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1.
Commun Biol ; 7(1): 685, 2024 Jun 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38834758

ABSTRACT

Memory T cells demonstrate superior in vivo persistence and antitumor efficacy. However, methods for manufacturing less differentiated T cells are not yet well-established. Here, we show that producing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells using berbamine (BBM), a natural compound found in the Chinese herbal medicine Berberis amurensis, enhances the antitumor efficacy of CAR-T cells. BBM is identified through cell-based screening of chemical compounds using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived T cells, leading to improved viability with a memory T cell phenotype. Transcriptomics and metabolomics using stem cell memory T cells reveal that BBM broadly enhances lipid metabolism. Furthermore, the addition of BBM downregulates the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and enhanced mitochondrial respiration. CD19-CAR-T cells cultured with BBM also extend the survival of leukaemia mouse models due to their superior in vivo persistence. This technology offers a straightforward approach to enhancing the antitumor efficacy of CAR-T cells.


Subject(s)
Benzylisoquinolines , Receptors, Chimeric Antigen , Animals , Benzylisoquinolines/pharmacology , Mice , Humans , Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/metabolism , Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/genetics , Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology , T-Lymphocytes/immunology , T-Lymphocytes/metabolism , T-Lymphocytes/drug effects , Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods , Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism , Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/drug effects , Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/cytology , Cell Culture Techniques/methods
2.
BMC Complement Med Ther ; 24(1): 186, 2024 May 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38734604

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cepharanthin® alone or in combination with glucocorticoid (GC) has been used to treat chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) since the 1990s. Cepharanthine (CEP) is one of the main active components of Cepharanthin®. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of CEP on GC pharmacodynamics on immune cells and analyse the possible action mechanism of their interactions. METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), T lymphocytic leukemia MOLT-4 cells and daunorubicin resistant MOLT-4 cells (MOLT-4/DNR) were used to evaluate the pharmacodynamics and molecular mechanisms. Drug pharmacodynamics was evaluated by WST-8 assay. P-glycoprotein function was examined by rhodamine 123 assay. CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells and Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines were detected by flow cytometry. P-glycoprotein expression and GC receptor translocation were examined by Western blot. RESULTS: CEP synergistically increased methylprednisolone (MP) efficacy with the suppressive effect on the cell viability of PBMCs. 0.3 and 1 µM of CEP significantly inhibited P-glycoprotein efflux function of CD4+ cells, CD8+ cells, and lymphocytes (P<0.05). 0.03~3 µM of CEP also inhibited the P-glycoprotein efflux function in MOLT-4/DNR cells in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.001). However, 0.03~3 µM of CEP did not influence P-glycoprotein expression. 0.03~0.3 µM of CEP significantly increased the GC receptor distribution from the cytoplasm to the nucleus in a concentration-dependent manner in MOLT-4/DNR cells. The combination did not influence the frequency of CD4+, CD4+CD25+ and CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells or the secretion of Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines from PBMCs. In contrast, CEP alone at 1 µM decreased the percentage of CD4+ T cell significantly (P<0.01). It also inhibited the secretion of IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. CONCLUSIONS: CEP synergistically promoted MP pharmacodynamics to decrease the cell viability of the mitogen-activated PBMCs, possibly via inhibiting P-glycoprotein function and potentiating GC receptor translocation. The present study provides new evidence of the therapeutic effect of Cepharanthin® alone or in combination with GC for the management of chronic ITP.


Subject(s)
ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1 , Benzylisoquinolines , Drug Synergism , Leukocytes, Mononuclear , Methylprednisolone , Receptors, Glucocorticoid , Humans , Benzylisoquinolines/pharmacology , Leukocytes, Mononuclear/drug effects , Leukocytes, Mononuclear/metabolism , ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1/metabolism , Methylprednisolone/pharmacology , Receptors, Glucocorticoid/metabolism , Benzodioxoles
3.
Chin J Nat Med ; 22(5): 387-401, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38796213

ABSTRACT

Hernandezine (Her), a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid extracted from Thalictrum flavum, is recognized for its range of biological activities inherent to this herbal medicine. Despite its notable properties, the anti-cancer effects of Her have remained largely unexplored. In this study, we elucidated that Her significantly induced cytotoxicity in cancer cells through the activation of apoptosis and necroptosis mechanisms. Furthermore, Her triggered autophagosome formation by activating the AMPK and ATG5 conjugation systems, leading to LC3 lipidation. Our findings revealed that Her caused damage to the mitochondrial membrane, with the damaged mitochondria undergoing mitophagy, as evidenced by the elevated expression of mitophagy markers. Conversely, Her disrupted autophagic flux, demonstrated by the upregulation of p62 and accumulation of autolysosomes, as observed in the RFP-GFP-LC3 reporter assay. Initially, we determined that Her did not prevent the fusion of autophagosomes and lysosomes. However, it inhibited the maturation of cathepsin D and increased lysosomal pH, indicating an impairment of lysosomal function. The use of the early-stage autophagy inhibitor, 3-methyladenine (3-MA), did not suppress LC3II, suggesting that Her also induces noncanonical autophagy in autophagosome formation. The application of Bafilomycin A1, an inhibitor of noncanonical autophagy, diminished the recruitment of ATG16L1 and the accumulation of LC3II by Her, thereby augmenting Her-induced cell death. These observations imply that while autophagy initially plays a protective role, the disruption of the autophagic process by Her promotes programmed cell death. This study provides the first evidence of Her's dual role in inducing apoptosis and necroptosis while also initiating and subsequently impairing autophagy to promote apoptotic cell death. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying programmed cell death, offering potential avenues for enhancing cancer prevention and therapeutic strategies.


Subject(s)
Apoptosis , Autophagy , Cathepsin D , Lysosomes , Cathepsin D/metabolism , Cathepsin D/genetics , Humans , Lysosomes/drug effects , Lysosomes/metabolism , Apoptosis/drug effects , Autophagy/drug effects , Cell Line, Tumor , Benzylisoquinolines/pharmacology , Autophagosomes/drug effects , Autophagosomes/metabolism , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Autophagy-Related Protein 5/genetics , Autophagy-Related Protein 5/metabolism
4.
Connect Tissue Res ; 65(3): 253-264, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38753365

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Osteoporosis, a skeletal ailment marked by bone metabolism imbalance and disruption of bone microarchitecture, Neferine, a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid with diverse pharmacological activities, has received limited attention in the context of osteoporosis treatment. METHODS: We employed a bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) rat model to induce osteoporosis and subsequently administered Neferine treatment for four weeks following successful model establishment. Throughout the modeling and treatment phases, we closely monitored rat body weights. We assessed alterations in bone tissue microstructure through micro-CT, HE staining, and safranin O-fast green staining. Levels of bone formation and resorption markers in serum were evaluated using ELISA assay. Western blot analysis was employed to determine the expression levels of p38MAPK, p-p38MAPK, and bone formation-related genes in bone tissue. We isolated and cultured OVX rat BMSCs (OVX-BMSCs) and induced osteogenic differentiation while simultaneously introducing Neferine and the p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580 for intervention. RESULTS: Neferine treatment effectively curbed the rapid weight gain in OVX rats, ameliorated bone loss, and decreased serum levels of TRAP, CTX-I, PINP, and BALP. Most notably, Neferine promoted the expression of bone formation-related factors in bone tissue of OVX rats, while concurrently activating the p38MAPK signaling pathway. In in vitro experiments, Neferine facilitated the expression of bone formation-related factors in OVX-BMSCs, increased the osteogenic differentiation potential of OVX-BMSCs, and activated the p38MAPK signaling pathway. Nevertheless, SB203580 partially reversed Neferine's promotive effect. CONCLUSION: Neferine can boost the osteoblastic differentiation of BMSCs and alleviate OVX-induced osteoporosis in rats by activating the p38MAPK signaling pathway.


Subject(s)
Benzylisoquinolines , Cell Differentiation , MAP Kinase Signaling System , Mesenchymal Stem Cells , Osteogenesis , Osteoporosis , Ovariectomy , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases , Animals , Benzylisoquinolines/pharmacology , Osteogenesis/drug effects , p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism , Female , Cell Differentiation/drug effects , Osteoporosis/pathology , Osteoporosis/drug therapy , Osteoporosis/metabolism , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/drug effects , MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects , Rats
5.
Aging (Albany NY) ; 16(10): 8630-8644, 2024 May 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38775722

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is often associated with atrial fibrosis and oxidative stress. Neferine, a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid, has been reported to exert an antiarrhythmic effect. However, its impact on Angiotensin II (Ang II) infusion-induced AF and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether neferine alleviates Ang II-induced AF and explore the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Mice subjected to Ang II infusion to induce AF were concurrently treated with neferine or saline. AF incidence, myocardial cell size, fibrosis, and oxidative stress were then examined. RESULTS: Neferine treatment inhibited Ang II-induced AF, atrial size augmentation, and atrial fibrosis. Additionally, we observed that Ang II increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, induced mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization, and reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, which were reversed to some extent by neferine. Mechanistically, neferine activated the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and inhibited TGF-ß/p-Smad2/3 in Ang II-infused atria. Zinc Protoporphyrin (ZnPP), an HO-1 inhibitor, reduced the anti-oxidative effect of neferine to some extent and subsequently abolished the beneficial effect of neferine on Ang II-induced AF. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide hitherto undocumented evidence that the protective role of neferine in Ang II-induced AF is dependent on HO-1.


Subject(s)
Angiotensin II , Atrial Fibrillation , Benzylisoquinolines , Fibrosis , NF-E2-Related Factor 2 , Signal Transduction , Smad3 Protein , Transforming Growth Factor beta , Animals , Angiotensin II/pharmacology , Atrial Fibrillation/chemically induced , Atrial Fibrillation/metabolism , Atrial Fibrillation/prevention & control , NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism , Mice , Benzylisoquinolines/pharmacology , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Smad3 Protein/metabolism , Male , Transforming Growth Factor beta/metabolism , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Smad2 Protein/metabolism , Up-Regulation/drug effects , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Heart Atria/drug effects , Heart Atria/metabolism , Heart Atria/pathology , Heme Oxygenase (Decyclizing)/metabolism , Membrane Proteins , Heme Oxygenase-1
6.
Exp Cell Res ; 439(1): 114098, 2024 Jun 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38796136

ABSTRACT

The involvement of γδT cells, Th17 cells, and CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) is crucial in the progression of pulmonary fibrosis (PF), particularly in maintaining immune tolerance and homeostasis. However, the dynamics of these cells in relation to PF progression, especially under pharmacological interventions, remains poorly understood. This study aims to unravel the interplay between the dynamic changes of these cells and the effect of pharmacological agents in a mouse model of PF induced by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin. We analyzed changes in lung histology, lung index, hydroxyproline levels, and the proportions of γδT cells, Th17 cells, and Tregs on the 3rd, 14th, and 28th days following treatment with Neferine, Isoliensinine, Pirfenidone, and Prednisolone. Our results demonstrate that these drugs can partially or dynamically reverse weight loss, decrease lung index and hydroxyproline levels, and ameliorate lung histopathological damage. Additionally, they significantly modulated the abnormal changes in γδT, Th17, and Treg cell proportions. Notably, on day 3, the proportion of γδT cells increased in the Neferine and Prednisolone groups but decreased in the Isoliensinine and Pirfenidone groups, while the proportion of Th17 cells decreased across all treated groups. On day 14, the Neferine group showed an increase in all three cell types, whereas the Pirfenidone group exhibited a decrease. In the Isoliensinine group, γδT and Th17 cells increased, and in the Prednisolone group, only Tregs increased. By day 28, an increase in Th17 cell proportion was observed in all treatment groups, with a decrease in γδT cells noted in the Neferine group. These shifts in cell proportions are consistent with the pathogenesis changes induced by these anti-PF drugs, suggesting a correlation between cellular dynamics and pharmacological interventions in PF progression. Our findings imply potential strategies for assessing the efficacy and timing of anti-PF treatments based on these cellular changes.


Subject(s)
Bleomycin , Pulmonary Fibrosis , T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory , Th17 Cells , Animals , Pulmonary Fibrosis/chemically induced , Pulmonary Fibrosis/drug therapy , Pulmonary Fibrosis/pathology , Pulmonary Fibrosis/immunology , T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology , T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/drug effects , Th17 Cells/drug effects , Th17 Cells/immunology , Mice , Pyridones/pharmacology , Male , Prednisolone/pharmacology , Disease Progression , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Disease Models, Animal , Lung/pathology , Lung/immunology , Lung/drug effects , Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit/metabolism , Isoquinolines/pharmacology , Benzylisoquinolines/pharmacology
7.
Eur J Pharmacol ; 975: 176634, 2024 Jul 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38710356

ABSTRACT

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with immune dysregulation affecting colon inflammatory response. Recent studies have highlighted that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) play an important role in the pathogenesis of UC. Berbamine (BBM), one of the bioactive ingredients extracted from Chinese herbal medicine Berberis vulgaris L, has attracted intensive attentions due to its significant anti-inflammatory activity and a marketing drug for treating leukemia in China. However, the exact role and potential molecular mechanism of BBM against UC remains elusive. In the present study, our results showed that BBM could markedly improve the pathological phenotype and the colon inflammation in mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Then, comprehensive approaches combining network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses were employed to predict the therapeutic potential of BBM in treating UC by peptidyl-arginine deiminase 4 (PAD4), a crucial molecule involved in NETs formation. The molecular docking results showed BBM had a high affinity for PAD4 with a binding energy of -9.3 kcal/mol Moreover, PAD4 expression and NETs productions, including citrullination of histone H3 (Cit-H3), neutrophil elastase (NE), myeloperoxidase (MPO) in both neutrophils and colonic tissue were reduced after BBM administration. However, in the mice with DSS-induced colitis pretreated with GSK484, a PAD4-specific inhibitor, BBM could not further reduce disease related indexes, expression of PAD4 and NETs productions. Above all, the identification of PAD4 as a potential target for BBM to inhibit NETs formation in colitis provides novel insights into the development of BBM-derived drugs for the clinical management of UC.


Subject(s)
Benzylisoquinolines , Dextran Sulfate , Extracellular Traps , Molecular Docking Simulation , Protein-Arginine Deiminase Type 4 , Animals , Extracellular Traps/drug effects , Extracellular Traps/metabolism , Protein-Arginine Deiminase Type 4/metabolism , Protein-Arginine Deiminase Type 4/antagonists & inhibitors , Mice , Benzylisoquinolines/pharmacology , Benzylisoquinolines/therapeutic use , Benzylisoquinolines/chemistry , Male , Colitis/drug therapy , Colitis/chemically induced , Colitis/pathology , Colitis/metabolism , Neutrophils/drug effects , Neutrophils/metabolism , Neutrophils/immunology , Colon/drug effects , Colon/pathology , Colon/metabolism , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/chemistry , Disease Models, Animal
8.
J Cell Mol Med ; 28(9): e18354, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38686557

ABSTRACT

Infections caused by Candida species, especially Candida albicans, threaten the public health and create economic burden. Shortage of antifungals and emergence of drug resistance call for new antifungal therapies while natural products were attractive sources for developing new drugs. In our study, fangchinoline, a bis-benzylisoquinoline alkaloid from Chinese herb Stephania tetrandra S. Moore, exerted antifungal effects on planktonic growth of several Candida species including C. albicans, with MIC no more than 50 µg/mL. In addition, results from microscopic, MTT and XTT reduction assays showed that fangchinoline had inhibitory activities against the multiple virulence factors of C. albicans, such as adhesion, hyphal growth and biofilm formation. Furthermore, this compound could also suppress the metabolic activity of preformed C. albicans biofilms. PI staining, followed by confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) analysis showed that fangchinoline can elevate permeability of cell membrane. DCFH-DA staining suggested its anti-Candida mechanism also involved overproduction of intracellular ROS, which was further confirmed by N-acetyl-cysteine rescue tests. Moreover, fangchinoline showed synergy with three antifungal drugs (amphotericin B, fluconazole and caspofungin), further indicating its potential use in treating C. albicans infections. Therefore, these results indicated that fangchinoline could be a potential candidate for developing anti-Candida therapies.


Subject(s)
Antifungal Agents , Benzylisoquinolines , Biofilms , Candida albicans , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Reactive Oxygen Species , Biofilms/drug effects , Biofilms/growth & development , Candida albicans/drug effects , Candida albicans/growth & development , Antifungal Agents/pharmacology , Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism , Benzylisoquinolines/pharmacology , Hyphae/drug effects , Hyphae/growth & development
9.
Inflammopharmacology ; 32(3): 1743-1757, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38568399

ABSTRACT

Inflammation can be triggered by any factor. The primary pathological manifestations can be summarized as the deterioration, exudation, and proliferation of local tissues, which can cause systemic damage in severe cases. Inflammatory lesions are primarily localized but may interact with body systems to cause provocative storms, parenchymal organ lesions, vascular and central nervous system necrosis, and other pathologic responses. Tetrandrine (TET) is a bisbenzylquinoline alkaloid extracted from the traditional Chinese herbal medicine Stephania tetrandra, which has been shown to have significant efficacy in inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis, nephritis, etc., through NF-κB, MAPK, ERK, and STAT3 signaling pathways. TET can regulate the body's imbalanced metabolic pathways, reverse the inflammatory process, reduce other pathological damage caused by inflammation, and prevent the vicious cycle. More importantly, TET does not disrupt body's normal immune function while clearing the body's inflammatory state. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to its dosage and duration during treatment to avoid unexpected side effects caused by a long half-life. In summary, TET has a promising future in treating inflammatory diseases. The author reviews current therapeutic studies of TET in inflammatory conditions to provide some ideas for subsequent anti-inflammatory studies of TET.


Subject(s)
Benzylisoquinolines , Inflammation , Benzylisoquinolines/pharmacology , Benzylisoquinolines/therapeutic use , Humans , Animals , Inflammation/drug therapy , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use , Signal Transduction/drug effects
10.
Eur J Pharmacol ; 973: 176585, 2024 Jun 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38636799

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to explore the effects and mechanism of action of stachydrine hydrochloride (Sta) against myocardial infarction (MI) through sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum stress-related injury. The targets of Sta against MI were screened using network pharmacology. C57BL/6 J mice after MI were treated with saline, Sta (6 or 12 mg kg-1) for 2 weeks, and adult mouse and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (AMCMs and NRCMs) were incubated with Sta (10-4-10-6 M) under normoxia or hypoxia for 2 or 12 h, respectively. Echocardiography, Evans blue, and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining were used for morphological and functional analyses. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), unfolded protein reaction (UPR), apoptosis signals, cardiomyocyte contraction, and Ca2+ flux were detected using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), western blotting, immunofluorescence, and sarcomere and Fluo-4 tracing. The ingredient-disease-pathway-target network revealed targets of Sta against MI were related to apoptosis, Ca2+ homeostasis and ERS. Both dosages of Sta improved heart function, decreased infarction size, and potentially increased the survival rate. Sta directly alleviated ERS and UPR and elicited less apoptosis in the border myocardium and hypoxic NRCMs. Furthermore, Sta upregulated sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase 2a (SERCA2a) in both ischaemic hearts and hypoxic NRCMs, accompanied by restored sarcomere shortening, resting intracellular Ca2+, and Ca2+ reuptake time constants (Tau) in Sta-treated hypoxic ARCMs. However, 2,5-di-t-butyl-1,4-benzohydroquinone (BHQ) (25 µM), a specific SERCA inhibitor, totally abolished the beneficial effect of Sta in hypoxic cardiomyocytes. Sta protects the heart from MI by upregulating SERCA2a to maintain intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis, thus alleviating ERS-induced apoptosis.


Subject(s)
Apoptosis , Calcium , Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress , Homeostasis , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Myocytes, Cardiac , Proline/analogs & derivatives , Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Calcium-Transporting ATPases , Animals , Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress/drug effects , Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Calcium-Transporting ATPases/metabolism , Calcium/metabolism , Myocytes, Cardiac/drug effects , Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism , Myocytes, Cardiac/pathology , Homeostasis/drug effects , Apoptosis/drug effects , Mice , Male , Cardiotonic Agents/pharmacology , Cardiotonic Agents/therapeutic use , Rats , Myocardial Infarction/pathology , Myocardial Infarction/metabolism , Myocardial Infarction/drug therapy , Myocardial Infarction/prevention & control , Benzylisoquinolines/pharmacology , Benzylisoquinolines/therapeutic use , Unfolded Protein Response/drug effects
11.
Phytomedicine ; 129: 155559, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38579642

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Osteoclast plays an important role in maintaining the balance between bone anabolism and bone catabolism. The abnormality of osteoclast is closely related to osteolytic bone diseases such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and tumor bone metastasis. PURPOSE: We aim to search for natural compound that may suppress osteoclast formation and function. STUDY DESIGN: In this study, we assessed the impact of Dauricine (Dau) on the formation and function of osteoclasts in vitro, as well as its potential in preventing bone loss in an ovariectomy mouse model in vivo. METHODS: Multiple in vitro experiments were carried out, including osteoclastogenesis, podosomal belt formation, bone resorption assay, RNA-sequencing, real-time quantitative PCR, ROS level detection, surface plasmon resonance assay, luciferase assay and western blot. To verify the effect in vivo, an ovariectomized mouse model (OVX model) was constructed, and bone parameters were measured using micro-CT and histology. Furthermore, metabolomics analysis was performed on blood serum samples from the OVX model. RESULTS: In vitro experiments demonstrated that Dau inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis, podosomal belt formation, and bone resorption function. RNA-sequencing results revealed that Dau significantly suppresses genes related to osteoclast. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that Dau's inhibition of osteoclasts may be associated with NF-κB signaling pathway and reactive oxygen metabolism pathway. Molecular docking, surface plasmon resonance assay and western blot analysis further confirmed that Dau inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by modulating the ROS/NF-κB/NFATc1 pathway. Moreover, administration of Dau to OVX-induced mice validated its efficacy in treating bone loss disease. CONCLUSION: Dau prevents OVX-induced bone loss by inhibiting osteoclast activity and bone resorption, potentially offering a new approach for preventing and treating metabolic bone diseases such as osteoporosis. This study provides innovative insights into the inhibitory effects of Dau in an in vivo OVX model and elucidates the underlying mechanism.


Subject(s)
Benzylisoquinolines , NF-kappa B , NFATC Transcription Factors , Osteoclasts , Osteogenesis , Ovariectomy , RANK Ligand , Reactive Oxygen Species , Animals , Benzylisoquinolines/pharmacology , Female , RANK Ligand/metabolism , Mice , NF-kappa B/metabolism , Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism , Osteogenesis/drug effects , Osteoclasts/drug effects , NFATC Transcription Factors/metabolism , Disease Models, Animal , Bone Resorption/drug therapy , Mice, Inbred C57BL , RAW 264.7 Cells , Osteoporosis/drug therapy , Osteoporosis/prevention & control , Humans , Tetrahydroisoquinolines
12.
Int Immunopharmacol ; 130: 111693, 2024 Mar 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38428144

ABSTRACT

Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are two major causes leading to early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a critical transcription factor that contributes to antioxidant responses. Additionally, Nrf2 could inhibit transforming growth factor beta-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), which plays a vital role in microglial activation-mediated neuroinflammation. Neferine (NE) exhibits considerable protective effects in diverse disease models. However, the detailed effect and mechanism of NE on SAH remain unknown. Our data showed that NE treatment significantly reduced behavior and cognitive impairment, and brain edema in the early period after SAH. In addition, NE mitigated SAH-induced oxidative damage, neuroinflammation, and neural death. Moreover, NE inhibited M1 microglial polarization and enhanced M2 phenotype microglia both in vivo and in vitro. Further investigations revealed that NE enhanced the Nrf2-antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway and suppressed TAK1-NF-κB signaling. In contrast, depletion of Nrf2 by ML385 suppressed Nrf2-ARE signaling, induced TAK1-NF-κB activation, and further promoted M1 microglial polarization. Additionally, ML385 abated the neuroprotective effects of NE against SAH. Notably, LPS also aggravated TAK1-NF-κB activation and reversed the beneficial effects of NE after SAH. In summary, NE provides protection after SAH by inhibiting oxidative stress and modulating microglial polarization through Nrf2 activation and TAK1-NF-κB suppression.


Subject(s)
Benzylisoquinolines , Microglia , NF-E2-Related Factor 2 , NF-kappa B , Neuroinflammatory Diseases , Subarachnoid Hemorrhage , Male , Benzylisoquinolines/pharmacology , Benzylisoquinolines/therapeutic use , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Microglia/pathology , Neuroinflammatory Diseases/drug therapy , Neuroinflammatory Diseases/etiology , NF-E2-Related Factor 2/agonists , NF-kappa B/metabolism , Signal Transduction , Subarachnoid Hemorrhage/complications , Disease Models, Animal
13.
J Nat Prod ; 87(4): 1013-1022, 2024 Apr 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38483204

ABSTRACT

Six undescribed and six known bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids were isolated from the embryo of Nelumbo nucifera seeds. Their structures were fully characterized by a combination of 1H, 13C NMR, 2D NMR, and HRESIMS analyses, as well as ECD computational calculations. The antiadipogenic activity of 11 alkaloids was observed in a dose-responsive manner, leading to the suppression of lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. Luciferase assay and Western blot analysis showed that the active alkaloids downregulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ, a key antiadipogenic receptor) expression in 3T3-L1 cells. Analysis of the structure-activity relationship unveiled that a 1R,1'S configuration in bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids led to a notable enhancement in antiadipogenic activity. The resistance level against lipid accumulation highlighted a consistent pattern with the suppressive effect on the PPARγ expression. These activity results indicate that alkaloids from the embryo of N. nucifera seeds have a potential of antiobesity effects through PPARγ downregulation.


Subject(s)
3T3-L1 Cells , Adipogenesis , Alkaloids , Down-Regulation , Nelumbo , PPAR gamma , Seeds , Animals , Seeds/chemistry , Mice , Nelumbo/chemistry , Alkaloids/pharmacology , Alkaloids/chemistry , Molecular Structure , Down-Regulation/drug effects , Adipogenesis/drug effects , Benzylisoquinolines/pharmacology , Benzylisoquinolines/chemistry , Benzylisoquinolines/isolation & purification , Structure-Activity Relationship
14.
Aging (Albany NY) ; 16(7): 5905-5915, 2024 Mar 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38517394

ABSTRACT

Dysfunction of tight junctions such as zonula occludens protein-1 (ZO-1)-associated aggravation of blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability plays an important role in the progression of stroke. Cepharanthine (CEP) is an extract from the plant Stephania cepharantha. However, the effects of CEP on stroke and BBB dysfunction have not been previously reported. In this study, we report that CEP improved dysfunction in neurological behavior in a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model. Importantly, CEP suppressed blood-brain barrier (BBB) hyperpermeability by increasing the expression of ZO-1. Notably, we found that CEP inhibited the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in the cortex of MCAO mice. Additionally, the results of in vitro experiments demonstrate that treatment with CEP ameliorated cytotoxicity of human bEnd.3 brain microvascular endothelial cells against hypoxia/reperfusion (H/R). Also, CEP attenuated H/R-induced aggravation of endothelial permeability in bEND.3 cells by restoring the expression of ZO-1. Further study proved that the protective effects of CEP are mediated by inhibition of VEGF-A and VEGFR2. Based on the results, we conclude that CEP might possess a therapeutic prospect in stroke through protecting the integrity of the BBB mediated by the VEGF/VEGFR2/ZO-1 axis.


Subject(s)
Benzodioxoles , Benzylisoquinolines , Blood-Brain Barrier , Signal Transduction , Stroke , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 , Zonula Occludens-1 Protein , Animals , Zonula Occludens-1 Protein/metabolism , Blood-Brain Barrier/drug effects , Blood-Brain Barrier/metabolism , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2/metabolism , Benzylisoquinolines/pharmacology , Benzylisoquinolines/therapeutic use , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism , Mice , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Stroke/metabolism , Stroke/drug therapy , Humans , Male , Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery/metabolism , Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery/drug therapy , Disease Models, Animal , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Endothelial Cells/drug effects , Endothelial Cells/metabolism , Cell Line
15.
Virol Sin ; 39(2): 301-308, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38452856

ABSTRACT

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common pediatric illness mainly caused by enteroviruses, which are important human pathogens. Currently, there are no available antiviral agents for the therapy of enterovirus infection. In this study, an excellent high-content antiviral screening system utilizing the EV-A71-eGFP reporter virus was developed. Using this screening system, we screened a drug library containing 1042 natural compounds to identify potential EV-A71 inhibitors. Fangchinoline (FAN), a bis-benzylisoquinoline alkaloid, exhibits potential inhibitory effects against various enteroviruses that cause HFMD, such as EV-A71, CV-A10, CV-B3 and CV-A16. Further investigations revealed that FAN targets the early stage of the enterovirus life cycle. Through the selection of FAN-resistant EV-A71 viruses, we demonstrated that the VP1 protein could be a potential target of FAN, as two mutations in VP1 (E145G and V258I) resulted in viral resistance to FAN. Our research suggests that FAN is an efficient inhibitor of EV-A71 and has the potential to be a broad-spectrum antiviral drug against human enteroviruses.


Subject(s)
Antiviral Agents , Benzylisoquinolines , Drug Resistance, Viral , Antiviral Agents/pharmacology , Humans , Benzylisoquinolines/pharmacology , Drug Resistance, Viral/genetics , Virus Replication/drug effects , Enterovirus A, Human/drug effects , Enterovirus A, Human/genetics , Drug Evaluation, Preclinical , Genes, Reporter , High-Throughput Screening Assays , Capsid Proteins/genetics , Capsid Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors , Enterovirus/drug effects , Enterovirus/genetics , Cell Line , Green Fluorescent Proteins/genetics
16.
Zhongguo Shi Yan Xue Ye Xue Za Zhi ; 32(1): 33-38, 2024 Feb.
Article in Chinese | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38387896

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC),an essential element of the bone marrow microenvironment, in multidrug resistance(MDR) of K562 cells, as well as the reversal effect of tetrandrine (TET) on BMSC-mediated MDR and its potential mechanism. METHODS: A mixed co-culture system and a transwell co-culture system for BMSC and K562 cells were established, and the cells were divided into different groups and treated with daunorubicin (DNR) alone or combined with TET and DNR. The CCK-8 assay was used to detect the proliferation of K562 cells in each group, and the cell inhibition rate was calculated. Cytometric bead array (CBA) was used to detect the expression levels of IFN, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-10 in the supernatant of different groups. RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detected the expression of STAT3 at mRNA and protein levels, respectively. RESULTS: Compared with K562+DNR group, the inhibition rate of DNR on K562 cell proliferation in K562+BMSC+DNR group was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), while the levels of IL-6 in the culture supernatant and phosphorylated STAT3 in K562 cells were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Compared with K562+BMSC+DNR group, the inhibition rate of DNR on K562 cell proliferation in K562+BMSC+DNR+TET group was significantly increased (P < 0.05), while the level of IL-6 and phosphorylated STAT3 was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: BMSC can promote the drug resistance of leukemia cells, and TET may reverse the BMSC-mediated drug resistance via inhibiting IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway.


Subject(s)
Benzylisoquinolines , Leukemia , Humans , Interleukin-6 , Drug Resistance, Neoplasm , Benzylisoquinolines/pharmacology , Benzylisoquinolines/therapeutic use , Daunorubicin/pharmacology , K562 Cells , Leukemia/drug therapy , Tumor Microenvironment
17.
Clin Respir J ; 18(1): e13729, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38286741

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Asthma associated with obesity is a chronic disease characterized by earlier airway remodeling, severe wheezing, and increased insensitivity to hormone therapy. Reticuline, a bioactive compound of Magnoliae Flos, exerts anti-inflammatory activity and can inhibit neutrophil recruitment. Thus, this study investigated the role of reticuline in obesity-related asthma. METHODS: The BALB/c mice fed a low-fat diet (LFD) and high-fat diet (HFD) were intranasally challenged with house dust mites (HDMs) or ovalbumin (OVA). Reticuline (0.25 mg/kg) was administrated into mice by intragastrical gavage. Airway hyper-responsiveness was examined after the final challenge. Body weight was measured, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissues were collected. The number of inflammatory cells in BALF was estimated. Histological changes were assessed by performing hematoxylin-eosin staining, and production of proinflammatory cytokines and IgE was examined by ELISA kits. Related pathways were studied with western blotting. RESULTS: Reticuline suppressed airway resistance and inflammatory infiltration in lung tissue and reduced inflammatory cell recruitment in BALF in obesity mice with asthma. Additionally, the levels of IL-17A, IL-1ß, IL-5, macrophage inflammatory protein 2, and regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted in the lung were reduced by reticuline. Mechanistically, reticuline inactivated the JAK2/STAT3/SOCS3 and p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways in obesity-related asthma. CONCLUSION: Reticuline alleviates airway inflammation in obesity-related asthma by inactivating the JAK2/STAT3/SOCS3 and p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways.


Subject(s)
Asthma , Benzylisoquinolines , Janus Kinase 2 , NF-kappa B , STAT3 Transcription Factor , Animals , Mice , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use , Asthma/drug therapy , Asthma/metabolism , Benzylisoquinolines/pharmacology , Benzylisoquinolines/therapeutic use , Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid , Cytokines/metabolism , Disease Models, Animal , Inflammation/metabolism , Janus Kinase 2/drug effects , Janus Kinase 2/metabolism , Lung/pathology , Mice, Inbred BALB C , NF-kappa B/drug effects , NF-kappa B/metabolism , Obesity/complications , Obesity/drug therapy , p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism , p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/pharmacology , p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/therapeutic use , Signal Transduction , STAT3 Transcription Factor/drug effects , STAT3 Transcription Factor/metabolism , Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 Protein/drug effects , Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 Protein/metabolism
18.
Int J Nanomedicine ; 19: 787-803, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38293606

ABSTRACT

Background: Tetrandrine (Tet), a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid, is a potential candidate for cancer chemotherapy. However, Tet has poor aqueous solubility and a short half-life, which limits its bioavailability and efficacy. Liposomes have been widely utilized to enhance the bioavailability and efficacy of drugs. Methods: In this study, Tet-loaded stealth liposomes (S-LPs@Tet) were prepared by ethanol injection method. Furthermore, physicochemical characterisation, biopharmaceutical behaviour, therapeutic efficacy, and biocompatibility of S-LPs@Tet were assessed. Results: The prepared S-LPs@Tet had an average particle size of 65.57 ± 1.60 nm, a surface charge of -0.61 ± 0.10 mV, and an encapsulation efficiency of 87.20% ± 1.30%. The S-LPs@Tet released Tet in a sustained manner, and the results demonstrated that the formulation remained stable for one month. More importantly, S-LPs significantly enhanced the inhibitory ability of Tet on the proliferation and migration of lung cancer cells, and enabled Tet to escape phagocytosis by immune cells. Furthermore, in vivo studies confirmed the potential for long-circulation and potent tumor-suppressive effects of S-LPs@Tet. Moreover, ex vivo and in vivo safety experiments demonstrated that the carrier material S-LPs exhibited superior biocompatibility. Conclusion: Our research suggested that S-LPs@Tet has potential applications in lung cancer treatment.


Subject(s)
Benzylisoquinolines , Lung Neoplasms , Humans , Liposomes , Lipopolysaccharides , Benzylisoquinolines/pharmacology , Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy
19.
J Ethnopharmacol ; 321: 117560, 2024 Mar 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38081396

ABSTRACT

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Dauricine (DA) is a natural plant-derived alkaloid extracted from Menispermum dauricum. Menispermum dauricum has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a classic remedy for rheumatoid arthropathy and is believed to be effective in alleviating swelling and pain in the limbs. AIM OF THE STUDY: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a classic degenerative disease involving chondrocyte death, and there is still a lack of effective therapeutic agents that can reverse the progression of the disease. Here we explored the therapeutic effects of DA against OA and further explored the mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effect of DA on cell viability was assessed by CCK-8. IL-1ß-treated mouse chondrocytes were used as an in vitro model of OA, and apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. QRT-PCR, western blotting, cell staining, and immunofluorescence were used to detect relevant inflammatory factors and cartilage-specific expression. RNA sequencing was used to identify pertinent signaling pathways. The therapeutic effect of DA was verified by micro-CT, histological analysis and immunohistochemical analysis in a mouse OA model. RESULTS: DA demonstrated a high safety profile on chondrocytes, significantly reversing the inflammatory response induced by IL-1ß, and promoting factors associated with cartilage regeneration. Moreover, DA exhibited a significant protective effect on the knee joints of mice undergoing ACLT-DMM, effectively preventing cartilage degeneration and subchondral bone tissue destruction. These positive therapeutic effects were achieved through the modulation of the NF-κB pathway and the Ca2+ signaling pathway by DA. CONCLUSION: Being derived from a traditional herb, DA exhibits remarkable therapeutic potential and safety in OA treatment, presenting a promising option for patients dealing with osteoarthritis.


Subject(s)
Benzylisoquinolines , Menispermum , Osteoarthritis , Humans , Mice , Animals , NF-kappa B/metabolism , Chondrocytes , Menispermum/metabolism , Cells, Cultured , Inflammation/chemically induced , Inflammation/drug therapy , Inflammation/metabolism , Benzylisoquinolines/pharmacology , Osteoarthritis/chemically induced , Osteoarthritis/drug therapy , Interleukin-1beta/metabolism
20.
Blood Adv ; 8(2): 309-323, 2024 01 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37967356

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT: Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II γ (CAMKIIγ) has been identified as a potential target for treating cancer. Based on our previous study of berbamine (BBM) as a CAMKIIγ inhibitor, we have synthesized a new BBM derivative termed PA4. Compared with BBM, PA4 showed improved potency and specificity and was more cytotoxic against lymphoma and leukemia than against other types of cancer. In addition to indirectly targeting c-Myc protein stability, we demonstrated that its cytotoxic effects were also mediated via increased reactive oxygen species production in lymphoma cells. PA4 significantly impeded tumor growth in vivo in a xenograft T-cell lymphoma mouse model. Pharmacokinetics studies demonstrated quick absorption into plasma after oral administration, with a maximum concentration of 1680 ± 479 ng/mL at 5.33 ± 2.31 hours. The calculated oral absolute bioavailability was 34.1%. Toxicity assessment of PA4 showed that the therapeutic window used in our experiments was safe for future development. Given its efficacy, safety, and favorable pharmacokinetic profile, PA4 is a potential lead candidate for treating lymphoma.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents , Benzylisoquinolines , Leukemia , Lymphoma, T-Cell , Humans , Mice , Animals , Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 2 , Benzylisoquinolines/pharmacology , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
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