Network pharmacology-based exploration of therapeutic mechanism of Liu-Yu-Tang in atypical antipsychotic drug-induced metabolic syndrome

Network pharmacology and experimental verification to explore the effect of Hedyotis diffusa on Alzheimer's disease

This study aimed to explore the active components and the effect of Hedyotis diffusa (HD) against Alzheimer's disease (AD) via network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental evaluations. We conducted a comprehensive screening process using the TCMSP, Swiss Target Prediction, and PharmMapper databases to identify the active components and their related targets in HD. In addition, we collected potential therapeutic targets of AD from the Gene Cards, Drugbank, and OMIM databases. Afterward, we utilized Cytoscape to establish both protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and compound-target (C-T) networks. To gain further insights into the functional aspect, we performed GO and KEGG pathway analyses using the David database. Next, we employed Autodock vina to estimate the binding force between the components and the hub genes. To validate our network pharmacology findings, we conducted relevant experiments on Caenorhabditis elegans, further confirming the reliability of our results. Then a total of six active compounds and 149 therapeutic targets were detected. Through the analysis of the association between active compounds, therapeutic targets, and signaling pathways, it was observed that the therapeutic effect of HD primarily encompassed the inhibition of Aβ, suppression of AChE activity, and mitigating oxidative stress. Additionally, our investigation revealed that the key active compounds in HD primarily consisted of iridoids, which exhibited resistance against AD by acting on the Alzheimer's disease pathway and the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications.

Picroside Ⅱ attenuates neuropathic pain by regulating inflammation and spinal excitatory synaptic transmission

Nerve injury induced microglia activation, which released inflammatory mediators and developed neuropathic pain. Picroside Ⅱ (PⅡ) attenuated neuropathic pain by inhibiting the neuroinflammation of the spinal dorsal horn; however, how it engaged in the cross talk between microglia and neurons remained ambiguous. This study aimed to investigate PⅡ in the modulation of spinal synaptic transmission mechanisms on pain hypersensitivity in neuropathic rats. We investigated the analgesia of PⅡ in mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia using the spinal nerve ligation (SNL)-induced neuropathic pain model and formalin-induced tonic pain model, respectively. RNA sequencing and network pharmacology were employed to screen core targets and signaling pathways. Immunofluorescence staining and qPCR were performed to explore the expression level of microglia and inflammatory mediator mRNA. The whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were utilized to record miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents in excitatory synaptic transmission. Our results demonstrated that the analgesic of PⅡ was significant in both pain models, and the underlying mechanism may involve inflammatory signaling pathways. PⅡ reversed the SNL-induced overexpression of microglia and inflammatory factors. Moreover, PⅡ dose dependently inhibited excessive glutamate transmission. Thus, this study suggested that PⅡ attenuated neuropathic pain by inhibiting excitatory glutamate transmission of spinal synapses, induced by an inflammatory response on microglia.

Revealing the mechanism of quinoa on type 2 diabetes based on intestinal flora and taste pathways

To investigate the antidiabetic effects and mechanisms of quinoa on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice model. In this context, we induced the T2DM mice model with a high-fat diet (HFD) combined with streptozotocin (STZ), followed by treatment with a quinoa diet. To explore the impact of quinoa on the intestinal flora, we predicted and validated its potential mechanism of hypoglycemic effect through network pharmacology, molecular docking, western blot, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). We found that quinoa could significantly improve abnormal glucolipid metabolism in T2DM mice. Further analysis showed that quinoa contributed to the improvement of gut microbiota composition positively. Moreover, it could downregulate the expression of TAS1R3 and TRPM5 in the colon. A total of 72 active components were identified by network pharmacology. Among them, TAS1R3 and TRPM5 were successfully docked with the core components of quinoa. These findings confirm that quinoa may exert hypoglycemic effects through gut microbiota and the TAS1R3/TRPM5 taste signaling pathway.

Drug candidates and potential targets of Curculigo spp. compounds for treating diabetes mellitus based on network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation

Curculigo spp. is a herb that is commonly used in Indonesia to treat diabetes mellitus (DM) . The main active components of Curculigo spp. were identified through our previous metabolomic study and online database platform. However, the biological mechanisms underlying Curculigo spp. activity in treating DM remain unclear. Therefore, in this study, a network pharmacology was used to explore the active compounds of Curculigo spp. and their potential molecular mechanisms for treating DM. Oral bioavailability and drug-likeness from the compounds of Curculigo spp. were screened using Lipinski's rule of five, BBB, HIA + and Caco-2 permeability criteria. A network of compound-target-disease-pathway was then constructed using Cytoscape. The highest degree compounds and targets were then confirmed by molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The human body can absorb 33 compounds derived from Curculigo spp. In addition, 58 nodes and 62 edges generated a network analysis with the DM target. The highest degree of the compound-target-disease pathway was for orcinol glucoside, AKR1B1, autoimmune diabetes, bile acid and bile salt metabolism. Furthermore, the computational docking method on Curculigo spp. compounds with the highest degree revealed that orcinol glucoside interacted with PTPN1 through a hydrogen bond and resulted in a binding energy of -7.2 kcal mol-1. Through hydrogen bonds, orcinol glucoside in PTPN1 regulates multiple signaling pathways via the adherens junction pathway, which may play a therapeutic role in DM (type 2 diabetes: obesity). In addition, MD simulation confirmed that orcinol glucoside, is suitable for DM treatment by interacting with PTPN1.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Lian-Qu formula treats metabolic syndrome via reducing fat synthesis, insulin resistance and inflammation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a pathological condition characterized by obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertension and hyperlipidemia that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The traditional Chinese medicine Lian-Qu formula (LQF) is modified from Xiaoxianxiong decoction, which has been used for coronary heart disease or metabolic disease in clinical for a long time. However, the pharmacological mechanism of LQF on MetS is unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Here, we explored the actions of LQF on MetS via network pharmacology and validated the mechanism in the MetS mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chemical components of LQF were searched in the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and the natural product activity & species source database. The related targets of MetS disease were gathered from genes cluster with literature profiles database. The protein-protein interaction network was constructed to obtain the key target genes. The Gene Ontology analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment of the key targets were performed to predict the potential mechanisms of LQF action on MetS. And then, the high-fat diet-induced MetS mice were used to validate its therapeutic effect and molecular targets. Insulin tolerance test and oral glucose tolerance test were used to assess insulin sensitivity. Body weight and visceral fat index were measured to assess obesity. Liver metabolism was detected by H&E section, oil red O staining and untargeted lipid metabolomics experiments. Finally, the key targets of LQF action on MetS were verified by PCR and ELISA kits.

RESULTS

A total of 466 components in LQF were obtained, among which 71 were active. These components correspond to 74 targets associated with MetS. The predicted targets of LQF worked on MetS were AKT1, INSR, PPARs, FASN, LDLR, TNF, CRP, IL-6, IL-1β and so on. Furthermore, these targets were related to pathways in cellular response to lipid, inflammatory response, glucose transmembrane transport and insulin resistance. Finally, the animal experiments validated that LQF inhibited lipids accumulation by inhibiting the gene expression of FASN and increasing ADPN, and it relieved insulin resistance by increasing GLUT-4 expression. Moreover, LQF alleviated inflammation by reducing IL-6 and CRP levels.

CONCLUSION

LQF exerted anti-MetS effects through improving insulin sensitivity, ameliorating hyperlipidemia and obesity, reducing liver injury, and inhibiting inflammatory response.

Network Pharmacology-Based Investigation on Therapeutic Mechanisms of the Angelica dahurica Radix and Ligusticum chuanxiong Rhizoma Herb Pair for Anti-Migraine Effect

Migraines are a common neurological disorder characterized by desperate throbbing unilateral headaches and are related to phonophobia, photophobia, nausea, and vomiting. The Angelica dahurica Radix and Ligusticum chuanxiong Rhizoma herb pair (ALHP) has been used to treat migraines for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the physiological mechanisms of migraine treatment have not yet been elucidated. In this study, a total of 50 hub targets related to the effect of 28 bioactive compounds in ALHP on anti-migraine were obtained through network pharmacology analysis. GO and KEGG analyses of the hub targets demonstrated that ALHP treatment of migraines significantly involved the G-protein-coupled receptor signaling pathway, chemical synaptic transmission, inflammatory response, and other biological processes. According to the degree of gene targets in the network, ACE, SLC3A6, NR3CI, MAPK1, PTGS2, PIK3CA, RELA, GRIN1, GRM5, IL1B, and DRD2 were found to be the core gene targets. The docking results showed a high affinity for docked conformations between compounds and predicted targets. The results of this study suggest that ALHP could treat migraines by regulating immunological functions, diminishing inflammation, and improving immunity through different physiological pathways, which contributes to the scientific base for more in-depth research as well as for a more widespread clinical application of ALHP.

Analysis of the role and mechanism of EGCG in septic cardiomyopathy based on network pharmacology

Background

Septic cardiomyopathy (SC) is a common complication of sepsis that leads to an increase in mortality. The pathogenesis of septic cardiomyopathy is unclear, and there is currently no effective treatment. EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) is a polyphenol that has anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antioxidative stress effects. However, the role of EGCG in septic cardiomyopathy is unknown.

Methods

Network pharmacology was used to predict the potential targets and molecular mechanisms of EGCG in the treatment of septic cardiomyopathy, including the construction and analysis of protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, gene ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis and molecular docking. The mouse model of septic cardiomyopathy was established after intraperitoneal injection of LPS (lipopolysaccharide). The myocardial protective effect of EGCG on septic mice is observed by cardiac ultrasound and HE staining. RT-PCR is used to verify the expression level of the EGCG target in the septic cardiomyopathy mouse model.

Results

A total of 128 anti-SC potential targets of EGCGareselected for analysis. The GO enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway analysis results indicated that the anti-SC targets of EGCG mainly participate in inflammatory and apoptosis processes. Molecular docking results suggest that EGCG has a high affinity for the crystal structure of six targets (IL-6 (interleukin-6), TNF (tumor necrosis factor), Caspase3, MAPK3 (Mitogen-activated protein kinase 3), AKT1, and VEGFA (vascular endothelial growth factor)), and the experimental verification result showed levated expression of these 6 hub targets in the LPS group, but there is an obvious decrease in expression in the LPS + EGCG group. The functional and morphological changes found by echocardiography and HE staining show that EGCG can effectively improve the cardiac function that is reduced by LPS.

Conclusion

Our results reveal that EGCG may be a potentially effective drug to improve septic cardiomyopathy. The potential mechanism by which EGCG improves myocardial injury in septic cardiomyopathy is through anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. The anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of EGCG occur not only through direct binding to six target proteins (IL-6,TNF-α, Caspase3, MAPK3, AKT1, and VEGFA) but also by reducing their expression.

Cyperus rotundus L. reverses the olanzapine-induced weight gain and metabolic changes-outcomes from network and experimental pharmacology

Cyperus rotundus L. is used to treat multiple clinical conditions like inflammation, diarrhea, pyrosis, and metabolic disorders including diabetes and obesity. The present study aimed to predict the interaction of reported bioactives from Cyperus rotundus against obesity via network pharmacology and to evaluate the efficacy of hydroalcoholic extract of Cyperus rotundus against the olanzapine-induced weight gain and metabolic disturbances in experimental animals. Reported phytochemicals of Cyperus rotundus were retrieved from the open-source database(s) and published literature and their targets were predicted using SwissTargetPrediction, enriched in STRING, and bioactives-proteins-pathways network was constructed using Cytoscape. Further, the hydroalcoholic extract of Cyperus rotundus (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day, p.o.) was co-administered with olanzapine (2 mg/kg, i.p.) for 21 days in Sprague Dawley rats. During treatment, body weight and food intake were recorded; after the successful completion of 21 days of treatment, animals were fasted to perform oral glucose and insulin tolerance tests. Further, the animals were euthanized; blood and abdominal fat were collected for lipid profiling and histopathological examination respectively. Herein, network pharmacology predicted neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction as a primarily modulated pathway and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1b as a majorly triggered protein via the combined action of bioactives. Further, Cyperus rotundus significantly reversed weight gain, cumulative food intake, ameliorated the lipid and glucose metabolism, and promoted energy expenditure.