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Peng X, Li Y, Guo H, Yuan H, Li T, Xu X, Hu L. Gestational diabetes mellitus enhances cobalt placental transfer efficiency between mother and infant. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2024; 37:2340597. [PMID: 38639583 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2024.2340597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Background: The fetal stage is pivotal for growth and development, making it susceptible to the adverse effects of prenatal metal(loid)s exposure. This study evaluated the influence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on the placental transfer efficiency (PTE) of metal(loid)s and thus assessed the associated risks of prenatal metal(loid)s exposure. Materials and method: Designed as a case-control study, it incorporated 114 pregnant participants: 65 without complications and 49 diagnosed with GDM. We utilized inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to quantify seven metal(loid)s - manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), gallium (Ga), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Cd) - in both maternal venous blood and umbilical cord blood. Result: We compared metal(loid)s concentrations and their PTE in the maternal and cord blood between the two groups. Notably, Cu, Ga, As, and Co levels in the umbilical cord blood of the GDM group (657.9 ± 167.2 μg/L, 1.23 ± 0.34 μg/L, 5.19 ± 2.58 μg/L, 1.09 ± 2.03 μg/L) surpassed those of the control group, with PTE of Co showing a marked increase in GDM group (568.8 ± 150.4 μg/L, 1.05 ± 0.31 μg/L, 4.09 ± 2.54 μg/L, 0.47 ± 0.91 μg/L), with PTE of Co showing a marked increase in GDM group (p < 0.05). The PTE of Ni exhibited a reduction in the GDM group relative to the control group, yet this decrease did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: This study indicates that GDM can influence the placental transfer efficiency of certain metal(loid)s, leading to higher concentrations of Co, Cu, Ga, and As in the umbilical cord blood of the GDM group. The marked increase in the PTE of Co suggests a potential link to placental abnormal angiogenesis due to GDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianglian Peng
- Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Yu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Guo
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hao Yuan
- Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Ting Li
- Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Xi Xu
- Urology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Ligang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
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Cheng X, Sun G, Meng L, Liu Y, Wen J, Zhao X, Cai W, Xin H, Liu Y, Hao C. Exploring the Molecular Mechanisms of Herbs in the Treatment of Hyperlipidemia Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking. J Med Food 2024. [PMID: 39149800 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2024.k.0098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Many herbs have been shown to safely and successfully treat hyperlipidemia. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying their treatment remain unclear. In this study, 103 prescriptions for the treatment of hyperlipidemia containing 146 herbs were screened. Cluster analyses identified a core prescription comprising five herbs, namely, Crataegus pinnatifida (Shan Zha), Cassiae semen (Jue Ming Zi), Alisma orientale (Sam.) Juz. (Ze Xie), Salvia miltiorrhiza (Dan Shen), and Radix Polygoni Multiflori (He Shou Wu), in combination for the treatment of hyperlipidemia. Next, 9, 62, 5, 132, and 34 potential targets for each of the core herbs and a total of 512 hyperlipidemia-related protein targets were detected. Finally, 40 targets shared by core herbs and hyperlipidemia were identified. IL6, AKT1, IL1B, PTGS2, VEGFA, PPARG, and NOS3 were the seven proteins that were found to be most important in the treatment of hyperlipidemia. Interestingly, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway indicated that these targets were mainly enriched in the lipid and atherosclerosis pathway and the cancer pathway. In addition, core target proteins such as AKT1, PTGS2, and PPARG have been demonstrated to play critical roles in hyperlipidemia and pancreatic cancer. Significant affinity between bioactive chemicals and proteins involved in cancer pathways was found by molecular docking. Molecular docking results showed that AKT1, PTGS2, and PPARG exhibited good binding ability with three bioactive chemicals, including 3-beta-hydroxymethyllenetanshiquinone, danshexinkum d, and physciondiglucoside. The treatment of hyperlipidemia by herbs may be mediated through the modulation of proteins associated with the cancer pathway. This study helps to provide a theoretical basis for future combined therapy for hyperlipidemia and cancer. [Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Cheng
- School of Medicine, Linyi University, Linyi, China
| | - Geng Sun
- School of Chinese Medicine, Bozhou University, Bozhou, China
| | - Li Meng
- School of Medicine, Linyi University, Linyi, China
| | - Yueli Liu
- School of Medicine, Linyi University, Linyi, China
| | - Jiangnan Wen
- School of Medicine, Linyi University, Linyi, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhao
- School of Medicine, Linyi University, Linyi, China
| | - Wenhui Cai
- School of Medicine, Linyi University, Linyi, China
| | - Huawei Xin
- School of Medicine, Linyi University, Linyi, China
| | - Yu Liu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Bozhou University, Bozhou, China
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Liu M, Zhao X, Wen J, Sun L, Huang R, Zhang H, Liu Y, Ren X. A multidimensional strategy for uncovering comprehensive quality markers of Scutellariae Radix based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis, artificial neural network, network pharmacology analysis, and molecular simulation. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1423678. [PMID: 39022612 PMCID: PMC11251886 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1423678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Scutellariae Radix (SR), derived from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for clearing heat and cooling blood. It has been used as a traditional herbal medicine and is popular as a functional food in Asian countries today. Methods In this study, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was first employed to identify the chemical components in the ethanol extract of SR. Then, the extraction process was optimized using star point design-response surface methodology. Fingerprints of different batches and processed products were established, and chemical markers were screened through a combination of various artificial neural network models. Finally, network pharmacology and molecular simulation techniques were utilized for verification to determine the quality markers. Results A total of 35 chemical components in SR were identified, and the optimal extraction process was determined as follows: ultrasonic extraction with 80% methanol at a ratio of 120:1 for 70 minutes, with a soaking time of 30 minutes. Through discriminant analysis using various artificial neural network models, the samples of SR could be classified into two categories based on their growth years: Kuqin (dried roots of older plants) and Ziqin (roots of younger plants). Moreover, the samples within each category could be further clustered according to their origins. The four different processed products of SR could also be distinguished separately. Finally, through the integration of network pharmacology and molecular simulation techniques, it was determined that baicalin, baicalein, wogonin, norwogonin, norwogonin-8-O-glucuronide, skullcapflavone II, hispidulin, 8, 8"-bibaicalein, and oroxylin A-7-O-beta-D-glucuronide could serve as quality markers for SR. Discussion The primary factors affecting the quality of SR were its growth years. The geographic origin of SR was identified as a secondary factor affecting its quality. Processing also had a significant impact on its quality. The selected quality markers have laid the foundation for the quality control of SR, and this research strategy also provides a research paradigm for improving the quality of TCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiqi Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoran Zhao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinli Wen
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Lili Sun
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Rui Huang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Huijie Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Tianjin Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Chinese Medicine Research Institute, Tianjin Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoliang Ren
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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Siddika T, Shao R, Heinemann IU, O'Donoghue P. Delivery of AKT1 phospho-forms to human cells reveals differential substrate selectivity. IUBMB Life 2024. [PMID: 38738523 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Protein kinase B (AKT1) is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates fundamental cellular processes, including cell survival, proliferation, and metabolism. AKT1 activity is controlled by two regulatory phosphorylation sites (Thr308, Ser473) that stimulate a downstream signaling cascade through phosphorylation of many target proteins. At either or both regulatory sites, hyperphosphorylation is associated with poor survival outcomes in many human cancers. Our previous biochemical and chemoproteomic studies showed that the phosphorylated forms of AKT1 have differential selectivity toward peptide substrates. Here, we investigated AKT1-dependent activity in human cells, using a cell-penetrating peptide (transactivator of transcription, TAT) to deliver inactive AKT1 or active phospho-variants to cells. We used enzyme engineering and genetic code expansion relying on a phosphoseryl-transfer RNA (tRNA) synthetase (SepRS) and tRNASep pair to produce TAT-tagged AKT1 with programmed phosphorylation at one or both key regulatory sites. We found that all TAT-tagged AKT1 variants were efficiently delivered into human embryonic kidney (HEK 293T) cells and that only the phosphorylated AKT1 (pAKT1) variants stimulated downstream signaling. All TAT-pAKT1 variants induced glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3α phosphorylation, as well as phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 at Ser240/244, demonstrating stimulation of downstream AKT1 signaling. Fascinatingly, only the AKT1 variants phosphorylated at S473 (TAT-pAKT1S473 or TAT-pAKT1T308,S473) were able to increase phospho-GSK-3β levels. Although each TAT-pAKT1 variant significantly stimulated cell proliferation, cells transduced with TAT-pAKT1T308 grew significantly faster than with the other pAKT1 variants. The data demonstrate differential activity of the AKT1 phospho-forms in modulating downstream signaling and proliferation in human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarana Siddika
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Richard Shao
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ilka U Heinemann
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patrick O'Donoghue
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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5
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Mangiola S, Milton M, Ranathunga N, Li-Wai-Suen C, Odainic A, Yang E, Hutchison W, Garnham A, Iskander J, Pal B, Yadav V, Rossello J, Carey VJ, Morgan M, Bedoui S, Kallies A, Papenfuss AT. A multi-organ map of the human immune system across age, sex and ethnicity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.06.08.542671. [PMID: 38746418 PMCID: PMC11092463 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.08.542671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Understanding tissue biology's heterogeneity is crucial for advancing precision medicine. Despite the centrality of the immune system in tissue homeostasis, a detailed and comprehensive map of immune cell distribution and interactions across human tissues and demographics remains elusive. To fill this gap, we harmonised data from 12,981 single-cell RNA sequencing samples and curated 29 million cells from 45 anatomical sites to create a comprehensive compositional and transcriptional healthy map of the healthy immune system. We used this resource and a novel multilevel modelling approach to track immune ageing and test differences across sex and ethnicity. We uncovered conserved and tissue-specific immune-ageing programs, resolved sex-dependent differential ageing and identified ethnic diversity in clinically critical immune checkpoints. This study provides a quantitative baseline of the immune system, facilitating advances in precision medicine. By sharing our immune map, we hope to catalyse further breakthroughs in cancer, infectious disease, immunology and precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Mangiola
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - M Milton
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - N Ranathunga
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Csn Li-Wai-Suen
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - A Odainic
- The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - E Yang
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - W Hutchison
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - A Garnham
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - J Iskander
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - B Pal
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - V Yadav
- Systems Biology of Aging Laboratory, Columbia University; New York, USA
| | - Jfj Rossello
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Clinical Pathology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - V J Carey
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Mass General Brigham, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, USA
| | - M Morgan
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, NY, USA
| | - S Bedoui
- The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - A Kallies
- The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - A T Papenfuss
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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6
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Das R, Woo J. Identifying the Multitarget Pharmacological Mechanism of Action of Genistein on Lung Cancer by Integrating Network Pharmacology and Molecular Dynamic Simulation. Molecules 2024; 29:1913. [PMID: 38731403 PMCID: PMC11085736 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29091913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Food supplements have become beneficial as adjuvant therapies for many chronic disorders, including cancer. Genistein, a natural isoflavone enriched in soybeans, has gained potential interest as an anticancer agent for various cancers, primarily by modulating apoptosis, the cell cycle, and angiogenesis and inhibiting metastasis. However, in lung cancer, the exact impact and mechanism of action of genistein still require clarification. To provide more insight into the mechanism of action of genistein, network pharmacology was employed to identify the key targets and their roles in lung cancer pathogenesis. Based on the degree score, the hub genes AKT1, CASP3, EGFR, STAT3, ESR1, SRC, PTGS2, MMP9, PRAG, and AR were significantly correlated with genistein treatment. AKT1, EGFR, and STAT3 were enriched in the non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) pathway according to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis, indicating a significant connection to lung cancer development. Moreover, the binding affinity of genistein to NSCLC target proteins was further verified by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Genistein exhibited potential binding to AKT1, which is involved in apoptosis, cell migration, and metastasis, thus holding promise for modulating AKT1 function. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the mechanism of action of genistein and its therapeutic potential for the treatment of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raju Das
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine,, Dongguk University Wise, Gyeongju 38066, Republic of Korea;
| | - Joohan Woo
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine,, Dongguk University Wise, Gyeongju 38066, Republic of Korea;
- Channelopathy Research Center (CRC), College of Medicine, Dongguk University Wise, 32 Dongguk-ro, Ilsan Dong-gu, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea
- Medical Cannabis Research Center, College of Medicine, Dongguk University Wise, 32 Dongguk-ro, Ilsan Dong-gu, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea
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Jiang Y, Sun J, Chandrapala J, Majzoobi M, Brennan C, Zeng XA, Sun B. Current situation, trend, and prospects of research on functional components from by-products of baijiu production: A review. Food Res Int 2024; 180:114032. [PMID: 38395586 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
In the present scenario marked by energy source shortages and escalating concerns regarding carbon dioxide emissions, there is a growing emphasis on the optimal utilization of biomass resources. Baijiu, as the Chinese national spirit, boasts remarkably high sales volumes annually. However, the production of baijiu yields various by-products, including solid residues (Jiuzao), liquid wastewater (Huangshui and waste alcohol), and gaseous waste. Recent years have witnessed dedicated research aimed at exploring the composition and potential applications of these by-products, seeking sustainable development and comprehensive resource utilization. This review systematically summarizes recent research, shedding light on both the baijiu brewing process and the bioactive compounds present baijiu production by-products (BPBPs). The primary focus lies in elucidating the potential extraction methods and applications of BPBPs, offering a practical approach to comprehensive utilization of by-products in functional food, medicine, cosmetic, and packaging fields. These applications not only contribute to enhancing production efficiency and mitigating environmental pollution, but also introduce innovative concepts for the sustainable advancement of associated industries. Future research avenues may include more in-depth compositional analysis, the development of utilization technologies, and the promotion of potential industrialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunsong Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health (Beijing Technology and Business University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, People's Republic of China; School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Biosciences and Food Technology, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, Plenty Road, Melbourne, VIC 3083 Australia
| | - Jinyuan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health (Beijing Technology and Business University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jayani Chandrapala
- Biosciences and Food Technology, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, Plenty Road, Melbourne, VIC 3083 Australia
| | - Mahsa Majzoobi
- Biosciences and Food Technology, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, Plenty Road, Melbourne, VIC 3083 Australia
| | - Charles Brennan
- Biosciences and Food Technology, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, Plenty Road, Melbourne, VIC 3083 Australia
| | - Xin-An Zeng
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
| | - Baoguo Sun
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health (Beijing Technology and Business University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
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8
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Peng X, Tan L, Song J, Lai Y, Yu S, Xu F, Wei Q, He Z, Cheng W, Zhang W, Yang X. Geniposide alleviated hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis of human hepatocytes via altering DNA methylation. Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 182:114158. [PMID: 37940031 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.114158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Geniposide (GP) is the homology of medicine and food with bioactive effects of antioxidation and resistance to apoptosis in the liver. It's of great significance to explore the biosafety exposure limits and action mechanisms of GP. This study detected the global DNA methylation microenvironment and the regulation of specific genes in GP against cellular apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) of human hepatocyte L-02 cells. The half inhibitory concentration (IC50) of GP on normal L-02 cells was 57.7 mg/mL. GP exerted new epigenetic activity, increased DNMT1, decreased TET1 and TET2 expression, and reversed the demethylation effect to some extent, thereby increasing the overall genomic DNA methylation level at the concentration of 900 μg/mL. GP pretreatment could also adjust the level of P53, Bcl-2 and AKT altered by H2O2, reducing their specific DNA methylation levels in the promoter regions of AKT and Bcl-2 to inhibit apoptosis. Taken together, GP regulates the global DNA methylation level and controls the expression changes of P53, Bcl-2 and AKT, jointly inhibiting the occurrence of apoptosis in human hepatocytes and providing the newly theoretical references for its safety evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Peng
- Food Safety and Health Research Center, School of Public Health, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, PR China; Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, PR China
| | - Luyi Tan
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, PR China
| | - Jia Song
- Food Safety and Health Research Center, School of Public Health, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, PR China
| | - Yuefei Lai
- Food Safety and Health Research Center, School of Public Health, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, PR China
| | - Susu Yu
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, PR China
| | - Feifei Xu
- Food Safety and Health Research Center, School of Public Health, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, PR China
| | - Qinzhi Wei
- Food Safety and Health Research Center, School of Public Health, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, PR China
| | - Zhini He
- Food Safety and Health Research Center, School of Public Health, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, PR China
| | - Wenli Cheng
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, PR China
| | - Wenjuan Zhang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, PR China.
| | - Xingfen Yang
- Food Safety and Health Research Center, School of Public Health, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, PR China.
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9
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Che Y, Zhang H, Li H, Wu X. CIP2A interacts with AKT1 to promote the malignant biological behaviors of oral squamous cell carcinoma by upregulating the GSK‑3β/β‑catenin pathway. Exp Ther Med 2023; 26:514. [PMID: 37840566 PMCID: PMC10570767 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, which is associated with a poor prognosis. The present study aimed to investigate the role of cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (CIP2A) in OSCC and its regulatory effect on AKT1. Firstly, CIP2A and AKT1 expression in OSCC cells was detected by western blotting. After silencing CIP2A, cell viability and cell proliferation were assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine staining. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL staining and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins was assessed using western blotting. Wound healing, Transwell and tube formation assays were performed to evaluate CAL-27 cell migration, invasion and human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) tube formation. The interaction between CIP2A and AKT1 was identified by co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP). In addition, AKT1 was overexpressed in CIP2A-silenced CAL-27 cells to perform rescue experiments to analyze the malignant biological functions of CAL-27 cells. Finally, the expression of proteins in the glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β/β-catenin pathway was determined by western blot analysis. Markedly elevated CIP2A and AKT1 expression was observed in OSCC cells. CIP2A knockdown inhibited the viability, proliferation, migration and invasion, and promoted the apoptosis of CAL-27 cells. Concurrently, CIP2A loss-of-function attenuated tube formation. Results of Co-IP confirmed there was an interaction between CIP2A and AKT1. Rescue experiments suggested that AKT1 overexpression alleviated the inhibitory effects of CIP2A knockdown on the viability, proliferation, migration and invasion of CAL-27 cells, as well as tube formation in HUVECs . Additionally, CIP2A silencing significantly downregulated phosphorylated-GSK-3β and β-catenin expression, which was reversed by AKT1 overexpression. In conclusion, CIP2A could interact with AKT1 to promote the malignant biological behaviors of OSCC cells by upregulating the GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway. These findings may provide a targeted therapy for OSCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilei Che
- Department of Stomatology, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing 100049, P.R. China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Stomatology, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing 100049, P.R. China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Stomatology, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing 100049, P.R. China
| | - Xiaozhen Wu
- Department of Stomatology, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing 100049, P.R. China
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10
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Ouyang JY, Lin WJ, Dong JM, Yang Y, Yang HK, Zhou ZL, Wang RQ. Exploring the pharmacological mechanism of Wuzhuyu decoction on hepatocellular carcinoma using network pharmacology. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:6327-6343. [PMID: 37900230 PMCID: PMC10601014 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i27.6327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wuzhuyu decoction, a traditional Chinese medicinal formula, is effective in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). AIM To explore the potential mechanism of action of Wuzhuyu decoction against HCC. METHODS The active components of each Chinese herbal medicinal ingredient in Wuzhuyu decoction and their targets were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Database and Analysis Platform. HCC was used as a search query in GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, Malacards, DisGeNET, Therapeutic Target Database, and Comparative Toxicogenomics Database. The overlapping targets of the Wuzhuyu decoction and HCC were defined, and then protein-protein interaction, Gene Ontology, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed. CytoHubba was used to select hub genes, and their binding activities and key active components were verified using molecular docking. RESULTS A total of 764 compounds, 77 active compounds, and 204 potential target genes were identified in Wuzhuyu decoction. For HCC, 9468 potential therapeutic target genes were identified by combining the results from the six databases and removing duplicates. A total of 179 overlapping targets of Wuzhuyu decoction and HCC were defined, including 10 hub genes (tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-6, AKT1, TP53, caspase-3, mitogen-activated protein kinase 1, epidermal growth factor receptor, MYC, mitogen-activated protein kinase 8, and JUN). There were six main active components (quercetin, kaempferol, ginsenoside Rh2, rutaecarpine, β-carotene, and β-sitosterol) that may act on hub genes to treat HCC in Wuzhuyu decoction. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis mainly involved the mitogen-activated protein kinase, p53, phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase-Akt, Janus kinase-signal transducer of activators of transcription, and Hippo signaling pathways. Further verification based on molecular docking results showed that the small molecule compounds (quercetin, kaempferol, ginsenoside Rh2, rutaecarpine, β-carotene, and β-sitosterol) contained in Wuzhuyu decoction generally have excellent binding affinity to the macromolecular target proteins encoded by the top 10 genes. CONCLUSION This study revealed that Wuzhuyu decoction may be a latent multicomponent, multitarget, and multipathway treatment for HCC. It provided novel insights for verifying the mechanism of Wuzhuyu decoction in the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Ying Ouyang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wei-Jie Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jia-Mei Dong
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hai-Kui Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhi-Ling Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Rui-Qi Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong Province, China
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Rachman A, Fiantoro ZH, Sutandyo N, Priantono D, Romadhon PZ, Jonlean R. Metabolic Profile and Negatively Association Between Insulin Resistance and Metastatic Incidence in Indonesian Primary Invasive Breast Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Gen Med 2023; 16:3257-3265. [PMID: 37546243 PMCID: PMC10404037 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s421558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Metastatic breast cancer was associated with high morbidity and mortality. Insulin resistance was hypothesized to be related to the incidence of advanced breast cancer. Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and Triglyceride/Glucose Index (TyG Index) are two metrics used to measure the degree of insulin resistance. This study aims to assess the relationship between the incidence of metastatic breast cancer and insulin resistance as reflected by both metrics. Material and Methods This study is a cross-sectional study involving 150 primary invasive breast cancer patients recruited from two hospitals of different sectors from August 2019 to April 2020. Patients with double cancer and autoimmune disorder were excluded from this study. Data obtained from the patients include age, body mass index (BMI), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) status and treatment, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. The electronic medical records (EMR) was consulted to find histopathology examination result, cancer staging, and any missing data. The association between HOMA-IR and TyG with metastatic incidence was analyzed using either the Mann-Whitney test (for non-normally distributed data) or the independent-sample t-test (for normally distributed data). Results The mean of the TyG index is 8.60, and the median of HOMA-IR is 1.22. We found no significant correlation between both variables and the incidence of metastases. Conclusion Insulin resistance was not associated with metastatic breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andhika Rachman
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Siloam MRCCC Semanggi Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Zaenal Hakiki Fiantoro
- Departement of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | | | - Dimas Priantono
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Pradana Zaky Romadhon
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia
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Hailati S, Talihati Z, Abudurousuli K, Han MY, Nuer M, Khan N, Maihemuti N, Simayi J, Dilimulati D, Nueraihemaiti N, Zhou W. Exploring the hub genes and mechanisms of Daphne altaica treating esophageal squamous cell carcinoma based on network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023:10.1007/s00432-023-04797-w. [PMID: 37087696 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04797-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), is a frequent digestive tract malignant carcinoma with a high fatality rate. Daphne altaica (D. altaica), a medicinal plant that is frequently employed in Kazakh traditional medicine, and which has traditionally been used to cure cancer and respiratory conditions, but research on the mechanism is lacking. Therefore, we examined and verified the hub genes and mechanism of D. altaica treating ESCC. METHODS Active compounds and targets of D. altaica were screened by databases such as TCMSP, and ESCC targets were screened by databases such as GeneCards and constructed the compound-target network and PPI network. Meantime, data sets between tissues and adjacent non-cancerous tissues from GEO database (GSE100942, GPL570) were analyzed to obtain DEGs using the limma package in R. Hub genes were validated using data from the Kaplan-Meier plotter database, TIMER2.0 and GEPIA2 databases. Finally, AutoDock software was used to predict the binding sites through molecular docking. RESULTS In total, 830 compound targets were obtained from TCMSP and other databases. In addition, 17,710 disease targets were acquired based on GeneCards and other databases. In addition, we constructed the compound-target network and PPI network. Then, 127 DEGs were observed (82 up-regulated and 45 down-regulated genes). Hub genes were screened including TOP2A, NUF2, CDKN2A, BCHE, and NEK2, and had been validated with the help of several publicly available databases. Finally, molecular docking results showed more stable binding between five hub genes and active compounds. CONCLUSIONS In the present study, five hub genes were screened and validated, and potential mechanisms of action were predicted, which could provide a theoretical understanding of the treatment of ESCC with D. altaica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sendaer Hailati
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziruo Talihati
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Kayisaier Abudurousuli
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Yuan Han
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Muhadaisi Nuer
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Nawaz Khan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Nulibiya Maihemuti
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jimilihan Simayi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Dilihuma Dilimulati
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Nuerbiye Nueraihemaiti
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenting Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China.
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Huang Z, Chen J, Wang C, Xiao M, Zhu Y, Li N, Huang Z, Liu B, Huang Y. Antidiabetic potential of Chlorella pyrenoidosa functional formulations in streptozocin-induced type 2 diabetic mice. J Funct Foods 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2023.105489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
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Component Characterization, In Vitro Activities and Molecular Mechanism of Cydonia oblonga Mill. against Diabetic. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15121566. [PMID: 36559019 PMCID: PMC9783571 DOI: 10.3390/ph15121566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cydonia Oblonga Mill. is widely distributed in Turkey, Uzbekistan and China and commonly used by the food industry to produce jam, jelly and candies. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro antidiabetic activity and anti-diabetic mechanism of Cydonia Oblonga Mill. fruit (COMF). The chemical compositions were further characterized in COMF by UPLC-Q-Orbitrap/MS and 65 components including 22 flavonoids, 16 organic acids, 11 polyphenols, 5 amino acids, 3 pentacyclic triterpenoids and 8 other compounds were identified. The antioxidant activity by DPPH scavenging method and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity were tested. Furthermore, we detected the effects of COMF extract on the proliferation activity of HUVECs, cell viability of HUVECs under H2O2-induced oxidative stress, and NO production. Then, molecular docking activity and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of seven key flavonoid components selected by bioinformatics analysis and literature in the COMF were studied. Among them, quercetin showed potent inhibitory activity, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, luteolin and apigenin demonstrated moderate inhibitory activity, while rutin and epicatechin exhibited poor inhibitory activity. Subsequently, the effects of quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, leteolin and apigenin on the gene expression levels of AKT1, IL-6 and VEGFA were verified by real-time fluorescence quantification (RT-qPCR). Molecular biology result showed that different active ingredients can significantly recover the levels of AKT1, IL-6 and VEGFA in HUVECs injured by high glucose.
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Xu W, Ren B, Zhang Z, Chen C, Xu T, Liu S, Ma C, Wang X, Wang Q, Cheng F. Network pharmacology analysis reveals neuroprotective effects of the Qin-Zhi-Zhu-Dan Formula in Alzheimer’s disease. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:943400. [DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.943400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is yet no effective drug for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) which is one of the world’s most common neurodegenerative diseases. The Qin-Zhi-Zhu-Dan Formula (QZZD) is derived from a widely used Chinese patent drug–Qing-Kai-Ling Injection. It consists of Radix Scutellariae, Fructus Gardeniae, and Pulvis Fellis Suis. Recent study showed that QZZD and its effective components played important roles in anti-inflammation, antioxidative stress and preventing brain injury. It was noted that QZZD had protective effects on the brain, but the mechanism remained unclear. This study aims to investigate the mechanism of QZZD in the treatment of AD combining network pharmacology approach with experimental validation. In the network pharmacology analysis, a total of 15 active compounds of QZZD and 135 putative targets against AD were first obtained. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were then applied to clarify the biological mechanism. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of QZZD was proved, and a synthetic pathway–TNFR1-ERK1/2-NF-κBp65 signaling pathway was obtained. On the basis of the above discoveries, we further validated the protective effects QZZD on neurons with an APP/PS1 double transgenic mouse model. Weight change of the mice was monitored to assess QZZD’s influence on the digestive system; water maze experiment was used for evaluating the effects on spatial learning and memory; Western blotting and immunohistochemistry analysis were used to detect the predicted key proteins in network pharmacology analysis, including Aβ, IL-6, NF-κBp65, TNFR1, p-ERK1/2, and ERK1/2. We proved that QZZD could improve neuroinflammation and attenuate neuronal death without influencing the digestive system in APP/PS1 double transgenic mice with dementia. Combining animal pharmacodynamic experiments with network pharmacology analysis, we confirmed the importance of inflammation in pathogenesis of AD, clarified the pharmacodynamic characteristics of QZZD in treating AD, and proved its neuroprotective effects through the regulation of TNFR1-ERK1/2-NF-κBp65 signaling pathway, which might provide reference for studies on treatment of AD in the future.
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Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Analysis on the Pharmacological Mechanisms of Modified Sanmiaosan in Treating Ulcerative Colitis. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:2556521. [PMID: 35966251 PMCID: PMC9371879 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2556521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Modified Sanmiaosan is an effective cure in the treatment of ulcerative colitis, but its mechanisms of action remain unclear. This study revealed the pharmacological mechanisms of Modified Sanmiaosan acting on ulcerative colitis through a pharmacology approach. Materials and Methods The active compounds and the targets of Modified Sanmiaosan were selected from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database according to the absorption and metabolism. The UC-related therapeutic targets were collected from the PharmGKB database, the GeneCards database, the GADA database, and the OMIM database. The networks of “drug-component-target-disease” and “herbal-component-target” were constructed by the Cytoscape software. Protein–protein interaction network was generated by the STRING database. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed by the R software. Molecular docking technology was used to identify the affinity and activity between active compounds and targets. Results The 80 effective ingredients of MSM were collected. A total of 5180 UC-related genes and the 153 key targets of MSM and UC-related were obtained. JUN, Akt1, and MAPK1 were identified as the “hub targets” involved in the effects of Modified Sanmiaosan on ulcerative colitis. Hub targets were mainly involved in inflammatory response and oxidative stress. As the results of GO analysis, biological processes such as DNA-binding transcription and RNA polymerization may participate in the treatment process; KEGG pathway analysis showed that hub targets were mainly involved in IL-17 signal pathway and TNF signal pathway of ulcerative colitis. The high affinity and activity of the active compounds and targets were verified through molecular docking. Conclusion These findings demonstrate the active ingredients in Modified Sanmiaosan reduce inflammatory response by TNF and IL-17 signaling pathways to treat ulcerative colitis. Anti-inflammation and immune regulation may be the main mechanism of Modified Sanmiaosan in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. This study not only provide new insights into the development of a natural therapy for the prevention and treatment of ulcerative colitis but also proves a feasible method for discovering potential activated compounds from Chinese herbs.
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Mechanisms of Qing-Gan Li-Shui Formulation in Ameliorating Primary Open Angle Glaucoma: An Analysis Based on Network Pharmacology. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:8336131. [PMID: 35911154 PMCID: PMC9328959 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8336131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective In this study, we investigated the mechanism of Qing-Gan Li-Shui formulation (QGLSF) in treating primary open glaucoma (POAG) by network pharmacology and in vitro experiments. Methods The active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) of GLQSF (prepared with Prunella vulgaris, Kudzu root, Plantago asiatica, and Lycium barbarum) were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and Yet Another Traditional Chinese Medicine database (YATCM). The targets of POAG were screened out with GeneCards, OMIM, PharmGKB, Therapeutic Target Database (TTD), and DrugBank databases. The Venny platform was used to summarize the core targets. Topological analysis was performed using Cytoscape3.8.0. A protein-protein interaction network was plotted by STRING online. The key targets were subjected to GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. Finally, the effects of APIs were verified by a model of chloride hexahydrate (CoCl2)-induced retinal ganglion cells-5 (RGC-5). Results The main APIs were selected as quercetin (Que) by network pharmacology. Nine clusters of QGLSF targets were obtained by the PPI network analysis, including AKT-1, TP53, and JUN. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that these targets were mainly involved in the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway. By in vitro experiments, Que promoted cell proliferation. The secretion of AKT-1, TP53, JUN, AGE, and RAGE in the cell culture supernatant decreased, as shown by ELISA. The mRNA levels of AKT-1, TP53, JUN, and RAGE decreased, as shown by RT-PCR. QGLSF may employ the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway to counter POAG. Conclusion This study preliminarily elucidates the efficacy and mechanism of QGLSF in the treatment of POAG.
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Adnan M, Jairajpuri DS, Chaddha M, Khan MS, Yadav DK, Mohammad T, Elasbali AM, Abu Al-Soud W, Hussain Alharethi S, Hassan MI. Discovering Tuberosin and Villosol as Potent and Selective Inhibitors of AKT1 for Therapeutic Targeting of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12071083. [PMID: 35887580 PMCID: PMC9322152 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12071083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a major cause of death in developing countries because of high tobacco consumption. RAC-alpha serine-threonine kinase (AKT1) is considered as an attractive drug target because its prolonged activation and overexpression are associated with cancer progression and metastasis. In addition, several AKT1 inhibitors are being developed to control OSCC and other associated forms of cancers. We performed a screening of the IMPPAT (Indian Medicinal Plants, Phytochemistry and Therapeutics) database to discover promising AKT1 inhibitors which pass through various important filters such as ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) properties, physicochemical properties, PAINS (pan-assay interference compounds) filters, PASS (prediction of activity spectra for substances) analysis, and specific interactions with AKT1. Molecules bearing admirable binding affinity and specificity towards AKT1 were selected for further analysis. Initially, we identified 30 natural compounds bearing appreciable affinity and specific interaction with AKT1. Finally, tuberosin and villosol were selected as potent and selective AKT1 inhibitors. To obtain deeper insights into binding mechanism and selectivity, we performed an all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and principal component analysis (PCA). We observed that both tuberosin and villosol strongly bind to AKT1, and their complexes were stable throughout the simulation trajectories. Our in-depth structure analysis suggested that tuberosin and villosol could be further exploited in the therapeutic targeting of OSCC and other cancers after further clinical validations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Adnan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Hail, Hail P.O. Box 2440, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Deeba Shamim Jairajpuri
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 26671, Bahrain;
| | - Muskan Chaddha
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India; (M.C.); (T.M.)
| | - Mohd Shahnawaz Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Dharmendra Kumar Yadav
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University of Medicine and Science, Hambakmoeiro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21924, Korea
- Correspondence: (D.K.Y.); (M.I.H.)
| | - Taj Mohammad
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India; (M.C.); (T.M.)
| | - Abdelbaset Mohamed Elasbali
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Sciences-Qurayyat, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Waleed Abu Al-Soud
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia;
- Health Sciences Research Unit, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salem Hussain Alharethi
- Department of Biological Science, College of Arts and Science, Najran University, Najran 66252, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Md. Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India; (M.C.); (T.M.)
- Correspondence: (D.K.Y.); (M.I.H.)
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Zhang W, Sang S, Peng C, Li GQ, Ou L, Feng Z, Zou Y, Yuan Y, Yao M. Network Pharmacology and Transcriptomic Sequencing Analyses Reveal the Molecular Mechanism of Sanguisorba officinalis Against Colorectal Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:807718. [PMID: 35646655 PMCID: PMC9133337 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.807718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common malignant cancer worldwide. Sanguisorba officinalis has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antioxidant, and anti-tumor effects, while its molecular mechanism against CRC remains unclear. The aim of this study is to explore the underlying mechanism of S. officinalis against CRC cell lines using network pharmacology and transcriptomic sequencing methods. Method Firstly, the active ingredients and potential targets of S. officinalis against CRC were screened from databases. Secondly, the networks of ingredient–target, ingredient–target–CRC and protein–protein interaction were constructed. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses of network pharmacology and transcriptomic sequencing were performed. Finally, the effect of S. officinalis against CRC was verified by in vitro experiments. Results In total, 14 active ingredients and 273 potential targets against CRC were identified in S. officinalis by network pharmacology. PI3K–Akt, HIF-1, and MAPK signaling pathways related to cell proliferation were regulated by S. officinalis in enrichment analyses and transcriptomic sequencing. In vitro, S. officinalis inhibited the proliferation and migration of CRC cells and arrested the cell cycle at the G0–G1 phase. The western blot showed that S. officinalis downregulated the expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, HIF-1A, VEGFA, cyclin D1, c-Myc, and p-MAPK proteins in CRC cells. Conclusion In conclusion, network pharmacology and transcriptomic sequencing analyses, in combination with in vitro studies, have been successfully applied to study the underlying mechanism of S. officinalis against CRC cells. Our results demonstrate that S. officinalis suppresses the proliferation, survival, and migration of CRC cells through regulating the PI3K–Akt, HIF-1, and MAPK signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijia Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuyi Sang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chang Peng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - George Q Li
- Institute of Natural Products and Metabolomics, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling Ou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhong Feng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuanjing Zou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuemei Yuan
- School of Ecology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meicun Yao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
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Claudin-17 Deficiency in Mice Results in Kidney Injury Due to Electrolyte Imbalance and Oxidative Stress. Cells 2022; 11:cells11111782. [PMID: 35681477 PMCID: PMC9180152 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The multi-gene claudin (CLDN) family of tight junction proteins have isoform-specific roles in blood–tissue barrier regulation. CLDN17, a putative anion pore-forming CLDN based on its structural characterization, is assumed to regulate anion balance across the blood-tissue barriers. However, our knowledge about CLDN17 in physiology and pathology is limited. The current study investigated how Cldn17 deficiency in mice affects blood electrolytes and kidney structure. Cldn17−/− mice revealed no breeding abnormalities, but the newborn pups exhibited delayed growth. Adult Cldn17−/− mice displayed electrolyte imbalance, oxidative stress, and injury to the kidneys. Ingenuity pathway analysis followed by RNA-sequencing revealed hyperactivation of signaling pathways and downregulation of SOD1 expression in kidneys associated with inflammation and reactive oxygen species generation, demonstrating the importance of Cldn17 in the maintenance of electrolytes and reactive oxygen species across the blood-tissue barrier.
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Zhou Y, Guo S, Li Y, Chen F, Wu Y, Xiao Y, An J. METTL3 Is Associated With the Malignancy of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Serves as a Potential Immunotherapy Biomarker. Front Oncol 2022; 12:824190. [PMID: 35574315 PMCID: PMC9094700 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.824190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) is an RNA methyltransferase mediating N6 methyladenosine (m6A) modification. Its role in cancer pathogenesis and progression has attracted increasing attention. However, the immunological role, possible immune mechanism, and clinical significance of METTL3 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain to be confirmed. The Tumor Genome Atlas (TCGA) provided clinical and transcriptome sequencing data for this study (162 tumor tissue samples and 11 normal tissue samples), while the Immunology Database and Analysis Portal (immport, https://www.immport.org/home) provided 2483 immune-related genes. METTL3 was substantially expressed in ESCC and linked to poor prognosis in ESCC, according to the findings. Functional analysis revealed that METTL3 is mainly involved in chromosomal homologous recombination and DNA mismatch repair processes, which could be potential mechanisms for tumor disease development and progression. Analysis on the TISIDB website shows that effector memory CD8 T cells, NK cells, neutrophils and other cells are highly correlated with METTL3 expression. We screened immune genes associated with METTL3 by Spearman’s analysis and performed functional analysis. These immune genes were mostly linked with immune processes, such as cytokine receptors, the MAPK signaling pathway, and natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity, indicating that METTL3 is a key molecule in the immune regulation of esophageal cancer. In addition, based on METTL3-related immune genes, we separated the patients into several subgroups and constructed a prognostic prediction model consisting of six immune genes. As an independent prognostic indicator for ESCC, the risk score of this model can be employed. A nomogram was also developed to accurately evaluate individual prognoses based on clinical indicators and risk scores. In summary, this study suggests that METTL3 is not only a potential pathogenic molecule for esophageal carcinogenesis and progression but also a potential biological marker for forecasting ESCC patient prognosis and could serve as a basis for clinical decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubin Zhou
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Songhe Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiqiu Li
- Department of Microbial and Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fangfang Chen
- Department of Microbial and Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaxian Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Xiao
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun An
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Network Pharmacology-Based Prediction and Verification of the Potential Targets of Pinoresinol Diglucoside for OA Treatment. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:9733742. [PMID: 35469160 PMCID: PMC9034917 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9733742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to explore the effects and related mechanisms of pinoresinol diglucoside (PDG) on osteoarthritis (OA) via a combination of pharmacology and animal experiments. Methods Traditional Chinese Medicine Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) Drugbank, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, and GeneCards databases were used to predict the putative targets of PGD against OA. A protein protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed in STING database to analyze the interaction network of these targets. Enrichment analysis was performed with DAVID database. The OA model was built by anterior cruciate ligament transection and then injected with PDG for 5 weeks. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and safranin-fixed green staining were used to evaluate the pathological change. ELISA was applied to measure the serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the protein levels of kinase B (AKT), BAX, Bcl2, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1), and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) in knee cartilage tissues. Results Seventy-one key targets were identified, including AKT1, epidermal growth factor receptor, SRC, estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), and MMP9. Enrichment analysis revealed a series of pathway related to cancer, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and proteoglycans in cancer. Animal experiments showed that PDG alleviated the abnormal histomorphological changes of OA; suppressed TIPM, serum IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels, and PI3K and AKT activation; and increased MMP-1 expression and Bcl2/Bax ratio. Conclusion PDG has a cartilage-protecting effect associated with PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in rabbit with OA and therefore might serve as a potential agent for the treatment of this disease.
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The Mechanism of Ginseng and Astragalus Decoction in the Treatment of Malignant Pleural Effusion Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Technology. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:7731402. [PMID: 35341150 PMCID: PMC8941536 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7731402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Introduction The objective of our study is to explore the potential active ingredients and activity of Ginseng and Astragalus decoction (GAD) in the treatment of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) by using network pharmacology and molecular docking technologies. Methods The active ingredients and corresponding targets of Ginseng and Astragalus were extracted from the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform. The relevant targets of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) were searched in the disease databases. Overlapping targets of Ginseng and Astragalus and the corresponding targets of MPE were obtained to define the effective target of GAD for the treatment of MPE. The STRING database was applied to construct a predicted protein-protein interaction network for intersected targets. The Cytoscape software was used to screen key targets with a therapeutic potential. Using the Metascape database, we performed Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes functional enrichment analysis on the targets identified in the study. PyMOL and AutoDock Vina were used to molecularly dock the selected key components to their respective key targets for MPE treatment. Results The core target network revealed 22 main active ingredients, 26 main targets, and 16 signaling pathways in GAD. Molecular docking revealed 6 targets (AKT serine/threonine kinase 1, intercellular adhesion molecule, Jun proto-oncogene, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma, prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2, and tumor necrosis factor) that could partially dock with kaempferol, frutinone A, ginsenoside RH2, formononetin, and quercetin. Conclusions Several components, targets, and signaling pathways of GAD contribute to the treatment of MPE, which suggests a rationale for further investigation on GAD's active molecule and mechanism of action in the clinical application of MPE.
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Alwhaibi A, Parvathagiri V, Verma A, Artham S, Adil MS, Somanath PR. Regulation of Let-7a-5p and miR-199a-5p Expression by Akt1 Modulates Prostate Cancer Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition via the Transforming Growth Factor-β Pathway. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071625. [PMID: 35406397 PMCID: PMC8996869 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The molecular mechanisms regulating the switch from the growth of tumor cells to invasive phenotype for metastasis is largely unknown. Molecules such as Akt1 and TGFβ have been demonstrated to play reciprocal roles in the early and advanced stages of cancers, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition has been identified as a common link in the process. Advancing our knowledge on the direct association between these two pathways and how their effects are reconciled in the advanced stages of cancers such as prostate cancer will have therapeutic benefits. Identifying the role of microRNAs in the process will also benefit the scientific community. Abstract Akt1 suppression in advanced cancers has been indicated to promote metastasis. Our understanding of how Akt1 orchestrates this is incomplete. Using the NanoString®-based miRNA and mRNA profiling of PC3 and DU145 cells, and subsequent data analysis using the DIANA-mirPath, dbEMT, nCounter, and Ingenuity® databases, we identified the miRNAs and associated genes responsible for Akt1-mediated prostate cancer (PCa) epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Akt1 loss in PC3 and DU145 cells primarily induced changes in the miRNAs and mRNAs regulating EMT genes. These include increased miR-199a-5p and decreased let-7a-5p expression associated with increased TGFβ-R1 expression. Treatment with locked nucleic acid (LNA) miR-199a-5p inhibitor and/or let-7a-5p mimic induced expression changes in EMT genes correlating to their anticipated effects on PC3 and DU145 cell motility, invasion, and TGFβ-R1 expression. A correlation between increased miR-199a-5p and TGFβ-R1 expression with reduced let-7a-5p was also observed in high Gleason score PCa patients in the cBioportal database analysis. Collectively, our studies show the effect of Akt1 suppression in advanced PCa on EMT modulating miRNA and mRNA expression changes and highlight the potential benefits of miR-199a-5p and let-7a-5p in therapy and/or early screening of mPCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulrahman Alwhaibi
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (A.A.); (V.P.); (A.V.); (S.A.); (M.S.A.)
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy at King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Varun Parvathagiri
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (A.A.); (V.P.); (A.V.); (S.A.); (M.S.A.)
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Arti Verma
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (A.A.); (V.P.); (A.V.); (S.A.); (M.S.A.)
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Sandeep Artham
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (A.A.); (V.P.); (A.V.); (S.A.); (M.S.A.)
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Mir S. Adil
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (A.A.); (V.P.); (A.V.); (S.A.); (M.S.A.)
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Payaningal R. Somanath
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (A.A.); (V.P.); (A.V.); (S.A.); (M.S.A.)
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Correspondence:
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Ahmad Z, Somanath PR. AKT Isoforms in the Immune Response in Cancer. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2022; 436:349-366. [PMID: 36243852 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-06566-8_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
AKT is a protein kinase that exists in three isoforms: AKT1, AKT2, and AKT3. Though similar in structure, these isoforms display different effects. AKT is activated downstream of PI3K, and together, this signaling pathway helps regulate cellular processes including cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, survival, and apoptosis. Disruption in these pathways has been associated with disorders including cardiovascular diseases, developmental disorders, inflammatory responses, autoimmune diseases, neurologic disorders, type 2 diabetes, and several cancers. In cancer, deregulation in the PI3K/AKT pathway can be manifested as tumorigenesis, pathological angiogenesis, and metastasis. Increased activity has been correlated with tumor progression and resistance to cancer treatments. Recent studies have suggested that inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway plays a significant role in the development, expansion, and proliferation of cells of the immune system. Additionally, AKT has been found to play an important role in differentiating regulatory T cells, activating B cells, and augmenting tumor immunosurveillance. This emphasizes AKT as a potential target for inhibition in cancer therapy. This chapter reviews AKT structure and regulation, its different isoforms, its role in immune cells, and its modulation in oncotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zayd Ahmad
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Payaningal R Somanath
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
- Georgia Cancer Center, Vascular Biology Center and Department of Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
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Rudraraju M, Narayanan SP, Somanath PR. Distinct Mechanisms of Human Retinal Endothelial Barrier Modulation In Vitro by Mediators of Diabetes and Uveitis. Life (Basel) 2021; 12:life12010033. [PMID: 35054426 PMCID: PMC8779223 DOI: 10.3390/life12010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy (DR) and uveitis are associated with injury to the blood–retinal barrier (BRB). Whereas high glucose (HG) and advanced glycation end products (AGE) contribute to DR, bacterial infections causing uveitis are triggered by endotoxins such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS). It is unclear how HG, AGE, and LPS affect human retinal endothelial cell (HREC) junctions. Moreover, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) is elevated in both DR and ocular infections. In the current study, we determined the direct effects of HG, AGE, TNFα, and LPS on the expression and intracellular distribution of claudin-5, VE-cadherin, and β-catenin in HRECs and how these mediators affect Akt and P38 MAP kinase that have been implicated in ocular pathologies. In our results, whereas HG, AGE, and TNFα activated both Akt and P38 MAPK, LPS treatment suppressed Akt but increased P38 MAPK phosphorylation. Furthermore, while treatment with AGE and HG increased cell-junction protein expression in HRECs, LPS elicited a paradoxical effect. By contrast, when HG treatment increased HREC-barrier resistance, AGE and LPS stimulation compromised it, and TNFα had no effect. Together, our results demonstrated the differential effects of the mediators of diabetes and infection on HREC-barrier modulation leading to BRB injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhuri Rudraraju
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
- Research Division, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - S. Priya Narayanan
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
- Research Division, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Correspondence: (S.P.N.); (P.R.S.); Tel.: +1-706-721-4250 (P.R.S.)
| | - Payaningal R. Somanath
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
- Research Division, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Correspondence: (S.P.N.); (P.R.S.); Tel.: +1-706-721-4250 (P.R.S.)
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Decoding the chemical composition and pharmacological mechanisms of Jiedu Tongluo Tiaogan Formula using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with network pharmacology-based investigation. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:24290-24312. [PMID: 34740995 PMCID: PMC8610129 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a chronic low-grade inflammatory disease with high morbidity and mortality, is a serious threat to public health. Previously we demonstrated that a traditional Chinese medicine formulation, Jiedu Tongluo Tiaogan Formula (JDTL), exerted a favorable hypoglycemic effect due to unknown molecular mechanisms involving interactions among JDTL compounds and various cellular components. This study aimed to explore JDTL mechanisms for alleviating hyperglycemia using an integrated strategy incorporating system pharmacology, bioinformatics analysis, and experimental verification. This strategy entailed initial elucidation of JDTL chemical composition using fingerprint analysis via high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Next, functions of putative shared target genes and associated pathways were deduced using GO and KEGG pathway enrichment and molecular docking analyses. Ultimately, targets associated with JTDL anti-T2DM effects were found to be functionally associated with biological functions related to lipopolysaccharide and cytokine receptor binding. These results implicated PI3K-Akt signaling pathway involvement in JDTL anti-T2DM effects, as this pathway had been previously shown to play significant roles in glucose and lipid metabolism-related diseases. Furthermore, addition of JDTL to INS-1 and HepG2 cell cultures stimulated cellular mRNA-level and protein-level expression leading to enhanced production of IRS1, Akt, and PI3K. In summary, here JDTL bioactive ingredients, potential targets, and molecular mechanisms underlying JDTL anti-T2DM effects were identified using a multi-component, multi-target, and multi-channel analytical approach, thus providing an important scientific foundation to facilitate development of new drugs mechanistic strategies for preventing and treating T2DM.
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Adil MS, Khulood D, Narayanan SP, Somanath PR. Bioinformatics analyses reveal cell-barrier junction modulations in lung epithelial cells on SARS-CoV-2 infection. Tissue Barriers 2021; 10:2000300. [PMID: 34740309 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2021.2000300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell junctions maintain the blood-tissue barriers to preserve vascular and tissue integrity. Viral infections reportedly modulate cell-cell junctions to facilitate their invasion. However, information on the effect of COVID-19 infection on the gene expression of cell junction and cytoskeletal proteins is limited. Using the Gene Expression Omnibus and Reactome databases, we analyzed the data on human lung A549, NHBE, and Calu-3 cells for the expression changes in cell junction and cytoskeletal proteins by SARS-CoV-2 (CoV-2) infection. The analysis revealed changes in 3,660 genes in A549, 100 genes in NHBE, and 592 genes in Calu-3 cells with CoV-2 infection. Interestingly, EGOT (9.8-, 3- and 8.3-fold; p < .05) and CSF3 (4.3-, 33- and 56.3-fold; p < .05) were the only two genes significantly elevated in all three cell lines (A549, NHBE and Calu-3, respectively). On the other hand, 39 genes related to cell junctions and cytoskeleton were modulated in lung cells, with DLL1 demonstrating alterations in all cells. Alterations were also seen in several miRNAs associated with the cell junction and cytoskeleton genes modulated in the analysis. Further, matrix metalloproteinases involved in disease pathologies, including MMP-3, -9, and -12 demonstrated elevated expression on CoV-2 infection (p < .05). The study findings emphasize the integral role of cell junction and cytoskeletal genes in COVID-19, suggesting their therapeutic potential. Our analysis also identified a distinct EGOT gene that has not been previously implicated in COVID-19. Further studies on these newly identified genes and miRNAs could lead to advances in the pathogenesis and therapeutics of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mir S Adil
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Daulat Khulood
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - S Priya Narayanan
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Payaningal R Somanath
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
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Verma E, Kumar A, Devi Daimary U, Parama D, Girisa S, Sethi G, Kunnumakkara AB. Potential of baicalein in the prevention and treatment of cancer: A scientometric analyses based review. J Funct Foods 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2021.104660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
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Hatamipour M, Hadizadeh F, Jaafari MR, Khashyarmanesh Z, Sathyapalan T, Sahebkar A. Anti-proliferative potential of fluorinated curcumin analogues: experimental and computational analysis and review of the literature. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:1459-1471. [PMID: 34514978 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210910141316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Curcuminoids, flavoring, and coloring agents in food have potent antioxidant, anti-tumor activity, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, they are rapidly metabolized to lesser active metabolites. Therefore, various studies have been conducted to synthesize new and stable curcumin analogues with enhanced therapeutic activity. METHODS Fluorinated curcumin compounds (2a-2f) were synthesized by Knoevenagel condensation between fluorobenzaldehydes (1a-1f) with curcumin. Fluorinated demethoxycurcumin (3a) was synthesized by condensation between demethoxycurcumin and 3,4-difluorobenzaldehyde (1f). The structures of these compounds were confirmed by FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, 19FNMR, and mass spectroscopy. Antiproliferative activities of these synthetic compounds were evaluated against breast cancer cells (4T1), melanoma cancer cells (B16F10), and normal cell lines (NIH 3T3) using MTT assay. The interaction of curcumin, 2f and 3a with several proteins (1HCL, 2ZOQ, 3D94, 5EW3, 4WA9, 1XKK, 6CCY) was investigated. The structural preservation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was investigated by molecular dynamics simulation. RESULTS The spectroscopic data obtained confirmed the proposed structure of fluorinated analogues. The results showed that compounds 2f and 3a inhibited cancer cells proliferation significantly more than other compounds. Compounds 2f and 3a showed the highest affinity and lowest binding energy with EGFR. The binding energies were -7.8, -10, and -9.8 kcal/mol for curcumin, 2f and 3a with EGFR, respectively. The molecular docking results demonstrated that compounds 2f and 3a were firmly bound in a complex with EGFR via the formation of a hydrogen bond. CONCLUSION In summary, we found that fluorinated demethoxycurcumin and fluorinated curcumin induces cancer cell death and binds to EGFR with high affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Hatamipour
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad. Iran
| | - Farzin Hadizadeh
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad. Iran
| | - Mahmoud Reza Jaafari
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad. Iran
| | - Zahra Khashyarmanesh
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad. Iran
| | - Thozhukat Sathyapalan
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad. Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad. Iran
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Adil MS, Verma A, Rudraraju M, Narayanan SP, Somanath PR. Akt-independent effects of triciribine on ACE2 expression in human lung epithelial cells: Potential benefits in restricting SARS-CoV2 infection. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:6597-6606. [PMID: 33624300 PMCID: PMC8014085 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) binds to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to gain cellular entry. Akt inhibitor triciribine (TCBN) has demonstrated promising results in promoting recovery from advanced-stage acute lung injury in preclinical studies. In the current study, we tested the direct effect of TCBN on ACE2 expression in human bronchial (H441) and lung alveolar (A549) epithelial cells. Treatment with TCBN resulted in the downregulation of both messenger RNA and protein levels of ACE2 in A549 cells. Since HMGB1 plays a vital role in the inflammatory response in COVID-19, and because hyperglycemia has been linked to increased COVID-19 infections, we determined if HMGB1 and hyperglycemia have any effect on ACE2 expression in lung epithelial cells and whether TCBN has any effect on reversing HMGB1- and hyperglycemia-induced ACE2 expression. We observed increased ACE2 expression with both HMGB1 and hyperglycemia treatment in A549 as well as H441 cells, which were blunted by TCBN treatment. Our findings from this study, combined with our previous reports on the potential benefits of TCBN in the treatment of acute lung injury, generate reasonable optimism on the potential utility of TCBN in the therapeutic management of patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mir S. Adil
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, and Charlie Norwood VA Medical CenterUniversity of GeorgiaAugustaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Arti Verma
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, and Charlie Norwood VA Medical CenterUniversity of GeorgiaAugustaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Madhuri Rudraraju
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, and Charlie Norwood VA Medical CenterUniversity of GeorgiaAugustaGeorgiaUSA
| | - S. Priya Narayanan
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, and Charlie Norwood VA Medical CenterUniversity of GeorgiaAugustaGeorgiaUSA,Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of GeorgiaAugusta UniversityAugustaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Payaningal R. Somanath
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, and Charlie Norwood VA Medical CenterUniversity of GeorgiaAugustaGeorgiaUSA,Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of GeorgiaAugusta UniversityAugustaGeorgiaUSA,Department of MedicineAugusta UniversityAugustaGeorgiaUSA
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Coronado-Posada N, Mercado-Camargo J, Olivero-Verbel J. In Silico Analysis to Identify Molecular Targets for Chemicals of Concern: The Case Study of Flocoumafen, an Anticoagulant Pesticide. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:2034-2043. [PMID: 33729601 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Rodenticides are pesticides used worldwide, with little information available regarding health consequences in wildlife and humans. The aim of the present study was to use virtual screening to identify potential targets for flocoumafen, a superwarfarin rodenticide. Blind docking of more than 841 human proteins was carried out employing AutoDock Vina. The strength of the ligand interaction with the proteins was quantified based on the binding affinity score (kcal/mol). Results indicate that flocoumafen could be a promiscuous ligand for diversity of cellular protein targets. The best complexes were obtained for prostaglandin F synthase (-14.2 kcal/mol) and serum albumin (-14.0 kcal/mol) followed by glucocorticoid receptor 2, matrix metalloproteinase-9, nuclear receptor ROR-alpha, and activin receptor type-1, all with values equal or better than -13.5 kcal/mol. Docking method validation based on the root-mean-square deviation showed that flocoumafen had good capability to predict corresponding co-crystallized poses; and molecular dynamics simulations suggested the complex with greater binding affinity was thermodynamically stable. Protein-protein interaction networks built with main protein targets revealed that protein kinase B (AKT1), ribosomal protein S6 kinase B1 (RPS6KB1), phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA), retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRA), and protein phosphatase 2 catalytic subunit alpha (PPP2CA) were major hub proteins, whereas the gene ontology analysis reported that cellular response to endogenous stimulus, protein binding, and the TOR complex were the biological processes, molecular function, and cell component enrichments, respectively. These results should motivate more ecotoxicity testing for flocoumafen and other superwarfarins, as well as precautionary legislation to minimize exposure to these highly toxic chemicals. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2034-2043. © 2021 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Coronado-Posada
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia
| | - Jairo Mercado-Camargo
- Group of Organic Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia
| | - Jesus Olivero-Verbel
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia
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Effective Material Basis and Mechanism Analysis of Compound Banmao Capsule against Tumors Using Integrative Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:6653460. [PMID: 34055017 PMCID: PMC8112962 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6653460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Compound banmao capsule (CBC), a well-known traditional Chinese medical material, is known to inhibit various tumors. However, its material basis and pharmacological mechanisms remain to be elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the effective material basis and mechanisms of action of CBC against tumors. Methods Active compounds of CBC were identified using public database and reports to build a network. The corresponding targets of active compounds were retrieved from online databases, and the antitumor targets were identified by GeneCards database. The antitumor hub targets were generated via protein-protein interaction analysis using String, and key compounds and targets from the integrative network were detected by molecular docking and ADMET. Top targets in hepatocellular carcinoma were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Finally, the multivariate biological network was built to identify the integrating mechanisms of action of CBC against tumor cells. Results A total of 128 compounds and 436 targets of CBC were identified successfully. Based on the generated multivariate biological network analysis, 25 key compounds, nine hub targets, and two pathways were further explored. Effective material bases of cantharidin, baicalein, scutellarin, sesamin, and quercetin were verified by integrative network analysis. PTGS2, ESR1, and TP53 were identified as hub targets via multivariate biological network analysis and confirmed using qPCR. Furthermore, VEGF and estrogen signaling pathways seem to play a role in the antitumor activity of CBC. Thus, breast cancer may be a potential clinical indication of CBC. Conclusion This study successfully identified the material basis of CBC and its synergistic mechanisms of action against tumor cells.
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Wu Q, Hu Y. Systematic Evaluation of the Mechanisms of Mulberry Leaf (Morus alba Linne) Acting on Diabetes Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen 2021; 24:668-682. [PMID: 32928080 DOI: 10.2174/1386207323666200914103719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common endocrine metabolic disorder- related diseases. The application of herbal medicine to control glucose levels and improve insulin action might be a useful approach in the treatment of diabetes. Mulberry leaves (ML) have been reported to exert important activities of anti-diabetic. OBJECTIVE In this work, we aimed to explore the multi-targets and multi-pathways regulatory molecular mechanism of Mulberry leaves (ML, Morus alba Linne) acting on diabetes. METHODS Identification of active compounds of Mulberry leaves using Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database was carried out. Bioactive components were screened by FAF-Drugs4 website (Free ADME-Tox Filtering Tool). The targets of bioactive components were predicted from SwissTargetPrediction website, and the diabetes related targets were screened from GeneCards database. The common targets of ML and diabetes were used for Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analysis. The visualization networks were constructed by Cytoscape 3.7.1 software. The biological networks were constructed to analyze the mechanisms as follows: (1) compound-target network; (2) common target-compound network; (3) common targets protein interaction network; (4) compound-diabetes protein-protein interactions (ppi) network; (5) target-pathway network; and (6) compound-target-pathway network. At last, the prediction results of network pharmacology were verified by molecular docking method. RESULTS 17 active components were obtained by TCMSP database and FAF-Drugs4 website. 51 potential targets (11 common targets and 40 associated indirect targets) were obtained and used to build the PPI network by the String database. Furthermore, the potential targets were used for GO and pathway enrichment analysis. Eight key active compounds (quercetin, Iristectorigenin A, 4- Prenylresveratrol, Moracin H, Moracin C, Isoramanone, Moracin E and Moracin D) and 8 key targets (AKT1, IGF1R, EIF2AK3, PPARG, AGTR1, PPARA, PTPN1 and PIK3R1) were obtained to play major roles in Mulberry leaf acting on diabetes. And the signal pathways involved in the mechanisms mainly include AMPK signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, mTOR signaling pathway, insulin signaling pathway and insulin resistance. The molecular docking results show that the 8 key active compounds have good affinity with the key target of AKT1, and the 5 key targets (IGF1R, EIF2AK3, PPARG, PPARA and PTPN1) have better affinity than AKT1 with the key compound of quercetin. CONCLUSION Based on network pharmacology and molecular docking, this study provided an important systematic and visualized basis for further understanding of the synergy mechanism of ML acting on diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiguo Wu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yeqing Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Anqing Medical College, Anqing 246052, China
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Kadry RW, Adil MS, Newsome AS, Somanath PR. Cisatracurium attenuates LPS-induced modulation of MMP3 and junctional protein expression in human microvascular endothelial cells. Biosci Trends 2021; 15:50-54. [PMID: 33627570 DOI: 10.5582/bst.2020.03399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening form of acute lung injury (ALI) associated with hypoxemic lung damage and inflammation. Matrix metalloproteinase protein-3 (MMP3 or Stromelysin-1) is known to promote vascular injury in ALI/ARDS. Cisatracurium, a nicotinic neuromuscular blocker, is used in ARDS patients to decrease mechanical ventilator dyssynchrony, increase oxygenation, and improve mortality. However, the magnitude and the underlying mechanisms of these potential benefits of cisatracurium remains unclear. We investigated the effect of cisatracurium on lipopolysaccharide-induced MMP3 expression in human microvascular endothelial cells. In our results, cisatracurium treatment significantly decreased LPS-induced MMP3 expression and increased expression of cell junction proteins such as vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) and claudin-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana W Kadry
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Georgia, and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Mir S Adil
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Georgia, and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Andrea Sikora Newsome
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Georgia, and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Payaningal R Somanath
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Georgia, and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
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Deng X, Liang Y, Hu J, Yang Y. Studies on the Mechanism of Gegen Qinlian Decoction in Treating Diabetes Mellitus Based on Network Pharmacology. Nat Prod Commun 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x20982138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease that is very common and seriously threatens patient health. Gegen Qinlian decoction (GQD) has long been applied clinically, but its mechanism in pharmacology has not been extensively and systematically studied. A GQD protein interaction network and diabetes protein interaction network were constructed based on the methods of system biology. Functional module analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis, and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis were carried out on the 2 networks. The hub nodes were filtered by comparative analysis. The topological parameters, interactions, and biological functions of the 2 networks were analyzed in multiple ways. By applying GEO-based external datasets to verify the results of our analysis that the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) displayed metabolic pathways in which hub genes played roles in regulating different expression states. Molecular docking is used to verify the effective components that can be combined with hub nodes. By comparing the 2 networks, 24 hub targets were filtered. There were 7 complex relationships between the networks. The results showed 4 topological parameters of the 24 selected hub targets that were much higher than the median values, suggesting that these hub targets show specific involvement in the network. The hub genes were verified in the GEO database, and these genes were closely related to the biological processes involved in glucose metabolism. Molecular docking results showed that 5,7,2', 6'-tetrahydroxyflavone, magnograndiolide, gancaonin I, isoglycyrol, gancaonin A, worenine, and glyzaglabrin produced the strongest binding effect with 10 hub nodes. This compound–target mode of interaction may be the main mechanism of action of GQD. This study reflected the synergistic characteristics of multiple targets and multiple pathways of traditional Chinese medicine and discussed the mechanism of GQD in the treatment of DM at the molecular pharmacological level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Deng
- Department of Pharmacy, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhua Liang
- Department of Pharmacy, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianmei Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhui Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, China
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Adil MS, Khulood D, Somanath PR. Targeting Akt-associated microRNAs for cancer therapeutics. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 189:114384. [PMID: 33347867 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells because of activating protooncogenes and/or inactivating tumor suppressor genes are the hallmarks of cancer. The PI3K/Akt signaling is one of the most frequently activated pathways in cancer cells responsible for the regulation of cell survival and proliferation in stress and hypoxic conditions during oncogenesis. Non-coding RNAs are a large family of RNAs that are not involved in protein-coding, and microRNAs (miRNAs) are a sub-set of non-coding RNAs with a single strand of 18-25 nucleotides. miRNAs are extensively involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression and play an extensive role in the regulatory mechanisms including cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and tumorigenesis. The impact of cancer on mRNA stability and translation efficiency is extensive and therefore, cancerous tissues exhibit drastic alterations in the expression of miRNAs. miRNAs can be modulated by utilizing techniques such as miRNA mimics, miRNA antagonists, or CRISPR/Cas9. In addition to their capacity as potential targets in cancer therapy, they can be used as reliable biomarkers to diagnose the disease at the earliest stage. Recent evidence indicates that microRNA-mediated gene regulation intersects with the Akt pathway, forming an Akt-microRNA regulatory network. miRNAs and Akt in this network operate together to exert their cellular tasks. In the current review, we discuss the Akt-associated miRNAs in several cancers, their molecular regulation, and how this newly emerging knowledge may contribute greatly to revolutionize cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mir S Adil
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Daulat Khulood
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Payaningal R Somanath
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, United States.
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Adil MS, Narayanan SP, Somanath PR. Cell-cell junctions: structure and regulation in physiology and pathology. Tissue Barriers 2020; 9:1848212. [PMID: 33300427 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2020.1848212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial and endothelial cell-cell contacts are established and maintained by several intercellular junctional complexes. These structurally and biochemically differentiated regions on the plasma membrane primarily include tight junctions (TJs), and anchoring junctions. While the adherens junctions (AJs) provide essential adhesive and mechanical properties, TJs hold the cells together and form a near leak-proof intercellular seal by the fusion of adjacent cell membranes. AJs and TJs play essential roles in vascular permeability. Considering their involvement in several key cellular functions such as barrier formation, proliferation, migration, survival, and differentiation, further research is warranted on the composition and signaling pathways regulating cell-cell junctions to develop novel therapeutics for diseases such as organ injuries. The current review article presents our current state of knowledge on various cell-cell junctions, their molecular composition, and mechanisms regulating their expression and function in endothelial and epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mir S Adil
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center , Augusta, GA, USA
| | - S Priya Narayanan
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center , Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Payaningal R Somanath
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center , Augusta, GA, USA
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Integrating Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation to Investigate the Mechanisms of Huazhuojiedu Decoction to Treat Chronic Atrophic Gastritis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:2638362. [PMID: 33354218 PMCID: PMC7735863 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2638362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is an important stage in the normal gastric mucosa's transformation into gastric cancer. Huazhuojiedu decoction (HZJD), a Chinese herbal preparation, has proven clinically effective to treat CAG. However, few studies have explored the mechanism of HZJD in CAG treatment. Purpose This study aimed to shed light on the mechanisms underlying HZJD decoction CAG treatment using a network pharmacology approach and experimental validation. Methods The active components of HZJD decoction were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform. Their targets were predicted through the SwissTargetPrediction database. Disease targets were screened using the GeneCards database. The disease and drug prediction targets were intersected to select the common potential therapeutic targets, which then were input into the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes to build a protein-protein interaction network. The “herb-compound-target-disease” and the “herb-target-pathway” network diagrams were constructed in Cytoscape 3.3.0. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis of effective targets were performed using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery. Finally, the core targets were preliminarily verified by CAG rat model. The gastric mucosa's histopathological changes were observed via hematoxylin-eosin staining. The expressions of MAPK1, AKT1, TNF, VEGFA, and EGFR were detected by western blot and quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Results A total of 155 nodes, including 20 putative targets of HZJD decoction, were selected as core hubs based on topological importance and were closely associated with the regulation of cell proliferation, apoptotic process, and cancer-related pathways (AKT1, TNF, VEGFA, and EGFR) in CAG. Further animal experiments showed that the expression of AKT1 in CAG rats was significantly increased, which was suppressed by HZJD decoction. TNF and VEGFA expression increased in the model group, but did not change in the HZJD group. MAPK1 and EGFR expression showed no significant differences among control, model, and HZJD groups. Conclusion Taken together, the results suggest that the components of HZJD decoction can alleviate and prevent the severity of gastric precancerous lesions via AKT1 inhibition in CAG.
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Bozgeyik I, Karadag A. The role of miR-125b-5p- AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 axis in osteosarcoma. GENE REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2020.100935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Wang W, Ning J, He Y, Zhai L, Xiang F, Yao L, Ye L, Wu L, Ji T, Tang Z. Unveiling the mechanism of Astragalus membranaceus in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers based on network pharmacology. Eur J Integr Med 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2020.101249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Rudraraju M, Narayanan SP, Somanath PR. Regulation of blood-retinal barrier cell-junctions in diabetic retinopathy. Pharmacol Res 2020; 161:105115. [PMID: 32750417 PMCID: PMC7755666 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Loss of the blood-retinal barrier (BRB) integrity and subsequent damage to the neurovascular unit in the retina are the underlying reasons for diabetic retinopathy (DR). Damage to BRB eventually leads to severe visual impairment in the absence of prompt intervention. Diabetic macular edema and proliferative DR are the advanced stages of the disease where BRB integrity is altered. Primary mechanisms contributing to BRB dysfunction include loss of cell-cell barrier junctions, vascular endothelial growth factor, advanced glycation end products-induced damage, and oxidative stress. Although much is known about the involvement of adherens and tight-junction proteins in the regulation of vascular permeability in various diseases, there is a significant gap in our knowledge on the junctional proteins expressed in the BRB and how BRB function is modulated in the diabetic retina. In this review article, we present our current understanding of the molecular composition of BRB, the changes in the BRB junctional protein turnover in DR, and how BRB functional modulation affects vascular permeability and macular edema in the diabetic retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhuri Rudraraju
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, United States; James and Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - S Priya Narayanan
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, United States; Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States; James and Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Payaningal R Somanath
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, United States; Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States; Department of Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States.
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Huang S, Zhang Z, Li W, Kong F, Yi P, Huang J, Mao D, Peng W, Zhang S. Network Pharmacology-Based Prediction and Verification of the Active Ingredients and Potential Targets of Zuojinwan for Treating Colorectal Cancer. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2020; 14:2725-2740. [PMID: 32764874 PMCID: PMC7369379 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s250991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Zuojinwan (ZJW), a famous Chinese medicine formula, has been widely used to treat colorectal cancer (CRC). However, its bioactive compounds, potential targets, and molecular mechanism remain largely elusive. Aim A network pharmacology-based strategy combined with molecular docking studies and in vitro validation were employed to investigate bioactive compounds, potential targets, and molecular mechanism of ZJW against CRC. Materials and Methods Bioactive compounds and potential targets of ZJW, as well as related genes of CRC, were acquired from public databases. Important ingredients, potential targets, and signaling pathways were determined through bioinformatics analysis, including protein-protein interaction (PPI), the Gene Ontology (GO), and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Subsequently, molecular docking and cell experiments were performed to further verify the findings. Results A total of 36 bioactive ingredients of ZJW and 163 gene targets of ZJW were identified. The network analysis revealed that quercetin, baicalein, wogonin, beta-sitosterol, and isorhamnetin may be candidate agents. The AKT1, JUN, CDKN1A, BCL2L1, and NCOA1 could become potential drug targets. The KEGG indicated that PI3K-AKT signaling pathway may play an important role in the effect of ZJW against CRC. Molecular docking suggested that quercetin, baicalein, and wogonin combined well with AKT1 and JUN. The in vitro experiment showed that quercetin, the most important ingredient of ZJW, could induce apoptosis of HCT116 cells through PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. This finding was congruent with the prediction obtained through the network pharmacology approach. Conclusion This study comprehensively illuminated the active ingredients, potential targets, and molecular mechanism of ZJW against CRC. It also provided a promising approach to uncover the scientific basis and therapeutic mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula treating for disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Huang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Zheyu Zhang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenqun Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Fanhua Kong
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengji Yi
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhua Huang
- Hunan Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410013, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Mao
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Weijun Peng
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Sifang Zhang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, People's Republic of China
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Wu L, Xiao P, Li Q, Zhang Z, Wang H, Jiang Q, Li L. Altered expression of AKT1 and P38A in the colons of patients with Hirschsprung's disease. Pediatr Surg Int 2020; 36:719-725. [PMID: 32236665 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-020-04653-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is a functional obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract due to the congenital absence of enteric ganglion cells. The proto-oncogene RET is one of the primary genes implicated in the aetiology of HSCR. We designed this study to investigate the expression of 10 RET regulatory network genes in the colons of patients with HSCR. METHODS HSCR tissue specimens (n = 28) were collected at the time of pull-through surgery. qPCR analysis was applied to compare the expression levels of 10 genes in the RET regulatory network. Western blot analysis was performed to quantify the protein expression. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the localization of AKT1 and P38A in HSCR colon tissue. RESULTS AKT1 (p = 0.015) and P38A (p = 0.039) were both significantly downregulated in the aganglionic segment compared to those in the ganglionic segment in HSCR patients (n = 28). Western blot analysis revealed the decreasing protein expression of AKT1 and P38A in the aganglionic segment compared to ganglionic segment and control colon tissues (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemistry staining revealed that both AKT1 and P38A were localized in the colonic mucosa and were significantly decreased in the aganglionic segment. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, we report for the first time the expression of RET regulatory network genes in the colons of patients with HSCR. The markedly decreased expression of AKT1 and P38A suggested a possible role in HSCR pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihua Wu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Ping Xiao
- Department of Pathology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics Affiliated Children's Hospital, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of General Surgery, Capital Institute of Pediatrics Affiliated Children's Hospital, No. 2 Yabao Rd., Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Capital Institute of Pediatrics Affiliated Children's Hospital, No. 2 Yabao Rd., Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Qian Jiang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Long Li
- Department of General Surgery, Capital Institute of Pediatrics Affiliated Children's Hospital, No. 2 Yabao Rd., Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020, China.
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Abstract
Whereas physiological vascular permeability (VP) mediates selective transport of plasma, electrolytes, proteins, and cells across an intact endothelial barrier, pathological VP results in the loss of endothelial barrier integrity. Whereas physiological VP is a feature of regular host defense and tissue repair, compromised barrier function may lead to aberrant vascular leakage, concurrent tissue edema, and inflammation eventually causing life-threatening conditions such as acute lung injury or acute respiratory distress syndrome, cancer, kidney injury, etc. Measurement of VP helps to identify, design, and optimize anti-leak therapies. Further, it can define the effect of a stimulus or a gene modulation in endothelial-barrier regulation. The degree of VP can be of importance to determine the stage of cancer and disease prognosis. This chapter discusses Miles assay, which is a well-established, relatively simple, and a reliable in vivo technique to assess VP as a surrogate measurement. Although a reliable technique, Miles assay is time-consuming, and the technique does not consider the compounding factors that may increase VP independently of endothelial-barrier regulation, such as blood pressure or blood flow. As an alternative, we describe fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran lung permeability assay, a method that can also be adapted to measure VP and edema in other organs such as the brain and kidney.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mir S Adil
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Payaningal R Somanath
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA.
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Abstract
The endothelium is a thin layer of squamous cells that acts as a semipermeable barrier regulating vascular permeability to let molecules pass through it thereby maintaining tissue fluid homeostasis. Physiological increase in endothelial or vascular permeability is transient, transpired by post-tissue injury during the initial phases of healing, whereas pathological permeability is persistent commonly witnessed in conditions such as atherosclerosis, chronic inflammation, tumor growth, and diabetic retinopathy. The in vivo or in situ use of animal models in the assessment of permeability not only raises inevitable ethical concerns but also confers difficulty to apply to high-throughput screening. Therefore, there is an ever-increasing dependency on in vitro studies to assess drug permeability, and various research programs have suffered to develop appropriate in vitro assays for measurement and prediction. In vitro models that both mimic in vivo microvascular endothelium and can be utilized to record changes in endothelial permeability are vital in delineating the mechanisms involved in the prevention and treatment of disorders related to vascular permeability. The Transwell® and the electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) assays are extensively used to assess the trans-endothelial permeability of solutes such as albumin, dextrans, and sucrose across endothelial monolayers and based on electrical resistance, etc. These models have several advantages such as the ease to perform and avoid the complexities of using a live animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mir S Adil
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Payaningal R Somanath
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA.
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Alwhaibi A, Verma A, Artham S, Adil MS, Somanath PR. Nodal pathway activation due to Akt1 suppression is a molecular switch for prostate cancer cell epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and metastasis. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 168:1-13. [PMID: 31202735 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have unraveled the negative role of Akt1 in advanced cancers, including metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa). Hence, understanding the consequences of targeting Akt1 in the mPCa and identifying its downstream novel targets is essential. We studied how Akt1 deletion in PC3 and DU145 cells activates the Nodal pathway and promotes PCa epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis. Here we show that Akt1 loss increases Nodal expression in PCa cells accompanied by activation of FoxO1/3a, and EMT markers Snail and N-cadherin as well as loss of epithelial marker E-cadherin. Treatment with FoxO inhibitor AS1842856 abrogated the Nodal expression in Akt1 deleted PCa cells. Akt1 deficient PCa cells exhibited enhanced cell migration and invasion in vitro and lung metastasis in vivo, which were attenuated by treatment with Nodal pathway inhibitor SB505124. Interestingly, Nodal mRNA analysis from two genomic studies in cBioportal showed a positive correlation between Nodal expression and Gleason score indicating the positive role of Nodal in human mPCa. Collectively, our data demonstrate Akt1-FoxO3a-Nodal pathway as an important mediator of PCa metastasis and present Nodal as a potential target to treat mPCa patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulrahman Alwhaibi
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Arti Verma
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Sandeep Artham
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Mir S Adil
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Payaningal R Somanath
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, United States; Department of Medicine, Vascular Biology Center and Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States.
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