Identification of the lipid-lowering component of triterpenes from Alismatis rhizoma based on the MRM-based characteristic chemical profiles and support vector machine model

Alisol A inhibits the circ_0001831/miR-346/LIN28B pathway to ameliorate high glucose-induced injury of human renal mesangial cells

BACKGROUND

Alisol A can ameliorate glucose metabolism disorders, however, there is no data regarding its role in diabetic nephropathy (DN). The present work evaluates the role of Alisol A in DN and the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

RNA expression of circ_0001831, miR-346, and lin-28 homolog B (LIN28B) was detected by qRT-PCR. Cell viability and proliferation were investigated by MTT assay and EdU assay, respectively. The inflammatory cytokines were examined by ELISAs. Oxidative stress was evaluated by the commercial kits. Protein expression was detected by western blotting. The interactions among circ_0001831, miR-346, and LIN28B were identified by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay. DN mouse model assay was used to analyse the effect of Alisol A on renal injury of diabetic mice.

RESULTS

HG treatment promoted HRMC proliferation, fibrosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress; however, these effects were reversed after Alisol A treatment. Alisol A treatment ameliorated STZ-induced renal injury of diabetic mice. Additionally, circ_0001831 or LIN28B overexpression or miR-346 downregulation relieved Alisol A-induced effects under HG conditions. Mechanistically, circ_0001831 acted as a miR-346 sponge, and LIN28B was identified as a target gene of miR-346. Further, the regulation of circ_0001831 in HG-induced HRMC dysfunction involved LIN28B.

CONCLUSION

Alisol A ameliorated HG-induced HRMC fibrosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress and STZ-induced renal injury of diabetic mice by regulating the circ_0001831/miR-346/LIN28B pathway.

Promotion of neuroinflammation by the glymphatic system: a new insight into ethanol extracts from Alisma orientale in alleviating obesity-associated cognitive impairment

BACKGROUND

Obesity is one of the critical risk factors for cognitive dysfunction. The glymphatic system (GS) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of cognitive deficits. Alisma orientale has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antihyperlipidemic effects, whereas its effects and underlying mechanisms on obesity-associated cognitive impairment (OACI) are unclear.

PURPOSE

This work aims to decipher the mechanism of ethanol extracts from Alisma orientale (EEAO) in restoring cognitive impairment in HFD-induced obese mice through a GS approach.

METHODS

The restoration of abnormal glucose/lipid metabolism and excess adipose deposition by EEAO were assayed by biochemical analysis and visually displayed by a micro-CT scanner and Oil Red O staining. Biochemical assays and Western blotting (WB) were used to measure cerebral blood flow (CBF), free fatty acid (FFAs) levels and the structural integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Microglial activation and neuroinflammation were assessed with immunohistochemistry staining, ELISA and WB. Moreover, GS function was determined by immunofluorescence staining, fluorescence tracer imaging and WB. Finally, the neuropathological features and cognitive functions were detested with immunohistochemistry staining, immunofluorescence and Morris Water Maze.

RESULTS

EEAO not only alleviated body weight, cerebral lipid accumulation and serum FFAs in HFD-induced obese mice, but also increased CBF and BBB integrity. EEAO suppressed microglial activation and lipid deposition in the hippocampus and reduced the level of inflammatory cytokines including IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α in brain tissue. Interestingly, long-term HFD-induced GS dysfunction was significantly restored after EEAO intervention, and neuropathological lesions and cognitive deficits were also markedly rescued.

CONCLUSION

EEAO rescued the cognitive deficits of OACI by inhibiting neuroinflammation and restoring GS dysfunction, indicating a potential remedy for OACI.

Efficacy of Poria cocos and Alismatis rhizoma against diet-induced hyperlipidemia in rats based on transcriptome sequencing analysis

Hyperlipidemia, a common metabolic disease, is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, Poria cocos (PC) and Alismatis rhizoma (AR) serve as a potential treatment. A systematic approach based on transcriptome sequencing analysis and bioinformatics methods was developed to explore the synergistic effects of PC-AR and identify major compounds and potential targets. The phenotypic characteristics results indicated that the high dose (4.54 g/kg) of PC-AR reduced total cholesterol (TC), elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, and improved hepatocyte morphology, as assessed via hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Transcriptomic profiling processing results combined with GO enrichment analysis to identify the overlapping genes were associated with inflammatory responses. The cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway was found as a potential key pathway using geneset enrichment analysis. Core enrichment targets were selected according to the PC-AR's fold change versus the model. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis validated that PC-AR significantly downregulated the expression of Cxcl10, Ccl2, Ccl4, Cd40 and Il-1β mRNA (P < 0.05). Molecular docking analysis revealed the significant compounds of PC-AR and the potential binding patterns of the critical compounds and targets. This study provides further evidence that the therapeutic effects of PC-AR on hyperlipidemia in rats through the regulation of inflammation-related targets.

Identification of endogenous carbonyl steroids in human serum by chemical derivatization, hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry and the quantitative structure-retention relationship

Steroids are tetracyclic aliphatic compounds, and most of them contain carbonyl groups. The disordered homeostasis of steroids is closely related to the occurrence and progression of various diseases. Due to high structural similarity, low concentrations in vivo, poor ionization efficiency, and interference from endogenous substances, it is very challenging to comprehensively and unambiguously identify endogenous steroids in biological matrix. Herein, an integrated strategy was developed for the characterization of endogenous steroids in serum based on chemical derivatization, ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole Exactive mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS/MS), hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) exchange, and a quantitative structure-retention relationship (QSRR) model. To enhance the mass spectrometry (MS) response of carbonyl steroids, the ketonic carbonyl group was derivatized by Girard T (GT). Firstly, the fragmentation rules of derivatized carbonyl steroid standards by GT were summarized. Then, carbonyl steroids in serum were derivatized by GT and identified based on the fragmentation rules or by comparing retention time and MS/MS spectra with those of standards. H/D exchange MS was utilized to distinguish derivatized steroid isomers for the first time. Finally, a QSRR model was constructed to predict the retention time of the unknown steroid derivatives. With this strategy, 93 carbonyl steroids were identified from human serum, and 30 of them were determined to be dicarbonyl steroids by the charge number of characteristic ions and the number of exchangeable hrdrogen or comparing with standards. The QSRR model built by the machine learning algorithms has an excellent regression correlation, thus the accurate structures of 14 carbonyl steroids were determined, among which three steroids were reported for the first time in human serum. This study provides a new analytical method for the comprehensive and reliable identification of carbonyl steroids in biological matrix.

ZeXieYin Formula alleviates TMAO-induced cognitive impairment by restoring synaptic plasticity damage

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Treating cognitive impairment is a challenging and necessary research topic. ZeXieYin Formula (ZXYF), is a traditional herbal formula documented in the book of HuangDiNeiJing. Our previous studies demonstrated the ameliorative effects of ZXYF on atherosclerosis by reducing the plasma trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) level. TMAO is a metabolite of gut microorganisms, our recent research found that the increasing level of TMAO may have adverse effects on cognitive functions.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Our study mainly focused on the therapeutic effects of ZXYF on TMAO-induced cognitive impairment in mice and explored its underlying mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After the TMAO-induced cognitive impairment mice models were established, we applied behavioral tests to estimate the learning and memory ability of the ZXYF intervention mice. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to quantify the TMAO levels in plasma and the brain. The effects of ZXYF on the hippocampal synaptic structure and the neurons were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Nissl staining. In addition, western-blotting (WB) and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining were used to detect the level of related proteins in the synaptic structure and further verify the changes in synaptic plasticity and the mTOR pathway after ZXYF administration.

RESULTS

Behavioral tests showed that the learning and memory ability of mice impaired after a period of TMAO intervention and ZXYF could alleviate these changes. A series of results showed that ZXYF partly restored the damage of hippocampal synapse and neurons in TMAO-induced mice, at the same time, the expression of synapse-related proteins and mTOR pathway-related proteins were significantly regulated compared with the damage caused by TMAO.

CONCLUSION

ZXYF could alleviate TMAO-induced cognitive impairment by improving synaptic function, reducing neuronal damage, regulating synapse-associated proteins, and regulating the mTOR signaling pathway.

Exploring the mechanism of Alisma orientale for the treatment of pregnancy induced hypertension and potential hepato-nephrotoxicity by using network pharmacology, network toxicology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation

Background: Pregnancy-induced Hypertension (PIH) is a disease that causes serious maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Alisma Orientale (AO) has a long history of use as traditional Chinese medicine therapy for PIH. This study explores its potential mechanism and biosafety based on network pharmacology, network toxicology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. Methods: Compounds of AO were screened in TCMSP, TCM-ID, TCM@Taiwan, BATMAN, TOXNET and CTD database; PharmMapper and SwissTargetPrediction, GeneCards, DisGeNET and OMIM databases were used to predict the targets of AO anti-PIH. The protein-protein interaction analysis and the KEGG/GO enrichment analysis were applied by STRING and Metascape databases, respectively. Then, we constructed the "herb-compound-target-pathway-disease" map in Cytoscape software to show the core regulatory network. Finally, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were applied to analyze binding affinity and reliability. The same procedure was conducted for network toxicology to illustrate the mechanisms of AO hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Results: 29 compounds with 78 potential targets associated with the therapeutic effect of AO on PIH, 10 compounds with 117 and 111 targets associated with AO induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity were obtained, respectively. The PPI network analysis showed that core therapeutic targets were IGF, MAPK1, AKT1 and EGFR, while PPARG and TNF were toxicity-related targets. Besides, GO/KEGG enrichment analysis showed that AO might modulate the PI3K-AKT and MAPK pathways in treating PIH and mainly interfere with the lipid and atherosclerosis pathways to induce liver and kidney injury. The "herb-compound-target-pathway-disease" network showed that triterpenoids were the main therapeutic compounds, such as Alisol B 23-Acetate and Alisol C, while emodin was the main toxic compounds. The results of molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation also showed good binding affinity between core compounds and targets. Conclusion: This research illustrated the mechanism underlying the therapeutic effects of AO against PIH and AO induced hepato-nephrotoxicity. However, further experimental verification is warranted for optimal use of AO during clinical practice.

Machine Learning for Predicting Hyperglycemic Cases Induced by PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors

Objective

Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as programmed death-1/ligand-1 (PD-1/L1), exhibited autoimmune-like disorders, and hyperglycemia was on the top of grade 3 or higher immune-related adverse events. Machine learning is a model from past data for future data prediction. From post-marketing monitoring, we aimed to construct a machine learning algorithm to efficiently and rapidly predict hyperglycemic adverse reaction in patients using PD-1/L1 inhibitors.

Methods

In original data downloaded from Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (US FAERS), a multivariate pattern classification of support vector machine (SVM) was used to construct a classifier to separate adverse hyperglycemic reaction patients. With correct core SVM function, a 10-fold 3-time cross validation optimized parameter value composition in model setup with R language software.

Results

The SVM prediction model was set up from the number type/number optimization method, as well as the kernel and type of “rbf” and “nu-regression” composition. Two key values (nu and gamma) and case number displayed high adjusted r² in curve regressions (nu = 0.5649 × e^{(− (case/6984))}, gamma = 9.005 × 10⁻⁴ × case − 4.877 × 10⁻⁸ × case²). This SVM model with computable parameters greatly improved the assessing indexes (accuracy, F1 score, and kappa) as well as coequal sensitivity and the area under the curve (AUC).

Conclusion

We constructed an effective machine learning model based on compositions of exact kernels and computable parameters; the SVM prediction model can noninvasively and precisely predict hyperglycemic adverse drug reaction (ADR) in patients treated with PD-1/L1 inhibitors, which could greatly help clinical practitioners to identify high-risk patients and perform preventive measurements in time. Besides, this model setup process provided an analytic conception for promotion to other ADR prediction, such ADR information is vital for outcome improvement by identifying high-risk patients, and this machine learning algorithm can eventually add value to clinical decision making.

Pharmacological Properties and Molecular Targets of Alisol Triterpenoids from Alismatis Rhizoma

More than 100 protostane triterpenoids have been isolated from the dried rhizomes of Alisma species, designated Alismatis rhizoma (AR), commonly used in Asian traditional medicine to treat inflammatory and vascular diseases. The main products are the alisols, with the lead compounds alisol-A/-B and their acetate derivatives being the most abundant products in the plant and the best-known bioactive products. The pharmacological effects of Ali-A, Ali-A 24-acetate, Ali-B, Ali-B 23-acetate, and derivatives have been analyzed to provide an overview of the medicinal properties, signaling pathways, and molecular targets at the origin of those activities. Diverse protein targets have been proposed for these natural products, including the farnesoid X receptor, soluble epoxide hydrolase, and other enzymes (AMPK, HCE-2) and functional proteins (YAP, LXR) at the origin of the anti-atherosclerosis, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-fibrotic, and anti-proliferative activities. Activities were classified in two groups. The lipid-lowering and anti-atherosclerosis effects benefit from robust in vitro and in vivo data (group 1). The anticancer effects of alisols have been largely reported, but, essentially, studies using tumor cell lines and solid in vivo data are lacking (group 2). The survey shed light on the pharmacological properties of alisol triterpenoids frequently found in traditional phytomedicines.

Molecular Mechanism of Crataegi Folium and Alisma Rhizoma in the Treatment of Dyslipidemia Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

Background

Dyslipidemia has become a critical global issue for public health, with elevating prevalence and morbidity closely related to many cardiovascular diseases (CVD) with high incidence rates. Crataegi Folium (known as Shanzhaye in China, SZ, the leaves of Crataegus pinnatifida Bge. var. major N.E. Br. or Crataegus pinnatifida Bge) and Alisma rhizoma (known as Zexie in China, ZX, the dried tuber of Alisma orientale (Sam.) Juzep or Alisma plantago-aquatica Linn), a classic combination of herbs, have been widely used to treat dyslipidemia. However, the therapeutic mechanism of this pair still remains unclear. Hence, this study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanism of the Shanzhaye-Zexie herb pair (SZHP) in the treatment of dyslipidemia with the use of a network pharmacology analysis approach.

Methods

Active compounds, targets of the SZHP, and targets for dyslipidemia were screened based on the public database. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment were performed on the database for annotation, visualization, and integrated discovery (DAVID 6.8). The compound-target-disease-pathway network was visualized using the Cytoscape software, and SYBYL was used for molecular docking.

Results

Twelve active compounds in the SZHP were screened out, which were closely connected to 186 dyslipidemia-related targets. The network analysis revealed that sitosterol, stigmasterol, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, and quercetin might be candidate agents and CCND1, CASP3, HIF1A, and ESR1 genes were potential drug targets. GO analysis revealed 856 biological processes (BP), 139 molecular functions (MF), and 89 cellular components (CC). The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the lipid level and atherosclerosis might influence the treatment of dyslipidemia. Molecular docking showed that quercetin bound well to CCND1, HIF1A, MYC, AKT1, and EGFR genes. These findings were in accord with the prediction obtained through the network pharmacology approach.

Conclusions

This study revealed the primary pharmacological effects and relevant mechanisms of the SZHP in treating dyslipidemia. Our findings may facilitate the development of the SZHP or its active compounds as an alternative therapy for dyslipidemia. Still, more pharmacological experiments are needed for verification.

Alisol A attenuates malignant phenotypes of colorectal cancer cells by inactivating PI3K/Akt signaling

Despite the advancement in the diagnosis and therapeutic strategies for colorectal cancer, the outcomes of patients with colorectal cancer remain unsatisfactory. Alisol A is a natural constituent of Alismatis rhizoma (zexie) and has demonstrated anti-cancer properties; however, the function of Alisol A in colorectal cancer is still unknown. In the present study, the effect of Alisol A on colorectal cancer progression was investigated. MTT and colony formation assays showed that treatment with Alisol A repressed colorectal cancer cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, western blot analysis demonstrated that Alisol A upregulated E-cadherin protein expression levels, but downregulated N-cadherin and Vimentin protein expression levels in colorectal cancer cells. In addition, the number of cells in G₀/G₁ phase was enhanced, while that of S phase was reduced in Alisol A-treated colorectal cancer cells. Apoptosis and pyroptosis of colorectal cancer cells were stimulated following treatment with Alisol A. Alisol A suppressed the migration ability of colorectal cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, Alisol A increased the chemotherapeutic sensitivity of colorectal cancer cells to cisplatin. Mechanically, western blot analysis confirmed that Alisol A repressed the phosphorylation levels of PI3K, Akt and mTOR in colorectal cancer cells. The Akt activator, SC79 reversed the effect of Alisol A on colorectal cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis. In conclusion, Alisol A induced an inhibitory effect on colorectal cancer progression by inactivating PI3K/Akt signaling.

Fuzzy identification of bioactive components for different efficacies of rhubarb by the back propagation neural network association analysis of UPLC-Q-TOF/MSE and integrated effects

Background

Rhei Radix et Rhizoma (rhubarb), as one of the typical representatives of multi-effect traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), has been utilized in the treatment of various diseases due to its multicomponent nature. However, there are few systematic investigations for the corresponding effect of individual components in rhubarb. Hence, we aimed to develop a novel strategy to fuzzily identify bioactive components for different efficacies of rhubarb by the back propagation (BP) neural network association analysis of ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry for every data (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS^E) and integrated effects.

Methods

Through applying the fuzzy chemical identification, most components of rhubarb were classified into different chemical groups. Meanwhile the integration effect values of different efficacies can be determined by animal experiment evaluation and multi-attribute comprehensive indexes. Then the BP neural network was employed for association analysis of components and different efficacies by correlating the component contents determined from UPLC-Q-TOF/MS^E profiling and the integration effect values. Finally, the effect contribution of one type of components may be totaled to demonstrate the universal and individual characters for different efficacies of rhubarb.

Results

It suggested that combined anthraquinones, flavanols and their polymers may be the universal character to the multi-functional properties of rhubarb. Other components contributed to the individuality of rhubarb efficacies, including stilbene glycosides, anthranones and their dimers, free anthraquinones, chromones, gallic acid and gallotannins, butyrylbenzenes and their glycosides.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrated that the bioactive components for different efficacies of rhubarb were not exactly the same and can be systematically differentiated by the network-oriented strategy. These efforts will advance our knowledge and understanding of the bioactive components in rhubarb and provide scientific evidence to support the expansion of its use in clinical applications and the further development of some products based on this medicinal herb.

Supplementary information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13020-022-00612-9.

Network pharmacology combined with metabolomics and lipidomics to reveal the hypolipidemic mechanism of Alismatis rhizoma in hyperlipidemic mice

Alismatis rhizoma (AR), the dried rhizome of Alisma orientale (Sam) Juzep, is effective in treating hyperlipidemia, but the mechanisms involved require further exploration. This study evaluated the hypolipidemic properties of AR using an integrated strategy combining network pharmacology with metabolomics and lipidomics. Firstly, a hyperlipidemia mouse model induced by a high-fat diet was established to evaluate the therapeutic effects of AR. Secondly, plasma metabolomics and lipidomics were used to identify differential metabolites and lipids, and metabolic pathway analysis was performed using MetaboAnalyst. Thirdly, network pharmacology, based on the metabolic profile of AR in vivo, was used to discover potential therapeutic targets. Finally, key targets were obtained through a compound-target-metabolite network, which was verified by molecular docking and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Biochemistry analysis and histological examinations showed that AR exerted hypolipidemic effects on hyperlipidemic mice. Seventy potential biomarkers for the AR treatment of hyperlipidemia were identified by metabolomics and lipidomics, which were mainly involved in lipid metabolism, energy metabolism and amino acid metabolism. Eighteen potentially active compounds were identified in the plasma of mice after oral administration of AR, which were associated with 83 potential therapeutic targets. The PPAR signaling pathway was considered a crucial signaling pathway of AR against hyperlipidemia by KEGG analysis. The joint analysis showed that 6 upstream key targets were regulated by AR, including ALB, TNF, IL1B, MMP9, PPARA and PPARG. Molecular docking showed that active compounds of AR had high binding affinity with these key targets. qPCR further demonstrated that AR could reverse the mRNA expression of these key targets in hyperlipidemic mice. This study integrates network pharmacology with metabolomics and lipidomics to reveal the regulatory effects of AR on endogenous metabolites and validates key therapeutic targets, and represents the most systematic and in-depth study on the hypolipidemic activity of AR.

Machine Learning Approaches in Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Systematic Review

Machine learning (ML), as a branch of artificial intelligence, acquires the potential and meaningful rules from the mass of data via diverse algorithms. Owing to all research of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) belonging to the digitalization of clinical records or experimental works, a massive and complex amount of data has become an inextricable part of the related studies. It is thus not surprising that ML approaches, as novel and efficient tools to mine the useful knowledge from data, have created inroads in a diversity of scopes of TCM over the past decade of years. However, by browsing lots of literature, we find that not all of the ML approaches perform well in the same field. Upon further consideration, we infer that the specificity may inhere between the ML approaches and their applied fields. This systematic review focuses its attention on the four categories of ML approaches and their eight application scopes in TCM. According to the function, ML approaches are classified into four categories, including classification, regression, clustering, and dimensionality reduction, and into 14 models as follows in more detail: support vector machine, least square-support vector machine, logistic regression, partial least squares regression, k-means clustering, hierarchical cluster analysis, artificial neural network, back propagation neural network, convolutional neural network, decision tree, random forest, principal component analysis, partial least squares-discriminant analysis, and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis. The eight common applied fields are divided into two parts: one for TCM, such as the diagnosis of diseases, the determination of syndromes, and the analysis of prescription, and the other for the related researches of Chinese herbal medicine, such as the quality control, the identification of geographic origins, the pharmacodynamic material basis, the medicinal properties, and the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Additionally, this paper discusses the function and feature difference among ML approaches when they are applied to the corresponding fields via comparing their principles. The specificity of each approach to its applied fields has also been affirmed, whereby laying a foundation for subsequent studies applying ML approaches to TCM.

Qualitative Analysis of Drug-Containing Plasma and its Application to Quantitative Analysis and Pharmacokinetic Study of Zexie Decoction Using UPLC-MS/MS

ZeXie Decoction (ZXD) is one of the traditional Chinese medicine formulas (TCMFs) comprising Alisma orientalis (Sam.) Juzep. (ZX) and Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. (BZ) in 5:2 ratios and is widely employed in clinical applications since ancient times. In this study, UHPLC-QE-Orbitrap-MS was used for qualitative analysis of ZXD in rats’ plasma after a single oral dose of 750 mg/kg body weight. Afterward, UHPLC-Q-TRAP-MS/MS was used for simultaneous analysis of three bioactive chemical compounds including alisol A, alisol B, and alisol A 24-acetate in ZXD’s ethanol extract. Subsequently, the pharmacokinetic profiles of the three analytes were investigated in rat plasma utilizing UHPLC-Q-TRAP-MS/MS. The multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode for the three analytes were at m/z 508.4→383.2 for alisol A, m/z 490.4→365.2 for alisol B, and m/z 550.4→515.5 for alisol A 24-acetate. The analysis method was validated in terms of its accuracy, stability, repeatability, linearity, spiked recovery and matrix effect. As a result, twenty-five chemical constituents of ZXD were putatively identified in plasma, and rapid, sensitive, and accurate methods were established for the quantitative analysis and pharmacokinetic study of ZXD. The findings of this study can provide a scientific base for further study of in vivo pharmacokinetics of TCMFs.

Changes in Triterpenes in Alismatis rhizoma after Processing Based on Targeted Metabolomics Using UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS

Alismatis rhizoma (AR) has been used as an herbal medicine in China for over a thousand years. Crude AR, salt-processed AR (SAR), and bran-processed AR (BAR) are recorded in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. However, the differences of chemical composition between crude AR and its processing products remain limited. In this study, triterpenes were identified from crude AR, SAR, and BAR by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometer (UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS). Subsequently, the differences of triterpenes between the crude AR and processed ARs were compared via a targeted metabolomics approach. Finally, a total of 114 triterpenes were identified, of which 83, 100, and 103 triterpenes were found in crude AR, SAR, and BAR, respectively. After salt-processing, there were 17 triterpenes newly generated, 7 triterpenes with trends of increasing, and 37 triterpenes decreased. Meanwhile, 56 triterpenes including 21 newly generated and 35 with significant increases were observed in BAR. This study could be benefit to investigate the processing mechanism of AR, as well as support their clinical applications.

Improved structural annotation of triterpene metabolites of traditional Chinese medicine in vivo based on quantitative structure-retention relationships combined with characteristic ions: Alismatis Rhizoma as an example

As a fast, sensitive and selective method, liquid chromatography-tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) has been used for studying the in vivo metabolism of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the rapid discovery and characterization of metabolites, especially isomers, remain challenging due to their complexity and low concentration in vivo. This study proposed a strategy to improve the structural annotation of prototypes and metabolites through characteristic ions and a quantitative structure-retention relationship (QSRR) model, and Alismatis Rhizoma (AR) triterpenes were used as an example. This strategy consists of four steps. First, based on an in-house database reported previously, prototypes and metabolites in biosamples were preliminarily identified. Second, the candidate structures of prototype compounds and metabolites were determined by characteristic ions, databases or potential metabolic pathways. Then, a QSRR model was established to predict the retention times of the proposed structure. Finally, the structures of unknown prototypes and metabolites were determined by matching experimental retention times with the predicted values. The QSRR model built by the genetic algorithm-multiple linear regression (GA-MLR) has excellent regression correlation (R² = 0.9966). Based on this strategy, a total of 118 compounds were identified, including 47 prototypes and 71 metabolites, among which 61 unknown compounds were reasonably characterized. The typical compound identified by this strategy was successfully validated using a triterpene standard. This strategy can improve the annotation confidence of in vivo metabolites of TCM and facilitate further pharmacological research.

Proteomic insights into protostane triterpene biosynthesis regulatory mechanism after MeJA treatment in Alisma orientale (Sam.) Juz

Protostane triterpenes in Alisma orientale (Sam.) Juz. have unique structural features with distinct pharmacological activities. Previously we have demonstrated that protostane triterpene biosynthesis could be regulated by methyl jasmonate (MeJA) induction in A. orientale. Here, proteomic investigation reveals the MeJA mediated regulation of protostane triterpene biosynthesis. In our study, 281 differentially abundant proteins were identified from MeJA-treated compared to control groups, while they were mainly associated with triterpene biosynthesis, α-linolenic acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism and response to stress/defense. Key enzymes 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR), squalene epoxidase (SE), oxidosqualene cyclase (OSC) and cytochrome P450s which potentially involved in protostane triterpene biosynthesis were significantly enriched in MeJA-treated group. Basic Helix-loop-helix (bHLH), MYB, and GRAS transcription factors were enhanced after MeJA treatment, and they also improved the expressions of key enzymes in Mevalonate pathway and protostane triterpene. Then, MeJA also could increase the expression of α-galactosidase (α-GAL), thereby promoting carbohydrate decomposition, and providing energy and carbon skeletons for protostane triterpene precursor biosynthesis. As well, exogenous MeJA treatment upregulated 13-lipoxygenase (13-LOX), allene oxide synthase (AOS) and allene oxide cyclase (AOC) involved in α-linolenic acid metabolism, leading to the accumulation of endogenous MeJA and activation of the protostane triterpene biosynthesis transduction. Finally, MeJA upregulated stress/defence-related proteins, as to enhance the defence responses activity of plants. These results were further verified by quantitative real-time PCR analysis of 19 selected genes and content analysis of protostane triterpene. The results provide some new insights into the role of MeJA in protostane triterpene biosynthesis.

TMT-based proteomics analysis reveals the efficacy of jiangzhuo formula in improving the lipid profiles of dyslipidemia rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Jiangzhuo Formula (JZF) is a traditional Chinese herbal prescription that is clinically applied to treat dyslipidemia. However, the mechanism underlying its efficacy remains unexplored.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, explore potential pathways, and identify the key proteins of JZF for the treatment of dyslipidemia.

METHODS

In this work, Q-Orbitrap high-resolution liquid chromatography mass spectrometry was used to identify the natural ingredients in JZF, rats with dyslipidemia were established via a high-fat diet for four weeks, then the dyslipidemia rats were treated with high-dose JZF (9 g/d) and low-dose JZF (4.5 g/d) for four weeks. After treatment, serum lipid detection and Oil-red-O staining were conducted to assess the efficacy of JZF in ameliorating dyslipidemia. Tandem mass tag (TMT) -based quantitative proteomics technology was then used to evaluate the roles and importance of proteins from the extracted hepatic tissue. The differentially expressed proteins were assessed by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, Gene Ontology (GO), and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Western blot and PCR analysis were used to validate the potential targets regulated by JZF.

RESULTS

JZF could significantly improve the blood lipid profiles of serum and fat deposits of the liver. A total of 123 differentially expressed proteins were detected after JZF intervention, comprising 65 up-regulated proteins and 58 down-regulated proteins. The KEGG pathway analysis revealed that cholesterol metabolism, the PPAR signaling pathway, and bile secretion were the principal pathways involved in the disordered lipid metabolism, while GO analysis suggested that proteins that are located in the cell, regulate cellular processes, and show binding activity contribute to reductions in lipids. The combination of proteomics, Western blot, and PCR suggested that Apolipoprotein B (APOB), Apolipoprotein E (APOE), cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase A1 (CYP7A1), and Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA synthase 1 (HMGCS1) might play critical roles in JZF's lipid-lowering network.

CONCLUSION

JZF can effectively improve lipid profiles via multiple pathways involved in cholesterol metabolism, the PPAR signaling pathway, and bile secretion. Generally, the proteomics techniques used in this research show that JZF could be a promising drug for the treatment of dyslipidemia.

Screening and Analysis of Hypolipidemic Components from Shuangdan Capsule Based on Pancreatic Lipase

Background:

Some natural pancreatic lipase inhibitors with fewer side effects are proposed. As a traditional Chinese medicine, Shuangdan Capsule (SDC) has been used for the treatment of higher lipid in blood, which is mainly composed by Radix Salviae and Peony skin.

Objective:

This work is aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of the constituents from this SDC against metabolic disorders, the molecular flexibility and intermolecular interactional characteristics of these components in the active sites.

Methods:

The small molecules were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Database TCM database, the systems-level pharmacological database for Traditional Chinese Medicine TCMSP server was used to calculate the ADME-related properties. Autodock Vina was used to perform virtual screening of the selected molecules and to return energy values in several ligand conformations. The network parameters were calculated using the network analyzer plug-in in Cytoscape.

Results:

The most active six molecules are all enclosed by amino acids ASP79, TYR114, GLU175, PRO180, PHE215, GLY216 and LUE264, among which, hydrophobic interaction, hydrogen bond and repulsive forces play extremely important roles. It is worth noting that most of the local minima of molecular electrostatic potentials on van der Waals (vdW) surface are increased while the maxima negative ones are decreased simultaneously, implying that the electrostatic potential tends to be stable. From the topological analysis of the Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network, PNLIP related genes are also proved to be pivotal targets for hyperlipidemia, such as LPL, AGK, MGLL, LIPE, LIPF and PNPLA2. Further GO analysis indicated that lipophilic terpenoid compounds may reduce the blood lipid by taking part in the lipid catabolic process, the extracellular space and the cellular components of the extracellular region part and the triacylglycerol lipase activity.

Conclusion:

This study provides some useful information for the development and application of natural hypolipidemic medcines. Further pharmacologically active studies are still needed both in vivo and in vitro.

Alisma orientalis Beverage Treats Atherosclerosis by Regulating Gut Microbiota in ApoE-/- Mice

Background

Alisma orientalis beverage (AOB) is a Chinese traditional medicine formulated with a diversity of medicinal plants and used for treating metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis (AS) since time ago. Given the current limited biological research on AOB, the mechanism by which AOB treats AS is unknown. This study investigats the role of AOB-induced gut microbiota regulation in the expansion of AS.

Methods

We established an AS model in male apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE^−/−) mice that are fed with a high-fat diet (HFD), treated with numerous interventions, and evaluated the inflammatory cytokines and serum biochemical indices. The root of the aorta was stained with oil red O, and the proportion of the lesion area was quantified. Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and trimethylamine (TMA) levels in serum were evaluated through liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. Flavin−containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) liver protein expression was assessed by Western blotting. 16S rDNA sequencing technique was adopted to establish the changes in the microbiota structure.

Results

After 8 weeks of HFD feeding, an inflammatory cytokine, and AS development expression were significantly decreased in mice treated with AOB; the same parameters in the mice treated with the antibiotics cocktail did not change. In the gut microbiota study, mice treated with AOB had a markedly different gut microbiota than the HFD-fed mice. Additionally, AOB also decreased serum TMAO and hepatic FMO3 expression.

Conclusion

The antiatherosclerotic effects of AOB were found associated with changes in the content of gut microbiota and a reduction in TMAO, a gut microbiota metabolite, suggesting that AOB has potential therapeutic value in the treatment of AS.

Mass spectrometry-based lipidomics in food science and nutritional health: A comprehensive review

With the advance in science and technology as well as the improvement of living standards, the function of food is no longer just to meet the needs of survival. Food science and its associated nutritional health issues have been increasingly debated. Lipids, as complex metabolites, play a key role both in food and human health. Taking advantages of mass spectrometry (MS) by combining its high sensitivity and accuracy with extensive selective determination of all lipid classes, MS-based lipidomics has been employed to resolve the conundrum of addressing both qualitative and quantitative aspects of high-abundance and low-abundance lipids in complex food matrices. In this review, we systematically summarize current applications of MS-based lipidomics in food field. First, common MS-based lipidomics procedures are described. Second, the applications of MS-based lipidomics in food science, including lipid composition characterization, adulteration, traceability, and other issues, are discussed. Third, the application of MS-based lipidomics for nutritional health covering the influence of food on health and disease is introduced. Finally, future research trends and challenges are proposed. MS-based lipidomics plays an important role in the field of food science, promoting continuous development of food science and integration of food knowledge with other disciplines. New methods of MS-based lipidomics have been developed to improve accuracy and sensitivity of lipid analysis in food samples. These developments offer the possibility to fully characterize lipids in food samples, identify novel functional lipids, and better understand the role of food in promoting healt.

Chinese Medicinal Herbs Targeting the Gut-Liver Axis and Adipose Tissue-Liver Axis for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Treatments: The Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide. The pathogenesis of NAFLD is complex. Frontline western medicines only ameliorate the symptoms of NAFLD. On the contrary, the uniqueness of Chinese medicine in its interpretation of NAFLD and the holistic therapeutic approach lead to a promising therapeutic efficacy. Recent studies reveal that the gut-liver axis and adipose tissue-liver axis play important roles in the development of NAFLD. Interestingly, with advanced technology, many herbal formulae are found to target the gut-liver axis and adipose tissue-liver axis and resolve the inflammation in NAFLD. This is the first review summarizes the current findings on the Chinese herbal formulae that target the two axes in NAFLD treatment. This review not only demonstrates how the ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine is being interpreted by modern pharmacological studies, but also provides valuable information for the further development of the herbal-based treatment for NAFLD.

Methyl jasmonate promote protostane triterpenes accumulation by up-regulating the expression of squalene epoxidases in Alisma orientale

Protostane triterpenes, which are found in Alisma orientale, are tetracyclic triterpenes with distinctive pharmacological activities. The natural distribution of protostane triterpenes is limited mainly to members of the botanical family Alismataceae. Squalene epoxidase (SE) is the key rate-limiting enzyme in triterpene biosynthesis. In this study, we report the characterization of two SEs from A. orientale. AoSE1 and AoSE2 were expressed as fusion proteins in E. coli, and the purified proteins were used in functional research. In vitro enzyme assays showed that AoSE1 and AoSE2 catalyze the formation of oxidosqualene from squalene. Immunoassays revealed that the tubers contain the highest levels of AoSE1 and AoSE2. After MeJA induction, which is the main elicitor of triterpene biosynthesis, the contents of 2,3-oxidosqualene and alisol B 23-acetate increased by 1.96- and 2.53-fold, respectively. In addition, the expression of both AoSE proteins was significantly increased at four days after MeJA treatment. The contents of 2,3-oxidosqualene and alisol B 23-acetate were also positively correlated with AoSEs expression at different times after MeJA treatment. These results suggest that AoSE1 and AoSE2 are the key regulatory points in protostane triterpenes biosynthesis, and that MeJA regulates the biosynthesis of these compounds by increasing the expression of AoSE1 and AoSE2.