemic assay yielded partially purified subfractions. A. sessilis ethyl acetate subfraction 4-2 (100mg/kg) displayed remarkable suppression of blood glucose rise in diabetic mice at 6-h post-treatment (26.45±3.75%, p<0.0001), with comparable activity with metformin (100mg/kg, 27.87±5.65%, p=0.652). Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry showed eight distinct peaks, with four peaks annotated via the Traditional Chinese Medicine library and custom library for A. sessilis. Among these, luteolin, apigenin, ononin, and sophorabioside were identified as putative compounds responsible for the anti-hyperglycemic activity. This result provided basis for the reported anecdotal claims and potential utility of the local variety of A. sessilis leaves as sources of anti-hyperglycemic agents

A threefold approach including quantum chemical, molecular docking and molecular dynamic studies to explore the natural compounds from Centaurea jacea as the potential inhibitors for COVID-19 / Uma abordagem tríplice incluindo química quântica, docking molecular e estudos dinâmicos moleculares para explorar os compostos naturais de Centaurea jacea como inibidores potenciais para Covid-19

Abstract In the current report, we studied the possible inhibitors of COVID-19 from bioactive constituents of Centaurea jacea using a threefold approach consisting of quantum chemical, molecular docking and molecular dynamic techniques. Centaurea jacea is a perennial herb often used in folk medicines of dermatological complaints and fever. Moreover, anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral properties of its bioactive compounds are also reported. The Mpro (Main proteases) was docked with different compounds of Centaurea jacea through molecular docking. All the studied compounds including apigenin, axillarin, Centaureidin, Cirsiliol, Eupatorin and Isokaempferide, show suitable binding affinities to the binding site of SARS-CoV-2 main protease with their binding energies -6.7 kcal/mol, -7.4 kcal/mol, -7.0 kcal/mol, -5.8 kcal/mol, -6.2 kcal/mol and -6.8 kcal/mol, respectively. Among all studied compounds, axillarin was found to have maximum inhibitor efficiency followed by Centaureidin, Isokaempferide, Apigenin, Eupatorin and Cirsiliol. Our results suggested that axillarin binds with the most crucial catalytic residues CYS145 and HIS41 of the Mpro, moreover axillarin shows 5 hydrogen bond interactions and 5 hydrophobic interactions with various residues of Mpro. Furthermore, the molecular dynamic calculations over 60 ns (6×106 femtosecond) time scale also shown significant insights into the binding effects of axillarin with Mpro of SARS-CoV-2 by imitating protein like aqueous environment. From molecular dynamic calculations, the RMSD and RMSF computations indicate the stability and dynamics of the best docked complex in aqueous environment. The ADME properties and toxicity prediction analysis of axillarin also recommended it as safe drug candidate. Further, in vivo and in vitro investigations are essential to ensure the anti SARS-CoV-2 activity of all bioactive compounds particularly axillarin to encourage preventive use of Centaurea jacea against COVID-19 infections.

Resumo No presente relatório, estudamos os possíveis inibidores de Covid-19 de constituintes bioativos de Centaurea jacea usando uma abordagem tripla que consiste em técnicas de química quântica, docking molecular e dinâmica molecular. Centaurea jacea é uma erva perene frequentemente usada em remédios populares de doenças dermatológicas e febre. Além disso, as propriedades anticâncer, antioxidante, antibacteriana e antiviral de seus compostos bioativos também são relatadas. A Mpro (proteases principais) foi acoplada a diferentes compostos de Centaurea jacea por meio de docking molecular. Todos os compostos estudados, incluindo apigenina, axilarina, Centaureidina, Cirsiliol, Eupatorina e Isokaempferide, mostram afinidades de ligação adequadas ao sítio de ligação da protease principal SARS-CoV-2 com suas energias de ligação -6,7 kcal / mol, -7,4 kcal / mol, - 7,0 kcal / mol, -5,8 kcal / mol, -6,2 kcal / mol e -6,8 kcal / mol, respectivamente. Dentre todos os compostos estudados, a axilarina apresentou eficiência máxima de inibidor, seguida pela Centaureidina, Isokaempferida, Apigenina, Eupatorina e Cirsiliol. Nossos resultados sugeriram que a axilarina se liga aos resíduos catalíticos mais cruciais CYS145 e HIS41 do Mpro, além disso a axilarina mostra 5 interações de ligações de hidrogênio e 5 interações hidrofóbicas com vários resíduos de Mpro. Além disso, os cálculos de dinâmica molecular em uma escala de tempo de 60 ns (6 × 106 femtossegundos) também mostraram percepções significativas sobre os efeitos de ligação da axilarina com Mpro de SARS-CoV-2 por imitação de proteínas como o ambiente aquoso. A partir de cálculos de dinâmica molecular, os cálculos RMSD e RMSF indicam a estabilidade e dinâmica do melhor complexo ancorado em ambiente aquoso. As propriedades ADME e a análise de previsão de toxicidade da axilarina também a recomendaram como um candidato a medicamento seguro. Além disso, as investigações in vivo e in vitro são essenciais para garantir a atividade anti-SARS-CoV-2 de todos os compostos bioativos, particularmente a axilarina, para encorajar o uso preventivo de Centaurea jacea contra infecções por Covid-19.

Radio-histopathological evaluation of anti-arthritic activity of apigenin in Freund’s induced arthritis in Wistar Albino Rats

Background: Arthritis is a leading cause of physical disability and impaired quality of life. At present, symptomatic treatment is available for arthritis. According to literature, apigenin possess anti-inflammatory activity. Aims and Objectives: The present study aimed to screen the anti-inflammatory activity of Apigenin in freund’s induced arthritis in Wistar albino rats. Materials and Methods: A total 30 rats were selected and divided into five groups each of six animals. Group – I (Normal saline), Group – II (Freund’s adjuvant (0.1 ml of 0.5%), Group – III (Dexamethasone 0.1 mg/kg), Group – IV (Apigenin 50 mg/kg), and Group – V (Apigenin 100 mg/kg) doses were administered to their respective groups for 28 days. X-ray was taken on 28th day and animals were sacrificed and affected paw used for histopathological examination. Results: Group – II rats showed inflammation, thickness, fibro, and fatty changes in joint compared to Group – I X-ray and histopathological examination. Groups – III and V rats showed reduction inflammation, thickness, and fatty changes compared to Group – II. Group – IV showed lesser effect compared Group – V. Conclusion: Apigenin administration significantly prevent the Freund’s induced radiological and histopathological changes in rats.

Study on preparation ，safety and anti-tumor activity of apigenin silk fibroin nanoparticles / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To prepare apigenin silk fibroin（API@SF）nanoparticles and to evaluate their safety and anti-tumor activity. METHODS API@SF nanoparticles were prepared by nanoprecipitation method ，and their morphology ，particle size ，Zeta potential，drug loading amount and in vitro release were characterized. The safety of nanoparticles was evaluated by hemolysis test and HE staining. MTT assay was adopted to evaluate inhibitory effects of API@SF nanoparticles on breast cancer 4T1 cells in mice. RESULTS The prepared API@SF nanoparticles were spherical with uniform distribution. The average particle size was 406.61 nm， the polydispersity index was 0.154，the Zeta potential was －18.4 mV，and the average drug-loading amount was 5.20％. The in vitro release results showed that the release rate of the nanoparticles was relatively fast in the release medium of pH 5.0 and relatively slow in the release medium of pH 7.4. Results of hemolysis test and HE staining showed that the nanoparticles had good biocompatibility. Results of MTT assay showed that the inhibitory effect of API@SF nanoparticles on 4T1 cells was significantly higher than that of API raw materials （P＜0.05），and its mechanism may be related to increasing the level of reactive oxygen species in cells. CONCLUSIONS API@SF nanoparticles are prepared successfully ，which possess good safety and anti-tumor activity.

Study on the separation and identification of flavone C-glycosides from the leaves of Dendrobium officinale and their inhibitory activities to α-gulcosidase / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To separ ate and identify the flavone C-glycosides from the leaves of Dendrobium officinale ，and to evaluate their in vitro inhibitory activities to α-glucosidase. METHODS The flavone C-glycosides from the leaves of D. officinale were separated and purified by macroporous adsorption resin and preparative high -performance liquid chromatography . The structure of obtained compound was elucidated and identified by spectroscopic methods ，such as ultraviolet spectrum ，nuclear magnetic resonance，high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry ，etc. The in vitro inhibitory activities of flavone C-glycosides and positive control （acarbose）to α-glucosidase were investigated . RESULTS Five apigenin -6，8-di-C-glycosides were isolated and purified from the leaves of D. officinale，and identified as apigenin -6-C-α-L-rhamnosyl-8-C-β-D-quinovoside（1）， schaftoside（2），isoschaftoside（3），isoviolanthin（4）and violanthin （5）. Half inhibitory concentration of compound 1-5 and acarbose inhibiting α-glucosidase were （1.79±1.27），（2.05±0.72），（1.93±0.67），（1.09±0.46），（1.36±0.58），（18.69±1.24）μmol/L， respectively. CONCLUSIONS Five apigenin -6，8-di-C-glycosides with α-glucosidase inhibitory activity are isolated from the leaves of D. officinale，of which compound 1 is a new compound and compound 2 is isolated from this plant for the first time .

Apigenin inhibits liver fibrosis through PDK1/AKT signaling pathway in mice / 中国药理学通报

Aim To evaluate the therapeutic effect of apigenin on liver fibrosis in mice anrl the pharmacologi¬cal mechanism.Methods Carbon tetrachloride ( CC14) -induced liver fibrosis mouse model was estab¬lished.The mice were divided into six groups of con¬trol, model, silibinin(55 mg • kg 1 • d 1 ) , apigenin in high dosage (60 mg • kg 1 • d 1 ) , apigenin in mid¬dle dosage( 30 mg • kg 1 • d 1 ) and apigenin in low dosage( 15 mg • kg 1 • d 1 ).The general life status, body weight and liver coefficient of the mice in every group were recorded.HE staining, Masson staining, immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to e- valuate the effect of apigenin on the pathological chan¬ges, the markers related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition and signaling pathways of liver tissues.Re¬sults In CCI4-induced liver fibrosis mice, middle and high-dosage of apigenin could improve the general life status, increase body weight, decrease liver coeffi¬ cient, and significantly improve liver lesions.Middle and high-dosage of apigenin significantly increased the expression of the epithelial marker protein E-cadherin and significantly decreased the expression of the mes¬enchymal marker protein Vimentin in liver tissues of mice with the disease.The further results showed that middle and high-dosage apigenin could significantly in¬hibit the expression of phosphorvlated PDK1 and phos- phorvlated AKT protein in liver tissues of model mice.Conclusions Apigenin can inhibit EMT by inhibiting PDK1/AKT signaling pathway, which plays an anti-fi- brosis role.The apigenin has the potential to be further developed as a drug to protect the liver and treat liver fibrosis.

Apigenin Induces Apoptosis of Human Colorectal Cancer CL187 Cells via PI3K/Akt and MAPK Signaling Pathways / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo study the effect of apigenin on the proliferation and apoptosis of human colon cancer CL187 cells and the underlying mechanisms. MethodHuman colorectal cancer CL187 cells were treated with different concentrations of apigenin （0， 30， 45， 60 mg·L-1） according to the results of the preliminary experiment. The proliferation of CL187 cells was detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT） and colony formation assays， and the apoptosis was observed via Hoechst 33258 staining. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was conducted to determine the mRNA levels of cysteine protease-3 （Caspase-3）， B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）， and Bcl-2-associated X protein （Bax） in the CL187 cells treated with apigenin. Western blot was employed to measure the protein levels of Caspase-3， Bcl-2， and Bax associated with apoptosis， protein kinase B （Akt） and phosphorylated Akt （p-Akt） in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B （PI3K/Akt） pathway， and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 （ERK1/2）， p-ERK1/2， c-Jun N-terminal kinase （JNK）， p-JNK， p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK）， and p-p38 MAPK protein in MAPK pathway. ResultCompared with the blank group， the apigenin groups had low cell survival rates and high inhibition rates on cell proliferation （P<0.01）. Apigenin decreased the cell clone number and clone formation rate， and increased the inhibition rate on clone formation （P<0.01）. After CL187 cells were treated with different concentrations of apigenin for 48 h， typical apoptosis characteristics such as nuclear pyknosis， chromatin condensation， and enhanced fluorescence reaction were observed. Compared with blank group， 45， 60 mg·L-1 apigenin treatments down-regulated the mRNA level of anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 （P<0.01） and all the apigenin treatments up-regulated those of the pro-apoptotic genes Bax and Caspase-3 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Similarly， apigenin treatments down-regulated the protein level of Bcl-2 （P<0.05， P<0.01） and up-regulated those of Caspase-3 （P<0.05， P<0.01） and Bax （P<0.01， 45， 60 mg·L-1）. The blank group had higher protein level of Akt than the 60 mg·L-1 apigenin group （P<0.01）， higher protein levels of p-Akt， ERK1/2， and p-ERK1/2 than the 45， 60 mg·L-1 apigenin groups （P<0.01）， and higher protein levels of JNK and p-JNK than the apigenin groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with blank group， 60 mg·L-1 apigenin up-regulated the protein level of p38 MAPK （P<0.05）， and all the apigenin groups up-regulated that of p-p38 MAPK （P<0.01）. Furthermore， apigenin lowered the p-Akt/Akt ratio （P<0.05， P<0.01） and p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2 ratio （P<0.01）， while it increased the p-JNK/JNK ratio （45， 60 mg·L-1； P<0.05， P<0.01） and p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK ratio （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionApigenin can inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of CL187 cells by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and regulating the expression of proteins in the MAPK signaling pathway.

Apigenin Induces Apoptosis of Human Colorectal Cancer CL187 Cells via PI3K/Akt and MAPK Signaling Pathways / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo study the effect of apigenin on the proliferation and apoptosis of human colon cancer CL187 cells and the underlying mechanisms. MethodHuman colorectal cancer CL187 cells were treated with different concentrations of apigenin （0， 30， 45， 60 mg·L-1） according to the results of the preliminary experiment. The proliferation of CL187 cells was detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT） and colony formation assays， and the apoptosis was observed via Hoechst 33258 staining. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was conducted to determine the mRNA levels of cysteine protease-3 （Caspase-3）， B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）， and Bcl-2-associated X protein （Bax） in the CL187 cells treated with apigenin. Western blot was employed to measure the protein levels of Caspase-3， Bcl-2， and Bax associated with apoptosis， protein kinase B （Akt） and phosphorylated Akt （p-Akt） in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B （PI3K/Akt） pathway， and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 （ERK1/2）， p-ERK1/2， c-Jun N-terminal kinase （JNK）， p-JNK， p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK）， and p-p38 MAPK protein in MAPK pathway. ResultCompared with the blank group， the apigenin groups had low cell survival rates and high inhibition rates on cell proliferation （P<0.01）. Apigenin decreased the cell clone number and clone formation rate， and increased the inhibition rate on clone formation （P<0.01）. After CL187 cells were treated with different concentrations of apigenin for 48 h， typical apoptosis characteristics such as nuclear pyknosis， chromatin condensation， and enhanced fluorescence reaction were observed. Compared with blank group， 45， 60 mg·L-1 apigenin treatments down-regulated the mRNA level of anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 （P<0.01） and all the apigenin treatments up-regulated those of the pro-apoptotic genes Bax and Caspase-3 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Similarly， apigenin treatments down-regulated the protein level of Bcl-2 （P<0.05， P<0.01） and up-regulated those of Caspase-3 （P<0.05， P<0.01） and Bax （P<0.01， 45， 60 mg·L-1）. The blank group had higher protein level of Akt than the 60 mg·L-1 apigenin group （P<0.01）， higher protein levels of p-Akt， ERK1/2， and p-ERK1/2 than the 45， 60 mg·L-1 apigenin groups （P<0.01）， and higher protein levels of JNK and p-JNK than the apigenin groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with blank group， 60 mg·L-1 apigenin up-regulated the protein level of p38 MAPK （P<0.05）， and all the apigenin groups up-regulated that of p-p38 MAPK （P<0.01）. Furthermore， apigenin lowered the p-Akt/Akt ratio （P<0.05， P<0.01） and p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2 ratio （P<0.01）， while it increased the p-JNK/JNK ratio （45， 60 mg·L-1； P<0.05， P<0.01） and p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK ratio （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionApigenin can inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of CL187 cells by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and regulating the expression of proteins in the MAPK signaling pathway.

Anti-hepatocellular Carcinoma Activity and Related Mechanism of Apigenin-7-O-Glucoside / 肿瘤防治研究

Objective To investigate the inhibitory effect of apigenin-7-o-glucoside (AGL) on the viability of Huh7 cells and tumor growth in Huh7-xenograft tumor nude mice. Methods CCK-8 was used to detect the proliferation inhibitory effect and the half inhibitory concentration of AGL on Huh7 cells. The mitochondrial membrane potential measurement was used to analyze the early apoptosis of Huh7 cells after AGL treatment. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the effect of AGL on Huh7 cell apoptosis, and Western blot was used to explore the expression level of the proteins associated with apoptosis and inflammation, as well as the possible related mechanism. In Huh7-xenograft tumor nude mice, vernier caliper was used to measure tumor volume to analyze the effect of AGL on tumor growth rate. HE staining was used to observe the pathological state of mouse organs, and the inflammation-related factors in serum were detected with ELISA. Results After Huh7 cells were treated with AGL, the mitochondrial membrane potential reduced, the content of ROS increased and the apoptosis rate was increased to 25.23% by 50 μmol/L AGL treatment; while the expression levels of Bax, Bad, Cleaved Caspase-3 and Cleaved Caspase-9 increased, and the expression levels of Bcl2 and Bcl-xL decreased, the phosphorylation level of NF-κB, IKKα/β and IκBα decreased; the tumor growth rate decreased, the serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels significantly decreased, while the IL-2 and IL-10 levels increased. Conclusion AGL could promote the apoptosis of Huh7 cells and relieve the tumor development in Huh7-xenograft tumor nude mice, which may be related to the NF-κB pathway.

Screening small molecular inhibitors of STAT3 based on surface plasmon resonance technology / 药学实践杂志

Objective To find small molecules binding specifically to signal transducer and activator of transcription3 (STAT3) based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology and confirm their inhibitory activities to STAT3. Methods The biomolecular interaction analysis T200 system based on SPR technology was used to couple the purified protein STAT3 to CM5 chip under the optimal pH conditions. The compounds with high binding response value were screened out from 50 candidate compounds derived from traditional Chinese medicines and the binding specificity was then confirmed. Biological experiments were performed to confirm the inhibitory effects of the screened compounds on STAT3. The binding pattern of STAT3 and the compound was fitted by molecular docking technique. Results More than 10 candidate molecules exhibited binding activities to STAT3 and kinetics assays revealed that only one candidate molecule, apigenin, showed specific binding. Western-blot analysis exhibited that apigenin inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3 dose-dependently. Luciferase reporter gene assays demonstrated that apigenin also inhibited IL-6-induced STAT3 transcriptional activity in a dose-dependent manner. Molecular docking results showed that apigenin binds to the SH2 domain of STAT3, and interacts with key residues Glu638, Gln644, Gly656 and Lys658 by hydrogen bonds and with Tyr657 through π-π interactions. Conclusion Apigenin was a direct inhibitor of STAT3.

Limonium duriusculum (de Girard) Kuntze Exhibits Anti-inflammatory Effect Via NF-κ B Pathway Modulation

HIGHLIGHTS L. duriusculum n-BuOH extract reduces inflammatory responses both in vitro and in vivo. L. duriusculum n-BuOH extract inhibits NF-κB-dependent transcriptional responses. L. duriusculum n-BuOH extract decreases the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 genes.

Abstract Limonium duriusculum is used in folk medicine to treat inflammatory disorders and has gained attention due to its richness in apigenin. The present investigation was performed to evaluate and confirm its anti-inflammatory properties, in cell lines and animal models. The potential anti-inflammatory properties of n-butanol (n-BuOH) extract of L. duriusculum (BEL) and isolated apigenins were examined on NF-κB transcriptional activity in TNFα- or LPS-stimulated cells, and on in vivo acute inflammatory models (carrageenan induced paw edema and peritonitis). BEL treatment was able to inhibit the activity of an NF-κB reporter gene in HCT116 cells both in the absence and in the presence of exogenous TNFα, used as NF-κB pathway inducer. This anti-inflammatory effect was even more potent compared to Apigenin (APG1) and was confirmed using monocyte-derived THP-1 cells treated with LPS to stimulate NF-κB-dependent transcription of IL-6 and TNFα mRNAs. Apigenin7-O-β-(6''-methylglucuronide) (APG2) was instead inactive both in HCT116 and THP-1 cells. BEL (oral, 200 mg/kg) led to paw swelling inhibition, vascular permeability and peritoneal leukocyte and PN migration diminution. Apigenins (intraperitoneal, APG1, APG2: 20 mg/kg) also evoked a significant anti-edema effect, early vascular permeability and leukocyte influx reduction. Collectively, this study demonstrates for the first time the effectiveness of L. duriusculum to inhibit NF-κB-dependent transcriptional responses in HCT116 and THP-1 cells. In vivo studies also established that L. duriusculum possesses a potential anti-inflammatory effect, confirm its traditional, empirical use, that could be attributed to its richness in apigenin.

Apigenin attenuates myocardial infarction-induced cardiomyocyte injury by modulating Parkin-mediated mitochondrial autophagy

We aimed to detect whether the effect of apigenin (Apig) on the myocardial infarction-induced cardiomyocyte injury ofmouse myocardial cells and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) mice was through regulating Parkin expression viamiR-103-1-5p. The myocardial infarction cardiomyocyte model (Hypoxia/reoxygenation) was first constructed, thenthe mouse myocardial cells were treated with Apig, and the expression of miR-103-1-5p was decreased and theexpression of Parkin was increased by qRT-PCR and Western blot. It was confirmed by miRNA pulldown andluciferase reporter system that miR-103-1-5p in mouse myocardial cells can bind to Parkin mRNA and inhibit Parkinexpression. Next, a lentiviral vector silenced Parkin and overexpressing miR-103-1-5p was constructed and transfectedinto Apig-treated cells. Autophagy was detected by mitochondrial autophagy marker proteins [atypical protein kinaseC (aPKC)-interacting protein (p62) and bcl-2/Adenovirus E1B 19-kd interacting protein 3 (BNIP3)] via Western blot,mitochondrial function was detected by JC-1 probe, and apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. It was confirmedthat Apig regulated mitochondria autophagy through miR-103-1-5p and Parkin, which ultimately affected cardiomyocyte death. Finally, an AMI mouse model was constructed, and then the mice were treated with Apig. Theinfarct size was detected by triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, and the Apig relieved the myocardialinfarction. The expression of miR-103-1-5p was decreased and the expression of Parkin was increased by qRT-PCRand Western blot. The above results simplified that the cardio protection of Apig and miR-103-1-5p against injury ofmyocardial infarction cardiomyocyte by targeting Parkin. These results provided a novel treatment against myocardialinfarction cardiomyocyte.

Exploration of bioflavonoids targeting dengue virus NS5 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase: In silico molecular docking approach

Dengue viral infection becomes highly epidemic and rashes the economic stability of most of the developing countriesdue to its wide prevalence with limited therapeutic ailments. Alarming demographic data urge the need for thedevelopment of new antiviral agents which are safe and efficacious. This study aimed to evaluate the antiviral potentialof bioflavonoids (apigenin, hesperidin, kaempferol, myricetin, and naringenin) against dengue virus nonstructural(NS)5 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) by AutoDock and tox prediction tools. The results of moleculardocking analysis strongly suggested that the lead phytocomponents such as apigenin, hesperidin, and kaempferolreveal potential RdRp inhibition as ascertained by its interaction with core active amino acid residues (710 SER, 729ARG, and 737 ARG) on the target. Apigenin exhibited the best binding affinity of −8.28kcal/mol with RdRp, followedby kaempferol (−7.00 kcal/mol), myricetin (−4.37 kcal/mol), naringenin (−4.35 kcal/mol), and hesperidin(−3.20 kcal/mol). The present research finding clearly advocates that plant-derived bioflavonoids possess excellent antiviralproperty against the selected target.

Study on RAD51 Gene Regulatory Mechanism of Apigenin Affecting Cisplatin Sensitivity to NSCLC A 549 Cells / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To study the effects and mechanism o f apigenin on cisplatin sensitivity of NSCLC A 549 cells by regulating RAD51 gene. METHODS ：Human lung cancer cisplatin-resistant cells A 549/DDP were selected and divided into control group（blank culture medium ），cisplatin group （5 g/L），apigenin low-dose and high-dose groups （10，20 μmol/L）. MTT assay was used to detect the growth of A 549/DDP cells ，while the Annexin Ⅴ/PI double staining combined with flow cytometry were used to detect the apoptosis. A 549/DDP cells were collected and divided into cisplatin alone group （1，2，4，8，16 μg/mL）， apigenin combination group （10 μmol/L，based on cisplatin ）. MTT method was used to determine and calculate inhibitory rate of cell proliferation. IC 50 values of drugs were calculated by regression model ，and reversion index of apigenin was calculated. 18 nude mice were randomly divided into control group ，cisplatin alone group and apigenin combination group ，with 6 mice in each group. After A 549/DDP cells were inoculated to form the transplanted tumor ，normal saline ，cisplatin（2 mg/kg，once every other day ）， cisplatin（the same dosage and usage ）+apigenin solution （30 mg/kg，once a day ）were injected intraperitoneally respectively. After 18 days of continuous administration ，the body weight of mice and the mass of the transplanted tumor were detected and the tumor inhibition rate was calculated. Human lung cancer cells A 549 and A 549/DDP were collected and divided into normal group （A549 cells），control group （A549/DDP cells ），cisplatin group （5 g/L，A549/DDP cells ）and apigenin low-dose and high-dose groups （10，20 μmol/L，A549/DDP cells ），respectively. mRNA and protein expression of RAD51 were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blotting assay. RESULTS ： Δ 基金项目：四川省教育厅（自筹经费）科研项目（No.12ZB227） ＊讲师，硕士。研究方向：肿瘤病理。E-mail：molin212@163.com Compared with control group ，the cell growth of apigenin # 通信作者：副教授，硕士生导师，硕士。研究方向：肿瘤病理。 low-dose and high-dose groups were decreased significantly ， E-mail：xinrongH292@163.com apoptosis rates of them w ere increased significantly and higher ·708· China Pharmacy 2020Vol. 31 No. 6 中国药房 2020年第31卷第6期 than those of cisplat in group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. After combined with apigenin ，proliferation inhibition rate of A 549/DDP cells was increased significantly ，compared with cisplatin alone group with the same concentration （P＜0.05）. The IC 50 in the apigenin combination group was （5.81±0.47）μg/mL，significantly lower than （14.44±0.52）μg/mL in cisplatin alone group（P＜0.05），and reversal index of apigenin was 2.49. The results of nude mice tumor inhibition experiment showed that after combined with apigenin，tumor inhibition rate of A 549/DDP bearing nude mice was 68.72％，significantly lower than 33.82％ in cisplatin alone group. Compared with A 549 cells of normal group ，relative expression of RAD51 mRNA and protein were increased significantly in A549/DDP cells of control group （P＜0.05）. Compared with A 549/DDP cells of control group ，relative expression of RAD51 mRNA and protein in A 549/DDP cells were decreased significantly in apigenin low-dose and high-dose groups （P＜0.05）. Compared with cisplatin group ，relative expression of RAD51 mRNA and protein in A 549/DDP cells of apigenin low-dose and high-dose group were decreased significantly （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS ：Apigenin can effectively reverse drug resistance of cisplatin-resistant A 549/DDP cells in human lung cancer. The mechanism may be related to the reduction of RAD51 gene transcription and protein expression.

Content Determination of 4 Components in Different Parts of Mongolian Medicine Sugmel- 3 Decoction / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To establish a method for the content determination of apigenin and piperine in the water extract as well as eucalyptol and cumin aldehyde in the volatile oil of Mongolian medicine Sugmel- 3 decoction. METHODS ：HPLC method was adopted for the content determination of apigenin and piperine. GC method was used for the content determination of eucalyptol and cumin aldehyde. The determination of HPLC method was performed on Agilent Eclipse XDB-C 18 column with mobile phase consisted of methanol- 0.1％ phosphoric acid aqueous solution at flow rate of 1.0 mL/min；the detection wavelength was set at 225 nm（apigenin）and 342 nm（piperine）；the column temperature was set at 30 ℃ with sample size of 10 μL. The determination of GC method was performed on Dimensions SH-Rtx- 1 capillary column with high-purity hydrogen as carrier gas ； the injector temperature was set at 270 ℃，with flow rate of carrier gas 1 mL/min by temperature programmed ；the sample size was 1 μL，and split ratio was 1 ∶ 10. RESULTS：The linear ranges of apigenin ，piperine，eucalyptol and cumin aldehyde were 12.5-200 μg/g/mL（r＝0.999 6），87.3-139.7 μg/mL（r＝0.999 9），136-2 187 μg/mL（r＝0.999 9），39-635 μg/mL（r＝0.999 9）， respectively. The quantitation limits were 0.02，0.06，0.06，0.12 μg/mL，respectively. The detection limits were 0.01，0.02，0.03， 0.04 μg/mL. RSDs of precision，stability and reproducibility tests were all less than 4％. The recovery rates of the samples were 89.26％ -97.26％（RSD＝2.69％ ，n＝6），94.20％ -104.01％（RSD＝3.64％ ，n＝6），98.51％ -110.11％（RSD＝3.87％ ，n＝6）， 95.76％-107.82％（RSD＝4.12％，n＝6），respectively. The contents of above components were 0.769-0.828，7.741-7.981，5.284 7- 5.846 6，1.038 6-1.101 2 mg/g（n＝3）. CONCLUSIONS：The established method is simple and feasible ，and can be used for quality control of different parts of Mongolian medicine Sugmel- 3 decoction.

Study on Tissue Distribution of Apigenin Nanosuspension in Mice / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To study the distri bution and targeting characteristics of Apigenin nanosuspension （AP-NPs）in mice. METHODS：AP-NPs was prepared with ultrasound microprecipitation. Kunming mice were randomly divided into apigenin （AP） solution group and AP-NPs suspension group ，with 45 mice in each group. The mice were given relevant medicine intragastrically （80 mg/kg）；blood sample of eyeball 500 μL were collected before medication（0 h）and 0.25，0.5，1，2，4，6，8，10 h after medication. After the last blood collection ，the mice were sacrificed and their heart ，liver，spleen，lung，kidney and brain tissues were taken. After protein precipitation with methanol ，HPLC method was adopted for determining plasma and tissues. The determination was performed on Shimadzu ODS-SP column with mobile phase consisted of methanol-water （70 ∶ 30，V/V）at the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The detection wavelength was set at 340 nm，and column temperature was 35 ℃. The sample size was 20 μL. The concentration of AP in different samples was calculated according to standard curve，main pharmacokinetic parameters （AUC，cmax）of AP and the ratio of peak concentration （ce），relative uptake rate （RUE），uptake ratio and its change value were calculated with DAS 2.0 software and Excel 2010 software；the tissue distribution and targeting characteristics of AP were analyzed. RESULTS：The linear range of AP in plasma and tissue s were 0.1-25.0 μg/mL（all r＞0.99）；the lower limits of quantification were 0.1 μg/mL. RSDs of intra-day and inter-day were all lower than 15％，and the accuracy were 94.37％-117.48％. The extraction recovery rates were all more than 80％. Compared with AP solution group ，the concentrations of AP in plasma sample （during 0.5-6 h），liver tissue （during 0.25-8 h），spleen tissue （during 0.25-8 h）and cerebral tissue （during 0.25-4 h）were increased significantly in AP-NPs suspension group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01），and the highest in liver tissue. The concentrations of AP in heart tiusse （6 h），liver tissue （10 h），lung tissue （0.5 h），spleen tissue （during 0.25-10 h）were decreased significantly （P＜ 0.05 or P＜0.01）. There was statistical significance in AUC and cmax of AP in plasma and tissue samples between 2 groups（P＜ 0.05）. The ce，RUE，uptake ratio and its change value of liver tissue were the highest ，being 1.34±0.40，1.99±0.29，48.49％ and 15.71％ . CONCLUSIONS ：After AP is made into nanosus- pension，the distribution of drug tissue is changed ，especially targeting effect on liver tissue is improved.