A network pharmacology-based investigation of brugine reveals its multi-target molecular mechanism against Breast Cancer

Whiteleg shrimp-derived Cryptides induce mitochondrial-mediated cytotoxicity in human breast Cancer

Breast cancer remains the most prevalent cancer in females. The triple negative subtype of breast cancer is associated with higher recurrence rates and poorer prognosis, lack of effective targeted therapy options, and frequently becoming unresponsive to chemotherapy. This study investigates the in vitro anti-cancer potential of our previously in silico-discovered cryptides, from Penaeus vannamei, against MCF-7, MCF-7-CR, and MDA-MB-231 cancer cell lines. Five cryptides-AD4, AD7, AD8, AD11, and AD12-were tested using the MTT assay, revealing selective toxicity against cancer cells. The lowest and highest calculated IC50 values were for AD12 against MCF-7-CR (∼4.6 μM) and MDA-MB-231 (∼20 μM), respectively. Mechanistic studies showed that the cytotoxicity mediated by cryptides, AD7 and AD8, induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, release of mitochondrial cytochrome C, and cleavage of caspases that were associated with BAX activation in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, our results showed that both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells treated with AD7 or AD8 exhibited nuclei condensation, activation of Caspase 3/7, leading to apoptotic cell death associated with intrinsic apoptotic cell signaling mechanism. However, further investigation showed that both AD7 and AD8 peptides promoted up-regulation of FAS and p53 in MCF-7 cells while down-regulated the expression of both FAS and p53 in MDA-MB-231 cells, suggesting cell-type dependent apoptotic cell signaling mechanisms. Moreover, both AD7 and AD8 demonstrated cytotoxic and disintegration effects in 3D cancer model. This study highlights the anticancer potential of marine-derived cryptides against challenging breast cancer subtypes, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), with selective cytotoxicity and potential to overcome resistance and recurrence.

Immunomodulatory effects of Sanghuangporus flavonoids: Key insights into enhancing immunity and restoring immune function

The immune system is vital for maintaining homeostasis, defending against external threats, and regulating inflammation, forming the cornerstone of human health. Sanghuangporus, a natural medicinal mushroom, contains flavonoids that may increase immune cell activity, potentially improving human health. This study investigated the immunomodulatory effects of Sanghuangporus flavonoids (PBF) via network pharmacology and in vitro and in vivo experiments. Network pharmacology identified PBF compounds targeting 46 immunosuppression-related targets, with rutin emerging as a key component. Molecular docking confirmed the strong binding affinity of rutin for the core targets IL6, TNF, and IL1B. In vitro, PBF activated mouse macrophages, promoting their proliferation, phagocytic activity, NO production, and cytokine regulation. In vivo, PBF enhanced immune function in normal mice by promoting thymus and spleen growth, increasing cellular and humoral immunity, and restoring immune function in immunosuppressed mice. These findings highlight the potential of PBFs in increasing immunity and treating immunosuppressive diseases.

Interaction of Asparagusic Acid, Asparaptines and Related Dithiolane Derivatives With Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE-2): A Molecular Docking Study

A variety of sulfur-containing small molecules can be found in the spears of asparagus (Asparagus Officinalis L.) including compounds derived from asparagusic acid such as the amino acid derivatives asparaptines A, B, and C. The previous characterization of asparaptine A as an inhibitor of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) prompted us to compare the binding of the three asparaptines to ACE2 using molecular modeling. The lysine conjugate asparaptine B was found to bind better to the enzyme than the arginine (asparaptine A) and histidine (asparaptine C) conjugates. The stability of ACE2-asparaptine B complexes was only a little inferior to that observed with the reference ACE2 inhibitor MLN-4760. On this basis, 20 additional compounds bearing a thiol group or a dithiolane motif were evaluated as potential binders to ACE2 using the same docking methodology. Three compounds emerged as robust ACE2 binders: the natural products isovalthine and N-acetyl-felinine, and the drug candidate CMX-2043. The empirical energy of interaction (ΔE) of N-acetyl-felinine with ACE2 was comparable to that measured with asparaptine B, and a little higher with the thiol metabolite isovalthine. Remarkably, CMX-2043 revealed a high capacity to form stable complexes with ACE2, superior to that of the reference MLN-4760. Both the l-Glu-l-Ala dipeptide motif and the α-lipoic acid moiety of CMX-2043 are implicated in the protein interaction. Our observations pave the way to the design of novel ligands of ACE2 equipped with a dithiolane motif.

Gentiopicroside-Induced gastric cancer necroptosis via the HIF-1 signaling pathway: A study involving molecular docking and experimental validation

OBJECTIVES

Gentiopicroside is an effective treatment for several types of cancer, inducing numerous forms of programmed cancer cell death. However, there are few investigations into the role of necroptosis. By utilizing molecular docking, and experimental validation, this study aims to investigate whether gentiopicroside elicits necroptosis in gastric cancer.

METHODS

Using software PyMOL and AutoDock, gentiopicroside was docked with RIPK1, RIPK3, MLKL and HIF-1α proteins. And a cell study was performed based on SGC7901 cells. The necroptosis-related proteins and HIF-1 signaling pathways were explored using western blot (WB) analysis. Finally, an animal study was performed to test the inhibitory effect in vivo.

RESULTS

Docking studies indicated that the docking energies of gentiopicroside to necroptosis-related proteins and necroptosis-characteristic proteins are all below -5 kcal/mol. Additionally, gentiopicroside cells reduce gastric cancer viability and inhibit proliferation. Results from the animal experiments indicated that gentiopicroside inhibits the growth of the gastric cancer xenograft tumor. Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining demonstrated that gentiopicroside higher p-receptor-interacting protein kinase 3(p-RIPK3) levels in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study revealed that necroptosis is involved in the inhibitory effect of gentiopicroside toward gastric cancer.

Network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental validation to elucidate the anti-T2DM mechanism of Lanxangia tsaoko

Lanxangia tsaoko (L. tsaoko) is a natural medicine which could be used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, there is no systematic and comprehensive research on the its active compounds and mechanism. This study aimed to investigate the active ingredients and potential mechanism of L. tsaoko for the treatment of T2DM. The chemical constituents of L. tsaoko were identified by UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap/MS. The active compounds and mechanism of L. tsaoko were predicted by network pharmacology. Then the docking modes of key components and core targets were analyzed by molecular docking. Finally, animal experiments were conducted to verify the efficacy and targets of L. tsaoko in T2DM treatment. 70 compounds from L. tsaoko were identified. We obtained 37 active components, including quercetin, genistein and kaempferol, 5 core targets were AKT1, INS, TP53, TNF and IL-6. Mainly involved in PI3K/Akt, MAPK, RAGE/AGE, HIF-1, FoxO signaling pathways. Molecular docking results showed that the L. tsaoko had good binding potential to TNF. Therefore, we took the inflammatory mechanism as the prediction target for experimental verification. Animal experiments showed that L. tsaoko could alleviated colon injury of T2DM mice, improve glucose metabolism and decrease inflammatory levels. L. tsaoko exerted therapeutic effects on T2DM through multi-component, multi-target and multi-pathway regulation. Its action mechanisms were related to PI3K/Akt, MAPK, RAGE/AGE, HIF-1 and FoxO signaling pathways. This study provided new insights for the clinical treatment of T2DM.

Chemical Constituents and Biological Activities of Bruguiera Genus and Its Endophytes: A Review

The genus Bruguiera, a member of the Rhizophoraceae family, is predominantly found in coastal areas as a mangrove plant, boasting a rich and diverse community of endophytes. This review systematically compiled approximately 496 compounds derived from both the Bruguiera genus and its associated endophytes, including 152 terpenoids, 17 steroids, 16 sulfides, 44 alkaloids and peptides, 66 quinones, 68 polyketides, 19 flavonoids, 38 phenylpropanoids, 54 aromatic compounds, and 22 other compounds. Among these, 201 compounds exhibited a spectrum of activities, including cytotoxicity, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antidiabetic, insecticidal and mosquito repellent, and enzyme inhibitory properties, etc. These findings provided promising lead compounds for drug discovery. Certain similar or identical compounds were found to be simultaneously present in both Bruguiera plants and their endophytes, and the phenomenon of their interaction relationship was discussed.

Phyto-therapeutics as anti-cancer agents in breast cancer: Pathway targeting and mechanistic elucidation

Cancer of the breast is the mainly prevalent class of cancer in females diagnosed over the globe. It also happens to be the 2nd most prevalent reason of cancer-related deaths among females worldwide. Some of the most common type's therapies for carcinoma of the breast involve radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and resection. Many studies are being conducted to develop new therapeutic strategies for better diagnosis of breast cancer. An enormous number of anticancer medications have been developed as a result of growing understanding of the molecular pathways behind the advancement of cancer. Over the past few decades, the general survival rate has not greatly increased due to the usage of chemically manufactured medications. Therefore, in order to increase the effectiveness of current cancer treatments, new tactics and cutting-edge chemoprevention drugs are required. Phytochemicals, which are naturally occurring molecules derived from plants, are important sources for both cancer therapy and innovative medication development. These phytochemicals frequently work by controlling molecular pathways linked to the development and spread of cancer. Increasing antioxidant status, inactivating carcinogens, preventing proliferation, causing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and immune system control are some of the specific ways. This primary objective of this review is to provide an overview of the active ingredients found in natural goods, including information on their pharmacologic action, molecular targets, and current state of knowledge. We have given a thorough description of a number of natural substances that specifically target the pathways linked to breast carcinoma in this study. We've conducted a great deal of study on a few natural compounds that may help us identify novel targets for the detection of breast carcinoma.

Analyzing the research landscape: Mapping frontiers and hot spots in anti-cancer research using bibliometric analysis and research network pharmacology

Introduction: Network pharmacology has emerged as a forefront and hotspot in anti-cancer. Traditional anti-cancer drugs are limited by the paradigm of "one cancer, one target, one drug," making it difficult to address the challenges of recurrence and drug resistance. However, the main advantage of network pharmacology lies in its approach from the perspective of molecular network relationships, employing a "one arrow, multiple targets" strategy, which provides a novel pathway for developing anti-cancer drugs. This study employed a bibliometric analysis method to examine network pharmacology's application and research progress in cancer treatment from January 2008 to May 2023. This research will contribute to revealing its forefront and hotspots, offering new insights and methodologies for future investigations. Methods: We conducted a literature search on network pharmacology research in anti-cancer (NPART) from January 2008 to May 2023, utilizing scientific databases such as Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) and PubMed to retrieve relevant research articles and reviews. Additionally, we employed visualization tools such as Citespace, SCImago Graphica, and VOSviewer to perform bibliometric analysis. Results: This study encompassed 3,018 articles, with 2,210 articles from WoSCC and 808 from PubMed. Firstly, an analysis of the annual national publication trends and citation counts indicated that China and the United States are the primary contributing countries in this field. Secondly, the recent keyword analysis revealed emerging research hotspots in "tumor microenvironment," "anti-cancer drugs," and "traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). " Furthermore, the literature clustering analysis demonstrated that "calycosin," "molecular mechanism," "molecular docking," and "anti-cancer agents" were widely recognized research hotspots and forefront areas in 2023, garnering significant attention and citations in this field. Ultimately, we analyzed the application of NPART and the challenges. Conclusion: This study represents the first comprehensive analysis paper based on bibliometric methods, aiming to investigate the forefront hotspots of network pharmacology in anti-cancer research. The findings of this study will facilitate researchers in swiftly comprehending the current research trends and forefront hotspots in the domain of network pharmacology in cancer research.

Mechanistic elucidation of Juglanthraquinone C targeting breast Cancer: A network Pharmacology-based investigation

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women worldwide. Despite the recent treatment options like surgery, chemotherapy etc. the lethality of breast cancer is alarming. Natural compounds are considered a better treatment option against breast carcinoma because of their lower side effects and specificity in targeting important proteins involved in the aberrant activation of pathways in breast cancer. A recently discovered compound called Juglanthraquinone C, which is found in the bark of the Juglans mandshurica Maxim (Juglandaceae) tree has shown promising cytotoxicity in hepatocellular carcinoma. However, not much data is available on the molecular mechanisms followed by this compound. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism followed by Juglanthraquinone C against breast cancer. We used the network pharmacology technique to analyse the mechanism of action of Juglanthraquinone C in breast cancer and validated our study by applying various computational tools such as UALCAN, cBioportal, TIMER, docking and simulation. The results showed the compound and breast cancer target network shared 31 common targets. Moreover, we observed that Juglanthraquinone C targets multiple deregulated genes in breast cancer such as TP53, TGIF1, IGF1R, SMAD3, JUN, CDC42, HBEGF, FOS and signaling pathways such as PI3K-Akt pathway, TGF-β signaling pathway, MAPK pathway and HIPPO signaling pathway. A docking examination revealed that the investigated drug had a high affinity for the primary target TGIF1 protein. A stable protein-ligand combination was generated by the best hit molecule, according to molecular dynamics modeling. The main aim of this study was to examine Juglanthraquinone C's significance as a prospective breast cancer treatment and to better understand the molecular mechanism this substance uses in breast cancer since there is a need to discover new therapeutics to decrease the load on current therapeutics which also are currently ineffective due to several side effects and development of drug resistance.