A network pharmacology strategy to investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of luteolin combined with in vitro transcriptomics and proteomics

Molecular mechanisms underlying Tao-Hong-Si-Wu decoction treating hyperpigmentation based on network pharmacology, Mendelian randomization analysis, and experimental verification

CONTEXT

Hyperpigmentation, a common skin condition marked by excessive melanin production, currently has limited effective treatment options.

OBJECTIVE

This study explores the effects of Tao-Hong-Si-Wu decoction (THSWD) on hyperpigmentation and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We employed network pharmacology, Mendelian randomization, and molecular docking to identify THSWD's hub targets and mechanisms against hyperpigmentation. The Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay determined suitable THSWD treatment concentrations for PIG1 cells. These cells were exposed to graded concentrations of THSWD-containing serum (2.5%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%) and treated with α-MSH (100 nM) to induce an in vitro hyperpigmentation model. Assessments included melanin content, tyrosinase activity, and Western blotting.

RESULTS

ALB, IL6, and MAPK3 emerged as primary targets, while quercetin, apigenin, and luteolin were the core active ingredients. The CCK-8 assay indicated that concentrations between 2.5% and 20% were suitable for PIG1 cells, with a 50% cytotoxicity concentration (CC50) of 32.14%. THSWD treatment significantly reduced melanin content and tyrosinase activity in α-MSH-induced PIG1 cells, along with downregulating MC1R and MITF expression. THSWD increased ALB and p-MAPK3/MAPK3 levels and decreased IL6 expression in the model cells.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

THSWD mitigates hyperpigmentation by targeting ALB, IL6, and MAPK3. This study paves the way for clinical applications of THSWD as a novel treatment for hyperpigmentation and offers new targeted therapeutic strategies.

Luteolin: A promising multifunctional natural flavonoid for human diseases

Natural products are closely associated with human health. Luteolin (LUT), a flavonoid polyphenolic compound, is widely found in fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs. It is noteworthy that LUT exhibits a variety of beneficial pharmacological properties and holds significant potential for clinical applications, particularly in antitumor, anti-convulsion, diabetes control, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotection, anti-oxidation, anti-cardiovascular, and other aspects. The potential mechanism of action has been partially elucidated, including the mediation of NF-κB, toll-like receptor, MAPK, Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/Akt, AMPK/mTOR, and Nrf-2, among others. The review that aimed to comprehensively consolidate essential information on natural sources, pharmacological effects, therapeutic and preventive potential, as well as potential mechanisms of LUT. The objective is to establish a theoretical basis for the continued development and application of LUT.

Polystyrene microplastics induce anxiety via HRAS derived PERK-NF-κB pathway

Exposure to environmentally hazardous substances is recognized as a significant risk factor for neurological associated disorders. Among these substances, polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs), widely utilized in various consumer products, have been reported to exhibit neurotoxicity. However, the potential association of PS-MPs with abnormal anxiety behaviors, along with the underlying molecular mechanisms and key proteins involved, remains insufficiently explored. Here, we delineated the potential mechanisms of PS-MPs-induced anxiety through proteomics and molecular investigations. We characterized the PS-MPs, observed their accumulation in the brain, leading to anxiety-like behavior in mice, which is correlated with microglia activation and pro-inflammatory response. Consistent with these findings, our studies on BV2 microglia cells showed that PS-MPs activated NF-κB-mediated inflammation resulting in the upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNFα and IL-1β. Of particular significance, HRAS was identified as a key factor in the PS-MPs induced pro-inflammatory response through whole proteomics analysis, and knockdown of H-ras effectively inhibited PS-MPs induced PERK-NF-κB activation and associated pro-inflammatory response in microglia cells. Collectively, our findings highlight that PS-MPs induce anxiety of mice via the activation of the HRAS-derived PERK-NF-κB pathway in microlglia. Our results contribute valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of PS-MPs-induced anxiety, and may offer implications for addressing neurotoxicity and prevention the adverse effects of environmentally hazardous substances, including microplastics.

A Network Pharmacology and Molecular Dynamics Simulation-Based Study of Qing Run Hua Jie Decoction in Interstitial Pneumonia Treatment

Objective

This study is dedicated to revealing the potential mechanism of Qin Run Hua Jie (QRHJ) decoction in Interstitial pneumonia (IP) treatment.

Methods

The TCMSP database predicted the chemical components and targets of QRHJ decoction, and the IP-related genes were from the Genecards database. Cytoscape software was used to establish the interaction network. R package clusterProfiler was utilized for Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. The molecular docking analysis of target proteins and the corresponding active pharmaceutical ingredients in the core position of the interaction network was conducted. Then, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of a potential active substance and its key targets were performed. The binding efficiency of EGFR and luteolin, HIF1A and diosgenin was detected by cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), and protein expression was measured by Western blot. CCK-8 was used to detect cell activity.

Results

A total of 153 active ingredients, 127 targets and 362 IP-related genes were obtained. KEGG enrichment analysis identified IP-related signaling pathways including HIF-1 signaling pathway and TNF signaling pathway. The two key components luteolin and diosgenin stably bound to the key targets EGFR and HIF1A. Cell experiments further showed that EGFR and luteolin, HIF1A and diosgenin bound to exert anti-fibrotic effects.

Conclusion

As an active ingredient of QRHJ decoction, luteolin and diosgenin may exert therapeutic effect on IP through binding to the key target EGFR and HIF1A. This work initially revealed the key molecular mechanism of QRHJ decoction in IP treatment and offered theoretical evidence.

Pharmacogenomic Analysis of Combined Therapies against Glioblastoma Based on Cell Markers from Single-Cell Sequencing

Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive form of primary brain cancer and the lack of viable treatment options has created an urgency to develop novel treatments. Personalized or predictive medicine is still in its infancy stage at present. This research aimed to discover biomarkers to inform disease progression and to develop personalized prophylactic and therapeutic strategies by combining state-of-the-art technologies such as single-cell RNA sequencing, systems pharmacology, and a polypharmacological approach. As predicted in the pyroptosis-related gene (PRG) transcription factor (TF) microRNA (miRNA) regulatory network, TP53 was the hub gene in the pyroptosis process in glioblastoma (GBM). A LASSO Cox regression model of pyroptosis-related genes was built to accurately and conveniently predict the one-, two-, and three-year overall survival rates of GBM patients. The top-scoring five natural compounds were parthenolide, rutin, baeomycesic acid, luteolin, and kaempferol, which have NFKB inhibition, antioxidant, lipoxygenase inhibition, glucosidase inhibition, and estrogen receptor agonism properties, respectively. In contrast, the analysis of the cell-type-specific differential expression-related targets of natural compounds showed that the top five subtype cells targeted by natural compounds were endothelial cells, microglia/macrophages, oligodendrocytes, dendritic cells, and neutrophil cells. The current approach-using the pharmacogenomic analysis of combined therapies-serves as a model for novel personalized therapeutic strategies for GBM treatment.

Luteolin induces apoptosis by impairing mitochondrial function and targeting the intrinsic apoptosis pathway in gastric cancer cells

Gastric cancer is one of the most lethal cancers worldwide. Research has focused on exploring natural medicines to improve the systematic chemotherapy for gastric cancer. Luteolin, a natural flavonoid, possesses anticancer activities. Nevertheless, the mechanism of the anticancer effects of luteolin is still not clear. The present study aimed to verify the inhibitory effect of luteolin on gastric cancer HGC-27, MFC and MKN-45 cells and to explore the underlying mechanism. A Cell Counting Kit-8 cell viability assay, flow cytometry, western blot, an ATP content assay and an enzyme activity testing assay were used. Luteolin inhibited the proliferation of gastric cancer HGC-27, MFC and MKN-45 cells. Further, it impaired mitochondrial integrity and function by destroying the mitochondrial membrane potential, downregulating the activities of mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes (mainly complexes I, III and V), and unbalancing the expression of B cell lymphoma-2 family member proteins, eventually leading to apoptosis of gastric cancer HGC-27, MFC and MKN-45 cells. The intrinsic apoptosis pathway was involved in luteolin's anti-gastric cancer effects. Furthermore, mitochondria were the main target in luteolin-induced gastric cancer apoptosis. The present study may provide a theoretical basis for the research on the effect of luteolin on the mitochondrial metabolism in cancer cells, and pave the way for its practical application in the future.

Analysis of the potential biological mechanisms of diosmin against renal fibrosis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking approach

BACKGROUND

Interstitial fibrosis is involved in the progression of various chronic kidney diseases and renal failure. Diosmin is a naturally occurring flavonoid glycoside that has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic activities. However, whether diosmin protects kidneys by inhibiting renal fibrosis is unknown.

METHODS

The molecular formula of diosmin was obtained, targets related to diosmin and renal fibrosis were screened, and interactions among overlapping genes were analyzed. Overlapping genes were used for gene function and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. TGF-β1 was used to induce fibrosis in HK-2 cells, and diosmin treatment was administered. The expression levels of relevant mRNA were then detected.

RESULTS

Network analysis identified 295 potential target genes for diosmin, 6828 for renal fibrosis, and 150 hub genes. Protein-protein interaction network results showed that CASP3, SRC, ANXA5, MMP9, HSP90AA1, IGF1, RHOA, ESR1, EGFR, and CDC42 were identified as key therapeutic targets. GO analysis revealed that these key targets may be involved in the negative regulation of apoptosis and protein phosphorylation. KEGG indicated that pathways in cancer, MAPK signaling pathway, Ras signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and HIF-1 signaling pathway were key pathways for renal fibrosis treatment. Molecular docking results showed that CASP3, ANXA5, MMP9, and HSP90AA1 stably bind to diosmin. Diosmin treatment inhibited the protein and mRNA levels of CASP3, MMP9, ANXA5, and HSP90AA1. Network pharmacology analysis and experimental results suggest that diosmin ameliorates renal fibrosis by decreasing the expression of CASP3, ANXA5, MMP9, and HSP90AA1.

CONCLUSIONS

Diosmin has a potential multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway molecular mechanism of action in the treatment of renal fibrosis. CASP3, MMP9, ANXA5, and HSP90AA1 might be the most important direct targets of diosmin.

A network pharmacology strategy combined with in vitro experiments to investigate the potential anti-inflammatory mechanism of Prunus cerasifera Ehrhart

This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of Prunus cerasifera Ehrhart (EHP). LC-MS/MS, network pharmacology, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Western blot analysis methods were used to investigate the chemical composition and the anti-inflammatory mechanism of EHP. The LC-MS/MS results showed that flavonoids and phenolic acids were the major compounds in EHP. The network pharmacology analysis results indicated that EHP was related to TNF, inflammatory cytokine, and MAPK signaling pathway. ELISA and Western blot results showed that EHP impeded the increase in inflammatory factors, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), nuclear transcription factors κB (p65), MAPK pathway, pyrolytic relevant proteins nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and activated the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway. Therefore, this research highlighted the potential application of P. cerasifera in the development of anti-inflammatory foods that prevented inflammatory diseases. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In recent years, many synthetic drugs with anti-inflammatory effect have the disadvantages of high price and side effects. Thus, the development of anti-inflammatory drugs from natural resources has its application value. In this study, LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells were used to establish inflammatory model to verify the anti-inflammatory effect of Prunus cerasifera (EHP). The results showed that P. cerasifera possessed anti-inflammatory activity through inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion, NF-κB, MAPK pathway, and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Therefore, P. cerasifera has the potential to develop into functional food to prevent the progress of various inflammatory-related diseases.

Systematic identification of the interventional mechanism of Qingfei Xiaoyan Wan (QFXYW) in treatment of the cytokine storm in acute lung injury using transcriptomics-based system pharmacological analyses

CONTEXT

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a complex, severe inflammation disease with high mortality, and there is no specific and effective treatment for ALI. Qingfei Xiaoyan Wan (QFXYW) has been widely used to treat lung-related diseases for centuries.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the potential effects and elucidates the therapeutic mechanism of QFXYW against LPS induced ALI in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

BALB/c Mice in each group were first orally administered medicines (0.9% saline solution for the control group, 0.5 mg/kg Dexamethasone, or 1.3, 2.6, 5.2 g/kg QFXYW), after 4 h, the groups were injected LPS (1.0 mg/kg) to induce ALI, then the same medicines were administered repeatedly. The transcriptomics-based system pharmacological analyses were applied to screen the hub genes, RT-PCR, ELISA, and protein array assay was applied to verify the predicted hub genes and key pathways.

RESULTS

QFXYW significantly decreased the number of leukocytes from (6.34 ± 0.51) × 10⁵/mL to (4.01 ± 0.11) × 10⁵/mL, accompanied by the neutrophil from (1.41 ± 0.19) × 10⁵/mL to (0.77 ± 0.10) × 10⁵/mL in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Based on Degree of node connection (Degree) and BottleNeck (BN), important parameters of network topology, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network screened hub genes, including IL-6, TNF-α, CCL2, TLR2, CXCL1, and MMP-9. The results of RT-PCR, ELISA, and protein chip assay revealed that QFXYW could effectively inhibit ALI via multiple key targets and the cytokine-cytokine signalling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that QFXYW decreased the number of leukocytes and neutrophils by attenuating inflammatory response, which provides an important basis for the use of QFXYW in the treatment of ALI.

Therapeutic Potential of Leaves from Fridericia chica (Bonpl.) L. G. Lohmann: Botanical Aspects, Phytochemical and Biological, Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant and Healing Action

Plants of the species Fridericia chica (Bonpl.) L. G. Lohmann (Bignoniaceae), which are widely distributed in Brazil and named crajiru in the state of Amazonas, are known in folk medicine as a traditional medicine in the form of a tea for the treatment of intestinal colic, diarrhea, and anemia, among other diseases. The chemical analysis of extracts of the leaves has identified phenolic compounds, a class of secondary metabolites that provide defense for plants and benefits to the health of humans. Several studies have shown the therapeutic efficacy of F. chica extracts, with antitumor, antiviral, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities being among the therapeutic applications already proven. The healing action of F. chica leaf extract has been demonstrated in several experimental models, and shows the ability to favor the proliferation of fibroblasts, which is essential for tissue repair. The anti-inflammatory activity of F. chica has been clearly demonstrated by several authors, who suggest that it is related to the presence of 3-deoxyanthocyanidins, which is capable of inhibiting pro-inflammatory pathways such as the kappa B (NF-kB) nuclear transcription factor pathway. Another important effect attributed to this species is the antioxidant effect, attributed to phenolic compounds interrupting chain reactions caused by free radicals and donating hydrogen atoms or electrons. In conclusion, the species Fridericia chica has great therapeutic potential, which is detailed in this paper with the objective of encouraging new research and promoting the sum of efforts for the inclusion of herbal medicines in health systems around the world.

The potential effects and mechanisms of hispidulin in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy based on network pharmacology

Background

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), one of the most common and severe microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), is mainly caused by diabetic metabolic disorder. So far, there is no effective treatment for DR. Eriocauli Flos, a traditional Chinese herb, has been used in treating the ophthalmic diseases including DR. However, the active ingredients and molecular mechanisms of Eriocauli Flos to treat diabetic retinopathy remain elusive.

Methods

Here, the systems pharmacology model was developed via constructing network approach. 8 active components which were screened by oral bioavailability (OB ≥ 30%) and drug-likeness (DL ≥ 0.18) and 154 targets were selected from Eriocauli Flos through TCMSP database. Another 3593 targets related to DR were obtained from Genecards, OMIM, TTD, and Drugbank databases. The 103 intersecting targets of DR and Eriocauli Flos were obtained by Draw Venn Diagram. In addition, protein-protein interaction network was established from STRING database and the compound-target network was constructed by Cytoscape which screened top 12 core targets with cytoNCA module. Then the overlapping targets were analyzed by GO and KEGG enrichment. Moreover, two core targets were selected to perform molecular docking simulation. Subsequently, CCK8 assay, RT-PCR and Western blotting were applied to further reveal the mechanism of new candidate active component from Eriocauli Flos in high glucose-induced HRECs.

Results

The results showed that the overlapping targets by GO analysis were enriched in cellular response to chemical stress, response to oxidative stress, response to reactive oxygen species, reactive oxygen species metabolic process and so on. Besides, the overlapping targets principally regulated pathways such as AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, lipid atherosclerosis, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Molecular docking exhibited that VEGFA and TNF-α, had good bindings to the great majority of compounds, especially the compound hispidulin. In vitro, hispidulin ameliorated high-glucose induced proliferation by down-regulating the expression of p-ERK, p-Akt, and VEGFA; meanwhile inhibited the mRNA levels of TNF-α.

Conclusions

In this study, through network pharmacology analysis and experimental validation, we found that hispidulin maybe has a potential targeted therapy effect for DR by decreasing the expression of p-Akt, p-ERK, and VEGFA, which resulted in ameliorating the proliferation in HRECs.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-022-03593-2.

The Mechanism Study of Common Flavonoids on Antiglioma Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

BACKGROUND

Glioma is the most common primary intracranial tumor in adult patients. Among them, glioblastoma is a highly malignant one with a poor prognosis. Flavonoids are a class of phenolic compounds widely distributed in plants and have many biological functions, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiaging, and anticancer. Nowadays, flavonoids have been applied to the therapy of glioma; however, the molecular mechanism underlying the therapeutic effects has not been fully elaborated. This study was carried out to explore the mechanism of selected active flavonoid compounds in treating glioma using network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches.

METHODS

Active ingredients and associated targets of flavonoids were acquired by using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and Swiss TargetPrediction platform. Genes related to glioma were obtained from the GeneCards and DisGeNET databases. The intersection targets between flavonoid targets and glioma-related genes were used to construct protein-protein interaction (PPI) network via the STRING database, and the results were analyzed by Cytoscape software. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed and displayed by utilizing the Metascape portal and clusterProfiler R package. Molecular docking was carried out by iGEMDOCK and SwissDock, and the results were visually displayed by UCSF Chimera software.

RESULTS

Eighty-four active flavonoid compounds and 258 targets overlapped between flavonoid targets and glioma-related genes were achieved. PPI network revealed potential therapeutic targets, such as AKT1, EGFR, VEGFA, MAPK3, and CASP3, based on their node degree. GO and KEGG analyses showed that core targets were mainly enriched in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Molecular docking simulation indicated that potential glioma-related targets-MAPK1 and HSP90AA1 were bounded more firmly with epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) than with quercetin.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study indicated that selected active flavonoid compounds might play therapeutic roles in glioma mainly through the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Moreover, EGCG had the potential antiglioma activity by targeting MAPK1 and HSP90AA1.

Potential nephroprotective phytochemicals: Mechanism and future prospects

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Kidney disease (KD) is one of the serious health issues, which causes worrisome morbidity and economic burden. Therapeutic strategies are available however majority of them are associated with severe adverse effects and poor patient compliance and adherence. This explorative article was undertaken to provide a holistic review of known nephroprotective (NP) phytoconstituents along with their research-based evidences on mechanism, sources, and clinical trials that may play essential role in prevention and cure of KD.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present systematic review aimed to provide in-depth and better evidences of the global burden of KD, phytoconstituents as NP with emphasis on mechanism of action both in vitro and in vivo, their wide biological sources as well as their clinical efficacy in management of kidney disease and its related disorders.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Comprehensive information was searched systematically from electronic databases, namely, PubMed, Sciencedirect, Wiley, Scopus, Google scholar and Springer until February 2021 to find relevant data for publication on phytoconstituents with nephroprotective potential.

RESULTS

In total, 24,327 articles were screened in first search for "phytoconstituents and medicinal plants for nephroprotection and kidney disorder". On the basis of exclusion and inclusion criteria, 24,091 were excluded. Only 236 papers were spotted to have superlative quality data, which is appropriate under titles and sub-titles of the present review. The phytoconstituents having multiple research evidence along with wide number of medicinal plants sources and mechanism reported for nephroprotection have been selected and reviewed.

CONCLUSION

This review, based on pre-clinical and clinical data of NP phytoconstituents, provides scientific-basis for the rational discovery, development and utilization of these upcoming treatment practices. Further,-more clinical studies are warranted to improve the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic understanding of phytoconstituents. Also, more specific evaluation for natural sources is needed.

Mechanisms Underlying the Action of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen in the Treatment of Insomnia: A Study Involving Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms and related bioactive components of ZSS for the treatment of insomnia. Method: The insomnia model of rat induced by PCPA was established. After oral administration of ZSS extract, the general morphological observation, pentobarbital sodium-induced sleep test and histopathological evaluation were carried out. Network pharmacology, assisted by UHPLC-Q-Exactive-MS/MS analysis, was developed to identify the targets of ZSS in the treatment of insomnia, as well as the corresponding signaling pathways. In addition, we validated the identified targets and pathways by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemical analysis. Results: The pentobarbital sodium-induced sleep test, determination of 5-HT and GABA levles in hypothalamic tissues and HE staining showed that ZSS extract was an effective treatment for insomnia. Network pharmacology analysis identified a total of 19 candidate bioactive ingredients in ZSS extract, along with 433 potentially related targets. Next, we performed protein-protein interaction (PPI), MCODE clustering analysis, GO functional enrichment analysis, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, and ingredient-target-pathway (I-T-P) sub-networks analysis. These methods allowed us to investigate the synergistic therapeutic effects of crucial pathways, including the serotonergic and GABAergic synapse pathways. Our analyses revealed that palmitic acid, coclaurine, jujuboside A, N-nornuciferine, caaverine, magnoflorine, jujuboside B, and betulinic acid, all played key roles in the regulation of these crucial pathways. Finally, we used the PCPA-induced insomnia in rats to validate the data generated by network pharmacology; these in vivo experiments clearly showed that pathways associated with the serotonergic and GABAergic system were activated in the rats model. Furthermore, ZSS treatment significantly suppressed high levels of HTR1A, GABRA1, and GABRG2 expression in the hypothalamus and reduced the expression levels of HTR2A. Conclusion: Based on the combination of comprehensive network pharmacology and in vivo experiments, we successfully identified the potential pharmacological mechanisms underlying the action of ZSS in the treatment of insomnia. The results provide a theoretical basis for further development and utilization of ZSS, and also provide support for the development of innovative drugs for the treatment of insomnia.

Exploring the Antiglioma Mechanisms of Luteolin Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification

Luteolin, a natural flavone compound, exists in a variety of fruits and vegetables, and its anticancer effect has been shown in many studies. However, its use in glioma treatment is hampered due to the fact that the underlying mechanism of action has not been fully explored. Therefore, we elucidated the potential antiglioma targets and pathways of luteolin systematically with the help of network pharmacology and molecular docking technology. The druggability of luteolin, including absorption, excretion, distribution, and metabolism, was assessed via the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). The potential targets of luteolin and glioma were extracted from public databases, and the intersecting targets between luteolin and glioma were integrated and visualized by a Venn diagram. In addition, GO and KEGG pathway analysis was engaged in Metascape. The network of the luteolin-target-pathway was visualized by Cytoscape. Ultimately, the interactions between luteolin and predicted key targets were confirmed by Discovery studio software. According to the ADME results, luteolin shows great potential for development into a drug. 4860 glioma-associated targets and 280 targets of luteolin were identified, of which 205 were intersection targets. 6 core targets of luteolin against glioma, including AKT1, JUN, ALB, MAPK3, MAPK1, and TNF, were identified via PPI network analysis of which AKT1, JUN, ALB, MAPK1, and TNF harbor diagnostic value. The biological processes of luteolin are mainly involved in the response to inorganic substances, response to oxidative stress, and apoptotic signaling pathway. The essential pathways of luteolin against glioma involve pathways in cancer, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, the TNF signaling pathway, and more. Meanwhile, luteolin's interaction with six core targets was verified by molecular docking simulation and its antiglioma effect was verified by in vitro experiments. This study suggests that luteolin has a promising potential for development into a drug and, moreover, it displays preventive effects against glioma by targeting various genes and pathways.

Network Pharmacology to Explore the Molecular Mechanisms of Prunella vulgaris for Treating Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Purpose:Prunella vulgaris (PV), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used to treat patients with thyroid disease for centuries in China. The purpose of the present study was to investigate its bioactive ingredients and mechanisms against Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) using network pharmacology and molecular docking technology to provide some basis for experimental research.

Methods: Ingredients of the PV formula were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database. Additionally, HT-related genes were retrieved from the UniProt and GeneCards databases. Cytoscape constructed networks for visualization. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis was constructed, and a PPI network was built using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) database. These key targets of PV were enriched and analyzed by molecular docking verification, Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment.

Results: The compound–target network included 11 compounds and 66 target genes. Key targets contained Jun proto-oncogene (JUN), hsp90aa1.1 (AKI), mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1), and tumor protein p53 (TP53). The main pathways included the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, the TNF signaling pathway, the PI3K–Akt signaling pathway, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. The molecular docking results revealed that the main compound identified in the Prunella vulgaris was luteolin, followed by kaempferol, which had a strong affinity for HT.

Conclusion: Molecular docking studies indicated that luteolin and kaempferol were bioactive compounds of PV and might play an essential role in treating HT by regulating multiple signaling pathways.

Luteolin Suppresses Microglia Neuroinflammatory Responses and Relieves Inflammation-Induced Cognitive Impairments

Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation in response to injurious self and non-self-stimuli exerts detrimental effects on neurons, which may lead to cognitive impairment. Luteolin, a typical kind of natural flavonoid in honeysuckle, chrysanthemum, and Herba Schizonepetae, is widely recognized to be anti-inflammatory and antioxidant against peripheral inflammation. However, its protective effect against inflammation-induced cognitive impairment is currently unknown. In this paper, we investigated the relief potential of luteolin against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cognitive impairment and neuroinflammation and its possible anti-inflammatory mechanisms in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV2 microglia cells. In this study, luteolin ameliorated LPS-induced cognitive impairments, indicated by behavioral performance of neuroinflammatory model mice in Morris water maze tests. Protein analyses and histological examination also revealed protective effect of luteolin against neuronal damage, through inhibiting overproduction of inflammatory cytokines in both hippocampus and cortex of mice. We also observed luteolin in vitro significantly suppressed the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 β (IL-1β), and inflammatory mediators like nitric oxide. Taken together, these results demonstrated luteolin was effective in alleviating cognitive impairment and limited neuronal damage via inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators, suggesting luteolin is potential for further therapeutic research of neuroinflammation-related neurodegenerative diseases.

Preliminary therapeutic and mechanistic evaluation of S-allylmercapto-N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of pulmonary emphysema

The objective of this work was to study the effects and mechanisms of S-allylmercapto-N-acetylcysteine (ASSNAC) in the treatment of pulmonary emphysema based on network pharmacology analysis and other techniques. Firstly, the potential targets associated with ASSNAC and COPD were integrated using public databases. Then, a protein-protein interaction network was constructed using String database and Cytoscape software. The Gene Ontology analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis were performed on DAVID platform. The molecular docking of ASSNAC with some key disease targets was implemented on the SwissDock platform. To verify the results of the network pharmacology, a pulmonary emphysema mice model was established and treated with ASSNAC. Besides, the expressions of the predicted targets were detected by immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results showed that 33 overlapping targets are achieved, including CXCL8, ICAM1, MAP2K1, PTGS2, ACE and so on. The critical pathways of ASSNAC against COPD involved arachidonic acid metabolism, chemokine pathway, MAPK pathway, renin-angiotensin system, and others. Pharmacodynamic experiments demonstrated that ASSNAC decreased the pulmonary emphysema and inflammation in the pulmonary emphysema mice. Therefore, these results confirm the perspective of network pharmacology in the target verification, and indicate the treatment potential of ASSNAC against COPD.

Protection against Alzheimer's disease by luteolin: Role of brain glucose regulation, anti-inflammatory activity, and the gut microbiota-liver-brain axis

Luteolin is a widely distributed flavone herbs and vegetables. It has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and improves glucose metabolism by potentiating insulin sensitivity and improving β-cell function and mass. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is induced by the deposition of amyloid-beta (Aβ) in the hippocampus and the formation of neurotoxic Aβ plaques. The Aβ deposition is associated with increased formation of Aβ from amyloid precursor protein by up-regulation of β-secretase and β-site amyloid precursor protein-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1). Furthermore, Aβ accumulation is increased by brain insulin resistance. The impairment of insulin/IGF-1 signaling mainly in the hippocampus and brain insulin resistance is connected to signals originating in the liver and gut microbiota, known as the gut microbiota-liver-brain axis. This indicates that the changes in the production of short-chain fatty acids by the gut microbiota and pro-inflammatory cytokines can alter insulin resistance in the liver and brain. Luteolin is detected in the brain tissues after passing through the blood-brain barrier, where it can directly influence neuroinflammation and brain insulin resistance and modulate Aβ deposition. Luteolin (10-70 mg/kg bw for rodents) can modulate the systemic and brain insulin resistance, and it suppresses AD development directly, and it influences Aβ deposition by activation of the gut microbiota-liver-brain axis. In this review, we evaluate the potential of luteolin to mitigate two potential causes of AD, neuroinflammatory processes, and disruption of glucose metabolism in the brain. This review suggests that luteolin intake can enhance brain insulin resistance and neuroinflammation, directly and indirectly, to protect against the development of Alzheimer's-like disease, and the gut microbiota-liver-brain axis is mainly involved in the indirect pathway. However, most studies have been conducted in animal studies, and human clinical trials are needed.

Therapeutic mechanism of Toujie Quwen granules in COVID-19 based on network pharmacology

Background

Chinese medicine Toujie Quwen granule (TJQW) has proven to be effective in the treatment of mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases by relieving symptoms, slowing the progression of the disease, and boosting the recovery of patients. But the bioactive compounds and potential mechanisms of TJQW for COVID-19 prevention and treatment are unclear. This study aimed to explore the potential therapeutic mechanism of TJQW in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) based on an integrated network pharmacology approach.

Methods

TCMSP were used to search and screen the active ingredients in TJQW. The Swiss TargetPrediction was used to predict the potential targets of active ingredients. Genes co-expressed with ACE2 were considered potential therapeutic targets on COVID-19. Venn diagram was created to show correlative targets of TJQW against COVID-19. Cytoscape was used to construct a “drug-active ingredient-potential target” network, STRING were used to construct protein-protein interaction network, and cytoHubba performed network topology analysis. Enrichment of biological functions and signaling pathways of core targets was performed by using the clusterProfiler package in R software and ClueGO with CluePedia plugins in Cytoscape.

Results

A total of 156 active ingredients were obtained through oral bioavailability and drug-likeness screenings. Two hundred twenty-seven potential targets of TJQW were related to COVID-19. The top ten core targets are EGFR, CASP3, STAT3, ESR1, FPR2, F2, BCL2L1, BDKRB2, MPO, and ACE. Based on that, we obtained 19 key active ingredients: umbelliprenin, quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, praeruptorin E, stigmasterol, and oroxylin A. And the enrichment analysis obtained multiple related gene ontology functions and signaling pathways. Lastly, we constructed a key network of “drug-component-target-biological process-signaling pathway”. Our findings suggested that TJQW treatment for COVID-19 was associated with elevation of immunity and suppression of inflammatory stress, including regulation of inflammatory response, viral process, neutrophil mediated immunity, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, Jak-STAT signaling pathway, Complement and coagulation cascades, and HIF-1 signaling pathway.

Conclusions

Our study uncovered the pharmacological mechanism underlying TJQW treatment for COVID-19. These results should benefit efforts for people around the world to gain more knowledge about Chinese medicine TJQW in the treatment of this vicious epidemic COVID-19, and help to address this pressing problem currently facing the world.