1.Silencing gene of TLR4 down-regulates the effect of TLR2 signal transduction in RAW264.7 cells to anti-Aspergillus fumigatus conidia stimulation
Zhenhua RAO ; Genhua ZHU ; Weihua XIE ; Mingsheng SU ; Kai LONG ; Hongdan LUO ; Xiaomei XIE
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2012;32(2):108-113
Objective To study the role of TLR2 and TLR4 signal transduction in RAW264.7 monocyte-macrophages stimulated by Aspergillus fumigatus conidia,and to investigate the expression of TLR2 signal transduction after silencing gene of TLR4.Methods Macrophages were randomly divided into normal group ( N group),normal+stimulated with Aspergillus fumigatus conidia ( N +Af group ),normal + transfected with TLR4-siRNA [ TLR4 (RNAi) group ],normal+transfected with TLR4-siRNA +stimulated with Aspergillus fumigatus conidia[ TLR4(RNAi) +Af group].RT-PCR and Western blot were used to assay expression levels of TLR2,TLR4,MyD88 mRNA and pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α protein when macrophages were stimulated 12 h by Aspergillus fumigatus conidia after tranfected 24 h with TLR4-siRNA by technology of RNAi.Results ( 1 ) Compared with N group,the expression of TLR2,TLR4,MyD88 mRNA and TNF-αprotein in N+Af group significantly increased before silencing gene of TLR4.(2) Silencing efficiency of macrophates was up to 83% after transfected with TLR4-siRNA.(3)The expression of TLR2,MyD88 mRNA in TLR4 (RNAi) group significantly decreased contrast with normal group.Meanwhile the expression of TLR2,MyD88 mRNA and TNF-α protein also obviously reduced in TLR4(RNAi) +Af group when compared with N +Af group.Compared with TLR4 (RNAi) group,the expression of MyD88 mRNA in TLR4 (RNAi) +Af group significantly increased.However,the expression of TLR2 mRNA and TNF-α protein have no significant change after silencing gene of TLR4.Conclusion Signaling pathway of TLR2 and TLR4 in macrophages was activated by given stimulus of Aspergillusfumigatus conidia and exerted the effect of anti-Aspergillus fumigatus spores stimulation through the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α.Meanwhile,silencing gene of TLR4 down-regulate the effect of TLR2 signal transduction in RAW264.7 cells to anti-Aspergillus fumigatus conidia stimulation,and it found that TLR4 played an more important role by contrast with TLR2.
2."Total amount" release kinetics evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine sustained-release preparations based on material rough set theory.
Pengfei YUE ; Qin ZHENG ; Genhua ZHU ; Zhenfeng WU ; Pengyi HU ; Ming YANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2010;45(11):1354-60
The release kinetics research of sustained-release formulations of traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) is an inalienable part of the chain of TCM modernization, which plays an important role in the development of modern compound TCM preparation. However, the research method or pattern in line with the specific characteristics of TCM, i.e., multi-component and multi-target, is still lacking. On the basis of material rough set theory, this paper reviewed the advantages and disadvantages of the existing evaluation patterns and methods, a tentative idea about the "total amount" release characteristics evaluation on TCM compound sustained-release preparation has suggested so as to evaluate the release kinetics and to promote the development of evaluation methodology on TCM sustained-release preparations.
3.Chemical constituents from the rhizomas of Smilax glauco-china
Min LIU ; Xiaohua ZHENG ; Genhua ZHU ; Huilian HUANG ; Jicheng SHU ; Feng SHAO ; Ronghua LIU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2017;39(3):540-543
AIM To study the chemical constituents from the rhizomas of Smilax glauco-china Warb.METHODS The n-butanol fraction of ethanol extract of S.glauco-china was isolated and purified by silica,Sephadex LH-20 and semi-preparative column,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.RESULTS Ten compounds were isolated and identified as phenethanol-β-D-gentiobioside (1),2-phenylethyl-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 →6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (2),phenylethyl D-rutinoside (3),phenylethyl β-D-glucoside (4),hydrangeifolin Ⅰ (5),icariside D1 (6),calophymembranside B (7),2-hydroxyphenol-1-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(6 → 1)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (8),β-sitosterol (9),daucosterol (10).CONCLUSION All the compounds are isolated from this plant for the first time.
4.Validation of the Thyrotoxicosis-associated Insomnia Model Induced by Thyroxine through Sympathetic Stimulation: Face, Construct and Predictive Perspectives
Zhifu AI ; Hongwei HE ; Tingting WANG ; Liling CHEN ; Chunhua HUANG ; Changlian CHEN ; Pengfei XU ; Genhua ZHU ; Ming YANG ; Yonggui SONG ; Dan SU
Experimental Neurobiology 2021;30(6):387-400
Insomnia has become a common central nervous system disease. At present, the pathogenesis of insomnia is not clear. Animal models can help us understand the pathogenesis of the disease and can be used in transformational medicine. Therefore, it is very necessary to establish an appropriate model of insomnia. Clinical data show that insomnia patients with high levels of thyroxine and often accompanied by cardiovascular problems, a common mechanism underlying all of these physiological disruptions is the sympathetic nervous system. Combined with the characteristics of chronic onset of clinical insomnia, an insomnia model induced by long-term intraperitoneal injection of thyroid hormone has been created in our laboratory. In this paper, the insomnia-like state of the model was evaluated based on three validity criteria. Face validity has been demonstrated in metabolism, the Morris water maze, electrocardiogram (ECG) and electroencephalogram (EEG). Structure validity has been proved by the results of targeted metabolomics. After treatment with diazepam, a commonly used clinical anti-insomnia drug, the above physiological and pathological disorders were reversed. The results of comprehensive analysis show that the established thyrotoxicosis-associated insomnia model meets the validity requirement to establish an appropriate animal model of insomnia. The model presented in this article might help to study pathogenetic mechanisms of clinical insomnia, as well as to test promising methods of insomnia treatment.
5.Chemical Constituent Analysis of Tongxie Yaofang Decoction by UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS
Suqin PENG ; Zhihong YAN ; Ruqun XIANG ; Qing XIONG ; Chen ZHANG ; Jing NING ; Xuebingting ZHANG ; Genhua ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(10):183-191
ObjectiveTo rapidly identify the chemical constituents in Tongxie Yaofang decoction by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-linear ion trap-electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS). MethodChromatographic conditions were ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 column(2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.7 μm), mobile phase of 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution(A)-acetonitrile(B) for gradient elution (0-4 min, 5%-15%B; 4-10 min, 15%-25%B; 10-15 min, 25%-60%B; 15-20 min, 60%-90%B; 20-25 min, 90%-100%B; 25-27 min, 100%B; 27-30 min, 100%-5%B; 30-32 min, 5%B), flow rate of 0.3 mL·min-1, column temperature at 35 ℃ and injection volume of 3 μL. UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS was equipped with an electrospray ionization(ESI), the MS and MS/MS data were collected in positive and negative ion modes, and detection range was m/z 100-1 250. Combining the reference substance, chemical databases and related literature information, TraceFinder 4.1 and Xcalibur 2.1 were used to identify the chemical constituents of Tongxie Yaofang decoction. ResultA total of 90 compounds, mainly including flavonoids, coumarins, monoterpene glycosides, chromones and lactones, were identified from Tongxie Yaofang decoction. By attributing the sources of Chinese medicines for all identified compounds, 9 of them were found to be derived from Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, 21 from Paeoniae Radix Alba, 24 from Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, 29 from Saposhnikoviae Radix, and 7 from at least two Chinese medicines. ConclusionThe method can effectively, quickly and comprehensively identify the chemical components of Tongxie Yaofang decoction, and clarify the chemical composition. These identified compounds cover the main active ingredients of the four herbs with high abundance, which indicates that the extraction method and the ratio of the medicinal materials of Tongxie Yaofang are scientific, and can provide a reference for the research on the material basis and quality evaluation of this famous classical formula.
6.Compatibility Advantage of Scutellariae Radix-Coptidis Rhizoma for Anti-neuroinflammation and Its Potential Targets for Regulating TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Hongjie ZHANG ; Dan SU ; Genhua ZHU ; Yonggui SONG ; Bugao ZHOU ; Shanshan LI ; Changhua ZHANG ; Zhifu AI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2022;28(22):58-67
ObjectiveTo explore the compatibility advantage of Scutellariae Radix-Coptidis Rhizoma in the prevention and treatment of neuroinflammation, and to elucidate the action characteristics and mechanism of the compatibility advantage based on Toll like receptor (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) pathway. MethodRepresentative mouse microglia cells (BV2) in vitro were selected and divided into 8 groups: control group, model group, Scutellariae Radix-Coptidis Rhizoma group, Piracetam group, Scutellariae Radix group and Coptidis Rhizoma group. The BV2 cell inflammatory model was established by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and the cell activity was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). Cell morphology was observed under bright field. The production and release of pro-inflammatory factors in BV2 cells were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunofluorescence assay, and the mRNA expressions of TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB were detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 was detected by immunofluorescence, and TLR4 signal transduction inhibitor (CLI-095) and NF-κB inhibitor (PDTC) were used to confirm the anti-neuroinflammation targets of Scutellariae Radix-Coptidis Rhizoma. ResultCompared with the conditions in the control group, most cells in LPS-induced model group were activated, and the contents of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β in culture medium and cells and the mRNA expressions of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB p50 and NF-κB p65 were increased (P<0.01), with obvious nuclear entry of NF-κB p65. Compared with the conditions in the model group, BV2 cell morphology was mostly recovered after pretreatment in Scutellariae Radix-Coptidis Rhizoma and Piracetam groups, and the levels of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β and the mRNA expressions of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB p50 and NF-κB p65 were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), with NF-κB p65 mostly observed in cytoplasm. Compared with the conditions in the model group, cell morphology was slightly recovered in Scutellariae Radix group and Coptidis Rhizoma group, and the levels of pro-inflammatory factors and mRNA expressions of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB p50 and NF-κB p65 were reduced. In terms of inhibitory effect on pro-inflammatory factors, Scutellariae Radix group and Coptidis Rhizoma group were lower than Scutellariae Radix-Coptidis Rhizoma group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the "Scutellariae Radix-Coptidis Rhizoma+CLI-095" group and "Scutellariae Radix-Coptidis Rhizoma+PDTC" group had lowered mRNA expressions of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB p50 and NF-κB p65 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the transfer of NF-κB p65 into nucleus was obviously inhibited. ConclusionThe anti-neuroinflammation effect of Scutellariae Radix-Coptidis Rhizoma was significantly better than Scutellariae Radix or Coptidis Rhizom alone, and the anti-neuroinflammation advantage was closely related to the inhibition of activation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in microglial cells. It was confirmed that TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB were potential targets for Scutellariae Radix-Coptidis Rhizoma to exert the compatibility advantage.
7.Full spectrum analysis of chemical constituents of Sargassum fusiforme and its in vitro anti-neuroinflammatory activity
Hong PENG ; Pinzhe HUANG ; Yonggui SONG ; Huanhua XU ; Mingyue ZHOU ; Genhua ZHU ; Ming YANG ; Zhifu AI ; Dan SU
China Pharmacy 2022;33(7):800-807
OBJECTIVE To study the composition of chemical constituents of Sargassum fusiforme and its in vitro anti- neuroinflammatory activity ,and to provide reference for its development and utilization and the study of pharmacodynamic substances. METHODS UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis method and GC-MS/MS method were used to analyze the chemical constituents of S. fusiforme . The lipopolysaccharide (1 μg/mL)was adopted to establish the inflammatory model of neuromicroglia BV2. Using paroxetine (5 μg/mL)as positive control ,CCK-8 assay was used to detect the effects of the extracts of S. fusiforme (20,40,60,80,100 μg/mL)on the activity and morphology of neuromicroglia BV 2. The effects of the extracts of S. fusiforme (40,60,80 μg/mL)on the contents of tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α)and interleukin- 6(IL-6)in cell supernatant were detected by ELISA. RESULTS A total of 103 non-volatile constituents were identified by UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS ,and 60 volatile constituents were obtained by GC-MS/MS. The extracts of S. fusiforme (40,60,80 μ g/mL) could significantly reduce the abnormally increased activation of neuromicroglia BV 2 and the contents of TNF-α and IL-6 due to lipopolysaccharide (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS The study establish the full spectrum of chemical constituents of S. fusiforme ,and it is confirmed that fusiforme has certain in vitro anti-neuroinflammatory activity.
8.Effects of raw and wine-processed Schisandra chinensis on neuro-endocrine-immune network in insomnia mice and its mechanism
Ruiying WANG ; Dan SU ; Huizhen LI ; Yali LIU ; Genhua ZHU ; Ming YANG ; Zhifu AI ; Tao LUO ; Bing XUE ; Yonggui SONG
China Pharmacy 2023;34(5):525-530
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of raw and wine-processed Schisandra chinensis on neuro-immune-endocrine network in insomnia mice and its mechanism. METHODS Fifty mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group, diazepam group, raw S. chinensis group and wine-processed S. chinensis group, with 10 mice in each group. Except for blank group, the mice in the other groups were intraperitoneally injected with thyroxine solution to establish mice model of insomnia; at the end of each day’s modeling, the corresponding doses of diazepam,raw and wine-processed S. chinensis were given by gavage. The blank group and model group were given constant volume of normal saline. The general state of the mice was observed and recorded, and the total activity distance and upright times of the mice were detected; the EEG and EMG signals of mice were recorded, and the time ratio of sleep wake time (wake), non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) was analyzed; the contents of neurotransmitters [γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), cortisol (CORT)] in brain suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) were detected; and the expressions of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) were detected; the mRNA expressions of clock gene Bmal1, circadian clock gene Clock and cycle gene Per2 were all detected. RESULTS Compared with the blank group, the mental state of the model group mice was relatively depressed, the amount of food and water increased, the body mass decreased, the hair was rough and shiny, and the circadian rhythm was irregular; the total activity distance and upright times decreased significantly; the time ratio of wake increased significantly, while the time ratios of REM and NREM decreased significantly; the content of 5- HT in brain SCN decreased significantly, while the content of NE, DA and CORT increased significantly; the fluorescence intensity of IL-1β and TNF-α was significantly increased; the relative expression level of Bmal1 and Clock mRNA was significantly increased, while the relative expression level of Per2 mRNA was significantly decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the general state of mice in diazepam group, raw S. chinensis group and wine-processed S. chinensis group was improved obviously, and most of the above index levels were significantly reversed (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Raw and wine-processed S. chinensis have a certain therapeutic effect on insomnia mice, the mechanism of which may be related to the regulation of neuro-endocrine-immune system related biological indicators in insomnia mice.
9.Screening of Antidepressant Active Components from Curcumae Rhizoma and Its Mechanism in Regulating Nrf2/GPX4/GSH Pathway
Yonggui SONG ; Delin DUAN ; Meixizi LAI ; Yali LIU ; Zhifu AI ; Genhua ZHU ; Huanhua XU ; Qin ZHENG ; Ming YANG ; Dan SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):211-221
ObjectiveTo screen and evaluate the antidepressant compounds of Curcumae Rhizoma, and explore its mechanism of regulating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/glutathione(GSH) peroxidase 4(GPX4)/GSH pathway from an antioxidant perspective. MethodsThe antioxidant activities in vitro of 11 characteristic components from Curcumae Rhizoma, including curcumol, curgerenone, curdione, curzerene, curcumenol, curcumenone, dehydrocurdione, isocurcumenol, furanodienone, furanodiene and zederone, were detected using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt(ABTS) radical scavenging assays. The depression in Drosophila melanogaster was induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS), and W1118 wild-type male D. melanogaster were randomly divided into blank group, model group, curcumol group, curgerenone group, curdione group, curzerene group, curcumenol group,curcumenone group, dehydrocurdione group, isocurcumenol group, furanodienone group, furanodiene group, zederone group and fluoxetine group(10 μmol·L-1). The treatment groups received a dose of 0.1 g·L-1 of 11 characteristic components from Curcumae Rhizoma, while the blank and model groups were administered equivalent volumes of solvent. The sucrose preference test, climbing test and forced swimming test were used to evaluate the behavioral indicators of depression in D. melanogaster. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS) was used to detect the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT) and dopamine(DA) in the brain of D. melanogaster, and the entropy weight method was used to comprehensively evaluate neurobehavioral and neurotransmitter indicators, resulting in the identification of the antidepressant active components of Curcumae Rhizoma. In addition, a mouse depression model was established by CUMS, and C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group, low and high dose groups of curzerene(0.5, 1 mg·kg-1), and fluoxetine group(10 mg·kg-1) to confirm the antidepressant effect of the optimal active ingredient by behavioral analysis. Flow cytometry was used to detect the content of reactive oxygen species(ROS) in the hippocampus of mice from each group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the contents of adenosine triphosphate(ATP), superoxide dismutase(SOD), catalase(CAT) and GSH. Transmission electron microscope(TEM) was used to observe the effect of curzerene on the ultrastructure of mitochondria in hippocampal tissue. Western blot was performed to determine the level of Nrf2 protein, and Nrf2 inhibitor(ML385) was used to verify the relationship between the antidepressant effect of curzerene and regulation of Nrf2. Real time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) was employed to detect the effect of curzerene on the mRNA expression level of GPX. ResultsIn vitro antioxidant experiments showed that curzerene and curgerenone exhibited the most significant ability to scavenge free radicals, and comprehensive evaluation results of entropy weight method indicated that curzerene stood out as the most promising active component. Compared with the blank group, the model group exhibited a significant decrease in sucrose preference coefficient and the number of times entering the open field center(P<0.01), as well as a significant increase in immobility time in the forced swimming and tail suspension tests(P<0.01), and the ROS content in hippocampus significantly elevated(P<0.01), while the ATP content significantly reduced(P<0.01). In the hippocampal neurons of the model group, mitochondrial cristae were disordered, with vacuolation of the inner membrane and severe damage. Nrf2 protein expression level in the model group was significantly decreased(P<0.05), and the antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT and GSH contents were also significantly reduced(P<0.05, P<0.01), and the gene expression levels of GPX1, GPX4 and GPX7 were significantly decreased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the high-dose group of curzerene showed a significant increase in the sucrose preference coefficient and the number of times entering the open field center(P<0.05), as well as a significant decrease in immobility time in the forced swimming and tail suspension tests(P<0.05, P<0.01). The ROS content in the hippocampus of the high-dose group of curzerene was significantly reduced(P<0.01), while the ATP content was significantly increased(P<0.05). The neuronal mitochondrial damage in the hippocampus of the high-dose group of curzerene was alleviated, and the expression level of Nrf2 protein was significantly increased(P<0.05). The Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 reversed the improvement of curzerene on depressive behaviors in CUMS mice. The GSH content in the hippocampal neurons of the high-dose group of curzerene was significantly increased(P<0.01), while there were no significant differences in SOD and CAT contents. The expression level of GPX4 gene in the hippocampal neurons of the high-dose group of curzerene was significantly increased(P<0.05), while there were no significant differences in other GPX genes. ConclusionCurzerene is the best component with antidepressant activity in Curcumae Rhizoma. It may improve mitochondrial dysfunction to exert its antidepressant effect by regulating Nrf2 and its downstream GPX4/GSH pathway rather than CAT or SOD pathways.