Lei-gong-gen formula granule attenuates hyperlipidemia in rats via cGMP-PKG signaling pathway

A network pharmacology-based approach to explore the molecular mechanism of Aidi injection against prostate cancer

Objective

To explore the molecular mechanism of Aidi injection in the treatment of prostate cancer (PCa).

Materials and methods

CCK-8 and colony formation assays were used to detect the effects of Aidi on PC3 and DU145 cells; effects on the cell cycle and apoptosis of DU145 cells were detected by flow cytometry; effects on migration and invasion of PC3 and DU145 cells were detected by wound healing and transwell assay, respectively. The main active components of Aidi, their corresponding targets, and PCa associated pathways were predicted and analyzed by network pharmacology. Then predicted key targets and related signaling pathways were further verified by western blotting. The potential active components of Aidi were predicted by molecular docking technology.

Results

Aidi significantly inhibited the proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion of PC3 and DU145 cells; Aidi induced apoptosis and cell cycle G2/M phase arrest of DU145 cells. Network pharmacology analysis yielded 36 potential core targets of Aidi against PCa, and the top 10 signaling pathways including MAPK, PI3K-Akt, and HIF-1α and so on were enriched. Western blotting confirmed that Aidi upregulated the expression levels of p-JNK, p-p38, p-ERK, and ERK in DU145 cells. Molecular docking study showed that kaempferol, (Z)-1-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one, 7-O-methylisomucronulatol, calycosin, and N-salicylidene-salicylamine can be well binding with JNK and p38.

Conclusion

Aidi could inhibit PCa cell proliferation and metastasis through induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, which may be related to activating JNK and p38 signaling pathway.

Combination of metabolomics and network pharmacology analysis to decipher the mechanisms of total flavonoids of Litchi seed against prostate cancer

OBJECTIVES

To explore the underlying mechanism of total flavonoids of Litchi seed (TFLS) in treating prostate cancer (PCa).

METHODS

Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), EdU incorporation assay, trypan blue dye assay and colony formation assay were employed to evaluate the effect of TFLS on PCa in vitro. The xenograft mouse model was established to explore the anti-tumour effect of TFLS in vivo. Alterations in the metabolic profiles of the PC3 cells and mouse serum were obtained by untargeted metabolomics. Combination with metabolomics analysis and network pharmacology strategies, the potential targets were predicted and further validated by RT-qPCR.

KEY FINDINGS

TFLS attenuated PCa progression both in vitro and in vivo. Metabolomics results yielded from cells and serum indicated that the anti-cancer effect of TFLS was correlated with synergistic modulation of five common metabolic pathways including glycerophospholipid metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism and steroid biosynthesis. Using in silico prediction and RT-qPCR analysis, we further revealed that TFLS exerted anti-PCa activities via regulating the expressions of nine genes, including MAOA, ACHE, ALDH2, AMD1, ARG1, PLA2G10, PLA2G1B, FDFT1 and SQLE.

CONCLUSIONS

TFLS suppressed tumour proliferation in PCa, which may be associated with regulating lipid and amino acid metabolisms.

Total flavonoids of Litchi seed attenuate stem cell-like properties in breast cancer by regulating Notch3 signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Breast cancer has been the most commonly-diagnosed cancer worldwide, and the treatment and prognosis of which are often limited by breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). Litchi seeds have shown good anti-cancer activity in various cancers including prostate cancer, lung cancer and breast cancer. However, the activity and underlying mechanism of Litchi seeds against BCSCs remain unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the activity and mechanism of total flavonoids of litchi seed (TFLS) against BCSCs in vitro and in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two orthotopic xenograft mouse models were established using HCC1806 cells pretreated or untreated with TFLS to determine whether TFLS could target BCSCs in vivo. Mammosphere formation and flow cytometry assays were employed to evaluate the effect of TFLS on BCSCs in vitro. The underlying mechanism was investigated using RT-qPCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence experiments.

RESULTS

TFLS could significantly inhibit the viability of HCC1806, MCF-7 and HCC1937 cells in vitro and suppress the growth of HCC1806 cells in vivo. TFLS attenuated stem cell-like properties of breast cancer through reducing the percentage of CD44⁺CD24^-/low cells, inhibiting the mammospheres formation and down-regulating the mRNA and protein levels of cancer stem cells related markers (Oct4, Nanog, Sox2) in MCF-7 and HCC1806 cells. Meanwhile, TFLS suppressed the tumor-initiating ability of BCSCs via reducing the percentage of CD44⁺CD24^-/low cells in tumor and lowering tumor incidence rate in orthotopic xenograft mice. In addition, TFLS treatments restricted the expression and nuclear translocation of Notch3, subsequently down-regulated Hes1 and Runx2 expressions.

CONCLUSIONS

TFLS could suppress the growth of breast cancer and eliminate breast cancer stem cells by inhibiting the Notch3 signaling pathway.

HPTLC-Bioluminescent Bioautography Screening of Herbal Teas for Adulteration with Hypolipidemic Drugs

Teas based on nutraceutical herbs are an effective tool against hyperlipidemia. However, the adulteration with chemical drugs is frequently detected. By coupling bioluminescent bioautography with high performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), we developed a facile method suitable for screening hypolipidemic drugs (ciprofibrate and bezafibrate) adulteration in five different herbal teas (lotus leaf, Apocynum, Ginkgo biloba, Gynostemia and chrysanthemum). First, the sensitivity of a bioluminescent bacteria to the analyte was evaluated on different HPTLC layer materials, revealing that the best performance was achieved on the silica gel layer. On this basis, sample extracts were separated on silica gel plates via a standardized HPTLC procedure, forming a selective detection window for the targeted compound. Then, the separation results were rapidly visualized by the bioluminescence inhibition of bacteria cells within 6 min after dipping. The observed inhibition displayed an acceptable limit of detection (<20 ng/zone or 2 mg/kg) and linearity (R² ≥ 0.9279) within a wide concentration range (50-1000 ng/zone). Furthermore, the optimized method was performed with artificially adulterated samples and the recovery rates were determined to be within the range of 71% to 91%, bracing its practical reliability. Showing superiorly high simplicity, throughput and specificity, this work demonstrated that the analytical method jointly based on HPTLC and bioautography was an ideal tool for screening bioactive compounds in complex biological matrix.

Ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Benincasae Exocarpium: A review

Benincasae Exocarpium (BE, Dongguapi in Chinese), as the dried outer pericarp of Benincasa hispida (wax gourd) in Cucurbitaceae family, is one of traditional Chinese medicines with the same origin as medicine and food. Up to now, 43 compounds were isolated from BE, including flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, phenolic acids, soluble fiber and carbohydrates. Modern pharmacological studies and clinical practice showed that BE has diuretic, hypolipidemic effects, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, antibacterial, and other effects. The folk uses, functional factors, pharmacological activities, patents and clinical applications of BE were reviewed in this paper. In addition, the paper also discussed the current problems for the further studies. The information summarized in this paper provides valuable clues for the comprehensive utilization of medicine and food resources and gives a scientific basis for the development of medicinal plants of BE.

Curcumae Rhizoma - combined with Sparganii Rhizoma in the treatment of liver cancer: Chemical analysis using UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MSn, network analysis, and experimental assessment

Objective: Curcumae Rhizoma-Sparganii Rhizoma (CR-SR) is a traditional botanical drug pair that can promote blood circulation, remove blood stasis, and treat tumors in clinics. The aim of the present study was to investigate the therapeutic material basis and potential mechanisms of CR-SR, CR, and SR for the treatment of liver cancer. Method: The chemical profile analyses of CR-SR, CR, and SR were performed by molecular networking and UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MSⁿ. The anti-liver cancer activities of CR-SR, CR, and SR were assessed by using a zebrafish xenograft model in vivo for the first time and detected by the HepG2 cell model in vitro. Combining the network analysis and molecular docking, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) experiments were undertaken to further explore the mechanisms of CR-SR, CR, and SR for the treatment of liver cancer. Results: In total, 65 components were identified in CR-SR, CR, and SR. Based on the clusters of molecular networking, a total of 12 novel diarylheptanoids were identified from CR-SR and CR. By combining our results with information from the literature, 32 sesquiterpenoids and 21 cyclic dipeptides were identified from CR-SR, CR, and SR. The anti-liver cancer activities were observed in both the drug pair and the single botanical drugs in vitro and in vivo, and the order of activity was CR-SR > CR > SR. They could downregulate the expression of proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase Src (SRC), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), estrogen receptor-α (ESR1), prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), and amyloid precursor protein (APP). Conclusion: Taken together, the present study provided an experimental basis for the therapeutic material basis and potential molecular mechanisms of CR-SR, CR, and SR. This study provided a novel insight for objective clinical treatment of liver cancer.

Smilax glabra Roxb.: A Review of Its Traditional Usages, Phytochemical Constituents, Pharmacological Properties, and Clinical Applications

Smilax glabra Roxb. (SGB) is a medicinal plant widely distributed in 17 countries worldwide. It is the primary raw material of the world-famous and best-selling functional food and beneficial tea. SGB was first recorded in Ben Cao Jing Ji Zhu of the Southern and Northern Dynasties (420–589 AD) and was reported for nutritional and medicinal properties for thousands of years. This review searched PubMed, Web of Science, and other databases for relevant literature on SGB species until April 2022. It aims to provide more integrated thinking, detailed awareness, and better knowledge of SGB. More than 200 chemical components have been discovered, including flavonoids, phenolic, phenolic acids, stilbenes, organic acids, phenylpropanoids, and others. Previous studies have demonstrated that SGB and its active ingredients show a wide range of pharmacological effects, including anti-infective, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardiovascular protection, etc. However, many studies on the biological activity of this plant were mainly based on crude extracts and active ingredients, and there is a lack of clinical studies and toxicity studies to support the development of drug design, development, and therapy. In summary, this review will provide specific and valuable suggestions and guidelines for further research and application of this plant in the medicinal field.

Scopolin obtained from Smilax china L. against hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibiting glycolysis: A network pharmacology and experimental study

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Smilax china L. is a well-known traditional medicinal plant. In China, it is a common anti-cancer drug that has been inherited for thousands of years. Some in vitro and in vivo studies have confirmed its potential lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory and anti-ovarian cancer effects. However, there is no research on the material basis and mechanism of the rhizome of Smilax china L. against hepatocellular carcinoma.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the material basis and mechanism of scopolin from Smilax china L. against hepatocellular carcinoma.

METHODS

The potential targets and active components of Smilax china L. against hepatocellular carcinoma were screened by transcriptomics, network pharmacology and molecular docking. Microscale Thermophoresis (MST) detection was used to verify the affinity of small molecule compounds with potential proteins and protein-protein interaction. The Extract from HepG2 cells was used to measure the expression of glycolysis-related proteins, glucose consumption and lactate production. The expression of apoptosis-related factors and glycolysis-related proteins in vivo was detected by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The glycolysis-related proteins glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI), glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, mitochondrial (GPD2) and phosphoglycerate kinase 2 (PGK2) screened by transcriptomics, network pharmacology showed strongly binding with scopolin by molecular docking. MST detection has also verified the affinity of scopolin with GPI and GPD2. It was the first time found that Heat shock protein HSP 90-alpha (Hsp90α) bound strongly to GPI and GPD2 in the worldwide, while scopolin was able to affect the interaction between Hsp90α and GPD2. In vitro and in vivo experiments further demonstrated that scopolin may play an anti-cancer role by affecting the stability of tumor-associated proteins. The results showed that scopolin obtained from Smilax china L. could regulate the expression of GPI, GPD2 and PGK2 and inhibit the interaction of protein-protein, reduce the energy metabolism of tumor tissue, thereby inhibit tumor growth.

CONCLUSION

Scopolin obtained from Smilax china L. plays the role of anti-hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating the expression of glycolysis proteins GPI, GPD2 and PGK2. Scopolin could affect the interaction between Hsp90α and GPD2 may provide a novel potential treatment direction for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Marsdenia tenacissima (Roxb.) Moon injection exerts a potential anti-tumor effect in prostate cancer through inhibiting ErbB2-GSK3β-HIF1α signaling axis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Marsdenia tenacissima injection (MTE), a traditional Chinese medical injection extracted from the rattan of Marsdenia tenacissima (Roxb.) Moon, has been approved for clinical use in China as an adjuvant therapeutic agent in multiple cancers, including esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, lung cancer, and liver cancer. However, the activity and mechanism of MTE on prostate cancer (PCa) remain to be defined.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the activity and the underlying mechanism of MTE in the treatment of PCa.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The component characterization of MTE was analyzed by HPLC-CAD-QTOF-MS/MS technology. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to assess PCa cell proliferation. Colony formation assay was applied to detect the clonogenic ability of the cells. MetaboAnalyst5.0 database was employed to analyze the altered metabolites of PC3 cells treated with MTE obtained by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. Combined with metabolomics analysis and network pharmacology, we predicted the potential targets, which further were verified by Western Blot, RT-qPCR, and Immunohistochemistry assays. Finally, SeeSAR software was applied to predict the potential active components of MTE against PCa.

RESULTS

A total of 21 components in MTE were confirmed by HPLC-CAD-QTOF-MS/MS analysis. MTE inhibited the proliferation and colony formation of PCa cells. A total of 20 metabolites closely related to glycerophospholipid metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle were significantly changed in PC3 cells treated with MTE. The network pharmacology analysis revealed that MTE suppressed the growth of PC3 cells might by regulating the ErbB2-GSK3β-HIF1α signaling axis. Furthermore, we also confirmed that stimulation of MTE significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of ErbB2 at Tyr877 and the activities of its downstream signal transducers (GSK3β and HIF1α) in PCa, as well as the mRNA levels of critical factors (IDH2, LDHA, and HIF1A) in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Molecular docking further suggested that Tenacissimoside E, cryptochlorogenic acid, and scopoletin might be the active ingredients of MTE for PCa treatment.

CONCLUSION

This study proposed that MTE exerts a potential anti-tumor effect in PCa through inhibiting ErbB2-GSK3β-HIF1α signaling axis, which may be related to the TCA cycle.

Transcriptome and Metabolome Integration Provides New Insights Into the Regulatory Networks of Tibetan Pig Alveolar Type II Epithelial Cells in Response to Hypoxia

Tibetan pigs show a widespread distribution in plateau environments and exhibit striking physiological and phenotypic differences from others pigs for adaptation to hypoxic conditions. However, the regulation of mRNAs and metabolites as well as their functions in the alveolar type II epithelial (ATII) cells of Tibetan pigs remain undefined. Herein, we carried out integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic profiling of ATII cells between Tibetan pigs and Landrace pigs across environments with different oxygen levels to delineate their signature pathways. We observed that the differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) profiles displayed marked synergy of hypoxia-related signature pathways in either Tibetan pigs or Landrace pigs. A total of 1,470 DEGs shared between normoxic (TN, ATII cells of Tibetan pigs were cultured under 21% O₂; LN, ATII cells of Landrace pigs were cultured under 21% O₂) and hypoxic (TL, ATII cells of Tibetan pigs were cultured under 2% O₂; LL, ATII cells of Landrace pigs were cultured under 2% O₂) groups and 240 DAMs were identified. Functional enrichment assessment indicated that the hypoxia-related genes and metabolites were primarily involved in glycolysis and aldosterone synthesis and secretion. We subsequently constructed an interaction network of mRNAs and metabolites related to hypoxia, such as guanosine-3′, 5′-cyclic monophosphate, Gly-Tyr, and phenylacetylglycine. These results indicated that mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, aldosterone synthesis and secretion, and differences in the regulation of MCM and adenosine may play vital roles in the better adaptation of Tibetan pigs to hypoxic environments relative to Landrace pigs. This work provides a new perspective and enhances our understanding of mRNAs and metabolites that are activated in response to hypoxia in the ATII cells of Tibetan pigs.

A network pharmacology-based approach to explore the active ingredients and molecular mechanism of Lei-gong-gen formula granule on a spontaneously hypertensive rat model

Background

Lei-gong-gen formula granule (LFG) is a folk prescription derived from Zhuang nationality, the largest ethnic minority among 56 nationalities in China. It consists of three herbs, namely Eclipta prostrata (L.) L., Smilax glabra Roxb, and Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. It has been widely used as health protection tea for hundreds of years to prevent hypertension in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The purpose of this study is to validate the antihypertensive effect of LFG on the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) model, and to further identify the effective components and anti-hypertension mechanism of LFG.

Methods

The effects of LFG on blood pressure, body weight, and heart rate were investigated in vivo using the SHR model. The levels of NO, ANG II, and ET-1 in the serum were measured, and pathological changes in the heart were examined by H&E staining. The main active components of LFG, their corresponding targets, and hypertension associated pathways were discerned through network pharmacology analysis based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP), Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Database (TCMID), and the Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN-TCM). Then the predicted results were further verified by molecular biology experiments such as RT-qPCR and western blot. Additionally, the potential active compounds were predicted by molecular docking technology, and the chemical constituents of LFG were analyzed and identified by UPLC-QTOF/MS technology. Finally, an in vitro assay was performed to investigate the protective effects of potential active compounds against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) induced oxidative damage in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC).

Results

LFG could effectively reduce blood pressure and increase serum NO content in SHR model. Histological results showed that LFG could ameliorate pathological changes such as cardiac hypertrophy and interstitial inflammation. From network pharmacology analysis, 53 candidate active compounds of LFG were collected, which linked to 765 potential targets, and 828 hypertension associated targets were retrieved, from which 12 overlapped targets both related to candidate active compounds from LFG and hypertension were screened and used as the potential targets of LFG on antihypertensive effect. The molecular biology experiments of the 12 overlapped targets showed that LFG could upregulate the mRNA and protein expressions of NOS3 and proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase SRC (SRC) in the thoracic aorta. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway was closely related to the expression of NOS3 and SRC. Moreover, western blot results showed that LFG significantly increased the protein expression levels of PI3K and phosphorylated AKT in SHR model, suggesting that LFG may active the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway to decrease hypertension. Molecular docking study further supported that p-hydroxybenzoic acid, cedar acid, shikimic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinic acid, linalool, and histidine can be well binding with NOS3, SRC, PI3K, and AKT. UPLC-QTOF/MS analysis confirmed that p-hydroxybenzoic acid, shikimic acid, salicylic acid, and nicotinic acid existed in LFG. Pre-treatment of HUVEC with nicotinic acid could alleviate the effect on cell viability induced by H₂O₂ and increase the NO level in cell supernatants.

Conclusions

LFG can reduce the blood pressure in SHR model, which might be attributed to increasing the NO level in serum for promoting vasodilation via upregulating SRC expression level and activating the PI3K-AKT-NOS3 signaling pathway. Nicotinic acid might be the potential compound for LFG antihypertensive effect.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13020-021-00507-1.

A network pharmacology study with molecular docking to investigate the possibility of licorice against posttraumatic stress disorder

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that has a debilitating effect on a person's quality of life and leads to a high socioeconomic burden. Licorice has been demonstrated to have neuroprotective and antidepressant-like effects, but little is known about its effects for the treatment of PTSD. The present study aimed to explore the potential of licorice for PTSD therapy using a network pharmacology approach with molecular docking studies. The compounds of licorice were obtained from databases with screening by absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) evaluation. Genes associated with compounds or PTSD were obtained from public databases, and the genes overlapping between licorice compounds and PTSD were compared by Venn diagram. A network of medicine-ingredients-targets-disease was constructed, visualized, and analyzed using cytoscape software. Protein-protein interactions, gene ontology, pathway enrichment and molecular docking were performed to evaluate the effect of licorice for the treatment of PTSD. 69 potential compounds were screened after ADME evaluation. A total of 81 compound-related genes and 566 PTSD-related genes were identified in the databases with 27 overlapping genes. Licorice compounds (e.g., medicarpin, 7-methoxy-2-methyl isoflavone, shinpterocarpin, formononetin, licochalcone a) and target proteins (e.g., ESR1, PTGS2, NOS2, and ADRB2) with high degree in the network were involved in G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathways at the postsynaptic/synaptic membrane. Moreover, neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, calcium signaling, cholinergic synapse, serotonergic synapse and adrenergic signaling in cardiomyocytes may play important roles in the treatment of PTSD by licorice. This study provides molecular evidence of the beneficial effects of licorice for the treatment of PTSD.

Identifying selective agonists targeting LXRβ from terpene compounds of alismatis rhizoma

Hyperlipidemia is thought of as an important contributor to coronary disease, diabetes, and fatty liver. Liver X receptor β (LXRβ) was considered as a validated target for hyperlipidemia therapy due to its role in regulating cholesterol homeostasis and immunity. However, many current drugs applied in clinics are not selectively targeting LXRβ, and they can also activate LXRα which activates SREBP-1c that worked as an activator of lipogenic genes. Therefore, exploiting agonists selectively targeting LXRβ is urgent. Here, computational tools were used to screen potential agonists selectively targeting LXRβ from 112 terpenes of alismatis rhizoma. Firstly, a structural analysis between selective and nonselective agonists was used to explore key residues of selective binding with LXRβ. Our data indicated that Phe²⁷¹, Ser²⁷⁸, Met³¹², His⁴³⁵, and Trp⁴⁵⁷ were important to compounds binding with LXRβ, suggesting that engaging ligand interaction with these residues may provide directions for the development of ligands with improved selective profiles. Then, ADMET analysis, molecular docking, MD simulations, and calculation of binding free energy and its decomposition were executed to screen the agonists whose bioactivity was favorable from 112 terpenes of alismatis rhizoma. We found that two triterpenes 16-hydroxy-alisol B 23-acetate and alisol M 23-acetate showed favorable ADMET properties and high binding affinity against LXRβ. These compounds could be considered as promising selective agonists targeting LXRβ. Our work provides an alternative strategy for screening agonists selectively targeting LXRβ from alismatis rhizoma for hyperlipidemia disease treatment.

Comprehensive Study of Atorvastatin Nanostructured Lipid Carriers through Multivariate Conceptualization and Optimization

The aim of the current study is to establish a comprehensive experimental design for the screening and optimization of Atorvastatin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (AT-NLCs). Initially, combined D-optimal screening design was applied to find the most significant factors affecting AT-NLCs properties. The studied variables included mixtures of solid and liquid lipids, the solid/liquid lipid ratio, surfactant type and concentration, homogenization speed as well as sonication time. Then, the variables homogenization speed (A), the ratio of solid lipid/liquid lipid (B), and concentration of the surfactant (C) were optimized using a central composite design. Particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency were chosen as dependent responses. The optimized AT-NLCs demonstrated a nanometric size (83.80 ± 1.13 nm), Polydispersity Index (0.38 ± 0.02), surface charge (-29.65 ± 0.65 mV), and high drug incorporation (93.1 ± 0.04%). Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed no chemical interaction between Atorvastatin and the lipid mixture. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis of the AT-NLCs suggested the transformation of Atorvastatin crystal into an amorphous state. Administration of the optimized AT-NLCs led to a significant reduction (p < 0.001) in serum levels of rats' total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoproteins. This change was histologically validated by reducing the relevant steatosis of the liver.

Amino acid ester-coupled caffeoylquinic acid derivatives as potential hypolipidemic agents: synthesis and biological evaluation

Pandanus tectorius (L.) Parkins. (PTPs) is rich in caffeoylquinic acids and amino acids, especially some essential amino acids, such as valine, phenylalanine, and so forth. A series of novel amino acid ester-coupled caffeoylquinic acid derivatives have been designed and synthesized. Biological evaluation suggested that some amino acid ester-coupled derivatives exhibited varying degrees of lipid-lowering effects on oleic acid-elicited lipid accumulation in HepG2 liver cells. Particularly, derivatives 6c, 6d, 6e and 6f exhibited comparable potential lipid-lowering effect with the positive control simvastatin and chlorogenic acid. Further studies on the mechanism of 6c, 6d, 6e and 6f revealed that the lipid-lowering effects were related to their regulation of TG levels and mRNA levels of lipometabolic-modulating genes, and merit further investigation.