Metabolomic analysis of serum reveals the potential effective ingredients and pathways of Danggui Buxue Tang in promoting erythropoiesis

Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles reveal the protective mechanism of modified Danggui Buxue decoction on radiation-induced leukopenia in mice

Leukopenia caused by radiation hinders the continuous treatment of cancers. Danggui Buxue Decoction (DBD) has been widely used in clinical owing to low toxicity and definite therapeutic effects to increase leukocytes. Meanwhile, icaritin (ICT) has also been proved to have the effect of boosting peripheral blood cells proliferation. However, there is no study to prove the efficacy of MDBD (Modified Danggui Buxue Decoction), a derivative herbal formula composed of DBD and ICT, in the treatment of radiation-induced leukopenia. In this study, we performed a model of 3.5 Gy whole-body radiation to induce leukopenia in mice. The results of pharmacodynamic studies demonstrated that MDBD could significantly increase the white blood cells in peripheral blood by improving the activity of bone marrow nuclear cells, reducing bone marrow damage, modulating spleen index, and regulating hematopoietic factors to alleviate leukopenia. We also analyzed the integrated results of metabolomics and transcriptomics and found that MDBD could relieve leukopenia and alleviate bone marrow damage by targeting steroid biosynthesis and IL-17 signaling pathway, in which the key genes are Jun, Cxcl2 and Egr1. Therefore, our study provides a basis for the effectiveness and compatibility in the combination of traditional Chinese medicine formula and small molecule drugs.

Hematopoietic Effects of Angelica gigas Nakai Extract on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Myelosuppression

Myelosuppression is a major adverse effect of chemotherapy. With the increasing number of cancer patients worldwide, there is a growing interest in therapeutic approaches that reduce the adverse effects of chemotherapy. Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN) roots have been widely used in oriental medicine to treat blood-related diseases, including cancer. However, the effects of AGN on myelosuppression have not been studied. Here, we investigated the effects of AGN ethanol extract (AGNEX) on cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression. AGNEX treatment significantly decreased white blood cell levels while increasing red blood cell and platelet levels in the peripheral blood. It inhibited thymus and spleen atrophy. It also enhanced serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. qRT-PCR results showed that AGNEX decreased the expression of IL-1b and stem cell factor (SCF) in the bone marrow (BM) while increasing the mRNA expression of IL-3 and IL-6 in the spleen. Although AGNEX did not significantly decrease apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in the BM and splenocytes, AGNEX plays a positive role in cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression. AGNEX administration increased BM cells in the femur while decreasing apoptotic BM cells. These findings suggest that AGNEX could be used to treat myelosuppression and as a combination therapy in cancer patients.

Enhancement of intestinal mucosal immunity and immune response to the foot-and-mouth disease vaccine by oral administration of danggui buxue decoction

This study investigated the effect of Danggui Buxue decoction (DBD) on the immunity of an O-type foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine and intestinal mucosal immunity. SPF KM mice were continuously and orally administered DBD for 5 d and then inoculated with an O-type FMD vaccine. The contents of a specific IgG antibody and its isotypes IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgG3 in serum and SIgA in duodenal mucosa were determined by ELISA at 1 and 3 W after the 2^nd immunization. qRT-PCR was used to detect mRNA expression levels of IL-4, IL-10, IFN-γ, and IL-33 in the spleen, and mRNA expression levels of J-chain, pIgR, BAFF, APRIL, IL-10, IFN-γ and IL-33 in the duodenum. The results showed that compared with the control group, oral administration of DBD significantly increased levels of the anti-FMD virus (FMDV)-specific antibodies IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a in the serum of O-type FMD vaccine-immunized mice 1 W after the 2^nd immunization (P < 0.05), upregulated mRNA expression levels of spleen lymphocyte cytokines IL-4 and IL-33 (P < 0.05), promoted the secretion of SIgA in duodenal mucosa (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of J-chain, pIgR, BAFF, APRIL, IL-10, and IL-33 in duodenal tissues were upregulated (P < 0.05). This study indicates that DBD has a good promotion effect on the O-type FMD vaccine and the potential to be an oral immune booster.

The Latest Research Advances of Danggui Buxue Tang as an Effective Prescription for Various Diseases: A Comprehensive Review

Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) is composed of Astragali Radix and Angelicae Sinensis Radix in a weight ratio of 5:1. The recipe of the decoction is simple, and DBT has been widely used in the treatment of blood deficiency syndrome for more than 800 years in China. Studies on its chemical constituents show that saponins, flavonoids, volatile oils, organic acids, and polysaccharides are the main components of DBT. Many techniques such as third-generation sequencing, PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, and HPLC-MS have been used for the quality control of DBT. DBT has a wide range of biological activities, including blood enhancement, antagonizing diabetic nephropathy, cardiovascular protection, immunity stimulation, estrogen-like effect, and antifibrosis, among others. In this paper, we summarize the recent research advances of DBT in terms of its components, pharmacological activities, and possible mechanisms of action as well as provide suggestions for further research.

Mechanisms of Danggui Buxue Tang on Hematopoiesis via Multiple Targets and Multiple Components: Metabonomics Combined with Database Mining Technology

This study aimed to explore the mechanism of action of Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) with its multiple components and targets in the synergistic regulation of hematopoiesis. Mouse models of hematopoiesis were established using antibiotics. Metabolomics was used to detect body metabolites and enriched pathways. The active ingredients, targets, and pathways of DBT were analyzed using system pharmacology. The results of metabolomics and system pharmacology were integrated to identify the key pathways and targets. A total of 515 metabolites were identified using metabolomics. After the action of antibiotics, 49 metabolites were markedly changed: 23 were increased, 26 were decreased, and 11 were significantly reversed after DBT administration. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that these 11 metabolites were related to bile secretion, cofactor biosynthesis, and fatty acid biosynthesis. The results of the pharmacological analysis showed that 616 targets were related to DBT-induced anemia, which were mainly enriched in biological processes, such as bile secretion, biosynthesis of cofactors, and cholesterol metabolism. Combined with the results of metabolomics and system pharmacology, we found that bile acid metabolism and biotin synthesis were the key pathways for DBT. Forty-two targets of DBT were related to these two metabolic pathways. PPI analysis revealed that the top 10 targets were CYP3A4, ABCG2, and UGT1A8. Twenty-one components interacted with these 10 targets. In one case, a target corresponds to multiple components, and a component corresponds to multiple targets. DBT acts on multiple targets of ABCG2, UGT1A8, and CYP3A4 through multiple components, affecting the biosynthesis of cofactors and bile secretion pathways to regulate hematopoiesis.

Chinese Herbal Medicine Significantly Impacts the Haematological Variables of the Athlete Biological Passport

In the fight against sports doping, the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) system aims to indirectly unveil the doping incidents by monitoring selected biomarkers; however, several unexplored extrinsic factors may dampen a fair interpretation of ABP profiles. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) plays a pivotal role in the health care system, and some remedies have a long history of being used to treat anaemia. In this study, we addressed the concerns of whether the CHM administration could yield a measurable effect on altering the ABP haematological variables. Forty-eight healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to receive two-week oral administration of one of the six selected CHM products that are commonly prescribed in Taiwan (eight subjects per group). Their blood variables were determined longitudinally in the phases of baseline, intervention, and recovery over 5 weeks. Blood collection and analyses were carried out in strict compliance with relevant operating guidelines. In the groups receiving Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Astragali Radix, and Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, a significant increased reticulocyte percentage and decreased OFF-hr Score were manifested during the intervention, and such effects even sustained for a period of time after withdrawal. All other variables, including haemoglobin and Abnormal Blood Profile Score, did not generate statistical significance. Our results show that the use of CHM may impact the ABP haematological variables. As a consequence, we recommend athletes, particularly those who have been registered in the testing pool, should be aware of taking specific Chinese herbal-based treatment or supplementation, and document any of its usage on the anti-doping forms.

Studies on the compatibility mechanism and material basis of Danggui Buxue Decoction against anemia mice using metabonomics and network pharmacology

OBJECTIVES

To reveal the compatibility mechanism and material basis of Danggui Buxue decoction (DBD) against anaemia.

METHODS

UHPLC-Q-Exactive-MS based serum metabonomics was applied to decipher the compatibility of DBD against anaemia mice. Meanwhile, network pharmacology was used to reveal the material basis of DBD based on the obtained differential metabolites.

KEY FINDINGS

Metabonomic results indicated that 17 serum differential metabolites were closely related to anaemia. DBD, Huangqi (HQ) and Danggui (DG) could significantly ameliorate 13, 6 and 4 serum metabolites in anaemia mice, respectively. 17 serum differential metabolites were linked 140 corresponding targeted genes obtained by Metscape. In addition, 6649 targets genes related anaemia were obtained by network pharmacology. At last, six important targets genes were screened as hopeful targets for the treatment of anaemia through integrating them. Molecular docking further illustrated that eight active components of DBD including mairin, hederagenin, etc. played important roles in treating anaemia.

CONCLUSIONS

DBD produced the best effect by compatibility with HQ and DG in treating anaemia. The approach provided the insights into the compatibility mechanism and material basis of TCM in treating anaemia coupling network pharmacology.

Gut microbiota affects the efficacy of Danggui Buxue Tang by affecting plasma concentration of active ingredients

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) is a traditional Chinese medicine, which has the function of supporting Qi and enriching blood. Antibiotics can cause Gut microbiota disorder and affect efficacy of DBT.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Explore the manner in which Gut microbiota affects the efficacy of Danggui Buxue Tang.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, antibiotics were used to destroy gut microbiota. The changes of DBT efficacy were detected to verify the effect of gut microbiota on DBT efficacy. The changes of gut microbiota was detected using 16S rRNA sequencing, and UPLC-MS/MS was used to analyze the plasma concentration of active ingredients. Correlation analysis was used to establish the relationship between gut microbiota, blood components and drug efficacy, and to explore the role of gut microbiota in the efficacy of DBT.

RESULTS

The results showed that the efficacy in the DBT group was significantly improved compared with the control group (p<0.05). Compared with DBT group, the efficacy in antibiotic DBT treatment (ABXDBT) group was significantly reduced, 194 plasma metabolites and 18 DBT blood components were significantly altered in ABXDBT group, and 11 DBT blood components such as caffeic acid and formononetin were significantly decreased. Correlation analysis showed that 6 DBT blood components were related with the decrease of efficacy. Network pharmacology analysis showed that the above 6 DBT blood components participated in the hematopoietic regulation through PI3K-Akt and HIF-1 signaling pathways. Correlation analysis showed that Bacteroides and other intestinal bacteria were related to the absorption of DBT active ingredients. The drug metabolic pathway of gut microbiota was significantly decreased after antibiotic treatment (p = 0.033).

CONCLUSIONS

Gut microbiota such as Bacteroides affects the efficacy of DBT by affecting the metabolism and absorption of DBT active ingredients such as caffeic acid and formononetin.

Fermentation of Danggui Buxue Tang, an ancient Chinese herbal mixture, together with Lactobacillus plantarum enhances the anti-diabetic functions of herbal product

Background

Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT), an ancient Chinese herbal decoction containing Astragali Radix and Angelicae Sinensis Radix at a ratio of 5: 1, is prescribed for menopausal women. Flavonoids and its flavonoid glycosides are considered as the major active ingredients within the herbal decoction; however, their amount is not controllable during the preparation. Besides, the aglycons within DBT are believed to have better gut absorption and pharmacological efficacy.

Methods

The herbal extract of DBT was fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum. The amounts of flavonoid glucosides and its aglycones in the fermented product were analyzed by using UPLC-MS/MS. In addition, in vitro assays were employed to evaluate the efficacy of the fermented DBT in regulating the activities of α-glucosidase, α-amylase and lipase, as well as their antioxidant capacity (DPPH and T-AOC assays) and anti-glycation property (BSA-methylglyoxal, BSA-fructose, and arginine-methylglyoxal models).

Results

The fermentation of DBT with L. plantarum drove a completed conversion of calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside and ononin to calycosin and formononetin, respectively. The chemical transformation could be probably mediated by β-glycosidase within the fermented product. Several in vitro assays corresponding to anti-diabetic functions were compared between parental DBT against its fermented product, which included the activities against α-glucosidase, α-amylase and lipase, as well as anti-oxidation and anti-glycation. The fermented DBT showed increased activities in inhibiting α-glycosidase, suppressing DPPH radical-scavenging and anti-glycation, as compared to the original herbal product.

Conclusion

These results suggested that DBT being fermented with the probiotic L. plantarum could pave a new direction for fermentation of herbal extract, as to strengthen its pharmacological properties in providing health benefits.