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Wu JW, Gao W, Shen LP, Chen YL, Du SQ, Du ZY, Zhao XD, Lu XJ. Leonurus japonicus Houtt. modulates neuronal apoptosis in intracerebral hemorrhage: Insights from network pharmacology and molecular docking. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 330:118223. [PMID: 38642624 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118223] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Leonurus japonicus Houtt. (Labiatae), commonly known as Chinese motherwort, is a herbaceous flowering plant that is native to Asia. It is widely acknowledged in traditional medicine for its diuretic, hypoglycemic, antiepileptic properties and neuroprotection. Currently, Leonurus japonicus (Leo) is included in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recognizes Leo for its myriad pharmacological attributes, but its efficacy against ICH-induced neuronal apoptosis is unclear. AIMS OF THE STUDY This study aimed to identify the potential targets and regulatory mechanisms of Leo in alleviating neuronal apoptosis after ICH. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study employed network pharmacology, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technique, molecular docking, pharmacodynamic studies, western blotting, and immunofluorescence techniques to explore its potential mechanisms. RESULTS Leo was found to assist hematoma absorption, thus improving the neurological outlook in an ICH mouse model. Importantly, molecular docking highlighted JAK as Leo's potential therapeutic target in ICH scenarios. Further experimental evidence demonstrated that Leo adjusts JAK1 and STAT1 phosphorylation, curbing Bax while augmenting Bcl-2 expression. CONCLUSION Leo showcases potential in mitigating neuronal apoptosis post-ICH, predominantly via the JAK/STAT mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Wei Wu
- Neuroscience Center, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, PR China; Department of Neurosurgery, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, PR China; Wuxi Neurosurgical Institute, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, PR China
| | - Wei Gao
- Department of Neurology, Wuxi Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, PR China
| | - Li-Ping Shen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, PR China; Wuxi Neurosurgical Institute, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, PR China
| | - Yong-Lin Chen
- Neuroscience Center, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, PR China; Department of Neurosurgery, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, PR China; Wuxi Neurosurgical Institute, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, PR China
| | - Shi-Qing Du
- Neuroscience Center, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, PR China; Department of Neurosurgery, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, PR China; Wuxi Neurosurgical Institute, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, PR China
| | - Zhi-Yong Du
- Neuroscience Center, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, PR China; Department of Neurosurgery, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, PR China; Wuxi Neurosurgical Institute, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, PR China
| | - Xu-Dong Zhao
- Neuroscience Center, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, PR China; Department of Neurosurgery, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, PR China; Wuxi Neurosurgical Institute, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, PR China.
| | - Xiao-Jie Lu
- Neuroscience Center, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, PR China; Department of Neurosurgery, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, PR China; Wuxi Neurosurgical Institute, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, PR China.
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He Y, Amer HM, Xu Z, Liu L, Wu S, He B, Liu J, Kai G. Exploration of the underlying mechanism of Astragaloside III in attenuating immunosuppression via network pharmacology and vitro/vivo pharmacological validation. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 330:118235. [PMID: 38648891 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118235] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Astragalus mongholicus Bunge (AM, recorded in http://www.worldfloraonline.org, 2023-08-03) is a kind of medicine food homology plant with a long medicinal history in China. Astragaloside III (AS-III) has immunomodulatory effects and is one of the most active components in AM. However, its underlying mechanism of action is still not fully explained. AIM OF THE STUDY The research was designed to discuss the protective effects of AS-III on immunosuppression and to elucidate its prospective mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS Molecular docking methods and network pharmacology analysis were used to comprehensively investigate potential targets and relative pathways for AS-III and immunosuppression. In order to study and verify the pharmacological activity and mechanism of AS-III in alleviating immunosuppression, immunosuppression mouse model induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX) in vivo and macrophage RAW264.7 cell model induced by hypoxia/lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vitro were used. RESULTS A total of 105 common targets were obtained from the AS-III-related and immunosuppression-related target networks. The results of network pharmacology and molecular docking demonstrate that AS-III may treat immunosuppression through by regulating glucose metabolism-related pathways such as regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes, carbohydrate digestion and absorption, cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, central carbon metabolism in cancer together with HIF-1 pathway. The results of molecular docking showed that AS-III has good binding relationship with LDHA, AKT1 and HIF1A. In CTX-induced immunosuppressive mouse model, AS-III had a significant protective effect on the reduction of body weight, immune organ index and hematological indices. It can also protect immune organs from damage. In addition, AS-III could significantly improve the expression of key proteins involved in energy metabolism and serum inflammatory factors. To further validate the animal results, an initial inflammatory/immune response model of macrophage RAW264.7 cells was constructed through hypoxia and LPS. AS-III improved the immune function of macrophages, reduced the release of NO, TNF-α, IL-1β, PDHK-1, LDH, lactate, HK, PK and GLUT-1, and restored the decrease of ATP caused by hypoxia. Besides, AS-III was also demonstrated that it could inhibit the increase of HIF-1α, PDHK-1 and LDH by adding inhibitors and agonists. CONCLUSIONS In this study, the main targets of AS-III for immunosuppressive therapy were initially analyzed. AS-III was systematically confirmed to attenuates immunosuppressive state through the HIF-1α/PDHK-1 pathway. These findings offer an experimental foundation for the use of AS-III as a potential candidate for the treatment of immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yining He
- Zhejiang Key TCM Laboratory for Chinese Resource Innovation and Transformation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jinhua Academy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China
| | - Heba M Amer
- Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research Dept, National Research Centre, 12622, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Zonghui Xu
- Zhejiang Key TCM Laboratory for Chinese Resource Innovation and Transformation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jinhua Academy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Zhejiang Key TCM Laboratory for Chinese Resource Innovation and Transformation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jinhua Academy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China
| | - Shujing Wu
- Zhejiang Key TCM Laboratory for Chinese Resource Innovation and Transformation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jinhua Academy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China
| | - Beihui He
- Zhejiang Key TCM Laboratory for Chinese Resource Innovation and Transformation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jinhua Academy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China
| | - Junqiu Liu
- Zhejiang Key TCM Laboratory for Chinese Resource Innovation and Transformation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jinhua Academy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China.
| | - Guoyin Kai
- Zhejiang Key TCM Laboratory for Chinese Resource Innovation and Transformation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jinhua Academy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China; The Third Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
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Chen Y, Chen X, Zhang J, Zhang X, Wang D, Lu N, Wang C, Yue Y, Yuan Y. Network pharmacology and experimental evidence: ERK/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway is involved in the antidepressive roles of Kaiyu Zhishen decoction. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 329:118098. [PMID: 38582152 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118098] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) emerges as a complex psychosomatic condition, notable for its considerable suicidality and mortality rates. Increasing evidence suggests the efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine in mitigating depression symptoms and offsetting the adverse effects associated with conventional Western therapeutics. Notably, clinical trials have revealed the adjunctive antidepressant potential of Kaiyu Zhishen Decoction (KZD) alongside Western medication. However, the standalone antidepressant efficacy of KZD and its underlying mechanisms merit in-depth investigation. AIM OF THE STUDY This research aims to elucidate the impact of KZD on MDD and delineate its mechanistic pathways through integrated network pharmacological assessments and empirical in vitro and in vivo analyses. MATERIALS AND METHODS To ascertain the optimal antidepressant dosage and mechanism of KZD, a Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress (CUMS)-induced depression model in mice was established to evaluate depressive behaviors. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and network pharmacological approaches were employed to predict KZD's antidepressant mechanisms. Subsequently, hippocampal samples were subjected to 4D-DIA proteomic sequencing and validated through Western blot, immunofluorescence, Nissl staining, and pathway antagonist applications. Additionally, cortisol-stimulated PC12 cells were utilized to simulate neuronal damage, analyzing protein and mRNA levels of MAPK-related signals and cell proliferation markers. RESULTS The integration of network pharmacology and HPLC identified kaempferol and quercetin as KZD's principal active compounds for MDD treatment. Proteomic and network pharmacological KEGG pathway analyses indicated the MAPK signaling pathway as a critical regulatory mechanism for KZD's therapeutic effect on MDD. KZD was observed to mitigate CUMS-induced upregulation of p-ERK/ERK, CREB, and BDNF protein expressions in hippocampal cells by attenuating oxidative stress, thereby ameliorating neuronal damage and exerting antidepressant effects. The administration of PD98059 counteracted KZD's improvements in depression-like behaviors and downregulated p-ERK/ERK and BDNF protein expressions in the hippocampus. CONCLUSIONS This investigation corroborates KZD's pivotal, dose-dependent role in antidepressant activity. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrate KZD's capacity to modulate the ERK-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway by diminishing ROS expression induced by oxidative stress, enhancing neuronal repair, and thus, manifesting antidepressant properties. Accordingly, KZD represents a promising herbal candidate for further antidepressant research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Chen
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, ZhongDa Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Institute of Psychosomatics, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Xiangxu Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, ZhongDa Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jialin Zhang
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, ZhongDa Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Institute of Psychosomatics, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Xuejun Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, ZhongDa Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, ZhongDa Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Institute of Psychosomatics, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Na Lu
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, ZhongDa Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Institute of Psychosomatics, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Changsong Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine of Chinese Medicine, ZhongDa Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yingying Yue
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, ZhongDa Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Institute of Psychosomatics, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China.
| | - Yonggui Yuan
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, ZhongDa Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Institute of Psychosomatics, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China.
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Liu Y, Wang J, Yu X, Hu J, Sun X. Study on the material basis of Zhujing pill in treating fundus lesions through component analysis and network pharmacology. Biomed Chromatogr 2024; 38:e5885. [PMID: 38736272 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.5885] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Zhujing pill (ZP) is a famous Chinese herbal formula that has been widely used to treat diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa and other fundus lesions. In this study, the material basis and mechanism of ZP in the treatment of fundus lesions were evaluated via the high-performance liquid chromatography fingerprint, ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, network pharmacology and molecular docking. A total of 32 common components were found and 31 components were identified in 15 batches of ZP samples. Moreover, 134 common key targets and 17 putative active components that are connected to fundus lesions were identified. Molecular docking revealed that quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, 5-O-feruloylquinic acid, plantagoside and 2'-acetylacteoside have the ability to interact with the core targets such as AKT1, TP53, TNF, IL-6 and Jun. Our findings revealed that the therapeutic effects of ZP on fundus lesions are mediated by multiple components, targets and pathways, including at least six active ingredients and 11 targets. The study provides new ideas for further research on the material basis and mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijie Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiali Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoxiang Yu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing Hu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Substance of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiuyan Sun
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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Lin J, Gu M, Wang X, Chen Y, Chau NV, Li J, Chu Q, Qing L, Wu W. Huanglian Jiedu decoction inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell-derived foam cell formation by activating autophagy via suppressing P2RY12. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 328:118125. [PMID: 38561055 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118125] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Huanglian Jiedu Decoction (HLJDD) is a Chinese medicine with a long history of therapeutic application. It is widely used in treating atherosclerosis (AS) in Chinese medicine theory and clinical practice. However, the mechanism of HLJDD in treating AS remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the efficacy and mechanism of HLJDD in treating AS. MATERIALS AND METHODS AS was induced on high-fat diet-fed ApoE-/- mice, with the aorta pathological changes evaluated with lipid content and plaque progression. In vitro, foam cells were induced by subjecting primary mouse aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to oxLDL incubation. After HLJDD intervention, VSMCs were assessed with lipid stack, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and the expression of foam cell markers. The effects of P2RY12 were tested by adopting clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate (CDL) in vivo and transfecting P2RY12 over-expressive plasmid in vitro. Autophagy was inhibited by Chloroquine or transfecting siRNA targeting ATG7 (siATG7). The mechanism of HLJDD treating atherosclerosis was explored using network pharmacology and validated with molecular docking and co-immunoprecipitation. RESULTS HLJDD exhibited a dose-dependent reduction in lipid deposition, collagen loss, and necrosis within plaques. It also reversed lipid accumulation and down-regulated the expression of foam cell markers. P2RY12 inhibition alleviated AS, while P2RY12 overexpression enhanced foam cell formation and blocked the therapeutic effects of HLJDD. Network pharmacological analysis suggested that HLJDD might mediate PI3K/AKT signaling pathway-induced autophagy. P2RY12 overexpression also impaired autophagy. Similarly, inhibiting autophagy counteracted the effect of CDL, exacerbated AS in vivo, and promoted foam cell formation in vitro. However, HLJDD treatment mitigated these detrimental effects by suppressing the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Immunofluorescence and molecular docking revealed a high affinity between P2RY12 and PIK3CB, while co-immunoprecipitation assays illustrated their interaction. CONCLUSIONS HLJDD inhibited AS in vivo and foam cell formation in vitro by restoring P2RY12/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway-suppressed autophagy. This study is the first to reveal an interaction between P2RY12 and PI3K3CB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhai Lin
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Guangzhou, 510405, Guangdong, China; Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Guangzhou, 510405, Guangdong, China.
| | - Mingyang Gu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Guangzhou, 510405, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xiaolong Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Guangzhou, 510405, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- Qinchengda Community Health Service Center, Shenzhen Bao'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Group, No. 225, Block 10A, Qinchengda Yueyuan Commercial and Residential Building, Shenzhen, 518100, Guangdong, China.
| | - Nhi Van Chau
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Guangzhou, 510405, Guangdong, China; Traditional Medicine Department, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 179 Nguyen Van Cu Street, An Khanh, Ninh Kieu, Can Tho, 94000, Viet Nam.
| | - Junlong Li
- The Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 16 Jichang Road, Guangzhou, 510405, Guangdong, China.
| | - Qingmin Chu
- The Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 16 Jichang Road, Guangzhou, 510405, Guangdong, China.
| | - Lijin Qing
- The Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 16 Jichang Road, Guangzhou, 510405, Guangdong, China.
| | - Wei Wu
- The Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 16 Jichang Road, Guangzhou, 510405, Guangdong, China.
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Duan X, Wang N, Peng D. Application of network pharmacology in synergistic action of Chinese herbal compounds. Theory Biosci 2024:10.1007/s12064-024-00419-2. [PMID: 38888845 DOI: 10.1007/s12064-024-00419-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Herbal medicines are frequently blended in the form of multi-drug combinations primarily based on the precept of medicinal compatibility, to achieve the purpose of treating diseases. However, due to the lack of appropriate techniques and the multi-component and multi-target nature of Chinese medicine compounding, it is tough to explain how the drugs interact with each other. As a rising discipline, cyber pharmacology has formed a new approach characterized by using holistic and systematic "network targets" via the cross-fertilization of computer technology, bioinformatics, and different multidisciplinary disciplines. It can broadly screen the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine, enhance the effective utilization of drugs, and elucidate the mechanism of drug action. We will overview the principles of Chinese medicine compounding and dispensing, the research methods of network pharmacology, and the software of network pharmacology in the lookup of compounded Chinese medicines, aiming to supply thoughts for the better application of network pharmacology in the research of Chinese medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianchun Duan
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine (Anhui University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Hefei, 230038, People's Republic of China
| | - Ni Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Daiyin Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine (Anhui University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Hefei, 230038, People's Republic of China.
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Shen JS, Wang ZJ, Duan Y, Mei LN, Zhu YY, Wei MZ, Wang XH, Luo XD. Antifungal bioactivity of Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna Franch. against fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans in vitro and in vivo. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 333:118473. [PMID: 38897554 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna Franch. has been widely utilized in folk medicine by the Miao people in the southwestern region of China for treating skin sores which may be associated with microbial infection. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the antifungal bioactivity of S. hookeriana var. digyna against fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans in vitro and in vivo, as well as its underlying mechanism and the key bioactive component. MATERIALS AND METHODS The antifungal bioactivity of 80% ethanol extract of S. hookeriana var. digyna (SHE80) was investigated in vitro using the broth microdilution method, time-growth curve, and time-kill assay. Its key functional component and antifungal mechanism were explored with combined approaches including UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, network pharmacology and metabolomics. The antifungal pathway was further supported via microscopic observation of fungal cell morphology and examination of its effects on fungal biofilm and cell membranes using fluorescent staining reagents. In vivo assessment of antifungal bioactivity was conducted using a mouse model infected with C. albicans on the skin. RESULTS S. hookeriana var. digyna suppressed fluconazole-resistant C. albicans efficiently (MIC = 16 μg/mL, MFC = 64 μg/mL). It removed fungal biofilm, increased cell membrane permeability, induced protein leakage, reduced membrane fluidity, disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential, induced the release of reactive oxygen species, promoted cell apoptosis, and inhibited the transformation of fungi from the yeast state to the hyphal state significantly. In terms of mechanism, it affected sphingolipid metabolism and signaling pathway. Moreover, the predicted bioactive component, sarcovagine D, was supported by antifungal bioactivity evaluation in vitro (MIC = 4 μg/mL, MFC = 16 μg/mL). Furthermore, S. hookeriana var. digyna promoted wound healing, reduced the number of colony-forming units, and reduced inflammation effectively in vivo. CONCLUSIONS The traditional use of S. hookeriana var. digyna for fungal skin infections was supported by antifungal bioactivity investigated in vitro and in vivo. Its mechanism and bioactive component were predicted and confirmed by experiments, which also provided a new antifungal agent for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Shan Shen
- Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education and Yunnan Province, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhao-Jie Wang
- Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education and Yunnan Province, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Duan
- Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education and Yunnan Province, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Na Mei
- Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education and Yunnan Province, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Yan Zhu
- Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education and Yunnan Province, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, People's Republic of China
| | - Mei-Zheng Wei
- Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education and Yunnan Province, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin-Hui Wang
- Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education and Yunnan Province, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Dong Luo
- Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education and Yunnan Province, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, People's Republic of China.
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Zhao Y, Zhu S, Li Y, Niu X, Shang G, Zhou X, Yin J, Bao B, Cao Y, Cheng F, Li Z, Wang R, Yao W. Integrated component identification, network pharmacology, and experimental verification revealed mechanism of Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo against lung cancer. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2024; 243:116077. [PMID: 38460276 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2024.116077] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo (DO), a valuable Chinese herbal medicine, has been reported to exhibit potential effects in the prevention and treatment of lung cancer. However, its material basis and mechanism of action have not been comprehensively analyzed. PURPOSE The objective of this study was to preliminarily elucidate the active components and pharmacological mechanisms of DO in treating lung cancer, according to UPLC-Q/TOF-MS, HPAEC-PAD, network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental verification. METHODS The chemical components of DO were identified via UPLC-Q/TOF-MS, while the monosaccharide composition of Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide (DOP) was determined by HPAEC-PAD. The prospective active constituents of DO as well as their respective targets were predicted in the combined database of Swiss ADME and Swiss Target Prediction. Relevant disease targets for lung cancer were searched in OMIM, TTD, and Genecards databases. Further, the active compounds and potential core targets of DO against lung cancer were found by the C-T-D network and the PPI network, respectively. The core targets were then subjected to enrichment analysis in the Metascape database. The main active compounds were molecularly docked to the core targets and visualized. Finally, the viability of A549 cells and the relative quantity of associated proteins within the major signaling pathway were detected. RESULTS 249 ingredients were identified from DO, including 39 flavonoids, 39 bibenzyls, 50 organic acids, 8 phenanthrenes, 27 phenylpropanoids, 17 alkaloids, 17 amino acids and their derivatives, 7 monosaccharides, and 45 others. Here, 50 main active compounds with high degree values were attained through the C-T-D network, mainly consisting of bibenzyls and monosaccharides. Based on the PPI network analysis, 10 core targets were further predicted, including HSP90AA1, SRC, ESR1, CREBBP, MAPK3, AKT1, PIK3R1, PIK3CA, HIF1A, and HDAC1. The results of the enrichment analysis and molecular docking indicated a close association between the therapeutic mechanism of DO and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. It was confirmed that the bibenzyl extract and erianin could inhibit the multiplication of A549 cells in vitro. Furthermore, erianin was found to down-regulate the relative expressions of p-AKT and p-PI3K proteins within the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS This study predicted that DO could treat lung cancer through various components, multiple targets, and diverse pathways. Bibenzyls from DO might exert anti-lung cancer activity by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and modulating the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. A fundamental reference for further studies and clinical therapy was given by the above data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhao
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Shuaitao Zhu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Yuan Li
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Xuan Niu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Guanxiong Shang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Xiaoqi Zhou
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Jiu Yin
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Beihua Bao
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Yudan Cao
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Fangfang Cheng
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Zhipeng Li
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China.
| | - Ran Wang
- China Tobacco Anhui Industrial Co., Ltd., Hefei, Anhui 210088, China.
| | - Weifeng Yao
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
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9
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Zhang D, Qin H, Chen W, Xiang J, Jiang M, Zhang L, Zhou K, Hu Y. Utilizing network pharmacology, molecular docking, and animal models to explore the therapeutic potential of the WenYang FuYuan recipe for cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury through AGE-RAGE and NF-κB/p38MAPK signaling pathway modulation. Exp Gerontol 2024; 191:112448. [PMID: 38697555 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2024.112448] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stroke is a debilitating condition with high morbidity, disability, and mortality that significantly affects the quality of life of patients. In China, the WenYang FuYuan recipe is widely used to treat ischemic stroke. However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown, so exploring the potential mechanism of action of this formula is of great practical significance for stroke treatment. OBJECTIVE This study employed network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vivo experiments to clarify the active ingredients, potential targets, and molecular mechanisms of the WenYang FuYuan recipe in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, with a view to providing a solid scientific foundation for the subsequent study of this recipe. MATERIALS AND METHODS Active ingredients of the WenYang FuYuan recipe were screened using the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform. Network pharmacology approaches were used to explore the potential targets and mechanisms of action of the WenYang FuYuan recipe for the treatment of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. The Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion/Reperfusion 2 h Sprague Dawley rat model was prepared, and TTC staining and modified neurological severity score were applied to examine the neurological deficits in rats. HE staining and Nissl staining were applied to examine the pathological changes in rats. Immunofluorescence labeling and Elisa assay were applied to examine the expression levels of certain proteins and associated factors, while qRT-PCR and Western blotting were applied to examine the expression levels of linked proteins and mRNAs in disease-related signaling pathways. RESULTS We identified 62 key active ingredients in the WenYang FuYuan recipe, with 222 highly significant I/R targets, forming 138 pairs of medication components and component-targets, with the top five being Quercetin, Kaempferol, Luteolin, β-sitosterol, and Stigmasterol. The key targets included TP53, RELA, TNF, STAT1, and MAPK14 (p38MAPK). Targets related to cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury were enriched in chemical responses, enzyme binding, endomembrane system, while enriched pathways included lipid and atherosclerosis, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, AGE-RAGE signaling in diabetic complications. In addition, the main five active ingredients and targets in the WenYang FuYuan recipe showed high binding affinity (e.g. Stigmasterol and MAPK14, total energy <-10.5 Kcal/mol). In animal experiments, the WenYang FuYuan recipe reduced brain tissue damage, increased the number of surviving neurons, and down-regulated S100β and RAGE protein expression. Moreover, the relative expression levels of key targets such as TP53, RELA and p38MAPK mRNA were significantly down-regulated in the WenYang FuYuan recipe group, and serum IL-6 and TNF-a factor levels were reduced. After WenYang FuYuan recipe treatment, the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway and downstream NF-kB/p38MAPK signaling pathway-related proteins were significantly modulated. CONCLUSION This study utilized network pharmacology, molecular docking, and animal experiments to identify the potential mechanism of the WenYang FuYuan recipe, which may be associated with the regulation of the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway and the inhibition of target proteins and mRNAs in the downstream NF-kB/p38MAPK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ding Zhang
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Hongling Qin
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine First Affiliated Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine First Affiliated Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Junjun Xiang
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Minghe Jiang
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Keqing Zhou
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Yueqiang Hu
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine First Affiliated Hospital, Nanning, China.
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10
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Chen J, He Q, Jin J. Targeting dendritic cell activation: the therapeutic impact of paeoniflorin in cortosteroid-dependent dermatitis management. Arch Dermatol Res 2024; 316:348. [PMID: 38849562 DOI: 10.1007/s00403-024-03002-3] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates the mechanism through which paeoniflorin inhibits TSLP expression to regulate dendritic cell activation in corticosteroid-dependent dermatitis treatment. Utilizing databases like TCMSP, we identified paeoniflorin's components, targets, and constructed networks. Molecular docking and gene enrichment analysis helped pinpoint key targets and pathways affected by paeoniflorin. In vitro and in vivo models were used to study CD80, CD86, cytokines, T-cell activation, skin lesions, histopathological changes, TSLP, CD80, and CD86 expression. Our study revealed paeoniflorin's active constituent targeting IL-6 in corticosteroid-dependent dermatitis. In vitro experiments demonstrated reduced TSLP expression, CD80, CD86, and cytokine secretion post-paeoniflorin treatment. In vivo, paeoniflorin significantly decreased skin lesion severity, cytokine levels, TSLP, CD80, and CD86 expression. The study highlights paeoniflorin's efficacy in inhibiting TSLP expression and suppressing dendritic cell activation in corticosteroid-dependent dermatitis, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic intervention. Additionally, it offers insights into the complex molecular mechanisms underlying paeoniflorin's anti-inflammatory properties in treating corticosteroid-dependent dermatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinjin Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 4 Huayuanshan, Wuchang District, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430061, China
| | - Qi He
- Department of Dermatology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 4 Huayuanshan, Wuchang District, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430061, China
| | - Jing Jin
- Department of Dermatology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 4 Huayuanshan, Wuchang District, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430061, China.
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11
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Guo Q, Ji J, Chen F, Shi J, Liu H, Zhu C. Effect of black cloth ointment on hypertrophic scar formation: An investigation using integrated network pharmacology and animal assay. Skin Res Technol 2024; 30:e13791. [PMID: 38895902 PMCID: PMC11187852 DOI: 10.1111/srt.13791] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertrophic scars (HS) are a common disfiguring condition in daily clinical encounters which brings a lot of anxieties and concerns to patients, but the treatment options of HS are limited. Black cloth ointment (BCO), as a cosmetic ointment applicable to facial scars, has shown promising therapeutic effects for facial scarring. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects remain unclear. MATERIAL AND METHODS Network pharmacology was first applied to analyze the major active components of BCO and the related signaling pathways. Subsequently, rabbit ear scar model was successfully established to determine the pharmacological effects of BCO and its active component β-elemene on HS. Finally, the molecular mechanism of BCO and β-elemene was analyzed by Western blot. RESULTS Through the network pharmacology, it showed that β-elemene was the main active ingredient of BCO, and it could significantly improve the pathological structure of HS and reduce collagen deposition. BCO and β-elemene could increase the expression of ER stress-related markers and promote the increase of apoptotic proteins in the Western blot experiment and induce the apoptosis of myofibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that the material basis for the scar-improving effects of the BCO is β-elemene, and cellular apoptosis is the key mechanism through which the BCO and β-elemene exert their effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Guo
- Department of DermatologyAffiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingChina
| | - Jin Ji
- Department of DermatologyAffiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingChina
| | - Fang Chen
- Department of DermatologyAffiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingChina
| | - Jianxin Shi
- Department of DermatologyAffiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingChina
| | - Huaxu Liu
- Hospital for Skin DiseasesShandong First Medical UniversityJinanChina
| | - Changle Zhu
- Department of PathologyAffiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingChina
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12
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Li N, Yang C, Xia J, Wang W, Xiong W. Molecular mechanisms of Codonopsis pilosula in inhibiting hepatocellular carcinoma growth and metastasis. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 128:155338. [PMID: 38520835 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155338] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver cancer, one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, accounts for millions of cases annually. With its multi-target and wide-ranging therapeutic effects, traditional Chinese medicine has emerged as a potential approach for treating various tumors. Codonopsis pilosula, a traditional herb, is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In this study, we investigated the potential molecular mechanisms of Codonopsis pilosula in regulating the inhibition of CDK1 and the modulation of PDK1/β-catenin, which are involved in hepatocellular carcinoma growth and metastasis. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS Firstly, we screened the active chemical constituents of Codonopsis pilosula and identified their respective target proteins using the Herb database. Then, we applied the GeneCards database and transcriptome sequencing analysis to screen for critical genes associated with the occurrence and development of liver cancer. The intersection of the target proteins and disease-related genes was used to determine the potential targets of Codonopsis pilosula in hepatocellular carcinoma. Protein-protein interaction analysis and GO/KEGG analysis were subsequently performed to uncover the pathways through which Codonopsis pilosula acts on liver cancer. The Huh-7 cell line, exhibiting the highest sensitivity to Codonopsis pilosula polysaccharide solution (CPP) intervention, was chosen for subsequent studies. Cell viability was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay was conducted to determine cell proliferation capacity, flow cytometry was used to analyze cell cycle, TUNEL staining was performed to assess cell apoptosis, scratch assay was carried out to evaluate cell migration ability, the expression of EMT-related proteins was detected and analyzed, and cell sphere formation assay was conducted to investigate cell stemness. Finally, a liver cancer animal model was established, and different doses of CPP were administered via gavage the next day. The expression levels of CDK1, PDK1, and β-catenin in mouse liver tissues were detected and analyzed, immunohistochemistry staining was performed to assess the expression of tumor cell proliferation-related proteins Ki67 and PCNA in mouse xenografts, and TUNEL staining was carried out to evaluate cell apoptosis in mouse liver tissues. After intervention with CDK1 expression, the expression levels of CDK1, PDK1, and β-catenin proteins and mRNA in each group of cells were detected using Western blot and RT-qPCR. RESULTS Through network pharmacology analysis, transcriptome sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis, 35 target genes through which Codonopsis pilosula acts on liver cancer were identified. Among them, CDK1, with the highest degree in the PPI network, was considered an essential target protein for Codonopsis pilosula in treating liver cancer. In vitro cell experiments revealed that CPP could inhibit the expression of CDK1/PDK1/β-catenin signaling axis factors, suppress cell proliferation, decrease cell migration ability, influence the EMT process, and reduce cell stemness by inhibiting CDK1 and affecting the PDK1/β-catenin signaling axis. Similarly, in vivo experiments demonstrated that CPP could regulate the CDK1/PDK1/β-catenin signaling axis, inhibit tumor growth, and induce cell apoptosis. CONCLUSION Codonopsis pilosula may inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma growth by suppressing CDK1 and affecting the PDK1/β-catenin signaling axis, limiting cell EMT and reducing cell stemness. These findings provide insights into the potential therapeutic role of Codonopsis pilosula in liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Li
- Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College, Chongqing 404120, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Development and Utilization of Genuine Medicinal Materials in Three Gorges Reservoir Area, Chongqing 404120, China
| | - Ce Yang
- Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College, Chongqing 404120, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Development and Utilization of Genuine Medicinal Materials in Three Gorges Reservoir Area, Chongqing 404120, China
| | - Jing Xia
- Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College, Chongqing 404120, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Development and Utilization of Genuine Medicinal Materials in Three Gorges Reservoir Area, Chongqing 404120, China
| | - Wenxiang Wang
- Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College, Chongqing 404120, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Development and Utilization of Genuine Medicinal Materials in Three Gorges Reservoir Area, Chongqing 404120, China.
| | - Wei Xiong
- Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College, Chongqing 404120, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Development and Utilization of Genuine Medicinal Materials in Three Gorges Reservoir Area, Chongqing 404120, China.
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13
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Yu W, Li X, Sun Q, Yi S, Zhang G, Chen L, Li Z, Li J, Luo L. Metabolomics and network pharmacology reveal the mechanism of Castanopsis honey against Streptococcus pyogenes. Food Chem 2024; 441:138388. [PMID: 38219368 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.138388] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS) is one of the most virulent and infectious bacteria, severely threatening health and lives of people worldwide. Honey has been proven to have effective capability against GAS, but the underlying metabolites and mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, the Castanopsis honey (CH) showed significant antibacterial ability compared to other seven kinds of honey and artificial honey. Furthermore, the antibacterial metabolites and their targets in CH were screened by combined method of metabolomics, network pharmacology, and molecular docking. The results suggested that the activities of two antioxidant enzymes, glutathione peroxidase and tyrosyl tRNA synthetase identified as the primary targets, were significantly inhibited by CH, which significantly increased the level of oxidative stress in GAS. The results revealed a possibly novel mechanism regulating the oxidative stress and inhibits the growth in bacteria, providing strong experimental evidence to support the further development of CH as a novel antibacterial agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Yu
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, (School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Xiaohua Li
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031 China
| | - Qifang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China
| | - Shengxiang Yi
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031 China
| | - Gaowei Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031 China
| | - Lili Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031 China
| | - Zhuozhen Li
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, (School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Junru Li
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031 China
| | - Liping Luo
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, (School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100048, China; School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031 China; State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China.
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14
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Liu L, Zhang H, Tang X, Zhang M, Wu Y, Zhao Y, Lu C, Zhao R. Geniposide ameliorates psoriatic skin inflammation by inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB p65 signaling pathway and MMP9. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 133:112082. [PMID: 38652958 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112082] [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: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Psoriasis is an incurable immune-mediated disease affecting the skin or the joints. There are continuing studies on drugs for psoriasis prevention and treatment. This research found that Geniposide (GE) significantly thinned IMQ mice's skin lesions, reduced the scales, and lowered the presence of inflammatory cells in the pathology in a dose-dependent manner. GE inhibited IL-23, IL-22, IL-17A, IL-12, IL-6, and TNF-α levels in psoriatic mice serum. AKT1, TNF, TLR4, MMP9, MAPK3, and EGFR were selected as the top 6 targets of GE against psoriasis via network pharmacology, and GE-TLR4 has the most robust docking score value by molecular docking. Taken together, GE significantly inhibited TLR4 and MMP9 protein expression and influenced MyD88/NF-κB p65 signaling pathway. Finally, TLR4 was verified as the critical target of GE, which engaged in immunomodulatory activities and reduced MMP9 production in LPS and TAK-242-induced HaCaT cells. GE had a medium affinity for TLR4, and the KD value was 1.06 × 10-5 M. GE is an effective treatment and preventative strategy for psoriasis since it impacts TLR4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Liu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510006, China
| | - Huiling Zhang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510006, China
| | - Xinran Tang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510006, China
| | - Mengge Zhang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510006, China; School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoling Province 110016, China
| | - Yayun Wu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Neihuan Xilu, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ya Zhao
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510006, China; State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Chuanjian Lu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Neihuan Xilu, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou 510006, China; The State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510120, China.
| | - Ruizhi Zhao
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Neihuan Xilu, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou 510006, China; The State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510120, China.
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15
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Shi G, Lu X, Zheng Y, Yang T, Zhu E, Song Y, Huang P. Insights into the potential dual-antibacterial mechanism of Kelisha capsule on Escherichia coli. BMC Complement Med Ther 2024; 24:207. [PMID: 38807130 PMCID: PMC11134901 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04500-7] [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: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), AYURVEDA and Indian medicine are essential in disease prevention and treatment. Kelisha capsule (KLSC), a TCM formula listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, has been clinically proven to possess potent antibacterial properties. However, the precise antimicrobial mechanism of KLSC remained unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the dual antibacterial mechanism of KLSC using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation. By analyzing the growth curve of Escherichia coli (E. coli), it was observed that KLSC significantly inhibited its growth, showcasing a remarkable antibacterial effect. Furthermore, SEM and TEM analysis revealed that KLSC damaged the cell wall and membrane of E. coli, resulting in cytoplasmic leakage, bacterial death, and the exertion of antibacterial effects. The network pharmacology analysis revealed that KLSC exhibited an effect on E. coli ATP synthase, thereby influencing the energy metabolism process. The molecular docking outcomes provided evidence that the active compounds of KLSC could effectively bind to the ATP synthase subunit. Subsequently, experimental findings substantiated that KLSC effectively suppressed the activity of ATP synthase in E. coli and consequently decreased the ATP content. This study highlighted the dual antibacterial mechanism of KLSC, emphasizing its effects on cell structure and energy metabolism, suggesting its potential as a natural antibacterial agent for E. coli-related infections. These findings offered new insights into exploring the antibacterial mechanisms of TCM by focusing on the energy metabolism process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guolin Shi
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, School of Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Post-Doctoral Research Center, Zhejiang SUKEAN Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, 311228, China
| | - Xiao Lu
- Post-Doctoral Research Center, Zhejiang SUKEAN Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, 311228, China
| | - Yuanhang Zheng
- Post-Doctoral Research Center, Zhejiang SUKEAN Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, 311228, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Post-Doctoral Research Center, Zhejiang SUKEAN Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, 311228, China
| | - Enyuan Zhu
- Post-Doctoral Research Center, Zhejiang SUKEAN Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, 311228, China
| | - Yanhong Song
- Post-Doctoral Research Center, Zhejiang SUKEAN Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, 311228, China
| | - Pintong Huang
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, School of Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
- Research Center of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
- Research Center for Life Science and Human Health, Binjiang Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
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16
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Shahzadi Z, Yousaf Z, Anjum I, Bilal M, Yasin H, Aftab A, Booker A, Ullah R, Bari A. Network pharmacology and molecular docking: combined computational approaches to explore the antihypertensive potential of Fabaceae species. BIORESOUR BIOPROCESS 2024; 11:53. [PMID: 38767701 PMCID: PMC11106056 DOI: 10.1186/s40643-024-00764-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypertension is a major global public health issue, affecting quarter of adults worldwide. Numerous synthetic drugs are available for treating hypertension; however, they often come with a higher risk of side effects and long-term therapy. Modern formulations with active phytoconstituents are gaining popularity, addressing some of these issues. This study aims to discover novel antihypertensive compounds in Cassia fistula, Senna alexandrina, and Cassia occidentalis from family Fabaceae and understand their interaction mechanism with hypertension targeted genes, using network pharmacology and molecular docking. Total 414 compounds were identified; initial screening was conducted based on their pharmacokinetic and ADMET properties, with a particular emphasis on adherence to Lipinski's rules. 6 compounds, namely Germichrysone, Benzeneacetic acid, Flavan-3-ol, 5,7,3',4'-Tetrahydroxy-6, 8-dimethoxyflavon, Dihydrokaempferol, and Epiafzelechin, were identified as effective agents. Most of the compounds found non-toxic against various indicators with greater bioactivity score. 161 common targets were obtained against these compounds and hypertension followed by compound-target network construction and protein-protein interaction, which showed their role in diverse biological system. Top hub genes identified were TLR4, MMP9, MAPK14, AKT1, VEGFA and HSP90AA1 with their respective associates. Higher binding affinities was found with three compounds Dihydrokaempferol, Flavan-3-ol and Germichrysone, -7.1, -9.0 and -8.0 kcal/mol, respectively. The MD simulation results validate the structural flexibility of two complexes Flavan-MMP9 and Germich-TLR4 based on no. of hydrogen bonds, root mean square deviations and interaction energies. This study concluded that C. fistula (Dihydrokaempferol, Flavan-3-ol) and C. occidentalis (Germichrysone) have potential therapeutic active constituents to treat hypertension and in future novel drug formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zainab Shahzadi
- Department of Botany, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Zubaida Yousaf
- Department of Botany, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Irfan Anjum
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Shifa College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Bilal
- Centers for Applied Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Hamna Yasin
- Department of Botany, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Arusa Aftab
- Department of Botany, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Anthony Booker
- Research Centre for Optimal Health, School of Life Sciences, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, London, W1W 6UW, UK.
- Research Group 'Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy', UCL School of Pharmacy, Univ. London, 29 - 39 Brunswick Sq., London, WC1N 1AX, UK.
| | - Riaz Ullah
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy King, Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Bari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy King, Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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17
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Ye J, Wu J, Ai L, Zhu M, Li Y, Yin D, Huang Q. Geniposide effectively safeguards HT22 cells against Aβ-induced damage by activating mitophagy via the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 226:116296. [PMID: 38762146 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the significant involvement of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide in its pathogenesis. Geniposide, derived from the versatile medicinal of Gardenia jasminoides, is one of the active compounds studied extensively. The objective was to explore the impact of geniposide on Aβ25-35-induced damage in HT22 cells, specifically focusing on its modulation of PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy. In our investigation, geniposide exhibited remarkable restorative effects by enhancing cell viability and preserving the mitochondrial membrane potential. Moreover, it effectively reduced and mitigated the oxidative stress and apoptosis rates induced by Aβ25-35. Notably, geniposide exhibited the capacity to enhance autophagic flux, upregulate LC3II and Beclin-1 expression, and downregulate the expression of p62. Furthermore, geniposide positively influenced the expression of PINK1 and Parkin proteins, with molecular docking substantiating a strong interaction between geniposide and PINK1/Parkin proteins. Intriguingly, the beneficial outcomes of geniposide on alleviating the pronounced apoptosis rates, the overproduction of reactive oxygen species, and diminished the PINK1 and Parkin expression induced by Aβ25-35 were compromised by the mitophagy inhibitor cyclosporine A (CsA). Collectively, these findings suggested that geniposide potentially shields HT22 cells against neurodegenerative damage triggered by Aβ25-35 through the activation of mitophagy. The insights contribute valuable references to the defensive consequences against neurological damage of geniposide, thereby highlighting its potential as a therapeutic intervention in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxi Ye
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510300, PR China
| | - Jiaying Wu
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510300, PR China
| | - Liang Ai
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510300, PR China
| | - Min Zhu
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510300, PR China
| | - Yun Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Research Center of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, PR China
| | - Dong Yin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Research Center of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, PR China.
| | - Qihui Huang
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510300, PR China.
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18
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Cai J, Zhan Y, Huang K, Han S, Lin Z, Chen R, Luo Q, Li Z, Chen B, Li S. Integration of network pharmacology and proteomics analysis to identify key target pathways of Ginsenoside Re for myocardial ischemia. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 132:155728. [PMID: 38853122 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinically, various diseases cause myocardial ischemia (MI), which further induces severe cardiac injury and leads to high mortality in patients. Ginsenoside Re, one of the major ginsenosides in ginseng, can regulate the level of oxidative stress in the injured myocardium. Thus, it may attenuate MI injury, but the related mechanism has not been comprehensively studied. PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the anti-MI effect and comprehensively mechanisms of Ginsenoside Re. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS Oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD), oxidative-induced cardiomyocyte injury, and isoproterenol-induced MI mice were used to explore their protective effect of Ginsenoside Re. An integrated approach of network pharmacology, molecular docking, and tandem mass tag proteomics was applied to determine the corresponding common potential targets of Ginsenoside Re against MI, such as target proteins and related pathways. The major anti-MI target proteins and related pathways were validated by immunofluorescence (IF) assay and Western blotting (WB). RESULTS Ginsenoside Re (1.32-168.93 µM) had low toxicity to normal cardiomyocytes, and increased the survival of oxidative stress-injured (OGD-induced injury or H2O2-induced injury) cardiomyocytes in this concentration range. It regulated the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in OGD-injured cardiomyocytes; stabilized the nuclear morphology, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and mitochondrial function; and reduced apoptosis. Meanwhile, Ginsenoside Re (5-20 mg/kg) alleviated cardiac injury in MI mice and maintained cardiac function. Through network pharmacology and proteomics, the relevant mechanisms revealed several key pathways of Ginsenoside Re anti-MI, including inhibition of MAPK pathway protein phosphorylation, downregulation of phosphorylated PDPK1, AKT, and STAT3, and upregulation of TGF-β3, ferroptosis pathway (upregulation of GPX4 and downregulation of phosphorylation level of MDM2) and AMPK pathway (regulating the synthesis of cholesterol in the myocardium by downregulation of HMGCR). The key proteins of these target pathways were validated by IF and/or WB. CONCLUSION Ginsenoside Re may target MAPK, AKT, ferroptosis pathways and AMPK pathway to prevent and/or treat MI injury and protect cardiomyocytes from oxidative damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiasong Cai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Yuying Zhan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Kunlong Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Shengnan Han
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Zhan Lin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Ruichan Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Qiu Luo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Zhijun Li
- Center of Chemistry Experiment, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Bing Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Shaoguang Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China.
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19
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Salaria P, Reddy M A. Network Pharmacology Approach to Identify the Calotropis Phytoconstituents' Potential Epileptic Targets and Evaluation of Molecular Docking, MD Simulation, and MM-PBSA Performance. Chem Biodivers 2024; 21:e202400255. [PMID: 38533537 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202400255] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Epilepsy originates from unusual electrical rhythm within brain cells, causes seizures. Calotropis species have been utilized to treat a wide spectrum of ailments since antiquity. Despite chemical and biological investigations, there have been minimal studies on their anticonvulsant activity, and the molecular targets of this plant constituents are unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the plausible epileptic targets of Calotropis phytoconstituents through network pharmacology, and to evaluate their binding strength and stability with the identified targets. In detail, 125 phytoconstituents of the Calotropis plant (C. procera and C. gigantea) were assessed for their drug-likeness (DL), blood-brain-barrier (BBB) permeability and oral bioavailability (OB). Network analysis revealed that targets PTGS2 and PPAR-γ were ranked first and fourth, respectively, among the top ten hub genes significantly linked with antiepileptic drug targets. Additionally, docking, molecular dynamic (MD) simulation, and Molecular Mechanics-Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MM-PBSA) were employed to validate the compound-gene interactions. Docking studies suggested ergost-5-en-3-ol, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol exhibit stronger binding affinity and favorable interactions than co-crystallized ligands with both the targets. Furthermore, both MD simulations and MM-PBSA calculations substantiated the docking results. Combined data revealed that Calotropis phytoconstituents ergost-5-en-3-ol, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol might be the best inhibitors of both PTGS2 and PPAR-γ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Punam Salaria
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences, National Institute of Technology Andhra Pradesh, Tadepalligudem, 534101, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Amarendar Reddy M
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences, National Institute of Technology Andhra Pradesh, Tadepalligudem, 534101, Andhra Pradesh, India
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20
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Chen Y, Chen Z, Wang W, Wang Y, Zhu J, Wang X, Huang W. Investigating the effects of Laggera pterodonta on H3N2-Induced inflammatory and immune responses through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation in a mice model. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29487. [PMID: 38665556 PMCID: PMC11043942 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29487] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
For centuries, Laggera pterodonta (LP), a Chinese herbal medicine, has been widely employed for treating respiratory infectious diseases; however, the mechanism underlying LP's effectiveness against the influenza A/Aichi/2/1968 virus (H3N2) remains elusive. This study aims to shed light on the mechanism by which LP combats influenza in H3N2-infected mice. First, we conducted quasi-targeted metabolomics analysis using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify LP components. Subsequently, network pharmacology, molecular docking, and simulation were conducted to screen candidate targets associated with AKT and NF-κB. In addition, we conducted a series of experiments including qPCR, hematoxylin-eosin staining, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to provide evidence that LP treatment in H3N2-infected mice can reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and MCP-1) while increasing T cells (CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+) and syndecan-1 and secretory IgA expression. This, in turn, aids in the prevention of excessive inflammation and the fortification of immunity, both of which are compromised by H3N2. Finally, we utilized a Western blot assay to confirm that LP indeed inhibits the AKT/NF-κB signaling cascade. Thus, the efficacy of LP serves as a cornerstone in establishing a theoretical foundation for influenza treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaorong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510180, China
- Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zexing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510180, China
- Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wanqi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510180, China
- Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yutao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510180, China
| | - Jinyi Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510180, China
- Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinhua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510180, China
- Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wanyi Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510180, China
- Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Chen Z, Zhang S, Sun X, Meng D, Lai C, Zhang M, Wang P, Huang X, Gao X. Analysis of the Protective Effects of Rosa roxburghii-Fermented Juice on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice through Network Pharmacology and Metabolomics. Nutrients 2024; 16:1376. [PMID: 38732622 PMCID: PMC11085916 DOI: 10.3390/nu16091376] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute lung injury, a fatal condition characterized by a high mortality rate, necessitates urgent exploration of treatment modalities. Utilizing UHPLS-Q-Exactive Orbitrap/MS, our study scrutinized the active constituents present in Rosa roxburghii-fermented juice (RRFJ) while also assessing its protective efficacy against LPS-induced ALI in mice through lung histopathological analysis, cytokine profiling, and oxidative stress assessment. The protective mechanism of RRFJ against ALI in mice was elucidated utilizing metabolomics, network pharmacology, and molecular docking methodologies. Our experimental findings demonstrate that RRFJ markedly ameliorates pathological injuries in ALI-afflicted mice, mitigates systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, enhances energy metabolism, and restores dysregulated amino acid and arachidonic acid metabolic pathways. This study indicates that RRFJ can serve as a functional food for adjuvant treatment of ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China; (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (X.S.); (D.M.); (C.L.); (M.Z.); (P.W.); (X.H.)
- Center of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmaceutical Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China; (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (X.S.); (D.M.); (C.L.); (M.Z.); (P.W.); (X.H.)
- Experimental Animal Center of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Xiaodong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China; (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (X.S.); (D.M.); (C.L.); (M.Z.); (P.W.); (X.H.)
- Center of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmaceutical Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Duo Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China; (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (X.S.); (D.M.); (C.L.); (M.Z.); (P.W.); (X.H.)
- Center of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmaceutical Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Chencen Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China; (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (X.S.); (D.M.); (C.L.); (M.Z.); (P.W.); (X.H.)
- Center of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmaceutical Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Min Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China; (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (X.S.); (D.M.); (C.L.); (M.Z.); (P.W.); (X.H.)
- Center of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmaceutical Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Pengjiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China; (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (X.S.); (D.M.); (C.L.); (M.Z.); (P.W.); (X.H.)
- Center of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmaceutical Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Xuncai Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China; (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (X.S.); (D.M.); (C.L.); (M.Z.); (P.W.); (X.H.)
- Center of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmaceutical Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Xiuli Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China; (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (X.S.); (D.M.); (C.L.); (M.Z.); (P.W.); (X.H.)
- Center of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmaceutical Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Guizhou Provincial Engineering Research Center of Food Nutrition and Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
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22
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Li N, Du X, Qu T, Ren H, Lu W, Cui X, Hu J, Chen Z, Tao H. Pharmacodynamic material basis and pharmacological mechanisms of Cortex Mori against diabetes mellitus. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 324:117781. [PMID: 38253278 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117781] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The application of Cortex Mori (CM) in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) has been extensively documented in traditional medicine. In recent years, the chemical composition of CM has been gradually unraveled, and its therapeutic mechanism in treating DM, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic cardiomyopathy, and other related conditions has been highlighted in successive reports. However, there is no systematic study on the treatment of DM based on the chemical composition of CM. AIM OF THE STUDY This study was conducted to systematically explore the hypoglycemic activity mechanism of CM based on its chemical composition. METHODS The material basis of Cortex Mori extract (CME) was investigated through qualitative analyses based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The possible acting mechanism was simulated using network pharmacology and validated in streptozotocin (STZ) + high fat diet (HFD)-induced diabetic rats and glucosamine-induced IR-HepG2 model with the assistance of molecular docking techniques. RESULTS A total of 39 compounds were identified in CME by the LC-MS-based qualitative analysis. In diabetic rats, it was demonstrated that CME significantly ameliorated insulin resistance, blood lipid levels, and liver injury. The network pharmacology analysis predicted five major targets, including AKT1, PI3K, FoxO1, Gsk-3β, and PPARγ. Additionally, three key compounds (resveratrol, protocatechuic acid, and kaempferol) were selected based on their predicted contributions. The experimental results revealed that CME, resveratrol, protocatechuic acid, and kaempferol could promote the expression of AKT1, PI3K, and PPARγ, while inhibiting the expression of FoxO1 and Gsk-3β. The molecular docking results indicated a strong binding affinity between resveratrol/kaempferol and their respective targets. CONCLUSIONS CME contains a substantial amount of prenylated flavonoids, which may be the focal point of research on the efficacy of CM in the treatment of DM. Besides, CME is effective in controlling blood glucose and insulin resistance, improving lipid levels, and mitigating liver injury in patients with DM. Relevant mechanisms may be associated with the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, the inhibition of the expression of FoxO1 and Gsk-3β, and the enhancement of PPARγ activity. This study represents the first report on the role of CME in the treatment of DM through regulating PPARγ, FoxO1, and Gsk-3β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Li
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710003, China
| | - Xia Du
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710003, China
| | - Tong Qu
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710003, China
| | - Hui Ren
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710003, China
| | - Wenjing Lu
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710003, China
| | - Xiaomin Cui
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710003, China
| | - Jing Hu
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710003, China
| | - Zhiyong Chen
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710003, China.
| | - Hongxun Tao
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China.
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23
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Liu Y, Li Q, Shao C, She Y, Zhou H, Guo Y, An H, Wang T, Yang J, Wan H. Exploring the Potential Mechanisms of Guanxinshutong Capsules in Treating Pathological Cardiac Hypertrophy based on Network Pharmacology, Computer-Aided Drug Design, and Animal Experiments. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:18083-18098. [PMID: 38680308 PMCID: PMC11044149 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c10009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are significant causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and pathological cardiac hypertrophy (PCH) is an essential predictor of many heart diseases. Guanxinshutong capsule (GXST) is a Chinese patent medicine widely used in the clinical treatment of CVD, In our previous research, we identified 111 compounds of GXST. In order to reveal the potential molecular mechanisms by which GXST treats PCH, this study employed network pharmacology methods to screen for the active ingredients of GXST in treating PCH and predicted the potential targets. The results identified 26 active ingredients of GXST and 110 potential targets for PCH. Through a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, gene ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, we confirmed AKT1, MAPK1, and MAPK3 as the core proteins in GXST treatment of PCH, thus establishing the PI3K/AKT and MAPK signaling pathways as the significant mechanisms of GXST in treating PCH. The results of molecular docking (MD) demonstrate that flavonoid naringenin and diterpenoid tanshinone iia have the highest binding affinity with the core protein. Before performing molecular dynamics simulations (MDSs), the geometric structure of naringenin and tanshinone iia was optimized using density functional theory (DFT) at the B97-3c level, and RESP2 atomic charge calculations were carried out at the B3LYP-D3(BJ)/def2-TZVP level. Further MDS results demonstrated that in the human body environment, the complex of naringenin and tanshinone iii with core proteins exhibited high stability, flexibility, and low binding free energy. Additionally, naringenin and tanshinone iia showed favorable absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) characteristics and passed the drug similarity (DS) assessment. Ultrasound cardiograms and cardiac morphometric measurements in animal experiments demonstrate that GXST can improve the PCH induced by isoproterenol (ISO). Protein immunoblotting results indicate that GXST increases the expression of P-eNOS and eNOS by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and the MAPK signaling pathway, further elucidating the mechanism of action of GXST in treating PCH. This study contributes to the elucidation of the key ingredients and molecular mechanisms of GXST in treating PCH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanfeng Liu
- College
of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical
University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Qixiang Li
- College
of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese
Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Chongyu Shao
- College
of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese
Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
- Key
Laboratory of TCM Encephalopathy of Zhejiang Province, No.548, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Yong She
- College
of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical
University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Huifen Zhou
- College
of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese
Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
- Key
Laboratory of TCM Encephalopathy of Zhejiang Province, No.548, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Yan Guo
- Hangzhou
TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Huiyan An
- College
of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical
University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Ting Wang
- College
of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese
Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Jiehong Yang
- College
of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese
Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
- Key
Laboratory of TCM Encephalopathy of Zhejiang Province, No.548, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Haitong Wan
- College
of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese
Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
- Key
Laboratory of TCM Encephalopathy of Zhejiang Province, No.548, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
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24
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Liu YJ, Li R, Xiao D, Yang C, Li YL, Chen JL, Wang Z, Zhao XG, Shan ZG. Incorporating machine learning and PPI networks to identify mitochondrial fission-related immune markers in abdominal aortic aneurysms. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27989. [PMID: 38590878 PMCID: PMC10999885 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27989] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The aim of this study is to investigate abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), a disease characterised by inflammation and progressive vasodilatation, for novel gene-targeted therapeutic loci. Methods To do this, we used weighted co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and differential gene analysis on samples from the GEO database. Additionally, we carried out enrichment analysis and determined that the blue module was of interest. Additionally, we performed an investigation of immune infiltration and discovered genes linked to immune evasion and mitochondrial fission. In order to screen for feature genes, we used two PPI network gene selection methods and five machine learning methods. This allowed us to identify the most featrue genes (MFGs). The expression of the MFGs in various cell subgroups was then evaluated by analysis of single cell samples from AAA. Additionally, we looked at the expression levels of the MFGs as well as the levels of inflammatory immune-related markers in cellular and animal models of AAA. Finally, we predicted potential drugs that could be targeted for the treatment of AAA. Results Our research identified 1249 up-regulated differential genes and 3653 down-regulated differential genes. Through WGCNA, we also discovered 44 genes in the blue module. By taking the point where several strategies for gene selection overlap, the MFG (ITGAL and SELL) was produced. We discovered through single cell research that the MFG were specifically expressed in T regulatory cells, NK cells, B lineage, and lymphocytes. In both animal and cellular models of AAA, the MFGs' mRNA levels rose. Conclusion We searched for the AAA novel targeted gene (ITGAL and SELL), which most likely function through lymphocytes of the B lineage, NK cells, T regulatory cells, and B lineage. This analysis gave AAA a brand-new goal to treat or prevent the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-jiang Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine Xiamen University, NO.55, Zhenhai Road, Siming District, Xiamen, Fujian, 361003, China
| | - Rui Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine Xiamen University, NO.55, Zhenhai Road, Siming District, Xiamen, Fujian, 361003, China
| | - Di Xiao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine Xiamen University, NO.55, Zhenhai Road, Siming District, Xiamen, Fujian, 361003, China
| | - Cui Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine Xiamen University, NO.55, Zhenhai Road, Siming District, Xiamen, Fujian, 361003, China
| | - Yan-lin Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine Xiamen University, NO.55, Zhenhai Road, Siming District, Xiamen, Fujian, 361003, China
| | - Jia-lin Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, No. 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Zhan Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine Xiamen University, NO.55, Zhenhai Road, Siming District, Xiamen, Fujian, 361003, China
| | - Xin-guo Zhao
- Yinan County People's Hospital, Linyi, 276300, China
| | - Zhong-gui Shan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine Xiamen University, NO.55, Zhenhai Road, Siming District, Xiamen, Fujian, 361003, China
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Wei X, Wang D, Liu J, Zhu Q, Xu Z, Niu J, Xu W. Interpreting the Mechanism of Active Ingredients in Polygonati Rhizoma in Treating Depression by Combining Systemic Pharmacology and In Vitro Experiments. Nutrients 2024; 16:1167. [PMID: 38674858 PMCID: PMC11054788 DOI: 10.3390/nu16081167] [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: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Polygonati Rhizoma (PR) has certain neuroprotective effects as a homology of medicine and food. In this study, systematic pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro experiments were integrated to verify the antidepressant active ingredients in PR and their mechanisms. A total of seven compounds in PR were found to be associated with 45 targets of depression. Preliminarily, DFV docking with cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) showed good affinity. In vitro, DFV inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation of BV-2 cells, reversed amoeba-like morphological changes, and increased mitochondrial membrane potential. DFV reversed the malondialdehyde (MDA) overexpression and superoxide dismutase (SOD) expression inhibition in LPS-induced BV-2 cells and decreased interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and IL-6 mRNA expression levels in a dose-dependent manner. DFV inhibited both mRNA and protein expression levels of COX2 induced by LPS, and the activation of NACHT, LRR, and PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) and caspase1 was suppressed, thus exerting an antidepressant effect. This study proves that DFV may be an important component basis for PR to play an antidepressant role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wei
- Institute of Intelligent Machines, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Jiajia Liu
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Qizhi Zhu
- Institute of Intelligent Machines, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Ziming Xu
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Jinzhe Niu
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Weiping Xu
- Institute of Intelligent Machines, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunotherapy and Nutrition Therapy, Hefei 230001, China
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Fan T, Huang Y, Liu Z, Huang J, Ke B, Rong Y, Qiu H, Zhang B. Unveiling the Mechanism of the ChaiShao Shugan Formula Against Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Drug Des Devel Ther 2024; 18:1115-1131. [PMID: 38618280 PMCID: PMC11016267 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s394287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The ChaiShao Shugan Formula (CSSGF) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula with recently identified therapeutic value in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). This study aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanism of CSSGF in TNBC treatment. Methods TNBC targets were analyzed using R and data were from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. The major ingredients and related protein targets of CSSGF were explored via the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database, and an ingredient-target network was constructed via Cytoscape to identify hub genes. The STRING database was used to construct the PPI network. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed via R to obtain the main targets. The online tool Kaplan‒Meier plotter was used to identify the prognostic genes. Molecular docking was applied to the core target genes and active ingredients. MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines were used to verify the efficacy of the various drugs. Results A total of 4562 genes were screened as TNBC target genes. The PPI network consisted of 89 nodes and 845 edges. Our study indicated that quercetin, beta-sitosterol, luteolin and catechin might be the core ingredients of CSSGF, and EGFR and c-Myc might be the latent therapeutic targets of CSSGF in the treatment of TNBC. GO and KEGG analyses indicated that the anticancer effect of CSSGF on TNBC was mainly associated with DNA binding, transcription factor binding, and other biological processes. The related signaling pathways mainly involved the TNF-a, IL-17, and apoptosis pathways. The molecular docking data indicated that quercetin, beta-sitosterol, luteolin, and catechin had high affinity for EGFR, JUN, Caspase-3 and ESR1, respectively. In vitro, we found that CSSGF could suppress the expression of c-Myc or promote the expression of EGFR. In addition, we found that quercetin downregulates c-Myc expression in two BC cell lines. Conclusion This study revealed the effective ingredients and latent molecular mechanism of action of CSSGF against TNBC and confirmed that quercetin could target c-Myc to induce anti-BC effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Fan
- TCM&VIP Department, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Research Center, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Huang
- TCM&VIP Department, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Research Center, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zeyu Liu
- TCM&VIP Department, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinsheng Huang
- TCM&VIP Department, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin Ke
- TCM&VIP Department, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Research Center, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuming Rong
- TCM&VIP Department, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huijuan Qiu
- TCM&VIP Department, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bei Zhang
- TCM&VIP Department, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Research Center, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
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Zhang Y, Li WW, Wang Y, Fan YW, Wang QY, Liu C, Jiang S, Shang EX, Duan JA. Investigation of the material basis and mechanism of Lizhong decoction in ameliorating ulcerative colitis based on spectrum-effect relationship and network pharmacology. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 323:117666. [PMID: 38159822 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117666] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Lizhong decoction (LZD), a classical herbal prescription recorded by Zhang Zhongjing in Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Diseases, has been extensively used to treat ulcerative colitis (UC) in clinical practice for thousands of years. However, its material basis and underlying mechanism are not yet clear. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aims to explore the material basis and potential mechanism of LZD against UC based on the spectrum-effect relationship and network pharmacology. MATERIALS AND METHODS First, LZD was extracted by a systematic solvent extraction method into four parts. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) technique was used to identify the compounds from different polar parts, and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model was used to evaluate the efficacy of each fraction. Then, the spectrum-effect analyses of compounds and efficacy indicators were established via grey relational analysis (GRA), bivariate correlation analysis (BCA) and partial least squares regression (PLSR). Finally, the potential mechanism of LZD for UC therapy was explored by network pharmacology, and the results were further verified by molecular docking and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). RESULTS 66 chemical components of LZD were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS technology. The pharmacodynamic results showed that extraction parts of LZD had different therapeutic effects on UC, among which ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts had significant anti-colitis effects, which might be the main effective fractions of LZD. Furthermore, the spectrum-effect analyses indicated that 21 active ingredients such as liquiritin apioside, neolicuroside, formononetin, ginsenoside Rg1, 6-gingesulfonic acid, licoricesaponin A3, liquiritin, glycyrrhizic acid were the main material basis for LZD improving UC. Based on the above results, network pharmacology suggested that the amelioration of LZD on UC might be closely related to the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Additionally, molecular docking technology and RT-qPCR further verified that LZD could markedly inhibit the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Overall, our study first identified the chemical compositions of LZD by using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. Furthermore, the material basis and potential mechanism of LZD in improving UC were comprehensively elucidated via spectrum-effect relationships, network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental verification. The proposed strategy provided a systematic approach for exploring how herbal medicines worked. More importantly, it laid the solid foundation for further clinical application and rational development of LZD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Wen-Wen Li
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Yu Wang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Yu-Wen Fan
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Qu-Yi Wang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Chen Liu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Shu Jiang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, PR China.
| | - Er-Xin Shang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Jin-Ao Duan
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, PR China.
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Li Q, Guo P, Wang S, Feng Y, Zhang H, Yu W, Liao J, Tang Z. Mitochondrial derived vesicle-carrying protein MIGA2 promotes copper-induced autophagosomes-lysosomes fusion by regulating ATG14. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 467:133703. [PMID: 38354437 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133703] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
As an environmental pollution metal, copper (Cu) exposure-induced toxicity is closely related to mitochondrial damage. Mitochondrial-derived vesicles (MDVs) plays an essential role in mitochondrial quality control and cellular metabolism. However, the mechanism by which MDVs are involved in cellular metabolism under Cu exposure remains unclear. Here, the MDV-carrying protein MIGA2 was identified as a crucial molecule involved in the Cu-induced autophagosomes-lysosomes fusion. Furthermore, Cu exposure significantly promoted MDVs secretion, accompanied by a markedly increased MIGA2 expression in MDVs, as well as accelerated the autophagosomes-lysosomes fusion. However, small RNA interference of SNX9 (the MDVs secretion inductor) and MIGA2 blocked autophagic flux induced by Cu, leading to failure of autophagosomes degradation. Co-immunoprecipitation assay further demonstrated that ATG14 was a regulation target protein of MIGA2. Overexpression and knockdown of ATG14 significantly affected the autophagosomes-lysosomes fusion induced by Cu. Meanwhile, knockdown of ATG14 dramatically reversed the effect of MIGA2-overexpression in promoting autophagosomes-lysosomes fusion, while overexpression of ATG14 shows the opposite effect. These results demonstrated that MDVs-carrying MIGA2 protein promoted autophagosomes-lysosomes fusion induced by Cu. This study demonstrated that MDVs is involved in regulating organelles-to-organelles communication, providing a new insight into the toxicity mechanism of Cu exposure on hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanwei Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Pan Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Shaofeng Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Yuanhong Feng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Hui Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Wenlan Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Jianzhao Liao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Zhaoxin Tang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, PR China.
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Liu J, Xu L, Wang L, Wang Q, Yu L, Zhang S. Naringin Alleviates Intestinal Fibrosis by Inhibiting ER Stress-Induced PAR2 Activation. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2024:izae071. [PMID: 38557865 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izae071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosis characterized by intestinal strictures is a common complication of Crohn's disease (CD), without specific antifibrotic drugs, which usually relies on surgical intervention. The transcription factor XBP1, a key component of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, is required for degranulation of mast cells and linked to PAR2 activation and fibrosis. Many studies have confirmed that naringin (NAR) can inhibit ER stress and reduce organ fibrosis. We hypothesized that ER stress activated the PAR2-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition process by stimulating mast cell degranulation to release tryptase and led to intestinal fibrosis in CD patients; NAR might play an antifibrotic role by inhibiting ER stress-induced PAR2 activation. We report that the expression levels of XBP1, mast cell tryptase, and PAR2 are upregulated in fibrotic strictures of CD patients. Molecular docking simulates the interaction of NAR and spliced XBP1. ER stress stimulates degranulation of mast cells to secrete tryptase, activates PAR2-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition process, and promotes intestinal fibrosis in vitro and vivo experiments, which is inhibited by NAR. Moreover, F2rl1 (the coding gene of PAR2) deletion in intestinal epithelial cells decreases the antifibrotic effect of NAR. Hence, the ER stress-mast cell tryptase-PAR2 axis can promote intestinal fibrosis, and NAR administration can alleviate intestinal fibrosis by inhibiting ER stress-induced PAR2 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinguo Liu
- Department of Endoscopy Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Surgery, Huangshi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Hubei Chinese Medical University, Huangshi, China
| | - Qianqian Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liangliang Yu
- Department of Endoscopy Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
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Shen S, Qu X, Liu Y, Wang M, Zhou H, Xia H. Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity and Treatment of Eczema by Berberine Hydrochloride-Loaded Liposomes-in-Gel. Molecules 2024; 29:1566. [PMID: 38611845 PMCID: PMC11013229 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071566] [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: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
In this paper, berberine hydrochloride-loaded liposomes-in-gel were designed and developed to investigate their antioxidant properties and therapeutic effects on the eczema model of the mouse. Berberine hydrochloride-liposomes (BBH-L) as the nanoparticles were prepared by the thin-film hydration method and then dispersed BBH-L evenly in the gel matrix to prepare the berberine hydrochloride liposomes-gel (BBH-L-Gel) by the natural swelling method. Their antioxidant capacity was investigated by the free radical scavenging ability on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and H2O2 and the inhibition of lipid peroxides malondialdehyde (MDA). An eczema model was established, and the efficacy of the eczema treatment was preliminarily evaluated using ear swelling, the spleen index, and pathological sections as indicators. The results indicate that the entrapment efficiency of BBH-L prepared by the thin-film hydration method was 78.56% ± 0.7%, with a particle size of 155.4 ± 9.3 nm. For BBH-L-Gel, the viscosity and pH were 18.16 ± 6.34 m Pas and 7.32 ± 0.08, respectively. The cumulative release in the unit area of the in vitro transdermal study was 85.01 ± 4.53 μg/cm2. BBH-L-Gel had a good scavenging capacity on DPPH and H2O2, and it could effectively inhibit the production of hepatic lipid peroxides MDA in the concentration range of 0.4-2.0 mg/mL. The topical application of BBH-L-Gel could effectively alleviate eczema symptoms and reduce oxidative stress injury in mice. This study demonstrates that BBH-L-Gel has good skin permeability, excellent sustained release, and antioxidant capabilities. They can effectively alleviate the itching, inflammation, and allergic symptoms caused by eczema, providing a new strategy for clinical applications in eczema treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Shen
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, No. 350, Long Zi Hu Road, Hefei 230012, China; (S.S.); (X.Q.); (Y.L.)
| | - Xiaobo Qu
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, No. 350, Long Zi Hu Road, Hefei 230012, China; (S.S.); (X.Q.); (Y.L.)
- Drug Advanced Research Institute of Yangtze Delta, Nantong 226100, China
| | - Yinyin Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, No. 350, Long Zi Hu Road, Hefei 230012, China; (S.S.); (X.Q.); (Y.L.)
| | - Mengmeng Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, No. 350, Long Zi Hu Road, Hefei 230012, China; (S.S.); (X.Q.); (Y.L.)
| | - Haifeng Zhou
- Drug Advanced Research Institute of Yangtze Delta, Nantong 226100, China
| | - Hongmei Xia
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, No. 350, Long Zi Hu Road, Hefei 230012, China; (S.S.); (X.Q.); (Y.L.)
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31
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Dai S, Wu R, Fu K, Li Y, Yao C, Liu Y, Zhang F, Zhang S, Guo Y, Yao Y, Li Y. Exploring the effect and mechanism of cucurbitacin B on cholestatic liver injury based on network pharmacology and experimental verification. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 322:117584. [PMID: 38104874 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117584] [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: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Cholestatic liver injury (CLI) is a pathologic process with the impairment of liver and bile secretion and excretion, resulting in an excessive accumulation of bile acids within the liver, which leads to damage to both bile ducts and hepatocytes. This process is often accompanied by inflammation. Cucumis melo L is a folk traditional herb for the treatment of cholestasis. Cucurbitacin B (CuB), an important active ingredient in Cucumis melo L, has significant anti-inflamamatory effects and plays an important role in diseases such as neuroinflammation, skin inflammation, and chronic hepatitis. Though numerous studies have confirmed the significant therapeutic effect of CuB on liver diseases, the impact of CuB on CLI remains uncertain. Consequently, the objective of this investigation is to elucidate the therapeutic properties and potential molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of CuB on CLI. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this paper was to investigate the potential protective mechanism of CuB against CLI. METHODS First, the corresponding targets of CuB were obtained through the SwissTargetPrediction and SuperPre online platforms. Second, the DisGeNET database, GeneCards database, and OMIM database were utilized to screen therapeutic targets for CLI. Then, protein-protein interaction (PPI) was determined using the STRING 11.5 data platform. Next, the OmicShare platform was employed for the purpose of visualizing the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. The molecular docking technique was then utilized to evaluate the binding affinity existing between potential targets and CuB. Subsequently, the impacts of CuB on the LO2 cell injury model induced by Lithocholic acid (LCA) and the CLI model induced by 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC) were determined by evaluating inflammation in both in vivo and in vitro settings. The potential molecular mechanism was explored by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot (WB) techniques. RESULTS A total of 122 CuB targets were collected and high affinity targets were identified through the PPI network, namely TLR4, STAT3, HIF1A, and NFKB1. GO and KEGG analyses indicated that the treatment of CLI with CuB chiefly involved the inflammatory pathway. In vitro study results showed that CuB alleviated LCA-induced LO2 cell damage. Meanwhile, CuB reduced elevated AST and ALT levels and the release of inflammatory factors in LO2 cells induced by LCA. In vivo study results showed that CuB could alleviate DDC-induced pathological changes in mouse liver, inhibit the activity of serum transaminase, and suppress the liver and systemic inflammatory reaction of mice. Mechanically, CuB downregulated the IL-6, STAT3, and HIF-1α expression and inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation. CONCLUSION By combining network pharmacology with in vivo and in vitro experiments, the results of this study suggested that CuB prevented the inflammatory response by inhibiting the IL-6/STAT3/HIF-1α signaling pathway, thereby demonstrating potential protective and therapeutic effects on CLI. These results establish a scientific foundation for the exploration and utilization of natural medicines for CLI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Rui Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Ke Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Yanzhi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Chenghao Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Yanfang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Fang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Shenglin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Yiling Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Yuxin Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Yunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
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Zhang Y, Wang Y, Xin E, Zhang Z, Ma D, Liu T, Gao F, Bian T, Sun Y, Wang M, Wang Z, Yan X, Li Y. Network pharmacology and experimental verification reveal the mechanism of Hedysari Radix and Curcumae Rhizoma with the optimal compatibility ratio against colitis-associated colorectal cancer. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 322:117555. [PMID: 38110130 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117555] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The herb pair Astragali Radix (AR) and Curcumae Rhizoma (vinegar-processed, VPCR), derived from the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) text 'Yixuezhongzhongcanxilu', have long been used to treat gastrointestinal diseases, notably colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC). Hedysari Radix (HR), belonging to the same Leguminosae family as AR but from a different genus, is traditionally used as a substitute for AR when paired with VPCR in the treatment of CAC. However, the optimal compatibility ratio for HR-VPCR against CAC and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the optimal compatibility ratio and underlying mechanisms of HR-VPCR against CAC using a combination of comparative pharmacodynamics, network pharmacology, and experimental verification. MATERIALS AND METHODS The efficacy of different compatibility ratios of HR-VPCR against CAC was evaluated using various indicators, including the body weight, colon length, tumor count, survival rate, disease activity index (DAI) score, Haemotoxylin and Eosin (H&E) pathological sections, inflammation cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α), tumor markers (K-Ras, p53), and intestinal permeability proteins (claudin-1, E-cadherin, mucin-2). Then, the optimal compatibility ratio of HR-VPCR against CAC was determined based on the fuzzy matter-element analysis by integrating the above indicators. After high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis for the optimal compatibility ratio of HR-VPCR, potential active components of HR-VPCR were identified by TCMSP and the previous bibliographies. Swiss Targets and GeneCards were adopted to predict the targets of the active components and the targets of CAC, respectively. Then, the common targets of HR-VPCR against CAC were obtained by Venn analysis. PPI networks were constructed in STRING. GO and KEGG enrichments were visualized by the David database. Finally, the predicted pathway was experimentally validated via Western blot. RESULTS Various compatibility ratios of HR-VPCR demonstrated notable therapeutic effects to some extent, evidenced by improvements in body weight, colon length, tumor count, pathological symptoms (DAI score), colon and organ indexes, survival rate, and modulation of inflammation factors (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α), as well as tumor markers (K-Ras, p53), and down-regulation of intestinal permeability proteins (claudin-1, E-cadherin, mucin-2) in CAC mice. Among these ratios, the ratio 4:1 represents the optimal compatibility ratio by the fuzzy matter-element analysis. Thirty active components of HR-VPCR were carefully selected, targeting 553 specific genes. Simultaneously, 2022 targets associated with CAC were identified. 88 common targets were identified after generating a Venn plot. Following PPI network analysis, 29 core targets were established, with AKT1 ranking highest among them. Further analysis via GO and KEGG enrichment identified the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway as a potential mechanism. Experimental validation confirmed that HR-VPCR intervention effectively reversed the activated PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS The optimal compatibility ratio for the HR-VPCR herb pair in alleviating CAC is 4:1. HR-VPCR exerts its effects by alleviating intestinal inflammation, improving intestinal permeability, and regulating the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yugui Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China; Key Laboratory of Standard and Quality of Chinese Medicine Research of Gansu, Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Process of Gansu, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China.
| | - Yanjun Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China; Key Laboratory of Standard and Quality of Chinese Medicine Research of Gansu, Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Process of Gansu, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China.
| | - Erdan Xin
- College of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China; Key Laboratory of Standard and Quality of Chinese Medicine Research of Gansu, Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Process of Gansu, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China.
| | - Zhuanhong Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China; Key Laboratory of Standard and Quality of Chinese Medicine Research of Gansu, Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Process of Gansu, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China.
| | - Dingcai Ma
- College of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China; Key Laboratory of Standard and Quality of Chinese Medicine Research of Gansu, Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Process of Gansu, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China.
| | - Ting Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China; Key Laboratory of Standard and Quality of Chinese Medicine Research of Gansu, Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Process of Gansu, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China.
| | - Feiyun Gao
- College of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China; Key Laboratory of Standard and Quality of Chinese Medicine Research of Gansu, Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Process of Gansu, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China.
| | - Tiantian Bian
- College of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China; Key Laboratory of Standard and Quality of Chinese Medicine Research of Gansu, Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Process of Gansu, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China.
| | - Yujing Sun
- College of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China; Key Laboratory of Standard and Quality of Chinese Medicine Research of Gansu, Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Process of Gansu, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China; Scientific Research and Experimental Center, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China.
| | - Maomao Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China; Key Laboratory of Standard and Quality of Chinese Medicine Research of Gansu, Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Process of Gansu, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China.
| | - Zhe Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China; Key Laboratory of Standard and Quality of Chinese Medicine Research of Gansu, Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Process of Gansu, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China.
| | - Xingke Yan
- College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China.
| | - Yuefeng Li
- College of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China; Key Laboratory of Standard and Quality of Chinese Medicine Research of Gansu, Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Process of Gansu, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China; Scientific Research and Experimental Center, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China.
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Qiu F, Fan S, Diao Y, Liu J, Li B, Li K, Zhang W. The mechanism of Chebulae Fructus Immaturus promote diabetic wound healing based on network pharmacology and experimental verification. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 322:117579. [PMID: 38104882 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117579] [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: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Diabetic ulcers (DUs) are commonly seen in the lower limbs, especially the feet. Long-term hyperglycaemia in diabetic patients may cause peripheral microvascular damage, which affects local blood flow reconstruction when the skin is ruptured. This results in delayed or even non-healing of skin wounds. Chebulae Fructus Immaturus (CFI) is a traditional Chinese medicine. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, CFI belongs to the lung channel and large intestine channel. Clinical data confirm a significant clinical effect of CFI in the treatment of skin diseases. CFI can be safely used to treat wounds due to its natural active ingredients. AIM OF THE STUDY This study utilised HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS combined with network pharmacology to investigate the mechanism of Chebulae Fructus Immaturus extract (CFIE) in the treatment of DU. Moreover, the efficacy of CFIE on DU was verified in vitro and in vivo by constructing cell models and mouse models. MATERIALS AND METHODS The main ingredients of CFIE were identified by HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS. The targets of these ingredients were predicted by database analysis and intersected with the DU targets. Gene ontology (GO) was used for functional enrichment of differential genes, and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) was used for enrichment of signalling pathways related to the differential genes. The network pharmacology findings were validated in vivo and in vitro, and the affinity of key targets and active components was assessed using molecular docking. RESULTS Twenty-nine compounds of CFIE were identified by HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS, and their potential targets were predicted. Among these, 41 targets were associated with DU. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the PI3K/AKT and HIF-1α signalling pathways were significantly enriched, which may be related to the promotion of wound angiogenesis. In vitro cell experiments showed that CFIE promoted the proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of HUVECs, and also affected the expression of pathway-related proteins. In vivo experiments showed that CFIE increased the expression of pathway-related proteins in wound tissue and promoted the formation of blood vessels. CONCLUSIONS In summary, this study systematically demonstrated the possible therapeutic effects and mechanisms of CFIE on DU through network pharmacology analysis and experimental verification. The results revealed that CFIE can accelerate the angiogenesis of diabetic wounds through the PI3K/AKT and HIF-1α signalling pathways, ultimately promoting the healing of diabetic wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Qiu
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Shuyuan Fan
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116029, China
| | - Yunpeng Diao
- College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China; Dalian Anti-Infective Traditional Chinese Medicine Development Engineering Technology Research Center,Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Jing Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Bin Li
- College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China.
| | - Kun Li
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116029, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China.
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Xian M, Xu J, Zheng Y, Zhang L, Zhao J, Chen J, Li S, Lin L, Zhong Y, Yang Z, Xie T, Huang L, Ding Y. Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification Reveal the Regulatory Mechanism of Chuanbeimu in Treating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2024; 19:799-813. [PMID: 38529478 PMCID: PMC10962663 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s442191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory disorder in pulmonology. Chuanbeimu (CBM) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb for treating COPD and has been widely utilized in clinical practice. However, the mechanism of CBM in the treatment of COPD remains incompletely understood. This study aims to investigate the underlying therapeutic mechanism of CBM for COPD using network pharmacology and experimental approaches. Methods Active ingredients and their targets were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database. COPD-associated targets were retrieved from the GeneCards database. The common targets for CBM and COPD were identified through Venn diagram analysis. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and disease-herb-ingredient-target networks were constructed. Subsequently, the results of the network pharmacology were validated by molecular docking and in vitro experiments. Results Seven active ingredients and 32 potential targets for CBM were identified as closely associated with COPD. The results of the disease-herb-ingredient-target network and PPI network showed that peimisine emerged as the core ingredient, and SRC, ADRB2, MMP2, and NOS3 were the potential targets for CBM in treating COPD. Molecular docking analysis confirmed that peimisine exhibited high binding affinity with SRC, ADRB2, MMP2, and NOS3. In vitro experiments demonstrated that peimisine significantly upregulated the expression of ADRB2 and NOS3 and downregulated the expression of SRC and MMP2. Conclusion These findings indicate that CBM may modulate the expression of SRC, ADRB2, MMP2, and NOS3, thereby exerting a protective effect against COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meilan Xian
- Department of General Practice, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, 570311, People’s Republic of China
- Department of General Diseases, Hainan Chengmei Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, 570300, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiaoyuan Xu
- Department of General Practice, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, 570311, People’s Republic of China
- Department of General Clinic, Longbo Health Hospital, Lingao County, Hainan, 571800, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yamei Zheng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, 570311, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, 570311, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, 570311, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of General Practice, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, 570311, People’s Republic of China
| | - Siguang Li
- Department of General Practice, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, 570311, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lingsang Lin
- Department of General Practice, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, 570311, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Zhong
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, 570311, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zehua Yang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, 570311, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tian Xie
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, 570311, People’s Republic of China
| | - Linhui Huang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, 570311, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yipeng Ding
- Department of General Practice, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, 570311, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, 570311, People’s Republic of China
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Zha X, Ji R, Li Y, Cao R, Zhou S. Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation analysis reveal the molecular mechanism of halociline against gastric cancer. Mol Divers 2024:10.1007/s11030-024-10822-y. [PMID: 38504075 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-024-10822-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Halociline, a derivative of alkaloids, was isolated from the marine fungus Penicillium griseofulvum by our group. This remarkable compound exhibits promising antineoplastic activity, yet the precise molecular mechanisms underlying its anticancer properties remain enigmatic. To unravel these mechanisms, we employed an integrated approach of network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking simulations, and molecular dynamics simulations to explore halociline therapeutic targets for gastric cancer. The data from network pharmacology indicate that halociline targets MAPK1, MMP-9, and PIK3CA in gastric cancer cells, potentially mediated by diverse pathways including cancer, lipid metabolism, atherosclerosis, and EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance. Notably, molecular docking and dynamics simulations revealed a high affinity between halociline and these targets, with free binding energies (ΔEtotal) of - 20.28, - 27.94, and - 25.97 kcal/mol for MAPK1, MMP-9, and PIK3CA, respectively. This study offers valuable insights into the potential molecular mechanism of halociline's inhibition of gastric cancer cells and serves as a valuable reference for future basic research efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangru Zha
- NHC Key Laboratory of Control of Tropical Disease Control, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, 3#, Xueyuan Road, Haikou, 571199, Hainan, China
| | - Rong Ji
- NHC Key Laboratory of Control of Tropical Disease Control, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, 3#, Xueyuan Road, Haikou, 571199, Hainan, China
| | - Yang Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Control of Tropical Disease Control, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, 3#, Xueyuan Road, Haikou, 571199, Hainan, China
| | - Rong Cao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Control of Tropical Disease Control, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, 3#, Xueyuan Road, Haikou, 571199, Hainan, China
| | - Songlin Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Control of Tropical Disease Control, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, 3#, Xueyuan Road, Haikou, 571199, Hainan, China.
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Jain NK, Tailang M, Chandrasekaran B, Khazaleh N, Thangavel N, Makeen HA, Albratty M, Najmi A, Alhazmi HA, Zoghebi K, Alagusundaram M, Jain HK. Integrating network pharmacology with molecular docking to rationalize the ethnomedicinal use of Alchornea laxiflora (Benth.) Pax & K. Hoffm. for efficient treatment of depression. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1290398. [PMID: 38505421 PMCID: PMC10949534 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1290398] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Alchornea laxiflora (Benth.) Pax & K. Hoffm. (A. laxiflora) has been indicated in traditional medicine to treat depression. However, scientific rationalization is still lacking. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the antidepressant potential of A. laxiflora using network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis. Materials and methods: The active compounds and potential targets of A. laxiflora and depression-related targets were retrieved from public databases, such as PubMed, PubChem, DisGeNET, GeneCards, OMIM, SwissTargetprediction, BindingDB, STRING, and DAVID. Essential bioactive compounds, potential targets, and signaling pathways were predicted using in silico analysis, including BA-TAR, PPI, BA-TAR-PATH network construction, and GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. Later on, with molecular docking analysis, the interaction of essential bioactive compounds of A. laxiflora and predicted core targets of depression were verified. Results: The network pharmacology approach identified 15 active compounds, a total of 219 compound-related targets, and 14,574 depression-related targets with 200 intersecting targets between them. SRC, EGFR, PIK3R1, AKT1, and MAPK1 were the core targets, whereas 3-acetyloleanolic acid and 3-acetylursolic acid were the most active compounds of A. laxiflora with anti-depressant potential. GO functional enrichment analysis revealed 129 GO terms, including 82 biological processes, 14 cellular components, and 34 molecular function terms. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis yielded significantly enriched 108 signaling pathways. Out of them, PI3K-Akt and MAPK signaling pathways might have a key role in treating depression. Molecular docking analysis results exhibited that core targets of depression, such as SRC, EGFR, PIK3R1, AKT1, and MAPK1, bind stably with the analyzed bioactive compounds of A. laxiflora. Conclusion: The present study elucidates the bioactive compounds, potential targets, and pertinent mechanism of action of A. laxiflora in treating depression. A. laxiflora might exert an antidepressant effect by regulating PI3K-Akt and MAPK signaling pathways. However, further investigations are required to validate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nem Kumar Jain
- School of Pharmacy, ITM University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India
- School of Studies in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Mukul Tailang
- School of Studies in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | | | | | - Neelaveni Thangavel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hafiz A. Makeen
- Pharmacy Practice Research Unit, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Albratty
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asim Najmi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hassan Ahmad Alhazmi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Zoghebi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - M. Alagusundaram
- School of Pharmacy, ITM University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Hemant Kumar Jain
- Department of General Medicine, Government Medical College, Datia, Madhya Pradesh, India
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Ge Q, Zhang Z, Cao Z, Wu D, Xu C, Yao J, Gao J, Feng Y. Exploration of the in vitro Antiviral Effects and the Active Components of Changyanning Tablets Against Enterovirus 71. Drug Des Devel Ther 2024; 18:651-665. [PMID: 38450095 PMCID: PMC10916518 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s444625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aims to investigate the in vitro antiviral effects of the aqueous solution of Changyanning (CYN) tablets on Enterovirus 71 (EV71), and to analyze its active components. Methods The in vitro anti-EV71 effects of CYN solution and its herbal ingredients were assessed by testing the relative viral RNA (vRNA) expression level and the cell viability rates. Material basis analysis was performed using HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS detection. Potential targets and active components were identified by network pharmacology and molecular docking. The screened components were verified by in vitro antiviral experiments. Results CYN solution exerted anti-EV71 activities as the vRNA is markedly reduced after treatment, with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 996.85 μg/mL. Of its five herbal ingredients, aqueous extract of Mosla chinensis (AEMC) and leaves of Liquidambar formosana Hance (AELLF) significantly inhibited the intracellular replication of EV71, and the IC50 was tested as 202.57 μg/mL and 174.77 μg/mL, respectively. Based on HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS results, as well as the comparison with the material basis of CYN solution, a total of 44 components were identified from AEMC and AELLF. Through network pharmacology, AKT1, ALB, and SRC were identified as core targets. Molecular docking performed between core targets and the components indicated that 21 components may have anti-EV71 effects. Of these, nine were selected for in vitro pharmacodynamic verification, and only rosmarinic acid manifested in vitro anti-EV71 activity, with an IC50 of 11.90 μg/mL. Moreover, rosmarinic acid can stably bind with three core targets by forming hydrogen bonds. Conclusion CYN solution has inhibitory effects on EV71 replication in vitro, and its active component was identified as rosmarinic acid. Our study provides a new approach for screening and confirmation of the effective components in Chinese herbal preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Ge
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Detection and Etiological Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Microbiology, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310051, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhewen Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiming Cao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dan Wu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Technology, Zhejiang Conba Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310057, People’s Republic of China
| | - Changping Xu
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Detection and Etiological Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Microbiology, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310051, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianbiao Yao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Technology, Zhejiang Conba Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310057, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Gao
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Detection and Etiological Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Microbiology, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310051, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Feng
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Detection and Etiological Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Microbiology, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310051, People’s Republic of China
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Li C, Huo D, Liu X, Yang H, Pang Y, Tang Q, Xing H, Shi Y, Chen X. Interpreting the chemical changes and therapeutic effect of Coptidis Rhizoma against ulcerative colitis before and after processing based on mathematical statistics and network pharmacology. PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS : PCA 2024; 35:271-287. [PMID: 37779218 DOI: 10.1002/pca.3287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Coptidis Rhizoma (CR) is one of the most frequently used herbs to treat ulcerative colitis (UC) and is often processed before usage. However, the composition changes and therapeutic effects of CR before and after processing in the treatment of UC are still unclear. OBJECTIVE The purpose of the study is to explore the chemical components and therapeutic effects of crude and processed CR. MATERIAL AND METHODS CR was processed according to the 2020 version of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and multivariate statistical analysis were used to screen the different compounds before and after processing. The network pharmacological prediction was carried out. The mechanism and therapeutic effects between crude and processed CR were verified by using dextran sulphate sodium-induced UC mice assay. RESULTS Ten compounds distinguish crude and processed CR based on multivariate statistical analysis. Network pharmacology predicts that the 10 compounds mainly play a role through TNF-α and IL-6 targets and PI3K/Akt and HIF-1 signalling pathways, and these results are verified by molecular biology experiments. For IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α inflammatory factors, CR is not effective, while CR stir-fried with Evodiae Fructus (CRFE) and ginger juice (CRGJ) are. For PI3K/p-Akt, Cleaved caspase3, NF- κBp65 and HIF-1α signalling pathways, CR has therapeutic effects, while CRFE and CRGJ are significant. CONCLUSION Overall, CRFE and CRGJ show better effects in treating UC. The chemical changes of processing and the efficacy of processed CR are correlated, which provides a scientific basis for the clinical use of crude and processed CR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Bingjing, China
| | - Dongna Huo
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiuxue Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongxia Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuqing Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Qian Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Hong Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yumeng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaopeng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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Li Z, Li B, Liu M, Chen Z, Li P, Du R, Su M, Anirudhan V, Achi JG, Tian J, Rong L, Cui Q. Development of a virus-based affinity ultrafiltration method for screening virus-surface-protein-targeted compounds from complex matrixes: Herbal medicines as a case study. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29517. [PMID: 38476091 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Herbal medicines (HMs) are one of the main sources for the development of lead antiviral compounds. However, due to the complex composition of HMs, the screening of active compounds within these is inefficient and requires a significant time investment. We report a novel and efficient virus-based screening method for antiviral active compounds in HMs. This method involves the centrifugal ultrafiltration of viruses, known as the virus-based affinity ultrafiltration method (VAUM). This method is suitable to identify virus specific active compounds from complex matrices such as HMs. The effectiveness of the VAUM was evaluated using influenza A virus (IAV) H1N1. Using this method, four compounds that bind to the surface protein of H1N1 were identified from dried fruits of Terminalia chebula (TC). Through competitive inhibition assays, the influenza surface protein, neuraminidase (NA), was identified as the target protein of these four TC-derived compounds. Three compounds were identified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), and their anti-H1N1 activities were verified by examining the cytopathic effect (CPE) and by performing a virus yield reduction assay. Further mechanistic studies demonstrated that these three compounds directly bind to NA and inhibit its activity. In summary, we describe here a VAUM that we designed, one that can be used to accurately screen antiviral active compounds in HMs and also help improve the efficiency of screening antiviral drugs found in natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyuan Li
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Baohong Li
- Innovative Institute of Chinse Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Miaomiao Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Zinuo Chen
- Innovative Institute of Chinse Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Ping Li
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ruikun Du
- Innovative Institute of Chinse Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medicinal Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, China
| | - Ming Su
- Shandong Academy of Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Varada Anirudhan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jazmin G Achi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jingzhen Tian
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medicinal Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, China
| | - Lijun Rong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Qinghua Cui
- Innovative Institute of Chinse Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medicinal Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, China
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Miao Z, Yu X, Zhang L, Zhu L, Sheng H. UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS and network pharmacology for deciphering the active compounds and mechanisms of stir-fried Raphani Semen in treating functional dyspepsia. Technol Health Care 2024:THC231122. [PMID: 38517816 DOI: 10.3233/thc-231122] [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: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a traditional digestive medicine, stir-fried Raphani Semen (SRS) has been used to treat food retention for thousands of years in China. Modern research has shown that SRS has a good therapeutic effect on functional dyspepsia (FD). However, the active components and mechanism of SRS in the treatment of FD are still unclear. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to elucidate the material basis and mechanism of SRS for treating FD based on UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS/MS combined with network pharmacology and molecular docking. METHODS The compounds of SRS water decoction were identified by UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS/MS and the potential targets of these compounds were predicted by Swiss Target Prediction. FD-associated targets were collected from disease databases. The overlapped targets of SRS and FD were imported into STRING to construct Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network. Then, the Metascape was used to analyze Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway after introducing overlapped targets. Finally, the active components and core targets were obtained by analyzing the "component-target-pathway" network, and the affinity between them was verified by molecular docking. RESULTS 53 components were identified, and 405 targets and 1487 FD-related targets were collected. GO and KEGG analysis of 174 overlapped targets showed that SRS had important effects on hormone levels, serotonin synapses, calcium signaling pathway and cAMP signaling pathway. 7 active components and 15 core targets were screened after analyzing the composite network. Molecular docking results showed that multiple active components had high affinity with most core targets. CONCLUSION SRS can treat FD through a variety of pathways, which provides a direction for the modern application of SRS in FD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuang Miao
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xinyue Yu
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Lizhen Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Liqiao Zhu
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Huagang Sheng
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
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Lu Q, Wang N, Wen D, Guo P, Liu Y, Fu S, Ye C, Wu Z, Qiu Y. Baicalin attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced intestinal inflammatory injury via suppressing PARP1-mediated NF-κB and NLRP3 signalling pathway. Toxicon 2024; 239:107612. [PMID: 38211803 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107612] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure is a key inducer of intestinal inflammatory injury in weaned piglets, resulting in decreased growth performance of pigs and causing severe economic losses to the swine industry; however, the mechanism of intestinal inflammatory injury is still unclear. Baicalin is one of the main active ingredients extracted from the natural plant Scutellaria baicalensis that has biological functions, including anti-inflammatory activity. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect and mechanism of baicalin intervention on intestinal inflammatory injury caused by bacterial LPS exposure. In the present study, network pharmacology, molecular docking and DARTS results identified that baicalin has the potential to target PARP1, thereby potentially regulating a series of inflammation-related pathways, including the MAPK, NF-κB and Toll-like receptor signalling pathways, which play the role of antagonizing LPS-induced intestinal inflammatory injury. Further application of the LPS-induced IPEC-J2 cell model validated the finding that baicalin could alleviate LPS-induced intestinal inflammatory injury by inhibiting the PARP1-mediated NF-κB and NLRP3 signalling pathway. These findings demonstrate that baicalin can regulate the expression of PARP1 and that PARP1 has the potential to serve as an effective therapeutic target in the LPS-induced intestinal inflammatory injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qirong Lu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, School of Animal Science and Nutritional Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China
| | - Nan Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, School of Animal Science and Nutritional Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China
| | - Defeng Wen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, School of Animal Science and Nutritional Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China
| | - Pu Guo
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, School of Animal Science and Nutritional Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, School of Animal Science and Nutritional Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China
| | - Shulin Fu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, School of Animal Science and Nutritional Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China
| | - Chun Ye
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, School of Animal Science and Nutritional Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China
| | - Zhongyuan Wu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, School of Animal Science and Nutritional Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China.
| | - Yinsheng Qiu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, School of Animal Science and Nutritional Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China.
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Zhu S, Jin Q, Zhang S, Song Z, Zhang S, Zhao Z. Integrating Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification to Explore the Pharmacological Mechanisms of Radix Paeoniae Rubra Against Glioma. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12010-024-04887-6. [PMID: 38381309 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-024-04887-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Glioma has a high mortality and can hardly be completely cured. Radix Paeoniae Rubra (RPR) is a prevalent component in traditional Chinese medicine used for tumor treatments. We explored the mechanism of RPR in treating glioma using network pharmacology and experiments. A network pharmacology approach was used to screen active ingredients, targets of RPR and glioma. We then constructed a herb-active ingredient-target-pathway network and conducted protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, as well as Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Molecular docking was also performed. Using CCK-8, colony formation, and xenograft experiments, we evaluated the effect of RPR on glioma. The involved pathway and proteins were identified by Western blot. From public databases, we identified nine active RPR ingredients and 40 overlapping targets among 109 RPR targets and 1360 glioma-associated targets. The PPI analysis revealed ten targets, such as AKT1, TP53, and VEGFA, which were identified as hub genes. The results from GO and KEGG analysis highlighted the involvement of the PI3K/AKT pathway. A herb-active ingredient-target-pathway network was constructed. By docking molecular structures, six suitable conformations have been identified. The RPR extract demonstrated anti-tumor properties by inhibiting glioma cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo, likely achieved by suppressing the phosphorylation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. RPR concurrently downregulated the phosphorylation level of AKT1 and the protein expression level of VEGFA, while upregulating the expression of P53 in the U251 cell line. Utilizing network pharmacology and molecular docking, our study not only predicted the impact of RPR on glioma but also delineated the herb-active ingredient-target-pathway network. Experimentally, we confirmed that RPR may exert its anti-tumor properties by inhibiting the phosphorylation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, including AKT1, and by regulating the expression levels of VEGFA and P53.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Qianxu Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Shiyang Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Zihan Song
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Shiqi Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Zongmao Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China.
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China.
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Xu M, Zhang W, Xu S, Niu X, Wang L, Wang X, Hao H. Elucidation of the mechanism of Zhenbao pills for the treatment of spinal cord injury by network pharmacology and molecular docking: A review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e36970. [PMID: 38363936 PMCID: PMC10869052 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
To explore the mechanism of the Zhenbao pill (ZBP) in treating spinal cord injury (SCI). The TCMSP Database, HERB Database and literature search were used to screen the effective ingredients and targets of ZBP; SCI-related genes were searched in GeneCards, OMIM, PharmGkb, TTD and DrugBank databases; the potential targets of ZBP for treating SCI were predicted and Venn diagrams were drawn, and the "herb-ingredient-target" network was constructed by Cytoscape software. The PPI network was constructed by STRING software, and the core targets were screened by cytoNCA plug-in; GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis were performed on the predicted targets using the DAVID Platform, and visualized with the Microbiology Network Platform. The molecular docking between the key ingredients and the core target was carried out by AutoDockVina software. 391 active ingredients and 836 action targets were obtained from ZBP and there are 1557 SCI related genes in 5 disease databases. The top 5 active ingredients were Quercetin, Camptothecin, Kaempferol, Ethyl iso-allocholate, and Ethyl linoleate, and 5 core genes were SRC, CTNNB1, TP53, AKT1, and STAT3. GO enrichment analysis showed that the core targets were involved in 1206 biological processes, 120 cellular components and 160 molecular functions; KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the core targets involved 183 pathways, including PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and other signaling pathways. Molecular docking indicated that CTNNB1, SRC, TP53, AKT1 and STAT3 showed good binding ability with the active ingredients quercetin, kaempferol and ethyl isobutyric acid. ZBP improves SCI through multi-components, multi-targets and multi-pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengru Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China
- Periodical Press of Fujian Journal of TCM, Fujian University of traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Wenwen Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China
| | - Sheng Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaochen Niu
- Basic Medical Research Center, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Fifth Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Li Wang
- Basic Medical Research Center, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Basic Medical Research Center, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Haihu Hao
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China
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Ma YQ, Zhang M, Sun ZH, Tang HY, Wang Y, Liu JX, Zhang ZX, Wang C. Identification of anti-gastric cancer effects and molecular mechanisms of resveratrol: From network pharmacology and bioinformatics to experimental validation. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:493-513. [PMID: 38425392 PMCID: PMC10900166 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i2.493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies with limited therapeutic options and a poor prognosis. Resveratrol, a non-flavonoid polyphenolic compound found in a variety of Chinese medicinal materials, has shown excellent anti-GC effect. However, its exact mechanisms of action in GC have not been clarified. AIM To identify the effects of resveratrol on GC progression and explore the related molecular mechanisms. METHODS Action targets of resveratrol and GC-related targets were screened from public databases. The overlapping targets between the two were confirmed using a Venn diagram, and a "Resveratrol-Target-GC" network was constructed using Cytoscape software version 3.9.1. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using STRING database and core targets were identified by PPI network analysis. The Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery database was used for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. A "Target-Pathway" network was created by using Cytoscape 3.9.1. The RNA and protein expression levels of core target genes were observed using the Cancer Genome Atlas and the Human Protein Atlas databases. DriverDBv3 and Timer2.0 databases were used for survival and immune infiltration analysis. Subsequently, the findings were further verified by molecular docking technology and in vitro experiments. RESULTS A total of 378 resveratrol action targets and 2154 GC disease targets were obtained from public databases, and 181 intersection targets between the two were screened by Venn diagram. The top 20 core targets were identified by PPI network analysis of the overlapping targets. GO function analysis mainly involved protein binding, identical protein binding, cytoplasm, nucleus, negative regulation of apoptotic process and response to xenobiotic stimulus. KEGG enrichment analysis suggested that the involved signaling pathways mainly included PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, ErbB signaling pathway, etc. FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog (FOS) and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) were selected by differential expression analysis, and they were closely associated with immune infiltration. Molecular docking results showed that resveratrol docked well with these two targets. Resveratrol treatment arrested the cell cycle at the S phase, induced apoptosis, and weakened viability, migration and invasion in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, resveratrol could exhibit anti-GC effect by regulating FOS and MMP9 expression. CONCLUSION The anti-GC effects of resveratrol are related to the inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, invasion and induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by targeting FOS and MMP9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Qian Ma
- Department of Oncology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, China
- School of Graduate Studies, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei Province, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, China
| | - Zhen-Hua Sun
- Department of Oncology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, China
| | - Hong-Yue Tang
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, China
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Graduate Studies, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei Province, China
| | - Jiang-Xue Liu
- School of Graduate Studies, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei Province, China
| | - Zhan-Xue Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, China
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Li X, Ma Y, Lv M, Gao Y, Zhang Y, Li T. Network pharmacology and molecular docking-based investigation of monocyte locomotion inhibitory factor attenuates traumatic brain injury by regulating aquaporin 4 expression. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-02986-z. [PMID: 38321211 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-02986-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant cause of disability and mortality worldwide, and effective treatment options are currently limited. Monocyte locomotion inhibitor factor (MLIF), a small molecular pentapeptide, has demonstrated a protective effect against cerebral ischemia. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of MLIF on TBI and explore its underlying mechanism of action. In animal experiments, we observed that administration of MLIF after TBI reduced brain water content and improved brain edema, suggesting a certain degree of protection against TBI. By utilizing network pharmacology methodologies, we employed target screening techniques to identify the potential targets of MLIF in the context of TBI. As a result, we successfully enriched ten signaling pathways that are closely associated with TBI. Furthermore, using molecular docking techniques, we identified AQP4 as one of the top ten central genes discovered in this study. Eventually, our study demonstrated that MLIF exhibits anti-apoptotic properties and suppresses the expression of AQP4 protein, thus playing a protective role in traumatic brain injury. This conclusion was supported by TUNEL staining and the evaluation of Bcl-2, Bax, and AQP4 protein levels. These discoveries enhance our comprehension of the mechanisms by which MLIF exerts its protective effects and highlight its potential as a promising therapeutic intervention for TBI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Li
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yulin Ma
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengting Lv
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuefan Zhang
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Tiejun Li
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China.
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Wu Y, Fang Y, Li Y, Au R, Cheng C, Li W, Xu F, Cui Y, Zhu L, Shen H. A network pharmacology approach and experimental validation to investigate the anticancer mechanism of Qi-Qin-Hu-Chang formula against colitis-associated colorectal cancer through induction of apoptosis via JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117323. [PMID: 37852337 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The Qi-Qin-Hu-Chang Formula (QQHCF) is a traditional Chinese medicine prescription that is clinically used at the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine for the treatment of colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC). AIM OF THE STUDY To evaluate the potential therapeutic effects of QQHCF on a CAC mouse model and investigate its underlying mechanisms using network pharmacology and experimental validation. MATERIALS AND METHODS The active components and potential targets of QQHCF were obtained from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) and herb-ingredient-targets gene network were constructed by Cytoscape 3.9.2. Target genes of CAC were obtained from GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, and DrugBank database. The drug disease target protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed and the core targets were visualized and identified using Cytoscape. The Metascape database was used for GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. UHPLC-MS/MS was used to further identify the active compounds in QQHCF. Subsequently, the therapeutic effects and potential mechanism of QQHCF against CAC were investigated in AOM/DSS-induced CAC mouse in vivo, and HT-29 and HCT116 cells in vitro. Finally, interactions between JNK, p38, and active ingredients were assessed by molecular docking. RESULTS A total of 176 active compounds, 273 potential therapeutic targets, and 2460 CAC-related target genes were obtained. The number of common targets between QQHCF and CAC were 165. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that the MAPK signaling pathway was closely associated with CAC, which may be the potential mechanism of QQHCF against CAC. Network pharmacology and UHPLC-MS/MS analyses showed that the active compounds of QQHCF included quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, wogonin, oxymatrine, lupanine, and baicalin. Animal experiments demonstrated that QQHCF reduced tumor load, number, and size in AOM/DSS-treated mice, and induced apoptosis in colon tissue. In vitro experiments further showed that QQHCF induced apoptosis and inhibited cell viability, migration, and invasion in HCT116 and HT-29 cells. Notably, QQHCF activated the JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway both in vivo and in vitro. Molecular docking analysis revealed an ability for the main components of QQHCF and JNK/p38 to bind. CONCLUSION The present study demonstrated that QQHCF could ameliorate AOM/DSS-induced CAC in mice by activating the JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway. These results have important implications for the development of effective treatment strategies for CAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuguang Wu
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China; The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yulai Fang
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Yanan Li
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China; The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Ryan Au
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China; The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences, Oakland, CA, 94612, USA
| | - Cheng Cheng
- School of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Weiyang Li
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China; The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Feng Xu
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China; The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yuan Cui
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China; The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Lei Zhu
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China.
| | - Hong Shen
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China.
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Dong S, Tian Q, Hui M, Zhang S. Revealing the Antiperspirant Components of Floating Wheat and Their Mechanisms of Action through Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology. Molecules 2024; 29:553. [PMID: 38338298 PMCID: PMC10856516 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29030553] [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: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Floating wheat is a classical herbal with potential efficacy in the treatment of hyperhidrosis. Aiming at revealing the main components and potential mechanisms of floating wheat, a comprehensive and unique phytopharmacology profile study was carried out. First, common wheat was used as a control to look for chemical markers of floating wheat. In the screening analysis, a total of 180 shared compounds were characterized in common wheat and floating wheat, respectively. The results showed that floating wheat and common wheat contain similar types of compounds. In addition, in non-targeted metabolomic analysis, when taking the contents of the constituents into account, it was found that there indeed existed quite a difference between floating wheat and common wheat and 17 potential biomarkers for floating wheat. Meanwhile, a total of seven components targeted for hyperhidrosis were screened out based on network pharmacology. Seven key differential components were screened, among which kaempferol, asiatic acid, sclareol, enoxolone, and secoisolariciresinol had higher degree values than the others. The analysis of interacting genes revealed three key genes, namely, MAP2K1, ESR1, and ESR2. The Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses showed that various signaling pathways were involved. Prolactin signaling, thyroid cancer, endocrine resistance, gonadotropin secretion, and estrogen signaling pathways were the main pathways of the intervention of floating wheat in excessive sweating, which was associated with the estrogenic response, hormone receptor binding, androgen metabolism, apoptosis, cancer, and many other biological processes. Molecular docking showed that the screened key components could form good bindings with the target proteins through intermolecular forces. This study reveals the active ingredients and potential molecular mechanism of floating wheat in the treatment of hyperhidrosis and provides a reference for subsequent basic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Dong
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China;
| | - Qing Tian
- Industrial Microorganism Preservation and Breeding Henan Engineering Laboratory, Zhengzhou 450001, China;
| | - Ming Hui
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China;
- Industrial Microorganism Preservation and Breeding Henan Engineering Laboratory, Zhengzhou 450001, China;
| | - Shouyu Zhang
- College of Smart Health, Henan Polytechnic, Zhengzhou 450046, China
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Su H, Yan Q, Du W, Hu E, Yang Z, Zhang W, Li Y, Tang T, Zhao S, Wang Y. Calycosin ameliorates osteoarthritis by regulating the imbalance between chondrocyte synthesis and catabolism. BMC Complement Med Ther 2024; 24:48. [PMID: 38254101 PMCID: PMC10804771 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04314-z] [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: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a severe chronic inflammatory disease. As the main active component of Astragalus mongholicus Bunge, a classic traditional ethnic herb, calycosin exhibits anti-inflammatory action and its mechanism of exact targets for OA have yet to be determined. In this study, we established an anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) mouse model. Mice were randomized to sham, OA, and calycosin groups. Cartilage synthesis markers type II collagen (Col-2) and SRY-Box Transcription Factor 9 (Sox-9) increased significantly after calycosin gavage. While cartilage matrix degradation index cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), phosphor-epidermal growth factor receptor (p-EGFR), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) expression were decreased. With the help of network pharmacology and molecular docking, these results were confirmed in chondrocyte ADTC5 cells. Our results indicated that the calycosin treatment significantly improved cartilage damage, this was probably attributed to reversing the imbalance between chondrocyte synthesis and catabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Su
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, P.R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Qiuju Yan
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, P.R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Wei Du
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China
| | - En Hu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, P.R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Zhaoyu Yang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, P.R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zhang
- The College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Yusheng Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, P.R. China
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China
| | - Tao Tang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, P.R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Shushan Zhao
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, P.R. China.
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China.
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, P.R. China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, P.R. China.
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Liu YY, Bao DQ, Zhang ZS, Zhu Y, Liu LM, Li T. Radix Sanguisorbae Improves Intestinal Barrier in Septic Rats via HIF-1 α/HO-1/F e2+ Axis. Chin J Integr Med 2024:10.1007/s11655-023-3550-2. [PMID: 38212494 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-023-3550-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether Radix Sanguisorbae (RS, Diyu) could restore intestinal barrier function following sepsis using a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced septic rat model and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged IEC-6 cell model, respectively. METHODS Totally 224 rats were divided into 4 groups including a control, sham, CLP and RS group according to a random number table. The rats in the control group were administrated with Ringer's lactate solution (30 mL/kg) with additional dopamine [10 µ g/(kg·min)] and given intramuscular injections of cefuroxime sodium (10 mg/kg) 12 h following CLP. The rats in the RS group were administrated with RS (10 mg/kg) through tail vein 1 h before CLP and treated with RS (10 mg/kg) 12 h following CLP. The rats in the sham group were only performed abdominal surgery without CLP. The rats in the CLP group were performed with CLP without any treatment. The other steps were same as control group. The effects of RS on intestinal barrier function, mesenteric microvessels barrier function, multi-organ function indicators, inflammatory response and 72 h survival window following sepsis were observed. In vitro, the effects of RS on LPS-challenged IEC-6 cell viability, the expressions of zona occludens-1 (ZO-1) and ferroptosis index were evaluated by cell counting kit-8, immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis. Bioinformatic tools were applied to investigate the pharmacological network of RS in sepsis to predict the active compounds and potential protein targets and pathways. RESULTS The sepsis caused severe intestinal barrier dysfunction, multi-organ injury, lipid peroxidation accumulation, and ferroptosis in vivo. RS treatment significantly prolonged the survival time to 56 h and increased 72-h survival rate to 7/16 (43.75%). RS also improved intestinal barrier function and relieved intestinal inflammation. Moreover, RS significantly decreased lipid peroxidation and inhibited ferroptosis (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Administration of RS significantly worked better than Ringer's solution used alone. Using network pharmacology prediction, we found that ferroptosis and hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1 α) signaling pathways might be involved in RS effects on sepsis. Subsequent Western blot, ferrous iron measurements, and FerroOrange fluorescence of ferrous iron verified the network pharmacology predictions. CONCLUSION RS improved the intestinal barrier function and alleviated intestinal injury by inhibiting ferroptosis, which was related in part to HIF-1 α/heme oxygenase-1/Fe2+ axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Yan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injuries, Department of War Wound Shock and Transfusion, Institute of Surgery Research, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Dai-Qin Bao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Army Medical Center of PLA, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Zi-Sen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injuries, Department of War Wound Shock and Transfusion, Institute of Surgery Research, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Yu Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injuries, Department of War Wound Shock and Transfusion, Institute of Surgery Research, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Liang-Ming Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injuries, Department of War Wound Shock and Transfusion, Institute of Surgery Research, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Tao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injuries, Department of War Wound Shock and Transfusion, Institute of Surgery Research, Chongqing, 400042, China.
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Fan W, Liu J, Liu Q. Exploring the potential mechanism and molecular targets of Taohong Siwu Decoction against deep vein thrombosis based on network pharmacology and analysis docking. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e36220. [PMID: 38215128 PMCID: PMC10783296 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the mechanism of Taohong Siwu Decoction (THSWD) against deep vein thrombosis (DVT) using network pharmacology and molecular docking technology. We used the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database and reviewed literature to identify the main chemical components of THSWD. To find targets for DVT, we consulted GeneCards, Therapeutic Target Database, and PharmGKB databases. We used Cytoscape 3.8.2 software to construct herb-disease-gene-target networks. Additionally, we integrated drug targets and disease targets on the STRING platform to create a protein-protein interaction network. Then, we conducted Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and gene ontology analysis. Finally, We employed the molecular docking method to validate our findings. We identified 56 potential targets associated with DVT and found 61 effective components. beta-sitosterol, quercetin, and kaempferol were the most prominent among these components. Our analysis of the protein-protein interaction network revealed that IL6, L1B, and AKT1 had the highest degree of association. Gene ontology analysis showed that THSWD treatment for DVT may involve response to inorganic substances, negative regulation of cell differentiation, plasma membrane protein complex, positive regulation of phosphorylation, and signaling receptor regulator activity. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis indicated that lipid and atherosclerosis, pathways in cancer, as well as the PI3K-Akt pathway are the main signal pathways involved. Molecular docking results demonstrated strong binding affinity between beta-sitosterol, quercetin, kaempferol, and AKT1 proteins as well as IL1B and IL6 proteins. The main targets for THSWD treatment of DVT may include AKT1, IL1B, and IL6. Beta-sitosterol, quercetin, and kaempferol may be the active ingredients responsible for producing this effect. These compounds may slow down the progression of DVT by regulating the inflammatory response through the PI3K/Akt pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Fan
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan Provincial Laboratory of Orthopaedic Engineering, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Jinhui Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan Provincial Laboratory of Orthopaedic Engineering, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Qingyan Liu
- The Operating Room, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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