Mechanisms of Rhizoma Coptidis against type 2 diabetes mellitus explored by network pharmacology combined with molecular docking and experimental validation

Myrrh Essential Oil Improves DSS-Induced Colitis by Modulating the MAPK Signaling Pathway: In vitro and in vivo Studies

Objective

To explore the mechanism and active components of the anti-colitis effects of myrrh essential oil (MEO).

Methods

In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects and molecular mechanisms of MEO on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis with in vitro cell experiments, RNA-seq (RNA Sequencing), Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), combined with "weighting coefficient" network pharmacology, as and in vivo pharmacodynamic experiments. A 3% DSS solution was used to induce colitis in BALB/c mice and MEO was administered orally. We performed gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the MEO components. The disease activity index (DAI) was evaluated by observing body weight, fecal characteristics, and blood in the stool of mice. The levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) in mouse serum were measured using ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) kits. Additionally, the expression of MAPK-related proteins (JNK, p-JNK, ERK, and p-ERK) in mouse colonic tissues was detected by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.

Results

MEO (0.0625-0.125µg/g, p.o). significantly inhibited the expression of the inflammatory mediator Nitric oxide (NO) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. After treatment, there was a significant increase in body weight and alleviation of diarrhea and bloody stools in colitis mice. It also reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. Furthermore, it decreased the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β, and reduced the activity of p-JNK and p-ERK in the MAPK pathway.

Conclusion

MEO relieved DSS-induced colitis by modulating the MAPK pathway. The experimental results indicate that the MAPK pathway might be inhibited by the synergistic effect of gamma-Muurolene, Curzerene, beta-Elemene, and Furanoeudesma 1.3-diene in MEO, which provides a novel idea for subsequent research and development of new anti-colitis drugs.

Advancing green extraction of bioactive compounds using deep eutectic solvent-based ultrasound-assisted matrix solid-phase dispersion: Application to UHPLC-PAD analysis of alkaloids and organic acids in Coptidis rhizoma

The utilization of deep eutectic solvents (DES) in sustainable extracting and separating of phytochemicals shows promising prospect. An exceptionally fast, eco-friendly, and sustainable approach was proposed for extracting bioactive compounds from Coptidis Rhizoma based on deep eutectic solvent-based ultrasound-assisted matrix solid phase dispersion (DES-UA-MSPD). Single-factor experiments and Box-Behnken design were utilized to explore the optimal extraction conditions. The analysis indicated that the acidic DES, especially betaine-acrylic acid (Bet-Aa 1:4 mol/mol) with 50% water content, was proved to be the most effective medium for the extraction of alkaloids (magnoflorine, groenlandicine, coptisine, epiberberine, berberine and palmatine) and organic acid (chlorogenic acid). With the parameters optimized, the total maximum extraction yield of alkaloids and organic acids reached 128.83 mg g-1 applying the optimal DES, which was 1.33-5.33 folds higher than conventional extraction solvents. Additionally, through microstructure analysis using scanning electron microscopy, density functional theory , and frontier molecular orbitals theory, a deeper understanding of the extraction principle was gained, and the molecular mechanism of DES synthesis and the interactions between target compounds were systematically elucidated. The sustainable and green potential of the DES-UA-MSPD method was demonstrated through Green Analytical Procedure Indexanalysis. The overall results of this investigation revealed that the proposed technology was a highly promising and sustainable alternative for effective extraction and quantification of natural products.

Network Pharmacology Analysis, Molecular Docking Integrated Experimental Verification Reveal the Mechanism of Gynostemma pentaphyllum in the Treatment of Type II Diabetes by Regulating the IRS1/PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway

Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino (GP), a plant with homology of medicine and food, as a traditional Chinese medicine, possesses promising biological activities in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the material basis and the mechanism of action of GP in the treatment of T2DM have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to clarify the active components, potential targets and signaling pathways of GP in treating T2DM. The chemical ingredients of GP were collected by combining UPLC-HRMS analysis and literature research. Network pharmacology revealed that GP had 32 components and 326 potential targets in treating T2DM. The results showed that GP affected T2DM by mediating the insulin resistance signaling pathway, PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and FoxO1 signaling pathway, which had a close relationship with T2DM. Molecular docking results showed that STAT3, PIK3CA, AKT1, EGFR, VEGFA and INSR had high affinity with the active compounds of GP. In vitro, GP extracts obviously increased the glucose uptake and glucose consumption in IR-HepG2 cells. GP extracts increased the levels of PI3K, p-AKT, p-GSK3β and p-FoxO1 and decreased the expression of p-IRS1, p-GS, PEPCK and G6Pase, which indicated that GP could promote glycogen synthesis and inhibit gluconeogenesis by regulating the IRS1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. The results demonstrated that GP could improve insulin resistance by promoting glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis and inhibiting gluconeogenesis through regulating the IRS1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, which might be a potential alternative therapy for T2DM.

Waste to Medicine: Evidence from Computational Studies on the Modulatory Role of Corn Silk on the Therapeutic Targets Implicated in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by insulin resistance and/or defective insulin production in the human body. Although the antidiabetic action of corn silk (CS) is well-established, the understanding of the mechanism of action (MoA) behind this potential is lacking. Hence, this study aimed to elucidate the MoA in different samples (raw and three extracts: aqueous, hydro-ethanolic, and ethanolic) as a therapeutic agent for the management of T2DM using metabolomic profiling and computational techniques. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UP-LCMS), in silico techniques, and density functional theory were used for compound identification and to predict the MoA. A total of 110 out of the 128 identified secondary metabolites passed the Lipinski's rule of five. The Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis revealed the cAMP pathway as the hub signaling pathway, in which ADORA1, HCAR2, and GABBR1 were identified as the key target genes implicated in the pathway. Since gallicynoic acid (-48.74 kcal/mol), dodecanedioc acid (-34.53 kcal/mol), and tetradecanedioc acid (-36.80 kcal/mol) interacted well with ADORA1, HCAR2, and GABBR1, respectively, and are thermodynamically stable in their formed compatible complexes, according to the post-molecular dynamics simulation results, they are suggested as potential drug candidates for T2DM therapy via the maintenance of normal glucose homeostasis and pancreatic β-cell function.

Based on network pharmacology and molecular docking to explore the molecular mechanism of Ginseng and Astragalus decoction against postmenopausal osteoporosis

Traditional Chinese medicine suggests that Ginseng and Astragalus Decoction (GAD) may effectively treat postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO). However, the exact mechanism of action for GAD remains unclear. This study aims to utilize network pharmacology and molecular docking technology to explore the potential mechanism of GAD in treating PMO. The main chemical components of GAD were identified by consulting literature and traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database. GeneCards and online mendelian inheritance in man were used to identify PMO disease targets, and Cytoscape 3.8.2 software was used to construct a herb-disease-gene-target network. The intersection of drug targets and disease targets was introduced into the search tool for the retrieval of interacting genes platform to construct a protein-protein interaction network. Additionally, we further conducted gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analyses, followed by molecular docking between active ingredients and core protein targets. We have identified 59 potential targets related to the treatment of PMO by GAD, along with 33 effective components. Quercetin and kaempferol are the compounds with higher degree. In the protein-protein interaction network, IL6, AKT1, and IL1B are proteins with high degree. The enrichment analysis of gene ontology and KEEG revealed that biological processes involved in treating PMO with GAD mainly include response to hormones, positive regulation of phosphorylation, and regulation of protein homodimerization activity. The signal pathways primarily include Pathways in cancer, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and AGE-RAGE signaling pathway. Molecular docking results indicate that kaempferol and quercetin have a high affinity for IL6, AKT1, and IL1B. Our research predicts that IL6, AKT1, and IL1B are highly likely to be potential targets for treating PMO with GAD. PI3K/AKT pathway and AGE-ARGE pathway may play an important role in PMO.

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 Plantaginis Semen-Coptidis Rhizoma compound alleviates type 2 diabetic mellitus in mice via modulating AGEs-RAGE pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Plantaginis Semen-Coptidis Rhizoma Compound(CQC) was first recorded in Shengji Zonglu. Clinical and experimental studies have reported that both of Plantaginis Semen and Coptidis Rhizoma exerted the effects of lowering blood glocose and lipid. However, the potential mechanism of CQC on type 2 diabetes (T2DM) remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The main objective of our investigation was to explore the mechanisms of CQC on T2DM based on network pharmacology and experimental research.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Streptozotocin(STZ)/high fat diet(HFD)-induced T2DM models in mice were established to evaluate the antidiabetic effect of CQC in vivo. We obtained the chemical constituents of Plantago and Coptidis from the TCMSP database and literature sources. Potential targets of CQC were gleaned from the Swiss-Target-Prediction database, and T2DM targets were obtained from Drug-Bank, TTD, and DisGeNet. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed in the String database. The David database was used for gene ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. We then verified the potential mechanism of CQC that were predicted by network pharmacological analysis in STZ/HFD-induced T2DM mouse model.

RESULTS

Our experiments confirmed that CQC improved hyperglycemia and liver injury. We identified 21 components and gleaned 177 targets for CQC treatment of T2DM. The core component-target network included 13 compounds and 66 targets. We further demonstrated that CQC improve T2DM through various pathways, especially the AGEs/RAGE signal pathway.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicated that CQC could improve the metabolic disorders of T2DM and it is a promising TCM compound for the treatment of T2DM. The potential mechanism may probably involve the regulation of the AGEs/RAGE signaling pathway.

Mechanism exploration of 6-Gingerol in the treatment of atherosclerosis based on network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental validation

BACKGROUND

The 6-Gingerol has significant anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and hypolipidemic activities and is widely used for treating cardiac-cerebral vascular diseases. However, the multi-target mechanism of 6-Gingerol in the treatment of atherosclerosis remains to be elucidated.

METHODS

Firstly, the therapeutic actions of 6-Gingerol anti-atherosclerosis were researched based on an atherosclerotic ApoE-deficient mice model induced by high-fat feed. Then, network pharmacology and molecular docking were employed to reveal the anti-atherogenic mechanism of 6-Gingerol. Finally, the target for these predictions was validated by target protein expression assay in vitro and in vivo experiments and further correlation analysis.

RESULTS

Firstly, 6-Gingerol possessed obvious anti-atherogenic activity, which was manifested by a significant reduction in the plaque area, decrease in the atherosclerosis index and vulnerability index. Secondly, based on network pharmacology, 14 predicted intersection target genes between the targets of 6-Gingerol and atherogenic-related targets were identified. The key core targets of 6-Gingerol anti-atherosclerosis were found to be TP53, RELA, BAX, BCL2, and CASP3. Lipid and atherosclerosis pathways might play a critical role in 6-Gingerol anti-atherosclerosis. Molecular docking results also further revealed that the 6-Gingerol bound well and stable to key core targets from network pharmacological predictions. Then, the experimental results in vivo and in vitro verified that the up-regulation of TP53, RELA, BAX, CASP3, and down-regulation of BCL2 from atherosclerotic ApoE-deficient mice model can be improved by 6-Gingerol intervention. Meanwhile, the correlation analysis further confirmed that 6-Gingerol anti-atherosclerosis was closely related to these targets.

CONCLUSION

The 6-Gingerol can markedly improve atherosclerosis by modulating key multi-targets TP53, RELA, BAX, CASP3, and BCL2 in lipid and atherosclerosis pathways. These novel findings shed light on the anti-atherosclerosis mechanism of 6-Gingerol from the perspective of multiple targets and pathways.

Network pharmacology prediction and molecular docking-based strategy to discover the potential pharmacological mechanism of Huang-Qi-Gui-Zhi-Wu-Wu decoction against deep vein thrombosis

BACKGROUND

Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu decoction (HQGZWWD) has been used to treat and prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in China. However, its potential mechanisms of action remain unclear. This study aimed to utilize network pharmacology and molecular docking technology to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of action of HQGZWWD in DVT.

METHODS

We identified the main chemical components of HQGZWWD by reviewing the literature and using a Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database. We used GeneCards and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man databases to identify the targets of DVT. Herb-disease-gene-target networks using Cytascape 3.8.2 software; a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by combining drug and disease targets on the STRING platform. Additionally, we conducted Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. Finally, molecular docking verification of active components and core protein targets was conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 64 potential targets related to DVT were identified in HQGZWWD, with 41 active components; quercetin, kaempferol, and beta-sitosterol were the most effective compounds. The PPI network analysis revealed that AKT1, IL1B, and IL6 were the most abundant proteins with the highest degree. GO analysis indicated that DVT treatment with HQGZWWD could involve the response to inorganic substances, positive regulation of phosphorylation, plasma membrane protein complexes, and signaling receptor regulator activity. KEGG analysis revealed that the signaling pathways included pathways in cancer, lipid and atherosclerosis, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases/protein kinase B(PI3K-Akt) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. The molecular docking results indicated that quercetin, kaempferol, and beta-sitosterol exhibited strong binding affinities for AKT1, IL1B, and IL6.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that AKT1, IL1B, and IL6 are promising targets for treating DVT with HQGZWWD. The active components of HQGZWWD likely responsible for its effectiveness against DVT are quercetin, kaempferol, and beta-sitosterol, they may inhibit platelet activation and endothelial cell apoptosis by regulating the PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways, slowing the progression of DVT.

Development of Novel Herbal Compound Formulations Targeting Neuroinflammation: Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Experimental Verification

Neuroinflammation plays an important role in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. The multicomponent and multitarget approach may provide a practical strategy to address the complex pathological mechanisms of neuroinflammation. This study aimed to develop synergistic herbal compound formulas to attenuate neuroinflammation using integrated network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental bioassays. Eight phytochemicals with anti-neuroinflammatory potential were selected in the present study. A compound-gene target-signaling pathway network was constructed to illustrate the mechanisms of action of each phytochemical and the interactions among them at the molecular level. Molecular docking was performed to verify the binding affinity of each phytochemical and its key gene targets. An experimental study was conducted to identify synergistic interactions among the eight phytochemicals, and the associated molecular mechanisms were examined by immunoblotting based on the findings from the network pharmacology analysis. Two paired combinations, andrographolide and 6-shogaol (AN-SG) (IC50 = 2.85 μg/mL), and baicalein-6-shogaol (BA-SG) (IC50 = 3.28 μg/mL), were found to synergistically (combination index <1) inhibit the lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced nitric oxide production in microglia N11 cells. Network pharmacology analysis suggested that MAPK14, MAPK8, and NOS3 were the top three relevant gene targets for the three phytochemicals, and molecular docking demonstrated strong binding affinities of the phytochemicals to their coded proteins. Immunoblotting suggested that the AN-SG and BA-SG both showed prominent effects in inhibiting inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) and MAPKp-p38 (both p < 0.05) compared with those induced by the LPS stimulation only. The AN-SG combination exhibited greater inhibitions of the protein expressions of iNOS (p < 0.05 vs. individual components), which may partly explain the mechanisms of the synergy observed. This study established a practical approach to developing novel herbal-compound formulations using integrated network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking, and experimental bioassays. The study provides a scientific basis and new insight into the two synergistic combinations against neuroinflammation.

Oxyberberine ameliorates TNBS-induced colitis in rats through suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress via Keap1/Nrf2/NF-κB signaling pathways

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, unspecific inflammatory bowel disorder lacking effective therapeutic targets and radical drugs. Oxyberberine (OBB), a novel intestinal flora-elicited oxidative metabolite of berberine (BBR), has been revealed to exhibit diverse pharmacological properties.

PURPOSE

In this follow-up study, we attempted to shed light on the possible therapeutic effect and latent mechanism of OBB on 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-evoked UC in rats.

METHODS

UC rats were established via a gentle enema of TNBS. Rats were sacrificed after intragastric administration of drugs for seven days. The weight reduction, disease activity index, macroscopic and histological colonic alterations were assessed. Further investigation on molecular mechanisms was conducted by ELISA, qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, or Western blot.

RESULTS

OBB treatment remarkably decreased the weight loss, macroscopic scores, and colonal weight/length ratio, as well as mitigated the colonic pathological deterioration and MPO vitality in colitis rats, achieving a superior protective effect to BBR. Additionally, OBB modulated the disequilibrium between pro- and anti-inflammatory factors by promoting the production of IL-13 and IL-4, and lowering the contents of TNF-α, IL-2, IL-8, and IL-22. Furthermore, OBB pretreatment dramatically ameliorated oxidative stress via enhancing antioxidant defense genes expressions (including HO-1, GCLM, GCLC, and NQO-1), thereby increasing SOD and GSH, and decreasing MDA and ROS activities. Furthermore, OBB strikingly restrained the translocation of NF-κB p65 and phosphorylation of IκBα, promoted HO-1 expression, Keap1 degradation and Nrf2 nuclear translocation.

CONCLUSION

The study firstly indicated that OBB had a superior therapeutic effect than BBR against TNBS-elicited colitis in rats. The protective effect of OBB might be closely related to the modulation of Keap1/Nrf2/NF-κB-mediated inflammatory response and oxidant stress. The evidences highlight the potentiality of OBB as a prospective candidate for the amelioration of colitis.

Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) and Parkinson's Disease (PD): a Mechanistic Approach

Growing evidence suggest that there is a connection between Parkinson's disease (PD) and insulin dysregulation in the brain, whilst the connection between PD and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is still up for debate. Insulin is widely recognised to play a crucial role in neuronal survival and brain function; any changes in insulin metabolism and signalling in the central nervous system (CNS) can lead to the development of various brain disorders. There is accumulating evidence linking T2DM to PD and other neurodegenerative diseases. In fact, they have a lot in common patho-physiologically, including insulin dysregulation, oxidative stress resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction, microglial activation, and inflammation. As a result, initial research should focus on the role of insulin and its molecular mechanism in order to develop therapeutic outcomes. In this current review, we will look into the link between T2DM and PD, the function of insulin in the brain, and studies related to impact of insulin in causing T2DM and PD. Further, we have also highlighted the role of various insulin signalling pathway in both T2DM and PD. We have also suggested that T2DM-targeting pharmacological strategies as potential therapeutic approach for individuals with cognitive impairment, and we have demonstrated the effectiveness of T2DM-prescribed drugs through current PD treatment trials. In conclusion, this investigation would fill a research gap in T2DM-associated Parkinson's disease (PD) with a potential therapy option.

Exploring the active components and potential mechanisms of Rosa roxburghii Tratt in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus based on UPLC-Q-exactive Orbitrap/MS and network pharmacology

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global disease with growing prevalence that is difficult to cure. Rosa roxburghii Tratt is an edible and medicinal plant, and modern pharmacological studies have shown that it has potential anti-diabetic activity. This is the first study to explore the active components and potential mechanisms of Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit for treating T2DM based on UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap/MS and network pharmacology.

METHODS

The active components of Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit were obtained from UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap/MS analysis and retrieval in the SciFinder, PubMed, Web of Science, and CNKI databases. The potential targets of the active components were obtained from the SwissTargetPrediction and PharmMapper databases. The disease targets for T2DM were obtained from GeneCards, OMIM, TTD, DisGENent, and GEO databases. The intersection of the two datasets was used to obtain the potential targets of Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit against T2DM. The target protein interaction network was constructed using the String database and Cytoscape software. The R software ClusterProfiler package was used for target enrichment analysis and the Cytoscape CytoNCA plug-in was used to screen core targets. Molecular docking and result visualization were performed using PyMOL and Autodock Vina software.

RESULTS

We obtained 20 bioactive ingredients, including alphitolic acid, quercetin, and ellagic acid, as well as 13 core targets, such as AKT1, TNF, SRC, and VEGFA. All bioactive ingredients in Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit were active against T2DM-related therapeutic targets. Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit may play a therapeutic role in T2DM by regulating the PI3K/AKT, RAS, AGE-RAGE, and other signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

This study explored the active components and potential mechanisms of Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit in the treatment of T2DM, laying the foundation for a further experimental study based on pharmacodynamic substances and their mechanisms of action.

Exploring the mechanism of the Fructus Mume and Rhizoma Coptidis herb pair intervention in Ulcerative Colitis from the perspective of inflammation and immunity based on systemic pharmacology

PURPOSE

Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a chronic nonspecific inflammatory disease of the colon and rectum. Fructus Mume (FM) and Rhizoma Coptidis (RC) exert effects on inflammatory and immune diseases. We evaluated the hypothesis of the FM and RC (FM-RC) herb pair remedy in alleviating dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis, through network pharmacology-based analyses, molecular docking, and experimental validation.

METHODS

The Traditional Chinese medicine systematic pharmacology analysis platform(TCMSP) and Swiss database were used to predict potential targets of FM-RC and the GeneCards database was utilized to collect UC genes. Cytoscape software was used to construct and analyze the networks, and DAVID was utilized to perform enrichment analysis. AutoDock software was used to dock the core chemical components of the FM-RC herb pair with key UC targets. Animal experiments were performed to validate the prediction results and general conditions and body weight were observed. Pathological changes in colon tissue were observed by staining with hematoxylin and eosin. The levels of TNF-α, IL-8, IL-17, and IL-4 in serum and colon tissue were detected by ELISA.

RESULTS

Eighteen effective components of the herb couple were screened, and their potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of UC were acquired from 110 overlapped targets. GO and KEGG analyses revealed that these targets were highly correlated with protein autophosphorylation, plasma membrane, ATP binding, cancer pathways, the PI3K-AKt signaling pathway, and the Rap1 signaling pathway. Molecular docking established the core protein interactions with compounds having a docking energy < 0 kJ·mol^-1, indicating the core active components had strong binding activities with the core targets. FM-RC herb pair relieved pathological indicators and reduced the concentration of TNF-α, IL-8, and IL-17 and increased IL-4 levels in the serum and colon tissues of UC rats.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, FM-RC herb pair administration alleviated UC. These beneficial effects targeted MAPK1 signaling related to inflammation and immunity, which provided a basis for a better understanding of FM-RC in the treatment of UC.

Effect of terminal electron acceptors on the anaerobic biodegradation of PAHs in marine sediments

The existing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in marine sediment has become a critical threat to biological security. Terminal electron acceptor (TEA) amendment has been applied as a potential strategy to accelerate bioremediation in sediment. HCO₃^-, NO₃^-, and SO₄^2- were separately added to anaerobic sediment system containing five kinds of PAH, namely, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene and benzo(a)pyrene. PAH concentration, PAH metabolites, TEA concentration, and electron transport system (ETS) activity were investigated. The HCO₃^- amendment group achieved the max PAH degradation efficiency of 84.98 %. SO₄^2- group led to the highest benzo(a)pyrene removal rate of 69.26 %. NO₃^- had the lowest PAH degradation rate of 76.16 %. ETS activity test showed that NO₃^- significantly inhibited electron transport activity in the sediment. The identified PAH metabolites were the same in each group, including 4,5-dimethylphenanthrene, 3-acetylphenanthrene, 9,10-anthracenedione, pyrene-7-hydroxy-8-carboxylic acid, anthrone, and dibenzothiophene. After 126 d's anaerobic degradation at 25 °C, the utilization of HCO₃^- and SO₄^2- as selected TEAs promoted the PAH biodegradation performance better than the utilization of NO₃^-.

An integrated study of Shenling Baizhu San against hyperuricemia: Efficacy evaluation, core target identification and active component discovery

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Shenling Baizhu San (SLBZ) is a famous Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula that strengthens the spleen for replenishing qi, removing dampness, and inducing diuresis to relieve diarrhea. Combining the TCM interpretation that dampness is a vital pathogenesis factor in hyperuricemia occurrence and development, SLBZ has excellent potential against hyperuricemia from the perspective of TCM theories.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of SLBZ against hyperuricemia and its possible mechanism with emphasis on the active components and the core targets.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the present study, we employed meta-analysis and a hyperuricemia quail model to evaluate the uric acid-lowering effect of SLBZ. Bodyweight, serum uric acid, and excreta uric acid levels in quails were assessed. Subsequently, we analyzed the potential active components and core targets of SLBZ against hyperuricemia by network pharmacology and calculated their interaction using molecular docking. Furthermore, the hyperuricemia rats treated with interfering agents of core targets were established to determine the central role of selected targets in hyperuricemia progression. Besides, we isolated and characterized the primary renal tubular epithelial cells of quails to verify the active components and core targets of SLBZ against hyperuricemia. Western blotting was used to observe the expression of core targets treated with active components under the stimulation of interfering agents.

RESULTS

Data from meta-analysis and animal experiments showed that SLBZ could work effectively against hyperuricemia. Hyperuricemia quails treated with SLBZ displayed significantly reduced serum uric acid levels accompanied by increased excretion of uric acid. According to network pharmacology and molecular docking results, 34 potential active components and the core target peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) for SLBZ against hyperuricemia were identified. The decreased serum uric acid levels in hyperuricemia rats treated with rosiglitazone, an agonist of PPARγ, confirms the essential role of PPARγ in the pathological process of hyperuricemia. Moreover, we first successfully isolated and characterized the primary renal tubular epithelial cells of quails and observed enhanced phosphorylation of PPARγ at Ser273 in cells handled with high-level uric acid. Whereas, the enhanced expression of p-PPARγ Ser273 could be down-regulated by luteolin and naringenin, two active components of SLBZ against hyperuricemia.

CONCLUSION

In summary, SLBZ is a promising anti-hyperuricemia agent, and luteolin and naringenin are the active components for SLBZ against hyperuricemia by down-regulating phosphorylation of PPARγ at Ser273.

Spectrum-Effect Relationship-Based Strategy Combined with Molecular Docking to Explore Bioactive Flavonoids from Sceptridium ternatum

Sceptridium ternatum is a herbaceous plant with significant potential for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. In this study, we established a spectrum-effect relationship-based strategy to investigate the bioactive basis and tissue distribution in S. ternatum. First, a phytochemical analysis on the ethanol extracts from roots, stems, and leaves of S. ternatum was performed using the colorimetric method, high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet (HPLC-UV), and high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS). Then, radical scavenging assays and the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cell model were used to estimate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, respectively. Spectrum-effect relationship analysis and molecular docking were further employed to evaluate the correlation between the phytochemical profile and anti-inflammatory activity. Our results demonstrate that S. ternatum leaves contained the most abundant flavonoids and exerted the best biological activities. Their IC50 values for scavenging 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals were 2.43 ± 0.13 and 5.36 ± 0.54 mg/mL, respectively. In lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, the leaf extract caused the greatest reduction in nitric oxide production (38.15%) and interleukin-6 release (110.86%). Spectrum-effect relationship analysis and molecular docking indicated that quercetin 3-O-rhamnoside-7-O-glucoside possessed high anti-inflammatory activity by binding with interleukin-6. In conclusion, S. ternatum is a rich source of bioactive flavonoids with potential for exploitation in the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress and inflammation-related pathologies.

Active Compounds Screening and Hepatoprotective Mechanism of Shuganning Injection Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation

Objective: The study aimed to analyze the core active compounds and the potential mechanism of Shuganning injection (SGNI) through network pharmacology with biological experiments. Methods: Active compounds and targets of SGNI were screened from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and Targetnet database, whereas the liver disease-related targets were identified through the Genecards and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man databases. The “compound-target” and “protein-protein interaction” networks construction, core target identification, and pathway enrichment were then performed. Finally, the exploration of the mechanism of action for SGNI against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury in the HepaRG cells and validation of three identified protein targets was also carried out through western blot assay, including tumor protein p53 (p53, TP53), transcription factor Jun (Jun), and Caspase 3 (CASP3). Results: The result showed that a total of 312 active compounds of SGNI and 408 liver disease-related targets, as well as 131 core targets were revealed through databases, such as prostaglandin G/H synthase 1, prostaglandin G/H synthase 2, and nuclear factor NF-kappa B (NF-kB) p65 subunit (RELA). The core targets of SGNI were involved in regulating hepatitis B signaling pathway, NF-kB signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway. Moreover, results of molecular docking in this study indicated that chlorogenic acid, geniposide, baicalin, indirubin, and ganoderic acid A could act on RELA, JUN, TP53, TNF, CASP3, Caspase 8 (CASP8) and nuclear factor NF-kB p105 subunit (NFKB1). Similarly, results of western blot revealed that SGNI reduced the expression of p53, Jun, and Caspase 3 proteins in HepaRG cells as compared with the APAP group ( P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). Conclusion: The present study verified the therapeutic effects and mechanism of SGNI on liver diseases and pointed out new directions for further research.

Evaluating the therapeutic role of selected active compounds in Plumula Nelumbinis on pulmonary hypertension via network pharmacology and experimental analysis

Excessive proliferation and migration of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) are critical factors leading to vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension (PH). This study aimed to explore the effect and potential mechanism of Plumula Nelumbinis on PH by using network pharmacology and experimental analysis. Network pharmacology and molecular docking results indicated that the potential active components of Plumula Nelumbinis against PH were mainly alkaloid compounds, including neferine, liensinine, and isoliensinine. Subsequently, by constructing a Su5416 plus hypoxia (SuHx)-induced PH rat model, we found that the total alkaloids of Plumula Nelumbinis (TAPN) can reduce the right ventricular systolic pressure, delay the process of pulmonary vascular and right ventricular remodeling, and improve the right heart function in PH rats. In addition, TAPN can effectively reverse the upregulation of collagen1, collagen3, MMP2, MMP9, PCNA, PIM1, and p-SRC protein expression in lung tissue of PH rats. Finally, by constructing a hypoxia-induced PASMCs proliferation and migration model, we further found that TAPN, neferine, liensinine, and isoliensinine could inhibit the proliferation and migration of PASMCs induced by hypoxia; reverse the upregulation of collagen1, collagen3, MMP2, MMP9, PCNA, PIM1 and p-SRC protein expression in PASMCs. Based on these observations, we conclude that the alkaloid compounds extracted from Plumula Nelumbinis (such as neferine, liensinine, and isoliensinine) can inhibit the abnormal proliferation and migration of PASMCs by regulating the expression of p-SRC and PIM1, thereby delaying the progression of PH.

Combination of UHPLC-Q Exactive-Orbitrap MS and network pharmacology to reveal the mechanism of Eucommia ulmoides leaves in the treatment of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disabling disease and seriously affects the quality of life of patients. is A potential medicine for the treatment of OA is Eucommia ulmoides leaves (EULs). However, its active compounds and therapeutic mechanisms are unclear. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a method using LC-MS and network pharmacology for the detection and identification of compounds and the mechanisms of action of EULs. The compounds were detected and identified based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Quadrupole Exactive-Orbitrap MS (UHPLC-Q Exactive-Orbitrap MS) and followed by the network pharmacology analysis. Seventy-three compounds, including 15 flavonoids, 8 iridoids, 10 lignans, 24 phenolic acids, and 16 additional compounds, were identified by UHPLC-Q Exactive-Orbitrap MS. The network of the pharmacological analysis revealed that 29 active compounds regulated 17 main pathways through 38 target genes, including NF-kappa B signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, AMPK signaling pathway, etc. In conclusion, EULs were effective in the treatment of OA by regulating the abovementioned key pathways. This study showed that LC-MS/MS followed by network pharmacology analysis is useful to elucidate the complex mechanisms of action of Chinese herb. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This study describes a rapid method of detecting and identifying the constituents and systematic mechanism of Eucommia ulmoides based on LC-MS and network pharmacology. Our results show that 73 compounds of E. ulmoides leaves were identified and predicted that E. ulmoides leaves were effective in the treatment of OA by regulating key pathways, including NF-kappa B signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and AMPK signaling pathway by network pharmacology, which lays the foundation for subsequent research.