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Zhu J, Wei J, Lin Y, Tang Y, Su Z, Li L, Liu B, Cai X. Inhibition of IL-17 signaling in macrophages underlies the anti-arthritic effects of halofuginone hydrobromide: Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation. BMC Complement Med Ther 2024; 24:105. [PMID: 38413973 PMCID: PMC10900594 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04397-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a prevalent autoimmune disease marked by chronic synovitis as well as cartilage and bone destruction. Halofuginone hydrobromide (HF), a bioactive compound derived from the Chinese herbal plant Dichroa febrifuga Lour., has demonstrated substantial anti-arthritic effects in RA. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms responsible for the anti-RA effects of HF remain unclear. METHODS This study employed a combination of network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation to investigate potential targets of HF in RA. RESULTS Network pharmacology analyses identified 109 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) resulting from HF treatment in RA. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses unveiled a robust association between these DEGs and the IL-17 signaling pathway. Subsequently, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis revealed 10 core DEGs, that is, EGFR, MMP9, TLR4, ESR1, MMP2, PPARG, MAPK1, JAK2, STAT1, and MAPK8. Among them, MMP9 displayed the greatest binding energy for HF. In an in vitro assay, HF significantly inhibited the activity of inflammatory macrophages, and regulated the IL-17 signaling pathway by decreasing the levels of IL-17 C, p-NF-κB, and MMP9. CONCLUSION In summary, these findings suggest that HF has the potential to inhibit the activation of inflammatory macrophages through its regulation of the IL-17 signaling pathway, underscoring its potential in the suppression of immune-mediated inflammation in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junping Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology, First Hospital, School of Chinese Medical Sciences, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China
| | - Jiaming Wei
- Department of Rheumatology, First Hospital, School of Chinese Medical Sciences, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China
| | - Ye Lin
- Department of Rheumatology, First Hospital, School of Chinese Medical Sciences, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China
| | - Yuanyuan Tang
- Department of Rheumatology, First Hospital, School of Chinese Medical Sciences, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China
- College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
| | - Zhaoli Su
- Department of Rheumatology, First Hospital, School of Chinese Medical Sciences, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China
- The Central Research Laboratory, Hunan Traditional Chinese Medical College, Zhuzhou, China
- Guangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive and Therapeutic Research in Prevalent Diseases in West Guangxi, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, 533000, China
| | - Liqing Li
- The Central Research Laboratory, Hunan Traditional Chinese Medical College, Zhuzhou, China.
- Guangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive and Therapeutic Research in Prevalent Diseases in West Guangxi, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, 533000, China.
| | - Bin Liu
- College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China.
| | - Xiong Cai
- Department of Rheumatology, First Hospital, School of Chinese Medical Sciences, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China.
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Kim BJ, Bak SB, Bae SJ, Jin HJ, Park SM, Kim YR, Jung DH, Song CH, Kim YW, Kim SC, Lee WY, Park SD. Protective Effects of Red Ginseng Against Tacrine-Induced Hepatotoxicity: An Integrated Approach with Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation. Drug Des Devel Ther 2024; 18:549-566. [PMID: 38419811 PMCID: PMC10900653 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s450305] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Tacrine, an FDA-approved acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, has shown efficacy in treating Alzheimer's disease, but its clinical use is limited by hepatotoxicity. This study investigates the protective effects of red ginseng against tacrine-induced hepatotoxicity, focusing on oxidative stress. Methods A network depicting the interaction between compounds and targets was constructed for RG. Effect of RG was determined by MTT and FACS analysis with cells stained by rhodamine 123. Proteins were extracted and subjected to immunoblotting for apoptosis-related proteins. Results The outcomes of the network analysis revealed a significant association, with 20 out of 82 identified primary RG targets aligning with those involved in oxidative liver damage including notable interactions within the AMPK pathway. in vitro experiments showed that RG, particularly at 1000μg/mL, mitigated tacrine-induced apoptosis and mitochondrial damage, while activating the LKB1-mediated AMPK pathway and Hippo-Yap signaling. In mice, RG also protected the liver injury induced by tacrine, as similar protective effects to silymarin, a well-known drug for liver toxicity protection. Discussion Our study reveals the potential of RG in mitigating tacrine-induced hepatotoxicity, suggesting the administration of natural products like RG to reduce toxicity in Alzheimer's disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bong-Jo Kim
- Department of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju, 38066, Korea
| | - Seon-Been Bak
- Department of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju, 38066, Korea
| | - Su-Jin Bae
- Department of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju, 38066, Korea
- Department of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, 54538, Korea
| | - Hyo-Jung Jin
- Medical Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan, 38610, Korea
| | - Sang Mi Park
- Medical Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan, 38610, Korea
| | - Ye-Rim Kim
- Medical Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan, 38610, Korea
| | - Dae-Hwa Jung
- Medical Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan, 38610, Korea
| | - Chang-Hyun Song
- Medical Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan, 38610, Korea
| | - Young-Woo Kim
- Department of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju, 38066, Korea
| | - Sang-Chan Kim
- Medical Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan, 38610, Korea
| | - Won-Yung Lee
- Department of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, 54538, Korea
- Research Center of Traditional Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, 54538, Korea
| | - Sun-Dong Park
- Department of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju, 38066, Korea
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103
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Antonisamy AJ, Rajendran K, Dhanaraj P. Network pharmacology integrated molecular docking of fucoidan against oral cancer and in vitro evaluation- A study using GEO datasets. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-24. [PMID: 38385359 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2316771] [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: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Oral cancer is a widespread health concern in rural India due to a lack of awareness, delayed diagnosis and limited access to affordable treatment options. The current chemotherapy has notable side effects, underscoring the need for new drug candidates with improved bioavailability and specificity. In this current research, fucoidan, a sulphated polysaccharide, was extracted from the brown algae Spatoglossum asperum, and shown to be cytotoxic in vitro against oral cancer cells (KB cell line) at an IC50 of 107.76 µg/ml, suggesting its potential as a drug candidate. This study further aimed to explore the potential therapeutic implications of fucoidan in managing oral cancer using network pharmacology. PharmMapper, Comparative Toxicogenomics Database and SuperPred were initially used to identify fucoidan protein targets. The identified targets were further screened against Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE23558, GSE25099 and GSE146483), OMIM, TCGA and GeneCards datasets to identify oral cancer-specific protein targets. The interactions between the selected proteins were visualised using STRING and Cytoscape. Subsequently, Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery was used for gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis of candidate targets. The cancer-related network was assessed using CancerGeneNet, while life expectancy based on the expression of the top 10 CytoHubba ranked hub genes was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier plots. Finally, EGFR, AKT1, HSP90AA1 and SRC were selected for docking and molecular dynamics simulation with fucoidan, using Maestro and GROMACS, respectively.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arul Jayanthi Antonisamy
- Department of Biotechnology, Mepco Schlenk Engineering College (Autonomous), Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Karthikeyan Rajendran
- Department of Biotechnology, Mepco Schlenk Engineering College (Autonomous), Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Premnath Dhanaraj
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Agriculture and Bio sciences, Karunya Institute of Technology and Science, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
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Cao D, Zhang P, Wang S. Advances in structure-based drug design: The potential for precision therapeutics in psychiatric disorders. Neuron 2024; 112:526-538. [PMID: 38290517 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Over the years, the field of GPCR drug design has undergone a remarkable evolution, fueled by advancements in science and technology. This evolution has given rise to a diverse range of ideas and approaches in structure-based drug design, bolstering the versatility and strength of the GPCR drug design toolbox. This review encapsulates the iterative development process, navigating challenges and opportunities in structure-based drug design within GPCRs. With a focused emphasis on its impact on psychiatric disorders, the review accentuates recent advancements and delves into the potentials unlocked by emerging technologies. The review explores the intricate interplay between scientific progress and iterative refinement, offering profound insights into the potential pathways that lie ahead for GPCR drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongmei Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Pei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China.
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105
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Odongo R, Demiroglu-Zergeroglu A, Çakır T. A network-based drug prioritization and combination analysis for the MEK5/ERK5 pathway in breast cancer. BioData Min 2024; 17:5. [PMID: 38378612 PMCID: PMC10880212 DOI: 10.1186/s13040-024-00357-1] [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: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prioritizing candidate drugs based on genome-wide expression data is an emerging approach in systems pharmacology due to its holistic perspective for preclinical drug evaluation. In the current study, a network-based approach was proposed and applied to prioritize plant polyphenols and identify potential drug combinations in breast cancer. We focused on MEK5/ERK5 signalling pathway genes, a recently identified potential drug target in cancer with roles spanning major carcinogenesis processes. RESULTS By constructing and identifying perturbed protein-protein interaction networks for luminal A breast cancer, plant polyphenols and drugs from transcriptome data, we first demonstrated their systemic effects on the MEK5/ERK5 signalling pathway. Subsequently, we applied a pathway-specific network pharmacology pipeline to prioritize plant polyphenols and potential drug combinations for use in breast cancer. Our analysis prioritized genistein among plant polyphenols. Drug combination simulations predicted several FDA-approved drugs in breast cancer with well-established pharmacology as candidates for target network synergistic combination with genistein. This study also highlights the concept of target network enhancer drugs, with drugs previously not well characterised in breast cancer being prioritized for use in the MEK5/ERK5 pathway in breast cancer. CONCLUSION This study proposes a computational framework for drug prioritization and combination with the MEK5/ERK5 signaling pathway in breast cancer. The method is flexible and provides the scientific community with a robust method that can be applied to other complex diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regan Odongo
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Gebze Technical University, Gebze, Kocaeli, 41400, Turkey.
| | - Asuman Demiroglu-Zergeroglu
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Faculty of Science, Gebze Technical University, Gebze, Kocaeli, 41400, Turkey
| | - Tunahan Çakır
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Gebze Technical University, Gebze, Kocaeli, 41400, Turkey
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106
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Zhang B, Qu Z, Hui H, He B, Wang D, Zhang Y, Zhao Y, Zhang J, Yan L. Exploring the therapeutic potential of isoorientin in the treatment of osteoporosis: a study using network pharmacology and experimental validation. Mol Med 2024; 30:27. [PMID: 38378457 PMCID: PMC10880252 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-024-00799-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Isoorientin (ISO) is a glycosylated flavonoid with antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. However, its effects on bone metabolism remain largely unknown. METHODS In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of ISO on receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast formation in vitro and bone loss in post-ovariectomy (OVX) rats, as well as to elucidate the underlying mechanism. First, network pharmacology analysis indicated that MAPK1 and AKT1 may be potential therapeutic targets of ISO and that ISO has potential regulatory effects on the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathways, as well as oxidative stress. ISO was added to RAW264.7 cells stimulated by RANKL, and its effects on osteoclast differentiation were evaluated using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, TRAP activity measurement, and F-actin ring analysis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in osteoclasts was detected using a ROS assay kit. The effects of ISO on RANKL-triggered molecular cascade response were further investigated by Western blotting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence staining. In addition, the therapeutic effects of ISO were evaluated in vivo. RESULTS ISO inhibited osteoclastogenesis in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Mechanistically, ISO downregulated the expression of the main transcription factor for osteoclast differentiation by inhibiting MAPK and PI3K/AKT1 signaling pathways. Moreover, ISO exhibited protective effects in OVX-induced bone loss rats. This was consistent with the results derived from network pharmacology. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest a potential therapeutic utility of ISO in the management of osteoclast-associated bone diseases, including osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China
| | - Zechao Qu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China
| | - Hua Hui
- Department of Spine Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China
| | - Baorong He
- Department of Spine Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China
| | - Yiwei Zhao
- Department of Spine Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China
| | - Jingjun Zhang
- Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Liang Yan
- Department of Spine Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China.
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Guo W, Wang W, Lei F, Zheng R, Zhao X, Gu Y, Yang M, Tong Y, Wang Y. Identifying the Main Components and Mechanisms of Action of Artemisia annua L. in the Treatment of Endometrial Cancer Using Network Pharmacology. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:8055-8066. [PMID: 38405483 PMCID: PMC10882657 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c08320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Artemisia annua L. (A. annua), a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has been utilized in China for centuries, is known for its potential anticancer properties. However, the main components and mechanism of action of A. annua on endometrial carcinoma have not been reported. We used the TCMSP database to identify the active components of A. annua and their corresponding gene targets. We then obtained the gene targets specific to endometrial cancer from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and GeneCards databases. The gene targets common to three databases were selected, and a "component-target" network was constructed. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis and ranking of the target proteins identified the key protein PTGS2 network analysis, and ranking of the target proteins identified the key protein PTGS2. We also screened the active components of A. annua and found that quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, isorhamnetin, artemisin, and stigmasterol had the most targets. Molecular docking models were established for these six components with PTGS2, revealing strong binding activity for all of them. Finally, we conducted validation experiments to assess the effects of quercetin, an active component of A. annua, on endometrial cancer cells (HEC-1-A and Ishikawa cells). Our findings demonstrate that quercetin has the potential to inhibit both cell growth and migration, while also suppressing the expression of PTGS2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weikang Guo
- Department
of Gynecological Radiotherapy, Harbin Medical
University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Wanyue Wang
- School
of Basic Medical Sciences, Qiqihar Medical
University, Qiqihar 161006, China
| | - Fei Lei
- Department
of Gynecological Radiotherapy, Harbin Medical
University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Ruxin Zheng
- Department
of Gynecological Radiotherapy, Harbin Medical
University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Xinyao Zhao
- Department
of Gynecological Radiotherapy, Harbin Medical
University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Yuze Gu
- Department
of Gynecological Radiotherapy, Harbin Medical
University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Mengdi Yang
- Department
of Gynecological Radiotherapy, Harbin Medical
University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Yunshun Tong
- School
of Science, Department of Biological Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yaoxian Wang
- Department
of Gynecological Radiotherapy, Harbin Medical
University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, China
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108
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Ji XY, Lei CJ, Kong S, Li HF, Pan SY, Chen YJ, Zhao FR, Zhu TT. Hydroxy-Safflower Yellow A Mitigates Vascular Remodeling in Rat Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Drug Des Devel Ther 2024; 18:475-491. [PMID: 38405578 PMCID: PMC10893878 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s439686] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The underlying causes of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) often remain obscure. Addressing PAH with effective treatments presents a formidable challenge. Studies have shown that Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) has a potential role in PAH, While the mechanism underlies its protective role is still unclear. The study was conducted to investigate the potential mechanisms of the protective effects of HSYA. Methods Using databases such as PharmMapper and GeneCards, we identified active components of HSYA and associated PAH targets, pinpointed intersecting genes, and constructed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Core targets were singled out using Cytoscape for the development of a model illustrating drug-component-target-disease interactions. Intersection targets underwent analysis for Gene Ontology (GO) functions and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment. Selected components were then modeled for target interaction using Autodock and Pymol. In vivo validation in a monocrotaline-induced PAH (MCT-PAH) animal model was utilized to substantiate the predictions made by network pharmacology. Results We associated HSYA with 113 targets, and PAH with 1737 targets, identifying 34 mutual targets for treatment by HSYA. HSYA predominantly affects 9 core targets. Molecular docking unveiled hydrogen bond interactions between HSYA and several PAH-related proteins such as ANXA5, EGFR, SRC, PPARG, PGR, and ESR1. Conclusion Utilizing network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches, we investigated potential targets and relevant human disease pathways implicating HSYA in PAH therapy, such as the chemical carcinogenesis receptor activation pathway and the cancer pathway. Our findings were corroborated by the efficacious use of HSYA in an MCT-induced rat PAH model, confirming its therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Yu Ji
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, People’s Republic of China
- College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, People’s Republic of China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang, Henan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cheng-Jing Lei
- College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, People’s Republic of China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang, Henan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuang Kong
- College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, People’s Republic of China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang, Henan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Han-Fei Li
- College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, People’s Republic of China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang, Henan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Si-Yu Pan
- College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, People’s Republic of China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang, Henan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu-Jing Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, People’s Republic of China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang, Henan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fan-Rong Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, People’s Republic of China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang, Henan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tian-Tian Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, People’s Republic of China
- College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, People’s Republic of China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang, Henan, People’s Republic of China
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Manoj M, Sowmyanarayan S, Kowshik AV, Chatterjee J. Identification of Potentially Repurposable Drugs for Lewy Body Dementia Using a Network-Based Approach. J Mol Neurosci 2024; 74:21. [PMID: 38363395 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-024-02199-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The conventional method of one drug being used for one target has not yielded therapeutic solutions for Lewy body dementia (LBD), which is a leading progressive neurological disorder characterized by significant loss of neurons. The age-related disease is marked by memory loss, hallucinations, sleep disorder, mental health deterioration, palsy, and cognitive impairment, all of which have no known effective cure. The present study deploys a network medicine pipeline to repurpose drugs having considerable effect on the genes and proteins related to the diseases of interest. We utilized the novel SAveRUNNER algorithm to quantify the proximity of all drugs obtained from DrugBank with the disease associated gene dataset obtained from Phenopedia and targets in the human interactome. We found that most of the 154 FDA-approved drugs predicted by SAveRUNNER were used to treat nervous system disorders, but some off-label drugs like quinapril and selegiline were interestingly used to treat hypertension and Parkinson's disease (PD), respectively. Additionally, we performed gene set enrichment analysis using Connectivity Map (CMap) and pathway enrichment analysis using EnrichR to validate the efficacy of the drug candidates obtained from the pipeline approach. The investigation enabled us to identify the significant role of the synaptic vesicle pathway in our disease and accordingly finalize 8 suitable antidepressant drugs from the 154 drugs initially predicted by SAveRUNNER. These potential anti-LBD drugs are either selective or non-selective inhibitors of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine transporters. The validated selective serotonin and norepinephrine inhibitors like milnacipran, protriptyline, and venlafaxine are predicted to manage LBD along with the affecting symptomatic issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megha Manoj
- Department of Biotechnology, PES University, Bangalore, 560085, India
| | | | - Arjun V Kowshik
- Department of Biotechnology, PES University, Bangalore, 560085, India
| | - Jhinuk Chatterjee
- Department of Biotechnology, PES University, Bangalore, 560085, India.
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Li C, Lian Y, Lin Y, Li Z. A Network Pharmacology and Molecular Dynamics Simulation-Based Study of Qing Run Hua Jie Decoction in Interstitial Pneumonia Treatment. Infect Drug Resist 2024; 17:605-621. [PMID: 38379588 PMCID: PMC10878319 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s433755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study is dedicated to revealing the potential mechanism of Qin Run Hua Jie (QRHJ) decoction in Interstitial pneumonia (IP) treatment. Methods The TCMSP database predicted the chemical components and targets of QRHJ decoction, and the IP-related genes were from the Genecards database. Cytoscape software was used to establish the interaction network. R package clusterProfiler was utilized for Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. The molecular docking analysis of target proteins and the corresponding active pharmaceutical ingredients in the core position of the interaction network was conducted. Then, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of a potential active substance and its key targets were performed. The binding efficiency of EGFR and luteolin, HIF1A and diosgenin was detected by cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), and protein expression was measured by Western blot. CCK-8 was used to detect cell activity. Results A total of 153 active ingredients, 127 targets and 362 IP-related genes were obtained. KEGG enrichment analysis identified IP-related signaling pathways including HIF-1 signaling pathway and TNF signaling pathway. The two key components luteolin and diosgenin stably bound to the key targets EGFR and HIF1A. Cell experiments further showed that EGFR and luteolin, HIF1A and diosgenin bound to exert anti-fibrotic effects. Conclusion As an active ingredient of QRHJ decoction, luteolin and diosgenin may exert therapeutic effect on IP through binding to the key target EGFR and HIF1A. This work initially revealed the key molecular mechanism of QRHJ decoction in IP treatment and offered theoretical evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxiang Li
- Department of Integrative Medicine Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, 362000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yingbin Lian
- Department of Integrative Medicine Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, 362000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yaoshen Lin
- Department of Integrative Medicine Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, 362000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhihua Li
- Department of Oncology, Zhangzhou Second Hospital, Zhangzhou, Fujian, 363199, People’s Republic of China
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Xu M, Zhang W, Xu S, Niu X, Wang L, Wang X, Hao H. Elucidation of the mechanism of Zhenbao pills for the treatment of spinal cord injury by network pharmacology and molecular docking: A review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e36970. [PMID: 38363936 PMCID: PMC10869052 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036970] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
To explore the mechanism of the Zhenbao pill (ZBP) in treating spinal cord injury (SCI). The TCMSP Database, HERB Database and literature search were used to screen the effective ingredients and targets of ZBP; SCI-related genes were searched in GeneCards, OMIM, PharmGkb, TTD and DrugBank databases; the potential targets of ZBP for treating SCI were predicted and Venn diagrams were drawn, and the "herb-ingredient-target" network was constructed by Cytoscape software. The PPI network was constructed by STRING software, and the core targets were screened by cytoNCA plug-in; GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis were performed on the predicted targets using the DAVID Platform, and visualized with the Microbiology Network Platform. The molecular docking between the key ingredients and the core target was carried out by AutoDockVina software. 391 active ingredients and 836 action targets were obtained from ZBP and there are 1557 SCI related genes in 5 disease databases. The top 5 active ingredients were Quercetin, Camptothecin, Kaempferol, Ethyl iso-allocholate, and Ethyl linoleate, and 5 core genes were SRC, CTNNB1, TP53, AKT1, and STAT3. GO enrichment analysis showed that the core targets were involved in 1206 biological processes, 120 cellular components and 160 molecular functions; KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the core targets involved 183 pathways, including PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and other signaling pathways. Molecular docking indicated that CTNNB1, SRC, TP53, AKT1 and STAT3 showed good binding ability with the active ingredients quercetin, kaempferol and ethyl isobutyric acid. ZBP improves SCI through multi-components, multi-targets and multi-pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengru Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China
- Periodical Press of Fujian Journal of TCM, Fujian University of traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Wenwen Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China
| | - Sheng Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaochen Niu
- Basic Medical Research Center, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Fifth Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Li Wang
- Basic Medical Research Center, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Basic Medical Research Center, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Haihu Hao
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China
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Khan MM, Ali SA, Qazi Y, Khan SW, shaikh MA. Anti-inflammatory effects of Chrozophora plicata uncovered using network pharmacology and in-vivo carrageenan paw edema model. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24617. [PMID: 38371966 PMCID: PMC10873672 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24617] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Chrozophora plicata has been extensively utilized in India for the management of numerous disorders. The effective Phytoconstituents derived from the Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Chrozophora plicata [EAFCP] have been identified as Camptothecin Agathisflavone, Rutin, Procynidine B, and Apigenin. These Phytoconstituents have been detected in the EAFCP through qualitative analysis using LC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. The anti-inflammatory properties of Chrozophora plicata are yet to be determined. Therefore, the aim of this study was to utilize a network pharmacology-based methodology to predict potential therapeutic targets of EAFCP in the setting of inflammation. The identification of inflammation targets was followed by the acquisition of verified targets of EAFCP. The key therapeutic targets of EAFCP against inflammation were found by creating a target-functional PPI network, GO studies were conducted on the core therapeutic targets in order to assess the essential signalling pathways involved in the anti-inflammatory effects of EAFCP. A total of 38 significant hub targets associated with EAFCP's anti-inflammatory effects were identified. The key proteins were retrieved for the docking investigation based on the findings, which aided in anticipating the potential interaction between components and targets. The in vivo study revealed that EAFCP had a notable efficiency in decreasing paw edema induced by carrageenan in rats. The evidence we have gathered collectively offers clarification about the anti-inflammatory activity of EAFCP, which is predominantly linked to the suppression of the Cox 1, 2 pathway. The aforementioned findings highlight potential therapeutic targets that could be utilized for the anti-inflammatory activity of EAFCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Mukhtar Khan
- Department of Pharmacology, Y.B Chavan College of Pharmacy, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India
- Y.B Chavan College of Pharmacy, Dr Rafiq Zakaria Campus, Aurangabad, 431001, Maharashtra, India
| | - Syed Ayaz Ali
- Department of Pharmacology, Y.B Chavan College of Pharmacy, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India
- Y.B Chavan College of Pharmacy, Dr Rafiq Zakaria Campus, Aurangabad, 431001, Maharashtra, India
| | - Yasar Qazi
- Department of Chemistry, Y.B Chavan College of Pharmacy, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India
- Y.B Chavan College of Pharmacy, Dr Rafiq Zakaria Campus, Aurangabad, 431001, Maharashtra, India
| | - Subur W. Khan
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Y.B Chavan College of Pharmacy, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India
- Y.B Chavan College of Pharmacy, Dr Rafiq Zakaria Campus, Aurangabad, 431001, Maharashtra, India
| | - Md Affan shaikh
- Department of Chemistry, Y.B Chavan College of Pharmacy, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India
- Y.B Chavan College of Pharmacy, Dr Rafiq Zakaria Campus, Aurangabad, 431001, Maharashtra, India
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Liao Y, Remsing Rix LL, Li X, Fang B, Izumi V, Welsh EA, Monastyrskyi A, Haura EB, Koomen JM, Doebele RC, Rix U. Differential network analysis of ROS1 inhibitors reveals lorlatinib polypharmacology through co-targeting PYK2. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:284-297.e10. [PMID: 37848034 PMCID: PMC10922442 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are often developed for the same indication. However, their relative overall efficacy is frequently incompletely understood and they may harbor unrecognized targets that cooperate with the intended target. We compared several ROS1 TKIs for inhibition of ROS1-fusion-positive lung cancer cell viability, ROS1 autophosphorylation and kinase activity, which indicated disproportionately higher cellular potency of one TKI, lorlatinib. Quantitative chemical and phosphoproteomics across four ROS1 TKIs and differential network analysis revealed that lorlatinib uniquely impacted focal adhesion signaling. Functional validation using pharmacological probes, RNA interference, and CRISPR-Cas9 knockout uncovered a polypharmacology mechanism of lorlatinib by dual targeting ROS1 and PYK2, which form a multiprotein complex with SRC. Rational multi-targeting of this complex by combining lorlatinib with SRC inhibitors exhibited pronounced synergy. Taken together, we show that systems pharmacology-based differential network analysis can dissect mixed canonical/non-canonical polypharmacology mechanisms across multiple TKIs enabling the design of rational drug combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liao
- Department of Drug Discovery, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Lily L Remsing Rix
- Department of Drug Discovery, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Xueli Li
- Department of Drug Discovery, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Bin Fang
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Core, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Victoria Izumi
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Core, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Eric A Welsh
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Andrii Monastyrskyi
- Department of Drug Discovery, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; Department of Oncologic Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Eric B Haura
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - John M Koomen
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Robert C Doebele
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Uwe Rix
- Department of Drug Discovery, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; Department of Oncologic Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
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Chen Y, Wang X, Min J, Zheng J, Tang X, Zhu X, Yu D, Jin D. Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Experimental Verification to Reveal the Mitophagy-Associated Mechanism of Tangshen Formula in the Treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes 2024; 17:739-757. [PMID: 38375488 PMCID: PMC10874885 DOI: 10.2147/dmso.s443352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study investigated the mechanism of TSF in treating DN through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation. Methods To identify critical active ingredients, targets, and DN genes in TSF, multiple databases were utilized for screening purposes. The drug-compound-target network was constructed using Cytoscape 3.9.1 software for network topological analysis. The protein interaction relationship was analyzed using the String database platform. Metascape database conducted enrichment analysis on the key targets using Gene Ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. The renoprotective effect was evaluated using a mouse model of diabetic nephropathy (db/db mice) that occurred spontaneously. Validation of the associated targets and pathways was performed using Western Blot (WB), Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and Immunohistochemical methods (IHC). Results The network analysis showed that the TSF pathway network targeted 24 important targets and 149 significant pathways. TSF might have an impact by focusing on essential objectives such as TP53, PTEN, AKT1, BCL2, BCL2L1, PINK-1, PARKIN, LC3B, and NFE2L2, along with various growth-inducing routes. Our findings demonstrated that TSF effectively repaired the structure of mitochondria in db/db mice. TSF greatly enhanced the mRNA levels of PINK-1. WB and IHC findings indicated that TSF had a notable impact on activating the PINK-1/PARKIN signaling pathway in db/db mice, significantly increasing LC3 and NRF2 expression. Conclusion Our results indicate that TSF effectively addresses DN by activating the PINK-1/PARKIN signaling pathway and enhancing Mitochondrion structure in experimental diabetic nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinfeng Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310007, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaying Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310007, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Min
- Department of Nephrology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310007, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Zheng
- Department of Nephrology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310007, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuanli Tang
- Department of Nephrology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310007, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoling Zhu
- Department of Nephrology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310007, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dongrong Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310007, People’s Republic of China
| | - De Jin
- Department of Nephrology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310007, People’s Republic of China
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Jiang YL, Xun Y. Molecular Mechanism of Salvia miltiorrhiza in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Technology. Drug Des Devel Ther 2024; 18:425-441. [PMID: 38370566 PMCID: PMC10873149 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s443102] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to investigate the effect of Salvia miltiorrhiza on colorectal cancer, as well as the mechanisms involved. Methods The active compounds of Salvia miltiorrhiza and the associated genes in colorectal cancer were sourced from publicly available databases. Targets associated with colorectal cancer were identified by searching the GeneCards and OMIM databases. Subsequently, the Cytoscape 3.6.0 software was employed to create a regulatory network that illustrates the relationships among active ingredients, colorectal cancer, and their corresponding targets. The String database was utilized to generate a PPI network. Molecular docking studies, conducted with AutoDock Vina, verified the binding capabilities of these active components to core targets. The findings from network pharmacology analysis were corroborated through in vitro experiments. Results In this study, we identified 39 active components derived from Salvia miltiorrhiza that are predicted to target 544 genes associated with colorectal cancer through network pharmacology. Through a combined analysis of network pharmacology, we isolated three key targets: SRC, IL6, and INS. Molecular docking results convincingly demonstrated Salvia miltiorrhiza's strong binding affinity to these targets. Additionally, in vitro experiments confirmed that Salvia miltiorrhiza effectively inhibited the progression of colorectal cancer via regulating the INS/SRC/IL6 pathway. Conclusion Salvia miltiorrhiza emerges as a compelling herbal intervention for colorectal cancer. This study lays the foundation for potential future clinical trials assessing the efficacy of Salvia miltiorrhiza in the management of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ling Jiang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Xun
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
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Sun F, Zhang L, Shen L, Wang C. Network Pharmacology Analysis of the Therapeutic Potential of Colchicine in Acute Lung Injury. Int J Clin Pract 2024; 2024:9940182. [PMID: 38352962 PMCID: PMC10864054 DOI: 10.1155/2024/9940182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background This study employed integrated network pharmacology approach to explore the mechanisms underlying the protective effect of colchicine against acute lung injury (ALI). Methods We analyzed the expression profiles from 13 patients with sepsis-related ALI and 21 controls to identify differentially expressed genes and key modules. ALI-related genes were curated using databases such as DisGeNET, Therapeutic Target, and Comparative Toxicogenomics Database to curate ALI-related genes. Drug target fishing for colchicine was conducted using the DrugBank, BATMAN-TCM, STITCH, and SwissTargetPrediction. Potential drug-disease interactions were determined by intersecting ALI-associated genes with colchicine target genes. We performed comprehensive pathway and process enrichment analyses on these genes. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed, and topological analysis was executed. Additionally, an ALI mouse model was established to evaluate the effect of colchicine on CXCL12 and CXCR4 levels through western blot analysis. Results Analysis revealed 23 potential colchicine-ALI interaction genes from the intersection of 253 ALI-associated genes and 389 colchicine targets. Functional enrichment analysis highlighted several inflammation-related pathways, such as cytokine-mediated signaling pathway, CXCR chemokine receptor binding, NF-kappa B signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, and IL-17 signaling pathway. The protein-protein interaction network demonstrated complex interactions for CXCL12 and CXCR4 among other candidate genes, with significant topological interaction degrees. In vivo studies showed that colchicine significantly reduced elevated CXCL12 and CXCR4 levels in ALI mice. Conclusion Our findings suggest that colchicine's therapeutic effect on ALI might derive from its anti-inflammatory properties. Further research is needed to explore the specific mechanisms of colchicine's interaction with sepsis-induced ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Sun
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lulu Shen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Huai'an Second People's Hospital and the Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 66 Huaihai South Road, Huai'an, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chunman Wang
- Pain Department, Hengshui People's Hospital, 180 People's East Road, Hengshui, Hebei, China
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Zhang M, Chen G, Chen Y, Sui Y, Zhang Y, Yang W, Yu X. Synthesis, biological activities and mechanism studies of 1,3,4-oxadiazole analogues of petiolide A as anticancer agents. Mol Divers 2024:10.1007/s11030-023-10773-w. [PMID: 38300352 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-023-10773-w] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
In order to develop new natural product-based anticancer agents, a series of 1,3,4-oxadiazole analogues based on petiolide A were prepared and evaluated for their anticancer activities by MTT method. The structures of all analogues were characterized by various spectral analyses, and B9 was further confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Among all the synthesized compounds, B1 displayed the most promising growth inhibitory effect on colon cancer cells (HCT116) with the IC50 value of 8.53 μM. Flow cytometric analysis exhibited that B1 arrested the cell cycle at G2 phase and induced apoptosis. Additionally, network pharmacology analysis calculated that B1 might target several key proteins, including AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1), SRC proto-oncogene, non-receptor tyrosine kinase (SRC) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Furthermore, molecular docking study indicated that B1 had potentially high binding affinity to these three target proteins. Given these results, analogue B1 could be deeply developed as potential anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjie Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Guifen Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Yafang Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Yi Sui
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China
- Guizhou Joint Laboratory for International Cooperation in Ethnic Medicine (Ministry of Education), Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Wude Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China.
- Guizhou Joint Laboratory for International Cooperation in Ethnic Medicine (Ministry of Education), Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China.
| | - Xiang Yu
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China.
- Guizhou Joint Laboratory for International Cooperation in Ethnic Medicine (Ministry of Education), Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China.
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Deng W, Zhang W, He Q. Study on the mechanism of puerarin against osteoarthritis from ferroptosis based on network pharmacology and bioinformatics. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:959-968. [PMID: 37548663 PMCID: PMC10791713 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02653-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Network pharmacology and bioinformatics were used to study puerarin's molecular mechanism in treating osteoarthritis from the perspective of ferroptosis, revealing a new treatment target. Ferroptosis-related targets were obtained from FerrDb. Puerarin action targets were retrieved from TCMSP, Pharmmappe, SwissTargetPrediction, and Targetnet databases, and supplemented with PubMed. The gene expression profiles of GSE12021, GSE55235, and GSE82107 were obtained using "Osteoarthritis" as the search term in the GEO database, and the differential expression gene screening analysis was performed for osteoarthritis. The intersection targets between puerarin, iron death, and osteoarthritis were obtained using Venn diagrams. GO and KEGG analyses were conducted with R software. Molecular docking and visualization of puerarin and core targets were performed using Autodock Vina and PyMol software. The effects of puerarin on the cell viability and the TNFα, IL6, and Ilβ levels of human inflammation articular chondrocytes were tested in vitro experiments. Puerarin, ferroptosis, and osteoarthritis share four targets: PLIN2, PTGS2, VEGFA, and IL6. GO enrichment analysis showed that puerarin maintained the blood-brain barrier, regulated peptide serine phosphorylation, and had anti-inflammatory effects. KEGG analysis showed that puerarin's anti-inflammatory effects were mainly through VEGF, IL-17, C-type lectin receptor, HIF-1, TNF, and other signaling pathways. Puerarin closely bound PLIN2, PTGS2, VEGFA, and IL6 targets in molecular docking. In vitro, puerarin prevented osteoarthritis. Network pharmacology and bioinformatics explained puerarin's multi-target and multi-pathway treatment of OA, which may be related to ferroptosis, and confirmed its anti-inflammatory effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxiang Deng
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China
| | - Wenan Zhang
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China
| | - Qinghu He
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China.
- Department of Rehabilitation and Healthcare, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, 418000, Hunan, China.
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Lee K, Choi YJ, Lim HI, Cho KJ, Kang N, Ko SG. Network pharmacology study to explore the multiple molecular mechanism of SH003 in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. BMC Complement Med Ther 2024; 24:70. [PMID: 38303001 PMCID: PMC10832243 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04347-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the leading causes of human death worldwide. Herbal prescription SH003 has been developed to treat several cancers including NSCLC. Due to the multi-component nature of SH003 with multiple targets and pathways, a network pharmacology study was conducted to analyze its active compounds, potential targets, and pathways for the treatment of NSCLC. METHODS We systematically identified oral active compounds within SH003, employing ADME criteria-based screening from TM-MC, OASIS, and TCMSP databases. Concurrently, SH003-related and NSCLC-associated targets were amalgamated from various databases. Overlapping targets were deemed anti-NSCLC entities of SH003. Protein-protein interaction networks were constructed using the STRING database, allowing the identification of pivotal proteins through node centrality measures. Empirical validation was pursued through LC-MS analysis of active compounds. Additionally, in vitro experiments, such as MTT cell viability assays and western blot analyses, were conducted to corroborate network pharmacology findings. RESULTS We discerned 20 oral active compounds within SH003 and identified 239 core targets shared between SH003 and NSCLC-related genes. Network analyses spotlighted 79 hub genes, including TP53, JUN, AKT1, STAT3, and MAPK3, crucial in NSCLC treatment. GO and KEGG analyses underscored SH003's multifaceted anti-NSCLC effects from a genetic perspective. Experimental validations verified SH003's impact on NSCLC cell viability and the downregulation of hub genes. LC-MS analysis confirmed the presence of four active compounds, namely hispidulin, luteolin, baicalein, and chrysoeriol, among the eight compounds with a median of > 10 degrees in the herb-compounds-targets network in SH003. Previously unidentified targets like CASP9, MAPK9, and MCL1 were unveiled, supported by existing NSCLC literature, enhancing the pivotal role of empirical validation in network pharmacology. CONCLUSION Our study pioneers the harmonization of theoretical predictions with practical validations. Empirical validation illuminates specific SH003 compounds within NSCLC, simultaneously uncovering novel targets for NSCLC treatment. This integrated strategy, accentuating empirical validation, establishes a paradigm for in-depth herbal medicine exploration. Furthermore, our network pharmacology study unveils fresh insights into SH003's multifaceted molecular mechanisms combating NSCLC. Through this approach, we delineate active compounds of SH003 and target pathways, reshaping our understanding of its therapeutic mechanisms in NSCLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangwook Lee
- Department of Food and Biotechnology, Korea University, Sejong, 30019, South Korea
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, South Korea
| | - Yu-Jeong Choi
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, South Korea
| | - Hae-In Lim
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, South Korea
| | - Kwang Jin Cho
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, South Korea
| | - Nuri Kang
- Department of Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, South Korea
| | - Seong-Gyu Ko
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, South Korea.
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Stefan SM, Rafehi M. Medicinal polypharmacology: Exploration and exploitation of the polypharmacolome in modern drug development. Drug Dev Res 2024; 85:e22125. [PMID: 37920929 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
At the core of complex and multifactorial human diseases, such as cancer, metabolic syndrome, or neurodegeneration, are multiple players that cross-talk in robust biological networks which are intrinsically resilient to alterations. These multifactorial diseases are characterized by sophisticated feedback mechanisms which manifest cellular imbalance and resistance to drug therapy. By adhering to the specificity paradigm ("one target-one drug concept"), research focused for many years on drugs with very narrow mechanisms of action. This narrow focus promoted therapy ineffectiveness and resistance. However, modern drug discovery has evolved over the last years, increasingly emphasizing integral strategies for the development of clinically effective drugs. These integral strategies include the controlled engagement of multiple targets to overcome therapy resistance. Apart from the additive or even synergistic effects in therapy, multitarget drugs harbor molecular-structural attributes to explore orphan targets of which intrinsic substrates/physiological role(s) and/or modulators are unknown for future therapy purposes. We designated this multidisciplinary and translational research field between medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, and molecular pharmacology as 'medicinal polypharmacology'. Medicinal polypharmacology emerged as alternative approach to common single-targeted pharmacology stretching from basic drug and target identification processes to clinical evaluation of multitarget drugs, and the exploration and exploitation of the 'polypharmacolome' is at the forefront of modern drug development research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Marcel Stefan
- Drug Development and Chemical Biology, Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology (LIED), University of Lübeck and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
- Translational Neurodegeneration Research and Neuropathology Lab, Department of Pathology, Section of Neuropathology and Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Muhammad Rafehi
- Department of Medical Education, Augsburg University Medicine, Augsburg, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Su Y, Chen L, Yang J. Network pharmacology and in vitro experiments reveal sophoridine-induced apoptosis and G 1 phase arrest via ROS-dependent PI3K/Akt/FoxO3a pathway activation in human bladder cancer cells. Chem Biol Drug Des 2024; 103:e14476. [PMID: 38346772 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BLCA), a common primary malignancy, exhibits resistance to conventional chemotherapeutic agents. Sophoridine (SR) is a quinoline alkaloid derived from the traditional Chinese herb Sophora alopecuroides L., which belongs to the legume family Sophoraceae. SR is reported to exert growth-inhibitory effects against several cancers. However, the mechanisms underlying the growth-inhibitory effects of SR on BLCA have not been elucidated. This study performed molecular and cellular experiments to verify the growth-inhibitory effects of SR on BLCA and the underlying mechanisms. SR inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis and G1-phase arrest through the PI3K/AKT/FoxO3a signaling pathway. More interestingly, the effects of SR can be attributed to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vivo. ROS may be the upstream factor of this pathway. Additionally, SR inhibited the migration and invasion of BLCA cells in a concentration-dependent or time-dependent manner. This is the first study to demonstrate the ROS-dependent PI3K/AKT/FoxO3a pathway-mediated anticancer effect of SR and the anticancer mechanism of SR in BLCA. The correlation between SR-induced ROS-dependent cell proliferation inhibition, apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and PI3K/AKT/FoxO3a suggests that SR is a promising novel therapeutic for BLCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Su
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Urology Surgery, Affiliated Hospital and Clinical Medical College of Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jin Yang
- Department of Urology Surgery, Affiliated Hospital and Clinical Medical College of Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Wang T, Gong X, Xia C, Kong W, Geng S, Jiang H, Xiao E, Wang H, Yu Y, Li C, Yuan K. An integrated transcriptomics and network pharmacology approach to explore the mechanism of Wang-Bi tablet against SAPHO syndrome. Int J Rheum Dis 2024; 27:e15077. [PMID: 38402418 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.15077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND SAPHO syndrome is recognized as a rare entity with damage to skin and bones due to inflammation. Currently, the treatment for SAPHO syndrome is still a challenge in clinical practice. In this study, an integrated transcriptomics and network pharmacology approach was applied to explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Wang-Bi tablet (WBT) on SAPHO syndrome. METHODS The main components of WBT and their targets, as well as the targets of SAPHO syndrome, were collected from databases. Network visualization was performed using Cytoscape software. The GO and KEGG enrichment analysis was executed by David dataset. Then, the molecular mechanism of WBT improving SAPHO syndrome was validated by transcriptomics of peripheral blood neutrophils in SAPHO syndrome. Finally, the above results were validated by molecular docking. RESULTS The Network Pharmacology results showed there are 152 core targets for WBT treatment on SAPHO syndrome. RNA-seq data showed 442 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in peripheral blood neutrophils of SAPHO patients. Intriguingly, NIK/NF-kappaB-, MyD88-dependent toll-like receptor-, and MAPK pathway were included in the enrichment results of network pharmacology and RNA-seq. Moreover, we verified that the core components of WBT have good affinity with the core targets of NIK/NF-kappaB-, MyD88-dependent toll-like receptor-, and MAPK pathway by molecular docking. CONCLUSIONS This study illustrated that the possible mechanisms of WBT against SAPHO syndrome may be related to NIK/NF-kappaB-, MyD88-dependent toll-like receptor-, and MAPK pathway, and further experiments are needed to prove these predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xun Gong
- Guang'an Men Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Congmin Xia
- Guang'an Men Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Weijia Kong
- Graduate School of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shaohui Geng
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Haixu Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Enfan Xiao
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hesong Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yingcai Yu
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Rheumatology, Fangshan Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Yuan
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Lazzara F, Conti F, Giuffrida E, Eandi CM, Drago F, Platania CBM, Bucolo C. Integrating network pharmacology: The next-generation approach in ocular drug discovery. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2024; 74:102425. [PMID: 38183849 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2023.102425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
With the spread of the "omics" sciences, the approaches of systems biology can be considered as new paradigms of pharmacological research for discovery of novel targets and/or treatments for complex multifactorial diseases. Data from omics sciences can be used for the design of biologic networks, that in turn can be quantitatively analyzed to identify new pharmacological targets. In this review, we will introduce the concept of network pharmacology, particularly the application of this innovative approach in the field of ocular pharmacology, with a focus on retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy (DR), age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Lazzara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Federica Conti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Erika Giuffrida
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Maria Eandi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Jules Gonin Eye Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Surgical Science, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Bianca Maria Platania
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Li Q, Huang D, Liao W, Su X, Li J, Zhang J, Fang M, Liu Y. Tanshinone IIA regulates CCl 4 induced liver fibrosis in C57BL/6J mice via the PI3K/Akt and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2024; 38:e23648. [PMID: 38348705 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases caused by various factors may develop into liver fibrosis (LF). Early stage of LF could be reversible. Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA), an extract from Salvia miltiorrhiza, has been reported to be hepatoprotective. However, the potential targets and mechanism of Tan IIA in the treatment of LF are still unclear. Our study aims at the anti-LF mechanism of Tan IIA through network pharmacological analysis combined with LF-related experiments. Serum biochemical indicators and histopathological examination showed that Tan IIA could ameliorate the process of LF in the CCl4 -induced mouse model. Western blot and immunohistochemical assays showed that Tan IIA decreased the expression of Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS), phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor/heme oxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1). Compared with the model group, the Tan IIA groups increased the decreased superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione content, while decreasing the increased malondialdehyde content. These results indicate that Tan IIA may play an antioxidant role by inhibiting the expression of KRAS, PI3K/Akt, and Nrf2/HO-1 to ameliorate the progression of LF, which to some extent explains the pharmacological mechanism of Tan IIA in LF. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that Tan IIA could regulate LF via PI3K/Akt and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways. It may be an effective therapeutic compound for the treatment of LF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Li
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Dongrui Huang
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenjing Liao
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinyue Su
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jin Li
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinwei Zhang
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Meng Fang
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuwei Liu
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
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Samy MVG, Perumal S. Systems pharmacology and multi-scale mechanism of Enicostema axillare bioactives in treating Alzheimer disease. Inflammopharmacology 2024; 32:575-593. [PMID: 37845599 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01348-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
As a progressive neurological disease with increased morbidity and mortality, Alzheimer Disease (AD) is characterized by neuron damage that controls memory and mental functions. Enicostema axillare (EA), an herb with a history of combativeness and effectiveness in treating Rheumatoid Arthritis, Cancer, and Diabetes, is used in Indian folk medicine from a holistic point of view. Though the herb is used for many illnesses, the molecular mechanism of its bioactive on AD has not been deciphered by intricate research. A unique pharmacology approach based on ADME drug screening and targeting, pathway enrichment (GO and KEGG), and network pharmacology, was established to explore the molecular mechanisms of E. axillare (EA) bioactive compounds for the treatment of AD. In brief, we bring to light the three active compounds of EA and seven potential molecular targets of AD, which are mainly implicated in four signaling pathways, i.e., MAPK, Apoptosis, neurodegeneration, and the TNF pathway. Moreover, the network analysis of the active compounds, molecular targets, and their pathways reveals the pharmacological nature of the compounds. Further, molecular docking studies were carried out to explore the interactions between the EA bioactive compounds and the targets and examine the binding affinity. The outcome of the work reflects the potential therapeutic effects of the compounds for treating AD through the modulation of the key proteins, which further corroborates the reliability of our network pharmacology analysis. This study not only helps in understanding the molecular mechanism of the drugs but also helps in finding and sorting new drugs for the treatment of AD, and other complex diseases through modern medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sasidharan Perumal
- Cell and Molecular Biology Division, Biome Live Analytical Center, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Wei L, Meng J, Xiang D, Yang Q, Zhou Y, Xu L, Wang M, Chen J, Han Y. Network pharmacology and experimental validation to study the potential mechanism of Tongguanteng injection in regulating apoptosis in osteosarcoma. BMC Complement Med Ther 2024; 24:67. [PMID: 38297292 PMCID: PMC10829404 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04354-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The main objectives of this study were to identify the active components of Tongguanteng injection (TGT) and investigate the preclinical efficacy and mechanism of TGT on osteosarcoma using a combination of network pharmacology and experimental validation. METHODS To identify the active constituents and targets of TGT against osteosarcoma using network pharmacology, we constructed a network consisting of an 'active ingredient-disease-target-pathway' and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. The target organ network was utilized to investigate the distribution of core targets in tissues. Afterwards, the core targets underwent Gene ontology (GO) functional enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. The binding energy between receptors and ligands was compared using molecular docking. In addition, SwissADME was employed to forecast the pharmacokinetic characteristics of the substances. Finally, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), cell proliferation assay, morphological analysis, apoptosis assay, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) detection, and Western blotting were utilized to confirm the potential mechanisms of TGT treatment in osteosarcoma cell lines 143B and SAOS2. RESULTS A total of 54 chemical constituents of TGT and 71 targets associated with osteosarcoma were acquired. Through the molecular docking technology, Tenacigenin B, Marsdekoiside, Taraxasterol, Tenacissoside G, Tenacissoside L, and Tenacissoside J were identified as the primary active components of TGT among the various compounds. Analysis of target organs suggests that TGT may play an anti-osteosarcoma role through immune regulation. The GO and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that TGT could trigger osteosarcoma cell apoptosis by inhibiting the HIF-1 signalling pathway and modulating PD-1 expression and the PD-1 checkpoint pathway in cancer. SwissADME database predicted that Tenacigenin B and Taraxasterol had the best drug-likeness. In vitro studies also demonstrated that TGT suppressed the activity and induced alterations in the morphology of osteosarcoma cells. It decreased MMP levels, triggered apoptosis by increasing Bax expression and Caspase-3 activity, and decreased Bcl-2 expression, thereby exerting an anti-osteosarcoma effect. In the meantime, RT-PCR tests demonstrated that TGT could control immune response against tumors and hinder the proliferation and spread of cancerous cells by impacting the levels of critical factors, including JUN, HSP90AA1, HDAC1, and CDK1. CONCLUSION The study accurately anticipated the active components, targets, and pathways of TGT in the management of osteosarcoma. The molecular mechanism of TGT-induced apoptosis in osteosarcoma cells was demonstrated by in vitro experiments. These results provide theoretical and technical support for TGT as a clinical adjuvant drug for osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanyi Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Jingjing Meng
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Danfeng Xiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Quanjun Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Yangyun Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Lingyan Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Mengyue Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Junjun Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - Yonglong Han
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China.
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Zhang QQ, Di XM, Cao X, Nie Y, Shuai W, Li J, Zhang H. Analysis of pharmacodynamic components, targets and synergistic action mechanism of Fuyuan Shenghua granule for the treatment of medical-induced incomplete abortion based on network pharmacology. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117118. [PMID: 37659757 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117118] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Fuyuan Shenghua Granule (FYSHG) is a traditional Chinese medicine preparation widely used in our hospital for the treatment of incomplete postpartum uterine repair. However, its pharmacological action, main components, and synergistic mechanism are still unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY The study aims to verify the pharmacological action, identify the main components and explore the synergistic mechanisms of FYSHG for the treatment of medical-induced incomplete abortion. MATERIALS AND METHODS The ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS) was employed to identify the main components of FYSHG after extraction with water and methanol. A medical-induced incomplete abortion rat model was established, and the uterine status was evaluated by morphological and H&E staining analysis. The KEGG enrichment analysis and network pharmacology analysis were used to screen the potential synergistic mechanisms of FYSHG. Hemorheological analysis was employed to analyze the blood viscosity and coagulation of FYSHG-treated rats. The ELISA was used to measure the concentration of E2, progesterone, RCG, IL-1, IL-6, and TNF. The Western blot analysis was employed to measure the protein expression of p38 and NF-κB signaling pathways. RESULTS A total 106 of components of FYSHG were identified and characterized rapidly by UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS technology. Intragastric administration of FYSHG could play a role in promoting uterine involution in rats with medical-induced incomplete abortion. The analysis of its components and targets by network pharmacology showed that the synergetic effect of FYSHG on anti-uterine involution mainly focused on anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and hormone regulation. ELISA and Western blot analysis showed that FYSHG mainly inhibited the protein expression of p38 and NF-κB signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggested that FYSHG suppressed the p38 and NF-κB signaling pathway to alleviate inflammation, regulate coagulant function, and correct hormone level, which might contribute to the treatment of medical-induced incomplete abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Qiang Zhang
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xue-Mei Di
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xiang Cao
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yonghong Nie
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Wen Shuai
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Obstetrics, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong, 250011, China.
| | - Hai Zhang
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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Liu G, Yang L, Tang Y, Lin J, Wang F, Shen J, Chang B, Kong X. Study on the action mechanism of the Polygonum perfoliatum L. on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, based on network pharmacology and experimental validation. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117330. [PMID: 37863399 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117330] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) holds that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) belong to the category of "thoracic fullness". Polygonum perfoliatum L. (PPL), a Chinese medicinal herb with the effect of treating thoracic fullness, was recorded in the ancient Chinese medicine book "Supplements to Compendium of Materia Medica". It has been used since ancient times to treat NAFLD. However, the underlying mechanism and active components of PPL against NAFLD remains unclear. AIM OF STUDY To identify the main active components and the anti-NAFLD mechanism of PPL. MATERIALS AND METHODS Network pharmacology, UPLC/QE-HFX analysis, and molecular docking were employed to determine the main bioactive compounds and key targets of PPL for the NAFLD treatment. This effect was further validated with administration of PPL (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) to NAFLD model mice for 5 weeks. Systemic signs of obesity, biochemical parameters, and histological changes were characterized. Immunohistochemistry, western blot, and PCR analysis were conducted to elucidate the mechanistic pathways through which PPL exerts its effects. RESULTS Network pharmacology revealed 77 crossover genes between the PPL and NAFLD. The kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis show that PPL treat NAFLD mainly regulating glucose-lipid metabolism mediated by PI3K/AKT signal pathway. The Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis show that PPL treat NAFLD mainly regulating inflammation mediated by cytokine-mediated signaling pathway. In accordance with the anticipated outcomes, administration of PPL in a dose-dependent manner effectively mitigated insulin resistance induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Histopathological evaluation corroborated the hepatoprotective effects of PPL against HFD-induced hepatic steatosis, as evidenced by the inhibition of de novo fatty acid synthesis and promotion of fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO). Further research showed that PPL blocked cytokine production by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway, thereby reducing immune cell infiltration. Furthermore, five flavonoids from PPL, including quercetin, baicalein, galangin, apigenin, and genistein were identified as key compounds based on ingredient-target-pathway network analysis. Molecular docking show that these active compounds have favorable binding interactions with AKT1, PIK3R1, and MAPK1, further confirming the impact of PPL on the PI3K/AKT pathway. CONCLUSIONS Through the combination of network pharmacology prediction and experimental validation, this work determined that therapeutic effect of PPL on NAFLD, and such protective effect is mediated by activating PI3K/AKT-mediated glucolipid metabolism pathway and hepatic NF-κB-mediated cytokine signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanjie Liu
- Central Laboratory, ShuGuang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Central Laboratory, ShuGuang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifei Tang
- Department of Liver Diseases, ShuGuang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiacheng Lin
- Central Laboratory, ShuGuang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Central Laboratory, ShuGuang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Shen
- Department of pharmacy, The SATCM Third Grade Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparations, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Bin Chang
- Department of Pathology, Shuguang Hospital, ShuGuang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiaoni Kong
- Central Laboratory, ShuGuang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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Gu K, Feng S, Zhang X, Peng Y, Sun P, Liu W, Wu Y, Yu Y, Liu X, Liu X, Deng G, Zheng J, Li B, Zhao L. Deciphering the antifungal mechanism and functional components of cinnamomum cassia essential oil against Candida albicans through integration of network-based metabolomics and pharmacology, the greedy algorithm, and molecular docking. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117156. [PMID: 37729978 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117156] [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: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Fungal pathogens can cause deadly invasive infections and have become a major global public health challenge. There is an urgent need to find new treatment options beyond established antifungal agents, as well as new drug targets that can be used to develop novel antifungal agents. Cinnamomum cassia is a tropical aromatic plant that has a wide range of applications in traditional Chinese medicine, especially in the treatment of bacterial and fungal infections. AIM OF THE STUDY The present study aimed to explore the mechanism of action and functional components of Cinnamomum cassia essential oil (CEO) against Candida albicans using an integrated strategy combining network-based metabolomics and pharmacology, the greedy algorithm and molecular docking. MATERIALS AND METHODS CEO was extracted using hydrodistillation and its chemical composition was identified by GC-MS. Cluster analysis was performed on the compositions of 19 other CEOs from the published literature, as well as the sample obtained in this study. The damages of C. albicans cells upon treatment with CEO was observed using a scanning electron microscope. The mechanisms of its antifungal effect at a subinhibitory concentration of 0.1 × MIC were determined using microbial metabolomics and network analysis. The functional components were studied using the greedy algorithm and molecular docking. RESULTS A total of 69 compounds were identified in the chemical analysis of CEO, which accounted for 90% of the sample. The major compounds were terpenoids (34.04%), aromatic compounds (4.52%), aliphatic compounds (0.9%), and others. Hierarchical cluster analysis of the compositions of 20 essential oils extracted from Cinnamomum cassia grown in different geographical locations showed a wide diversity of chemical composition with four major chemotypes. CEO showed strong antifungal activity and caused destruction of cell membranes in a concentration-dependent way. Metabolic fingerprint analysis identified 29 metabolites associated with lipid metabolism, which were mapped to 23 core targets mainly involved in fatty acid biosynthesis and metabolism. Six antifungal functional components of CEO were identified through network construction, greedy algorithm and molecular docking, including trans-cinnamaldehyde, δ-cadinol, ethylcinnamate, safrole, trans-anethole, and trans-cinnamyl acetate, which showed excellent binding with specific targets of AKR1B1, PPARG, BCHE, CYP19A1, CYP2C19, QPCT, and CYP51A1. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a systematic understanding of the antifungal activity of CEO and offers an integrated strategy for deciphering the potential metabolism and material foundation of complex component drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keru Gu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Shengyi Feng
- Center of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China
| | - Xinyue Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Yuanyuan Peng
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Peipei Sun
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Wenchi Liu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Yi Wu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Yun Yu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Xijian Liu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Xiaohui Liu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Guoying Deng
- Trauma Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Jun Zheng
- Center of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China.
| | - Bo Li
- Center of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China.
| | - Linjing Zhao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, 201620, China.
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Sun Y, Liu J, Wang J, He M, Chen X, Chen L. Network pharmacology integrated with experimental validation revealed the mechanism of Fengshi Gutong Capsule in the treatment of osteoarthritis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117261. [PMID: 37788787 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117261] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Fengshi Gutong Capsule (FSGTC) is a commonly used Chinese medicine for the treatment of joint pain caused by osteoarthritis (OA). However, the mechanism of action of FSGTC for OA remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to explore the alleviating effects and potential mechanisms of action of FSGTC for OA through data mining, network pharmacology, and in vitro experiments. MATERIALS AND METHODS High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed to establish the fingerprints of FSGTC and detect the components of FSGTC absorbed in the blood. The effects of FSGTC on inflammation, immunity, and liver and kidney functions in patients with OA were evaluated by mining clinical data. The potential targets and pathways of FSGTC were screened using network pharmacology. Subsequently, CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, western blotting, RT-qPCR, ELISA, and immunofluorescence were performed in IL-1β-stimulated chondrocytes for further validation. RESULTS Eighty-seven common peaks and 10 components were identified using the HPLC fingerprints of 12 batches of samples, and the similarity was in the range of 0.973-0.998. Retrospective clinical analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in inflammatory response levels among patients with OA who received FSGTC treatment. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that FSGTC potentially targeted processes related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT), The nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathways were predicted to be the main pathways involved in the therapeutic effects of FSGTC in OA. In vitro, FSGTC-containing serum aided the proliferation of chondrocytes stimulated by IL-1β, while concurrently mitigating apoptosis, suppressing the expression of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative molecules, and inhibiting the degradation of the chondrocyte extracellular matrix (ECM). CONCLUSIONS FSGTC alleviates the inflammatory response in patients with OA. This therapeutic effect was attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and its ability to promote IL-1β-induced chondrocyte proliferation, inhibit apoptosis, and prevent the degradation of extracellular matrix. These favorable results were associated with the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT, NF-κB, and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqiu Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230038, Anhui Province, China; Institute of Rheumatology, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, Anhui Province, China.
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230038, Anhui Province, China; Institute of Rheumatology, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, Anhui Province, China.
| | - Jue Wang
- Sinopharm Group Jingfang (Anhui) Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Xuancheng City, 242000, Anhui Province, China.
| | - Mingyu He
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230038, Anhui Province, China; Institute of Rheumatology, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, Anhui Province, China.
| | - Xiaolu Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230038, Anhui Province, China; Institute of Rheumatology, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, Anhui Province, China.
| | - Li Chen
- Pharmaceutical Department, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230038, Anhui Province, China.
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Zhou TT, Zhu WJ, Feng H, Ni Y, Li ZW, Sun DD, Li L, Tan JN, Yu CT, Shen WX, Cheng HB. A network pharmacology integrated serum pharmacochemistry strategy for uncovering efficacy of YXC on hepatocellular carcinoma. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117125. [PMID: 37699493 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117125] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The YangzhengXiaoji capsule (YXC) has a wide range of applications as effective traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in China. However, the potential bioactive components and the mechanisms are yet unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY The treatment mechanism of YXC on HCC using a network pharmacology integrated serum pharmacochemistry strategy to investigate associated targets and pathways. MATERIALS AND METHODS We utilised HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS technology to identify components of the serum samples from both the model group and the YXC (H) group serum, which were collected from nude mice with orthotopic liver tumours. Following this, we conducted compound-target prediction and identified the overlap between the target genes in the YXC group and the oncogenes associated with HCC. The anticancer mechanisms of YXC were investigated by creating a compound-target-pathway network using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis. The anticancer efficacy was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Also, potential predictive targets and pathways associated with YXC in HCC treatment were assessed by western blotting. RESULTS The YXC (H) serum had 47 bioactive compounds compared to other models, and identified 173 specific target genes. Using the compound-target-disease network, 141 possible target genes were identified. The KEGG pathway analysis revealed vital enrichment of pathways associated with HCC, including regulating Oncology related pathways of inflammation, immunity, apoptosis, and necrosis biological processes. YXC significantly inhibited HCC cell growth in vitro and in vivo. After YXC treatment, western blotting detected alterations in the p53/Bcl-2/Bax/Caspase-3 and PI3K/Akt pathways. CONCLUSIONS YXC can inhibit HCC development and advancement by a variety of components, targets and pathways, especially apoptosis-induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Ting Zhou
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 210023, Nanjing, China
| | - Wen-Jian Zhu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 210023, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Feng
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 210023, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Ni
- Yancheng Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 224000, Yancheng, China
| | - Zi-Wen Li
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 210023, Nanjing, China
| | - Dong-Dong Sun
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 210023, Nanjing, China; Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 210023, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Tumour, 210023, Nanjing, China
| | - Liu Li
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 210023, Nanjing, China; Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 210023, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Tumour, 210023, Nanjing, China
| | - Jia-Ni Tan
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 210023, Nanjing, China; Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 210023, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Tumour, 210023, Nanjing, China
| | - Cheng-Tao Yu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 210023, Nanjing, China; Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 210023, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Tumour, 210023, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei-Xing Shen
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 210023, Nanjing, China; Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 210023, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Tumour, 210023, Nanjing, China.
| | - Hai-Bo Cheng
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 210023, Nanjing, China; Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 210023, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Tumour, 210023, Nanjing, China.
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Wang Y, Zhang B, Liu S, Xu E, Wang Z. The traditional herb Sargentodoxa cuneata alleviates DSS-induced colitis by attenuating epithelial barrier damage via blocking necroptotic signaling. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117373. [PMID: 37923253 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The traditional Chinese herb, Sargentodoxa cuneata, is primarily utilized as a crucial herb for managing ulcerative colitis (UC), also known as "Da Xue Teng (DXT)" or "Hong Teng" in Chinese. Nevertheless, the chemical composition, prototype, and metabolite constituents of DXT and its pharmacological mechanism of treatment for UC remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY Necroptosis, a caspase-independent form of programmed cell death, plays a crucial role in the inflammatory pathogenesis of UC. The occurrence of necroptosis in intestinal epithelial cells triggers a robust inflammatory response and disrupts the integrity of both the mucinous barrier and tight junction construction. The objective of our study was to determine the chemical composition of DXT, identify its absorbed active ingredients and metabolites in rat serum, and investigate whether DXT possesses epithelial barrier protective effects by inhibiting necroptosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS First, the UPLC-Q-TOF/MS was applied to identify the chemical composition of DXT, as well as the absorption components and metabolites of DXT in rat serum. Second, the network pharmacology analysis was further investigated to elucidate the potential targets for treating UC. Finally, the mechanism of action was validated by necroptosis-based experiment in vitro and an in vivo model of colitis. RESULTS A comprehensive analysis revealed the presence of 31 phytochemicals derived from DXT herb, as well as a total of 39 components in rat serum. Network pharmacology analysis indicated that TNF, EGFR, HSP90, etc. are the potential targets. Experimental in vitro and in vivo verified that the DXT could improve disease activity index, body weight, colon length and intestinal barrier permeability in mice with colitis by inhibiting necroptosis of intestinal epithelial cells. CONCLUSIONS In this study, the phytochemicals derived from DXT herb and absorption active ingredients and metabolites of DXT in rat serum were analyzed. The biological mechanism of treatment for UC can be elucidated by combining network pharmacology investigation with experimental in vitro and in vivo studies. The findings offered a theoretical basis for comprehending the bioactive substances and the pharmacological process of DXT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory for Modern Research on Zhongjing's Herbal Formulae, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 156 East Jinshui Road, Zhengzhou, 450046, China; Henan Collaborative Innovation Center for Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 156 East Jinshui Road, Zhengzhou, 450046, China; Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 274 Middle Zhijiang Road, Shanghai, 200071, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 274 Middle Zhijiang Road, Shanghai, 200071, China
| | - Siqi Liu
- Henan Key Laboratory for Modern Research on Zhongjing's Herbal Formulae, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 156 East Jinshui Road, Zhengzhou, 450046, China; Henan Collaborative Innovation Center for Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 156 East Jinshui Road, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Erping Xu
- Henan Key Laboratory for Modern Research on Zhongjing's Herbal Formulae, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 156 East Jinshui Road, Zhengzhou, 450046, China; Henan Collaborative Innovation Center for Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 156 East Jinshui Road, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
| | - Zhibin Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, School of Anesthesiology, Naval Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433, China.
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Xu T, He P, namWangdu S, Xu C, Hou B, Ma P, Wang Z, Zhang L, Du G, Ring T, Ji T, Qiang G. Revealing the improvement of diabetes by Si Wei Jiang Huang Tang San through ERK/HIF1α signaling pathway via network pharmacology. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117254. [PMID: 37778519 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117254] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Si Wei Jiang Huang Tang San (SWJHTS) is a traditional Tibetan medicine prescription for the treatment of urethritis, frequent urination, and urgency, composed of four traditional Chinese medicines: Curcumae longae rhizoma, Berberidis cortex, Tribuli fructus, and Phyllanthi fructus. However, whether SWJHTS exhibits hypoglycemic efficacy and its specific mechanism remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY In this study, we aimed to investigate the anti-diabetic effects of SWJHTS and elucidate the underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS HPLC-MS method was used to identify the key components of four kinds of traditional Chinese medicine (Curcumae longae rhizoma, Berberidis cortex., Tribuli fructus, and Phyllanthi fructus) which composed SWJHTS and determine their structure. Normal mice and 145 mg/kg STZ-induced type 1 diabetic mice were treated with three doses of SWJTHS by oral gavage. Body weight, 24h food and water intake, fasting blood glucose, glucose tolerance and other indicators were measured to evaluate the hypoglycemic effect of SWJHTS. OMIM, Genecards and other databases were used to collect targets of diabetes, and HPLC-MS results and TCMSP database information were used to collect drug component targets. Bioinformatics methods such as pathway enrichment analysis and molecular docking were used to predict the key targets of SWJHTS. The gene and protein expressions of HIF1α and ERK signaling pathways in HepG2 cells treated with SWJHTS were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. RESULTS A total of 181 components were identified, including curcumin, palmatine, and berberine, etc. The in vivo studies showed that SWJHTS could significantly lower fasting blood glucose levels and improve the symptoms of polydipsia, polyphagia, and polyuria in diabetic mice. Furthermore, we identified HIF1α as the potential key target of SWJHTS against diabetes utilizing network pharmacology approach and in silico molecular docking. Subsequently, we experimentally confirmed that SWJHTS could suppress the high glucose-induced upregulation of HIF1α expression, which mediated the glucose consumption in HepG2 cells. The ERK signaling pathway was further found to be activated by the SWJHTS as the upstream of HIF1α. CONCLUSIONS SWJHTS can improve glucose metabolism by targeting the ERK/HIF1α signaling pathway; hence might be a prospective anti-diabetic drug for diabetic patients as traditional Tibetan medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianshu Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Screening Research, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Ping He
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Screening Research, Beijing, 100050, China; College of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - So namWangdu
- Hospital of Tibetan Traditional Medicine, Tibet Autonomous Region, 850000, China
| | - Chunyang Xu
- Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100026, China
| | - Biyu Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Screening Research, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Peng Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Screening Research, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Zijing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Screening Research, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Li Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Screening Research, Beijing, 100050, China; Inner Mongolia Clinical College, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010110, China
| | - Guanhua Du
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Screening Research, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Tse Ring
- Hospital of Tibetan Traditional Medicine, Tibet Autonomous Region, 850000, China.
| | - Tengfei Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Screening Research, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Guifen Qiang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Screening Research, Beijing, 100050, China.
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Yang J, Cheng C, Wu Z. Mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of cinobufagin in treating melanoma based on network pharmacology, single-cell RNA sequencing data, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1315965. [PMID: 38348352 PMCID: PMC10859445 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1315965] [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: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is one of the most aggressive of cancers; if not treated early, it can metastasize rapidly. Therefore, drug therapy plays an important role in the treatment of melanoma. Cinobufagin, an active ingredient derived from Venenum bufonis, can inhibit the growth and development of melanoma. However, the mechanism underlying its therapeutic effects is unclear. The purpose of this study was to predict the potential targets of cinobufagin in melanoma. We gathered known and predicted targets for cinobufagin from four online databases. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were then performed. Gene expression data were downloaded from the GSE46517 dataset, and differential gene expression analysis and weighted gene correlation network analysis were performed to identify melanoma-related genes. Using input melanoma-related genes and drug targets in the STRING online database and applying molecular complex detection (MCODE) analysis, we identified key targets that may be the potential targets of cinobufagin in melanoma. Moreover, we assessed the distribution of the pharmacological targets of cinobufagin in melanoma key clusters using single-cell data from the GSE215120 dataset obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The crucial targets of cinobufagin in melanoma were identified from the intersection of key clusters with melanoma-related genes and drug targets. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, survival analysis, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation were performed to gain further insights. Our findings suggest that cinobufagin may affect melanoma by arresting the cell cycle by inhibiting three protein tyrosine/serine kinases (EGFR, ERBB2, and CDK2). However, our conclusions are not supported by relevant experimental data and require further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiansheng Yang
- Department of Dermatology, The Peoples Hospital of Yudu County, Ganzhou, China
| | - Chunchao Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Laboratory of Neuro-oncology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Key Laboratory of Post-Neuro Injury Neuro-Repair and Regeneration in Central Nervous System, Ministry of Education, and Tianjin City, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhuolin Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Laboratory of Neuro-oncology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Key Laboratory of Post-Neuro Injury Neuro-Repair and Regeneration in Central Nervous System, Ministry of Education, and Tianjin City, Tianjin, China
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Zhang R, Asikaer A, Chen Q, Wang F, Lan J, Liu Y, Hu L, Zhao H, Duan H. Network pharmacology and in vitro experimental verification unveil glycyrrhizin from glycyrrhiza glabra alleviates acute pancreatitis via modulation of MAPK and STAT3 signaling pathways. BMC Complement Med Ther 2024; 24:58. [PMID: 38280993 PMCID: PMC10821312 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04372-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a severe gastrointestinal inflammatory disease with increasing mortality and morbidity. Glycyrrhiza glabra, commonly known as Liquorice, is a widely used plant containing bioactive compounds like Glycyrrhizin, which possesses diverse medicinal properties such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and anticancer activities. The objective of this study is to investigate the active components, relevant targets, and underlying mechanisms of the traditional Chinese medicine Glycyrrhiza glabra in the treatment of AP. Utilizing various computational biology methods, we explored the potential targets and molecular mechanisms through Glycyrrhizin supplementation. Computational results indicated that Glycyrrhizin shows promising pharmacological potential, particularly with mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3) protein (degree: 70), forming stable complexes with Glycyrrhizin through ionic and hydrogen bonding interactions, with a binding free energy (ΔGbind) of -33.01 ± 0.08 kcal/mol. Through in vitro experiments, we validated that Glycyrrhizin improves primary pancreatic acinar cell injury by inhibiting the MAPK/STAT3/AKT signaling pathway. Overall, MAPK3 emerges as a reliable target for Glycyrrhizin's therapeutic effects in AP treatment. This study provides novel insights into the active components and potential targets and molecular mechanisms of natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- Department of pharmacy, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, 550002, China
| | - Aiminuer Asikaer
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 405400, PR China
| | - Qi Chen
- Department of pharmacy, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, 550002, China
| | - Fang Wang
- College of Stomotology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
| | - Junjie Lan
- Department of pharmacy, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, 550002, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery II, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, 550002, China
| | - Linfang Hu
- Department of pharmacy, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, 550002, China
| | - Huaye Zhao
- Department of pharmacy, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, 550002, China
| | - Hongtao Duan
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 405400, PR China.
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Zhang Y, Du J, Jin W, Yang J, Ding Z, He Y, Wan H, Yu L. Uncovering Mechanism and Efficacy of Salvia Miltiorrhiza-Safflower in Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury. Neuroscience 2024; 537:1-11. [PMID: 38036060 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Cerebral ischemia (CI) is the main cause of stroke morbidity and disability. This study aims to identify the early molecular regulation responsible for the therapeutic effectiveness of the Herb pair Danshen-Honghua (DH) for CI. The major targets of DH were identified by searching the public database of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In addition, GeneCards, Disgenet, and GeneMap databases in OMIM were used to determine the disease targets of CI. A total of 88 common targets of DH and CI were selected, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was established by Cytoscape, and 19 core targets were screened. These genes were primarily enriched in biological processes including wound healing, reaction to oxidative stress, and response to peptides, lipid and atherosclerosis, Age-rage signaling pathway, and TNF signaling pathway by KEGG and GO enrichments. The effective components of DH had stable binding to these key targets by molecular docking. Finally, it was verified that the mechanism of DH on CI treatment may be related to the activation of the TNF-α/JNK signaling pathway by establishing the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of TCM Encephalopathy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jiayin Du
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Weifeng Jin
- Key Laboratory of TCM Encephalopathy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jiehong Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of TCM Encephalopathy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Zhishan Ding
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yu He
- Key Laboratory of TCM Encephalopathy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Haitong Wan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of TCM Encephalopathy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Li Yu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Center of Safety Evaluation and Research, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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137
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Zhang JC, Zhang HL, Xin XY, Zhu YT, Mao X, Hu HQ, Jin YX, Fan RW, Zhang XH, Ye Y, Li D. Mechanisms of Bushen Tiaoxue Granules against controlled ovarian hyperstimulation-induced abnormal morphology of endometrium based on network pharmacology. J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:25. [PMID: 38279186 PMCID: PMC10811918 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01339-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Bushen Tiaoxue Granules (BTG) is an empirical Chinese herbal formula that has been used for the treatment of subfertility. The protective effect of BTG on controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH)-induced impaired endometrial receptivity has been reported in our previous study. This study aims to explore the mechanisms of BTG on ameliorating abnormal morphology of endometrium based on network pharmacology. Active compounds of BTG were identified via the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology and UPLC-MS technology. The SwissTargetPrediction platform and HERB database were used to screen out the putative targets of BTG. Potential targets of endometrial dysfunction caused by COH were obtained from three GEO databases. Through the STRING database, the protein-protein interaction was carried out according to the cross-common targets of diseases and drugs. GO terms and KEGG pathways enrichment analyses were conducted via the Metascape database. AutoDock Vina was used for docking validation of the affinity between active compounds and potential targets. Finally, in vivo experiments were used to verify the potential mechanisms derived from network pharmacology study. A total of 141 effective ingredients were obtained from TCMSP and nine of which were verified in UPLC-MS. Six genes were selected through the intersection of 534 disease related genes and 165 drug potential targets. Enrichment analyses showed that BTG might reverse endometrial dysfunction by regulating adherens junction and arachidonic acid metabolism. Hematoxylin-eosin staining revealed that BTG ameliorated the loose and edematous status of endometrial epithelium caused by COH. The protein expression of FOXO1A, β-Catenin and COX-2 was decreased in the COH group, and was up-regulated by BTG. BTG significantly alleviates the edema of endometrial epithelium caused by COH. The mechanisms may be related to adheren junctions and activation of arachidonic acid metabolism. The potential active compounds quercetin, taxifolin, kaempferol, eriodictyol, and isorhamnetin identified from the BTG exhibit marginal cytotoxicity. Both high and low concentrations of kaempferol, eriodictyol, and taxifolin are capable of effectively ameliorating impaired hESC cellular activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Cheng Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hao-Lin Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xi-Yan Xin
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Tian Zhu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Mao
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hang-Qi Hu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Xin Jin
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Rui-Wen Fan
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Ye
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Dong Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
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138
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Ma R, Huang X, Sun D, Wang J, Xue C, Ye Q. Tetrandrine Alleviates Silica-induced Pulmonary Fibrosis Through PI3K/AKT Pathway: Network Pharmacology Investigation and Experimental Validation. Inflammation 2024:10.1007/s10753-023-01964-6. [PMID: 38265677 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-023-01964-6] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Tetrandrine (TET) is a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid derived from Stephania tetrandra S. Moor, known for its potential use in attenuating the progression of silicosis. However, the precise effects and underlying mechanisms of TET remain controversial. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the pharmacological mechanism of TET using a network pharmacology approach, while also evaluating its effect on silica-induced lung fibrosis in mice and TGF-β1-stimulated pulmonary fibroblasts in vitro. We employed network pharmacology to unravel the biological mechanisms through which TET may exert its therapeutic effects on pulmonary fibrosis and silicosis. In a silica-induced mouse model of lung fibrosis, TET was administered orally either during the early or late stage of fibrotic progression. Additionally, we examined the effects of TET on fibroblasts stimulated by TGF-β1 in vitro. Through the analysis, we identified a total of 101 targets of TET, 7,851 genes associated with pulmonary fibrosis, and 80 overlapping genes. These genes were primarily associated with key pathways such as epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, the vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway, and the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (PKB or AKT) signaling pathway. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis revealed the binding of TET to AKT1, the catalytic subunit of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase, and KDR. In vivo experiments demonstrated that TET significantly alleviated silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis and reduced the expression of fibrotic markers. Moreover, TET exhibited inhibitory effects on the migration, proliferation, and differentiation of TGF-β1-induced lung fibroblasts in vitro. Notably, TET mitigated silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis by suppressing the PI3K/AKT pathway. In conclusion, our findings suggest that TET possesses the ability to suppress silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis by targeting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. These results provide valuable insights into the therapeutic potential of TET in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis and silicosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruimin Ma
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, Clinical Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8 Workers' Stadium South Road, Chao-Yang District, Beijing, China
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxi Huang
- Medical Research Center, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Di Sun
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, Clinical Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8 Workers' Stadium South Road, Chao-Yang District, Beijing, China
| | - Jingwei Wang
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, Clinical Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8 Workers' Stadium South Road, Chao-Yang District, Beijing, China
| | - Changjiang Xue
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, Clinical Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8 Workers' Stadium South Road, Chao-Yang District, Beijing, China
| | - Qiao Ye
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, Clinical Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8 Workers' Stadium South Road, Chao-Yang District, Beijing, China.
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139
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Dong S, Tian Q, Hui M, Zhang S. Revealing the Antiperspirant Components of Floating Wheat and Their Mechanisms of Action through Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology. Molecules 2024; 29:553. [PMID: 38338298 PMCID: PMC10856516 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29030553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Floating wheat is a classical herbal with potential efficacy in the treatment of hyperhidrosis. Aiming at revealing the main components and potential mechanisms of floating wheat, a comprehensive and unique phytopharmacology profile study was carried out. First, common wheat was used as a control to look for chemical markers of floating wheat. In the screening analysis, a total of 180 shared compounds were characterized in common wheat and floating wheat, respectively. The results showed that floating wheat and common wheat contain similar types of compounds. In addition, in non-targeted metabolomic analysis, when taking the contents of the constituents into account, it was found that there indeed existed quite a difference between floating wheat and common wheat and 17 potential biomarkers for floating wheat. Meanwhile, a total of seven components targeted for hyperhidrosis were screened out based on network pharmacology. Seven key differential components were screened, among which kaempferol, asiatic acid, sclareol, enoxolone, and secoisolariciresinol had higher degree values than the others. The analysis of interacting genes revealed three key genes, namely, MAP2K1, ESR1, and ESR2. The Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses showed that various signaling pathways were involved. Prolactin signaling, thyroid cancer, endocrine resistance, gonadotropin secretion, and estrogen signaling pathways were the main pathways of the intervention of floating wheat in excessive sweating, which was associated with the estrogenic response, hormone receptor binding, androgen metabolism, apoptosis, cancer, and many other biological processes. Molecular docking showed that the screened key components could form good bindings with the target proteins through intermolecular forces. This study reveals the active ingredients and potential molecular mechanism of floating wheat in the treatment of hyperhidrosis and provides a reference for subsequent basic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Dong
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China;
| | - Qing Tian
- Industrial Microorganism Preservation and Breeding Henan Engineering Laboratory, Zhengzhou 450001, China;
| | - Ming Hui
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China;
- Industrial Microorganism Preservation and Breeding Henan Engineering Laboratory, Zhengzhou 450001, China;
| | - Shouyu Zhang
- College of Smart Health, Henan Polytechnic, Zhengzhou 450046, China
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140
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Hu L, Zhang M, Hu P, Zhang J, Niu C, Lu X, Jiang X, Ma Y. Dual-channel hypergraph convolutional network for predicting herb-disease associations. Brief Bioinform 2024; 25:bbae067. [PMID: 38426326 PMCID: PMC10939431 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbae067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Herbs applicability in disease treatment has been verified through experiences over thousands of years. The understanding of herb-disease associations (HDAs) is yet far from complete due to the complicated mechanism inherent in multi-target and multi-component (MTMC) botanical therapeutics. Most of the existing prediction models fail to incorporate the MTMC mechanism. To overcome this problem, we propose a novel dual-channel hypergraph convolutional network, namely HGHDA, for HDA prediction. Technically, HGHDA first adopts an autoencoder to project components and target protein onto a low-dimensional latent space so as to obtain their embeddings by preserving similarity characteristics in their original feature spaces. To model the high-order relations between herbs and their components, we design a channel in HGHDA to encode a hypergraph that describes the high-order patterns of herb-component relations via hypergraph convolution. The other channel in HGHDA is also established in the same way to model the high-order relations between diseases and target proteins. The embeddings of drugs and diseases are then aggregated through our dual-channel network to obtain the prediction results with a scoring function. To evaluate the performance of HGHDA, a series of extensive experiments have been conducted on two benchmark datasets, and the results demonstrate the superiority of HGHDA over the state-of-the-art algorithms proposed for HDA prediction. Besides, our case study on Chuan Xiong and Astragalus membranaceus is a strong indicator to verify the effectiveness of HGHDA, as seven and eight out of the top 10 diseases predicted by HGHDA for Chuan-Xiong and Astragalus-membranaceus, respectively, have been reported in literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lun Hu
- The Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Xinjiang Laboratory of Minority Speech and Language Information Processing, Urumqi, China
| | - Menglong Zhang
- The Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Xinjiang Laboratory of Minority Speech and Language Information Processing, Urumqi, China
| | - Pengwei Hu
- The Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Xinjiang Laboratory of Minority Speech and Language Information Processing, Urumqi, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- The Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Xinjiang Laboratory of Minority Speech and Language Information Processing, Urumqi, China
| | - Chao Niu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory Basis of Xinjiang Indigenous Medicinal Plants Resource Utilization, Key Laboratory of Chemistry of Plant Resources in Arid Regions, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physicsand Chemistry,Chinese Academy of Sciences Urumqi, China
| | - Xueying Lu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory Basis of Xinjiang Indigenous Medicinal Plants Resource Utilization, Key Laboratory of Chemistry of Plant Resources in Arid Regions, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physicsand Chemistry,Chinese Academy of Sciences Urumqi, China
| | - Xiangrui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica,Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai, China
| | - Yupeng Ma
- The Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Xinjiang Laboratory of Minority Speech and Language Information Processing, Urumqi, China
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Vadak N, Borkar MR, Bhatt LK. Deciphering neuroprotective mechanism of nitroxoline in cerebral ischemia: network pharmacology and molecular modeling-based investigations. Mol Divers 2024:10.1007/s11030-023-10791-8. [PMID: 38233690 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-023-10791-8] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Cerebral ischemia is one of the major causes of death and disability worldwide. Currently, existing approved therapies are based on reperfusion and there is an unmet need to search for drugs with neuroprotective effects. The present study aims to investigate the neuroprotective mechanisms of nitroxoline, a nitro derivative of 8-Hydroxyquinoline, against cerebral ischemia using integrated network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches. Critical analytical tools used were SwissTarget, PharmMapper, BindingDB, DisGeNet, Cytoscape, GeneMANIA, ShinyGo, Metascape, GeneCodis, and Schrodinger GLIDE. Thirty-six overlapping drug and disease targets were identified and used for further analysis. Gene Ontology results showed that nitroxoline enriched the genes involved in biological processes of oxidative stress and apoptotic cell death that are highly implicated in hypoxic injury. KEGG enrichment analysis showed nitroxoline influenced a total of 159 biological pathways, out of which, top pathways involved in cerebral ischemia included longevity regulating pathway, VEGF signaling, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, IL-17 and HIF-1 pathways, FoxO signaling, and AGE-RAGE pathway. Protein-protein interaction analysis using string database showed PARP1, EGFR, PTEN, BRD4, RAC1, NOS2, MTOR, MAPK3, BCL2, MAPK1, APP, METAP2, MAPK14, SIRT1, PRKAA1, and MCL1 as highly interactive proteins involved in pathogenesis of ischemic stroke regulated by nitroxoline. The highly interactive protein targets were validated by molecular docking studies and molecular dynamic simulations. Amongst all these targets, nitroxoline showed the highest binding affinity towards BRD4 followed by PARP1 and PTEN. Nitroxoline, through network pharmacology analysis, showed a role in regulating proteins, biological processes, and pathways crucial in cerebral ischemia. The current study thus provides a preliminary insight that nitroxoline might be used as a neuroprotectant against cerebral ischemia via modulating the epigenetic reader BRD4 and transcription factors such as RELA, NF-κβ1, and SP1. However, further in-vitro and preclinical studies need to be performed for concrete evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namrata Vadak
- Department of Pharmacology, SVKM's Dr Bhanuben, Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, India
| | - Maheshkumar R Borkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, SVKM's Dr, Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, India
| | - Lokesh Kumar Bhatt
- Department of Pharmacology, SVKM's Dr Bhanuben, Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, India.
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Ali M, Asghar E, Ali W, Mustafa G, Ansari IA, Zia S, Ansari SA, Khan S. Screening of Multitarget Compounds against Acetaminophen Hepatic Toxicity Using In Silico, In Vitro, and In Vivo Approaches. Molecules 2024; 29:428. [PMID: 38257341 PMCID: PMC10821416 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29020428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Combination therapy and multitarget drugs have recently attracted much attention as promising tools to fight against many challenging diseases and, thus, represent a new research focus area. The aim of the current project was to screen multitarget compounds and to study their individual and combined effects on acetaminophen-induced liver injury. In this study, 2 of the best hepatoprotective multitargeting compounds were selected from a pool of 40 major compounds present in Curcuma longa and Cinnamomum zeylanicum by using molecular docking, ADMET profiling, and Pfizer's rule of five. The two selected compounds, quercetin and curcumin, showed a high binding affinity for the CYP2E1 enzyme, MAPK, and TLR4 receptors that contribute to liver injury. The candidates caused the decreased viability of cancer cell lines (HepG2 and Huh7) but showed no effect on a normal cell line (Vero). Examination of biochemical parameters (ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin) showed the hepatoprotective effect of the candidate drugs in comparison with the control group, which was confirmed by histological findings. Taken together, quercetin and curcumin not only satisfied the drug-like assessment criterion and proved to be multitargeting by preventing liver damage but also showed anticancer activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ali
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan; (W.A.); (S.Z.)
| | - Esha Asghar
- Department of Biotechnology, Akhuwat Faisalabad Institute of Research Science and Technology (A-FIRST), Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan;
| | - Waqas Ali
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan; (W.A.); (S.Z.)
| | - Ghulam Mustafa
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF), Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan;
| | - Irfan Aamer Ansari
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy;
| | - Saadiya Zia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan; (W.A.); (S.Z.)
| | - Siddique Akber Ansari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Sumaiya Khan
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, University “La Sapienza”, 00185 Rome, Italy;
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143
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Fan W, Liu J, Liu Q. Exploring the potential mechanism and molecular targets of Taohong Siwu Decoction against deep vein thrombosis based on network pharmacology and analysis docking. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e36220. [PMID: 38215128 PMCID: PMC10783296 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036220] [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: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the mechanism of Taohong Siwu Decoction (THSWD) against deep vein thrombosis (DVT) using network pharmacology and molecular docking technology. We used the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database and reviewed literature to identify the main chemical components of THSWD. To find targets for DVT, we consulted GeneCards, Therapeutic Target Database, and PharmGKB databases. We used Cytoscape 3.8.2 software to construct herb-disease-gene-target networks. Additionally, we integrated drug targets and disease targets on the STRING platform to create a protein-protein interaction network. Then, we conducted Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and gene ontology analysis. Finally, We employed the molecular docking method to validate our findings. We identified 56 potential targets associated with DVT and found 61 effective components. beta-sitosterol, quercetin, and kaempferol were the most prominent among these components. Our analysis of the protein-protein interaction network revealed that IL6, L1B, and AKT1 had the highest degree of association. Gene ontology analysis showed that THSWD treatment for DVT may involve response to inorganic substances, negative regulation of cell differentiation, plasma membrane protein complex, positive regulation of phosphorylation, and signaling receptor regulator activity. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis indicated that lipid and atherosclerosis, pathways in cancer, as well as the PI3K-Akt pathway are the main signal pathways involved. Molecular docking results demonstrated strong binding affinity between beta-sitosterol, quercetin, kaempferol, and AKT1 proteins as well as IL1B and IL6 proteins. The main targets for THSWD treatment of DVT may include AKT1, IL1B, and IL6. Beta-sitosterol, quercetin, and kaempferol may be the active ingredients responsible for producing this effect. These compounds may slow down the progression of DVT by regulating the inflammatory response through the PI3K/Akt pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Fan
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan Provincial Laboratory of Orthopaedic Engineering, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Jinhui Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan Provincial Laboratory of Orthopaedic Engineering, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Qingyan Liu
- The Operating Room, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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Yang T, Liu X, Zhou Y, Du L, Fu Y, Luo Y, Zhang W, Feng Z, Ge J, Mei Z. Sanpian decoction ameliorates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating SIRT1/ERK/HIF-1α pathway through in silico analysis and experimental validation. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 318:116898. [PMID: 37467820 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116898] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) is a complex pathophysiological process involving multiple factors, and becomes the footstone of rehabilitation after ischemic stroke. Sanpian decoction (SPD) has exhibited protective effects against CIRI, migraine, and other cerebral vascular diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been completely elucidated. AIM OF THE STUDY This study sought to explore the potential mechanisms underlying the effect of SPD against CIRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) were carried out to determine the chemical constituents of SPD. A network pharmacology approach combined with experimental verification was conducted to elucidate SPD's multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway mechanisms in CIRI occurrence. The pharmacodynamics of the decoction was evaluated by establishing the rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R). In vivo and in vitro experiments were carried out, and the therapeutic effects of SPD were performed using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and Nissl staining. We used terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining and flow cytometry to evaluate cortex apoptosis. The quantification of mRNA and corresponding proteins were performed using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot respectively. RESULTS Our research showed that pretreatment with SPD improved neurological function and inhibited CIRI. Network pharmacology revealed that the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway-mediated apoptosis may be associated with CIRI. In vivo and in vitro experiments, we confirmed that SPD increased cerebral blood flow, improved neural function, and reduced neural apoptosis via up-regulating the expression of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and down-regulating phospho-extracellular regulated protein kinases (p-ERK)/ERK and HIF-1α levels in CIRI rats. CONCLUSION Taken together, the present study systematically revealed the potential targets and signaling pathways of SPD in the treatment of CIRI using in silico prediction and verified the therapeutic effects of SPD against CIRI via ameliorating apoptosis by regulating SIRT1/ERK/HIF-1α.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio-Cerebral Diseases, College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaolu Liu
- Third-Grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Chinese Medicine Approved by State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, Hubei, China; State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio-Cerebral Diseases, College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China
| | - Lipeng Du
- Third-Grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Chinese Medicine Approved by State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, Hubei, China
| | - Yang Fu
- Xiangyang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiangyang, 441000, Hubei, China
| | - Yanan Luo
- Third-Grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Chinese Medicine Approved by State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, Hubei, China
| | - Wenli Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China
| | - Zhitao Feng
- Third-Grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Chinese Medicine Approved by State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, Hubei, China.
| | - Jinwen Ge
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio-Cerebral Diseases, College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China.
| | - Zhigang Mei
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio-Cerebral Diseases, College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China; Third-Grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Chinese Medicine Approved by State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, Hubei, China.
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Cao F, Xiang J, Wang Y, Chen X, Lu X, Xu X, Chen L, Fan Y, Yuan C, Dong X, Zhu Q, Han C, Lu G, Xia Q, Chen W. Chaiqin chengqi decoction alleviates acute pancreatitis by targeting gasdermin D-mediated pyroptosis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 318:116920. [PMID: 37480969 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116920] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an acute inflammatory condition of pancreas with high morbidity and mortality, which has no effective medical treatment. Chaiqin chengqi decoction (CQCQD) has been clinically used for AP for many years in China. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the mechanism of CQCQD on gasdermin D (GSDMD) -mediated pyroptosis in AP. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, network pharmacology was used to screen the potential mechanism of CQCQD protecting against AP and then we focused to investigate the mechanism of CQCQD on GSDMD mediated pyroptosis. Mouse models of AP were conducted by caerulein and L-arginine. In order to clarify the mechanism of CQCQD, two kinds of GSDMD gene knockout mice (Gsdmd-/- and Pdx1creGsdmdfl/fl) were applied. And the potential interaction between the main components of CQCQD and GSDMD was explored by molecular docking. RESULTS In the caerulein-induced AP model, CQCQD ameliorated pancreatic pathological injury, attenuated systemic inflammation and serum enzymatic levers. Moreover, network pharmacology analysis showed GSDMD mediated pyroptosis was one of the core targets of CQCQD protecting against AP. Additionally, CQCQD appreciably decreased the levels of pyroptosis-related proteins N-terminal GSDMD, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3, and cleaved Caspase-1. Furthermore, the protective effect of CQCQD was neutralized in Gsdmd-/- and Pdx1creGsdmdfl/fl mice in caerulein-induced AP. In addition, we found that CQCQD protects pancreatic tissue from damage and pancreatitis-associated lung injury in the L-arginine-induced mouse model. Moreover, all of the main components of CQCQD possessed binding activity with GSDMD by molecular docking. Seventeen components bound with the human GSDMD Cys191 successfully, which is important for GSDMD pore formation. Among the components, rhein possessed the highest binding activity. CONCLUSION CQCQD could reduce pancreatic necrosis and inflammatory response via inhibiting GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis in acinar cells of AP. Rhein may be the key active ingredient of CQCQD in suppressing pyroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Xiang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yaodong Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, 215300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xijie Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xirong Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, 215300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xingmeng Xu
- Pancreatic Center, Department of Gastroenterology, Yangzhou Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Institute of Digestive Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225100, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Pancreatic Center, Department of Gastroenterology, Yangzhou Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Institute of Digestive Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225100, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yinghong Fan
- Pancreatic Center, Department of Gastroenterology, Yangzhou Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Institute of Digestive Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225100, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chenchen Yuan
- Pancreatic Center, Department of Gastroenterology, Yangzhou Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Institute of Digestive Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225100, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaowu Dong
- Pancreatic Center, Department of Gastroenterology, Yangzhou Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Institute of Digestive Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225100, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qingtian Zhu
- Pancreatic Center, Department of Gastroenterology, Yangzhou Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Institute of Digestive Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225100, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chenxia Han
- West China Centre of Excellence for Pancreatitis, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Pancreatitis Centre and West China-Liverpool Biomedical Research Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Guotao Lu
- Pancreatic Center, Department of Gastroenterology, Yangzhou Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Institute of Digestive Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225100, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qing Xia
- West China Centre of Excellence for Pancreatitis, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Pancreatitis Centre and West China-Liverpool Biomedical Research Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Weiwei Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225000, Jiangsu, China.
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Lou N, Zhai M, Su Z, Chu F, Li Y, Chen Y, Liao M, Li P, Bo R, Meng X, Zhang P, Ding X. Pharmacodynamics and pharmacological mechanism of Moluodan concentrated pill in the treatment of atrophic gastritis: A network pharmacological study and in vivo experiments. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 318:116937. [PMID: 37480968 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116937] [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: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Moluodan concentrated pill (MLD) is a traditional herbal formula used in China for the treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG). However, its pharmacological mechanism of action remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of action of MLD in the treatment of CAG using network pharmacology and in vivo experiments. MATERIALS AND METHODS The active compounds of MLD were determined using network pharmacology, utilizing various Chinese medicine databases such as the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform, Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Database, Integrative Pharmacology-based Research Platform of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and a comprehensive database of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Immuno-Oncology. The compounds found in the root of Anemone altaica Fisch. were extracted from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure literature database. Additionally, the Swiss Target Prediction database and Similarity Ensemble Approach were employed to identify the potential targets of these components. CAG-related targets were gathered from the GeneCards and DisGeNET databases. Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) of the genes associated with the drug-disease crossover were examined, and a core PPI network was constructed using the STRING database (version 11.5) and Cytoscape (version 3.7.2). A gene-pathway network was established to identify significant target genes and pathways through Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. Finally, based on these findings and existing data, the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway was selected for further validation through in vivo experiments. RESULTS A total of 724 active molecules in MLD yielded 961 identified target genes, of which 179 were found to be potentially associated with CAG. From the common targets, a PPI network revealed ten core targets. Enrichment analysis suggested that MLD may primarily target TNF and AKT in the treatment of CAG. Essential signaling pathways, such as the PI3K-AKT and TNF pathways, were found to be crucial for the therapeutic effects of MLD on CAG. Furthermore, potential interactions and crosstalk between these pathways were identified. Moreover, we confirmed that MLD effectively improved gastric mucosa atrophy and cellular ultrastructural damage, while increasing pepsinogen secretion and decreasing gastrin, somatostatin, and motilin levels. Subsequent molecular biology studies in rat models of CAG demonstrated that MLD treatment significantly reduced the expression levels of TNF-α, phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase (PI3K), and phosphorylated Akt (P < 0.05). Notably, the expression of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) exhibited a contrasting trend (P < 0.05), potentially associated with the crucial tumor suppressor role of NF-κB p105. CONCLUSION This study provides evidence that MLD effectively alleviates stomach mucosal atrophy through modulation of the TNF/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. These findings establish a solid theoretical foundation for the practical management of CAG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni Lou
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100000, China.
| | - Mengyin Zhai
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100000, China.
| | - Zeqi Su
- Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100000, China.
| | - Fuhao Chu
- Institute of Regulatory Science for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100000, China.
| | - Yuan Li
- National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China.
| | - Yan Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100000, China.
| | - Mengting Liao
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100000, China.
| | - Ping Li
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100000, China.
| | - Rongqiang Bo
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100000, China.
| | - Xiangmei Meng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100000, China.
| | - Ping Zhang
- Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100000, China.
| | - Xia Ding
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100000, China; School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100000, China.
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147
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Dai H, Shan Y, Yu M, Wang F, Zhou Z, Sun J, Sheng L, Huang L, Sheng M. Network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental verification of the mechanism of huangqi-jixuecao herb pair in treatment of peritoneal fibrosis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 318:116874. [PMID: 37437794 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116874] [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: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The Huangqi-Jixuecao herb pair (HQJXCHP) is a traditional herbal formula composed of two widely applied TCM prescriptions, Huangqi (Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge) and Jixuecao (Centella asiatica (L.) Urb.), used for hundreds of years to replenish qi and clear away heat. However, the therapeutic effects of HQJXCHP against peritoneal fibrosis (PF) and potential targets are currently unclear. AIMS OF THE STUDY The main objective of this study was preliminary prediction and validation of the effects and molecular mechanisms of action of HQJXCHP against PF based on network pharmacology analysis and experimental verification. MATERIALS AND METHODS The ingredients of HQJXCHP were analyzed via HPLC-Q-TOF/MS. Bioactive compounds of HQJXCHP used for network pharmacology analysis were obtained from the TCMSP database. HQJXCHP-related therapeutic targets in PF were obtained from the GeneCards, OMIM, Therapeutic Targets and PharmGkb databases. Therapeutic target-related signaling pathways were predicted via GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. The targets of HQJXCHO were further validated in a PDS-induced PF mouse model in vivo and PMCs MMT model in vitro. RESULTS A total of 23 bioactive compounds of HQJXCHP related 188 target genes were retrieved. The HQJXCHP compound-target and PF-related target networks identified 131 common target genes. Subsequent protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis results disclosed Akt1, TP53, TNF, VEGFA and CASP3 as the top five key targets of HQJXCHP. Further molecular docking data revealed strong affinity of the two key compounds of HQJXCHP, quercetin and kaempferol, for these key targets. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses further showed that PI3K/Akt, IL-17, TNF and TLR pathways contribute to the therapeutic effects of HQJXCHP on PF. An in vivo PDS-induced PF mouse model and in vitro PMCs mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (MMT) model with or without HQJXCHP intervention were used to confirm the effects and mechanisms of action of HQJXCHP. Western blot and qRT-PCR results showed that HQ, JXC and HQJXCHP reduced PDS-induced inflammatory cell aggregation and peritoneal thickening through suppressing the MMT process, among which HQJXCHP exerted the greatest therapeutic effect. Moreover, HQJXCHP inhibited activation of the PI3K/Akt, IL-17, TNF and TLR signaling pathways induced by PDS. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to employ network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses to predict the targets of HQJXCHP with therapeutic effects on PDS-related PF. Data from in vivo and in vitro validation experiments collectively showed that HQJXCHP delays the PF process through inhibiting PI3K/Akt, IL-17, TNF and TLR signaling pathways. Overall, our findings highlight the successful application of network pharmacology theory to provide a scientific basis for clinical utility of HQJXCHP against PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huibo Dai
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; First Clinic Medical School, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yun Shan
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Manshu Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Funing Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; First Clinic Medical School, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ziren Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; First Clinic Medical School, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinyi Sun
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; First Clinic Medical School, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Sheng
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; First Clinic Medical School, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Liyan Huang
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; First Clinic Medical School, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Meixiao Sheng
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
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Otero-Carrasco B, Ugarte Carro E, Prieto-Santamaría L, Diaz Uzquiano M, Caraça-Valente Hernández JP, Rodríguez-González A. Identifying patterns to uncover the importance of biological pathways on known drug repurposing scenarios. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:43. [PMID: 38191292 PMCID: PMC10775474 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09913-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug repurposing plays a significant role in providing effective treatments for certain diseases faster and more cost-effectively. Successful repurposing cases are mostly supported by a classical paradigm that stems from de novo drug development. This paradigm is based on the "one-drug-one-target-one-disease" idea. It consists of designing drugs specifically for a single disease and its drug's gene target. In this article, we investigated the use of biological pathways as potential elements to achieve effective drug repurposing. METHODS Considering a total of 4214 successful cases of drug repurposing, we identified cases in which biological pathways serve as the underlying basis for successful repurposing, referred to as DREBIOP. Once the repurposing cases based on pathways were identified, we studied their inherent patterns by considering the different biological elements associated with this dataset, as well as the pathways involved in these cases. Furthermore, we obtained gene-disease association values to demonstrate the diminished significance of the drug's gene target in these repurposing cases. To achieve this, we compared the values obtained for the DREBIOP set with the overall association values found in DISNET, as well as with the drug's target gene (DREGE) based repurposing cases using the Mann-Whitney U Test. RESULTS A collection of drug repurposing cases, known as DREBIOP, was identified as a result. DREBIOP cases exhibit distinct characteristics compared with DREGE cases. Notably, DREBIOP cases are associated with a higher number of biological pathways, with Vitamin D Metabolism and ACE inhibitors being the most prominent pathways. Additionally, it was observed that the association values of GDAs in DREBIOP cases were significantly lower than those in DREGE cases (p-value < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Biological pathways assume a pivotal role in drug repurposing cases. This investigation successfully revealed patterns that distinguish drug repurposing instances associated with biological pathways. These identified patterns can be applied to any known repurposing case, enabling the detection of pathway-based repurposing scenarios or the classical paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belén Otero-Carrasco
- Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223, Spain
- ETS Ingenieros Informáticos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Boadilla del Monte, 28660, Spain
| | - Esther Ugarte Carro
- Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223, Spain
| | - Lucía Prieto-Santamaría
- Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223, Spain
- ETS Ingenieros Informáticos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Boadilla del Monte, 28660, Spain
| | - Marina Diaz Uzquiano
- Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223, Spain
| | | | - Alejandro Rodríguez-González
- Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223, Spain.
- ETS Ingenieros Informáticos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Boadilla del Monte, 28660, Spain.
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Yu Z, Wu Z, Wang Z, Wang Y, Zhou M, Li W, Liu G, Tang Y. Network-Based Methods and Their Applications in Drug Discovery. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:57-75. [PMID: 38150548 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Drug discovery is time-consuming, expensive, and predominantly follows the "one drug → one target → one disease" paradigm. With the rapid development of systems biology and network pharmacology, a novel drug discovery paradigm, "multidrug → multitarget → multidisease", has emerged. This new holistic paradigm of drug discovery aligns well with the essence of networks, leading to the emergence of network-based methods in the field of drug discovery. In this Perspective, we initially introduce the concept and data sources of networks and highlight classical methodologies employed in network-based methods. Subsequently, we focus on the practical applications of network-based methods across various areas of drug discovery, such as target prediction, virtual screening, prediction of drug therapeutic effects or adverse drug events, and elucidation of molecular mechanisms. In addition, we provide representative web servers for researchers to use network-based methods in specific applications. Finally, we discuss several challenges of network-based methods and the directions for future development. In a word, network-based methods could serve as powerful tools to accelerate drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuohang Yu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Zengrui Wu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Ze Wang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yimeng Wang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Moran Zhou
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Weihua Li
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Guixia Liu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yun Tang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China
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150
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Wang Y, He Q, Rong K, Zhu M, Zhao X, Zheng P, Mi Y. Vitamin D3 promotes gastric cancer cell autophagy by mediating p53/AMPK/mTOR signaling. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1338260. [PMID: 38259281 PMCID: PMC10800859 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1338260] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: Vitamin D3 has the general properties of a lipid-soluble vitamin, but is also an active steroid hormone that can regulate the proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation of many tumor cells, and exerts anticancer activity against numerous malignancies. However, the mechanism underlying the effects of vitamin D3 on tumors is not fully understood. Here, we used network pharmacology and in vitro experimental approaches to explore the mechanism of vitamin D3 activity in the context of gastric cancer. Methods: The Targetnet, SuperPred, SwissTargetPrediction, and PharmMapper databases were screened for potential drug-related targets, while we used data from the PharmGKB, Drugbank, OMIM, DisGeNET, CTD, and GeneCards databases to identify potential targets associated with gastric cancer. Disease-drug crossover genes were obtained by constructing Venn diagrams. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses of crossover genes were conducted and STRING was used to generate protein interaction networks and identify core targets. CCK-8 experiments were performed and apoptosis detected to assess the effect of vitamin D3 on gastric cancer cells. Western blotting was applied to detect p53/AMPK/mTOR signaling, as well as autophagy-, cell cycle-, and apoptosis-related proteins. Results: A total of 485 targets of vitamin D3 activity were obtained and 1200 gastric cancer disease-related targets discovered. Further, 60 potential targets for vitamin D3 in gastric cancer treatment were identified. KEGG analysis indicated that potential targets were mainly involved in the cell cycle, HIF-1 signaling, and the AMPK pathway, among other pathways. These findings were validated using cellular experiments, which demonstrated that the viability of AGS and SGC-7901 cells was impeded by vitamin D3. Further, vitamin D3 promoted apoptosis and inhibited the cell cycle in those cell lines, as well as activating the p53/AMPK/mTOR pathway, which promotes autophagy and inhibits tumor development. Conclusion: Our network pharmacological analyses provide preliminarily data supporting a role for vitamin D3 in promoting autophagy and apoptosis in gastric cancer cells, and in activating the p53/AMPK/mTOR pathway, which inhibits gastric cancer cell proliferation. Our findings demonstrate the molecular mechanism underlying the effect of vitamin D3 in cure of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori and Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Qingmin He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ankang Central Hospital, Ankang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kang Rong
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori and Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Mingyang Zhu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori and Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Pengyuan Zheng
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori and Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yang Mi
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori and Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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