Objective:To examine the effect of icariin plus curcumol on prostate cancer cells PC3 and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.Methods:We employed the Cell Counting Kit 8 assay and colony formation assay to assess cell...Objective:To examine the effect of icariin plus curcumol on prostate cancer cells PC3 and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.Methods:We employed the Cell Counting Kit 8 assay and colony formation assay to assess cell viability and proliferation.Autophagy expression was analyzed using monodansylcadaverine staining.Immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses were used to evaluate protein expressions related to autophagy,pyroptosis,and the mTOR pathway.Cellular damage was examined using the lactate dehydrogenase assay.Moreover,cathepsin B and NLRP3 were detected by co-immunoprecipitation.Results:Icariin plus curcumol led to a decrease in PC3 cell proliferation and an enhancement of autophagy.The levels of LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰand beclin-1 were increased,while the levels of p62 and mTOR were decreased after treatment with icariin plus curcumol.These changes were reversed upon overexpression of mTOR.Furthermore,3-methyladenine resulted in a decrease in inflammatory cytokines,pyroptosis-related protein levels,and lactate dehydrogenase concentration,compared to the icariin plus curcumol group.Inhibiting cathepsin B reversed the regulatory effects of icariin plus curcumol.Conclusions:Icariin plus curcumol demonstrates great potential as a therapeutic agent for castration-resistant prostate cancer by enhancing autophagy via the mTOR pathway and promoting pyroptosis mediated by cathepsin B.These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic potential of icariin and curcumol for prostate cancer treatment.展开更多
Objective:To explore the mechanism by which icariin alleviates viral myocarditis.Methods:CVB3-induced cardiomyocytes were used as an in vitro model of viral myocarditis to assess the effects of icariin treatment on ce...Objective:To explore the mechanism by which icariin alleviates viral myocarditis.Methods:CVB3-induced cardiomyocytes were used as an in vitro model of viral myocarditis to assess the effects of icariin treatment on cell viability,inflammation,and apoptosis.Moreover,the effects of icariin on ferroptosis and TLR4 signaling were assessed.After AC16 cells were transfected with TLR4 overexpression plasmids,the role of TLR4 in mediating the regulatory effect of icariin in viral myocarditis was investigated.Results:Icariin significantly elevated cell viability and reduced inflammatory factors TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,and IL-18.Flow cytometry revealed that icariin decreased apoptosis rate,and the protein expression of Bax and cleaved caspase 3 and 9 in CVB3-induced cardiomyocytes.Additionally,it suppressed ferroptosis including lipid peroxidation and ferrous ion,as well as the TLR4 signaling.However,TLR4 overexpression abrogated the modulatory effects of icariin.Conclusions:Icariin mitigates CVB3-induced myocardial injury by inhibiting TLR4-mediated ferroptosis.Further animal study is needed to verify its efficacy.展开更多
BACKGROUND Icariin(ICA),a natural flavonoid compound monomer,has multiple pharmacological activities.However,its effect on bone defect in the context of type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM)has not yet been examined.AIM To e...BACKGROUND Icariin(ICA),a natural flavonoid compound monomer,has multiple pharmacological activities.However,its effect on bone defect in the context of type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM)has not yet been examined.AIM To explore the role and potential mechanism of ICA on bone defect in the context of T1DM.METHODS The effects of ICA on osteogenesis and angiogenesis were evaluated by alkaline phosphatase staining,alizarin red S staining,quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,Western blot,and immunofluorescence.Angiogenesis-related assays were conducted to investigate the relationship between osteogenesis and angiogenesis.A bone defect model was established in T1DM rats.The model rats were then treated with ICA or placebo and micron-scale computed tomography,histomorphometry,histology,and sequential fluorescent labeling were used to evaluate the effect of ICA on bone formation in the defect area.RESULTS ICA promoted bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell(BMSC)proliferation and osteogenic differentiation.The ICA treated-BMSCs showed higher expression levels of osteogenesis-related markers(alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin)and angiogenesis-related markers(vascular endothelial growth factor A and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1)compared to the untreated group.ICA was also found to induce osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling of BMSCs.In the bone defect model T1DM rats,ICA facilitated bone formation and CD31hiEMCNhi type H-positive capillary formation.Lastly,ICA effectively accelerated the rate of bone formation in the defect area.CONCLUSION ICA was able to accelerate bone regeneration in a T1DM rat model by inducing osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling of BMSCs.展开更多
This article summarized the research progress on the antidepressant mechanism of icariin II,mainly elaborating on its mechanism from five aspects:GABAergic nervous system,inflammatory response,oxidative stress,neurotr...This article summarized the research progress on the antidepressant mechanism of icariin II,mainly elaborating on its mechanism from five aspects:GABAergic nervous system,inflammatory response,oxidative stress,neurotrophic factors,and neurotransmitters in the brain.Its clinical application value was further explored to provide a theoretical basis for the development and utilization of icariin II in treating depression.展开更多
Icariin,a major prenylated flavonoid found in Epimedium spp.,is a bioactive constituent of Herba Epimedii and has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects in experimental models of Alzheimer’s disease.In this stud...Icariin,a major prenylated flavonoid found in Epimedium spp.,is a bioactive constituent of Herba Epimedii and has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects in experimental models of Alzheimer’s disease.In this study,we investigated the neuroprotective mechanism of icariin in an APP/PS1/Tau triple-transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease.We performed behavioral tests,pathological examination,and western blot assay,and found that memory deficits of the model mice were obviously improved,neuronal and synaptic damage in the cerebral cortex was substantially mitigated,and amyloid-βaccumulation and tau hyperphosphorylation were considerably reduced after 5 months of intragastric administration of icariin at a dose of 60 mg/kg body weight per day.Furthermore,deficits of proteins in the insulin signaling pathway and their phosphorylation levels were significantly reversed,including the insulin receptor,insulin receptor substrate 1,phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase,protein kinase B,and glycogen synthase kinase 3β,and the levels of glucose transporter 1 and 3 were markedly increased.These findings suggest that icariin can improve learning and memory impairments in the mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease by regulating brain insulin signaling and glucose transporters,which lays the foundation for potential clinical application of icariin in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.展开更多
Mesenchymal stem cells(MSC)are particularly effective in promoting cartilage regeneration due to their immunomodulatory,anti-inflammatory and regenerative repair functions of tissues and organs.Meanwhile,the intra-art...Mesenchymal stem cells(MSC)are particularly effective in promoting cartilage regeneration due to their immunomodulatory,anti-inflammatory and regenerative repair functions of tissues and organs.Meanwhile,the intra-articular delivery and synergy with other therapeutic drugs have been the key issues driving their further application.We report a mussel-inspired multifunctional hydrogel system,which could achieve co-delivery and synergism effect of MSC-derived exosomes(Exos)with icariin(ICA).The ICA and Exos co-delivered articular cavity injection system are expected to retain in the joint cavity and promote cartilage regeneration,due to the thermosensitive,self-healing and adhesion properties of the mussel-inspired multifunctional hydrogel.The experimental results proved that Exos enhanced the cellular uptake of ICA by more than 2-fold evenly,and the synergism of Exos and ICA efficiently improve the cell proliferation and migration.After synergic treatment,the content of matrix metalloproteinase 13 in the supernatant and intracellular decreased by 47%and 59%,respectively.In vivo study,ICA-loaded Exos exhibited prolonged retention behavior bymultifunctional hydrogel delivery,thus displayed an increased cartilage protection.In the model of osteoarthritis,co-delivery hydrogel system relieved the cartilage recession,ensuring appropriate cartilage thickness.展开更多
OBJECTIVE To investigate the regulatory effects of icariin(ICA)on cardiac micro⁃vascular endothelial cells(CMEC)after oxygenglucose deprivation reperfusion(OGD/R)injury.METHODS CMEC were subjected to OGD/R treatment t...OBJECTIVE To investigate the regulatory effects of icariin(ICA)on cardiac micro⁃vascular endothelial cells(CMEC)after oxygenglucose deprivation reperfusion(OGD/R)injury.METHODS CMEC were subjected to OGD/R treatment to construct a myocardial ischemiareperfusion model,and were divided into normal,model,low(10μmol·L^(-1)),medium(20μmol·L^(-1))and high(40μmol·L^(-1))ICA group,and high ICA+inhibitor group(40μmol·L^(-1)+20 nmol·L^(-1)).CCK-8 assay was used to assess the protective ability of ICA against CMEC,and cell migration assay and tube-formation assay were used to detect the migration and generation ability of CMEC.The TCMSP database,Swiss-Target database and literature mining methods were used to col⁃lect ICA-related targets,the GeneCards data⁃base was used to collect target genes related to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion,and Cytoscape 3.8.0 software was used to construct a"drug-tar⁃get-disease"network.The potential targets were imported into STRING 11.5 database to obtain the PPI network.GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed on the potential targets using the DAVID database.Molecular docking was performed using AutoDock-vina 1.1.2 soft⁃ware.Western blot detected the expression of related proteins.RESULTS After CMEC was subjected to OGD/R treatment,ICA had a protec⁃tive effect at 10^(-1)60μmol·L^(-1);the results of the cell migration assay showed that each group of ICA could promote the migratory effect of CMEC(P<0.01,P<0.01);and the results of tube-for⁃mation assay showed that each group of ICA could significantly promote the generation of branches(P<0.01)and the capillary length exten⁃sion(P<0.05).Network pharmacology collected a total of 23 ICA action targets,1500 disease tar⁃gets and 12 key targets.GO function enrichment analysis found 85 results.KEGG pathway enrich⁃ment analysis found 53 results,involving AGERAGE signaling pathway,sphingolipid signaling pathway and VEGF signaling pathway.Molecu⁃lar docking results showed that ICA had better binding with core targets PRKCB,PRKCA and PTGS2.Western blot results showed that ICA could regulate the expression of PRKCB,PRKCA and PTGS2 proteins.The results of cell migra⁃tion assay,tube-formation assay and protein expression were reversed after addition of PKC inhibitor.CONCLUSION The potential mecha⁃nism of action of ICA against myocardial isch⁃emia-reperfusion injury may be related to the reg⁃ulation of processes such as CMEC migration and angiogenesis,and it functions through the key target gene PKC.展开更多
BACKGROUND Dysregulated microRNA(miRNA)is crucial in the progression of diabetic nephropathy(DN).AIM To investigate the potential molecular mechanism of Icariin(ICA)in regulating endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress-mediat...BACKGROUND Dysregulated microRNA(miRNA)is crucial in the progression of diabetic nephropathy(DN).AIM To investigate the potential molecular mechanism of Icariin(ICA)in regulating endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress-mediated apoptosis in high glucose(HG)-induced primary rat kidney cells(PRKs),with emphasis on the role of miR-503 and sirtuin 4(SIRT4)in this process.METHODS Single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin(65 mg/kg)in Sprague-Dawley rats induce DN in the in vivo hyperglycemic model.Glucose-treated PRKs were used as an in vitro HG model.An immunofluorescence assay identified isolated PRKs.Cell Counting Kit-8 and flow cytometry analyzed the effect of ICA treatment on cell viability and apoptosis,respectively.Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyzed the levels of ER stressrelated proteins.Dual luciferase analysis of miR-503 binding to downstream SIRT4 was performed.RESULTS ICA treatment alleviated the upregulated miR-503 expression in vivo(DN)and in vitro(HG).Mechanistically,ICA reduced HG-induced miR-503 overexpression,thereby counteracting its function in downregulating SIRT4 levels.ICA regulated the miR-503/SIRT4 axis and subsequent ER stress to alleviate HG-induced PRKs injury.CONCLUSION ICA reduced HG-mediated inhibition of cell viability,promotion of apoptosis,and ER stress in PRKs.These effects involved regulation of the miR-503/SIRT4 axis.These findings indicate the potential of ICA to treat DN,and implicate miR-503 as a viable target for therapeutic interventions in DN.展开更多
Epimedium Brevicornum is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant possessing properties of sweet, warm, tonifying kidney, strong bones and rheumatism. Icariin, a flavonoid compound, is one of the main active ingredients ...Epimedium Brevicornum is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant possessing properties of sweet, warm, tonifying kidney, strong bones and rheumatism. Icariin, a flavonoid compound, is one of the main active ingredients of Epimedium. Icariinriside(ICS) is the main metabolite of icariin. Icariinand ICS have multiple pharmacological effects such as anti-tumor, anti-oxidative stress, improvement of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular, and regulation of endocrine. We have conducted a series of studies on the neuroprotection and mechanisms of action of icariin and ICS for many years. The main findings are reported as follows.(1) Effect on Alzheimer disease(AD) model animals: Icariin significantly attenuated learning and memory loss, hippocampal neuron loss and senile plaque formation in APP/PS1 transgenic AD model mice, which may be related to inhibition of Aβ production and reduction of PDE5(phosphodiesterase 5).In addition, icariin significantly attenuated Aβ25-35-induced learning and memory decline and hippocampal neuronal apoptosis in rats, which may be related to lowering PDE5 content and up-regulating BDNF/Trkb/CREB signaling pathway, inhibiting MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways, and increasing expression of acetylcholinesterase(ACHE) and choline acetyltransferase(CHAT) in the hippocampus. At the same time, icariin can significantly improve the learning and memory dysfunction induced by amanita proline in rats, which may be related to the inhibition of hippocampal neuronal apoptosis, antiexcitatory amino acid toxicity and regulation of MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways.(2) Effects on Parkinson disease(PD) model animals: The study found that in LPS-induced dopaminergic neuron injury animal models and cell models, icariin can inhibit microglia by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors such as TNF-α, IL-1β, NO and COX-2. Activation of glial cells increases the expression of neurotrophic factors such as BDNF and GDNF, increases the content of dopamine(DA) and its metabolites 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid(DOPAC) and homovanillic acid(HVA), inhibits MAPK and the NF-κB signaling pathway, protecting dopaminergic neurons. In addition, icariin significantly attenuated6-OHDA-induced dopaminergic neuronal damage. In Nrf2 knockout mice, the neuroprotective effect of icariin disappeared, suggesting that Nrf2 may be one of the targets of icariin to play neuroprotective effects.(3) Effects on vascular dementia(VD) model animals: Icarin can improve the learning and memory ability and memory function of chronic hypoperfusion rats, and its mechanism may be related to increase the level of VEGF/VEGFR2 protein in the brain and activate multiple downstream signaling pathways to promote angiogenesis to play an indirect protective effect on neurons;The level of BDNF/Trk B protein in the brain increases the phosphorylation level of CREB and exerts direct neuroprotective effects.(4)Effect on cerebral ischemia: In a model of ischemic brain injury, icariin acts to up-regulate Sirt1 by activating p38, thereby exerting an anti-ischemic injury and protecting neuronal cells. In addition, icariin has neuroprotective effects on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats, which may increase GSH-Px,SOD activity, decrease MDA content, inhibit free radical damage, reduce NO content, NOS activity,and inhibit neurotoxic damage. Reduction of MPO activity, TNF-α, IL-1β content is associated with inhibition of inflammatory response.(5) Cell protection: Icariin has a protective effect on 6-OHDA-induced oxidative damage in PC12 cells, which may be related to inhibition of apoptosis and regulation of Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway, while ICS can attenuate oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation-induced cellular damage in PC12 cells. The mechanism of cellular oxidative damage may be related to inhibition of apoptosis and regulation of Nrf2/SIRT3 signaling pathway.Icariin and ICS have good preventive and therapeutic effects on central nervous system diseases such as AD, PD, VD, etc. However, due to the complexity of the molecular mechanisms of icariin and ICS, the molecular mechanisms of the central nervous system are still worthy of further study.展开更多
Icariin(ICA) has a significant capacity to protect against depression and hippocampal injury,but it cannot effectively cross the bloodbrain barrier and accumulate in the brain.Therefore,the mechanism by which ICA prot...Icariin(ICA) has a significant capacity to protect against depression and hippocampal injury,but it cannot effectively cross the bloodbrain barrier and accumulate in the brain.Therefore,the mechanism by which ICA protects against hippocampal injury in depression remains unclear.In this study,we performed proteomics analysis of cerebrospinal fluid to investigate the mechanism by which ICA prevents dysfunctional hippocampal neurogenesis in depression.A rat model of depression was established through exposure to chronic unpredictable mild stress for 6 weeks,after which 120 mg/kg ICA was administered subcutaneously every day.The results showed that ICA alleviated depressive symptoms,learning and memory dysfunction,dysfunctional neurogenesis,and neuronal loss in the dentate gyrus of rats with depression.Neural stem cells from rat embryonic hippocampi were cultured in media containing 20% cerebrospinal fluid from each group of rats and then treated with 100 μM corticosterone.The addition of cerebrospinal fluid from rats treated with ICA largely prevented the corticosterone-mediated inhibition of neuronal proliferation and differentiation.Fifty-two differentially expressed proteins regulated by chronic unpredictable mild stress and ICA were identified through proteomics analysis of cerebrospinal fluid.These proteins were mainly involved in the ribosome,PI3 K-Akt signaling,and interleukin-17 signaling pathways.Parallel reaction monitoring mass spectrometry showed that Rps4 x,Rps12,Rps14,Rps19,Hsp90 b1,and Hsp90 aa1 were up-regulated by chronic unpredictable mild stress and down-regulated by ICA.In contrast,Htr A1 was down-regulated by chronic unpredictable mild stress and up-regulated by ICA.These findings suggest that ICA can prevent depression and dysfunctional hippocampal neurogenesis through regulating the expression of certain proteins found in the cerebrospinal fluid.The study was approved by the Experimental Animal Ethics Committee of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine of China in March 2017.展开更多
OBJECTIVE To investigate the protective effect of icariin(ICA) on learning and memory function in APP/PS1/Tau triple transgenic Alzheimer disease mice(3×Tg-AD mice),and then to explore whether its mechanism is re...OBJECTIVE To investigate the protective effect of icariin(ICA) on learning and memory function in APP/PS1/Tau triple transgenic Alzheimer disease mice(3×Tg-AD mice),and then to explore whether its mechanism is related to the improvement of brain glucose metabolism disorder.METHODS Three-month-old male 3 ×Tg-AD mice were randomly divided into three groups(n=10):3×Tg group,3×Tg+ICA low-dose group(30 mg·kg-1) and 3×Tg + ICA high-dose group(60 mg·kg-1).Age-matched male wild type(WT) mice were randomly divided into two groups(n=10):WT control group and WT+ICA60 mg·kg-1 group.ICA in vehicle(0.5% Tween-80 in distilled water) was given orally once a day for five months in the 3×Tg+ICA groups.3×Tg and WT control group were given an equal volume vehicle.Morris water maze was used to detect the learning and memory function of mice.Brain glucose metabolism in 3×Tg mice was observed by 18 F-FDG microPET imaging technique.Nissl staining and HE staining were used to evaluate the survival neurons in hippocampus of mice.Glucose oxidase assay was used to detect glucose contents in cortex of mice.The protein expression of APP,Aβ1-40,Aβ1-42 and glucose transporter 1(GLUT1),and the phosphorylation level of tau protein at multiple sites in hippocampus were detected by Western blotting.RESULTS Behavioral examination revealed a profound decrease learning and memory function,accompanied by a decrease in number of neuronal cells in 3×Tg-AD mice.Moreover,the cerebral18 F-FDG uptake rate per gram tissue was reduced and the glucose contents in the cortex were increased in 3×Tg-AD mice.In addition,Western blotting analysis showed that the expression of APP,Aβ1-40,Aβ1-42 proteins and the levels of tau protein phosphorylation at Ser199/202 and PHF-1(Ser396/404) sites were increased significantly,followed by a decrease of GLUT1 expression in hippocampus of 3×Tg-AD mice.All of these changes in behavioral functions,neuronal loss and related protein expression were reversed when mice were treated with ICA.CONCLUSION ICA can improve the learning and memory ability of AD model mice,the mechanism may be related to the improvement of cerebral glucose metabolism dysfunction by increasing the expression of GLUT1.展开更多
OBJECTIVE Alzheimer disease(AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder involving a gradual decline in many cognitive processes and in neurons.The endoplasmic reticulum(ER) is involved in several crucial cellular ...OBJECTIVE Alzheimer disease(AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder involving a gradual decline in many cognitive processes and in neurons.The endoplasmic reticulum(ER) is involved in several crucial cellular functions,eg protein folding and quality control.Massive misfolded or unfolded proteins in ER can disturb the function of ER and induce ER stress,which results in neuronal death in AD.Icariin(ICA) has a wide range of neuro protection and has been researched in AD treatment.However,whether ICA has the effect on ER stress in AD condition,and how ICA affects ER stress remains stil unclear.Therefore,the current study aimed to investigate the mechanism of ICA against cognitive impairments in AD model through ER stress pathway and apoptosis.METHODS Twelve months male APP/PS1 or wild-type(WT)mice were randomly divided into four groups:APP/PS1,and APP/PS1+ICA,WT and WT+ICA groups.The treated mice were given ICA60 mg·kg-1 per day and control mice were received the same volume distilled water for consecutive 3 months.The Morris water maze and novel object recognition were used to detect animals′ behavior.Nissl staining was used to observe the neuronal morphology in hippocampus area.The protein and(or) phosphorylation level of GRP78,p-PERK,PERK,p-IRE1,IRE1,ATF6,p-e IF2α,eIF2α,ATF4,CHOP,the level of cleaved-casepase 3,Bax and Bcl-2 were examined by Western blotting.RESULTS The behavior performance testing by Morris water maze and novel object recognition deteriorated in APP/PS1 mice compared with WT mice,however,ICA significantly improved the behavior performance when compared with APP/PS1.The neuron impairments in APP/PS1 mice also were ameliorated after ICA treatment.The protein expression of GRP78,ATF4,CHOP,and the level of p-PERK and p-eI F2α were higher in APP/PS1 mice than that in WT mice.The Bax/Bcl-2 ratio elevation and caspase 3 activation have been found in APP/PS1 mice.After treated with ICA,those above-mentioned parameters were decreased compared with APP/PS1.However,the levels of IRE1,p-IRE1 and ATF6 were not change among other groups.CONCLUSION ICA may decrease the ER stress and apoptosis in AD model,and may be through inhibiting the PERK/eI F2α pathway,not IRE and ATF6 pathways.展开更多
OBJECTIVE To investigate the protective effect of icariin(ICA) on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced BV2 microglia injury,and to clarify the role of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2) signaling pathway in ...OBJECTIVE To investigate the protective effect of icariin(ICA) on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced BV2 microglia injury,and to clarify the role of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2) signaling pathway in BV2 microglia-mediated neuroinflammation.METHODS BV2 microglia were randomly divided into control,ICA(0.1 μmol·L^(-1)),LPS(1 mg·L^(-1)),LPS + ICA(0.01 μmol·L^(-1)),and LPS + ICA(0.1 μmol·L^(-1))groups.BV2 microglia were treated with ICA for 30 min and then treated with LPS for 24 h.MTT assay was used to determine the cells survival rate,Griess kit and ELISA kits were used to detect the contents of NO,IL-1β and IL-18 in the culture supernatant,Western blotting was used to detect the expression of Nrf2,HO-1 and NQO1.Real time RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of Nrf2,HO-1 and NQO1 after ICA addition for 2,6 and 24 h.And immunofluorescence was used to observe the activation of Nrf2.RESULTS ICA reduced LPS-induced NO,IL-1β and IL-18 production in the culture supernatant,and ICA increase LPS-induced mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2 signaling pathway.CONCLUSION ICA protects LPS induced neuroinflammation by regulating Nrf2 signaling pathway.展开更多
Background:Amyloid-β(Aβ)metabolic imbalance is the pivotal pathogenesis leading to Alzheimer’s disease(AD).In sporadic AD,decreased clearance of Aβimportantly contributes to the onset and progression.Astrocytes,th...Background:Amyloid-β(Aβ)metabolic imbalance is the pivotal pathogenesis leading to Alzheimer’s disease(AD).In sporadic AD,decreased clearance of Aβimportantly contributes to the onset and progression.Astrocytes,the most abundant cell type in the brain,are mainly responsible for maintaining neuronal homeostasis.Most recently,it has been demonstrated that astrocytes play an important role in regulating Aβmetabolism.Icariin(ICA),a flavonoid glucoside extracted from the traditional Chinese herb Epimedium brevicornu,has been shown to produce protective effects against AD by decreasing Aβproduction.However,it remains unclear whether ICA regulates cellular Aβclearance in the astrocytes.Objective:To examine the regulatory effects of ICA on Aβremoval by astrocytes and explore the mechanisms of its actions.Methods:Uptake and subsequent degradation of Aβby astrocytes were evaluated using a combination of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)and laser confocal microscopy.The effects of oligomer Aβ(oAβ1-42)and/or ICA on the expressions of sirt6 in the primary astrocytes were examined using western blotting and q-PCR assays.The expression of autophagy markers including P62 and LC3-Ⅱ,and phosphorylated-mTOR were measured by western blotting.In order to determine whether sirt6 is involved in the intracellular Aβmetabolism,sirt6 was knocked down using lentiviral vectors containing sirt6-shRNAs and autophagy levels were assessed by western blotting.Results:①In primary astrocytes,ICA not only significantly increased Aβinternalization but also obviously accelerated its degradation in a concentration-dependent manner.②Treatment of astrocytes with Aβ1-42 at 1μmol·L-1 significantly down-regulated the expression of sirt6,which was rescued by ICA.In addition,ICA at 20μmol·L-1 significantly increased the expression of LC3-Ⅱand markedly decreased the expression of P62 and phosphorylated-mTOR in primary astrocytes.③Sirt6 knockdown in primary astrocytes resulted in decreased cellular Aβuptake and degradation.Simultaneously,silencing of sirt6 in astrocytes increased P62 levels and reduced LC3-Ⅱand phosphorylated-mTOR levels.Conclusion:Taken together,our results demonstrate that sirt6 plays an important role in Aβmetabolism in astrocytes via induction of autophagy.ICA is a potential drug for treatment of AD as it upregulates cellular sirt6.展开更多
Objective:To observe the effect of Icariin on diabetic myocardial hypertrophy and explore its molecular mechanism.Methods:C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into Ctrl group(normal control group),DM group(STZ intraperi...Objective:To observe the effect of Icariin on diabetic myocardial hypertrophy and explore its molecular mechanism.Methods:C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into Ctrl group(normal control group),DM group(STZ intraperitoneal injection model),and DM+ICA group(diabetic C57BL/6 mice by intragastric Icariin solution 80mg/kg/d,for 3 consecutive weeks).Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect myocardial hypertrophy markers BNP andβ-MHC.Western blotting was used to detect myocardial AMPK,p-AMPK,mTOR,p-mTOR,LC3B and Beclin1 protein expression.Echocardiogram was used to detect left ventricular mass and ejection fraction.Results:Compared with the normal control group,the expression of myocardial hypertrophy markers BNP andβ-MHC mRNA in diabetic mice were significantly increased;the expression of phosphorylated AMPK protein,autophagy-related protein LC3B and Beclin1 were significantly increased,and the expression of phosphorylated mTOR protein is significantly reduced;the left ventricular mass is significantly increased.The above changes can be reversed after treatment with Icariin,but the effect of Icariin is blocked by the autophagy inhibitor rapamycin.Conclusion:Icariin may inhibit autophagy and reduce diabetic myocardial hypertrophy through AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway.展开更多
Objective:To verify whether icariin has drug toxicity to osteoblasts and its pre protective effect on inflammatory osteoblasts induced by lipopolysaccharide.Methods:(1)The osteoblasts of newborn SD rats were extracted...Objective:To verify whether icariin has drug toxicity to osteoblasts and its pre protective effect on inflammatory osteoblasts induced by lipopolysaccharide.Methods:(1)The osteoblasts of newborn SD rats were extracted,cultured and passaged.By observing the morphology of osteoblasts and ALP staining,the activity and proliferation of osteoblasts were determined.(2)CCK-8 method was used to observe the effect of Icariin on osteoblast activity.(3)Different concentrations of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)were used to induce inflammatory osteoblasts in fetal rats.CCK-8 method was used to select the best concentration for induction.(4)This experiment was divided into control group,low concentration group,middle concentration group and high concentration group.CCK-8 method was used to observe whether icariin could protect osteoblasts from inflammatory reaction.Results:(1)The number of osteoblasts in the third generation increased,the shape of osteoblasts overlapped like tiles,most of osteoblasts grew in the center,the center was dense and the specific shape was difficult to see.After ALP staining,the positive cells showed gray black granules in cytoplasm and irregular cell body shape under inverted microscope;(2)DWhen the concentration of icariin was lower than 1μg/ml,it had no significant effect on osteoblasts(P<0.05);when it was higher than 10μg/ml,icariin had no significant effect on osteoblasts(P<0.05);(3)When the concentration of lipopolysaccharide was higher than 80μg/ml,there was a significant trend of inflammatory damage to osteoblasts,which was statistically significant(P<0.01).Therefore,80μg/ml was selected as the best injury concentration in this experiment;(4)When the concentration of icariin was lower than 1μg/ml,there was no significant pre protective effect on the inflammatory response of osteoblasts(P<0.05);when it was higher than 10μg/ml,there was significant pre protective effect on the inflammatory response of osteoblasts(P<0.05).Conclusion:When the concentration of icariin reaches a certain level,it can promote the proliferation of osteoblasts and has a certain pre protective effect on inflammatory osteoblasts.展开更多
Urinary metabolites of icariin, present in Epimedium, were investigated using rats. In the urine of rats administered icariin orally, two major metabolites were detected, which were identified as icariside Ⅱ and icar...Urinary metabolites of icariin, present in Epimedium, were investigated using rats. In the urine of rats administered icariin orally, two major metabolites were detected, which were identified as icariside Ⅱ and icaritin by means of spectral data.展开更多
High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was established to determine the concentration of Icariin II in rats. The time-dependent changes in rats after taking Icariin II were studied, and the main pharmacokinetic...High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was established to determine the concentration of Icariin II in rats. The time-dependent changes in rats after taking Icariin II were studied, and the main pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained. The main pharmacokinetic parameters of taking the medicine in a quiet state, taking the medicine after half an hour of exercise and taking the medicine after long-term exercise were compared to verify whether the absorption and utilization of the Icariin II were more favorable in the exercise state;The paper has important guiding significance for guiding athletes to safe medication and further development of this drug.展开更多
To investigate the expression of beta-amyloid protein on icariin in the hippocampal of senescence accelerated mouse SAMP10.The 8-month-old SAMP10 were randomly divided into model group,Donepezil Hydrochloride(DON)-tre...To investigate the expression of beta-amyloid protein on icariin in the hippocampal of senescence accelerated mouse SAMP10.The 8-month-old SAMP10 were randomly divided into model group,Donepezil Hydrochloride(DON)-treated SAMP10 group(1 mg·kg^-1)and ICA-treated SAMP10 groups(50、100、200 mg·kg^-1),with 6 mice in each group.while the age-matched senescence accelerated mouse/resistance1(SAMR1)were used as the normal control.After 30 days of oral administration,the method of Nissl was used to detect neurons on icariin in the hippocampal of senescence accelerated mouse SAMP10.The expression of betaamyloid protein on icariin in the hippocampal of senescence accelerated mouse SAMP10 was detected by the method of immunohistochemical.It was discovered that the nerve cells in groups of ICA arranged regularly,and the number of neurons increasing.We can conduct that ICA may reduce the average optical density of beta-amyloid protein in the CA1 and CA3 region of hippocampal on SAMP10.ICA may reduce the beta-amyloid protein deposition in CA1 and CA3 region of hippocampal on SAMP10 to improve learning and memory ability.展开更多
基金supported by Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province(No.2023JJ40511)Excellent Youth Project of Scientific Research Program of Hunan Education Department(No.22B0370)+2 种基金Project of Traditional Chinese Medicine Administration of Hunan Province(No.B2023034)Science and Technology Development Foundation of Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University(No.LYYB202214)Hunan Provincial Hygiene and Health Commission Health Research Project(No.W20243165).
文摘Objective:To examine the effect of icariin plus curcumol on prostate cancer cells PC3 and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.Methods:We employed the Cell Counting Kit 8 assay and colony formation assay to assess cell viability and proliferation.Autophagy expression was analyzed using monodansylcadaverine staining.Immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses were used to evaluate protein expressions related to autophagy,pyroptosis,and the mTOR pathway.Cellular damage was examined using the lactate dehydrogenase assay.Moreover,cathepsin B and NLRP3 were detected by co-immunoprecipitation.Results:Icariin plus curcumol led to a decrease in PC3 cell proliferation and an enhancement of autophagy.The levels of LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰand beclin-1 were increased,while the levels of p62 and mTOR were decreased after treatment with icariin plus curcumol.These changes were reversed upon overexpression of mTOR.Furthermore,3-methyladenine resulted in a decrease in inflammatory cytokines,pyroptosis-related protein levels,and lactate dehydrogenase concentration,compared to the icariin plus curcumol group.Inhibiting cathepsin B reversed the regulatory effects of icariin plus curcumol.Conclusions:Icariin plus curcumol demonstrates great potential as a therapeutic agent for castration-resistant prostate cancer by enhancing autophagy via the mTOR pathway and promoting pyroptosis mediated by cathepsin B.These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic potential of icariin and curcumol for prostate cancer treatment.
基金supported by Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities(No.Y20212615).
文摘Objective:To explore the mechanism by which icariin alleviates viral myocarditis.Methods:CVB3-induced cardiomyocytes were used as an in vitro model of viral myocarditis to assess the effects of icariin treatment on cell viability,inflammation,and apoptosis.Moreover,the effects of icariin on ferroptosis and TLR4 signaling were assessed.After AC16 cells were transfected with TLR4 overexpression plasmids,the role of TLR4 in mediating the regulatory effect of icariin in viral myocarditis was investigated.Results:Icariin significantly elevated cell viability and reduced inflammatory factors TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,and IL-18.Flow cytometry revealed that icariin decreased apoptosis rate,and the protein expression of Bax and cleaved caspase 3 and 9 in CVB3-induced cardiomyocytes.Additionally,it suppressed ferroptosis including lipid peroxidation and ferrous ion,as well as the TLR4 signaling.However,TLR4 overexpression abrogated the modulatory effects of icariin.Conclusions:Icariin mitigates CVB3-induced myocardial injury by inhibiting TLR4-mediated ferroptosis.Further animal study is needed to verify its efficacy.
基金Supported by the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program of China Postdoctoral Science Foundation,No.GZC20231088President Foundation of The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University,China,No.YP202210.
文摘BACKGROUND Icariin(ICA),a natural flavonoid compound monomer,has multiple pharmacological activities.However,its effect on bone defect in the context of type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM)has not yet been examined.AIM To explore the role and potential mechanism of ICA on bone defect in the context of T1DM.METHODS The effects of ICA on osteogenesis and angiogenesis were evaluated by alkaline phosphatase staining,alizarin red S staining,quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,Western blot,and immunofluorescence.Angiogenesis-related assays were conducted to investigate the relationship between osteogenesis and angiogenesis.A bone defect model was established in T1DM rats.The model rats were then treated with ICA or placebo and micron-scale computed tomography,histomorphometry,histology,and sequential fluorescent labeling were used to evaluate the effect of ICA on bone formation in the defect area.RESULTS ICA promoted bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell(BMSC)proliferation and osteogenic differentiation.The ICA treated-BMSCs showed higher expression levels of osteogenesis-related markers(alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin)and angiogenesis-related markers(vascular endothelial growth factor A and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1)compared to the untreated group.ICA was also found to induce osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling of BMSCs.In the bone defect model T1DM rats,ICA facilitated bone formation and CD31hiEMCNhi type H-positive capillary formation.Lastly,ICA effectively accelerated the rate of bone formation in the defect area.CONCLUSION ICA was able to accelerate bone regeneration in a T1DM rat model by inducing osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling of BMSCs.
文摘This article summarized the research progress on the antidepressant mechanism of icariin II,mainly elaborating on its mechanism from five aspects:GABAergic nervous system,inflammatory response,oxidative stress,neurotrophic factors,and neurotransmitters in the brain.Its clinical application value was further explored to provide a theoretical basis for the development and utilization of icariin II in treating depression.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Nos. 82060727 (to FJ), 81660599 (to FJ)the National Innovation Training Project for College Students, No. 201910661009 (to FJ)the Science and Technology Cooperation Project of Zunyi Science and Technology Bureau and Zunyi Medical University, No. (2019) 47 (to XLF)
文摘Icariin,a major prenylated flavonoid found in Epimedium spp.,is a bioactive constituent of Herba Epimedii and has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects in experimental models of Alzheimer’s disease.In this study,we investigated the neuroprotective mechanism of icariin in an APP/PS1/Tau triple-transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease.We performed behavioral tests,pathological examination,and western blot assay,and found that memory deficits of the model mice were obviously improved,neuronal and synaptic damage in the cerebral cortex was substantially mitigated,and amyloid-βaccumulation and tau hyperphosphorylation were considerably reduced after 5 months of intragastric administration of icariin at a dose of 60 mg/kg body weight per day.Furthermore,deficits of proteins in the insulin signaling pathway and their phosphorylation levels were significantly reversed,including the insulin receptor,insulin receptor substrate 1,phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase,protein kinase B,and glycogen synthase kinase 3β,and the levels of glucose transporter 1 and 3 were markedly increased.These findings suggest that icariin can improve learning and memory impairments in the mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease by regulating brain insulin signaling and glucose transporters,which lays the foundation for potential clinical application of icariin in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
文摘Mesenchymal stem cells(MSC)are particularly effective in promoting cartilage regeneration due to their immunomodulatory,anti-inflammatory and regenerative repair functions of tissues and organs.Meanwhile,the intra-articular delivery and synergy with other therapeutic drugs have been the key issues driving their further application.We report a mussel-inspired multifunctional hydrogel system,which could achieve co-delivery and synergism effect of MSC-derived exosomes(Exos)with icariin(ICA).The ICA and Exos co-delivered articular cavity injection system are expected to retain in the joint cavity and promote cartilage regeneration,due to the thermosensitive,self-healing and adhesion properties of the mussel-inspired multifunctional hydrogel.The experimental results proved that Exos enhanced the cellular uptake of ICA by more than 2-fold evenly,and the synergism of Exos and ICA efficiently improve the cell proliferation and migration.After synergic treatment,the content of matrix metalloproteinase 13 in the supernatant and intracellular decreased by 47%and 59%,respectively.In vivo study,ICA-loaded Exos exhibited prolonged retention behavior bymultifunctional hydrogel delivery,thus displayed an increased cartilage protection.In the model of osteoarthritis,co-delivery hydrogel system relieved the cartilage recession,ensuring appropriate cartilage thickness.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(82030124)National Natural Science Foundation of China(82174015)Science and Technology Innovation Project of China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine(CI2021A04609)。
文摘OBJECTIVE To investigate the regulatory effects of icariin(ICA)on cardiac micro⁃vascular endothelial cells(CMEC)after oxygenglucose deprivation reperfusion(OGD/R)injury.METHODS CMEC were subjected to OGD/R treatment to construct a myocardial ischemiareperfusion model,and were divided into normal,model,low(10μmol·L^(-1)),medium(20μmol·L^(-1))and high(40μmol·L^(-1))ICA group,and high ICA+inhibitor group(40μmol·L^(-1)+20 nmol·L^(-1)).CCK-8 assay was used to assess the protective ability of ICA against CMEC,and cell migration assay and tube-formation assay were used to detect the migration and generation ability of CMEC.The TCMSP database,Swiss-Target database and literature mining methods were used to col⁃lect ICA-related targets,the GeneCards data⁃base was used to collect target genes related to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion,and Cytoscape 3.8.0 software was used to construct a"drug-tar⁃get-disease"network.The potential targets were imported into STRING 11.5 database to obtain the PPI network.GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed on the potential targets using the DAVID database.Molecular docking was performed using AutoDock-vina 1.1.2 soft⁃ware.Western blot detected the expression of related proteins.RESULTS After CMEC was subjected to OGD/R treatment,ICA had a protec⁃tive effect at 10^(-1)60μmol·L^(-1);the results of the cell migration assay showed that each group of ICA could promote the migratory effect of CMEC(P<0.01,P<0.01);and the results of tube-for⁃mation assay showed that each group of ICA could significantly promote the generation of branches(P<0.01)and the capillary length exten⁃sion(P<0.05).Network pharmacology collected a total of 23 ICA action targets,1500 disease tar⁃gets and 12 key targets.GO function enrichment analysis found 85 results.KEGG pathway enrich⁃ment analysis found 53 results,involving AGERAGE signaling pathway,sphingolipid signaling pathway and VEGF signaling pathway.Molecu⁃lar docking results showed that ICA had better binding with core targets PRKCB,PRKCA and PTGS2.Western blot results showed that ICA could regulate the expression of PRKCB,PRKCA and PTGS2 proteins.The results of cell migra⁃tion assay,tube-formation assay and protein expression were reversed after addition of PKC inhibitor.CONCLUSION The potential mecha⁃nism of action of ICA against myocardial isch⁃emia-reperfusion injury may be related to the reg⁃ulation of processes such as CMEC migration and angiogenesis,and it functions through the key target gene PKC.
基金The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine Innovation and Strengthening Fund,No.2019QN14.
文摘BACKGROUND Dysregulated microRNA(miRNA)is crucial in the progression of diabetic nephropathy(DN).AIM To investigate the potential molecular mechanism of Icariin(ICA)in regulating endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress-mediated apoptosis in high glucose(HG)-induced primary rat kidney cells(PRKs),with emphasis on the role of miR-503 and sirtuin 4(SIRT4)in this process.METHODS Single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin(65 mg/kg)in Sprague-Dawley rats induce DN in the in vivo hyperglycemic model.Glucose-treated PRKs were used as an in vitro HG model.An immunofluorescence assay identified isolated PRKs.Cell Counting Kit-8 and flow cytometry analyzed the effect of ICA treatment on cell viability and apoptosis,respectively.Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyzed the levels of ER stressrelated proteins.Dual luciferase analysis of miR-503 binding to downstream SIRT4 was performed.RESULTS ICA treatment alleviated the upregulated miR-503 expression in vivo(DN)and in vitro(HG).Mechanistically,ICA reduced HG-induced miR-503 overexpression,thereby counteracting its function in downregulating SIRT4 levels.ICA regulated the miR-503/SIRT4 axis and subsequent ER stress to alleviate HG-induced PRKs injury.CONCLUSION ICA reduced HG-mediated inhibition of cell viability,promotion of apoptosis,and ER stress in PRKs.These effects involved regulation of the miR-503/SIRT4 axis.These findings indicate the potential of ICA to treat DN,and implicate miR-503 as a viable target for therapeutic interventions in DN.
文摘Epimedium Brevicornum is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant possessing properties of sweet, warm, tonifying kidney, strong bones and rheumatism. Icariin, a flavonoid compound, is one of the main active ingredients of Epimedium. Icariinriside(ICS) is the main metabolite of icariin. Icariinand ICS have multiple pharmacological effects such as anti-tumor, anti-oxidative stress, improvement of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular, and regulation of endocrine. We have conducted a series of studies on the neuroprotection and mechanisms of action of icariin and ICS for many years. The main findings are reported as follows.(1) Effect on Alzheimer disease(AD) model animals: Icariin significantly attenuated learning and memory loss, hippocampal neuron loss and senile plaque formation in APP/PS1 transgenic AD model mice, which may be related to inhibition of Aβ production and reduction of PDE5(phosphodiesterase 5).In addition, icariin significantly attenuated Aβ25-35-induced learning and memory decline and hippocampal neuronal apoptosis in rats, which may be related to lowering PDE5 content and up-regulating BDNF/Trkb/CREB signaling pathway, inhibiting MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways, and increasing expression of acetylcholinesterase(ACHE) and choline acetyltransferase(CHAT) in the hippocampus. At the same time, icariin can significantly improve the learning and memory dysfunction induced by amanita proline in rats, which may be related to the inhibition of hippocampal neuronal apoptosis, antiexcitatory amino acid toxicity and regulation of MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways.(2) Effects on Parkinson disease(PD) model animals: The study found that in LPS-induced dopaminergic neuron injury animal models and cell models, icariin can inhibit microglia by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors such as TNF-α, IL-1β, NO and COX-2. Activation of glial cells increases the expression of neurotrophic factors such as BDNF and GDNF, increases the content of dopamine(DA) and its metabolites 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid(DOPAC) and homovanillic acid(HVA), inhibits MAPK and the NF-κB signaling pathway, protecting dopaminergic neurons. In addition, icariin significantly attenuated6-OHDA-induced dopaminergic neuronal damage. In Nrf2 knockout mice, the neuroprotective effect of icariin disappeared, suggesting that Nrf2 may be one of the targets of icariin to play neuroprotective effects.(3) Effects on vascular dementia(VD) model animals: Icarin can improve the learning and memory ability and memory function of chronic hypoperfusion rats, and its mechanism may be related to increase the level of VEGF/VEGFR2 protein in the brain and activate multiple downstream signaling pathways to promote angiogenesis to play an indirect protective effect on neurons;The level of BDNF/Trk B protein in the brain increases the phosphorylation level of CREB and exerts direct neuroprotective effects.(4)Effect on cerebral ischemia: In a model of ischemic brain injury, icariin acts to up-regulate Sirt1 by activating p38, thereby exerting an anti-ischemic injury and protecting neuronal cells. In addition, icariin has neuroprotective effects on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats, which may increase GSH-Px,SOD activity, decrease MDA content, inhibit free radical damage, reduce NO content, NOS activity,and inhibit neurotoxic damage. Reduction of MPO activity, TNF-α, IL-1β content is associated with inhibition of inflammatory response.(5) Cell protection: Icariin has a protective effect on 6-OHDA-induced oxidative damage in PC12 cells, which may be related to inhibition of apoptosis and regulation of Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway, while ICS can attenuate oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation-induced cellular damage in PC12 cells. The mechanism of cellular oxidative damage may be related to inhibition of apoptosis and regulation of Nrf2/SIRT3 signaling pathway.Icariin and ICS have good preventive and therapeutic effects on central nervous system diseases such as AD, PD, VD, etc. However, due to the complexity of the molecular mechanisms of icariin and ICS, the molecular mechanisms of the central nervous system are still worthy of further study.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81774102 (to LLW)。
文摘Icariin(ICA) has a significant capacity to protect against depression and hippocampal injury,but it cannot effectively cross the bloodbrain barrier and accumulate in the brain.Therefore,the mechanism by which ICA protects against hippocampal injury in depression remains unclear.In this study,we performed proteomics analysis of cerebrospinal fluid to investigate the mechanism by which ICA prevents dysfunctional hippocampal neurogenesis in depression.A rat model of depression was established through exposure to chronic unpredictable mild stress for 6 weeks,after which 120 mg/kg ICA was administered subcutaneously every day.The results showed that ICA alleviated depressive symptoms,learning and memory dysfunction,dysfunctional neurogenesis,and neuronal loss in the dentate gyrus of rats with depression.Neural stem cells from rat embryonic hippocampi were cultured in media containing 20% cerebrospinal fluid from each group of rats and then treated with 100 μM corticosterone.The addition of cerebrospinal fluid from rats treated with ICA largely prevented the corticosterone-mediated inhibition of neuronal proliferation and differentiation.Fifty-two differentially expressed proteins regulated by chronic unpredictable mild stress and ICA were identified through proteomics analysis of cerebrospinal fluid.These proteins were mainly involved in the ribosome,PI3 K-Akt signaling,and interleukin-17 signaling pathways.Parallel reaction monitoring mass spectrometry showed that Rps4 x,Rps12,Rps14,Rps19,Hsp90 b1,and Hsp90 aa1 were up-regulated by chronic unpredictable mild stress and down-regulated by ICA.In contrast,Htr A1 was down-regulated by chronic unpredictable mild stress and up-regulated by ICA.These findings suggest that ICA can prevent depression and dysfunctional hippocampal neurogenesis through regulating the expression of certain proteins found in the cerebrospinal fluid.The study was approved by the Experimental Animal Ethics Committee of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine of China in March 2017.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(81660599)Foundation of Zunyi Medical University (2013F-686+1 种基金2013F-738)Postgraduate Education Foundation of Guizhou Province(KYJJ2017008).
文摘OBJECTIVE To investigate the protective effect of icariin(ICA) on learning and memory function in APP/PS1/Tau triple transgenic Alzheimer disease mice(3×Tg-AD mice),and then to explore whether its mechanism is related to the improvement of brain glucose metabolism disorder.METHODS Three-month-old male 3 ×Tg-AD mice were randomly divided into three groups(n=10):3×Tg group,3×Tg+ICA low-dose group(30 mg·kg-1) and 3×Tg + ICA high-dose group(60 mg·kg-1).Age-matched male wild type(WT) mice were randomly divided into two groups(n=10):WT control group and WT+ICA60 mg·kg-1 group.ICA in vehicle(0.5% Tween-80 in distilled water) was given orally once a day for five months in the 3×Tg+ICA groups.3×Tg and WT control group were given an equal volume vehicle.Morris water maze was used to detect the learning and memory function of mice.Brain glucose metabolism in 3×Tg mice was observed by 18 F-FDG microPET imaging technique.Nissl staining and HE staining were used to evaluate the survival neurons in hippocampus of mice.Glucose oxidase assay was used to detect glucose contents in cortex of mice.The protein expression of APP,Aβ1-40,Aβ1-42 and glucose transporter 1(GLUT1),and the phosphorylation level of tau protein at multiple sites in hippocampus were detected by Western blotting.RESULTS Behavioral examination revealed a profound decrease learning and memory function,accompanied by a decrease in number of neuronal cells in 3×Tg-AD mice.Moreover,the cerebral18 F-FDG uptake rate per gram tissue was reduced and the glucose contents in the cortex were increased in 3×Tg-AD mice.In addition,Western blotting analysis showed that the expression of APP,Aβ1-40,Aβ1-42 proteins and the levels of tau protein phosphorylation at Ser199/202 and PHF-1(Ser396/404) sites were increased significantly,followed by a decrease of GLUT1 expression in hippocampus of 3×Tg-AD mice.All of these changes in behavioral functions,neuronal loss and related protein expression were reversed when mice were treated with ICA.CONCLUSION ICA can improve the learning and memory ability of AD model mice,the mechanism may be related to the improvement of cerebral glucose metabolism dysfunction by increasing the expression of GLUT1.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(81560594).
文摘OBJECTIVE Alzheimer disease(AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder involving a gradual decline in many cognitive processes and in neurons.The endoplasmic reticulum(ER) is involved in several crucial cellular functions,eg protein folding and quality control.Massive misfolded or unfolded proteins in ER can disturb the function of ER and induce ER stress,which results in neuronal death in AD.Icariin(ICA) has a wide range of neuro protection and has been researched in AD treatment.However,whether ICA has the effect on ER stress in AD condition,and how ICA affects ER stress remains stil unclear.Therefore,the current study aimed to investigate the mechanism of ICA against cognitive impairments in AD model through ER stress pathway and apoptosis.METHODS Twelve months male APP/PS1 or wild-type(WT)mice were randomly divided into four groups:APP/PS1,and APP/PS1+ICA,WT and WT+ICA groups.The treated mice were given ICA60 mg·kg-1 per day and control mice were received the same volume distilled water for consecutive 3 months.The Morris water maze and novel object recognition were used to detect animals′ behavior.Nissl staining was used to observe the neuronal morphology in hippocampus area.The protein and(or) phosphorylation level of GRP78,p-PERK,PERK,p-IRE1,IRE1,ATF6,p-e IF2α,eIF2α,ATF4,CHOP,the level of cleaved-casepase 3,Bax and Bcl-2 were examined by Western blotting.RESULTS The behavior performance testing by Morris water maze and novel object recognition deteriorated in APP/PS1 mice compared with WT mice,however,ICA significantly improved the behavior performance when compared with APP/PS1.The neuron impairments in APP/PS1 mice also were ameliorated after ICA treatment.The protein expression of GRP78,ATF4,CHOP,and the level of p-PERK and p-eI F2α were higher in APP/PS1 mice than that in WT mice.The Bax/Bcl-2 ratio elevation and caspase 3 activation have been found in APP/PS1 mice.After treated with ICA,those above-mentioned parameters were decreased compared with APP/PS1.However,the levels of IRE1,p-IRE1 and ATF6 were not change among other groups.CONCLUSION ICA may decrease the ER stress and apoptosis in AD model,and may be through inhibiting the PERK/eI F2α pathway,not IRE and ATF6 pathways.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(81760658).
文摘OBJECTIVE To investigate the protective effect of icariin(ICA) on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced BV2 microglia injury,and to clarify the role of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2) signaling pathway in BV2 microglia-mediated neuroinflammation.METHODS BV2 microglia were randomly divided into control,ICA(0.1 μmol·L^(-1)),LPS(1 mg·L^(-1)),LPS + ICA(0.01 μmol·L^(-1)),and LPS + ICA(0.1 μmol·L^(-1))groups.BV2 microglia were treated with ICA for 30 min and then treated with LPS for 24 h.MTT assay was used to determine the cells survival rate,Griess kit and ELISA kits were used to detect the contents of NO,IL-1β and IL-18 in the culture supernatant,Western blotting was used to detect the expression of Nrf2,HO-1 and NQO1.Real time RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of Nrf2,HO-1 and NQO1 after ICA addition for 2,6 and 24 h.And immunofluorescence was used to observe the activation of Nrf2.RESULTS ICA reduced LPS-induced NO,IL-1β and IL-18 production in the culture supernatant,and ICA increase LPS-induced mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2 signaling pathway.CONCLUSION ICA protects LPS induced neuroinflammation by regulating Nrf2 signaling pathway.
文摘Background:Amyloid-β(Aβ)metabolic imbalance is the pivotal pathogenesis leading to Alzheimer’s disease(AD).In sporadic AD,decreased clearance of Aβimportantly contributes to the onset and progression.Astrocytes,the most abundant cell type in the brain,are mainly responsible for maintaining neuronal homeostasis.Most recently,it has been demonstrated that astrocytes play an important role in regulating Aβmetabolism.Icariin(ICA),a flavonoid glucoside extracted from the traditional Chinese herb Epimedium brevicornu,has been shown to produce protective effects against AD by decreasing Aβproduction.However,it remains unclear whether ICA regulates cellular Aβclearance in the astrocytes.Objective:To examine the regulatory effects of ICA on Aβremoval by astrocytes and explore the mechanisms of its actions.Methods:Uptake and subsequent degradation of Aβby astrocytes were evaluated using a combination of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)and laser confocal microscopy.The effects of oligomer Aβ(oAβ1-42)and/or ICA on the expressions of sirt6 in the primary astrocytes were examined using western blotting and q-PCR assays.The expression of autophagy markers including P62 and LC3-Ⅱ,and phosphorylated-mTOR were measured by western blotting.In order to determine whether sirt6 is involved in the intracellular Aβmetabolism,sirt6 was knocked down using lentiviral vectors containing sirt6-shRNAs and autophagy levels were assessed by western blotting.Results:①In primary astrocytes,ICA not only significantly increased Aβinternalization but also obviously accelerated its degradation in a concentration-dependent manner.②Treatment of astrocytes with Aβ1-42 at 1μmol·L-1 significantly down-regulated the expression of sirt6,which was rescued by ICA.In addition,ICA at 20μmol·L-1 significantly increased the expression of LC3-Ⅱand markedly decreased the expression of P62 and phosphorylated-mTOR in primary astrocytes.③Sirt6 knockdown in primary astrocytes resulted in decreased cellular Aβuptake and degradation.Simultaneously,silencing of sirt6 in astrocytes increased P62 levels and reduced LC3-Ⅱand phosphorylated-mTOR levels.Conclusion:Taken together,our results demonstrate that sirt6 plays an important role in Aβmetabolism in astrocytes via induction of autophagy.ICA is a potential drug for treatment of AD as it upregulates cellular sirt6.
基金Project of Medical and Health Research,Gansu Province(No.GSWSKY2020-13)。
文摘Objective:To observe the effect of Icariin on diabetic myocardial hypertrophy and explore its molecular mechanism.Methods:C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into Ctrl group(normal control group),DM group(STZ intraperitoneal injection model),and DM+ICA group(diabetic C57BL/6 mice by intragastric Icariin solution 80mg/kg/d,for 3 consecutive weeks).Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect myocardial hypertrophy markers BNP andβ-MHC.Western blotting was used to detect myocardial AMPK,p-AMPK,mTOR,p-mTOR,LC3B and Beclin1 protein expression.Echocardiogram was used to detect left ventricular mass and ejection fraction.Results:Compared with the normal control group,the expression of myocardial hypertrophy markers BNP andβ-MHC mRNA in diabetic mice were significantly increased;the expression of phosphorylated AMPK protein,autophagy-related protein LC3B and Beclin1 were significantly increased,and the expression of phosphorylated mTOR protein is significantly reduced;the left ventricular mass is significantly increased.The above changes can be reversed after treatment with Icariin,but the effect of Icariin is blocked by the autophagy inhibitor rapamycin.Conclusion:Icariin may inhibit autophagy and reduce diabetic myocardial hypertrophy through AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway.
基金The 61th Batch of China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(No.2017M611884)General topic of medical science and Technology development in Nanjing,Jiangsu Province(No.YKK17148)。
文摘Objective:To verify whether icariin has drug toxicity to osteoblasts and its pre protective effect on inflammatory osteoblasts induced by lipopolysaccharide.Methods:(1)The osteoblasts of newborn SD rats were extracted,cultured and passaged.By observing the morphology of osteoblasts and ALP staining,the activity and proliferation of osteoblasts were determined.(2)CCK-8 method was used to observe the effect of Icariin on osteoblast activity.(3)Different concentrations of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)were used to induce inflammatory osteoblasts in fetal rats.CCK-8 method was used to select the best concentration for induction.(4)This experiment was divided into control group,low concentration group,middle concentration group and high concentration group.CCK-8 method was used to observe whether icariin could protect osteoblasts from inflammatory reaction.Results:(1)The number of osteoblasts in the third generation increased,the shape of osteoblasts overlapped like tiles,most of osteoblasts grew in the center,the center was dense and the specific shape was difficult to see.After ALP staining,the positive cells showed gray black granules in cytoplasm and irregular cell body shape under inverted microscope;(2)DWhen the concentration of icariin was lower than 1μg/ml,it had no significant effect on osteoblasts(P<0.05);when it was higher than 10μg/ml,icariin had no significant effect on osteoblasts(P<0.05);(3)When the concentration of lipopolysaccharide was higher than 80μg/ml,there was a significant trend of inflammatory damage to osteoblasts,which was statistically significant(P<0.01).Therefore,80μg/ml was selected as the best injury concentration in this experiment;(4)When the concentration of icariin was lower than 1μg/ml,there was no significant pre protective effect on the inflammatory response of osteoblasts(P<0.05);when it was higher than 10μg/ml,there was significant pre protective effect on the inflammatory response of osteoblasts(P<0.05).Conclusion:When the concentration of icariin reaches a certain level,it can promote the proliferation of osteoblasts and has a certain pre protective effect on inflammatory osteoblasts.
文摘Urinary metabolites of icariin, present in Epimedium, were investigated using rats. In the urine of rats administered icariin orally, two major metabolites were detected, which were identified as icariside Ⅱ and icaritin by means of spectral data.
文摘High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was established to determine the concentration of Icariin II in rats. The time-dependent changes in rats after taking Icariin II were studied, and the main pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained. The main pharmacokinetic parameters of taking the medicine in a quiet state, taking the medicine after half an hour of exercise and taking the medicine after long-term exercise were compared to verify whether the absorption and utilization of the Icariin II were more favorable in the exercise state;The paper has important guiding significance for guiding athletes to safe medication and further development of this drug.
文摘To investigate the expression of beta-amyloid protein on icariin in the hippocampal of senescence accelerated mouse SAMP10.The 8-month-old SAMP10 were randomly divided into model group,Donepezil Hydrochloride(DON)-treated SAMP10 group(1 mg·kg^-1)and ICA-treated SAMP10 groups(50、100、200 mg·kg^-1),with 6 mice in each group.while the age-matched senescence accelerated mouse/resistance1(SAMR1)were used as the normal control.After 30 days of oral administration,the method of Nissl was used to detect neurons on icariin in the hippocampal of senescence accelerated mouse SAMP10.The expression of betaamyloid protein on icariin in the hippocampal of senescence accelerated mouse SAMP10 was detected by the method of immunohistochemical.It was discovered that the nerve cells in groups of ICA arranged regularly,and the number of neurons increasing.We can conduct that ICA may reduce the average optical density of beta-amyloid protein in the CA1 and CA3 region of hippocampal on SAMP10.ICA may reduce the beta-amyloid protein deposition in CA1 and CA3 region of hippocampal on SAMP10 to improve learning and memory ability.
