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Scheurlen KM, Snook DL, Littlefield AB, George JB, Parks MA, Beal RJ, MacLeod A, Riggs DW, Gaskins JT, Chariker J, Rouchka EC, Galandiuk S. Anti-inflammatory mechanisms in cancer research: Characterization of a distinct M2-like macrophage model derived from the THP-1 cell line. Cancer Med 2023; 12:21172-21187. [PMID: 38037545 PMCID: PMC10726891 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6681] [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: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Macrophages play an essential role in cancer development. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) have predominantly M2-like attributes that are associated with tumor progression and poor patient survival. Numerous methods have been reported for differentiating and polarizing macrophages in vitro, but there is no standardized and validated model for creating TAMs. Primary cells show varying cytokine responses depending on their origin and functional studies utilizing these cells may lack generalization and validity. A distinct cell line-derived TAM-like M2 subtype is required to investigate the mechanisms mediated by anti-inflammatory TAMs in vitro. Our previous work demonstrated a standardized protocol for creating an M2 subtype derived from a human THP-1 cell line. The cell expression profile, however, has not been validated. The aim of this study was to characterize and validate the TAM-like M2 subtype macrophage created based on our protocol to introduce them as a standardized model for cancer research. METHODS AND RESULTS Using qRT-PCR and ELISA, we demonstrated that proinflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and tumor-associated marker expression changed during THP-1-derived marcrophage development in vitro, mimicking a TAM-related profile (e.g., TNFα, IL-1β). The anti-inflammatory marker IL-8/CXCL8, however, is most highly expressed in young M0 macrophages. Flow cytometry showed increased expression of CD206 in the final TAM-like M2 macrophage. Single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis of primary human monocytes and colon cancer tissue macrophages demonstrated that cell line-derived M2 macrophages resembled a TAM-related gene profile. CONCLUSIONS The THP-1-derived M2 macrophage based on a standardized cell line model represents a distinct anti-inflammatory TAM-like phenotype with an M2a subtype profile. This model may provide a basis for in vitro investigation of functional mechanisms in a variety of anti-inflammatory settings, particularly colon cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina M Scheurlen
- Digestive Surgery Research Laboratory, Price Institute of Surgical Research, The Hiram C. Polk, Jr, MD Department of Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Dylan L Snook
- Digestive Surgery Research Laboratory, Price Institute of Surgical Research, The Hiram C. Polk, Jr, MD Department of Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Andrew B Littlefield
- Digestive Surgery Research Laboratory, Price Institute of Surgical Research, The Hiram C. Polk, Jr, MD Department of Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Joan B George
- Digestive Surgery Research Laboratory, Price Institute of Surgical Research, The Hiram C. Polk, Jr, MD Department of Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Mary A Parks
- Digestive Surgery Research Laboratory, Price Institute of Surgical Research, The Hiram C. Polk, Jr, MD Department of Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Robert J Beal
- Digestive Surgery Research Laboratory, Price Institute of Surgical Research, The Hiram C. Polk, Jr, MD Department of Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Anne MacLeod
- Digestive Surgery Research Laboratory, Price Institute of Surgical Research, The Hiram C. Polk, Jr, MD Department of Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Daniel W Riggs
- Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, Division of Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Jeremy T Gaskins
- Department of Bioinformatics & Biostatistics, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Julia Chariker
- Kentucky IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (KY INBRE), Bioinformatics Core, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Eric C Rouchka
- Kentucky IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (KY INBRE), Bioinformatics Core, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Susan Galandiuk
- Digestive Surgery Research Laboratory, Price Institute of Surgical Research, The Hiram C. Polk, Jr, MD Department of Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
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Shelukhina I, Siniavin A, Kasheverov I, Ojomoko L, Tsetlin V, Utkin Y. α7- and α9-Containing Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in the Functioning of Immune System and in Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076524. [PMID: 37047495 PMCID: PMC10095066 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) present as many different subtypes in the nervous and immune systems, muscles and on the cells of other organs. In the immune system, inflammation is regulated via the vagus nerve through the activation of the non-neuronal α7 nAChR subtype, affecting the production of cytokines. The analgesic properties of α7 nAChR-selective compounds are mostly based on the activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. The molecular mechanism of neuropathic pain relief mediated by the inhibition of α9-containing nAChRs is not fully understood yet, but the role of immune factors in this process is becoming evident. To obtain appropriate drugs, a search of selective agonists, antagonists and modulators of α7- and α9-containing nAChRs is underway. The naturally occurring three-finger snake α-neurotoxins and mammalian Ly6/uPAR proteins, as well as neurotoxic peptides α-conotoxins, are not only sophisticated tools in research on nAChRs but are also considered as potential medicines. In particular, the inhibition of the α9-containing nAChRs by α-conotoxins may be a pathway to alleviate neuropathic pain. nAChRs are involved in the inflammation processes during AIDS and other viral infections; thus they can also be means used in drug design. In this review, we discuss the role of α7- and α9-containing nAChRs in the immune processes and in pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yuri Utkin
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +7-495-3366522
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3
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Kim YK, Hwang JH, Lee HT. Differential susceptibility to lipopolysaccharide affects the activation of toll-like-receptor 4 signaling in THP-1 cells and PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells. Innate Immun 2022; 28:122-129. [PMID: 35612375 PMCID: PMC9136465 DOI: 10.1177/17534259221100170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Monocytes and macrophages that originate from common myeloid progenitors perform various crucial roles in the innate immune system. Stimulation with LPS combined with TLR4 drives the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines through MAPKs and NF-κB pathway in different cells. However, the difference in LPS susceptibility between monocytes and macrophages is poorly understood. In this study, we found that pro-inflammatory cytokines-IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα showed greater induction in phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-differentiated THP-1 cells than in THP-1 cells. To determine the difference in cytokine expression, the surface proteins such as TLR4-related proteins and intracellular adaptor proteins were more preserved in PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells than in THP-1 cells. MyD88 is a key molecule responsible for the difference in LPS susceptibility. Moreover, MAPKs and NF-κB pathway-related molecules showed higher levels of phosphorylation in PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells than in THP-1 cells. Upon MyD88 depletion, there was no difference in the phosphorylation of MAPK pathway-related molecules. Therefore, these results demonstrate that the difference in LPS susceptibility between THP-1 cells and PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells occur as a result of gap between the activated MAPKs and NF-κB pathways via changes in the expression of LPS-related receptors and MyD88.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Kyu Kim
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul-si, Republic of Korea
- Animal Model Research Group, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Ho Hwang
- Animal Model Research Group, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoon Taek Lee
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul-si, Republic of Korea
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4
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Halder N, Lal G. Cholinergic System and Its Therapeutic Importance in Inflammation and Autoimmunity. Front Immunol 2021; 12:660342. [PMID: 33936095 PMCID: PMC8082108 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.660342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological and immunological signals constitute an extensive regulatory network in our body that maintains physiology and homeostasis. The cholinergic system plays a significant role in neuroimmune communication, transmitting information regarding the peripheral immune status to the central nervous system (CNS) and vice versa. The cholinergic system includes the neurotransmitter\ molecule, acetylcholine (ACh), cholinergic receptors (AChRs), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) enzyme, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme. These molecules are involved in regulating immune response and playing a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis. Most innate and adaptive immune cells respond to neuronal inputs by releasing or expressing these molecules on their surfaces. Dysregulation of this neuroimmune communication may lead to several inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Several agonists, antagonists, and inhibitors have been developed to target the cholinergic system to control inflammation in different tissues. This review discusses how various molecules of the neuronal and non-neuronal cholinergic system (NNCS) interact with the immune cells. What are the agonists and antagonists that alter the cholinergic system, and how are these molecules modulate inflammation and immunity. Understanding the various functions of pharmacological molecules could help in designing better strategies to control inflammation and autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namrita Halder
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Tolerance, National Centre for Cell Science, Ganeshkhind, Pune, India
| | - Girdhari Lal
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Tolerance, National Centre for Cell Science, Ganeshkhind, Pune, India
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5
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Ríos SC, Colón Sáez JO, Quesada O, Figueroa KQ, Lasalde Dominicci JA. Disruption of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory response by R5-tropic HIV-1 protein gp120 JRFL. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100618. [PMID: 33811859 PMCID: PMC8102909 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite current pharmacological intervention strategies, patients with HIV still suffer from chronic inflammation. The nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are widely distributed throughout the nervous and immune systems. In macrophages, activation of alpha7-nAChR (α7-nAChR) controls inflammatory processes through the cholinergic anti-inflammatory response (CAR). Given that this innate immune response controls inflammation and α7-nAChR plays a critical role in the regulation of systemic inflammation, we investigated the effects of an R5-tropic HIV soluble component, gp120JRFL, on the CAR functioning. We previously demonstrated that X4-tropic HIV-1 gp120IIIB disrupts the CAR as well as inducing upregulation of the α7-nAChR in vitro in monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs), which correlates with the upregulation observed in monocytes, T-lymphocytes, and MDMs recovered from HIV-infected people. We demonstrate here using imaging and molecular assays that the R5-tropic HIV-1 glycoprotein gp120JRFL upregulates the α7-nAChR in MDMs dependent on CD4 and/or CCR5 activation. This upregulation was also dependent on MEK1 since its inhibition attenuates the upregulation of α7-nAChR induced by gp120JRFL and was concomitant with an increase in basal calcium levels, which did not result in apoptosis. Moreover, the CAR was determined to be disrupted, since α7-nAChR activation in MDMs did not reduce the production of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, GRO-α, or I-309. Furthermore, a partial antagonist of α7-nAChR, bupropion, rescued IL-6 but not GRO-α or I-309 production. Together, these results demonstrate that gp120JRFL disrupts the CAR in MDMs. Other medications targeting the α7-nAChR need to be tested to reactivate the CAR to ameliorate inflammation in HIV-infected subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonnieliz Cotto Ríos
- Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA
| | - José O Colón Sáez
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA
| | - Orestes Quesada
- Department of Physical Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA
| | | | - José A Lasalde Dominicci
- Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA; Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA; Institute of Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico Medical Science Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA; Molecular Sciences Research Center, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA.
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6
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Padilla A, Dovell S, Chesnokov O, Hoggard M, Oleinikov AV, Marí F. Conus venom fractions inhibit the adhesion of Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 domains to the host vascular receptors. J Proteomics 2020; 234:104083. [PMID: 33373718 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2020.104083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Using high-throughput BioPlex assays, we determined that six fractions from the venom of Conus nux inhibit the adhesion of various recombinant PfEMP-1 protein domains (PF08_0106 CIDR1α3.1, PF11_0521 DBL2β3, and PFL0030c DBL3X and DBL5e) to their corresponding receptors (CD36, ICAM-1, and CSA, respectively). The protein domain-receptor interactions permit P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes (IE) to evade elimination in the spleen by adhering to the microvasculature in various organs including the placenta. The sequences for the main components of the fractions, determined by tandem mass spectrometry, yielded four T-superfamily conotoxins, one (CC-Loop-CC) with I-IV, II-III connectivity and three (CC-Loop-CXaaC) with a I-III, II-IV connectivity. The 3D structure for one of the latter, NuxVA = GCCPAPLTCHCVIY, revealed a novel scaffold defined by double turns forming a hairpin-like structure stabilized by the two disulfide bonds. Two other main fraction components were a miniM conotoxin, and a O2-superfamily conotoxin with cysteine framework VI/VII. This study is the first one of its kind suggesting the use of conotoxins for developing pharmacological tools for anti-adhesion adjunct therapy against malaria. Similarly, mitigation of emerging diseases like AIDS and COVID-19, can also benefit from conotoxins as inhibitors of protein-protein interactions as treatment. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Among the 850+ species of cone snail species there are hundreds of thousands of diverse venom exopeptides that have been selected throughout several million years of evolution to capture prey and deter predators. They do so by targeting several surface proteins present in target excitable cells. This immense biomolecular library of conopeptides can be explored for potential use as therapeutic leads against persistent and emerging diseases affecting non-excitable systems. We aim to expand the pharmacological reach of conotoxins/conopeptides by revealing their in vitro capacity to disrupt protein-protein and protein-polysaccharide interactions that directly contribute to pathology of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. This is significant for severe forms of malaria, which might be deadly even after treated with current parasite-killing drugs because of persistent cytoadhesion of P. falciparum infected erythrocytes even when parasites within red blood cells are dead. Anti-adhesion adjunct drugs would de-sequester or prevent additional sequestration of infected erythrocytes and may significantly improve survival of malaria patients. These results provide a lead for further investigations into conotoxins and other venom peptides as potential candidates for anti-adhesion or blockade-therapies. This study is the first of its kind and it suggests that conotoxins can be developed as pharmacological tools for anti-adhesion adjunct therapy against malaria. Similarly, mitigation of emerging diseases like AIDS and COVID-19, can also benefit from conotoxins as potential inhibitors of protein-protein interactions as treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Padilla
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
| | - Sanaz Dovell
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
| | - Olga Chesnokov
- Department of Biomedical Science, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
| | - Mickelene Hoggard
- Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Andrew V Oleinikov
- Department of Biomedical Science, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA.
| | - Frank Marí
- Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA.
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7
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Siniavin AE, Streltsova MA, Kudryavtsev DS, Shelukhina IV, Utkin YN, Tsetlin VI. Activation of α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Upregulates HLA-DR and Macrophage Receptors: Potential Role in Adaptive Immunity and in Preventing Immunosuppression. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E507. [PMID: 32230846 PMCID: PMC7225944 DOI: 10.3390/biom10040507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune response during sepsis is characterized by hyper-inflammation followed by immunosuppression. The crucial role of macrophages is well-known for both septic stages, since they are involved in immune homeostasis and inflammation, their dysfunction being implicated in immunosuppression. The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway mediated by macrophage α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) represents possible drug target. Although α7 nAChR activation on macrophages reduces the production of proinflammatory cytokines, the role of these receptors in immunological changes at the cellular level is not fully understood. Using α7 nAChR selective agonist PNU 282,987, we investigated the influence of α7 nAChR activation on the expression of cytokines and, for the first time, of the macrophage membrane markers: cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14), human leukocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR), CD11b, and CD54. Application of PNU 282,987 to THP-1Mϕ (THP-1 derived macrophages) cells led to inward ion currents and Ca2+ increase in cytoplasm showing the presence of functionally active α7 nAChR. Production of cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10 was estimated in classically activated macrophages (M1) and treatment with PNU 282,987 diminished IL-10 expression. α7 nAChR activation on THP-1Mϕ, THP-1M1, and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) increased the expression of HLA-DR, CD54, and CD11b molecules, but decreased CD14 receptor expression, these effects being blocked by alpha (α)-bungarotoxin. Thus, PNU 282,987 enhances the macrophage-mediated immunity via α7 nAChR by regulating expression of their membrane receptors and of cytokines, both playing an important role in preventing immunosuppressive states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei E. Siniavin
- Department of Molecular Neuroimmune Signalling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia; (D.S.K.); (I.V.S.); (Y.N.U.); (V.I.T.)
- N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow 123098, Russia
| | - Maria A. Streltsova
- Department of Immunology, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia;
| | - Denis S. Kudryavtsev
- Department of Molecular Neuroimmune Signalling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia; (D.S.K.); (I.V.S.); (Y.N.U.); (V.I.T.)
| | - Irina V. Shelukhina
- Department of Molecular Neuroimmune Signalling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia; (D.S.K.); (I.V.S.); (Y.N.U.); (V.I.T.)
| | - Yuri N. Utkin
- Department of Molecular Neuroimmune Signalling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia; (D.S.K.); (I.V.S.); (Y.N.U.); (V.I.T.)
| | - Victor I. Tsetlin
- Department of Molecular Neuroimmune Signalling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia; (D.S.K.); (I.V.S.); (Y.N.U.); (V.I.T.)
- Institute of Engineering Physics for Biomedicine, National Research Nuclear University, Moscow 115409, Russia
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8
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Dai XM, Cui DN, Wang J, Zhang W, Zhang ZJ, Xu FG. Systems Pharmacology Based Strategy for Q-Markers Discovery of HuangQin Decoction to Attenuate Intestinal Damage. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:236. [PMID: 29615909 PMCID: PMC5870050 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The quality control research of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is lagged far behind the space of progress in modernization and globalization. Thus the concept of quality marker (Q-marker) was proposed recently to guide the quality investigations of TCM. However, how to discover and validate the Q-marker is still a challenge. In this paper, a system pharmacology based strategy was proposed to discover Q-marker of HuangQin decoction (HQD) to attenuate Intestinal Damage. Using this strategy, nine measurable compounds including paeoniflorin, baicalin, scutellarein, liquiritigenin, norwogonin, baicalein, glycyrrhizic acid, wogonin, and oroxylin A were screened out as potential markers. Standard references of these nine compounds were pooled together as components combination according to their corresponding concentration in HQD. The bioactive equivalence between components combination and HQD was validated using wound healing test and inflammatory factor determination experiment. The comprehensive results indicated that components combination is almost bioactive equivalent to HQD and could serve as the Q-markers. In conclusion, our study put forward a promising strategy for Q-markers discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Min Dai
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dong-Ni Cui
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau
| | - Zun-Jian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng-Guo Xu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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