Identification of metabolites of PSORALEAE FRUCTUS in rats by ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry analysis

Angelicin: A leading culprit involved in fructus Psoraleae liver injury via inhibition of VKORC1

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The adverse effects of Fructus Psoraleae (FP), especially liver injury, have attracted wide attention in recent years.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To establish a system to explore potential hepatotoxic targets and the chief culprit of liver injury based on clinical experience, network pharmacological method, molecular docking, and in vitro and in vivo experiments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinical applications and adverse reactions to FP were obtained from public literatures. Components absorbed in the blood were selected as candidates to search for potential active targets (PATs) of FP. Subsequently, potential pharmacological core targets (PPCTs) were screened through the "drug targets-disease targets" network. Non-drug active targets (NPATs) were obtained by subtracting the PPCTs from the PATs. The potential hepatotoxic targets (PHTs) of FP were the intersection targets obtained from Venn analysis using NPATs, hepatotoxic targets, and adverse drug reaction (ADR) targets provided by the databases. Then, potential hepatotoxic components and targets were obtained using the "NPATS-component" network relationship. Molecular docking and in vitro and in vivo hepatotoxicity experiments were performed to verify the targets and related components.

RESULTS

Overall, 234 NPATs were acquired from our analysis, and 6 targets were identified as PHTs. Results from molecular docking and in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that angelicin is the leading cause of liver injury in FP, and VKORC1 plays an important role.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that six targets, especially VKORC1, are associated with the PHTs of FP, and angelicin is the leading culprit involved in FP liver injury via inhibition of VKORC1.

Antiparasitic efficacy of flavonoids identified from Psoralea corylifolia against Tetrahymena piriformis in guppy (Poecilia reticulate)

Tetrahymena piriformis belongs to the ciliated protists (ciliates), causing severe economic losses in aquaculture. Chemical drugs currently used usually have toxic side effects, and there is no specific drug against Tetrahymena. Therefore, it is an urgent need to identify new antiparasitic lead compounds. In the present study, the in vitro parasiticidal activity of ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extracts and water extracts from 22 selected traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) were evaluated against T. piriformis. The EtOAc extract of P. corylifolia turned out to be the most active with the minimum parasiticidal concentration of 100 mg/L within 3 h. Thus, it was separated into 12 fractions by the first-dimensional (D1) normal phase liquid chromatography (NPLC), meanwhile combining with in vitro antiparasitic tests for activity tracking. Subsequently, 8 flavonoids were identified in the active fractions by the second-dimensional (D2) reverse phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry. According to the results, 5 flavonoids were selected for in vitro antiparasitic test, of which isobavachalcone showed the minimum parasiticidal concentration of 3.125 mg/L in 2 h. Bathing treatment of infected guppies with isobavachalcone could significantly reduce the burden of T. piriformis, obtaining a 24-h median effective concentration (24-h EC50) value of 1.916 mg/L. And the concentration of isobavachalcone causing guppies to die within 24 h is 39 times than that of 24-h EC50. The results demonstrated that isobavachalcone has the potential to be developed into a novel commercial fish drug against T. piriformis.

Multi-technology integrated network pharmacology-based study on phytochemicals, active metabolites, and molecular mechanism of Psoraleae Fructus to promote melanogenesis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

According to the Compendium of Materia Medica (Shizhen Li, Ming dynasty) and Welfare Pharmacy (Song dynasty), Psoraleae Fructus (PF), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a bitter taste and warm nature, which has the effect of treating spleen and kidney deficiency and skin disease. Although PF has been widely used since ancient times and has shown satisfactory efficacy in treating vitiligo, the active substances and the mechanism of PF in promoting melanogenesis remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the active substances and action mechanisms of PF in promoting melanogenesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Firstly, UPLC-UV-Q-TOF/MS was used to characterize the components in PF extract and identify the absorption components and metabolites of PF after oral administration at usual doses in rats. Secondly, the active substances and related targets and pathways were predicted by network pharmacology and molecular docking. Finally, pharmacodynamic and molecular biology experiments were used to verify the prediction results.

RESULTS

The experimental results showed that 15 compounds were identified in PF extract, and 44 compounds, consisting of 8 prototype components and 36 metabolites (including isomers) were identified in rats' plasma. Promising action targets (MAPK1, MAPK8, MAPK14) and signaling pathways (MAPK signaling pathway) were screened and refined to elucidate the mechanism of PF against vitiligo based on network pharmacology. Bergaptol and xanthotol (the main metabolites of PF), psoralen (prototype drug), and PF extract significantly increased melanin production in zebrafish embryos. Furthermore, bergaptol could promote the pigmentation of zebrafish embryos more than psoralen and PF extract. Bergaptol significantly increased the protein expression levels of p-P38 and decreased ERK phosphorylation in B16F10 cells, which was also supported by the corresponding inhibitor/activator combination study. Moreover, bergaptol increased the mRNA expression levels of the downstream microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and tyrosinase in B16F10 cells. Our data elucidate that bergaptol may promote melanogenesis by regulating the p-P38 and p-ERK signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

This study will lay a foundation for discovering potential new drugs for treating vitiligo and provide feasible ideas for exploring the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine.

Distribution profiles of phenolic compounds in a cultivar of wampee (Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels) fruits and in vitro anti-inflammatory activity

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The fruits of wampee (Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels), which contain significant amounts of phenolics, are frequently applied as traditional medications to prevent or relieve inflammatory symptoms. Green honey wampee (GHW) is a local cultivar specially cultivated in Lianjiang City, Guangdong Province.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate phenolic distribution profiles in the peels, seeds and pulp of GHW as well as elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of the effective compounds for anti-inflammatory activity.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

Phenolic compounds in the extract were identified through UPLC-MS/MS and their ability to alleviate inflammation was assessed using RAW 264.7 macrophages exposed to lipopolysaccharide.

RESULTS

Among the three parts of GHW fruits, the total phenolic contents followed a descending order of peels > pulp > seeds. Additionally, eighty-six phenols were tentatively determined from the three parts, of which flavonoids accounted for the highest proportion. Furthermore, the phenolic extract of peels, seeds and pulp exhibited potential anti-inflammatory activity through the suppression effect on different pro-inflammatory mediators (NO, IL-6 and TNF-α). Among the three principal phenolic compounds (rutin, quercitrin, isorhamnetin-3-O-neohesperidoside) detected in GHW fruits, quercitrin was proved to be a more important anti-inflammatory compound inhibiting the iNOS and TNF-α mRNA expressions through the suppression effect on the phosphorylation of IκBα and ERK, belonging to the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathway respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Not only wampee pulp but also its by-products like peels and seeds are able to be comprehensively utilized as immunomodulatory supplements for daily diets due to their rich phenolic contents.

Development and validation of a sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the assay of 12 substances in rat plasma and its application to rat pharmacokinetics of Epimedium and Psoraleae Fructus herb pair after oral administration

Epimedium (EM) and Psoraleae Fructus (PF) are a traditional herb combination often used as a fixed form to treat osteoporosis disease in the clinic. However, the intricate interactions of this pair remain unknown. In our study, we undertook a comprehensive examination of their compatibility behaviors. Concurrently, a precise and sensitive quantitation method was successfully developed and validated using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for the determination of 12 components. This method was applied in analyzing herbal extracts and biological samples (both in the portal vein and systemic plasma), which was also used to study the pharmacokinetics of the herb pair. The results indicated that the combination of EM and PF enhanced the dissolution of chemical components from PF in extracts, but it had a negligible influence on the contents of the components from EM. On the contrary, the in vivo exposure of the lowly exposed EM flavonoids significantly increased following the combination of EM and PF, whereas the highly exposed psoralen and isopsoralen were greatly reduced. These interactions might be crucial for the synergy and toxicity reduction of the herbal pair in disease treatment, which pave the way for further exploration into the clinical application and pharmacological mechanisms of EM and PF.

The Use of Herbal Medicine in the Treatment of Vitiligo: An Updated Review

Vitiligo is a chronic disease of unknown etiology that causes progressive cutaneous depigmentation. Current pharmacological treatments have limited success and present significant risks. Many efforts have been made in recent years to explore new anti-vitiligo therapeutic strategies, including herbal-based therapies. The objective of the present review is to provide an updated overview on the most frequently used medicinal plants in the treatment of vitiligo. A bibliographical search was carried out in scientific databases Pubmed, Scifinder, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Medline up to October 2021 using the descriptors vitiligo, herbal, medicinal plants, and alternative therapies. In our search, the highest number of published studies comprise plants commonly used in traditional herbal medicine, highlighting the usefulness of ethnopharmacology in the discovery of new therapeutic agents. The review outlines current understanding and provides an insight into the role of psoralens and khellin (photosensitizing agents obtained from plants such as Cullen corylifolium or Ammi visnaga). The paper also describes other traditional herbs such as Ginkgo biloba, Phlebodium aureum, Piper nigrum, Picrorhiza kurroa, and Baccharoides anthelmintica that can likewise act as potential therapeutical agents. Based on our findings, photosensitizing agents in combination with phototherapy, the association of oral Phebodium aureum with phototherapies as well as oral G. biloba in monotherapy showed greater scientific evidence as therapeutic options. The research results emphasize that further investigation in this area is merited. More long-term follow up clinical trials and higher quality randomized trials are needed.

A novel strategy integrating gas phase fractionation with staggered mass range and LC-MS/MS molecular network for comprehensive metabolites profiling of Gui Ling Ji in rats

Metabolite detection from complex biological samples faces challenges due to interference from endogenous substrates and the inherent limitation of multiple subsequent tandem scanning rates of instruments. Here, a new integrated approach based on gas-phase fractionation with a staggered mass range (sGPF) and a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) molecular network was developed to accelerate the data processing of the targeted and untargeted constituents absorbed in rats after oral administration of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription Gui Ling Ji (GLJ). Compared with three conventional acquisition methods, sGPF at 3, 5, and 7 mass fractions could enhance MS/MS coverage with an increased MS/MS triggering rate of 29.4-206.2% over data-dependent acquisition (DDA), fast DDA and gas-phase fractionation. A mass range fraction setting of five optimized the performance. Based on the similar diagnostic fragment ions and characteristic neutral loss behaviors in the DDA-MS/MS spectrum, an initial molecular network of GLJ was created with the help of the global natural products social molecular networking (GNPS) platform. Furthermore, to remove the endogenous interference nodes, Cytoscape software was adopted to produce a clean and concise molecular network of prototype compounds and their corresponding metabolites. Using this strategy, a total of 210 compounds, including 59 prototype constituents and 151 metabolites, was unambiguously or tentatively identified in GLJ. This first systematic metabolic study of GLJ in vivo elucidated the potential pharmacodynamic basis of GLJ in clinical treatment. More importantly, this work can serve as a practical example and establish a guide for rapidly identifying TCM metabolites in biological matrices.

Study on the processing chemistry of Fructus Psoraleae by a combination of untargeted and targeted metabolomics

Fructus Psoralea is widely used to treat osteoporosis and skin inflammatory diseases. Because of the side effects on the liver, renal and cardiovascular systems, it is processed to salt-processed Fructus Psoraleae to meet the requirements of clinical use. However, the mechanisms involved in the transformation of the chemical components are unclear. In this study, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used to analyze the chemical profiles of this herbal medicine and the chemical transformation mechanism involved during the salt processing was studied. A total of 83 compounds were identified. Principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminate analysis were used to observe the distribution trend of all samples and visualize the difference. Raw and processed Fructus Psoraleae were clearly clustered into two groups. Furthermore, 17 marker compounds were identified as primary contributors to their differences based on t-test analysis (p < 0.01) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminate analysis (variable importance for the projection > 1). Finally, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry was used to evaluate the quality of Fructus Psoraleae by simultaneous analysis of 13 components highly related to efficacy. There were variations in the contents of 13 chemicals of Fructus Psoraleae and salt-processed products. The results of untargeted and targeted metabolomics revealed that salt processing affected the chemical composition of Fructus Psoraleae.

Experimental and molecular docking studies of estrogen-like and anti-osteoporosis activity of compounds in Fructus Psoraleae

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Fructus Psoraleae (FP), dry mature fruits of Cullen corylifolium (L.) Medik., has been used clinically to treat kidney yang deficiency-induced impotence, asthma and cold pain in waist and knee caused by kidney deficiency. A study of the source of the significant kidney-enhancing effect of FP revealed that it may be due to its strong estrogen-like activity.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the estrogen-like activity of the FP extract and 13 bioactive compounds in it, as well as the mechanisms underlying their estrogen-like and anti-osteoporosis activities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The estrogen-like activities of the 75% ethanol-only FP extract, and 75% ethanol plus petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, n-butanol or water FP extracts were each measured using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and luciferase reporter gene assays. The compounds were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. The activation of estrogen receptor signaling by the compounds was compared with that by estradiol (E₂) using the molecular docking software MOE-Dock 2008.10. The activation of the ER-Wnt-β-catenin signaling pathway was investigated using an alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay, qPCR analysis and Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

The results revealed that the 75% ethanol plus ethyl acetate extract showed the highest estrogen-like activity among the four 75% ethanol extract fractions (further extracted with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, n-butanol or water). Some compounds in FP showed strong estrogenic effect and anti-osteoporosis activity, and activated the Wnt-β-catenin pathway. The isoflavone compound was the most active.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that FP has a strong estrogen-like activity and some of its component compounds have anti-osteoporosis activity by activating the ER-Wnt-β-catenin signaling pathway. Our detections provide a new insight into the mechanisms underlying the estrogen-like and anti-osteoporosis activities of FP, as well as a better understanding of structure effects.

Potential Determinants for Metabolic Fates and Inhibitory Effects of Isobavachalcone Involving in Human Cytochrome P450, UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase Enzymes, and Efflux Transporters

Isobavachalcone, a naturally occurring chalcone in Psoralea corylifolia, posses many biological properties including anticancer, antiplatelet, and antifungal. However, its glucuronidation, glucuronides excretion, and drug-drug interaction (DDI) involving in human cytochrome P450 (CYP), UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes, and efflux transporters (BCRP and MRPs) remains unclear so far. After incubation, three glucuronides were produced by HLM and HIM with total intrinsic clearance (CL_int) of 236.71 and 323.40 μL/min/mg, respectively. Reaction phenotyping proved UGT1A1, 1A3, 1A7, 1A8, and 1A9 played important roles in glucuronidation with total CL_int values of 62.69-143.00 μL/min/mg. Activity correlation analysis indicated UGT1A1 and UGT1A3 participated more in the glucuronidation. In addition, the glucuronidation showed marked species differences, and rabbits and dogs were probably appropriate model animals to investigate the in vivo glucuronidation. Furthermore, BCRP, MRP1, and MRP4 transporters were identified as the most important contributors to glucuronides excretion in HeLa1A1 cells based on gene silencing method. Moreover, isobavachalcone demonstrated broad-spectrum inhibitory effects against CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, UGT1A1, UGT1A9, UGT2B7 with IC₅₀ values of 1.08-9.78 μM. Except CYP2B6 and CYP2D6, the calculated [I]/K_i values for other enzymes were all greater than 0.1, indicating the inhibition of systemic metabolism or elimination for these enzyme substrates seems likely. Taken together, we summarized metabolic fates of isobavachalcone including glucuronidation and efflux transport as well as inhibitory effects involving in human CYP and UGT enzymes.

Pharmacological review of isobavachalcone, a naturally occurring chalcone

Isobavachalcone (IBC), a naturally occurring chalcone, is mainly isolated from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia Linn. IBC demonstrates multiple pharmacological activities, including anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, neuroprotective, and among others. Several potential targets of IBC, such as AKT, dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), have been identified. The pharmacokinetic profiles of IBC have been reported as well. In this review, the pharmacological activities, the underlying mechanisms, the potential targets, and the pharmacokinetic profiles of IBC were summarized. IBC might be a promising lead compound for drug discovery.

Neobavaisoflavone Induces Bilirubin Metabolizing Enzyme UGT1A1 via PPARα and PPARγ

UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) is an essential enzyme in mammals that is responsible for detoxification and metabolic clearance of the endogenous toxin bilirubin and a variety of xenobiotics, including some crucial therapeutic drugs. Discovery of potent and safe UGT1A1 inducers will provide an alternative therapy for ameliorating hyperbilirubinaemia and drug-induced hepatoxicity. This study aims to find efficacious UGT1A1 inducer(s) from natural flavonoids, and to reveal the mechanism involved in up-regulating of this key conjugative enzyme by the flavonoid(s) with strong UGT1A1 induction activity. Among all the tested flavonoids, neobavaisoflavone (NBIF) displayed the most potent UGT1A1 induction activity, while its inductive effects were confirmed by both western blot and glucuronidation activity assays. A panel of nuclear receptor reporter assays demonstrated that NBIF activated PPARα and PPARγ in a dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, we also found that NBIF could up-regulate the expression of PPARα and PPARγ in hepatic cells, suggesting that the induction of UGT1A1 by NBIF was mainly mediated by PPARs. In silico simulations showed that NBIF could stably bind on pocket II of PPARα and PPARγ. Collectively, our results demonstrated that NBIF is a natural inducer of UGT1A1, while this agent induced UGT1A1 mainly via activating and up-regulating PPARα and PPARγ. These findings suggested that NBIF can be used as a promising lead compound for the development of more efficacious UGT1A1 inducers to treat hyperbilirubinaemia and UGT1A1-associated drug toxicities.

Potential metabolism determinants and drug-drug interactions of a natural flavanone bavachinin

Bavachinin, a natural bioactive flavanone, is reported to have many pharmacological proprieties, especially anti-osteoporosis activity. Here we aim to determine the roles of cytochrome P450s (CYP), UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGT), and efflux transporters in metabolism and drug–drug interactions (DDI) of bavachinin. Phase I metabolism and glucuronidation were performed by human liver microsomes (HLM) and human intestine microsomes (HIM). Reaction phenotyping was used to identify the main CYPs and UGTs. Gene silencing methods were employed to investigate the roles of breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) and multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs) in HeLa1A1 cells. Inhibition mechanisms towards CYPs and UGTs were explored through kinetic modeling. Three phase I metabolites (M1–M3) and one glucuronide (G1) were detected after incubation of bavachinin with HLM and HIM. The intrinsic clearance (CL_int) values of M1 and G1 by HLM were 89.4 and 270.2 μL min⁻¹ mg⁻¹, respectively, while those of M3 and G1 by HIM were 25.8 and 247.1 μL min⁻¹ mg⁻¹, respectively. CYP1A1, 1A2, 1B1, 2C8, 2C19, and UGT1A1, 1A8 participated more in bavachinin metabolism. The metabolism showed marked species difference. BCRP and MRP4 were identified as the main contributors. Bavachinin displayed potent inhibitory effects against several CYP and UGT isozymes (K_i = 0.28–2.53 μM). Bavachinin was subjected to undergo metabolism and disposition by CYPs, UGTs, BCRP, MRP4, and was also a potent non-selective inhibitor against several CYPs and UGTs.

Metabolism, efflux transport and drug–drug interactions of bavachinin.

Investigation on the metabolic characteristics of isobavachin in Psoralea corylifolia L. (Bu-gu-zhi) and its potential inhibition against human cytochrome P450s and UDP-glucuronosyltransferases

OBJECTIVES

Isobavachin is a phenolic with anti-osteoporosis activity. This study aimed to explore its metabolic fates in vivo and in vitro, and to investigate the potential drug-drug interactions involving CYPs and UGTs.

METHODS

Metabolites of isobavachin in mice were first identified and characterized. Oxidation and glucuronidation study were performed using liver and intestine microsomes. Reaction phenotyping, activity correlation analysis and relative activity factor approaches were employed to identify the main CYPs and UGTs involved in isobavachin metabolism. Through kinetic modelling, inhibition mechanisms towards CYPs and UGTs were also explored.

KEY FINDINGS

Two glucuronides (G1 - G2) and three oxidated metabolites (M1 - M3) were identified in mice. Additionally, isobavachin underwent efficient oxidation and glucuronidation by human liver microsomes and HIM with CL_int values from 5.53 to 148.79 μl/min per mg. CYP1A2, 2C19 contributed 11.3% and 17.1% to hepatic metabolism of isobavachin, respectively, with CL_int values from 8.75 to 77.33 μl/min per mg. UGT1As displayed CL_int values from 10.73 to 202.62 μl/min per mg for glucuronidation. Besides, significant correlation analysis also proved that CYP1A2, 2C19 and UGT1A1, 1A9 were main contributors for the metabolism of isobavachin. Furthermore, mice may be the appropriate animal model for predicting its metabolism in human. Moreover, isobavachin exhibited broad inhibition against CYP2B6, 2C9, 2C19, UGT1A1, 1A9, 2B7 with K_i values from 0.05 to 3.05 μm.

CONCLUSIONS

CYP1A2, 2C19 and UGT1As play an important role in isobavachin metabolism. Isobavachin demonstrated broad-spectrum inhibition of CYPs and UGTs.

Characterization of metabolic activity, isozyme contribution and species differences of bavachin, and identification of efflux transporters for bavachin-O-glucuronide in HeLa1A1 cells

Objectives

Bavachin is a bioactive natural flavonoid with oestrogen-like activity. Here, we aimed to investigate its metabolic and disposal fates involving in CYPs, UGTs and efflux transporters.

Methods

Phase I metabolism and glucuronidation were performed by human liver microsomes (HLM). Reaction phenotyping and activity correlation analysis were performed to identify the main CYP and UGT isozymes. Chemical inhibition and gene knock-down approaches were employed to explore the function of BCRP and MRPs.

Key findings

Five phase I metabolites (M1–M5) and three glucuronides (G1–G3) were identified. The CLint values for M4 and G1 by HLM were 127.99 and 1159.07 μl/min per mg, respectively. Reaction phenotyping results suggested CYP1A1 (208.85 μl/min per mg) and CYP2C9 (107.51 μl/min per mg), and UGT1A1 (697.19 μl/min per mg), UGT1A7 (535.78 μl/min per mg), UGT1A8 (247.72 μl/min per mg) and UGT1A9 (783.68 μl/min per mg) all participated in the metabolism of bavachin. In addition, activity correlation analysis also supported the results above. Furthermore, the metabolism exhibited marked species differences, and rabbits were the appropriate model animals. Moreover, MRP4 was identified as the main contributor based on chemical inhibition and gene silencing approaches.

Conclusions

CYP1A1 and CYP2C9, UGT1A1, UGT1A7, UGT1A8 and UGT1A9, and MRP4 all played important roles in the metabolism and disposition of bavachin.

Metabolism and disposition of corylifol A from Psoralea corylifolia: metabolite mapping, isozyme contribution, species differences and identification of efflux transporters for corylifol A-O-glucuronide in HeLa1A1 cells

Corylifol A (CA), a phenolic compound from Psoralea corylifolia, possessed several biological properties but poor bioavailability. Here we aimed to investigate the roles of cytochromes P450s (CYPs), UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) and efflux transporters in metabolism and disposition of CA.Metabolism of CA was evaluated in HLM, expressed CYPs and UGTs. Chemical inhibitors and shRNA-mediated gene silencing of multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) were performed to assess the roles of transporters in CA disposition.Three oxidated metabolites (M1-M3) and two glucuronides (M4-M5) were detected. The intrinsic clearances (CL_int) values of M1 and M4 in HLM were 48.10 and 184.03 μL/min/mg, respectively. Additionally, CYP1A1, 2C8 and 2C19 were identified as main contributors with CL_int values of 13.01-49.36 μL/min/mg, while UGT1A1, 1A7, 1A8 and 1A9 were with CL_int values ranging from 85.01 to 284.07 μL/min/mg. Furthermore, activity correlation analysis proved CYP2C8, UGT1A1 and 1A9 were the main active hepatic isozymes. Besides, rats and monkeys were appropriate model animals. Moreover, dipyridamole and MK571 both could significantly inhibit M4 efflux. Gene silencing results also indicated MRP4 and BCRP were major contributors in HeLa1A1 cells.Taken together, CYPs, UGTs, MRP4 and BCRP were important determinants of CA pharmacokinetics.

CYPs-mediated drug-drug interactions on psoralidin, isobavachalcone, neobavaisoflavone and daidzein in rats liver microsomes

The incubation system of CYP2E1 and CYP3A4 enzymes in rat liver microsomes was established to investigate the effects of psoralidin, isobavachalcone, neobavaisoflavone and daidzein from Fructus Psoraleae in vitro. The relevant metabolites were measured by the method of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), after probe substrates of 4-nitrophenol, testosterone and the drugs at different concentrations were added to the incubation systems. In addition, real-time RT-PCR was performed to determine the effect of psoralidin, neobavaisoflavone and daidzein on the mRNA expression of CYP3A4 in rat liver. The results suggested that psoralidin, isobavachalcone and neobavaisoflavone were Medium-intensity inhibitors of CYP2E1 with K_i values of 2.58, 1.28 and 19.07 μM, respectively, which could inhibit the increase of CYP2E1 and reduce diseases caused by lipid peroxidation. Isobavachalcone (K_i = 37.52 μM) showed a weak competitive inhibition on CYP3A4. Psoralidin and neobavaisoflavone showed obvious induction effects on CYP3A4 in the expression level of mRNA, which could accelerate the effects of drug metabolism and lead to the risk of inducing DDIs and serious adverse reactions. The results could be used for guideline of Fructus Psoraleae in clinic, which aimed to calculate the drug toxicity by studying the drug-drug interactions caused by the induction and inhibition of CYP450.

Untargeted metabolomics using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry for rapid discovery of metabolite biomarkers to reveal therapeutic effects of Psoralea corylifolia seeds against osteoporosis

Liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry has been used as metabolomics profiling tool to discover and identify the metabolites in metabolic diseases. Osteoporosis (OP) syndrome is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by bone mass reduction and changes in bone microstructure. Psoralea corylifolia Linn. seeds (PCS) have a therapeutic effect on osteoporosis, but their action mechanism and therapeutic target are still unclear. This study aims to explore the metabolic changes of the urine profile in glucocorticoid-induced OP model rats and the therapeutic effect of PCS. High-throughput metabolomics based on the liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and multivariate data analysis were used to analyze the urine metabolites. The results showed that has an obvious separation between model and control groups. OPLS-DA was used to further analyze and discover substances that contributed to the separation. 42 potential biomarkers and 12 related metabolic pathways were identified in combination with network databases. After the intervention of PCS, 24 biomarkers were significantly regulated, mainly with glycone, serine and threonine metabolism, glutathione metabolism and purine metabolism and other metabolic pathways are related and discovered. This study has proved that PCS has therapeutic effect against OP by regulating that metabolic pathways disturbed in the OP. It provided a basis for the research and future development of new drugs for OP treatment.

Liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry has been used as metabolomics profiling tool to discover and identify the metabolites in metabolic diseases.

Using the UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MSE method and intestinal bacteria for metabolite identification in the nonpolysaccharide fraction from Bletilla striata

Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Reichb. f. (Orchidaceae), also known as Bai-ji, is a traditional Chinese herb that is widely used in Asia to treat hematemesis, hemoptysis, traumatic bleeding and other similar disorders. Most studies have focused on the pharmacological activities of polysaccharide extracts from B. striata. Our previous studies found that the nonpolysaccharide fraction from B. striata extract also has a hemostatic effect; however, the active constituents responsible for this pharmacological action are unclear. Thus, the metabolic profiles of the nonpolysaccharide fraction were investigated in Sprague-Dawley rats and intestinal bacteria models using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry. Mass data were acquired by the MS^E method. Eight components including five prototypes and three metabolites were identified in rat biofluids after oral administration of the nonpolysaccharide fraction. The parent compounds underwent various metabolic processes, including hydrolysis, deglucosylation, glycosylation and sulfate conjugation. The results not only reveal the possible metabolic pathway, but also indicate the potential pharmacological components. Further mechanistic studies using nonpolysaccharide compounds of the B. striata extract are required to obtain potential candidate compounds.

Metabolic Profiles of Ginger, A Functional Food, and Its Representative Pungent Compounds in Rats by Ultraperformance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Ginger, a popular functional food, has been widely used throughout the world for centuries. However, its metabolic behaviors remain unclear, which entails an obstacle to further understanding of its functional components. In this study, the metabolic profiles of ginger in rats were systemically investigated by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS. The results included the characterization of 92 components of ginger based on the summarized fragmentation patterns and self-building chemical database. Furthermore, four representative compounds were selected to explore the typical metabolic pathways of ginger. Consequently, 141 ginger-related xenobiotics were characterized, following the metabolic spots of the pungent phytochemicals were summarized. These findings indicated that the in vivo effective components of ginger were mainly derived from [6]-gingerol and [6]-shogaol. Meanwhile, hydrogenation, demethylation, glucuronidation, sulfation, and thiolation were their major metabolic reactions. These results expand our knowledge about the metabolism of ginger, which will be important for discovering its functional components and the further mechanism research.

In vitrometabolic mapping of neobavaisoflavone in human cytochromes P450 and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase enzymes by ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry

Neobavaisoflavone (NBIF), a phenolic compound isolated from Psoralea corylifolia L., possesses several significant biological properties. However, the pharmacokinetic behaviors of NBIF have been characterized as rapid oral absorption, high clearance, and poor oral bioavailability. We found that NBIF underwent massive glucuronidation and oxidation by human liver microsomes (HLM) in this study with the intrinsic clearance (CL_int) values of 12.43, 10.04, 2.01, and 6.99 μL/min/mg for M2, M3, M4, and M5, respectively. Additionally, the CL_int values of G1 and G2 by HLM were 271.90 and 651.38 μL/min/mg, respectively, whereas their respective parameters were 59.96 and 949.01 μL/min/mg by human intestine microsomes (HIM). Reaction phenotyping results indicated that CYP1A1, 1A2, 2C8, and 2C19 were the main contributors to M4 (34.96 μL/min/mg), M3 (29.45 μL/min/mg), M3 (13.16 μL/min/mg), and M2 (63.42 μL/min/mg), respectively. UGT1A1, 1A7, 1A8, and 1A9 mainly catalyzed the formation of G1 (250.87 μL/min/mg), G2 (438.15 μL/min/mg), G1 (92.68 μL/min/mg), and G2 (1073.25 μL/min/mg), respectively. Activity correlation analysis assays showed that phenacetin-N-deacetylation was strongly correlated to M3 (r = 0.860, p = 0.003) and M4 (r = 0.775, p = 0.014) in nine individual HLMs, while significant activity correlations were detected between paclitaxel-6-hydroxylation and M2 (r = 0.675, p = 0.046) and M3 (r = 0.829, p = 0.006). There was a strong correlation between β-estradiol-3-O-glucuronide and G1 (r = 0.822, p = 0.007) and G2 (r = 0.689, p = 0.040), as well as between propofol-O-glucuronidation and G1 (r = 0.768, p = 0.016) and G2 (r = 0.860, p = 0.003). Moreover, the phase I metabolism and glucuronidation of NBIF revealed marked species differences, and mice are the best animal model for investigating the metabolism of NBIF in humans. Taken together, characterization of NBIF-related metabolic pathways involving in CYP1A1, 1A2, 2C8, 2C19, and UGT1A1, 1A7, 1A8, 1A9 are helpful for understanding the pharmacokinetic behaviors and conducting in-depth pharmacological studies.

Metabolic profiling of corylin in vivo and in vitro

Corylin, an phenolic compound from Psoralea corylifolia, has been reported with various pharmacological properties but has poor bioavailability due to massive metabolism. In this study, twelve metabolites of corylin mainly involving in oxidation, hydration, glucuronidation and sulfation were detected in mice. Furthermore, the oxidation and hydration of corylin (M4) in human liver microsomes (HLM) and human intestine microsomes (HIM) were both efficient with high CL_int (intrinsic clearance) values of 24.29 and 42.85 μL/min/mg, respectively. CYP1A1, 1B1 and 2C19 contributed most for M4 with the CL_int values of 26.63, 33.09 and 132.41 μL/min/mg, respectively. Besides, M4 was strongly correlated with phenacetin-N-deacetylation (r = 0.885, p = 0.0001) and tolbutamide-4-oxidation (r = 0.727, p = 0.001) in twelve individual HLMs, respectively. In addition, corylin was efficiently glucuronidated (M7) in HLM (125.33 μL/min/mg) and in HIM (108.74 μL/min/mg). UGT1A1 contributed the most for M7 with the CL_int value of 122.32 μL/min/mg. Meanwhile, M7 was significantly correlated with β-estradiol-3-O-glucuronidation (r = 0.742, p = 0.006) in twelve individual HLMs. Moreover, the metabolism of corylin showed marked species differences. Taken together, corylin was subjected to massive first-pass metabolism in liver and intestine, while CYP1A1, 1B1, 2C19 and UGT1A1 were the main contributors. Finally, the proposed metabolic pathway of corylin involed CYP and UGT isoforms were summarized, which could help to understand the metabolic fate of corylin in vivo.

Qualitative analysis of Psoraleae Fructus by HPLC-DAD/TOF-MS fingerprint and quantitative analysis of multiple components by single marker

A variety of bioactive substances may account for the recognized efficacy and wide clinical application of Psoraleae Fructus in China. A high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) fingerprint method was developed to present the comprehensive phytochemical profile of the crude drug. Thirteen major compounds were separated and identified by HPLC coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC/TOF-MS), namely psoralenoside (PO), isopsoralenoside (IPO), psoralen (PS), isopsoralen (IPS), neobavaisoflavone (NBF), bavachin (BC), corylin (CN), bavachromene (BCM), psoralidin (PD), isobavachalcone (IBC), bacachinin (BCN), corylifol A (CA) and bakuchiol (BK). Then quantitative analysis of multiple components by single marker (QAMS) was applied in content determination of PO, IPO, PS, IPS, BC, IBC, BCN, CA and BK, with NBF as the internal standard. The calculation results indicated no significant difference from the traditional external standard method (p > 0.05, RSD < 2.62%), suggesting that QAMS is a reliable and convenient method for content determination of multiple chemical compositions, especially when there is a shortage of reference substances. In conclusion, simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analysis of Psoraleae Fructus may be fulfilled through the newly proposed method of QAMS combined with HPLC-DAD/TOF-MS fingerprint.

Quantitative bioanalysis of bavachalcone in rat plasma by LC-MS/MS and its application in a pharmacokinetics study

This study aims to develop and validate a simple and sensitive liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for investigating the pharmacokinetic characteristics of bavachalcone. Liquid-liquid extraction was used to prepare plasma sample. Chromatographic separation of bavachalcone and IS was achieved using a Venusil ASB C₁₈ (2.1 × 50 mm, 5 μm) column with a mobile phase of methanol (A)-water (B) (70:30, v/v). The detection and quantification of analytes was performed in selected-reaction monitoring mode using precursor → product ion combinations of m/z 323.1 → 203.2 for bavachalcone, and m/z 373.0 → 179.0 for IS. Linear calibration plots were achieved in the range of 1-1000 ng/mL for bavachalcone (r²  > 0.99) in rat plasma. The recovery of bavachalcone ranged from 84.1 to 87.0%. The method was precise, accurate and reliable. It was fully validated and successfully applied to pharmacokinetic study of bavachalcone.

8-Methoxypsoralen disrupts MDR3-mediated phospholipids efflux and bile acid homeostasis and its relevance to hepatotoxicity

Since its discovery in 1987, multidrug resistance 3 P-glycoprotein (MDR3) had recognized to play a crucial role in the translocation of phospholipids from the inner to outer leaflets of bile canalicular membranes. An increasing number of reports suggest that drug-mediated functional disruption of MDR3 is responsible for drug-induced cholestasis. 8-Methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) is used clinically to treat psoriasis, vitiligo and other skin disorders. However, psoralens safety for long-term use is a concern. In the current study, we evaluate 8-MOP's potential hepatotoxicity and effects on bile formation. Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were treated daily 200mg/kg or 400mg/kg of 8-MOP orally for 28 days. The result showed a prominent decrease in biliary phospholipids output, which associated with the down-regulation of MDR3. Elevated bile acid serum level and increased biliary bile acid outputs were observed in 8-MOP-treated groups. The disturbance of bile acid homeostasis was associated with changes in enzymes and proteins involved in bile acid synthesis, regulation and transport. Human liver cell line L02 was used to determine on the mRNA and protein levels of MDR3. Cells treated with 8-MOP reveled a decrease in fluorescent PC (phosphatidylcholine) secretion into the pseudocanaliculi (formed between adjacent cells) compared with untreated cells. Our investigation represent the first evidence that 8-MOP can induce cholestatic liver injury by disturbing MDR3-mediated phospholipids efflux and bile acid homeostasis.

Characterization of human UDP-glucuronosyltransferases responsible for glucuronidation and inhibition of norbakuchinic acid, a primary metabolite of hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity component bakuchiol inPsoralea corylifolia L

Norbakuchinic acid (NBKA) is the most abundant metabolite of bakuchiol (a hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity component inPsoralea corylifoliaL.) in plasma and urine.

Rapid screening and identification of the differences between metabolites of Cistanche deserticola and C. tubulosa water extract in rats by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS combined pattern recognition analysis

Cistanches Herba is a famous traditional Chinese medicine that has been in use for treating kidney deficiency, impotence, female infertility, morbid leucorrhea, profuse metrorrhagia, and senile constipation. With the exception of studies available for a few single active ingredients such as echinacoside, acteoside, and poliumoside, comprehensive and systematic studies on in vivo metabolism of Cistanches Herba are lacking despite its widespread clinical application. There is no comparative study yet on the metabolites resulting from the traditional usage of Cistanche deserticola and C. tubulosa water extract - two species that are recorded in Chinese Pharmacopoeia. This further restricts research on the therapeutic effect of Cistanches Herba to a great extent. In this study, a robust and unbiased UPLC-Q-TOF-MS combined pattern recognition analysis (orthogonal partial least squared discriminant analysis, OPLS-DA) was employed to rapidly screen prototype components and metabolites of C. deserticola and C. tubulosa water extract in rat urine, feces, and serum. A total of 71 metabolites from C. deserticola including 25 prototype components and 46 metabolites, and 45 metabolites from C. tubulosa including 18 prototype components and 27 metabolites were tentatively identified. Out of these, 10 metabolites were characterized for the first time in these two species. Results of this study indicate that phenylethanoid glycosides (PhGs) are mainly metabolized into degradation products in the gastrointestinal tract of rats. The chemical components cistanoside B, C, D, and E exist only in C. deserticola and release methylated hydroxytyrosol (HT) following metabolism. This factor contributes to the difference between metabolites of C. deserticola and C. tubulosa water extract in rats and is responsible for the differential therapeutic effect that these two species of Cistanches Herba have on the same diseases.