Integrative analysis of proteomic and metabonomics data for identification of pathways related to Rhizoma Paridis-induced hepatotoxicity

The interaction between polyphyllin I and SQLE protein induces hepatotoxicity through SREBP-2/HMGCR/SQLE/LSS pathway

Polyphyllin I (PPI) and polyphyllin II (PII) are the main active substances in the Paris polyphylla. However, liver toxicity of these compounds has impeded their clinical application and the potential hepatotoxicity mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In this work, we found that PPI and PII exposure could induce significant hepatotoxicity in human liver cell line L-02 and zebrafish in a dose-dependent manner. The results of the proteomic analysis in L-02 cells and transcriptome in zebrafish indicated that the hepatotoxicity of PPI and PII was associated with the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway disorders, which were alleviated by the cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitor lovastatin. Additionally, 3-hydroxy-3-methy-lglutaryl CoA reductase (HMGCR) and squalene epoxidase (SQLE), the two rate-limiting enzymes in the cholesterol synthesis, selected as the potential targets, were confirmed by the molecular docking, the overexpression, and knockdown of HMGCR or SQLE with siRNA. Finally, the pull-down and surface plasmon resonance technology revealed that PPI could directly bind with SQLE but not with HMGCR. Collectively, these data demonstrated that PPI-induced hepatotoxicity resulted from the direct binding with SQLE protein and impaired the sterol-regulatory element binding protein 2/HMGCR/SQLE/lanosterol synthase pathways, thus disturbing the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. The findings of this research can contribute to a better understanding of the key role of SQLE as a potential target in drug-induced hepatotoxicity and provide a therapeutic strategy for the prevention of drug toxic effects with similar structures in the future.

A discovery-based proteomics approach identifies protein disulphide isomerase (PDIA1) as a biomarker of β cell stress in type 1 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Stress responses within the β cell have been linked with both increased β cell death and accelerated immune activation in type 1 diabetes (T1D). At present, information on the timing and scope of these responses as well as disease-related changes in islet β cell protein expression during T1D development is lacking.

METHODS

Data independent acquisition-mass spectrometry was performed on islets collected longitudinally from NOD mice and NOD-SCID mice rendered diabetic through T cell adoptive transfer.

FINDINGS

In islets collected from female NOD mice at 10, 12, and 14 weeks of age, we found a time-restricted upregulation of proteins involved in stress mitigation and maintenance of β cell function, followed by loss of expression of protective proteins that heralded diabetes onset. EIF2 signalling and the unfolded protein response, mTOR signalling, mitochondrial function, and oxidative phosphorylation were commonly modulated pathways in both NOD mice and NOD-SCID mice rendered acutely diabetic by T cell adoptive transfer. Protein disulphide isomerase A1 (PDIA1) was upregulated in NOD islets and pancreatic sections from human organ donors with autoantibody positivity or T1D. Moreover, PDIA1 plasma levels were increased in pre-diabetic NOD mice and in the serum of children with recent-onset T1D compared to non-diabetic controls.

INTERPRETATION

We identified a core set of modulated pathways across distinct mouse models of T1D and identified PDIA1 as a potential human biomarker of β cell stress in T1D.

FUNDING

NIH (R01DK093954, DK127308, U01DK127786, UC4DK104166, R01DK060581, R01GM118470, and 5T32DK101001-09). VA Merit Award I01BX001733. JDRF (2-SRA-2019-834-S-B, 2-SRA-2018-493-A-B, 3-PDF-20016-199-A-N, 5-CDA-2022-1176-A-N, and 3-PDF-2017-385-A-N).

Investigation of the potential curative effects of Gui-Zhi-Jia-Ge-Gen decoction on wind-cold type of common cold using multidimensional analysis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Gui-Zhi-Jia-Ge-Gen decoction (GJGD) is a classical Chinese medicine prescription that has been widely used in clinical practice for centuries. In recent times, TCM has received considerable attention for its potential efficacy in treating a wind-cold type of common cold. However, the effect of the Gui-Zhi-Jia-Ge-Gen decoction on the wind-cold type of common cold is still not fully understood, which presents challenges for both quality control, research and development. Furthermore, the identification of potential pharmacodynamic ingredients (PPIs) is important for developing quality control procedures for industrial and large-scale production.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential curative effect of Gui-Zhi-Jia-Ge-Gen decoction on wind-type of common cold using multidimensional qualitative analysis that combined water-decoction spectrums, in vivo plasma spectrums, and molecular docking to identify key constituents of GJGD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Water-based GJGDs were formulated according to the clinical usage documented in ancient medical texts. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was combined with computer-aided modeling screening to identify GJGD PPIs in rats following oral administration. Molecular docking experiments were carried out to predict the binding affinity of the PPIs to tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Finally, the active ingredients of GJGD were further validated through pharmacodynamic experiments by assessing their efficacy in treating a wind-cold type of common cold in rats.

RESULTS

A total of 61 compounds were identified in the GJGD, 8 of which were detected in rat blood samples, providing stronger evidence for PPIs. Molecular docking also confirmed that these 8 compounds had a better affinity for TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. In animal studies, various doses of the GJGD groups and the positive control groups caused significant elevations (P < 0.05) in the levels of white blood cell count and lymphocyte ratio and caused a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the monocyte ratio and neutrophilic granulocyte ratio compared to the model group. Organ indexes of the GJGD treated groups were higher than the model group (P < 0.05). Significant neutrophil infiltration, hemorrhage, compensatory vacuole, and interstitium proliferation were observed in the lung tissue of the model group. However, the lung tissues of the various dose groups that received GJGD showed a near normal appearance, except for slight thickening, interstitium proliferation, and compensatory vacuole in some areas. The GJGD was found to be effective against a cold-wind type of common cold, which is in accordance with molecular docking studies suggesting that GJGD may be effective against a cold-wind type of common cold. Finally, based on multidimensional analysis, 8 potential compounds in GJGD were identified as PPIs (puerarin, 3'-hydroxy puerarin, 3'- methoxy puerarin, daidzin, cinnamic acid, paeoniflorin, liquiritin, and glycyrrhizic acid).

CONCLUSION

The present study combined water decoction spectral analysis, molecular docking, and in vivo blood plasma spectrum analysis to develop a multidimensional qualitative approach for the development of GJGD and to assess its effectiveness in a wind type of common cold in Sprague Dawley rats. Meanwhile, 8 compounds in the GJGD were identified as PPIs in this study, which may be useful in developing quality standards for complex TCM prescriptions.

Anti-inflammatory peptides and metabolomics-driven biomarkers discovery from sea cucumber protein hydrolysates

The hydrolysates from Apostichopus japonicus sea cucumber are an important source of nitrogen that may be added to foods. We evaluated the effect of A. japonicus hydrolysates on inflammation-associated leukocyte recruitment. The results revealed that leukocyte migration to the site of injury was significantly blocked by AJH-1 (<10 kDa), suggesting a protective effect against CuSO₄ -induced neuromast damage in a zebrafish model. Based on liquid chromatography/time-of-flight/mass spectrometry, and metabolomic analysis, the nine biomarker candidates in AJH-1 were Val, Ala-Pro-Arg, Gly-Lys, Asp propyl ester, Glu methyl ester, His butyl ester, Ile-Ala-Ala-Lys, Tyr-Lys, and Asn-Pro-Gly-Lys. We used molecular docking to predict the binding affinity and docked position of the peptides onto the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). All the identified peptides had adequate binding affinity toward ACE, especially peptides Ala-Pro-Arg and Gly-Lys. These peptides may be used in the development of therapeutic foods. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The study revealed the anti-inflammatory properties of the fractionated sea cucumber protein hydrolysate (<10 kDa). The characteristic peptides may be used as functional ingredients in nutraceutical foods and beverages.

Safety of high-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix in adolescent rats based on metabolomics

Puerariae Lobatae Radix (PLR) is the dried root of the leguminous plant Pueraria lobata and is a common component of health products and medicines. Although it is considered safe, some studies have reported that PLR has hepatotoxicity and estrogen-like effects. In this study, the safety of high doses of PLR water extract administered to adolescent SD rats for 30 days was evaluated by biochemical, histopathological, and metabolomic analyses. Overall, there were no significant differences between the low-dose and blank control groups in parameter values, including organ wet weight, organ coefficient, routine blood indicators, serum biochemical indexes of liver and renal function, levels of estradiol and testosterone, histopathological parameters, and primary differential metabolite profiles. Compared with the blank control group, the high-dose group may have a certain effect on the liver. These effects might be mediated by abnormal phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis or phenylalanine metabolism. However, histopathological analyses did not show differences in the liver, kidney, breast, uterus, ovary, testis, and epididymis between the control group and the group treated with a high dose of PLR water extract. PLR water extract did not significantly promote the precocity of male and female sexual organs. Overall, PLR water extract is relatively safe for adolescent SD rats.