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Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2019Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring nonsteroidal phenolic plant compounds that, due to their molecular structure and size, resemble vertebrate steroids estrogens.... (Review)
Review
Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring nonsteroidal phenolic plant compounds that, due to their molecular structure and size, resemble vertebrate steroids estrogens. This review is focused on plant flavonoids isoflavones, which are ranked among the most estrogenic compounds. The main dietary sources of isoflavones for humans are soybean and soybean products, which contain mainly daidzein and genistein. When they are consumed, they exert estrogenic and/or antiestrogenic effects. Isoflavones are considered chemoprotective and can be used as an alternative therapy for a wide range of hormonal disorders, including several cancer types, namely breast cancer and prostate cancer, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, or menopausal symptoms. On the other hand, isoflavones may also be considered endocrine disruptors with possible negative influences on the state of health in a certain part of the population or on the environment. This review deals with isoflavone classification, structure, and occurrence, with their metabolism, biological, and health effects in humans and animals, and with their utilization and potential risks.
Topics: Animals; Equol; Genistein; Humans; Isoflavones; Phytoestrogens
PubMed: 30893792
DOI: 10.3390/molecules24061076 -
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Jan 2023Iron homeostasis plays a positive role in articular cartilage health. Excessive iron or iron overload can induce oxidative stress damage in chondrocytes and ferroptosis...
BACKGROUND
Iron homeostasis plays a positive role in articular cartilage health. Excessive iron or iron overload can induce oxidative stress damage in chondrocytes and ferroptosis cell death, advancing knee osteoarthritis (KOA). However, up to date, few effective agents treat iron overload-induced KOA (IOKOA). Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) provides abundant resources for drug selection to manage bone metabolic conditions, including osteoporosis. Biochanin A (BCA) is a novel bioactive multifunctional natural compound isolated from Huangqi, which has protective effects on bone loss. Nevertheless, the function and mechanism of BCA in treating IOKOA are still elusive.
PURPOSE
This study seeks to uncover the potential therapeutic targets and mechanisms of BCA in the management of KOA with iron accumulation.
METHODS
Iron dextrin (500 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected into mice to establish the iron overloaded mice model. OA was induced through surgery, and the progression was evaluated eight weeks following surgery. OA severity was evaluated with micro-CT and Safranin-O/Fast green staining in vivo. Iron deposition in the knee joint and synovium was assessed using Perl's Prussian blue staining. Ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) was then administered to primary chondrocytes to evaluate iron regulators mediated iron homeostasis. Toluidine blue staining was utilized to identify chondrocytes in vitro. The vitality of the cells was assessed using the CCK-8 test. The apoptosis rate of cells was measured using Annexin V-FITC/PI assay. The intracellular iron level was detected utilizing the calcein-AM test. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid-ROS, and mitochondrial membrane potentiality were reflected via fluorescence density. Utilizing RT-qPCR and western blotting, the expression level was determined.
RESULTS
Micro-CT and histological staining of knee joints showed greater cartilage degradation and higher iron buildup detected in iron-overloaded mice. BCA can reduce iron deposition and the severity of KOA. Toluidine blue staining and the CCK-8 assay indicated that BCA could rescue chondrocytes killed by iron. Cell apoptosis rates were increased due to iron overload but improved by BCA. Further, the intracellular content of iron, ROS, and lipid-ROS was increased with ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) treatment but restored after treatment with different concentrations of BCA. JC-1 staining revealed that BCA could reduce mitochondrial damage induced by iron overload.
CONCLUSION
Iron overload was shown to promote chondrocyte ferroptosis in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, iron overload suppressed the expression of collagen II and induced MMP expression by catalyzing ROS generation with mitochondrial dysfunction. Our results showed that BCA could directly reduce intracellular iron concentration by inhibiting TfR1 and promoting FPN but also target the Nrf2/system xc-/GPX4 signaling pathway to scavenge free radicals and prevent lipid peroxidation. The results of this research indicate that BCA regulates iron homeostasis during the progression of osteoarthritis, which can open a new field of treatment for KOA.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Chondrocytes; Iron; Iron Overload; Lipids; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Reactive Oxygen Species; Tolonium Chloride
PubMed: 36379122
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113915 -
Phytomedicine : International Journal... Nov 2020Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive inflammatory disorder driven by a fibrotic cascade of events such as epithelial to mesenchymal transition,...
BACKGROUND
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive inflammatory disorder driven by a fibrotic cascade of events such as epithelial to mesenchymal transition, extracellular matrix production and collagen formation in the lungs in a sequential manner. IPF incidences were raising rapidly across the world. FDA approved pirfenidone and nintedanib (tyrosine kinase inhibitors) are being used as a first-line treatment drugs for IPF, however, neither the quality of life nor survival rates have been improved because of patient noncompliance due to multiple side effects. Thus, the development of novel therapeutic approaches targeting TGF-β mediated cascade of fibrotic events is urgently needed to improve the survival of the patients suffering from devastating disease.
PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to investigate and validate the anti-fibrotic properties of Biochanin-A (isoflavone) against TGF-β mediated fibrosis in in vitro, ex vivo, in vivo models and to determine the molecular mechanisms that mediate these anti-fibrotic effects.
METHODS
The therapeutic activity of BCA was determined in in vitro/ex vivo models. Cells were pre-treated with BCA and incubated in presence or absence of recombinant-TGF-β to stimulate the fibrotic cascade of events. Pulmonary fibrosis was developed by intratracheal administration of bleomycin in rats. BCA treatment was given for 14 days from post bleomycin instillation and then various investigations (collagen content, fibrosis gene/protein expression and histopathological changes) were performed to assess the anti-fibrotic activity of BCA.
RESULTS
In vitro/ex vivo (Primary normal, IPF cell line and primary IPF cells/ Precision cut mouse lung slices) experiments revealed that, BCA treatment significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the expression of TGF-β modulated fibrotic genes/protein expressions (including their functions) which are involved in the cascade of fibrotic events. BCA treatment significantly (p < 0.01) reduced the bleomycin-induced inflammatory cell-infiltration, inflammatory markers expression, collagen deposition and expression of fibrotic markers in lung tissues equivalent or better than pirfenidone treatment. In addition, BCA treatment significantly (p < 0.001) attenuated the TGF-β1/BLM-mediated increase of TGF-β/Smad2/3 phosphorylation and resulted in the reduction of pathological abnormalities in lung tissues determined by histopathology observations.
CONCLUSION
Collectively, BCA treatment demonstrated the remarkable therapeutic effects on TGF-β/BLM mediated pulmonary fibrosis using IPF cells and rodent models. This current study may offer a novel treatment approach to halt and may be even rescue the devastating lung scarring of IPF.
Topics: Animals; Bleomycin; Cell Differentiation; Collagen; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition; Extracellular Matrix; Female; Genistein; Humans; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Myofibroblasts; Pulmonary Fibrosis; Rats, Wistar; Reproducibility of Results; Smad Proteins; Transforming Growth Factor beta
PubMed: 32781391
DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2020.153298 -
Pharmaceutics Mar 2023Biochanin A (BCA), an isoflavone derived from various plants such as chickpea, red clover and soybean, is attracting increasing attention and is considered to have... (Review)
Review
Biochanin A (BCA), an isoflavone derived from various plants such as chickpea, red clover and soybean, is attracting increasing attention and is considered to have applications in the development of pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer and neuroprotective properties. To design optimised and targeted BCA formulations, on one hand there is a need for more in-depth studies on the biological functions of BCA. On the other hand, further studies on the chemical conformation, metabolic composition and bioavailability of BCA need to be conducted. This review highlights the various biological functions, extraction methods, metabolism, bioavailability, and application prospects of BCA. It is hoped that this review will provide a basis for understanding the mechanism, safety and toxicity of BCA and implementing the development of BCA formulations.
PubMed: 37111591
DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041105 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2019Biochanin A (BCA) is an isoflavone mainly found in red clover with poor solubility and oral absorption that is known to have various effects, including... (Review)
Review
Biochanin A (BCA) is an isoflavone mainly found in red clover with poor solubility and oral absorption that is known to have various effects, including anti-inflammatory, estrogen-like, and glucose and lipid metabolism modulatory activity, as well as cancer preventive, neuroprotective, and drug interaction effects. BCA is already commercially available and is among the main ingredients in many types of supplements used to alleviate postmenopausal symptoms in women. The activity of BCA has not been adequately evaluated in humans. However, the results of many and studies investigating the potential health benefits of BCA are available, and the complex mechanisms by which BCA modulates transcription, apoptosis, metabolism, and immune responses have been revealed. Many efforts have been exerted to improve the poor bioavailability of BCA, and very promising results have been reported. This review focuses on the major effects of BCA and its possible molecular targets, potential uses, and limitations in health maintenance and treatment.
PubMed: 31354500
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00793 -
Pharmacological Research Jun 2022Uncontrolled inflammation and failure to resolve the inflammatory response are crucial factors involved in the progress of inflammatory diseases. Current therapeutic... (Review)
Review
Uncontrolled inflammation and failure to resolve the inflammatory response are crucial factors involved in the progress of inflammatory diseases. Current therapeutic strategies aimed at controlling excessive inflammation are effective in some cases, though they may be accompanied by severe side effects, such as immunosuppression. Phytochemicals as a therapeutic alternative can have a fundamental impact on the different stages of inflammation and its resolution. Biochanin A (BCA) is an isoflavone known for its wide range of pharmacological properties, especially its marked anti-inflammatory effects. Recent studies have provided evidence of BCA's abilities to activate events essential for resolving inflammation. In this review, we summarize the most recent findings from pre-clinical studies of the pharmacological effects of BCA on the complex signaling network associated with the onset and resolution of inflammation and BCA's potential protective functionality in several models of inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis, pulmonary disease, neuroinflammation, and metabolic disease.
Topics: Genistein; Humans; Inflammation; Isoflavones; Phytochemicals; Phytotherapy
PubMed: 35562014
DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106246 -
Oxidative Medicine and Cellular... 2020Biochanin A (BCA), a dietary isoflavone extracted from red clover and cabbage, has been shown to antagonize hypertension and myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury....
Biochanin A (BCA), a dietary isoflavone extracted from red clover and cabbage, has been shown to antagonize hypertension and myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, very little is known about its role in atherogenesis. The aim of this study was to observe the effects of BCA on atherosclerosis and explore the underlying mechanisms. Our results showed that administration of BCA promoted reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), improved plasma lipid profile, and decreased serum proinflammatory cytokine levels and atherosclerotic lesion area in apoE mice fed a Western diet. In THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells, treatment with BCA upregulated ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter A1 (ABCA1) and ABCG1 expression and facilitated subsequent cholesterol efflux and diminished intracellular cholesterol contents by activating the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)/liver X receptor (LXR) and PPAR/heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) pathways. BCA also activated these two signaling pathways to inhibit the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. Taken together, these findings suggest that BCA is protective against atherosclerosis by inhibiting lipid accumulation and inflammatory response through the PPAR/LXR and PPAR/HO-1 pathways. BCA may be an attractive drug for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Topics: ATP Binding Cassette Transporter 1; ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Member 1; Animals; Atherosclerosis; Brassica; Cholesterol; Cytokines; Diet, Western; Disease Models, Animal; Foam Cells; Genistein; Heme Oxygenase-1; Humans; Inflammation; Lipid Metabolism; Lipids; Liver X Receptors; Male; Mice; Mice, Knockout, ApoE; PPAR gamma; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Protective Agents; Signal Transduction; THP-1 Cells; Trifolium
PubMed: 33959213
DOI: 10.1155/2020/8965047 -
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Jan 2024The heart undergoes pathological cardiac hypertrophy as an adaptive response to prolonged pathological stimulation, leading to cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, fibroblast...
The heart undergoes pathological cardiac hypertrophy as an adaptive response to prolonged pathological stimulation, leading to cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, fibroblast proliferation, and an increase in extracellular matrix. Chinese medicine monomers are now receiving much attention for the treatment of cardiac hypertrophy and myocardial remodeling. Biochanin A (BCA) is a kind of flavonoid structural monomer, which has a certain therapeutic effect on bone thinning disease, aging syndrome, lung cancer, etc. Moreover, it exhibits hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, anti-bacteria and other pharmacological properties. It is still unknown whether BCA has an impact on the mechanism of TAC-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Here, cardiac remodeling was induced by TAC. BCA was injected intraperitoneally at 25 and 50 mg/kg/day one week in advance. Masson, WGA, DHE and other pathological staining and serum were used to detect the inhibitory effect of BCA on cardiac hypertrophy in mice. The anti-hypertrophic effect of BCA was demonstrated by studying the pathological manifestations of Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) and cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) in vitro. The results showed that BCA significantly reduced TAC-induced fibrosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and myocardial hypertrophy. BCA inhibited Ang II-induced cell hypertrophy and oxidative stress in NRCMs in vitro and Ang II-induced CF migration, proliferation, and collagen secretion. This suggests that BCA plays a key role in inhibiting the progression of myocardial remodeling, suggesting that BCA may be a promising agent for the treatment of myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis.
Topics: Rats; Mice; Animals; Cardiomegaly; Myocardium; Myocytes, Cardiac; Fibrosis; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Angiotensin II; Ventricular Remodeling
PubMed: 38091641
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116002 -
F1000Research 2023This review was aimed at summarizing the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind the various pharmacological actions of biochanin-A. Many studies have been reported... (Review)
Review
This review was aimed at summarizing the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind the various pharmacological actions of biochanin-A. Many studies have been reported claiming its application in cancers, metabolic disorders, airway hyperresponsiveness, cardiac disorders, neurological disorders, etc. With regard to hormone-dependent cancers like breast, prostate, and other malignancies like pancreatic, colon, lung, osteosarcoma, glioma that has limited treatment options, biochanin-A revealed agreeable results in arresting cancer development. Biochanin-A has also shown therapeutic benefits when administered for neurological disorders, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, and other chronic diseases/disorders. Isoflavones are considered phenomenal due to their high efficiency in modifying the physiological functions of the human body. Biochanin-A is one among the prominent isoflavones found in soy (glycine max), red clover (Trifolium pratense), and alfalfa sprouts, etc., with proven potency in modulating vital cellular mechanisms in various diseases. It has been popular for ages among menopausal women in controlling symptoms. In view of the multi-targeted functions of biochanin-A, it is essential to summarize it's mechanism of action in various disorders. The safety and efficacy of biochanin-A needs to be established in clinical trials involving human subjects. Biochanin-A might be able to modify various systems of the human body like the cardiovascular system, CNS, respiratory system, etc. It has shown a remarkable effect on hormonal cancers and other cancers. Many types of research on biochanin-A, particularly in breast, lung, colon, prostate, and pancreatic cancers, have shown a positive impact. Through modulating oxidative stress, SIRT-1 expression, PPAR gamma receptors, and other multiple mechanisms biochanin-A produces anti-diabetic action. The diverse molecular mechanistic pathways involved in the pharmacological ability of biochanin-A indicate that it is a very promising molecule and can play a major impact in modifying several physiological functions.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Isoflavones; Glycine max; Neoplasms
PubMed: 38106650
DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.126059.3 -
World Journal of Clinical Cases Jun 2020Isoflavones constitute a class of plant hormones including genistein, daidzein, glycitein, formononetin, biochanin A, and irilone, and the major source of human intake... (Review)
Review
Isoflavones constitute a class of plant hormones including genistein, daidzein, glycitein, formononetin, biochanin A, and irilone, and the major source of human intake is soybeans. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic recurrent inflammatory disease including ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and indeterminate colitis, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients and has become a global health problem. Although the pathogenesis of IBD is not very clear, many factors are thought to be related to the occurrence and development of IBD such as genes, immunity, and intestinal flora. How to control IBD effectively for a long time is still a problem for gastroenterologists. Diet has an important effect on IBD. Patients with IBD should pay more attention to diet. To date, many studies have reported that isoflavones have both good and bad effects on IBD. Isoflavones have many activities such as regulating the inflammatory signal pathways and affecting intestinal barrier functions and gut flora. They can also act through estrogen receptors, as they have a similar structure to estrogen. Isoflavones are easy to get from diet for human. Whether they are valuable to be applied to the treatment of IBD is worth studying. This review summarizes the relationship between isoflavones and IBD.
PubMed: 32548137
DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v8.i11.2081