Network Pharmacological Analysis and Experimental Validation of the Effect of Smilacis Glabrae Rhixoma on Gastrointestinal Motility Disorder

Gastrointestinal motility disorder (GMD) is a disease that causes digestive problems due to inhibition of the movement of the gastrointestinal tract and is one of the diseases that reduce the quality of life of modern people. Smilacis Glabrae Rhixoma (SGR) is a traditional herbal medicine for many diseases and is sometimes prescribed to improve digestion. As a network pharmacological approach, we searched the TCMSP database for SGR, reviewed its constituents and target genes, and analyzed its relevance to gastrointestinal motility disorder. The effects of the SGR extract on the pacemaker activity in interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and gastric emptying were investigated. In addition, using the GMD mouse model through acetic acid (AA), we investigated the locomotor effect of SGR on the intestinal transit rate (ITR). As a result of network pharmacology analysis, 56 compounds out of 74 candidate compounds of SGR have targets, the number of targets is 390 targets, and there are 904 combinations. Seventeen compounds of SGR were related to GMD, and as a result of comparing the related genes with the GMD-related genes, 17 genes (active only) corresponded to both. When looking at the relationship network between GMD and SGR, it was confirmed that quercetin, resveratrol, SCN5A, TNF, and FOS were most closely related to GMD. In addition, the SGR extract regulated the pacemaker activity in ICC and recovered the delayed gastric emptying. As a result of feeding the SGR extract to AA-induced GMD mice, it was confirmed that the ITR decreased by AA was restored by the SGR extract. Through network pharmacology, it was confirmed that quercetin, resveratrol, SCN5A, TNF, and FOS were related to GMD in SGR, and these were closely related to intestinal motility. Based on these results, it is suggested that SGR in GMD restores digestion through the recovery of intestinal motility.

Involvement of the phospholipase C beta1 pathway in desensitization of the carbachol-activated nonselective cationic current in murine gastric myocytes

In murine gastrointestinal myocytes muscarinic stimulation activates nonselective cation channels via a G-protein and Ca2+-dependent pathway. We recorded inward cationic currents following application of carbachol (ICCh) to murine gastric myocytes held at -60 mV, using the whole-cell patch-clamp method. The properties of the inward cationic currents were similar to those of the nonselective cation channels activated by muscarinic stimulation in other gastrointestinal smooth muscle cells. CCh-induced ICCh and spontaneous decay of ICCh (desensitization of ICCh) occurred. Unlike the situation in guinea pig gastric myocytes, desensitization was not affected by varying [EGTA]i. Pretreatment with the PLC inhibitor (U73122) blocked the activation of ICCh, and desensitization of ICCh was attenuated in PLC beta1 knock-out mice. These results suggest that the desensitization of ICCh in murine gastric myocytes is not due to a pathway dependent on intracellular Ca2+ but to the PLC beta1 pathway.

Response to a combined treatment program with clomipramine, behavioral, and environmental management of compulsive tail chasing in a German Shepherd

A 15-month-old female German Shepherd dog showing compulsive tail chasing was treated with a treatment protocol of pharmacological therapy (using clomipramine) in conjunction with behavioral and environmental management. The responses to the treatment protocol were assessed once a week for 7 weeks in respects to behavioral conditions and the frequency of bouts and its duration. The behavior history including mother, father, and her littermates were also evaluated for the apparent diagnosis. The compulsive tail chasing of the patient dog was improved on the aspect of behavioral condition and gradually decreased in the frequency and duration of bouts. However, in the mid of treatment, the animal showed an aggressive behavior as a concurrent sign associated with compulsive tail chasing.

Exploring the Therapeutic Effects of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz against Human Gastric Cancer

Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (AMK) is a traditional herbal medicine used for thousands of years in East Asia to improve a variety of illnesses and conditions, including cancers. This study explored the effect of AMK extract on apoptosis and tumor-grafted mice using AGS human gastric adenocarcinoma cells. We investigated the compounds, target genes, and associated diseases of AMK using the Traditional Chinese Medical Systems Pharmacy (TCMSP) database platform. Cell viability assay, cell cycle and mitochondrial depolarization analysis, caspase activity assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, and wound healing and spheroid formation assay were used to investigate the anti-cancer effects of AMK extract on AGS cells. Also, in vivo studies were conducted using subcutaneous xenografts. AMK extract reduced the viability of AGS cells and increased the sub-G1 cell fraction and the mitochondrial membrane potential. Also, AMK extract increased the production of ROS. AMK extract induced the increased caspase activities and modulated the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). In addition, AMK extract effectively inhibited AGS cell migration and led to a notable reduction in the growth of AGS spheroids. Moreover, AMK extract hindered the growth of AGS xenograft tumors in NSG mice. Our results suggest that AMK has anti-cancer effects by promoting cell cycle arrest and inhibiting the proliferation of AGS cancer cells and a xenograft model through apoptosis. This study could provide a novel approach to treat gastric cancer.

A Study on the Effects of Muscarinic and Serotonergic Regulation by Bojanggunbi-tang on the Pacemaker Potential of the Interstitial Cells of Cajal in the Murine Small Intestine

In traditional Korean medicine, the 16-herb concoction Bojanggunbi-tang (BGT) is used to treat various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. In this study, we investigated the regulatory mechanism underlying the influence of BGT on the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs), pacemaker cells in the GI tract. Within 12 h of culturing ICCs in the small intestines of mice, the pacemaker potential of ICCs was recorded through an electrophysiological method. An increase in the BGT concentration induced depolarization and decreased firing frequency. This reaction was suppressed by cholinergic receptor muscarinic 3 (CHRM3) antagonists, as well as 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor (5HTR) 3 and 4 antagonists. Nonselective cation channel inhibitors, such as thapsigargin and flufenamic acid, along with protein kinase C (PKC) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors, also suppressed the BGT reaction. Guanylate cyclase and protein kinase G (PKG) antagonists inhibited BGT, but adenylate cyclase and protein kinase A antagonists had no effect. In conclusion, we demonstrated that BGT acts through CHRM3, 5HTR3, and 5HTR4 to regulate intracellular Ca2+ concentrations and the PKC, MAPK, guanylate cycle, and PKG signaling pathways.

Zuojin Pill enhances gastrointestinal motility by modulating the pacemaker potentials in interstitial cells of Cajal through multiple signaling pathways

Zuojin Pill (ZJP) is a traditional herbal preparation used to treat various gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms by evaluating the effects of ZJP on the pacemaker activity of isolated interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) and on in vivo GI motility in mice. We isolated ICCs from mouse small intestine and measured pacemaker potentials by whole-cell patch clamping as well as intracellular calcium signaling by microfluorometry. Intestinal transit rate (ITR) was measured by Evans Blue migration. Administration of ZJP depolarized ICCs and reduced the amplitude and frequency of pacemaker potentials. Pretreatment with the 5-HT4 receptor antagonist RS39604, administration of the muscarinic M3 receptor antagonist 4-DAMP, or intracellular perfusion of the G-protein inhibitor GDP-β-S blocked ZJP-induced ICCs depolarization. In addition, external calcium-free medium and administration of the Ca2+-ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin, which depletes intracellular calcium stores, also blocked ZJP-induced ICCs depolarization. Moreover, ZJP-induced ICCs depolarization was inhibited in the presence of the phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U-73122, IP3-dependent Ca2+ release inhibitor xestospongin C, or various mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors. Alternatively, ZJP-induced ICCs depolarization in the presence of protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors. Furthermore, ZJP reversed the reduction of ITR caused by loperamide (Imodium) and normalized the ITR abnormality of two etiologically distinct GI motility disorder (GMD) mouse models. Finally, ZJP increased serum concentrations of the pro-peristalsis factors motilin and substance P. Our results suggest that ZJP depolarizes ICCs via 5-HT4 or muscarinic M3 receptor activation and G-protein dependent calcium-, PLC-, inositol triphosphate-, and MAPK signaling pathways (but not PKC-dependent pathways), leading to enhanced GI motility.

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide inhibits pacemaker activity via the nitric oxide-cGMP-protein kinase G pathway in the interstitial cells of Cajal of the murine small intestine

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are pacemaker cells that activate the periodic spontaneous depolarization (pacemaker potentials) responsible for the production of slow waves in gastrointestinal smooth muscle. The effects of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) on the pacemaker potentials in cultured ICCs from murine small intestine were investigated by whole-cell patch-clamp techniques. Addition of VIP (50 nM-1 microM) decreased the amplitude of pacemaker potentials and depolarized resting membrane potentials. To examine the type of receptors involved in ICC, we examined the effects of the VIP1 agonist and found that it had no effect on pacemaker potentials. Pretreatment with VIP1 antagonist (1 microM) for 10 min also did not block the VIP (50 nM)-induced effects. On the other hand exposure to 1H-(1,2,4)oxadiazolo(4,3-A)quinoxalin- 1-one (ODQ, 100 microM), an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase, prevented VIP inhibition of pacemaker potentials. Similarly KT-5823 (1 microM) or RP-8-CPT-cGMPS (10 microM), inhibitors of protein kinase G (PKG) blocked the effect of VIP (50 nM) on pacemaker potentials as did N-nitro-L-arginine (L-NA, 100 mM), a non-selective nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor. These results imply that the inhibition of pacemaker activity by VIP depends on the NO-cGMP-PKG pathway.

The traditional herbal medicines mixture, Banhasasim-tang, relieves the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome via modulation of TRPA1, NaV1.5 and NaV1.7 channels

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The cause of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, remains unclear. Banhasasim-tang (BHSST), a traditional herbal medicines mixture, mainly used to treat GI-related diseases, may have a potential in IBS treatment. IBS is characterized by abdominal pain as the main clinical symptom, which seriously affects the quality of life.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We conducted a study to evaluate the effectiveness of BHSST and its mechanisms of action in treating IBS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated the efficacy of BHSST in a zymosan-induced diarrhea-predominant animal model of IBS. Electrophysiological methods were used to confirm modulation of transient receptor potential (TRP) and voltage-gated Na+ (NaV) ion channels, which are associated mechanisms of action.

RESULTS

Oral administration of BHSST decreased colon length, increased stool scores, and increased colon weight. Weight loss was also minimized without affecting food intake. In mice administered with BHSST, the mucosal thickness was suppressed, making it similar to that of normal mice, and the degree of tumor necrosis factor-α was severely reduced. These effects were similar to those of the anti-inflammatory drug-sulfasalazine-and antidepressant-amitriptyline. Moreover, pain-related behaviors were substantially reduced. Additionally, BHSST inhibited TRPA1, NaV1.5, and NaV1.7 ion channels associated with IBS-mediated visceral hypersensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, the findings suggest that BHSST has potential beneficial effects on IBS and diarrhea through the modulation of ion channels.

Prediction of the Medicinal Mechanisms of Pinellia ternata Breitenbach, a Traditional Medicine for Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders, through Network Pharmacology

Pinellia ternata Breitenbach (PTB) is a widely used herbal medicine in China, Japan, and South Korea. It has antiemetic, anti-inflammatory, antitussive, and sedative properties. The raw material is toxic, but can be made safer using alum solution or by boiling it for a long time. In addition, PTB seems to be effective for gastrointestinal motility disorders (GMDs), but this is yet to be conclusively proven. Herein, PTB compounds, targets, and related diseases were investigated using the traditional Chinese medical systems pharmacology database and an analysis platform. Information on target genes was confirmed using the UniProt database. Using Cytoscape 3.8.2, a network was established and GMD-related genes were searched using the Cytoscape stringApp. The effects of the PTB extract on the pacemaker potential of interstitial cells of Cajal and GMD mouse models were investigated. In total, 12 compounds were found to target 13 GMD-related genes. In animal experiments, PTB was found to better regulate pacemaker potential in vitro and inhibit GMD signs compared to control groups in vivo. Animal studies showed that the mechanism underlying the effects of PTB is closely related to gastrointestinal motility. The results obtained demonstrated that PTB offers a potential means to treat GMDs, and we suggested that the medicinal mechanism of GMDs can be explained by the relationship between 12 major components of PTB, including oleic acid, and 13 GMD-related genes.

Trypsin Depolarizes Pacemaker Potentials in Murine Small Intestinal Interstitial Cells of Cajal

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) generate pacemaker potentials in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In this study, the effects of trypsin on pacemaker potentials in murine small intestinal ICCs were examined. We used whole-cell patch-clamp analysis. The results of whole-cell patch-clamp analysis revealed that trypsin dose-dependently depolarized pacemaker potentials and decreased their amplitude. Treatments with the antagonists of neurokinin1 (NK1) and NK2 receptors (SR-140333 and SR-48968, respectively) slightly inhibited the trypsin-induced responses. However, treatment with the combination of SR-140333 and SR-48968 completely inhibited trypsin-induced responses. Trypsin slightly depolarized pacemaker potentials and increased their amplitude after the intracellular application of GDP-β-S. Additionally, incubation in external Ca2+-free solution inhibited trypsin-induced responses. In the presence of U-73122, staurosporine, Go6976, or xestospongin C, trypsin did not depolarize the pacemaker’s potentials. However, trypsin depolarized the pacemaker potentials in the presence of rottlerin. Finally, HC067047, a TRPV4 inhibitor, did not affect the trypsin-induced responses. These results suggest that trypsin depolarized pacemaker potentials through NK1 and NK2 receptors in the murine small intestinal ICCs, with this effect being dependent on the G protein, phospholipase C, protein kinase C, inositol triphosphate pathways, and extracellular Ca2+ but being independent of the TRPV4 pathway. Hence, trypsin-mediated GI motility regulation must be considered for prokinetic drug developments.

Therapeutic Effects of Zanthoxyli Pericarpium on Intestinal Inflammation and Network Pharmacological Mechanism Analysis in a Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis Mouse Model

(1) Background: IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) is characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation leading to persistent symptoms and a lack of effective treatments. ZP (Zanthoxyli Pericarpium) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties for the management of intestinal disorders. (2) Methods: This study aimed to investigate the components of ZP, their specific targets, and associated diseases using the TCMSP (Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology) analysis platform, TCMBank database, and ETCM2.0 (Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2.0) database. Additionally, we explored the protective effects of ZP on the colon and the underlying molecular mechanisms in the treatment of IBD. (3) Results: We identified 59 compounds in ZP that target 38 genes related to IBD, including PTGS2, PPARG, and GPBAR1. In a mice model of DSS (dextran sodium sulfate)-induced colitis, ZP significantly reduced colonic epithelial damage and oxidative stress markers, such as iNOS and nitrotyrosine, demonstrating its antioxidant properties. (4) Conclusions: These findings suggest that ZP has protective effects against DSS-induced colonic damage owing to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a potential candidate for IBD treatment. However, further research and clinical trials are required to confirm its therapeutic potential and safety in humans.

Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz Alleviates Symptoms in Zymosan-Induced Irritable Bowel Syndrome Mouse Model through TRPV1, NaV1.5, and NaV1.7 Channel Modulation

(1) Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disease in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (AMK) is known as one of the traditional medicines that shows a good efficacy in the GI tract. (2) Methods: We investigated the effect of AMK in a network pharmacology and zymosan-induced IBS animal model. In addition, we performed electrophysiological experiments to confirm the regulatory mechanisms related to IBS. (3) Results: Various characteristics of AMK were investigated using TCMSP data and various analysis systems. AMK restored the macroscopic changes and weight to normal. Colonic mucosa and inflammatory factors were reduced. These effects were similar to those of amitriptyline and sulfasalazine. In addition, transient receptor potential (TRP) V1, voltage-gated Na+ (NaV) 1.5, and NaV1.7 channels were inhibited. (4) Conclusion: These results suggest that AMK may be a promising therapeutic candidate for IBS management through the regulation of ion channels.

Regulation of transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) currents by mitochondria

Mitochondria play a central role in energy-generating processes and may be involved in the regulation of channels and receptors. Here we investigated TRPM7, an ion channel and functional kinase, and its regulation by mitochondria. Proton ionophores such as CCCP elicited a rapid decrease in outward TRPM7 whole-cell currents but a slight increase in inward currents with pipette solutions containing no MgATP. With pipette solutions containing 3 mM MgATP, however, CCCP increased both outward and inward TRPM7 currents. This effect was reproducible and fully reversible, and repeated application of CCCP yielded similar decreases in current amplitude. Oligomycin, an inhibitor of F1/FO-ATP synthase, inhibited outward whole-cell currents but did not affect inward currents. The respiratory chain complex I inhibitor, rotenone, and complex III inhibitor, antimycin A, were without effect as were kaempferol, an activator of the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter, and ruthenium red, an inhibitor of the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter. These results suggest that the inner membrane potential (as regulated by proton ionophores) and the F1/FO-ATP synthase of mitochondria are important in regulating TRPM7 channels.