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Turnaturi R, Piana S, Spoto S, Costanzo G, Reina L, Pasquinucci L, Parenti C. From Plant to Chemistry: Sources of Antinociceptive Non-Opioid Active Principles for Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design. Molecules 2024; 29:815. [PMID: 38398566 PMCID: PMC10892999 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29040815] [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: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Pain is associated with many health problems and a reduced quality of life and has been a common reason for seeking medical attention. Several therapeutics are available on the market, although side effects, physical dependence, and abuse limit their use. As the process of pain transmission and modulation is regulated by different peripheral and central mechanisms and neurotransmitters, medicinal chemistry continues to study novel ligands and innovative approaches. Among them, natural products are known to be a rich source of lead compounds for drug discovery due to their chemical structural variety and different analgesic mechanisms. Numerous studies suggested that some chemicals from medicinal plants could be alternative options for pain relief and management. Previously, we conducted a literature search aimed at identifying natural products interacting either directly or indirectly with opioid receptors. In this review, instead, we have made an excursus including active ingredients derived from plants whose mechanism of action appears from the literature to be other than the modulation of the opioid system. These substances could, either by themselves or through synthetic and/or semi-synthetic derivatives, be investigated in order to improve their pharmacokinetic characteristics and could represent a valid alternative to the opioid approach to pain therapy. They could also be the basis for the study of new mechanisms of action in the approach to this complex and disabling pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Turnaturi
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (R.T.); (S.P.)
| | - Silvia Piana
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (R.T.); (S.P.)
| | - Salvatore Spoto
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (S.S.); (C.P.)
| | - Giuliana Costanzo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Lorena Reina
- Postgraduate School of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Lorella Pasquinucci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (R.T.); (S.P.)
| | - Carmela Parenti
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (S.S.); (C.P.)
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Chen G, Sun Y, Yushan D, Shaerbayi N, Zhang H, He H, Jin Y, Chen L. Identification and Characterization of Chemical Constituents from Ammopiptanthus nanus Stem and Their Metabolites in Rats by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. PLANTA MEDICA 2024; 90:138-153. [PMID: 37774754 DOI: 10.1055/a-2184-1134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Ammopiptanthus nanus as a Kirgiz medicine is widely used for the treatment of frostbite and chronic rheumatoid arthritis. However, due to a lack of systematic research on the chemical components of A. nanus and their metabolites, the bioactive components in it remain unclear. Herein, a reliable strategy based on UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS was established to comprehensively analyze the chemical components and their metabolites in vivo. In total, 59 compounds were identified from A. nanus stem extract, among which 14 isoflavones, 10 isoprenylated isoflavones, 4 polyhydroxy flavonoids, 9 alkaloids and 1 polyol were characterized for the first time. After oral administration of A. nanus stem extract, 30 prototype constituents and 28 metabolites (12 phase I and 16 phase II metabolites) were speculated on and identified in rat serum, urine and feces. Furthermore, the metabolic pathways of the chemical components were systematically analyzed and proposed. In conclusion, the chemical components from A. nanus stem and their metabolites in vivo were first studied, which may provide useful chemical information for further study on the effective material basis and pharmacological mechanism of A. nanus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanru Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanpei Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dilnur Yushan
- People's Hospital of Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture, Atushi, Xinjiang, China
| | | | - Hongjuan Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongliang He
- Department of Pharmacy, Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yang Jin
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lina Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Lin H, Du X, Wang Y, Cai C, Gao J, Xiang H, Pan F. The Potential Mechanisms of Qufeng Zhitong Capsule against Rheumatoid Arthritis Based on Network Pharmacology and In Vitro Experiments. Crit Rev Immunol 2024; 44:1-16. [PMID: 37947068 DOI: 10.1615/critrevimmunol.2023050214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Qufeng Zhitong capsule (QFZTC) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula with potential therapeutic efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study seeks to clarify the potential effects and mechanisms of QFZTC against RA. Active compounds and targets of QFZTC were retrieved from the Herbal Ingredients' Targets (HIT), Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), and Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Database (TCMID) databases. RA-related targets were searched on GeneCards and DisGeNET databases. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was established using the STRING database. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed on hub targets. Molecular docking was conducted on hub targets and active compounds. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was applied to characterize the active compounds in QFZTC. RA-fibroblast like synoviocytes (RA-FLSs) were cultured and treated by QFZTC-containing serum, in which proinflammatory cytokines and hub targets were detected. Cell viability was determined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. A total of 360 active compounds and 445 potential targets are identified for QFZTC against RA. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network determined five hub targets, interleukin 6 (IL6), IL1B, VEGFA, JUN, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). GO and KEGG analyses revealed that the MAPK pathway may be a critical signaling in QFZTC treating RA. Molecular docking showed that luteolin, kaempferol, and myricetin has good affinity with TNF, and they were identified by HPLC. In vitro experiments confirmed that QFZTC restrained the cell viability and inflammation in RA. This study revealed the active compounds and molecular targets for QFZTC treating RA. QFZTC is a promising drug and ameliorates RA by inhibiting inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haili Lin
- The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Xiaokang Du
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Yilu Wang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Chengsong Cai
- The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Jin Gao
- Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Haiyan Xiang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Feng Pan
- Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310015, China
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Liao YC, Wang JW, Guo C, Bai M, Ran Z, Wen LM, Ju BW, Ding Y, Hu JP, Yang JH. Cistanche tubulosa alleviates ischemic stroke-induced blood-brain barrier damage by modulating microglia-mediated neuroinflammation. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 309:116269. [PMID: 36863639 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Ischemic stroke (IS) has both high morbidity and mortality. Previous research conducted by our group demonstrated that the bioactive ingredients of the traditional medicinal and edible plant Cistanche tubulosa (Schenk) Wight (CT) have various pharmacological effects in treating nervous system diseases. However, the effect of CT on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) after IS are still unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to identify CT's curative effect on IS and explore its underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS IS injury was established in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Gavage administration of CT at dosages of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day was carried out for seven consecutive days. Network pharmacology was used for predicting the pathways and potential targets of CT against IS, and subsequent studies confirmed the relevant targets. RESULTS According to the results, both neurological dysfunction and BBB disruption were exacerbated in the MCAO group. Moreover, CT improved BBB integrity and neurological function and protected against cerebral ischemia injury. Network pharmacology revealed that IS might involve neuroinflammation mediated by microglia. Extensive follow-up studies verified that MCAO caused IS by stimulating the production of inflammatory factors and microglial infiltration. CT was found to influence neuroinflammation via microglial M1-M2 polarization. CONCLUSION These findings suggested that CT may regulate microglia-mediated neuroinflammation by reducing MCAO-induced IS. The results provide theoretical and experimental evidence for the efficacy of CT therapy and novel concepts for the prevention and treatment of cerebral ischemic injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Cheng Liao
- College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, China; Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Jing-Wen Wang
- 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
| | - Min Bai
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Zheng Ran
- College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, China
| | - Li-Mei Wen
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830011, China
| | - Bo-Wei Ju
- College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, China; Department of Pharmacy, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830011, China
| | - Yi Ding
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Jun-Ping Hu
- College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, China.
| | - Jian-Hua Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830011, China.
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Liao Y, Guo C, Wen A, Bai M, Ran Z, Hu J, Wang J, Yang J, Ding Y. Frankincense-Myrrh treatment alleviates neuropathic pain via the inhibition of neuroglia activation mediated by the TLR4/MyD88 pathway and TRPV1 signaling. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 108:154540. [PMID: 36379093 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154540] [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: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroglia are important modulators of neuronal functionality, and thus play an integral role in the pathogenesis and treatment of neuropathic pain (NP). According to traditional Chinese medicine, Frankincense-Myrrh is capable of "activating blood and dissipating blood stasis", and as such these two biological compounds are commonly used to treat NP, however, the mechanisms underlying the efficacy of such treatment are unclear. PURPOSE This study aimed to further elucidate the protective effects associated with the Frankincense-Myrrh treatment of NP. METHODS A chronic sciatic nerve compression injury (CCI) model of NP was established, after which animals were gavaged with Frankincense, Myrrh, Frankincense-Myrrh, or the positive control drug pregabalin for 14 days. Network pharmacology approaches were used to identify putative pathways and targets associated with the Frankincense-Myrrh-mediated treatment of NP, after which these targets were subjected to in-depth analyses. The impact of TLR4 blockade on NP pathogenesis was assessed by intrathecally administering a TLR4 antagonist (LRU) or the MyD88 homodimerization inhibitory peptide (MIP). RESULTS Significant alleviation of thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity in response to Frankincense and Myrrh treatment was observed in NP model mice, while network pharmacology analyses suggested that the pathogenesis of NP may be related to TLR4/MyD88-mediated neuroinflammation. Consistently, Frankincense-Myrrh treatment was found to reduce TLR4, MyD88, and p-p65 expression in spinal dorsal horn neuroglia from treated animals, in addition to inhibiting neuronal TRPV1 and inflammatory factor expression. Intrathecal LRU and MIP delivery were sufficient to alleviate thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia in these CCI model mice, with concomitant reductions in neuronal TRPV1 expression and neuroglial activation in the spinal dorsal horn. CONCLUSION These data suggest that Frankincense-Myrrh treatment was sufficient to alleviate NP in part via inhibiting TLR4/MyD88 pathway and TRPV1 signaling activity. Blocking TLR4 and MyD88 activation may thus hold value as a means of treating NP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yucheng Liao
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China; School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Chao Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Aidong Wen
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Min Bai
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zheng Ran
- School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Junping Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Jingwen Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Jianhua Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China; Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China.
| | - Yi Ding
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
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Oo TT, Pratchayasakul W, Chattipakorn N, Chattipakorn SC. Emerging roles of toll-like receptor 4 in chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity. Neurotoxicology 2022; 93:112-127. [PMID: 36152729 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2022.09.006] [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: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity is one of the most prevalent side effects in cancer patients and survivors. Cognitive decline and peripheral neuropathy are the most common chemotherapy-induced neurotoxic symptoms. These symptoms lead not only to the limiting of the dose of chemotherapy given to cancer patients, but also have an impact on the quality of life of cancer survivors. Although the exact mechanisms involved in chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity are still unclear, neuroinflammation is widely regarded as being one of the major causes involved in chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity. It is known that Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) plays a critical role in the inflammatory process, and it has been recently reported that it is associated with chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity. In this review, we summarize and discuss all available evidence regarding the activation of the TLR4 signaling pathway in various models of chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity. This review also emphasizes the evidence pertinent to TLR4 inhibition on chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity in rodent studies. Understanding the role of the TLR4 signaling pathway behind chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity is crucial for improving treatments and ensuring the long-term survival of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thura Tun Oo
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Wasana Pratchayasakul
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand; Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Nipon Chattipakorn
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand; Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Siriporn C Chattipakorn
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand; Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
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Xue M, Zhao Y, Cui Y, Yang J, Wang Y, Chai X. Quantitative Analysis of Multicomponents in Qufeng Zhitong Capsule and Application of Network Pharmacology to Explore the Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Focused Compounds. JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL METHODS IN CHEMISTRY 2022; 2022:4229945. [PMID: 35815311 PMCID: PMC9259231 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4229945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Qufeng Zhitong capsule (QZC) is a well-known Chinese patent medicine that has been widely applied for the clinical treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. To date, its material basis is still unclear, which has greatly limited its clinical application. In this study, by taking advantage of ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem Q-Exactive Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry, 16 chemical components such as gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, and neochlorogenic acid in QZC were characterized and unambiguously identified based on comparison with the corresponding reference standards. In addition, the correlation between the focused components and their corresponding raw herbs from QZC prescription was investigated. For the first time, the relationship between the components mentioned above and their anti-inflammatory activity was explored via network pharmacology analysis, and a visualized network of "medicinal materials-QZC-compounds-targets-pathways" was established. Based on the brief prediction results of network pharmacological analysis, ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detector method was validated in terms of linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, precision, repeatability, stability, and recovery test and was successfully employed to determine 16 compounds in 28 batches of QZCs, which confirmed the feasibility and reliability of the established method for the quantitative analysis of 16 compounds in QZC. Considering the content and bioactivity of the tested components, four compounds were recommended as candidate indicators for quality evaluation ultimately. The potential value of this study could not only support a quality evaluation of QZC but also provide a theoretical basis for further in-depth research of QZC in clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjie Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Key Laboratory of TCM Chemistry and Analysis, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yuting Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Key Laboratory of TCM Chemistry and Analysis, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Ying Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Key Laboratory of TCM Chemistry and Analysis, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Key Laboratory of TCM Chemistry and Analysis, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yuefei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Key Laboratory of TCM Chemistry and Analysis, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Xin Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Key Laboratory of TCM Chemistry and Analysis, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
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Liao Y, Wang J, Guo C, Bai M, Ju B, Ran Z, Hu J, Yang J, Wen A, Ding Y. Combination of Systems Pharmacology and Experimental Evaluation to Explore the Mechanism of Synergistic Action of Frankincense-Myrrh in the Treatment of Cerebrovascular Diseases. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:796224. [PMID: 35082676 PMCID: PMC8784887 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.796224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Frankincense-Myrrh is a classic drug pair that promotes blood circulation, and eliminates blood stasis. The combination of the two drugs has a definite clinical effect on the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases (CBVDs), but its mechanism of action and compatibility have not been elucidated. In this study, the bioactive components, core targets, and possible synergistic mechanisms of Frankincense-Myrrh in the treatment of CBVDs are explored through systems pharmacology combined with in vivo and in vitro experiments. Comparing target genes of components in Frankincense and Myrrh with CBVD-related genes, common genes were identified; 15 core target genes of Frankincense-Myrrh for the treatment of CBVDs were then identified using protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis. It was also predicted through Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis that the molecular mechanism of Frankincense-Myrrh action on CBVDs was mainly related to the regulation of neurotrophic factors and inflammatory responses. Frankincense-Myrrh significantly improved neurological function, decreased infarct volume, alleviated histopathological damage, inhibited microglial expression, and promoted the expression of neurons in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-induced rats. The results of this study not only provide important theoretical support and experimental basis for the synergistic effect of Frankincense-Myrrh, but also provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of cerebral ischemic injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yucheng Liao
- College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jingwen Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chao Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Min Bai
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Bowei Ju
- College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Zheng Ran
- College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Junping Hu
- College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Jianhua Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China.,Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Aidong Wen
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yi Ding
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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