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Cai S, Zhu H, Chen L, Yu C, Su L, Chen K, Li Y. Berberine Inhibits KLF4 Promoter Methylation and Ferroptosis to Ameliorate Diabetic Nephropathy in Mice. Chem Res Toxicol 2024; 37:1728-1737. [PMID: 39264844 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.4c00263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
Inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and ferroptosis play important roles in diabetic nephropathy development. Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is a transcriptional factor, which regulates multiple cell processes and is involved in diabetic nephropathy. Berberine has various biological activities, including anti-inflammation, antioxidative stress, and antiferroptosis. Berberine has been shown to inhibit diabetic nephropathy, but whether it involves KLF4 and ferroptosis remains unknown. We established a diabetic nephropathy mice model and administered berberine to the mice. The kidney function, renal structure and fibrosis, expression of KLF4 and DNA methylation enzymes, DNA methylation of the KLF4 promoter, mitochondria structure, and expression of oxidative stress and ferroptosis markers were analyzed. Berberine rescued kidney function and renal structure and prevented renal fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy mice. Berberine suppressed the expression of DNMT1 and DNMT2 and upregulated KLF4 expression by preventing KLF4 promoter methylation. Berberine inhibited the expression of oxidative stress and ferroptosis markers, maintained mitochondria structure, and prevented ferroptosis. Berberine ameliorates diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting Klf4 promoter methylation and ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengyu Cai
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Huizheng Zhu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Lingling Chen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Congcong Yu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Liyuan Su
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Kaihua Chen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Yousheng Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen 518020, Guangdong, China
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Wang K, Yin J, Chen J, Ma J, Si H, Xia D. Inhibition of inflammation by berberine: Molecular mechanism and network pharmacology analysis. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 128:155258. [PMID: 38522318 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), renowned for its holistic approach with a 2000-year history of utilizing natural remedies, offers unique advantages in disease prevention and treatment. Berberine, found in various Chinese herbs, has been employed for many years, primarily for addressing conditions such as diarrhea and dysentery. Berberine has recently become a research focus owing to its pharmacological activities and benefits to human bodies. However, little is known about the anti-inflammatory mechanism of berberine. PURPOSE To summarize recent findings regarding the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of berberine anti-inflammation and highlight and predict the potential therapeutic effects and systematic mechanism of berberine. METHODS Recent studies (2013-2023) on the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of berberine anti-inflammation were retrieved from Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus up to July 2023 using relevant keywords. Network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis were employed to predict the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of berberine against potential diseases. RESULTS The related pharmacological mechanisms of berberine anti-inflammation include the inhibition of inflammatory cytokine production (e.g., IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), thereby attenuating the inflammatory response; Inhibiting the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway and IκBα degradation; Inhibiting the activation of MAPK signaling pathway; Enhancing the activation of the STAT1 signaling pathway; Berberine interacts directly with cell membranes through a variety of pathways, thereby influencing cellular physiological activities. Berberine enhances human immunity and modulates immune system function, which is integral to addressing certain autoimmune and tumour-related health concerns. CONCLUSION This study expounds on the correlation between berberine and inflammatory diseases, encapsulating the mechanisms through which berberine treats select typical inflammatory ailments. Furthermore, it delves into a deeper understanding of berberine's effectiveness by integrating network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques in the context of treating inflammatory diseases. It provides guidance and reference for berberine's subsequent revelation of the modern scientific connotation of Chinese medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaijun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; Animal Nutritional Genome and Germplasm Innovation Research Center, College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Jie Yin
- Animal Nutritional Genome and Germplasm Innovation Research Center, College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Jiayi Chen
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of the TCM Agricultural Biogenomics, Changsha Medical University, Changsha 410219, China
| | - Jie Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.
| | - Hongbin Si
- College of Animal Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.
| | - Diqi Xia
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Lecong Hospital of Shunde, Foshan 528315, China.
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Yu PJ, Zhou M, Liu Y, Du J. Senescent T Cells in Age-Related Diseases. Aging Dis 2024:AD.2024.0219. [PMID: 38502582 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2024.0219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-induced alterations in human immunity are often considered deleterious and are referred to as immunosenescence. The immune system monitors the number of senescent cells in the body, while immunosenescence may represent the initiation of systemic aging. Immune cells, particularly T cells, are the most impacted and involved in age-related immune function deterioration, making older individuals more prone to different age-related diseases. T-cell senescence can impact the effectiveness of immunotherapies that rely on the immune system's function, including vaccines and adoptive T-cell therapies. The research and practice of using senescent T cells as therapeutic targets to intervene in age-related diseases are in their nascent stages. Therefore, in this review, we summarize recent related literature to investigate the characteristics of senescent T cells as well as their formation mechanisms, relationship with various aging-related diseases, and means of intervention. The primary objective of this article is to explore the prospects and possibilities of therapeutically targeting senescent T cells, serving as a valuable resource for the development of immunotherapy and treatment of age-related diseases.
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Yang Q, Zhang F, Chen H, Hu Y, Yang N, Yang W, Wang J, Yang Y, Xu R, Xu C. The differentiation courses of the Tfh cells: a new perspective on autoimmune disease pathogenesis and treatment. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20231723. [PMID: 38051200 PMCID: PMC10830446 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20231723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The follicular helper T cells are derived from CD4+T cells, promoting the formation of germinal centers and assisting B cells to produce antibodies. This review describes the differentiation process of Tfh cells from the perspectives of the initiation, maturation, migration, efficacy, and subset classification of Tfh cells, and correlates it with autoimmune disease, to provide information for researchers to fully understand Tfh cells and provide further research ideas to manage immune-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingya Yang
- Division of Rheumatology, People’s Hospital of Mianzhu, Mianzhu, Sichuan, 618200, China
| | - Fang Zhang
- Division of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210028, China
- Division of Rheumatology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, China
| | - Hongyi Chen
- Division of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210028, China
- Division of Rheumatology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, China
| | - Yuman Hu
- Division of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210028, China
- Division of Rheumatology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, China
| | - Ning Yang
- Division of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210028, China
- Division of Rheumatology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, China
| | - Wenyan Yang
- Division of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210028, China
- Division of Rheumatology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Division of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210028, China
- Division of Rheumatology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, China
| | - Yaxu Yang
- Division of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210028, China
- Division of Rheumatology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, China
| | - Ran Xu
- Division of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210028, China
- Division of Rheumatology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, China
| | - Chao Xu
- Division of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210028, China
- Division of Rheumatology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, China
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Wang W, Yu R, Wu C, Li Q, Chen J, Xiao Y, Chen H, Song J, Ji M, Zuo Z. Berberine alleviates contrast-induced nephropathy by activating Akt/Foxo3a/Nrf2 signalling pathway. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18016. [PMID: 37909687 PMCID: PMC10805492 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a condition that causes kidney damage in patients receiving angiography with iodine-based contrast agents. This study investigated the potential protective effects of berberine (BBR) against CIN and its underlying mechanisms. The researchers conducted both in vivo and in vitro experiments to explore BBR's renal protective effects. In the in vivo experiments, SD rats were used to create a CIN model, and different groups were established. The results showed that CIN model group exhibited impaired renal function, severe damage to renal tubular cells and increased apoptosis and ferroptosis. However, BBR treatment group demonstrated improved renal function, decreased apoptosis and ferroptosis. Similar results were observed in the in vitro experiments using HK-2 cells. BBR reduced ioversol-induced apoptosis and ferroptosis, and exerted its protective effects through Akt/Foxo3a/Nrf2 signalling pathway. BBR administration increased the expression of Foxo3a and Nrf2 while decreasing the levels of p-Akt and p-Foxo3a. In conclusion, this study revealed that BBR effectively inhibited ioversol-induced apoptosis and ferroptosis in vivo and in vitro. The protective effects of BBR were mediated through the modulation of Akt/Foxo3a/Nrf2 signalling pathway, leading to the alleviation of CIN. These findings suggest that BBR may have therapeutic potential for protecting against CIN in patients undergoing angiography with iodine-based contrast agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanpeng Wang
- Department of NephrologyLianshui People's Hospital, Affiliated Kangda College of Nanjing Medical UniversityHuai'anJiangsuChina
- School of Clinical MedicineMedical College of Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile DiseasesYangzhouJiangsuChina
- Jiangsu College of NursingHuai'anJiangsuChina
| | - Ran Yu
- School of Clinical MedicineMedical College of Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile DiseasesYangzhouJiangsuChina
- Jiangsu College of NursingHuai'anJiangsuChina
- Department of CardiologyLianshui People's Hospital, Affiliated Kangda college of Nanjing Medical UniversityHuai'anJiangsuChina
| | - Caixia Wu
- Department of NephrologyLianshui People's Hospital, Affiliated Kangda College of Nanjing Medical UniversityHuai'anJiangsuChina
| | - Qingju Li
- Department of NephrologyLianshui People's Hospital, Affiliated Kangda College of Nanjing Medical UniversityHuai'anJiangsuChina
- School of Clinical MedicineMedical College of Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile DiseasesYangzhouJiangsuChina
- Jiangsu College of NursingHuai'anJiangsuChina
| | - Jiajia Chen
- Department of NephrologyLianshui People's Hospital, Affiliated Kangda College of Nanjing Medical UniversityHuai'anJiangsuChina
- Jiangsu College of NursingHuai'anJiangsuChina
| | - Yao Xiao
- Department of NephrologyLianshui People's Hospital, Affiliated Kangda College of Nanjing Medical UniversityHuai'anJiangsuChina
- Jiangsu College of NursingHuai'anJiangsuChina
| | - Haoyu Chen
- Department of NephrologyLianshui People's Hospital, Affiliated Kangda College of Nanjing Medical UniversityHuai'anJiangsuChina
| | - Jian Song
- Department of NephrologyLianshui People's Hospital, Affiliated Kangda College of Nanjing Medical UniversityHuai'anJiangsuChina
| | - Mingyue Ji
- Department of CardiologyLianshui People's Hospital, Affiliated Kangda college of Nanjing Medical UniversityHuai'anJiangsuChina
| | - Zhi Zuo
- Department of CardiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University/Jiangsu Province HospitalNanjingJiangsuChina
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Han Y, Guo S, Li Y, Li J, Zhu L, Liu Y, Lv Y, Yu D, Zheng L, Huang C, Li C, Hu J, Liu Z. Berberine ameliorate inflammation and apoptosis via modulating PI3K/AKT/NFκB and MAPK pathway on dry eye. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 121:155081. [PMID: 37748390 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disease in ocular surface, and inflammation plays an etiological role. Berberine (BBR) has shown efficacy in treating inflammatory diseases. Yet, there was no adequate information related to the therapeutic effects of BBR for DED. PURPOSE To detect the effects and explore the potential mechanisms of BBR on DED. STUDY DESIGN In vitro, in vivo study and network pharmacology analysis were involved. METHOD The human corneal epithelium cells viability was evaluated with different concentrations of BBR. Dry eye murine model was established by exposing to the desiccating stress, and Ciclosporin (CSA), BBR eye drops or vehicle were topical administration for 7 days. The phenol red cotton tests, Oregon-green-dextran staining and Periodic acid-Schiff staining were performed and evaluated the dry eye after treatment. Inflammation and apoptosis levels of ocular surface were quantified. The potential targets related to berberine and dry eye were collected from databases. The Protein-Protein interaction network analysis and GO & KEGG enrichment analysis were realized by STRING database, Metascape platform and Cytoscape software to find core targets and signaling pathways. The SchrÖdinger software was used to molecular docking and PyMOL software to visualization. Finally, the levels of PI3K/AKT/NFκB and MAPK pathways were detected. RESULT The data revealed BBR could rescue impaired HCE under hyperosmotic conditions. In addition, BBR eye drops could ameliorate dry eye. And BBR eye drops suppressed the inflammatory factors and CD4+T cells infiltration in conjunctiva. Besides, BBR eye drops protected ocular surface by avoiding the severe apoptosis and decreasing the level of MMP-3 and MMP-9. 148 common targets intersection between BBR and dry eye were found via network pharmacology analysis. Core proteins and core pathways were identified through PPI and GO&KEGG enrichment analysis. Molecular docking displayed excellent binding between BBR and those core targets. Finally, in vivo study verified that BBR eye drops had a therapeutic effect in dry eye by inhibiting PI3K/AKT/NFκB and MAPK pathways. CONCLUSION The research provided convincing evidence that BBR could be a candidate drug for dry eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Han
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China; Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Postdoctoral mobile station of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Shujia Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Yunpeng Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Jiani Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Linfangzi Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Yuwen Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Yufei Lv
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Postdoctoral mobile station of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Dong Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Lan Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Caihong Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Cheng Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China; Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Postdoctoral mobile station of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
| | - Jiaoyue Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.
| | - Zuguo Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China; Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Postdoctoral mobile station of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
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Ye M, Liu G, Yang Y, Yang H, Ren J, Chen W, Gao Z. Network pharmacology and experimental verification of the potential mechanism of Er-Xian decoction in aplastic anemia. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17385. [PMID: 37833363 PMCID: PMC10575897 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44672-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
To investigate the potential mechanism of Er-Xian decoction (EXD) in treating aplastic anemia (AA), the active components of EXD were screened by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), and the targets of the components were predicted by the Swiss Target Prediction database. AA targets were collected from the GeneCards, OMIM, DisGeNET, PharmGKB, DrugBank, and TTD databases, the intersection of AA targets and EXD targets was calculated, and an herb-component-target network was constructed by Cytoscape 3.7.2 software. The STRING database was used for protein‒protein interaction (PPI) analysis, and Cytoscape 3.7.2 software was used to construct a PPI network and perform topology analysis. The core targets were imported into the DAVID database for gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. The molecular docking software AutoDock was used to measure the affinity between active components and key targets. Finally, we established a mouse model of AA and verified the key targets and signaling pathways of EXD by RT‒PCR, ELISA and Western blot analysis. A total of 53 active components were screened from EXD, 2516 AA-related targets were collected, and 195 common targets were obtained. An herb-component-target network and a PPI network were successfully constructed, and 36 core targets were selected from the PPI network. The main active components of EXD include luteolin, kaempferol, berberine, etc., and key targets include PIK3CA, AKT1, STAT3, etc. GO functional enrichment analysis showed that cell components, molecular functions and biological processes with significant correlations were macromolecular complexes, protein serine/threonine/tyrosine kinase activity and protein phosphorylation, respectively. KEGG pathway analysis showed that the pathways with significant correlations included the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Molecular docking results showed that the tested key targets had good affinity for the corresponding active components. In AA mice, we found that EXD significantly increased white blood cell count, red blood cell count, platelet count and hemoglobin levels, increased mRNA levels of PIK3CA, PIK3CD, AKT1, JAK2, STAT3 and MAPK1, and promoted phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, ERK1/2 and STAT3. In summary, EXD acts on PI3K, AKT, STAT3 and other targets through berberine, luteolin, quercetin and other components to regulate the PI3K-Akt pathway, JAK-STAT pathway and other pathways, thus exerting its therapeutic effect on AA. This study explained the Chinese medicine theory of treating AA with EXD by tonifying kidney-yang and provides a scientific basis for the use of EXD in treating AA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Ye
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Panzhihua University, Panzhihua, China
| | - Guangxian Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Panzhihua University, Panzhihua, China
| | - Yujun Yang
- School of Basic Medicine, Panzhihua University, Panzhihua, China
| | - Hongyu Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Panzhihua University, Panzhihua, China
| | - Juan Ren
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Panzhihua University, Panzhihua, China
| | - Wenfei Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Panzhihua University, Panzhihua, China
| | - Zeli Gao
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Panzhihua University, Panzhihua, China.
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