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Liu FX, Sun Y. Identification of the active ingredients and pharmacological effects of Kuntai capsules in the treatment of primary ovarian insufficiency: A review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e33884. [PMID: 37233423 PMCID: PMC10219746 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000033884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Kuntai capsules are effective in controlling primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). However, the precise mechanisms underlying the pharmacological effects of Kuntai capsules remain unclear. This study aimed to screen the active components and underlying mechanisms of Kuntai capsules for POI treatment using network pharmacology protocols and molecular docking technology. Potential active constituents in the chemical composition of Kuntai capsules were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database. Targets for POI were obtained from the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man and Gene Cards database. All target data were integrated to identify the active ingredients of POI treatment. Enrichment analyses were performed using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery database. The STRING database and Cytoscape software were used for protein-protein interaction network construction and core target identification. Finally, a molecular docking analysis of the active components and core targets was performed. A total of 157 ingredients related to POI were identified. Enrichment analysis showed that these components might participate in the mitogen-activated protein kinase, tumor necrosis factor, phosphoinositide-3-kinase/AKT serine/threonine kinase 1, and forkhead box O signaling pathways. Further protein-protein interaction network analysis revealed that the core targets were Jun proto-oncogene, AKT serine/threonine kinase 1, tumor protein P53, interleukin 6, and the epidermal growth factor receptor. Molecular docking analysis showed that baicalein was the most active ingredient with the highest affinity for the core targets. This study identified baicalein as the core functional component and elucidated the potential pharmacological effects of Kuntai capsule in the treatment of POI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yan Sun
- The Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
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102
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Chen Y, Xiang Q, Peng F, Gao S, Yu L, Tang Y, Yang Z, Pu W, Xie X, Peng C. The mechanism of action of safflower total flavonoids in the treatment of endometritis caused by incomplete abortion based on network pharmacology and 16S rDNA sequencing. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023:116639. [PMID: 37201664 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Safflower is a traditional Chinese medicine used for treating gynaecological diseases. However, its material basis and mechanism of action in the treatment of endometritis induced by incomplete abortion are still unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to reveal the material basis and mechanism of action of safflower in the treatment of endometritis induced by incomplete abortion through comprehensive methods, including network pharmacology and 16S rDNA sequencing. MATERIALS AND METHODS Network pharmacology and molecular docking methods were used to screen the main active components and potential mechanisms of action of safflower in the treatment of endometritis induced by incomplete abortion in rats. A rat model of endometrial inflammation by incomplete abortion was established. The rats were treated with safflower total flavonoids (STF) based on forecasting results, serum levels of inflammatory cytokines were analysed, and immunohistochemistry, Western blots, and 16S rDNA sequencing were performed to investigate the effects of the active ingredient and the treatment mechanism. RESULTS The network pharmacology prediction results showed 20 active components with 260 targets in safflower, 1007 targets related to endometritis caused by incomplete abortion, and 114 drug-disease intersecting targets, including TNF, IL6, TP53, AKT1, JUN, VEGFA, CASP3 and other core targets, PI3K/AKT, MAPK and other signalling pathways may be closely related to incomplete abortion leading to endometritis. The animal experiment results showed that STF could significantly repair uterine damage and reduce the amount of bleeding. Compared with the model group, STF significantly down-regulated the levels of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-1β, NO, TNF-α) and the expression of JNK, ASK1, Bax, caspase3, and caspase11 proteins. At the same time, the levels of anti-inflammatory factors (TGF-β and PGE2) and the protein expression of ERα, PI3K, AKT, and Bcl2 were up-regulated. Significant differences in the intestinal flora were seen between the normal group and the model group, and the intestinal flora of the rats was closer to the normal group after the administration of STF. CONCLUSIONS The characteristics of STF used in the treatment of endometritis induced by incomplete abortion were multi-targeted and involved multiple pathways. The mechanism may be related to the activation of the ERα/PI3K/AKT signalling pathway by regulating the composition and ratio of the gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, 611137, Chengdu, China; College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiwen Xiang
- School of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
| | - Fu Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, 611137, Chengdu, China; School of Pharmacy, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Song Gao
- School of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
| | - Lei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, 611137, Chengdu, China; College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yunli Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, 611137, Chengdu, China; College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Zhou Yang
- School of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Pu
- School of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaofang Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, 611137, Chengdu, China; College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, 611137, Chengdu, China; College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
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103
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Shang Z, Fan M, Zhang J, Wang Z, Jiang S, Li W. Red Ginseng Improves D-galactose-Induced Premature Ovarian Failure in Mice Based on Network Pharmacology. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098210. [PMID: 37175917 PMCID: PMC10179375 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we evaluated the ameliorative effect and molecular mechanism of red ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) extract (RGE) on D-galactose (D-gal)-induced premature ovarian failure (POF) using network pharmacology analysis. Ginsenosides are important active ingredients in ginseng, which also contains some sugar and amino acid derivatives. We aimed to determine the key proteins through which RGE regulates POF. In this work, we retrieved and screened for active ingredients in ginseng and the corresponding POF disease targets in multiple databases. A PPI network of genes was constructed in the STRING database and core targets were screened using topological analysis. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were conducted in R software. Finally, molecular docking was conducted to validate the results. Female ICR mice were used to establish a POF mouse model for in vivo experiments. Serum levels of relevant estrogens were determined using ELISA and expression levels of relevant proteins in ovarian tissues were detected using immunofluorescence and western blot analysis. Network pharmacology analysis predicted that PI3K, Akt, Bax, Bcl-2, p16, and other proteins were highly correlated with POF and RGE. The results clearly showed that RGE could increase estradiol (E2) and lower follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in D-gal-fed mice. RGE restored the expression levels of related proteins by reducing Nrf2-mediated oxidative stress, PI3K/Akt-mediated apoptosis, and senescence signaling pathways. Overall, RGE has the potential to prevent and treat POF and is likely to be a promising natural protector of the ovaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijing Shang
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ginseng Breeding and Development, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Meiling Fan
- College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Jingtian Zhang
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ginseng Breeding and Development, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Zi Wang
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ginseng Breeding and Development, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Shuang Jiang
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ginseng Breeding and Development, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Wei Li
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ginseng Breeding and Development, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
- College of Life Sciences, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
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104
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Li JX, Han ZX, Cheng X, Zhang FL, Zhang JY, Su ZJ, Li BP, Jiang ZR, Li RZ, Xie Y, Yan PY, Tang L, Yang JS. Combinational study with network pharmacology, molecular docking and preliminary experiments on exploring common mechanisms underlying the effects of weijing decoction on various pulmonary diseases. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15631. [PMID: 37153415 PMCID: PMC10160751 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective 'Homotherapy for heteropathy' is a theory by which different diseases with similar pathogenesis can be treated with one Chinese formula. We aimed to explore the key components and core targets of Weijing decoction (WJD) in treating various lung diseases, namely, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute lung injury (ALI), pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary tuberculosis and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), via network pharmacology, molecular docking and some experiments. Significance This is the first study on the mechanism of WJD in treating various lung diseases by 'homotherapy for heteropathy'. This study is helpful for the transformation of TCM formula and development of new drugs. Methods Active components and therapeutic targets of WJD were obtained via TCMSP and UniProt databases. Targets of the six pulmonary diseases were harvested from the GeneCards TTD, DisGeNet, UniProt and OMIM databases. Drug-disease intersection targets, corresponding Venn diagrams, herb-component-target networks and protein-protein interaction networks were established. Furthermore, GO biological function and KEGG enrichment analysis were completed. Moreover, the binding activity between main compounds and core targets was measured through molecular docking. Finally, the xenograft NSCLC mouse model was established. Immune responses were evaluated by flow cytometry and mRNA expression levels of critical targets were measured by real-time PCR. Results JUN, CASP3 and PTGS2 were the most critical targets in six pulmonary diseases. The active compounds beta-sitosterol, tricin and stigmasterol stably bound to many active sites on target proteins. WJD had extensive pharmacological regulation, involving pathways related to cancer, inflammation, infection, hypoxia, immunity and so on. Conclusions Effects of WJD against various lung diseases involve lots of compounds, targets and pathways. These findings will facilitate further research as well as clinical application of WJD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Xin Li
- Macau University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macao, China
| | - Zhong-Xiao Han
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xin Cheng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Feng-Lin Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jing-Yi Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zi-Jie Su
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Biao-Ping Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zhi-Rui Jiang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Run-Ze Li
- Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ying Xie
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Pei-Yu Yan
- Macau University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macao, China
- Corresponding author.
| | - Ling Tang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Corresponding author.
| | - Jia-Shun Yang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Foshan 528244, China
- Corresponding author.
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105
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Jiang Y, Zhang M, Wang L, Zhang L, Ma M, Jing M, Li J, Song R, Zhang Y, Yang Z, Zhang Y, Pu Y, Qu X, Fan J. Potential mechanisms of osthole against bladder cancer cells based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:122. [PMID: 37069622 PMCID: PMC10108473 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-03938-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osthole was traditionally used in treatment for various diseases. However, few studies had demonstrated that osthole could suppress bladder cancer cells and its mechanism was unclear. Therefore, we performed a research to explore the potential mechanism for osthole against bladder cancer. METHODS Internet web servers SwissTargetPrediction, PharmMapper, SuperPRED, and TargetNet were used to predict the Osthole targets. GeneCards and the OMIM database were used to indicate bladder cancer targets. The intersection of two target gene fragments was used to obtain the key target genes. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis was performed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) database. Furthermore, we used gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses to explore the molecular function of target genes. AutoDock software was then used to perform molecular docking of target genes,osthole and co-crystal ligand. Finally, an in vitro experiment was conducted to validate bladder cancer inhibition by osthole. RESULTS Our analysis identified 369 intersection genes for osthole, the top ten target genes included MAPK1, AKT1, SRC, HRAS, HASP90AA1, PIK3R1, PTPN11, MAPK14, CREBBP, and RXRA. The GO and KEGG pathway enrichment results revealed that the PI3K-AKT pathway was closely correlated with osthole against bladder cancer. The osthole had cytotoxic effect on bladder cancer cells according to the cytotoxic assay. Additionally, osthole blocked the bladder cancer epithelial-mesenchymal transition and promoted bladder cancer cell apoptosis by inhibiting the PI3K-AKT and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT3) pathways. CONCLUSIONS We found that osthole had cytotoxic effect on bladder cancer cells and inhibited invasion, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition by inhibiting PI3K-AKT and JAK/STAT3 pathways in in vitro experiment. Above all, osthole might have potential significance in treatment of bladder cancer. SUBJECTS Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Molecular Biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunzhong Jiang
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Mengzhao Zhang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Minghai Ma
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Minxuan Jing
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jianpeng Li
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Rundong Song
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuanquan Zhang
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zezhong Yang
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yaodong Zhang
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuanchun Pu
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaowei Qu
- Department of Geriatrics, the Yan'an University Xianyang Hospital, Xian'yang, China
| | - Jinhai Fan
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
- Oncology Research Lab, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, China.
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106
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Fu Y, Fang Y, Gong S, Xue T, Wang P, She L, Huang J. Deep learning-based network pharmacology for exploring the mechanism of licorice for the treatment of COVID-19. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5844. [PMID: 37037848 PMCID: PMC10086012 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31380-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Licorice, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used for the treatment of COVID-19, but all active compounds and corresponding targets are still not clear. Therefore, this study proposed a deep learning-based network pharmacology approach to identify more potential active compounds and targets of licorice. 4 compounds (quercetin, naringenin, liquiritigenin, and licoisoflavanone), 2 targets (SYK and JAK2) and the relevant pathways (P53, cAMP, and NF-kB) were predicted, which were confirmed by previous studies to be associated with SARS-CoV-2-infection. In addition, 2 new active compounds (glabrone and vestitol) and 2 new targets (PTEN and MAP3K8) were further validated by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations (simultaneous molecular dynamics), as well as the results showed that these active compounds bound well to COVID-19 related targets, including the main protease (Mpro), the spike protein (S-protein) and the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Overall, in this study, glabrone and vestitol from licorice were found to inhibit viral replication by inhibiting the activation of Mpro, S-protein and ACE2; related compounds in licorice may reduce the inflammatory response and inhibit apoptosis by acting on PTEN and MAP3K8. Therefore, licorice has been proposed as an effective candidate for the treatment of COVID-19 through PTEN, MAP3K8, Mpro, S-protein and ACE2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Fu
- Alibaba Business School, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Yangyue Fang
- Alibaba Business School, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Shuai Gong
- Alibaba Business School, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Tao Xue
- Alibaba Business School, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Alibaba Business School, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Li She
- Alibaba Business School, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Jianping Huang
- Alibaba Business School, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310000, China.
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107
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Sun Y, Wang L, Du L, Yu H, Tian Y, Jin H, Li S, Yan S, Xiao X. Investigation on the mechanism of Ginkgo Folium in the treatment of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by strategy of network pharmacology and molecular docking. Technol Health Care 2023; 31:209-221. [PMID: 37038793 DOI: 10.3233/thc-236018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ginkgo Folium has a favorable effect on non-alcoholic fatty live disease (NAFLD), but its mechanism remains unclear. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to reveal the underlying mechanism of Ginkgo Folium in the treatment of NAFLD. METHODS Ingredients of Ginkgo Folium and ingredients-related genes were collected from TCMSP database and SwissTargetPrediction website, respectively. Genecards database was used to obtain NAFLD-related genes. Next, the protein-protein interaction network and key ingredients-genes network were constructed via Cytoscape3.7.0. Based on the Metascape website, gene ontology function analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis were carried out for key genes. Finally, molecular docking was performed to present the interaction between components and genes using AutoDock Vina 1.1.2. RESULTS Eighteen active ingredients and 10 target genes were screened from Ginkgo Folium. AKT1, TNF, EGFR, PTGS2, MAPK8, PPAγ, APP, ESR1, HIFα and PPAα were considered as potential therapeutic targets. These target genes were mainly enriched in insulin resistance, HIF-1, adipocytokine and AMPK signaling pathways. Molecular docking results suggested that Ginkgo Folium active ingredients including luteolin-4'-glucoside, sesamin, luteolin, chryseriol, isorhamnetin and laricitrin showed strong binding capacities with AKT1. CONCLUSION The study showed that multi-components in Ginkgo Folium interacted with AKT1 and regulated AKT-AMPK/HIF pathway to alleviate NAFLD. Our findings provided an essential role and basis for new anti-NAFLD drug discovery and further research on Ginkgo Folium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanfang Sun
- Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Leqi Wang
- Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Rapid Testing Technology of Drugs, Guangdong Institute for Drug Control, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lijing Du
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guizhou Jingcheng Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Huajun Yu
- Guizhou Jingcheng Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yan Tian
- Guizhou Jingcheng Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Huizi Jin
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shasha Li
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Rapid Testing Technology of Drugs, Guangdong Institute for Drug Control, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shikai Yan
- Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Rapid Testing Technology of Drugs, Guangdong Institute for Drug Control, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xue Xiao
- Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Rapid Testing Technology of Drugs, Guangdong Institute for Drug Control, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Hao M, Yao Z, Zhao M, Chen Z, Wang P, Sang X, Yang Q, Wang K, Han X, Cao G. Active ingredients screening and pharmacological mechanism research of curcumae rhizoma-sparganii rhizoma herb pair ameliorates liver fibrosis based on network pharmacology. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 305:116111. [PMID: 36592822 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.116111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Curcumae Rhizoma-Sparganii Rhizoma (CR-SR) is a classic herbal pair to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis in ancient China. However, the molecular mechanism is still unclear. AIM OF STUDY To screen out the anti-liver fibrosis active ingredients in CR-SR. Moreover, preliminary exploration the molecular mechanism of CR-SR to ameliorates liver fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this research, plant taxonomy has been confirmed in the "The Plant List" database (www.theplantlist.org). The chemical components of CR-SR were analysed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF-MS). "Component-Target-Pathway-Disease" network of CR-SR components were built by network pharmacology. Then, the interaction between primary components and predicted protein targets based on network pharmacology were validated by molecular docking. The pharmacological actions of CR-SR were verified by blood biochemical indexes, histopathologic examination of CCL4 induced rats' model. The core protein targets were verified by Western blot. The effects of screened active components by molecular autodocking were verified by HSC-T6 cell experiment. RESULTS The result shows that 57 chemical constituents in CR-SR herbal pair were identified by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS, in which, 27 compounds were closely connected with liver fibrosis related protein targets. 55 protein targets screened out by "component-target-pathway-disease network" maybe the underlying targets for CR-SR to cure liver fibrosis. Moreover, the 55 protein targets are mainly related to RNA transcription, apoptosis, and signal transduction. The molecular autodocking predicted that ten components can bond well with PTGS2 and RELA protein targets. The blood biochemical indexes, histopathologic examination of CCL4 induced rats experiment showed that CR-SR has well intervention effect of liver fibrosis. The Western blot analysis indicated that CR-SR could significantly inhibit RELA, PTGS2, IL-6, SRC, and AKT1 protein expression to exert the anti-fibrosis effect. The HSC-T6 cell experiment indicated that both formononetin (FNT) and curdione could significantly inhibit the activation of HSC and reduce the expression of PTGS2, and p-AKT1 which was accordance with the molecular autodocking results. CONCLUSION This study proved the molecular mechanism of CR-SR multi-component and multi-target anti-liver fibrosis effect through mass spectrometry, network pharmacology, and western blotting technology. The research provides a theoretical evidence for the development and utilization of CR-SR herbal pair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Hao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China.
| | - Zhouhui Yao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China.
| | - Mengting Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China.
| | - Ziyan Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China.
| | - Pingping Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China.
| | - Xianan Sang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China.
| | - Qiao Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China.
| | - Kuilong Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China.
| | - Xin Han
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China.
| | - Gang Cao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China.
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Xiao L, Xiao W, Zhan F. Targets of total glucosides of paeony in the treatment of Sjogren syndrome: A network pharmacology study. J Chin Med Assoc 2023; 86:375-380. [PMID: 36653917 DOI: 10.1097/jcma.0000000000000884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to explore the underlying mechanism of the total glucoside of peony (TGP) in treating Sjogren syndrome (SS) using the network pharmacology approach. METHODS The protein targets of TGP and SS were identified by database search. Then, the intersection of the two groups was studied. The drug-target network between TGP and the overlapping genes was constructed, visualized, and analyzed by Cytoscape software. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment were performed to analyze these genes. Finally, the predictions of potential targets were evaluated by docking study. RESULTS Forty-six overlapping genes were discovered. The results suggested that TGP used in the treatment of SS is associated with cellular tumor antigen p53, neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor type 1, and epidermal growth factor receptor, as well as their related 3372 protein networks, which regulate intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway, cellular response to oxidative stress, rhythmic process, and other processes. Molecular docking analysis proved that hydrogen bonding is the main form of interaction. CONCLUSION Our research provided the protein targets affected by TGP in SS treatment. The key targets (caspase 3, vascular endothelial growth factor A, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, etc.), which involve 3372 proteins, are the multitarget mechanism of TGP in SS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Xiao
- Department of Rheumatology, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan, China
| | - Wei Xiao
- Department of Respiratory, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan, China
| | - Feng Zhan
- Department of Rheumatology, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan, China
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110
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Li L, Tang Y, Li X, Zhou T, Song Q, Li A. Mechanism of skin whitening through San-Bai decoction-induced tyrosinase inhibition and discovery of natural products targeting tyrosinase. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e33420. [PMID: 37000099 PMCID: PMC10063273 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000033420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanin deposition is the main cause of skin darkening, which can lead to severe physical and psychological distress, necessitating the development of approaches for preserving skin health and fairness. Tyrosinase (TYR) is the rate-limiting enzyme in melanin synthesis, and its activity directly determines the degree of melanin accumulation in the skin, which in turn affects skin color. Currently, TYR inhibitors derived from natural products are widely used for skin whitening. San-Bai decoction (SBD) is effective for skin whitening and softening, but its mechanism of action, efficacy and high efficiency TYR inhibitors for skin whitening remain poorly understood. Here, we employed systems biology and network pharmacology to analyze the active compounds and targets of SBD, using the follow databases: TCMIP, TCMID, and BATMAN-TCM. Construct a molecular network centered on the regulation of TYR by SBD in skin whitening, using STRING database and cytoscape. Enrichment analysis using KOBAS database and ClusterProfiler. Virtual screening of candidate TYR inhibitors using Molecular Operating Environment software and Amber 18 software. SBD may act through tyrosine metabolism, melanogenesis, and other signaling pathways to regulate TYR activity and inhibit melanogenesis. We identified TYR and ESR1 as possible key targets for the whitening effect of SBD and screened out pentagalloylglucose, 1,3,6-tri-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose, 1,2,4,6-tetragalloylglucose, and liquiritigenin 4',7-diglucoside as inhibitors of TYR, in addition to glycyrrhizic acid, pachymic acid methyl ester, nicotiflorin, gamma-sitosterol, and isoliensinine as inhibitors of ESR1. We also performed virtual drug screening of a library of natural small-molecule compounds (19,505 in total) and screened out lycopsamine, 2-phenylethyl b-D-glucopyranoside, and 6-beta-hydroxyhyoscyamine as inhibitors of TYR. We identified natural compounds with the potential for skin whitening through inhibition of TYR, thus advancing research on SBD and its applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Li
- College of Basic Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yiran Tang
- College of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xin Li
- College of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Tao Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Qiuhang Song
- College of Basic Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Aiying Li
- College of Basic Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Higher Education Institute Applied Technology Research Center on TCM Formula Preparation, Shijiazhuang, China
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111
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Feng S, Xu G, Fu Y, Ding Q, Shi Y. Exploring the Mechanism of Bergamot Essential Oil against Asthma Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:10202-10213. [PMID: 36969419 PMCID: PMC10034984 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c07366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease. Bergamot essential oil (BEO) is extracted from the bergamot peel, which is widely used as a medicinal and food plant in China. Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that BEO has anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting potential in treating asthma. First, the main active ingredients of BEO were detected and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Network pharmacology methods were used to explore the possible core targets and main pathways of BEO in asthma treatment. Then ovalbumin (OVA)-induced in vivo and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced in vitro models were established to investigate the antiasthmatic effects of BEO. BEO showed a good antiasthmatic effect by improving lung inflammation and inhibiting collagen deposition. Then, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were used to explore the possible mechanism of BEO in asthma treatment. Furthermore, experimental verification showed that BEO could suppress the release of inflammatory factors in vitro and inhibit the activation of MAPK and JAK-STAT signaling pathways. This study demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects of BEO against asthma. Moreover, it supplies a theoretical basis for the clinical application of BEO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwen Feng
- School
of Life Sciences, Beijing University of
Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Gonghao Xu
- School
of Life Sciences, Beijing University of
Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yuchen Fu
- School
of Life Sciences, Beijing University of
Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Qi Ding
- Shenzhen
Research Institute, Beijing University of
Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Yuanyuan Shi
- School
of Life Sciences, Beijing University of
Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
- Shenzhen
Research Institute, Beijing University of
Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen 518118, China
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112
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Elasbali AM, Al-Soud WA, Mousa Elayyan AE, Al-Oanzi ZH, Alhassan HH, Mohamed BM, Alanazi HH, Ashraf MS, Moiz S, Patel M, Patel M, Adnan M. Integrating network pharmacology approaches for the investigation of multi-target pharmacological mechanism of 6-shogaol against cervical cancer. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:14135-14151. [PMID: 36943780 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2191719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Traditional treatment of cancer has been plagued by a number of obstacles, such as multiple drug resistance, toxicity and financial constraints. In contrast, phytochemicals that modulate a variety of molecular mechanisms are garnering increasing interest in complementary and alternative medicine. Therefore, an approach based on network pharmacology was used in the present study to explore possible regulatory mechanisms of 6-shogaol as a potential treatment for cervical cancer (CC). A number of public databases were screened to collect information on the target genes of 6-shogaol (SuperPred, Targetnet, Swiss target prediction and PharmMapper), while targets pertaining to CC were taken from disease databases (DisGeNet and Genecards) and gene expression omnibus (GEO) provided expression datasets. With STRING and Cytoscape, protein-protein interactions (PPI) were generated and topology analysis along with CytoNCA were used to identify the Hub genes. The Gene Ontology (GO) database Enrichr was used to annotate the target proteins, while, using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database, signaling pathway enrichment analysis was conducted. Molecular docking and survival analysis for the Hub genes revealed four genes (HSP90AA1, HRAS, ESR1 and EGFR) with lowest binding energy and majority of the Hub genes (EGFR, SRC, CASP-3, HSP90AA1, MTOR, MAPK-1, MDM2 and ESR1) were linked with the overall survival of CC patients. In conclusion, the present study provides the scientific evidence which strongly supports the use of 6-shogoal as an inhibitor of cellular proliferation, growth, migration as well as inducer of apoptosis via targeting the hub genes involved in the growth of CC.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelbaset Mohamed Elasbali
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Sciences-Qurayyat, Jouf University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed Abu Al-Soud
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Sciences-Sakaka, Jouf University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afnan Elayyan Mousa Elayyan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Sciences-Qurayyat, Jouf University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ziad H Al-Oanzi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Sciences-Sakaka, Jouf University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hassan H Alhassan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Sciences-Sakaka, Jouf University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bashir M Mohamed
- Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College of Dublin, Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Trinity College of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Hamad H Alanazi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Sciences-Qurayyat, Jouf University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Saquib Ashraf
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Riyadh ELM University (REU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shadman Moiz
- Department of Biotechnology, Lalit Narayan Mithila University, Darbhanga, Bihar, India
| | - Mitesh Patel
- Department of Biotechnology, Parul Institute of Applied Sciences and Centre of Research for Development, Parul University, Vadodara, India
| | - Mirav Patel
- Department of Biotechnology, Parul Institute of Applied Sciences and Centre of Research for Development, Parul University, Vadodara, India
| | - Mohd Adnan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
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Zheng S, Zhang D, Duan B, Mo G, Li J, Huang H, Wang S, Ye Y, Huang Z, Huang P, Zhang F, Huang F, Han L. Metabolomics integrated network pharmacology reveals the mechanism of Ma-Mu-Ran Antidiarrheal Capsules on acute enteritis mice. Anal Biochem 2023; 668:115116. [PMID: 36925055 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2023.115116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Acute enteritis (AE) is a type of digestive disease caused by biochemical factors that irritate the intestinal tract or pathogenic bacteria that infect it. In China, Ma-Mu-Ran Antidiarrheal Capsules (MMRAC) have been applied against diarrhea caused by AE and bacillary dysentery for many years, but the underlying mechanisms of their beneficial effects are not known. In the present study, network pharmacology and metabolomics were performed to clarify the active ingredients of MMRAC and explore the specific mechanism of MMRAC on AE mice. A total of 43 active components of MMRAC with 87 anti-AE target genes were identified, and these target genes were enriched in IL-17 and HIF-1 signaling pathways. Integration analysis revealed that purine metabolism was the critical metabolic pathway by which MMRAC exerted its therapeutic effect against AE. Specifically, MAPK14, MMP9, PTGS2, HIF1A, EGLN1, NOS2 were the pivotal targets of MMRAC for the treatment of AE, and Western blot analysis revealed MMRAC to decrease protein levels of these pro-inflammatory signaling molecules. According to molecular docking, these key targets have a strong affinity with the MMRAC compounds. Collectively, MMRAC relieved the colon inflammation of AE mice via regulating inflammatory signaling pathways to reduce hypoxia and improved energy metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sili Zheng
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065, China
| | - Dongning Zhang
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065, China; Xinjiang Uygur Pharmaceutical Co., LTD, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830026, China
| | - Bailu Duan
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065, China
| | - Guoyan Mo
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065, China; Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resource and Prescription, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065, China
| | - Hailing Huang
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065, China
| | - Yan Ye
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065, China
| | - Zhuang Huang
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065, China
| | - Ping Huang
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065, China
| | - Fengyun Zhang
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065, China
| | - Fang Huang
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065, China.
| | - Lintao Han
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065, China; Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resource and Prescription, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065, China.
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114
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Lv Y, Mou Y, Su J, Liu S, Ding X, Yuan Y, Li G, Li G. The inhibitory effect and mechanism of Resina Draconis on the proliferation of MCF-7 breast cancer cells: a network pharmacology-based analysis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3816. [PMID: 36882618 PMCID: PMC9992681 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30585-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Resina Draconis (RD) is known as the "holy medicine for promoting blood circulation" and possesses antitumor properties against various types of cancer, including breast cancer (BC); however, the underlying mechanism is not well understood. To explore the potential mechanism of RD against BC using network pharmacology and experimental validation, data on bioactive compounds, potential targets of RD, and related genes of BC were obtained from multiple public databases. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analyses were performed via the DAVID database. Protein interactions were downloaded from the STRING database. The mRNA and protein expression levels and survival analysis of the hub targets were analyzed using the UALCAN, HPA, Kaplan‒Meier mapper, and cBioPortal databases. Subsequently, molecular docking was used to verify the selected key ingredients and hub targets. Finally, the predicted results of network pharmacology methods were verified by cell experiments. In total, 160 active ingredients were obtained, and 148 RD target genes for the treatment of BC were identified. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that RD exerted its therapeutic effects on BC by regulating multiple pathways. Of these, the PI3K-AKT pathway was indicated to play an important role. In addition, RD treatment of BC seemed to involve the regulation of hub targets that were identified based on PPI interaction network analysis. Validation in different databases showed that AKT1, ESR1, HSP90AA1, CASP3, SRC and MDM2 may be involved in the carcinogenesis and progression of BC and that ESR1, IGF1 and HSP90AA1 were correlated with worse overall survival (OS) in BC patients. Molecular docking results showed that 103 active compounds have good binding activity with the hub targets, among which flavonoid compounds were the most important active components. Therefore, the sanguis draconis flavones (SDF) were selected for subsequent cell experiments. The experimental results showed that SDF significantly inhibited the cell cycle and cell proliferation of MCF-7 cells through the PI3K/AKT pathway and induced MCF-7 cell apoptosis. This study has preliminarily reported on the active ingredients, potential targets, and molecular mechanism of RD against BC, and RD was shown to exert its therapeutic effects on BC by regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway and related gene targets. Importantly, our work could provide a theoretical basis for further study of the complex anti-BC mechanism of RD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana Lv
- Yunnan Branch of the Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinghong, 666100, China.,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal Utilization, Jinghong, 666100, China
| | - Yan Mou
- Yuxi Normal University, Yuxi, 653100, China
| | - Jing Su
- Yunnan Branch of the Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinghong, 666100, China.,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal Utilization, Jinghong, 666100, China
| | - Shifang Liu
- Yunnan Branch of the Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinghong, 666100, China.,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal Utilization, Jinghong, 666100, China
| | - Xuan Ding
- Yunnan Branch of the Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinghong, 666100, China.,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal Utilization, Jinghong, 666100, China
| | - Yin Yuan
- Yunnan Branch of the Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinghong, 666100, China.,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal Utilization, Jinghong, 666100, China
| | - Ge Li
- Yunnan Branch of the Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinghong, 666100, China. .,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal Utilization, Jinghong, 666100, China.
| | - Guang Li
- Yunnan Branch of the Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinghong, 666100, China. .,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal Utilization, Jinghong, 666100, China.
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115
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Wang YC, Hui JR, Xiao G, Ma QL. Mechanism of Key Ingredient of Astragalus membranaceus on Lung Adenocarcinoma via PI3K/AKT Signaling Clarified by Utilizing Network Pharmacology Approach and Experimental Validation. Chin J Integr Med 2023; 29:244-252. [PMID: 36044117 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-022-3681-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism of the effect of Astragalus membranaceus (A. membranaceus) on lung adenocarcinoma at the molecular level to elucidate the specific targets according to the network pharmacology approach. METHODS The active components of A. membranaceus and their potential targets were collected from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database. Lung adenocarcinoma-associated genes were acquired based on GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), PharmGKB, and Therapeutic Targets databases. The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway-related genes were obtained using Reactome portal. Networks of "ingredient-target" and "ingredient-target-pathway-disease" were constructed using the Cytoscape3.6.0 software. The relationships among targets were analyzed according protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Finally, molecular docking was applied to construct the binding conformation between active ingredients and core targets. Cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) and Western blot assays were performed to determine the mechanism of the key ingredient of A. membranaceus. RESULTS A total of 20 active components and their 329 targets, and 7,501 lung adenocarcinoma-related genes and 130 PI3K/AKT signaling pathway-related genes were obtained. According to Venn diagram and PPI network analysis, 2 mainly active ingredients, including kaempferol and quercetin, and 6 core targets, including TP53, MAPK1, EGF, AKT1, ERBB2, and EGFR, were identified. The two important active ingredients of A. membranaceus, kaempferol and quercetin, exert the therapeutic effect in lung adenocarcinoma partly by acting on the 6 core targets (TP53, MAPK1, EGF, AKT1, ERBB2, and EGFR) of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Expressions of potential targets in lung adenocarcinoma and normal samples were analyzed by using UALCAN portal and found that ERBB2 was overexpressed in lung adenocarcinoma tissues and upregulation of it correlated with clinicopathological characteristics. Finally, quercetin repressed viabilities of lung adenocarcinoma cells by targeting ERBB2 on PI3K/AKT signaling confirmed by CCK8 and Western blot. CONCLUSION Our finding unraveled that an active ingredient of A. membranaceus, quercetin, significantly inhibited the lung adenocarcinoma cells proliferation by repressing ERBB2 level and inactivating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Chun Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China. .,Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, 712000, China.
| | - Jian-Rong Hui
- College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, 712046, China
| | - Gang Xiao
- First Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, 712000, China
| | - Qiao-Lin Ma
- College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, 712046, China
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116
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Xu J, Wu G, Yu X, Dong Z, Yan J, Wu L, Bao L, Liu Q. Exploring the mechanism of MP gel against skin photoaging based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation. J Cosmet Dermatol 2023; 22:1108-1123. [PMID: 36465034 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.15542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Long-term and high exposure to UV radiation can lead to the development of skin photoaging diseases. Therefore, there is an ongoing need for more natural and safe drugs to prevent or treat skin photoaging diseases. METHODS The Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform database were used to collect the active compounds and corresponding targets of Cnidii Fructus, Arnebiae Radix, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Poria, and Borneolum. The GeneCards database and the NCBI Gene database were used to collect the targets of skin photoaging diseases. The STRING database was used to construct a protein-protein interaction network formed by the intersecting targets of drugs and diseases. The Metascape database was applied for Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis of the targets. Molecular docking between active compounds and targets was verified by Autodock. After that, the skin photoaging model of mice was established and treated with MP gel. The skin characterization on the back of mice was observed, and the ameliorative effect of MP gel on skin photoaging was evaluated by histological and epidermal thickness assays. The MDA content and SOD activity were measured. Caspase-3 expression in mouse skin tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay, and Western blot. RESULTS The results of network pharmacology experiments showed that the natural drugs have multi-component, multi-target therapeutic disease characteristics. The results of animal studies showed that MP gel improved the health of photoaged skin, promoted skin structural integrity, had antioxidant properties and significantly inhibited caspase-3 expression. CONCLUSION The experimental validation of the results of the preliminary network pharmacology analysis was carried out in animal experiments, which confirmed part of the mechanism of action of MP gel in the prevention and treatment of skin photoaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfan Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Guodong Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Xianglin Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Zhiheng Dong
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Jibiao Yan
- Inner Mongolia Puze Biological Products Co., Ltd., Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Lan Wu
- Mongolia Medical School, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Lidao Bao
- Hohhot Mongolian Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Quanli Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China.,Institute of Bioactive Substance and Function of Mongolian Medicine and Chinese Materia Medica, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China
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Network pharmacology-based analysis on geniposide, a component of gardenia jasminoides, beneficial effects to alleviate LPS-induced immune stress in piglets. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 117:109894. [PMID: 36863144 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Geniposide is the main medicinal component of Gardenia jasminoides, and its content is approximately 3-8% depending on its origin. Geniposide is a class of cyclic enol ether terpene glucoside compounds with strong antioxidant, free radical quenching and cancer-inhibiting activities. Many studies have reported that geniposide has hepatoprotective, cholestatic, neuroprotective, blood sugar and blood lipid regulation, soft tissue damage treatment, antithrombotic, antitumor and other effects. As a traditional Chinese medicine, gardenia, whether used as gardenia alone, as the monomer geniposide or as the effective part of cyclic either terpenoids, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects when used in the right amounts. Recent studies have found that geniposide has important roles in pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammation activity, inhibition of the NF-κB/IκB pathway, and cell adhesion molecule production. In this study, we predicted the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of geniposide in piglets through network pharmacology based on the LPS-induced inflammatory response-regulated signaling pathway. The effects of geniposide on changes in inflammatory pathways and cytokine levels in the lymphocytes of inflammation-stressed piglets were investigated using in vivo and in vitro models of piglet lipopolysaccharide-induced oxidative stress. Network pharmacology identified 23 target genes, of which the main pathways of action were lipid and atherosclerosis, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, and Yersinia infection. The main relevant target genes were VEGFA, ROCK2, NOS3, and CCL2. Validation experiments showed that the interventional effects of geniposide reduced the relative expression of NF-κB pathway proteins and genes, restored the expression of COX-2 genes to normal levels, and increased the relative expression of tight junction proteins and genes in IPEC-J2 cells. This indicates that the addition of geniposide can alleviate inflammation and improve the level of cellular tight junctions.
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118
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Wang J, Li X, Chang H, Si N. Network pharmacology and bioinformatics study on the treatment of renal fibrosis with persicae semen-carthami flos drug pair. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e32946. [PMID: 36827014 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000032946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
To use network pharmacology and bioinformatics technology to reveal the mechanism of persicae semen-carthami flos drug pair in the treatment of renal fibrosis (RF). Compounds in traditional Chinese medicine were obtained through the Herb database. Appropriate compounds and corresponding drug targets were screened out based on the 5 rules of Lipinski and pharmacokinetics. Screening of suitable disease miRNAs by microarray chips in the GEO database. Find differentially expressed genes by analyzing miRNAs. Protein-protein interaction analysis and enrichment analysis of therapeutic targets were performed using String database and Omicshare platform. Molecular docking via the DockThor platform. A total of 28 drug compounds and 228 drug targets were screened in this study. A total of 9 miRNAs and 6649 disease targets were obtained by GEO2R software analysis. Finally, 97 therapeutic targets were obtained. A total of 1124 Gene Ontology enrichment analysis results were obtained. Therapeutic targets play multiple roles in biological processes, molecular functions, and cellular organization. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis showed that the persicae semen-carthami flos drug pair played a role in the treatment of RF mainly through calcium signaling pathway, pathways in cancer, cAMP signaling pathway, and other pathways. Molecular docking showed that the traditional Chinese medicine compounds had good binding ability to the target. Persicae semen and carthami flos play a role in the treatment of RF through multiple targets and multiple pathways. It provides ideas and references for follow-up research and new drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Wang
- Changzhi People's Hospital, Changzhi, Shanxi, China
| | - Xinghua Li
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Hong Chang
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Na Si
- Changzhi People's Hospital, Changzhi, Shanxi, China
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Challenges and Perspectives in Target Identification and Mechanism Illustration for Chinese Medicine. Chin J Integr Med 2023:10.1007/s11655-023-3629-9. [PMID: 36809500 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-023-3629-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Chinese medicine (CM) is an important resource for human life understanding and discovery of drugs. However, due to the unclear pharmacological mechanism caused by unclear target, research and international promotion of many active components have made little progress in the past decades of years. CM is mainly composed of multi-ingredients with multi-targets. The identification of targets of multiple active components and the weight analysis of multiple targets in a specific pathological environment, that is, the determination of the most important target is the main obstacle to the mechanism clarification and thus hinders its internationalization. In this review, the main approach to target identification and network pharmacology were summarized. And BIBm (Bayesian inference modeling), a powerful method for drug target identification and key pathway determination was introduced. We aim to provide a new scientific basis and ideas for the development and international promotion of new drugs based on CM.
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Zhao C, Zhi C, Zhou J. Mechanism of Jiawei Zhengqi Powder in the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 2023:8397111. [PMID: 36860812 PMCID: PMC9970719 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8397111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Objective Ulcerative colitis is an intestinal condition that severely affects the life quality of a patient. Jiawei Zhengqi powder (JWZQS) has some therapeutic benefits for ulcerative colitis. The current study investigated the therapeutic mechanism of JWZQS for ulcerative colitis using a network pharmacology analytical approach. Methods In this study, network pharmacology was used to investigate the potential mechanism of JWZQS in treating ulcerative colitis. The common targets between the two were identified, and a network map was created with the Cytoscape software. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses of JWZQS was performed using the Metascape database. Protein-protein interaction networks (PPI) was created to screen core targets and main components, and molecular docking was conducted between the main components and core targets. The expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were detected in animal experiments. Their effect on the NF-κB signaling pathway and the protective mechanism of JWZQS on the colon by tight junction protein were investigated. Results There were 2127 potential ulcerative colitis targets and 35 components identified, including 201 non-reproducible targets and 123 targets shared by drugs and diseases. Following the analysis, we discovered 13 significant active components and 10 core targets. The first 5 active ingredients and their corresponding targets were molecularly docked, and the results showed a high level of affinity. GO analysis showed that JWZQS participate in multiple biological processes to treat UC. KEGG analysis showed that JWZQS may be involved in regulating multiple pathways, and the NF-κB signaling pathway was selected for analysis and verification. JWZQS has been shown in animal studies to effectively inhibit the NF-κB pathway; reduce the expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 in colon tissue; and increase the expression of ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-1. Conclusion The network pharmacological study provides preliminary evidence that JWZQS can treat UC through multiple components and targets. JWZQS has been shown in animal studies to effectively reduce the expression levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6, inhibit the phosphorylation of the NF-κB pathway, and alleviate colon injury. JWZQS can be used in clinical, but the precise mechanism of UC treatment requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - ChenYang Zhi
- Anorectal Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Affiliated Hospital of the Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - JianHua Zhou
- Anorectal Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Affiliated Hospital of the Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
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Pomegranate Peel in the Amelioration of High-Altitude Disease: A Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Study of Underlying Mechanisms. J Food Biochem 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/7186747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
High-altitude disease (HAD) describes the failure to adapt to the lack of oxygen found at high altitudes and therapeutic antioxidant effects have been attributed to pomegranate peel (PP) extract. Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation were used to study mechanisms responsible for the alleviation of HAD by PP. The aim was to establish a reference for future research and aid technological development, particularly in clinical settings. Network pharmacology analysis showed that PP affected many targets in HAD via the active ingredients, luteolin 7-O-glycoside, punicalagin, and ellagic acid. HNRNPA1, HSPA1B, HSPA1A, CUL4B, CLTC, PPP1CA, PARP1, RACK1, NEDD8, and MAP3K1 were all targets, responsible for effects on ribosomes, apoptosis, cell cycle, mRNA surveillance pathway, and the MAPK signaling pathway. PP had an antiapoptosis effect on H9c2 cells damaged by hypoxia, as shown by annexinV-FITC/PI double staining. Practical Applications. HAD comprises a group of diseases caused by failure to adapt to a low-oxygen environment. PP extract has previously been shown to have antioxidant effects. PP attenuated damage to H9c2 cells and reduced the apoptosis rate. The current results lay the foundation for further experimental investigations.
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Network Pharmacology Analysis and Experimental Pharmacology Study Explore the Mechanism of Asparagus against Glioblastoma. J Food Biochem 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/1468967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant primary brain tumor, and there is an urgent need to explore effective therapeutic strategies to improve the prognosis of GBM patients. Asparagus (ASP) is a widely grown plant with a rich pharmacological profile that has been used to treat various cancers. However, its role in GBM remains unclear. In the study, we confirmed the inhibitory effect of ASP on GBM and explored the target and mechanism of ASP through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular biology experiments. We found that P53 is a potent target of ASP for GBM treatment, and its pharmacological mechanism is the activation of p53-dependent apoptosis. Our research provides an objective basis for the development and clinical application of ASP in GBM patients.
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Yang F, Hou R, Liu X, Tian Y, Bai Y, Li J, Zhao P. Yangqing Chenfei formula attenuates silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis by suppressing activation of fibroblast via regulating PI3K/AKT, JAK/STAT, and Wnt signaling pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 110:154622. [PMID: 36577208 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Yangqing Chenfei formula (YCF) has been demonstrated its clinical efficiency on silicosis patients. However, the effect of YCF against silicotic fibrosis and its mechanism remain unclear. PURPOSE This study is aimed to investigate active compounds and molecular mechanism of YCF in treating silicosis. METHOD YCF was orally administrated to silicosis rats induced by crystalline silica. The effective fraction of YCF and the compounds was isolated and identified by using macroporous resin and HPLC-MS, respectively. The targets and potential molecular mechanism of YCF against silicotic fibrosis were investigated through pharmacological network and RNA-sequencing analysis and in vitro-experimental validation. RESULTS YCF could remarkably improve the lung function and pathological changes of silicotic rats, reduce the aggregation of fibrocytes and deposition of ECM, such as collagen I, III, FN, and α-SMA, and suppress the TGF-β/Smad3 signaling. Furthermore, YCF6, the effective fraction derived from YCF, could significantly inhibit fibroblast activation induced by TGF-β. Then, 135 compounds were identified from YCF6 by using HPLC-MS, and Network pharmacology analysis predicted total 941 targets for these compounds. Moreover, 409 differentially expressed genes of fibroblast activation induced by TGF-β were identified. Then, integrated analysis of the 941 targets with 409 differentially expressed genes showed that YCF6 contains multiple compounds, such as tangeretin, L-Malic acid, 2-Monolinolein etc., which inhibits fibroblast activation probably by targeting different proteins, such as PIK3CA, AKT1, JAK2, STAT3, GSK3β, leading to regulate the signal network, such as PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, JAK/STAT signaling pathway, and Wnt signaling pathway. Finally, in vitro experiment indicated that tangeretin, the active compound contained in YCF6, could significantly inhibit TGF-β induced fibroblast activation. Moreover, YCF6 and tangeretin could markedly inhibit the activation of PI3K/AKT, JAK/STAT, and Wnt pathway. CONCLUSION YCF contained multiple compounds and targeted various proteins that regulated the fibroblast activation, which might be the molecular mechanisms of it in treating silicosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases co-constructed by Henan province & Education Ministry of PR China, China
| | - Runsu Hou
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases co-constructed by Henan province & Education Ministry of PR China, China; Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China
| | - Xinguang Liu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases co-constructed by Henan province & Education Ministry of PR China, China; Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China
| | - Yange Tian
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases co-constructed by Henan province & Education Ministry of PR China, China; Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China
| | - Yunping Bai
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases co-constructed by Henan province & Education Ministry of PR China, China; Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China
| | - Jiansheng Li
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases co-constructed by Henan province & Education Ministry of PR China, China; Department of Respiratory Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases co-constructed by Henan province & Education Ministry of PR China, China; Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China.
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Li S, Liu P, Feng X, Du M, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Wang J. Mechanism of Tao Hong Decoction in the treatment of atherosclerosis based on network pharmacology and experimental validation. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1111475. [PMID: 36776258 PMCID: PMC9909180 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1111475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Atherosclerosis (AS) has long been recognized as a cardiovascular disease and stroke risk factor. A well-known traditional Chinese medicine prescription, Tao Hong decoction (THD), has been proven effective in treating AS, but its mechanism of action is still unclear. Objective To assess the effects, explore THD's primary mechanism for treating AS, and provide a basis for rational interpretation of its prescription compatibility. Methods Based on network pharmacology, we evaluated the mechanism of THD on AS by data analysis, target prediction, the construction of PPI networks, and GO and KEGG analysis. AutoDockTools software to conduct Molecular docking. Then UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was used to identify significant constituents of THD. Furthermore, an AS mice model was constructed and intervened with THD. Immunofluorescence, RT-qPCR, and Western blot were used to verify the critical targets in animal experiments. Results The network pharmacology results indicate that eight core targets and seven core active ingredients play an essential role in this process. The GO and KEGG analysis results suggested that the mechanism is mainly involved in Fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis and Lipid and atherosclerosis. The molecular docking results indicate a generally strong affinity. The animal experiment showed that THD reduced plaque area, increased plaque stability, and decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines (NF-κB, IL-1α, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-18, IL-1β) in high-fat diet -induced ApoE-/-mice. Decreased levels of PTGS2, HIF-1α, VEGFA, VEGFC, FLT-4, and the phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, and p38 were detected in the THD-treated group. Conclusion THD plays a vital role in treating AS with multiple targets and pathways. Angiogenesis regulation, oxidative stress regulation, and immunity regulation consist of the crucial regulation cores in the mechanism. This study identified essential genes and pathways associated with the prognosis and pathogenesis of AS from new insights, demonstrating a feasible method for researching THD's chemical basis and pharmacology.
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Yang M, Yan Q, Luo Y, Wang B, Deng S, Luo H, Ye B, Wang X. Molecular mechanism of Ganji Fang in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma based on network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental verification technology. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1016967. [PMID: 36744264 PMCID: PMC9892186 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1016967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor harmful to human health. Ganji Fang (GJF) has good clinical efficacy in the treatment of HCC, but its mechanism is still unclear. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of action of GJF in the treatment of HCC through network pharmacology, molecular docking and in vitro experiments. Methods: A series of network pharmacology methods were used to identify the potential targets and key pathways of GJF in the treatment of HCC. Then, molecular docking technology was used to explore the binding ability of key active ingredients and targets in GJF. Multiple external databases were used to validate the key targets. In in vitro experiments, we performed MTT assays, wound-healing assays, cell cycle assays, apoptosis assays and RT‒qPCR to verify the inhibitory effect of GJF on the Human hepatoma G2 (HepG2) cells. Result: A total of 162 bioactive components and 826 protein targets of GJF were screened, and 611 potential targets of HCC were identified. Finally, 63 possible targets of GJF acting on HCC were obtained. KEGG enrichment analyses showed that the top five pathways were the cell cycle, cellular senescence, p53 signaling pathway, PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation. Among them, we verified the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. CCNE1, PKN1, CCND2, CDK4, EPHA2, FGFR3, CDK6, CDK2 and HSP90AAI were enriched in the PI3K/Akt pathway. The molecular docking results showed that the docking scores of eight active components of GJF with the two targets were all less than -5.0, indicating that they had certain binding activity. In vitro cell experiments showed that GJF could inhibit the proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells, block the cell cycle and induce apoptosis of HepG2 cells, which may be related to the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. In summary, EPHA2 may be an important target of GJF in HCC, and pachymic acid may be an important critical active compound of GJF that exerts anticancer activity. Conclusion: In general, we demonstrated, for the first time, that the molecular mechanism of GJF in HCC may involve induction of G0/G1 phase cycle arrest through inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and promote apoptosis of hepatoma cell lines. This study provides a scientific basis for the subsequent clinical application of GJF and the in-depth study of its mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaolun Yang
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Yan
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuehua Luo
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Boqing Wang
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shicong Deng
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huiyan Luo
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baoqian Ye
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiongwen Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Xiongwen Wang,
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Chen Z, Gu J, Lin S, Xu Z, Xu H, Zhao J, Feng P, Tao Y, Chen S, Wang P. Saffron essential oil ameliorates CUMS-induced depression-like behavior in mice via the MAPK-CREB1-BDNF signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 300:115719. [PMID: 36126781 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Saffron, the dried stigma of Crocus sativus L., has a long history of use in the treatment of depression in traditional Chinese medicine and Islamic medicine. The unique aroma of saffron, primarily derived from its volatile oil, has been widely used by folk to mitigate anxiety and depression via sniffing because the aroma of saffron has a pleasant and invigorating effect. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to investigate the antidepressant effect and the underlying mechanism of saffron essential oil (SEO) in mice exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, compounds of SEO were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, while network pharmacology was used to predict potential active compounds, antidepressant targets, and related signaling pathways of SEO. The CUMS depression model was further used to explore the therapeutic effect and possible mechanism of SEO. During the modeling period, mice were regularly administered fluoxetine (3.6 mg/kg, i.g.) or diluted SEO (2%, 4%, and 6% SEO, inhalation). The antidepressant and neuroprotective effects of SEO were evaluated by behavior tests (the open field test, the sucrose preference test, the tail suspension test, and the forced swimming test), hematoxylin-eosin staining, and Nissl staining. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to measure dopamine (DA), 5-serotonin (5-HT), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in serum. The relative abundance of Raf1, MEK1, P-ERK1/2/ERK1/2, P-CREB1/CREB1, BDNF, and P-Trk B/Trk B in the hippocampus was determined using western blot (WB). RESULTS According to the network pharmacology analysis, seven active SEO compounds mediated 113 targets related to depression treatment, most of which were enriched in the 5-HT synapse, calcium signaling pathway, and cAMP signaling pathway. In vivo experiments indicated that fluoxetine and SEO improved depression-like behaviors in depressed mice. The levels of 5-HT, DA, BDNF, and GABA in serum increased significantly. Histopathological examinations revealed that fluoxetine and SEO ameliorated neuronal damage in the hippocampus. WB analysis showed that the relative expressions of Raf1, MEK1, P-ERK1/2/ERK1/2, P-CREB1/CREB1, BDNF, and P-Trk B/Trk B were significantly higher in the fluoxetine and SEO groups than in the CUMS group. CONCLUSION Overall, these findings suggest that SEO significantly alleviates the depressive symptoms in CUMS exposed mice and partially restores hippocampal neuronal damage. Meanwhile, the best efficacy was observed in 4% SEO. Furthermore, the antidepressant mechanism of SEO is primarily dependent on the regulation of the MAPK-CREB1-BDNF signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwei Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jinping Gu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, People's Republic of China.
| | - Susu Lin
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, People's Republic of China; The First Hospital of Jiaxing, Jiaxing, 314001, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zijin Xu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, People's Republic of China; College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Medical College, Shangrao, Jiangxi, 334000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hongyu Xu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jiajing Zhao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, People's Republic of China.
| | - Peishi Feng
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yi Tao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, People's Republic of China.
| | - Suhong Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ping Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, People's Republic of China.
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Guo R, Gong X, Li K, Qiu Z, Yang L, Wan Y, Yao X, Long C, Xu J, Li K, Liu J, Liu J. Xanthine oxidase, a therapeutic target of realgar for non-small cell lung cancer. Heliyon 2023; 9:e12666. [PMID: 36685422 PMCID: PMC9849977 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The effects of realgar against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have been massively studied, but the direct therapeutic targets of realgar remain unclear. This study aimed to identify the molecular targets of realgar against NSCLC and explore their therapeutic mechanisms based on a network pharmacology approach and experimental validations. Methods The BATMAN-TCM and Digsee databases were used to predict realgar targets and NSCLC-related genes, respectively. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed for each gene set, and the overlapping genes were identified as potential targets of realgar against NSCLC. The correlation between potential targets and NSCLC was analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas and International Cancer Genome Consortium databases, and the key target was validated by in-silico and in-vitro experiments. Results Twenty-three overlapping genes, including xanthine oxidase (XO), were identified as potential targets of realgar against NSCLC. XO was selected as the key target for validation, as it was found to be upregulated in NSCLC tumor tissue, which correlated with poor overall survival. A possible interaction between realgar and XO was revealed by molecular docking which was further validated experimentally. Realgar treatment suppressed the activity of XO in NSCLC cells, as demonstrated by the unchanged XO protein levels. Finally, the mechanism of action of XO as a target against NSCLC through the cell-cell junction organization pathway was investigated. Conclusions Overall, this study proposes a potential molecular mechanism illustrating that XO is a target of realgar against NSCLC and highlights the usefulness of XO as a therapeutic target for NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Guo
- Central Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518172, PR China
| | - Xiaoyu Gong
- Pharmacy Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518172, PR China
| | - Kongzhao Li
- Central Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518172, PR China
| | - Zhengqi Qiu
- Central Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518172, PR China
| | - Lina Yang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518172, PR China
| | - Yanbin Wan
- Central Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518172, PR China
| | - Xinhuang Yao
- Central Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518172, PR China
| | - Canling Long
- Central Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518172, PR China
| | - Jiqing Xu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518172, PR China
| | - Kang Li
- Central Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518172, PR China
| | - Jingyan Liu
- Emergency Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518172, PR China,Corresponding author. Emergency Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518172, PR China.
| | - Jia Liu
- Central Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518172, PR China,Corresponding author. Central Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518172, PR China.
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Bi Y, Liang H, Han X, Li K, Zhang W, Lai Y, Wang Q, Jiang X, Zhao X, Fan H. β-Sitosterol Suppresses LPS-Induced Cytokine Production in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells via MAPKs and NF- κB Signaling Pathway. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2023; 2023:9241090. [PMID: 36636603 PMCID: PMC9831711 DOI: 10.1155/2023/9241090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis (AS) is an inflammatory disease, whose occurrence and development mechanism is related to a great number of inflammatory cytokines. β-sitosterol (BS), a natural compound extracted from numerous vegetables and plant medicines, has been suggested to improve AS, but the underlying mechanism remains vague. This work focused on investigating how BS affected the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and further exploring the potential targets and mechanisms through network pharmacology (NP) and molecular docking (MD). According to in vitro experiments, LPS resulted in an increase in the expression of inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Besides, secretion of IL-6, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and TNF-α also increased in HUVECs, whereas BS decreased the expression and secretion of these cytokines. NP analysis revealed that the improvement effect of BS on AS was the result of its comprehensive actions targeting 99 targets and 42 pathways. In this network, MAPKs signaling pathway was the core pathway, whereas MAPK1, MAPK8, MAPK14, and NFKB1 were the hub targets. MD analysis also successfully validated the interactions between BS and these targets. Moreover, verification test results indicated that BS downregulated the abnormal expression and activation of MAPKs and NF-κB signaling pathways in LPS-treated cells, including p38, JNK, ERK, NF-κB, and IκB-α phosphorylation expressions. Furthermore, p65 nuclear translocation was also regulated by BS treatment. In conclusion, the BS-related mechanisms in treating AS are possibly associated with inflammatory response inhibition by regulating MAPKs and NF-κB signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Bi
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, People's Hospital of Yangjiang, Yangjiang 529500, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for TCM Viscera-State Theory and Applications, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang 110032, China
- The Affiliated TCM Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510140, China
| | - Hongfeng Liang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, People's Hospital of Yangjiang, Yangjiang 529500, China
| | - Xin Han
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Kongzheng Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, People's Hospital of Yangjiang, Yangjiang 529500, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, People's Hospital of Yangjiang, Yangjiang 529500, China
| | - Yigui Lai
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, People's Hospital of Yangjiang, Yangjiang 529500, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, People's Hospital of Yangjiang, Yangjiang 529500, China
| | - Xuefeng Jiang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xiaoshan Zhao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Huijie Fan
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, People's Hospital of Yangjiang, Yangjiang 529500, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for TCM Viscera-State Theory and Applications, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang 110032, China
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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129
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Wang Y, Zhang P, Li H, Chen P, Zhang X, Wang B, Zhang M. Zhijing powder manages blood pressure by regulating PI3K/AKT signal pathway in hypertensive rats. Heliyon 2023; 9:e12777. [PMID: 36685421 PMCID: PMC9850196 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Zhijing Powder (ZJP) is a traditional Chinese medicine containing two kinds of Chinese medicine. Those studies analyze the molecular mechanism of ZJP in treating hypertension through network pharmacology, combined with animal experiments. Methods First, the effective ingredients and potential targets of the drug were obtained through drug databases, while the targets of disease obtained through disease target databases. The potential targets, cellular bioanalysis and signaling pathways were found in some platforms by analyzing collected targets. Further experiments were conducted to verify the effect and mechanism of drugs on cold and high salt in an induced-hypertension rat model. Results There are 17 effective components of centipedes and 10 of scorpions, with 464 drug targets obtained after screening. A total of 1263 hypertension targets were obtained after screening and integration, resulting in a protein-protein interaction network (PPI) with 145 points and 1310 edges. Gene ontology (GO) analysis shows that blood circulation regulation and activation of G protein-coupled receptors are mainly biological processes. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis shows that neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, calcium signaling pathways, PI3K-AKT signaling pathways are the most abundant gene-enriched pathway. Animal experiments indicated that ZJP can reduce blood pressure (BP), affect expression of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, and improve oxidative stress in the body. Conclusion ZJP ameliorates oxidative stress and reduces BP in hypertensive rats caused by cold stimuli and high salt, revealing its effect on the expression of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in the rat aorta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei University of CM, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei Province, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei University of CM, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei Province, China
| | - Hao Li
- Hebei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Pingping Chen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei University of CM, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei Province, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei University of CM, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei Province, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Hebei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Mingquan Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei University of CM, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei Province, China
- Corresponding author.
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Liu H, Cao M, Jin Y, Jia B, Wang L, Dong M, Han L, Abankwah J, Liu J, Zhou T, Chen B, Wang Y, Bian Y. Network pharmacology and experimental validation to elucidate the pharmacological mechanisms of Bushen Huashi decoction against kidney stones. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1031895. [PMID: 36864834 PMCID: PMC9971497 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1031895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Kidney stone disease (KS) is a complicated disease with an increasing global incidence. It was shown that Bushen Huashi decoction (BSHS) is a classic Chinese medicine formula that has therapeutic benefits for patients with KS. However, its pharmacological profile and mechanism of action are yet to be elucidated. METHODS The present study used a network pharmacology approach to characterize the mechanism by which BSHS affects KS. Compounds were retrieved from corresponding databases, and active compounds were selected based on their oral bioavailability (≥30) and drug-likeness index (≥0.18). BSHS potential proteins were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database, whereas KS potential genes were obtained from GeneCards and OMIM, TTD, and DisGeNET. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analysis were used to determine potential pathways associated with genes. The ingredients of BSHS extract were identified by the ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q/Orbitrap MS). The network pharmacology analyses predicted the potential underlying action mechanisms of BSHS on KS, which were further validated experimentally in the rat model of calcium oxalate kidney stones. RESULTS Our study found that BSHS reduced renal crystal deposition and improved renal function in ethylene glycol(EG)+ammonium chloride(AC)-induced rats, and also reversed oxidative stress levels and inhibited renal tubular epithelial cell apoptosis in rats. BSHS upregulated protein and mRNA expression of E2, ESR1, ESR2, BCL2, NRF2, and HO-1 in EG+AC-induced rat kidney while downregulating BAX protein and mRNA expression, consistent with the network pharmacology results. DISCUSSION This study provides evidence that BSHS plays a critical role in anti-KS via regulation of E2/ESR1/2, NRF2/HO-1, and BCL2/BAX signaling pathways, indicating that BSHS is a candidate herbal drug for further investigation in treating KS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haizhao Liu
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Min Cao
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yutong Jin
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Beitian Jia
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Liming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Key Laboratory of TCM Chemistry and Analysis, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Mengxue Dong
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Lu Han
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Joseph Abankwah
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jianwei Liu
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Zhou
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Baogui Chen
- Wuqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated with Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yiyang Wang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Yiyang Wang, ; Yuhong Bian,
| | - Yuhong Bian
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Yiyang Wang, ; Yuhong Bian,
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Fan L, Feng S, Wang T, Ding X, An X, Wang Z, Zhou K, Wang M, Zhai X, Li Y. Chemical composition and therapeutic mechanism of Xuanbai Chengqi Decoction in the treatment of COVID-19 by network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular dynamic analysis. Mol Divers 2023; 27:81-102. [PMID: 35258759 PMCID: PMC8902854 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-022-10415-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Xuanbai Chengqi Decoction (XBCQD), a classic traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used to treat COVID-19 in China with remarkable curative effect. However, the chemical composition and potential therapeutic mechanism is still unknown. Here, we used multiple open-source databases and literature mining to select compounds and potential targets for XBCQD. The COVID-19 related targets were collected from GeneCards and NCBI gene databases. After identifying putative targets of XBCQD for the treatment of COVID-19, PPI network was constructed by STRING database. The hub targets were extracted by Cytoscape 3.7.2 and MCODE analysis was carried out to extract modules in the PPI network. R 3.6.3 was used for GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis. The effective compounds were obtained via network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis. Drug-likeness analysis and ADMET assessments were performed to select core compounds. Moreover, interactions between core compounds and hub targets were investigated through molecular docking, molecular dynamic (MD) simulations and MM-PBSA calculations. As a result, we collected 638 targets from 61 compounds of XBCQD and 845 COVID-19 related targets, of which 79 were putative targets. Based on the bioinformatics analysis, 10 core compounds and 34 hub targets of XBCQD for the treatment of COVID-19 were successfully screened. The enrichment analysis of GO and KEGG indicated that XBCQD mainly exerted therapeutic effects on COVID-19 by regulating signal pathways related to viral infection and inflammatory response. Meanwhile, the results of molecular docking showed that there was a stable binding between the core compounds and hub targets. Moreover, MD simulations and MM-PBSA analyses revealed that these compounds exhibited stable conformations and interacted well with hub targets during the simulations. In conclusion, our research comprehensively explained the multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway intervention mechanism of XBCQD in the treatment of COVID-19, which provided evidence and new insights for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liming Fan
- grid.412262.10000 0004 1761 5538Biomedicine Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710069 China
| | - Shuai Feng
- grid.412262.10000 0004 1761 5538Biomedicine Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710069 China
| | - Ting Wang
- grid.412262.10000 0004 1761 5538Biomedicine Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710069 China
| | - Xinli Ding
- grid.412262.10000 0004 1761 5538Biomedicine Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710069 China
| | - Xinxin An
- grid.412262.10000 0004 1761 5538Biomedicine Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710069 China
| | - Zhen Wang
- grid.412262.10000 0004 1761 5538Biomedicine Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710069 China
| | - Kun Zhou
- grid.412262.10000 0004 1761 5538Biomedicine Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710069 China
| | - Minjuan Wang
- Physical and Chemical Laboratory, Shaanxi Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Xi’an, 710054 China
| | - Xifeng Zhai
- grid.508540.c0000 0004 4914 235XSchool of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, 710021 China
| | - Yang Li
- grid.412262.10000 0004 1761 5538Biomedicine Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710069 China
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Peng J, Yang K, Tian H, Lin Y, Hou M, Gao Y, Zhou X, Gao Z, Ren J. The mechanisms of Qizhu Tangshen formula in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease: Network pharmacology, machine learning, molecular docking and experimental assessment. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 108:154525. [PMID: 36413925 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Qizhu Tangshen Formula (QZTS) has been shown therapeutic effects on diabetic kidney disease (DKD). However, to date, the pharmacological mechanisms remain vague. METHODS To explore the underlying mechanisms of QZTS in treating DKD using network pharmacology, machine learning, molecular docking and experimental assessment. RESULTS First, we found that QZTS improved glycolipid metabolism disorder, decreased proteinuria and alleviated kidney tissue injury in DKD model KKAy mice. Then, by integrating multiple databases, a total of 96 targets of 74 active compounds in QZTS and 759 DKD-related genes were acquired. Next, we identified 13 hub targets of QZTS in DKD by three rank algorithms, including functional similarity, topological similarity and shortest path. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses demonstrated that the pathways mainly centered on the processes of glycolipid metabolism disorder, inflammation and angiogenesis. Among them, VEGF signaling pathway was significantly enriched. Molecular docking showed that key active compounds of QZTS all had relatively good binding affinity with predicted hub targets. Finally, animal experiments found that QZTS significantly inhibited the secretion of plasma VEGF and downregulated the protein and mRNA expression levels of AKT, p38MAPK and VEGFR2. CONCLUSION Our results indicated that QZTS treated DKD via multiple targets and pathways and the VEGF signaling pathway may be highly involved in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juqin Peng
- China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Xiyuan Hospital, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Kuo Yang
- School of Computer and Information Technology, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Haoyu Tian
- School of Computer and Information Technology, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Yadong Lin
- China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Xiyuan Hospital, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Min Hou
- China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Xiyuan Hospital, Beijing 100091, China; Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yunxiao Gao
- China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Xiyuan Hospital, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Xuezhong Zhou
- School of Computer and Information Technology, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China.
| | - Zhuye Gao
- China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Xiyuan Hospital, Beijing 100091, China.
| | - Junguo Ren
- China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Xiyuan Hospital, Beijing 100091, China.
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Zhao H, Wang Y, Xu C, Li G, Song Y, Qiu J, Cui L, Song X, Yang Y, Sun Y. Potential molecular mechanisms of Erlongjiaonang action in idiopathic sudden hearing loss: A network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1121738. [PMID: 37064204 PMCID: PMC10098218 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1121738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Idiopathic sudden hearing loss (ISHL) is characterized by sudden unexplainable and unilateral hearing loss as a clinically emergent symptom. The use of the herb Erlongjiaonang (ELJN) in traditional Chinese medicine is known to effectively control and cure ISHL. This study explored the underlying molecular mechanisms using network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses. Method The Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacological database and the Swiss Target Prediction database were searched for the identification of ELJN constituents and potential gene targets, respectively, while ISHL-related gene abnormality was assessed using the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man and Gene Card databases. The interaction of ELJN gene targets with ISHL genes was obtained after these databases were cross-screened, and a drug component-intersecting target network was constructed, and the gene ontology (GO) terms, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, and protein-protein interaction networks were analyzed. Cytoscape software tools were used to map the active components-crossover target-signaling pathway network and screened targets were then validated by establishing molecular docking with the corresponding components. Result Erlongjiaonang contains 85 components and 250 corresponding gene targets, while ISHL has 714 disease-related targets, resulting in 66 cross-targets. The bioinformatical analyses revealed these 66 cross-targets, including isorhamnetin and formononetin on NOS3 expression, baicalein on AKT1 activity, and kaempferol and quercetin on NOS3 and AKT1 activity, as potential ELJN-induced anti-ISHL targets. Conclusion This study uncovered potential ELJN gene targets and molecular signaling pathways in the control of ISHL, providing a molecular basis for further investigation of the anti-ISHL activity of ELJN.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Zhao
- The Second Medical College, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Yan Wang
- The Second Medical College, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Cong Xu
- The Second Medical College, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Guangjin Li
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yuwan Song
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Jingjing Qiu
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Limei Cui
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Xicheng Song
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
- *Correspondence: Xicheng Song,
| | - Yujuan Yang
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Yujuan Yang,
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Yan Sun,
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Wang LX, Zhao Q, Zhang Y, Xue R, Li S, Li Y, Yu JJ, Li JC, Zhang YZ. Network pharmacology and pharmacological evaluation for deciphering novel indication of Sishen Wan in insomnia treatment. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 108:154500. [PMID: 36288650 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insomnia is the most frequent sleep disorder worldwide and is a prominent risk factor for mental and physical health deterioration. The clinical application of common pharmacological treatments for insomnia is far from satisfactory due to their various adverse effects. In recent years, drugs developed from natural herbs have become potential alternative therapies for insomnia. Sishen Wan (SSW), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used for centuries to treat diarrheal disease, consists of multiple neurologically active herbs with sleep-regulating potential that may have therapeutic effects on insomnia. However, its hypnotic and sleep-regulating effects have not been evaluated in clinical practice or laboratory experiments. PURPOSE To investigate the anti-insomnia effects of SSW and explore its possible mechanisms using preclinical models. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS The sedative effect of the SSW formula was investigated using network pharmacology analysis that was validated using various pharmacological approaches, including the evaluation of locomotor activity (LMA), pentobarbital-induced sleep time, and electroencephalography/electromyogram (EEG/EMG)-based sleep profiling in normal rats. Several animal models of insomnia, including sleep deprivation, serotonin depletion, and cage-changing models, have been used to further assess the anti-insomnia effects of SSW. Furthermore, the potential underlying mechanisms of action of SSW were predicted using bioinformatics methods and verified using in vivo and in silico experiments. RESULTS The results showed that SSW reduced LMA and prolonged pentobarbital-induced sleep time in a dose-dependent manner, which was consistent with the increase in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep in normal rats, indicating a solid sedative effect. In animal models of insomnia, SSW alleviated sleep disturbance by increasing NREM sleep time, shortening NREM sleep latency, and inhibiting sleep fragmentation, suggesting a possible curative effect of SSW on insomnia. Finally, through functional enrichment analysis and in vivo and in silico experiments, 5-HT1A was identified as the key target of the anti-insomnia effect of SSW. Moreover, (S)-propranolol, nuciferine, zizyphusine, and N,N-dimethyl-5-methoxytryptamine may be the active compounds of SSW responsible for its anti-insomnia effect. CONCLUSION This study extended the possible indication scope for SSW, which provides a potential therapeutic TCM that may be used for insomnia treatment, as well as a reference scheme for the discovery of novel indications of TCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luo-Xuan Wang
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing, China; Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Center for Animal Experiment, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Xue
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Li
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Li
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing, China
| | - Ji-Jun Yu
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Gene Engineering Antibody, Beijing, China
| | - Jing-Cao Li
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing, China.
| | - You-Zhi Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing, China.
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Xie W, Yang H, Guo C, Xie R, Yu G, Li Y. Integrated Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation Approach to Investigate the Mechanisms of Stigmasterol in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Drug Des Devel Ther 2023; 17:691-706. [PMID: 36915642 PMCID: PMC10007868 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s387570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the joints associated with systemic comorbidities. Sinomenium acutum is regarded as an effective traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of RA. Materials and Methods Based on network pharmacology and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, 33 RA-related differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) targeting active compounds of Sinomenium acutum were initially screened in our investigation. Results Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopaedia of genes and genome (KEGG) analyses found the important involvement of these DEGs in osteoclast differentiation, and finally 5 core DEGs, including NCF4, NFKB1, CYBA, IL-1β and NCF1 were determined through protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. We also identified the related active component of Sinomenium acutum include Stigmasterol. Finally, in order to experimentally verify these results, a rat model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was established, and subsequently treated with Stigmasterol solution. Conclusion Similar to the healing effect of Indomethacin, Stigmasterol was observed to reduce the levels of inflammatory factors (IL-6 and IL-1β) and osteoclast differentiation-related factors (RANKL, ACP5 and Cathepsin K), which can also reduce the arthritis index score and alleviate the degree of pathological injury of rat ankle joints. The predictions and experimental data uncover the involvement of Stigmasterol, an active component of Sinomenium acutum, in regulation of osteoclast differentiation, exerting great medicinal potential in the treatment of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendong Xie
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Yang
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun Guo
- Medical Innovation Experiment Center, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Xie
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoliang Yu
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Yifu Li
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
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Wang H, Quan J, Deng Y, Chen J, Zhang K, Qu Z. Utilizing network pharmacological analysis to investigate the key targets and mechanisms of kaempferol against oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity. Toxicol Mech Methods 2023; 33:38-46. [PMID: 35574720 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2022.2069531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the pharmacological mechanism of kaempferol in the treatment of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain by network pharmacological method and cells experiment. The kaempferol and disease target genes were obtained from several databases, including TCMSP, SwissTargetPrediction, GeneCards, and CTD. Then, the common target genes of drugs and diseases were obtained using Venny online tools. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional analyses were carried out to obtain the enriched molecular pathways associated with the kaempferol and disease. Finally, we constructed a neuropathic pain cell experiment to confirm the findings. 138 intersection targets were identified between targets of kaempferol and oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity. Enrichment analyses revealed that the IL-17 signaling pathway was associated with the therapeutic effects of kaempferol. Kaempferol down-regulated the mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and CCL2 in oxaliplatin-treated astrocytes. Our findings showed that kaempferol alleviated oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity via regulation of inflammation-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxing Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha Hunan, China
| | - Jing Quan
- Department of Rehabilitation, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha Hunan, China
| | - Youming Deng
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha Hunan, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha Hunan, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha Hunan, China
| | - Zhan Qu
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha Hunan, China
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137
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Shi K, Wang Y, Xiao Y, Tu J, Zhou Z, Cao G, Liu Y. Therapeutic effects and mechanism of Atractylodis rhizoma in acute lung injury: Investigation based on an Integrated approach. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1181951. [PMID: 37168993 PMCID: PMC10164760 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1181951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute lung injury (ALI) is characterized by an excessive inflammatory response. Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC. is a traditional chinese medicine with good anti-inflammatory activity that is commonly used clinically for the treatment of lung diseases in China; however, its mechanism of against ALI is unclear. We clarified the therapeutic effects of ethanol extract of Atractylodis rhizoma (EEAR) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI by evaluation of hematoxylin-eosin (HE) stained sections, the lung wet/dry (W/D) ratio, and levels of inflammatory factors as indicators. We then characterized the chemical composition of EEAR by ultra-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) and screened the components and targets by network pharmacology to clarify the signaling pathways involved in the therapeutic effects of EEAR on ALI, and the results were validated by molecular docking simulation and Western blot (WB) analysis. Finally, we examined the metabolites in rat lung tissues by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results showed that EEAR significantly reduced the W/D ratio, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in the lungs of ALI model rats. Nineteen components of EEAR were identified and shown to act synergetically by regulating shared pathways such as the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathways. Ferulic acid, 4-methylumbelliferone, acetylatractylodinol, atractylenolide I, and atractylenolide III were predicted to bind well to PI3K, AKT and MAPK1, respectively, with binding energies < -5 kcal/mol, although only atractylenolide II bound with high affinity to MAPK1. EEAR significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, p38, and ERK1/2, thus reducing protein expression. EEAR significantly modulated the expression of metabolites such as D-Galactose, D-Glucose, serine and D-Mannose. These metabolites were mainly concentrated in the galactose and amino acid metabolism pathways. In conclusion, EEAR alleviates ALI by inhibiting activation of the PI3K-AKT and MAPK signaling pathways and regulating galactose metabolism, providing a new direction for the development of drugs to treat ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Shi
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Yangxin Xiao
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiyuan Tu
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Center for Hubei TCM Processing Technology Engineering, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhongshi Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Center for Hubei TCM Processing Technology Engineering, Wuhan, China
| | - Guosheng Cao
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Center for Hubei TCM Processing Technology Engineering, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Guosheng Cao, ; Yanju Liu,
| | - Yanju Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Center for Hubei TCM Processing Technology Engineering, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Guosheng Cao, ; Yanju Liu,
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138
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Liu K, Fu X, Wang Z, Yang L, Yang J, Deng H. Integrating network pharmacology prediction and experimental investigation to verify ginkgetin anti-invasion and metastasis of human lung adenocarcinoma cells via the Akt/GSK-3β/Snail and Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1135601. [PMID: 36937843 PMCID: PMC10018034 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1135601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Lung cancer, one of the most frequent malignancies, has a high death rate and an increased number of new cases globally. Ginkgo biloba has been used for many years in the treatment of lung cancer. Ginkgetin is the key active ingredient extracted from Ginkgo biloba. However, the mechanism by which ginkgetin inhibits the invasive metastasis of lung cancer is unclear. Methods: We used a network pharmacology approach to obtain the molecular mechanism by which ginkgetin inhibits lung cancer metastasis. Then we analyzed potential target proteins between ginkgetin and lung cancer. Finally, we validated with molecular docking and experimental validation. Results: By analyzing the intersecting genes of lung cancer and ginkgetin, there were 79 intersecting genes, which were mainly involved in the positive regulation of cell migration, with the cancer pathway being one of the most enriched pathways. The results of in vitro experiments showed that GK had a large inhibitory effect on cell invasion and metastasis of A549 and H1299. In vivo animals GK had a great inhibitory effect on metastasis of LLC. Conclusion: This study identified the potential related GK molecular targets and signaling pathways in treating human lung cancer using network pharmacological approaches. Experiments confirmed that GK inhibits the Akt/GSK-3β/Snail and Wnt/β-catenin cascade initiation in A549, H1299 and LLC cells, preventing metastasis. This study's results align with the hypotheses derived from the network pharmacology analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jia Yang
- *Correspondence: Jia Yang, ; Haibin Deng,
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139
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Zhang Y, Wei J, Kong L, Song M, Zhang Y, Xiao X, Cao H, Jin Y. Network pharmacology, molecular docking and bioinformatics reveal the mechanism of Tripterygii Wilfordii against Osteosarcoma. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e32389. [PMID: 36595977 PMCID: PMC9803490 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000032389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is a malignant bone tumor of mesenchymal origin. Tripterygii Wilfordii (TW) is a traditional Chinese medicine widely used for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Various components of TW have been shown to have antitumor effects, however, no systematic study has been conducted to prove the anti-OS effects of TW. This study aimed to investigate the effects of TW on OS and its mechanism based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. The web pharmacology section includes the gathering of the active components of TW, the collection of predicted targets of TW and OS-related targets, the analysis of therapeutic targets of TW, the enrichment of gene ontology (GO), and the enrichment of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). The Veen diagram showed 451 targets for OS treatment in TW. The therapeutic target enrichment analysis results showed that TW treated OS via multiple targets and pathways. TW can affect OS proliferation, apoptosis, migration, infiltration, and angiogenesis through a signaling network formed by hub genes that cascade through numerous signaling pathways. In addition, molecular docking results showed that triptolide, kaempferol, and 5,8-Dihydroxy-7-(4-hydroxy-5-methyl-coumarin-3)-coumarin have relatively high potential to become drugs for patients with OS and improve the 5-year survival rate of patients with OS. Network pharmacology and molecular docking suggest that TW affects the biological behavior of OS through multiple pathways involving multiple targets, such as proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and infiltration. Upregulation of the cellular tumor antigen p53 (TP53) gene and downregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1-alpha/beta (STAT1) genes can prolong the survival time of patients with OS. Triptolide, kaempferol, and 5,8-Dihydroxy-7-(4-hydroxy-5 methyl-coumarin-3)-coumarin have a relatively high potential to become a treatment for patients with OS and improve 5-year survival of OS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yafang Zhang
- Department of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Junqiang Wei
- Department of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Lingwei Kong
- Department of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Mingze Song
- Department of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Yange Zhang
- Department of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Xiangyu Xiao
- Department of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Haiying Cao
- Department of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Yu Jin
- Department of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College, Chengde, Hebei, China
- *Correspondence: Yu Jin, Department of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College, Chengde 067000, China (e-mail: )
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140
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Qin M, Chen C, Wang N, Yu D, Yu S, Wang X, Liu T, Lv L, Guan Q. Total saponins of panax ginseng via the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis attenuates neuroinflammation and exerted antidepressant-like effects in chronic unpredictable mild stress in rats. Phytother Res 2022; 37:1823-1838. [PMID: 36581492 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Total saponins of Panax ginseng (TSPG) have antidepressant effects. However, the underlying antidepressant mechanism of TSPG remains not clear. This study aimed to predict the mechanism of TSPG by bioinformatics analysis and to verify it experimentally. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the antidepressant effects of TSPG may be related to inflammation, and CX3CL1/CX3CR1 may play a key mediating role. Wistar rats were exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) for 6 weeks, and TSPG (50 mg/kg/d, 100 mg/kg/d) was administered throughout the modeling period. It was found that TSPG improves depressive behavior and reduces neuropathic damage in the hippocampus in rats. Meanwhile, TSPG decreased mRNA and protein expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and CX3CL1/CX3CR1 and inhibited P38 and JNK protein phosphorylation in the hippocampus. Rat astrocytes were employed to explore further the potential mechanism of TSPG in regulating CX3CL1/CX3CR1. The results showed that CX3CL1 small interfering RNA (siRNA-CX3CL1) and CX3CR1 inhibitor (JMS-17-2) had similar effects to TSPG, that is, reduced inflammatory response, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and phosphorylation of P38 and JNK proteins, while overexpression of CX3CL1 (pcDNA-CX3CL1) counteracted the above effects of TSPG. It is suggested that the antidepressant effect of TSPG may be achieved through inhibition of CX3CL1/CX3CR1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Qin
- School of Pharmacy, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Chen Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Ning Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Di Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Shangmin Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Xinying Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Tongyan Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Linlin Lv
- School of Pharmacy, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Qingxiang Guan
- School of Pharmacy, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
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141
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Peng X, Huang C, Zhang N, Cao Y, Chen Z, Ma W, Liu Z. The mechanism study of Miao medicine Tongfengting decoction in the treatment of gout based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e32300. [PMID: 36595750 PMCID: PMC9794283 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000032300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM This study sought to clarify the mechanism of action of Miao medicine Tongfengting decoction in the treatment of gout through network pharmacology and molecular docking by searching for its key targets and related pathways. METHODS The active ingredients of Miao medicine Tongfengting Decoction were obtained from the TCMSP data platform, searched the relevant databases for gout-related targets,using String and Cytoscape 3.9 to build a "compound-cross-target-disease" network diagram,performed gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis in the DAVID database, and performed the docking analysis using PyMoL 2.3.0 and AutoDock. RESULTS After screening, 298 main targets of the Miao medicine Tongfengting decoction for gout were identified. The target network is established, and the topology of protein-protein interaction (PPI) network is analyzed. The enrichment analysis of KEGG pathway showed that these targets were related to Pathways in cancer, PI3K Akt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway and other pathways. Molecular docking showed that the target protein had good binding power with the main active components of the compound of Miao medicine Tongfengting Decoction. CONCLUSION Miao medicine Tongfengting decoction probably regulates immune mechanism using a multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway strategy to reduce inflammatory response and exert its therapeutic effect on gout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Peng
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, P.R. China
| | - Cong Huang
- Basic medical college, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guian District, Guiyang, P.R. China
- Guizhou Province Key Laboratory of Prescription and Syndrome Pharmacology in Chinese Medicine, Guian District, Guiyang, P.R. China
| | - Nannan Zhang
- Basic medical college, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guian District, Guiyang, P.R. China
- Guizhou Province Key Laboratory of Prescription and Syndrome Pharmacology in Chinese Medicine, Guian District, Guiyang, P.R. China
| | - Yuepeng Cao
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, P.R. China
| | - Zhigang Chen
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, P.R. China
| | - Wukai Ma
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, P.R. China
| | - Zhengqi Liu
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, P.R. China
- *Correspondence: Zhengqi Liu, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550003, P.R. China (e-mail: )
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Luteolin Isolated from Polygonum cuspidatum Is a Potential Compound against Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:9740066. [PMID: 36588531 PMCID: PMC9803567 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9740066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Introduction To reveal the mechanisms by which luteolin, the major bioactive component of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Polygonum cuspidatum, inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) CNE2 cells. Methods Based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), bioactive compounds of P. cuspidatum, potential target genes and NPC disease targets of TCMSP were screened, relationship networks were constructed using these potential targets of NPC, and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed. The predicted compounds, targets and pathways were corroborated using in vitro experiments, such as MTT, Cytation™ 5 real-time cell monitoring, cell cycle detection, Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining, Hoechst 33342 staining, and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) detection. Results The results showed that 10 bioactive compounds (OB ≥30% and DL ≥0.18), 157 potential target genes from P. cuspidatum, and 56 common targets related to NPC were found. These included important bioactive compounds such as luteolin, quercetin, and beta-sitosterol. Key common targets included EGFR, MYC, AKT1, CASP3, CCND1, ERBB2, and common targets were enriched for the PI3K-AKT, JAK/STAT, MAPK, and C-type lectin receptor signaling pathways. The binding energy of luteolin for six common targets was less than -5.0 kcal·mol-1. After luteolin (20 μM, and 40 μM) treatment to CNE2 cells for 36 h, cell survival rates decreased, accompanied by cell morphology changes, inhibition of the cell cycle at G2/M phase, and an induction of apoptosis. The expression of the cell proliferation related protein PCNA, the antiapoptosis protein XIAP, and the PI3K-AKT pathway diagram related proteins p-ERK1/2, ERK1/2, AKT, and PI3K, all decreased. Conclusion Luteolin derived from P. cuspidatum inhibited the proliferation of NPC CNE2 cells and promoted cell apoptosis through the PI3K-AKT signal pathway.
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Zhen RR, Qu YJ, Zhang LM, Gu C, Ding MR, Chen L, Peng X, Hu B, An HM. Exploring the potential anti-Alzheimer disease mechanisms of Alpiniae Oxyphyliae Fructus by network pharmacology study and molecular docking. Metab Brain Dis 2022; 38:933-944. [PMID: 36484971 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-022-01137-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Alpiniae Oxyphyliae Fructus (AOF) (yizhi) is a frequently medicated Chinese herb for Alzheimer disease (AD) treatment. The present study investigated the components and potential mechanisms of AOF through network pharmacology analysis and molecular docking. The results showed that AOF contains at least 20 active ingredients and involves 184 target genes. A total of 301 AD-related genes were obtained from the DisGeNET, GeneCards, GEO, OMIM, and Alzheimer Disease: Genes databases. A total of 41 key targets were identified from the topology analysis of the AOF-AD target network. These key targets are involved in 105 signal pathways, such as the PI3K-Akt, HIF-1, and MAPK pathways, and can regulate gene transcription, cell death, cell proliferation, drug response, and protein phosphorylation. AOF's active ingredients, Chrysin, Isocyperol, Izalpinin, Linolenic acid, CHEMBL489541, Oxyphyllenone A, Oxyphyllenone B, and Oxyphyllol C, show high affinity to targets, including PPARG, ESR1, and AKT1. These findings provide a new basis for AOF application and anti-AD study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Rong Zhen
- Department of Neurology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200032, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Jie Qu
- Department of Neurology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200032, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Min Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200032, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Gu
- Department of Neurology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200032, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Min-Rui Ding
- Department of Neurology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200032, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Chen
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Oncology, Department of Oncology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200032, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Peng
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Oncology, Department of Oncology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200032, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing Hu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Oncology, Department of Oncology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200032, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hong-Mei An
- Department of Science & Technology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200032, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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Huang B, Wu C, Hu Y, Rao L, Yang M, Zhao M, Chen H, Li Y. Osmanthus-Loaded PVP/PVA Hydrogel Inhibits the Proliferation and Migration of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells CAL-27. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14245399. [PMID: 36559766 PMCID: PMC9784822 DOI: 10.3390/polym14245399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional medical agents for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) with some adverse effects no longer meet the needs of the public. In this study, the prognosis-related hub genes of osmanthus-targeted therapy for OSCC were predicted and analyzed by network pharmacology and molecular docking. Osmanthus was extracted using the ethanol reflux method and osmanthus-loaded PVP/PVA (OF/PVP/PVA) hydrogel was prepared by electron beam radiation. The molecular structure, crystal structure and microscopic morphology of hydrogels were observed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. OSCC cells CAL-27 were cultured with OF/PVP/PVA hydrogel at different concentrations of extract to discover cell proliferation by MTT assay. The scratching test and JC-1 staining were used to observe the migration and mitochondrial membrane potential. Through experimental exploration, we found that a total of six prognosis-related targets were predicted, which are PYGL, AURKA, SQLE, etc., and osmanthus extract had good binding activity to AURKA. In vitro, except for proliferation inhibition, OF/PVP/PVA hydrogel prevented cell migration and changed the mitochondrial membrane potential of CAL-27 cells at a concentration equal to or greater than 50 μg/mL (p < 0.05). The addition of autophagy inhibitor chloroquine and 3-methyladenine weakened the migration inhibition of hydrogel (p < 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Huang
- Department of Stomatology, School of Stomatology and Ophthalmology, Xianing Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Chizhou Wu
- Department of Stomatology, School of Stomatology and Ophthalmology, Xianing Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Yuzhu Hu
- Department of Stomatology, School of Stomatology and Ophthalmology, Xianing Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Lu Rao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Radiation Chemistry and Functional Materials, Non-Power Nuclear Technology Collaborative Innovation Center, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Mingzhe Yang
- Department of Stomatology, School of Stomatology and Ophthalmology, Xianing Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Mengyao Zhao
- Department of Stomatology, School of Stomatology and Ophthalmology, Xianing Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Huangqin Chen
- Department of Stomatology, School of Stomatology and Ophthalmology, Xianing Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
- Correspondence: (H.C.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yuesheng Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Radiation Chemistry and Functional Materials, Non-Power Nuclear Technology Collaborative Innovation Center, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
- Correspondence: (H.C.); (Y.L.)
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Wang F, Wang S, Wang J, Huang K, Chen G, Peng Y, Liu C, Tao Y. Pharmacological mechanisms of Fuzheng Huayu formula for Aristolochic acid I-induced kidney fibrosis through network pharmacology. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1056865. [PMID: 36569327 PMCID: PMC9779930 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1056865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis, characterized by the destruction of renal tubules and interstitial capillaries and the accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, is a common outcome of chronic renal diseases and has a wide spectrum of etiologies. Fibrosis can affect any organ and has similar pathological mechanisms. Fuzheng Huayu formula (FZHY), as the approved anti-liver fibrosis medicine in China, also can inhibit the kidney fibrosis induced by HgCl2 or unilateral ureteral obstruction. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of FZHY on renal fibrosis. This study aimed to identify the mechanisms of FZHY acts on renal fibrosis through network pharmacological analysis and in vivo experiments. Data from online databases were mined and screened to predict the target related genes of FZHY acts on renal fibrosis. The STRING and Cytoscape were used to construct the protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks for FZHY and CKD target proteins. Mouse models with CKD induced by Aristolochic Acid I (AAI) were used to validate the effects of FZHY on renal fibrosis and their underlying mechanisms by detecting kidney function, renal fibrosis, and related intersection genes. A total of 129 FZHY-CKD crossover proteins were filtered and constructed into a protein-protein interaction network complex and designated as the potential targets of FZHY. One of the highest-scoring genes, FOS, and its related signaling pathways were more activated in CKD. The results demonstrated that FZHY can exert an anti-renal fibrosis effect by improving the levels of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen and alleviating excessive collagen deposition in kidney tissue, FZHY also could reduce the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 and inhibit the expression of MAPK/FOS signal molecules. Our study findings provide insights into predicting the effects of FZHY on CKD through network pharmacology. FZHY can protect the kidney from inflammatory injury caused by AAI and can antagonize inflammatory factor-stimulated MAPK/FOS activation in fibrotic kidneys. These effects constitute the mechanisms of FZHY for renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Wang
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Siyuan Wang
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Gaofeng Chen
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Peng
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenghai Liu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai, China,Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Chenghai Liu, ; Yanyan Tao,
| | - Yanyan Tao
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai, China,Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Chenghai Liu, ; Yanyan Tao,
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146
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Li Y, Li S, Gu M, Liu G, Li Y, Ji Z, Li K, Wang Y, Zhai H, Wang Y. Application of network composite module analysis and verification to explore the bidirectional immunomodulatory effect of Zukamu granules on Th1 / Th2 cytokines in lung injury. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 299:115674. [PMID: 36064149 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Zukamu granules (ZKMG), as the preferred drug for the treatment of colds in Uygur medical theory, has been used for 1500 years. It is also widely used in China and included in the National Essential Drugs List (2018 edition). It has unique anti-inflammatory, antitussive and analgesic effects. AIM OF THE STUDY Aiming at the research of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with the characteristics of overall regulation of body diseases and the immune regulation mechanism with the concept of integrity, this paper put forward the integrated application of network composite module analysis and animal experiment verification to study the immune regulation mechanism of TCM. MATERIALS AND METHODS The active components and targets of ZKMG were predicted, and network module analysis was performed to explore their potential immunomodulatory mechanisms. Then acute lung injury (ALI) mice and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) rats were used as pathological models to observe the effects of ZKMG on the pathological conditions of infected ALI and IPF rats, determine the contents of Th1, Th2 characteristic cytokines and immunoglobulins, and study the intervention of GATA3/STAT6 signal pathway. RESULTS The results of network composite module analysis showed that ZKMG contained 173 pharmacodynamic components and 249 potential targets, and four key modules were obtained. The immunomodulatory effects of ZKMG were related to T cell receptor signaling pathway. The validation results of bioeffects that ZKMG could carry out bidirectional immune regulation on Th1/Th2 cytokines in the stage of ALI and IPF, so as to play the role of regulating immune homeostasis and organ protection. CONCLUSIONS The network composite module analysis and verification method is an exploration to study the immune regulation mechanism of TCM by combining the network module prediction analysis with animal experiments, which provides a reference for subsequent research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Li
- Standardization Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Dispensing, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Siyu Li
- Standardization Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Dispensing, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Min Gu
- Standardization Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Dispensing, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Guoxiu Liu
- Standardization Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Dispensing, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Yanan Li
- Standardization Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Dispensing, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Zhihong Ji
- New Cicon Pharmaceutical Co. LTD., Urumchi, 830001, China
| | - Keao Li
- New Cicon Pharmaceutical Co. LTD., Urumchi, 830001, China.
| | - Yanping Wang
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Huaqiang Zhai
- Standardization Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Dispensing, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China; Institute of Traditional Uygur Medicine, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830011, China.
| | - Yongyan Wang
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
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147
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Lin J, Wang Q, Xu S, Zhou S, Zhong D, Tan M, Zhang X, Yao K. Banxia baizhu tianma decoction, a Chinese herbal formula, for hypertension: Integrating meta-analysis and network pharmacology. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1025104. [PMID: 36534045 PMCID: PMC9755740 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1025104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 03/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypertension is a major cardiovascular risk factor, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients. Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction (BXD) is a Chinese herbal formula that is widely used to treat hypertension in China. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and potential mechanism of BXD for hypertension by meta-analysis and network pharmacology. Meta-analysis was performed to explore the efficacy and safety of BXD combined with conventional treatment for hypertension. Network pharmacology was used to explore the molecular mechanism of BXD in antihypertension. A total of 23 studies involving 2,041 patients were included. Meta-analysis indicated that compared with conventional treatment, combined BXD treatment was beneficial to improve clinical efficacy rate, blood pressure, blood lipids, homocysteine, endothelial function, inflammation, and traditional Chinese medicine symptom score. In addition, meta-analysis indicated that BXD is safe and has no obvious adverse reactions. Network pharmacology showed that the antihypertensive targets of BXD may be AKT1, NOS3, ACE, and PPARG. The antihypertensive active ingredients of BXD may be naringenin, poricoic acid C, eburicoic acid, and licochalcone B. Due to the poor methodological quality of the Chinese studies and the small sample size of most, the analysis of this study may have been affected by bias. Therefore, the efficacy and safety of BXD for hypertension still need to be further verified by high-quality clinical studies. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022353666.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianguo Lin
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Qingqing Wang
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Siyu Xu
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Simin Zhou
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dongsheng Zhong
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guizhou, China
| | - Meng Tan
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guizhou, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Zhang
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kuiwu Yao
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Eye Hospital China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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148
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Study on the mechanism of anti-acute lung injury of Shuanghuanglian oral liquid based on identification of transitional components in blood and network pharmacology. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2022; 1212:123498. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2022.123498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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149
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Qu YJ, Ding MR, Gu C, Zhang LM, Zhen RR, Chen JF, Hu B, An HM. Acteoside and ursolic acid synergistically protects H 2O 2-induced neurotrosis by regulation of AKT/mTOR signalling: from network pharmacology to experimental validation. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2022; 60:1751-1761. [PMID: 36102631 PMCID: PMC9487927 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2022.2098344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Ursolic acid (UA) and acteoside (ATS) are important active components that have been used to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD) because of their neuroprotective effects, but the exact mechanism is still unclear. OBJECTIVE Network pharmacology was used to explore the mechanism of UA + ATS in treating AD, and cell experiments were used to verify the mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS UA + ATS targets and AD-related genes were retrieved from TCMSP, STITCH, SwissTargetPrediction, GeneCards, DisGeNET and GEO. Key targets were obtained by constructing protein interaction network through STRING. The neuroprotective effects of UA + ATS were verified in H2O2-treated PC12 cells. The subsequent experiments were divided into Normal, Model (H2O2 pre-treatment for 4 h), Control (H2O2+ solvent pre-treatment), UA (5 μM), ATS (40 μM), UA (5 μM) + ATS (40 μM). Then apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, caspase-3 activity, ATG5, Beclin-1 protein expression and Akt, mTOR phosphorylation levels were detected. RESULTS The key targets of UA + ATS-AD network were mainly enriched in Akt/mTOR pathway. Cell experiments showed that UA (ED50: 5 μM) + ATS (ED50: 40 μM) could protect H2O2-induced (IC50: 250 μM) nerve damage by enhancing cells viability, combating apoptosis, restoring MMP, reducing the activation of caspase-3, lessening the phosphorylation of Akt and mTOR, and increasing the expression of ATG5 and Beclin-1. CONCLUSIONS ATS and UA regulates multiple targets, bioprocesses and signal pathways against AD pathogenesis. ATS and UA synergistically protects H2O2-induced neurotrosis by regulation of AKT/mTOR signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Jie Qu
- Department of Neurology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min-Rui Ding
- Department of Neurology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Gu
- Department of Neurology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Min Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong-Rong Zhen
- Department of Neurology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin-Fang Chen
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Oncology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Hu
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Oncology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong-Mei An
- Department of Science & Technology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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150
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Li N, Amatjan M, He P, Zhang B, Mai X, Jiang Q, Xie H, Shao X. Integration of network pharmacology and intestinal flora to investigate the mechanism of action of Chinese herbal Cichorium intybus formula in attenuating adenine and ethambutol hydrochloride-induced hyperuricemic nephropathy in rats. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2022; 60:2338-2354. [PMID: 36444935 PMCID: PMC9897651 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2022.2147551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Cichorium intybus L. (Asteraceae) formula (CF) has been applied as a folk medicine to treat hyperuricemic nephropathy (HN). However, the exact mechanism remains unclear. OBJECTIVE To explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of CF on HN. MATERIALS AND METHODS Through network pharmacological methods, the targets of the active component of CF against HN were obtained. Subsequently, Male Wistar rats were divided into control, HN, allopurinol (50 mg/kg), CF high-dose (8.64 g/kg) and CF low-dose (2.16 g/kg) groups. The HN model was induced via intragastric administration of adenine (100 mg/kg) and ethambutol hydrochloride (250 mg/kg) for 3 weeks. After CF treatment, biochemical indicators including UA, UREA and CREA were measured. Then, HE staining, qRT-PCR and gut microbiota analysis were conducted to further explore the mechanism. RESULTS The network pharmacology identified 83 key targets, 6 core genes and 200 signalling pathways involved in the treatment of HN. Compared to the HN group, CF (8.64 g/kg) significantly reduced the levels of UA, UREA and CREA (from 2.4 to 1.57 μMol/L, from 15.87 to 11.05 mMol/L and from 64.83 to 54.83 μMol/L, respectively), and mitigated renal damage. Furthermore, CF inhibited the expression of IL-6, TP53, TNF and JUN. It also altered the composition of gut microbiota, and ameliorated HN by increasing the relative abundance of some probiotics. CONCLUSIONS This work elucidated the therapeutic effect and underlying mechanism by which CF protects against HN from the view of the biodiversity of the intestinal flora, thus providing a scientific basis for the usage of CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Immunotherapy Laboratory, College of Pharmacology, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mukaram Amatjan
- Immunotherapy Laboratory, College of Pharmacology, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Pengke He
- Immunotherapy Laboratory, College of Pharmacology, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Boheng Zhang
- Immunotherapy Laboratory, College of Pharmacology, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xianyan Mai
- Immunotherapy Laboratory, College of Pharmacology, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qianle Jiang
- Immunotherapy Laboratory, College of Pharmacology, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Haochen Xie
- Qinghai Tibet Plateau Research Institute, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoni Shao
- Immunotherapy Laboratory, College of Pharmacology, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
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