Astragalus and Baicalein Regulate Inflammation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) by the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK)/ERK Pathway

Abstract

BackgroundMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as an attractive alternative to modulating immune response after transplantation. Recent studies have shown that systemically administered MSCs enter the inflamed intestine. In the present study, we propose a strategy to improve the efficacy of MSC-based cellular therapy for inflammation using Astragaloside and Baicalein to enhance cell survival, inhibit apoptosis, and modulate inflammatory response in vitro.Material/MethodsMSCs were induced with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as an inflammatory model before being treated for 48 h with Astragaloside, Baicalein, and the combination of both. MSCs proliferation was determined using the MTT method. The cell cycle situation was monitored using flow cytometry, and the apoptosis ability of MSCs was detected with Annexin-V flow cytometry. The levels of cytokine IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α, and their relations with the ERK pathway were measured using ELISA, RT-PCR, and Western blot.ResultsCompared to the control groups (containing no drug), each drug-treated group showed the ability to promote epithelial differentiation and cell growth and to inhibit apoptosis. The combination group had reduced levels of IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α in LPS-induced MSCs, much more than in the other 2 groups. Compared with the other groups, the combination of Astragaloside and Baicalin more efficiently reduced IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α levels in the LPS-induced MSCs model, and ERK inhibitor was capable of recovering the inflammatory effect.ConclusionsThe results demonstrated that Astragaloside and Baicalin can promote epithelial differentiation and proliferation, inhibit apoptosis, and reduce inflammatory effects.

Baicalin modulates apoptosis via RAGE, MAPK, and AP-1 in vascular endothelial cells during Haemophilus parasuis invasion

“…31 Consistent with our previous study, baicalin also reduces the levels of IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α in LPS-induced mesenchymal stem cells, and the inflammation response in the mesenchymal stem cells through the MAPK/ERK pathway. 32 Baicalin treatment inhibits acetaminophen-induced liver inflammation through down-regulating the ERK signaling pathway. 33 These data suggest that baicalin regulates the inflammatory immune response to resist infection and improve treatment.…”

Chinese herbal extract granules combined with 5-aminosalicylic acid for patients with moderately active ulcerative colitis: study protocol for a multicenter randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

“…Our previous studies have proved that QCHS could alleviate UC oxidative stress and intestinal in ammation which was related to activation of β2AR/β-arrestin2/NF-κB signaling pathway [30]. Moreover, in-depth study found paeoni orin had the anti-in ammatory effect in UC via inhibiting MAPK/NF-kappa B pathway and apoptosis in mice [31], and astragalus and baicalein regulated in ammation of mesenchymal stem cells by MAPK/ERK pathway [32]. Based on above-mentioned results, we explored whether QCHS could help patients with moderately active UC who do not respond to 5-ASA after 4 weeks.…”

Chinese herbal extract granules combined with 5-aminosalicylic acid for patients with moderately active ulcerative colitis: study protocol for a multicenter randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

“…Our previous studies have proved that QCHS could alleviate UC oxidative stress and intestinal inflammation which was related to activation of β2AR/β-arrestin2/NF-κB signaling pathway [ 37 ]. Moreover, an in-depth study found paeoniflorin had the anti-inflammatory effect in UC via inhibiting MAPK/NF-kappa B pathway and apoptosis in mice [ 38 ], and astragalus and baicalein regulated inflammation of mesenchymal stem cells by MAPK/ERK pathway [ 39 ]. Based on the abovementioned results, we explored whether QCHS could help patients with moderately active UC who do not respond to 5-ASA after 4 weeks.…”