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Xu H, Wu K, Guo C, Zhong G. Calycosin action against atherosclerosis: integrating network pharmacology and in-silico investigation. Acta Cardiol 2024; 79:566-574. [PMID: 38771335 DOI: 10.1080/00015385.2024.2356902] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis, caused by lipid deposit in the arterial wall for narrowing the arteries, is an increased risk factor of developing heart failure. Presently, clinical first-line drug therapy can be found with side effects, and thus new substitute medication should be developed needfully. Calycosin is one of the most bioactive products refined from natural plant, and it exerts promising cardiovascular protective effect. However, the pharmacological mechanisms of calycosin against atherosclerosis have not been elaborated. In this study, a systematic network pharmacology combined with molecular docking analysis was used to reveal the interaction activity and biological target in calycosin against atherosclerosis. We screened all preparative targets linked to calycosin and atherosclerosis from the available public databases. These results indicated total 409 putative targets in calycosin action, 71 of which were interacted with atherosclerosis. Further biological docking analysis suggested that calycosin displayed the powerful binding affinities with target proteins, including interleukin-6 (IL6) and mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3) MAPK3. Then enrichment findings revealed that calycosin action to treat atherosclerosis might be related to inhibition of inflammatory reaction and oxidative stress through modulating nucleolus transcription factor for improving lipid metabolism. In conclusion, the anti-atherosclerotic targets and molecular mechanisms in calycosin action were revealed systematically through preclinical evaluation. And calycosin may be a potential natural compound for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyuan Xu
- Cardiology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Cardiology Department, Guigang City People's Hospital, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, Guangxi, China
| | - Kunpeng Wu
- Neurosurgery Department, The People's Hospital of Laibin City, Laibin, Guangxi, China
| | - Chao Guo
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Guigang City People's Hospital, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, Guangxi, China
| | - Guoqiang Zhong
- Cardiology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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Ai J, Tang X, Mao B, Zhang Q, Zhao J, Chen W, Cui S. Gut microbiota: a superior operator for dietary phytochemicals to improve atherosclerosis. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2024:1-23. [PMID: 38940319 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2024.2369169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Mounting evidence implicates the gut microbiota as a possible key susceptibility factor for atherosclerosis (AS). The employment of dietary phytochemicals that strive to target the gut microbiota has gained scientific support for treating AS. This study conducted a general overview of the links between the gut microbiota and AS, and summarized available evidence that dietary phytochemicals improve AS via manipulating gut microbiota. Then, the microbial metabolism of several dietary phytochemicals was summarized, along with a discussion on the metabolites formed and the biotransformation pathways involving key gut bacteria and enzymes. This study additionally focused on the anti-atherosclerotic potential of representative metabolites from dietary phytochemicals, and investigated their underlying molecular mechanisms. In summary, microbiota-dependent dietary phytochemical therapy is a promising strategy for AS management, and knowledge of "phytochemical-microbiota-biotransformation" may be a breakthrough in the search for novel anti-atherogenic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Ai
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Xin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Bingyong Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Qiuxiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jianxin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Shumao Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
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Yang X, Chi C, Li W, Zhang Y, Yang S, Xu R, Liu R. Metabolomics and lipidomics combined with serum pharmacochemistry uncover the potential mechanism of Huang-Lian-Jie-Du decoction alleviates atherosclerosis in ApoE -/- mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 324:117748. [PMID: 38216103 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Atherosclerosis (AS) is one of the main cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) leading to an increase in global mortality, and its key pathological features are lipid accumulation and oxidative stress. Huang-Lian-Jie-Du decoction (HLJDD), a representative formula for clearing heat and detoxifying, has been shown to reduce aortic lipid plaque and improve AS. However, multiple components and multiple targets of HLJDD pose a challenge in comprehending its comprehensive mechanism in the treatment of AS. AIM OF THE STUDY This study was designed to illustrate the anti-AS mechanisms of HLJDD in an apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mouse model from a metabolic perspective. MATERIALS AND METHODS ApoE-/- mice were kept on a high-fat diet (HFD) to induce AS. Serum total cholesterol (TC), total triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were determined to evaluate the influence of HLJDD on dyslipidemia. Oil red O was used to stain mouse aortic lipid plaques, and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to assess the pathological changes in the aortic roots. Metabolomics and lipidomics combined with serum pharmacochemistry were performed to research the HLJDD mechanism of alleviating AS. RESULTS In this study, HLJDD treatment improved serum biochemical levels and histopathological conditions in AS mice. A total of 6 metabolic pathways (arginine biosynthesis, glycerophospholipid, sphingolipid, arachidonic acid, linoleic acid, and glycerolipid metabolism) related to 25 metabolic biomarkers and 41 lipid biomarkers were clarified, and 22 prototype components migrating to blood were identified after oral administration of HLJDD. CONCLUSION HLJDD improved AS induced by HFD in ApoE-/- mice. The effects of HLJDD were mainly attributed to regulating lipid metabolism by regulating the metabolic pathways of glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, arachidonic acid, linoleic acid, and glycerolipids and reducing the levels of oxidative stress by upregulating arginine biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Chenglin Chi
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Wenjing Li
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Yanyan Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Shufang Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Ruoxuan Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Rongxia Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China.
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Wang L, Huang S, Liang X, Zhou J, Han Y, He J, Xu D. Immuno-modulatory role of baicalin in atherosclerosis prevention and treatment: current scenario and future directions. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1377470. [PMID: 38698839 PMCID: PMC11063305 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1377470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis (AS) is recognized as a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by the accumulation of lipids and inflammatory cells within the damaged walls of arterial vessels. It is a significant independent risk factor for ischemic cardiovascular disease, ischemic stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. Despite the availability of current treatments such as statins, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, and lifestyle modifications for prevention, AS remains a leading cause of morbidity and economic burden worldwide. Thus, there is a pressing need for the development of new supplementary and alternative therapies or medications. Huangqin (Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. [SBG]), a traditional Chinese medicine, exerts a significant immunomodulatory effect in AS prevention and treatment, with baicalin being identified as one of the primary active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine. Baicalin offers a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including the regulation of immune balance, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and improvement of lipid metabolism dysregulation. Consequently, it exerts beneficial effects in both AS onset and progression. This review provides an overview of the immunomodulatory properties and mechanisms by which baicalin aids in AS prevention and treatment, highlighting its potential as a clinical translational therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jiangshan He
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Danping Xu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
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Tang R, Wang L, Zhang J, Fei W, Zhang R, Liu J, Lv M, Wang M, Lv R, Nan H, Tao R, Chen Y, Chen Y, Jiang Y, Zhang H. Boosting the immunogenicity of the CoronaVac SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccine with Huoxiang Suling Shuanghua Decoction: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1298471. [PMID: 38633263 PMCID: PMC11021573 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1298471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction In light of the public health burden of the COVID-19 pandemic, boosting the safety and immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccines is of great concern. Numerous Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparations have shown to beneficially modulate immunity. Based on pilot experiments in mice that showed that supplementation with Huoxiang Suling Shuanghua Decoction (HSSD) significantly enhances serum anti-RBD IgG titers after inoculation with recombinant SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD protein, we conducted this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial aimed to evaluate the potential immunogenicity boosting effect of oral HSSD after a third homologous immunization with Sinovac's CoronaVac SARS-CoV-2 (CVS) inactivated vaccine. Methods A total of 70 participants were randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to receive a third dose of CVS vaccination and either oral placebo or oral HSSD for 7 days. Safety aspects were assessed by recording local and systemic adverse events, and by blood and urine biochemistry and liver and kidney function tests. Main outcomes evaluated included serum anti-RBD IgG titer, T lymphocyte subsets, serum IgG and IgM levels, complement components (C3 and C4), and serum cytokines (IL-6 and IFN-γ). In addition, metabolomics technology was used to analyze differential metabolite expression after supplementation with HSSD. Results Following a third CVS vaccination, significantly increased serum anti-RBD IgG titer, reduced serum IL-6 levels, increased serum IgG, IgM, and C3 and C4 levels, and improved cellular immunity, evidenced by reduce balance deviations in the distribution of lymphocyte subsets, was observed in the HSSD group compared with the placebo group. No serious adverse events were recorded in either group. Serum metabolomics results suggested that the mechanisms by which HSSD boosted the immunogenicity of the CVS vaccine are related to differential regulation of purine metabolism, vitamin B6 metabolism, folate biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism, and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Conclusion Oral HSSD boosts the immunogenicity of the CVS vaccine in young and adult individuals. This trial provides clinical reference for evaluation of TCM immunomodulators to improve the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruying Tang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Linyuan Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jianjun Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Wenting Fei
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jinlian Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Meiyu Lv
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Mengyao Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ruilin Lv
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Haipeng Nan
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ran Tao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yawen Chen
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Chen
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yanxin Jiang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Wang S, Lin F, Zhang C, Gao D, Qi Z, Wu S, Wang W, Li X, Pan L, Xu Y, Tan B, Yang A. Xuanbai Chengqi Decoction alleviates acute lung injury by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117227. [PMID: 37751794 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS) is a prevalent critical respiratory disorder caused mostly by infection and other factors. However, effective drug therapies are currently lacking. Xuanbai Chengqi Decoction (XCD), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, is commonly employed to treat lung diseases. It has been recommended by Chinese health authorities as one of the TCM prescriptions for COVID-19. Nonetheless, its underlying mechanism for the treatment of ALI has not been fully understood. AIM OF THE STUDY The study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect of XCD on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -induced ALI in mice and explore its anti-inflammatory mechanism involving pyroptosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was employed to identify the active compounds of XCD, and quantitative analysis of the main compounds was conducted. Male C57BL/6J mice were given different doses of XCD (4.5 and 9.0 g/kg/day) or dexamethasone (5 mg/kg/day) by oral gavage for 5 consecutive days. Subsequently, ALI was induced by injecting LPS (20 mg/kg) intraperitoneally 2 h after the last administration, and serum and lung tissues were collected 8 h later. J774A.1 cells were pretreated with different doses of XCD (100, 200, 400 μg/ml) for 12 h, then incubated with LPS (1 μg/ml) for 4 h and ATP (1 mM) for 2 h to induce pyroptosis. Supernatant and cells were collected. Moreover, J774A.1 cells were transfected with an NLRP3 overexpression plasmid for 24 h, followed by subsequent experiments with XCD (400 μg/ml). Lung histopathological changes were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. To assess the efficacy of XCD on ALI/ARDS, the levels of inflammatory factors, chemokines, and proteins associated with NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway were evaluated. RESULTS XCD was found to ameliorate lung inflammation injury in ALI mice, and reduce the protein expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in both mouse serum and J774A.1 cell supernatant. Meanwhile, XCD significantly decreased the mRNA levels of IL-1β, pro-IL-1β, CXCL1, CXCL10, TNF-α, NLRP3, NF-κB P65, and the protein expression of NLRP3, Cleaved-Caspase1, and GSDMD-N in the lung and J774A.1 cells. These effects were consistent with the NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950. Furthermore, overexpression of NLRP3 reversed the anti-inflammatory effect of XCD. CONCLUSION The therapeutic mechanism of XCD in ALI treatment may involve alleviating inflammatory responses in lung tissues by inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis in macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Feifei Lin
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Chengxi Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Dan Gao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Zhuocao Qi
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Suwan Wu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Wantao Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Xiaoqian Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Lingyun Pan
- Experiment Center for Science and Technology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 210203, China.
| | - Yanwu Xu
- School of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Bo Tan
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Aidong Yang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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Ma G, Dong Q, Li F, Jin Z, Pi J, Wu W, Li J. Network pharmacology and in vivo evidence of the pharmacological mechanism of geniposide in the treatment of atherosclerosis. BMC Complement Med Ther 2024; 24:53. [PMID: 38267978 PMCID: PMC10807192 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04356-x] [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: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atherosclerosis (AS) is a fundamental pathological state in various cardiovascular diseases. Geniposide, which is the main active component of Gardenia jasminides, is effective against AS. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we sought to elucidate them. METHODS The targets of AS and geniposide were collected from online public databases. The potential mechanism of Geniposide in treating AS was predicted by constructing a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and conducting Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. Hub proteins and core pathways were verified by molecular docking and in vivo experiments. Moreover, the effect of geniposide on AS was assessed by measuring the atherosclerotic plaque area in the thoracic aorta of mice. ApoE-/- mice were used to establish AS models and randomly divided into different groups. Two different doses of geniposide were administered to the mice. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was performed to evaluate the effects of geniposide on AS. Oil Red O and Sirius Red staining were used to evaluate plaque stability. The protein expression of key markers involved in the signalling pathways was examined using western blotting and immunofluorescence. RESULTS A total of 239 active targets, 3418 AS-related disease targets, and 129 overlapping targets were identified. Hub genes were detected, and molecular docking revealed that geniposide strongly interacted with hub proteins (AKT1, VEGFA, CTNNB1, MMP9, and EGFR). Moreover, 109 signalling pathways, including the Rap1 signalling pathway, were identified using enrichment analysis. The results of in vivo experiments demonstrated that geniposide reduced body weight and blood lipid levels, alleviated the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, enhanced plaque stability, and inhibited inflammation, at least partially, by activating the Rap1/PI3K/Akt signalling pathway in ApoE-/- mice. CONCLUSION Geniposide can alleviate AS and enhance the stability of atherosclerotic plaques by regulating the Rap1/PI3K/Akt signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiping Ma
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Affiliated Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qinqin Dong
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Feng Li
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Affiliated Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zheng Jin
- ZhuJiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianbin Pi
- Foshan Hospital Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Foshan, China
| | - Wei Wu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
| | - Junlong Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
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Tu W, Zhang W, Wang H, Zhang Y, Huang J, Li B, Li X, Tan Y, Wu X. Effects of Chinese herbal feed additives on the sperm quality and reproductive capacity in breeding boars. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1231833. [PMID: 37565082 PMCID: PMC10410075 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1231833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, Chinese herbal feed additives (CHFA) are commonly utilized in domestic pig farms. However, their impact on the sperm quality and reproductive capacity of imported breeding boars has yet to be thoroughly explored. In this study, the effect of CHFA on the sperm quality and reproductive capacity of the imported Duroc boars was investigated. Sixteen boars were randomly divided into control group and experimental (CHFA treated) group and fed normal or CHFA-levels containing diets, respectively. The sperm quality and reproductive hormone levels were periodically tested, and the reproductive capacity with breeding sows were evaluated. The results showed that the CHFA treated group boars significantly improved sperm volume, sperm concentration, and motility and reduced the sperm abnormalities. Furthermore, the serum levels of reproductive hormone such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone (T) in the CHFA treated group were significantly higher than those in the control group. Although there was no significant difference in the initial birth weight of piglets between the two groups, the CHFA treated group had a significantly higher average number of piglets born, the average number of piglets born alive, the number of piglets weaned at 28 days, and the weaning weight compared to the control group. These findings suggest that CHFA can significantly improve the sperm quality of breeding boars and enhance their reproductive hormone levels as well as the reproductive capacity, providing direct evidence for the further application of CHFA in the management of breeding boars in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weilong Tu
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Pig) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiyi Zhang
- Shanghai Center of Agri-Products Quality and Safety, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongyang Wang
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Pig) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingying Zhang
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Pig) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China
| | - Ji Huang
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Pig) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China
| | - Bushe Li
- Institute of Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Li
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Pig) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongsong Tan
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Pig) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Wu
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
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