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Li Z, Zhang Q, Gao Y, Wan F, Wang Y, Hou B, Cui W, Wang Y, Feng W, Hou Y. Luobitong Potentiates MTX's Anti-Rheumatoid Arthritis Activity via Targeting Multiple Inflammatory Pathways. J Inflamm Res 2024; 17:4389-4403. [PMID: 38994468 PMCID: PMC11236762 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s461093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The LuoBiTong (LBT) capsule, a novel traditional Chinese medicine formulation, is currently in Phase III clinical trials. Preliminary preclinical and Phase II clinical studies suggest its efficacy and safety in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the underlying mechanisms of its action remain to be elucidated.This research aims to explore the effects and mechanisms of LBT in conjunction with a maintenance dose of methotrexate (M-MTX) on RA. Methods A Collagen-Induced Arthritis (CIA) mouse model was used to evaluate the anti-RA effects of LBT combined with M-MTX. Assessments included foot swelling, arthritis scoring, serum inflammatory factor analysis, and histopathological examination of the foot. These effects were compared with those of high-dose MTX (H-MTX). Network pharmacology was employed to construct a compound-target network for RA, based on drug composition, to predict its potential mechanism of action. Flow cytometry, Western Blot, and immunohistochemical analyses in animal models identified multiple inflammatory pathways targeted by LBT to augment the anti-RA effects of MTX. Results The study revealed that LBT combined with M-MTX significantly alleviated CIA-induced arthritis without adverse effects. The combination of LBT and M-MTX showed similar or superior efficacy in regulating macrophage polarization, NF-κB, MAPK signaling pathways, and in the suppression of TH-17 expression in proinflammatory cells. These findings suggest that LBT may exert a multi-pathway therapeutic effect in RA treatment. The predicted pharmacological targets and mechanisms align well with this hypothesis. Conclusion LBT, when combined with MTX, enhances the anti-RA effect by targeting multiple inflammatory pathways, demonstrating significant therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Li
- Suzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiuyan Zhang
- New Drug Evaluation Center, Shijiazhuang Yiling Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shijiazhuang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuhe Gao
- Graduate School, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fang Wan
- Graduate School, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yincang Wang
- Graduate School, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin Hou
- New Drug Evaluation Center, Shijiazhuang Yiling Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shijiazhuang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenwen Cui
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang Yiling Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shijiazhuang, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of State Administration of TCM (Cardio-Cerebral VesselCollateral Disease), Shijiazhuang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanan Wang
- New Drug Evaluation Center, Shijiazhuang Yiling Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shijiazhuang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Feng
- New Drug Evaluation Center, Shijiazhuang Yiling Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shijiazhuang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yunlong Hou
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang Yiling Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shijiazhuang, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of State Administration of TCM (Cardio-Cerebral VesselCollateral Disease), Shijiazhuang, People’s Republic of China
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Xiang G, Yang L, Qin J, Wang S, Zhang Y, Yang S. Revealing the potential bioactive components and mechanism of Qianhua Gout Capsules in the treatment of gouty arthritis through network pharmacology, molecular docking and pharmacodynamic study strategies. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30983. [PMID: 38770346 PMCID: PMC11103544 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent clinical studies have confirmed the effectiveness of Qianhua Gout Capsules (QGC) in the treatment of gouty arthritis (GA). However, the specific regulatory targets and mechanisms of action of QGC are still unclear. To address this gap, we utilized network pharmacology, molecular docking, and pharmacodynamic approaches to investigate the bioactive components and associated mechanisms of QGC in the treatment of GA. By employing UPLC-Q Exactive-MS, we identified the compounds present in QGC, with active ingredients defined as those with oral bioavailability ≥30 % and drug similarity ≥0.18. Subsequently, the targets of these active compounds were determined using the TCMSP database, while GA-related targets were identified from DisGeNET, GeneCards, TTD, OMIM, and DrugBank databases. Further analysis including PPI analysis, GO analysis, and KEGG pathway enrichment was conducted on the targets. Validation of the predicted results was performed using a GA rat model, evaluating pathological changes, inflammatory markers, and pathway protein expression. Our results revealed a total of 130 components, 44 active components, 16 potential shared targets, GO-enriched terms, and 47 signaling pathways related to disease targets. Key active ingredients included quercetin, kaempferol, β-sitosterol, luteolin, and wogonin. The PPI analysis highlighted five targets (PPARG, IL-6, MMP-9, IL-1β, CXCL-8) with the highest connectivity, predominantly enriched in the IL-17 signaling pathway. Molecular docking experiments demonstrated strong binding of CXCL8, IL-1β, IL-6, MMP9, and PPARG targets with the top five active compounds. Furthermore, animal experiments confirmed the efficacy of QGC in treating GA in rats, showing reductions in TNF-α, IL-6, and MDA levels, and increases in SOD levels in serum. In synovial tissues, QGC treatment upregulated CXCL8 and PPARG expression, while downregulating IL-1β, MMP9, and IL-6 expression. In conclusion, this study applied a network pharmacology approach to uncover the composition of QGC, predict its pharmacological interactions, and demonstrate its in vivo efficacy, providing insights into the anti-GA mechanisms of QGC. These findings pave the way for future investigations into the therapeutic mechanisms underlying QGC's effectiveness in the treatment of GA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gelin Xiang
- National Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinical Research Base and Drug Research Center of the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Ethnic Medicine of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Luyin Yang
- National Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinical Research Base and Drug Research Center of the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jing Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Ethnic Medicine of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Shaohui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Ethnic Medicine of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Meishan Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Meishan, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Ethnic Medicine of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Meishan Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Meishan, China
| | - Sijin Yang
- National Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinical Research Base and Drug Research Center of the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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3
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Jiang J, Huang M, Zhang SS, Wu YG, Li XL, Deng H, Qili XY, Chen JL, Meng Y, Sun WK. Identification of Hedyotis diffusa Willd-specific mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA network in rheumatoid arthritis based on network pharmacology, bioinformatics analysis, and experimental verification. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6291. [PMID: 38491124 PMCID: PMC10943027 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56880-y] [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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Hedyotis diffusa Willd (HDW) possesses heat-clearing, detoxification, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its effects on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remain under-researched. In this study, we identified potential targets of HDW and collected differentially expressed genes of RA from the GEO dataset GSE77298, leading to the construction of a drug-component-target-disease regulatory network. The intersecting genes underwent GO and KEGG analysis. A PPI protein interaction network was established in the STRING database. Through LASSO, RF, and SVM-RFE algorithms, we identified the core gene MMP9. Subsequent analyses, including ROC, GSEA enrichment, and immune cell infiltration, correlated core genes with RA. mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA regulatory networks were predicted using databases like TargetScan, miRTarBase, miRWalk, starBase, lncBase, and the GEO dataset GSE122616. Experimental verification in RA-FLS cells confirmed HDW's regulatory impact on core genes and their ceRNA expression. We obtained 11 main active ingredients of HDW and 180 corresponding targets, 2150 RA-related genes, and 36 drug-disease intersection targets. The PPI network diagram and three machine learning methods screened to obtain MMP9, and further analysis showed that MMP9 had high diagnostic significance and was significantly correlated with the main infiltrated immune cells, and the molecular docking verification also showed that MMP9 and the main active components of HDW were well combined. Next, we predicted 6 miRNAs and 314 lncRNAs acting on MMP9, and two ceRNA regulatory axes were obtained according to the screening. Cellular assays indicated HDW inhibits RA-FLS cell proliferation and MMP9 protein expression dose-dependently, suggesting HDW might influence RA's progression by regulating the MMP9/miR-204-5p/MIAT axis. This innovative analytical thinking provides guidance and reference for the future research on the ceRNA mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Jiang
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, China
| | - Meng Huang
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, China
| | - Si-Si Zhang
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, China
| | - Yong-Gang Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, Xindu District People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiao-Long Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Xindu District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, China
| | - Hui Deng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sichuan Taikang Hospital, Chengdu, 610213, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin-Yu Qili
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, China
| | - Jian-Lin Chen
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, China
| | - Yao Meng
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, China.
| | - Wen-Kui Sun
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, China.
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Zhang N, Zheng N, Luo D, Lin J, Lin D, Lu Y, Lai W, Bian Y, Wang H, Ye J, Yang J, Liu J, Que W, Chen X. A novel single domain bispecific antibody targeting VEGF and TNF-α ameliorates rheumatoid arthritis. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 126:111240. [PMID: 37992444 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Anti-TNF-α therapy fails in 30% of patients, where TNF-α may not be the key causative factor in these patients. We developed a bispecific single-domain antibody block TNF-α and VEGF (V5-3).The experiments showed that V5-3 effectively activated proliferation and migration of RA-FLS and HUVEC, tube-forming role of HUVEC, and expression of inflammatory factors in vitro. Besides, the experiments indicated that the anti-RA activity of V5-3 was superior to Anbainuo in vivo. Application of V5-3 reduced the expression of inflammatory factors, extent of synovial inflammation and angiogenesis and attenuated the severity of autoimmune arthritis in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice. Mechanistically, V5-3 suppressed p65, AKT and VEGFR2 phosphorylation, as well as production of TNF-α and VEGF in joint tissues. These results demonstrated that V5-3 displayed a superior effect of anti-RA, may be a new therapy to overcome the limitations of anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibody.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanwen Zhang
- The School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, Fuzhou 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Ningning Zheng
- The School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Putian Lanhai Nuclear Medicine Research Center, Putian 351100, Fujian,China
| | - Dunxiong Luo
- The Department of Physical Education, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Juan Lin
- The School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Duoduo Lin
- The School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Yongkang Lu
- The School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Weipeng Lai
- The School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Yize Bian
- The School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - He Wang
- The School of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Jian Ye
- The Department of Orthopedics, Nanping First Hospital Affiliated with Fujian Medical University, Fujian Medical University, Nanping 353000, Fujian, China; Third Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Juhua Yang
- The School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, Fuzhou 350122, Fujian, China.
| | - Jiaan Liu
- The School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China.
| | - Wenzhong Que
- Department of Rheumatology, Fuzhou No. 1 Hospital Affiliated with Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350009, Fujian, China.
| | - Xiaole Chen
- The School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, Fuzhou 350122, Fujian, China.
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5
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Nong Y, Zhang C, Guo Y, Qin Y, Zhong X, Feng L, Pan Z, Deng L, Guo H, Su Z. Quality control for a traditional Chinese medicine, Millettia speciosa Champ, using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography fingerprint, serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2023; 15:5166-5180. [PMID: 37753596 DOI: 10.1039/d3ay01051a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Millettia speciosa (M. speciosa) Champ (MSC) is a healthy food type with medicinal and edible homology, which is now considered a clinically significant anti-rheumatoid arthritis medicine. However, there is currently no standardized or generally accepted research strategy by which we can assess M. speciosa. Thus, it is essential to develop novel theories, strategies and evaluation methods for the scientific quality control of M. speciosa. Herein, our use ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)-MS/MS analysis identified 12 common bioactive components absorbed into MSC serum. Next, network pharmacology analysis exhibited that 5 MSC components may be those active components in treating rheumatoid arthritis and may be considered potential quality markers. These 5 components were then quantified using a fast UPLC approach, based on the quality marker of measurability, showing that lenticin can be regarded as the MSC quality marker. The cumulative study findings, based on systematic assessment of chemical composition both in vivo and in vitro, and the potential efficacy of M. speciosa, provide a novel approach for M. speciosa quality control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyuan Nong
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China.
| | - Chi Zhang
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China.
| | - Yue Guo
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China.
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Quality Standards, Guangxi Institute of Traditional Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanning, Guangxi, 530022, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, China
| | - Yuelian Qin
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China.
| | - Xinyu Zhong
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China.
| | - Linlin Feng
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China.
| | - Ziping Pan
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China.
| | - Lijun Deng
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China.
| | - Hongwei Guo
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China.
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules Research and Evaluation, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Zhiheng Su
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China.
- Guangxi Beibu Gulf Marine Biomedicine Precision Development and High-value Utilization Engineering Research Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules Research and Evaluation, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
- Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Antigeriatric Drugs, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
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Xia X, Zeng H, Wang H, Li X, Zhang S, Yang L, He J. Revealing the Active Constituents and Mechanisms of Semiliquidambar cathayensis Chang Roots against Rheumatoid Arthritis through Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and in Vivo Experiment. Chem Biodivers 2023; 20:e202200916. [PMID: 36424369 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202200916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Semiliquidambar cathayensis Chang roots (SC) are traditional Chinese medicine for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the effect and potential mechanism of SC remain unclear. This study aims to reveal the anti-RA constituents and mechanisms of SC based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) model rat experiment. In this work, 9 potential active constituents, including kaempferol, quercetin, naringenin, paeoniflorin, catechin, fraxin, gentianin, hesperetin, and ellagic acid 3,3',4-trimethyl ether, in SC crossed 65 target genes of RA. In addition, 28 core targets were enriched in inflammation and others, among which interleukin-17 (IL-17) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) were the major targets. The binding of bio-constituents with IL-17 and TNF were performed using molecular docking. Rat experiment demonstrated that the extract of SC restored body weight loss, reduced arthritis score and the indices of thymus and spleen, alleviated ankle joint histopathology, decreased the levels of rheumatoid factor (RF), C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-17, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), whereas elevated the levels of IL-4 and IL-10. Collectively, it was the first time to comprehensively reveal the anti-RA efficacy and mechanism of SC via suppressing the inflammatory pathway based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental verification, which provide chemical and pharmacological evidences for the clinical application of SC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyi Xia
- Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, P. R. China
| | - Huang Zeng
- Institute of Hakka Medicinal Bio-resources, Medical College, Jiaying University, Meizhou, 514031, P. R. China
| | - Huilei Wang
- Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, P. R. China
| | - Xin Li
- Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, P. R. China
| | - Shengyuan Zhang
- Institute of Hakka Medicinal Bio-resources, Medical College, Jiaying University, Meizhou, 514031, P. R. China
| | - Li Yang
- Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, P. R. China
| | - Junwei He
- Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, P. R. China
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7
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Zhang Y, Zhang S, Long Y, Wang W, Du F, Li J, Jin F, Li Z. Stimulation of hair growth by Tianma Gouteng decoction: Identifying mechanisms based on chemical analysis, systems biology approach, and experimental evaluation. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1073392. [PMID: 36588691 PMCID: PMC9802907 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1073392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hair serves important physiological functions, including temperature regulation and scalp protection. However, excessive shedding not only impacts these functions but can also significantly affect mental health and quality of life. Tianma Gouteng decoction (TGD) is a traditional Chinese medicine used for the treatment of various conditions, including hair loss. However, the associated mechanism underlying its anti-alopecia effect remains unknown. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate these mechanisms by employing systematic biology approaches, as well as in vitro and in vivo experimental validation. The chemical constituents of Tianma Gouteng decoction were identified using UHPLC-MS/MS, from which 39 potential bioactive components were screened, while an additional 131 putative Tianma Gouteng decoction beneficial components were extracted from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) database. We then applied a dual-dimensional network pharmacology approach to analyze the data, followed by validation studies combining molecular docking techniques with in vivo and in vitro experiments. From the 39 bioactive components, including quercetin, luteolin, fisetin, wogonin, oroxylin A, boldine, tetrahydroalstonine, and galangin A, 782 corresponding targets were identified. In particular, GSK3β and β-catenin exhibited strong binding activity with the bioactive compounds. Hence, construction of a bioactive component-target network revealed that the mechanism underlying the anti-alopecia mechanism of Tianma Gouteng decoction primarily involved the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Moreover, C57BL/6J mice exhibited measurable improvements in hair follicle regeneration following treatment with Tianma Gouteng decoction. Additionally, β-catenin and p-GSK3β levels were upregulated, while GSK3β was downregulated in Tianma Gouteng decoction-treated animals and dermal papilla cells compared to control group. These in vivo and in vitro outcomes validated the targets and pathways predicted in the network pharmacology analysis of Tianma Gouteng decoction. This study provides a systematic analysis approach to identify the underlying anti-alopecia mechanisms of Tianma Gouteng decoction, further providing theoretical support for clinical assessment of Tianma Gouteng decoction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Shiqian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Yunluan Long
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Wuji Wang
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Fanpan Du
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Jingjie Li
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Feng Jin
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,*Correspondence: Zheng Li,
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8
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Chen Q, Li H, Liu Y, Zhao M. Epigenetic Regulation of Immune and Inflammatory Responses in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:881191. [PMID: 35479077 PMCID: PMC9035598 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.881191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease associated with multiple factors. Epigenetics can affect gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. In this study, we aimed to comprehensively analyze epigenetic regulation in RA. Methods Using the Gene Expression Omnibus database, we identified a methylation chip, RNA-sequencing, and miRNA microarray for RA. First, we searched for DNA methylation, genes, and miRNAs associated with RA using differential analysis. Second, we determined the regulatory networks for RA-specific methylation, miRNA, and m6A using cross-analysis. Based on these three regulatory networks, we built a comprehensive epigenetic regulatory network and identified hub genes. Results Using a differential analysis, we identified 16,852 differentially methylated sites, 4877 differentially expressed genes, and 32 differentially expressed miRNAs. The methylation-expression regulatory network was mainly associated with the PI3K-Akt and T-cell receptor signaling pathways. The miRNA expression regulatory network was mainly related to the MAPK and chemokine signaling pathways. M6A regulatory network was mainly associated with the MAPK signaling pathway. Additionally, five hub genes were identified in the epigenetic regulatory network: CHD3, SETD1B, FBXL19, SMARCA4, and SETD1A. Functional analysis revealed that these five genes were associated with immune cells and inflammatory responses. Conclusion We constructed a comprehensive epigenetic network associated with RA and identified core regulatory genes. This study provides a new direction for future research on the epigenetic mechanisms of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yusi Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Min Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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