Integrating network pharmacology and non-targeted metabolomics to explore the common mechanism of Coptis Categorized Formula improving T2DM zebrafish

Application of network pharmacology in synergistic action of Chinese herbal compounds

Herbal medicines are frequently blended in the form of multi-drug combinations primarily based on the precept of medicinal compatibility, to achieve the purpose of treating diseases. However, due to the lack of appropriate techniques and the multi-component and multi-target nature of Chinese medicine compounding, it is tough to explain how the drugs interact with each other. As a rising discipline, cyber pharmacology has formed a new approach characterized by using holistic and systematic "network targets" via the cross-fertilization of computer technology, bioinformatics, and different multidisciplinary disciplines. It can broadly screen the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine, enhance the effective utilization of drugs, and elucidate the mechanism of drug action. We will overview the principles of Chinese medicine compounding and dispensing, the research methods of network pharmacology, and the software of network pharmacology in the lookup of compounded Chinese medicines, aiming to supply thoughts for the better application of network pharmacology in the research of Chinese medicines.

Integrated spatial metabolomics and transcriptomics decipher the hepatoprotection mechanisms of wedelolactone and demethylwedelolactone on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Eclipta prostrata L. has been used in traditional medicine and known for its liver-protective properties for centuries. Wedelolactone (WEL) and demethylwedelolactone (DWEL) are the major coumarins found in E. prostrata L. However, the comprehensive characterization of these two compounds on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) still remains to be explored. Utilizing a well-established zebrafish model of thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver injury, the present study sought to investigate the impacts and mechanisms of WEL and DWEL on NAFLD through integrative spatial metabolomics with liver-specific transcriptomics analysis. Our results showed that WEL and DWEL significantly improved liver function and reduced the accumulation of fat in the liver. The biodistributions and metabolism of these two compounds in whole-body zebrafish were successfully mapped, and the discriminatory endogenous metabolites reversely regulated by WEL and DWEL treatments were also characterized. Based on spatial metabolomics and transcriptomics, we identified that steroid biosynthesis and fatty acid metabolism are mainly involved in the hepatoprotective effects of WEL instead of DWEL. Our study unveils the distinct mechanism of WEL and DWEL in ameliorating NAFLD, and presents a "multi-omics" platform of spatial metabolomics and liver-specific transcriptomics to develop highly effective compounds for further improved therapy.

Efficacy of Huanglian Jiedu Decoction for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent metabolic disorder, and there is an increasing interest in the potential benefits of traditional Chinese medicine, such as Huanglian Jiedu decoction (HJD), for its management. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of HJD in the treatment of T2DM.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted across six databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang, from their inception to August 24, 2023. We focused on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated HJD as both a monotherapy and in combination treatments for T2DM patients. Data analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 and Stata 17.0, with evaluations for heterogeneity and publication bias. Additionally, subgroup analyses were stratified based on the duration of treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 40 studies involving 3,934 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Both HJD monotherapy and combined with other therapies significantly reduced hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) fasting blood glucose (FBG) and 2-h postprandial glucose (2hPG) levels, as well as improved insulin resistance. Furthermore, combination therapy enhanced the efficacy rate and favorably altered lipid profiles, including increasing HDL-C and decreasing LDL-C, TC, and TG levels. It was worth noting that the results of the subgroup analysis indicated that, in terms of reducing HbA1c and 2hPG, the efficacy of HJD alone for a duration of less than 3 months was found to be potentially superior to that observed in treatments exceeding 3 months. Adverse event assessment suggested that HJD did not increase the incidence of side effects, including diarrhea, affirming its safety.

CONCLUSION

HJD appears to be an effective and safe alternative or adjunctive therapy for T2DM, showing significant improvements in glycemic control and lipid profiles without increasing adverse events. Further rigorous, multicenter RCTs outside China are warranted to validate these findings.

Ziel

Diabetes mellitus Typ 2 (DMT2) ist eine weit verbreitete Stoffwechselerkrankung, und es besteht ein steigendes Interesse an den potenziellen Vorteilen der traditionellen chinesischen Medizin, wie beispielsweise Huanglian Jiedu-Dekokt (HJD), zu seiner Behandlung. Mit dieser Metaanalyse sollten die Wirksamkeit und Sicherheit von HJD zur Behandlung von DMT2 ermittelt werden.

Methoden

Es wurde eine systematische Recherche in sechs Datenbanken durchgeführt, darunter PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) und Wanfang, für die Zeit vom Beginn der Datenbank bis zum 24. August 2023. Dabei lag unser Hauptaugenmerk auf randomisierten kontrollierten Studien (RCTs), die HJD sowohl als Monotherapie als auch in Kombinationstherapien bei Patienten mit DMT2 untersuchten. Die Datenanalyse erfolgte mithilfe von RevMan 5.3 und Stata 17.0 mit Untersuchungen auf Heterogenität und Publikationsverzerrungen. Darüber hinaus wurden Subgruppenanalysen stratifiziert nach Behandlungsdauer durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt wurden 40 Studien mit 3.934 Teilnehmern in die Metaanalyse eingeschlossen. HJD führte sowohl als Monotherapie als auch in Kombination mit anderen Therapien zu einer signifikanten Senkung des HbA1c-Nüchternblutzuckerspiegels (fasting blood glucose, FBG) und der postprandialen Blutzuckerwerte 2 Stunden nach dem Essen (2-h postprandial glucose, 2hPG) sowie zu einer Verbesserung der Insulinresistenz. Darüber hinaus verbesserte die Kombinationstherapie die Wirksamkeitsrate und führte zu einer positiven Veränderung der Lipidprofile, die eine Erhöhung der HDL-Cholesterinwerte und eine Senkung der LDL-, Gesamtcholesterin- und Trigylceridwerte einschloss. Erwähnenswert ist, dass nach den Ergebnissen der Subgruppenanalyse die Wirksamkeit von HJD als Monotherapie in Hinblick auf die Senkung der HbA1c- und 2hPG-Werte bei einer Behandlungsdauer von weniger als drei Monaten gegenüber derjenigen von Behandlungen, die länger als drei Monate dauerten, potenziell überlegen war. Die Bewertung der unerwünschten Ereignisse zeigte, dass HJD nicht zu einem Anstieg der Nebenwirkungen wie Durchfall führte, was seine Sicherheit bestätigte.

Schlussfolgerung

HJD scheint eine wirksame und sichere Alternative oder Zusatztherapie bei DMT2 zu sein, die signifikante Verbesserungen der Blutzuckerkontrolle und der Lipidprofile ohne Zunahme der unerwünschten Ereignisse bewirkt. Weitere rigorose, multizentrische RCTs außerhalb Chinas sind erforderlich, um diese Ergebnisse zu validieren.

Total flavonoids of Hippophae rhamnoides L. improves type 2 diabetes symptoms in rats through down-regulating of the DAG/PRKCA/MAPK10/p65/TNF-α signalling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Dry mature fruits of Hippophae rhamnoides L. (HRL), Elaeagnaceae, have traditional functions of invigorating spleen and improving spleen insufficiency. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinics have been proved that HRL is in favor of diabetes treatment. Modern pharmacological studies demonstrated that total flavones of Hippophae rhamnoides (TFH) are the main substance for HRL to develop anti-inflammation and anti-diabetes functions. However, chemical features, active ingredients and anti-diabetes pharmacological mechanism of HRL still remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Key targets and metabolites in anti-type-II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) of TFH have been explored based on AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications. The anti-T2DM mechanism of TFH has been elaborated from comprehensive perspectives, including target prediction, metabolites, potential metabolic pathways, and so on.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, a qualitative test of chemical composition of HRL was carried out based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). The anti-T2DM targets and pathways of HRL were predicted through network pharmacological approach. The T2DM rat model was induced by high-fat and high-glucose diet combined with streptozotocin (STZ). The T2DM model was evaluated through fasting blood glucose level, body weight, serum biochemical indicators, insulin levels and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance. The key metabolic pathways were screened through the correlation between metabolites and key targets. Finally, the quantitative analysis of key targets and metabolites was verified through experiments.

RESULTS

After TFH intervention, the fasting blood-glucose level of T2DM rats induced by high-fat and high-glucose diet combined with streptozotocin (STZ) was downregulated significantly, while body weight, serum liquid level, insulin levels and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were improved. According to ELISA, Western blotting (WB) and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), TFH significantly downregulates expression levels of diglyceride (DAG)-activated protein kinase C (PRKCA), mitogen activated protein kinase 10 (MAPK10), human nuclear factor κB subunit p65 (NF-κB p65) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in pancreas of STZ-induced rats.

CONCLUSIONS

TFH downregulates expressions of PRKCA, MAPK10 and p65 TNF-α as well as level of the key metabolite DA in the DAG/PRKCA/MAPK10/TNF-α/p65 pathways, improves lipid metabolism disorder, inhibits inflammatory response and thereby relieves symptoms of T2DM.

Mechanisms of resveratrol against diabetic wound by network pharmacology and experimental validation

BACKGROUND

Resveratrol (RSV) that possesses anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and pro-angiogenic effects is an effective drug for diabetic wound (DW), while its pharmacological mechanism remains to be elucidated. In this study, we apply network pharmacology and experimental validation approach to reveal the potential mechanism of RSV against DW.

METHODS

We obtained potential targets for RSV and DW from the publicly available database. Using interaction networks and conducting GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses, we constructed target-pathway networks to explore the relationship between RSV and DW. To validate the pharmacological mechanism of RSV, we induced the DW model.

RESULTS

Ninety overlapped targets between RSV and DW were obtained, and the hub genes of the PPI network included TNF, IL-6, CASP3, MAPK3, VEGFA, IL-1β, AKT1, and JUN. Based on target-pathway networks, the AGE-RAGE signalling pathway was involved in the RSV treatment of DW. Furthermore, in vivo experiments revealed that RSV significantly promoted wound healing in diabetic mice and attenuated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in wound tissue. Meanwhile, RSV could inhibit the AGE-RAGE signalling pathway and thus reduce the activation of NF-κB.

CONCLUSION

This study initially revealed the biological mechanism of RSV for treating DW through multi-target and multi-pathway. AGE-RAGE, FoxO, MAPK, PI3K-AKT and other signalling pathways may be the main pathways of RSV in treating DW. RSV reduces the inflammatory response by inhibiting the AGE-RAGE signalling pathway, which in turn promotes DW healing.

Research progress of NF-κB signaling pathway and thrombosis

Venous thromboembolism is a very common and costly health problem. Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) can cause permanent damage to the venous system and lead to swelling, ulceration, gangrene, and other symptoms in the affected limb. In addition, more than half of the embolus of pulmonary embolism comes from venous thrombosis, which is the most serious cause of death, second only to ischemic heart disease and stroke patients. It can be seen that deep-vein thrombosis has become a serious disease affecting human health. In recent years, with the deepening of research, inflammatory response is considered to be an important pathway to trigger venous thromboembolism, in which the transcription factor NF-κB is the central medium of inflammation, and the NF-κB signaling pathway can regulate the pro-inflammatory and coagulation response. Thus, to explore the mechanism and make use of it may provide new solutions for the prevention and treatment of thrombosis.

Synergistic mechanisms of bioorganic fertilizer and AMF driving rhizosphere bacterial community to improve phytoremediation efficiency of multiple HMs-contaminated saline soil

The addition of Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) or bioorganic fertilizer (BOF) alone has been reported to enhance plant tolerance to heavy metals and salt stress and promote plant growth, while their synergistic effects on plant growth and rhizosphere microorganism are largely unknown. This study explored the effects of AMF (Rhizophagus intraradices), BOF and BOF + RI assisted phytoremediation on heavy metals contaminated saline soil improvement and revealed the microbial mechanism. For this purpose, a pot trial consisting of four treatments (CK, RI, BOF and BOF + RI) was carried out. The results showed that the biomass, nutrient element contents, the accumulation of heavy metals and Na of Astragalus adsurgens and soil properties were most significantly improved by BOF + RI. BOF + RI significantly impacted rhizosphere microbial diversity, abundance and community composition. Chloroflexi and Patescibacteria at the phylum level and Actinomadura, Iamia, and Desulfosporosinus at the genus level were significantly enriched in BOF + RI. Network analysis revealed that BOF + RI significantly changed the keystone and enhanced complexity and interaction. Most of the keystones had roles in promoting plant growth and stress resistance. This study suggested that phytoremediation assisted by BOF and AMF is an attractive approach to ameliorate heavy metals contaminated saline soil.

Guanxining injection alleviates fibrosis in heart failure mice and regulates SLC7A11/GPX4 axis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Radix et Rhizoma Salviae Miltiorrhizae (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge., Lamiaceae, Danshen in Chinese) and Chuanxiong Rhizoma (rhizomes of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort., Apiaceae, Chuanxiong in Chinese) both are important traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for activating blood and eliminating stasis. Danshen-chuanxiong herb pair has been used for more than 600 years in China. Guanxinning injection (GXN) is a Chinese clinical prescription refined from aqueous extract of Danshen and Chuanxiong at the ratio of 1:1 (w/w). GXN has been mainly used in the clinical therapy of angina, heart failure (HF) and chronic kidney disease in China for almost twenty years.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to explore the role of GXN on renal fibrosis in heart failure mice and the regulation of GXN on SLC7A11/GPX4 axis.

MATARIALS AND METHODS

The transverse aortic constriction model was used to mimic HF accompanied by kidney fibrosis model. GXN was administrated by tail vein injection in dose of 12.0, 6.0, 3.0 mL/kg, respectively. Telmisartan (6.1 mg/kg, gavage) was used as a positive control drug. Cardiac ultrasound indexes of ejection fraction (EF), cardiac output (CO), left ventricle volume (LV Vol), HF biomarker of pro-B type natriuretic peptide (Pro-BNP), kidney function index of serum creatinine (Scr), kidney fibrosis index of collagen volume fraction (CVF) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) were evaluated and contrasted. Metabolomic method was employed to analyze the endogenous metabolites changes in kidneys. Besides, contents of catalase (CAT), xanthine oxidase (XOD), nitricoxidesynthase (NOS), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), the x(c)(-) cysteine/glutamate antiporter (SLC7A11) and ferritin heavy chain (FTH1) in kidney were quantitatively analyzed. In addition, ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was used to analyze the chemical composition of GXN and network pharmacology was used to predict possible mechanisms and the active ingredients of GXN.

RESULTS

The cardiac function indexes of EF, CO and LV Vol, kidney functional indicators of Scr, the degree of kidney fibrosis indicators CVF and CTGF were all relieved to different extent for the model mice treated with GXN. 21 differential metabolites involved in redox regulation, energy metabolism, organic acid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, etc were identified. Aspartic acid, homocysteine, glycine, and serine, methionine, purine, phenylalanine and tyrosine metabolism were found to be the core redox metabolic pathways regulated by GXN. Furthermore, GXN were found to increase CAT content, upregulate GPX4, SLC7A11 and FTH1 expression in kidney significantly. Not only that, GXN also showed good effect in down-regulating XOD and NOS contents in kidney. Besides, 35 chemical constituents were initially identified in GXN. Active ingredients of GXN-targets-related enzymes/transporters-metabolites network was established to find out that GPX4 was a core protein for GXN and the top 10 active ingredients with the most relevant to renal protective effects of GXN were rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, senkyunolide E, protocatechualdehyde, protocatechuic acid, danshensu, L-Ile, vanillic acid, salvianolic acid A.

CONCLUSION

GXN could significantly maintain cardiac function and alleviate the progression of fibrosis in the kidney for HF mice, and the mechanisms of action were related to regulating redox metabolism of aspartate, glycine, serine, and cystine metabolism and SLC7A11/GPX4 axis in kidney. The cardio-renal protective effect of GXN may be attributed to multi-components like rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, senkyunolide E, protocatechualdehyde, protocatechuic acid, danshensu, L-Ile, vanillic acid, salvianolic acid A et al.

Network pharmacology and molecular docking combined with widely targeted metabolomics to elucidate the potential compounds and targets of Euphorbia helioscopia seeds for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis

BACKGROUND

The whole herb of Euphorbia helioscopia has been traditionally used for treating pulmonary tuberculosis, malaria, warts, lung cancer and bacillary dysentery for a long time in China. However, E. helioscopia seeds are often discarded and its medicinal value is often ignored, resulting in a waste of resources.

METHOD

In this work, widely targeted metabolomics based on UPLC-ESI-QTRAP-MS/MS methods and metware database (MWDB) were firstly used to identify the chemical compositions of EHS. Besides, network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were performed for elucidating the potential compounds and targets of E. helioscopia seeds for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis via common database (like TCMSP, Genecards, DAVID, STRING) and common software (like Sybyl, Cytoscape, Pymol and Schrödinger).

RESULT

The results of widely targeted metabolomics showed 231 compounds including 12 categories were identified. The highest content compositions are lipids (33.89%) followed by amino acids and derivatives (21.78%), nucleotides and derivatives (15.73%), as well as the content of functional ingredients like phenolic acids (7.33%), alkaloids (7.03%) and flavonoids (4.51%) are relatively high. Besides, the results of network pharmacology and molecular docking showed that EHS presented anti-pulmonary fibrosis medicinal value through multi-ingredients, multi-targets and multi-pathways approach. Key ingredients including 9-Hydroxy-12-oxo-15(Z)-octadecenoic acid, Nordihydrocapsiate, 1-O-Salicyl-d-glucose, 9-(Arabinosyl)hypoxanthine, Xanthosine and Galangin-7-O-glucoside. Key targets including SRC, HSP90AA1, AKT1, EGFR, JUN, EP300 and VEGFA, and key signaling pathways mainly related to AGE-RAGE, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, VEGF and HIF-1 signaling pathway. Molecular dynamics simulation showed that HSP90AA1 and 9-Hydroxy-12-oxo-15(Z)-octadecenoic complex (with the highest docking score) have a stable combination effect.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this study revealed the chemical compositions of EHS and its anti-pulmonary fibrosis medicinal effect for the first time, it will provide scientific insight for the development of EHS as medicinal resource.

Exploring the therapeutic mechanisms of Gleditsiae Spina acting on pancreatic cancer via network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive tumors and also has a low survival rate. The dried spines of Gleditsia sinensis Lam are known as "Gleditsiae Spina" and they mostly contain flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, steroids, and other chemical components. In this study, the potential active components and molecular mechanisms of Gleditsiae Spina for treating pancreatic cancer were systematically revealed by network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations (MDs). RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT1), cellular tumor antigen p53 (TP53), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin-6 (IL6) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) were common targets of Gleditsiae Spina, human cytomegalovirus infection signaling pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, and MAPK signaling pathway were critical pathways of fisetin, eriodyctiol, kaempferol and quercetin in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Molecular dynamics simulations (MDs) results showed that eriodyctiol and kaempferol have long-term stable hydrogen bonds and high binding free energy for TP53 (-23.64 ± 0.03 kcal mol-1 and -30.54 ± 0.02 kcal mol-1, respectively). Collectively, our findings identify active components and potential targets in Gleditsiae Spina for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, which may help to explore leading compounds and potential drugs for pancreatic cancer.

Metabolic exploration of the developmental abnormalities and neurotoxicity of Esculentoside B, the main toxic factor in Phytolaccae radix

P: radix is a perennial herb, and its extracts have various biological properties that make it a potential candidate for the treatment of tumors, edema, and lymphatic stasis. However, the main factor contributing to its toxicity are not clear. Here, we used a zebrafish toxicological model to study the main toxicity factor of P. radix and explore the potential mechanisms involved. The results revealed that Esculentoside B was the major toxic factor of P. radix. Exposure of zebrafish larvae to Esculentoside B caused developmental abnormalities, neurotoxicity and altered locomotor behavior. The combination of AChE activity and the expression levels of genes relevant to CNS development demonstrated that Esculentoside B is neurotoxic to zebrafish larvae, impairs their CNS development, and that AChE may be a toxic target of Esculentoside B. Metabolomic analysis has revealed that Esculentoside B exposure can disrupt D-Amino acid metabolism, protein export, autophagy, and mTOR signaling pathways in zebrafish larvae. These findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying EsB-induced neurotoxicity in zebrafish, which can facilitate further research and development of P. radix for safe consumption.

Integrated metabolomics and molecular docking reveal berberrubine inhibits thrombosis by regulating the vitamin K catalytic cycle in mice

OBJECTIVE

Natural product berberine was reported to inhibit platelet activation and thrombosis by suppressing the class Ⅰ PI3Kβ/Rasa3/Rap1 pathway. This study aims to investigate the effects and mechanisms of berberrubine, a main metabolite of berberine, to inhibit thrombus formation.

METHODS

Carrageenan-induced mouse tail thrombosis model was used to evaluate the effects of berberrubine hydrochloride (BBB) on thrombus formation in vivo. Non-targeted metabolomics was performed with UPLC-Q-TOF/MS to explore the potential mechanisms of BBB in inhibiting thrombosis. The effects of BBB on bleeding risk and prothrombin time were determined. And molecular docking was used to identify the possible target of BBB.

RESULTS

After oral administration, BBB significantly inhibited carrageenan-induced thrombosis in mice without prolonging bleeding time. The results of non-targeted metabolomics showed that oral BBB could regulate 'Phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis' and 'Ubiquinone and other terpenoid-quinone biosynthesis', which is closely related to the vitamin K catalytic cycle. Molecular docking revealed BBB could combine and interact with vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKOR) and γ-Glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX), which was mutually confirmed with the experimental results that oral BBB could significantly prolong prothrombin time.

CONCLUSIONS

Integrated metabolomics and molecular docking reveal BBB inhibited thrombosis by regulating the vitamin K catalytic cycle. Our research is helpful in deeply understanding the antithrombotic material basis of oral berberine, and also could provide scientific evidence for developing new antithrombotic drugs based on BBB in the future.

Mechanical Study of Jian-Gan-Xiao-Zhi Decoction on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Based on Integrated Network Pharmacology and Untargeted Metabolomics

Jian-Gan-Xiao-Zhi decoction (JGXZ) has demonstrated beneficial effects on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the mechanisms by which JGXZ improve NAFLD are still unclear. Methods. In this study, we first used a high-fat diet (HFD) to establish a NAFLD rat model to clarify the therapeutic effect of JGXZ on NAFLD. Secondly, we used network pharmacology to predict the potential targets of JGXZ on NAFLD, and then the key targets obtained from network pharmacology were verified. Finally, we used untargeted metabolomics to study the metabolic regulatory mechanism of JGXZ. Results. JGXZ treatment could decrease body weight and ameliorate dyslipidemia in NAFLD model rats. H&E and oil red O staining indicated that JGXZ reduced steatosis and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the liver. In addition, network pharmacology research found that the potential targets of JGXZ on NAFLD pathway were mainly associated with improving oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, lipid metabolism disorders, and insulin resistance. Further experimental verification confirmed that JGXZ could inhibit inflammation and improve oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and lipid metabolism disorders. Serum untargeted metabolomics analyses indicated that the JGXZ in the treatment of NAFLD may work through the linoleic acid metabolism, alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism pathways. Conclusions. In conclusion, this study found that JGXZ has an ameliorative effect on NAFLD, and JGXZ alleviates the inflammatory response and oxidative stress and lipid metabolism disorders in NAFLD rats. The mechanism of action of JGXZ in the treatment of NAFLD may be related to the regulation of linoleic acid metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism.

The mechanism and effects of remdesivir-induced developmental toxicity in zebrafish: Blood flow dysfunction and behavioral alterations

The antiviral drug remdesivir has been used to treat the growing number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. However, the drug is mainly excreted through urine and feces and introduced into the environment to affect non-target organisms, including fish, which has raised concerns about potential ecotoxicological effects on aquatic organisms. Moreover, studies on the ecological impacts of remdesivir on aquatic environments have not been reported. Here, we aimed to explore the toxicological impacts of microinjection of remdesivir on zebrafish early embryonic development and larvae and the associated mechanism. We found that 100 μM remdesivir delayed epiboly and impaired convergent movement of embryos during gastrulation, and dose-dependent increases in mortality and malformation were observed in remdesivir-treated embryos. Moreover, 10-100 μM remdesivir decreased blood flow and swimming velocity and altered the behavior of larvae. In terms of molecular mechanisms, eighty differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by transcriptome analysis in the remdesivir-treated group. Some of these DEGs, such as manf, kif3a, hnf1ba, rgn, prkcz, egr1, fosab, nr4a1, and ptgs2b, were mainly involved in early embryonic development, neuronal developmental disorders, vascular disease and the blood flow pathway. These data reveal that remdesivir can impair early embryonic development, blood flow and behavior of zebrafish embryos/larvae, probably due to alterations at the transcriptome level. This study suggests that it is important to avoid the discharge of remdesivir to aquatic ecosystems and provides a theoretical foundation to hinder remdesivir-induced ecotoxicity to aquatic environments.

Glycolipid Metabolism and Metagenomic Analysis of the Therapeutic Effect of a Phenolics-Rich Extract from Noni Fruit on Type 2 Diabetic Mice

The phenolics of noni fruit possess antihyperglycemic activity; however, the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. To understand the potential effects it has on type 2 diabetes (T2D), the glycolipid metabolism and gut microbiota regulation of phenolic-rich extracts from noni fruit (NFEs) were investigated. The results indicated that NFE could remarkably ameliorate hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and glycolipid metabolism via the adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway in T2D mice. Furthermore, metagenomic sequencing results revealed that NFE intervention modulated the gut microbiota composition in T2D mice, characterized by increased abundance of unclassified_o_Bacteroidales, Alistipes, Prevotella, Lactobacillus, and Akkermansia and decreased abundance of Oscillibacter, Desulfovibrio, and significantly decreased the pathways related to carbohydrate metabolism, translation, amino acid metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism. Taken together, the results provided new evidence that the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities of NFE in T2D were likely attributed to the activation of the liver AMPK pathway and modulation of gut microbiota.