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This study investigated the effects of amygdalin (AMY, a cyanogenic glycoside widely distributed in the fruits and seeds of Rosaceae plants) on cardiac performance and ventricular remodeling in a rat model of myocardial infarction (MI). We also investigated whether the combination of AMY with exercise training (ExT) has a beneficial synergistic effect in treating MI rats. MI was induced by the ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in male SD rats. ExT or AMY treatment was started 1 week after MI and continued for 1 week (short-term) or 8 weeks (long-term). Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters. Heart tissues were harvested and subjected to 2,3,5-triphenyl-tetrazolium chloride, Masson's trichrome, hematoxylin-eosin, and immunohistochemical staining. Gene expression was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Western blot gave a qualitative assessment of protein levels. AMY or ExT improved cardiac function and reduced infarct size in MI rats. AMY or ExT also suppressed myocardial fibrosis and attenuated inflammation in the infarct border zone of hearts from MI rats, as evidenced by inhibition of collagen deposition, inflammatory cell infiltration, and pro-inflammatory markers (interleukin 1β, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and cyclooxygenase 2). Notably, the effects of AMY combined with ExT were superior to those of AMY alone or ExT alone. Mechanistically, these beneficial functions were correlated with the inhibition of MI-induced activation of the transforming growth factor-β/Smad pathway. Collectively, AMY and ExT exert a synergistic effect on improving cardiac performance and ameliorating cardiac inflammation and fibrosis after MI, and the effects of long-term intervention were better than short-term intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute photodamage is an acute inflammatory reaction of the skin after ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Many drugs have been successfully used for the treatment and prevention of photodamage. Aims: To evaluate the molecular mechanism of N-terminal 5-mer peptide analog P165 of amyloid precursor protein in repairing photodamaged rat skin. Materials and Methods: We establish a rat model of acute UVB photodamage. The ratskin was treated with or without 250, 500, and, 1000 μM P165. Histological analysis was performed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Apoptotic cells were analyzed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. The kits were used to measure the levels of protein carbonyl (PC), malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione (GSH). Western blotting was used to measure Nrf2. Results: P165 repaired UVB-induced cutaneous erythema and edema, and reduced apoptosis of skin cells. The levels of PC, MDA, and 8-OHdG in 250 and 500 μM P165 groups were all lower than those in the solvent group. Activities of SOD, CAT, and GPx, and the level of GSH in P165 groups were higher than those in the solvent group. Nrf2 expression in the solvent group was higher than that in the negative group, whereas in the 500 μM P165 group was higher than in the solvent group. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that P165 repairs the rat skin with acute photodamage by reducing oxidative stress. These activities may be mediated by promoting the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Thus, P165 may be a promising agent for the treatment of acute photodamage, which may be used in cosmetics and postsun repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Longdan zhike tablet (LDZK) is a Tibetan medicine formula commonly used in the highland region of Tibet, China, to ameliorate respiratory diseases, such as acute bronchitis and asthma. In Chinese traditional medicine, some herbal formulas with anti-inflammatory properties targeting the respiratory system are clinically adopted as supplementary therapies for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the specific anti-COPD effects of LDZK remain to be evaluated. The aim of this study is to identify the principal bioactive compounds in LDZK, and elucidate the effects and mechanisms of the LDZK on COPD. High-resolution mass spectrometry was utilized for a comprehensive characterization of the chemical composition of LDZK. The therapeutic effects of LDZK were assessed on the LPS-papain-induced COPD mouse model, and LPS-induced activation model of A549 cells. The safety of LDZK was evaluated by orally administering a single dose of 30 g/kg to rats and monitoring physiological and biochemical indicators after a 14-day period. Network pharmacology and Western blot analysis were employed for mechanism prediction of LDZK. A comprehensive analysis identified a total of 45 compounds as the major constituents of LDZK. Oral administration of LDZK resulted in notable ameliorative effects in respiratory function, accompanied by reduced inflammatory cell counts and cytokine levels in the lungs of COPD mice. Acute toxicity tests demonstrated a favorable safety profile at a dose equivalent to 292 times the clinically prescribed dose. In vitro studies revealed that LDZK exhibited protective effects on A549 cells by mitigating LPS-induced cellular damage, reducing the release of NO, and downregulating the expression of iNOS, COX2, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Network pharmacology and Western blot analysis indicated that LDZK primarily modulated the MAPK signaling pathway and inhibited the phosphorylation of p38/ERK/JNK. LDZK exerts significant therapeutic effects on COPD through the regulation of the MAPK pathway, suggesting its potential as a promising adjunctive therapy for the treatment of chronic inflammation in COPD. [Display omitted] • Longdan zhike tablet (LDZK) is effective for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). • LDZK improves lung injury, respiratory function, and inflammation in COPD mice. • LDZK exhibits excellent clinical safety profile in medication. • LDZK inhibits COPD progression via MAPK pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]