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Wang Y, Hao Z, Lu D, Naseem A, Sun Y, Sun Y, Li J, Kuang H, Liu Y, Yang B. Effects of Viscum coloratum (Kom.) Nakai on collagen-induced rheumatoid arthritis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 327:118026. [PMID: 38490288 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118026] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Viscum coloratum (Kom.) Nakai has been traditionally used in China for nearly a thousand years to treat rheumatic diseases. However, its efficacy and mechanisms in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have not been demonstrated. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the anti-arthritic effects and molecular mechanisms of Viscum coloratum (Kom.) Nakai on collagen-induced arthritic mice through network pharmacology technology and experimental validation. MATERIALS AND METHODS First, the main ingredients of the extract of Viscum coloratum (Kom.) Nakai (EVC) were identified through chemical composition characterization using Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS). Then, the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model was established in DBA/1 J mice and the ameliorative effects of EVC on the progression of CIA mice were evaluated by oral treatment with different doses of the EVC for 28 days. After that, cytokine antibody microarray assay was used to detect the levels of multiple inflammation-related cytokines and chemokines in each group, and performed Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) enrichment analysis. Subsequently, the potential target for the effective chemical components of EVC in treating RA was identified using various databases. Additionally, a drug-disease target protein-protein interaction network (PPI) was conducted using Cytoscape for visualization and clustering, while GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed with the Metascape database. Finally, identified phenotypes and targets by network pharmacology analysis were experimentally validated in vivo. RESULTS Treatment with EVC significantly suppressed the severity of CIA with a dramatic reduction of paw swelling, arthritis index, levels of IgGs (IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b), multi-inflammation-related cytokines and chemokines on the progression of CIA. Histopathological examinations showed EVC could markedly inhibit inflammatory cell infiltration, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity of osteoclast, and bone destruction. Furthermore, GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that EVC could ameliorate RA by inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and regulating multiple signaling pathways including Osteoclast differentiation, IL-17, and TNF. PPI network analysis demonstrated that AKT1, MMP9, MAPK3, and other genes were highly related to EVC in treating RA. Finally, we proved that EVC could inhibit the expression of NFTAc1, MMP9, Cathepsin K, and AKT which were closely related to osteoclast activity. CONCLUSIONS EVC could treat RA through multiple components, multiple targets, and multiple pathways. The present study demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of EVC and its molecular mechanisms in treating RA, indicating that it would be a potent candidate as a novel botanical drug for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Zhichao Hao
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Dongxu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Anam Naseem
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Ye Sun
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Jianzhe Li
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Haixue Kuang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China.
| | - Bingyou Yang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China.
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Wang T, Huang C, Fang Z, Bahatibieke A, Fan D, Wang X, Zhao H, Xie Y, Qiao K, Xiao C, Zheng Y. A dual dynamically cross-linked hydrogel promotes rheumatoid arthritis repair through ROS initiative regulation and microenvironment modulation-independent triptolide release. Mater Today Bio 2024; 26:101042. [PMID: 38660473 PMCID: PMC11040138 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101042] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
High oxidative stress and inflammatory cell infiltration are major causes of the persistent bone erosion and difficult tissue regeneration in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Triptolide (TPL) has become a highly anticipated anti-rheumatic drug due to its excellent immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the sudden drug accumulation caused by the binding of "stimulus-response" and "drug release" in a general smart delivery system is difficult to meet the shortcoming of extreme toxicity and the demand for long-term administration of TPL. Herein, we developed a dual dynamically cross-linked hydrogel (SPT@TPL), which demonstrated sensitive RA microenvironment regulation and microenvironment modulation-independent TPL release for 30 days. The abundant borate ester/tea polyphenol units in SPT@TPL possessed the capability to respond and regulate high reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels on-demand. Meanwhile, based on its dense dual crosslinked structure as well as the spontaneous healing behavior of numerous intermolecular hydrogen bonds formed after the breakage of borate ester, TPL could remain stable and slowly release under high ROS environments of RA, which dramatically reduced the risk of TPL exerting toxicity while maximized its long-term efficacy. Through the dual effects of ROS regulation and TPL sustained-release, SPT@TPL alleviated oxidative stress and reprogrammed macrophages into M2 phenotype, showing marked inhibition of inflammation and optimal regeneration of articular cartilage in RA rat model. In conclusion, this hydrogel platform with both microenvironment initiative regulation and TPL long-term sustained release provides a potential scheme for rheumatoid arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyang Wang
- School of Material Science & Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Department of Orthopaedics, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Ziyuan Fang
- School of Material Science & Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Abudureheman Bahatibieke
- School of Material Science & Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Danping Fan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Research of Chinese Medicine on Prevention and Treatment for Major Diseases, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xing Wang
- China-Japan Friendship Clinical Medical College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyan Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Research of Chinese Medicine on Prevention and Treatment for Major Diseases, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yajie Xie
- School of Material Science & Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Kun Qiao
- School of Material Science & Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Cheng Xiao
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China
- Department of Emergency, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yudong Zheng
- School of Material Science & Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
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Guo Y, Peng X, Liu F, Zhang Q, Ding L, Li G, Qiu F. Potential of natural products in inflammation: biological activities, structure-activity relationships, and mechanistic targets. Arch Pharm Res 2024; 47:377-409. [PMID: 38739203 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-024-01496-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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
A balance between the development and suppression of inflammation can always be found in the body. When this balance is disturbed, a strong inflammatory response can damage the body. It sometimes is necessary to use drugs with a significant anti-inflammatory effect, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroid hormones, to control inflammation in the body. However, the existing anti-inflammatory drugs have many adverse effects, which can be deadly in severe cases, making research into new safer and more effective anti-inflammatory drugs necessary. Currently, numerous types of natural products with anti-inflammatory activity and distinct structural features are available, and these natural products have great potential for the development of novel anti-inflammatory drugs. This review summarizes 260 natural products and their derivatives with anti-inflammatory activities in the last two decades, classified by their active ingredients, and focuses on their structure-activity relationships in anti-inflammation to lay the foundation for subsequent new drug development. We also elucidate the mechanisms and pathways of natural products that exert anti-inflammatory effects via network pharmacology predictions, providing direction for identifying subsequent targets of anti-inflammatory natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajing Guo
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyanghu Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuling Peng
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyanghu Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
| | - Fanfei Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyanghu Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyanghu Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
| | - Liqin Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyanghu Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Substance of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyanghu Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
| | - Gen Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyanghu Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China.
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Substance of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyanghu Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China.
| | - Feng Qiu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyanghu Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China.
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyanghu Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China.
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Substance of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyanghu Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China.
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Hao P, Zhang P, Liu Y, Cao Y, Du L, Gao L, Dong Q. Network pharmacology and experiment validation investigate the potential mechanism of triptolide in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1302059. [PMID: 38259290 PMCID: PMC10800448 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1302059] [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: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of triptolide in the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) via network pharmacology and experimental validation. Methods: The network pharmacological method was used to predict the key targets, detect the signal pathways for the treatment of OSCC, and screen the critical components and targets for molecular docking. Predicted targets were validated in cellular and xenograft mouse model. Results: In this study, we predicted action on 17 relevant targets of OSCC by network pharmacology. PPI network demonstrated that Jun, MAPK8, TP53, STAT3, VEGFA, IL2, CXCR4, PTGS2, IL4 might be the critical targets of triptolide in the treatment of OSCC. These potential targets are mainly closely related to JAK-STAT and MAPK signaling pathways. The analysis of molecular docking showed that triptolide has high affinity with Jun, MAPK8 and TP53. Triptolide can suppress the growth of OSCC cells and xenograft mice tumor, and downregulate the expression of Jun, MAPK8, TP53, STAT3, VEGFA, IL2, CXCR4, PTGS2 to achieve the therapeutic effect of OSCC. Conclusion: Through network pharmacological methods and experimental studies, we predicted and validated the potential targets and related pathways of triptolide for OSCC treatment. The results suggest that triptolide can inhibit the growth of OSCC via several key targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puyu Hao
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
- Environmental and Operational Medicine Research Department, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Pengcheng Zhang
- Environmental and Operational Medicine Research Department, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Environmental and Operational Medicine Research Department, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Yang Cao
- Environmental and Operational Medicine Research Department, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Lianqun Du
- Environmental and Operational Medicine Research Department, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Li Gao
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Qingyang Dong
- Environmental and Operational Medicine Research Department, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Tianjin, China
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Luo F, Tang Y, Zheng L, Yang Y, Gao H, Tian S, Chen H, Tang C, Tang S, Man Q, Wu Y. Isoliquiritigenin Inhibits the Growth of Colorectal Cancer Cells through the ESR2/PI3K/AKT Signalling Pathway. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 17:43. [PMID: 38256877 PMCID: PMC10820227 DOI: 10.3390/ph17010043] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies. Isoliquiritigenin (ISL), a flavonoid phytoestrogen, has shown anti-tumour activities against various cancers. However, its anti-CRC mechanism has not been clarified. In this study, the potential molecular mechanism of ISL against CRC was investigated through network pharmacological prediction and experimental validation. The results of the network prediction indicate that ESR2, PIK3CG and GSK3β might be the key targets of ISL against CRC, which was verified by molecular docking, and that its anti-tumour mechanisms might be related to the oestrogen and PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. The experimental results show that ISL reduced the viability of SW480 and HCT116 cells, induced apoptosis, blocked the cell cycle in the G2 phase in vitro, and suppressed xenograft tumour growth in vivo. In addition, ISL significantly down-regulated the protein expression of PIK3CG, AKT, p-AKT, p-GSK3β, CDK1, NF-κB and Bcl-2; up-regulated ESR2 and Bax; decreased the ratio of p-AKT/AKT and p-GSK3β/GSK3β; and increased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. This study indicates that ISL can inhibit the growth of CRC cells and induce apoptosis, which may be related to the up-regulation of ESR2 and inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenglin Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China; (F.L.); (Y.T.); (L.Z.); (Y.Y.); (S.T.); (H.C.); (C.T.); (S.T.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Study on the Structure-Specific Small Molecule Drug in Sichuan Province College Key Laboratory, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Yimeng Tang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China; (F.L.); (Y.T.); (L.Z.); (Y.Y.); (S.T.); (H.C.); (C.T.); (S.T.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Study on the Structure-Specific Small Molecule Drug in Sichuan Province College Key Laboratory, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Lin Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China; (F.L.); (Y.T.); (L.Z.); (Y.Y.); (S.T.); (H.C.); (C.T.); (S.T.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Study on the Structure-Specific Small Molecule Drug in Sichuan Province College Key Laboratory, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China; (F.L.); (Y.T.); (L.Z.); (Y.Y.); (S.T.); (H.C.); (C.T.); (S.T.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Study on the Structure-Specific Small Molecule Drug in Sichuan Province College Key Laboratory, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Haoyue Gao
- Department of Geriatrics, Women and Children, School of Nursing, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610106, China;
| | - Shiya Tian
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China; (F.L.); (Y.T.); (L.Z.); (Y.Y.); (S.T.); (H.C.); (C.T.); (S.T.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Study on the Structure-Specific Small Molecule Drug in Sichuan Province College Key Laboratory, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Hongyu Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China; (F.L.); (Y.T.); (L.Z.); (Y.Y.); (S.T.); (H.C.); (C.T.); (S.T.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Study on the Structure-Specific Small Molecule Drug in Sichuan Province College Key Laboratory, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Chenxi Tang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China; (F.L.); (Y.T.); (L.Z.); (Y.Y.); (S.T.); (H.C.); (C.T.); (S.T.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Study on the Structure-Specific Small Molecule Drug in Sichuan Province College Key Laboratory, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Shanshan Tang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China; (F.L.); (Y.T.); (L.Z.); (Y.Y.); (S.T.); (H.C.); (C.T.); (S.T.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Study on the Structure-Specific Small Molecule Drug in Sichuan Province College Key Laboratory, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Qiong Man
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China; (F.L.); (Y.T.); (L.Z.); (Y.Y.); (S.T.); (H.C.); (C.T.); (S.T.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Study on the Structure-Specific Small Molecule Drug in Sichuan Province College Key Laboratory, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Yiying Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China; (F.L.); (Y.T.); (L.Z.); (Y.Y.); (S.T.); (H.C.); (C.T.); (S.T.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Study on the Structure-Specific Small Molecule Drug in Sichuan Province College Key Laboratory, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China
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Cheng Y, Sun D, Zou L, Li S, Tang L, Yu X, Tang B, Wu Y, Fang H. Elucidation of the mechanisms and molecular targets of KeChuanLiuWei-Mixture for treatment of severe asthma based on network pharmacology. Chem Biol Drug Des 2023; 102:1034-1049. [PMID: 37574823 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14302] [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: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
KeChuanLiuWei-Mixture (KCLW) is widely used as a Chinese medicine prescription to treat severe asthma. However, the underlying therapeutic mechanism of KCLW remains unclear. In this study, a network pharmacology method was used to identify the chemical constituents of KCLW by the TCMSP database and ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Differential expression identification, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and functional enrichment analysis were used to screen key targets of KCLW for severe asthma. Our results confirmed that quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and wogonin are the most critical active ingredients in KCLW. Moreover, the 16 relevant severe asthma-related targets of KCLW were obtained by overlapping the PPI networks of the KCLW putative targets and severe asthma-related genes, among which the most important targets were IL-6, NOS2, VEGFA, CXCL2, and PLAT. Functionally, the 16-targets and their interacting differentially expressed genes were primarily related to biological functions and pathways related to immunity and inflammation, such as inflammatory response, T cell differentiation, Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway, and NF-κB signaling pathway. KCLW inhibited inflammation in PDGF-BB-induced airway smooth muscle cells. In summary, this study demonstrates the active substance and potential therapeutic mechanism of KCLW in severe asthma, and offers a clinical direction for KCLW against severe asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqi Cheng
- Prevention and Health Care Department of TCM, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ding Sun
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Zou
- Teaching and Practising Center, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaobin Li
- Prevention and Health Care Department of TCM, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Tang
- Prevention and Health Care Department of TCM, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Binqing Tang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingen Wu
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Fang
- Prevention and Health Care Department of TCM, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Chu M, Ji H, Li K, Liu H, Peng M, Wang Z, Zhu X. Investigating the potential mechanism of quercetin against cervical cancer. Discov Oncol 2023; 14:170. [PMID: 37704909 PMCID: PMC10499770 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00788-y] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancer is emerging as a potential target of increased susceptibility to coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), leading to compromised survival rates. Despite this critical link, efficacious anti-cervical cancer/COVID-19 interventions remain limited. Quercetin, known for its efficacy against both cancer and viral infections, holds promise as a therapeutic agent. This study aims to elucidate quercetin's anti-cervical cancer/COVID-19 mechanisms and potential targets. METHODS We initiated our investigation with differential gene expression analysis using cervical cancer transcriptome data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and The Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx), focusing on intersections with COVID-19-related genes. Network pharmacology was employed to identify the shared targets between cervical cancer/COVID-19 DEGs and quercetin's targets. Subsequently, Cox proportional hazards analyses were employed to establish a risk score based on these genes. Molecular docking techniques were applied to predict quercetin's therapeutic targets and mechanisms for mitigating cervical cancer and COVID-19. RESULTS Our findings unveiled 45 potential quercetin targets with anti-cervical cancer/COVID-19 actions. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses highlighted significant enrichment in immune pathways and COVID-19-related pathways. A refined risk score model, comprising PLA2G7, TNF, TYK2, F2, and NRP1, effectively stratified cervical cancer patients into distinct risk groups. Importantly, molecular docking analyses illuminated quercetin's remarkable binding affinity to the primary protease of the coronavirus. CONCLUSIONS In summation, our study suggests that quercetin holds promise as a potential therapeutic agent for mitigating coronavirus function, specifically through its interaction with the primary protease. This research offers novel insights into exploring COVID-19 susceptibility and enhancing survival in cervical cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Chu
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Huihui Ji
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Kehan Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Hejing Liu
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Mengjia Peng
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
| | - Xueqiong Zhu
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
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Cui D, Xu D, Yue S, Yan C, Liu W, Fu R, Ma W, Tang Y. Recent advances in the pharmacological applications and liver toxicity of triptolide. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 382:110651. [PMID: 37516378 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Triptolide is a predominant active component of Triptergium wilfordii Hook. F, which has been used for the treatment of cancers and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and diabetic nephropathy. Therefore, triptolide and its derivates are considered to have promising prospects for development into drugs. However, the clinical application of triptolide is limited due to various organ toxicities, especially liver toxicity. The potential mechanism of triptolide-induced hepatotoxicity has attracted increasing attention. Over the past five years, studies have revealed that triptolide-induced liver toxicity is involved in metabolic imbalance, oxidative stress, inflammations, autophagy, apoptosis, and the regulation of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes, gut microbiota and immune cells. In this review, we summarize the pharmacological applications and hepatotoxicity mechanism of triptolide, which will provide solid theoretical evidence for further research of triptolide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongxiao Cui
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, China
| | - Dingqiao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, China
| | - Shijun Yue
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, China
| | - Chaoqun Yan
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Wenjuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, China
| | - Ruijia Fu
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, China
| | - Wenfu Ma
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Yuping Tang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, China.
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Liu H, Zhang J, Yan X, An D, Lei H. The Anti-atherosclerosis Mechanism of Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. Based On Network Pharmacology. Cell Biochem Biophys 2023; 81:515-532. [PMID: 37523140 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-023-01151-2] [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] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the mechanisms underlying the effects of Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. (ZCL) on atherosclerosis (AS) using network pharmacology and in vitro validation.We collected the active components of ZCL and predicted their targets in AS. We constructed the protein-protein interaction, compound-target, and target-compound-pathway networks, and performed GO and KEGG analyses. Molecular docking of the active components and key targets was constructed with Autodock and Pymol software. Validation was performed with qRT-PCR, ELISA, and Western blot.We obtained 80 components of ZCL. The network analysis identified that 14 components and 37 genes were involved in AS. Then, 10 key nodes in the PPI network were identified as the key targets of ZCL because of their importance in network topology. The binding energy of 8 components (Cynaroside, α-Spinasterol, Linarin, Kaempferide, Acacetin, Genkwanin, Chrysin, and Apiin) to 4 targets (MMP9, TP53, AKT1, SRC) was strong and <-1 kJ/mol. In addition, 13 of the 14 components were flavonoids and thus total flavonoids of Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. (ZCF) were used for in vitro validation. We found that ZCF reduced eNOS, P22phox, gp91phox, and PCSK9 at mRNA and protein levels, as well as the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 proteins in vitro (P < 0.05).We successfully predicted the active components, targets, and mechanisms of ZCL in treating AS using network pharmacology. We confirmed that ZCF may play a role in AS by modulating oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, and inflammatory response via Cynaroside, Linarin, Kaempferide, Acacetin, Genkwanin, Chrysin, and Apiin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbing Liu
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 102488, Beijing, China
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xinjiang Medical University, 830011, Urumqi, China
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Famous Prescription and Science of Formulas, 830011, Urumqi, China
| | - Jianxin Zhang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xinjiang Medical University, 830011, Urumqi, China
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Famous Prescription and Science of Formulas, 830011, Urumqi, China
| | - Xuehua Yan
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 102488, Beijing, China
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xinjiang Medical University, 830011, Urumqi, China
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Famous Prescription and Science of Formulas, 830011, Urumqi, China
| | - Dongqing An
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xinjiang Medical University, 830011, Urumqi, China.
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Famous Prescription and Science of Formulas, 830011, Urumqi, China.
| | - Haimin Lei
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 102488, Beijing, China.
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10
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Tong Y, Li X, Deng Q, Shi J, Feng Y, Bai L. Advances of the small molecule drugs regulating fibroblast-like synovial proliferation for rheumatoid arthritis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1230293. [PMID: 37547337 PMCID: PMC10400780 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1230293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of chronic autoimmune and inflammatory disease. In the pathological process of RA, the alteration of fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) and its related factors is the main influence in the clinic and fundamental research. In RA, FLS exhibits a uniquely aggressive phenotype, leading to synovial hyperplasia, destruction of the cartilage and bone, and a pro-inflammatory environment in the synovial tissue for perpetuation and progression. Evidently, it is a highly promising way to target the pathological function of FLS for new anti-RA drugs. Based on this, we summed up the pathological mechanism of RA-FLS and reviewed the recent progress of small molecule drugs, including the synthetic small molecule compounds and natural products targeting RA-FLS. In the end, there were some views for further action. Compared with MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways, the JAK/STAT signaling pathway has great potential for research as targets. A small number of synthetic small molecule compounds have entered the clinic to treat RA and are often used in combination with other drugs. Meanwhile, most natural products are currently in the experimental stage, not the clinical trial stage, such as triptolide. There is an urgent need to unremittingly develop new agents for RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yitong Tong
- Chengdu Second People’s Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qichuan Deng
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jianyou Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yibin Feng
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lan Bai
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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11
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Zhu N, Zhu L, Zhang X, Huang C, Xiang W, Huang B. Triptolide attenuates irritable bowel syndrome via inhibiting ODC1. BMC Gastroenterol 2023; 23:202. [PMID: 37308808 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-023-02847-8] [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: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disorder of the gut-brain axis with significant morbidity. Triptolide, an active compound extracted from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TwHF), has been widely used as a major medicinal herb in the treatment of inflammatory disease. METHODS The chronic-acute combined stress (CAS) stimulation was used to establish IBS rat model. The model rats were then gavaged with triptolide. Forced swimming, marble-burying, fecal weight and abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) score were recorded. Pathologic changes in the ileal and colonic tissues were validated by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The inflammatory cytokines and Ornithine Decarboxylase-1 (ODC1) in the ileal and colonic tissues were performed by ELISA and WB. RESULTS Triptolide didn't have antidepressant- and antianxiety- effects in rats caused by CAS, but decreased fecal weight and AWR score. In addition, Triptolide reduced the release of IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α and the expression of ODC1 in the ileum and colon. CONCLUSION The therapeutic efficacy of triptolide for IBS induced by CAS was revealed in this study, which may be related to the reduction of ODC1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai University (Wenzhou People's Hospital), The Wenzhou Third Clinical Institute Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, No. 299 Guan Road, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Liuyan Zhu
- Department of General Practice, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai University (Wenzhou People's Hospital), The Wenzhou Third Clinical Institute Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, No. 299 Guan Road, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueliang Zhang
- Department of General Practice, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai University (Wenzhou People's Hospital), The Wenzhou Third Clinical Institute Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, No. 299 Guan Road, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengbin Huang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjun Xiang
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai University (Wenzhou People's Hospital), The Wenzhou Third Clinical Institute Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, No. 299 Guan Road, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingwu Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.
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12
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Wang L, Li P, Zhou Y, Gu R, Lu G, Zhang C. Magnoflorine Ameliorates Collagen-Induced Arthritis by Suppressing the Inflammation Response via the NF-κB/MAPK Signaling Pathways. J Inflamm Res 2023; 16:2271-2296. [PMID: 37265745 PMCID: PMC10231344 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s406298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Magnoflorine (Mag) has been reported to have anxiolytics, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we aim to investigate the effects of Mag on the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and explore the underlying mechanism using a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model and a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophage inflammation model. Methods The in vivo effects of Mag on CIA were studied by inducing CIA in a mouse model using DBA/1J mice followed by treatment with vehicle, methotrexate (MTX, 1 mg/kg/d), and Mag (5 mg/kg/d, 10 mg/kg/d, and 20 mg/kg/d), and the in vitro effects of Mag on macrophages were examined by stimulation of RAW264.7 cells line and peritoneal macrophages (PMs) by LPS in the presence of different concentrations of Mag. Network pharmacology and molecular docking was then performed to predict the the binding ability between Mag and its targets. Inflammatory mediators were assayed by quantitative real-time PCR and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Signaling pathway changes were subsequently determined by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results In vivo experiments demonstrated that Mag decreased arthritis severity scores, joints destruction, and macrophages infiltration into the synovial tissues of the CIA mice. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that Mag interacted with TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and MCP-1. Consistent with this, analysis of the serum, synovial tissue of the CIA mice, and the supernatant of the cultured RAW264.7 cells and PMs showed that Mag suppressed the expression of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, MCP-1, iNOS, and IFN-β. Furthermore, Mag attenuated the phosphorylation of p65, IκBα, ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPKs in the synovial tissues of the CIA mice and LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Conclusion Mag may exert anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Pengfei Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Zhou
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Renjun Gu
- School of Chinese Medicine & School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ge Lu
- College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunbing Zhang
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People’s Republic of China
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Dai Y, Liu P, Wen W, Li P, Yang C, Wang P, Xu S. Sarsasapogenin, a principal active component absorbed into blood of total saponins of Anemarrhena, attenuates proliferation and invasion in rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes through downregulating PKM2 inhibited pathological glycolysis. Phytother Res 2023; 37:1951-1967. [PMID: 36631974 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Increased glycolytic in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) not only contributes to early-stage disease pathogenesis but leads to sustained proliferation of FLS. Given the importance of PKM2 in glycolysis and apoptosis, PKM2 is considered a potential therapeutic and drug discovery target in RA. Total saponins of anemarrhena (TSA), a class of steroid saponins, originated from Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge. In this study, we verified that 200 mg/kg TSA could significantly alleviate inflammation and the pathological characteristics of RA and inhibit synovial hyperplasia in AA rats. We confirmed that sarsasapogenin (SA) was the principal active ingredient absorbed into the blood of TSA by the UPLC/Q Exactive MS test. Then we used TNF-α-induced MH7A to get the conclusion that 20 μM SA could effectively inhibit the glycolysis by inhibiting the activity of PKM2 tetramer and glucose uptake. Moreover, 20 μM SA could suppress proliferation, migration, invasion, and cytokine release of FLS, interfere with the growth cycle of FLS, and induce FLS apoptosis by depressing the phosphorylation of PKM2. At last, In-1, a potent inhibitor of the PKM2 was used to reverse verify the above results. Taken together, the key mechanisms of SA on RA treatment through downregulating the activity of PKM2 tetramer and phosphorylation of PKM2 inhibited pathological glycolysis and induced apoptosis to exert inhibition on the proliferation and invasion of RA FLS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Dai
- School of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Meterial Medica Integration and Transformation for Brain Disorders, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Panwang Liu
- Institute of Meterial Medica Integration and Transformation for Brain Disorders, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wen Wen
- Institute of Meterial Medica Integration and Transformation for Brain Disorders, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ping Li
- Institute of Meterial Medica Integration and Transformation for Brain Disorders, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chen Yang
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Institute of Meterial Medica Integration and Transformation for Brain Disorders, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Shijun Xu
- Institute of Meterial Medica Integration and Transformation for Brain Disorders, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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14
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Huang Y, Ba X, Wang H, Shen P, Han L, Lin W, Yan J, Chen Z, Tu S. Triptolide alleviates collagen-induced arthritis in mice by modulating Treg/Th17 imbalance through the JAK/PTEN-STAT3 pathway. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2023. [PMID: 37186366 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13880] [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: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate the effects of triptolide (TP) on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice and the related mechanisms. METHODS CIA mice were administered TP for 35 days. Mouse ankle joints and serum antibodies and cytokines were examined to assess the therapeutic effects of TP. The ratios of Treg, Th1, and Th17 cells were measured by flow cytometry and RT-qPCR. Reverse docking was used to characterize the binding modes of TP against target proteins. The expression of the STAT3 pathway in CIA mice was evaluated by western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. Mouse spleen lymphocytes were extracted and the expression of the STAT3 pathway after IL-6 stimulation was analyzed. RESULTS TP could significantly alleviate joint swelling, reduce bone destruction, and downregulate serum inflammation levels. TP improved the imbalance of Treg/Th17 cells in CIA mice. TP could form stable complexes with target proteins. TP significantly inhibited the activation of the JAK/PTEN-STAT3 pathway in mice. Moreover, TP regulated the activation of the JAK1/2-STAT3 signaling pathway in mouse spleen lymphocytes under inflammatory stimulation. CONCLUSION TP can inhibit inflammation and alleviate bone destruction in CIA mice. The underlying mechanism is related to the regulation of the imbalance of Treg/Th17 cells through the JAK/PTEN-STAT3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Huang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Ba
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Research Institute of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Pan Shen
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liang Han
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Weiji Lin
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiahui Yan
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhe Chen
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shenghao Tu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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15
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Fu K, Li Y, Dai S, Li Y. Exploration of the Molecular Basis of Forsythia Fruit in the Prevention and Treatment of Cholestatic Liver Injury through Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking. Nutrients 2023; 15:2065. [PMID: 37432229 DOI: 10.3390/nu15092065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Forsythia fruit, edible fruit of Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl, which has been found to be effective in treating cholestasis. However, its key component for alleviating cholestasis has not been determined. In this study, four representative active ingredients in forsythia fruit were selected. Through network pharmacology and molecular docking technology, we tried to find the key component for its treatment of cholestasis. Furthermore, the model of cholestasis in mice was established to verify the protective effect of the key component on cholestasis. Network pharmacology and molecular docking showed that forsythoside A (FTA) is the key component of forsythia fruit in the treatment of cholestasis. In vivo experiments revealed that FTA treatment could alleviate liver injury, dysfunction, and collagen deposition induced by cholestasis in mice. At the same time, FTA treatment inhibited inflammatory factor release and fibrosis-related factor expression. In addition, FTA treatment also reduced MMP-2, TLR4, MYD88, NF-κB p65, and p-NF-κB p65 protein expression. In conclusion, FTA, a key component of forsythia fruit, alleviated liver damage and fibrosis caused by cholestasis via inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, extracellular matrix accumulation, and inflammatory cytokine expression. The research results could provide a scientific reference for the development of forsythia fruit as a drug or functional food to prevent and treat cholestasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | - 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
| | - 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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Li N, Guo XL, Xu M, Chen JL, Wang YF, Xiao YG, Gao AS, Zhang LC, Liu XZ, Wang TH. Network pharmacology mechanism of Scutellarin to inhibit RGC pyroptosis in diabetic retinopathy. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6504. [PMID: 37081038 PMCID: PMC10119430 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33665-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
To investigate the effect of scutellarin (SCU) in diabetic retinopathy (DR) and explore the associated molecular network mechanism. The animal model of DR was established from diabetic mellitus (DM) rats by intraperitoneally injected streptozotocin (STZ) at dosage 55 mg/kg. Meanwhile, SCU was intraperitoneally administrated to protect retina from cell pyroptosis induced by DM, and cell pyroptosis was detected by using HE, Nissl staining, and immunofluorescence recognition. Moreover, the hub gene involving in pyroptosis in DR was screened by bioinformatics and network pharmacology, designated as Venny intersection screen, GO and KEGG analysis, PPI protein interaction, and molecular docking. Lastly, the expressional change of hub genes were validated with experimental detection. Cell pyroptosis of the DR, specifically in retina ganglion cells (RGC), was induced in DM rats; SCU administration results in significant inhibition in the cell pyroptosis in DR. Mechanically, 4084 genes related to DR were screened from GeneCards and OMIM databases, and 120 SCU therapeutic targets were obtained, by using GeneCards, TCMSP with Swiss Target Prediction databases. Moreover, 357 targets related to pyroptosis were found using GenenCards database, and Drug, disease and phenotypic targets were analyzed online using the Draw Venn Diagram website, and 12 cross targets were obtained. Through GO function and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, 659 BP related items, 7 CC related items, 30 MF related items, and 70 signal pathways were screened out; Of these, eleven proteins screened from cross-target PPI network were subsequently docked with the SCU, and their expressions including caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18, GSDMD and NLRP3 in RGC indicated by immunofluorescence, and the mRNA expression for caspase-1 in DR indicated by quantitative PCR, were successfully validated. SCU can effectively protect RGC pyroptosis in DR, and underlying mechanisms are involved in the inhibition of caspase-1, GSDMD, NLRP3, IL-1β and IL-18. Our findings therefore provide crucial evidence to support the clinic practice of SCU for the treatment of DR, and explained the underlying molecular network mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121001, China
- Animal Center, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Xi-Liang Guo
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121001, China
| | - Min Xu
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121001, China
| | - Ji-Lin Chen
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121001, China
- Animal Center, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Yu-Fei Wang
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121001, China
| | - Yu-Gao Xiao
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121001, China
| | - An-Shun Gao
- The First People's Hospital of Luquan Yi and Miao Autonomous County, Luquan, 651500, China
| | - Lan-Chun Zhang
- Animal Center, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China.
| | - Xue-Zheng Liu
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121001, China.
| | - Ting-Hua Wang
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121001, China.
- Animal Center, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China.
- Institute of Neuroscience, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China.
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17
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Exploring the mechanism of active components from ginseng to manage diabetes mellitus based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. Sci Rep 2023; 13:793. [PMID: 36646777 PMCID: PMC9842641 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-27540-4] [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: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
A large body of literature has shown that ginseng had a role in diabetes mellitus management. Ginsenosides are the main active components of ginseng. But what ginsenosides can manage in diabetic are not systematic. The targets of these ginsenosides are still incomplete. Our aim was to identify which ginsenosides can manage diabetes mellitus through network pharmacology and molecular docking. To identify the targets of these ginsenosides. In this work, we retrieved and screened ginsenosides and corresponding diabetes mellitus targets across multiple databases. PPI networks of the genes were constructed using STRING, and the core targets were screened out through topological analysis. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were performed by using the R language. Finally, molecular docking was performed after bioinformatics analysis for verification. Our research results showed that 28 ginsenosides in ginseng might be against diabetes mellitus by modulating related proteins such as VEGFA, Caspase 3, and TNF-α. Among the 28 ginsenosides, 20(R)-Protopanaxatriol, 20(R)-Protopanaxadiol, and Ginsenoside Rg1 might play a significant role. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Ontology enrichment analysis showed that the management of diabetes mellitus by ginsenosides may be related to the positive regulation of reactive oxygen metabolic processes, associated with the insulin signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, and AMPK signaling pathway. Molecular docking results and molecular dynamics simulation showed that most ginsenosides could stably bind to the core target, mainly hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic bond. This study suggests the management of ginseng on diabetes mellitus. We believe that our results can contribute to the systematic study of the mechanism of ginsenosides for the management of diabetes mellitus. At the same time, it can provide a theoretical basis for subsequent studies on the management of ginsenosides in diabetes mellitus.
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Shen MY, Wang X, Di YX, Zhang MF, Tian FX, Qian FY, Jiang BP, Zhou LL. Triptolide inhibits Th17 differentiation via controlling PKM2-mediated glycolysis in rheumatoid arthritis. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2022; 44:838-849. [PMID: 35657277 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2022.2086139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease with the aberrant differentiation of T helper 17 (Th17) cells. Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), a key enzyme of glycolysis, was associated with Th17 cell differentiation. AIM To investigate the potential therapeutic effects of triptolide (TP) in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and Th17 cell differentiation, and elucidated the underlying mechanisms. METHODS PKM2 expression and IL-17A production in peripheral blood of RA patients were detected by RT-qPCR or ELISA. Flow cytometry and ELISA were employed to assess the effect of Th17 cell differentiation by TP. PKM2 expression and other glycolysis-related factors were detected using RT-qPCR and Western Blot. PKM2 specific inhibitor Compound 3 K was used to verify the mechanisms. Male DBA/1J mice were divided into control, model, and TP (60 μg/kg) groups to assess the anti-arthritis effect, Th17 cell differentiation and PKM2 expression. RESULTS PKM2 expression positively correlated with IL-17A production in RA patients. PKM2 expression was increased upon Th17 cell differentiation. Down-regulating PKM2 expression could strongly reduce Th17 cell differentiation. Molecular docking analysis predicted that TP targeted PKM2. TP treatment significantly reduced Th17 cell differentiation, PKM2 expression, pyruvate, and lactate production. In addition, compared with down-regulating PKM2 alone (Compound 3 K treatment), co-treatment with TP and Compound 3 K further significantly decreased PKM2-mediated glycolysis and Th17 cell differentiation. In CIA mice, TP repressed the PKM2-mediated glycolysis and attenuated joint inflammation. CONCLUSION TP inhibited Th17 cell differentiation through the inhibition of PKM2-mediated glycolysis. We highlight a novel strategy for the use of TP in RA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Yu Shen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yu-Xi Di
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ming-Fei Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Feng-Xiang Tian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Fei-Ya Qian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Bao-Ping Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ling-Ling Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
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Nuclear corepressor SMRT acts as a strong regulator of both β-oxidation and suppressor of fibrosis in the differentiation process of mouse skeletal muscle cells. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277830. [PMID: 36454860 PMCID: PMC9714868 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Silencing Mediator of Retinoid and Thyroid hormone receptors (SMRT; NCoR2) is a transcriptional corepressor (CoR) which has been recognized as an important player in the regulation of hepatic lipogenesis and in somatic development in mouse embryo. SMRT protein is also widely expressed in mouse connective tissues, for example adipocytes and muscle. We recently reported that mice with global deletion of SMRT develop significant obesity and muscle wasting which are independent from thyroid hormone (TH) signaling and thermogenesis. However, the tissue specific role of SMRT in skeletal muscle is still not clear. METHODS To clarify role of SMRT in muscle differentiation, we made myogenic C2C12 clones which lack SMRT protein (C2C12-SKO) by using CRISPR-Cas9. Wild-type C2C12 (C2C12-WT) and C2C12-SKO cells were cultured in differentiation medium, and the resulting gene and protein profiles were compared between the two cell lines both before and after differentiation. We also analyzed muscle tissues which were dissected from whole body SMRT knockout (KO) mice and their controls. RESULTS We found significant up-regulation of muscle specific β-oxidation markers; Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ (PPARδ) and PPARγ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) in the C2C12-SKO cells, suggesting that the cells had a similar gene profile to what is found in exercised rodent skeletal muscle. On the other hand, confocal microscopic analysis showed the significant loss of myotubes in C2C12-SKO cells similar to the morphology found in immature myoblasts. Proteomics analysis also confirmed that the C2C12-SKO cells had higher expression of markers of fibrosis (ex. Collagen1A1; COL1A1 and Fibroblast growth factor-2; FGF-2), indicating the up-regulation of Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) receptor signaling. Consistent with this, treatment with a specific TGF-β receptor inhibitor ameliorated both the defects in myotube differentiation and fibrosis. CONCLUSION Taken together, we demonstrate that SMRT functions as a pivotal transcriptional mediator for both β-oxidation and the prevention for the fibrosis via TGF-β receptor signaling in the differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts. In contrast to the results from C2C12 cells, SMRT does not appear to play a role in adult skeletal muscle of whole body SMRT KO mice. Thus, SMRT plays a significant role in the differentiation of myoblasts.
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Jiao G, Fan X, Wang Y, Weng N, Ouyang L, Wang H, Pan S, Huang D, Han J, Zhang F, Chen W. Dissection of the Active Ingredients and Potential Mechanism of Han-Shi-Yu-Fei-Decoction in Treating COVID-19 Based on In Vivo Substances Profiling and Clinical Symptom-Guided Network Pharmacology. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:36598-36610. [PMID: 36268464 PMCID: PMC9578366 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c04589] [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: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This work was aimed to elucidate the mechanism of action of Han-Shi-Yu-Fei-decoction (HSYFD) for treating patients with mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) based on clinical symptom-guided network pharmacology. Experimentally, an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography technique coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry method was used to profile the chemical components and the absorbed prototype constituents in rat serum after its oral administration, and 11 out of 108 compounds were identified. Calculatingly, the disease targets of Han-Shi-Yu-Fei symptoms of COVID-19 were constructed through the TCMIP V2.0 database. The subsequent network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis explored the molecular mechanism of the absorbed prototype constituents in the treatment of COVID-19. A total of 42 HSYFD targets oriented by COVID-19 clinical symptom were obtained, with EGFR, TP53, TNF, JAK2, NR3C1, TH, COMT, and DRD2 as the core targets. Enriched pathway analysis yielded multiple COVID-19-related signaling pathways, such as the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and JAK-STAT pathway. Molecular docking showed that the key compounds, such as 6-gingerol, 10-gingerol, and scopoletin, had high binding activity to the core targets like COMT, JAK2, and NR3C1. Our work also verified the feasibility of clinical symptom-guided network pharmacology analysis of chemical compounds, and provided a possible agreement between the points of views of traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine on the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyang Jiao
- Institute
of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University
of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiangcheng Fan
- Department
of Pharmacy, Changzheng Hospital, (Second Military Medical University), Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
- Shanghai
Key Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Metabolite Research, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yejian Wang
- Department
of Pharmacology, Anhui University of Chinese
Medicine, Hefei 230012, Anhui, China
| | - Nan Weng
- Department
of Pharmacy, Changzheng Hospital, (Second Military Medical University), Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
- School
of Traditional Chinese Material, Shenyang
Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 11001, China
| | - Luolan Ouyang
- School of
Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Chinese
Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Haoqian Wang
- School of
Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Chinese
Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Sihan Pan
- School of
Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Chinese
Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Doudou Huang
- Institute
of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University
of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jun Han
- Department
of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, (Second Military Medical
University), Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department
of Pharmacy, Changzheng Hospital, (Second Military Medical University), Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
- Shanghai
Key Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Metabolite Research, Shanghai 200433, China
- Department
of Pharmacology, Anhui University of Chinese
Medicine, Hefei 230012, Anhui, China
| | - Wansheng Chen
- Institute
of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University
of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Department
of Pharmacy, Changzheng Hospital, (Second Military Medical University), Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
- Shanghai
Key Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Metabolite Research, Shanghai 200433, China
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Wang H, Li Y, Bian Y, Li X, Wang Y, Wu K, Liu C, Liu Y, Wang X. Potential hepatoprotective effects of Cistanche deserticola Y.C. Ma: Integrated phytochemical analysis using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, target network analysis, and experimental assessment. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1018572. [PMID: 36313288 PMCID: PMC9597371 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1018572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cistanche deserticola Y.C. Ma (CD) possesses hepatoprotective activity, while the active ingredients and involved mechanisms have not been fully explored. The objective of this study was to investigate the chemical composition and hepatoprotective mechanisms of CD. We primarily used ultra-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) to identify the phenylethanoid glycoside (PhG) components of CD. Then, network analysis was used to correlate and predict the pharmacology of the identified active components of PhGs with hepatoprotection. Next, the mechanisms of the core components and targets of action were explored by cellular assays and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) target competition assays. Finally, its hepatoprotective effects were further validated in in vivo experiments. The results showed that a total of 34 PhGs were identified based on the UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS method. Echinacoside (ECH) was identified as the key ingredient, and TLR4 and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) were speculated as the core targets of the hepatoprotective effect of CD via network analysis. The cellular assays confirmed that PhGs had significant anti-inflammatory activity. In addition, the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot indicated that ECH notably reduced the levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), as well as the mRNA expression of TLR4, TNF-α, and IL-6, and decreased the high expression of the TLR4 protein, which in turn downregulated the myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), p-P65 and TNF-α proteins in the inflammatory model. The target competition experiments suggested that ECH and LPS could competitively bind to the TLR4 receptor, thereby reducing the expression of TLR4 downstream proteins. The results of in vivo studies showed that ECH significantly ameliorated LPS-induced hepatic inflammatory infiltration and liver tissue damage and reduced serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in mice. Moreover, ECH remarkably inhibited the release of inflammatory factors such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and MCP-1 in the serum of mice, exerting the hepatoprotective effect by the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. More importantly, ECH could act as a potential inhibitor of TLR4 and deserves further in-depth study. Our results could provide a basis for exploring the hepatoprotective properties of CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haichao Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yaying Li
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Basic Research, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yifei Bian
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xue Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yubei Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Ke Wu
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Chuanguo Liu
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Basic Research, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yuhong Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoming Wang
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Basic Research, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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22
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Mechanisms of Xiaochaihu Decoction on Treating Hepatic Fibrosis Explored by Network Pharmacology. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:8925637. [PMID: 36246566 PMCID: PMC9553551 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8925637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose. To explore the material basis and pharmacological mechanism of Xiaochaihu Decoction (XCHD), the classic Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula in inhibiting hepatic fibrosis (HF). Methods. The main components in XCHD were screened from the TCMSP database, ETCM database, and literature, and their potential targets were detected and predicted using the Swiss Target Prediction platform. The HF-related targets were retrieved and screened through GeneCard database and OMIM database, combined with GEO gene chips. The XCHD targets and HF targets were mapped to search common targets. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was acquired via the STRING11.0 database and analyzed visually using Cytoscape 3.8.0 software. The potential mechanisms of the common targets identified through GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were analyzed by using Metascape database. The results were visualized through OmicShare Tools. The “XCHD compound-HF target” network was visually constructed by Cytoscape 3.8.0 software. AutoDockVina1.1.2 and PyMoL software were used to verify the molecular docking of XCHD main active compounds and HF key targets. Results. A total of 164 potential active compounds from XCHD were screened to act on 95 HF-related targets. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that quercetin, β-sitosterol, and kaempferol may be candidate agents, which acted on multiple targets like PTGS2, HSP90AA1, and PTGS1 and regulate multiple key biological pathways like IL-17 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway to relieve HF. Moreover, molecular docking suggested that quercetin and PTGS2 could statically bind and interact with each other through amino acid residues val-349, LEU-352, PHE-381, etc. Conclusion. This work provides a systems perspective to study the relationship between Chinese medicines and diseases. The therapeutic efficacy of XCHD on HF was the sum of multitarget and multi-approach effects from the bioactive ingredients. This study could be one of the cornerstones for further research.
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Pei H, Zeng J, Chen W, He Z, Du R. Network pharmacology and molecular docking integrated strategy to investigate the pharmacological mechanism of palmatine in Alzheimer's disease. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2022; 36:e23200. [PMID: 35997646 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23200] [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: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The key molecular mechanism of palmatine in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) was investigated in this article. METHODS Network pharmacology techniques constructed drug-target-disease relationship networks and predictive pathways of action. At the cellular level, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce Raw 264.7 cells to establish an inflammation model, and interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α indicators were examined. Apoptosis was detected using Hoechst 33258. At the animal level, LPS was used to induce AD animal model, and behavioral performance were examined by water maze, and serum biochemical indexes were measured by ELISA. And the expression of PI3K and P-AKT was observed by immunohistochemistry. Finally, molecular level validation was performed using the molecular docking technique. RESULTS The result of Network pharmacological was predicted that palmatine may treat AD mainly through the PI3K pathway. Palmatine has no significant effect on Raw264.7 cells viability within 0.05 mg/ml, Palmatine can significantly induce Raw264.7 cells to secret IL-6 and IL1-β in a concentration-dependent manner, but it has not obvious impact on NO and TNF-α. Palmatine has a significant restorative effect on the cell viability of Raw264.7 in a concentration of 0.1 mg/ml. Palmatine can be concentration-dependent to downregulate the secretion of LPS-induced IL-6. At the same time, Palmatine also has a significant effect on the level of TNF-α induced by LPS, it also can slightly downregulate the secretion of IL-1β. The results of Hoechst33258 showed that cells in the 0.025 mg/ml and 0.5 mg/ml delivery groups increased with different degrees of bright blue fluorescence, and apoptosis rate decreased. Animal experiments showed that palmatine effectively improved the learning and memory ability of AD mice. The immunohistochemical results exhibited that the expression of PI3K and P-AKT in the model group decreased, but they were obvious reversed by palmatine The molecular docking results showed that palmatine and key targets had good docking, among which the binding to ERBB2, CDC42, MDM2, and mTOR was the most likely. CONCLUSION Palmatine has neuroprotective effects. Palmatine could effectively ameliorate memory impairment in AD mice by promoting the PI3K-AKT pathway. Molecular docking results showed that palmatine has a better binding ability with mTOR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Pei
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jianning Zeng
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Weijia Chen
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- Engineering Research Center for High-Efficiency Breeding and Product Development Technology of Sika Deer, Jilin, China
| | - Zhongmei He
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Rui Du
- Engineering Research Center for High-Efficiency Breeding and Product Development Technology of Sika Deer, Jilin, China
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Ying Y, Tang Z, Niu F, Xu T, Xia C, Zhang S. Network pharmacology-based pharmacological mechanism prediction on Eucommia ulmoides against rheumatoid arthritis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e29658. [PMID: 35866805 PMCID: PMC9302290 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000029658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic autoimmune disease characterized by synovial inflammation and progressive joint destruction. Eucommia ulmoides (EU) is a kidney-tonifying Chinese medicine that has been applied to treat RA for decides. The present study aims to explore pharmacological mechanisms of EU against RA using network pharmacology approach. Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database was used to screen active ingredients of EU, and their relative targets were fished from UniProt database. RA-related targets were screened from GeneCards database and DisGeNET database. The overlapping genes between EU and RA were identified by Venn diagram, and further analyzed for protein-protein interaction (PPI), Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Fifty active ingredients were identified in EU, and corresponded to 207 targets. Meanwhile, 499 targets were closely associated with RA development. A total of 50 overlapping genes between EU and RA were identified, which were regarded as therapeutically relevant. GO enrichment analysis indicated that EU exerted antiRA effects depending on regulating multiple biological processes including inflammatory response, oxidative stress, cell apoptosis and matrix catabolism. Several key pathways such as TNF pathway, IL-17 pathway, T cell receptor pathway, NOD-like receptor pathway and Toll-like receptor pathway, were involved in the above biological processes. Network pharmacology revealed that EU exerts therapeutic effects on RA through multi-ingredients, multi-targets and multi-pathways, which provides basis for its clinical application and promising directions for subsequent research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonggan Ying
- Department of Pain, Li Huili Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Zhaopeng Tang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Gansu Provincial Hospital of TCM, Lanzhou, China
| | - Feng Niu
- Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology, Ningbo Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningbo, China
| | - Taotao Xu
- Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenjie Xia
- Department of Orthopaedics, Li Huili Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Shuijun Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Shuijun Zhang, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, No. 158, Shangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310014, China (e-mail: )
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Li N, Sun J, Chen JL, Bai X, Wang TH. Gene Network Mechanism of Zhilong Huoxue Tongyu Capsule in Treating Cerebral Ischemia–Reperfusion. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:912392. [PMID: 35873563 PMCID: PMC9302771 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.912392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the effect of Zhilong Huoxue Tongyu capsule (ZLH) in the treatment of cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury and determine the underlying molecular network mechanism. Methods: The treatment effect of Zhilong Huoxue Tongyu capsule (ZLH) was evaluated for cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MACO) rat, and the underlying molecular network mechanism was explored by using molecular network analysis based on network pharmacology, bioinformatics including protein–protein interaction (PPI) network, Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), as well as molecular docking. Results: The neurological function of rats in the ZLH group was significantly improved compared to those in the NS group (p = 0.000), confirming the positive effect of ZLH for the treatment of brain ischemia. There were 126 intersecting genes screened in ischemia–reperfusion cerebrum that are associated with several important biological processes, such as lipopolysaccharide, and the most important cell component, such as raft, as well as the most important molecular function pointed as cytokine receptor binding. The most important KEGG signaling pathway was the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications. Moreover, according to the STRING interaction in the PPI network, 10 hub genes including MAPK14, FOS, MAPK1, JUN, MYC, RELA, ESR1, STAT1, AKT1, and IL6 were selected and exhibited in Cytoscape and molecular docking. Lastly, the relation between PPI, GO, and KEGG was analyzed. These findings indicated that multiple hub network genes have been involved in behavior improvement in cerebral ischemia–reperfusion rats subjected to ZLH treatment. Conclusion: Zhilong Huoxue Tongyu capsule improves cerebral ischemia–reperfusion and is associated with multiple network gene expressions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Diabetic Cognitive and Perceptive Dysfunction, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Jie Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ji-Lin Chen
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Diabetic Cognitive and Perceptive Dysfunction, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Xue Bai
- Department of Encephalopathy, Affiliated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Ting-Hua Wang, ; Xue Bai,
| | - Ting-Hua Wang
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Diabetic Cognitive and Perceptive Dysfunction, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Ting-Hua Wang, ; Xue Bai,
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Characterizing the Antitumor Effect of Coptis chinensis and Mume Fructus against Colorectal Cancer Based on Pharmacological Analysis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:9061752. [PMID: 35783510 PMCID: PMC9246580 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9061752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed cancer worldwide and is a significant cause of cancer-related deaths. Previous studies have observed that Coptis chinensis (CC) and Mume Fructus (MF) are effective against CRC, enteritis, and intestinal dysbiosis, but the chemical and pharmacological mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we employed pharmacological network analysis to reveal mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of CC and MF against CRC. All compounds and targeted genes were obtained from the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform (TCMSP). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified based on GSE146587, GSE156720, and GSE184093 datasets. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to identify putative target genes of CC and MF. Ten key targeted genes were identified, including CCND1, ICAM1, IL1B, IL-6, MMP1, MMP3, MMP9, MYC, SERPINE1, and VEGFA. Among these genes, six (ICAM1, IL1B, IL-6, MMP1, MMP3, MMP9, and SERPINE1) were positively correlated with levels of effector memory CD4 T cells and natural killer T cells, and three (CCND1, MYC, and VEGFA) were negatively correlated with type 17 T helper cells and CD56dim natural killer cells. Molecular docking analysis showed that four compounds of CC and MF (kaempferol, oleanolic acid, quercetin, and ursolic acid) could affect CRC by interacting with target genes. Our study proved that pharmacological analysis could reliably assess the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicines for treating cancer.
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He S, He S, Chen Y, Jin X, Mei W, Lu Q. Beta-Sitosterol Modulates the Migration of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells via the PPARG/AMPK/mTOR Pathway. Pharmacology 2022; 107:495-509. [PMID: 35679828 DOI: 10.1159/000525218] [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: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The increased migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is an essential pathological factor in the early development of atherosclerosis. Beta-sitosterol (BS), a natural phytosterol abundant in plant seeds, exhibits various bioactivities, including cardioprotective effects. However, its effects on VSMC migration and underlying mechanisms remain to be explored. METHOD AND RESULT BS inhibited the proliferation and migration of angiotensin II-induced A7r5 cells and reduced intracellular oxidative stress. Targets related to VSMC migration and the targets of BS were screened, cross-referenced, and analyzed by network pharmacology combined with molecular docking technology. The identified targets were verified at the protein and gene levels using Western blotting and quantitative PCR, respectively. BS was observed to activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARG) and adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and negatively regulate mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) expression. Furthermore, a PPARG inhibitor reversed the BS-induced activation of AMPK and mTOR. CONCLUSION This study indicated that regulation of the PPARG/AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway could potentially contribute to the inhibitory effects of BS on angiotensin II-induced VSMC migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumiao He
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China,
| | - Siqing He
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuankun Chen
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaobao Jin
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjie Mei
- Guangdong Province Engineering and Technology Center for Molecular Probe and Bio-medicine Imaging, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qun Lu
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Province Engineering and Technology Center for Molecular Probe and Bio-medicine Imaging, Guangzhou, China
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Zhang ZY, Mao ZJ, Ruan YP, Zhang X. Computational identification of Shenshao Ningxin Yin as an effective treatment for novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) with myocarditis. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2022; 19:5772-5792. [PMID: 35603378 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2022270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The newly identified betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is the causative pathogen of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which has killed more than 4.5 million people. SARS-CoV-2 causes severe respiratory distress syndrome by targeting the lungs and also induces myocardial damage. Shenshao Ningxin Yin (SNY) has been used for more than 700 years to treat influenza. Previous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated that SNY can improve the clinical symptoms of viral myocarditis, reverse arrhythmia, and reduce the level of myocardial damage markers. METHODS This work uses a rational computational strategy to identify existing drug molecules that target host pathways for the treatment of COVID-19 with myocarditis. Disease and drug targets were input into the STRING database to construct proteinɃprotein interaction networks. The Metascape database was used for GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. RESULTS SNY signaling modulated the pathways of coronavirus disease, including COVID-19, Ras signaling, viral myocarditis, and TNF signaling pathways. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), cellular tumor antigen p53 (TP53), mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1), and the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) were the pivotal targets of SNY. The components of SNY bound well with the pivotal targets, indicating there were potential biological activities. CONCLUSION Our findings reveal the pharmacological role and molecular mechanism of SNY for the treatment of COVID-19 with myocarditis. We also, for the first time, demonstrate that SNY displays multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway characteristics with a complex mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Yu Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Zhu-Jun Mao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Chinese Medicine Plant Essential Oil Zhejiang Engineering Research Center, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Ye-Ping Ruan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Chinese Medicine Plant Essential Oil Zhejiang Engineering Research Center, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Chinese Medicine Plant Essential Oil Zhejiang Engineering Research Center, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
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Wu SS, Hao LJ, Shi YY, Lu ZJ, Yu JL, Jiang SQ, Liu QL, Wang T, Guo SY, Li P, Li F. Network Pharmacology-Based Analysis on the Effects and Mechanism of the Wang-Bi Capsule for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:7825-7836. [PMID: 35284738 PMCID: PMC8908527 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c06729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Wang-Bi capsule (WB) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)-based herbal formula, and it has been used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in China for many years. Additionally, WB is also used as a supplement to the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) in clinical practice. Our research aimed to reveal the therapeutic effects and underling mechanism of WB on RA and OA through computational system pharmacology analysis and experimental study. Based on network pharmacology analysis, a total of 173 bioactive compounds interacted with 417 common gene targets related to WB, RA, and OA, which mainly involved the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. In addition, the serine-threonine protein kinase 1 (AKT1) might be a core gene protein for the action of WB, which was further emphasized by molecular docking. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory activity of WB in vitro was confirmed by reducing NO production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells. The anti-RA and OA effects of WB in vivo were confirmed by ameliorating the disease symptoms of collagen II-induced RA (CIA) and monosodium iodoacetate-induced OA (MIA) in rats, respectively. Furthermore, the role of the PI3K-Akt pathway in the action of WB was preliminarily verified by western blot analysis. In conclusion, our study elucidated that WB is a potentially effective strategy for the treatment of RA and OA, which might be achieved by regulating the PI3K-Akt pathway. It provides us with systematic insights into the effects and mechanism of WB on RA and OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Shan Wu
- State
Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China
Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Li-Jun Hao
- School
of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Shi
- State
Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China
Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- College
of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, China
| | - Zhuo-Jian Lu
- State
Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China
Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- College
of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, China
| | - Jia-Lin Yu
- State
Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China
Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Si-Qi Jiang
- State
Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China
Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qing-Ling Liu
- State
Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China
Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ting Wang
- School
of Chinese Materia Medica and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal
Resource, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650000, China
| | - Shi-Ying Guo
- China
Resources Sanjiu Medical & Pharmaceutical Company Ltd., Shenzhen 518110, China
| | - Ping Li
- State
Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China
Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Fei Li
- State
Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China
Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- College
of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, China
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Fu C, Shuang Q, Liu Y, Zeng L, Su W. Baihe Extracts Reduce the Activation and Apoptosis of Microglia in the Hippocampus of Mice with Depression-like Behaviors by Downregulating MYC. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:587-598. [PMID: 35139304 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00439] [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: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of our investigation is to identify the potential effects and key molecular targets of Baihe extracts in depression treatment. Network meta-analysis was applied for the synthesis of efficacy outcomes of fluoxetine and three traditional Chinese medicine Baihe prescriptions in depression. Depression-related target genes were screened using "GeneCards" database and "Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD)". The major active components and targets of Baihe were screened using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database. The identified depression-related genes and the target genes of Baihe were intersected, an interaction network was constructed using the "String" database, and key target genes were determined based on their degree value. Functional enrichment analysis of Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) profiles was performed using the "ClusterProfiler" R package. A mouse model with depression-like behaviors was constructed to verify the putative roles of the in silico identified key genes. Microglia were isolated from the mouse hippocampus, and the effects of Baihe extract-containing serum on microglia activation and apoptosis by targeting the key genes were examined in vitro. The meta-analysis results revealed no obvious differences in depression treatment efficacy between fluoxetine and the three Baihe prescriptions, suggesting Baihe extracts as a safe and effective alternative treatment for depression. Using network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis, Baihe extracts were found to modulate depression by regulating 15 key genes, with MYC as the key gene. Subsequent animal experiments demonstrated that Baihe extracts reduced depression-related behavior, microglial activation, and inflammatory mediator release in mice by inhibiting MYC. Serum containing Baihe extracts could inhibit the activation of microglia and the release of inflammatory mediators by downregulating MYC. In summary, Baihe extracts were found to diminish MYC expression to reduce microglial activation and inflammatory factor release, thereby exerting antidepressant effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Fu
- College of Pharmacy, Shaoyang University, Shaoyang 422000, P. R. China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shaoyang University, Shaoyang 422000, P. R. China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center for Development and Utilization of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Southwest Hunan, Shaoyang University, Shaoyang 422000, P. R. China
| | - Qincui Shuang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shaoyang University, Shaoyang 422000, P. R. China
| | - Yonghui Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shaoyang University, Shaoyang 422000, P. R. China
| | - Li Zeng
- College of Pharmacy, Shaoyang University, Shaoyang 422000, P. R. China
| | - Wen Su
- College of Pharmacy, Shaoyang University, Shaoyang 422000, P. R. China
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Investigating the Mechanisms of Pollen Typhae in the Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:5728408. [PMID: 35024051 PMCID: PMC8747905 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5728408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the main bioactive compounds and investigate the underlying mechanism of Pollen Typhae (PT) against diabetic retinopathy (DR) by network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis. METHODS Bioactive ingredients and the target proteins of PT were obtained from TCMSP, and the related target genes were acquired from the SwissTargetPrediction database. The target genes of DR were obtained from GeneCards, TTD database, DisGeNET database, and DrugBank. The compound-target interaction network was established based on Cytoscape 3.7.2. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed via STRING database and Cytoscape 3.7.2. Gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were visualized through DAVID database and Bioinformatics. Ingredient-gene-pathway network analysis was conducted to further screen the ingredients, target proteins, and pathways closely related to the biological mechanism on PT for DR, and molecular docking analysis was performed by SYBYL-X 2.1.1 software. Finally, the mechanism and underlying targets of PT in the treatment of DR were predicted. RESULTS A total of 8 compounds and 171 intersection targets were obtained based on the online network database. 7 main compounds were screened from compound-target network, and 53 targets including the top six key targets (PTGS2, AKT1, VEGFA, MAPK3, TNF, and EGFR) were further acquired from PPI analysis. The 53 key targets covered 80 signaling pathways, among which PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, focal adhesion, Rap1 signaling pathway, VEGF signaling pathway, and HIF-1 signaling pathway were closely connected with the biological mechanism involved in the alleviation of DR by PT. Ingredient-gene-pathway network shows that AKTI, EGFR, and VEGFA were core genes, kaempferol and isorhamnetin were pivotal ingredients, and VEGF signaling pathway and Rap1 signaling pathway were closely involved in anti-DR. The docking results indicated that five main compounds (arachidonic acid, isorhamnetin, quercetin, kaempferol, and (2R)-5,7-dihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)chroman-4-one) had good binding activity with EGFR and AKT1 targets. CONCLUSION The active ingredients in PT may regulate the levels of inflammatory factors, suppress the oxidative stress, and inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of retinal pericytes by acting on PTGS2, AKT1, VEGFA, MAPK3, TNF, and EGFR targets through VEGF signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Rap1 signaling pathway, and HIF-1 signaling pathway to play a therapeutic role in diabetic retinopathy.
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Li J, Huang Z, Lu S, Luo H, Tan Y, Ye P, Liu X, Wu Z, Wu C, Stalin A, Wang H, Liu Y, Shen L, Fan X, Zhang B, Yi J, Yao L, Xu Y, Wu J, Duan X. Exploring potential mechanisms of Suhexiang Pill against COVID-19 based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e27112. [PMID: 34941025 PMCID: PMC8702253 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000027112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The traditional Chinese medicine prescription Suhexiang Pill (SHXP), a classic prescription for the treatment of plague, has been recommended in the 2019 Guideline for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnosis and treatment of a severe type of COVID-19. However, the bioactive compounds and underlying mechanisms of SHXP for COVID-19 prevention and treatment have not yet been elucidated. This study investigates the mechanisms of SHXP in the treatment of COVID-19 based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. METHODS First, the bioactive ingredients and corresponding target genes of the SHXP were screened from the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform database. Then, we compiled COVID-19 disease targets from the GeneCards gene database and literature search. Subsequently, we constructed the core compound-target network, the protein-protein interaction network of the intersection of compound targets and disease targets, the drug-core compound-hub gene-pathway network, module analysis, and hub gene search by the Cytoscape software. The Metascape database and R language software were applied to analyze gene ontology biological processes and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment. Finally, AutoDock software was used for molecular docking of hub genes and core compounds. RESULTS A total of 326 compounds, 2450 target genes of SHXP, and 251 genes related to COVID-19 were collected, among which there were 6 hub genes of SHXP associated with the treatment of COVID-19, namely interleukin 6, interleukin 10, vascular endothelial growth factor A, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and epidermal growth factor. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that the effect of SHXP against COVID-19 is mediated by synergistic regulation of several biological signaling pathways, including Janus kinase/ STAT3, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt), T cell receptor, TNF, Nuclear factor kappa-B, Toll-like receptor, interleukin 17, Chemokine, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 signaling pathways. SHXP may play a vital role in the treatment of COVID-19 by suppressing the inflammatory storm, regulating immune function, and resisting viral invasion. Furthermore, the molecular docking results showed an excellent binding affinity between the core compounds and the hub genes. CONCLUSION This study preliminarily predicted the potential therapeutic targets, signaling pathways, and molecular mechanisms of SHXP in the treatment of severe COVID-19, which include the moderate immune system, relieves the "cytokine storm," and anti-viral entry into cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialin Li
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihong Huang
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shan Lu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Luo
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Yingying Tan
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Peizhi Ye
- Chinese Medicine Department of the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xinkui Liu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhishan Wu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Antony Stalin
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haojia Wang
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yingying Liu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Liangliang Shen
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaotian Fan
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Bei Zhang
- Beijing Zhongyan Tong Ren Tang Pharmaceutical R&d Co. LTD, Beijing, China
| | - Jianping Yi
- Beijing Zhongyan Tong Ren Tang Pharmaceutical R&d Co. LTD, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Yao
- Beijing Zhongyan Tong Ren Tang Pharmaceutical R&d Co. LTD, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Xu
- Beijing Zhongyan Tong Ren Tang Pharmaceutical R&d Co. LTD, Beijing, China
| | - Jiarui Wu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xianchun Duan
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, No. 117, Meishan Road, Shushan District, Hefei City, Anhui Province, PR China
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Wei J, Fan S, Yu H, Shu L, Li Y. A New Strategy for the Rapid Identification and Validation of the Direct Targets of Aconitine-Induced Cardiotoxicity. Drug Des Devel Ther 2021; 15:4649-4664. [PMID: 34803375 PMCID: PMC8599306 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s335461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The interaction of small molecules with direct targets constitutes the molecular initiation events of drug efficacy and toxicity. Aconitine, an active compound of the Aconitum species, has various pharmacological effects but is strongly toxic to the heart. The direct targets of aconitine-induced cardiotoxicity remain unclear. Methods We predicted the toxic targets of aconitine based on network pharmacology and followed a novel proteomic approach based on the "drug affinity responsive target stability" technology combined with LC-MS/MS to identify the direct targets of aconitine. The identified targets were analysed from the perspective of multilevel and multidimensional bioinformatics through a network integration method. The binding sites were investigated via molecular docking to explore the toxicity mechanism and predict the direct targets of aconitine. Finally, atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging was performed to verify the affinity of aconitine to the direct targets. Results PTGS2, predicted by network pharmacology as a toxic target, encodes cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), which is closely related to myocardial injury. Furthermore, cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) is the upstream signal protein of PTGS2, and it is a key enzyme in the metabolism of arachidonic acid during an inflammatory response. We determined cPLA2 as a direct target, and AFM imaging verified that aconitine could bind to cPLA2 well; thus, aconitine may cause the expression of PTGS2/COX-2 and release inflammatory factors, thereby promoting myocardial injury and dysfunction. Conclusion We developed a complete set of methods to predict and verify the direct targets of aconitine, and cPLA2 was identified as one. Overall, the novel strategy provides new insights into the discovery of direct targets and the molecular mechanism of toxic components that are found in traditional Chinese medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxia Wei
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Simiao Fan
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongxin Yu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Lexin Shu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yubo Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
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Zhou X, Huang D, Wang R, Wu M, Zhu L, Peng W, Tu H, Deng X, Zhu H, Zhang Z, Wang X, Cao X. Targeted therapy of rheumatoid arthritis via macrophage repolarization. Drug Deliv 2021; 28:2447-2459. [PMID: 34766540 PMCID: PMC8592611 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2021.2000679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The polarization of macrophages plays a critical role in the physiological and pathological progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Activated M1 macrophages overexpress folate receptors in arthritic joints. Hence, we developed folic acid (FA)-modified liposomes (FA-Lips) to encapsulate triptolide (TP) (FA-Lips/TP) for the targeted therapy of RA. FA-Lips exhibited significantly higher internalization efficiency in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells than liposomes (Lips) in the absence of folate. Next, an adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rat model was established to explore the biodistribution profiles of FA-Lips which showed markedly selective accumulation in inflammatory paws. Moreover, FA-Lips/TP exhibited greatly improved therapeutic efficacy and low toxicity in AIA rats by targeting M1 macrophages and repolarizing macrophages from M1 to M2 subtypes. Overall, a safe FA-modified liposomal delivery system encapsulating TP was shown to achieve inflammation-targeted therapy against RA via macrophage repolarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhou
- Sichuan Provincial Orthopedic Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Dandan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Delivery Systems, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Runkong Wang
- Sichuan Provincial Orthopedic Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingquan Wu
- Sichuan Provincial Orthopedic Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Liyang Zhu
- Sichuan Provincial Orthopedic Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Peng
- Sichuan Provincial Orthopedic Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - He Tu
- Sichuan Provincial Orthopedic Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuangeng Deng
- Sichuan Provincial Orthopedic Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - He Zhu
- Sichuan Provincial Orthopedic Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhong Zhang
- Sichuan Provincial Orthopedic Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinming Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xi Cao
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Li ZH, Yu D, Huang NN, Wu JK, Du XW, Wang XJ. Immunoregulatory mechanism studies of ginseng leaves on lung cancer based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18201. [PMID: 34521875 PMCID: PMC8440634 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97115-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Panax ginseng is one of the oldest and most generally prescribed herbs in Eastern traditional medicine to treat diseases. Several studies had documented that ginseng leaves have anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties similar to those of ginseng root. The aim of this research was to forecast of the molecular mechanism of ginseng leaves on lung cancer by molecular docking and network pharmacology so as to decipher ginseng leaves' entire mechanism. The compounds associated with ginseng leaves were searched by TCMSP. TCMSP and Swiss Target Prediction databases were used to sort out the potential targets of the main chemical components. Targets were collected from OMIM, PharmGKB, TTD, DrugBank and GeneCards which related to immunity and lung cancer. Ginseng leaves exert its lung cancer suppressive function by regulating the several signaling proteins, such as JUN, STAT3, AKT1, TNF, MAPK1, TP53. GO and KEGG analyses indicated that the immunoreaction against lung cancer by ginseng leaves might be related to response to lipopolysaccharide, response to oxidative stress, PI3K-Akt, MAPK and TNF pathway. Molecular docking analysis demonstrated that hydrogen bonding was interaction's core forms. The results of CCK8 test and qRT-PCR showed that ginseng leaves inhibit cell proliferation and regulates AKT1 and P53 expression in A549. The present study clarifies the mechanism of Ginseng leaves against lung cancer and provides evidence to support its clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zao-Hui Li
- grid.412068.90000 0004 1759 8782Pharmacy College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 24 Heping Road, Harbin, 150040 China ,grid.507914.eJilin Agricultural Science and Technology University, 77 Hanlin Road, Jilin, 132101 China
| | - Dan Yu
- grid.412068.90000 0004 1759 8782Pharmacy College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 24 Heping Road, Harbin, 150040 China
| | - Nan-Nan Huang
- grid.412068.90000 0004 1759 8782Pharmacy College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 24 Heping Road, Harbin, 150040 China
| | - Jun-Kai Wu
- grid.412068.90000 0004 1759 8782Pharmacy College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 24 Heping Road, Harbin, 150040 China
| | - Xiao-Wei Du
- grid.412068.90000 0004 1759 8782Pharmacy College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 24 Heping Road, Harbin, 150040 China
| | - Xi-Jun Wang
- grid.412068.90000 0004 1759 8782Pharmacy College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 24 Heping Road, Harbin, 150040 China
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Exploring the Pharmacological Mechanisms of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F against Cardiovascular Disease Using Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:5575621. [PMID: 34435046 PMCID: PMC8382521 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5575621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TwHF) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the underlying pharmacological mechanisms of the effects of TwHF on CVD remain elusive. This study revealed the pharmacological mechanisms of TwHF acting on CVD based on a pharmacology approach. Materials and Methods The active compounds were selected from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database according to the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME). The potential targets of TwHF were obtained from the SwissTargetPrediction database. The CVD-related therapeutic targets were collected from the DrugBank, the GeneCards database, and the OMIM database. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was generated by the STITCH database. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed by R package. The network of drug-targets-diseases-pathways was constructed by the Cytoscape software. Results The 41 effective ingredients of TwHF and the 178 common targets of TwHF and CVD-related were collected. Furthermore, AKT1, amyloid precursor protein (APP), mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA), and cellular tumor antigen p53 (TP53) were identified as the core targets involved in the mechanism of TwHF on CVD. Top ten GO (biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions) and KEGG pathways were screened with a P value ≤0.01. Finally, we constructed the network of TwHF-targets-CVD-GO-KEGG. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that the main active compound of TwHF, the core targets, and pathways maybe provide new insights into the development of a natural therapy for the prevention and treatment of CVD.
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Piao X, Zhou J, Xue L. Triptolide decreases rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocyte proliferation, invasion, inflammation and presents a therapeutic effect in collagen-induced arthritis rats via inactivating lncRNA RP11-83J16.1 mediated URI1 and β-catenin signaling. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 99:108010. [PMID: 34358861 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our previous study observed that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) RP11-83J16.1 promoted rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-fibroblast-like synoviocyte (RA-FLS) proliferation, invasion and inflammation, which was downregulated by triptolide treatment. Therefore, the present study aimed to further investigate the mechanism and interaction between triptolide and lncRNA RP11-83J16.1 in RA treatment in vitro and in vivo. METHODS RA-FLS was isolated and treated by different concentration of triptolide and lncRNA RP11-83J16.1 overexpression plasmid. Furthermore, collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model was constructed followed by triptolide and lncRNA RP11-83J16.1 overexpression plasmid treatment. RESULTS Triptolide inhibited RA-FLS viability and lncRNA RP11-83J16.1 expression in a dose-dependent manner. Afterward, triptolide treatment inhibited RA-FLS proliferation, invasion, levels of inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MMP-3, and MMP-9), inactivated lncRNA RP11-83J16.1, URI1 and β-catenin signaling, but promoted apoptosis. However, lncRNA RP11-83J16.1 overexpression weakened the effects of triptolide on regulating RA-FLS cell behaviors, URI1 signaling and β-catenin signaling. In CIA model, triptolide decreased arthritis score, hyperproliferation of synovial cells, inflammation infiltration of synovial tissue, inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MMP-3, and MMP-9), inactivated lncRNA RP11-83J16.1, URI1 and β-catenin signaling, but increased cell apoptosis rate of synovial tissue. Nevertheless, lncRNA RP11-83J16.1 curtailed the treatment effect of triptolide in CIA model. CONCLUSION Triptolide decreases RA-FLS proliferation, invasion, inflammation and presents a therapeutic effect in CIA model via inactivating lncRNA RP11-83J16.1 mediated URI1 and β-catenin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Piao
- Department of Rheumatology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jieru Zhou
- Department of Health Management, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Luan Xue
- Department of Rheumatology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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Blin JA, Hamid RA, Khaza'ai H. Bioactive fractions and compound of Ardisia crispa roots exhibit anti-arthritic properties mediated via angiogenesis inhibition in vitro. BMC Complement Med Ther 2021; 21:176. [PMID: 34172047 PMCID: PMC8235828 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-021-03341-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ardisia crispa (Thunb.) A.DC (Primulaceae), is a medicinal herb traditionally used by Asian people as remedies to cure inflammatory related diseases, including rheumatism. The plant roots possess various pharmacological activities including antipyretic, anti-inflammation and antitumor. Previous phytochemical studies of the plant roots have identified long chain alkyl-1,4-benzoquinones as major constituents, together with other phytochemicals. Hexane fraction of the plant roots (ACRH), was previously reported with anti-angiogenic and anti-arthritic properties, while its effect on their anti-arthritic in vitro, is yet unrevealed. Considering the significance of angiogenesis inhibition in developing new anti-arthritic agent, thus we investigated the anti-arthritic potential of Ardisia crispa roots by suppressing angiogenesis, in vitro. Methods Ardisia crispa roots hexane extract (ACRH) was prepared from the plant roots using absolute n-hexane. ACRH was fractionated into quinone-rich fraction (QRF) and further isolated to yield benzoquinonoid compound (BQ), respectively. In vitro experiments using VEGF-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and IL-1β-induced human fibroblast-like synoviocytes for rheumatoid arthritis (HFLS-RA) were performed to evaluate the effects of these samples on VEGF-induced HUVECs proliferation and tube formation, and towards IL-1β-induced HFLS-RA proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis, respectively. Therapeutic concentrations (0.05, 0.5, and 5 μg/mL) tested in this study were predetermined based on the IC50 values obtained from the MTT assay. Results ACRH, QRF, and BQ exerted concentration-independent antiproliferative effects on VEGF-induced HUVECs and IL-1β-induced HFLS-RA, with IC50 values at 1.09 ± 0.18, 3.85 ± 0.26, and 1.34 ± 0.16 μg/mL in HUVECs; and 3.60 ± 1.38, 4.47 ± 0.34, and 1.09 ± 0.09 μg/mL in HFLS-RA, respectively. Anti-angiogenic properties of these samples were verified via significant inhibition on VEGF-induced HUVECs tube formation, in a concentration-independent manner. The invasiveness of IL-1β-induced HFLS-RA was also significantly inhibited in a concentration-independent manner by all samples. ACRH and BQ, but not QRF, significantly enhanced the apoptosis of IL-1β-induced HFLS-RA elicited at their highest concentration (5 μg/mL) (P < 0.05). Conclusions These findings highlight the bioactive fractions and compound from Ardisia crispa roots as potential anti-arthritic agents by inhibiting both HUVECs and HFLS-RA’s cellular functions in vitro, possibly mediated via their anti-angiogenic effects. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-021-03341-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Anak Blin
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Roslida Abdul Hamid
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Huzwah Khaza'ai
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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Gao J, Zhang Y, Liu X, Wu X, Huang L, Gao W. Triptolide: pharmacological spectrum, biosynthesis, chemical synthesis and derivatives. Theranostics 2021; 11:7199-7221. [PMID: 34158845 PMCID: PMC8210588 DOI: 10.7150/thno.57745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Triptolide, an abietane-type diterpenoid isolated from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. F., has significant pharmacological activity. Research results show that triptolide has obvious inhibitory effects on many solid tumors. Therefore, triptolide has become one of the lead compounds candidates for being the next "blockbuster" drug, and multiple triptolide derivatives have entered clinical research. An increasing number of researchers have developed triptolide synthesis methods to meet the clinical need. To provide new ideas for researchers in different disciplines and connect different disciplines with researchers aiming to solve scientific problems more efficiently, this article reviews the research progress made with analyzes of triptolide pharmacological activity, biosynthetic pathways, and chemical synthesis pathways and reported in toxicological and clinical studies of derivatives over the past 20 years, which have laid the foundation for subsequent researchers to study triptolide in many ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Gao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100038, China
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Yifeng Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Xihong Liu
- Basic Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Xiayi Wu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Luqi Huang
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Wei Gao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100038, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
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Qiu BM, Wang P, Li J. Salprzesides A and B: two novel icetexane diterpenes with antiangiogenic activity from Salvia przewalskii Maxim. Nat Prod Res 2021; 36:2479-2485. [PMID: 33843371 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2021.1906666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Two novel icetexane diterpenes were isolated from Salvia przewalskii Maxim., namely Salprzesides A (1) and B (2), together with two known abietane-type diterpenes respectively identified as sahandinone (3) and miltirone (4). The structures of isolated compounds were determined by UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR analysis. The in vitro antiangiogenic activities of compounds 1-4 were studied against human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs). The IC50 values of compounds 1-4 ranged from 4.22 ± 1.07 to 39.31 ± 2.17 μM against HUVECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei-Ming Qiu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second People's Hospital of Yibin, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Pan Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second People's Hospital of Yibin, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second People's Hospital of Yibin, Sichuan, P.R. China
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Zhi HY, Zhao L, Lee CC, Chen CYC. A Novel Graph Neural Network Methodology to Investigate Dihydroorotate Dehydrogenase Inhibitors in Small Cell Lung Cancer. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11030477. [PMID: 33806898 PMCID: PMC8005042 DOI: 10.3390/biom11030477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a particularly aggressive tumor subtype, and dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) has been demonstrated to be a therapeutic target for SCLC. Network pharmacology analysis and virtual screening were utilized to find out related proteins and investigate candidates with high docking capacity to multiple targets. Graph neural networks (GNNs) and machine learning were used to build reliable predicted models. We proposed a novel concept of multi-GNNs, and then built three multi-GNN models called GIAN, GIAT, and SGCA, which achieved satisfactory results in our dataset containing 532 molecules with all R^2 values greater than 0.92 on the training set and higher than 0.8 on the test set. Compared with machine learning algorithms, random forest (RF), and support vector regression (SVR), multi-GNNs had a better modeling effect and higher precision. Furthermore, the long-time 300 ns molecular dynamics simulation verified the stability of the protein–ligand complexes. The result showed that ZINC8577218, ZINC95618747, and ZINC4261765 might be the potentially potent inhibitors for DHODH. Multi-GNNs show great performance in practice, making them a promising field for future research. We therefore suggest that this novel concept of multi-GNNs is a promising protocol for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yi Zhi
- Artificial Intelligence Medical Center, School of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 510275, China; (H.-Y.Z.); (L.Z.)
| | - Lu Zhao
- Artificial Intelligence Medical Center, School of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 510275, China; (H.-Y.Z.); (L.Z.)
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Cheng-Chun Lee
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan;
| | - Calvin Yu-Chian Chen
- Artificial Intelligence Medical Center, School of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 510275, China; (H.-Y.Z.); (L.Z.)
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan;
- Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
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Wang Q, Du L, Hong J, Chen Z, Liu H, Li S, Xiao X, Yan S. Molecular mechanism underlying the hypolipidemic effect of Shanmei Capsule based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. Technol Health Care 2021; 29:239-256. [PMID: 33682762 PMCID: PMC8150495 DOI: 10.3233/thc-218023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Shanmei Capsule is a famous preparation in China. However, the related mechanism of Shanmei Capsule against hyperlipidemia has yet to be revealed. OBJECTIVE: To elucidate underlying mechanism of Shanmei Capsule against hyperlipidemia through network pharmacology approach and molecular docking. METHODS: Active ingredients, targets of Shanmei Capsule as well as targets for hyperlipidemia were screened based on database. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment were performed via Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) 6.8 database. Ingredient-target-disease-pathway network was visualized utilizing Cytoscape software and molecular docking was performed by Autodock Vina. RESULTS: Seventeen active ingredients in Shanmei Capsule were screened out with a closely connection with 34 hyperlipidemia-related targets. GO analysis revealed 40 biological processes, 5 cellular components and 29 molecular functions. A total of 15 signal pathways were enriched by KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. The docking results indicated that the binding activities of key ingredients for PPAR-α are equivalent to that of the positive drug lifibrate. CONCLUSIONS: The possible molecular mechanism mainly involved PPAR signaling pathway, Bile secretion and TNF signaling pathway via acting on MAPK8, PPARγ, MMP9, PPARα, FABP4 and NOS2 targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China.,Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Lijing Du
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.,Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Jiana Hong
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Zhenlin Chen
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Huijian Liu
- Shanxi Taihang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Changzhi, Shanxi 046000, China
| | - Shasha Li
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Xue Xiao
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Shikai Yan
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China.,School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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Zhang MM, Wang D, Lu F, Zhao R, Ye X, He L, Ai L, Wu CJ. Identification of the active substances and mechanisms of ginger for the treatment of colon cancer based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. BioData Min 2021; 14:1. [PMID: 33430939 PMCID: PMC7798235 DOI: 10.1186/s13040-020-00232-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and objective Colon cancer is occurring at an increasing rate and ginger (Zingiber officinale), as a commonly used herbal medicine, has been suggested as a potential agent for colon cancer. This study was aimed to identify the bioactive components and potential mechanisms of ginger for colon cancer prevention by an integrated network pharmacology approach. Methods The putative ingredients of ginger and its related targets were discerned from the TCMSP and Swiss target prediction database. After that, the targets interacting with colon cancer were collected using Genecards, OMIM, and Drugbank databases. KEGG pathway and GO enrichment analysis were performed to explore the signaling pathways related to ginger for colon cancer treatments. The PPI and compound-target-disease networks were constructed using Cytoscape 3.8.1. Finally, Discovery studio software was employed to confirm the key genes and active components from ginger. Results Six potential active compounds, 285 interacting targets in addition to 1356 disease-related targets were collected, of which 118 intersection targets were obtained. A total of 34 key targets including PIK3CA, SRC, and TP53 were identified through PPI network analysis. These targets were mainly focused on the biological processes of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling, cellular response to oxidative stress, and cellular response to peptide hormone stimulus. The KEGG enrichment manifested that three signaling pathways were closely related to colon cancer prevention of ginger, cancer, endocrine resistance, and hepatitis B pathways. TP53, HSP90AA1, and JAK2 were viewed as the most important genes, which were validated by molecular docking simulation. Conclusion This study demonstrated that ginger produced preventive effects against colon cancer by regulating multi-targets and multi-pathways with multi-components. And, the combined data provide novel insight for ginger compounds developed as new drug for anti-colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Meng Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1166 Liutai Avenue, Chengdu, 611137, P. R. China
| | - Dan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1166 Liutai Avenue, Chengdu, 611137, P. R. China
| | - Feng Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1166 Liutai Avenue, Chengdu, 611137, P. R. China
| | - Rong Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1166 Liutai Avenue, Chengdu, 611137, P. R. China
| | - Xun Ye
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1166 Liutai Avenue, Chengdu, 611137, P. R. China
| | - Lin He
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1166 Liutai Avenue, Chengdu, 611137, P. R. China
| | - Li Ai
- School of Ethnic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1166 Liutai Avenue, Chengdu, 611137, P. R. China.
| | - Chun-Jie Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1166 Liutai Avenue, Chengdu, 611137, P. R. China.
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Song Y, Yang J, Jing W, Wang Q, Liu Y, Cheng X, Ye F, Tian J, Wei F, Ma S. Systemic elucidation on the potential bioactive compounds and hypoglycemic mechanism of Polygonum multiflorum based on network pharmacology. Chin Med 2020; 15:121. [PMID: 33292335 PMCID: PMC7672844 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-020-00401-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes is a complex metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia, plaguing the whole world. However, the action mode of multi-component and multi-target for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) could be a promising treatment of diabetes mellitus. According to the previous research, the TCM of Polygonum multiflorum (PM) showed noteworthy hypoglycemic effect. Up to now, its hypoglycemic active ingredients and mechanism of action are not yet clear. In this study, network pharmacology was employed to elucidate the potential bioactive compounds and hypoglycemic mechanism of PM. METHODS First, the compounds with good pharmacokinetic properties were screened from the self-established library of PM, and the targets of these compounds were predicted and collected through database. Relevant targets of diabetes were summarized by searching database. The intersection targets of compound-targets and disease-targets were obtained soon. Secondly, the interaction net between the compounds and the filtered targets was established. These key targets were enriched and analyzed by protein-protein interactions (PPI) analysis, molecular docking verification. Thirdly, the key genes were used to find the biologic pathway and explain the therapeutic mechanism by genome ontology (GO) and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis. Lastly, the part of potential bioactive compounds were under enzyme activity inhibition tests. RESULTS In this study, 29 hypoglycemic components and 63 hypoglycemic targets of PM were filtrated based on online network database. Then the component-target interaction network was constructed and five key components resveratrol, apigenin, kaempferol, quercetin and luteolin were further obtained. Sequential studies turned out, AKT1, EGFR, ESR1, PTGS2, MMP9, MAPK14, and KDR were the common key targets. Docking studies indicated that the bioactive compounds could stably bind the pockets of target proteins. There were 38 metabolic pathways, including regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes, prolactin signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, VEGF signaling pathway, FoxO signaling pathway, estrogen signaling pathway, linoleic acid metabolism, Rap1 signaling pathway, arachidonic acid metabolism, and osteoclast differentiation closely connected with the hypoglycemic mechanism of PM. And the enzyme activity inhibition tests showed the bioactive ingredients have great hypoglycemic activity. CONCLUSION In summary, the study used systems pharmacology to elucidate the main hypoglycemic components and mechanism of PM. The work provided a scientific basis for the further hypoglycemic effect research of PM and its monomer components, but also provided a reference for the secondary development of PM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfei Song
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
- Institute for Control of Chinese Traditional Medicine and Ethnic Medicine, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Jianbo Yang
- Institute for Control of Chinese Traditional Medicine and Ethnic Medicine, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Wenguang Jing
- Institute for Control of Chinese Traditional Medicine and Ethnic Medicine, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Institute for Control of Chinese Traditional Medicine and Ethnic Medicine, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yue Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Xianlong Cheng
- Institute for Control of Chinese Traditional Medicine and Ethnic Medicine, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Fei Ye
- Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Jinying Tian
- Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Feng Wei
- Institute for Control of Chinese Traditional Medicine and Ethnic Medicine, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Shuangcheng Ma
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
- Institute for Control of Chinese Traditional Medicine and Ethnic Medicine, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 100050, China.
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Li J, Luo H, Liu X, Zhang J, Zhou W, Guo S, Chen X, Liu Y, Jia S, Wang H, Li B, Cheng G, Wu J. Dissecting the mechanism of Yuzhi Zhixue granule on ovulatory dysfunctional uterine bleeding by network pharmacology and molecular docking. Chin Med 2020; 15:113. [PMID: 33110441 PMCID: PMC7584092 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-020-00392-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Yuzhi Zhixue Granule (YZG) is a traditional Chinese patent medicine for treating excessive menstrual flow caused by ovulatory dysfunctional uterine bleeding (ODUB) accompanied by heat syndrome. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms, potential targets, and active ingredients of this prescription are still unknown. Therefore, it is imperative to explore the molecular mechanism of YZG. Methods The active compounds in YZG were screened by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). The putative targets of YZG were collected via TCMSP and Search Tool for Interacting Chemicals (STITCH) databases. The Therapeutic Target Database (TTD) and Pharmacogenomics Knowledgebase (PharmGKB) databases were used to identify the therapeutic targets of ODUB. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network containing both the putative targets of YZG and known therapeutic targets of ODUB was built. Furthermore, bioinformatics resources from the database for annotation, visualization and integrated discovery (DAVID) were utilized for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. Finally, molecular docking was performed to verify the binding effect between the YZG screened compounds and potential therapeutic target molecules. Results The study employed a network pharmacology method, mainly containing target prediction, network construction, functional enrichment analysis, and molecular docking to systematically research the mechanisms of YZG in treating ODUB. The putative targets of YZG that treat ODUB mainly involved PTGS1, PTGS2, ALOX5, CASP3, LTA4H, F7 and F10. The functional enrichment analysis suggested that the produced therapeutic effect of YZG against ODUB is mediated by synergistical regulation of several biological pathways, including apoptosis arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism, serotonergic synapse, complement and coagulation cascades and C-type lectin receptor signaling pathways. Molecular docking simulation revealed good binding affinity of the seven putative targets with the corresponding compounds. Conclusion This novel and scientific network pharmacology-based study holistically elucidated the basic pharmacological effects and the underlying mechanisms of YZG in the treatment of ODUB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialin Li
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 of North Three-ring East Road, Chao Yang District, Beijing, 100102 China
| | - Hua Luo
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Xinkui Liu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 of North Three-ring East Road, Chao Yang District, Beijing, 100102 China
| | - Jingyuan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 of North Three-ring East Road, Chao Yang District, Beijing, 100102 China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 of North Three-ring East Road, Chao Yang District, Beijing, 100102 China
| | - Siyu Guo
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 of North Three-ring East Road, Chao Yang District, Beijing, 100102 China
| | - Xiuping Chen
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Yingying Liu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 of North Three-ring East Road, Chao Yang District, Beijing, 100102 China
| | - Shanshan Jia
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 of North Three-ring East Road, Chao Yang District, Beijing, 100102 China
| | - Haojia Wang
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 of North Three-ring East Road, Chao Yang District, Beijing, 100102 China
| | - Bingbing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Generic Manufacture Technology of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Linyi, 276000 China
| | - Guoliang Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Generic Manufacture Technology of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Linyi, 276000 China
| | - Jiarui Wu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 of North Three-ring East Road, Chao Yang District, Beijing, 100102 China
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