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Objective: To investigate the effect of wogonin (WOG) on hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by regulating adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway. Methods: H9C2 cells were divided into Control group (normal culture), H/R group (H/R induction), L (low dose)-WOG group, M (medium dose)-WOG group, H (high dose)-WOG group (40, 80, 120 µmol/L WOG were added on the basis of H/R induction), WOG+Compound C group (10 µmol/L AMPK inhibitor Compound C was added on the basis of H-WOG group). The effect of WOG on the proliferation of H9C2 cells was detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining. The effect of WOG on apoptosis of H9C2 cells was detected by flow cytometry. The levels of serum oxidative stress indexes [malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD)] and inflammatory factors [interleukin (IL)-1B, IL-18] in H9C2 cells were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of AMPK, NLRP3, B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) in H9C2 cells was detected by Western blot (WB). Results: The optical density (OD), EdU positive cell rate, SOD, AMPK and Bcl-2 of H9C2 cells in H/R group were lower than those in Control group, and the apoptosis rate, IL-1B, IL-18, ROS, MDA, NLRP3 and Bax were higher than those in Control group (P<0.05). Compared with H/R group, OD490, EdU positive cell rate, SOD, AMPK and Bcl-2 expression in L-WOG group, M-WOG group and H-WOG group increased, while apoptosis rate, IL-1B, IL-18, ROS, MDA, NLRP3 and Bax decreased (P<0.05). The OD, EdU positive cell rate, SOD, AMPK and Bcl-2 in WOG+Compound C group were lower than those in H-WOG group, and the apoptosis rate, IL-1B, IL-18, ROS, MDA, NLRP3 and Bax expression were higher than those in H-WOG group (P<0.05). Conclusion: WOG can inhibit H/R-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis, which may be relate to the AMPK/NLRP3 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease. Many studies have shown that wogonin has a good anti-inflammatory effect on rheumatoid arthritis, but its exact efficacy and specific mechanism of action remain to be clarified. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanism of wogonin ameliorating joint inflammation by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway in rats with collagen- induced arthritis. METHODS: (1) At the animal level: Female Wistar rats were divided into healthy control group, arthritis model group and wogonin treatment group. Rat models of arthritis in the latter two groups were established by subcutaneous injection of bovine type II collagen and adjuvant. In the wogonin group, wogonin was given by gavage for 28 consecutive days after modeling. During this period, the rats in each group were weighed, and arthritis score and ankle swelling were measured every 7 days. After the experiment, the pathological changes of the joint were observed, the mRNA and protein levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway GRP78 and CHOP were detected by qRT-PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry. (2) At the cellular level, cell counting kit-8 was used to detect the cytotoxic effect of wogonin on fibroblast-like synoviocytes from rats with collagen-induced arthritis. The fibroblast-like synoviocytes induced by thapsigargin were treated with different concentrations of wogonin. The levels of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α in the cell supernatant were detected by ELISA, and the intracellular reactive oxygen species in each group were determined by DCFH-DA probe method. The mRNA and protein levels of GRP78, IRE1α, XBP1s and CHOP were detected by qRT-PCR and western blot, respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Compared with the healthy control group, arthritis index score and ankle swelling degree in the arthritis model group were increased (P < 0.01), synovial hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration, cartilage destruction and bone erosion were observed in pathological sections, and the mRNA and protein expressions of GRP78 and CHOP in the ankle were significantly increased (P < 0.01), which were mainly located in synovial tissue and articular surface. Compared with the arthritis model group, the arthritis index score and ankle swelling degree in the wogonin treatment group were decreased (P < 0.05), synovial hyperplasia and the number of inflammatory cells were decreased, cartilage destruction and bone erosion were alleviated, the mRNA and protein expression levels of GRP78 and CHOP in the ankle were decreased (P < 0.05), particularly in synovial tissue and on the articular surface. There was no significant difference in body mass among the three groups (P > 0.05). In the cell experiment, 200 μmol/L wogonin significantly reduced the survival rate of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (P < 0.01). Compared with the blank control group, the levels of interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, content of reactive oxygen species, and mRNA and protein expression of GRP78, IRE1α, XBP1s, and CHOP in the thapsigargin group were significantly increased (P < 0.05); compared with the thapsigargin group, 50 and 100 μmol/L wogonin significantly reduced the levels of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α in the cell supernatant (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), and 100 μmol/L wogonin significantly reduced the content of reactive oxygen species (P < 0.01) and down-regulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of GRP78, IRE1α, XBP1s and CHOP (all P < 0.05). These results suggest that wogonin can effectively alleviate joint inflammatory responses in rats with collagen-induced arthritis, and the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway may be the key target of its intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to pathogens induces hyperactivate inflammatory immune responses, oxidative stress and even death in fish. Therefore, suppressing excessive inflammatory responses is a means of treating fish diseases. Scutellariae Radix (SR), an herbal medicine, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, the active ingredients of SR that produce a marked effect and their mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, 32 active ingredients of SR and their 124 target genes associated with anti-inflammatory effect were screened. These target genes in zebrafish were mainly enriched in biological processes associated with response to stress and stimulus. The KEGG enrichment analysis and pathway–pathway network analysis showed that the MAPK signalling pathway and nine other pathways were the key pathways associated with anti-inflammatory effect. A protein–protein interactions (PPI) network of target genes was constructed, and AKT2 and nine other genes were identified as the hub genes by cytoHubba. Combining the above results, we constructed an active ingredient–hub protein–key pathway network, showing that wogonin-AKT2 was the key regulated module. Molecular docking and SPR-based assays were used to investigate the possible interaction of wogonin with the AKT2 protein. The infected zebrafish and grass carp treated with wogonin displayed a higher survival rate and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects than the infected fish without wogonin treatment. Dietary wogonin also enhanced grass carp anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These findings further reveal the molecular biological mechanism by which wogonin from SR exerts anti-inflammatory effects and provide a theoretical basis for the prevention of fish diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NIBV is an acute and highly contagious virus that has a major impact on the poultry industry. Wogonin, as a flavonoid drug, has antiviral effects, but there have been no reports indicating its role in renal injury caused by NIBV infection. The aim of this study is to investigate the antiviral effect of wogonin against NIBV. Renal tubular epithelial cells were isolated and cultured, and divided into four groups: Con, Con+Wog, NIBV and NIBV+Wog. We found that wogonin significantly inhibited the copy number of NIBV and significantly alleviated NIBV-induced cell apoptosis and necrosis. Moreover, wogonin inhibited the reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential and the aberrant opening of mPTP caused by NIBV. In conclusion, wogonin can protect renal tubular epithelial cells from damage by inhibiting the replication of NIBV and preventing mitochondrial apoptosis and necroptosis induced by NIBV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: To investigate the mechanism by which wogonin (WOG) induces ferroptosis in collagen-induced arthritis rat fibroblast-like synoviocytes (rat CIA-FLS cells) through the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway. METHODS: Rat CIA-FLS cells were divided into: control group, low, medium, and high dose of (25, 50 and 100 μmol/L) WOG group, ferroptosis inhibitor (LIP-1) group, LIP-1 + high dose WOG group, HO-1 agonist cobalt protoporphyrin (COPP) group, and COPP + high dose WOG group. CCK-8 assay was used for cell viability. Crystal violet staining was used for for cell morphology. The levels of oxidative stress markers glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured. DCFH-DA fluorescent probe was used to detect the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) content as well as Western blot to detect the protein expression levels of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP-1), NRF2 and HO-1. RESULTS: Compared with the normal control group, administration of WOG treatment resulted in a significant decrease in CIA-FLS cell viability (P< 0. 01, a significant increase in the level of oxidative stress (P<0. 01), a significant increase in the content of ROS (P< 0. 01), a significant decrease in the level of expression of NRF2 and HO-1 proteins (P<0. 01), and a significant increase in the level of KEAP-1 (P<0. 01) in the rat. Compared with the WOG group, the LIP-1-treated group showed a significant increase in cell viability (P<0. 01, a significant decrease in the level of oxidative stress (P<0. 01), and a significant decrease in the content of ROS (P<0. 01). Compared with the WOG group, the addition of COPP resulted in a significant increase in the protein expression levels of NRF2 and HO-1 (P<0. 01) and a significant decrease in KEAP-1 levels (P< 0.01). CONCLUSION: WOG can induce ferroptosis in rat CIA-FLS cells by promoting oxidative stress through the NRF2/HO-1 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psoriasis refers to a highly prevalent and immunologically mediated dermatosis with considerable deterioration in life quality. Wogonin, a sort of flavonoid, has been mentioned to elicit protective activities in skin diseases. However, whether Wogonin is implicated in the treatment of psoriasis and its specific mechanisms are not fully understood. Aim: The present work attempted to elaborate the role of Wogonin during the process of psoriasis and to concentrate on the associated action mechanism. Methods: Cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8) method was initially applied to assay the viability of human keratinocyte HaCaT cells treated by varying concentrations of Wogonin. To mimic psoriasis in vitro, HaCaT cells were exposed to M5 cytokines. CCK‐8 and 5‐Ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine assays were adopted for the measurement of cell proliferation. Inflammatory levels were examined with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Immunofluorescence staining tested nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain (NOD)‐like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) and Caspase‐1 expressions. Western blot examined the protein expressions of proliferation‐, inflammation‐, pyroptosis‐associated factors, and NLRP3. Results: Wogonin treatment antagonized the proliferation, inflammatory response, and NLRP3/caspase‐1/Gasdermin‐D (GSDMD)‐mediated pyroptosis in M5‐challenged HaCaT cells. Besides, NLRP3 elevation partially abrogated the effects of Wogonin on M5‐induced proliferation, inflammatory response, and NLRP3/caspase‐1/GSDMD‐mediated pyroptosis in HaCaT cells. Conclusion: In a word, Wogonin might exert anti‐proliferation, anti‐inflammatory and anti‐pyroptosis activities in M5‐induced cell model of psoriasis and the blockade of NLRP3/Caspase‐1/GSDMD pathway might be recognized as a potential mechanism underlying the protective mechanism of Wogonin in psoriasis, suggesting Wogonin as a prospective anti‐psoriasis drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a life-threatening renal disease and needs urgent therapies. Wogonin is renoprotective in DN. This study aimed to explore the mechanism of how wogonin regulated high glucose (HG)-induced renal cell injury. Methods: Diabetic mice (db/db), control db/m mice, and normal glucose (NG)- or HG-treated human tubule epithelial cells (HK-2) were used to evaluate the levels of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), inflammation and fibrosis. Lentivirus was used to regulate SOCS3 and TLR4 expressions. After oral gavage of wogonin (10 mg/kg) or vehicle in db/db mice, histological morphologies, blood glucose, urinary protein, serum creatinine values (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed. RT-qPCR and Western blot evaluated inflammation and fibrosis-related molecules. Results: HG exposure induced high blood glucose, severe renal injuries, high serumal Src and BUN, low SOD and GSH, and increased ROS. HG downregulated SOCS3 but upregulated TLR4 and JAK/STAT, fibrosis, and inflammasome-related proteins. Wogonin alleviated HG-induced renal injuries by decreasing cytokines, ROS, Src, and MDA and increasing SOD and GSH. Meanwhile, wogonin upregulated SOCS3 and downregulated TLR4 under HG conditions. Wogonin-induced SOCS3 overexpression directly decreased TLR4 levels and attenuated JAK/STAT signaling pathway-related inflammation and fibrosis, but SOCS3 knockdown significantly antagonized the protective effects of wogonin. However, TLR4 knockdown diminished SOCS3 knockdown-induced renal injuries. Conclusion: Wogonin attenuates renal inflammation and fibrosis by upregulating SOCS3 to inhibit TLR4 and JAK/STAT pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Hence, there is a need to identify new therapeutic agents to improve the current repertoire of therapeutic drugs. Wogonin, a flavonoid from the herbal medicine Scutellaria baicalensis, has unique antitumor activity. Our study aimed to further explore the inhibitory effects of wogonin on colorectal cancer and its specific mechanism. The results showed that wogonin significantly inhibited the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells as well as their ability to invade and metastasize. We detected phosphorylation of tumor-associated signaling pathways using a phosphorylated protein microarray and found that wogonin intervention significantly inhibited the phosphorylation level of the AKT protein in colorectal cancer cells. Through in vitro and in vivo experiments, it was confirmed that wogonin exerted its antitumor effects against colorectal cancer by inhibiting phosphorylation in the AKT pathway. Our discovery of wogonin as an inhibitor of AKT phosphorylation provides new opportunities for the pharmacological treatment of colorectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New glycosides of baicalein (1–4) and wogonin (5 and 6) were found by studying phenolic compounds from roots of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Lamiaceae) grown with treatment by 24-epibrassinolide. The new compounds were baicalein 7-O-(2′′-O-β-D-glucosyl)-β-D-glucuronopyranoside (scutellariside III, 1), baicalein 6-O-β-D-glucopyranoside-7-O-(2′′-O-β-D-glucosyl)-β-D-glucoronopyranoside (scutellariside IV, 2), baicalein 6-O-β-D-glycopyranosyl-7-O-β-D-glucuronopyranoside (scutellariside V, 3), baicalein 7-O-(2′′-O-malonyl)-β-D-glucuronopyranoside (scutellariside VI, 4), wogonin 7-O-(2′′-O-β-D-glucosyl)-β-D-glucuronopyranoside (scutellariside VII, 5), and wogonin 7-O-(2′′-O-malonyl)-β-D-glucuronopyranoside (scutellariside VIII, 5) according to UV and NMR spectroscopic and mass spectrometric data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wogonin, an active constituent of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, exhibits antitumor potential. This study aimed to study the effect and mechanism of wogonin on the apoptosis and proliferation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium-based cell viability, flow cytometry, and Transwell assays were conducted to assess the cells' malignant behaviors, and western blot was utilized to assess protein expression. The results indicated that wogonin inhibited nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and elevated cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent way. Besides, wogonin inhibited miR-150 expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells in a dose-dependent way. After transfection with a miR-150 inhibitor, the proliferation, migration, and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells were hindered, while the apoptosis rate was enhanced. Moreover, miR-150 reduction increased phosphatase and tensin homolog expression while decreasing p-Akt expression in cells. Rescue assays further validated that phosphatase and tensin homolog silencers reversed the impacts of miR-150 downregulation on nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells malignant behaviors, and miR-150 elevation reversed the impacts of wogonin on nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells' malignant behaviors. To sum up, wogonin inhibited nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via the miR-150/phosphatase and tensin homolog/Akt axes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the impacts of wogonin (WG) on Th17/Treg cell balance in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) rats. Methods A total of 10 rats were randomly selected as the control group. The remaining rats were injected with concanavalin A (ConA, 12.5 mg/kg) solution via tail vein to construct AIH model rat, which were randomly divided into AIH group, L-WG group (10 mg/kg), M-WG group (20 mg/kg), H-WG group (30 mg/kg), H-WG+VPA group (30 mg/kg WG+300 mg/kg Notch signal pathway activator VPA), 10 rats in each group and administered once a day for 10 days. Serum inflammatory factors and liver function indexes were detected by ELISA; HE staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of liver tissue; the level of spleen Th17/Treg cells was detected by flow cytometry; Western blot was used to detect the expression of spleen retinoid acid related orphan receptor γ t (RORγt), fork head box protein P3 (Foxp3) and liver Notch signal pathway proteins. Results The liver tissue structure of control group was normal and the staining was clear; In AIH group, the cells of liver tissue showed edema, the increase of cell volume led to the compression and narrowing of liver sinuses, and a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration and a small amount of necrosis occurred. The contents of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-23, level of Th17 cells, Th17/Treg, the expression of RORγt, Notch, hes family bHLH transcription factor 1 gene (HES1) and hes related family bHLH transcription factor with YRPW motif 1 (HEY1) protein in AIH group were greatly higher than those in control group (P＜0.05), the contents of IL-10 and TNF-β, level of Treg cells, and level of Foxp3 protein were greatly lower(P＜0.05); Compared with AIH group, the liver injury in L-WG group, M-WG group and H-WG group was improved, the contents of ALT, AST, IL-17 and IL-23, level of Th17 cells, Th17/Treg, the expression of RORγt, Notch, HES1 and HEY1 protein were greatly lower (P＜0.05), the contents of IL-10 and TNF-β, level of Treg cells, and level of Foxp3 protein were greatly higher (P＜0.05); VPA reversed the improvement effect of H-WG on AIH rats. Conclusions WG could promote Th17/Treg cell balance in AIH rats by down-regulating Notch signal pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiotherapy plays a crucial role in the multimodal treatment of breast cancer. However, radioresistance poses a significant challenge to its effectiveness, hindering successful cancer therapy. Emerging evidence indicates that Nrf2 and HIF-1 α are critical regulators of cellular anti-oxidant responses and that their overexpression significantly promotes radioresistance. Wogonin (WG), the primary component isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis, exhibits potential antitumor and reversal of multidrug resistance activities. Nevertheless, the role of WG in radioresistance remains unclear. This study aims to explore the effects of WG on the radioresistance of breast cancer. Our results indicate that Nrf2 and HIF-1 α overexpression was observed in breast cancer tissues and was correlated with the histological grading of the disease. Radiation further increased the levels of Nrf2 and HIF-1 α in breast cancer cells. However, WG demonstrated the ability to induce cell apoptosis and reverse radioresistance by inhibiting the Nrf2/HIF-1 α pathway. These effects were also confirmed in xenograft mice models. Mechanistically, WG enhanced the level of the Nrf2 inhibitor Keap1 through reducing CpG methylation in the promoter region of the Keap1 gene. Consequently, the Nrf2/HIF-1 α pathway, along with the Nrf2- and HIF-1 α -dependent protective responses, were suppressed. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that WG can epigenetically regulate the Keap1 gene, inhibit the Nrf2/HIF-1 α pathway, induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells, and diminish acquired radioresistance. This study offers potential strategies to overcome the limitations of current radiotherapy for breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancers are one of the leading cancers worldwide and are known for their high potential for metastasis and resistance to therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of various combination therapies of irinotecan with melatonin, wogonin, and celastrol on drug-sensitive colon cancer cells (LOVO cell line) and doxorubicin-resistant colon cancer stem-like cells (LOVO/DX cell subline). Melatonin is a hormone synthesized in the pineal gland and is responsible for circadian rhythm. Wogonin and celastrol are natural compounds previously used in traditional Chinese medicine. Selected substances have immunomodulatory properties and anti-cancer potential. First, MTT and flow cytometric annexin-V apoptosis assays were performed to determine the cytotoxic effect and the induction of apoptosis. Then, the potential to inhibit cell migration was evaluated using a scratch test, and spheroid growth was measured. The results showed important cytotoxic effects of the drug combinations on both LOVO and LOVO/DX cells. All tested substances caused an increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells in the LOVO cell line and necrotic cells in the LOVO/DX cell subline. The strongest effect on the induction of cancer cell death was observed for the combination of irinotecan with celastrol (1.25 µM) or wogonin (50 µM) and for the combination of melatonin (2000 µM) with celastrol (1.25 µM) or wogonin (50 µM). Statistically significant improvements in the effect of combined therapy were found for the irinotecan (20 µM) and celastrol (1.25 µM) combination and irinotecan (20 µM) with wogonin (25 µM) in LOVO/DX cells. Minor additive effects of combined therapy were observed in LOVO cells. Inhibition of cell migration was seen in LOVO cells for all tested compounds, while only irinotecan (20 µM) and celastrol (1.25 µM) were able to inhibit LOVO/DX cell migration. Compared with single-drug therapy, a statistically significant inhibitory effect on cell migration was found for combinations of melatonin (2000 µM) with wogonin (25 µM) in LOVO/DX cells and irinotecan (5 µM) or melatonin (2000 µM) with wogonin (25 µM) in LOVO cells. Our research shows that adding melatonin, wogonin, or celastrol to standard irinotecan therapy may potentiate the anti-cancer effects of irinotecan alone in colon cancer treatment. Celastrol seems to have the greatest supporting therapy effect, especially for the treatment of aggressive types of colon cancer, by targeting cancer stem-like cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is alarmingly escalating and raises challenges in finding efficient compounds for treatment. Repurposing phytochemicals in herbs is an ideal and economical approach for screening potential herbal components against COVID-19. Andrographis paniculata, also known as Chuan Xin Lian, has traditionally been used as an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial herb for centuries and has recently been classified as a promising herbal remedy for adjuvant therapy in treating respiratory diseases. This study aimed to screen Chuan Xin Lian's bioactive components and elicit the potential pharmacological mechanisms and plausible pathways for treating COVID-19 using network pharmacology combined with molecular docking. The results found terpenoid (andrographolide) and flavonoid (luteolin, quercetin, kaempferol, and wogonin) derivatives had remarkable potential against COVID-19 and sequelae owing to their high degrees in the component-target-pathway network and strong binding capacities in docking scores. In addition, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway might be the most vital molecular pathway in the pathophysiology of COVID-19 and long-term sequelae whereby therapeutic strategies can intervene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is alarmingly escalating and raises challenges in finding efficient compounds for treatment. Repurposing phytochemicals in herbs is an ideal and economical approach for screening potential herbal components against COVID-19. Andrographis paniculata, also known as Chuan Xin Lian, has traditionally been used as an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial herb for centuries and has recently been classified as a promising herbal remedy for adjuvant therapy in treating respiratory diseases. This study aimed to screen Chuan Xin Lian's bioactive components and elicit the potential pharmacological mechanisms and plausible pathways for treating COVID-19 using network pharmacology combined with molecular docking. The results found terpenoid (andrographolide) and flavonoid (luteolin, quercetin, kaempferol, and wogonin) derivatives had remarkable potential against COVID-19 and sequelae owing to their high degrees in the component-target-pathway network and strong binding capacities in docking scores. In addition, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway might be the most vital molecular pathway in the pathophysiology of COVID-19 and long-term sequelae whereby therapeutic strategies can intervene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wogonin, one of the exceptional bioactive flavonoids found abundant in the roots of Huang-Qin (Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi), is a popular health-preserving Chinese medicine. The therapeutic applications can be expanded by improving its bioavailability. The 7-O-terpenylated wogonin consisting one to three prenyl units are chemically synthesized for increasing lipophilic nature for efficient uptake, and also an attempt in mimicry of naturally scarce terpenylated flavonoids found in limited plant families and bee propolis. Wogonin (W) and its lipophilic nature prenyl wogonin (W5), geranyl wogonin (W10), and farnesyl wogonin (W15) were comparatively studied with structure-relationship in immunotoxicity of cell livability on lymphoid, myeloid, and somatic origins cell lines. Anti-inflammatory functions characterized with nitric oxide inhibition and intracellular ROS level of LPS-activated murine macrophage RAW264.7 were assessed. Wogonin and its terpenylated derivatives have selectively influenced livability of lymphoid origin cells but not myeloid and somatic origin cells. The mitotic protein survivin gene expressions analysis further supported the selective suppressions on lymphoid origin YAC-1 cells by wogonin and geranyl wogonin, while oppositely boosted survivin expressions in LPS-activated macrophages. Moreover, wogonin exhibits dose-dependent inhibition on the nitric oxide (NO) production and iNOS gene expressions of LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells. Terpenylated wogonin exhibits profoundly superior control in intracellular ROS level and a sustained action with sound cell integrity than the wogonin. The enhanced cellular uptake with higher lipophilicity to membrane of 7-O-terpenylated wogonin may pose an important biological nature in facilitating better bioavailability and specific immunomodulatory actions of the category of terpenylated flavonoids. The 7-O-terpenylated wogonin having biological merit of fast membrane lipid bilayer integration, lower effective concentration, and better preserving immune cells functions and livability deserved further in-depth investigations and their broadly therapeutic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SBG), a widely used traditional Chinese medicine, exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Wogonin is one of the primary bioactive components of SBG. Acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury (AILI) represents a prevalent form of drug-induced liver damage and is primarily driven by inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. To investigate the therapeutic effects of Wogonin on AILI and the underlying mechanisms. C57BL/6 J mice were pre-treated with Wogonin (1, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg bodyweight) for 3 days, followed by treatment with APAP (300 mg/kg bodyweight). The serum and liver tissue samples were collected at 24 h post-APAP treatment. Bone marrow-derived macrophages and RAW264.7 cells were cultured and pre-treated with Wogonin (5, 10, and 20 μM) for 30 min, followed by stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 100 ng/mL) for 3 h. To examine the role of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in the therapeutic effect of Wogonin on AILI, mice and cells were treated with LY294002 (a PI3K inhibitor) and MK2206 (an AKT inhibitor). Wogonin pre-treatment dose-dependently alleviated AILI in mice. Additionally, Wogonin suppressed oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Liver transcriptome analysis indicated that Wogonin primarily regulates immune function and cytokines in AILI. Wogonin suppressed inflammatory responses of macrophages by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Consistently, Wogonin exerted therapeutic effects on AILI in mice through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Wogonin alleviated AILI and APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in mice through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Wogonin, a principal component of the traditional Chinese medicine Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SBG), effectively mitigates acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury (AILI). It achieves this by modulating the PI3K/AKT pathway in both mice and cellular models. [Display omitted] • Wogonin is a key anti-inflammatory and antioxidant constituent of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. • Wogonin mitigates acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury in mice with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. • The hepatoprotective effects of Wogonin are mediated by the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling, which endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) being its main progressive phase. Wogonin, a flavonoid extracted from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi , hinders the abnormal proliferation of cells and has been employed in the treatment of several cardiopulmonary diseases. This study was designed to investigate how wogonin affected EndMT during PH. Monocrotaline (MCT) was used to induce PH in rats. Binding capacity of TGF-β1 receptor to wogonin detected by molecular docking and molecular dynamics. EndMT model was established in pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) by transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1). The result demonstrated that wogonin (20 mg/kg/day) attenuated right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), right ventricular hypertrophy and pulmonary vascular thickness in PH rats. EndMT in the pulmonary vascular was inhibited after wogonin treatment as evidenced by the restored expression of CD31 and decreased expression of α-SMA. Wogonin has strong affinity for both TGFBRI and TGFBRII, and has a better binding stability for TGFBRI. In TGF-β1-treated PMVECs, wogonin (0.3, 1, and 3 μM) exhibited significant inhibitory effects on this transformation process via down-regulating the expression of p-Smad2 and Snail, while up-regulating the expression of p-Smad1/5. Additionally, results of Western blot and fluorescence shown that the expression of α-SMA were decrease with increasing level of CD31 in PMVECs. In conclusion, our research showed that wogonin suppressed EndMT via the TGF-β1/Smad pathway which may lead to its alleviated effect on PH. Wogonin may be a promising drug against PH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite encouraging progresses in the development of novel therapies, cancer remains the dominant cause of disease-related mortality and has become a leading economic and healthcare burden worldwide. Scutellariae radix (SR, Huangqin in Chinese) is a common herb used in traditional Chinese medicine, with a long history in treating a series of symptoms resulting from cancer, like dysregulated immune response and metabolic abnormalities. As major bioactive ingredients extracted from SR, flavonoids, including baicalein, wogonin, along with their glycosides (baicalin and wogonoside), represent promising pharmacological and anti-tumor activities and deserve extensive research attention. Emerging evidence has made great strides in elucidating the multi-targeting therapeutic mechanisms and key signaling pathways underlying the efficacious potential of flavonoids derived from SR in the field of cancer treatment. In this current review, we aim to summarize the pharmacological actions of flavonoids against various cancers in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, we also make a brief summarization of the endeavor in developing a drug delivery system or structural modification to enhance the bioavailability and biological activities of flavonoid monomers. Taken together, flavonoid components in SR have great potential to be developed as adjuvant or even primary therapies for the clinical management of cancers and have a promising prospect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity leads to structural and functional changes in the heart and has become a global burden of disease. Wogonin is a natural flavonoid which possesses cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and anti-cancer properties. However, the effects of wogonin on obesity-induced cardiac injury remain unclear. In this study, the high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice model was successfully established. Moreover, HFD induced a fat mass and cardiac injury in mice. More importantly, wogonin treatment reduced fat mass and improved cardiac function of HFD mice. Consistently, wogonin ameliorated myocardial lipid metabolism in HFD-induced obese mice by reducing triglyceride (TC), total cholesterol (TG), and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels in serum, as well as the TG and free fatty acids (FFA) levels in heart tissues. Interestingly, wogonin treatment alleviated myocardial pyroptosis in HFD-induced obese mice. Through bioinformatic analysis, the IL-17 signaling pathway was predicted to be modulated by wogonin. Results showed that wogonin deactivated the IL-17 signaling pathway in HFD mice. These findings suggested that wogonin ameliorated obesity-induced disorders of lipid metabolism and cardiac injury via suppressing pyroptosis and deactivating the IL-17 signaling pathway, which provided a novel therapeutic strategy for HFD-induced cardiac injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wogonin, a vital bioactive compound extracted from the medicinal plant, Scutellaria baicalensis, has been wildly used for its potential in mitigating the progression of chronic diseases. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a significant global health challenge due to its high prevalence, morbidity and mortality rates, and associated complications. This study aimed to assess the potential of wogonin in attenuating renal fibrosis and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms using a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mouse model as a CKD mimic. Male mice, 8 weeks old, underwent orally administrated of either 50 mg/kg/day of wogonin or positive control of 5 mg/kg/day candesartan following UUO surgery. NRK52E cells were exposed to tumor growth factors−beta (TGF−β) to evaluate the anti-fibrotic effects of wogonin. The results demonstrated that wogonin treatment effectively attenuated TGF-β-induced fibrosis markers in NRK-52E cells. Additionally, administration of wogonin significantly improved histopathological alterations and downregulated the expression of pro-fibrotic factors (Fibronectin, α-smooth muscle actin, Collagen IV, E-cadherin, and TGF-β), oxidative stress markers (Catalase, superoxide dismutase 2, NADPH oxidase 4, and thioredoxin reductase 1), inflammatory molecules (Cyclooxygenase-2 and TNF-α), and the infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages in UUO mice. Furthermore, wogonin treatment mitigated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-associated molecular markers (GRP78, GRP94, ATF4, CHOP, and the caspase cascade) and suppressed apoptosis. The findings indicate that wogonin treatment ameliorates key fibrotic aspects of CKD by attenuating ER stress-related apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress, suggesting its potential as a future therapeutic target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolic syndromes and type 2 diabetes mellitus are major metabolic complications of obesity. These metabolic complications are implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and mild cognitive impairment. Wogonin protects against ischemia-induced neurodegeneration, exerts neuroprotective effect against amyloid betainduced toxicity, and ameliorates cognitive dysfunction. However, the role of wogonin in obesity associated neuronal injury and a cognitive change has not yet been examined. To this end, using a high fat diet induced obese mouse model, we have examined the effect of wogonin on cognitive function, neuronal apoptosis, markers of inflammation, and mitogen activated protein kinase pathway. High fat diet induced obesity impaired spatial recognition memory, upregulated expression of proinflammatory cytokines, and neuronal apoptosis through downregulation of B-cell lymphoma 2 protein and upregulation of Bcl-2-associated X protein, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved caspase-9. These obesity-associated changes were ameliorated by wogonin treatment. Lastly, the high fat diet upregulated expression of phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, phospho-stress stimulated kinase, and phospho-c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase was reversed by wogonin administration. In conclusion, wogonin exerts antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects against high fat diet induced cognitive impairment through inactivation of the mitogen activated protein kinase pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The maintenance of tight junction integrity contributes significantly to epithelial barrier function. If barrier function is destroyed, cell permeability increases and the movement of pathogens is promoted, further increasing the susceptibility to secondary infection. Here, we examined the protective effects of wogonin on rhinovirus (RV)-induced tight junction disruption. Additionally, we examined the signaling molecules responsible for anti-inflammatory activities in human nasal epithelial (HNE) cells. Methods and results: Primary HNE cells grown at an air–liquid interface and RPMI 2650 cells were infected apically with RV. Incubation with RV resulted in disruption of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, E-cadherin, claudin-1, and occludin) in the HNE cells. Cell viability of wogonin-treated HNE cells was measured using the MTT assay. Pretreatment with wogonin decreased RV-induced disruption of tight junctions in HNE cells. Furthermore, wogonin significantly decreased RV-induced phosphorylation of Akt/NF-κB and ERK1/2. Additionally, RV-induced generation of reactive oxygen species and RV-induced up-regulation of the production of inflammatory cytokines IL-8 and IL-6 were diminished by wogonin in HNE cells. Conclusion: Wogonin inhibits HRV-induced tight junction disruption via the suppression of inflammatory responses and phosphorylation of Akt/NF-κB and ERK1/2 in HNE cells. These finds will facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Wogonin (5, 7-dihydroxy-8-methoxyflavone) is a natural di-hydroxyl flavonoid extracted from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. This paper was intended to investigate the mechanism of action of wogonin in alleviating the inflammation and apoptosis in acute lung injury (ALI).Materials and Methods: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to establish the in vitro model of ALI. After wogonin treatment, the cell viability and apoptosis of LPS-induced A549 cells were, respectively, measured by CCK-8, TUNEL assays and acridine orange/ethidium bromide dual staining, while the contents of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers were estimated by RT-qPCR, ELISA assay, western blot analysis and commercial kits. Western blot was also conducted to assess the expression of proteins involved. Subsequently, the effect of wogonin on the sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)-mediated high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) deacetylation was investigated. SIRT1 inhibitor EX527 was used to evaluate the regulatory effects of wogonin on SIRT1-mediated HMGB1 deacetylation in A549 cells under LPS stimulation.Results: LPS induced inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis of A549 cells, which was abolished by wogonin. It was also found that wogonin promoted the HMGB1 deacetylation, accompanied by upregulated SIRT1 expression. However, SIRT1 inhibitor EX527 partially reversed the protective effects of wogonin on the inflammation and apoptosis of LPS-induced A549 cells.Conclusion: Wogonin alleviated the inflammation and apoptosis in LPS-induced A549 cells by SIRT1-mediated HMGB1 deacetylation, which might represent the identification of a novel mechanism by which wogonin exerts protective effects on ALI and provide ideas for the application of wogonin to ALI treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anemia is a common complication of chemotherapy and may arise due to premature or suicidal death of red blood cells (RBCs). Prevention of RBC death thus lends itself as a promising strategy to counteract anemia. Wogonin (WGN; 5,7‐dihydroxy‐8‐methoxyflavone) is a Wnt inhibitor derived from Scutellaria baicalensis plant with potent cytotoxic and antitumor potential. However, the nature of interaction of WGN with human RBCs is unknown. RBCs from healthy participants were exposed to different hemolytic and eryptotic stimuli for 24 or 48 hr at 37°C in the presence and absence of 100 μM WGN. Calcium overload was induced by 2 μM ionomycin, hyperosmotic shock with excessive sucrose, oxidative stress by 2‐phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), and metabolic deprivation by exclusion of glucose. Hemolysis was estimated from extracellular hemoglobin, phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure by Annexin V‐FITC, intracellular calcium by Fluo4/AM, and oxidative stress by 2′,7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H2DCFDA). While WGN did not rescue the cells from the hemolytic activity of ionomycin, it reduced PS externalization by interfering with calcium influx under both ionomycin treatment and metabolic exhaustion. WGN also significantly inhibited PS exposure upon hyperosmotic shock, but the effect was independent of calcium entry. Moreover, WGN exhibited antihemolytic and anti‐eryptotic activities against PEITC without appreciable reduction in ROS levels. Altogether, WGN prevents PEITC‐induced hemolysis and suppresses eryptosis due to calcium accumulation, hyperosmotic shock, oxidative stress, and metabolic exhaustion. These novel insights may open new avenues into the therapeutic application of WGN for conditions in which anemia is commonly encountered, most notably cancer. Practical applications: The herbal supplement Sho‐Saiko‐To (Xiaochaihu‐tang) is commonly prescribed to relieve symptoms of liver disease. Flavonoids from the herbal constituents of Sho‐Saiko‐To have demonstrated considerable anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumor, and immunomodulatory properties. In this work, we identify WGN, a major flavonoid in Sho‐Saiko‐To, as a novel inhibitor of hemolysis and eryptosis of human erythrocytes. Since inordinate erythrocyte death is a major obstacle in therapeutic drug development, our findings argue for the use of WGN as a natural alternative, either as a primary or an adjuvant drug, for a wide assortment of pathological conditions including cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb) kinase activity is involved in the process of transcription. Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9), a core component of P-TEFb, regulates the process of transcription elongation, which is associated with differentiation and apoptosis in many cancer types. Wogonin, a natural CDK9 inhibitor isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis. This study aimed to investigate the involved molecular mechanisms of wogonin on anti- chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells. Materials and methods: mRNA and protein levels were analysed by RT-qPCR and western blot. Flow cytometry was used to assess cell differentiation and apoptosis. Cell transfection, immunofluorescence analysis and co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) assays were applied to address the potential regulatory mechanism of wogonin. KU-812 cells xenograft NOD/SCID mice model was used to assess and verify the mechanism in vivo. Results: We reported that the anti-CML effects in K562, KU-812 and primary CML cells induced by wogonin were regulated by P-TEFb complex. We also confirmed the relationship between CDK9 and erythroid differentiation via knockdown the expression of CDK9. For further study the mechanism of erythroid differentiation induced by wogonin, co-IP experiments were used to demonstrate that wogonin increased the binding between GATA-1 and FOG-1 but decreased the binding between GATA-1 and RUNX1, which were depended on P-TEFb. Also, wogonin induced apoptosis and decreased the mRNA and protein levels of MCL-1 in KU-812 cells, which is the downstream of P-TEFb. In vivo studies showed wogonin had good anti-tumor effects in KU-812 xenografts NOD/ SCID mice model and decreased the proportion of human CD45+ cells in spleens of mice. We also verified that wogonin exhibited anti-CML effects through modulating P-TEFb activity in vivo. Conclusions: Our study indicated a special mechanism involving the regulation of P-TEFb kinase activity in CML cells, providing evidences for further application of wogonin in CML clinical treatment. 8GofEJwEVPixrLqaXtLiT8 Video Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is currently an autoimmune inflammatory disease with an unclear pathogenesis. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) have tumor-like properties, and their activation and secretion of pro-inflammatory factors are important factors in joint destruction. Wogonin (5,7-dihydroxy-8-methoxyflavone), a natural flavonoid isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis root, has been shown to have significant anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative stress, and anti-tumor effects in a variety of diseases. However, the role of wogonin in RA has not yet been demonstrated. To investigate the inhibitory effect of wogonin on the invasive behavior of fibroblast-like synoviocytes and to explore the mechanism of action of wogonin in RA. CCK-8, EdU, cell migration and invasion, immunofluorescence staining, RT-qPCR, and protein blot analysis were used to study the inhibitory effects of wogonin on migration, invasion, and pro-inflammatory cytokine overexpression in the immortalized rheumatoid synovial cell line MH7A. The therapeutic effects of wogonin were validated in vivo using arthritis scores and histopathological evaluation of collagen-induced arthritis mice. Wogonin inhibited the migration and invasion of MH7A cells, reduced the production of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MMP-3 and MMP-9, and increased the expression of IL-10. Moreover, wogonin also inhibited the myofibrillar differentiation of MH7A cells, increased the expression of E-cadherin (E-Cad) and decreased the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). In addition, wogonin treatment effectively ameliorated joint destruction in CIA mice. Further molecular mechanism studies showed that wogonin treatment significantly inhibited the activation of PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway in TNF-α-induced arthritic FLSs. Wogonin effectively inhibits migration, invasion and pro-inflammatory cytokine production of RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes through the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway, and thus wogonin, as a natural flavonoid, has great potential for treating RA. [Display omitted] • Wogonin inhibits the migration and invasion of fibroblast-like synoviocytes via PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway in RA. • Wogonin treatment ameliorate joint inflammation and bone destruction of mice with CIA. • Wogonin is a potential therapeutic agent against RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammatory responses stimulated by Propionibacterium acnes have been shown to be major etiological factors in the pathogenesis of acne. Scutellaria baicalensis , a popular traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, primary component analysis and primary effective component analysis were conducted. The results showed that wogonin (1.15 mg/g S. baicalensis extract) possessed better anti-acne effects than wogonoside (8.71 mg/g S. baicalensis extract) in inhibiting the up-regulation of IL-1β and IL-8 level caused by P. acnes via inactivation of the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. To enhance the anti-acne effects of S. baicalensis extract, an environmentally friendly and healthy plant fermentation strategy was used to efficiently convert glycoside-type constituents into bioactive aglycone. S. baicalensis extract was fermented by symbiotic fungus Penicillium decumbens f3-1 to transform wogonoside into wogonin with a conversion rate of 91.0% after 4 days. Fermented S. baicalensis extract (FSE) showed higher potential anti-acne effects than non-fermented S. baicalensis extract (NSE) by inhibiting the up-regulation of IL-1β and IL-8. Thus, P. decumbens -fermented S. baicalensis Extract may be used for developing new anti-acne cosmetic ingredients. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellular senescence contributes to tumor regression through both cell autonomous and non-autonomous mechanisms. Drugs inducing cancer cell senescence and modulating senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) render advantage to the cancer treatment. Breast cancer remains the second most cause of female cancer mortality, among which triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a more aggressive clinical course. Our study showed that in TNBC cell lines including MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 cells, moderate concentrations of wogonin (5, 7-dihydroxy-8-methoxy-2-phenyl-4h-1-benzopyran-4-one) (50–100 μM) not only induced permanent proliferation inhibition, but also increased P16 expression, β-galactosidase activity, senescence-associated heterochromatin foci and SASP, which are the typical characteristics of cellular senescence. Moreover, results showed that wogonin-induced senescence was partially attributed to the reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation upon wogonin treatment in MDA-MB-231 cells, since elimination of ROS by N-acetylcysteine (NAC) was able to repress wogonin-induced β-galactosidase activity. Mechanistically, wogonin reduced the expression of TXNRD2, an important antioxidant enzyme in controlling the levels of cellular ROS, by altering the histone acetylation at its regulatory region. In addition, senescent MDA-MB-231 cells induced by wogonin exhibited activated NF-κB and suppressed STAT3, which were recognized as regulators of SASP. SASP from these senescent cells suppressed tumor cell growth, promoted macrophage M1 polarization in vitro and increased immune cell infiltration in xenografted tumors in vivo. These results reveal another mechanism for the anti-breast cancer activity of wogonin by inducing cellular senescence, which suppresses tumor progression both autonomously and non-autonomously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wogonin, one of the flavonoids isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis, exhibits some beneficial bioactivities, including anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects, and is metabolized into glucuronide by UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes in humans. In the present study, wogonin glucuronidation was examined in the liver and intestinal microsomes of humans, monkeys, dogs, rats, and mice using a kinetic analysis. The kinetics of wogonin glucuronidation by liver microsomes followed the biphasic model in all species examined. CLint values (x-intercept) based on v versus V/[S] plots were rats > humans ≈ monkeys > mice > dogs. The kinetics of intestinal microsomes fit the Michaelis–Menten model for humans, monkeys, rats, and mice and the substrate inhibition model for dogs. CLint values were rats > monkeys > mice > dogs > humans. The tissue dependence of CLint values was liver microsomes > intestinal microsomes for humans, dogs, and rats, and liver microsomes ≈ intestinal microsomes for monkeys and mice. These results demonstrated that the metabolic abilities of UGT enzymes toward wogonin in the liver and intestines markedly differ among humans, monkeys, dogs, rats, and mice, and suggest that species differences are closely associated with the biological effects of wogonin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Wogonin, a natural flavonoid-like chemical compound, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antiviral, neuroprotective, and anxiolytic effects by modulating a variety of cellular signaling pathways including PI3K-Akt, p53, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. In this study, its antiviral effect against herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) replication was investigated. Results: Wogonin suppressed HSV-2-induced cytopathic effect (CPE) and reduced viral mRNA transcription, viral protein synthesis, and infectious virion particle titers in a dose-dependent manner. A time-of-drug-addition assay demonstrated that wogonin acted as a postentry viral inhibitor. Wogonin also significantly reduced HSV-induced NF-κB and MAPK pathway activation, which has previously been demonstrated to be important for viral replication. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the anti-herpes effect of wogonin may be mediated by modulation of cellular NF-κB and JNK/p38 MAPK pathways and imply that wogonin may be useful as an anti-HSV agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic anion transporters 1 and 3 (OAT1 and OAT3) play a critical role in renal drug-drug interactions and are involved in the nephrotoxicity of many anionic xenobiotics. To date, relatively little is known about the interaction of natural compounds with OAT1 and OAT3. Of the 270 natural compounds screened in the present study, 21 compounds inhibited OAT1 and 45 compounds inhibited OAT3. Further concentration-dependent studies identified 7 OAT1 inhibitors and 10 OAT3 inhibitors with IC50 values of <10 μM, and most of them were flavonoids, the most commonly ingested polyphenolic compounds in the diet and herbal products. Computational modeling of OAT1 and OAT3 revealed the important residues for the recognition of inhibitors. The two strong OAT inhibitors, namely wedelolactone and wogonin, were evaluated for their in vivo interactions with the OAT substrate aristolochic acid I (AAI), a natural compound causing aristolochic acid-induced nephropathy (AAN) in many species. The cytotoxicity of AAI increased in two OAT-overexpressing cell lines, with more cytotoxicity in OAT1-overexpressing cells, suggesting a more important role of OAT1 than OAT3 in AAN. Both wedelolactone and wogonin markedly increased serum AAI concentrations in AAI-treated rats and ameliorated kidney injuries in AAI-treated mice. To conclude, the present findings are of significant value in understanding natural compound-drug interactions and provide a natural source for developing treatments for AAN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flavonoid Oroxylin A (6‐methoxychrysin or 5,7‐dihydroxy‐6‐methoxy‐2‐phenyl‐4H‐chromen‐4‐one, C16H12O5) and its regioisomers are of increasing interest for a variety of bioactive functions and their pharmaceutical formulation is of importance. Previous difficulties in the separation and misidentification of Oroxylin A from its regioisomers Wogonin (8‐methoxychrysin or 5,7‐dihydroxy‐8‐methoxy‐2‐phenyl‐4H‐chromen‐4‐one) and Negletein (5,6‐dihydroxy‐7‐methoxyflavone or 5,6‐dihydroxy‐7‐methoxy‐2‐phenyl‐4H‐chromen‐4‐one) render its full structural and powder X‐ray characterization highly desirable. The low‐temperature (100 K) crystal structures of Oroxylin A, Negletein and Wogonin sesquihydrate are reported for the first time. Wogonin crystallizes in two related but distinct hydrated forms. These have very similar powder diffractograms, indicating that such issues need to be addressed for its pharmaceutical formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Wogonin, a flavone identified in Scutellariae radix, shows in vitro and in vivo anti-cancer properties. However, the mechanism of action of wogonin on human gastric cancer (GC) cells remains unclear. Herein, this strudy was performed to investigate the influence of wogonin on cell migration and invasion in human GC cells MGC803 and its role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Methods: Effection on cell proliferation of human GC cells MGC803 was assessed by 3-(4,5)-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazoliumbromide (MTT) assay. Wound-healing, transwell migration, and invasion assays were carried out to determine changes in MGC-803 cell migration and invasion. The influence of the wogonin on EMT was analyzed by both Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Results: Wogonin with the concentration of more than 20 μM effectively suppressed the proliferation of human GC MGC-803 cells. Different concentrations of wogonin inhibited the migration and invasion of human GC MGC-803 cells in a concentration- dependent manner. Furthermore, the application of wogonin resulted in the down-regulation of the mesenchymal biomarkers vimentin and ZEB1 but up-regulated the epithelial biomarker E-cadherin. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that wogonin imparts inhibitory effects on cell invasion and migration in GC, possibly by disrupting EMT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and accelerated autoimmune illness with proliferative and damaging synovitis, resulting in joint death and cartilage and bone erosion. This study focused on the potential therapeutic effect of wogonin on complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) induced RA in rats and the underlying mechanisms. Arthritis was experimentally caused in rats by subcutaneously injecting 0.1 mL of CFA into the subplantar area of the left hind paw under moderate anesthesia on day zero. The regular oral doses of indomethacin/wogonin began on day zero and proceeded after injection to day 35. Wogonin reduced arthritic score considerably, enhanced body weight, and reduced paw thickness. Wogonin also boosted red blood cell considerably along with hemoglobin and reduced white blood cell count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Wogonin substantially improved an altered level of oxidative stress markers, antioxidant proteins, and inflammatory cytokines in a dose‐dependent way. Wogonin inhibited p38 phosphorylation triggered by CFA and p65 nuclear translocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the purpose of the current study, hairy root induction in S. bornmuelleri , which is an important medicinal plant, was examined using a particular protocol. Accordingly, some factors such as four strain types of Agrobacterium rhizogenes (A4, A13, MSU440 and ATCC15834), three different explants, namely stem, petiole and leaf, two co-cultivation media, i.e. full and half-MS were studied. Besides, two inoculation methods including injection and immersion as well as three inoculation times (5, 7 and 10 min) were closely taken into account. Utilizing injection method by MSU440 strain, hairy root induction took place in stem explants, and a remarkable increase in transformation frequency (100%) was observed in half-strength MS medium. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA, 100 μM), methyl-b-cyclodextrin (b-CD, 0.7, 7 and 14 mM) and Chitosan (Chi, 50, 100 and 200 mg/l) were used either individually or in a combined way to elicitation. Based on the HPLC results, production of chrysin, wogonin and baicalein increased 9.15, 10.56 and 13.25 times after elicitation of hairy roots by MeJA + Chi. In addition, transcripts of FNSП2 and MYB 7, two important genes involved in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, were studies. By applying Chi and MeJA + Chi elicitor, the expression of both genes increased noticeably. It can be concluded that the mentioned hairy root culture system of S. bornmuelleri can be an alternative to flavonoids production. Moreover, there is a direct and positive relationship between the expression of FNSП2 and MYB 7 genes as well as the level of three flavonoids. • Highest transformation frequency of S. bornmuelleri stem explants using MSU440 strain. • Increased expression of FNSП2 and MYB7 genes under elicitor treatments. • MeJA+ Chitosan as the most effective elicitor treatment for increasing the root specific flavonoids. • MYB7 Transcription Factor enhances the gene expression of FNSП2 under elicitor treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objectives] To establish a HPLC method for the simultaneous determination of 14 characteristic components in Gegen Qinlian tablets and the content of Gegen Qinlian tablets in 11 manufacturers. [Methods] A Inertsil ODS-3 (250 mm×4.6 mm, 5 μm) reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography column was used with acetonitrile-0.02 mol/L ammonium acetate+0.03% triethylamine solution(adjusted with glacial acetic acid to pH of 4.3) as the mobile phase for gradient elution at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The determination wavelength of 8 components (puerarin, daidzin, liquiritin, baicalin, wogonoside, daidzein, ammonium glycyrrhizinate, baicalein) was 250 nm; the determination wavelength of wogonoside was 280 nm; the determination wavelength of 5 components (epierberine, jatrorrhizine hydrochloride, coptisine, palmatine hydrochloride and berberine hydrochloride) was 346 nm. [Results] There was a good linear relationship between the injection volume of puerarin, daidzin, liquiritin, baicalin, wogonoside, epierberine, jatrorrhizine hydrochloride, coptisine, daidzein, palmatine hydrochloride, ammonium glycyrrhizinate, berberine hydrochloride, baicalein and wogonin and peak area (r>0.999 0) in the range of 146.26-585 0.24, 24.13-965.04, 18.45-738.00, 79.18-316 7.32, 9.57-382.80, 4.76-190.40, 2.57-102.80, 13.41-536.40, 10.60-424.00, 11.33-453.22, 12.08-483.20, 46.73-186 9.25, 20.28-811.20, 12.11-484.50 ng, respectively; the average recovery rates (n=6) were 2.18%, 1.79%, 1.81%, 1.68%, 2.27%, 2.13%, 1.96%, 1.07%, 0.93%, 0.61%, 2.92%, 0.77%, 2.79% and 0.62%, respectively; the precision, repeatability and stability were good, and the RSD was less than 3%. This method was used to determine 16 batches of Gegen Qinlian tablets produced by 11 enterprises. Wogonoside was not detected in a lot of samples, but 14 components were detected for other enterprises, but the content was different. [Conclusions] The method was accurate and feasible and could be used for the overall quality control of this variety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the combination inhibitory effect of the important components of baicalein and wogonin of suduxing, a new anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) Chinese herbal on entecavir (ETV)-resistant mutant virus, and to find the optimal ratio of the two components. Methods The ETV-resistant HBV stable replication cell line HepG2. A64 was divided into the baicalein group, the wogonin group, the combined drug group, and the control group, respectively. According to the toxicity test results of baicalein and wogonin, cells in the the baicalein group were treated with baicalein at 4, 8, and 16 μ, mol/L, respectively, and recorded as the B4, B8, and B16 groups; cells in the wogonin group were treated with wogonin at 3, 6, and 12 μ, mol/L, respectively, and recorded as the W3, W6, and W12 groups. The first part of cells in the combined drug group was treated with baicalein (4 μ,mol/L) and the wogonin of different concentrations ( 3, 6, 12 μ,mol/L), respectively, and recorded as B4 + W3, B4 + W6, B4 + W12 groups ; the second part of cells in the combined drug group were treated with baicalein (8 μ,mol/L) and wogonin of different concentrations ( 3, 6, 12 μ, mol/L), recorded as B8 + W3, B8 + W6, B8 + W12 groups; the third part of cells in the combined drug group were treated with baicalein ( 16 μ,mol/L) and wogonin of different concentrations ( 3, 6, 12μ, mol/L), recorded as B16 + W3, B16 + W6, B16 + Wl2 groups. The cells in the control group were treated with an equal amount of DMEM medium. Cells of each group were cultured for 96 h, the HBV DNA in the cell supernatant was detected by the PCR-fluorescent probe "one-tube method", and the HBV DNA inhibition rate was calculated; the HBsAg in the cell supernatant was detected by the double antibody sandwich method, and the HBsAg inhibition rate was calculated; HBV total DNA and HBV covalently closed circular DNA ( cccDNA) were detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR method, and the inhibition rate of HBV total DNA and HBV cccDNA was calculated. The Q method of Jin Zhengjun was used to evaluate the synergism between baicalein and wogonin. Results The inhibition rates of HBV DNA, HBsAg in the cell supernatant, intracellular total DNA and cccDNA of the baicalein group, the wogonin group, and the combined drug group were higher than those in the control group ( all P < 0.05 ). The HBV DNA inhibition rate in the cell supernatant of the combined drug group was higher than that of each single drug ( all P <0.05), the B16 + W3 group had the highest Q value (0.970). The HBsAg inhibition rates in the cell supernatants of the B8 + W12, B16 + W3, and B16 + W12 groups were higher than that of each single group ( P < 0.05) The Q value of the B16 + W3 group was the highest (0.886). The inhibition rates of intracellular total HBV DNA of the combined drug group were higher than those of the baicalein group and wogonin group with the same drug concentration ( all P < 0.05) . The B16 + W3 group had the highest Q value ( 1.183). The inhibition rates of HBV cccDN A in the cells of B16 + W3, B16 + W6, and B16 + W12 groups were higher than those of the baicalein group and wogonin group with the same drug concentration, of which the B16 + W3 group had the highest Q value (0.972). Conclusions The baicalein and wogonin have inhibitory effects either individual or combination on ETV-resistant HBV DNA, HBV cccDNA, and HBsAg in HepG2. A64 cells. Inhibition effect of baicalein combined with wogonin is stronger than that of each single drug with the same drug concentration. The combination of 16μ, mol/L baicalein and 3μ, mol/L wogonin (5:1) has the optimal inhibitory effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (IR) is the main pathophysiological process after stroke and can seriously impair neurological function. Wogonin, a natural flavonoid extracted from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis, has potent anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we investigated the protective mechanism of wogonin against middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model-induced cerebral IR injury through adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)/NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome axis. Our results showed that wogonin (20 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection) effectively reduced infarct size, attenuated brain edema, improved neurological deficits, and alleviated histopathological damage. In addition, wogonin reduced microglial cell activation and inflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and IL-10, in brain tissue and serum after cerebral IR injury. Wogonin also effectively activated the AMPK/SIRT1 signaling pathway and inhibited NLPR3 inflammasome-related molecules upregulation in cerebral IR injury as well as in OGD/R-stimulated HT-22 cells. Furthermore, inhibition of the AMPK/SIRT1 signaling pathway by Compound C, an AMPK inhibitor, significantly reversed the protective effect of wogonin on OGD/R-induced NLRP3 inflammasome. Meanwhile, the protective effect of wogonin against brain IR injury was also reversed in the presence of compound C. These results suggest that wogonin ameliorates cerebral IR injruy-induced inflammation by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome through the AMPK/SIRT1 signaling pathway. ● Expanded the scope of neurotrophic drugs. ● The neuroprotective mechanism of wogonin was clarified. ● The regulatory effect of wogonin on microglia was clarified. ● The inhibitory effect of wogonin on the inflammasome axis was determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wogonin, a natural product isolated from the plant Scutellaria baicalensis , has been shown to be a potent and selective inhibitor of CDK9. With the purpose of investigating the activity and selectivity of this chemical scaffold, several series of wogonin derivatives were prepared and screened for CDK9 inhibition and cellular antiproliferative activity. Among these compounds, the drug-like compound 51 showed potent activity against CDK9 (IC 50 = 19.9 nM) and MV4-11 cell growth (IC 50 = 20 nM). In addition, compound 51 showed much improved physicochemical properties, such as water solubility, compared with the parent compound wogonin. The follow-up studies showed that the compound 51 is selective toward CDK9-overexpressing cancer cells over normal cells. Preliminary mechanism studies on the anticancer effect indicated that 51 inhibited the proliferation of MV4-11 cells via caspase-dependent apoptosis. In addition, highlighted compound 51 showed significant antitumor activity in mouse acute myeloid leukemia (AML) models without producing apparent toxic effects in vivo , which gave us a new tool for further investigation of CDK9-targeted inhibitor as a potential antitumor drug especially for AML. Image 1 • Several novel wogonin derivatives were discovered as potent CDK9 inhibitors through SAR. • The drug-like compound 51 showed potent activity toward CDK9 (IC 50 = 19.9 nM) and MV4-11 cell growth (IC 50 = 20 nM). • Preliminary mechanism studies on the anticancer effect indicated that 51 inhibited the cell growth via caspase-dependent apoptosis. • Compound 51 was shown to kill cancer cells efficiently in in vivo model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress (OS) is one of the responsible factors for causing renal diseases. For the treatment or prevention of the renal disease, antioxidants use could be a hopeful therapeutic mediation as they block the oxidative reaction along with inflammatory process. Wogonin (Wog) is a plant flavonoid, a pharmacologically active component of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Huang Qui), which exhibits antioxidant activity. In this investigation, we explored the nephroprotective activity of Wog on cadmium (Cd)-induced nephron toxicity in rats. Administering (10 and 20 mg/kg) intraperitoneally diminished Cd-induced anomalies in kidney histology and creatinine and serum urea levels. Wog therapy reduced the Cd-influenced generation of inflammatory mediators, inclusive of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6, and interleukin 1 beta. Western blot analysis demonstrated that Wog abolished proinflammatory nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 stimulation, phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). In all, Wog demonstrated antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects in Cd- intoxicated rats by obstructing OS and activation of NF-κB via restricting the stimulation of upstream kinases inclusive of MAPKs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cisplatin, a platinum chemotherapeutic agent, is used in a diversity of malignancies; nevertheless, the excessive nephrotoxicity following cisplatin treatment is the dose-limiting devastating reaction. This study was designed to explore the possible nephroprotective impact of wogonin, a forceful anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor agent, in a rat model of cisplatin-induced renal injury. The potential nephroprotective mechanisms were additionally investigated. Wogonin was given at a dose of 40 mg/kg. Acute nephrotoxicity was indicated by a significant rise in BUN, and serum creatinine levels in cisplatin-injected rats. Also, cisplatin enhanced the lipid peroxidation, diminished GSH, catalase, and PPAR-γ levels. Additionally, cisplatin-injected rats showed a significant rise in tissue levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, NF-kB, and caspase-3 enzymatic activity. Notably, the pre-treatment with wogonin ameliorated the nephrotoxicity indices, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis induced by cisplatin. Also, wogonin up-regulated PPAR-γ expression. The involvement of Wnt/β-catenin pathway was debatable; however, our findings showed that it was significantly induced by cisplatin. Wogonin pre-treatment markedly attenuated Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Collectively, these findings imply that wogonin is a promising nephroprotective agent that improves the therapeutic index of cisplatin via reducing oxidative stress, inflammation as well as inducing PPAR-γ. Also, Wnt/β-catenin pathway is partially involved in the pathogenesis of cisplatin nephrotoxicity. • Pre-treatment with wogonin showed a promising nephroprotection against cisplatin. • Wogonin attenuated cisplatin-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. • Wogonin reduced apoptosis and enhanced PPAR-γ expression in kidney tissues. • Wogonin attenuated Wnt/beta-catenin pathway expression. • Wogonin enhances the therapeutic index of cisplatin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scutellaria baicalensis (S. baicalensis) has been used to manage diarrhea, and its anti-inflammatory effects are responsible for anti-diarrheal effects. However, there are no data concerning its direct effect on colonic motility. Therefore, the effects of the major components of S. baicalensis (baicalin, baicalein and wogonin) on colonic motility were investigated. A segment of the distal colon of rats was placed in Krebs solution to monitor spontaneous giant contractions (GCs). Changes in GCs were recorded after applying baicalin, baicalein or wogonin. After pretreatment with Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME), 1H-(1,2,4)-oxadiazolo (4,2-a) quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), tetradotoxin, w-conotoxin, apamin, and iberiotoxin, changes in GCs by wogonin were recorded and analyzed. The segment of the distal colon showed spontaneous GCs at a mean amplitude of 3.7±0.3 g with a frequency of 0.8±0.1/min. Baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin reduced both the amplitude and the frequency of GCs in a dose-dependent manner. Wogonin had the most potent inhibitory effect on GCs (IC50 was 14.6 µM in amplitude and 14.2 µM in frequency). Wogonin-induced GC reduction was not significantly affected by the inhibition of nitric oxide/cGMP pathways with L-NAME and ODQ. Blocking the enteric neurotransmission with tetradotoxin and ω-conotoxin was ineffective on the wogonin-induced reduction of GCs. Ca2+-activated K+ (KCa) channel blockers (apamin and iberiotoxin) significantly attenuated the inhibitory effects of wogonin on GCs (P<0.01). Wogonin was effective in inhibiting colonic motility, probably through the opening of KCa channels located in the smooth muscle apparatus. These findings suggest that wogonin may be a candidate drug for the management of dysmotility-related diarrhea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Wogonin, a flavonoid (5,7-dihydroxy-8-methoxyflavone) with reported neuroprotective properties, is widely used in treating inflammatory diseases. The main goal of this study was to explore the role of wogonin in preventing deleterious cardiovascular effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Experiments were carried out in adult male urethane-anesthetized, artificially ventilated, Wistar rats, weighing 300–350 gm. TBI was produced by fluid percussion injury (FPI). A significant decrease in blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and greater splanchnic nerve activity (GSNA), which lasted for up to 4 h, was observed after the application of moderate FPI. Intravenous (i.v.) and intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of wogonin before and after the moderate FPI significantly attenuated the decreases in BP, HR, and GSNA elicited by FPI. Administration of wogonin also prevented the attenuation of baroreflex-induced bradycardia elicited by FPI. Based on these results, it was concluded that administration of wogonin attenuates the deleterious effects of moderate FPI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GL‐V9, a derivative of wogonin, has potent anti‐cancer activity. The absorption and metabolism of this compound have not been investigated systematically. This study aims to illustrate the pharmacokinetic characters of GL‐V9 by exploring its metabolic status under different administration routes. To further clarify the absorption mechanism of GL‐V9, an in situ single‐pass perfusion model and a Caco‐2 cell monolayer model were used. Meanwhile, a microsomal incubation system was used to evaluate the enzyme kinetic parameters. In vivo, the obtained gastrointestinal availability (Fa × Fg) was 21.28 ± 5.38%. The unmetabolized fraction in the gut wall (Fgut wall) was 98.59 ± 9.74%, while the hepatic bioavailability (Fh) was 29.11 ± 5.22%. These results indicated that poor absorption and extensive metabolism may contribute greatly to the low bioavailability of GL‐V9. The effective permeability (Peff) in the duodenum and jejunum was 1.34 ± 0.50 × 10−4 and 0.90 ± 0.27 × 10−4 cm/s, respectively. The high permeability of GL‐V9 indicated that other unknown factors (such as metabolism) may account for its systemic exposure problem. Studies in rat liver microsomal (RLMs) confirmed this hypothesis, and the Clint, CYP450s and UGT of GL‐V9 was 0.20 ml/min/mg protein. In conclusion, these results suggest that GL‐V9 possesses higher permeability than wogonin and the metabolism of GL‐V9 is related to its disposition in rat intestine and liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies have focused on the identification of therapeutic targets for the treatment of certain types of cancer. Wogonin is a natural flavonoid compound that exhibits a potent anti-cancer effect. The underlying mechanism of wogonin may therefore reveal an effective way to identify novel therapeutic targets. In the current study, growth curves and MTT assays were performed to determine the effects of wogonin in human gastric cancer cells (SGC-7901) and human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549), respectively. Changes in morphology were observed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The activities of key enzymes in the glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid cycle were measured using spectrophotometry. Western blot analysis was performed to determine the expression levels of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and monocarboxylate transporter-4 (MCT-4). Wogonin inhibited cell proliferation in a time- and dose-dependent manner in SGC-7901 and A549 cells. H&E staining suggested that wogonin induced cell morphology changes. In SGC-7901 cells, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activities and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generation were decreased significantly by wogonin treatment compared with the untreated control. In A549 cells, wogonin significantly reduced LDH activity, but exhibited no significant effects on kinase activities or ATP generation. Furthermore, wogonin significantly decreased HIF-1α and MCT-4 protein expression in SGC-7901 cells, but not in A549 cells. The results demonstrated that wogonin inhibited the energy metabolism, cell proliferation and angiogenesis in SGC-7901 and A549 cells by negatively regulating HIF-1α and MCT-4 expression. The differential regulatory roles of wogonin in metabolism-associated enzymes in human gastric cancer and lung adenocarcinoma cells indicated its various antitumor mechanisms. The different metabolic regulatory mechanisms exhibited by wogonin in different tumor tissues should therefore be considered for antitumor therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Scutellariae baicalensis is one of the most popular herb in the traditional Chinese medicine. It is used for the treatment of inflammatory process, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and also in the treatment of bacterial and virus infections because of such active components as wogonin, scutellarin, baicalin, and baicalein, which are contained in this herb. A sensitive and selective method of the simultaneous determination of these compounds in the extracts from plant raw materials using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization was developed. The proposed method has been successfully tested on commercially available samples of the Scutellariae baicalensis root. Analysis of samples was carried out using reversed-phase chromatography with an Acclaim RSLC C18 adsorbent. Using multiple reactions monitoring the following limits of detection were achieved: 1 ng/mL for wogonin and baicalin, 3 ng mL-1 for scutellarin, and 4 ng mL-1 for baicalein. It was found that the calibration curve was linear in the concentration range 20 ng mL-1 and 2000 ng mL-1 for scutellarin and 20 ng mL-1 and 500 ng mL-1 for wogonin, baicalin, and baicalein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a prevalent disease characterized by the progressive loss of the extracellular matrix in the local nucleus pulposus region. Metalloproteinases and pro-inflammatory cytokines play an important role in this process. Thus, anti-inflammatory strategies are an important component of IVDD treatment. Wogonin, a naturally existing monoflavonoid, has been reported to have potential anti-inflammatory effects in some inflammatory diseases. Hence, in our present study we investigated the protective effects and potential mechanisms of wogonin in rat nucleus pulposus cells that had been treated with interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) to induce severe IVDD. An in vivo rat caudal vertebrae needle-stab model was also designed and its validity was evaluated as an IVDD model. The results demonstrated that wogonin suppressed IL-1β-induced inflammatory mediators (iNOS, IL-6 and COX2) and matrix-degrading proteinases (MMP1, MMP3, MMP13 and ADAMTS4). Wogonin also upregulated some of the key components of the extracellular matrix, such as collagen II. Furthermore, we discovered that wogonin exerted anti-inflammatory effects by activating the Nrf2/HO-1-SOD2-NQO1-GCLC signaling axis. Moreover, the IL-1β-induced stimulation of the MAPK signaling pathway was reversed by wogonin treatment. The in vivo MRI and histological results also revealed that wogonin protected the nucleus pulposus from the progression of IVDD. Therefore, wogonin may be a potential agent for the treatment of IVDD. Highlights • Wogonin inhibited IL-1 induced inflammation in rat nucleus pulposus cells • Wogonin exerted effect through Nrf2/ARE and MAPK signaling pathways • Wogonin mitigated intervertebral disc degeneration in a rat vivo model • Wogonin may serve as a therapeutic agent for intervertebral disc degeneration [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Research question Can carnosic acid, (CA) rosmarinic acid (RA) and wogonin (WG) inhibit the growth of cultured human endometrial stromal cells and endometriotic-like lesions induced in a BALB/c model of endometriosis? Design Primary stromal cell cultures were established from endometrial biopsies from women with endometriosis and controls. The human endometrial stromal cell line T-HESC was also used for in-vitro experiments. Endometriosis was surgically induced in BALB/c mice, which were randomly assigned to CA 2 mg/kg/day (n = 11); CA 20 mg/kg/day (n = 10); RA 1 mg/kg/day (n = 11); RA 3 mg/kg/day (n = 10); WG 20 mg/kg/day (n = 12); intraperitoneal vehicle control (n = 8) or oral vehicle control (n = 11). After surgery, CA and RA were administered intraperitoneally on days 14–28. WG was administered orally by intragastric gavage on days 14–26. Results CA, RA and WG significantly inhibited in-vitro cell proliferation in primary and T-HESC cell cultures (P < 0.05). CA and WG induced cell cycle arrest of T-HESC at the G2/M phase (P < 0.01). RA reduced intracellular ROS accumulation (P < 0.001), whereas WG increased it (P < 0.05). WG significantly inhibited oestrogen receptor alpha expression in T-HESC (P < 0.01). In-vivo, CA, RA and WG significantly reduced lesions size (P < 0.05). All compounds significantly decreased the percentage of cells in proliferation (P < 0.05) whereas RA and WG further increased the percentage of apoptotic cells (P < 0.05) in endometriotic-like lesions. Conclusions The results are promising; further investigation of these compounds as new therapeutics is needed. Graphical abstract Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vascular calcification (VC) is highly prevalent and increases the morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular diseases. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear and there is no effective treatment so far. Interestingly, using systems pharmacology approach, we have predicted that Wogonin (Wog) exhibited potential activity against VC. Then we validated the effect of Wog on VC using human and rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), rat arterial rings and vitamin D3-overloaded mouse models. Our results showed that Wog dose-dependently inhibited calcification of VSMCs and rat arterial rings. Consistently, alizarin red staining and calcium content assay confirmed that Wog inhibited aortic calcification in vitamin D 3 -overloaded mice. Moreover, by constructing the protein regulating network of Wog in suppressing VC, we found heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX-1) was regulated by Wog. Additionally, pathway enrichment analysis revealed that inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) pathway participated in the inhibitory role of Wog in VC and HMOX-1 was also involved in this process. Notably, our study revealed that Wog treatment promoted HMOX-1 expression, and reduced ROS levels in VSMCs. Interestingly, both inhibition of HMOX-1 by ZnPP9 and knockdown of HMOX-1 by siRNA independently eliminated the inhibitory effect of Wog on VC. Finally, administration of Wog suppressed aortic calcification in vitamin D 3 -overloaded mice and this effect was counteracted by ZnPP9,suggesting the crucial role of HMOX-1 in the inhibitory effect of Wog on VC. Collectively, this study combines systems pharmacology-based strategy and experiments to identify the therapeutic potential of Wog for VC via upregulating HMOX-1 and reducing oxidative stress. • Systems pharmacology approach uncovers Wogonin against vascular calcification. • Wogonin attenuates calcification of rat VSMCs, arterial rings and mouse aortas. • Wogonin upregulates HMOX-1 and reduces ROS levels in VSMCs. • Wogonin inhibits mouse aortic calcification by upregulating HMOX-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]