1
|
Zhang K, Liu W, Shen F, Luan G, Han Y, Xu J, Fu C, Wu W, Hou Y, Jiang M, Zhang T, Bai G. Ligustilide covalently binds to Cys703 in the pre-S1 helix of TRPA1, blocking the opening of channel and relieving pain in rats with acute soft tissue injury. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 330:118217. [PMID: 38641072 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The natural anodyne Ligustilide (Lig), derived from Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels and Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort., has been traditionally employed for its analgesic properties in the treatment of dysmenorrhea and migraine, and rheumatoid arthritis pain. Despite the existing reports on the correlation between TRP channels and the analgesic effects of Lig, a comprehensive understanding of their underlying mechanisms of action remains elusive. AIM OF THE STUDY The objective of this study is to elucidate the mechanism of action of Lig on the analgesic target TRPA1 channel. METHODS The therapeutic effect of Lig was evaluated in a rat acute soft tissue injury model. The analgesic target was identified through competitive inhibition of TRP channel agonists at the animal level, followed by Fluo-4/Ca2+ imaging on live cells overexpressing TRP proteins. The potential target was verified through in-gel imaging, colocalization using a Lig-derived molecular probe, and a drug affinity response target stability assay. The binding site of Lig was identified through protein spectrometry and further analyzed using molecular docking, site-specific mutation, and multidisciplinary approaches. RESULTS The administration of Lig effectively ameliorated pain and attenuated oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in rats with soft tissue injuries. Moreover, the analgesic effects of Lig were specifically attributed to TRPA1. Mechanistic studies have revealed that Lig directly activates TRPA1 by interacting with the linker domain in the pre-S1 region of TRPA1. Through metabolic transformation, 6,7-epoxyligustilide (EM-Lig) forms a covalent bond with Cys703 of TRPA1 at high concentrations and prolonged exposure time. This irreversible binding prevents endogenous electrophilic products from entering the cysteine active center of ligand-binding pocket of TRPA1, thereby inhibiting Ca2+ influx through the channel opening and ultimately relieving pain. CONCLUSIONS Lig selectively modulates the TRPA1 channel in a bimodal manner via non-electrophilic/electrophilic metabolic conversion. The epoxidized metabolic intermediate EM-Lig exerts analgesic effects by irreversibly inhibiting the activation of TRPA1 on sensory neurons. These findings not only highlight the analgesic mechanism of Lig but also offer a novel nucleophilic attack site for the development of TRPA1 antagonists in the pre-S1 region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaixue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, PR China
| | - Wenjuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, PR China
| | - Fukui Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, PR China
| | - Guoqing Luan
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, PR China
| | - Yanqi Han
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Pharmacokinetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Quality Markers of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Tianjin, 300462, PR China
| | - Jun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Pharmacokinetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Quality Markers of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Tianjin, 300462, PR China
| | - Cheng Fu
- Jiangxi Baishen Changnuo Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Fuzhou, 344000, PR China
| | - Weidong Wu
- Jiangxi Baishen Changnuo Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Fuzhou, 344000, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, PR China
| | - Min Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, PR China.
| | - Tiejun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Pharmacokinetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Quality Markers of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Tianjin, 300462, PR China.
| | - Gang Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang K, Shen F, Lei W, Han Y, Ma X, Lu Y, Hou Y, Liu W, Jiang M, Zhang T, Bai G. Ligustilide covalently binds to Cys129 of HMGCS1 to ameliorate dyslipidemia. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115323. [PMID: 37579692 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Dyslipidemia is characterized by elevated levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides in serum, and has become the primary human health killer because of the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Although there exist plenty of drugs for dyslipidemia, the number of patients who could benefit from lipid-lowering drugs still remains a concern. Ligustilide (Lig), a natural phthalide derivative, was reported to regulate lipid metabolic disorders. However, its specific targets and underlying molecular mechanism are still unclear. In this study, we found that Lig alleviated high fat diet-induced dyslipidemia by inhibiting cholesterol biosynthesis. Furthermore, a series of chemical biological analysis methods were used to identify its target protein for regulating lipid metabolism. Collectively, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A synthetase 1 (HMGCS1) of hepatic cells was identified as a target for Lig to regulate lipid metabolism. The mechanistic study confirmed that Lig irreversibly binds to Cys129 of HMGCS1 via its metabolic intermediate 6,7-epoxyligustilide, thereby reducing cholesterol synthesis and improving lipid metabolism disorders. These findings not only systematically elucidated the lipid-lowering mechanism of Lig, but also provided a new structural compound for the treatment of dyslipidemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaixue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300353, PR China
| | - Fukui Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300353, PR China
| | - Wei Lei
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China
| | - Yanqi Han
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Pharmacokinetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Quality markers of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Tianjin 300462, PR China
| | - Xiaoyao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300353, PR China
| | - Yujie Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300353, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300353, PR China
| | - Wenjuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300353, PR China.
| | - Min Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300353, PR China.
| | - Tiejun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Pharmacokinetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Quality markers of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Tianjin 300462, PR China
| | - Gang Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300353, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang Y, Gong Y, Xiao Y, Jiang Y, Chen J, Zhao H, Qi M, Chen H, Fan J, Wang J. Study on the dynamic metabolic characteristic of main active ingredients in Danggui Buxue Decoction by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry based on in situ sequential metabolism strategy. J Sep Sci 2023; 46:e2200941. [PMID: 37322407 DOI: 10.1002/jssc.202200941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Danggui Buxue Decoction is a classic formula for replenishing qi and nourishing blood. Despite its widespread use, its dynamic metabolism involved remains unclear. Based on the sequential metabolism strategy, blood samples from different metabolic sites were obtained via in situ closed intestine ring integrated with a jugular venous continuous blood supply technique. An ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-linear triple quadruple-Orbitrap-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the identification of prototypes and metabolites in rat plasma. The dynamic absorption and metabolic landscape of flavonoids, saponins, and phthalides were characterized. Flavonoids could be deglycosylated, deacetylated, demethylated, dehydroxylated, and glucuronicated in the gut and then absorbed for further metabolism. Jejunum is an important metabolic site for saponins biotransformation. Saponins that are substituted by Acetyl groups tend to lose their acetyl groups and convert to Astragaloside IV in the jejunum. Phthalides could be hydroxylated and glucuronidated in the gut and then absorbed for further metabolism. Seven components serve as crucial joints in the metabolic network and are potential candidates for the quality control of Danggui Buxue Decoction. The sequential metabolism strategy described in this study could be useful for characterizing the metabolic pathways of Chinese medicine and natural products in the digestive system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanmin Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Gong
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yao Xiao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yani Jiang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Jianbo Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Hedi Zhao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Miao Qi
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Han Chen
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Jing Fan
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Jingjuan Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Huang Y, Wu Y, Yin H, Du L, Chen C. Senkyunolide I: A Review of Its Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, and Drug-Likeness. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28083636. [PMID: 37110869 PMCID: PMC10144034 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28083636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Senkyunolide I (SI) is a natural phthalide that has drawn increasing interest for its potential as a cardio-cerebral vascular drug candidate. In this paper, the botanical sources, phytochemical characteristics, chemical and biological transformations, pharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties, and drug-likeness of SI are reviewed through a comprehensive literature survey, in order to provide support for its further research and applications. In general, SI is mainly distributed in Umbelliferae plants, and it is relatively stable to heat, acid, and oxygen, with good blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Substantial studies have established reliable methods for the isolation, purification, and content determination of SI. Its pharmacological effects include analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-thrombotic, anti-tumor effects, alleviating ischemia-reperfusion injury, etc. Pharmacokinetic parameters indicate that its metabolic pathway is mainly phase Ⅱ metabolism, and it is rapidly absorbed in vivo and widely distributed in the kidneys, liver, and lungs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Quality and Innovation Research of Chinese Materia Medica, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hongxiang Yin
- School of Ethnic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Leilei Du
- School of Ethnic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Chu Chen
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Quality and Innovation Research of Chinese Materia Medica, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lu YJ, Niu L, Shen FK, Yang W, Xie Y, Li SY, Jiang M, Bai G. Ligustilide attenuates airway remodeling in COPD mice by covalently binding to MH2 domain of Smad3 in pulmonary epithelium, disrupting the Smad3-SARA interaction. Phytother Res 2023; 37:717-730. [PMID: 36216328 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Airway remodeling is one of the hallmarks of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is closely related to the dysregulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Smad3, an important transcriptional regulator responsible for transducing TGF-β1 signals, is a promising target for EMT modulation. We found that ligustilide (Lig), a novel Smad3 covalent inhibitor, effectively inhibited airway remodeling in cigarette smoke (CS) combined with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced COPD mice. Oral administration of an alkynyl-modified Lig probe was used to capture and trace target proteins in mouse lung tissue, revealing Smad3 in airway epithelium as a key target of Lig. Protein mass spectrometry and Smad3 mutation analysis via in-gel imaging indicated that the epoxidized metabolite of Lig covalently binds to the MH2 domain of Smad3 at Cys331/337. This irreversible bonding destroys the interaction of Smad3-SARA, prevents Smad3 phosphorylation activation, and subsequently suppresses the nuclear transfer of p-Smad3, the EMT process, and collagen deposition in TGF-β1-stimulated BEAS-2B cells and COPD mice. These findings provide experimental support that Lig attenuates COPD by repressing airway remodeling which is attributed to its suppression on the activation of EMT process in the airway epithelium via targeting Smad3 and inhibiting the recruitment of the Smad3-SARA heterodimer in the TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jie Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Niu
- Laboratory of Compound Drugs and Systems Biology, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Fu-Kui Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Xie
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Su-Yun Li
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases co-constructed by Henan province & Education Ministry of P.R., China, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lu Y, Ji J, Chu S, Shen F, Yang W, Lei W, Jiang M, Bai G. CaMKII, that binds with ligustilide, as a potential drug target of Suxiao jiuxin pill, a traditional Chinese medicine to dilate thoracic aorta. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e907. [PMID: 35678102 PMCID: PMC9178388 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jie Ji
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Simeng Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Fukui Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wei Lei
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Min Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Gang Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gach J, Olejniczak T, Krężel P, Boratyński F. Microbial Synthesis and Evaluation of Fungistatic Activity of 3-Butyl-3-hydroxyphthalide, the Mammalian Metabolite of 3- n-Butylidenephthalide. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147600. [PMID: 34299220 PMCID: PMC8304955 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Phthalides are bioactive compounds that naturally occur in the family Apiaceae. Considering their potentially versatile applications, it is desirable to determine their physical properties, activity and metabolic pathways. This study aimed to examine the utility of whole-cell biocatalysts for obtaining 3-butyl-3-hydroxyphthalide, which is the metabolite formulated during mammalian metabolism of 3-n-butylidenephthalide. We performed transformations using 10 strains of fungi, five of which efficiently produced 3-butyl-3-hydroxyphthalide. The product yield, determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, reached 97.6% when Aspergillus candidus AM 386 was used as the biocatalyst. Increasing the scale of the process resulted in isolation yields of 29–45% after purification via reversed-phase thin layer chromatography, depending on the strain of the microorganism used. We proposed different mechanisms for product formation; however, hydration of 3-n-butylidenephthalide seems to be the most probable. Additionally, all phthalides were tested against clinical strains of Candida albicans using the microdilution method. Two phthalides showed a minimum inhibitory concentration, required to inhibit the growth of 50% of organisms, below 50 µg/mL. The 3-n-butylidenephthalide metabolite was generally inactive, and this feature in combination with its low lipophilicity suggests its involvement in the detoxification pathway. The log P value of tested compounds was in the range of 2.09–3.38.
Collapse
|