Network Pharmacology and Bioactive Equivalence Assessment Integrated Strategy Driven Q-markers Discovery for Da-Cheng-Qi Decoction to Attenuate Intestinal Obstruction

Network pharmacology, experimental validation and pharmacokinetics integrated strategy to reveal pharmacological mechanism of goutengsan on methamphetamine dependence

Background

Goutengsan (GTS) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula that can improve multiple nervous system diseases, such as methamphetamine (MA) dependence. However, the mechanism how GTS treats MA dependence remains unclear. This study was aimed to investigate the action mechanism of GTS on MA dependence using network pharmacology, in vivo/in vitro experimental validation, pharmacokinetics, and tissue distribution in the brain.

Materials and Methods

The bioactive ingredients from GTS and possible targeted genes for treating MA dependence were predicted using network pharmacology. The binding of key components of GTS to the predicted proteins was studied using molecular docking, and the key components were verified by HPLC. The effects of GTS on an MA-induced model in rats and SH-SY5Y cells were studied. The regulatory effects of GTS on the expressions of predicted MAPK pathway-related proteins in rat brain tissues and SH-SY5Y cells were validated. Furthermore, the plasma exposure and brain tissue distribution of GTS ingredients for MA dependence treatment and MAPK pathway regulation were studied in mice.

Results

Network pharmacology screened 53 active ingredients, and 287 potential targets of GTS, and showed the MAPK pathway was among the most relevant pathways. Molecular docking showed that key active ingredients (e.g., 6-gingerol, liquiritin and rhynchophylline) bound strongly with MAPK core targets, such as MAPK3, and MAPK8. Five compounds of GTS were detected by HPLC, including 6-gingerol, chlorogenic acid, liquiritin, 5-o-methylviscumaboloside and hesperidin. GTS had a therapeutic effect on MA-dependent rats, and reduced hippocampal CA1 damage and relative expressions of p-MAPK3/MAPK3, p-MAPK8/MAPK8 in brain tissues induced by MA. GTS counteracted aberrant alterations in cAMP, 5-TH and cellular morphology induced by MA induction and exerts therapeutic effects on MA-induced SH-SY5Y cell models. GTS also can antagonize the high expressions of MAPK-related proteins in MA-induced SH-SY5Y cells. Pharmacokinetic experiment revealed the four ingredients of GTS (e.g., chlorogenic acid, 5-o-methylviscumaboloside, hesperidin and rhynchophylline) were exposed in the plasma and brain, which demonstrates its pharmacological effect on MA dependence.

Conclusion

GTS treats MA dependence by regulating the MAPK pathway via multiple bioactive ingredients. The network pharmacology, experimental validation and pharmacokinetics integrated strategy is efficient in discovering the key pharmacological mechanism of herbal formulae.

An Integrative Strategy for Discriminating Quality Markers of Tibetan Medicine Chebulae Fructus Based on Multidimensional Feature Network

Chebulae Fructus (TCF) is a traditional Chinese medicine and Tibetan medicine with high medicinal value, but its quality control indicators still need clarification. In this study, a strategy was proposed to specify the quality markers (Q-markers) of TCF by constructing a multidimensional feature network that includes dimensions of effectiveness, content, traceability, and specificity. Network pharmacology analysis was performed to validate the effectiveness of the chemical constituents in TCF through creating a TCF-component-disease-target-pathway network. By combining fingerprints analysis with UPLC-QTOF-MS, 17 differential components were identified among 19 batches of TCF samples. Serum pharmacochemical analysis on rats identified seven prototype components absorbed into the blood. The scores for the four dimensions were calculated using these identified components as candidates, and a multidimensional feature network based on the "spider-web" model was constructed. Ultimately, chebulinic acid, ellagic acid, chebulagic acid, methyl gallate, gallic acid, chebulic acid, and trigalloylglucose were clarified as Q-markers of TCF. These Q-markers screened out in this study are closely linked to the efficacy of TCF and can serve as indicator components for quality control of TCF.

AI empowering traditional Chinese medicine?

For centuries, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been a prominent treatment method in China, incorporating acupuncture, herbal remedies, massage, and dietary therapy to promote holistic health and healing. TCM has played a major role in drug discovery, with over 60% of small-molecule drugs approved by the FDA from 1981 to 2019 being derived from natural products. However, TCM modernization faces challenges such as data standardization and the complexity of TCM formulations. The establishment of comprehensive TCM databases has significantly improved the efficiency and accuracy of TCM research, enabling easier access to information on TCM ingredients and encouraging interdisciplinary collaborations. These databases have revolutionized TCM research, facilitating advancements in TCM modernization and patient care. In addition, advancements in AI algorithms and database data quality have accelerated progress in AI for TCM. The application of AI in TCM encompasses a wide range of areas, including herbal screening and new drug discovery, diagnostic and treatment principles, pharmacological mechanisms, network pharmacology, and the incorporation of innovative AI technologies. AI also has the potential to enable personalized medicine by identifying patterns and correlations in patient data, leading to more accurate diagnoses and tailored treatments. The potential benefits of AI for TCM are vast and diverse, promising continued progress and innovation in the field.

Dachengqi decoction ameliorates sepsis-induced liver injury by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad3 pathways

Background

Sepsis-induced acute liver injury (ALI) is a major contributor to mortality in septic patients. Exploring the pathogenesis and developing effective treatment strategies for sepsis-induced ALI is critical for improving patient outcomes. Dachengqi decoction (DCQD), which is a classic Chinese herbal medicine, has been shown to possess potent anti-inflammatory properties. However, the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of DCQD against sepsis-induced ALI remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of DCQD on sepsis-induced ALI and elucidate the involvement of the TGF-1β/Smad3 pathways.

Methods

A septic mouse model was established using caecal ligation and puncture (CLP) to evaluate the protective effect of DCQD on sepsis-induced ALI in vivo. An in vitro cellular inflammation model was established using LPS-stimulated LO2 cells to further investigate the underlying mechanism.

Results

DCQD (2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 g/kg body weight) was administered twice daily for 2 days and exerted a dose-dependent protective effect against sepsis-induced ALI. DCQD treatment significantly inhibited inappropriate inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in liver tissue. Moreover, DCQD maintained liver homeostasis by inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis and improving sepsis-induced liver damage. In vivo and in vitro studies indicated that the TGF-β1/Smad3 signalling pathway played an important role in sepsis-induced ALI, and DCQD treatment significantly inhibited the activation of this pathway.

Conclusions

DCQD can effectively suppress excessive inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, leading to a substantial reduction in hepatocyte apoptosis in sepsis-induced ALI.

An integrated strategy for the discovery of quality marker of Dactylicapnos scandens based on phytochemical analysis, network pharmacology and activity screening

Dactylicapnos scandens (D. scandens) is an ethnic medicine commonly used for the treatment of analgesia. In this study, an integrated strategy was proposed for the quality evaluation of D. scandens based on "phytochemistry-network pharmacology-effectiveness-specificity" to discover and determine the quality marker (Q-marker) related to analgesia. First, phytochemical analysis was conducted using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and a self-built compound library, and 19 components were identified in D. scandens extracts. Next, the "compounds-targets" network was constructed to predict the relevant targets and compounds related to analgesia. Then, the analgesic activity of related compounds was verified through dynamic mass redistribution (DMR) assays on D2 and Mu receptors, and 5 components showed D2 antagonistic activity with IC50 values of 39.2 ± 14.7 µM, 5.46 ± 0.37 µM, 17.5 ± 1.61 µM, 7.89 ± 0.79 µM and 3.29 ± 0.73 µM, respectively. Subsequently, nine ingredients were selected as Q-markers in consideration of specificity, effectiveness and measurability, and their content was measured in 12 batches of D. scandens. Furthermore, the hierarchical cluster analysis and heatmap results indicated that the selected Q-marker could be used to discriminate D. scandens and that the content of Q-marker varied greatly in different batches. Our study shows that this strategy provides a useful method to discover the potential Q-markers of traditional Chinese medicine and offers a practical workflow for exploring the quality consistency of medicinal materials.

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.

Analysing pharmacodynamic interactions of traditional Chinese medicine in treating acute pancreatitis based on OPLS method

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a surgical abdominal disease for which the Dachengqi Decoction (DCQD) of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is widely used in China. This study aims to analyse the pharmacodynamic interactions and quantitative relationship of DCQD in the treatment of AP based on orthogonal partial least squares (OPLS) analysis. The experimental data show organic chemical components as candidate pharmacodynamic substances (PS) in the blood and include pharmacodynamic indicators (PIs). Taking each PI as the target and using OPLS method to construct three types of mathematical equations, including the mathematical relationship between the pharmacodynamic substances and each target pharmacodynamic indicator (PS-TPI); the mathematical relationship between the pharmacodynamic substances, the pharmacodynamics indicators and each target pharmacodynamic indicator (PS, PI-TPI); and the mathematical relationship between the pharmacodynamic indicators and each target pharmacodynamic indicator (PI-TPI). Through analysis, we find that the R2Y(cum) values and VIP values indicate that PS and PI are the follow-up factors of TPI; the coefficient value indicates that there is a quantitative relationship between the PS and the TPI; and there also is a quantitative relationship between PI and TPI. The results demonstrated that PS and other PIs are the important influencing factors of TPI, and that there are interactions and quantitative relationships among the PIs.

Exploring the chemical components of Kuanchang-Shu granule and its protective effects of postoperative ileus in rats by regulating AKT/HSP90AA1/eNOS pathway

BACKGROUND

Postoperative ileus (POI) is a common obstruction of intestinal content passage caused by almost all abdominal operations that seriously strokes the quality of life of patients. Kuanchang-Shu granule (KCSG), a classic modified prescription based on "Da-Cheng-Qi Decoction", has obtained satisfactory efficacy in the clinical therapeutics of POI. However, its material basis and holistic molecular mechanism against POI have not been revealed.

METHODS

The chemical ingredients of KCSG were first characterized by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS). Subsequently, an integration strategy of the network pharmacology and molecular docking based on above identified ingredients was performed to unveil the potential targets involved in the treatment of KCSG on POI. Finally, intestinal manipulation induced rat POI model was constructed to verify the efficacy and predicted mechanism of KCSG against POI.

RESULTS

In total, 246 ingredients mainly including organic acids, flavonoids, quinones, alkaloids, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids and phenols were identified. 41 essential ingredients, 24 crucial targets as well as 15 relevant signaling pathways were acquired based on network pharmacology analysis. Pharmacodynamic research showed that KCSG treatment could protect intestinal histological damage, promote the recovery of measurement of gastrointestinal transit disorder and inhibit the secretion of myeloperoxidase in the distal ileum tissues. The up-regulated expression of p-AKT and down-regulated expression of p-eNOS and HSP9OAA1 predicted by molecular docking and validated by western blotting showed that AKT/eNOS/HSP90AA1 pathway may be one of the crucial mechanisms that mediates the protective effect of KCSG.

Network pharmacology: a bright guiding light on the way to explore the personalized precise medication of traditional Chinese medicine

Network pharmacology can ascertain the therapeutic mechanism of drugs for treating diseases at the level of biological targets and pathways. The effective mechanism study of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) characterized by multi-component, multi-targeted, and integrative efficacy, perfectly corresponds to the application of network pharmacology. Currently, network pharmacology has been widely utilized to clarify the mechanism of the physiological activity of TCM. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the application of network pharmacology in TCM to reveal its potential of verifying the phenotype and underlying causes of diseases, realizing the personalized and accurate application of TCM. We searched the literature using "TCM network pharmacology" and "network pharmacology" as keywords from Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, as well as Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure in the last decade. The origins, development, and application of network pharmacology are closely correlated with the study of TCM which has been applied in China for thousands of years. Network pharmacology and TCM have the same core idea and promote each other. A well-defined research strategy for network pharmacology has been utilized in several aspects of TCM research, including the elucidation of the biological basis of diseases and syndromes, the prediction of TCM targets, the screening of TCM active compounds, and the decipherment of mechanisms of TCM in treating diseases. However, several factors limit its application, such as the selection of databases and algorithms, the unstable quality of the research results, and the lack of standardization. This review aims to provide references and ideas for the research of TCM and to encourage the personalized and precise use of Chinese medicine.

A three-dimensional integration strategy for Q-markers identification: Taken Euphorbia Pekinensis Radix as an example

Euphorbia Pekinensis Radix (EPR) is an important antitumor medicinal resource. However, quality control of EPR has not been well established due to the lack of quality markers (Q-markers) research. In this study, a three-dimensional integration strategy was developed to systematically characterize Q-markers and this method was successfully applied to identify Q-markers of EPR. Firstly, three core quality attributes-effectiveness, testability and specificity-were considered as three dimensions, and the weights of each dimension were calculated by analytical hierarch process. Then, the values of each dimension were evaluated by multi-indicators. For EPR with antitumor activity, cytotoxic assay and network pharmacology, UPLC analysis and literature search, compound belonging search were employed to calculate the values of effectiveness, testability and specificity, respectively. Finally, the weights and values were multiplied as the scores of each component on that dimension, and the total scores of the three dimensions were further integrated based on the radar plot and expressed as regression area, by which Q-markers were quantified and visualized. Five components were identified as Q-markers of EPR due to their high-ranked antitumor capacity, ease of measurement and excellent specificity, which laid an important foundation for the quality control improvement of EPR. Furthermore, the integrated strategy summarized here is helpful for the quantitative identification of Q-markers and promote the quality standard of traditional Chinese medicine.

Quercetin Ameliorates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Duodenal Inflammation through Modulating Autophagy, Programmed Cell Death and Intestinal Mucosal Barrier Function in Chicken Embryos

Diarrhea has been a global health problem for centuries, and the treatment has become increasingly difficult duo to the antibiotics overuse and resistance. Quercetin is a common flavonoid of extracts of vegetables, fruits, and traditional Chinese herbs, however, the mechanism of quercetin alleviating LPS-induced duodenal inflammation remains elusive. Specific pathogen-free chicken embryos (n = 120) were allocated to groups including control, PBS with or without alcohol, LPS (125 ng/egg) with or without quercetin (10, 20, or 40 nmol/egg, respectively), and quercetin groups (10, 20, or 40 nmol/egg). Fifteen day-old embryonated eggs were inoculated with abovementioned solutions via the allantoic cavity. At embryonic day 19, the duodena of the embryos were collected for histopathological examination, RNA extraction and real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemical investigations, and Western blotting. The results demonstrated quercetin enhanced the inflammatory cell infiltration in the Peyer's patch of the intestinal mucosa after LPS induction. The LPS-induced expressions of these inflammation-related factors (TLR4, IL-1β, MMP3, MMP9, NFKB1, IFNγ, IL-8, IL-6) were completely blocked by quercetin. Quercetin also decreased the protein expression of TLR4, IL-1β, MMP3, and MMP9 after LPS induction. Quercetin could down-regulate autophagy gene expression (ATG5, LC3-1, LC3-2, and LKB1), and decreased the protein expression of ATG5, and LC3-1/LC3-2 after LPS induction. Quercetin treatment prevented LPS-induced increases of the gene expressions of programmed cell death factors (TNFα, Fas, CASP1, CASP3, CASP12, Drp1, and RIPK1); meanwhile, quercetin decreased the protein expression of CASP1 and CASP3 after LPS challenge. LPS reduced the gene expression of mucin 2, but upregulated the mRNA and protein expression of claudin 1, occludin, and ZO-1, and this was balanced by quercetin. This evidence suggests that quercetin can alleviate duodenal inflammation induced by LPS through modulating autophagy, programmed cell death, intestinal barrier function.

Fermented Myriophyllum aquaticum and Lactobacillus plantarum Affect the Distribution of Intestinal Microbial Communities and Metabolic Profile in Mice

This research explores the effects of fermented Myriophyllum aquaticum (F) and Lactobacillus plantarum BW2013 (G) as new feed additives on the gut microbiota composition and metabolic profile of mice. Crude protein (p = 0.045), lipid (p = 0.000), and ash (p = 0.006) contents in Myriophyllum aquaticum (N) were improved, whereas raw fiber (p = 0.031) content was decreased after solid-state fermentation by G. Mice were fed with no additive control (CK), 10%N (N), 10%N + G (NG), 10%F (F), and 10%F + G (FG). High-throughput sequencing results showed that, compared with the CK group, Parabacteroides goldsteinii was increased in treatment groups and that Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Bacteroides vulgatus, and Bacteroides coprocola were increased in the F and FG groups. Bacteroides vulgatus and Bacteroides coprocola were increased in the F group compared with the N group. Metabolomic results showed that vitamin A, myricetin, gallic acid, and luteolin were increased in the F group compared with the N group. Reduction in LPG 18:1 concentration in the N and F groups could be attenuated or even abolished by supplementation with G. Furthermore, 9-oxo-ODA was upregulated in the FG group compared with the F group. Collectively, N, F, and G have beneficial effects on gut microbiota and metabolic profile in mice, especially intake of FG.

Multimodal integrated strategy for the discovery and identification of quality markers in traditional Chinese medicine

With the modernization and internationalization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the requirement for quality control has increased. The quality marker (Q-marker) is an important standard in this field and has been implemented with remarkable success in recent years. However, the establishment of Q-markers remains fragmented and the process lacks systematicity, resulting in inconsistent quality control and insufficient correlation with clinical efficacy and safety of TCM. This review introduces four multimodal integrated approaches that contribute to the discovery of more comprehensive and accurate Q-markers, thus aiding in the establishment of new quality control patterns based on the characteristics and principles of TCM. These include the whole-process quality control strategy, chemical-activity-based screening method, efficacy, safety, and consistent combination strategy, and TCM theory-guided approach. Furthermore, methodologies and representative examples of these strategies are described, and important future directions and questions in this field are also proposed.

•

Four multimodal integrated strategies were introduced to establish Q-markers.

•

Quality control of TCM should focus on the entire process chain.

•

The identification of Q-markers needs to be guided by TCM theory.

•

Ensuring efficacy, safety, and consistency is an essential goal of Q-markers.

•

Multidisciplinary techniques are the driving force for improving Q-markers.

Pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and excretion of five rhubarb anthraquinones in rats after oral administration of effective fraction of anthraquinones from rheum officinale

Rhubarb, a famous traditional Chinese medicine, shows a wide range of physiological activities and pharmacological benefits. Rhubarb anthraquinones are perceived as the pharmacologically active compounds of Rhubarb, and understanding metabolism of them is crucial to assure safety and effectiveness of clinical application. In this study, the pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and excretion of five rhubarb anthraquinones (aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin, chrysophanol, physcion) were systematically investigated after oral administration of rhubarb extract to rats.An HPLC method was developed and validated for quantitation of five rhubarb anthraquinones in rat plasma, tissues, urine and faeces to investigate the Pharmacokinetic characteristics. The results showed that the proposed method was suitable for the quantification of five anthraquinones in plasma, tissue and excreta samples with satisfactory linear (r > 0.99), precision (<10%) and recovery (85.12-104.20%). The plasma concentration profiles showed a quick absorption with the mean T_max of 0.42-0.75 h and t_1/2 of 6.60-15.11 h for five anthraquinones. The analytes were widely distributed in most of the tissues. Approximately 0.13-10.59% and 28.47-81.14% of five anthraquinones were recovered in urine and faeces within 132 h post-dosing, which indicated the major elimination route was faeces excretion.In summary, this study lays a foundation for elucidating the pharmacokinetic rule of rhubarb anthraquinone and the important data can provide reliable scientific resource for further research.

Network pharmacology and pharmacokinetics integrated strategy to investigate the pharmacological mechanism of Xianglian pill on ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with high morbidity, which leads to poor quality of life. The Xianglian pill (XLP) is a classical Chinese patent medicine and has been clinically proven to be an effective treatment for UC.

PURPOSE

The pharmacological mechanism of the key bioactive ingredients of XLP for the treatment of UC was investigated by a network pharmacology and pharmacokinetics integrated strategy.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Network pharmacology was used to analyze the treatment effect of nine quantified XLP ingredients on UC. Key pathways were enriched and analyzed by protein-protein interaction and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses. The effect of XLP on Th17 cell differentiation was validated using a mouse model of UC. The binding of nine compounds with JAk2, STAT3, HIF-1α, and HSP90AB1 was assessed using molecular docking. A simple and reliable ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the simultaneous quantification of nine ingredients from XLP in plasma and applied to a pharmacokinetic study following oral administration.

RESULTS

Nine compounds of XLP, including coptisine, berberine, magnoflorine,berberrubine, jatrorrhizine, palmatine, evodiamine, rutaecarpine, and dehydrocostus lactone, were detected. Network pharmacology revealed 50 crossover genes between the nine compoundsand UC. XLP treats UC mainly by regulating key pathways of the immune system, including Th17 cell differentiation, Jak-Stat, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. An in vivo validation in mice found that XLP inhibits Th17 cell differentiation by suppressing the Jak2-Stat3 pathway, which alleviates mucosal inflammation in UC. Molecular docking confirmed that eight compounds are capable of binding with JAk2, HIF-1α, and HSP90AB1, further confirming the inhibitory effect of XLP on the Jak2-Stat3 pathway. Moreover, apharmacokinetic study revealed that the nine ingredients of XLP are exposed in the plasma and colon tissue, which demonstrates its pharmacological effect on UC.

CONCLUSION

This study evaluates the clinical treatment efficacy of XLP for UC. The network pharmacology and pharmacokinetics integrated strategy evaluation paradigm is efficient in discovering the key pharmacological mechanism of herbal formulae.