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Li Q, Shan X, Yuan Y, Ye W, Fang X. Shegan-Mahuang decoction ameliorates cold-induced asthma via regulating the proliferation and apoptosis of airway smooth muscle cells through TAS2R10: An in vivo and in vitro study. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 334:118504. [PMID: 38950796 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118504] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Shegan-Mahuang Decoction (SMD) is a classical formula that has been used to effectively treat cold-induced asthma (CA) for 1800 years. Airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) play a crucial role in airway remodeling of CA and can be modulated through bitter taste-sensing type 2 receptors (TAS2Rs). Given that SMD contains numerous bitter herbs and TAS2R10 expression in ASMCs remains consistently high, it is pertinent to explore whether SMD regulates ASMCs via TAS2R10 to exert its CA mechanism. AIM OF THE STUDY This study investigated the efficacy as well as the potential mechanism of SMD in CA. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, experiments in vivo were conducted using the CA rat model induced by ovalbumin (OVA) along with cold stimulation. The effects of SMD and TAS2R10 expression in CA rats were evaluated using the following methods: clinical symptoms, weights, pathological staining, immunofluorescence staining (IF), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot (WB). Assays in vitro including cell counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), ELISA, flow cytometry, TUNEL staining, RT-qPCR and WB were performed to investigate potential mechanism of SMD on the proliferation and apoptosis of ASMCs through upregulation of TAS2R10. RESULTS The administration of SMD resulted in a notable improvement in the symptoms, trends in weight, airway inflammation and airway remodeling observed in CA rats with upregulated TAS2R10. Mechanistically, we furtherly confirmed that SMD inhibits p70S6K/CyclinD1 pathway by upregulating TAS2R10. SMD furthermore blocked the G0/G1 phase, suppressed the proliferation and inducted apoptosis in ASMCs induced by platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB). Erythromycin (EM), a TAS2R10 agonist, can intensify these effects. CONCLUSIONS SMD significantly ameliorates CA by upregulating TAS2R10 and inhibiting the p70S6K/CyclinD1 pathway, thereby modulating ASMCs' proliferation and apoptosis. Inspired by the Five Flavors Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, this study provides an updated treatment perspective for treating CA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuhui Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China.
| | - Xiaoxiao Shan
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China.
| | - Yamei Yuan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China.
| | - Weidong Ye
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China.
| | - Xiangming Fang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China.
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Zhang Z, Zheng Y, Zhang B, Wang R, Chen L, Wang Y, Feng W, Zheng X, Li K, Zhou N. Untargeted serum and gastric metabolomics and network pharmacology analysis reveal the superior efficacy of zingiberis rhizoma recens-/euodiae fructus-processed Coptidis Rhizoma on gastric ulcer rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 332:118376. [PMID: 38782310 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118376] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Zingiberis rhizoma recens-/wine-/euodiae fructus-processed Coptidis Rhizoma (CR, zCR/wCR/eCR) are the commonly used processed products of CR in clinic. After being processed with different excipients, the efficacy of CR will change accordingly. I.e., wCR could resolve excessive heat of the upper energizer, zCR could eliminate gastric heat and harmonize the stomach, eCR could smooth the liver and harmonize the stomach. However, the underlying mechanisms were still unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY To further verify the differential efficacy of the three processed CR products and compare the mechanisms on gastric ulcer. MATERIAL AND METHODS First, a GU model, whose onset is closely related to the heat in stomach and the disharmony between liver and stomach, was established, and the therapeutic effects of zCR/wCR/eCR/CR were evaluated by pathologic observation and measurement of cytokine levels. Second, metabolomics analysis and network pharmacology were conducted to reveal the differential intervening mechanism of zCR/eCR on GU. Third, the predicted mechanisms from metabolomics analysis and network pharmacology were validated using western blotting, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. RESULTS zCR/wCR/eCR/CR could alleviate the pathologic damage to varying degrees. In metabolomics research, fewer metabolic pathways were enriched in serum samples, and most of them were also present in the results of gastric tissue samples. The gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects of zCR/wCR/eCR/CR might be due to their interference on histidine, arachidonic acid, and glycerophospholipids metabolism. Quantitative results indicated that zCR/eCR had a better therapeutic effect than wCR/CR in treating GU. A comprehensive analysis of metabolomics and network pharmacology revealed that zCR and eCR exerted anti-GU effects via intervening in five core targets, including AKT, TNF, IL6, IL1B and PPARG. In the validation experiment, zCR/eCR could significantly reverse the abnormal expression of proteins related to apoptosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, gastric function, as well as the PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. CONCLUSION zCR and eCR could offer gastroprotective benefits by resisting inflammation and apoptosis, inhibiting gastric-acid secretion, as well as strengthening gastric mucosal defense and antioxidant capacity. Integrating network pharmacology and metabolomics analysis could reveal the acting mechanism of drugs and promote the development of medications to counteract GU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenkai Zhang
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China
| | - Yajuan Zheng
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China
| | - Bingxian Zhang
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China
| | - Ruifeng Wang
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China
| | - Long Chen
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China
| | - Yongxiang Wang
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China
| | - Weisheng Feng
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China; Co-construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases By Henan & Education Ministry of PR China, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China; The Engineering and Technology Center for Chinese Medicine Development of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China.
| | - Xiaoke Zheng
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China; Co-construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases By Henan & Education Ministry of PR China, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China; The Engineering and Technology Center for Chinese Medicine Development of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China.
| | - Kai Li
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China.
| | - Ning Zhou
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China; Co-construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases By Henan & Education Ministry of PR China, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China.
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Zhuo Z, Nie J, Xie B, Wang F, Shi M, Jiang Y, Zhu W. A comprehensive study of Ephedra sinica Stapf-Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill herb pair on airway protection in asthma. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 322:117614. [PMID: 38113990 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117614] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Ephedra sinica Stapf (Mahuang) and Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill (Wuweizi) are commonly utilized in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of cough and asthma. The synergistic effect of Mahuang-Wuweizi herb pair enhances their efficacy in alleviating respiratory symptoms, making them extensively employed in the management of respiratory disorders. Although previous studies have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of Mahuang-Wuweizi in pulmonary fibrosis, the precise mechanism underlying their effectiveness against asthma remains elusive. AIM OF THE STUDY The objective of this study is to investigate the mechanism underlying the preventive and therapeutic effects of Mahuang-Wuweizi herb pair on asthma progression, focusing on airway inflammation and airway remodeling. MATERIALS AND METHODS The active constituents and potential mechanisms of Mahuang-Wuweizi in the management of asthma were elucidated through network pharmacology analysis. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to detect the main components of Mahuang-Wuweizi decoction. A rat model of bronchial asthma was established, and the effects of Mahuang-Wuweizi were investigated using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blotting (WB), and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). RESULTS The results of network pharmacological prediction showed that Mahuang had 22 active components and Wuweizi had 8 active components, with 225 potential targets. 1159 targets associated with asthma and 115 targets that overlap between drugs and diseases were identified. These include interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), Tumor Protein 53, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), as well as other essential targets. Additionally, there is a potential correlation between asthma and Phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/Protein Kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway, calcium ion channels, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, and other signaling pathways. The animal experiment results demonstrated that treatment with Mahuang and Wuweizi, in comparison to the model group, exhibited improvements in lung tissue pathological injury, reduction in collagen fiber accumulation around the airway and proliferation of airway smooth muscle, decrease in concentration levels of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β in lung tissue, as well as alleviation of airway inflammation. Furthermore, Mahuang and Wuweizi suppressed the expression of phospholipase C (PLC), transient receptor potential channel 1 (TRPC1), myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), NF-κB P65 protein in ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized rat lung tissue and downregulated the mRNA expression of PLC, TRPC1, PI3K, AKT, NF-κB P65 in asthmatic rats. These findings were consistent with network pharmacological analysis. CONCLUSION The results show that the synergistic interaction between Mahuang and Wuweizi occur, and they can effectively reduce airway remodeling and airway inflammation induced by inhaling OVA in bronchial asthma rats by inhibiting the expression of PLC/TRPC1/PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway. Therefore, Mahuang and Wuweizi may be potential drugs to treat asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zushun Zhuo
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Jianhua Nie
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Bin Xie
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Fei Wang
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Min Shi
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Yini Jiang
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Weifeng Zhu
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
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Zhang C, Li X, Gao D, Zhu H, Wang S, Tan B, Yang A. Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation of the Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction in Acute Lung Injury Treatment. J Inflamm Res 2023; 16:6195-6209. [PMID: 38145012 PMCID: PMC10748588 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s433840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction (TDXD) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula used to treat acute lung injury (ALI). However, the precise mechanism of TDXD in treating ALI remains unclear. We investigated the therapeutic mechanism of TDXD against ALI using a complementary approach combining network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro and in vivo experiments. Material and Methods Potential drug targets of TDXD and relevant target genes associated with ALI were retrieved from Chinese medicines and disease genes databases. Bioinformatics technology was employed to screen potential active ingredients and core targets. Validation experiments were conducted using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI mouse (C57BL/6J) model, LPS-induced inflammatory RAW264.7 cells, and molecular docking between active compounds of TDXD and potential targets. Results Network pharmacology suggested that the mechanism of TDXD against ALI involved phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) / protein kinase B (AKT) / phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) / signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathways. Quercetin, β-sitosterol, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, and L-stepholidine were identified as the main active compounds of TDXD that exerted anti-ALI effects. Molecular docking indicated that these compounds exhibited good binding capabilities (≤ -5kcal/mol) to key targets in PI3K/AKT/PTEN and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathways. In the animal model, TDXD alleviated injuries and inflammatory responses in lung tissues, accompanied by inhibition of expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), STAT3, and Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 (SOCS3) mRNA, and key proteins in PI3K/AKT/PTEN and JAK2/STAT3 pathways (all P values < 0.05). Cell based experiments showed that TDXD dose-dependently inhibited the expression of essential proteins in PI3K/AKT/PTEN and JAK2/STAT3 pathways (P < 0.05). Conclusion This study revealed that the mechanism of TDXD in ALI treatment might involve simultaneous regulation of PI3K/AKT/PTEN and JAK2/STAT3 pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengxi Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Epidemic Disease, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqian Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Epidemic Disease, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dan Gao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Epidemic Disease, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huahe Zhu
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shun Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Epidemic Disease, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bo Tan
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacokinetics, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Aidong Yang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Epidemic Disease, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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Zheng Y, Yuan P, Zhang Z, Fu Y, Li S, Ruan Y, Li P, Chen Y, Feng W, Zheng X. Fatty Oil of Descurainia Sophia Nanoparticles Improve Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension in Rats Through PLC/IP3R/Ca 2+ Signaling Pathway. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:7483-7503. [PMID: 38090366 PMCID: PMC10714987 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s436866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Fatty oil of Descurainia Sophia (OIL) has poor stability and low solubility, which limits its pharmacological effects. We hypothesized that fatty oil nanoparticles (OIL-NPs) could overcome this limitation. The protective effect of OIL-NPs against monocrotaline-induced lung injury in rats was studied. Methods We prepared OIL-NPs by wrapping fatty oil with polylactic-polyglycolide nanoparticles (PLGA-NPs) and conducted in vivo and in vitro experiments to explore its anti-pulmonary hypertension (PH) effect. In vitro, we induced malignant proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (RPASMC) using anoxic chambers, and studied the effects of OIL-NPs on the malignant proliferation of RPASMC cells and phospholipase C (PLC)/inositol triphosphate receptor (IP3R)/Ca2+ signal pathways. In vivo, we used small animal echocardiography, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, western blotting (WB), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and metabolomics to explore the effects of OIL-NPs on the heart and lung pathological damage and PLC/IP3R/Ca2+ signal pathway of pulmonary hypertension rats. Results We prepared fatty into OIL-NPs. In vitro, OIL-NPs could improve the mitochondrial function and inhibit the malignant proliferation of RPASMC cells by inhibiting the PLC/IP3R/Ca2+signal pathway. In vivo, OIL-NPs could reduce the pulmonary artery pressure of rats and alleviate the pathological injury and inflammatory reaction of heart and lung by inhibiting the PLC/IP3R/Ca2+ signal pathway. Conclusion OIL-NPs have anti-pulmonary hypertension effect, and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of PLC/IP3R/Ca2+signal pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajuan Zheng
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Peipei Yuan
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450008, People’s Republic of China
- The Engineering and Technology Center for Chinese Medicine Development of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450046, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhenkai Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Fu
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450008, People’s Republic of China
- The Engineering and Technology Center for Chinese Medicine Development of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450046, People’s Republic of China
| | - Saifei Li
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuan Ruan
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Panying Li
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weisheng Feng
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450008, People’s Republic of China
- The Engineering and Technology Center for Chinese Medicine Development of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450046, People’s Republic of China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-Constructed by Henan province & Education Ministry of P. R. China, Zhengzhou, 450008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoke Zheng
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450008, People’s Republic of China
- The Engineering and Technology Center for Chinese Medicine Development of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450046, People’s Republic of China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-Constructed by Henan province & Education Ministry of P. R. China, Zhengzhou, 450008, People’s Republic of China
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