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Aswinanand B, Nayak SPRR, Madesh S, Subbarayudu S, Kaliraj S, Rajagopal R, Alfarhan A, Kathiravan MK, Arockiaraj J. Toxicity and therapeutic property of dioxopiperidin derivative SKT40 demonstrated in-vivo zebrafish model due to inflammatory bowel disease. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 284:109990. [PMID: 39089428 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2024.109990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses chronic disorders that cause severe inflammation in the digestive tract. This study evaluates (E)-3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-N-(2,6-dioxopiperidin-3-yl) acrylamide (named SKT40), a derivative of dioxopiperidinamide, as a potential novel treatment for IBD. The pharmacological activity of SKT40 indicated positive interactions using network pharmacology and molecular docking in silico. In vivo, adult and larval zebrafish were tested to evaluate the effectiveness of SKT40 at different concentrations (7.5 μM, 10 μM, 15 μM) in preventing dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced intestinal inflammation. The administration of SKT40 resulted in positive effects by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, and cell apoptosis in zebrafish larvae. SKT40 demonstrated a significant reduction in intestinal damage in adult zebrafish by increasing antioxidant enzymes that combat the causes of IBD, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). It also reduces cellular damage and inflammation, as indicated by decreased levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Gene expression analysis identified downregulation in gene expression of inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2, and IL-6. Histopathological analysis showed tissue repair from DSS-induced damage and indicated reduced hyperplasia of goblet cells. These findings suggest that SKT40 effectively treats intestinal damage, highlighting its potential as a promising candidate for IBD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Aswinanand
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603203, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S P Ramya Ranjan Nayak
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603203, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S Madesh
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603203, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Suthi Subbarayudu
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603203, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S Kaliraj
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603203, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rajakrishnan Rajagopal
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Alfarhan
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muthu Kumaradoss Kathiravan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, SRM School of Pharmacy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603203, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Jesu Arockiaraj
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603203, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Liang H, Ren Y, Huang Y, Xie X, Zhang M. Treatment of diabetic retinopathy with herbs for tonifying kidney and activating blood circulation: A review of pharmacological studies. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 328:118078. [PMID: 38513781 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118078] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a prevalent microvascular complication of diabetes. Chinese medicine believes that kidney deficiency and blood stasis are significant pathogenesis of DR. A characteristic therapeutic approach for this pathogenesis is the kidney-tonifying and blood-activating method. By literature retrieval from several databases, we methodically summarized the commonly used kidney-tonifying and blood-activating herbs for treating DR, including Lycii Fructus, Rehmanniane Radix Praeparata, and Corni Fructus with the function of nourishing kidney; Salvia Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma with the function of enhancing blood circulation; Rehmanniae Radix with the function of nourishing kidney yin; and Astragali Radix with the function of tonifying qi. It has been demonstrated that these Chinese herbs described above, by tonifying the kidney and activating blood circulation, significantly improve the course of DR. AIM OF THE STUDY Through literature research, to gain a thorough comprehension of the pathogenesis of DR. Simultaneously, through the traditional application analysis, modern pharmacology research and network pharmacology analysis of kidney-tonifying and blood-activating herbs, to review the effectiveness and advantages of kidney-tonifying and blood-activating herbs in treating DR comprehensively. MATERIALS AND METHODS PubMed, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Data were used to filter the most popular herbs for tonifying kidney and activating blood in the treatment of DR. The search terms were "diabetic retinopathy" and "tonifying kidney and activating blood". Mostly from 2000 to 2023. Network pharmacology was applied to examine the key active components and forecast the mechanisms of kidney-tonifying and blood-activating herbs in the treatment of DR. RESULTS Kidney deficiency and blood stasis are the pathogenesis of DR, and the pathogenesis is linked to oxidative stress, inflammation, hypoxia, and hyperglycemia. Scientific data and network pharmacology analysis have demonstrated the benefit of tonifying kidney and activating blood herbs in treating DR through several channels, multiple components, and multiple targets. CONCLUSIONS This review first presents useful information for subsequent research into the material foundation and pharmacodynamics of herbs for tonifying kidney and activating blood, and offers fresh insights into the treatment of DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yuan Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yuxia Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Xuejun Xie
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China.
| | - Mei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
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Nandi A, Nigar T, Das A, Dey YN. Network pharmacology analysis of Plumbago zeylanica to identify the therapeutic targets and molecular mechanisms involved in ameliorating hemorrhoids. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-15. [PMID: 37948311 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2280681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Plumbago zeylanica is an important plant used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine for the treatment of hemorrhoids or piles. Despite its clinical uses, its molecular mechanism, for ameliorating hemorrhoids is not yet explored. Hence, the present study evaluated the plausible molecular mechanisms of P. zeylanica in the treatment of hemorrhoids using network pharmacology and other in silico analysis. Network pharmacology was carried out by protein, GO, and KEGG enrichment analysis. Further ADME/T, molecular docking and dynamics studies of the resultant bioactive compounds of P. zeylanica with the regulated proteins were evaluated. Results of the network pharmacology analysis revealed that the key pathways and plausible molecular mechanisms involved in the treatment effects of P. zeylanica on hemorrhoids are cell migration, proliferation, motility, and apoptosis which are synchronized by cancer, focal adhesion, and by signalling relaxin, Rap1, and calcium pathways which indicates the involvement of angiogenesis and vasodilation which are the characteristic features of hemorrhoids. Further, the molecular docking and dynamics studies revealed that the bio active ingredients of P. zeylanica strongly bind with the key target proteins in the ambiance of hemorrhoids. Hence, the study revealed the mechanism of P. zeylanica in ameliorating hemorrhoids.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arijit Nandi
- Department of Pharmacology, Dr. B.C. Roy College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences, West Bengal, India
| | - Tanzeem Nigar
- Department of Pharmacology, Dr. B.C. Roy College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences, West Bengal, India
| | - Anwesha Das
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Ahmedabad, Palaj, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Yadu Nandan Dey
- Department of Pharmacology, Dr. B.C. Roy College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences, West Bengal, India
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Yang Y, Yan J, Huang J, Wu X, Yuan Y, Yuan Y, Zhang S, Mo F. Exploring the mechanism by which quercetin re-sensitizes breast cancer to paclitaxel: network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental verification. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 396:3045-3059. [PMID: 37148401 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02510-9] [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: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
This study is aimed to explore the potential molecular mechanism of quercetin reversing paclitaxel (PTX) resistance in breast cancer (BC) by network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental verification. Pharmacological platform databases are used to predict quercetin targets and BC PTX-resistance genes and constructed the expression profile of quercetin chemosensitization. The overlapping targets were input into the STRING database and used Cytoscape v3.9.0 to construct the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Subsequently, these targets were performed with Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment analyses and molecular docking. Finally, we further detected the potential role of quercetin in improving PTX sensitivity in BC in vitro experiments. Compounds and targets screening hinted that 220 quercetin predicted targets, 244 BC PTX resistance-related genes, and 66 potential sensitive target genes (PSTGs). Network pharmacology screening revealed the top-15 crucial targets in PPI network of quercetin reversing the sensitivity of BC to PTX. KEGG analysis revealed that they were mainly enriched in the EGFR/ERK signaling pathway. Molecular docking showed that both quercetin and PTX could stably bind to the key targets in the EGFR/ERK signaling pathway. In vitro experiments further confirmed that quercetin inhibited the key targets in the EGFR/ERK axis to the suppression of cell proliferation and promotion of apoptosis in PTX-resistance BC cells, and restoring the activity of the resistant cells to PTX. Our results suggested that quercetin increased the sensitivity of BC to PTX through inhibiting EGFR/ERK axis, and it is an effective treatment for reversing PTX resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Yang
- Department of Basic Clinical Laboratory Medicine, School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Jiaoyan Yan
- Department of Basic Clinical Laboratory Medicine, School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Xiangyi Wu
- Department of Basic Clinical Laboratory Medicine, School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Yan Yuan
- Department of Basic Clinical Laboratory Medicine, School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Yan Yuan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Guiyang, Guiyang, 550002, China
| | - Shu Zhang
- Department of Basic Clinical Laboratory Medicine, School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China.
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China.
| | - Fei Mo
- Department of Basic Clinical Laboratory Medicine, School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China.
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China.
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Xiao G, Hu Z, Jia C, Yang M, Li D, Xu A, Jiang J, Chen Z, Li Y, Li S, Chen W, Zhang J, Bi X. Deciphering the mechanisms of Yinlan Tiaozhi capsule in treating hyperlipidemia by combining network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental verification. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6424. [PMID: 37076581 PMCID: PMC10115829 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33673-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Yinlan Tiaozhi capsule (YLTZC) has been widely used to treat hyperlipidemia (HLP). However, its material basis and underlying pharmacological effects remain unclean. The current study aimed to explore the mechanisms involved in the treatment of YLTZC on HLP based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental verification. Firstly, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS was used to comprehensively analyze and identify the chemical constituents in YLTZC. A total of 66 compounds, mainly including flavonoids, saponins, coumarins, lactones, organic acids, and limonin were characterized and classified. Simultaneously, the mass fragmentation pattern of different types of representative compounds was further explored. By network pharmacology analysis, naringenin and ferulic acid may be the core constituents. The 52 potential targets of YLTZC, including ALB, IL-6, TNF, and VEGFA, were considered potential therapeutic targets. Molecular docking results showed that the core active constituents of YLTZC (naringenin and ferulic acid) have a strong affinity with the core targets of HLP. Lastly, animal experiments confirmed that naringenin and ferulic acid significantly upregulated the mRNA expression of ALB and downregulated the mRNA expression of IL-6, TNF, and VEGFA. In sum, the constituents of YLTZC, such as naringenin and ferulic acid, might treat HLP by regulating the mechanism of angiogenesis and inhibiting inflammatory responses. Furthermore, our data fills the gap in the material basis of YLTZC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanlin Xiao
- Guangdong Province Engineering and Technology Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zixuan Hu
- Guangdong Province Engineering and Technology Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Canchao Jia
- School of the Fifth Clinical Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, People's Republic of China
| | - Minjuan Yang
- School of the Fifth Clinical Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongmei Li
- School of the Fifth Clinical Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, People's Republic of China
| | - Aili Xu
- Guangdong Province Engineering and Technology Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jieyi Jiang
- Guangdong Province Engineering and Technology Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhao Chen
- Guangdong Province Engineering and Technology Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yangxue Li
- Guangdong Province Engineering and Technology Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Sumei Li
- Guangdong Province Engineering and Technology Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Weitao Chen
- Guangdong Province Engineering and Technology Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingnian Zhang
- Guangdong Province Engineering and Technology Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoli Bi
- Guangdong Province Engineering and Technology Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
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Nandi A, Das A, Dey YN, Roy KK. The Abundant Phytocannabinoids in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Therapeutic Targets and Molecular Processes Identified Using Integrated Bioinformatics and Network Pharmacology. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13030700. [PMID: 36983855 PMCID: PMC10053995 DOI: 10.3390/life13030700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system consists of several phytocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes that aid in numerous steps necessary to manifest any pharmacological activity. It is well known that the endocannabinoid system inhibits the pathogenesis of the inflammatory and autoimmune disease rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To the best of our knowledge, no research has been done that explains the network-pharmacology-based anti-rheumatic processes by focusing on the endocannabinoid system. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to further our understanding of the signaling pathways, associated proteins, and genes underlying RA based on the abundant natural endocannabinoids. The knowledge on how the phytocannabinoids in Cannabis sativa affect the endocannabinoid system was gathered from the literature. SwissTarget prediction and BindingDB databases were used to anticipate the targets for the phytocannabinoids. The genes related to RA were retrieved from the DisGeNET and GeneCards databases. Protein–protein interactions (high confidence > 0.7) were carried out with the aid of the string web server and displayed using Cytoscape. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) metabolic pathway analysis was used to perform enrichment analyses on the endocannabinoid–RA common targets. ShinyGO 0.76 was used to predict the biological processes listed in the Gene Ontology (GO) classification system. The binding affinity between the ligand and the receptors was precisely understood using molecular docking, induced-fit docking, and a molecular dynamics simulation. The network pharmacology analyses predicted that processes like response to oxygen-containing compounds and peptodyl-amino acid modification are related to the potential mechanisms of treatment for RA. These biological actions are coordinated by cancer, neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction, lipids and atherosclerosis, the calcium signaling pathway, and the Rap1 signaling pathway. According to the results of molecular docking, in the context of RA, phytocannabinoids may bind to important target proteins such PIK3CA, AKT1, MAPK9, PRKCD, BRAF, IGF1R, and NOS3. This entire study predicted the phytocannabinoids’ systemic biological characteristics. Future experimental research is needed, however, to confirm the results so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arijit Nandi
- Department of Pharmacology, Dr. B.C. Roy College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences, Durgapur 713206, West Bengal, India
| | - Anwesha Das
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Ahmedabad, Palaj, Gandhinagar 382355, Gujarat, India
| | - Yadu Nandan Dey
- Department of Pharmacology, Dr. B.C. Roy College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences, Durgapur 713206, West Bengal, India
- Correspondence: (Y.N.D.); (K.K.R.)
| | - Kuldeep K. Roy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES University, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India
- Correspondence: (Y.N.D.); (K.K.R.)
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Li X, Qin X, Fang T, Liu W. Network pharmacology- and molecular docking-based approach for predicting key targets and the potential mechanism of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. ALL LIFE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/26895293.2022.2147220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xi Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Childhood Hematological Oncology and Birth Defects Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Birth Defects, Luzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiang Qin
- Department of Pediatrics, Childhood Hematological Oncology and Birth Defects Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Birth Defects, Luzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tingting Fang
- Department of Pediatrics, Childhood Hematological Oncology and Birth Defects Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Birth Defects, Luzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenjun Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Childhood Hematological Oncology and Birth Defects Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Birth Defects, Luzhou, People’s Republic of China
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Nguyen TK, Phung HH, Choi WJ, Ahn HC. Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Study on the Multi-Target Mechanisms of Aloe vera for Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Treatment. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:3585. [PMID: 36559697 PMCID: PMC9783676 DOI: 10.3390/plants11243585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease with limited treatment options. The widely distributed plant Aloe vera has shown protective effects against NASH in animals, yet the precise mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the potential mechanisms underlying the anti-NASH effects of Aloe vera using a network pharmacology and molecular docking approach. By searching online databases and analyzing the Gene Expression Omnibus dataset, we obtained 260 Aloe vera-NASH common targets. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses showed that the common targets were strongly associated with the key pathological processes implicated in NASH, including lipid and glucose metabolism, inflammation, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and liver fibrosis. Four core proteins, AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), transcription factor c-Jun, and tumor suppressor protein p53, were identified from compound-target-pathway and protein-protein interaction networks. Molecular docking analysis verified that the active ingredients of Aloe vera were able to interact with the core proteins, especially AKT1 and TNFα. The results demonstrate the multi-compound, multi-target, and multi-pathway mechanisms of Aloe vera against NASH. Our study has shown the scientific basis for further experiments in terms of the mechanism to develop Aloe vera-based natural products as complementary treatments for NASH. Furthermore, it identifies novel drug candidates based on the structures of Aloe vera's active compounds.
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Bao X, Li J, Ren C, Wei J, Lu X, Wang X, Du W, Jin X, Ma B, Zhang Q, Ma B. Aucubin ameliorates liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cells activation in diabetic mice via inhibiting ER stress-mediated IRE1α/TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome through NOX4/ROS pathway. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 365:110074. [PMID: 35961541 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.110074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is closely associated with hepatic injury, which could promote/exacerbate hepatic inflammation, steatosis, and accelerate liver fibrosis progression. Aucubin (AU), as an active ingredient isolated from Eucommia ulmoides, exists a nutritional value in hepatoprotective effect and diabetic complications. However, whether it possesses more outstanding features on improving liver injury in diabetic conditions and the underlying mechanism is unclear. Our research investigated the treatment of AU on liver fibrosis and potential mechanisms on high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice and high glucose (HG)&TGF-β1-induced LX-2 cells. Results showed that AU restored hepatic function without affecting blood sugar levels in diabetic mice. Meanwhile, the enhanced levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-c were reversed in hepatic tissue after AU treatment. Histomorphology assays including H&E, Masson, PAS, Oil red and Sirius red staining showed that AU treatment reduced liver swelling, steatosis and fibrosis. Mechanistic studies showed that AU alleviated NLRP3 inflammasome activation and inflammatory responses via inhibiting ER stress-mediated IRE1α/TXNIP signaling pathway, which could postpone the development of T2DM induced hepatic fibrosis. In addition, the ROS generation and the up-regulated expression of NADHP oxidase 4 (NOX4) in the liver tissue were suppressed by AU treatment. Moreover, in vitro model, NOX4 activation was prominently enhanced and AU treatment blocked HG&TGF-β1-induced NOX4 derived superoxide generation and thereby ameliorating hepatic stellate cell activation, which can be abrogated in the overexpression of NOX4 LX-2 cells. In addition, inhibition effects on ER stress-mediated IRE1α/TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome by AU treatment also were abolished in the overexpression of NOX4 LX-2 cells. Meanwhile, molecular docking results indicated that AU and NOX4 protein have a higher affinity. Taken together, AU might be a potential nutraceutical or therapeutic drug to ameliorate hepatic impairment and fibrosis in T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowen Bao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaqi Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaoxing Ren
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingxun Wei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuanzhao Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxuan Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Du
- Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Jin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Beiting Ma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China.
| | - Bo Ma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China.
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Liu J, Yuan S, Yao Y, Wang J, Scalabrino G, Jiang S, Sheridan H. Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Elucidate the Underlying Pharmacological Mechanisms of the Herb Houttuynia cordata in Treating Pneumonia Caused by SARS-CoV-2. Viruses 2022; 14:v14071588. [PMID: 35891565 PMCID: PMC9324059 DOI: 10.3390/v14071588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Used in Asian countries, including China, Japan, and Thailand, Houttuynia cordata Thumb (H. cordata; Saururaceae, HC) is a traditional herbal medicine that possesses favorable antiviral properties. As a potent folk therapy used to treat pulmonary infections, further research is required to fully elucidate the mechanisms of its pharmacological activities and explore its therapeutic potential for treating pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2. This study explores the pharmacological mechanism of HC on pneumonia using a network pharmacological approach combined with reprocessing expression profiling by high-throughput sequencing to demonstrate the therapeutic mechanisms of HC for treating pneumonia at a systemic level. The integration of these analyses suggested that target factors are involved in four signaling pathways, including PI3K-Akt, Jak-STAT, MAPK, and NF-kB. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were applied to verify these results, indicating a stable combination between four metabolites (Afzelin, Apigenin, Kaempferol, Quercetin) and six targets (DPP4, ELANE, HSP90AA1, IL6, MAPK1, SERPINE1). These natural metabolites have also been reported to bind with ACE2 and 3CLpro of SARS-CoV-2, respectively. The data suggest that HC exerts collective therapeutic effects against pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2 and provides a theoretical basis for further study of the active drug-like ingredients and mechanism of HC in treating pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junying Liu
- NatPro Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, D02PN40 Dublin, Ireland; (J.L.); (J.W.); (G.S.)
| | - Shouli Yuan
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100080, China;
| | - Yao Yao
- Biocomputing and Developmental Systems, Lero—The Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Software, Department of Computer Science & Information Systems, The University of Limerick, V94T9PX Limerick, Ireland;
| | - Jinfan Wang
- NatPro Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, D02PN40 Dublin, Ireland; (J.L.); (J.W.); (G.S.)
| | - Gaia Scalabrino
- NatPro Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, D02PN40 Dublin, Ireland; (J.L.); (J.W.); (G.S.)
| | - Shibo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Correspondence: (S.J.); (H.S.)
| | - Helen Sheridan
- NatPro Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, D02PN40 Dublin, Ireland; (J.L.); (J.W.); (G.S.)
- Correspondence: (S.J.); (H.S.)
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Wang S, Huang Z, Lei Y, Han X, Tian D, Gong J, Liu M. Celastrol Alleviates Autoimmune Hepatitis Through the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway Based on Network Pharmacology and Experiments. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:816350. [PMID: 35359864 PMCID: PMC8960436 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.816350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This work aims to explore the potential targets and underlying therapeutic mechanisms of celastrol in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) through network pharmacology and experiments on Laboratory Animals. Methods: A drug-target interaction network was constructed to predict the possible targets of celastrol and their potential relationship with the drug; docking studies were also performed for validation. This study used both acute and chronic rodent models of autoimmune hepatitis. Gross appearance of liver and spleen were obtained from murine models, hematoxylin-eosin staining and Sirius red staining were performed to examine hepatic inflammation and fibrosis respectively. By combining molecular docking and enrichment analysis results, the most prominent signaling pathway was selected and further confirmed by Western blot in AIH models administered with celastrol. Results: In total, 82 common targets of celastrol and AIH were obtained from databases, identified by network pharmacology, and adequately enriched. Among them, PIK3R1, SRC, MAPK1, AKT1, and HRAS were selected as the top 5 closely related targets to celastrol. They all performed effectively in molecular docking, with AKT1 and PIK3R1 exhibiting more-prominent binding energy. Subsequently, celastrol administration significantly ameliorated hepatitis and liver fibrosis by reducing AKT1 and PI3K phosphorylation in both acute liver injury and chronic models of autoimmune hepatitis. Conclusion: In summary, celastrol significantly attenuates autoimmune hepatitis by suppressing the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, confirmed by validated animal models. These findings may help identify the mechanism involved in the anti-inflammatory action of celastrol in autoimmune hepatitis and provide ideas for future comprehensive studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jin Gong
- *Correspondence: Jin Gong, ; Mei Liu,
| | - Mei Liu
- *Correspondence: Jin Gong, ; Mei Liu,
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12
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周 凌, 赵 梓, 熊 枫, 陈 云, 孙 玉. [Anti-tumor mechanism of sesquiterpenoids from Cryptoporus volvatus based on molecular docking]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2022; 42:71-77. [PMID: 35249872 PMCID: PMC8901396 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2022.01.08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the target genes mediating anti-tumor effect of sesquiterpenoids from Cryptoporus volvatus and explore the possible mechanism using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. METHODS Based on the chemical structure of sesquiterpenes from C. volvatus, we explored the online reverse target finding websites PharmMapper, SEA, Target Hunter and related literature for preliminary prediction of possible anti-tumor targets. Discovery Studio 4.0 (Libdock function) and Maestro 12.3 were used to connect sesquiterpenes with the possible targets, and the potential targets were selected according to the scores. The interaction between the sesquiterpenes and the targets were analyzed using 2D interaction diagram, and the influence of different sesquiterpene skeletons on their activity was inferred based on their activity measurements in experiment. Kinetic simulation was performed for front-end protein sequence (1UNQ) of the Akt (protein kinase B) and for the complex formed by 1UNQ and compound 4 (which had the best cytotoxic activity in vitro) in its optimal conformation, and the root mean square deviation (RMSD) value and root mean square float (RMSF) value of the complex and 1UNQ were measured to evaluate the stability of the binding of compound 4 to the target. RESULTS The sesquiterpenes showed optimal binding with 1UNQ. Analysis of 2D interaction diagram suggested that the hydrogen bonding and electrostatic force were the most important forces mediating the interaction between the sesquiterpenes and 1UNQ. Analysis of the optimal 3D conformation showed that for different sesquiterpenes, a slight change of the molecular framework produced a steric hindrance effect and caused changes in their bioactivity. Kinetic simulation showed that the complex formed by compound 4 and1UNQ had a lower RMSD than the target pure protein sequence, indicating that compound 4 could stably bind to 1UNQ. The anti-tumor effect of the sesquiterpenoids from C. volvatus was associated with their ability to cause Lys-144 acetylation, which blocks Akt binding to the downstream PIP3 and thus affects the proliferation of tumor cells. CONCLUSION 1UNQ is the target of sesquiterpenoids from C. volvatus, which affects the proliferation of tumor cells by acetylating Lys-14.
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Affiliation(s)
- 凌云 周
- 皖南医学院药学院,安徽 芜湖 241002School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, China
- 安徽省皖南地区植物药活性物质筛选与再评价工程实验室,安徽 芜湖 241002Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Screening and Reevaluation of Active Compounds of Herbal Medicines in Southern Anhui, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - 梓童 赵
- 皖南医学院药学院,安徽 芜湖 241002School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - 枫 熊
- 中国科学院昆明植物研究所,云南 昆明 650201Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Science, Kunming 650201, China
| | - 云艳 陈
- 皖南医学院药学院,安徽 芜湖 241002School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, China
- 安徽省皖南地区植物药活性物质筛选与再评价工程实验室,安徽 芜湖 241002Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Screening and Reevaluation of Active Compounds of Herbal Medicines in Southern Anhui, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - 玉 孙
- 皖南医学院药学院,安徽 芜湖 241002School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, China
- 安徽省皖南地区植物药活性物质筛选与再评价工程实验室,安徽 芜湖 241002Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Screening and Reevaluation of Active Compounds of Herbal Medicines in Southern Anhui, Wuhu 241002, China
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Venkateswaran MR, Vadivel TE, Jayabal S, Murugesan S, Rajasekaran S, Periyasamy S. A review on network pharmacology based phytotherapy in treating diabetes- An environmental perspective. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 202:111656. [PMID: 34265348 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes has become common lifestyle disorder associated with obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Environmental factors like physical inactivity, polluted surroundings and unhealthy dieting also plays a vital role in diabetes pathogenesis. As the current anti-diabetic drugs possess unprecedented side effects, traditional herbal medicine can be used an alternative therapy. The paramount challenge with the herbal formulation usage is the lack of standardized procedure, entangled with little knowledge on drug safety and mechanism of drug action. Heavy metal contamination is a major environmental hazard where plants tend to accumulate toxic metals like nickel, chromium and lead through industrial and agricultural activities. It becomes inappropriate to use these plants for phytotherapy as it may affect the human health on long term consumption. This review discuss about the environmental risk factors related to diabetes and better implication of medicinal plants in anti-diabetic therapy using network pharmacology. It is an in silico analytical tool that helps to unravel the multi-targeted action of herbal formulations rich in secondary metabolites. Also, a special focus is attempted to pool the databases regarding the medicinal plants for diabetes and associated diseases, their bioactive compounds, possible diabetic targets, drug-target interaction and toxicology reports that may open an aisle in safer, effective and toxicity-free drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi R Venkateswaran
- Department of Biotechnology, Anna University, BIT-Campus, Tiruchirappalli, 620024, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Tamil Elakkiya Vadivel
- Department of Biotechnology, Anna University, BIT-Campus, Tiruchirappalli, 620024, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sasidharan Jayabal
- Department of Biotechnology, Anna University, BIT-Campus, Tiruchirappalli, 620024, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Selvakumar Murugesan
- Department of Biotechnology, Anna University, BIT-Campus, Tiruchirappalli, 620024, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Subbiah Rajasekaran
- Department of Biochemistry, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, India.
| | - Sureshkumar Periyasamy
- Department of Biotechnology, Anna University, BIT-Campus, Tiruchirappalli, 620024, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Guo Y, Liang J, Liu B, Jin Y. Molecular Mechanism of Food-Derived Polyphenols on PD-L1 Dimerization: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222010924. [PMID: 34681584 PMCID: PMC8535905 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222010924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In cancer immunotherapy, an emerging approach is to block the interactions of programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) using small-molecule inhibitors. The food-derived polyphenols curcumin (CC), resveratrol (RSV) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) have anticancer immunologic functions, which, recently, have been proposed to act via the downregulation of PD-L1 expression. However, it remains unclear whether they can directly target PD-L1 dimerization and, thus, interrupt the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of such compounds on PD-L1 dimerization, molecular docking and nanosecond molecular dynamics simulations were performed. Binding free energy calculations show that the affinities of CC, RSV and EGCG to the PD-L1 dimer follow a trend of CC > RSV > EGCG. Hence, CC is the most effective inhibitor of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. Analysis on contact numbers, nonbonded interactions and residue energy decomposition indicate that such compounds mainly interact with the C-, F- and G-sheet fragments of the PD-L1 dimer, which are involved in interactions with PD-1. More importantly, nonpolar interactions between these compounds and the key residues Ile54, Tyr56, Met115, Ala121 and Tyr123 play a dominant role in binding. Free energy landscape and secondary structure analyses further demonstrate that such compounds can stably interact with the binding domain of the PD-L1 dimer. The results provide evidence that CC, RSV and EGCG can inhibit PD-1/PD-L1 interactions by directly targeting PD-L1 dimerization. This provides a novel approach to discovering food-derived small-molecule inhibitors of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway with potential applications in cancer immunotherapy.
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