Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology - Online First

The combination of Gardeniae Fructus (ZZ) and Scutellariae Radix (HQ) is a traditional Chinese medicine used for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its anti-dementia effects, particularly its multi-component synergy and pathway modulation, remain poorly understood.

Our study employed an integrated systems pharmacology approach to mechanistically decode the anti-AD properties of ZZ-HQ, combining network pharmacology predictions, molecular docking simulations, and experimental validation to identify critical bioactive components, molecular targets, and therapeutic pathways.

A comprehensive network pharmacology analysis was performed to identify bioactive compounds within the ZZ-HQ complex and their potential protein targets associated with AD. Molecular docking was utilized to predict and assess the binding interactions between key bioactive compounds and AD-related protein targets. Experimental validation focused on baicalin, a major active compound in the ZZ-HQ complex, evaluating its effects on cell viability, apoptosis regulation, oxidative stress reduction, and the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Fifty-four bioactive compounds were identified in the ZZ-HQ complex, interacting with 258 AD-associated proteins. Key compounds, such as baicalein and norwogonin, demonstrated strong binding affinities with pivotal proteins, including SRC and PIK3R1. Experimental studies further confirmed that baicalin significantly improved cell viability by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway, reducing apoptosis, and alleviating oxidative stress.

Our study uncovered the therapeutic potential of the ZZ-HQ combination in addressing AD through multi-target mechanisms, particularly via modulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway and oxidative stress. These findings provide a scientific basis for the pharmacological effects of ZZ-HQ and offer valuable insights for further research on its potential application in AD treatment.

Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC), a fungal infection affecting the mouth and throat, imposes a substantial burden on vulnerable populations such as HIV/AIDS patients, cancer treatment recipients, and the elderly. Conventional antifungal medications are encountering increasing resistance and side effects, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches.

This review proposes a comprehensive strategy for developing a novel natural product-based antifungal formulation targeting OPC. The approach involves harnessing promising natural compounds with established antifungal properties and employing advanced delivery systems like mucoadhesive microemulsions to improve efficacy and minimize adverse effects. Additionally, the review explores the integration of computational methods to expedite the identification and development of potent antifungal agents.

A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Search terms included combinations of “oropharyngeal candidiasis,” “natural antifungal agents,” “flavonoids,” “mucoadhesive microemulsions,” “computational drug discovery,” and “in vitro/in vivo studies.” Priority was given to studies published within the last ten years.

The review identifies promising natural compounds with antifungal activity against Candida species commonly associated with OPC. Additionally, several studies highlight the potential of computational tools such as molecular docking and in silico ADMET for rapidly identifying natural compounds with potent antifungal activity and favorable pharmacokinetic and safety profiles. A brief overview of in vitro and in vivo experiments is provided, emphasizing their role in validating the safety and efficacy of the proposed natural product-based antifungal formulation. Formulation and analytical aspects are also discussed.

The multidisciplinary approach outlined, incorporating natural products, computational methods, advanced preclinical in vitro and in vivo experiments, and advanced delivery systems, offers promise for the rapid, cost-effective development of safe and effective optimized formulations to address the growing challenge of OPC, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Nephrotoxicity limits the clinical application of digoxin. One area that might be useful is the mechanical knowledge of altered renal function and renal impairment. We hypothesized that co-administration of naringin would affect digoxin nephrotoxicity by alleviating the altered renal oxidative/ antioxidant redox and apoptotic cascade.

40 male Wistar Albino rats (200 ± 50 g) were grouped into 4, every group included (n= 7), control, Nar., Dig. and Nar. + dig. Groups. Colorimetric estimation of kidney functions and renal oxidative/ antioxidant redox were done.

Comparing digoxin alone, the concomitant administration of digoxin and naringin restored renal antioxidant/ oxidative redox, redistributed Nrf2, HO-1 mRNA exposure with a concomitant down-regulation of NF-κB, AKT and PI3K mRNA expressions. Moreover, a significant decrease of Smad3 and transforming growth factor-β (TGF- β) protein concentrations with a simultaneous rise of Smad7 were noticed in Nar. + dig. Arm when compared to Dig. group.

The co-administration of naringin and digoxin can mitigate digoxin-mediated nephrotoxicity by introducing antioxidant action. This is done by maintaining effects on renal oxidative/antioxidant cycle and lethality via regulating AKT/ PI3k/ Smad3/ Smad7 signaling pathways.

Through comprehensive transcriptome sequencing of liver RNA in mice induced with streptozotocin (STZ) to develop hyperglycemia, we uncovered crucial genes associated with hyperglycemic processes, shedding light on their respective functions. Furthermore, we delved deeply into a discussion surrounding the mechanism behind plasma glucagon-like peptide 1 (PGLP-1) and its role in inhibiting gluconeogenesis.

Liver tissues from mice induced with STZ to develop hyperglycemia (M group), as well as those treated with PGLP-1 (P11 group) and Exendin-4 (E group), were collected. RNA extraction was performed for comprehensive transcriptome sequencing. Differentially expressed mRNA, microRNA (miRNA), and long-chain non-coding RNA (lncRNA) were identified and subjected to analysis of their respective GO and KEGG pathways. An association network involving mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA was constructed to pinpoint target molecules associated with gluconeogenesis. Furthermore, personalized analysis focused on eight gluconeogenesis-related signal pathways obtained from KEGG.

A total of 289 differentially expressed mRNA (dif-mRNA), 21 differentially expressed miRNA (dif-miRNA), and 463 differentially expressed lncRNA (dif-lncRNA) were screened from the M group and P11 group. 182 dif-mRNA, 239 dif-miRNA, and 384 dif-lncRNA were screened from the M group and E group. A total of 427 dif-mRNA, 261 dif-miRNA, and 525 dif-lncRNA were screened from the E group and the P11 group. Among them, mRNA was enriched to the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Type ll diabetes mellitus, the Insulin signaling pathway, and the PPAR signaling pathway, while lncRNA was mainly enriched in PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Similar to the whole transcriptome sequencing, the results of gluconeogenesis personalized analysis showed that the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway was the key pathway, and Gck and Cyp7a1 were highly expressed after PGLP-1 was administered.

According to our findings, we believe that PGLP-1 is a potential regulator of non-coding RNAs, including miRNAs and lncRNAs. Additionally, it modulates the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, resulting in the upregulation of GcK and Cyp7a1. In this way, it effectively inhibits gluconeogenesis.

Drug and chemical nephrotoxicity is a common cause of kidney disorders. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the recent progress in applying nano-curcumins (nano-CURs) to prevent and mitigate drug and chemical-induced nephrotoxicity, highlighting their underlying protective mechanisms and therapeutic potential.

A comprehensive search of experimental and clinical studies was conducted in various databases, including Web of Science, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Library. The studies were analyzed for improvements in bioavailability, mechanisms of action, and outcomes in reducing kidney damage. After extracting the data and entering it into an Excel sheet, the essential information and the related knowledge on consequences and mechanisms were collected. The collected information was discussed and analyzed.

The antioxidant property of nano-CURs in dealing with nephrotoxicity is one of their most critical nephroprotective properties. They also exhibit potent anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-pyroptotic effects. Moreover, nano-CURs improve mitochondrial function, modulate kidney biochemical markers, modulate electrolyte imbalance, reduce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and improve kidney histopathological changes and autophagy, offering protection against nephrotoxicity induced by various drugs and chemicals. Nano-CURs significantly improve histopathological changes. Animal models have demonstrated reduced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, causing improved renal function and histological outcomes.

Nano-CURs have shown promising nephroprotective effects in experimental studies. However, these results have not been significant in clinical trial studies. Future research should focus on clinical trials and optimizing formulations for broader therapeutic applications.

Alzheimer's disease poses a major challenge as a widespread and fatal neurodegenerative disorder, primarily affecting the elderly population worldwide.

This study aimed to assess the potential protective and therapeutic effects of virgin olive oil and tiger nut essential oil on Alzheimer's dementia in male rats while also analyzing serum biomarker gene expression profiles in both Alzheimer's and control groups.

Rats were fed basal diets supplemented with 5% virgin olive oil or tiger nut essential oil, along with high-fat meals containing trans fats, butter (25%), margarine (25%), and hydrogenated shorten oils (25%) to evaluate lipid profiles and serum biomarkers. Gene expression analysis revealed a significant upregulation of acetylcholinesterase, P53, BCL2, Mouse ICAM-1, PSEN, and BACE genes in the Alzheimer's disease group compared to controls. Real-time PCR analysis also identified inflammatory biomarkers and Alzheimer's disease-associated risk factors in high-fat diet-treated, virgin olive oil-treated, and control samples.

The study found significant correlations between serum biomarker levels, lipid profiles, and dietary treatments. The activities of acetylcholinesterase, glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase differed notably between virgin olive oil and tiger nut essential oil treatments. High-fat dietary treatments resulted in substantial increases in serum lipid profiles due to trans-fat intake compared to the control group. Overall, both virgin olive oil and tiger nut essential oil demonstrated cognitive enhancement and potential therapeutic effects against Alzheimer's disease symptoms induced by trans-fat feeding, including inhibition of acetylcholines-terase activity, reduction of amyloid-beta accumulation, and mitigation of inflammation.

The study suggests that serum biomarker gene expression profiles could serve as valuable indicators for differentiating between Alzheimer’s disease, virgin olive oil, and dietary treatments. Both virgin olive oil and tiger nut essential oil demonstrated protective effects, enhancing cognitive function and offering therapeutic potential against AD symptoms. These effects were achieved through the reduction of inflammation, the inhibition of AChE activity, and the reduction of amyloid-beta accumulation.

Given the high mortality associated with Cirrhotic Portal Hypertension (CPH) worldwide, this study investigates the mechanism by which baicalin (BA), known for its beneficial effects on cirrhosis, alleviates CPH.

The CPH model was established in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, followed by 4-week oral administration of 30 and 60 mg/kg/day BA. SD rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n=6/group): Con, Model, BA-30, and BA-60. Portal vein smooth muscle cells (PVSMCs, extracted from SD rats, n=6) were incubated with 5, 10 and 20 μmol/L BA. The levels of liver function indicators and von Willebrand factor (vWF) were determined by biochemical and immunohistochemical analyses, respectively. The portal pressure (PP) was examined. The liver fibrosis was detected by Sirius red staining. The levels of fibrosis-, angiogenesis- and proliferation-related indicators, zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 (ZHX2), and matrix metallopeptidase 14 (MMP14) were quantified by Western blot. The levels of and interaction between ZHX2 and MMP14 were separately measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and luciferase reporter assay. The proliferation and migration of PVSMCs were assessed by EdU staining and scratch test, respectively.

BA up-regulated ZHX2 and down-regulated MMP14 (P<0.001). BA concentration-dependently suppressed liver fibrosis, PP, and angiogenesis in the liver tissue, as well as PVSMC proliferation and migration, while enhancing liver function (P<0.05). Further, according to the GRNdb database and luciferase reporter assay, ZHX2 is bound with the promoter of MMP14. ZHX2 could suppress the MMP14 level (P<0.001). ZHX2 silencing reversed the effects of BA treatment on the proliferation and migration of PVSMCs, whereas MMP14 silencing could further offset the role of ZHX2 silencing in the BA-treated PVSMCs (P<0.05).

BA up-regulates ZHX2 to reduce the level of MMP14 and alleviate CPH. Understanding the mechanisms of BA in CPH may provide a foundation for novel interventions to attenuate CPH.

Selenium is an important trace element that plays crucial roles in metabolism, immune function, and antioxidant defense. As an antioxidant, selenium helps to alleviate postpartum uterine inflammation and promotes uterine recovery. However, the exact mechanism underlying the role of selenium in postpartum uterine recovery is not fully understood.

This study aimed to identify the underlying mechanism and examine how selenium enhances postpartum uterine healing.

Female ICR mice aged 8 weeks were classified into five groups: control, postpartum model, low-dose selenium (100 nm), medium-dose selenium (200 nm), and high-dose selenium (400 nm). Endometrial morphology was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Oxidative stress markers, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and malondialdehyde (MDA), and inflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), were measured using commercially available kits. GPX1, GPX4, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) expression were determined using real-time PCR and WB.

We found damage and bleeding points in the endometrium and destruction of the ultrastructure of endometrial cells in the postpartum model group; however, mice treated with a high dose (400 nm) of selenium showed alleviated levels of pathological alteration in the endometrium. In addition, the levels of MDA in the postpartum mice group increased, while the SOD, CAT, and GPX levels decreased; however, changes in these oxidative stress markers were reversed after selenium treatment. For inflammatory factors, high levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were observed in postpartum mice, whereas they were decreased in selenium-treated groups. GPX1, GPX4, and NRF2 expression were reduced in postpartum model mice, but upregulated in selenium-treated mice.

Selenium supplementation ameliorated postpartum uterine oxidative stress and inflammation and promoted uterine recovery via the GPX1/GPX4/NRF2 pathway in mice.