Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Akiko Inujima, Keiichi Koizumi, Naotoshi Shibahara
Summary: Research on bioactive components of herbal medicines has traditionally focused on secondary metabolites of herbal plants, with limited information on primary metabolites. This study highlights the immunostimulatory effects of heat-resistant RNA in a decoction of Glycyrrhizae Radix, suggesting nucleic acids as a new research field in the bioactive components of herbal medicines. By activating specific pathways and inducing cytokine production, the RNA demonstrated potential for therapeutic applications.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Pei-Li Zhu, Jun-Kui Li, Xiao-Li Jiang, Shi-Qing Zhang, Zhu Zhang, Ying Wang, Zhang Zhang, Wen-Qing Chen, Ken-Kin-Lam Yung
Summary: This study investigates the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) effects of a traditional Chinese medicine prescription, Qi-Wei-Wan (QWW), and its mechanism of action. The findings demonstrate that QWW inhibits the proliferation of HCC cells, induces apoptosis, and induces autophagy. Inhibition of the STAT3 and mTOR signaling pathways is involved in the anti-HCC effects of QWW. Blocking autophagy enhances the anti-HCC effects of QWW. These results provide pharmacological justifications for the traditional use of QWW in HCC treatment.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yue Ren, Fengfeng Gao, Beiyan Li, Anlei Yuan, Lulu Zheng, Yanling Zhang
Summary: This study innovatively proposes a precise efficacy determination strategy based on Quality-markers (Q-markers), and verifies it using Astragali radix (AR) as a case for its anticancer efficacy. By screening Q-markers and constructing a quantitative prediction model, the anticancer efficacy of AR samples was successfully predicted. The results of the study indicate that this strategy can support resource allocation optimization, improvement of efficacy stability, and achievement of precise clinical medication.
Article
Dermatology
Yue Ren, Qi Wu, Chaoqun Liu, Jianing Zhang, Zian Wang, Yingying Li, Yanling Zhang
Summary: This study aimed to discover a herbal combination with anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory activities to treat atopic dermatitis (AD). By evaluating the activities of different herbs and determining the optimal proportion, the study found that the herbal combination could inhibit inflammation and allergy, improving AD-like symptoms.
ARCHIVES OF DERMATOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Nuerbiye Aobulikasimu, Dan Zheng, Peipei Guan, Lixiao Xu, Bo Liu, Minglei Li, Xueshi Huang, Li Han
Summary: Isoflavonoids from Radix Astragali, specifically methylnissolin (ML) and methylnissolin-3-O-beta-D-glucoside (MLG), have anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects by downregulating the expression of proinflammatory cytokines through the NF-kappa B signaling pathway.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
C-X Zhang, C-M Shu, X-Y Zhang, X-T Lin, Q-H Guan, F. Zhang, X-T Zhi
Summary: The study showed that omega-3 PUFA has a protective effect in obstructive jaundice by regulating inflammatory response and reducing damage to intestinal structure. Inhibiting the activation of the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-kappa B pathway might be a mechanism for its protective effect. Omega-3 PUFA and drugs targeting the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-kappa B pathway could be potential treatment strategies for obstructive jaundice.
EUROPEAN REVIEW FOR MEDICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Oliver H. Voss, Daniel Arango, Justin C. Tossey, Miguel A. Villalona Calero, Andrea Doseff
Summary: Apigenin sensitizes primary lung cancer cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis through reprogramming alternative splicing of key TRAIL/DISC components and directly binding heat shock protein 70 to promote cell death. These findings emphasize the synergies between diet and cancer treatments, providing new avenues for improved cancer therapies.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2021)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Yi-ding Yu, Yi-ping Xiu, Yang-fan Li, Juan Zhang, Yi-tao Xue, Yan Li
Summary: Using network pharmacology, this study revealed the mechanism of action of Radix Astragali and Semen Lepidii (HQ-TLZ) in the treatment of heart failure, primarily through regulating multiple signaling pathways. Through analysis of active ingredients and targets, quercetin and kaempferol were identified as equivalent molecular groups. This provides insights for further research and development of novel drugs.
EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Mengtan Cai, Weihong Lin
Summary: NF-kappa B is a transcriptional regulator that plays important roles in inflammation, neuronal survival, and apoptosis. It is upregulated in epilepsy and causes functional changes in the central nervous system. Regulating NF-kappa B may be a safe and effective treatment strategy for epilepsy.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Reda F. A. Abdelhameed, Amany K. Ibrahim, Mahmoud A. Elfaky, Eman S. Habib, Mayada Mahamed, Eman T. Mehanna, Khaled M. Darwish, Dina M. Khodeer, Safwat A. Ahmed, Sameh S. Elhady
Summary: Cynanchum acutum L. is a climbing vine in the Apocynaceae family, and seven compounds were isolated from its methanolic extract, including six flavonoids with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Among them, quercetin-3-O-galactoside and quercetin demonstrated superior anti-inflammatory activity compared to other bioactive metabolites.
Article
Cell Biology
Eoin D. O'Sullivan, Katie J. Mylonas, Cuiyan Xin, David P. Baird, Cyril Carvalho, Marie-Helena Docherty, Ross Campbell, Kylie P. Matchett, Scott H. Waddell, Alexander D. Walker, Kevin M. Gallagher, Siyang Jia, Steve Leung, Alexander Laird, Julia Wilflingseder, Michaela Willi, Maximilian Reck, Sarah Finnie, Angela Pisco, Sabrina Gordon-Keylock, Alexander Medvinsky, Luke Boulter, Neil C. Henderson, Kristina Kirschner, Tamir Chandra, Bryan R. Conway, Jeremy Hughes, Laura Denby, V. Joseph Bonventre, David A. Ferenbach
Summary: Progressive fibrosis is a common feature of aging and chronic tissue injury in multiple organs, and Gli1+ cells play a crucial role in the activation of fibroblasts. This study revealed that leukocyte-derived tumor necrosis factor (TNF) promotes Gli1+ cell proliferation and fibrosis in the kidney and heart through induction and release of Indian Hedgehog (IHH). The results also demonstrated the role of inflammatory proximal tubular epithelial (iPT) cells in TNF and nuclear factor 0B (NF-0B)-induced IHH production. These findings suggest that targeting IHH may be a potential therapy for inflammation-induced fibrosis.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Richard Y. Kim, Krishna P. Sunkara, Ken R. Bracke, Andrew G. Jarnicki, Chantal Donovan, Alan C. Hsu, Antonio Ieni, Emma L. Beckett, Izabela Galvao, Sara Wijnant, Fabio Lm Ricciardolo, Antonino Di Stefano, Tatt Jhong Haw, Gang Liu, Angela L. Ferguson, Umamainthan Palendira, Peter A. Wark, Griet Conickx, Pieter Mestdagh, Guy G. Brusselle, Gaetano Caramori, Paul S. Foster, Jay C. Horvat, Philip M. Hansbro
Summary: miR-21 aberrant expression in COPD is associated with lung disease and can be a therapeutic target. Using a specific miR-21 inhibitor can effectively prevent and treat COPD, improving lung function.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Duygu Kose, Harun Un, Rustem Anil Ugan, Zekai Halici, Elif Cadirci, Tugba Bal Tastan, Aysenur Kahramanlar
Summary: The study revealed that treatment with aprepitant in rats with an experimental polymicrobial sepsis model led to increased levels of GSH and SOD activity, and decreased levels of MDA, TNF-alpha, and NFK-b expression, especially in the CLP + APRE40 group. The histopathology results supported the molecular and biochemical findings.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Di He, Di Wang, Ping Lu, Nan Yang, Zhigang Xue, Xianmin Zhu, Peng Zhang, Guoping Fan
Summary: The study revealed significant heterogeneity within early-stage LUAD carrying EGFR mutations, indicating complex interactions among tumor cells, stromal cells and immune infiltrates in the TME.
Review
Immunology
Daniel Arthur Corpuz Fisher, Jared Scott Fowles, Amy Zhou, Stephen Tracy Oh
Summary: Myeloid neoplasms such as AML, MPNs, and MDS involve clonal dominance and remodeling of bone marrow niche leading to malignant hematopoiesis. Inflammatory signaling hyperactivation and cytokine overproduction play critical roles, with cytokines like TNF potentially contributing to malignant clonal dominance. Targeting cytokine-mediated signaling may be a promising therapeutic strategy.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
