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Gao L, Zhang AP, Fu L, Li QW, Qin XM, Zhao J. Huangqin decoction attenuates spared nerve injury (SNI)-induced neuropathic pain by modulating microglial M1/M2 polarization partially mediated by intestinal nicotinamide metabolism. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 129:155594. [PMID: 38614040 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155594] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of neuropathic pain is progressively increasing over time. The activation of M1-type microglia plays a crucial role in the initiation and progression of neuropathic pain. Huangqin Decoction (HQD) is traditionally used to alleviate dysentery and abdominal pain. However, it remains unclear whether HQD can effectively mitigate neuropathic pain and the underlying mechanisms. PURPOSE The present study aims to investigate the impact of HQD on neuropathic pain induced by spared nerve injury (SNI) in mice, and to elucidate whether the analgesic effect of HQD is associated with microglia polarization. METHODS The analgesic effect of HQD on SNI mice was investigated through assessments of mechanical pain threshold, thermal pain threshold, cold pain threshold, and motor ability. We elucidated the molecular mechanisms of HQD in alleviating SNI-induced neuropathic pain by focusing on microglia polarization and intestinal metabolite abnormalities. The expression levels of markers associated with microglia polarization (Iba-1, CD68, CD206, iNOS) was detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot, and the levels of inflammatory factors (IL-4, IL-10, IL-6, TNF-α) were assessed by ELISA. UPLC-QTOF-MS metabolomics was utilized to identify differential metabolites in the intestines of SNI mice. We screened the differential metabolites related to microglial polarization by correlation analysis, subsequently nicotinamide was selected for validation in LPS-induced BV-2 cells. RESULTS Our findings demonstrated that HQD (20 g/kg) significantly enhanced the mechanical pain threshold, thermal pain threshold, and cold pain threshold, and protected the injured DRG neurons of SNI mice. Moreover, HQD (20 g/kg) obviously suppressed the expression of microglia M1 polarization markers (Iba-1, CD68, iNOS, IL-6, TNF-α), and promoted the expression of microglia M2 polarization markers (CD206, IL-10, IL-4) in the spinal cord of SNI mice. Additionally, HQD (20 g/kg) prominently ameliorated intestinal barrier damage by upregulating Claudin 1 and Occludin expression in the colon of SNI mice. Furthermore, HQD (20 g/kg) rectified 19 metabolite abnormalities in the intestine. Notably, nicotinamide (100 μM), an amide derivative with anti-inflammatory property, effectively suppresses microglia activation and polarization in LPS-induced BV-2 cells by downregulating IL-6 level and CD68 expression while upregulating IL-4 level and CD206 expression. CONCLUSION In summary, HQD alleviates neuropathic pain in SNI mice by regulating the activation and polarization of microglia, partially mediated through intestinal nicotinamide metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Gao
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, Shanxi, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Effective Substances Research and Utilization in TCM of Shanxi Province, PR China.
| | - Ai-Ping Zhang
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, Shanxi, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Effective Substances Research and Utilization in TCM of Shanxi Province, PR China
| | - Lei Fu
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, Shanxi, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Effective Substances Research and Utilization in TCM of Shanxi Province, PR China
| | - Qian-Wen Li
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, Shanxi, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Effective Substances Research and Utilization in TCM of Shanxi Province, PR China
| | - Xue-Mei Qin
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, Shanxi, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Effective Substances Research and Utilization in TCM of Shanxi Province, PR China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, UK, London.
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Yi M, Zhang Z, Luo Z, Luo A, Zeng H, Li P, Wang T, Yang J, Nie H. PolyphyllinVI alleviates the spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain based on P2X3 receptor-mediated the release of inflammatory mediators. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 325:117886. [PMID: 38355027 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117886] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE PolyphyllinVI (PPⅥ) is the main bioactive component of Chonglou which is a traditional Chinese herbal with various effects, including antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and analgesia. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to investigate the properties and mechanisms of the analgesia of PPⅥ by using neuropathic pain (NPP) mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS The potential targets and mechanisms of PPⅥ in alleviating NPP were excavated based on the network pharmacology. Subsequently, the construction of a spared nerve injury (SNI) mice model was used to evaluate the effect of PPⅥ on NPP and the expression of the P2X3 receptor. We identified the signaling pathways of PPⅥ analgesia by RNA sequencing. RESULTS The results of network pharmacology showed that BCL2, CASP3, JUN, STAT3, and TNF were the key targets of the analgesic effect of PPⅥ. PPⅥ increased the MWT and TWL of SNI mice and decreased the level of P2X3 receptors in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal cord (SC). Additionally, PPⅥ reduced the release of pro-inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) in the DRG, SC, and serum. Based on the KEGG enrichment of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified by RNA-Seq, PPVI may relieve NPP by regulating the AMPK/NF-κB signaling pathway. Western blotting results showed that the AMPK signaling pathway was activated, followed by inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway. CONCLUSION PPⅥ increased the MWT and TWL of SNI mice maybe by inhibiting the expression of the P2X3 receptor and the release of inflammatory mediators. The properties of the analgesia of PPⅥ may be based on the AMPK/NF-κB pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqin Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Zhenglang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Zhenhui Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Anqi Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Hekun Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Peiyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jingwen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Hong Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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Peng Y, Zhou C. Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Identify the Potential Mechanism and Therapeutic Role of Scutellaria baicalensis in Alzheimer's Disease. Drug Des Devel Ther 2024; 18:1199-1219. [PMID: 38645989 PMCID: PMC11032720 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s450739] [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: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim Scutellaria baicalensis, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb renowned for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor properties, has shown promise in alleviating cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer's disease. Nonetheless, the exact neuroprotective mechanism of Scutellaria baicalensis against Alzheimer's disease remains unclear. In this study, network pharmacology was employed to explore the possible mechanisms by which Scutellaria baicalensis protects against Alzheimer's disease. Methods The active compounds of Scutellaria baicalensis were retrieved from the TCMSP database, and their corresponding targets were identified. Alzheimer's disease-related targets were obtained through searches in the GeneCards and OMIM databases. Cytoscape 3.6.0 software was utilized to construct a regulatory network illustrating the "active ingredient-target" relationships. Subsequently, the target genes affected by Scutellaria baicalensis in the context of Alzheimer's disease were input into the String database to establish a PPI network. GO analysis and KEGG analysis were conducted using the DAVID database to predict the potential pathways associated with these key targets. Following this, the capacity of these active ingredients to bind to core targets was confirmed through molecular docking. In vitro experiments were then carried out for further validation. Results A total of 36 active ingredients from Scutellaria baicalensis were screened out, which corresponded to 365 targets. Molecular docking results demonstrated the robust binding abilities of Baicalein, Wogonin, and 5,2'-Dihydroxy-6,7,8-trimethoxyflavone to key target proteins (SRC, PIK3R1, and STAT3). In vitro experiments showed that the active components of Scutellaria baicalensis can inhibit STAT3 expression by downregulating the PIK3R1/SRC pathway in Neuro 2A cells. Conclusion In summary, these findings collectively suggest that Scutellaria baicalensis holds promise as a viable treatment option for Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutao Peng
- Department of Function, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chanjuan Zhou
- Department of Clinical Psychology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
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Mishra S, Shelke V, Dagar N, Lech M, Gaikwad AB. Molecular insights into P2X signalling cascades in acute kidney injury. Purinergic Signal 2024:10.1007/s11302-024-09987-w. [PMID: 38246970 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-024-09987-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a critical health issue with high mortality and morbidity rates in hospitalized individuals. The complex pathophysiology and underlying health conditions further complicate AKI management. Growing evidence suggests the pivotal role of ion channels in AKI progression, through promoting tubular cell death and altering immune cell functions. Among these channels, P2X purinergic receptors emerge as key players in AKI pathophysiology. P2X receptors gated by adenosine triphosphate (ATP), exhibit increased extracellular levels of ATP during AKI episodes. More importantly, certain P2X receptor subtypes upon activation exacerbate the situation by promoting the release of extracellular ATP. While therapeutic investigations have primarily focused on P2X4 and P2X7 subtypes in the context of AKI, while understanding about other subtypes still remains limited. Whilst some P2X antagonists show promising results against different types of kidney diseases, their role in managing AKI remains unexplored. Henceforth, understanding the intricate interplay between P2X receptors and AKI is crucial for developing targeted interventions. This review elucidates the functional alterations of all P2X receptors during normal kidney function and AKI, offering insights into their involvement in AKI. Notably, we have highlighted the current knowledge of P2X receptor antagonists and the possibilities to use them against AKI in the future. Furthermore, the review delves into the pathways influenced by activated P2X receptors during AKI, presenting potential targets for future therapeutic interventions against this critical condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Mishra
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Campus, Pilani, Rajasthan, 333031, India
| | - Vishwadeep Shelke
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Campus, Pilani, Rajasthan, 333031, India
| | - Neha Dagar
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Campus, Pilani, Rajasthan, 333031, India
| | - Maciej Lech
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Anil Bhanudas Gaikwad
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Campus, Pilani, Rajasthan, 333031, India.
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