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Ding Z, Chen W, Wu H, Li W, Mao X, Su W, Zhang Y, Lin N. Integrative network fusion-based multi-omics study for biomarker identification and patient classification of rheumatoid arthritis. Chin Med 2023; 18:48. [PMID: 37143094 PMCID: PMC10158004 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-023-00750-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cold-dampness Syndrome (RA-Cold) and Hot-dampness Syndrome (RA-Hot) are two distinct groups of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with different clinical symptoms based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theories and clinical empirical knowledge. However, the biological basis of the two syndromes has not been fully elucidated, which may restrict the development of personalized medicine and drug discovery for RA diagnosis and therapy. METHODS An integrative strategy combining clinical transcriptomics, phenomics, and metabolomics data based on clinical cohorts and adjuvant-induced arthritis rat models was performed to identify novel candidate biomarkers and to investigate the biological basis of RA-Cold and RA-Hot. RESULTS The main clinical symptoms of RA-Cold patients are joint swelling, pain, and contracture, which may be associated with the dysregulation of T cell-mediated immunity, osteoblast differentiation, and subsequent disorders of steroid biosynthesis and phenylalanine metabolism. In contrast, the main clinical symptoms of RA-Hot patients are fever, irritability, and vertigo, which may be associated with various signals regulating angiogenesis, adrenocorticotropic hormone release, and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, leading to disorders of steroid biosynthesis, nicotinamide, and sphingolipid metabolism. IL17F, 5-HT, and IL4I1 were identified as candidate biomarkers of RA-Cold, while S1P and GLNS were identified as candidate biomarkers of RA-Hot. CONCLUSIONS The current study presents the most comprehensive metabonomic and transcriptomic profiling of serum, urine, synovial fluid, and synovial tissue samples obtained from RA-Cold and RA-Hot patients and experimental animal models to date. Through the integration of multi-omics data and clinical independent validation, a list of novel candidate biomarkers of RA-Cold and RA-Hot syndromes were identified, that may be useful in improving RA diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihe Ding
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory and Literatures, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16, Nanxiaojie, Dongzhimennei, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Wenjia Chen
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory and Literatures, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16, Nanxiaojie, Dongzhimennei, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Hao Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Weijie Li
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory and Literatures, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16, Nanxiaojie, Dongzhimennei, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Xia Mao
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory and Literatures, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16, Nanxiaojie, Dongzhimennei, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Weiwei Su
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Yanqiong Zhang
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory and Literatures, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16, Nanxiaojie, Dongzhimennei, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Na Lin
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory and Literatures, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16, Nanxiaojie, Dongzhimennei, Beijing, 100700, China.
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Chen Q, Yang J, Chen H, Pan T, Liu P, Xu SJ. Inhibition Ras/MEK/ERK pathway: An important mechanism of Baihu Jia Guizhi Decoction ameliorated rheumatoid arthritis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 304:116072. [PMID: 36543278 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.116072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Alleviating rheumatism by inhibiting synovitis is a routine treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Baihu Jia Guizhi Decoction (BHJGZ) is a classic prescription and has a long history of application for treating RA with a good anti-inflammatory action. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. AIM OF THE STUDY This work aimed to decipher the potential mechanism of BHJGZ against RA focusing on Ras/MEK/ERK pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS Based on the prediction of network pharmacology, the inhibition action of BHJGZ on Ras/MEK/ERK pathway was firstly validated in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, the affinity with the ingredients of BHJGZ in serum and the targets of Ras/MEK/ERK pathway were evaluated. Finally, the efficacy of BHJGZ for relieving RA was assessed in AA rats. RESULTS The Ras/MEK/ERK pathway was predicted by network pharmacology as one of important mechanisms of BHJGZ to treat RA. The high expression of Ras protein in synovitis of AA rats was significantly reduced by the treatment with BHJGZ, and the activation of Ras/MEK/ERK pathway in vivo and in vitro was also markedly inhibited (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). Moreover, the level of p-ERK/ERK, IL-6 and TNF-α in vitro were further suppressed after Ras or MEK was inhibited by mirdametinib or lonafarnib respectively (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the results of molecular docking showed a good affinity and stable binding with the ingredients of BHJGZ in serum and multiple key proteins of the Ras/MEK/ERK pathway. Finally, paw swelling, paw circumference and pathological changes of joint synovitis were significantly reduced by BHJGZ in AA rats (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The inhibition of Ras/MEK/ERK pathway is one of crucial mechanisms of BHJGZ for ameliorating synovitis of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, PR China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, PR China; Institute of Material Medica Integration and Transformation for Brain Disorders, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China,Sichuan, 611137, PR China
| | - Jinming Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, PR China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, PR China; Institute of Material Medica Integration and Transformation for Brain Disorders, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China,Sichuan, 611137, PR China
| | - Huan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, PR China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, PR China; Institute of Material Medica Integration and Transformation for Brain Disorders, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China,Sichuan, 611137, PR China
| | - Ting Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, PR China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, PR China; Institute of Material Medica Integration and Transformation for Brain Disorders, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China,Sichuan, 611137, PR China
| | - Panwang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, PR China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, PR China; Institute of Material Medica Integration and Transformation for Brain Disorders, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China,Sichuan, 611137, PR China
| | - Shi-Jun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, PR China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, PR China; Institute of Material Medica Integration and Transformation for Brain Disorders, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China,Sichuan, 611137, PR China.
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He Y, Zhou Z, Li W, Zhang Y, Shi R, Li T, Jin L, Yao H, Lin N, Wu H. Metabolic profiling and pharmacokinetic studies of Baihu-Guizhi decoction in rats by UFLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and UHPLC-Q-TRAP-MS/MS. Chin Med 2022; 17:117. [PMID: 36195951 PMCID: PMC9531372 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-022-00665-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Baihu-Guizhi decoction (BHGZD) is a well-documented traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) prescription that has been extensively applied to treating rheumatoid arthritis. Despite of its beneficial outcomes, the chemical constituents of BHGZD have not been fully portrayed and the in vivo absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) patterns of absorbed components have never been described. Methods Characterization of absorbed components and in vivo biotransformation profiling of these feature compounds were based on the ultra-fast liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UFLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS). Furthermore, the ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem ion trap quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TRAP-MS/MS) system were performed to investigate the pharmacokinetics of active ingredients from BHGZD. Results In this study, we have identified and tentatively characterized 18 feature absorbed prototype and 15 metabolites of BHGZD in rat serum and the in vivo transformation pathways of these absorbed constituents were proposed. Besides, we have established novel quantitative methodology of five crucial components of BHGZD and have monitored the pharmacokinetic behaviors of these constituents spontaneously in rat serum after BHGZD gavage. After rats received two ways of BHGZD gavage, the pharmacokinetic behaviors of each compound exhibited relatively similar behaviors, as evidenced by similar curve track as well as relatively close time to reach maximum concentration (Tmax) and half washout time (T1/2). Whereas the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) values of five analytes with multiple dosage were a bit higher than single dosage. Conclusion This study added knowledge into the material basis and bio-transformation patterns of BHGZD in vivo, which would be of great value for exploring pharmacological effects and mechanism of BHGZD. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13020-022-00665-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan He
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center for Quality and Efficacy Reevaluation of Post-Market Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 135, Xingangxi Street, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenkun Zhou
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center for Quality and Efficacy Reevaluation of Post-Market Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 135, Xingangxi Street, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Weijie Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijin, China
| | - Yanqiong Zhang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijin, China
| | - Ruoyao Shi
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center for Quality and Efficacy Reevaluation of Post-Market Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 135, Xingangxi Street, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Li
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center for Quality and Efficacy Reevaluation of Post-Market Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 135, Xingangxi Street, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Linlin Jin
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center for Quality and Efficacy Reevaluation of Post-Market Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 135, Xingangxi Street, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongliang Yao
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Na Lin
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijin, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center for Quality and Efficacy Reevaluation of Post-Market Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 135, Xingangxi Street, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China.
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Mao X, Liu Y, Li W, Wang K, Li C, Wang Q, Chen W, Ma Z, Wang X, Ding Z, Zhang Y, Lin N. A promising drug combination of mangiferin and glycyrrhizic acid ameliorates disease severity of rheumatoid arthritis by reversing the disturbance of thermogenesis and energy metabolism. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 104:154216. [PMID: 35749826 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activation of immune system in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) consumes amount of energy, and the energy metabolic signals may be a potential target for RA therapy. Baihu-Guizhi decoction (BHGZD) achieves satisfactory therapeutic effects in RA in clinics by recovering the adjacent articular cartilage and bone destruction, and abnormal articular temperature. However, its pharmacological material basis and molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. PURPOSE This study focused on exploring the potential acting mechanism of BHGZD against RA, and identifying its main bioactive compounds (BACs) of the combination of mangiferin and glycyrrhizic acid. METHODS Key putative targets of BHGZD acting on adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA)-M rats were screened by the transcriptomic profiling of the whole blood cells and synovium tissues collected from rats in normal control, AIA-M model and AIA-M-BHGZD treatment groups. Then, BACs of BHGZD against RA were identified using Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass spectrum/Mass spectrum, molecular docking, surface plasmon resonance and pharmacokinetic analysis. In vivo experiments based on AIA-M rats and in vitro experiments based on 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were performed to verify the pharmacological effects of BACs against RA and the corresponding mechanisms. RESULTS PKA-ADCY5-PPARγ-PGC 1α-UCP1-PRDM16 signal axis was demonstrated to be the candidate targets of BHGZD against RA and was involved in maintaining the balance of thermogenesis and energy metabolism, according to the transcriptional regulatory network analysis based on "herbs-putative targets-disease interaction network". Then, mangiferin from Rhizoma Anemarrhenae and glycyrrhizic acid from Radix Glycytthizae were identified as the main BACs of BHGZD against RA due to their highly accumulation in the blood in vivo, strong binding affinities with the two candidate targets of BHGZD against RA-ADCY5 and PPARγ, as well as the in vivo and in vitro strong regulation effects on energy metabolism disturbance. CONCLUSIONS These findings offer evidence that the combination of mangiferin and glycyrrhizic acid from BHGZD may be a promising candidate drug for RA therapy, and also provide an important reference for the development and modernization of traditional Chinese formulae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Mao
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and literatures, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yudong Liu
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and literatures, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Weijie Li
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and literatures, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Kexin Wang
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and literatures, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Congchong Li
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and literatures, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Qian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Wenjia Chen
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and literatures, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Zhaochen Ma
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and literatures, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Xiaoyue Wang
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and literatures, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Zihe Ding
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and literatures, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yanqiong Zhang
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and literatures, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
| | - Na Lin
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and literatures, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
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Li W, Wang K, Liu Y, Wu H, He Y, Li C, Wang Q, Su X, Yan S, Su W, Zhang Y, Lin N. A Novel Drug Combination of Mangiferin and Cinnamic Acid Alleviates Rheumatoid Arthritis by Inhibiting TLR4/NFκB/NLRP3 Activation-Induced Pyroptosis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:912933. [PMID: 35799788 PMCID: PMC9253268 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.912933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence shows that Baihu-Guizhi decoction (BHGZD), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)-originated disease-modifying anti-rheumatic prescription, may exert a satisfying clinical efficacy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) therapy. In our previous studies, we verified its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities. However, bioactive compounds (BACs) of BHGZD and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Herein, an integrative research strategy combining UFLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, gene expression profiling, network calculation, pharmacokinetic profiling, surface plasmon resonance, microscale thermophoresis, and pharmacological experiments was carried out to identify the putative targets of BHGZD and underlying BACs. After that, both in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to determine the drug effects and pharmacological mechanisms. As a result, the calculation and functional modularization based on the interaction network of the “RA-related gene–BHGZD effective gene” screened the TLR4/PI3K/AKT/NFκB/NLRP3 signaling-mediated pyroptosis to be one of the candidate effective targets of BHGZD for reversing the imbalance network of “immune-inflammation” during RA progression. In addition, both mangiferin (MG) and cinnamic acid (CA) were identified as representative BACs acting on that target, for the strong binding affinities between compounds and target proteins, good pharmacokinetic features, and similar pharmacological effects to BHGZD. Notably, both BHGZD and the two-BAC combination of MG and CA effectively alleviated the disease severity of the adjuvant-induced arthritis-modified rat model, including elevating pain thresholds, relieving joint inflammation and bone erosion via inhibiting NF-κB via TLR4/PI3K/AKT signaling to suppress the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, leading to the downregulation of downstream caspase-1, the reduced release of IL-1β and IL-18, and the modulation of GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis. Consistent data were obtained based on the in vitro pyroptosis cellular models of RAW264.7 and MH7A cells induced by LPS/ATP. In conclusion, these findings offer an evidence that the MG and CA combination identified from BHGZD may interact with TLR4/PI3K/AKT/NFκB signaling to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation and modulate pyroptosis, which provides the novel representative BACs and pharmacological mechanisms of BHGZD against active RA. Our data may shed new light on the mechanisms of the TCM formulas and promote the modernization development of TCM and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijie Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kexin Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yudong Liu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center for Quality and Efficacy Reevaluation of Post-Market Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan He
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center for Quality and Efficacy Reevaluation of Post-Market Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Congchong Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohui Su
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shikai Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiwei Su
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center for Quality and Efficacy Reevaluation of Post-Market Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanqiong Zhang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yanqiong Zhang, ; Na Lin,
| | - Na Lin
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yanqiong Zhang, ; Na Lin,
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Hu J, Zhao L, Li N, Yang Y, Qu T, Ren H, Cui X, Tao H, Chen Z, Peng Y. Investigation of the active ingredients and pharmacological mechanisms of Porana sinensis Hemsl. Against rheumatoid arthritis using network pharmacology and experimental validation. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264786. [PMID: 35235611 PMCID: PMC8890728 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Porana sinensis Hemsl. has been widely used as a substitute for Erycibes Caulis to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, little is known about the active ingredients and pharmacological mechanisms that mediate the action of P. sinensis against RA. Methods The compounds contained in P. sinensis were analyzed by Q Exactive Focus mass spectrometer. The active constituents and pharmacological mechanism of P. sinensis against RA were clarified using a network pharmacology-based investigation. LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells was used to verify anti-inflammatory effects of the active compounds screened by network pharmacology. Collagen-induced arthritis model was used to further investigate the mechanism of P. sinensis against RA. Results The potential components and targets of P. sinensis against RA were analyzed using network pharmacology, and five compounds, twenty-five targets, and eight pathways were identified. Experimental validation suggested that P. sinensis extract and five compounds (esculetin, umbelliferone, trans-N-feruloyltyramine, caffeic acid and scopolin) could inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators (NO, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cell. P. sinensis extract attenuated the severity, pathological changes, and release of cytokines (IL-6 and HIF-1α) during RA progression by regulating the PI3K/AKT and HIF-1 pathways. Conclusion The study provides a basis for the application of P. sinensis against RA. Our findings may provide suggestions for developing P. sinensis into a substitute for Erycibes Caulis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Hu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi’an, China
| | - Lintao Zhao
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi’an, China
| | - Ning Li
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi’an, China
- * E-mail: (NL); (ZC); (YP)
| | - Yuanyuan Yang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi’an Institute for Food and Drug Control, Xi’an, China
| | - Tong Qu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi’an, China
| | - Hui Ren
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi’an, China
| | - Xiaomin Cui
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi’an, China
| | - Hongxun Tao
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Zhiyong Chen
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi’an, China
- * E-mail: (NL); (ZC); (YP)
| | - Yu Peng
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- * E-mail: (NL); (ZC); (YP)
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Zhao X, Yuan F, Wan H, Qin H, Jiang N, Yu B. Mechanisms of magnoliae cortex on treating sarcopenia explored by GEO gene sequencing data combined with network pharmacology and molecular docking. BMC Genom Data 2022; 23:15. [PMID: 35176999 PMCID: PMC8851866 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-022-01029-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Administration of Magnoliae Cortex (MC) could induce remission of cisplatin-induced sarcopenia in mice, however, whether it is effective on sarcopenia patients and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Methods Sarcopenia related differentially expressed genes were analysed based on three Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) transcriptome profiling datasets, which was merged and de duplicated with disease databases to obtain sarcopenia related pathogenic genes. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were than performed to analyse the role of proteins encoded by sarcopenia related pathogenic genes and the signal regulatory pathways involved in. The main active components and target proteins of MC were obtained by searching traditional Chinese medicine network databases (TCMSP and BATMAN-TCM). MC and sarcopenia related pathogenic genes shared target proteins were identified by matching the two. A protein–protein interaction network was constructed subsequently, and the core proteins were filtered according to the topological structure. GO and KEGG analysis were performed again to analyse the key target proteins and pathways of MC in the treatment of sarcopenia, and build the herbs-components-targets network, as well as core targets-signal pathways network. Molecular docking technology was used to verify the main compounds-targets. Results Sarcopenia related gene products primarily involve in aging and inflammation related signal pathways. Seven main active components (Anonaine, Eucalyptol, Neohesperidin, Obovatol, Honokiol, Magnolol, and beta-Eudesmol) and 26 target proteins of MC-sarcopenia, of which 4 were core proteins (AKT1, EGFR, INS, and PIK3CA), were identified. The therapeutic effect of MC on sarcopenia may associate with PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, longevity regulating pathway, and other cellular and innate immune signaling pathways. Conclusion MC contains potential anti-sarcopenia active compounds. These compounds play a role by regulating the proteins implicated in regulating aging and inflammation related signaling pathways, which are crucial in pathogenesis of sarcopenia. Our study provides new insights into the development of a natural therapy for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12863-022-01029-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingqi Zhao
- Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Department of Orthopaedics & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regenerative Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Feifei Yuan
- Department of Pediatrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Haoyang Wan
- Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Department of Orthopaedics & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regenerative Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Hanjun Qin
- Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Department of Orthopaedics & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regenerative Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Department of Orthopaedics & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regenerative Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Bin Yu
- Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Department of Orthopaedics & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regenerative Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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Li W, Mao X, Wang X, Liu Y, Wang K, Li C, Li T, Zhang Y, Lin N. Disease-Modifying Anti-rheumatic Drug Prescription Baihu-Guizhi Decoction Attenuates Rheumatoid Arthritis via Suppressing Toll-Like Receptor 4-mediated NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:743086. [PMID: 34675809 PMCID: PMC8525175 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.743086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As a traditional Chinese medicine-originated disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug prescription, Baihu-Guizhi decoction (BHGZD) is extensively used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with a satisfying therapeutic efficacy. Mechanically, our previous data indicated that BHGZD may ameliorate RA partially by restoring the balance of the “inflammation-immune” system through regulating the TLR4-c-Fos-IL2-TNF-alpha axis. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) has been revealed to be involved in the activation of the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome complex. Thus, the aim of the current study was to determine the regulatory effects of BHGZD on the TLR4–mediated inflammasome activation during RA progression based on the modified adjuvant-induced arthritis model (AIA-M) and the lipopolysaccharide/adenosine triphosphate (LPS/ATP)–induced pyroptosis cellular models. As a result, oral administration of BHGZD exhibited prominent improvement in the disease severity of AIA-M rats, such as reducing the redness and swelling of joints, arthritis incidence, arthritic scores, and diameter of the limb and increasing pain thresholds. In line with the in vivo findings, BHGZD treatment effectively inhibited the LPS/ATP–induced pyroptosis of both Raw264.7 macrophage and MH7A cells in vitro by reducing pyroptotic cell death morphology (swollen cells) and decreasing propidium iodide–positive and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated dUTP-fluorescein nick end labeling (TUNEL)–positive cells. Notably, the increased expression levels of TLR4, NLRP3, interleukin 1β, and interleukin 18 proteins and the elevated activities of caspase-1 and lactic dehydrogenase in in vivo and in vitro disease models were markedly reversed by the treatment with BHGZD. In conclusion, the above findings proved the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities of BHGZD, especially in pyroptosis, which may be attributed to the activation of TLR4–mediated NLRP3 inflammasome signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijie Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xia Mao
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyue Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yudong Liu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kexin Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Congchong Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Taixian Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanqiong Zhang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Na Lin
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Fu J, Wu H, Wu H, Deng R, Sun M. Deciphering the metabolic profile and pharmacological mechanisms of Achyranthes bidentata blume saponins using ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry coupled with network pharmacology-based investigation. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 274:114067. [PMID: 33771642 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Achyranthes bidentata Blume (AB) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) widely used as a dietary supplement and anti-arthritis drug. Pharmacological studies have shown that Achyranthes bidentata Blume saponins (ABS) are the main bioactive ingredient. However, the metabolic profile and mechanisms of action of ABS against rheumatic arthritis (RA) remain to be established. AIM OF THE STUDY Our main objective was to investigate the metabolic profile and pharmacological activities of ABS against RA. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, an analytical method based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS) coupled with a metabolism platform was developed for metabolic profiling of ABS in rat liver microsomes and plasma. Then, the in vivo metabolites of ABS and their targets associated with RA were used to construct the network pharmacological analysis. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment, KEGG signaling pathway analyses and pathway network analyses were performed. The therapeutic effect of ABS on RA was further evaluated using an adjuvant arthritis (AA) model and network pharmacology results validated via Western blot. RESULTS Overall, 26 and 21 metabolites of ABS were tentatively characterized in rat liver microsomes and plasma, respectively. The metabolic pathways of ABS mainly included M+O, M+O-H2, M+O2, and M+O2-H2. Data form network pharmacology analysis suggested that MAPK, apoptosis, PI3K-AKT and p53 signaling pathways contribute significantly to the therapeutic effects of ABS on RA. In pharmacodynamics experiments, ABS ameliorated the symptoms in AA rats in a dose-dependent manner and restored the homeostasis of pro/anti-inflammatory factors. Western blot results further demonstrated a significant ABS-induced decrease in phosphorylation of ERK in the MAPK pathway (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION Application of an analytical method based on UPLC-QTOF/MS, network pharmacology and validation experiments offers novel insights into the components and mechanisms of ABS that contribute to its therapeutic effects against RA, providing useful directions for further research.
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MESH Headings
- Achyranthes
- Animals
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use
- Arthritis, Experimental/blood
- Arthritis, Experimental/drug therapy
- Arthritis, Experimental/metabolism
- Arthritis, Experimental/pathology
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid/blood
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid/metabolism
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid/pathology
- Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
- Cytokines/blood
- Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases/metabolism
- Foot Joints/drug effects
- Foot Joints/pathology
- Male
- Mass Spectrometry
- Metabolome/drug effects
- Microsomes, Liver/metabolism
- Pharmacology/methods
- Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Saponins/pharmacology
- Saponins/therapeutic use
- Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/metabolism
- Rats
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Fu
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China; Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of R&D of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China; Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of R&D of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, 230012, China.
| | - Hong Wu
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China; Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of R&D of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, 230012, China.
| | - Ran Deng
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China; Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of R&D of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Minghui Sun
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China; Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of R&D of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, 230012, China
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10
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Wang L, Pu X, Nie X, Wang D, Jiang H, Chen Y, Pang L, Wang S, Wang X, Xu Z, Fu C, Lin D, Zhang J. Integrated serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacological analysis used to explore possible anti-rheumatoid arthritis mechanisms of the Shentong-Zhuyu decoction. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 273:113988. [PMID: 33667569 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.113988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Shentong-Zhuyu decoction (STZYD) has been recognized by the Chinese National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a classic TCM formula. Use of STZYD has shown a satisfactory clinical therapeutic outcome for rheumatoid arthritis (RA); despite this, its bioactive chemical composition and relevant mechanism(s) of this action have not been clearly elucidated. AIM OF THE STUDY To explore the bioactive chemical composition of STZYD used for RA treatment and its possible mechanism(s) of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS Serum pharmacochemistry mediated by the UPLC-Q-Exactive MS/MS method was employed to identify the absorbed phytochemical compounds in serum derived from STZYD, which were commonly considered as the potential bioactive compounds. And then, these components were used to construct a compound-target network for RA using a network pharmacology approach, to predict the possible biological targets of STZYD along with potential signaling pathways. Afterwards, we established a Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced RA rat model, and observed the anti-RA effect of STZYD by a series of indexes, including foot swelling, ankle diameter, arthritis score, morphological and radiographic analysis, serum inflammatory factors, and histopathological analysis of synovial tissues. Particularly, the predicted pathway by the combination of serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology was further validated using RT-qPCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemical analyses in animal experiment. RESULTS Totally, 38 compounds derived from STZYD have been identified by serum sample analysis. Based on it, 387 genes related to these identified compounds in STZYD and 3807 genes related to RA were collected by network pharmacology. Critically, KEGG analysis indicated that the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was recommended as one of the main pathway related to anti-RA effect of STZYD. Experimentally, STZYD significantly alleviated CFA-induced arthritis without any visible side-effects. Compared to the RA model group without any treatment, the treatment of STZYD significantly reduced the expression of both mRNA and protein targets in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Furthermore, this result was also corroborated by immunohistochemistry analysis. All these studies could effectively corroborate the predicted result as above, suggested that the feasibility of this integrated strategy. CONCLUSION This study provided a useful strategy to identify bioactive compounds and the potential mechanisms for TCM formula by integrating serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Xiulan Pu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Xin Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Di Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Huajuan Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Yi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Lan Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Shengju Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Xiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Zhiyi Xu
- Chengdu Huasun Technology Group Inc., Ltd., Chengdu, 611731, China.
| | - Chaomei Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Dasheng Lin
- Chengdu Huasun Technology Group Inc., Ltd., Chengdu, 611731, China.
| | - Jinming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
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11
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Huang XJ, Wang J, Muhammad A, Tong HY, Wang DG, Li J, Ihsan A, Yang GZ. Systems pharmacology-based dissection of mechanisms of Tibetan medicinal compound Ruteng as an effective treatment for collagen-induced arthritis rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 272:113953. [PMID: 33610711 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.113953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Compound Ruteng (CRT) is a prescribed formulation based on the theory of Tibetan medicine for the treatment of yellow-water-disease. It is consisted with 7 medicinal material include Boswellia carterii Birdw (named "Ruxiang" in Chinese); Tinospora sinensis (Lour.) Merr. (named "Kuan-Jin-Teng" in Chinese), Cassia obtusifolia L (named "Jue-Ming-Zi" in Chinese); Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medic (named "Huang-Kui-Zi" in Chinese); Terminalia chebula Retz. (named "He-Zi" in Chinese); Lamiophlomis rotata (Benth.) Kudo (named "Du-Yi-Wei" in Chinese) and Pyrethrum tatsienense (Bur. et Franch.) Ling (named "Da-Jian-Ju" in Chinese). They are widely distributed in Tibet area of China and have been used to treat rheumatism, jaundice, and skin diseases for centuries. AIM OF THE STUDY The present study was conducted to investigate the anti-arthritis effect of CRT and to disclose the systems pharmacology-based dissection of mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS The chemical constituents in CRT were identified using HPLC method, and CRT candidate targets against RA were screened by network pharmacology-based analysis and further experimentally validated based on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model. Furthermore, therapeutic mechanisms and pathways of CRT were investigated. RESULTS 391 potential targets (protein) were predicted against 92 active ingredients of 7 medicinal materials in CRT. Enrichment analysis and molecular docking studies also enforced the practiced results. X-ray based physiological imaging showed the attenuated effect of CRT on paw swelling, synovial joints and cartilage with improved inflammation in CIA rats. Moreover, the expression of biomarkers associated with RA such as MMP1, MMP3 and MMP13 and TNF-a, COX2 and iNOS are down-regulated in ankle joints, serum, or liver. CONCLUSION In conclusion, CRT compound could attenuate RA symptoms and active ingredients of this compound could be considered for drug designing to treat RA.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antirheumatic Agents/chemistry
- Antirheumatic Agents/pharmacology
- Antirheumatic Agents/therapeutic use
- Arthritis, Experimental/blood
- Arthritis, Experimental/diagnostic imaging
- Arthritis, Experimental/drug therapy
- Arthritis, Experimental/pathology
- Collagen/toxicity
- Cyclooxygenase 2/metabolism
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry
- Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology
- Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use
- Joints/diagnostic imaging
- Joints/drug effects
- Joints/pathology
- Male
- Matrix Metalloproteinases/genetics
- Matrix Metalloproteinases/metabolism
- Medicine, Tibetan Traditional
- Molecular Docking Simulation
- Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II/metabolism
- Oxidative Stress/drug effects
- Protein Interaction Maps
- Rats, Wistar
- Triterpenes/chemistry
- Rats
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Ju Huang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Jing Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Azhar Muhammad
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Sahiwal, Pakistan
| | - Hai-Ying Tong
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, PR China
| | - Da-Gui Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Jun Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Awais Ihsan
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Sahiwal, Pakistan
| | - Guang-Zhong Yang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, PR China.
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12
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Ge H, Zhang B, Li T, Yu Y, Men F, Zhao S, Liu J, Zhang T. Potential targets and the action mechanism of food-derived dipeptides on colitis: network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis. Food Funct 2021; 12:5989-6000. [DOI: 10.1039/d1fo00469g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The present study provides an efficient method for screening food-derived dipeptides to attenuate colitis based on the network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huifang Ge
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Functional Food
- Jilin University
- Changchun
- People's Republic of China
- College of Food Science and Engineering
| | - Biying Zhang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Functional Food
- Jilin University
- Changchun
- People's Republic of China
- College of Food Science and Engineering
| | - Ting Li
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Functional Food
- Jilin University
- Changchun
- People's Republic of China
- College of Food Science and Engineering
| | - Yue Yu
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Functional Food
- Jilin University
- Changchun
- People's Republic of China
- College of Food Science and Engineering
| | - Fangbing Men
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Functional Food
- Jilin University
- Changchun
- People's Republic of China
- College of Food Science and Engineering
| | - Songning Zhao
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Functional Food
- Jilin University
- Changchun
- People's Republic of China
- College of Food Science and Engineering
| | - Jingbo Liu
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Functional Food
- Jilin University
- Changchun
- People's Republic of China
- College of Food Science and Engineering
| | - Ting Zhang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Functional Food
- Jilin University
- Changchun
- People's Republic of China
- College of Food Science and Engineering
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13
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Deng Y, Ren H, Ye X, Xia L, Liu M, Liu Y, Yang M, Yang S, Ye X, Zhang J. Integrated Phytochemical Analysis Based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, Network Pharmacology, and Experiment Verification to Explore the Potential Mechanism of Platycodon grandiflorum for Chronic Bronchitis. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:564131. [PMID: 33013400 PMCID: PMC7506058 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.564131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Platycodon grandiflorum (PG) has been widely used for treating chronic bronchitis (CB). However, the material basis and underlying mechanism of action of PG against CB have not yet been elucidated. Methods To analyze the ingredients in PG, ultraperformance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) technology was performed. Subsequently, using data mining and network pharmacology methodology, combined with Discovery Studio 2016 (DS), Cytoscape v3.7.1, and other software, active ingredients, drug-disease targets, and key pathways of PG in the treatment of CB were evaluated. Finally, the reliability of the core targets was evaluated using molecular docking technology and in vitro studies. Results A total of 36 compounds were identified in PG. According to the basic properties of the compounds, 10 major active ingredients, including platycodin D, were obtained. Based on the data mining approach, the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database, and the Analysis Platform (TCMSP), GeneCards, and other databases were used to obtain targets related to the active ingredients of PG and CB. Network analysis was performed on 144 overlapping gene symbols, and twenty core targets, including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which indicated that the potential signaling pathway that was most relevant to the treatment of CB was the IL-17 signaling pathway. Conclusion In this study, ingredient analysis, network pharmacology analysis, and experiment verification were combined, and revealed that PG can be used to treat CB by reducing inflammation. Our findings provide novel insight into the mechanism of action of Chinese medicine. Furthermore, our data are of value for the research and development of novel drugs and the application thereof.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaling Deng
- Pharmacy College, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Hongmin Ren
- Pharmacy College, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Xianwen Ye
- Pharmacy College, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Lanting Xia
- Pharmacy College, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Minmin Liu
- Pharmacy College, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Pharmacy College, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Songhong Yang
- Pharmacy College, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Xide Ye
- Pharmacy College, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Jinlian Zhang
- Pharmacy College, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
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14
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Yang J, Tian S, Zhao J, Zhang W. Exploring the mechanism of TCM formulae in the treatment of different types of coronary heart disease by network pharmacology and machining learning. Pharmacol Res 2020; 159:105034. [PMID: 32565312 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has long been used in the clinical treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD). TCM is characterized by syndrome-based medication, which is, using different TCM formulae for different syndromes. However, the underlying mode of action remains unclear. In this work, we utilized network pharmacology and machine learning to explore the mechanism of eight classic TCM formulae in the treatment of different types of CHD. First, by integrating multiple databases, a total of 669 potential bioactive compounds and 581 targets of the eight formulae were screened. Then, the effectiveness of these formulae on CHD was evaluated using two network-based indicators. The results showed that each formula's targets were significantly correlated with CHD associated genes and overlapped with the targets of 9 classes of drugs for cardio vascular diseases (CVD) to some degree. Next, from 5 different levels, i.e., herb, symptom, compound, target, and pathway level, we systematically compared the eight formulae using network clustering and hierarchical clustering. We found that all the formulae could be grouped into five clusters and the clustering results were approximately consistent at different levels. All the formulae were involved in 7 pathways closely related to CHD and may exhibit the common effect of relieving angina. Formulae in the same group collectively regulated some unique pathways and suggest further specific indications. For example, the three formulae used for Qi stagnation and blood stasis, Qi deficiency and blood stasis, and Qi-Yin deficiency syndromes acted on two special pathways (TNF signaling pathway, NF-kappa B signaling pathway) and may exert anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing effects; the two formulae for Yin deficiency of heart and kidney, and Yang deficiency of heart and kidney syndromes regulated two special pathways (PPAR signaling pathway, thyroid hormone signaling pathway) in endocrine system and could improve renal function. Subsequently, we designed a rank algorithm, which integrated network topology with biological function, to identify important targets of these formulae. The results were consistent with the multi-level clustering results. At last, our literature mining validated about 20 % putative targets, as well as clustering results and effects of the formulae by experimental evidences. This study explained the medication patterns and scientific significance of TCM formulae on different types of CHD from perspective of systems biology. It may facilitate the understanding of different types of CHD described by traditional Chinese medicine from the perspectives of modern biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Saisai Tian
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Weidong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China; Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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