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Mansour SM, Sabra O, El-Komy F, Ahmed K, El-Abhar H. Novel insights into gut health: Cilostazol strengthens gut integrity by adjusting TLR-2/NF-κB/IL-23 and CD44/AKT/GSK-3β/cyclin-D1 trajectories in methotrexate-induced mucositis model. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 975:176669. [PMID: 38795758 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Methotrexate (MTX)-induced gastrointestinal mucositis is a common adverse effect characterized by redox imbalance and overproduction of inflammatory mediators that perturb intestinal integrity. Currently, there is no definitive treatment for this condition and its prevention is still far beyond comprehension. Because of its pleiotropic pharmacological actions, we aimed to explore the potential mechanisms through which cilostazol (CILO) can protect against MTX-induced intestinal mucositis. Wistar rats were allocated into 4 groups, control, CILO (100 mg/kg, p.o for 14 days), MTX (7.5 mg/kg for 4 successive days), and CILO + MTX. The improving effect of CILO on the morphological structure was confirmed by an upturn in the histopathological and transition electron microscope examinations evidenced by the increased jejunal villus height/width and the crypt depth besides the maintenance of tight junctions. These findings were verified biochemically; on the molecular level, CILO reduced the MTX-induced lipid peroxidation, cleaved caspase-3, p53, and the inflammatory parameters (TLR-2, NF-κB, IL-23, TNF-α, IL-1β), while increasing the anti-inflammatory marker IL-10 and the antioxidant enzyme SOD. Moreover, CILO decreased the injurious axis AKT/GSK-3β/cyclin-D1, and CD44+, but increased the immunoexpression of the cell proliferating marker PCNA. CILO also upheld the intestinal barrier by enhancing the tight junction molecules (ZO-1, claudin-4) and the E-cadherin/β-catenin complex while abating the mesenchymal marker vimentin. In conclusion, CILO protected gut integrity by reducing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process, the MTX-induced oxidative, apoptotic, and inflammatory mediators, and turning off the CD44/AKT/GSK-3β/cyclin D1 trajectory and intensifying the expression of PCNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan M Mansour
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, 11562, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Future University in Egypt, Cairo, 84518, Egypt.
| | - Omar Sabra
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Future University in Egypt, Cairo, 84518, Egypt; Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Fatma El-Komy
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Future University in Egypt, Cairo, 84518, Egypt; Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Kawkab Ahmed
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt
| | - Hanan El-Abhar
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Future University in Egypt, Cairo, 84518, Egypt
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Chen Y, Chen S, Chen K, Ji L, Cui S. Magnolol and 5-fluorouracil synergy inhibition of metastasis of cervical cancer cells by targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR and EMT pathways. CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINES 2024; 16:94-105. [PMID: 38375055 PMCID: PMC10874772 DOI: 10.1016/j.chmed.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study is designed to investigate the mode of action of the synergistic effect of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and magnolol against cervical cancer. Methods Network pharmacological approach was applied to predict the molecular mechanism of 5-FU combined with magnolol against cervical cancer. CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, immunofluorescence staining, adhesion assay, wound healing mobility assay, cell migration and invasion assay and Western blot analysis were conducted to validate the results of in silico study. Results Phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway was identified as the key pathway in silico study. The experimental results showed that 5-FU combined with magnolol strongly inhibited cervical cancer cell proliferation, induced the morphological change of HeLa cells by down-regulating the expression of α-actinin, tensin-2 and vinculin. Moreover, magnolol enhanced inhibitory effect of 5-FU on the cell adhesion, migration and invasion. The phosphorylation of AKT and PI3K and the expression of mTOR were strongly inhibited by the combination of 5-FU and magnolol. Moreover, the expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin was upregulated and the expression of Snail, Slug and vimentin was down-regulated by the 5-FU together with magnolol. Conclusion Taken together, this study suggests that 5-FU combined with magnolol exerts a synergistic anti-cervical cancer effect by regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Shanshan Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Kaiting Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Lanfang Ji
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Shuna Cui
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
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Natural products: potential treatments for cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2021; 42:1951-1969. [PMID: 33750909 PMCID: PMC8633358 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-021-00620-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin is a clinically advanced and highly effective anticancer drug used in the treatment of a wide variety of malignancies, such as head and neck, lung, testis, ovary, breast cancer, etc. However, it has only a limited use in clinical practice due to its severe adverse effects, particularly nephrotoxicity; 20%–35% of patients develop acute kidney injury (AKI) after cisplatin administration. The nephrotoxic effect of cisplatin is cumulative and dose dependent and often necessitates dose reduction or withdrawal. Recurrent episodes of AKI result in impaired renal tubular function and acute renal failure, chronic kidney disease, uremia, and hypertensive nephropathy. The pathophysiology of cisplatin-induced AKI involves proximal tubular injury, apoptosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular injury in the kidneys. At present, there are no effective drugs or methods for cisplatin-induced kidney injury. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies show that numerous natural products (flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, polysaccharide, phenylpropanoids, etc.) have specific antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties that regulate the pathways associated with cisplatin-induced kidney damage. In this review we describe the molecular mechanisms of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and summarize recent findings in the field of natural products that undermine these mechanisms to protect against cisplatin-induced kidney damage and provide potential strategies for AKI treatment.
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Qiang T, Li Y, Wang K, Lin W, Niu Z, Wang D, Wang X. Evaluation of potential herb-drug interactions based on the effect of Suxiao Jiuxin Pill on CYP450 enzymes and transporters. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 280:114408. [PMID: 34252529 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE Suxiao jiuxin pill (SJP) is a Chinese medical drug with anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and vasodilatory function. It is widely used in combination with other drugs for the treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD) and angina. Nevertheless, the effect of SJP on Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes and transporters' activity related to drug metabolism is rarely studied. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of SJP on the activity of drug-metabolizing enzyme CYP450 and transporters. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human primary hepatocytes were used in present study. Probe substrates of CYP450 enzymes were incubated in human liver microsomes (HLMs) with and without SJP while IC50 values were calculated. The inhibitory effect of SJP on the activity of CYP1A2, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6 and 3A4 was evaluated. The inducing effect of SJP on the activity of CYP1A2, 2B6 and 3A4 was accessed. The inhibition of SJP on human OATP1B1 was investigated through cell-based assay. The inhibition of SJP on human MDR1 and BCRP was also estimated by means of the vesicles assay. RESULTS The results showed that the SJP under the concentration of 1000 μg/mL could inhibit the activity of CYP1A2, 2B6, 2C19, and 3A4, with IC50 values of 189.7, 308.2, 331.2 and 805.7 μg/mL, respectively. There was no inhibitory effect found in the other 3 liver drug enzyme subtypes. In addition, SJP showed no induction effect on CYP1A2, 2B6 and 3A4, however it had a significant inhibitory effect on human-derived OATP1B1 at the concentration of 100 and 1000 μg/mL, with the IC50 value of 21.9 μg/mL. Simultaneously, the SJP inhibited BCRP at high concentration of 1000 μg/mL but did not affect human MDR1. CONCLUSIONS Based on these research results above, it is suggested that the SJP can affect some of the CYP450 enzymes and transporters' activity. When used in combination with related conventional drugs, potential herb-drug interactions should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Qiang
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Yiping Li
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Keyan Wang
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Wenyong Lin
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Zhenchao Niu
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Dan Wang
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Xiaolong Wang
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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Li Y, Gao M, Yin LH, Xu LN, Qi Y, Sun P, Peng JY. Dioscin ameliorates methotrexate-induced liver and kidney damages via adjusting miRNA-145-5p-mediated oxidative stress. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 169:99-109. [PMID: 33836263 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Dioscin, one natural product, has various pharmacological actions. However, its effects on methotrexate (MTX)-induced hepatorenal damages still remain unknown. In the present study, the data manifested that dioscin restored the viabilities of L-02 and NRK-52E cells, reduced ALT, AST, Cr, BUN levels, and ameliorated histopathological changes of liver and kidney. Besides, dioscin decreased ROS levels in cells, and adjusted SOD, MDA, GSH and GSH-Px levels in rats. Dioscin reduced the expression levels of miR-145-5p which directly targeted Sirt5, and then regulated the expression levels of SOD1, Nrf2, Gst, Keap1, HO-1, GCLC and NQO1. MiR-145-5p mimic in cells deteriorated ROS levels and decreased Sirt5 expression to accentuate oxidative stress by regulating the expression levels of SOD1, Nrf2, Keap1, which were all reversed by dioscin. Moreover, MTX-induced hepatorenal damage were worsened in mice by Sirt5 siRNA or miR-145-5p agomir, which were also alleviated by dioscin. Dioscin relieved MTX-induced hepatorenal damages through regulating miR-145-5p-medicated oxidative stress, which should be considered as one effective drug to treat the disorder in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Li
- College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Western 9 Lvshunnan Road, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - M Gao
- College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Western 9 Lvshunnan Road, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - L-H Yin
- College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Western 9 Lvshunnan Road, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - L-N Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Western 9 Lvshunnan Road, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Y Qi
- College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Western 9 Lvshunnan Road, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Pengyuan Sun
- College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Western 9 Lvshunnan Road, Dalian, 116044, China.
| | - J-Y Peng
- College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Western 9 Lvshunnan Road, Dalian, 116044, China; Key Laboratory for Basic and Applied Research on Pharmacodynamic Substances of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Liaoning Province, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
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Wang M, Liu F, Yao Y, Zhang Q, Lu Z, Zhang R, Liu C, Lin C, Zhu C. Network pharmacology-based mechanism prediction and pharmacological validation of Xiaoyan Lidan formula on attenuating alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate induced cholestatic hepatic injury in rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 270:113816. [PMID: 33444723 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.113816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The well-known Chinese prescription, Xiaoyan Lidan Formula (XYLDF), possesses efficiency of heat-clearing, dampness-eliminating and jaundice-removing. It has long been used clinically for the treatment of hepatobiliary diseases due to intrahepatic cholestasis (IHC). However, the mechanism of XYLDF for its therapeutic effects remains elusive. AIM OF THE STUDY The study aimed to explore the potential targets for liver protective mechanism of XYLDF based on network pharmacology and experimental assays in ANIT-induced cholestatic hepatic injury (CHI) in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS On the basis of the 29 serum migrant compounds of XYLDF elucidated by UPLC-TOF-MS/MS, a network pharmacology approach was applied for the mechanism prediction. Systematic networks were constructed to identify potential molecular targets, biological processes, and signaling pathways. And the interactions between significantly potential targets and active compounds were simulated by molecular docking. For the mechanism validation, an ANIT-induced rat model was used to evaluate the effects of XYLDF on CHI according to serum biochemistry, bile flow rates, histopathological examination, and the gene and protein expression including enzymes related to synthesis, export, and import of bile acid in liver and ileum, and those of inflammatory cytokines, analyzed by RT-qPCR and WB. RESULTS The results of network pharmacology research indicated TNF (TNF-α), RELA (NF-κB), NR1H4 (FXR), and ICAM1 (ICAM-1) to be the important potential targets of XYLDF for cholestatic liver injury, which are related to bile metabolism and NF-κB-mediated inflammatory signaling. And the molecular docking had pre-validated the prediction of network pharmacology, as the core active compounds of XYLDF had shown strong simulation binding affinity with FXR, followed by NF-κB, TNF-α, and ICAM-1. Meanwhile, the effects of XYLDF after oral administration on ANIT-induced CHI in rats exhibited the decreased levels of transaminases (ALT and AST), TBA, and TBIL in serum, raised bile flow rates, and markedly improved hepatic histopathology. Furthermore, consistent to the above targets prediction and molecular docking, XYLDF significantly up-regulated the expression of FXR, SHP, BSEP, and MRP2, and down-regulated CYP7A1 and NTCP in liver, and promoted expression of IBABP and OSTα/β in ileum, suggesting the activation of FXR-mediated pathway referring to bile acid synthesis, transportation, and reabsorption. Moreover, the lower levels of TNF-α in plasma and liver, as well as the reduced hepatic gene and protein expression of NF-κB, TNF-α, and ICAM-1 after XYLDF treatment revealed the suppression of NF-κB-mediated inflammatory signaling pathway, as evidenced by the inhibition of nuclear translocation of NF-κB. CONCLUSIONS XYLDF exhibited an ameliorative liver protective effect on ANIT-induced cholestatic hepatic injury. The present study has confirmed its mechanism as activating the FXR-regulated bile acid pathway and inhibiting inflammation via the NF-κB signaling pathway.
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MESH Headings
- 1-Naphthylisothiocyanate/toxicity
- Animals
- Bile Acids and Salts/metabolism
- Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/blood
- Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/drug therapy
- Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/pathology
- Cholestasis, Intrahepatic/blood
- Cholestasis, Intrahepatic/chemically induced
- Cholestasis, Intrahepatic/drug therapy
- Cholestasis, Intrahepatic/pathology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology
- Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use
- Inflammation/drug therapy
- Inflammation/metabolism
- Male
- Metabolic Networks and Pathways/drug effects
- Molecular Docking Simulation
- NF-kappa B/metabolism
- Protective Agents/pharmacology
- Protective Agents/therapeutic use
- Protein Interaction Maps/drug effects
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/chemistry
- Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Rats
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiqi Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No.232 Waihuandong Rd, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Fangle Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No.232 Waihuandong Rd, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yufeng Yao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No.232 Waihuandong Rd, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Qiuyu Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No.232 Waihuandong Rd, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zenghui Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No.232 Waihuandong Rd, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Runjing Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No.232 Waihuandong Rd, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Changhui Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No.232 Waihuandong Rd, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Chaozhan Lin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No.232 Waihuandong Rd, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Chenchen Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No.232 Waihuandong Rd, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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Mesenchymal Stem Cells Enhance Therapeutic Effect and Prevent Adverse Gastrointestinal Reaction of Methotrexate Treatment in Collagen-Induced Arthritis. Stem Cells Int 2021; 2021:8850820. [PMID: 33505476 PMCID: PMC7814936 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8850820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by articular destruction and functional loss. Methotrexate (MTX) is effective in RA treatment. However, MTX induces several adverse events and 20%-30% of patients do not respond to MTX. Thus, it is urgent to enhance the therapeutic effects and reduce the side effects of MTX. Recent studies showed that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were participants in anti-inflammation, immunoregulation, and tissue regeneration. However, whether the combined application of MSCs and MTX promotes the therapeutic effects and reduces the side effects of MTX has not been studied. In this study, we used bovine type II collagen to induce rheumatoid arthritis in mice (collagen-induced arthritis, CIA). Then, CIA mice were subjected to MTX or MSC treatment, or both. The therapeutic effect and adverse events of different treatments on RA were evaluated with micro-CT, HE staining, and immunohistochemistry in vivo. Apoptosis and proliferation of MODE-K cells were measured after treated with MTX or/and cocultured with UCs. To test M2 polarization, Raw264.7 macrophages were stimulated by MTX with different concentrations or cocultured with UCs. We found that the combined application of MSCs and MTX increased the therapeutic effects on RA, as evidenced by decreased arthritis score, inflammatory responses, and mortality. Moreover, in this combination remedy, MTX prefers to suppress inflammation by facilitating macrophage polarization to M2 type while UCs prefer to eliminate gastrointestinal side effects of MTX via mitigating the apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells. Thus, a combination of MTX and UCs is a promising strategy for RA treatment.
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Wang X, Wang ZY, Zheng JH, Li S. TCM network pharmacology: A new trend towards combining computational, experimental and clinical approaches. Chin J Nat Med 2021; 19:1-11. [PMID: 33516447 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(21)60001-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a precious treasure of the Chinese nation and has unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of diseases. The holistic view of TCM coincides with the new generation of medical research paradigm characterized by network and system. TCM gave birth to a new method featuring holistic and systematic "network target", a core theory and method of network pharmacology. TCM is also an important research object of network pharmacology. TCM network pharmacology, which aims to understand the network-based biological basis of complex diseases, TCM syndromes and herb treatments, plays a critical role in the origin and development process of network pharmacology. This review introduces new progresses of TCM network pharmacology in recent years, including predicting herb targets, understanding biological foundation of diseases and syndromes, network regulation mechanisms of herbal formulae, and identifying disease and syndrome biomarkers based on biological network. These studies show a trend of combining computational, experimental and clinical approaches, which is a promising direction of TCM network pharmacology research in the future. Considering that TCM network pharmacology is still a young research field, it is necessary to further standardize the research process and evaluation indicators to promote its healthy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Institute for TCM-X, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics/Bioinformatics Division, BNRIST, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zi-Yi Wang
- Institute for TCM-X, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics/Bioinformatics Division, BNRIST, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jia-Hui Zheng
- Institute for TCM-X, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics/Bioinformatics Division, BNRIST, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Shao Li
- Institute for TCM-X, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics/Bioinformatics Division, BNRIST, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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Tetramethylpyrazine Prevents Contrast-Induced Nephropathy via Modulating Tubular Cell Mitophagy and Suppressing Mitochondrial Fragmentation, CCL2/CCR2-Mediated Inflammation, and Intestinal Injury. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:7096912. [PMID: 31223426 PMCID: PMC6541991 DOI: 10.1155/2019/7096912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a leading cause of hospital-acquired acute kidney injury (AKI), but detailed pathogenesis and effectual remedy remain elusive. Here, we tested the hypothesis that contrast media (CM) impaired mitochondrial quality control (MQC) in tubules, including mitochondrial fragmentation and mitophagy, induced systemic inflammation, and intestinal injury. Since we previously demonstrated that the natural antioxidant 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) can be a protectant against CIN, we moreover investigated the involved renoprotective mechanisms of TMP. In a well-established CIN rat model, renal functions, urinary AKI biomarkers, and renal reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were measured. Mitochondrial damage and mitophagy were detected by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and western blot. The abundance of Drp1 and Mfn2 by western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to evaluate mitochondrial fragmentation. TUNEL staining, TEM, and the abundance of cleaved-caspase 3 and procaspase 9 were used to assay apoptosis. We demonstrated that increased mitophagy, mitochondrial fragmentation, ROS generation, autophagy, and apoptosis occurred in renal tubular cells. These phenomena were accompanied by renal dysfunction and an increased excretion of urinary AKI biomarkers. Meanwhile, CM exposure resulted in concurrent small intestinal injury and villous capillary endothelial apoptosis. The abundance of the inflammatory cytokines CCL2 and CCR2 markedly increased in the renal tubules of CIN rats, accompanied by increased concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α in the kidneys and the serum. Interestingly, TMP efficiently prevented CM-induced kidney injury in vivo by reversing these pathological processes. Mechanistically, TMP inhibited the CM-induced activation of the CCL2/CCR2 pathway, ameliorated renal oxidative stress and aberrant mitochondrial dynamics, and modulated mitophagy in tubular cells. In summary, this study demonstrated novel pathological mechanisms of CIN, that is, impairing MQC, inducing CCL2/CCR2-mediated inflammation and small intestinal injury, and provided novel renoprotective mechanisms of TMP; thus, TMP may be a promising therapeutic agent for CIN.
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Zuo J, Wang X, Liu Y, Ye J, Liu Q, Li Y, Li S. Integrating Network Pharmacology and Metabolomics Study on Anti-rheumatic Mechanisms and Antagonistic Effects Against Methotrexate-Induced Toxicity of Qing-Luo-Yin. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1472. [PMID: 30618762 PMCID: PMC6305420 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Qing-Luo-Yin (QLY) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula used to treat Hot Syndrome-related rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Previously, we uncovered partial mechanisms involved in the therapeutic actions of QLY on RA. In this study, we further elucidated its anti-rheumatic mechanisms and investigated its possible interactions with methotrexate (MTX) in vivo using an integrating strategy coupled with network pharmacology and metabolomics techniques. Chemical composition of QLY was characterized by HPLC analysis. Collagen induced arthritis (CIA) was developed in male SD rats. The CIA rats were then assigned into different groups, and received QLY, MTX or QLY+MTX treatments according to the pre-arrangement. Therapeutic effects of QLY and its possible interactions with MTX in vivo were evaluated by clinical parameters, digital radiography assessment, histological/immunohistochemical examination, and serological biomarkers. Mechanisms underlying these actions were deciphered with network pharmacology methods, and further validated by metabolomics clues based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS analysis of urines. Experimental evidences demonstrated that QLY notably alleviated the severity of CIA and protected joints from destruction. Re-balanced levels of hemoglobin and alanine transaminase in serum indicated reduced MTX-induced hepatic injury and myelosuppression under the co-treatment of QLY. Network-based target prediction found dozens of RA related proteins as potential targets of QLY. Upon the further biological function enrichment analysis, we found that a large amount of them were involved in nucleotide metabolism and immune functions. Metabolomics analysis showed that QLY restored amino acids, fatty acids, and energy metabolisms in CIA rats, which solidly supported its therapeutic effects on CIA. Consistently to findings from network pharmacology analysis, metabolomics study also found altered purine, pyrimidine, and pentose phosphate metabolisms in CIA rats receiving QLY treatment. All these clues suggested that inhibition on nucleic acid synthesis was essential to the immunosuppressive activity of QLY in vivo, and could contribute great importance to its therapeutic effects on CIA. Additionally, QLY induced significant antifolate resistance in rats, which would prevent folate from depletion during long-term MTX treatment, and should account for reduced side effects in combination regimen with MTX and QLY.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zuo
- Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Xin Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Bioinformatics Division and Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Center for TCM-X, BNRist, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Jing Ye
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Qingfei Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Li
- Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Shao Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Bioinformatics Division and Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Center for TCM-X, BNRist, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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11
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Chen L, Lv D, Chen X, Liu M, Wang D, Liu Y, Hong Z, Zhu Z, Hu X, Cao Y, Yang J, Chai Y. Biosensor-Based Active Ingredients Recognition System for Screening STAT3 Ligands from Medical Herbs. Anal Chem 2018; 90:8936-8945. [PMID: 29953204 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b01103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Langdong Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Diya Lv
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Xiaofei Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Mingdong Liu
- Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Dongyao Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Yue Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Zhanying Hong
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Zhenyu Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Xiaoxia Hu
- Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Yan Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Jianmin Yang
- Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Yifeng Chai
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
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12
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Lei W, Ni J, Xia X, Jiang M, Bai G. Searching for synergistic calcium antagonists and novel therapeutic regimens for coronary heart disease therapy from a Traditional Chinese Medicine, Suxiao Jiuxin Pill. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2018; 1092:220-227. [PMID: 29908471 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2018.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Coronary heart disease is a vital cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are important drugs that can be used to treat cardiovascular diseases. Suxiao Jiuxin Pill (SX), a traditional Chinese medicine, is widely used as an emergency drug for coronary heart disease therapy. However, understanding its potential mechanism in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) modulation remains a challenge. To identify the active pharmacological ingredients (APIs) and reveal a novel combination therapy for ameliorating cardiovascular diseases, the ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF MS) combined with a dual-luciferase reporter [Ca2+]i assay system was applied. Ligustrazine, ferulic acid, senkyunolide I, senkyunolide A and ligustilide were identified as potential calcium antagonists in SX, and the combination of ligustrazine and senkyunolide A showed synergetic calcium antagonistic activity. Additionally, the synergetic mechanism was further investigated by live-imaging analysis with the Ca2+ indicator fluo-4/AM by monitoring fluorescence changes. Our results indicated that ligustrazine can block voltage-operated Ca2+ channels (VDCCs) effectively and senkyunolide A can exert an inhibition effect mostly on ryanodine receptors (RYRs) and partly on VDCCs. Finally, an arterial ring assay showed that the combination of ligustrazine and senkyunolide A exerted a better vasodilatation function than using any components alone. In this study, we first revealed that a pair of natural APIs in combination acting on VDCCs and RYRs was more effective on vasodilatation by regulating [Ca2+]i.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300353, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianan Ni
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueting Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300353, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300353, People's Republic of China.
| | - Gang Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300353, People's Republic of China.
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13
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Zhang B, Wang X, Li Y, Wu M, Wang SY, Li S. Matrine Is Identified as a Novel Macropinocytosis Inducer by a Network Target Approach. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:10. [PMID: 29434546 PMCID: PMC5790780 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Comprehensively understanding pharmacological functions of natural products is a key issue to be addressed for the discovery of new drugs. Unlike some single-target drugs, natural products always exert diverse therapeutic effects through acting on a "network" that consists of multiple targets, making it necessary to develop a systematic approach, e.g., network pharmacology, to reveal pharmacological functions of natural products and infer their mechanisms of action. In this work, to identify the "network target" of a natural product, we perform a functional analysis of matrine, a marketed drug in China extracted from a medical herb Ku-Shen (Radix Sophorae Flavescentis). Here, the network target of matrine was firstly predicted by drugCIPHER, a genome-wide target prediction method. Based on the network target of matrine, we performed a functional gene set enrichment analysis to computationally identify the potential pharmacological functions of matrine, most of which are supported by the literature evidence, including neurotoxicity and neuropharmacological activities of matrine. Furthermore, computational results demonstrated that matrine has the potential for the induction of macropinocytosis and the regulation of ATP metabolism. Our experimental data revealed that the large vesicles induced by matrine are consistent with the typical characteristics of macropinosome. Our verification results also suggested that matrine could decrease cellular ATP level. These findings demonstrated the availability and effectiveness of the network target strategy for identifying the comprehensive pharmacological functions of natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, TCM-X Center, Bioinformatics Division, TNLIST, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology and Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, TCM-X Center, Bioinformatics Division, TNLIST, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Li
- Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Min Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, TCM-X Center, Bioinformatics Division, TNLIST, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Shu-Yan Wang
- Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology and Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Shao Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, TCM-X Center, Bioinformatics Division, TNLIST, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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14
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Su YW, Chen KM, Hassanshahi M, Tang Q, Howe PR, Xian CJ. Childhood cancer chemotherapy-induced bone damage: pathobiology and protective effects of resveratrol and other nutraceuticals. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2017; 1403:109-117. [PMID: 28662275 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Intensive cancer chemotherapy causes significant bone loss, for which the mechanisms remain unclear and effective treatments are lacking. This is a significant issue particularly for childhood cancers, as the most common ones have a >75% cure rate following chemotherapy; there is an increasing population of survivors who live with chronic bone defects. Studies suggest that these defects are the result of reduced bone from increased marrow fat formation and increased bone resorption following chemotherapy. These changes probably result from altered expression/activation of regulatory molecules or pathways regulating skeletal cell formation and activity. Treatment with methotrexate, an antimetabolite commonly used in childhood oncology, has been shown to increase levels of proinflammatory/pro-osteoclastogenic cytokines (e.g., enhanced NF-κB activation), leading to increased osteoclast formation and bone resorption, as well as to attenuate Wnt signaling, leading to both decreased bone and increased marrow fat formation. In recent years, understanding the mechanisms of action and potential health benefits of selected nutraceuticals, including resveratrol, genistein, icariin, and inflammatory fatty acids, has led to preclinical studies that, in some cases, indicate efficacy in reducing chemotherapy-induced bone defects. We summarize the supporting evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Wen Su
- Sansom Institute for Health Research, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ke-Ming Chen
- Institute of Orthopaedics, Lanzhou General Hospital, Lanzhou Command of People's Liberation Army, Lanzhou, PR China
| | - Mohammadhossein Hassanshahi
- Sansom Institute for Health Research, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Qian Tang
- Sansom Institute for Health Research, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Peter R Howe
- Clinical Nutrition Research Centre, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cory J Xian
- Sansom Institute for Health Research, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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15
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Ma K, Miao Y, Gao Y, Tian J, Gao L, Ye D, Qin X. Increasing the Level of IRS-1 and Insulin Pathway Sensitivity by Natural Product Carainterol A. Molecules 2016; 21:E1303. [PMID: 27689988 PMCID: PMC6274213 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21101303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Carainterol A is a eudesmane sesquiterpenoid extracted from Caragana intermedia. We have reported that carainterol A showed potent glucose consumption activity in C₂C12 muscle cells and the db/db mouse model. However, the mechanism of the hypoglycemic effect of carainterol A remains elusive. In this article, we present a network pharmacology approach to predict the target and signaling pathway of carainterol A which was subsequently validated in HepG2 cells. It was demonstrated that carainterol A could increase the protein levels of IRS-1 and the downstream protein kinase AKT phosphorylation at a low micromolar level. These findings suggest that carainterol A can be a valuable lead compound and a promising chemical probe for the insulin signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiqing Ma
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
| | - Yanhong Miao
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
| | - Yao Gao
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
| | - Junsheng Tian
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
| | - Li Gao
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
| | - Deyong Ye
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Xuemei Qin
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
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16
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He B, Lu C, Zheng G, He X, Wang M, Chen G, Zhang G, Lu A. Combination therapeutics in complex diseases. J Cell Mol Med 2016; 20:2231-2240. [PMID: 27605177 PMCID: PMC5134672 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The biological redundancies in molecular networks of complex diseases limit the efficacy of many single drug therapies. Combination therapeutics, as a common therapeutic method, involve pharmacological intervention using several drugs that interact with multiple targets in the molecular networks of diseases and may achieve better efficacy and/or less toxicity than monotherapy in practice. The development of combination therapeutics is complicated by several critical issues, including identifying multiple targets, targeting strategies and the drug combination. This review summarizes the current achievements in combination therapeutics, with a particular emphasis on the efforts to develop combination therapeutics for complex diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing He
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.,Institute of Integrated Bioinformedicine & Translational Science, HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cheng Lu
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.,Institute of Integrated Bioinformedicine & Translational Science, HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China.,Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guang Zheng
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.,Institute of Integrated Bioinformedicine & Translational Science, HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaojuan He
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.,Institute of Integrated Bioinformedicine & Translational Science, HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China.,Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Maolin Wang
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.,Institute of Integrated Bioinformedicine & Translational Science, HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
| | - Gao Chen
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.,Institute of Integrated Bioinformedicine & Translational Science, HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ge Zhang
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.,Institute of Integrated Bioinformedicine & Translational Science, HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
| | - Aiping Lu
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.,Institute of Integrated Bioinformedicine & Translational Science, HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China.,Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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17
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Qi Q, Li R, Li HY, Cao YB, Bai M, Fan XJ, Wang SY, Zhang B, Li S. Identification of the anti-tumor activity and mechanisms of nuciferine through a network pharmacology approach. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2016; 37:963-72. [PMID: 27180984 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2016.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Nuciferine is an aporphine alkaloid extracted from lotus leaves, which is a raw material in Chinese medicinal herb for weight loss. In this study we used a network pharmacology approach to identify the anti-tumor activity of nuciferine and the underlying mechanisms. METHODS The pharmacological activities and mechanisms of nuciferine were identified through target profile prediction, clustering analysis and functional enrichment analysis using our traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) network pharmacology platform. The anti-tumor activity of nuciferine was validated by in vitro and in vivo experiments. The anti-tumor mechanisms of nuciferine were predicted through network target analysis and verified by in vitro experiments. RESULTS The nuciferine target profile was enriched with signaling pathways and biological functions, including "regulation of lipase activity", "response to nicotine" and "regulation of cell proliferation". Target profile clustering results suggested that nuciferine to exert anti-tumor effect. In experimental validation, nuciferine (0.8 mg/mL) markedly inhibited the viability of human neuroblastoma SY5Y cells and mouse colorectal cancer CT26 cells in vitro, and nuciferine (0.05 mg/mL) significantly suppressed the invasion of 6 cancer cell lines in vitro. Intraperitoneal injection of nuciferine (9.5 mg/mL, ip, 3 times a week for 3 weeks) significantly decreased the weight of SY5Y and CT26 tumor xenografts in nude mice. Network target analysis and experimental validation in SY5Y and CT26 cells showed that the anti-tumor effect of nuciferine was mediated through inhibiting the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway and IL-1 levels in SY5Y and CT26 cells. CONCLUSION By using a TCM network pharmacology method, nuciferine is identified as an anti-tumor agent against human neuroblastoma and mouse colorectal cancer in vitro and in vivo, through inhibiting the PI3K-AKT signaling pathways and IL-1 levels.
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