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Zhao W, Luo H, Lin Z, Huang L, Pan Z, Chen L, Fan L, Yang S, Tan H, Zhong C, Liu H, Huang C, Wang J, Zhang B. Wogonin mitigates acetaminophen-induced liver injury in mice through inhibition of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 332:118364. [PMID: 38763368 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SBG), a widely used traditional Chinese medicine, exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Wogonin is one of the primary bioactive components of SBG. Acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury (AILI) represents a prevalent form of drug-induced liver damage and is primarily driven by inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. AIM OF STUDY To investigate the therapeutic effects of Wogonin on AILI and the underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS C57BL/6 J mice were pre-treated with Wogonin (1, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg bodyweight) for 3 days, followed by treatment with APAP (300 mg/kg bodyweight). The serum and liver tissue samples were collected at 24 h post-APAP treatment. Bone marrow-derived macrophages and RAW264.7 cells were cultured and pre-treated with Wogonin (5, 10, and 20 μM) for 30 min, followed by stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 100 ng/mL) for 3 h. To examine the role of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in the therapeutic effect of Wogonin on AILI, mice and cells were treated with LY294002 (a PI3K inhibitor) and MK2206 (an AKT inhibitor). RESULTS Wogonin pre-treatment dose-dependently alleviated AILI in mice. Additionally, Wogonin suppressed oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Liver transcriptome analysis indicated that Wogonin primarily regulates immune function and cytokines in AILI. Wogonin suppressed inflammatory responses of macrophages by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Consistently, Wogonin exerted therapeutic effects on AILI in mice through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS Wogonin alleviated AILI and APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in mice through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyingzi Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou, 510120, China; Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Huishan Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou, 510120, China; Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Zelong Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou, 510120, China; Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Linwen Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou, 510120, China; Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Zhaoyu Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou, 510120, China; Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Liji Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou, 510120, China; Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Longxiu Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou, 510120, China; Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Shilong Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou, 510120, China; Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Huishi Tan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cailing Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou, 510120, China; Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Hongbin Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Chongyang Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou, 510120, China; Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou, 510120, China; Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510120, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Treatment for Refractory Chronic Diseases, China.
| | - Beiping Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou, 510120, China; Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510120, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Treatment for Refractory Chronic Diseases, China; State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, China.
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Zhang W, Feng L, Li P, Wang A, Dai C, Qi Y, Lu J, Xu X. Effects of Mao tea from Nankun Mountain on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in mice. Food Funct 2024; 15:9863-9879. [PMID: 39246047 DOI: 10.1039/d4fo01689k] [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: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) poses a significant health threat due to its potential progression to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. Without proper management, NAFLD can lead to severe complications and significantly impact overall health and longevity. This study explores the potential anti-steatosis effects of Nankun Mountain Mao tea (MT) on hepatic lipid accumulation using both in vitro and in vivo models. In vitro experiments reveal that MT reduces lipid accumulation in hepatocytes and counteracts hepatic steatosis induced by palmitic acid and oleic acid. In vivo investigations on high-fat diet (HFD)-fed and high-fat, fructose, and cholesterol (HFFC)-fed mice demonstrate that MT administration alleviates hepatic steatosis by reducing lipid accumulation, enhancing liver function, and mitigating inflammation. Transcriptomic analyses unveil the molecular mechanisms underlying the impact of MT on lipid metabolism and inflammation. It turns out that MT inhibits de novo lipid synthesis and NF-κB pathway against NAFLD. Furthermore, target prediction analysis identifies potential bioactive components group (BCG) within MT that may contribute to its anti-steatosis properties. Validation studies on primary hepatocytes confirm the effectiveness of these bioactive components in diminishing lipid accumulation and inflammation, suggesting their role in the therapeutic efficacy of MT against NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weitao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain Health) & School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China.
| | - Lianshun Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peng Li
- College of Basic Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Aoyi Wang
- College of Basic Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Chunyan Dai
- Department of Pathology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yajuan Qi
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China.
| | - Junfeng Lu
- First Department of Liver Disease, Beijing You'An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
| | - Xiaojun Xu
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain Health) & School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China.
- Department of Pharmacy, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, China
- Center for Innovative Traditional Chinese Medicine Target and New Drug Research, International Institutes of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Yiwu, Zhejiang, China
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Zhang S, Tian D, Xia Z, Yang F, Chen Y, Yao Z, He Y, Miao X, Zhou G, Yao X, Tang J. Chang-Kang-Fang alleviates diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) through inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 330:118236. [PMID: 38670405 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118236] [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: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Chang-Kang-Fang (CKF), originated from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas, has been utilized to treat diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) based on clinical experience. However, the underlying mechanism of CKF for treating IBS-D remains unclear and need further clarification. AIM OF THE STUDY The objective of this present investigation was to validate the efficacy of CKF on IBS-D model rats and to uncover its potential mechanism for the treatment of IBS-D. MATERIALS AND METHODS We first established the IBS-D rat model through neonatal maternal separation (NMS) in combination with restraint stress (RS) and the administration of senna decoction via gavage. To confirm the therapeutic effect of CKF on treating IBS-D, abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scores, the quantity of fecal pellets, and the fecal water content (FWC) were measured to evaluate the influence of CKF on visceral hypersensitivity and the severity of diarrhea symptom after the intragastric administration of CKF for 14 days. Subsequently, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was applied to assess the effect of CKF on neuropeptides substance P (SP) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), as well as inflammatory cytokines in serum and in intestinal tissues. Further, colonic pathological changes, the amount of colonic mast cells, and the expression level of occludin in rat colon tissues, were investigated by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, toluidine blue staining, and immunohistochemistry, respectively. To explore the underlying mechanisms, alterations in colonic RNA transcriptomics for the normal, model, and CKF treatment groups were assessed using RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). Subsequently, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blot (WB), and immunofluorescence (IF) assays were applied to validate the effect of CKF on predicted pathways in vivo and in vitro. In addition, to elucidate the potential active compounds in CKF, 11 representative components found in CKF were selected, and their anti-inflammation potentials were evaluated using LPS-treated RAW264.7 cell models. RESULTS CKF treatment significantly reduced the number of fecal pellets, attenuated visceral hypersensitivity, and decreased 5-HT and SP concentrations in serum and colon tissues, along with a reduction in colonic mast cell counts, correlating with improved symptoms in IBS-D rats. Meanwhile, CKF treatment reduced the colonic inflammatory cell infiltration, lowered the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β in serum and colon tissues, and increased the occludin protein expression in colon tissues to improve inflammatory response and colonic barrier function. RNA-Seq, in conjugation with our previous network pharmacology analysis, indicated that CKF might mitigate the symptoms of IBS-D rats by inhibiting the Toll like receptor 4/Nuclear factor kappa-B/NLR family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3) pathway, which was confirmed by WB, IF, and qRT-PCR experiments in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, coptisine, berberine, hyperoside, epicatechin, and gallic acid present in CKF emerged as potential active components for treating IBS-D, as they demonstrated in vitro anti-inflammatory effects. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate that CKF effectively improves the symptoms of IBS-D rats, potentially through the inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway. Moreover, this study unveils the potential bioactive components in CKF that could be applied in the treatment of IBS-D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihao Zhang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, College of Pharmacy/State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Danmei Tian
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, College of Pharmacy/State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Zixuan Xia
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, College of Pharmacy/State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Fengge Yang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, College of Pharmacy/State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yanhui Chen
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, College of Pharmacy/State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Zhihong Yao
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, College of Pharmacy/State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yi He
- National Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Modernization, Tianjin, 300410, China; Tasly Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Tianjin, 300410, China
| | - Xinglong Miao
- National Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Modernization, Tianjin, 300410, China; Tasly Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Tianjin, 300410, China
| | - Guirong Zhou
- National Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Modernization, Tianjin, 300410, China; Tasly Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Tianjin, 300410, China.
| | - Xinsheng Yao
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, College of Pharmacy/State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Jinshan Tang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, College of Pharmacy/State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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Qian J, Li Q, Song Y, Gong X, Hu K, Ge G, Sun Y. Pectolinarigenin ameliorates osteoporosis via enhancing Wnt signaling cascade in PPARβ-dependent manner. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 129:155587. [PMID: 38608598 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155587] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteoporosis is a prevalent metabolic bone disease in older adults. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β (PPARβ), the most abundant PPAR isotype expressed in bone tissues, plays a critical role in regulating the energy metabolism of osteoblasts. However, the botanical compounds targeting PPARβ for the treatment of osteoporosis remain largely unexplored. PURPOSE To discover a potent PPARβ agonist from botanical compounds, as well as to investigate the anti-osteoporosis effects and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the newly identified PPARβ agonist. METHODS The PPARβ agonist effects of botanical compounds were screened by an in vitro luciferase reporter gene assay. The PPARβ agonist effects of pectolinarigenin (PEC) in bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) were validated by Western blotting. RNA-seq transcriptome analyses were conducted to reveal the underlying osteoporosis mechanisms of PEC in BMSCs. The PPARβ antagonist (GSK0660) and Wnt signaling inhibitor (XAV969) were used to explore the role of the PPARβ and Wnt signaling cascade in the anti-osteoporosis effects of PEC. PEC or the PEG-PLGA nanoparticles of PEC (PEC-NP) were intraperitoneally administrated in both wild-type mice and ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis mice to examine its anti-osteoporotic effects in vivo. RESULTS PEC, a newly identified naturally occurring PPARβ agonist, significantly promotes osteogenic differentiation and up-regulates the osteogenic differentiation-related genes (Runx2, Osterix, and Bmp2) in BMSCs. RNA sequencing and functional gene enrichment analysis suggested that PEC could activate osteogenic-related signaling pathways, including Wnt and PPAR signaling pathways. Further investigations suggested that PEC could enhance Wnt/β-catenin signaling in a PPARβ-dependent manner in BMSCs. Animal tests showed that PEC-NP promoted bone mass and density, increased the bone cell matrix protein, and accelerated bone formation in wild-type mice, while PEC-NP also played a preventive role in ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis mice via maintaining the expression level of bone cell matrix protein, balancing the rate of bone formation, and slowing down bone loss. Additionally, PEC-NP did not cause any organ injury and body weight loss after long-term use (11 weeks). CONCLUSION PEC significantly promotes bone formation and reduces bone loss in both BMSCs and ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis mice via enhancing the Wnt signaling cascade in a PPARβ-dependent manner, providing a new alternative therapy for preventing estrogen deficiency-induced osteoporotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Qian
- Engineering Research Center of Tooth Restoration and Regeneration & Tongji Research Institute of Stomatology & Department of Oral Implantology, Stomatological Hospital and Dental School, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Li
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, PR China; School of Public Health, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Yangjie Song
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Xuyan Gong
- Engineering Research Center of Tooth Restoration and Regeneration & Tongji Research Institute of Stomatology & Department of Oral Implantology, Stomatological Hospital and Dental School, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kaili Hu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, PR China.
| | - Guangbo Ge
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, PR China.
| | - Yao Sun
- Engineering Research Center of Tooth Restoration and Regeneration & Tongji Research Institute of Stomatology & Department of Oral Implantology, Stomatological Hospital and Dental School, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
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Chu H, Zhang W, Tan Y, Diao Z, Li P, Wu Y, Xie L, Sun J, Yang K, Li P, Xie C, Li P, Hua Q, Xu X. Qing-Zhi-Tiao-Gan-Tang (QZTGT) prevents nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) by expression pattern correction. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 317:116665. [PMID: 37279813 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116665] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Qing-Zhi-Tiao-Gan-Tang or Qing-Zhi-Tiao-Gan Decoction (QZTGT) is based on the compatibility theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), that is a combination of three classical formulae for the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Its pharmacodynamic material basis is made up of quinones, flavanones, and terpenoids. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to look for a promising recipe for treating nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a more advanced form of NAFLD, and to use a transcriptome-based multi-scale network pharmacological platform (TMNP) to find its therapy targets. MATERIALS AND METHODS A classical dietary model of NASH was established using MCD (Methionine- and choline-deficient) diet-fed mice. Liver coefficients like ALT, AST, serum TC, and TG levels were tested following QZTGT administration. A transcriptome-based multi-scale network pharmacological platform (TMNP) was used to further analyze the liver gene expression profile. RESULTS The composition of QZTGT was analyzed by HPLC-Q-TOF/MS, a total of 89 compounds were separated and detected and 31 of them were found in rat plasma. QZTGT improved liver morphology, inflammation and fibrosis in a classical NASH model. Transcriptomic analysis of liver samples from NASH animal model revealed that QZTGT was able to correct gene expression. We used transcriptome-based multi-scale network pharmacological platform (TMNP) to predicted molecular pathways regulated by QZTGT to improve NASH. Further validation indicated that "fatty acid degradation", "bile secretion" and "steroid biosynthesis" pathways were involved in the improvement of NASH phenotype by QZTGT. CONCLUSIONS Using HPLC-Q-TOF/MS, the compound composition of QZTGT, a Traditional Chinese prescription, was separated, analyzed and identified systematically. QZTGT mitigated NASH symptoms in a classical dietary model of NASH. Transcriptomic and network pharmacology analysis predicted the potential QZTGT regulated pathways. These pathways could be used as therapeutic targets for NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weitao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Tan
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Zhipeng Diao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peng Li
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yapeng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Like Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianguo Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ke Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Pingping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China; Diabetes Research Center of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Cen Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qian Hua
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Xiaojun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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Guo H, Yang H, Di C, Xu F, Sun H, Xu Y, Liu H, Wu L, Ding K, Zhang T, Xie L, Wang G, Liang Y. Identification and Validation of Active Ingredient in Cerebrotein Hydrolysate-I Based on Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Studies. Drug Metab Dispos 2023; 51:1615-1627. [PMID: 37758480 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.123.001443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebrotein hydrolysate-1 (CH-1), a mixture of small peptides, polypeptides, and various amino acids derived from porcine brain, has been widely used in the treatment of cerebral injury. However, the bioactive composition and pharmacokinetics of CH-1 are still unexplored because of their complicated composition and relatively tiny amounts in vivo. Herein, NanoLC Orbitrap Fusion Lumos Tribrid Mass Spectrometer was firstly used to qualitatively analyze the components of CH-1. A total of 1347 peptides were identified, of which 43 peptides were characterized by high mass spectrometry (MS) intensity and identification accuracy. We then innovatively synthesized four main peptides for activity verification, and the results suggested that Pep72 (NYEPPTVVPGGDL) had the strongest neuroprotective effect on both in vivo and in vitro models. Next, a quantitative method for Pep72 was established based on liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with the aid of Skyline software and then used in its pharmacokinetic studies. The results revealed that Pep72 had a high elimination rate and low exposure in rats. In addition, a hCMEC/D3-based in vitro model was built and firstly used to investigate the transport of Pep72. We found that Pep72 had extremely low blood-brain barrier permeability and was not a substrate of efflux transporters. The biotransformation of Pep72 in rat fresh plasma and tissues was investigated to explore the contradiction between pharmacokinetics and efficacy. A total of 11 main metabolites were structurally identified, with PGGDL and EPPTVPGGDL being the main metabolites of Pep72. Notably, metalloproteinase and cysteine protease were confirmed to be the main enzymes mediating Pep72 metabolism in rat tissues. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The NanoLC Orbitrap Fusion Lumos Tribrid Mass Spectrometer was firstly applied to discover the components of CH-1, and one main peptide Pep72 (NYEPPTVVPGGDL) was innovatively synthesized and firstly found to have the strongest neuroprotective effect among 1347 peptides identified from CH-1. Our study is the first time to identify and verify the active ingredient of CH-1 from the perspective of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and provides a systematic technical platforms and strategies for the active substance research of other protein hydrolysates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Guo
- Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China (H.G., H.Y., H.S., Y.X., H.L., L.W., K.D., T.Z., L.X., G.W., Y.L.) and Hebei Zhitong Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Baoding, China (C.D., F.X.)
| | - Huizhu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China (H.G., H.Y., H.S., Y.X., H.L., L.W., K.D., T.Z., L.X., G.W., Y.L.) and Hebei Zhitong Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Baoding, China (C.D., F.X.)
| | - Chanjuan Di
- Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China (H.G., H.Y., H.S., Y.X., H.L., L.W., K.D., T.Z., L.X., G.W., Y.L.) and Hebei Zhitong Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Baoding, China (C.D., F.X.)
| | - Feng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China (H.G., H.Y., H.S., Y.X., H.L., L.W., K.D., T.Z., L.X., G.W., Y.L.) and Hebei Zhitong Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Baoding, China (C.D., F.X.)
| | - Hong Sun
- Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China (H.G., H.Y., H.S., Y.X., H.L., L.W., K.D., T.Z., L.X., G.W., Y.L.) and Hebei Zhitong Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Baoding, China (C.D., F.X.)
| | - Yexin Xu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China (H.G., H.Y., H.S., Y.X., H.L., L.W., K.D., T.Z., L.X., G.W., Y.L.) and Hebei Zhitong Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Baoding, China (C.D., F.X.)
| | - Huafang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China (H.G., H.Y., H.S., Y.X., H.L., L.W., K.D., T.Z., L.X., G.W., Y.L.) and Hebei Zhitong Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Baoding, China (C.D., F.X.)
| | - Linlin Wu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China (H.G., H.Y., H.S., Y.X., H.L., L.W., K.D., T.Z., L.X., G.W., Y.L.) and Hebei Zhitong Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Baoding, China (C.D., F.X.)
| | - Ke Ding
- Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China (H.G., H.Y., H.S., Y.X., H.L., L.W., K.D., T.Z., L.X., G.W., Y.L.) and Hebei Zhitong Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Baoding, China (C.D., F.X.)
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China (H.G., H.Y., H.S., Y.X., H.L., L.W., K.D., T.Z., L.X., G.W., Y.L.) and Hebei Zhitong Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Baoding, China (C.D., F.X.)
| | - Lin Xie
- Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China (H.G., H.Y., H.S., Y.X., H.L., L.W., K.D., T.Z., L.X., G.W., Y.L.) and Hebei Zhitong Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Baoding, China (C.D., F.X.)
| | - Guangji Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China (H.G., H.Y., H.S., Y.X., H.L., L.W., K.D., T.Z., L.X., G.W., Y.L.) and Hebei Zhitong Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Baoding, China (C.D., F.X.)
| | - Yan Liang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China (H.G., H.Y., H.S., Y.X., H.L., L.W., K.D., T.Z., L.X., G.W., Y.L.) and Hebei Zhitong Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Baoding, China (C.D., F.X.)
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Yu T, Wu L, Zhang T, Hao H, Dong J, Xu Y, Yang H, Liu H, Xie L, Wang G, Liang Y. Insights into Q-markers and molecular mechanism of Sanguisorba saponins in treating ulcerative colitis based on lipid metabolism regulation. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 116:154870. [PMID: 37207387 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sanguisorba saponin extract (SSE) is the main active part of Sanguisorba officinalis with various pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant. However, its therapeutic role and underlying mechanisms for ulcerative colitis (UC) still need to be elucidated. PURPOSE This study aims to explore the therapeutic effect, effectiveness-material basis-quality markers (Q-markers) and prospective mechanism of function of SSE on UC. METHODS Fresh 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS) solution was placed in drinking bottles for 7 days to induce a mouse model of UC. SSE and sulfasalazine (SASP) were supplemented to mice by gavage for consecutive 7 days to investigate the therapeutic role of SSE on UC. Mouse monocyte macrophages (RAW264.7) and human normal colonic epithelial (NCM460) cells were treated with LPS to induce inflammatory responses, followed by pharmacodynamic examination with different concentrations of SSE. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Alcian blue staining were conducted to evaluate the pathological damage of mice colon. Lipidomic technology was conducted to explore the differential lipids closely related to the disease process of UC. Quantitative PCR analysis, immunohistochemistry and ELISA kit were used to measure the expression levels of the corresponding proteins and pro-inflammatory factors. RESULTS SSE treatment could effectively reduce the elevated expressions of pro-inflammatory factors in RAW264.7 and NCM460 cells due to LPS stimulation. Intragastric administration of SSE was found to significantly alleviate the symptoms of DSS-induced colon injury and low-polar saponins in SSE. Low polarity saponins, especially ZYS-II, were proved to be the main active substances of SSE in treating UC. In addition, SSE could significantly ameliorate the aberrant lipid metabolism in UC mice. The role of phosphatidylcholine (PC)34:1 in the UC pathogenesis has been fully verified in our previous studies. Herein, SSE-dosing effectively reversed the metabolic disorder of PCs in UC mice, and increased the PC34:1 level to normal via up-regulating the expression of phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase (PCYT1α). CONCLUSION Our data innovatively revealed that SSE could significantly alleviate the symptoms of UC by reversing the disorder of PC metabolism induced by DSS modeling. SSE was proved for the first time to be a promising and effective candidate for UC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengjie Yu
- Key Lab of Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Research Unit of PK-PD Based Bioactive Components and Pharmacodynamic Target Discovery of Natural Medicine of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing 210009, PR. China
| | - Linlin Wu
- Key Lab of Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Research Unit of PK-PD Based Bioactive Components and Pharmacodynamic Target Discovery of Natural Medicine of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing 210009, PR. China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Key Lab of Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Research Unit of PK-PD Based Bioactive Components and Pharmacodynamic Target Discovery of Natural Medicine of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing 210009, PR. China
| | - Hongyuan Hao
- Analytical Applications Center, Shimadzu (China) Co., Ltd., Yizou 180, Shanghai 200233, PR. China
| | - Jing Dong
- Analytical Applications Center, Shimadzu (China) Co., Ltd., Yizou 180, Shanghai 200233, PR. China
| | - Yexin Xu
- Key Lab of Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Research Unit of PK-PD Based Bioactive Components and Pharmacodynamic Target Discovery of Natural Medicine of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing 210009, PR. China
| | - Huizhu Yang
- Key Lab of Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Research Unit of PK-PD Based Bioactive Components and Pharmacodynamic Target Discovery of Natural Medicine of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing 210009, PR. China
| | - Huafang Liu
- Key Lab of Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Research Unit of PK-PD Based Bioactive Components and Pharmacodynamic Target Discovery of Natural Medicine of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing 210009, PR. China
| | - Lin Xie
- Key Lab of Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Research Unit of PK-PD Based Bioactive Components and Pharmacodynamic Target Discovery of Natural Medicine of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing 210009, PR. China
| | - Guangji Wang
- Key Lab of Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Research Unit of PK-PD Based Bioactive Components and Pharmacodynamic Target Discovery of Natural Medicine of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing 210009, PR. China.
| | - Yan Liang
- Key Lab of Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Research Unit of PK-PD Based Bioactive Components and Pharmacodynamic Target Discovery of Natural Medicine of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing 210009, PR. China.
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