LC-MS based metabolomics identification of novel biomarkers of tobacco smoke-induced chronic bronchitis

Gleditsiae sinensis fructus Pills combined with Jujubae fructus attenuate chronic bronchitis via regulation of AGE-RAGE signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Gleditsiae sinensis fructus Pills (GF) is a famous classical prescription, that is regularly combined with Jujubae fructus (JF) for the treatment of chronic bronchitis (CB) in the clinic. While the clinical efficacy of this combination prescription is clearly established, the active ingredients and molecular mechanisms remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To elucidate the mechanisms of action of Gleditsiae sinensis fructus Pills combined with Jujubae fructus (GF&JF) against CB based on network pharmacology and experimental verification.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The potential targets of GF&JF involved in therapeutic activity against CB were predicted based on network pharmacology and an "ingredients-targets" network constructed. The Metascape database was used for Module, GO functional and KEGG signaling pathway enrichment analyses of potential targets. Molecular docking was applied to simulate the binding activities of key candidate active ingredients to core targets. For experimental verification, a CB model was established through smoking and nasal cavity drip of lipopolysaccharide. Related inflammatory factors, including TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-6 and IL-8 in serum, and IL-4 IL-8, IFN-γ and IL-10 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), were detected using ELISA. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson staining were performed to observe pathological changes in lung and tracheal tissue. The expression of related proteins and mRNAs in the lung tissue were detected using immunohistochemistry (IHC), quantitative real-time PCR, and western blot.

RESULTS

In network pharmacology, 36 common targets of GF&JF for CB were screened and the key targets and main signaling pathways identified. The active ingredients quercetin and stigmasterol in GF&JF had more targets for CB, which displayed good binding activity to IL-6, VEGFA, and EGFR, as established from molecular docking results. In vivo, GF&JF effectively inhibit the inflammatory response in CB mice and improved pathological changes in lung and tracheal tissue. In terms of the key proteins of the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, GF&JF induced significant down-regulation of IL-6, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, EGFR, CASPASE-3, AGEs and RAGE proteins in lung tissue as well as mRNA expression of IL-6, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, EGFR, AGEs and RAGE.

CONCLUSIONS

The GF&JF combination exerts a good therapeutic effect in CB model mice, which may be attributed to inhibition of the inflammatory response as well as regulation on the expression of AGE-RAGE signaling pathway. In addition, quercetin and stigmasterol appear to be the main active ingredients of GF&JF in the treatment of CB.

Role of untargeted omics biomarkers of exposure and effect for tobacco research

Tobacco research remains a clear priority to improve individual and population health, and has recently become more complex with emerging combustible and noncombustible tobacco products. The use of omics methods in prevention and cessation studies are intended to identify new biomarkers for risk, compared risks related to other products and never use, and compliance for cessation and reinitation. to assess the relative effects of tobacco products to each other. They are important for the prediction of reinitiation of tobacco use and relapse prevention. In the research setting, both technical and clinical validation is required, which presents a number of complexities in the omics methodologies from biospecimen collection and sample preparation to data collection and analysis. When the results identify differences in omics features, networks or pathways, it is unclear if the results are toxic effects, a healthy response to a toxic exposure or neither. The use of surrogate biospecimens (e.g., urine, blood, sputum or nasal) may or may not reflect target organs such as the lung or bladder. This review describes the approaches for the use of omics in tobacco research and provides examples of prior studies, along with the strengths and limitations of the various methods. To date, there is little consistency in results, likely due to small number of studies, limitations in study size, the variability in the analytic platforms and bioinformatic pipelines, differences in biospecimen collection and/or human subject study design. Given the demonstrated value for the use of omics in clinical medicine, it is anticipated that the use in tobacco research will be similarly productive.

Integrate metabolomics strategy and target prediction to reveal the ameliorate effect of four typical 'cold' property herbs on hyperthyroidism rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The 'cold' property herbs are commonly applied in heat syndrome. Unfortunately, the underlying mechanisms of the 'cold' property herbs on heat syndrome has not been investigated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study aimed to probe the activities of the four typical 'cold' property herbs on hyperthyroidism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Firstly, the four typical 'heat' property herbs were set as contrasting experiment. Then. the physical sign, thyroid function and metabolism profile (multivariate statistical analysis) were assessing the difference between the four typical 'cod' property herbs and the four typical 'heat' property herbs. H&E staining were used to confirmed the influence of the typical 'cold' property herbs on hyperthyroidism. A metabolomics approach combine with network pharmacology were explored the effected mechanism of the typical 'cold' property herbs on hyperthyroidism. the gene expression of UCP-1 was detected by RT-PCR. The metabolites pathway and target-associated metabolites were verified Na⁺/K⁺-ATP enzyme and GSH, as well IL6, IL17, MAPK and PPAR-γ, which detected by commercial kits and Western blot.

RESULTS

It is proved that the four typical 'cold' property herbs effectively ameliorate the physical sign, thyroid function and metabolism profile in hyperthyroidism rats, but the four typical 'heat' property herbs showed no benefit. Moreover, the four typical 'cold' property herbs regulated energy metabolism, glutathione metabolism, taurine hypotaurine metabolism, thyroid hormone synthesis, arachidonic acid metabolism and linoleic acid metabolism and the inflammation mediated by inflammatory factor (IL6, IL17), Ca²⁺ and MAPK signaling pathway. And the levels of UCP-1, Na⁺/K⁺-ATP enzyme, GSH, and the targets protein of IL6, IL17, MAPK and PPAR-γ were ameliorated by the four typical 'cold' property herbs.

CONCLUSION

The four typical 'cold' property herbs could alleviate hyperthyroidism by ameliorate thyroid hormone synthesis, restraining inflammation and oxidative stress via regulating energy metabolism, glutathione metabolism, taurine hypotaurine metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism and linoleic acid metabolism and Ca ²⁺/MAPK signaling pathway, which might be a useful strategy for treating hyperthyroidism.

Application of metabolomics and network analysis to reveal the ameliorating effect of four typical “hot” property herbs on hypothyroidism rats

Herbs with a “hot” properties are frequently used to treat cold symptoms in TCM. However, the underlying mechanisms of the herbs with “hot” properties on hypothyroidism have not been investigated. This study aimed to explore four typical “hot” and “cold” property herb on hypothyroidism. Firstly, the difference efficacy between the four typical “hot” property herbs and the four typical “cold” property herbs was assessed by physical signs, thyroid function, and the metabolic profile using multivariate statistical analysis. The influence of the four typical “hot” property herbs on hypothyroidism was validated pathologically. The impact mechanism of the four typical “hot” property herbs on hypothyroidism was investigated through a metabolomics method combined with network analysis. Na⁺/K⁺-ATP, ACC1 enzyme, UCP-1, and the PI3K-Akt pathway were used to confirm the metabolite pathways and target-associated metabolites. The results showed that the four typical “hot” property herbs could significantly improve physical signs, thyroid function, and the metabolic profile in hypothyroidism rats, the four typical “cold” property herbs did not show any benefit. Moreover, the four typical “hot” property herbs could improve lipid metabolism, energy metabolism, and thyroid hormone levels by the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Ca²⁺- AMPK signaling pathways, purine metabolism, and tryptophan metabolism. Additionally, the levels of UCP-1, Na+/K + -ATP enzyme, and ACC1 were ameliorated by the four typical “hot” property herbs in hypothyroidism rats. Therefore, a metabolomics strategy combined with network analysis was successfully performed and interpreted the mechanism of the four typical “hot” property herbs on hypothyroidism based on the theory of “cold and hot” properties of TCM well.

Examination of serum metabolome altered by cigarette smoking identifies novel metabolites mediating smoking-BMI association

OBJECTIVE

The authors hypothesize that an untargeted metabolomics study will identify novel mechanisms underlying smoking-associated weight loss.

METHODS

This study performed cross-sectional analyses among 1,252 participants in the Bogalusa Heart Study and assessed 1,202 plasma metabolites for mediation effects on smoking-BMI associations. Significant metabolites were tested for associations with smoking genetic risk scores among a subset of participants (n = 654) with available genomic data, followed by direction dependence analysis to investigate causal relationships between the metabolites and smoking and BMI. All analyses controlled for age, sex, race, education, alcohol drinking, and physical activity.

RESULTS

Compared with never smokers, current and former smokers had a 3.31-kg/m² and 1.77-kg/m² lower BMI after adjusting for all covariables, respectively. A total of 22 xenobiotics and 94 endogenous metabolites were significantly associated with current smoking. Eight xenobiotics were also associated with former smoking. Forty metabolites mediated the smoking-BMI associations, and five showed causal relationships with both smoking and BMI. These metabolites, including 1-oleoyl-GPE (18:1), 1-linoleoyl-GPE (18:2), 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonoyl-GPE (18:0/20:4), α-ketobutyrate, and 1-palmitoyl-GPE (16:0), mediated 26.0% of the association between current smoking and BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

This study cataloged plasma metabolites altered by cigarette smoking and identified five metabolites that partially mediated the association between current smoking and BMI.

Detection of the Disorders of Glycerophospholipids and Amino Acids Metabolism in Lung Tissue From Male COPD Patients

Background: At present, few studies have reported the metabolic profiles of lung tissue in patients with COPD. Our study attempted to analyze the lung metabolome in male COPD patients and to screen the overlapping biomarkers of the lung and plasma metabolomes.

Methods: We performed untargeted metabolomic analysis of normal lung tissue from two independent sets (the discovery set: 20 male COPD patients and 20 controls and the replication set: 47 male COPD patients and 27 controls) and of plasma samples from 80 male subjects containing 40 COPD patients and 40 controls.

Results: We found glycerophospholipids (GPs) and Amino acids were the primary classes of differential metabolites between male COPD patients and controls. The disorders of GPs metabolism and the valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis metabolism pathways were identified in lung discovery set and then also validated in the lung replication set. Combining lung tissue and plasma metabolome, Phytosphingosine and l-tryptophan were two overlapping metabolites biomarkers. Binary logistic regression suggested that phytosphingosine together with l-tryptophan was closely associated with male COPD and showed strong diagnostic power with an AUC of 0.911 (95% CI: 0.8460-0.9765).

Conclusion: Our study revealed the metabolic perturbations of lung tissues from male COPD patients. The detected disorders of GPs and amino acids may provide an insight into the pathological mechanism of COPD. Phytosphingosine and l-tryptophan were two novel metabolic biomarkers for differentiating COPD patients and controls.

Comprehensive Targeted Metabolomic Study in the Lung, Plasma, and Urine of PPE/LPS-Induced COPD Mice Model

(1) Background: Progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) leads to irreversible lung damage and inflammatory responses; however, biomarker discovery for monitoring of COPD progression remains challenging. (2) Methods: This study evaluated the metabolic mechanisms and potential biomarkers of COPD through the integrated analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of metabolic changes in lung, plasma, and urine, and changes in morphological characteristics and pulmonary function in a model of PPE/LPS-induced COPD exacerbation. (3) Results: Metabolic changes in the lungs were evaluated as metabolic reprogramming to counteract the changes caused by the onset of COPD. In plasma, several combinations of phenylalanine, 3-methylhistidine, and polyunsaturated fatty acids have been proposed as potential biomarkers; the α-aminobutyric acid/histidine ratio has also been reported, which is a novel candidate biomarker for COPD. In urine, a combination of succinic acid, isocitric acid, and pyruvic acid has been proposed as a potential biomarker. (4) Conclusions: This study proposed potential biomarkers in plasma and urine that reflect altered lung metabolism in COPD, concurrently with the evaluation of the COPD exacerbation model induced by PPE plus LPS administration. Therefore, understanding these integrative mechanisms provides new insights into the diagnosis, treatment, and severity assessment of COPD.

Lysophospholipids in Lung Inflammatory Diseases

The lysophospholipids (LPLs) belong to a group of bioactive lipids that play pivotal roles in several physiological and pathological processes. LPLs are derivatives of phospholipids and consist of a single hydrophobic fatty acid chain, a hydrophilic head, and a phosphate group with or without a large molecule attached. Among the LPLs, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) are the simplest, and have been shown to be involved in lung inflammatory symptoms and diseases such as acute lung injury, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) mediate LPA and S1P signaling. In this chapter, we will discuss on the role of LPA, S1P, their metabolizing enzymes, inhibitors or agonists of their receptors, and their GPCR-mediated signaling in lung inflammatory symptoms and diseases, focusing specially on acute respiratory distress syndrome, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

A specific gut microbiota and metabolomic profiles shifts related to antidiabetic action: The similar and complementary antidiabetic properties of type 3 resistant starch from Canna edulis and metformin

The relationship between gut microbiota and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has drawn increasing attention, and the benefits of various treatment strategies, including nutrition, medication and physical exercise, maybe microbially-mediated. Metformin is a widely used hypoglycemic agent, while resistant starch (RS) is a novel dietary fiber that emerges as a nutritional strategy for metabolic disease. However, it remains unclear as to the potential degree and interactions among gut microbial communities, metabolic landscape, and the anti-diabetic effects of metformin and RS, especially for a novel type 3 resistant starch from Canna edulis (Ce-RS3). In the present study, T2DM rats were administered metformin or Ce-RS3, and the changes in gut microbiota and serum metabolic profiles were characterized using 16S-rRNA gene sequencing and metabolomics, respectively. After 11 weeks of treatment, Ce-RS3 exhibited similar anti-diabetic effects to those of metformin, including dramatically reducing blood glucose, ameliorating the response to insulin resistance and glucose tolerance test, and relieving the pathological damage in T2DM rats. Interestingly, the microbial and systemic metabolic dysbiosis in T2DM rats was effectively modulated by both Ce-RS3 and, to a lesser extent, metformin. The two treatments increased the gut bacterial diversity, and supported the restoration of SCFA-producing bacteria, thereby significantly increasing SCFAs levels. Both treatments simultaneously corrected 16 abnormal metabolites in the metabolism of lipids and amino acids, many of which are microbiome-related. PICRUSt analysis and correlation of SCFAs levels with metabolomics data revealed a strong association between gut microbial and host metabolic changes. Strikingly, Ce-RS3 exhibited better efficacy in increasing gut microbiota diversity with a peculiar enrichment of Prevotella genera. The gut microbial properties of Ce-RS3 were tightly associated with the T2DM-related indexes, showing the potential to alleviate diabetic phenotype dysbioses, and possibly explaining the greater efficiency in improving metabolic control. The beneficial effects of Ce-RS3 and metformin might derive from changes in gut microbiota through altering host-microbiota interactions with impact on the host metabolome. Given the complementarity of Ce-RS3 and metformin in regulation of gut microbiota and metabolites, this study also prompted us to suggest possible "Drug-Dietary fiber" combinations for managing T2DM.

Impact of Pre-blood Collection Factors on Plasma Metabolomic Profiles

Demographic, lifestyle and biospecimen-related factors at the time of blood collection can influence metabolite levels in epidemiological studies. Identifying the major influences on metabolite concentrations is critical to designing appropriate sample collection protocols and considering covariate adjustment in metabolomics analyses. We examined the association of age, sex, and other short-term pre-blood collection factors (time of day, season, fasting duration, physical activity, NSAID use, smoking and alcohol consumption in the days prior to collection) with 133 targeted plasma metabolites (acylcarnitines, amino acids, biogenic amines, sphingolipids, glycerophospholipids, and hexoses) among 108 individuals that reported exposures within 48 h before collection. The differences in mean metabolite concentrations were assessed between groups based on pre-collection factors using two-sided t-tests and ANOVA with FDR correction. Percent differences in metabolite concentrations were negligible across season, time of day of collection, fasting status or lifestyle behaviors at the time of collection, including physical activity or the use of tobacco, alcohol or NSAIDs. The metabolites differed in concentration between the age and sex categories for 21.8% and 14.3% metabolites, respectively. In conclusion, extrinsic factors in the short period prior to collection were not meaningfully associated with concentrations of selected endogenous metabolites in a cross-sectional sample, though metabolite concentrations differed by age and sex. Larger studies with more coverage of the human metabolome are warranted.

Metabolomics Profiles of Smokers from Two Ethnic Groups with Differing Lung Cancer Risk

African American (AA) smokers are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer compared to whites. The variations in the metabolism of nicotine and tobacco-derived carcinogens in these groups were reported previously with the levels of nicotine metabolites and carcinogen-derived metabolites measured using targeted approaches. While useful, these targeted strategies are not able to detect global metabolic changes for use in predicting the detrimental effects of tobacco use and ultimately lung cancer susceptibility among smokers. To address this limitation, we have performed global untargeted metabolomics profiling in urine of AA and white smokers to characterize the pattern of metabolites, identify differentially regulated pathways, and correlate these profiles with the observed variations in lung cancer risk between these two populations. Urine samples from AA (n = 30) and white (n = 30) smokers were used for metabolomics analysis acquired in both positive and negative electrospray ionization modes. LC-MS data were uploaded onto the cloud-based XCMS online (http://xcmsonline.scripps.edu) platform for retention time correction, alignment, feature detection, annotation, statistical analysis, data visualization, and automated systems biology pathway analysis. The latter identified global differences in the metabolic pathways in the two groups including the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, nucleotides, fatty acids, and nicotine. Significant differences in the nicotine degradation pathway (cotinine glucuronidation) in the two groups were observed and confirmed using a targeted LC-MS/MS approach. These results are consistent with previous studies demonstrating AA smokers with lower glucuronidation capacity compared to whites. Furthermore, the d-glucuronate degradation pathway was found to be significantly different between the two populations, with lower amounts of the putative metabolites detected in AA compared to whites. We hypothesize that the differential regulation of the d-glucuronate degradation pathway is a consequence of the variations in the glucuronidation capacity observed in the two groups. Other pathways including the metabolism of amino acids, nucleic acids, and fatty acids were also identified, however, the biological relevance and implications of these differences across ethnic groups need further investigation. Overall, the applied metabolomics approach revealed global differences in the metabolic networks and endogenous metabolites in AA and whites, which could be used and validated as a new potential panel of biomarkers that could be used to predict lung cancer susceptibility among smokers in population-based studies.

Plasma Metabolomics and Lipidomics Reveal Perturbed Metabolites in Different Disease Stages of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common disease characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow restriction. It is usually manifested as airway and/or alveolar abnormalities caused by significant exposure to harmful particulates or gases.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to explore plasma metabolomic changes in the acute exacerbation stage of COPD (AECOPD) and stable stage of COPD (Stable COPD) to identify potential biomarkers for diagnosis or prognosis in clinical practice.

METHODS

Untargeted metabolomics and lipidomics analyses were performed to investigate dysregulated molecules in blood plasma of AECOPD patients (n=48) and Stable COPD (n=48), and a cohort of healthy people were included as a control group (n=48). Statistical analysis and bioinformatics analysis were performed to reveal dysregulated metabolites and perturbed metabolic pathways. SVM-based multivariate ROC analysis was used for candidate biomarker screening.

RESULTS

A total of 142 metabolites and 688 lipids were dysregulated in COPD patients. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that several metabolic pathways were perturbed after COPD onset. Several biomarker panels were proposed for diagnosis of COPD vs healthy control and AECOPD vs Stable COPD with AUC greater than 0.9.

CONCLUSION

Numerous plasma metabolites and several metabolic pathways were detected relevant to COPD disease onset or progression. These metabolites may be considered as candidate biomarkers for diagnosis or prognosis of COPD. The perturbed pathways involved in COPD provide clues for further pathological mechanism studies of COPD.

An Updated Overview of Metabolomic Profile Changes in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a common and heterogeneous respiratory disease, is characterized by persistent and incompletely reversible airflow limitation. Metabolomics is applied to analyze the difference of metabolic profile based on the low-molecular-weight metabolites (<1 kDa). Emerging metabolomic analysis may provide insights into the pathogenesis and diagnosis of COPD. This review aims to summarize the alteration of metabolites in blood/serum/plasma, urine, exhaled breath condensate, lung tissue samples, etc. from COPD individuals, thereby uncovering the potential pathogenesis of COPD according to the perturbed metabolic pathways. Metabolomic researches have indicated that the dysfunctions of amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, energy production pathways, and the imbalance of oxidations and antioxidations might lead to local and systematic inflammation by activating the Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells signaling pathway and releasing inflammatory cytokines, like interleutin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-8. In addition, they might cause protein malnutrition and oxidative stress and contribute to the development and exacerbation of COPD.

Tandem mass tags labeled quantitative proteomics to study the effect of tobacco smoke exposure on the rat lung

BACKGROUND

The causal link between tobacco smoke exposure (TSE) and numerous severe respiratory system diseases (RSD), including chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer, is well established. However, the pathogenesis of TSE-induced RSD remains incompletely understood. This research aims to detect the pathogenetic mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets of TSE-induced RSD.

METHODS

This study employed TSE model which rats were exposed to a concentration of 60% tobacco smoke in a toxicant exposure system for four weeks. Tandem mass tags (TMT) labeled quantitative proteomics combined with off-line high pH reversed-phase fractionation, and nano-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method (off-line high pH RPF-nano-LC-MS/MS) were adopted to detect differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the lung tissues of the TSE model rats and to compare them with those in control. The accuracy of the results was verified by western blot.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, 33 proteins in the TSE model group's lung tissues showed significant differential expression. Analysis based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways indicated that, several biological pathways, such as the steroid biosynthesis pathway, were involved and played significant roles in the pathogenesis of the experimental group's TSE.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings make a crucial contribution to the search for a comprehensive understanding of TSE-induced RSD's pathogenesis, and furthermore provide guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of TSE-induced RSD.

A Review of Pulmonary Toxicity of Electronic Cigarettes in the Context of Smoking: A Focus on Inflammation

The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) is increasing rapidly, but their effects on lung toxicity are largely unknown. Smoking is a well-established cause of lung cancer and respiratory disease, in part through inflammation. It is plausible that e-cig use might affect similar inflammatory pathways. E-cigs are used by some smokers as an aid for quitting or smoking reduction, and by never smokers (e.g., adolescents and young adults). The relative effects for impacting disease risk may differ for these groups. Cell culture and experimental animal data indicate that e-cigs have the potential for inducing inflammation, albeit much less than smoking. Human studies show that e-cig use in smokers is associated with substantial reductions in blood or urinary biomarkers of tobacco toxicants when completely switching and somewhat for dual use. However, the extent to which these biomarkers are surrogates for potential lung toxicity remains unclear. The FDA now has regulatory authority over e-cigs and can regulate product and e-liquid design features, such as nicotine content and delivery, voltage, e-liquid formulations, and flavors. All of these factors may impact pulmonary toxicity. This review summarizes current data on pulmonary inflammation related to both smoking and e-cig use, with a focus on human lung biomarkers. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(8); 1175-91. ©2017 AACR.

Comparative effects of dexamethasone and bergenin on chronic bronchitis and their anti-inflammatory mechanisms based on NMR metabolomics

NMR metabolomics was applied to study the anti-inflammation mechanism of dexamethasone and bergenin on chronic bronchitis.