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Zhang D, Hong L, Zhang RS, Zhang Q, Yao J, Wang J, Zhang N. Identification of the key mechanisms of action of Si-Ni-San in uveitis using bioinformatics and network pharmacology. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e34615. [PMID: 37653797 PMCID: PMC10470687 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000034615] [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: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uveitis is an eye disease with a high rate of blindness, whose pathogenesis is not completely understood. Si-Ni-San (SNS) has been used as a traditional medicine to treat uveitis in China. However, its mechanism of action remains unclear. This study explored the potential mechanisms of SNS in the treatment of uveitis through network pharmacology and bioinformatics. METHODS Using R language and Perl software, the active components and predicted targets of SNS, as well as the related gene targets of uveitis, were mined through the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology, Therapeutic Target, Gene Expression Omnibus, GeneCards, and DrugBank databases. The network diagram of active components and intersection targets was constructed using Cytoscape software and the String database. The CytoNCA plug-in was used to conduct topological analysis on the network diagram and screen out the core compounds and key targets. The genes were analyzed for Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment. Chemoffice, Pymol, AutoDock, and Vina were used to analyze the molecular docking of key targets and core compounds of diseases through the PubChem database. RESULTS JUN, RELA, and MAPK may play important roles in the treatment of uveitis by SNS. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway enrichment analysis showed that core genes were mainly concentrated in MAPK, toll-like receptor, tumor necrosis factor, and nucleotide oligomerization domain-like receptor signaling pathways. In addition, molecular docking results showed that the bioactive compounds (kaempferol, luteolin, naringin, and quercetin) exhibited good binding ability to JUN, RELA, and MAPK. CONCLUSION Based on these findings, SNS exhibits multi-component and multi-target synergistic action in the treatment of uveitis, and its mechanism may be related to anti-inflammatory and immune regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Zhang
- Dalian Women and Children’s Medical Group, Dalian, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Ha Er Bin Shi, China
| | - Liu Hong
- Dalian Women and Children’s Medical Group, Dalian, China
| | - Rui Su Zhang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Jing Yao
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Jiadi Wang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
- Banan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Zhang M, Wang L, Zhou C, Wang J, Cheng J, Fan Y. E. coli LPS/TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway Regulates Th17/Treg Balance Mediating Inflammatory Responses in Oral Lichen Planus. Inflammation 2023; 46:1077-1090. [PMID: 37017858 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-023-01793-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease mediated by T cells. The imbalance of microflora has potential impacts on the onset and development of OLP, but the mechanism is still unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of Escherichia coli (E. coli) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) simulating the microbial enrichment state of OLP on T cell immune functions in vitro. Effect of E. coli LPS on the viability of T cell using CCK8 assay. After E. coli LPS pretreatment, the expression of the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65), cytokines, retinoic acid-related orphan receptor γt (RORγt), and forkhead box p3 (Foxp3) in the peripheral blood of OLP patients and normal controls (NC) were assessed using quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Finally, Th17 and Treg cells were detected by flow cytometry. We found that the TLR4/NF-κB pathway was activated and the expression of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-17 was increased in both groups after E. coli LPS stimulation. CC chemokine ligand (CCL)20 and CC chemokine receptor (CCR)4 expression was increased in OLP after E. coli LPS treatment, while no difference was found in CCR6 and CCL17 expression of both groups. Moreover, E. coli LPS treatment enhanced the proportion of Th17 cells, Th17/Treg ratio, and RORγt/Foxp3 ratio in OLP. In conclusion, E. coli LPS regulated Th17/Treg balance to mediate the inflammatory responses of OLP through the TLR4/NF-κB pathway in vitro, indicating that oral microbiota dysbiosis affected the chronic inflammatory state of OLP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengna Zhang
- Department of Oral Mucosal Diseases, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Linglin Wang
- Department of Oral Mucosal Diseases, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Affiliated Changzhou Children's Hospital of Nantong University, Changzhou, China
| | - Chenyu Zhou
- Department of Oral Mucosal Diseases, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Oral Mucosal Diseases, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Juehua Cheng
- Department of Oral Mucosal Diseases, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuan Fan
- Department of Oral Mucosal Diseases, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing, China.
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Hummig W, Baggio DF, Lopes RV, dos Santos SMD, Ferreira LEN, Chichorro JG. Antinociceptive effect of ultra-low dose naltrexone in a pre-clinical model of postoperative orofacial pain. Brain Res 2023; 1798:148154. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.148154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Zheng X, Mai L, Xu Y, Wu M, Chen L, Chen B, Su Z, Chen J, Chen H, Lai Z, Xie Y. Brucea javanica oil alleviates intestinal mucosal injury induced by chemotherapeutic agent 5-fluorouracil in mice. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1136076. [PMID: 36895947 PMCID: PMC9990700 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1136076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Brucea javanica (L.) Merr, has a long history to be an anti-dysentery medicine for thousand of years, which is commonly called "Ya-Dan-Zi" in Chinese. The common liquid preparation of its seed, B. javanica oil (BJO) exerts anti-inflammatory action in gastrointestinal diseases and is popularly used as an antitumor adjuvant in Asia. However, there is no report that BJO has the potential to treat 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced chemotherapeutic intestinal mucosal injury (CIM). Aim of the study: To test the hypothesis that BJO has potential intestinal protection on intestinal mucosal injury caused by 5-FU in mice and to explore the mechanisms. Materials and methods: Kunming mice (half male and female), were randomly divided into six groups: normal group, 5-FU group (5-FU, 60 mg/kg), LO group (loperamide, 4.0 mg/kg), BJO group (0.125, 0.25, 0.50 g/kg). CIM was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 5-FU at a dose of 60 mg/kg/day for 5 days (from day 1 to day 5). BJO and LO were given orally 30 min prior to 5-FU administration for 7 days (from day 1 to day 7). The ameliorative effects of BJO were assessed by body weight, diarrhea assessment, and H&E staining of the intestine. Furthermore, the changes in oxidative stress level, inflammatory level, intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis, and proliferation, as well as the amount of intestinal tight junction proteins were evaluated. Finally, the involvements of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway were tested by western blot. Results: BJO effectively alleviated 5-FU-induced CIM, as represented by the improvement of body weight, diarrhea syndrome, and histopathological changes in the ileum. BJO not only attenuated oxidative stress by upregulating SOD and downregulating MDA in the serum, but also reduced the intestinal level of COX-2 and inflammatory cytokines, and repressed CXCL1/2 and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Moreover, BJO ameliorated 5-FU-induced epithelial apoptosis as evidenced by the downregulation of Bax and caspase-3 and the upregulation of Bcl-2, but enhanced mucosal epithelial cell proliferation as implied by the increase of crypt-localized proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) level. Furthermore, BJO contributed to the mucosal barrier by raising the level of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1). Mechanistically, these anti-intestinal mucositis pharmacological effects of BJO were relevant for the activation of Nrf2/HO-1 in the intestinal tissues. Conclusion: The present study provides new insights into the protective effects of BJO against CIM and suggests that BJO deserves to be applied as a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention of CIM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinghan Zheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University General Hospital/Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.,Pharmacy Department, Quanzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Quanzhou, China
| | - Liting Mai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Medical Insurance Office, Zhaoqing Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhaoqing, China.,Dongguan Institute of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Dongguan, China
| | - Ying Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Dongguan Institute of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Dongguan, China
| | - Minghui Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Dongguan Institute of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Dongguan, China
| | - Li Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Dongguan Institute of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Dongguan, China
| | - Baoyi Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Dongguan Institute of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Dongguan, China
| | - Ziren Su
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Dongguan Institute of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Dongguan, China
| | - Jiannan Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Dongguan Institute of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Dongguan, China
| | - Hongying Chen
- Guangzhou Baiyunshan Mingxing Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhengquan Lai
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University General Hospital/Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Youliang Xie
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Dongguan Institute of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Dongguan, China
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Zhang D, Zhang N, Wang Y, Zhang Q, Wang J, Yao J. Analysis of differentially expressed genes in individuals with noninfectious uveitis based on data in the gene expression omnibus database. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e31082. [PMID: 36254061 PMCID: PMC9575823 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000031082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Noninfectious uveitis (NIU), an intraocular inflammation caused by immune-mediated reactions to eye antigens, is associated with systemic rheumatism and several autoimmune diseases. However, the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of uveitis are poorly understood. Therefore, we aimed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in individuals with NIU and to explore its etiologies using bioinformatics tools. GSE66936 and GSE18781 datasets from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database were merged and analyzed. Functional enrichment analysis was performed, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed. A total of 89 DEGs were identified. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis identified 21 enriched gene sets. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis identified four core enriched pathways: antigen processing and expression signaling, natural killer (NK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity signaling, glutathione metabolic signal transduction, and arachidonic acid metabolism pathways. PPI network analysis revealed an active component-target network with 40 nodes and 132 edges, as well as several hub genes, including CD27, LTF, NCR3, SLC4A1, CD69, KLRB1, KIR2DL3, KIR3DL1, and GZMK. The eight potential hub genes may be associated with the risk of developing NIU. NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity signaling might be the key molecular mechanism in the occurrence and development of NIU. Our study provided new insights on NIU, its genetics, molecular pathogenesis and new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Zhang
- Dalian Women and Children’s Medical Group, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, China
- Dalian Port Hospital
| | - Yan Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, China
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Jiadi Wang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Jing Yao
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, China
- *Correspondence: Jing Yao, No 26 Heping Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin, China (e-mail: )
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Yang B, Huang X, Xu S, Li L, Wu W, Dai Y, Ge MX, Yuan L, Cao W, Yang M, Wu Y, Deng D. Decreased miR-4512 Levels in Monocytes and Macrophages of Individuals With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Contribute to Innate Immune Activation and Neutrsophil NETosis by Targeting TLR4 and CXCL2. Front Immunol 2021; 12:756825. [PMID: 34721432 PMCID: PMC8552026 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.756825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with complex etiology that is not yet entirely understood. We aimed to elucidate the mechanisms and therapeutic potential of microRNAs (miRNAs) in SLE in a Tibetan population. Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from SLE patients (n = 5) and healthy controls (n = 5) were used for miRNA–mRNA co-sequencing to detect miRNAs related to immune abnormalities associated with SLE. Luciferase reporter assay was used to identify potential targets of candidate miRNA. The target genes were verified in miRNA-agomir/antagomir transfection assays with multiple cells lines and by expression analysis. The effects of candidate miRNA on monocyte and macrophage activation were evaluated by multiple cytokine profiling. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation was analyzed in vitro by cell stimulation with supernatants of monocytes and macrophages transfected with candidate miRNA. The rodent MRL/lpr lupus model was used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of CXCL2Ab on SLE and the regulation effect of immune disorders. Results Integrated miRNA and mRNA expression profiling identified miRNA-4512 as a candidate miRNA involved in the regulation of neutrophil activation and chemokine-related pathways. MiR-4512 expression was significantly reduced in monocytes and macrophages from SLE patients. MiR-4512 suppressed the TLR4 pathway by targeting TLR4 and CXCL2. Decreased monocyte and macrophage miR-4512 levels led to the expression of multiple proinflammatory cytokines in vitro. Supernatants of miR-4512 antagomir-transfected monocytes and macrophages significantly promoted NETs formation (P < 0.05). Blocking of CXCL2 alleviated various pathogenic manifestations in MRL/lpr mice, including kidney damage and expression of immunological markers of SLE. Conclusions We here demonstrated the role of miR-4512 in innate immunity regulation in SLE. The effect of miR-4512 involves the regulation of monocytes, macrophages, and NETs formation by direct targeting of TLR4 and CXCL2, indicating the miR-4512-TLR4-CXCL2 axis as a potential novel therapeutic target in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binbin Yang
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Xinwei Huang
- Key Laboratory of The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kuming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Shuangyan Xu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China.,Department of Dermatology, The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, The People's Hospital of Yuxi City, Kunming, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China.,Dai Medicine College, West Yunnan University of Applied Sciences, Xishuangbanna, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China.,Department of Dermatology, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, China
| | - Yunjia Dai
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China.,Department of Dermatology, Panlong District People's Hospital, Kunming, China
| | - Ming-Xia Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution/Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Limei Yuan
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Wenting Cao
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Meng Yang
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yongzhuo Wu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Danqi Deng
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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