Systems pharmacology reveals the mechanism of activity of Ge-Gen-Qin-Lian decoction against LPS-induced acute lung injury: A novel strategy for exploring active components and effective mechanism of TCM formulae

Shenfu injection targets the PI3K-AKT pathway to regulate autophagy and apoptosis in acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by sepsis

BACKGROUND

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by an exaggerated response to infection. In the lungs, one of the most susceptible organs, this can manifest as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Shenfu (SF) injection is a prominent traditional Chinese medicine used to treat sepsis. However, the exact mechanism of its action has rarely been reported in the literature.

PURPOSE

In the present study, we detected the protective effect of SF injection on sepsis-induced ARDS and explored its underlying mechanism.

METHODS

We investigated the potential targets and regulatory mechanisms of SF injections using a combination of network pharmacology and RNA sequencing. This study was conducted both in vivo and in vitro using a mouse model of ARDS and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated MLE-12 cells, respectively.

RESULTS

The results showed that SF injection could effectively inhibit inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis to alleviate LPS-induced ARDS. SF inhibited the PI3K-AKT pathway, which controls autophagy and apoptosis. Subsequently, MLE-12 cells were treated with 3-methyladenine to assess its effects on autophagy and apoptosis. Additional experiments were conducted by adding rapamycin, an mTOR antagonist, or SC79, an AKT agonist, to investigate the effects of SF injection on autophagy, apoptosis, and the PI3K-AKT pathway.

CONCLUSION

Overall, we found that SF administration could enhance autophagic activity, reduce apoptosis, suppress inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, and inhibit the PI3K-AKT pathway, thus ameliorating sepsis-induced ARDS.

Synergistic effect of paeoniflorin combined with luteolin in alleviating Lipopolysaccharides-induced acute lung injury

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Acute lung injury (ALI) is an acute multifactorial infectious disease caused by trauma, pneumonia, shock and sepsis. Paeoniae Radix Rubra (Paeonia lactiflora Pall. or Paeonia veitchii Lynch, Chishao in Chinese, CS) and Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge., Lamiaceae, Danshen in Chinese, DS) are common traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs). CS-DS herb pair has been widely used to promote blood circulation and eliminate blood stasis in Chinese clinical practice, appearing in a variety of prescriptions. However, it is still unclear for the effect and active ingredients of the herb pair on ALI.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study investigated the effect and active ingredients of CS-DS herb pair and demonstrated the synergistic effect and mechanisms of the active ingredients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells and BALB/c mice were used to establish an ALI model to investigate the effect of CS-DS herb pair on ALI. Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to analyze the active ingredients and potential mechanisms of the herb pair. The synergistic effects and mechanisms of active ingredients on ALI were validated by in vitro and in vivo experiments.

RESULTS

CS-DS herb pair had a synergistic effect on LPS-induced ALI. Based on the network pharmacology, the compounds paeoniflorin and luteolin were screened. Both paeoniflorin and luteolin had good affinity for NF-κB and MAPK by molecular docking. LPS stimulation of RAW264.7 cells resulted in a significant increase in ROS, NO, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β, while the paeoniflorin combined with luteolin significantly reduced their expressions. In the LPS-induced ALI model, the combination also reduced the expression of inflammatory factors and oxidative stress levels. Furthermore, LPS activated the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, whereas the combination decreased the expression of proteins in both pathways.

CONCLUSION

CS-DS herb pair alleviated LPS-induced ALI with the active ingredients paeoniflorin and luteolin, which suppressed inflammation and oxidative stress via regulation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways.

Revealing the potential bioactive components and mechanism of Qianhua Gout Capsules in the treatment of gouty arthritis through network pharmacology, molecular docking and pharmacodynamic study strategies

Recent clinical studies have confirmed the effectiveness of Qianhua Gout Capsules (QGC) in the treatment of gouty arthritis (GA). However, the specific regulatory targets and mechanisms of action of QGC are still unclear. To address this gap, we utilized network pharmacology, molecular docking, and pharmacodynamic approaches to investigate the bioactive components and associated mechanisms of QGC in the treatment of GA. By employing UPLC-Q Exactive-MS, we identified the compounds present in QGC, with active ingredients defined as those with oral bioavailability ≥30 % and drug similarity ≥0.18. Subsequently, the targets of these active compounds were determined using the TCMSP database, while GA-related targets were identified from DisGeNET, GeneCards, TTD, OMIM, and DrugBank databases. Further analysis including PPI analysis, GO analysis, and KEGG pathway enrichment was conducted on the targets. Validation of the predicted results was performed using a GA rat model, evaluating pathological changes, inflammatory markers, and pathway protein expression. Our results revealed a total of 130 components, 44 active components, 16 potential shared targets, GO-enriched terms, and 47 signaling pathways related to disease targets. Key active ingredients included quercetin, kaempferol, β-sitosterol, luteolin, and wogonin. The PPI analysis highlighted five targets (PPARG, IL-6, MMP-9, IL-1β, CXCL-8) with the highest connectivity, predominantly enriched in the IL-17 signaling pathway. Molecular docking experiments demonstrated strong binding of CXCL8, IL-1β, IL-6, MMP9, and PPARG targets with the top five active compounds. Furthermore, animal experiments confirmed the efficacy of QGC in treating GA in rats, showing reductions in TNF-α, IL-6, and MDA levels, and increases in SOD levels in serum. In synovial tissues, QGC treatment upregulated CXCL8 and PPARG expression, while downregulating IL-1β, MMP9, and IL-6 expression. In conclusion, this study applied a network pharmacology approach to uncover the composition of QGC, predict its pharmacological interactions, and demonstrate its in vivo efficacy, providing insights into the anti-GA mechanisms of QGC. These findings pave the way for future investigations into the therapeutic mechanisms underlying QGC's effectiveness in the treatment of GA.

Integrated network pharmacology and experimental validation-based approach to reveal the underlying mechanisms and key material basis of Jinhua Qinggan granules against acute lung injury

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Jinhua Qinggan granules (JHQG), the traditional Chinese formula come into the market in 2016, has been proved clinically effective against coronavirus disease. Acute lung injury (ALI) is a major complication of respiratory infection such as coronavirus and influenza virus, with a high clinical fatality rate. Macrophage activation-induced inflammatory response plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of ALI. However, the participation of inflammatory response in the efficacy of JHQG and its material basis against ALI is still unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The research aims to investigate the inflammatory response-involved efficacy of JHQG on ALI, explore the "ingredient-target-pathway" mechanisms, and searching for key material basis of JHQG by integrated network pharmacology and experimental validation-based approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI mice was established to assess the protective impact of JHQG. Network pharmacology was utilized to identify potential targets of JHQG and investigate its action mechanisms related to inflammatory response in treating ALI. The therapeutic effect and mechanism of the primary active ingredient in JHQG was verified through high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and a combination of wet experiments.

RESULTS

JHQG remarkably alleviated lung damage in mice model via suppressing macrophage activation, and inhibiting pro-inflammatory mediator level, p-ERK and p-STAT3 expression, TLR4/NF-κB activation. Network pharmacology combined with HPLC found luteolin is the main effective component of JHQG, and it could interact with TLR4/MD2 complex, further exerting the anti-inflammatory property and the protective role against ALI.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, our finding clarified the underlying mechanisms and material basis of JHQG therapy for ALI by integrated network pharmacology and experimental validation-based strategy.

The STAT3 inhibitor B9 alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury through its anti-inflammatory effects

The development of acute lung injury (ALI), a common respiratory condition with multiple causes, is significantly influenced by the pro-inflammatory environment of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in macrophages. Our study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of B9 (N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-9, 10-dioxo-9, 10-dihydroanthracene-2-sulfonamide), a novel inhibitor targeting the STAT3 SH2 domain, in macrophages and to assess its therapeutic potential for ALI using a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI. We found that B9 (30 mg/kg) significantly reduced lung pathological damage and neutrophil infiltration caused by the intratracheal administration of LPS. Additionally, the high expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) in alveolar lavage fluid was also inhibited by B9 treatment. The decreased expression of CD86 and increased CD206 in lung tissue demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effect of B9, which was due to its inhibition of the STAT3 signaling pathway in macrophages of ALI mice. Furthermore, B9 suppressed the activation of RAW264.7 cells induced by LPS, characterized by its ability to inhibit the activation of iNOS and STAT3 in a dose-dependent manner, as well as reduce the secretion of IL-6 and IL-1β. The in vivo preliminary safety evaluation indicated that B9 had a favorable safety profile at the administered doses. These results suggest that B9 exerts a therapeutic effect on LPS-induced ALI, potentially by preventing the phosphorylation of STAT3 Y705 and S727 without affecting the STAT3 protein level. Taken together, these findings provide a foundation for developing B9 as a novel anti-inflammatory agent for ameliorating LPS-induced ALI.

Network pharmacology mechanisms and experimental verification of licorice in the treatment of ulcerative colitis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Licorice is widely used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) and has good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, but its specific active ingredients and mechanisms of action are still unknown.

THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

To elucidate the specific molecular mechanisms of licorice in the treatment of UC and to experimentally verify its activity.

METHODS

Through network pharmacology, the active ingredients of licorice and the molecular targets of UC were identified. A traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)-components-target-disease network diagram was established, and the binding energies of the active ingredient and targets of licorice were verified by molecular docking. A BALB/c mice model of UC was established by treatment with 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The effect of licorice on colon tissue injury was histologically assessed. The expression of IL-6 and IL-17 in colon tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe morphological changes in mitochondria in the colon. Caco2 cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24 h to establish the cell inflammatory damage model, and cells were exposed to different concentrations of drug-containing serum of Licorice (DCSL) for 24 h. In cells treated with the drug, the contents of oxidation markers were measured and ELISA was used to determine the levels of inflammatory factors in the cells. TEM was used to observe morphological changes in mitochondria. ZO-1 and occludin were detected by Western blotting. DCSL effects on autophagy were evaluated by treating cells with DCSL and autophagy inhibitor for 24 h after LPS injection. Small interfering ribonucleic acid (si-RNA) was used to silence Nrf2 gene expression in Caco2 cells to observe the effects of DCSL on autophagy through the Nrf2/PINK1 pathway. Nrf2, PINK1, HO-1, Parkin, P62, and LC3 were detected by Western blotting.

RESULTS

Ninety-one active ingredients and 339 action targets and 792 UC disease targets were identified, 99 of which were overlapping targets. Molecular docking was used to analyze the binding energies of liquiritin, liquiritigenin, glycyrrhizic acid, and glycyrrhetinic acid to the targets, with glycyrrhetinic acid having the strongest binding energy. In the UC mouse model, licorice improved colon histopathological changes, reduced levels of IL-6 and IL-17 and repaired mitochondrial damage. In the LPS-induced inflammation model of Caco2 cells, DCSL decreased MDA, IL-1β, Il-6, and TNF-α levels and increased those of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and IL-10, and improved the morphological changes of mitochondria. Increased expression of Nrf2, PINK1, Parkin, HO-1, ZO-1, occludin, P62, and LC3 promoted autophagy and reduced inflammation levels.

CONCLUSION

Licorice improves UC, which may be related to the activation of the Nrf2/PINK1 signaling pathway that regulates autophagy.

Huangqi Baihe Granules alleviate hypobaric hypoxia-induced acute lung injury in rats by suppressing oxidative stress and the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammatory pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Huangqi Baihe Granules (HQBHG) are a modified formulation based on the traditional recipe "Huangqi Baihe porridge" and the Dunhuang medical prescription "Cistanche Cistanche Soup." The Herbal medicine moistens the lungs and tones the kidneys in addition to replenishing Qi and feeding Yin, making it an ideal choice for enhancing adaptability to high-altitude hypoxic environments.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study was to examine a potential molecular mechanism for the treatment and prevention of hypoxic acute lung injury (ALI) in rats using Huangqi Baihe Granules.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The HCP-III laboratory animal low-pressure simulation chamber was utilized to simulate high-altitude environmental exposure and establish an ALI model in rats. The severity of lung damage was evaluated using a battery of tests that included spirometry, a wet/dry lung ratio, H&E staining, and transmission electron microscopy. Using immunofluorescence, the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in lung tissue was determined. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels in lung tissue were determined using this kit. Serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), and antiinflammatory cytokines like interleukin-10 (IL-10) were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Gene expression changes in lung tissue were identified using transcriptomics, and the relative expression of proteins and mRNA involved in the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB p65)/Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) pathway were determined using western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR.

RESULTS

HQBHG was shown to enhance lung function considerably, decrease the wet/dry ratio of the lungs, attenuate lung tissue damage, suppress ROS and MDA formation, and increase SOD activity and GSH expression. The research also demonstrated that HQBHG inhibited the activation of the TLR4/NF-κB p65/NLPR3 signaling pathway in lung tissue, reducing the release of downstream pro-inflammatory cytokines.

CONCLUSIONS

HQBHG exhibits potential therapeutic effects against ALI induced by altitude hypoxia through suppressing oxidative stress and inflammatory response. This suggests it may be a novel drug for treating and preventing ALI.

Preventive Effect of the Total Polyphenols from Nymphaea candida on Sepsis-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice via Gut Microbiota and NLRP3, TLR-4/NF-κB Pathway

This study aimed to investigate the preventive effects of the total polyphenols from Nymphaea candida (NCTP) on LPS-induced septic acute lung injury (ALI) in mice and its mechanisms. NCTP could significantly ameliorate LPS-induced lung tissue pathological injury in mice as well as lung wet/dry ratio and MPO activities (p < 0.05). NCTP could significantly decrease the blood leukocyte, neutrophil, monocyte, basophil, and eosinophil amounts and LPS contents in ALI mice compared with the model group (p < 0.05), improving lymphocyte amounts (p < 0.05). Moreover, compared with the model group, NCTP could decrease lung tissue TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels (p < 0.05) and downregulate the protein expression of TLR4, MyD88, TRAF6, IKKβ, IκB-α, p-IκB-α, NF-κB p65, p-NF-κB p65, NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase1 in lung tissues (p < 0.05). Furthermore, NCTP could inhibit ileum histopathological injuries, restoring the ileum tight junctions by increasing the expression of ZO-1 and occludin. Simultaneously, NCTP could reverse the gut microbiota disorder, restore the diversity of gut microbiota, increase the relative abundance of Clostridiales and Lachnospiraceae, and enhance the content of SCFAs (acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid) in feces. These results suggested that NCTP has preventive effects on septic ALI, and its mechanism is related to the regulation of gut microbiota, SCFA metabolism, and the TLR-4/NF-κB and NLRP3 pathways.

Guben Qingfei decoction attenuates LPS-induced acute lung injury by modulating the TLR4/NF-κB and Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathways

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a life-threatening and widespread disease, with exceptionally high morbidity and mortality rates. Unfortunately, effective drugs for ALI treatment are currently lacking. Guben Qingfei decoction (GBQF) is a Chinese herbal compound known for its efficacy in treating viral pneumonia, yet the precise underlying mechanisms remain unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to validate the mitigating effect of GBQF on ALI and to further investigate its mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An ALI mice model was established by infusing LPS into the endotracheal tube. The effects of GBQF on ALI were investigated by measuring lung W/D; MPO; BALF total protein concentration; total number of cells; TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels; pathological changes in lung tissue, and oxidation products. Immunohistochemistry and Western Blotting were performed to verify the underlying mechanisms. MH-S and BEAS-2B cells were induced by LPS, and the effects of GBQF were confirmed by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

GBQF significantly reduced LPS-induced ALI in mice, improved lung inflammation, reduced the production of oxidative products, increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and reduced the degree of lung tissue damage. GBQF prevents MH-S cells from releasing inflammatory factors and reduces oxidative damage to BEAS-2B cells. In vivo studies have delved deeper into the mechanism of action of GBQF, revealing its correlation with the TLR4/NF-κB and Keap1/Nrf2 pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that GBQF is an effective treatment for ALI, providing a new perspective on medication development for ALI treatment.

Tribuloside: Mechanisms and Efficacy in Treating Acute Lung Injury Revealed by Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation

Background

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a serious illness that has few treatment options available. Tribuloside, a natural flavonoid extracted from the Tribulus Terrestris plant in China, is potent in addressing many health issues such as headaches, dizziness, itching, and vitiligo.

Objective

This study intends to explore the mechanisms of action of Tribuloside in treating ALI through a combination of network pharmacology and experimental validation.

Methods

We obtained the 2D structure and SMILES number of Tribuloside from the PubChem database. We used the SwissTargetPrediction database to identify pharmacological targets. We found 1215 targets linked to ALI by examining the GeneCards database. We used the String database and Cytoscape software to create the "drug or disease-target" network as well as the protein-protein interactions (PPI). Key targets were identified by evaluating associated biological processes and pathway enrichment. A Venny Diagram showed 49 intersection points between Tribuloside and ALI. Molecular docking with AutoDockTools found that Tribuloside had a high affinity for IL6, BCL2, TNF, STAT3, IL1B, and MAPK3, the top 6 targets in the PPI network by Degree values. To test Tribuloside's therapeutic efficacy in ALI, an acute lung damage model in mice was constructed using lipopolysaccharide. Tribuloside treatment reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, decreased fibrotic area, repaired damaged alveoli, and suppressed inflammatory factors IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β in the lungs through many pathways and targets.

Conclusion

This study reveals that Tribuloside has the potential to treat ALI by targeting various pathways and targets, according to network pharmacology predictions and experimental confirmation.

Monochasma savatieri Franch. protects against acute lung injury via α7nAChR-TLR4/NF-κB p65 signaling pathway based on integrated pharmacology analysis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a life-threatening condition with high morbidity and mortality, underscoring the urgent need for novel treatments. Monochasma savatieri Franch. (LRC) is commonly used clinically to treat wind-heat cold, bronchitis, acute pneumonia and acute gastroenteritis. However, its role in the treatment of ALI and its mechanism of action are still unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to demonstrate the pharmacological effects and underlying mechanisms of LRC extract, and provide important therapeutic strategies and theoretical basis for ALI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, a research paradigm of integrated pharmacology combining histopathological analysis, network pharmacology, metabolomics, and biochemical assays was used to elucidate the mechanisms underlaying the effects of LRC extract on LPS-induced ALI in BALB/c mice.

RESULTS

The research findings demonstrated that LRC extract significantly alleviated pathological damage in lung tissues and inhibited apoptosis in alveolar epithelial cells, and the main active components were luteolin, isoacteoside, and aucubin. Lung tissue metabolomic and immunohistochemical methods confirmed that LRC extract could restore metabolic disorders in ALI mice by correcting energy metabolism imbalance, activating cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP), and inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that LRC extract inhibited the occurrence and development of ALI inflammation by promoting the synthesis of antioxidant metabolites, balancing energy metabolism, activating CAP and suppressing the α7nAChR-TLR4/NF-κB p65 signaling pathway. In addition, our study provided an innovative research model for exploring the effective ingredients and mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the protective effects of LRC extract in LPS-induced ALI mice.

Dachengqi decoction alleviates acute lung injury by suppressing HIF-1α-mediated glycolysis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Acute lung injury (ALI) is an aggressive inflammatory disease of the lungs characterized by a high mortality rate. More and more researchers have found that herbal medicines are highly effective in preventing and treating inflammatory lung diseases. Among them, Dachengqi Decoction (DCQD) is considered to be the representative prescription of "lung-intestine combined treatment" in traditional Chinese medicine, and its potential protective mechanism against ALI is worthy of further study.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Based on the theory of "lung-intestine combined treatment", the protective effect and molecular mechanism of DCQD in alleviating ALI were verified by network pharmacology and experiments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The active ingredients of DCQD were obtained by UPLC-MS. Network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques were used to screen the active ingredient-target pathway of DCQD for ALI treatment. Additionally, the ALI model was constructed and verified in vivo according to the predicted results.

RESULTS

34 active components and 570 potential targets of DCQD were selected by network pharmacological analysis. In addition, 950 target genes of ALI and 2095 target genes related to sepsis were obtained, and 570 interlinked target genes of the two were identified. We finally screened out 199 common target genes critical to DCQD treatment of ALI and sepsis, and then enriched them with GO and KEGG. In the ALI model, studies have found that DCQD alleviates the inflammatory response of ALI, possibly by inhibiting HIF-1α-mediated glycolysis.

CONCLUSION

This study confirmed the preventive effect of DCQD on ALI, and found that DCQD can improve the protective mechanism of ALI by regulating the expression of HIF-1α, down-regulating glycolysis and reducing inflammation.

Integrating artificial intelligence into the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine industry: a review

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is the practical experience and summary of the Chinese nation for thousands of years. It shows great potential in treating various chronic diseases, complex diseases and major infectious diseases, and has gradually attracted the attention of people all over the world. However, due to the complexity of prescription and action mechanism of TCM, the development of TCM industry is still in a relatively conservative stage. With the rise of artificial intelligence technology in various fields, many scholars began to apply artificial intelligence technology to traditional Chinese medicine industry and made remarkable progress. This paper comprehensively summarizes the important role of artificial intelligence in the development of traditional Chinese medicine industry from various aspects, including new drug discovery, data mining, quality standardization and industry technology of traditional Chinese medicine. The limitations of artificial intelligence in these applications are also emphasized, including the lack of pharmacological research, database quality problems and the challenges brought by human-computer interaction. Nevertheless, the development of artificial intelligence has brought new opportunities and innovations to the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine. Integrating artificial intelligence technology into the comprehensive application of Chinese medicine industry is expected to overcome the major problems faced by traditional Chinese medicine industry and further promote the modernization of the whole traditional Chinese medicine industry.

Pharmacological effects and mechanism of Maxing Shigan decoction in the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Maxing Shigan Decoction (MXSG) is a traditional Chinese Medicine effectively used in respiratory infections and bacterial pneumonia. However, the mechanism of MXSG treating acute Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) pneumonia is still unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of MXSG on acute P. aeruginosa pneumonia and explore its potential mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HPLC-MS analysis was performed to analyze the chemical composition. Antibacterial effects in vitro were evaluated by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Forty-five male BALB/c mice were divided into control group, model group, levofloxacin group, MXSG-L (7.7 g/kg/d), and MXSG-H group (15.4 g/kg/d). Mice were intranasal instillation with P. aeruginosa to induce acute P. aeruginosa pneumonia model. Levofloxacin and MXSG were administered by oral gavage once a day. After 3 days of treatment, the lung index measurement, micro-CT, arterial blood gas analysis, bacteria load determination, and HE staining were performed. Network pharmacological analysis and transcriptome sequencing were employed to predict the potential mechanisms of MXSG on bacterial pneumonia. The expressions of relating genes were detected by immunofluorescence, Western blot, and RT-PCR.

RESULTS

In vitro, MIC of P. aeruginosa is greater than 500 mg/mL. In the treatment of acute P. aeruginosa pneumonia model, MXSG significantly improved body weight loss, lung index, and pulmonary lesions. MXSG treatment also reduced the bacterial load and ameliorated oxygen saturation significantly. Transcriptomes, immunofluorescence, Western blot, and RT-PCR analysis showed MXSG treating acute P. aeruginosa pneumonia through the IL-17 signaling pathway and HIF-1α/IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated the efficacy and mechanism of MXSG in the treatment of acute P. aeruginosa pneumonia, which provides a scientific basis for its clinical application.

Rosavin Alleviates LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injure by Modulating the TLR-4/NF-κB/MAPK Singnaling Pathways

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a serious inflammatory disease with high morbidity and mortality. Rosavin is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant phenylpropanoid and glucoside, which is isolated from Rhodiola rosea L. However, its potential molecular mechanisms and whether it has protective effects against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI remain to be elucidated. To assess the in vitro anti-inflammatory effects and anti-lung injury activity of rosavin, RAW264.7 and A549 cells were stimulated using 1 μg/mL LPS. Rosavin attenuated LPS-induced activation of the TLR-4/NF-κB signaling pathway in RAW264.7 cells and inhibited LPS-induced release of inflammatory factors in A549 cells. A mouse model of acute lung injury was constructed by intraperitoneal injection of 5 mg/kg LPS to observe the therapeutic effect of rosavin. Transcriptomics analysis and Western blot assays were utilized to verify the molecular mechanism, rosavin (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg) dose-dependently ameliorated histopathological alterations, reduced the levels of inflammatory factors, and inhibited the TLR-4/NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway and apoptosis activation. Rosavin is a promising therapeutic candidate for acute lung injury by inhibiting the TLR-4/NF-κB/MAPK pathway.

Scoparone inhibits the development of hepatocellular carcinoma by modulating the p38 MAPK/Akt/NF-κB signaling in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease mice

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM

The mechanisms underlying the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains confusing and the therapeutics approaches are also challenging. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of scoparone on the treatment of HCC stemmed from NAFLD and the underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A model of NAFLD-HCC was created in mice, and these mice were treated with scoparone. Biochemical assays were conducted to assess the levels of biochemical markers. Tumors were evaluated through morphological examination. Histopathological analyses were performed using oil red O, Hematoxylin and Eosin, and Masson coloration assays. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and RT-PCR were performed to analyze protein expression and measure mRNA expression levels, respectively.

RESULTS

Scoparone could ameliorate the pathological alterations observed in NAFLD-HCC mouse model. IHC analysis indicated an upregulation of NF-κB p65 expression in both NAFLD and NAFLD-HCC models, which was subsequently reverted by scoparone administration. Furthermore, scoparone treatment resulted in a reversal of the increased mRNA expression levels of NF-κB target genes, including TNF-α, MCP-1, iNOS, COX-2, NF-κB, and MMP-9, which were originally elevated in the NAFLD-HCC condition. Additionally, scoparone exhibited a capacity to counteract the activation of the MAPK/Akt signaling in the NAFLD-HCC model.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that scoparone holds promise as a potential therapeutic agent for NAFLD-associated HCC, and its model of action may involve the regulation of inflammatory pathways governed by the MAPK/Akt/NF-κB signaling cascade.

Molecular mechanism of honeysuckle + forsythia in treatment of acute lung injury based on network pharmacology

The pathogenesis of acute lung injury (ALI) is complex and it is a common critical illness in clinical practice, seriously threatening the lives of critically ill patients, for which no specific molecular marker exists and there is a lack of effective methods for the treatment of ALI. The present study aimed to investigate the mechanism of action of honeysuckle and forsythia in treatment of acute lung injury (ALI) based on network pharmacology and in vitro modeling. The active ingredients and targets of honeysuckle and forsythia were predicted using traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology, PubChem and Swiss Target Prediction databases, and the Cytoscape 3.7.2 software was used to construct a drug-component-potential target network. The potential targets were imported into the Search tool for recurring instances of neighboring genes) database to obtain protein-protein interactions and subjected to Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Targets analysis using Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery. AutoDock Vina 1.1.2 software was used for docking between key active ingredients and the target proteins to analyze the binding ability of the active ingredients to the primary targets in honeysuckle and forsythia. A total of 64 male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into control, model, positive drug (Lianhua-Qingwen capsule), honeysuckle, forsythia, honeysuckle + forsythia high-, medium- and low-dose groups. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induced an ALI model. The lung tissues of the mice were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and the serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were measured 4 h after the LPS administration. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting were used to detect NF-κB mRNA and protein expression, respectively. Active ingredients of honeysuckle and forsythia acted on 265 common targets in ALI, which regulated NF-κB, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, HIF-1 signalling pathway to slow the inflammatory response in treatment of ALI. In the positive drug group, honeysuckle, forsythia group, honeysuckle + forsythia high-, medium- and low-dose groups, lung tissue damage were significantly decrease compared with the model group, and inflammatory cell infiltration was reduced. Compared with the model group, honeysuckle + forsythia groups experienced decreased damage caused by the LPS and inflammation in the lung tissues and significantly decreased TNF-α and NF-κB and MDA concentration and significantly increased the SOD and GSH-Px activities. The mechanism of the effect of honeysuckle and forsythia on ALI may be mediated by inhibition of TNF-α and NF-κB expression and the activation of antioxidant mechanisms to decrease production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in lung tissue, thus treating ALI.

Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge total saponins ameliorate diabetic cardiomyopathy by modifying the PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α pathway to restore glycolytic metabolism

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Based on the theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) belongs to the category of "Xiaoke disease" according to the symptoms, and "stasis-heat" is the main pathogenesis of DCM. The Chinese medicine Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge (AAB), as a representative of heat-clearing and engendering fluid, is often used clinically in the treatment of DCM. Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge total saponins (RATS) are the main bioactive components of AAB, the modern pharmacologic effects of RATS are anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and cardioprotective. However, the potential protective mechanisms of RATS against DCM remain largely undiscovered.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The primary goal of this study was to explore the effect of RATS on DCM and its mechanism of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Streptozotocin and a high-fat diet were used to induce DCM in rats. UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS was used to determine the chemical components of RATS. The degenerative alterations and apoptotic cells in the heart were assessed by HE staining and TUNEL. Network pharmacology was used to anticipate the probable targets and important pathways of RATS. The alterations in metabolites and main metabolic pathways in heart tissue were discovered using 1 H-NMR metabolomics. Ultimately, immunohistochemistry was used to find critical pathway protein expression.

RESULTS

First of all, UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS analysis showed that RATS contained 11 active ingredients. In animal experiments, we found that RATS lowered blood glucose and lipid levels in DCM rats, and alleviated cardiac pathological damage, and decreased cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Furthermore, the study found that RATS effectively reduced inflammatory factor release and the level of oxidative stress. Mechanistically, RATS downregulated the expression levels of PI3K, AKT, HIF-1α, LDHA, and GLUT4 proteins. Additionally, glycolysis was discovered to be a crucial pathway for RATS in the therapy of DCM.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that the protective effect of RATS on DCM may be attributed to the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α pathway and the correction of glycolytic metabolism.

Cell type-specific molecular mechanisms and implications of necroptosis in inflammatory respiratory diseases

Necroptosis is generally considered as an inflammatory cell death form. The core regulators of necroptotic signaling are receptor-interacting serine-threonine protein kinases 1 (RIPK1) and RIPK3, and the executioner, mixed lineage kinase domain-like pseudokinase (MLKL). Evidence demonstrates that necroptosis contributes profoundly to inflammatory respiratory diseases that are common public health problem. Necroptosis occurs in nearly all pulmonary cell types in the settings of inflammatory respiratory diseases. The influence of necroptosis on cells varies depending upon the type of cells, tissues, organs, etc., which is an important factor to consider. Thus, in this review, we briefly summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the biology of necroptosis, and focus on the key molecular mechanisms that define the necroptosis status of specific cell types in inflammatory respiratory diseases. We also discuss the clinical potential of small molecular inhibitors of necroptosis in treating inflammatory respiratory diseases, and describe the pathological processes that engage cross talk between necroptosis and other cell death pathways in the context of respiratory inflammation. The rapid advancement of single-cell technologies will help understand the key mechanisms underlying cell type-specific necroptosis that are critical to effectively treat pathogenic lung infections and inflammatory respiratory diseases.

The impacts of SphK1 on inflammatory response and oxidative stress in LPS-induced ALI/ARDS

As severe conditions, acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) threaten human health. Inflammation and oxidative stress play a vital role in the pathogenesis of ALI/ARDS. Sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) significantly contributes to mediating inflammatory responses. Nevertheless, the impact of SphK1 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-triggered ALI/ARDS remains largely undetermined. In our current work, we explored the impact of SphK1 on ALI/ARDS using a mouse model. We studied whether it could reduce LPS-triggered inflammatory response and oxidative stress by suppressing SphK1 in ALI/ARDS. The mice were treated with the inhibitor of SphK1 (N,N-dimethylsphingosine, DMS) before intraperitoneal injection of LPS. Moreover, we assessed the survival rate, and several parameters, such as the lung wet/dry (W/D) ratio, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and the release of inflammatory cytokines. Western blotting analysis was adopted to evaluate the levels of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/serine/threonine kinase (AKT) pathways. We showed that the inhibitor of SphK1 not only ameliorated LPS-stimulated lung histopathological changes and W/D ratio of lung tissue but also elevated the survival rate, the SOD activity and decreased the MDA content, MPO activity, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-ɑ (TNF-ɑ) production by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in lung tissue. Taken together, SphK1 played an essential role in inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. The underlying mechanism might be linked to the activation and up-regulation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in LPS-triggered ALI/ARDS.

Ursodeoxycholic acid alleviates sepsis-induced lung injury by blocking PANoptosis via STING pathway

Acute lung injury (ALI), a progressive lung disease mostly caused by sepsis, is characterized by uncontrolled inflammatory responses, increased oxidative stress, pulmonary barrier dysfunction, and pulmonary edema. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a natural bile acid with various pharmacological properties and is extensively utilized in clinical settings for the management of hepatobiliary ailments. Nonetheless, the potential protective effects and mechanism of UDCA on sepsis-induced lung injuries remain unknown. In this study, we reported that UDCA effectively inhibited pulmonary edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, pro-inflammatory cytokines production, and oxidative stress. Furthermore, UDCA treatment significantly alleviated the damage of pulmonary barrier and enhanced alveolar fluid clearance. Importantly, UDCA treatment potently suppressed PANoptosis-like cell death which is demonstrated by the block of apoptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis. Mechanistically, UDCA treatment prominently inhibited STING pathway. And the consequential loss of STING substantially impaired the beneficial effects of UDCA treatment on the inflammatory response, pulmonary barrier, and PANoptosis. These results indicate that STING plays a pivotal role in the UDCA treatment against sepsis-induced lung injury. Collectively, our findings show that UDCA treatment can ameliorate sepsis-induced lung injury and verified a previously unrecognized mechanism by which UDCA alleviated sepsis-induced lung injury through blocking PANoptosis-like cell death via STING pathway.

Multi-level advances in databases related to systems pharmacology in traditional Chinese medicine: a 60-year review

The therapeutic effects of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) involve intricate interactions among multiple components and targets. Currently, computational approaches play a pivotal role in simulating various pharmacological processes of TCM. The application of network analysis in TCM research has provided an effective means to explain the pharmacological mechanisms underlying the actions of herbs or formulas through the lens of biological network analysis. Along with the advances of network analysis, computational science has coalesced around the core chain of TCM research: formula-herb-component-target-phenotype-ZHENG, facilitating the accumulation and organization of the extensive TCM-related data and the establishment of relevant databases. Nonetheless, recent years have witnessed a tendency toward homogeneity in the development and application of these databases. Advancements in computational technologies, including deep learning and foundation model, have propelled the exploration and modeling of intricate systems into a new phase, potentially heralding a new era. This review aims to delves into the progress made in databases related to six key entities: formula, herb, component, target, phenotype, and ZHENG. Systematically discussions on the commonalities and disparities among various database types were presented. In addition, the review raised the issue of research bottleneck in TCM computational pharmacology and envisions the forthcoming directions of computational research within the realm of TCM.

EGR-1 Contributes to Pulmonary Edema by Regulating the Epithelial Sodium Channel in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a common lung disease with increasing morbidity and mortality rates due to the lack of specific drugs. Impaired alveolar fluid clearance (AFC) is a primary pathological feature of ALI. Epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is a primary determinant in regulating the transport of Na+ and the clearance of alveolar edema fluid. Therefore, ENaC is an important target for the development of drugs for ALI therapy. However, the role of ENaC in the progression of ALI remains unclear. Inhibition of early growth response factor (EGR-1) expression has been reported to induce a protective effect on ALI; therefore, we evaluated whether EGR-1 participates in the progression of ALI by regulating ENaC-α in alveolar epithelium. We investigated the potential mechanism of EGR-1-mediated regulation of ENaC in ALI. We investigated whether EGR-1 aggravates the pulmonary edema response in ALI by regulating ENaC. ALI mouse models were established by intrabronchial injection of lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Lentiviruses with EGR-1 knockdown were transfected into LPS-stimulated A549 cells. We found that EGR-1 expression was upregulated in the lung tissues of ALI mice and in LPS-induced A549 cells, and was negatively correlated with ENaC-α expression. Knockdown of EGR-1 increased ENaC-α expression and relieved cellular edema in ALI. Moreover, EGR-1 regulated ENaC-α expression at the transcriptional level, and correspondingly promoted pulmonary edema and aggravated ALI symptoms. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that EGR-1 could promote pulmonary edema by downregulating ENaC-α at the transcriptional level in ALI. Our study provides a new potential therapeutic strategy for treatment of ALI.

Qinhuo Shanggan oral solution resolves acute lung injury by down-regulating TLR4/NF-κB signaling cascade and inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a common condition, particularly in the COVID-19 pandemic, which is distinguished by sudden onset of respiratory insufficiency with tachypnea, oxygen-refractory cyanosis, reduced lung compliance and diffuse infiltration of pulmonary alveoli. It is well-established that increasing activity of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling axis and the NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation are associated with the pathogenesis of ALI. Since ALI poses a huge challenge to human health, it is urgent to tackle this affliction with therapeutic intervention. Qinhuo Shanggan oral solution (QHSG), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, is clinically used for effective medication of various lung diseases including ALI, with the action mechanism obscure. In the present study, with the rat model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI, QHSG was unveiled to ameliorate ALI by alleviating the pathological features, reversing the alteration in white blood cell profile and impeding the production of inflammatory cytokines through down-regulation of TLR4/NF-κB signaling cascade and inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. In LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 mouse macrophages, QHSG was discovered to hinder the generation of inflammatory cytokines by lessening TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway activity and weakening NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Taken together, QHSG may resolve acute lung injury, attributed to its anti-inflammation and immunoregulation by attenuation of TLR4/NF-κB signaling cascade and inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Our findings provide a novel insight into the action mechanism of QHSG and lay a mechanistic foundation for therapeutic intervention in acute lung injury with QHSG in clinical practice.

Potential benefits of Rehmanniae Radix after ancient rice-steaming process in promotion of antioxidant activity in rats' health

Rice steam processed product of Rehmanniae Radix (RSRR), one of the processed products of Rehmanniae Radix (RR), is popular as an herbal medicine and food. However, the health-promoting effects and mechanisms of RSRR are still unclear. In this study, 10-week-old Sprague-Dawley female rats were treated with different processed products of RR. No organ coefficient differences were observed between RSRR and the control group, indicating that RSRR did not cause damage to the rats. Compared with other RR products, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and catalase levels were significantly higher and malondialdehyde levels were significantly lower in the RSRR group, indicating that RSRR exerted a better antioxidant effect. Gene expression analysis showed that hemoglobin genes (Hba-a1, Hba-a2, Hbb-bs, Hbb, Hbq1b, Hbb-b1, and LOC103694857) may be potential biomarkers to evaluate the antioxidant effect of RSRR. Antioxidation-related signaling pathways in GO annotation, including cellular oxidant detoxification, hydrogen peroxide metabolic process, hemoglobin complex, and oxygen binding signaling pathways were significantly enriched, indicating these pathways may represent the antioxidant mechanism of RSRR. To explore the main active compounds primarily responsible for the antioxidant activity of RSRR, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was used and six components (catalpol, rehmannioside A, rehmannioside D, melittoside, ajugol, and verbascoside) were identified in rat serum. Catalpol and rehmannioside A were predicted to be the major active components by network pharmacology. These results suggested that RSRR exhibits antioxidant activity and has health-promoting properties. This study provides a scientific basis for the antioxidant mechanism and clinical use of RSRR.

Jinzhen Oral Liquid alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury through modulating TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway

BACKGROUND

Acute lung injury (ALI) has the attribution of excessive inflammation of the lung. Jinzhen oral liquid (JO), a famous Chinese recipe used to treat ALI, has a favorable therapeutic effect on ALI. However, its anti-inflammatory mechanism has not been extensively studied.

PURPOSE

This study was to elucidate the effects of JO on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI and its molecular mechanism.

METHODS

An ALI model was established by intratracheal instillation of LPS (2 mg/50 μl). The open field experiment was carried out to explore the spontaneous movement and exploratory behavior of ALI mice. Cytokines levels concentrations (IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Network pharmacology was used to predict the mechanism of JO against ALI. Immunofluorescence, co-immunoprecipitation, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), Western blot and RT-PCR were used to verify the molecular mechanisms of JO.

RESULTS

The in vivo results suggested that JO (1, 2, 4 g/kg) dose-dependently improved the exercise performance of mice and reduced the lung W/D weight ratio as well as the production of IL-6 and TNF-α, but increased the release of IL-10 in the ALI group. The network pharmacological analysis demonstrated that the Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathway might be the fundamental action mechanisms of JO against ALI. Immunofluorescence staining and co-immunoprecipitation analysis showed that JO decreased the expression levels of TLR4 and MyD88 and reduced their interaction in the lung tissue of ALI mice. Meanwhile, JO decreased nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of NF-κB P65. The results from cellular experiments were in line with those in vivo. The FRET experiment also confirmed that JO disturbed the interaction of TLR4 and MyD88. Subsequently, we also found that the six indicative components of JO have the similar therapeutic effect as JO.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, we suggested that JO suppressed the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway, thus inhibiting LPS-induced ALI in vitro and in vivo. The clarified mechanism provided an important theoretical basis and a novel treatment strategy for the ALI treatment of JO.

A modified Fangji Huangqi decoction ameliorates pulmonary artery hypertension via phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases/protein kinase B-mediated regulation of proliferation and apoptosis of smooth muscle cells in vitro and in vivo

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is a progressive and fatal lung disease of multifactorial etiology, which arouses an enhanced interest in PAH disease therapy. Modified Fangji Huangqi decoction (MFJHQ), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, has a crucial role in the treatment of PAH. However, the pharmacological roles and mechanisms of MFJHQ on PAH remain unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the effects and potential mechanism of MFJHQ on pulmonary vascular remodeling in PAH.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) was employed to quantitate the principal components in MFJHQ. Rats were treated with MFJHQ by gavage for final 2 weeks in MCT-induced PAH rats. RNA-sequencing and network pharmacology analysis were performed to explore the potential mechanism. The primary rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) were utilized to evaluate the regulatory effect of MFJHQ in vitro.

RESULTS

Seven active components from MFJHQ were quantitated by UPLC. In rats with MCT-induced PAH, MFJHQ treatment significantly improved hemodynamic parameters, right ventricular hypertrophy index, lung function, and attenuated pulmonary vascular remodeling. Mechanistically, we further confirmed that MFJHQ inhibits MCT-induced phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway predicated by network pharmacology and RNA-sequencing analysis to reduce the proliferation of pulmonary arteries and promote pulmonary artery apoptosis in lung tissues. Additionally, MFJHQ hindered the proliferation and migration, and accelerated apoptosis in PDGF-BB-induced PASMCs in vitro, which can be enhanced by the presence of the PI3K inhibitor LY294002.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicated that MFJHQ inhibited MCT-induced pulmonary vascular remodeling by decreasing proliferation and migration of PASMCs and promoting PASMC apoptosis through PI3K/Akt pathway, which provides a novel treatment option for PAH with multi-targeting mechanisms inspired by TCM theory.

Aqueous extract of Platycodon grandiflorus attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced apoptosis and inflammatory cell infiltration in mouse lungs by inhibiting PI3K/Akt signaling

BACKGROUND

Acute lung injury (ALI), an acute inflammatory lung disease, can cause a rapid inflammatory response in clinic, which endangers the patient's life. The components of platycodon grandiflorum, such as platycodins have a wide range of pharmacological activities such as expectorant, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and anti-oxidant properties, and can be used for improving human immunity. Previous studies have shown that aqueous extract of platycodon grandiflorum (PAE) has a certain protective effect on ALI, but the main pharmacodynamic components and the mechanism of action are not clear.

METHODS

The anti-inflammatory properties of PAE were studied using the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI animal model. Hematoxylin and eosin stains were used to assess the degree of acute lung damage. Changes in RNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the lungs were measured using quantitative RT-qPCR. The potential molecular mechanism of PAE preventing ALI was predicted by lipidomics and network pharmacology. To examine the anti-apoptotic effects of PAE, TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) was employed to determine apoptosis-related variables. The amounts of critical pathway proteins and apoptosis-related proteins were measured using Western blotting.

RESULTS

Twenty-six chemical components from the PAE were identified, and their related pathways were obtained by the network pharmacology. Combined with the analysis of network pharmacology and literature, it was found that the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway is related to ALI. The results of lipidomics show that PAE alleviates ALI via regulating lung lipids especially phosphatidylinositol (PI). Finally, the methods of molecular biology were used to verify the mechanism of PAE. It can be found that PAE attenuates the inflammatory response to ALI by inhibiting apoptosis through PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

The study revealed that the PAE attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced apoptosis and inflammatory cell infiltration in mouse lungs by inhibiting PI3K/Akt signaling. Furthermore, our findings provide a novel strategy for the application of PAE as a potential agent for preventing patients with ALI.

Intestinal Escherichia coli and related dysfunction as potential targets of Traditional Chinese Medicine for respiratory infectious diseases

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has saved countless lives and maintained human health over its long history, especially in respiratory infectious diseases. The relationship between the intestinal flora and the respiratory system has been a popular research topic in recent years. According to the theory of the "gut-lung axis" in modern medicine and the idea that "the lung stands in an interior-exterior relationship with the large intestine" in TCM, gut microbiota dysbiosis is a contributing factor to respiratory infectious diseases, and there is potential means for manipulation of the gut microbiota in the treatment of lung diseases. Emerging studies have indicated intestinal Escherichia coli (E. coli) overgrowth in multiple respiratory infectious diseases, which could exacerbate respiratory infectious diseases by disrupting immune homeostasis, the gut barrier and metabolic balance. TCM is an effective microecological regulator, that can regulate the intestinal flora including E. coli, and restore the balance of the immune system, gut barrier, and metabolism.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review discusses the changes and effects of intestinal E. coli in respiratory infection, as well as the role of TCM in the intestinal flora, E. coli and related immunity, the gut barrier and the metabolism, thereby suggesting the possibility of TCM therapy regulating intestinal E. coli and related immunity, the gut barrier and the metabolism to alleviate respiratory infectious diseases. We aimed to make a modest contribution to the research and development of new therapies for intestinal flora in respiratory infectious diseases and the full utilization of TCM resources. Relevant information about the therapeutic potential of TCM to regulate intestinal E. coli against diseases was collected from PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and so on. The Plants of the World Online (https://wcsp.science.kew.org) and the Plant List (www.theplantlist.org) databases were used to provide the scientific names and species of plants.

RESULTS

Intestinal E. coli is a very important bacterium in respiratory infectious diseases that affects the respiratory system through immunity, the gut barrier and the metabolism. Many TCMs can inhibit the abundance of E. coli and regulate related immunity, the gut barrier and the metabolism to promote lung health.

CONCLUSION

TCM targeting intestinal E. coli and related immune, gut barrier, and metabolic dysfunction could be a potential therapy to promote the treatment and prognosis of respiratory infectious diseases.

Antibody Assay and Anti-Inflammatory Function Evaluation of Therapeutic Potential of Different Intravenous Immunoglobulins for Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease that currently has no known cure. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), which contains AD-related antibodies and has anti-inflammatory properties, has shown potential as a treatment for AD. However, the efficacy of clinical trials involving AD patients treated with IVIG has been inconsistent. Our previous study found that different IVIGs had significantly varied therapeutic effects on 3xTg-AD mice. In order to investigate the relationship between the composition and function of IVIG and its efficacy in treating AD, we selected three IVIGs that showed notable differences in therapeutic effects. Then, the concentrations of specific antibodies against β-amyloid (Aβ)42, tau, and hyperphosphorylated tau (p-tau) in three IVIGs, as well as their effects on systemic inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in Balb/c mice, were analyzed and compared in this study. The results indicated that these IVIGs differed greatly in anti-Aβ42/tau antibody concentration and anti-p-tau ratio, and improved LPS-stimulated peripheral inflammation, liver and kidney injury, and neuroinflammation in Balb/c mice to varying degrees. Combined with our previous results, the efficacy of IVIG against AD may be positively correlated with its level of AD-related antibodies and anti-inflammatory ability. AD-related antibody analysis and functional evaluation of IVIG should be given sufficient attention before clinical trials, as this may greatly affect the therapeutic effect of AD treatment.

Discovery of 4-oxo-N-phenyl-1,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxamide derivatives as novel anti-inflammatory agents for the treatment of acute lung injury and sepsis

Acute lung injury (ALI) and sepsis, characterized by systemic inflammatory response syndrome, remain the major causes of death in severe patients. Inhibiting the release of proinflammatory cytokines is considered to be a promising method for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases. In this study, a total of 28 4-oxo-N-phenyl-1,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxamide derivatives were designed and synthesized and their anti-inflammatory activities in J774A.1 were evaluated. Among them, derivative 13a was found to significantly inhibit lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) on J774A.1, THP-1 and LX-2 cells, and inhibited the activation of the NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, administration of 13ain vivo significantly improved the symptoms in LPS-induced ALI mice, including alleviation of pathological changes in the lung tissue, reduction of pulmonary edema, and inhibition of macrophage infiltration. Moreover, the administration of 13ain vivo significantly promoted survival in LPS-induced sepsis mice. 13a demonstrated favorable pharmacokinetic properties with T_1/2 value of 11.8 h and F value of 36.3%. Therefore, this study has identified a novel 4-oxo-N-phenyl-1,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxamide derivative, 13a, which is an effective anti-inflammatory agent. The findings have laid a foundation for the further development of agents to treat ALI and sepsis.

Huoxiang Zhengqi Oral Liquid Attenuates LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury by Modulating Short-Chain Fatty Acid Levels and TLR4/NF-κB p65 Pathway

Huoxiang Zhengqi Oral Liquid (HZOL) is a classic Chinese patent medicine used in China for more than 1,000 years in treating gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases. Clinically applied HZOL in early respiratory disease stages can reduce the proportion of lung infection patients that progress to severe acute lung injury (ALI). However, few pharmacological studies evaluated its level of protection against ALI. We explored mechanisms of HZOL against ALI by employing network pharmacology, molecular docking, and rat experiments. Firstly, network pharmacology prediction and published biological evaluation of active ingredients of HZOL suggested that HZOL exerted the protective effect in treating ALI mainly in the areas of regulation of cell adhesion, immune response, and inflammatory response and closely related to the NF-κB pathway. Secondly, molecular docking results demonstrated that imperatorin and isoimperatorin combined well with targets in the NF-κB pathway. Finally, ALI rats induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) were used to validate prediction after pretreatment with HZOL for 2 weeks. Results confirmed that lung and colon injury occurred in ALI rats. Furthermore, HZOL exerts anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-induced ALI and gut injury by repairing lung and colon pathology, reducing and alleviating pulmonary edema, inhibiting abnormal enhancement of thymus and spleen index, modulating hematologic indices, and increasing levels of total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the cecum. Additionally, abnormal accumulation of inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IFN-γ in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was significantly reduced after pretreating with HZOL. Furthermore, HZOL downregulated the expression of TLR4, CD14, and MyD88 and phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 in lung tissue. Altogether, HZOL was found to exert an anti-inflammatory effect regulation by increasing levels of SCFAs, inhibiting the accumulation of inflammatory cytokines, and attenuating the activation of the TLR4/NF-κB p65 pathway. Our study provided experimental evidences for the application of HZOL in preventing and treating ALI.

Kuqin ameliorates Lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury by regulating indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 and Akkermansia muciniphila

Scutellariae radix (SR) has been proven to be highly effective in treating inflammation because of its superior medicinal properties. The two main commercial specifications of SR are Kuqin (KQ) and Ziqin (ZQ). According to traditional Chinese medicine theories, KQ has a better effect than ZQ on dispelling upper energizer lung damp heat, however, its mechanism of action is not known. Thus, this study investigated the role of KQ-induced alterations in endogenous metabolites and gut microbiota in regulating LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI). KQ treatment ameliorated lung injury more effectively than ZQ and demonstrated satisfactory organ protection properties. KQ treatment reversed the tryptophan metabolite abnormalities in ALI and reshaped the composition of gut microbial communities. Additionally, the abundance of the enriched Akkermansia muciniphila was significantly and inversely correlated with the rate-limiting enzyme of the tryptophan/kynurenine pathway, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) activity (p = 0.0214, R² =0.7712). Furthermore, the beneficial and causative effects of A. muciniphila were confirmed by antibiotic and microbial intervention experiments. Live and pasteurized A. muciniphila, both supplements could ameliorate the inflammatory response and down-regulate IDO1 expression, thereby restoring tryptophan metabolic imbalance. In conclusion, the current study demonstrated for the first time that KQ may act on the A. muciniphila abundance, regulate IDO1 activity, and thus ameliorate ALI. Interestingly, A. muciniphila supplementation could be a promising therapeutic option for lung diseases through the gut-lung axis.

Pretreatment with rosavin attenuates PM2.5-induced lung injury in rats through antiferroptosis via PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 signaling pathway

Inflammation and oxidative stress caused by fine particulate matter (PM2.5) increase the incidence and mortality rates of respiratory disorders. Rosavin is the main chemical component of Rhodiola plants, which exerts anti-oxidative and antiinflammatory effects. In this research, the potential therapeutic effect of rosavin was investigated by the PM2.5-induced lung injury rat model. Rats were instilled with PM2.5 (7.5 mg/kg) suspension intratracheally, while rosavin (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg) was delivered by intraperitoneal injection before the PM2.5 injection. It was observed that rosavin could prevent lung injury caused by PM2.5. PM2.5 showed obvious ferroptosis-related ultrastructural alterations, which were significantly corrected by rosavin. The pretreatment with rosavin downregulated the levels of tissue iron, malondialdehyde, and 4-hydroxynonenal, and increased the levels of glutathione. The expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) was upregulated by rosavin, together with other ferroptosis-related proteins. RSL3, a specific ferroptosis agonist, reversed the beneficial impact of rosavin. The network pharmacology approach predicted the activation of rosavin on the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. LY294002, a potent PI3K inhibitor, decreased the upregulation of Nrf2 induced by rosavin. In conclusion, rosavin prevented lung injury induced by PM2.5 stimulation and suppressed ferroptosis via upregulating PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Therapeutic effects and mechanism of Atractylodis rhizoma in acute lung injury: Investigation based on an Integrated approach

Acute lung injury (ALI) is characterized by an excessive inflammatory response. Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC. is a traditional chinese medicine with good anti-inflammatory activity that is commonly used clinically for the treatment of lung diseases in China; however, its mechanism of against ALI is unclear. We clarified the therapeutic effects of ethanol extract of Atractylodis rhizoma (EEAR) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI by evaluation of hematoxylin-eosin (HE) stained sections, the lung wet/dry (W/D) ratio, and levels of inflammatory factors as indicators. We then characterized the chemical composition of EEAR by ultra-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) and screened the components and targets by network pharmacology to clarify the signaling pathways involved in the therapeutic effects of EEAR on ALI, and the results were validated by molecular docking simulation and Western blot (WB) analysis. Finally, we examined the metabolites in rat lung tissues by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results showed that EEAR significantly reduced the W/D ratio, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in the lungs of ALI model rats. Nineteen components of EEAR were identified and shown to act synergetically by regulating shared pathways such as the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathways. Ferulic acid, 4-methylumbelliferone, acetylatractylodinol, atractylenolide I, and atractylenolide III were predicted to bind well to PI3K, AKT and MAPK1, respectively, with binding energies < -5 kcal/mol, although only atractylenolide II bound with high affinity to MAPK1. EEAR significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, p38, and ERK1/2, thus reducing protein expression. EEAR significantly modulated the expression of metabolites such as D-Galactose, D-Glucose, serine and D-Mannose. These metabolites were mainly concentrated in the galactose and amino acid metabolism pathways. In conclusion, EEAR alleviates ALI by inhibiting activation of the PI3K-AKT and MAPK signaling pathways and regulating galactose metabolism, providing a new direction for the development of drugs to treat ALI.

Inhibition of inflammasome activation via sphingolipid pathway in acute lung injury by Huanglian Jiedu decoction: An integrative pharmacology approach

BACKGROUND

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a serious health issue which causes significant morbidity and mortality. Inflammation is an important factor in the pathogenesis of ALI. Even though ALI has been successfully managed using a traditiomal Chinese medicine (TCM), Huanglian Jiedu Decoction (HLD), its mechanism of action remains unknown.

PURPOSE

This study explored the therapeutic potential of HLD in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI rats by utilizing integrative pharmacology.

METHODS

Here, the therapeutic efficacy of HLD was evaluated using lung wet/dry weight ratio (W/D), myeloperoxide (MPO) activity, and levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6. Network pharmacology predictd the active components of HLD in ALI. Lung tissues were subjected to perform Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, metabolomics, and transcriptomics. The acid ceramidase (ASAH1) inhibitor, carmofur, was employedto suppress the sphingolipid signaling pathway.

RESULTS

HLD reduced pulmonary edema and vascular permeability, and suppressed the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in lung tissue, Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and serum. Network pharmacology combined with transcriptomics and metabolomics showed that sphingolipid signaling was the main regulatory pathway for HLD to ameliorate ALI, as confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis. Then, we reverse verified that the sphingolipid signaling pathway was the main pathway involed in ALI. Finally, berberine, baicalein, obacunone, and geniposide were docked with acid ceramidase to further explore the mechanisms of interaction between the compound and protein.

CONCLUSION

HLD does have a better therapeutic effect on ALI, and its molecular mechanism is better elucidated from the whole, which is to balance lipid metabolism, energy metabolism and amino acid metabolism, and inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation by regulating the sphingolipid pathway. Therefore, HLD and its active components can be used to develop new therapies for ALI and provide a new model for exploring complex TCM systems for treating ALI.

Systematic identification of the interventional mechanism of Qingfei Xiaoyan Wan (QFXYW) in treatment of the cytokine storm in acute lung injury using transcriptomics-based system pharmacological analyses

CONTEXT

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a complex, severe inflammation disease with high mortality, and there is no specific and effective treatment for ALI. Qingfei Xiaoyan Wan (QFXYW) has been widely used to treat lung-related diseases for centuries.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the potential effects and elucidates the therapeutic mechanism of QFXYW against LPS induced ALI in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

BALB/c Mice in each group were first orally administered medicines (0.9% saline solution for the control group, 0.5 mg/kg Dexamethasone, or 1.3, 2.6, 5.2 g/kg QFXYW), after 4 h, the groups were injected LPS (1.0 mg/kg) to induce ALI, then the same medicines were administered repeatedly. The transcriptomics-based system pharmacological analyses were applied to screen the hub genes, RT-PCR, ELISA, and protein array assay was applied to verify the predicted hub genes and key pathways.

RESULTS

QFXYW significantly decreased the number of leukocytes from (6.34 ± 0.51) × 10⁵/mL to (4.01 ± 0.11) × 10⁵/mL, accompanied by the neutrophil from (1.41 ± 0.19) × 10⁵/mL to (0.77 ± 0.10) × 10⁵/mL in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Based on Degree of node connection (Degree) and BottleNeck (BN), important parameters of network topology, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network screened hub genes, including IL-6, TNF-α, CCL2, TLR2, CXCL1, and MMP-9. The results of RT-PCR, ELISA, and protein chip assay revealed that QFXYW could effectively inhibit ALI via multiple key targets and the cytokine-cytokine signalling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that QFXYW decreased the number of leukocytes and neutrophils by attenuating inflammatory response, which provides an important basis for the use of QFXYW in the treatment of ALI.

Multi-omics approaches for in-depth understanding of therapeutic mechanism for Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is extensively utilized in clinical practice due to its therapeutic and preventative treatments for various diseases. With the development of high-throughput sequencing and systems biology, TCM research was transformed from traditional experiment-based approaches to a combination of experiment-based and omics-based approaches. Numerous academics have explored the therapeutic mechanism of TCM formula by omics approaches, shifting TCM research from the "one-target, one-drug" to "multi-targets, multi-components" paradigm, which has greatly boosted the digitalization and internationalization of TCM. In this review, we concentrated on multi-omics approaches in principles and applications to gain a better understanding of TCM formulas against various diseases from several aspects. We first summarized frequently used TCM quality assessment methods, and suggested that incorporating both chemical and biological ingredients analytical methods could lead to a more comprehensive assessment of TCM. Secondly, we emphasized the significance of multi-omics approaches in deciphering the therapeutic mechanism of TCM formulas. Thirdly, we focused on TCM network analysis, which plays a vital role in TCM-diseases interaction, and serves for new drug discovery. Finally, as an essential source for storing multi-omics data, we evaluated and compared several TCM databases in terms of completeness and reliability. In summary, multi-omics approaches have infiltrated many aspects of TCM research. With the accumulation of omics data and data-mining resources, deeper understandings of the therapeutic mechanism of TCM have been acquired or will be gained in the future.

Integrated metabolomics, network pharmacology and biological verification to reveal the mechanisms of Nauclea officinalis treatment of LPS-induced acute lung injury

BACKGROUND

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe inflammatory disease, underscoring the urgent need for novel treatments. Nauclea officinalis Pierre ex Pitard (Danmu in Chinese, DM) is effective in treating inflammatory respiratory diseases. However, there is still no evidence of its protective effect against ALI.

METHODS

Metabolomics was applied to identify the potential biomarkers and pathways in ALI treated with DM. Further, network pharmacology was introduced to predict the key targets of DM against ALI. Then, the potential pathways and key targets were further verified by immunohistochemistry and western blot assays.

RESULTS

DM significantly improved lung histopathological characteristics and inflammatory response in LPS-induced ALI. Metabolomics analysis showed that 16 and 19 differential metabolites were identified in plasma and lung tissue, respectively, and most of these metabolites tended to recover after DM treatment. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that the PI3K/Akt pathway may be the main signaling pathway of DM against ALI. The integrated analysis of metabolomics and network pharmacology identified 10 key genes. These genes are closely related to inflammatory response and cell apoptosis of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI in mice. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry and western blot verified that DM could regulate inflammatory response and cell apoptosis by affecting the PI3K/Akt pathway, and expression changes in Bax and Bcl-2 were also triggered.

CONCLUSION

This study first integrated metabolomics, network pharmacology and biological verification to investigate the potential mechanism of DM in treating ALI, which is related to the regulation of inflammatory response and cell apoptosis. And the integrated analysis can provide new strategies and ideas for the study of traditional Chinese medicines in the treatment of ALI.

Integration of metabolomics and transcriptomics to reveal anti-chronic myocardial ischemia mechanism of Gualou Xiebai decoction

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Gualou Xiebai decoction (GLXB), a well-known classic traditional Chinese medicine formula, is a recorded and proven therapy for the management of cardiac diseases. However, its pharmacological characteristics and mechanism of action are unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effects of GLXB and its mechanism of action in an isoprenaline-induced rat model of chronic myocardial ischemia (CMI) were investigated by incorporating metabonomics and transcriptomics. Meanwhile, the echocardiographic evaluation, histopathological analysis, serum biochemistry assay, TUNEL assay and western blot analysis were detected to revealed the protective effects of GLXB on CMI.

RESULTS

The results of echocardiographic evaluation, histopathological analysis and serum biochemistry assay revealed that GLXB had a significantly cardioprotective performance by reversing echocardiographic abnormalities, restoring pathological disorders and converting the serum biochemistry perturbations. Further, the omics analysis indicated that many genes and metabolites were regulated after modeling and GLXB administration, and maintained the marked "high-low" or "low-high" trends. Meanwhile, the results from integrated bioinformatics analysis suggested that the interaction network mainly consisted of amino acid and organic acid metabolism. The results of TUNEL assay and western blot analysis complemented the findings of integrated analysis of metabolomics and transcriptomics.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggested that GLXB has a curative effect in isoproterenol-induced CMI in rats. Integrated analysis based on transcriptomics and metabolomics studies revealed that the mechanism of GLXB in alleviating CMI was principally by the regulation of energy homeostasis and apoptosis, which was through a multi-component and multi-target treatment modality.

Ancient Herbal Formula Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodou Decoction Protects Acute and Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure via Inhibiting von Willebrand Factor Signaling

BACKGROUND

Acute liver failure (ALF) and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) are characterized by systemic inflammation and high mortality, but there is no effective clinical treatment. As a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, MaHuang-LianQiao-ChiXiaoDou decoction (MHLQD) has been used clinically for centuries to treat liver diseases.

METHODS

The LPS/D-GalN-induced ALF mice model and the CCl4+LPS/D-GalN-induced ACLF mice model were used to observe the therapeutic effects of MHLQD on mice mortality, hepatocytes death, liver injury, and immune responses.

RESULTS

MHLQD treatment significantly improved mice mortality. Liver injury and systemic and hepatic immune responses were also ameliorated after MHLQD treatment. Mechanistically, proteomic changes in MHLQD-treated liver tissues were analyzed and the result showed that the thrombogenic von Willebrand factor (VWF) was significantly inhibited in MHLQD-treated ALF and ACLF models. Histological staining and western blotting confirmed that VWF/RAP1B/ITGB3 signaling was suppressed in MHLQD-treated ALF and ACLF models. Furthermore, mice treated with the VWF inhibitor ADAMTS13 showed a reduced therapeutic effect from MHLQD treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicated that MHLQD is an effective herbal formula for the treatment of ALF and ACLF, which might be attributed to the protection of hepatocytes from death via VWF/RAP1B/ITGB3 signaling.

Integrative pharmacology reveals the mechanisms of Erzhi Pill, a traditional Chinese formulation, against diabetic cardiomyopathy

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Erzhi Pill (EZP) is a traditional Chinese prescription that has marked effects in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy. However, its underlying pharmacological mechanisms in the treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), remain to be elucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to apply an integrative pharmacological strategy to systematically evaluate the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of EZP, and provide a solid theoretical basis for the clinical application of EZP in the treatment of DCM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, the potential targets and key pathways of EZP were predicted and validated using network pharmacology and molecular docking, respectively. Changes in cardiac metabolites and major metabolic pathways in rat heart samples were examined using ¹H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics. Finally, biochemical analysis was conducted to detect the protein expression levels of key pathways.

RESULTS

We found that EZP decreased fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in the serum, and alleviated the morphological abnormalities of the heart tissue in diabetic rats. Furthermore, EZP effectively restored superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 activity levels, as well as the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), B-cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2, and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) in the heart tissue. Network pharmacology prediction results indicated that the mechanism of EZP in treating DCM was closely related to apoptosis, oxidative stress, and the HIF-1, PI3K-Akt, and FoxO signaling pathways. In addition, ¹H-NMR metabolomics confirmed that EZP primarily regulated both energy metabolism and amino acid metabolism, including the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, ketone bodies metabolism, glutamine and glutamate metabolism, glycine metabolism, and purine metabolism. Finally, immunohistochemistry results indicated that EZP reduced the expression levels of p-AMPK, p-PI3K, p-Akt, and p-FoxO3a proteins, in the heart tissue of DCM rats.

CONCLUSION

The results confirmed that the overall therapeutic effect of EZP in the DCM rat model is exerted via inhibition of oxidative stress and apoptosis, alongside the regulation of energy metabolism and amino acid metabolism, as well as the AMPK and PI3K/Akt/FoxO3a signaling pathways. This study provides an experimental basis for the use of EZP in DCM treatment.

Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino: A review of the pharmacognosy, chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, quality control, and applications

BACKGROUND

Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino (PAF) (Chinese name Jin-Deng-Long) from the Solanaceae family is a traditional Chinese medicine with various pharmacological effects, such as removing heat, detoxification, improving throat conditions, removing phlegm, and ameliorating diuresis.

PURPOSE

This paper reviews the existing literature and patents and puts forward some suggestions for future PAF research.

METHODS

Using the PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases, we performed comprehensive search of literature and patents published before April 2022 on PAF and its active ingredients.

RESULTS

We comprehensively reviewed the research progress of PAF from aspects of the traditional application, botany, chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and toxicology, and first discussed quality control and modern applications, which have not been explored in previous reviews. Thereafter, we reviewed the limitations of pharmacological mechanism and quality control studies and proposed appropriate solutions, which is of great practical significance to subsequent studies.

CONCLUSION

In this review, we present a comprehensive overview on PAF, and put forward new insights on studies regarding quality control, material basis, and mechanisms in classical prescription, providing theoretical guidance for the clinical application and development of Chinese medicine.

Platycodon grandiflorus polysaccharides deeply participate in the anti-chronic bronchitis effects of platycodon grandiflorus decoction, a representative of “the lung and intestine are related”

Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A. DC. (PG) root is one of the most commonly used medicine-food materials for respiratory discomfort in Asia, usually in the form of a decoction or leaching solution. As everyone knows, both of decoction and leaching solution is a polyphase dispersion system, containing low-molecular-weight water-soluble active ingredients and hydrophilic macromolecules. This study aimed to discuss the synergistic effect of Platycodon grandiflorus polysaccharide (PGP) and platycodin D (PD) in PG decoction against chronic bronchitis (CB) and the mechanism underlying. A series of PGP, PD, and PGD + PD suspensions were administrated to CB model rats, on the levels of whole animal and in situ intestinal segment with or without mesenteric lymphatic vessels ligation. It exhibited that PGP exhibited synergistic effects with PD, on improving the histopathological abnormity, mucus secretion excess, and immunological imbalance in lung of CB model rat, closely associated with its modulations on the mucosal immunity status in small intestine. The polysaccharide macromolecules in PG decoction or leaching solution should be responsible for the modulation of pulmonary immune state, possibly through the common mucosal immune between small intestine and lung. These results might be a new perspective that illustrates the classical theory of “the lung and intestine are related” in traditional Chinese medicine.

Triterpenoid saponins from Ilex pubescens promote blood circulation in blood stasis syndrome by regulating sphingolipid metabolism and the PI3K/AKT/eNOS signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Blood stasis syndrome (BSS) is a severe disorder involving disturbances in glycerophosphocholine metabolism. Ilex pubescens (IP) can regulate the levels of lipids, such as lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE); however, the main active constituent of IP and its corresponding mechanism in BSS treatment are still unclear.

PURPOSE

To explore the mechanisms by which triterpenoid saponins of IP (IPTS) promote blood circulation using system pharmacology-based approaches.

METHODS

Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat BSS model was prepared by oral administration of IPTS for 7 days followed by adrenaline hydrochloride injection before immersion in ice water. Coagulation parameters in plasma and thromboxane B₂ (TXB₂), endothelin (ET) and 6-keto-PGF1α in serum were measured. The possible influence on abdominal aortas was evaluated by histopathology assessment. Human vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were incubated with ox-LDL, and the effects of IPTS on cell viability and LDH release were investigated. UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS was used for metabolic profile analysis of lipid-soluble components in rat plasma and intracellular metabolites in HUVECs. Network pharmacology was used to predict the relevant targets and model pathways of BSS and the main components of IPTS. Molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and biochemical assays were used to predict molecular interactions between the active components of IPTS and target proteins. RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA level of target proteins. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to verify the mechanisms by which IPTS promotes blood circulation in BSS.

RESULTS

IPTS improved blood biochemical function in the process of BSS and played a role in vascular protection and maintenance of the normal morphology of blood vessels. Furthermore, metabolite pathways involved in steroid biosynthesis and sphingolipid metabolism were significantly perturbed. Both metabolomics analysis and network pharmacology results showed that IPTS ameliorates vascular injury and that lipid accumulation may be mediated by PI3K/AKT signaling pathway activation. MD simulation and enzyme inhibitory activity results suggested that the main components of IPTS can form stable complexes with PI3K, AKT and eNOS and that the complexes have significant binding affinity. PI3K, AKT, p-AKT, and eNOS mRNA and protein levels were considerably elevated in the IPTS-treated group. Thus, IPTS protects the vasculature by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, activating eNOS and increasing the release of NO.

CONCLUSION

A possible mechanism by which IPTS prevents BSS is proposed: IPTS can promote blood circulation by modulating sphingolipid metabolism and activating the PI3K/AKT/eNOS signaling pathways.

Uncovering the effects and mechanism of Danggui Shaoyao San intervention on primary dysmenorrhea by serum metabolomics approach

Danggui Shaoyao San (DSS) is a well-known prescription for relieving primary dysmenorrhea (PD) of women in China. However, its pharmacological mechanism has not been thoroughly uncovered. Here, an integrative UPLC-Q-TOF-MS-based serum metabolomics approach coupled with multivariate data analysis has been proposed to investigate the effects and mechanism of DSS on estradiol benzoate and oxytocin-induced PD rats. 31 potential biomarkers of PD were screened and identified, mainly involving phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, glycerophospholipid metabolism, primary bile acid biosynthesis, and the occurrence of PD could destroy biological homeostasis in vivo by monitoring these pathways. After DSS treatment, 18 identified different metabolites were restored to the nomal state in varying degrees and could be potential biomarkers contributing to the treatment of DSS. These findings implyed that DSS exhibited a therapeutic effect on PD rats through regulating multiple abnormal pathways. Of note, this study discovered some potential biomarkers related to PD for the first time, such as L-tyrosine, glycocholic acid, citric acid, palmitoylcarnitine, cholesterol. It preliminarily proved the pathophysiology of PD and action mechanisms of DSS on PD, and provided a novel insight into the effectiveness of DSS on PD.

NF-κB and AMPK-Nrf2 pathways support the protective effect of polysaccharides from Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua in lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The raw and honey-processed P. cyrtonema recorded in ancient classics of Chinese medicine as having the effect of moisturizing the lungs and relieving coughs, and it has also been proved to have therapeutic effects on lung diseases in modern research. Polysaccharides are the main components with biological activities in raw and honey-processed P. cyrtonema, but there is no research for their lung-protective effect.

AIM OF STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect and the possible mechanism of polysaccharides from raw and honey-processed P. cyrtonema in LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Polysaccharides, PCP and HPCP, were respectively separated and extracted from raw and honey-processed P. cyrtonema, and the molecular weight, monosaccharide composition and other basic chemical characteristics were analyzed by HPGCP, HPLC, FI-IR, and NMR. The model of ALI mice was established by intratracheal instillation of LPS. Moreover, the protective effects of PCP and HPCP for ALI mice were evaluated by detecting the wet-to-dry ratio and histopathology in the lungs, the content of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β in BLAF, and the content of MPO and SOD in lung tissue. In addition, the lung-protective mechanism of PCP and HPCP was explored by detecting the levels of some proteins and mRNA related to inflammation and oxidative stress pathways.

RESULTS

PCP and HPCP with molecular weights of 8.842 × 10³ and 5.521 × 10³Da were mainly composed of three monosaccharides. Moreover, it is found that fructose and galactose were mainly β-D, and glucose was α-D. Both PCP and HPCP could significantly improve lung injury, reduce the level of inflammatory factors in BALF and the level of MPO in lung tissue, and increase the level of SOD. In addition, PCR and WB indicated that PCP and HPCP at least inhibited pulmonary inflammation through the NF-κB pathway, and reduced the occurrence of pulmonary oxidative stress through the AMPK-Nrf2 pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Polysaccharides from raw and honey-processed P. cyrtonema had a protective effect in LPS-induced lung injury in mice. This effect may be related to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of PCP and HPCP in the lungs through the NF-κB pathway and AMPK-Nrf2 pathway. And HPCP seems to perform more than PCP.

Qingfei Litan Decoction Against Acute Lung Injury/Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: The Potential Roles of Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidative Effects

Acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS) is an acute respiratory failure syndrome characterized by progressive arterial hypoxemia and dyspnea. Qingfei Litan (QFLT) decoction, as a classic prescription for the treatment of acute respiratory infections, is effective for the treatment of ALI/ARDS. In this study, the compounds, hub targets, and major pathways of QFLT in ALI/ARDS treatment were analyzed using Ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) and systemic pharmacology strategies. UHPLC-MS identified 47 main components of QFLT. To explore its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative mechanisms, gene ontology (Go) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment and network pharmacological analysis were conducted based on the main 47 components. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that TNF signaling pathway and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway may be the key pathways of ALI/ARDS. We explored the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative pharmacological effects of QFLT in treatment of ALI/ARDS in vivo and in vitro. QFLT suppressed the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and alleviated oxidative stress in LPS-challenged mice. In vitro, QFLT decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β secreted by LPS-activated macrophages, increased GSH level and decreased the LPS-activated reactive oxygen species (ROS) in lung epithelial A549 cells. This study suggested that QFLT may have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects on ALI/ARDS, combining in vivo and in vitro experiments with systemic pharmacology, providing a potential therapeutic strategy option.

Identification of active compounds and molecular mechanisms of Dalbergia tsoi Merr.et Chun to accelerate wound healing

As a traditional Chinese medicine, Dalbergia tsoi Merr.et Chun (JZX) has been used for the treatment of wounds since ancient times. However, the active compounds and molecular mechanisms of JZX in the acceleration of wound healing are still unknown. Herein, we explored the main active compounds and key molecular mechanisms by which JZX accelerates wound healing. The ethanol extract of JZX was subjected to UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS analysis to identify the main compounds. The pharmacological effect of JZX on wound healing was evaluated using a mouse excision wound model. Network pharmacology was utilized to predict the effective compounds and related signal transduction pathways of JZX that were involved in accelerating wound healing. The predicted key signaling pathways were then validated by immunohistochemical analysis. Interactions between the active compounds and therapeutic targets were confirmed by molecular docking analysis. JZX accelerated wound healing, improved tissue quality, and inhibited inflammation and oxidative stress. Moreover, our results suggested that the active components of JZX, such as butin, eriodyctiol, and formononetin, are the key compounds that facilitate wound treatment. Our studies also indicated that JZX accelerated wound healing by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and inducing the expression of TGF-β1, FGF2, VEGFA, ECM1, and α-SMA at different stages of skin wound healing. The JZX extract accelerates wound healing by reducing inflammation and inhibiting oxidative stress, regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and promoting the expression of growth factors, suggesting that JZX has potential clinical applicability in wound treatment.