Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Weiqun Yu
Summary: Inhibition of bladder contraction with antimuscarinics is a common approach for treating bladder hyperactivity. The L-type voltage-gated calcium channel alpha(1C) (Cav1.2) plays a crucial role in bladder contractility. However, clinical trials using calcium channel blockers (CCBs) for treating bladder overactivity have been unsuccessful, contrary to expectations. Recent findings suggest that ketamine and nifedipine can function as Cav1.2 antagonists, and a Cav1.2 agonist can increase void volume and reduce voiding frequency. This perspective discusses the unsuccessful use of CCBs in urological trials and the potential of Cav1.2 agonists as novel therapies for bladder dysfunctions.
Article
Plant Sciences
Daniel Seifu, Kristofer F. Nilsson, Rajinder Chawla, Solomon Genet, Mikael Holst, Asfaw Debella, Per M. Hellstrom
Summary: The aim of this study was to isolate and identify the bioactive principle from Taverniera abyssinica root and investigate its effects on isolated smooth muscle tissues. Through bioassay-guided fractionation and HPLC purification, the bioactive fractions were identified as isoflavones. These compounds showed about 80% inhibition of contractions in isolated smooth muscle strips.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Acharaporn Duangjai, Vatcharin Rukachaisirikul, Yaowapa Sukpondma, Chutima Srimaroeng, Chatchai Muanprasat
Summary: Antispasmodic agents derived from terrestrial plants have been used for modulating gastrointestinal motility. This study investigated the inhibitory effect and mechanism of asperidine B, a pyrrolidine derivative isolated from the fungus Aspergillus sclerotiorum, on spasmodic activity in the rat ileum. The results suggest that the antispasmodic property of asperidine B is likely attributed to its blockade of the L-type Ca2+ channel and involvement with K+ channels and muscarinic receptor.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Iain L. O. Buxton, Hazik Asif, Scott D. D. Barnett
Summary: Preterm labor leading to preterm birth is currently not preventable. Beta 2 agonists and nitric oxide, which are effective in relaxing smooth muscles, have been ineffective in preventing preterm birth. However, recent studies suggest that the repurposing of approved medication, such as mirabegron, may advance the prevention of preterm birth.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hyun-Jung Kim, Paul Cheng, Stanislao Travisano, Chad Weldy, Joao P. Monteiro, Ramendra Kundu, Trieu Nguyen, Disha Sharma, Huitong Shi, Yi Lin, Boxiang Liu, Saptarsi Haldar, Simon Jackson, Thomas Quertermous
Summary: Genes encoding risk for coronary disease are crucial for developing new therapies. A particular gene, PDGFD, has been identified as a culprit gene and it promotes disease risk. Mechanistic studies confirm that rs2019090 and PDGFD represent the functional genetic variant and gene responsible for coronary artery disease. PDGFD mediates CAD risk by promoting deleterious phenotypic changes in smooth muscle cells and an inflammatory response primarily focused in the adventitia.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Silvia G. del Villar, Taylor L. Voelker, Maartje Westhoff, Gopireddy R. Reddy, Heather C. Spooner, Manuel F. Navedo, Eamonn J. Dickson, Rose E. Dixon
Summary: The number and activity of Ca(v)1.2 channels in cardiomyocytes regulates the magnitude of Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release and myocardial contraction. Stimulation of beta-Adrenergic receptors leads to insertion of Ca(V)1.2 channels into the sarcolemma, enhancing cooperative gating behavior and increasing Ca2+ influx and contractility. This process is fueled by an internal reserve of pre-synthesized channels localized in endosomes, regulated by Rab proteins.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fabio Fonseca, Thomas M. Raffay, Kunhong Xiao, Precious J. McLaughlin, Zhaoxia Qian, Zachary W. Grimmett, Naoko Adachi, Benlian Wang, Alfred Hausladen, Brian A. Cobb, Rongli Zhang, Douglas T. Hess, Benjamin Gaston, Nevin A. Lambert, James D. Reynolds, Richard T. Premont, Jonathan S. Stamler
Summary: S-Nitrosylation is a central mechanism in β(2)-adrenergic receptor signaling, essential for both classic desensitization by PKA and NO-based signaling that mediates bronchorelaxation. Mutant β(2)AR refractory to S-nitrosylation amplifies NO-based signaling, leading to resistance to bronchoconstriction and asthma development.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Pei Wang, Shangcheng Xu, Jiqian Xu, Yanguo Xin, Yan Lu, Huiliang Zhang, Bo Zhou, Haodong Xu, Shey-Shing Sheu, Rong Tian, Wang Wang
Summary: This study reveals that chronic stress can upregulate the expression of mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), preserving calcium homeostasis and cardiomyocyte viability to counteract stress-induced pathological cardiac remodeling.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Michael M. Gezalian, Luigi Mangiacotti, Padmesh Rajput, Nicklaus Sparrow, Konrad Schlick, Shouri Lahiri
Summary: Adrenoceptor and calcium channel modulating medications have cerebrovascular-specific effects related to the unique characteristics of cerebrovascular anatomy, which differ from their systemic effects. Future research should consider lesion location when selecting vasoactive medications, aiming to improve neurological outcomes in acute neurological and systemic disorders.
JOURNAL OF CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW AND METABOLISM
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jean-Luc Morel, Nathalie Mokrzycki, Guy Lippens, Herve Drobecq, Pierre Sautiere, Michel Hugues
Summary: This study investigated the effect of peptides extracted from scorpion venom on calcium-activated chloride current in smooth muscle cells. A peptide was found to selectively inhibit chloride conductance without affecting calcium signaling or calcium and potassium currents.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Moshe Katz, Suraj Subramaniam, Orna Chomsky-Hecht, Vladimir Tsemakhovich, Veit Flockerzi, Enno Klussmann, Joel A. Hirsch, Sharon Weiss, Nathan Dascal
Summary: CaV1.2 channels play a crucial role in regulating cardiac muscle contraction, with 0-AR increasing contraction by enhancing calcium influx through these channels via PKA activation. A recent study identified Rad as essential for PKA regulation of CaV1.2, revealing two distinct pathways of PKA modulation of CaV1.2: Rad dependent and Rad independent.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chunyu He, Xiaoyue Li, Meili Wang, Suli Zhang, Huirong Liu
Summary: The study found that BK channel deletion in rats resulted in various structural and functional changes in skeletal muscle, myocardium, and vascular smooth muscle. BK channel may have different effects on different types of muscle tissue, which should be noted when using BK channel-related drugs.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Marino DiFranco, Stephen C. Cannon
Summary: Hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HypoPP) is a skeletal muscle channelopathy caused by mutations in voltage sensor domains of calcium or sodium channels. Recurrent attacks of weakness are the primary clinical manifestation, resulting from impaired excitability of depolarized fibers containing leaky mutant channels. Reduced Ca2+-release in Ca(V)1.1 mutant channels may contribute to the late-onset permanent muscle weakness in Ca(V)1.1-associated HypoPP. The episodes of transient weakness in both Ca(V)1.1 and Na(V)1.4-associated HypoPP are primarily caused by leaky channels and are not a consequence of reduced Ca2+-release.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-CELL PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Ngoc Luu, Apratim Bajpai, Rui Li, Seojin Park, Mahad Noor, Xiao Ma, Weiqiang Chen
Summary: This study reveals the defective mechanosensation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) during aging, leading to a decline in their ability to sense and adapt to mechanical perturbations. Aged VSMCs exhibit a relatively inert mechanobiological state with altered actin cytoskeletal integrity, resulting in impaired mechanosensitivity and dynamic mechanoresponse. This decline in mechanosensation is mediated by hyperactivity of Piezo1-dependent calcium signaling. Inhibition of Piezo1 can alleviate vascular aging and partially restore the loss in dynamic contractile properties in aged cells.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Senka Ljubojevic-Holzer, Simon Kraler, Natasa Djalinac, Mahmoud Abdellatif, Julia Voglhuber, Julia Schipke, Marlene Schmidt, Katharina-Maria Kling, Greta Therese Franke, Viktoria Herbst, Andreas Zirlik, Dirk von Lewinski, Daniel Scherr, Peter P. Rainer, Michael Kohlhaas, Alexander Nickel, Christian Muehlfeld, Christoph Maack, Simon Sedej
Summary: Autophagy plays a protective role against the development of cardiac hypertrophy and failure. Loss of Atg5-dependent autophagy reduces mitochondrial abundance and causes subtle alterations in subcellular Ca2+ cycling upon increased workload in mice. Autophagy-related impairment of Ca2+ handling is progressively worsened by beta-adrenergic signalling in ventricular cardiomyocytes, thereby leading to energetic exhaustion and compromised cardiac reserve.
CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Mahrokh Heydari, Amin Mokhtari-Zaer, Fatemeh Amin, Arghavan Memarzia, Saeideh Saadat, Mahmoud Hosseini, Mohammad Hossein Boskabady
Summary: The study showed that hydroalcoholic extract of Zataria multiflora can improve memory impairment and lung inflammation caused by inhaled paraquat. It is able to alleviate behavioral abnormalities and oxidative stress effects.
NUTRITIONAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Arghavan Memarzia, Mohammad R. Khazdair, Sepideh Behrouz, Zahra Gholamnezhad, Maryam Jafarnezhad, Saeideh Saadat, Mohammad H. Boskabady
Summary: Curcuma longa and its main constituent, curcumin, exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects, reducing inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress, and immune system disturbances.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Fatemeh Amin, Ali Roohbakhsh, Arghavan Memarzia, Hamid Reza Kazerani, Mohammad Hossein Boskabady
Summary: The study found that inhaled Paraquat has significant effects on systemic and lung inflammation and oxidative stress, with more pronounced effects in the immediate exposure condition compared to the late condition. The long-term impact of Paraquat toxicity suggests the need for more effective treatment strategies in Paraquat poisoning cases in the future.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Hamideh Kazemi Rad, Arghavan Memarzia, Fatemeh Amin, Mohammad Hossein Boskabady
Summary: Urginea maritima extract has a concentration-dependent relaxant effect on tracheal smooth muscle, possibly through mechanisms involving beta-2 adrenoceptor stimulation, muscarinic receptor inhibition, potassium opening, and calcium channels blocking.
EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Mostafa Boskabady, Mohammad Reza Khazdair, Rahimeh Bargi, Saeideh Saadat, Arghavan Memarzia, Nema Mohammadian Roshan, Mahmoud Hosseini, Vahid Reza Askari, Mohammad Hossein Boskabady
Summary: The study demonstrated that TQ treatment significantly improved LPS-induced lung inflammation and pathological changes by reducing total white blood cell count and decreasing the release of inflammatory mediators.
EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Fatemeh Amin, Arghavan Memarzia, Ali Roohbakhsh, Farzaneh Shakeri, Mohammad Hossein Boskabady
Summary: The study demonstrated that Zataria multiflora and pioglitazone could alleviate systemic inflammation and oxidative stress induced by inhaled paraquat. The combination of low doses of Pio-5+Z-200 mg/kg/day showed significantly higher effects compared to each one alone, suggesting modulation of PPAR-gamma receptors by the plant extract.
MEDIATORS OF INFLAMMATION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fatemeh Amin, Arghavan Memarzia, Hamideh Kazemi Rad, Hamid Reza Kazerani, Mohammad Hossein Boskabady
Summary: Exposure to paraquat (PQ) led to lung pathological changes and increased levels of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), interleukin (IL)-6, oxidants, and antioxidants in the lung tissue. Treatment with carvacrol, pioglitazone, and dexamethasone improved lung health in different ways, with a synergistic effect observed between low dose pioglitazone and carvacrol. Carvacrol showed similar effects to dexamethasone in improving lung injury induced by inhaled PQ, suggesting a potential PPAR-gamma receptor-mediated mechanism.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fatemeh Amin, Arghavan Memarzia, Hamideh Kazemi Rad, Farzaneh Shakeri, Mohammad Hossein Boskabady
Summary: Carvacrol and pioglitazone improved systemic oxidative stress and inflammation caused by inhaled paraquat. Additionally, the treatment with C-L+Pio-L showed significantly better effects compared to each one alone.
Review
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Sima Beigoli, Sepideh Behrouz, Arghavan Memarzia, Seyyedeh Zahra Ghasemi, Marzie Boskabady, Narges Marefati, Farzaneh Kianian, Mohammad Reza Khazdair, Hesham El-Seedi, Mohammad Hosein Boskabady
Summary: The health benefits of Allium cepa, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic effects, have been recognized for centuries. The plant's compounds, including flavonoids, alk(en)yl cysteine sulfoxides, cycloalliin, thiosulfinates, and sulfides, contribute to its broad-spectrum pharmacological activities. Studies have shown that extracts and constituents of A. cepa have preventive effects on respiratory diseases, allergic reactions, and immunologic disorders, making it a potential candidate for developing therapies in this area.
EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Fatemeh Amin, Ali Roohbakhsh, Arghavan Memarzia, Hamid Reza Kazerani, Mohammad Hossein Boskabady
AVICENNA JOURNAL OF PHYTOMEDICINE
(2020)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Fatemeh Amin, Arghavan Memarzia, Hamid Reza Kazerani, Mohammad Hossein Boskabady
IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES
(2020)
Correction
Plant Sciences
Lingmiao Wen, Tinglan Zhang, Fangfang Chen, Lin Hu, Chongyang Dou, Xian Ding, Alvin Altamirano, Guihua Wei, Zhiyong Yan
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Plant Sciences
Qing Tang, Mengfei Xu, Shunqin Long, Yaya Yu, Changju Ma, Rui Wang, Jing Li, Xi Wang, Fang Fang, Ling Han, Wanyin Wu, Sumei Wang
Summary: This study demonstrates that Fuzheng Kang-Ai (FZKA) decoction can inhibit the cell growth, proliferation, and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and reverse the acquired resistance of gefitinib. FZKA exerts its effects by regulating the p-ERK1/2-EZH2-Snail/EGFR signaling pathway.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Plant Sciences
Xiang Zhao, Xianrun Hu, Qi Xie, Shenglan Qi, Zedong Xiang, Xin Sun, Zhejun Xie, Rui Dang, Limei Zhou, Wei Liu, Xuemei Cheng, Changhong Wang
Summary: This study investigated the effects of Fufangmuniziqi formula (FFMN) on Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the role of alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins in the process. The results showed that FFMN improved cognitive and memory impairment in the AD mouse model. Alkaloids enhanced the cholinergic system, while flavonoids and saponins attenuated neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. These findings suggest that the combination of alkaloid, flavonoid, and saponin fractions derived from FFMN is a promising anti-AD agent.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Plant Sciences
Bangjian Dong, Ying Peng, Mengyue Wang, Chongsheng Peng, Xiaobo Li
Summary: This study elucidated the tissue distribution and excretion characteristics of the non-polysaccharide components of Sijunzi decoction in rats with spleen deficiency syndrome. It proposed new insights into the rationality of the compatibility of Sijunzi decoction.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jung-Seop Kim, Man-Gi Kim, Ji Eun Ryu, Ye-Been Lee, Quan Feng Liu, Kwang Ki Kim, Seung-Hun Cho, Sung Joon Shin, Byung-Soo Koo, Hyung-Kyoon Choi
Summary: Co-treatment with WCW and donepezil shows promise in improving cognitive function and serum metabolic profiles in a scopolamine-induced AD model. This combination therapy may reduce tyrosine and methionine levels, enhancing cognitive function by mitigating known risk factors for AD. The study provides a foundation for developing other bioactive compounds in AD treatment.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Plant Sciences
Kuang-Hsing Chiang, Tain-Junn Cheng, Wei-Chih Kan, Hsien-Yi Wang, Jui-Chen Li, Yan-Ling Cai, Chia-Hui Cheng, Yi-Chien Liu, Chia-Yu Chang, Jiunn-Jye Chuu
Summary: The ethanolic extract of Orthosiphon aristatus (OA) demonstrated an improving effect on memory and could serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD).
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Plant Sciences
Meryem Tourabi, Asmae EL Ghouizi, Ghizlane Nouioura, Khaoula Faiz, Hind Elfatemi, Karima El-yagoubi, Badiaa Lyoussi, Elhoussine Derwich
Summary: Mentha longifolia is a native plant in Morocco, traditionally used to treat various diseases. This study analyzed the phytochemical profile of the aqueous extract of M. longifolia and evaluated its acute and subacute toxicity in mice. The results showed that M. longifolia extract is rich in phenolic compounds and has no observed toxicity up to a certain dosage limit.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yue Zhang, Liang Li, Tao Chai, Han Xu, Hong-yan Du, Yan Jiang
Summary: Mulberry leaf multi-components (MMC) have hypoglycemic effects and can improve insulin resistance by activating the PI-3K/Akt signaling pathway. These findings highlight the multi-component, multi-target, and combined effects of MMC, and suggest it may be further developed as a hypoglycemic drug.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Correction
Plant Sciences
Shan Luo, Yuanchun Chen, Ruoxi Zhao, Donglai Ma, Yanmeng Zhao, Ying Zhang, Jianming Jiang, Wentao Yu
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Plant Sciences
Nittaya Chansiw, Pattranuch Chusri, Siwaporn Praman, Thaneeya Hawiset, Wannisa Sukhorum, Sorraya Champakam, Rawiwan Charoensup
Summary: This study evaluates the anti-inflammatory activity of Prabchompoothaweep (PCT) extract in an animal model. The results show that PCT significantly reduces inflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokines in acute and sub-acute inflammation. These findings suggest that PCT could be a new option for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yanting Wang, Guoqiang Liang, Wei Mu, Shu Sun, Xuanyi Chen, Xiaofeng Xu
Summary: Bushen Tianjing Recipe (BTR) is a tonic-kidney formula of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with good therapeutic effects in clinical settings. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of BTR on women's reproductive system by incubating miR-23a-induced KGN cells.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jiayi Zhi, Li Yin, Zhoudong Zhang, Yaozhong Lv, Fan Wu, Yang Yang, Enming Zhang, Huanqiu Li, Ning Lu, Mengze Zhou, Qinghua Hu
Summary: This study verified the pharmacodynamics of JSW in the treatment of AD and explored its potential mechanism using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Plant Sciences
Elizabeth Syowai Mutinda, Dong-Juan Zhang, Felix Wambua Muema, Elijah Mbandi Mkala, Emmanuel Nyongesa Waswa, Wyclif Ochieng Odago, Clintone Onyango Ochieng, Moses Kirega Gichua, John Kamau Muchuku, Elizabeth Kamande, Guang-Wan Hu
Summary: This article reviews the traditional uses, pharmacological properties, and phytoconstituents of Balanophora species, revealing that they contain diverse chemical compounds with interesting biological activities. However, research on many species in this genus is still lacking.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Plant Sciences
Luqi Cai, Yu Chen, Huizhong Xue, Yimeng Yang, Yuqi Wang, Junhe Xu, Chunyan Zhu, Long He, Yonghua Xiao
Summary: Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SM) has been proven to have potential therapeutic effects for diabetic nephropathy (DN) through its multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway pharmacological effects.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Plant Sciences
Chao Wang, Rui-Jia Fu, Ding-Qiao Xu, Qian Zuo, Ji-Ping Liu, Yu-Ping Tang
Summary: This study aimed to explore the hepatoprotective effects of Shicao on CCl4-induced acute liver injury. A rat model of acute liver injury was established and liver function indices were assessed. Untargeted metabolomics was conducted to identify differential metabolites. Network pharmacology was used to construct a network of metabolite-reaction-enzyme-gene constituents, and key components and hub genes were screened. Shicao showed hepatoprotective effects against acute liver injury in rats.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)