Efficacy of Rhamnus utilis Decne. Aqueous extract in mice with acute alcoholic liver injury and metabolomic study.

Rhamnus utilis Decne. (Family Rhamnaceae Juss.) leaf is commonly prepared as a anti-inflammatory herbal medicine and used for tea production. To investigate the mechanism of Rhamnus utilis Decne. aqueous extract (RDAE) against acute alcoholic liver disease (ALD) in mice. The ALD mouse (Male ICR) model was induced via intragastric administration of 52 % alcohol. Mice in each group were treated by gavage once daily with the RDAE (1.12, 2.25, 4.500 g/kg). The expression of proteins involved in the MAPKs/NF-κB/COX-2-iNOS pathway was measured by western blotting. Non-targeted metabolomics was used to determine metabolic profiles and critical pathways, while targeted metabolomics validated key amino acid metabolites. After administration of RDAE, the body mass of mice was significantly increased. The liver index was significantly decreased. Meanwhile, the serum levels of AST, ALT, TG, TC, MDA, TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6 were significantly decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), but GSH level was inversely increased (P < 0.05). Metabolomic analysis revealed nine major pathways involved in the therapeutic effect of RDAE, including fructose and mannose metabolism. The levels of 7 amino acids including leucine, proline and alanine/sarcosine were significantly upregulated. Additionally, protein levels of p-NF-κB (p65)/NF-κB (p65), p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2, p-JNK/JNK, p-p38/p38, COX-2 and iNOS were significantly decreased (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). RDAE is used to treat acute ALD by improving lipid metabolism, inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and regulating MAPKs/NF-κB/COX-2-iNOS signalling pathway. These findings provide valuable insights for acute ALD therapy based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Clean-DM1, a Korean Polyherbal Formula, Improves High Fat Diet-Induced Diabetic Symptoms in Mice by Regulating IRS/PI3K/AKT and AMPK Expressions in Pancreas and Liver Tissues.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Clean-DM1 (C-DM1), a polyherbal formulation of Radix Scrophulariae, Radix Astragali, Rhizoma Atractylodis, and Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae, on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced diabetes mice. METHODS: The information about active components of C-DM1 extract and molecular mechanism was obtained from network pharmacology analysis. Main compounds of C-DM1 extract by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) analysis were conducted for quality control. For in vivo study, mice were induced diabetes by HFD for 12 weeks. The mice in the normal group (Nor) were maintained with a regular diet and treated with saline by gavage. The HFD model mice were randomly divided into 3 groups, including a HFD diabetic model group, a C-DM1 extract-administered group (C-DM1, 500 mg/kg), and metformin-administered groups (Met, 500 mg/kg), 8 mice in each group. Food intake, body weight (BW), and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were recorded weekly for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks of treatment, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood glucose, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were determined using an automated clinical chemistry analyzer, and homeostatic model for assessing insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were detected. The histopathological changes of liver and pancreatic tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Insulin receptor substrate (IRS)/phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/ protein kinase B (AKT) and adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) expressions in liver and pancreas tissues were detected by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: HPLC-MS identified dihydroisotanshinone, dihydroisotanshinone I, cryptotanshinone, harpagoside, and atractyloside A in C-DM1 extract. The administration of C-DM1 extract significantly decreased body weight, calorie intake, and the levels of blood glucose and insulin in the diabetic mice (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The C-DM1 extract administration improved the impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance in the diabetic mice and significantly decreased the levels of LDL-C, ALT and AST (P<0.01). The C-DM1 extract inhibited the histopathological changes of fatty liver and hyperplasia of pancreatic islets in the diabetic mice. The C-DM1 extract significantly increased the phosphorylation of IRS, AKT, and AMPK and the expression of PI3K in pancreas and liver tissues (P<0.05 or P<0.01), which was consistent with the analysis results of network pharmacology. CONCLUSION: C-DM1 extract improved diabetes symptoms in long-term HFD-induced mice by regulation of IRS/PI3K/AKT and AMPK expressions in pancreas and liver tissues, suggesting that C-DM1 formulation may help prevent the progression of T2DM.

Papillary thyroid cancer with Hashimoto's thyroiditis attenuates the tumour aggressiveness through the up-regulation of E-cadherin and TGF-ß expression.

Human papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is often associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), and their coexistence improves the prognosis of PTC. Aim of the study. The objective of our study is to investigate the expression of cadherins and TGF-ß which are regulators in the tumour aggressiveness with metastatic spread in PTC patients and its relationship with HT. The expression of E-cadherin and N-cadherin was measured in thyroid tissues of healthy volunteers and PTC patients with HT (PTC/HT) or without. The E-cadherin expression was also determined in thyroid cancer cells (TPC1, SNU373, SNU790, 8505C, CAL62, and FTC133). Cell migration was measured by wound healing assay. The expression of N-cadherin, ICAM1, and TGF-ß was measured in thyroid tissues and plasma. The E-cadherin expression was significantly increased in PTC/HT patients compared with PTC alone. Meanwhile, the N-cadherin expression was significantly decreased in PTC/HT patients. The E-cadherin expression was only observed in FTC cells, and the overexpression of E-cadherin inhibited cancer cell migration. The TGF-ß expression was significantly increased in PTC/HT patients, and the plasma levels were higher in PTC/HT patients than in PTC alone. The expression of N-cadherin and ICAM-1 was significantly decreased in PTC/HT patients. Our results indicate that the expression of E-cadherin and TGF-ß was higher in PTC/HT patients than in PTC alone. This suggests that the presence of PTC with HT may attenuate the tumour aggressiveness and metastasis through the up-regulation of E-cadherin and TGF-ß expression.

Monotropein Improves Dexamethasone-Induced Muscle Atrophy via the AKT/mTOR/FOXO3a Signaling Pathways.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of monotropein (MON) on improving dexamethasone (DEX)-induced muscle atrophy in mice and C2C12 mouse skeletal muscle cells. The body weights, grip strengths, and muscle weights of mice were assessed. The histological change in the gastrocnemius tissues was also observed through H&E staining. The expression of myosin heavy chain (MyHC), muscle ring finger 1 (MuRF1), and muscle atrophy F-box (Atrogin1) and the phosphorylation of AKT, mTOR, and FOXO3a in the muscle tissues of mice and C2C12 myotubes were analyzed using Western blotting. MON improved muscle atrophy in mice and C2C12 myotubes by regulating catabolic states via the AKT/mTOR/FOXO3a signaling pathways, and enhanced muscle function by the increases of muscle mass and strength in mice. This suggests that MON could be used for the prevention and treatment of muscle atrophy in patients.

Effects of American wild ginseng and Korean cultivated wild ginseng pharmacopuncture extracts on the regulation of C2C12 myoblasts differentiation through AMPK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

Targeting impaired myogenesis and mitochondrial biogenesis offers a potential alternative strategy for balancing energy to fight muscle disorders such as sarcopenia. In traditional Korean medicine, it is believed that the herb wild ginseng can help restore energy to the elderly. The present study investigated whether American wild ginseng pharmacopuncture (AWGP) and Korean cultivated wild ginseng pharmacopuncture (KCWGP) regulate energy metabolism in skeletal muscle cells. C2C12 mouse myoblasts were differentiated into myotubes using horse serum for 5 days. An MTT colorimetric assay verified cell viability. AWGP, KCWGP (0.5, 1, or 2 mg/ml), or metformin (2.5 mM) for reference were used to treat the C2C12 myotubes. The expressions of differentiation and mitochondrial biogenetic factors were measured by western blotting in C2C12 myotubes. Treatment of C2C12 cells stimulated with AWGP and KCWGP at a concentration of 10 mg/ml did not affect cell viability. AWGP and KCWGP treatments resulted in significant increases in the myogenesis proteins, myosin heavy chain, myostatin, myoblast determination protein 1 and myogenin, as well as increases to the biogenic regulatory factors, peroxisome proliferator­activated receptor­Î³ coactivator­1­α, nuclear respiratory factor 1, mitochondrial transcription factor A and Sirtuin 1, in the myotubes through AMPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway activation. These results suggest that AWGP and KCWGP may be beneficial to muscle function by improving muscle differentiation and energy metabolism.

Effects of Jowiseungki-tang on high fat diet-induced obesity in mice and functional analysis on network pharmacology and metabolomics analysis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In traditional Chinese and Korean medicine, Jowiseungki-tang (JST) is a prescription for diabetes mellitus (DM) treatment. However, little scientific evidence is known of its effect in diabetic condition. AIMS: We assessed the effects of JST on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity with inflammatory condition in mice and to analyze the therapeutic function of JST on network pharmacology as well as targeted metabolomics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: JST administration at 100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg for a period of 4 weeks in HFD-induced obese mice, body weight gain, energy utility, calorie intake, and levels of glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol as well as interleukin-6 were measured. Measurements of HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) were performed and compared to those of the control group. Moreover, the therapeutic function of JST on obesity was analyzed furtherly based on network pharmacology and targeted metabolomics methods. RESULTS: Administration of JST at 100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg for a period of 4 weeks in HFD-induced obesity mice significantly decreased the body weight gain, energy utility, calorie intake, and levels of insulin, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, and interleukin-6. However, HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels showed marked elevation relative to control groups. JST administration strongly inhibited expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase, inflammatory proteins, and cyclooxygenase-2 in the pancreas, stomach, and liver tissues, and reduced hepatic steatosis and pancreatic hyperplasia. In network pharmacological analysis, the putative functional targets of JST are underlie on modulation of cofactor-, coenzyme-, and fatty acid-bonding, insulin resistance, and inflammatory response, fine-tuned the phosphatase binding and signal pathway activation, such as mitogen activated protein kinases, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases/protein kinase B, protein kinase C, and receptor of glycation end products as well-advanced glycation end products. According to the metabolomics analysis, the contents and energy metabolites, and medium and long chain fatty acids was significantly changed in mice pancreases. CONCLUSIONS: JST is a valuable prescription for treatment of patients with DM in traditional clinics through inhibition of obesity, inflammatory condition and metabolism.

Effects of Root Extract of Morinda officinalis in Mice with High-Fat-Diet/Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes and C2C12 Myoblast Differentiation.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes and causes a decline in muscle quality. In this study, we investigated the effects of the root extract of Morinda officinalis (MORE) on skeletal muscle damage in mice with high-fat-diet (HFD)/streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes and the expression of myogenic and biogenesis regulatory proteins in C2C12 myoblast differentiation. An in vivo model comprised C57BL/6N mice fed HFD for 8 weeks, followed by a single injection of STZ at 120 mg/kg. MORE was administered at 100 and 200 mg/kg once daily (p.o.) for 4 weeks. The changes in body weight, calorie intake, and serum levels of glucose, insulin, total cholesterol (TCHO), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were investigated in diabetic mice. The histological changes in the gastrocnemius muscle were observed by H&E staining, and then the myofiber size was measured. The expression of the myogenic (MHC, myogenin, and MyoD) and biogenesis (PGC-1α, SIRT1, NRF1, and TFAM) regulatory proteins was examined in the muscle tissues and differentiated C2C12 myoblasts by Western blot, respectively. The administration of MORE at 200 mg/kg in mice with HFD/STZ-induced diabetes significantly reduced weight gains, calorie intake, insulin resistance, and serum levels of glucose, TCHO, LDL-C, AST, and ALT. MORE administration at 100 and 200 mg/kg significantly increased serum insulin and HDL-C levels in diabetic mice. In addition, MORE significantly increased the expression of MHC, myogenin, MyoD, PGC-1α, SIRT1, NRF1, and TFAM in muscle tissues as well as increased the myofiber size in diabetic mice. In C2C12 myoblast differentiation, MORE treatment at 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/mL significantly increased the expression of myogenic and biogenesis regulatory proteins in a dose-dependent manner. MORE improves diabetes symptoms in mice with HFD/STZ-induced diabetes by improving muscle function. This suggests that MORE could be used to prevent or treat diabetes along with muscle disorders.

Anticancer Effects of Ursi Fel Extract and Its Active Compound, Ursodeoxycholic Acid, in FRO Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Cells.

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is one of the most fatal human malignancies. Ursi Fel (UF) is the bile of a brown bear that has been traditionally used for heat clearance and toxin relief in Korean and Chinese medicines. In this study, we determined the anticancer effects of a UF extract and its active compound, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), in FRO human ATC cells. FRO cells were treated with UF extract and UDCA at different concentrations for various durations. Cell viability was measured using an MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was investigated by flow cytometric analysis following Annexin V and propidium iodide (PI) staining, and Hoechst staining was used to observe nuclear fragmentation. The expression of pro-apoptotic (Bax, caspase-3, cytochrome c, and PARP), anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2), and angiogenetic (TGF-ß, VEGF, N-cadherin, and sirtuin-1) proteins and the phosphorylation of Akt and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) were determined by western blot analysis. Treatment with UF extract at 10, 25, and 50 µg/mL and UDCA at 25, 50, and 100 µM/mL significantly inhibited the growth of FRO cells in a dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometry and Hoechst staining revealed an increase in the apoptosis of FRO cells mediated by UF extract and UDCA in a dose-dependent manner. UF extract (25 and 50 µg) and UDCA (50 and 100 µM) significantly increased the expression of Bax, caspase-3, cytochrome c, and PARP and inhibited the expression of Bcl-2, TGF-ß, VEGF, N-cadherin, and sirtuin-1 in FRO cells. Furthermore, UF extract and UDCA treatment stimulated Akt phosphorylation and inhibited mTOR phosphorylation in these cells. These results indicate that UF extract and UDCA exert anticancer properties in FRO cells by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting angiogenesis via regulating the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

A Novel Approach Based on Metabolomics Coupled With Intestinal Flora Analysis and Network Pharmacology to Explain the Mechanisms of Action of Bekhogainsam Decoction in the Improvement of Symptoms of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Nephropathy in Mice.

Bekhogainsam decoction (BHID), a representative prescription for the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) and diabetic complications in both traditional Korean and Chinese medicine, was examined for its ability to ameliorate diabetic nephropathy (DN), and its mechanism of action was evaluated by metabolomics, gut microbiota, and network pharmacology. In this study, male specific pathogen-free C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin (STZ, 100 mg/kg) once per day for 3 days consecutively, and were then orally administered BHID at 100 and 500 mg/kg, and metformin at 250 mg/kg once per day for 4 weeks. Our results showed that the administration of BHID to mice with STZ-induced DN prevented physiological and serological changes, structural damage, and kidney dysfunction. Based on a metabolomics test with serum, the profoundly altered metabolites in the BHID treatment group were identified. Thirty-six BHID-related proteins and four signaling pathways, including valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, and alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism pathways, were explored. Principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) of the gut microbiota revealed that BHID treatment significantly affected the flora composition. In addition, the network pharmacology analysis revealed that BHID acted through phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) and MAPK-related protein targets. Our findings on the anti-DN effects of BHID and its mechanism of action, from the perspective of systems biology, have provided scientific evidence to support the clinical treatment of patients with diabetes, and implied that BHID has the potential to prevent the progression of DN.

Effects of a rhizome aqueous extract of Dioscorea batatas and its bioactive compound, allantoin in high fat diet and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice and the regulation of liver, pancreas and skeletal muscle dysfunction.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Dysfunction of glucose metabolism is associated with the occurrence of metabolic syndromes, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In this study, we investigated the anti-diabetic effects of yam aqueous extract and allantoin in high-fat-diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice and the mechanism of action on the dysfunction of the liver, pancreas, and skeletal muscle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male C57BL/6 mice were induced into a diabetic condition by HFD for 16 weeks and a single injection of STZ (120 mg/kg) and then orally administered yam aqueous extract (500 and 1000 mg/kg) or allantoin (20 and 50 mg/kg) once daily for 4 weeks. The changes in physiological parameters, serological parameters, and morphology of tissues were investigated. The expression levels of antioxidant enzymes, biogenetic proteins, and myogenetic proteins were determined in the liver, pancreas and skeletal muscle tissues of mice. RESULTS: The administration of yam aqueous extract and allantoin at high doses in HFD/STZ-induced diabetic mice compared with the control group significantly decreased the increase in body weight, caloric intake, and water intake. Yam aqueous extract and allantoin significantly decreased high glucose and leptin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, aspartate transaminase, alanine aminotransferase levels and increased insulin and albumin levels in the plasma of mice. Yam aqueous extract and allantoin inhibited the structural damage of the liver with regard to fat accumulation, the pancreas with atrophy of Langerhans' islets, and skeletal muscle with regard to atrophy and significantly increased the expression of antioxidant enzymes and mitochondria-mediated biogenetic factors in the liver, pancreas, and muscle tissues. In addition, Yam aqueous extract and allantoin significantly increased the expression of myogenetic proteins in skeletal muscle tissues. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that Yam aqueous extract and allantoin improve diabetic symptoms through the regulation of oxidation and glucose imbalance in liver, pancreas, and skeletal muscle tissues in mice. These findings suggest that Yam aqueous extract and allantoin can be used as antidiabetic factors in supplementary foods and medications for T2DM patients.

Jowiseungki decoction affects diabetic nephropathy in mice through renal injury inhibition as evidenced by network pharmacology and gut microbiota analyses.

BACKGROUND: Jowiseungki decoction (JSD) is a prescription commonly used for the treatment of diabetic complications or diabetic nephropathy (DN) in traditional medicine clinics. However, the underlying therapeutic mechanisms of JSD are still unclear. METHODS: Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DN mice were administered 100 and 500 mg/kg JSD for 4 weeks, and the therapeutic mechanisms and targets of JSD were analyzed by network pharmacology and gut microbiota analyses. RESULTS: JSD significantly decreased the increase in food and water intake, urine volume, fasting blood glucose, serum glucose and triglyceride levels, and urinary albumin excretion. JSD administration significantly increased the decrease in insulin secretion and creatinine clearance and reduced the structural damage to the kidney tissues. Moreover, JSD administration significantly inhibited the expression of protein kinase C-alpha (PKC-α), transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-ß1), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in the kidney tissues of DN mice, while it significantly increased the phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), and protein kinase B (Akt). In the network pharmacological analysis, JSD obviously influenced phosphatase binding, protein serine/threonine kinase, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-related signaling pathways. Our data suggest that JSD can improve symptoms in STZ-induced DN mice through the inhibition of kidney dysfunction, in particular, by regulating the PKCα/PI3K/Akt and NF-κB/α-SMA signaling pathways. Gut microbiota analysis can help to discover the pharmaco-mechanisms of the influence of JSD on bacterial diversity and flora structures in DN. CONCLUSION: JSD can improve the symptoms of DN, and the underlying mechanism of this effect is renal protection through the inhibition of fibrosis and inflammation. JSD can also change bacterial diversity and community structures in DN.

Enhancing effects of anagliptin on myoblast differentiation and the expression of mitochondrial biogenetic factors in C2C12 mouse skeletal muscle cells.

To investigate the regulatory effects of anagliptin, a DPP-IV inhibitor used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), on myoblast differentiation and mitochondrial biogenesis in C2C12 mouse skeletal muscle cells. C2C12 myoblasts were differentiated into myotubes and then treated with anagliptin (10, 25, and 50 µmol/L) for 24 hours. In C2C12 myotubes, anagliptin treatment was significantly increased the expression of MHC, PGC1α, Sirt-1, NRF-1, and TFAM and the phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC in a concentration-dependent manner. Anagliptin also significantly increased the total ATP levels in the myotubes. These results suggest that anagliptin can help prevent skeletal muscle dysfunction in T2DM by promotion of myoblast differentiation and enhancement of energy production via upregulation of mitochondrial biogenetic factors and activation of the AMPK/ACC signalling pathway.

Effects of spicatoside A isolated from the tuberous roots of Liriope platyphylla on ovalbumin-induced asthma in mice.

The tuberous roots of Liriope platyphylla (Liriopis Tuber; LT) is traditionally used in Korean Medicine for treating colds, cough, and sputum production. In this study, we investigated the effect of spicatoside A isolated from LT methanol extract on ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized/challenged asthmatic mice. For induction of allergic asthma, BALB/c mice were sensitized with OVA by an intraperitoneal injection at three times a week, and then challenged into the nasal cavities using a nebulizer. Spicatoside A at dose of 1mg/kg body weight was treated in mice with an oral administration once daily for a week during OVA challenge. The concentrations of OVA-specific IgE, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 were measured in the sera or bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) of mice by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The numbers of total cells, macrophages, lymphocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils were counted in BALFs using Diff-Quik staining, and histopathological changes of lung tissues were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Periodic acid Schiff (PAS) and Masson's trichrome staining. The purity of spicatoside A was 98.1% with a white powder (yield: 465.6mg). The treatment of spicatoside A in asthmatic mice significantly decreased the production of allergic mediator, OVA-specific IgE and Th2 cytokines, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 in sera and BALF. The numbers of inflammatory cells such as macrophages, lymphocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils in BALF of asthmatic mice were significantly reduced by the treatment of spicatoside A. Furthermore, the treatment of spicatoside A in asthmatic mice inhibited the structural damages of lung tissues with thickened bronchiolar epithelium and infiltration of inflammatory cells, the accumulation of mucus by the goblet cells hyperplasia and collagen in the bronchioles. These results suggest that spicatoside A of LT has a preventive effect on allergic asthma through the inhibition of lung inflammation and allergic response.

Evaluation of the Single-Dose Toxicity of TA Pharmacopuncture in Rats.

OBJECTIVES: TA is a polyherbal extract comprising seven herbs, typically used for the pharmacopuncture treatment of patients with traffic accident-related injuries and musculoskeletal diseases. This animal study was conducted to evaluate the safety of the TA extract, using a single-dose toxicity test. METHODS: The dose range and sampling time were first established. Six-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were administered 1.0 mL of TA or normal saline (control), intramuscularly, for the single-dose toxicity test. The general condition, mortality, and histology of all rats were observed for 2 weeks. RESULTS: No abnormal symptoms or deaths were observed in any group. The body weights of the rats in the TA and control groups were similar. No significant differences in histopathology were observed between the groups. CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that 1.0 mL of TA extract may be safely administered for pharmacopuncture for treatment of patients in traditional medicine clinics.

Regulatory effects of the fruit extract of Lycium chinense and its active compound, betaine, on muscle differentiation and mitochondrial biogenesis in C2C12 cells.

Our study was conducted to investigate the effects of the fruits of Lycium chinense Mill. (Lycii Fructus, LF) and its bioactive compound, betaine, on muscle differentiation and mitochondrial biogenesis in C2C12 cells. LF extract and betaine was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The expression of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator1-alpha (PGC-1α), sirtuin-1(Sirt-1), nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1), transcription factor A, mitochondrial (TFAM) and the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), were determined in cellular or mitochondrial levels by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) or Western blot, respectively. The glucose levels and total ATP contents were measured by the glucose consumption in a culture medium, cellular glucose uptake and ATP assays. LF extract at 4 mg/ml and betaine at 2 and 5 mM significantly increased the expression of MyHC in C2C12 myotubes, compared with non-treated cells. LF extract and betaine significantly increased the expression of PGC-1α, Sirt-1, NRF-1 and TFAM mRNA and protein in the myotubes, as well as phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC. Furthermore, LF extract and betaine significantly increased the mitochondrial protein contents, as the TFAM and NRF-1 expressions were increased. LF extract and betaine also significantly increased the glucose uptake and ATP contents in the myotubes. The LF extract contained 3.18% betaine was quantitated by HPLC. LF extract and betaine enhanced muscle differentiation and energy metabolism through the up-regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis-regulating factors, suggesting that LF extract and betaine can help to prevent the dysfunction of skeletal muscle.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of MOK, a polyherbal extract, on lipopolysaccharide­stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.

MOK, a pharmacopuncture medicine consisting of 10 herbs, has a long history as treatment for various inflammatory conditions. To investigate the mechanisms of action of MOK, its anti­inflammatory and antioxidative effects were assessed in RAW 264.7 macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). RAW 264.7 cells were treated with different concentrations of MOK extract for 30 min prior to stimulation with or without LPS for the indicated times. Nitric oxide (NO) production was measured using Griess reagent, while the mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)­α, interleukin (IL)­1ß, IL­6 and the antioxidant enzymes Mn superoxide dismutase and heme oxygenase­1, were determined using reverse transcription­polymerase chain reaction analysis. Western blotting was used to determine the protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)­2, superoxide dismutase (SOD)2, catalase (CAT) and heme oxygenase­1 (HO­1), and the phosphorylation of mitogen­activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including ERK1/2, JNK and p38. Western blotting and immunocytochemistry were used to observe the nuclear expression of nuclear factor (NF)­κB p65. Additionally, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and prostaglandin (PG)E2 production were determined using the ROS assay and an enzyme immunoassay. With MOK treatment, there was a notable decrease in NO and PGE2 production induced by LPS in RAW 264.7 cells by downregulation of iNOS and COX­2 mRNA and protein expression. Furthermore, with MOK treatment, there was a decrease in the mRNA expression levels of TNF­α, IL­1ß and IL­6, as well as in the phosphorylation of ERK, JNK and p38 MAPK, by blocking the nuclear translocation of NF­κB p65 in LPS­stimulated cells. In addition, MOK treatment led to an increase in the antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT and HO­1 in LPS­stimulated cells, with a concomitant decrease in ROS generation. These results indicate that the inflammatory responses in activated macrophages are inhibited by MOK through downregulation of the transcription levels of inflammatory mediators and inhibition of the MAPK/NF­κB pathway. Moreover, MOK protects against oxidative damage by upregulating the expression of antioxidant enzymes and generating ROS scavengers.

A Network-Based Method for Mechanistic Investigation and Neuroprotective Effect on Post-treatment of Senkyunolid-H Against Cerebral Ischemic Stroke in Mouse.

Senkyunolide-H (SEH), a major bioactive compound extracted from Ligusticum chuanxiong, has been reported to be effective in preventing cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS). In this study, we employed network pharmacology to reveal potential mechanism of SEH against CIS on a system level and confirmed the therapeutic effects of SEH on CIS by models of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in vivo and in vitro. Through protein-protein interaction networks construction of SEH- and CIS-related targets, a total of 62 key targets were obtained by screening topological indices and analyzed for Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment. Gene Ontology analysis indicated that SEH might have a role in treating CIS via regulating some biological processes including regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter, epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway, phosphatidylinositol-mediated signaling, and some molecular function, such as transcription factor and protein phosphatase binding and nitric oxide synthase regulator activity. Meanwhile, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis showed that phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway was significantly enriched. In addition, our result showed that SEH posttreatment significantly decreased the neurological scores, infarct volume, and neuronal death in the middle cerebral artery occlusion mice. Moreover, the PI3K/Akt/nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway was activated by intragastric administration of 40 mg/kg SEH, as verified by Western blot. In vitro, treatment of PC12 cells with 100 µM SEH markedly reduced cell death induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation through the activation of PI3K/Akt/nuclear factor kappa B pathway, and the therapeutic effect of SEH was obviously inhibited by 10 µM LY294002. In summary, these results suggested that SEH carries a therapeutic potential in CIS involving multiple targets and pathways, and the most crucial mechanism might be through the activation of PI3K/Akt/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway to inhibit inflammatory factor releases and increase the antiapoptosis capacity. Our study furnishes the future traditional Chinese medicine research with a network pharmacology framework.

TA pharmacopuncture as a primary and independent treatment for frequent sprains occurring over 9 months in a patient with needle sickness: Case report.

RATIONALE: Sprains, stretching or tearing of ligaments are common injuries. Clinicians should try to prevent acupuncture-associated vasovagal responses (AAVR) when treating patients with such injuries. In this study, we report the treatment of frequent sprains of various body parts in a patient with a history of AAVR using only TA (a 7-herb extract consisting of Scutellaria baicalensis, Phellodendron amurense, Pulsatilla koreana, Sophora tonkinensis, Aucklandia lappa, Aquilaria agallocha, and Carthamus tinctorius L.) pharmacopuncture. PATIENT CONCERNS: The patient was a 47-year-old woman who was injured 23 times in 9 months. The injuries occurred in the knees, thumb, wrist, ankle, and low back region due to overextension during physical activity or frequent exercise. This patient had great fear of acupuncture after fainting due to her experience with a previous fire needling on an ankle sprain 18 years ago. Therefore, she did not want to undergo conventional acupuncture, including needle retention. DIAGNOSES: With the exception of the bruising and sprain of a knee occurring over 1 week after onset at the initial visit, the injuries were diagnosed as acute sprains of grade 1 with pain without range of movement limitation in various parts of the knee, ankle, thumb, and lower back. Time to onset of these injuries was within 3 days. INTERVENTIONS: The patients received only TA pharmacopuncture at 4 to 6 ouch points (ashi points). The patient returned to work immediately after the conclusion of treatment without any posttreatment such as infrared and hot pack which can help absorbing the extract and calming the injection site. OUTCOME: The treatment was usually completed within 4 sessions, and led to a reduction in pain (visual analog scale [VAS] score of 1). In the absence of mild swelling and warmth or when there was mild pain (VAS score <3) in the affected area, the patient reported reduced pain and smoother joint movement immediately after 1 to 2 sessions. LESSONS: Although our report is a single case study, our results indicate that TA pharmacopuncture can be effective in treating various acute sprains and is a potential acupuncture method for the treatment of patients with AAVR.

Effects of Rhizome Extract of Dioscorea batatas and Its Active Compound, Allantoin, on the Regulation of Myoblast Differentiation and Mitochondrial Biogenesis in C2C12 Myotubes.

With the aging process, a loss of skeletal muscle mass and dysfunction related to metabolic syndrome is observed in older people. Yams are commonly use in functional foods and medications with various effects. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of rhizome extract of Dioscorea batatas (Dioscoreae Rhizoma, Chinese yam) and its bioactive compound, allantoin, on myoblast differentiation and mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle cells. Yams were extracted in water and allantoin was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The expression of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) and mitochondrial biogenesis-regulating factors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), sirtuin-1 (Sirt-1), nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1) and transcription factor A, mitochondrial (TFAM), and the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) were determined in C2C12 myotubes by reverse transcriptase (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or western blot. The glucose levels and total ATP contents were measured by glucose consumption, glucose uptake and ATP assays, respectively. Treatment with yam extract (1 mg/mL) and allantoin (0.2 and 0.5 mM) significantly increased MyHC expression compared with non-treated myotubes. Yam extract and allantoin significantly increased the expression of PGC-1α, Sirt-1, NRF-1 and TFAM, as well as the phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC in C2C12 myotubes. Furthermore, yam extract and allantoin significantly increased glucose uptake levels and ATP contents. Finally, HPLC analysis revealed that the yam water extract contained 1.53% of allantoin. Yam extract and allantoin stimulated myoblast differentiation into myotubes and increased energy production through the upregulation of mitochondrial biogenesis regulators. These findings indicate that yam extract and allantoin can help to prevent skeletal muscle dysfunction through the stimulation of the energy metabolism.