1
|
Jiang Q, Dong C, He Z, Wang Y, Jiang R, Liao W, Yang S. Research landscape and pharmacological mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicines in treating and preventing urolithiasis: Unearthing an anti-urolithic treasure trove. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 334:118502. [PMID: 38950794 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Urolithiasis represents a predominant concern within urology due to its high recurrence rate and consequential surgical complications. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with a history spanning over 2000 years in treating kidney diseases, not only offers a less invasive and cost-effective option for treating and preventing urolithiasis, but also serves as a pharmacological treasure trove for the development of anti-urolithic drugs. AIM OF THE STUDY With the continuous deepening of research on the anti-urolithic effects of Chinese medicines, the pharmacological mechanisms of TCMs against urolithiasis are continuously evolving. Therefore, it is essential to summarize the current research status, clinical effectiveness, and mechanisms of TCM in treating and preventing urolithiasis, to ascertain its potential in anti-urolithic treatments, and to provide a reference for future anti-urolithiasis drug research. METHODS The electronic databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) have been utilized to retrieve relevant literature spanning from 2000 to September 2023, using keywords "Traditional Chinese Medicine" and "Urolithiasis". Then we conducted a visual analysis of the current status of related research, as well as a systematic organization of the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of anti-urolithic TCMs. RESULTS Through the organization of research models, therapeutic effects, and active ingredients of 31 potential anti-urolithic TCMs, we have systematically summarized the underlying mechanisms of TCMs in management of urolithiasis. Mechanistically, Chinese herbs facilitate stone expulsion by enhancing diuresis, instigating anti-spasmodic effects, and promoting ureteral peristalsis when addressing calculi. They also harbor the potential to dissolve pre-existing stones. In terms of stone recurrence prevention, TCM compounds obstruct stone formation through targeting the sequence of crystal adhesion, nucleation, growth, and aggregation to inhibit stone formation. Additionally, TCM's significant roles include stifling oxidative stress, augmenting urinary stone inhibitors, and harmonizing oxalate metabolism, all of which are critical actions in stone prevention. CONCLUSION The anti-urolithic mechanism of TCM is multifaceted. Investigating the anti-urolithiasis mechanisms of TCM not only illuminates the potential of Chinese medicine in treating and preventing urolithiasis, but also uncovers active molecules and targets for drug treatment against calculus formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qinhong Jiang
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Caitao Dong
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziqi He
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunhan Wang
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Jiang
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenbiao Liao
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Sixing Yang
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sun P, Yue J, Lu C, Ji K, Yang R, Lu J, Song X, Hu H, Zhao J, Yang Y, Xu Y. Targeting urinary calcium oxalate crystallization with inulin-type AOFOS from Aspidopterys obcordata Hemsl. for the management of rat urolithiasis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 329:118149. [PMID: 38580188 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Calcium oxalate crystals play a key role in the development and recurrence of kidney stones (also known as urolithiasis); thus, inhibiting the formation of these crystals is a central focus of urolithiasis prevention and treatment. Previously, we reported the noteworthy in vitro inhibitory effects of Aspidopterys obcordata fructo oligosaccharide (AOFOS), an active polysaccharide of the traditional Dai medicine Aspidopterys obcordata Hemsl. (commonly known as Hei Gai Guan), on the growth of calcium oxalate crystals. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigated the effectiveness and mechanism of AOFOS in treating kidney stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS A kidney stones rats model was developed, followed by examining AOFOS transport dynamics and effectiveness in live rats. Additionally, a correlation between the polysaccharide and calcium oxalate crystals was studied by combining crystallization experiments with density functional theory calculations. RESULTS The results showed that the polysaccharide was transported to the urinary system. Furthermore, their accumulation was inhibited by controlling their crystallization and modulating calcium ion and oxalate properties in the urine. Consequently, this approach helped effectively prevent kidney stone formation in the rats. CONCLUSIONS The present study emphasized the role of the polysaccharide AOFOS in modulating crystal properties and controlling crystal growth, providing valuable insights into their potential therapeutic use in managing kidney stone formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Plant Resources and Sustainable Use, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Mengla, Yunnan, 666303, China
| | - Jiarui Yue
- Dehong Vocational College, Mangshi, 678400, Yunnan, China; School of Pharmaceutical Science and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Pharmacology for Natural Products, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Chuanli Lu
- Institute of Nanfan & Seed Industry, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510316, China
| | - Kailong Ji
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Plant Resources and Sustainable Use, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Mengla, Yunnan, 666303, China
| | - Raoqiong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Mengla, Yunnan, 666303, China
| | - Jianmei Lu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Plant Resources and Sustainable Use, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Mengla, Yunnan, 666303, China
| | - Xingzhen Song
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Plant Resources and Sustainable Use, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Mengla, Yunnan, 666303, China
| | - Huabin Hu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Plant Resources and Sustainable Use, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Mengla, Yunnan, 666303, China
| | | | - Yongping Yang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Plant Resources and Sustainable Use, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Mengla, Yunnan, 666303, China.
| | - Youkai Xu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Plant Resources and Sustainable Use, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Mengla, Yunnan, 666303, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Xu Y, Liang H, Mao X, Chen Y, Hou B, Hao Z. Molecular mechanism of Rhizoma Polygonati in the treatment of nephrolithiasis: network pharmacology analysis and in vivo experimental verification. Urolithiasis 2024; 52:35. [PMID: 38376588 DOI: 10.1007/s00240-024-01533-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Rhizoma Polygonati (RP) is the dried rhizome of the liliaceous plant. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptosis effects. But its role in kidney stones has not been studied. The purpose of this study was to verify the effect of RP in the treatment of nephrolithiasis through network pharmacological analysis and in vivo experiments. The active compounds and protein targets of RP, as well as the potential targets of the nephrolithiasis were searched from the database. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network diagram and the drug-compounds-targets-disease network were constructed. The enrichment analysis was performed by Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Subsequently, the effect of RP on the prevention and treatment of nephrolithiasis was experimentally validated in vivo. Animal experiments showed that RP ameliorates renal function and reduced crystal deposition in a mouse model. It may act through anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis. Our study showed that RP could prevent and treat nephrolithiasis by inhibiting apoptosis and inflammation, which provided a new efficacy and clinical application for RP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuexian Xu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Urological and Andrological Diseases Research and Medical Transformation, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hu Liang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Urological and Andrological Diseases Research and Medical Transformation, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xike Mao
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Urological and Andrological Diseases Research and Medical Transformation, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
- Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Urological and Andrological Diseases Research and Medical Transformation, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Bingbing Hou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Urological and Andrological Diseases Research and Medical Transformation, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zongyao Hao
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
- Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Urological and Andrological Diseases Research and Medical Transformation, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang C, Jiang S, Zheng H, An Y, Zheng W, Zhang J, Liu J, Lin H, Wang G, Wang F. Integration of gut microbiome and serum metabolome revealed the effect of Qing-Wei-Zhi-Tong Micro-pills on gastric ulcer in rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117294. [PMID: 37839771 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Qing-Wei-Zhi-Tong Micro-pills (QWZT) is herbal compound used in the treatment of GU, whose functions include clearing the stomach and fire, softening the liver and relieving pain. However, its mechanistic profile on host intestinal microbiota and metabolism has not been determined. AIM OF THE STUDY The present study aimed to observe the healing effect of QWZT on acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer in a rat model and to preliminarily elucidate its possible therapeutic mechanism from the perspective of host intestinal microbiota and metabolism. MATERIALS AND METHODS The Wistar male rats (7 weeks old; weight 180-200 g) were randomly divided into normal control group (NC), acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer group (GU), and QWZT treatment group (High dose: 1250 mg/kg/day, Middle dose: 625 mg/kg/day, Low dose: 312.5 mg/kg/day) of 6 rats each. An acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer rat model was constructed based on anatomical surgery. QWZT (High dose, Middle dose, and Low dose) was used to treat gastric ulcer rats for 7 days by gavage. At the end of treatment, the body weight, macroscopic condition of gastric tissue ulcers, pathological changes (HE staining), inflammatory factors, oxidative stress factors, and endocrine factors were assessed in each group of rats. Fresh feces and serum from each group of rats were collected for microbiome and metabolome analysis on the machine, respectively. Drug-disease common targets and functional pathways were captured based on network pharmacology. The complex network of Herbs-Targets-Pathways-Metabolites-Microbiota interactions was constructed. Ultimately, Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) evaluated the contribution of gut microbiota in disease. RESULTS QWZT increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria (Bacteroides, Alloprevotella, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Lactobacillus, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Parabacteroides, etc.), reduced the abundance of harmful bacteria (Micromonospora, Geobacter, Nocardioides, and Arenimonas, etc.), reduced the levels of inflammatory mediators (12,13-EpOME, 9,10-Epoxyoctadecenoic acid, SM(d18:1/16:0) and Leukotriene A4, etc.), restored host metabolic disorders (Linoleic acid metabolism, Glycerophospholipid metabolism, and Arachidonic acid metabolism), and regulated the level of cytokines (IL-6, TNF-a, SOD, MDA, PEG-2 and NO), ultimately exerting an anti-ulcer effect. Apart from that, FMT improved acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers in rats. CONCLUSION QWZT improved acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers in rats by remodeling intestinal microbiota and regulating host metabolism. This work may promote the process of developing and utilizing clinical applications of QWZT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
| | - Shengyu Jiang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, China.
| | - Haoyu Zheng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
| | - Yiming An
- Department of Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
| | - Wenxue Zheng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
| | - Jianming Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China; Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, China.
| | - Hongqiang Lin
- Department of Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China; Jilin Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Precision Prevention and Control for Common Diseases, Changchun, 130021, China.
| | - Guoqiang Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China; Jilin Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Precision Prevention and Control for Common Diseases, Changchun, 130021, China.
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China; Jilin Provincial Science and Technology Innovation Centre for Secondary Development of Proprietary Chinese Medicines, Changchun, 130021, China; Jilin Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Precision Prevention and Control for Common Diseases, Changchun, 130021, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tian Y, Zhao J, Chen L, Zhang C, Chu X, Xia Y. Sanjin Paishi Decoction improves the imbalance of gut microbiota and regulates MAPK signaling pathway to inhibit calcium oxalate stones in rats. Int Urol Nephrol 2023; 55:2421-2429. [PMID: 37368087 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-023-03641-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sanjin Paishi Decoction (SJPSD) has positive effects on stone prevention; however, there is a lack of convincing evidence in the prevention of calcium oxalate stones. This study aimed investigates the effect of SJPSD on calcium oxalate stones and to explore its mechanism. METHODS The rat model of calcium oxalate stones was established and rats were treated with different doses of SJPSD. The pathological damage of kidney tissues was observed by HE staining, the deposition of calcium oxalate crystals in kidney tissues was examined by Von Kossa staining, and the levels of creatinine (CREA), urea (UREA), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and magnesium (Mg) in serum were analyzed biochemically, the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in serum were measured by ELISA, and the protein expression of Raf1, MEK1, p-MEK1, ERK1/2, p-ERK1/2, and Cleaved caspase-3 in kidney tissues was analyzed by Western blot. Moreover, the changes in gut microbiota were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. RESULTS SJPSD attenuated the pathological damage of renal tissues, reduced the levels of CREA, UREA, Ca, P, and Mg, and inhibited the expression of Raf1, p-MEK1, p-ERK1/2, and Cleaved caspase-3 in renal tissues (P < 0.05). SJPSD treatment affected the composition of intestinal microbiota in rats with calcium oxalate stones. CONCLUSION The mechanism of SJPSD inhibition of calcium oxalate stone injury in rats may be related to the inhibition of the MAPK signaling pathway and regulation of gut microbiota imbalance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Tian
- Department of Urology Surgery, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39, Twelve Bridges Road, Jinniu District, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Juan Zhao
- Department of Urology Surgery, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39, Twelve Bridges Road, Jinniu District, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Lan Chen
- Department of Urology Surgery, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39, Twelve Bridges Road, Jinniu District, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Chuang Zhang
- Department of Urology Surgery, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39, Twelve Bridges Road, Jinniu District, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xin Chu
- Department of Nursing, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39, Twelve Bridges Road, Jinniu District, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan Province, China.
| | - Yuguo Xia
- Department of Urology Surgery, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39, Twelve Bridges Road, Jinniu District, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang X, Liang F, Li T, Jiang Y, Ren F. Metformin ameliorates calcium oxalate crystallization and stone formation by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway: Two birds with one stone. Arch Biochem Biophys 2023; 739:109568. [PMID: 36914110 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2023.109568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
Deposition of calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals and oxidative stress-induced injury of renal tubular epithelial cell are the primary pathogenic factors of nephrolithiasis. In this study we investigated the beneficial effects of metformin hydrochloride (MH) against nephrolithiasis and explored the underlying molecular mechanism. Our results demonstrated that MH inhibited the formation of CaOx crystals and promoted the transformation of thermodynamically stable CaOx monohydrate (COM) to more unstable CaOx dihydrate (COD). MH treatment effectively ameliorated oxalate-induced oxidative injury and mitochondrial damage in renal tubular cells and reduced CaOx crystal deposition in rat kidneys. MH also attenuated oxidative stress by lowering MDA level and enhancing SOD activity in HK-2 and NRK-52E cells and in a rat model of nephrolithiasis. In both HK-2 and NRK-52E cells, COM exposure significantlylowered the expressions of HO-1 and Nrf2, which was rescued by MH treatment even in the presence of Nrf2 and HO-1 inhibitors. In rats with nephrolithiasis, MH treatment significantly rescued the down-regulation of the mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in the kidneys. These results demonstrate that MH can alleviate CaOx crystal deposition and kidney tissue injury in rats with nephrolithiasis by suppressing oxidative stress and activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, suggesting the potential value of MH in the treatment of nephrolithiasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Clinical Pharmacy Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, PR China
| | - Futu Liang
- Department of Pharmacy, Clinical Pharmacy Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, PR China
| | - Tianyang Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Clinical Pharmacy Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, PR China
| | - Yaodong Jiang
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, PR China.
| | - Fei Ren
- Department of Pharmacy, Clinical Pharmacy Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Li S, Macaringue EGJ, Zhou D, Shi P, Tang W, Gong J. Discovering inhibitor molecules for pathological crystallization of CaOx kidney stones from natural extracts of medical herbs. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 284:114733. [PMID: 34644589 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Kidney stones is one of the common diseases of the urinary system. The primary cause of kidney stone formation is the thermodynamic supersaturation of lithogenic solutes in urine, which desaturates by nucleation, crystal growth and aggregation of minerals and salts, mainly Calcium oxalate (CaOx). One of the potential therapies is to develop drug molecules to inhibit or prevent CaOx crystallization in urine. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) provided an efficient approach for the treatment of kidney stones with a specialized-designed recipe of medicinal herbs. But the action details of these herbs were poorly understood due to their complex components, and whether the effective constituents of herbs have an inhibitory effect on the process of stone formation has not been evaluated. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aims to develop and identify inhibitor substitutes from a library of kidney stone prescriptions in traditional Chinese medicines to prevent pathological kidney stone formation. MATERIALS AND METHODS As many as twenty Chinese medicines were extracted and separated into five different polar extracts, the inhibition performance of which on CaOx crystallization was explored by recording and comparing crystallization kinetics. The potential inhibitor molecules in the inhibitory extracts were confirmed by HPLC and their retardation efficacy was evaluated by quantifying nucleation and growth kinetics using colorimetry. Then the inhibitor-COM crystal interactions and specificity were examined by morphology evolution and surface structure analysis. In vitro inhibition performance of inhibitors on crystal growth and attachment of CaOx crystals to human renal epithelial cells were further evaluated by recording the nucleation and adhesive crystal numbers. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Water- and n-butanol- soluble extracts from 20 kinds of herbs show almost 100% inhibition percentage, and the n-butanol extracts was found better than commercial drug citrate. Twenty-one molecule substitutes were identified from these extracts, and among them polyphenols display the best inhibition efficacy to retard CaOx crystallization. The high-throughput colorimetric assay and morphology examinations reveals thirteen out of 21 molecules show inhibition potential and disrupt growth of CaOx monohydrate crystals by interacting with exposed Ca2+ and C2O42- on the (100) and (010) surfaces. Moreover, these inhibitors also display pronounced performance in protecting renal epithelial cells by inhibiting nucleation and adhesion of CaOx crystals to cells, thus reducing stone formation. The structure-performance correlation among 19 screened molecules that inhibitors having pKa<3.5, logD (pH = 6) <0, H-number>0.1 mmol are the best in suppressing CaOx crystallization. Our findings provide a novel solution to design and manufacture inhibitor drugs from Chinese medicines for preventing pathological kidney stones formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Si Li
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, The Co-Innovation Center of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering of Tianjin, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, PR China
| | - Estevao G J Macaringue
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, The Co-Innovation Center of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering of Tianjin, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, PR China
| | - Donghui Zhou
- School of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Peng Shi
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, The Co-Innovation Center of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering of Tianjin, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, PR China
| | - Weiwei Tang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, The Co-Innovation Center of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering of Tianjin, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, PR China.
| | - Junbo Gong
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, The Co-Innovation Center of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering of Tianjin, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Dou L, Gong X, Wu Q, Mou F. Therapeutic effects of Sheng Xue Fang in a cyclophosphamide-induced anaemia mouse model. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2021; 59:789-798. [PMID: 34176428 PMCID: PMC8238071 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2021.1941133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Sheng Xue Fang (SXF) has been used to treat anaemia for decades with good efficacy. OBJECTIVE To study the effect and possible mechanism of SXF to restore haematopoietic function. MATERIALS AND METHODS Balb/c mice (10 per/group, half male, half female) were treated with SXF (three dose groups, 8.5, 17, and 22.1 g/kg) by gavage for 14 days, and cyclophosphamide (80 mg/kg) was injected on days 10-12. Only injection of cyclophosphamide (negative control) or physiological saline (blank control) were included as controls. The spleen and femur were processed for histopathology. Active components and the target of SXF were screened. The target was used for gene enrichment and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis. RESULTS Red blood cell relative changes in the SXF group (low: -5.50 ± 1.58%; medium: -11.11 ± 4.15%; high: -8.81 ± 2.67%) and relative negative control (26.21 ± 2.51%) significantly increased (all p < 0.01) in female mice. Haemoglobin and red blood cell-specific volume showed the same trend. However, SXF did not have significant effects on male mice. Splenic index in the medium group (4.44 ± 0.46%) relative negative control (3.38 ± 0.10%) significantly improved (p < 0.01) in female mice. Using network pharmacology, 77 active components and 337 targets were screened from SXF. These targets are closely related to the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. CONCLUSIONS SXF has good clinical application potential. However, the mechanism requires in-depth research. Our findings are of great significance in anaemia treatment and provide a new perspective for Chinese medicine research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Dou
- Central Laboratory, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Gong
- Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Wu
- Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Fangzheng Mou
- Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Li S, Zheng M, Zhang Z, Peng H, Dai W, Liu J. Galli gigeriae endothelium corneum: its intestinal barrier protective activity in vitro and chemical composition. Chin Med 2021; 16:22. [PMID: 33593395 PMCID: PMC7885590 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-021-00432-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Galli gigeriae endothelium corneum (GGEC) has been effectively used for centuries for the treatment of functional dyspepsia (FD) in clinical practice in Asian countries. However, its potential mechanism and chemical composition remains undertermined. Methods In this study, the chemical profile of GGEC ethyl acetate extract (EAE) was evaluated by HPLC-Q-TOF–MS/MS. The effects of EAE on intestinal barrier function and inflammation were investigated in IEC-6 cells and RAW264.7 cells. Results The results showed that 33 compounds were tentatively identified, including 12 soy isoflavones, 7 bile acids for the first time in EAE. EAE significantly reinforced intestinal barrier function via increasing the tight junction protein levels of ZO-1 and Occludin, reducing the mRNA expression levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-challenged IEC-6 cells. The scratch wound assay showed that EAE accelerated wound healing of IEC-6 cells. EAE evidently reduced the level of NO in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 18.12 μg/mL, and the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, iNOS and COX-2 in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells. Conclusion This study revealed the intestinal barrier protective effects and chemical profile of GGEC, and the results indicated that GGEC strengthened the intestinal barrier by up-regulating protein expression of tight junctions and limiting inflammatory responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhentang Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Hengying Peng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenling Dai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Jihua Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China. .,State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Li S, Ma B, Wang J, Peng H, Zheng M, Dai W, Liu J. Novel Pentapeptide Derived from Chicken by-Product Ameliorates DSS-Induced Colitis by Enhancing Intestinal Barrier Function via AhR-Induced Src Inactivation. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2020; 68:14192-14203. [PMID: 33210912 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.0c06319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Managing patients with refractory inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is a common clinical challenge. Galli Gigeriae Endothelium Corneum (GGEC), a chicken by-product, has been used for centuries in Asian countries as a functional food and supplement for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. In this study, a novel peptide (LNLYP, LP-5) with gastrointestinal stability that can enhance the intestinal barrier function that was first identified in GGEC. Our work demonstrated that aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation by LP-5 could inhibit the Src kinase to increase tight junction protein levels and down-regulate the expression of inflammatory cytokines to protect the intestinal barrier and finally alleviate dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. This study revealed that LP-5 had the potential to develop into a therapeutic agent for the treatment of colitis and provided new high-valued utilization of GGEC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Bin Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Jin Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Hengying Peng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Meng Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Wenling Dai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Jihua Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
He Y, Yang C, Wang P, Yang L, Wu H, Liu H, Qi M, Guo Z, Li J, Shi H, Wu X, Hu Z. Child compound Endothelium corneum attenuates gastrointestinal dysmotility through regulating the homeostasis of brain-gut-microbiota axis in functional dyspepsia rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 240:111953. [PMID: 31082513 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.111953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Nowadays, there is no specific effective western medicine for functional dyspepsia (FD), especially in children. Clinically, child compound Endothelium corneum (CCEC) has shown to be effective for the therapy of FD, however, the underlying mechanism has not been elucidated yet. MATERIALS AND METHODS FD was induced in rats by irregular diet plus dilute hydrochloric acid feeding. Gastric emptying and small intestinal transit were examined by intragastric gavage with Evans blue. Histopathology was assessed by H&E staining. Gastrointestinal hormones and brain gut peptides were measured by ELISA assay. mRNA expression level was quantified by real-time PCR. Protein expression level was detected by western blotting assay. Gut microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA miseq sequencing. RESULTS CCEC significantly enhanced gastric emptying and small intestinal transit of FD rats, and prominently suppressed gastrointestinal microinflammation. At phylum level, CCEC prevented the decrease of Firmicutes and the increase of Bacteroidetes in gut of FD rats. In stomach of FD rats, MTL, CCK and VIP levels were significantly increased, which could be repressed by CCEC; however, the decreased GAS level could not be elevated by CCEC. In small intestine of FD rats, MTL and GAS levels were decreased, while VIP content was increased. These alterations could be effectively reversed by CCEC. NPY levels in serum, small intestine and hypothalamus of FD rats were significantly decreased, which could be rescued by CCEC. Moreover, the over-activated POMC/Stat3/Akt pathway in hypothalamus of FD rats could be suppressed by CCEC. CONCLUSION CCEC enhanced gastrointestinal motility probably through rebalancing the homeostasis of brain-gut-microbiota axis in FD rats. The novel findings may provide insightful theoretical basis for its clinical employment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yixin He
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; School of Pharmacy, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Chun Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Ping Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Liu Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Hui Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Hongmin Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Muge Qi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Zhonghua Guo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Jianghua Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Hailian Shi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Xiaojun Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Zhibi Hu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| |
Collapse
|