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Zhang K, Hu X, Su J, Li D, Thakur A, Gujar V, Cui H. Gastrointestinal Cancer Therapeutics via Triggering Unfolded Protein Response and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress by 2-Arylbenzofuran. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:999. [PMID: 38256073 PMCID: PMC10816499 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal cancers are a major global health challenge, with high mortality rates. This study investigated the anti-cancer activities of 30 monomers extracted from Morus alba L. (mulberry) against gastrointestinal cancers. Toxicological assessments revealed that most of the compounds, particularly immunotoxicity, exhibit some level of toxicity, but it is generally not life-threatening under normal conditions. Among these components, Sanggenol L, Sanggenon C, Kuwanon H, 3'-Geranyl-3-prenyl-5,7,2',4'-tetrahydroxyflavone, Morusinol, Mulberrin, Moracin P, Kuwanon E, and Kuwanon A demonstrate significant anti-cancer properties against various gastrointestinal cancers, including colon, pancreatic, and gastric cancers. The anti-cancer mechanism of these chemical components was explored in gastric cancer cells, revealing that they inhibit cell cycle and DNA replication-related gene expression, leading to the effective suppression of tumor cell growth. Additionally, they induced unfolded protein response (UPR) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, potentially resulting in DNA damage, autophagy, and cell death. Moracin P, an active monomer characterized as a 2-arylbenzofuran, was found to induce ER stress and promote apoptosis in gastric cancer cells, confirming its potential to inhibit tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of Morus alba L. monomers in gastrointestinal cancers, especially focusing on Moracin P as a potent inducer of ER stress and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jingjing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Dong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Sericulture and Systems Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Abhimanyu Thakur
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Vikramsingh Gujar
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Okhlahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK 74107, USA
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
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2
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Zhao F, Zhao P, Chang J, Sun X, Ma X, Shi B, Yin M, Wang Y, Yang Y. Identification and vitro verification of the potential drug targets of active ingredients of Chonglou in the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma based on EMT-related genes. Front Genet 2023; 14:1112671. [PMID: 36824434 PMCID: PMC9942681 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1112671] [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: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the main histological type of lung cancer with an unfavorable survival rate. Metastasis is the leading LUAD-related death with Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) playing an essential role. The anticancer efficacies of the active ingredients in Chonglou have been widely reported in various cancers. However, the potential therapeutic targets of the Chonglou active ingredients in LUAD patients remain unknown. Here, the network pharmacology and bioinformatics were performed to analyze the associations of the clinical characteristics, immune infiltration factors and m6A-related genes with the EMT-related genes associated with LUAD (EMT-LUAD related genes), and the molecular docking, STRING, GO, and KEGG enrichment for the drug targets of Chonglou active ingredients associated with EMT (EMT-LUAD-Chonglou related genes). And, cell viability analysis and cell invasion and infiltration analysis were used to confirm the theoretical basis of this study. A total of 166 EMT-LUAD related genes were identified and a multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model with a favorable predictive accuracy was constructed. Meanwhile, the immune cell infiltration, immune cell subsets, checkpoint inhibitors and the expression of m6A-related genes were significantly associated with the risk scores for EMT-LUAD related genes with independent significant prognostic value of all included LUAD patients. Furthermore, 12 EMT-LUAD-Chonglou related genes with five core drug targets were identified, which participated in LUAD development through extracellular matrix disassembly, collagen metabolic process, collagen catabolic process, extracellular matrix organization, extracellular structure organization and inflammatory response. Moreover, we found that the active ingredients of Chonglou could indeed inhibit the progression of lung adenocarcinoma cells. These results are oriented towards EMT-related genes to achieve a better understanding of the role of Chonglou and its targets in osteosarcoma development and metastasis, thus guiding future preclinical studies and facilitating clinical translation of LUAD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulai Zhao
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Key Laboratory of Theory and Therapy of Muscles and Bones, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Key Laboratory of Theory and Therapy of Muscles and Bones, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Junli Chang
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Key Laboratory of Theory and Therapy of Muscles and Bones, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingyuan Sun
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Key Laboratory of Theory and Therapy of Muscles and Bones, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoping Ma
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Key Laboratory of Theory and Therapy of Muscles and Bones, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Binhao Shi
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Key Laboratory of Theory and Therapy of Muscles and Bones, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengchen Yin
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Key Laboratory of Theory and Therapy of Muscles and Bones, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongjun Wang
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Key Laboratory of Theory and Therapy of Muscles and Bones, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Yongjun Wang, ; Yanping Yang,
| | - Yanping Yang
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Key Laboratory of Theory and Therapy of Muscles and Bones, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Yongjun Wang, ; Yanping Yang,
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Li R, Yu S, Liang X, Li Y, Lai KP. Vitamin C exerts anti-cadmium induced fracture functions/targets: bioinformatic and biostructural findings. FOOD SCIENCE AND HUMAN WELLNESS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fshw.2022.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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4
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Characterization, Stability, and Antibrowning Effects of Oxyresveratrol Cyclodextrin Complexes Combined Use of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose. Foods 2022; 11:foods11162471. [PMID: 36010470 PMCID: PMC9407340 DOI: 10.3390/foods11162471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxyresveratrol (Oxy) has attracted much attention by employing it as an antibrowning agent in fruits and vegetables. In this study, the formation of cyclodextrin (CD) inclusion exhibited a certain protective effect on Oxy oxidative degradation, while hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP–β-CD) inclusion complex showed stronger stabilizing effects than those of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD). The combined use of CD and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) greatly improved the stability of Oxy–CD inclusion complexes, with approximately 70% of the trans-Oxy retained after 30 days of storage under light conditions at 25 °C. The results of the interaction between CD and Oxy determined by phase solubility studies and fluorescence spectroscopic analysis showed that the binding strength of CD and Oxy increased in the presence of HPMC. Moreover, Oxy combined with ascorbic acid and HPMC showed an excellent antibrowning effect on fresh-cut apple slices during the 48 h test period, indicating that adding HPMC as the third component will not influence the antibrowning activity of Oxy.
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Wang S, Gao H, Wang X, Ma X, Zhang L, Xing Y, Jia Y, Wang Y. Network Pharmacology and Bioinformatics Analyses Identify Intersection Genes of Vitamin D3 and COVID-19 as Potential Therapeutic Targets. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:874637. [PMID: 35571107 PMCID: PMC9095980 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.874637] [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: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The persistent pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the discovery of gastrointestinal transmission routes and the possible susceptibility of cancer patients to COVID-19 have forced us to search for effective pathways against stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD)/COVID-19. Vitamin D3 (VD3) is a steroid hormone with antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. This study aimed to evaluate the possible functional role and potential mechanisms of action of VD3 as an anti-COVID-19 and anti- STAD. Methods: Clinicopathological analysis, enrichment analysis and protein interaction analysis using bioinformatics and network pharmacology methods. Validate the binding activity of VD3 to core pharmacological targets and viral crystal structures using molecular docking. Results: We revealed the clinical characteristics of STAD/COVID-19 patients. We also demonstrated that VD3 may be anti- STAD/COVID-19 through antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory pathways. Molecular docking results showed that VD3 binds well to the relevant targets of COVID-19, including the spike RBD/ACE2 complex and main protease (Mpro, also known as 3CLpro). We also identified five core pharmacological targets of VD3 in anti-STAD/COVID-19 and validated the binding activity of VD3 to PAI1 by molecular docking. Conclusion: This study reveals for the first time that VD3 may act on disease target gene SERPINE1 through inflammatory and viral related signaling pathways and biological functions for the therapy of STAD/COVID-19. This may provide a new idea for the use of VD3 in the treatment of STAD/COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanglin Wang
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Huayu Gao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoru Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoli Ma
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Lulu Zhang
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuanxin Xing
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yanfei Jia
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yunshan Wang
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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6
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Shaji SK, Drishya G, Sunilkumar D, Suravajhala P, Kumar GB, Nair BG. Systematic understanding of anti-tumor mechanisms of Tamarixetin through network and experimental analyses. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3966. [PMID: 35273218 PMCID: PMC8913656 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07087-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tamarixetin, a flavonoid derived from Quercetin, was shown to possess anti-cancer properties in various types of cancer. However, the mechanism of action of this compound is not well understood. Observations from reverse docking and network pharmacology analysis, were validated by cell based studies to analyse the chemotherapeutic potential and elucidate the molecular mechanism of action of Tamarixetin in breast cancer. In silico analysis using reverse docking and PPI analysis clearly indicated that out of 35 proteins targeted by Tamarixetin, the top 3 hub genes, namely, AKT1, ESR1 and HSP90AA1, were upregulated in breast tumor tissues and more importantly showed strong negative correlation to breast cancer patient survival. Furthermore, the KEGG pathway analysis showed enrichment of target proteins of Tamarixetin in 33 pathways which are mainly involved in neoplastic signalling. In vitro cell-based studies demonstrated that Tamarixetin could inhibit cell proliferation, induce ROS and reduce mitochondrial membrane potential, leading to cell death. Tamarixetin induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and inhibited the migration as well as the invasion of breast cancer cells. Taken together, the combination of in silico and in vitro approaches used in the present study clearly provides evidence for the chemotherapeutic potential of Tamarixetin in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanu K Shaji
- School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri, Clappana P.O, Kollam, Kerala, 690525, India
| | - G Drishya
- School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri, Clappana P.O, Kollam, Kerala, 690525, India
| | - Damu Sunilkumar
- School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri, Clappana P.O, Kollam, Kerala, 690525, India
| | - Prashanth Suravajhala
- School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri, Clappana P.O, Kollam, Kerala, 690525, India
| | - Geetha B Kumar
- School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri, Clappana P.O, Kollam, Kerala, 690525, India.
| | - Bipin G Nair
- School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri, Clappana P.O, Kollam, Kerala, 690525, India.
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7
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Huo B, Song Y, Tan B, Li J, Zhang J, Zhang F, Chang L. Research on the mechanisms of taraxerol for the treatment of gastric cancer effect based on network pharmacology. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2022; 36:20587384211063962. [PMID: 34986036 PMCID: PMC8743941 DOI: 10.1177/20587384211063962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Modern pharmacological studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Taraxacum mongolicum possesses anti-cancer activity. Taraxerol (TRX) is a pentacyclic triterpene isolated from T. mongolicum, which is widely used in clinical treatment, and its anti-cancer effects have been extensively studied. However, the effects and molecular mechanism of TRX in gastric cancer (GC) have not been fully explicated. METHODS We used public databases to derive information on potential targets of TRX and proteins related to GC. Also, STRING and R3.6.2 software were used to analyze the protein-protein interaction (PPI). The Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were done to explain the potential mechanism underlying the regulatory role of TRX in GC. The role of TRX in GC was verified by 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y1)-3,5-di- phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) assay, apoptosis analysis, Transwell assay, and wound healing assay, and the key signaling pathways were verified. RESULTS We identified 135 potential targets for the treatment of GC via network pharmacological analysis. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that steroid hormone receptor activity and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway were the biological processes and pathways with the highest degree of enrichment. Additionally, cellular experiments revealed that TRX inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells as well as induced G1 phase arrest and apoptosis in GC cells. CONCLUSION Here, we used multi-target and multi-pathway network pharmacological analysis to verify the anti-cancer activity of TRX in GC. Also, in vitro experimental data were used to derive the potential molecular mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingjie Huo
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 117878The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P. R. China
| | - Yanru Song
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 117878The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P. R. China
| | - Bibo Tan
- Department of General Surgery, 117878The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P. R. China
| | - Jianbo Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 117878The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P. R. China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 117878The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P. R. China
| | - Fengbin Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology Pharmacology, 117878The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P. R. China
| | - Liang Chang
- HeBei University of Chinese Medicine, No. 3 Xing yuan Road, Lu quan District, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050200, P. R. China
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8
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Iqbal K, Noor S, Shah A, Amin A. Assessment of in vitro and in vivo effect of Quercetin 3-Glucoside, Oxyresveratrol and Quercetin O-Hexoside against Leishmania tropica. BRAZ J PHARM SCI 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/s2175-97902022e21306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Saba Noor
- IBADAT International University, Pakistan
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9
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Mo YN, Cheng F, Yang Z, Shang XF, Liang JP, Shang RF, Hao BC, Wang XH, Zhang HJ, Wali A, Lu CF, Liu Y. Antioxidant Activity and the Potential Mechanism of the Fruit From Ailanthus altissima Swingle. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:784898. [PMID: 34966812 PMCID: PMC8710717 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.784898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The fruits of Ailanthus altissima Swingle (AS) possess a variety of pharmacological activities. Its antioxidant activity and the potential mode of action have not yet been investigated. In in vitro studies, AS revealed the strong reducing power and DPPH scavenging effect, but hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and ferrous ions-chelating ability were not strong. Meanwhile, the oxidative stress RAW264.7 cell injury model was established, the low and medium-doses of AS showed significant protective effects on the viability of H2O2-treated cells by CCK-8 method. Besides, three doses of AS all increased the activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px and decreased the MDA level compared with the H2O2 group, suggesting it significantly relieved oxidative stress of cells. The active ingredients and related targets of AS were collected by HERB and Swiss Target Prediction database, the common targets of drugs and diseases database were conducted by GeneCards database platform and the Venny platform. We screened the core targets of AS like threonine kinase1 (AKT1), mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1), sirtuin-1 (SIRT1), mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase (MTOR) by STRING database, and the key pathways involved PI3K-AKT and FoxO signaling pathway by KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. Besides, qRT-PCR revealed AS preconditioning significantly up-regulated the expression level of AKT1, SIRT1, MAPK1, and MTOR in model cells, and the effect was related to the regulation of FoxO and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. In summary, AS showed significant antioxidant activity and its potential mechanism was regulating FoxO and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Nan Mo
- Key Laboratory of New Animal Drug Project of Gansu Province, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Feng Cheng
- Key Laboratory of New Animal Drug Project of Gansu Province, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Chemistry in Arid Regions, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, China
| | - Zhen Yang
- Key Laboratory of New Animal Drug Project of Gansu Province, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Fei Shang
- Key Laboratory of New Animal Drug Project of Gansu Province, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jian-Ping Liang
- Key Laboratory of New Animal Drug Project of Gansu Province, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ruo-Feng Shang
- Key Laboratory of New Animal Drug Project of Gansu Province, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Bao-Cheng Hao
- Key Laboratory of New Animal Drug Project of Gansu Province, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xue-Hong Wang
- Key Laboratory of New Animal Drug Project of Gansu Province, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hong-Juan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of New Animal Drug Project of Gansu Province, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ahmidin Wali
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Chemistry in Arid Regions, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, China
| | - Chun-Fang Lu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Chemistry in Arid Regions, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Key Laboratory of New Animal Drug Project of Gansu Province, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
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Yang L, Yang J, Liang X, Huang W, Zhang X, Li R. Uncovering antiobesity-related hypertension targets and mechanisms of metformin, an antidiabetic medication. Bioengineered 2021; 12:4757-4767. [PMID: 34334083 PMCID: PMC8806643 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1954581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Metformin, a common clinical drug used to treat diabetes mellitus, is found with potential antiobese actions as reported in increasing evidences. However, the detailed mechanisms of metformin-antiobesity-related hypertension remain unrevealed. We have utilized the bioinformatics strategy, including network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses, to uncover pharmacological targets and molecular pathways of bioactive compounds against clinical disorders, such as cancers, coronavirus disease 2019. In this report, the in-silico approaches using network pharmacology and molecular docking was utilized to identify the core targets, pharmacological functions and mechanisms of metformin against obesity-related hypertension. The networking analysis identified 154 differentially expressed genes of obesity and hypertension, and 21 interaction genes, 6 core genes of metformin treating obesity-related hypertension. As results, molecular docking findings indicated the binding capability of metformin with key proteins, including interleukin 6 (IL-6) and chemokine (C-C motif) Ligand 2 (CCL2) expressed in obesity- and hypertension-dependent tissues. Metformin-exerted antihypertension/obesity actions involved in metabolic regulation, inflammatory suppression. And antihypertension/obesity mechanisms of metformin were revealed, including regulation of inflammatory and immunological signaling pathways for ameliorating microenvironmental homeostasis in targeting tissues. In conclusion, our current bioinformatics findings have uncovered all pharmacological targets, biological functions and signaling pathways of metformin treating obesity-related hypertension, thus promoting its clinical application in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yang
- Faculty of Basic Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR China
| | - Jianxin Yang
- Cardiology Department Area 1, Guigang City People’s Hospital, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Xiao Liang
- Faculty of Basic Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR China
| | - Wenjun Huang
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollutants and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR China
| | - Xiaoxi Zhang
- Faculty of Basic Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR China
| | - Rong Li
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollutants and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR China
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Abstract
The aim of current study was to exhume the potential targets and molecular mechanisms of oxyresveratrol, a structurally re-constructed resveratrol, for treating liver cancer through bioinformatics investigation and experimentative validation. To start with, the network pharmacology approach and molecular docking technology were used to uncover all candidate targets of oxyresveratrol to treat liver cancer, accompanied with identified anti-liver cancer targets including estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). In addition, more pharmacological mechanisms of oxyresveratrol against liver cancer were revealed in details. In experimental verification, the clinical samples of liver cancer showed elevated ESR1, EGFR mRNA expressions. The in-vitro data indicated that intracellular contents of ESR1, EGFR mRNAs in oxyresveratrol-treated liver cancer cells were reduced. Taken together, the bioinformatics and validated findings have highlighted detailed pharmacological targets and molecular mechanisms of oxyresveratrol for treating liver cancer. Following with experimental verification, the identified genes of ESR1, EGFR may function as potential screening anti-liver cancer markers.
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12
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Pan Q, Wu K, Tan J, Li Y, Liang X, Su M. Anti-neoplastic characteristics and potential targets of calycosin against bisphenol A-related osteosarcoma: bioinformatics analysis. Bioengineered 2021; 12:4278-4288. [PMID: 34311656 PMCID: PMC8806932 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1956401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmentally, bisphenol A (BPA) is a well-known pollutant caused human health risk, including osteosarcoma (OS). OS, a deadly bone neoplasia, may occur in children and adults. However, the anti-OS pharmacotherapy prescribes limitedly in clinical practice. Interestingly, previous experimental evidences indicate calycosin-exerting potential anti-OS actions. Thus, in this report, we aimed to further characterize and detail the therapeutic targets and molecular mechanisms of calycosin-anti-BPA-related OS by using network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses. In results, the bioinformatics data disclosed all mapped, core targets, biological functions, molecular pathways of calycosin to treat BPA-related OS. The computational analysis using molecular docking indicated that potential binding ability of core targets in calycosin to treat BPA-related OS was identified. Moreover, detailed biological functions and optimal pathways of calycosin-anti-BPA-related OS were revealed, as shown in integrated network maps. Taken together, these network pharmacology and structural biology findings illustrate the core biotargets, pharmacological functions and pathways of calycosin-anti-BPA-related OS. Potentially, these core targets identified by molecular docking may attribute to the potential clinical application of calycosin against BPA-related OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qijin Pan
- Department of Oncology, Guigang City Peoples' Hospital, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Ka Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second People's Hospital of Nanning City, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jiachang Tan
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Yu Li
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR China
| | - Xiao Liang
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR China
| | - Min Su
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR China
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13
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Likhitwitayawuid K. Oxyresveratrol: Sources, Productions, Biological Activities, Pharmacokinetics, and Delivery Systems. Molecules 2021; 26:4212. [PMID: 34299485 PMCID: PMC8307110 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26144212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxyresveratrol has recently attracted much research attention due to its simple chemical structure and diverse therapeutic potentials. Previous reviews describe the chemistry and biological activities of this phytoalexin, but additional coverage and greater accessibility are still needed. The current review provides a more comprehensive summary, covering research from 1955 to the present year. Oxyresveratrol occurs in both gymnosperms and angiosperms. However, it has never been reported in plants in the subclass Sympetalae, and this point might be of both chemotaxonomic and biosynthetic importance. Oxyresveratrol can be easily obtained from plant materials by conventional methods, and several systems for both qualitative and quantitative analysis of oxyresveratrol contents in plant materials and plant products are available. Oxyresveratrol possesses diverse biological and pharmacological activities such as the inhibition of tyrosinase and melanogenesis, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and protective effects against neurological disorders and digestive ailments. However, the unfavorable pharmacokinetic properties of oxyresveratrol, including low water solubility and poor oral availability and stability, have posed challenges to its development as a useful therapeutic agent. Recently, several delivery systems have emerged, with promising outcomes that may improve chances for the clinical study of oxyresveratrol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kittisak Likhitwitayawuid
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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14
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Liang X, Zhou R, Li Y, Yang L, Su M, Lai KP. Clinical characterization and therapeutic targets of vitamin A in patients with hepatocholangiocarcinoma and coronavirus disease. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:15785-15800. [PMID: 34176789 PMCID: PMC8266307 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent reports indicate that patients with hepatocholangiocarcinoma (CHOL) have a higher morbidity and mortality rate for coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Anti-CHOL/COVID-19 medicines are inexistent. Vitamin A (VA) refers to a potent nutrient with anti-cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory actions. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the potential functions and molecular mechanisms of VA as a potential treatment for patients with both CHOL and COVID-19 (CHOL/COVID-19). The transcriptome data of CHOL patients were obtained from the Cancer Genome Analysis database. Furthermore, the network pharmacology approach and bioinformatics analysis were used to identify and reveal the molecular functions, therapeutic biotargets, and signaling of VA against CHOL/COVID-19. First, clinical findings identified the medical characteristics of CHOL patients with COVID-19, such as susceptibility gene, prognosis, recurrence, and survival rate. Anti-viral and anti-inflammatory pathways, and immunopotentiation were found as potential targets of VA against CHOL/COVID-19. These findings illustrated that VA may contribute to the clinical management of CHOL/COVID-19 achieved by induction of cell repair, suppression of oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction, and amelioration of immunity. Nine vital therapeutic targets (BRD2, NOS2, GPT, MAPK1, CXCR3, ICAM1, CDK4, CAT, and TMPRSS13) of VA against CHOL/COVID-19 were identified. For the first time, the potential pharmacological biotargets, function, and mechanism of action of VA in CHOL/COVID-19 were elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Liang
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Rui Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guigang City People's Hospital, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, Guangxi, China
| | - Yu Li
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Lu Yang
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Min Su
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Keng Po Lai
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
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15
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Du HX, Zhu JQ, Chen J, Zhou HF, Yang JH, Wan HT. Revealing the therapeutic targets and molecular mechanisms of emodin-treated coronavirus disease 2019 via a systematic study of network pharmacology. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:14571-14589. [PMID: 34088885 PMCID: PMC8221358 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Emodin has shown pharmacological effects in the treatment of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, which leads to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Thus, we speculated that emodin may possess anti-COVID-19 activity. In this study, using bioinformatics databases, we screened and harvested the candidate genes or targets of emodin and COVID-19 prior to the determination of pharmacological targets and molecular mechanisms of emodin against COVID-19. We discovered core targets for the treatment of COVID-19, including mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1), tumor protein (TP53), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), caspase-3 (CASP3), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), interleukin 1B (IL1B), mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), B-cell lymphoma-2-like protein 1 (BCL2L1), interleukin-8 (CXCL8), myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL1), and colony stimulating factor 2 (CSF2). The GO analysis of emodin against COVID-19 mainly included cytokine-mediated signaling pathway, response to lipopolysaccharide, response to molecule of bacterial origin, developmental process involved in reproduction, and reproductive structure development. The KEGG results exhibited that the molecular pathways mainly included IL-17 signaling pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, TNF signaling pathway, pertussis, proteoglycans in cancer, pathways in cancer, MAPK signaling pathway, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, NF-kappa B signaling pathway, etc. Also, molecular docking results revealed the docking capability between emodin and COVID-19 and the potential pharmacological activity of emodin against COVID-19. Taken together, these findings uncovered the targets and pharmacological mechanisms of emodin for treating COVID-19 and suggested that the vital targets might be used as biomarkers against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Xia Du
- College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Jia-Qi Zhu
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Jing Chen
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Hui-Fen Zhou
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Jie-Hong Yang
- College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Hai-Tong Wan
- College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
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16
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Li R, Guo C, Li Y, Qin Z, Huang W. Therapeutic targets and signaling mechanisms of vitamin C activity against sepsis: a bioinformatics study. Brief Bioinform 2021; 22:5835559. [PMID: 32393985 PMCID: PMC7454291 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbaa079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is a life-threatening complication of pneumonia, including coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19)-induced pneumonia. Evidence of the benefits of vitamin C (VC) for the treatment of sepsis is accumulating. However, data revealing the targets and molecular mechanisms of VC action against sepsis are limited. In this report, a bioinformatics analysis of network pharmacology was conducted to demonstrate screening targets, biological functions, and the signaling pathways of VC action against sepsis. As shown in network assays, 63 primary causal targets for the VC action against sepsis were identified from the data, and four optimal core targets for the VC action against sepsis were identified. These core targets were epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), mitogen-activated protein kinase-1 (MAPK1), proto-oncogene c (JUN), and signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3). In addition, all biological processes (including a top 20) and signaling pathways (including a top 20) potentially involved in the VC action against sepsis were identified. The hub genes potentially involved in the VC action against sepsis and interlaced networks from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes Mapper assays were highlighted. Considering all the bioinformatic findings, we conclude that VC antisepsis effects are mechanistically and pharmacologically implicated with suppression of immune dysfunction-related and inflammation-associated functional processes and other signaling pathways. These primary predictive biotargets may potentially be used to treat sepsis in future clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Wenjun Huang
- Corresponding author: Wenjun Huang, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, 109 North 2nd Huancheng Road Guilin, Guangxi, Chin. Tel: 0086-773-3680162; E-mail:
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17
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Li R, Li Y, Liang X, Yang L, Su M, Lai KP. Network Pharmacology and bioinformatics analyses identify intersection genes of niacin and COVID-19 as potential therapeutic targets. Brief Bioinform 2021; 22:1279-1290. [PMID: 33169132 PMCID: PMC7717147 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbaa300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) may be susceptible to the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). However, anti-CRC/COVID-19 treatment options are currently unavailable. Since niacin is a vitamin with cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory functions, this study aimed to evaluate the possible functional roles and underlying mechanisms of action of niacin as an anti-COVID-19 and -CRC therapy. INTERVENTIONS We used a series of network pharmacology-based and computational analyses to understand and characterize the binding capacity, biological functions, pharmacological targets and therapeutic mechanisms of niacin in CRC/COVID-19. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS We revealed the clinical characteristics of CRC patients and COVID-19 patients, including predisposing genes, survival rate and prognosis. Moreover, the results of molecular docking analysis indicated that niacin exerted effective binding capacity in COVID-19. Further, we disclosed the targets, biological functions and signaling pathways of niacin in CRC/COVID-19. The analysis indicated that niacin could help in treating CRC/COVID-19 through cytoprotection, enhancement of immunologic functions, inhibition of inflammatory reactions and regulation of cellular microenvironment. Furthermore, five core pharmacological targets of niacin in CRC/COVID-19 were also identified, including BCL2L1, PTGS2, IL1B, IFNG and SERPINE1. CONCLUSIONS This study, for the first time, revealed the niacin-associated molecular functions and pharmacological targets for treating CRC/COVID-19, as COVID-19 remains a serious pandemic. But the findings were not validated in actual CRC patients infected with COVID-19, so further investigation is needed to confirm the potential use of niacin for treating CRC/COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yu Li
- Gyuilin Medical University
| | | | | | - Min Su
- Gyuilin Medical University
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18
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Li R, Wu K, Li Y, Liang X, Lai KP, Chen J. Integrative pharmacological mechanism of vitamin C combined with glycyrrhizic acid against COVID-19: findings of bioinformatics analyses. Brief Bioinform 2021; 22:1161-1174. [PMID: 32662814 PMCID: PMC7462346 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbaa141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a fatal and fast-spreading viral infection. To date, the number of COVID-19 patients worldwide has crossed over six million with over three hundred and seventy thousand deaths (according to the data from World Health Organization; updated on 2 June 2020). Although COVID-19 can be rapidly diagnosed, efficient clinical treatment of COVID-19 remains unavailable, resulting in high fatality. Some clinical trials have identified vitamin C (VC) as a potent compound pneumonia management. In addition, glycyrrhizic acid (GA) is clinically as an anti-inflammatory medicine against pneumonia-induced inflammatory stress. We hypothesized that the combination of VC and GA is a potential option for treating COVID-19. METHODS The aim of this study was to determine pharmacological targets and molecular mechanisms of VC + GA treatment for COVID-19, using bioinformational network pharmacology. RESULTS We uncovered optimal targets, biological processes and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways of VC + GA against COVID-19. Our findings suggested that combinatorial VC and GA treatment for COVID-19 was associated with elevation of immunity and suppression of inflammatory stress, including activation of the T cell receptor signaling pathway, regulation of Fc gamma R-mediated phagocytosis, ErbB signaling pathway and vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway. We also identified 17 core targets of VC + GA, which suggest as antimicrobial function. CONCLUSIONS For the first time, our study uncovered the pharmacological mechanism underlying combined VC and GA treatment for COVID-19. These results should benefit efforts to address the most pressing problem currently facing the world.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ka Wu
- Guilin Medical University
| | - Yu Li
- Guilin Medical University
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19
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Liao L, Huang L, Wei X, Yin L, Wei X, Li T. Bioinformatic and biochemical studies of formononetin against liver injure. Life Sci 2021; 272:119229. [PMID: 33607154 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Formononetin is a promising bioactive phytoestrogen with evident pharmacological properties. However, the potential hepatoprotective benefit is evidenced limitedly in experiments. This study was designed to investigate the hepatoprotective mechanism and benefit of formononetin against liver injury via network pharmacology combined with biochemical determination. The computational data from network pharmacology identified the crucial genes of formononetin against liver injury, listed as TNF-α, NFκB-p65, TLR3, RELA, TRAF6, IKBKG, IKBKB, TNFRSF1A. And the anti-liver injury of formononetin were mainly involved in suppression of inflammatory pathways, including TNF signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway. In animal investigation, formononetin-dosed mice showed reduced body weight loss and hepatomegaly, meliorated liver function, suppressed hepatotoxicity and inflammatory reaction. Furthermore, the down-regulated expressions of TNF-α, NFκB-p65, TLR3 mRNAs and proteins in the livers of formononetin-dosed mice were detected accordingly. Therefore, we concluded that computational findings based on network pharmacology reveal the pharmacological targets, biological processes, and molecular mechanisms of formononetin against liver injury before some of findings were partially certified in vivo. Overall, formononetin may be a potential active component to prevent or treat liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liejun Liao
- Medical Laboratory, Wuming Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Wuming, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Lixiu Huang
- Medical Laboratory, Wuming Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Wuming, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Xiang Wei
- Medical Laboratory, Wuming Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Wuming, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Lijun Yin
- Medical Laboratory, Wuming Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Wuming, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Xiaorong Wei
- Medical Laboratory, Wuming Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Wuming, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Taijie Li
- Medical Laboratory, Wuming Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Wuming, Guangxi, PR China.
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20
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Li R, Guo C, Li Y, Liang X, Su M. Functional benefit and molecular mechanism of vitamin C against perfluorooctanesulfonate-associated leukemia. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 263:128242. [PMID: 33297189 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) is a persistent pollutant that can induce toxic effects, including leukemia, on blood cells. Vitamin C (VC), a functional nutrient, has been found to possess potent cytoprotective effects. However, there are currently no reports on its ability to treat PFOS-associated leukemia. This study used a molecular networking analysis to reveal the functional action and pharmacological mechanism of VC against PFOS-associated leukemia. The biological informatics findings revealed a total of 17 intersection targets against PFOS-associated leukemia. In addition, seven core-functional targets, including tumor protein p53 (TP53), mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1), estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3), myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL1), and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), were screened and identified. Notably, the molecular docking findings indicated that TP53, MAPK1, and ESR1 were potent pharmacological targets of VC against PFOS-associated leukemia. Moreover, the pharmacological functions including biological processes, cell components, and molecular pathways of VC against PFOS-associated leukemia were determined. According to the computational findings, we conclude that VC protects against PFOS-associated leukemia action by suppressing leukemia-associated cell proliferation and tumor growth. The validated genes of TP53, MAPK1, ESR1 may become potential biomarkers for monitoring and treating PFOS-associated leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Chao Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Guigang City People's Hospital, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Yu Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Xiao Liang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Min Su
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China.
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21
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Li Y, Yu S, Li Y, Liang X, Su M, Li R. Medical Significance of Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma Patients Infected With SARS-CoV-2 and Pharmacological Characteristics of Plumbagin. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:714909. [PMID: 34712201 PMCID: PMC8547653 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.714909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinically, evidence shows that uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may have a higher death-rate. However, current anti-UCEC/coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment is lacking. Plumbagin (PLB), a pharmacologically active alkaloid, is an emerging anti-cancer inhibitor. Accordingly, the current report was designed to identify and characterize the anti-UCEC function and mechanism of PLB in the treatment of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 via integrated in silico analysis. METHODS The clinical analyses of UCEC and COVID-19 in patients were conducted using online-accessible tools. Meanwhile, in silico methods including network pharmacology and biological molecular docking aimed to screen and characterize the anti-UCEC/COVID-19 functions, bio targets, and mechanisms of the action of PLB. RESULTS The bioinformatics data uncovered the clinical characteristics of UCEC patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, including specific genes, health risk, survival rate, and prognostic index. Network pharmacology findings disclosed that PLB-exerted anti-UCEC/COVID-19 effects were achieved through anti-proliferation, inducing cytotoxicity and apoptosis, anti-inflammation, immunomodulation, and modulation of some of the key molecular pathways associated with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating actions. Following molecular docking analysis, in silico investigation helped identify the anti-UCEC/COVID-19 pharmacological bio targets of PLB, including mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (PLAU). CONCLUSIONS Based on the present bioinformatic and in silico findings, the clinical characterization of UCEC/COVID-19 patients was revealed. The candidate, core bio targets, and molecular pathways of PLB action in the potential treatment of UCEC/COVID-19 were identified accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongming Li
- Department of Gynecology, Guigang Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Guigang, China
| | - Songzuo Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guigang City People’s Hospital, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, China
| | - Yu Li
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Xiao Liang
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Min Su
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
- *Correspondence: Min Su, ; Rong Li, ;
| | - Rong Li
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
- *Correspondence: Min Su, ; Rong Li, ;
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22
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Nong Y, Liang Y, Liang X, Li Y, Yang B. Pharmacological targets and mechanisms of calycosin against meningitis. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:19468-19492. [PMID: 33031061 PMCID: PMC7732281 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
This report aimed to identity the potential anti-meningitis targets and mechanisms functioned by calycosin through network pharmacology approach. The bioinformatics databases were used to screen and collect the candidate genes/targets of calycosin and meningitis prior to identification of vital biotargets of calycosin-anti-meningitis. Additionally, the functional processes, signaling pathways of calycosin-anti-meningitis were screened and identified before further data visualization. As a result, all candidate and mapped biotargets of calycosin and meningitis were harvested before the vital targets of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), ataxia telangiectasia mutated protein (ATM), estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1), caspase-8 (CASP8), nerve growth factor (NGF) of calycosin-anti-meningitis were identified. The molecular processes of calycosin-anti-meningitis were screened and identified, including reduction of inflammatory development. Furthermore, the molecular pathways of calycosin-anti-meningitis were revealed, including suppression of NF-kappa B, Toll-like receptor, TNF signaling pathways. Molecular docking findings uncovered the docking capacity of calycosin with meningitis and potential pharmacological activity of calycosin against meningitis. In conclusion, these bioinformatic data uncovered the network targets and mechanisms of calycosin-anti-meningitis. And the current findings indicated that the vital targets might be used as potent biomarkers for detecting meningitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Nong
- Department of Neurology (Area Two), Guigang City People’s Hospital, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, PR China
| | - Yujia Liang
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Xiaoliu Liang
- Department of Neurology (Area Two), Guigang City People’s Hospital, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, PR China
| | - Yongming Li
- Department of Gynecology, Guigang City People's Hospital, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Bin Yang
- Department of Neurology (Area Two), Guigang City People’s Hospital, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, PR China
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Li R, Wu K, Li Y, Liang X, Tse WKF, Yang L, Lai KP. Revealing the targets and mechanisms of vitamin A in the treatment of COVID-19. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:15784-15796. [PMID: 32805728 PMCID: PMC7467385 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an epidemic disease characterized by rapid infection and a high death toll. The clinical diagnosis of patients with COVID-19 has risen sharply, especially in Western countries. Globally, an effective treatment for COVID-19 is still limited. Vitamin A (VA) exhibits pharmacological activity in the management of pneumonia. Thus, we reason that VA may potentially serve as an anti-SARS-CoV-2 regimen. In this study, bioinformatics analysis and computation assays using a network pharmacology method were conducted to explore and uncover the therapeutic targets and mechanisms of VA for treating COVID-19. We identified candidate targets, pharmacological functions, and therapeutic pathways of VA against SARS-CoV-2. Bioinformatics findings indicate that the mechanisms of action of VA against SARS-CoV-2 include enrichment of immunoreaction, inhibition of inflammatory reaction, and biological processes related to reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, seven core targets of VA against COVID-19, including MAPK1, IL10, EGFR, ICAM1, MAPK14, CAT, and PRKCB were identified. With this bioinformatics-based report, we reveal, for the first time, the anti-SARS-CoV-2 functions and mechanisms of VA and suggest that VA may act as a potent treatment option for COVID-19, a deadly global epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Ka Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second People's Hospital of Nanning City, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yu Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Xiao Liang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - William Ka Fai Tse
- Center for Promotion of International Education and Research, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Lu Yang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Keng Po Lai
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
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Liang Y, Zhou R, Liang X, Kong X, Yang B. Pharmacological targets and molecular mechanisms of plumbagin to treat colorectal cancer: A systematic pharmacology study. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 881:173227. [PMID: 32505664 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Plumbagin (PL) pharmacologically plays the anti-proliferative effects in cancer cells, including effective suppression of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the exact molecular mechanism of PL to treat CRC remains unclear. Using available SwissTargetPrediction and SuperPred databases, the anti-cancer biotargets of PL were identified, and the CRC-diseased targets were obtained through a DisGeNET database. The biological processes, and signaling pathways of PL to treat CRC were identified and visualized. Further, clinical and cell culture data were used to validate some bioinformatic findings. As shown in bioinformatics findings, 64 predictive biotargets of PL to treat CRC were collected, and 7 most important biotargets of tumor protein p53 (TP53), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1), E1A-associated protein p300 (EP300), poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), nuclear factor kappa p65 protein (RELA), Bcl-2 like protein 1 (BCL2L1) were identified respectively. In addition, top 20 functional biological processes, signaling pathways of PL to treat CRC were screened and prioritized. In human study, CRC samples showed elevated expressions of neoplastic MAPK1, PARP1 mRNAs and reduced EP300 mRNA level. In cell culture study, PL-treated CRC cells resulted in down-regulated MAPK1, PARP1 mRNA expressions and up-regulation of EP300 mRNA level, characterized with suppressed cell proliferation. Taken together, the therapeutic biotargets and molecular mechanisms of PL to treat CRC were screened and identified by using a systematic pharmacology analysis, and some bioinformatic findings were validated in clinical and cell line experiments. Potentially, these hub biotargets may be the biomarkers for CRC detection and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Liang
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, Nanning, PR China
| | - Rui Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guigang City People's Hospital, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Xiaoliu Liang
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, Nanning, PR China
| | - Xiaolong Kong
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, Nanning, PR China.
| | - Bin Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, Nanning, PR China.
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Li R, Guo C, Li Y, Liang X, Yang L, Huang W. Therapeutic target and molecular mechanism of vitamin C-treated pneumonia: a systematic study of network pharmacology. Food Funct 2020; 11:4765-4772. [PMID: 32420559 DOI: 10.1039/d0fo00421a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin C (VC), a well-reported antioxidant, is found with beneficial actions of preventing and treating pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation
- Guilin Medical University
- Guilin
- China
| | - Chao Guo
- Department of Pharmacy
- Guigang City People's Hospital
- The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University
- Guigang
- PR China
| | - Yu Li
- College of Pharmacy
- Guilin Medical University
- Guilin
- PR China
| | - Xiao Liang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation
- Guilin Medical University
- Guilin
- China
| | - Lu Yang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation
- Guilin Medical University
- Guilin
- China
| | - Wenjun Huang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation
- Guilin Medical University
- Guilin
- China
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