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Wu D, Su J, Wang P, Zhai B, Zhao C, Li W, Chen C, Guan J, Cao Z, Song N, Yang H, Zhang Y, Xu H. Exploration on pharmacological mechanisms of YZP against neuropathic pain via inhibiting spinal inflammation and the rationality of its compatibility. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 331:118316. [PMID: 38729540 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118316] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Yuanhu Zhitong Prescription (YZP) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula for neuropathic pain (NP) therapy with a satisfying clinical efficacy. However, the underlying pharmacological mechanism and its compatibility principle remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aims to investigate the analgesic and compatibility mechanisms of YZP on neuropathic pain (NP) at the gene and biological process levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS The chronic constriction injury (CCI) rats were intragastrically administrated with extracts of YZP, YH and BZ separately, and then mechanical hypersensitivity were measured to evaluate the analgesic effects between YH and BZ before and after compatibility. Then, RNA-seq and bioinformatics analyses were performed to elucidate the potential mechanisms underlying YZP's analgesia and compatibility. Finally, the expression levels and significant differences of key genes were analyzed. RESULTS Behaviorally, both YZP and YH effectively alleviated mechanical allodynia in CCI rats, with YZP being superior to YH. In contrast, we did not observe an analgesic effect of BZ. Genetically, YZP, YH, and BZ reversed the expression levels of 52, 34, and 42 aberrant genes in the spinal cord of CCI rats, respectively. Mechanically, YZP was revealed to alleviate NP mainly by modulating the inflammatory response and neuropeptide signaling pathway, which are the dominant effective processes of YH. Interestingly, the effective targets of YZP were especially enriched in leukocyte activation and cytokine-mediated signaling pathways. Moreover, BZ was found to exert an adjunctive effect in enhancing the analgesic effect of YH by promoting skeletal muscle tissue regeneration and modulating calcium ion transport. CONCLUSIONS YH, as the monarch drug, plays a dominant role in the analgesic effect of YZP that effectively relieves NP by inhibiting the spinal inflammation and neuropeptide signaling pathway. BZ, as the minister drug, not only synergistically enhances analgesic processes of YH but also helps to alleviate the accompanying symptoms of NP. Consequently, YZP exerted a more potent analgesic effect than YH and BZ alone. In conclusion, our findings offer new insights into understanding the pharmacological mechanism and compatibility principle of YZP, which may support its clinical application in NP therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Jin Su
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Baorong Zhai
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Chunhui Zhao
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Weijie Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Chengyu Chen
- Jiaheng (Hengqin, Zhuhai) Pharmaceutical Technology Co. Ltd., Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Jianli Guan
- Henan Fusen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanyang, 474450, China
| | - Zhiming Cao
- Jiaheng (Hengqin, Zhuhai) Pharmaceutical Technology Co. Ltd., Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Naining Song
- Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing, 100176, China
| | - Hongjun Yang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Yanqiong Zhang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Haiyu Xu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China; Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of TCM, National Medical Products Administration, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
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Xu Q, Yu Z, Zhang M, Feng T, Song F, Tang H, Wang S, Li H. Danshen-Shanzha formula for the treatment of atherosclerosis: ethnopharmacological relevance, preparation methods, chemical constituents, pharmacokinetic properties, and pharmacological effects. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1380977. [PMID: 38910885 PMCID: PMC11190183 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1380977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Danshen-Shanzha Formula (DSF) is a well-known herbal combination comprising Radix Salvia Miltiorrhiza (known as Danshen in Chinese) and Fructus Crataegi (known as Shanzha in Chinese), It has been documented to exhibit considerable benefits for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, and was used extensively in the treatment of atherosclerotic cardiac and cerebral vascular diseases over decades. Despite several breakthroughs achieved in the basic research and clinical applications of DSF over the past decades, there is a lack of comprehensive reviews summarizing its features and research, which hinders further exploration and exploitation of this promising formula. This review aims to provide a comprehensive interpretation of DSF in terms of its ethnopharmacological relevance, preparation methods, chemical constituents, pharmacokinetic properties and pharmacological effects. The related information on Danshen, Shanzha, and DSF was obtained from internationally recognized online scientific databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Baidu Scholar, ScienceDirect, ACS Publications, Online Library, Wan Fang Database as well as Flora of China. Data were also gathered from documentations, printed works and classics, such as the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Chinese herbal classics, etc. Three essential avenues for future studies were put forward as follows: a) Develop and unify the standard preparation method of DSF as to achieve optimized pharmacological properties. b) Elucidate the functional mechanisms as well as the rationality and rule for the compatibility art of DSF by focusing on the clinic syndromes together with the subsequent development of preclinic study system in vitro and in vivo with consistent pathological features, pharmacokinetical behaviour and biomarkers. c) Perform more extensive clinical studies towards the advancement of mechanism-based on evidence-based medicine on the safety application of DSF. This review will provide substantial data support and broader perspective for further research on the renowned formula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Xu
- Department of Chinese Materia Medica and Natural Medicines, School of Pharmacy, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zhe Yu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Chinese Materia Medica and Natural Medicines, School of Pharmacy, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- School of Graduate Studies, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Tian Feng
- Department of Chinese Materia Medica and Natural Medicines, School of Pharmacy, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Fan Song
- Department of Chinese Materia Medica and Natural Medicines, School of Pharmacy, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Haifeng Tang
- Department of Chinese Materia Medica and Natural Medicines, School of Pharmacy, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Siwang Wang
- Department of Chinese Materia Medica and Natural Medicines, School of Pharmacy, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Hua Li
- Department of Chinese Materia Medica and Natural Medicines, School of Pharmacy, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
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Guo W, Zhang J, Feng Y. Treatment of neuropathic pain by traditional Chinese medicine: An updated review on their effect and putative mechanisms of action. Phytother Res 2024; 38:2962-2992. [PMID: 38600617 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8180] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a common chronic pain with heterogeneous clinical features, and consequent lowering of quality of life. Currently, although conventional chemical drugs can effectively manage NP symptoms in the short term, their long-term efficacy is limited, and they come with significant side effects. In this regard, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) provides a promising avenue for treating NP. Numerous pharmacological and clinical studies have substantiated the effectiveness of TCM with multiple targets and mechanisms. We aimed to outline the characteristics of TCM, including compound prescriptions, single Chinese herbs, active ingredients, and TCM physical therapy, for NP treatment and discussed their efficacy by analyzing the pathogenesis of NP. Various databases, such as PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang database, were searched. We focused on recent research progress in NP treatment by TCM. Finally, we proposed the future challenges and emerging trends in the treatment of NP. TCM demonstrates significant clinical efficacy in NP treatment, employing multi-mechanisms. Drawing from the theory of syndrome differentiation, four types of dialectical treatments for NP by compound TCM prescriptions were introduced: promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis; promoting blood circulation and promote Qi flow; warming Yang and benefiting Qi; soothing the liver and regulating Qi. Meanwhile, 33 single Chinese herbs and 25 active ingredients were included. In addition, TCM physical therapy (e.g., acupuncture, massage, acupoint injection, and fumigation) also showed good efficacy in NP treatment. TCM, particularly through the use of compound prescriptions and acupuncture, holds bright prospects in treating NP owing to its diverse holistic effects. Nonetheless, the multi-targets of TCM may result in possible disadvantages to NP treatment, and the pharmacological mechanisms of TCM need further evaluation. Here, we provide an overview of NP treatment via TCM, based on the pathogenesis and the potential therapeutic mechanisms, thus providing a reference for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Guo
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Preparation Technology of TCM of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiquan Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Preparation Technology of TCM of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Feng
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Preparation Technology of TCM of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Cui S, Feng X, Xia Z. Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. Ameliorates Neuropathic Pain by Regulating Microglial M1 Polarization: A Study Based on Network Pharmacology. J Pain Res 2024; 17:1881-1901. [PMID: 38803692 PMCID: PMC11129751 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s446137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In traditional Chinese medicine, Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (LCH) is used to treat neuropathic pain (NP). This study was performed to investigate the underlying pharmacological mechanisms. Methods The main components of the LCH were obtained from the TCMSP database. The targets of the active components were obtained using the Swiss Target Prediction database and HERB database. The NP-related genes were obtained from the CTD database and GeneCard database. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING platform and Cytoscape 3.9.0 software. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed using the DAVID database. Interactions between the key components and hub target proteins were verified using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. In addition, microglial cell line HMC3 was induced to polarize to the M1 phenotype using 100 ng/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to detect the expression levels of M1 markers and inflammatory factors, respectively. Results Seven LCH active components of LCH were identified, corresponding to 387 target genes. 2019 NP-related genes were obtained, and a total of 174 NP-related genes were identified as target genes that could be modulated by LCH. Beta-sitosterol, senkyunone, wallichilide, myricanone, and mandenol were considered as the key components of LCH in the treatment of NP. SRC, BCL2, AKT1, HIF1A and HSP90AA1 were identified as the hub target proteins. GO analysis showed that 328 biological processes, 61 cell components, and 85 molecular functions were likely modulated by the components of LCH, and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that 132 signaling pathways were likely modulated by the components of LCH. Beta-sitosterol, senkyunone, wallichilide, myricanone, and mandenol showed good binding activity with hub target proteins including SRC, BCL2, AKT1, and HSP90AA1. In addition, beta-sitosterol inhibited LPS-induced M1 polarization in HMC3 in vitro. Conclusion This study provides a theoretical basis for the application of LCH in the treatment of NP through multicomponent, multitarget, and multiple pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Cui
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaobo Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhongyuan Xia
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China
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Feng JH, Chen K, Shen SY, Luo YF, Liu XH, Chen X, Gao W, Tong YR. The composition, pharmacological effects, related mechanisms and drug delivery of alkaloids from Corydalis yanhusuo. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115511. [PMID: 37729733 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Corydalis yanhusuo W. T. Wang, also known as yanhusuo, yuanhu, yanhu and xuanhu, is one of the herb components of many Chinese Traditional Medicine prescriptions such as Jin Ling Zi San and Yuanhu-Zhitong priscription. C. yanhusuo was traditionally used to relieve pain and motivate blood and Qi circulation. Now there has been growing interest in pharmacological effects of alkaloids, the main bioactive components of C. yanhusuo. Eighty-four alkaloids isolated from C. yanhusuo are its important bioactive components and can be characterized into protoberberine alkaloids, aporphine alkaloids, opiate alkaloids and others and proper extraction or co-administration methods modulate their contents and efficacy. Alkaloids from C. yanhusuo have various pharmacological effects on the nervous system, cardiovascular system, cancer and others through multiple molecular mechanisms such as modulating neurotransmitters, ion channels, gut microbiota, HPA axis and signaling pathways and are potential treatments for many diseases. Plenty of novel drug delivery methods such as autologous red blood cells, self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems, nanoparticles and others have also been investigated to better exert the effects of alkaloids from C. yanhusuo. This review summarized the alkaloid components of C. yanhusuo, their pharmacological effects and mechanisms, and methods of drug delivery to lay a foundation for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Hua Feng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Kang Chen
- National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Si-Yu Shen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Yun-Feng Luo
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Xi-Hong Liu
- School of Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Xin Chen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Wei Gao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Yu-Ru Tong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
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Yang CZ, Guo W, Wang YF, Hu LH, Wang J, Luo JM, Yao XH, Liu S, Tao LT, Sun LL, Lin LZ. Reduction in gefitinib resistance mediated by Yi-Fei San-Jie pill in non-small cell lung cancer through regulation of tyrosine metabolism, cell cycle, and the MET/EGFR signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 314:116566. [PMID: 37169317 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The Chinese herbal prescription Yi-Fei San-Jie pill (YFSJ) has been used for adjuvant treatment in patients with lung cancer for a long time. AIM OF THE STUDY Reports have indicated that the combination of gefitinib (Gef) with YFSJ inhibits the proliferation of EGFR-TKI-resistant cell lines by enhancing cellular apoptosis and autophagy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of YFSJ on EGFR-TKI resistance and related metabolic pathways remain to be explored. MATERIALS AND METHODS In our report, ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), metabolomics, network pharmacology, bioinformatics, and biological analysis methods were used to investigate the mechanism. RESULTS The UPLC-MS/MS data identified 42 active compounds of YFSJ extracts. YFSJ extracts can enhance the antitumor efficacy of Gef without hepatic and renal toxicity in vivo. The analysis of the metabolomics pathway enrichment revealed that YFSJ mainly affected the tyrosine metabolism pathway in rat models. Moreover, YFSJ has been shown to reverse Gef resistance and improve the effects of Gef on the cellular viability, migration capacity, and cell cycle arrest of NSCLC cell lines with EGFR mutations. The results of network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses revealed that tyrosine metabolism-related active compounds of YFSJ affect EGFR-TKIs resistance in NSCLC by targeting cell cycle and the MET/EGFR signaling pathway; these findings were validated by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSIONS YFSJ inhibits NSCLC by inducing cell cycle arrest in the G1/S phase to suppress tumor growth, cell viability, and cell migration through synergistic effects with Gef via the tyrosine metabolic pathway and the EGFR/MET signaling pathway. To summarize, the findings of the current study indicate that YFSJ is a prospective complementary treatment for Gef-resistant NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai-Zhi Yang
- The First School of Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
| | - Yi-Fan Wang
- The First School of Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
| | - Lei-Hao Hu
- The First School of Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, 999078, China.
| | - Jia-Min Luo
- The First School of Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
| | - Xiao-Hui Yao
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
| | - Shan Liu
- The First School of Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
| | - Lan-Ting Tao
- Department of Oncology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
| | - Ling-Ling Sun
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
| | - Li-Zhu Lin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
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Dong Z, Tang SS, Ma XL, Li CH, Tang ZS, Yang ZH, Zeng JG. Preclinical safety evaluation of Macleaya Cordata extract: A re-assessment of general toxicity and genotoxicity properties in rodents. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:980918. [PMID: 36034805 PMCID: PMC9412730 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.980918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) is widely used for its diverse pharmacological actions and beneficial effects on farm animals. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that it has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-bacterial activities, and is gradually becoming a long-term additive veterinary drug used to improve animal intestinal health and growth performance. Although some evidence points to the DNA mutagenic potential of sanguinarine (SAN), a major component of MCE, there is a lack of sufficient basic toxicological information on the oral route, posing a potential safety risk for human consumption of food of animal origin. In this study, we assessed the acute oral toxicity, repeated 90-day oral toxicity and 180-day chronic toxicity of MCE in rats and mice and re-evaluated the genotoxicity of MCE using a standard combined in vivo and ex vivo assay. In the oral acute toxicity test, the LD50 for MCE in rats and mice was 1,564.55 mg/kg (95% confidence interval 1,386.97–1,764.95 mg/kg) and 1,024.33 mg/kg (95% confidence interval 964.27–1,087.30 mg/kg), respectively. The dose range tested had no significant effect on hematology, clinical chemistry, and histopathological findings in rodents in the long-term toxicity assessment. The results of the bacterial reverse mutation, sperm abnormality and micronucleus test showed negative results and lack of mutagenicity and teratogenicity; the results of the rat teratogenicity test showed no significant reproductive or embryotoxicity. The results indicate that MCE was safe in the dose range tested in this preclinical safety assessment. This study provides data to support the further development of maximum residue limits (MRLs) for MCE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Dong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Veterinary Medicine in Hunan Province, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Shu-Sheng Tang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Lan Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Chang-Hong Li
- Hunan MICOLTA Biological Resources Co., Ltd., Changsha, China
| | - Zhao-Shan Tang
- Hunan MICOLTA Biological Resources Co., Ltd., Changsha, China
| | - Zi-Hui Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Veterinary Medicine in Hunan Province, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Zi-Hui Yang, ; Jian-Guo Zeng,
| | - Jian-Guo Zeng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Veterinary Medicine in Hunan Province, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Zi-Hui Yang, ; Jian-Guo Zeng,
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Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Analysis of the Mechanism Underlying Yikunyin's Therapeutic Effect on Menopausal Syndrome. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:7302419. [PMID: 35707470 PMCID: PMC9192326 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7302419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective Yikunyin is an empirical prescription that exhibits good efficacy in the clinical treatment of menopausal syndrome; however, its underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study investigates the mechanism implicated in the therapeutic effect of Yikunyin by identifying its hub genes, central pathways, and key active ingredients. Method The active ingredients and targets of Yikunyin were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database, whereas the targets related to menopausal syndrome were obtained from GeneCards, PharmGKB, Therapeutic Target Database (TTD), and Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD). To reveal the pharmacological mechanism, the component-target and the intersecting protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed, and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed. Finally, molecular docking was carried out to assess the strength of binding between the key active ingredients and key targets. Results A total of 418 targets and 121 active ingredients were identified in Yikunyin. The intersection of Yikunyin's 418 targets with the 2822 targets related to menopausal syndrome shows that there are 247 common targets that can be considered potential targets of Yikunyin in the treatment of menopausal syndrome. The topology analysis of the constructed PPI network conducted using the Cytoscape software shows that there are 15 hub genes implicated in the therapeutic effect of Yikunyin: AKT1, PRKCA, TLR9, CXCL10, PRKCD, PARP1, ABCB1, TP53, CAV1, MAPK8, PPARA, GRB2, EGFR, IL-6, and JAK2. Moreover, the key active components acting on these genes are paeoniflorin, luteolin, quercetin, beta-sitosterol, and kaempferol. GO and KEGG analyses indicate that Yikunyin can treat menopausal syndrome by regulating cellular response to chemical stress (GO:0062197), cellular response to oxidative stress (GO:0034599), phosphatase binding (GO:0019902), cytokine receptor binding (GO:0005126), PI3K-Akt signaling (hsa04151), lipid and atherosclerosis (hsa05417), and hepatitis B (hsa05161). Finally, the results of molecular docking suggest that the key active ingredients and key targets can bind well, with binding energies of less than −5 kJ/mol. Conclusion The research conducted herein reveals that Yikunyin treats menopausal syndrome by targeting AKT1 and IL-6 and by regulating the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Moreover, it provides a new idea for understanding the therapeutic effects of traditional Chinese medicines.
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Liao YC, Wang JW, Zhang JL, Guo C, Xu XL, Wang K, Zhao C, Wen AD, Li RL, Ding Y. Component-target network and mechanism of Qufeng Zhitong capsule in the treatment of neuropathic pain. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 283:114532. [PMID: 34416296 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Qufeng Zhitong capsule (QFZTC) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinically used for treating pain. However, the active ingredients of QFZTC and its pharmacological mechanism in the treatment of neuropathic pain (NP) remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY We aimed to identify the active ingredients of QFZTC and reveal its target genes and underlying mechanism of action in NP. MATERIALS AND METHODS High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to identify the active ingredients of QFZTC. Network pharmacology analysis was conducted to determine the core targets and pathway enrichment of QFZTC. An NP mice model was established through chronic compression injury (CCI) surgery of the sciatic nerve, while von Frey instrumentation and a thermal stimulator were employed to measure the sensitivity of mice to mechanical and thermal stimuli. Immunofluorescence was used to observe the expression of TLR4 and p-P65 in microglia. Western blotting was used to detect the levels of protein expression of Iba-1, TLR4, MyD88, P65, p-P65, and c-Fos, while ELISA kits were used to detect the release of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. RESULTS Seven active ingredients were identified in QFZTC: gallic acid, loganylic acid, syringin, corilagin, loganin, ellagic acid, and osthole. Network analysis identified TLR4, TNF, IL6, IL1β, and c-Fos as core targets, and Toll-like receptors and NF-κB as core signaling pathways. Treatment with QFZTC significantly relieved mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in CCI mice models. CCI induced an increase in the expression of TLR4 and p-P65 in microglia, whereas QFZTC dose-dependently reduced the expression of Iba-1, TLR4, MyD88, and p-P65 in the spinal cord. QFZTC inhibited the expression of the c-Fos pain marker and reduced the expression of the TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β inflammatory factors. CONCLUSION We combined the active ingredients of QFZTC with network pharmacology research to clarify its biological mechanism in the treatment of NP. We demonstrated that QFZTC reduced NP in mice probably through regulating the spinal microglia via the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. Hence, QFZTC could be regarded as a potential drug for relieving NP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Cheng Liao
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China; School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830011, China
| | - Jing-Wen Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Juan-Li Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Chao Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Xin-Liang Xu
- Department of Pain, Jining No.1 Peoples Hospital, Jining, 272011, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Chao Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Ai-Dong Wen
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Rui-Li Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Yi Ding
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
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