Online ligand screening for cytochrome C from herbal medicines through "four-in-one" measurement

Affinity-oriented online ligand screening with LC coupled to different detectors is widely popular to capture active compounds from herbal medicines (HMs). However, false-positive extensively occurs because insufficient information is recorded for the existence and stability of ligand-protein complex. Here, efforts were made to advance the hit confidences via configuring post-column infusion-LC-energy-resolved-affinity MS (PCI-LC-ER-AMS) to achieve "four-in-one" monitoring of: 1) response decrement of potential ligands; 2) response decrement of protein; 3) ions relating to ligand-protein complexes; and 4) ligand-protein binding strength. Ligand fishing for Cyt C from HMs was conducted as a proof-of-concept. For utility justification, a mimic sample containing twelve well-defined ligands and two negative controls underwent LC separation and met Cyt C prior to Qtof-MS measurements. Compared to Cyt C- or ligand-free assay, twelve ligands instead of negative controls showed response decrements that were consistent with twelve negative peaks observed at retention times corresponding to the ligands in Cyt C ion current chromatogram. Serial ions correlating to each ligand-Cyt C complex were observed. After recording breakdown graphs, optimal collision energy (OCE) corresponding to the non-covalent bond dissociation was positively correlated with binding strength. Two HMs including Scutellariae Radix (SR) and Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata were investigated. Consequently, 24 compounds were merely fished from SR, and particularly, flavonoid glycosides exhibited greater OCEs and also binding strengths over aglycones. Affinity assays and cellular evaluations consolidated the significant interactions between each captured compound and Cyt C. Overall, PCI-LC-ER-AMS is eligible for confidence-enhanced online ligand screening for Cyt C from HMs through "four-in-one" measurement.

Research on quality marker based on the processing from Aconiti lateralis radix praeparata to Heishunpian

INTRODUCTION

Aconiti lateralis radix praeparata (ALRP), the sub root of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx., is a traditional Chinese medicine with good pharmacological effects. Heishunpian (HSP), prepared through the process of brine immersing, boiling, rinsing, dyeing, and steaming ALRP is one of the most widely used forms of decoction pieces in clinical practice.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to investigate the mechanisms of component changes and transformations during the processing from ALRP to HSP, and to screen for their quality markers through UHPLC-QTOF-MS analysis.

METHODS

Samples from ALRP to HSP during processing were prepared and analyzed by UHPLC-QTOF-MS. By comparing the differences between before and after each processing step, the purpose of processing and the transformation of components during processing were studied. In addition, multiple batches of ALRP and HSP were determined, and potential quality markers were screened.

RESULTS

Through the analysis of ALRP and five key processing samples, 55 components were identified. Immersing in brine, rinsing, and dyeing were the main factors of component loss, and boiling caused a slight loss of components. Some components were enhanced during the steaming process. Combining the screened differences components between multiple ALRP and HSP, 10 components were considered as potential quality biomarkers.

CONCLUSION

This study found that the adjacent hydroxyl groups of the ester group may have a positive impact on the hydrolysis of the ester group, and 10 quality markers were preliminarily screened. It provides a reference for quality control and clinical application of ALRP and HSP.

Cardiovascular protection of YiyiFuzi powder and the potential mechanisms through modulating mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum interactions

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of death worldwide and represent a major public health challenge. YiyiFuzi Powder (YYFZ), composed of Coicis semen and Fuzi, is a classical traditional Chinese medicine prescription from the Synopsis of Golden Chamber dating back to the Han Dynasty. Historically, YYFZ has been used to treat various CVD, rooted in Chinese therapeutic principles. Network pharmacology analysis indicated that YYFZ may exhibit direct or indirect effects on mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum (ER) interactions. This review, focusing on the cardiovascular protective effects of Coicis semen and Fuzi, summarizes the potential mechanisms by which YYFZ acts on mitochondria and the ER. The underlying mechanisms are associated with regulating cardiovascular risk factors (such as blood lipids and glucose), impacting mitochondrial structure and function, modulating ER stress, inhibiting oxidative stress, suppressing inflammatory responses, regulating cellular apoptosis, and maintaining calcium ion balance. The involved pathways include, but were not limited to, upregulating the IGF-1/PI3K/AKT, cAMP/PKA, eNOS/NO/cGMP/SIRT1, SIRT1/PGC-1α, Klotho/SIRT1, OXPHOS/ATP, PPARα/PGC-1α/SIRT3, AMPK/JNK, PTEN/PI3K/AKT, β2-AR/PI3K/AKT, and modified Q cycle signaling pathways. Meanwhile, the MCU, NF-κB, and JAK/STAT signaling pathways were downregulated. The PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP, PERK/SREBP-1c/FAS, IRE1, PINK1-dependent mitophagy, and AMPK/mTOR signaling pathways were bidirectionally regulated. High-quality experimental studies are needed to further elucidate the underlying mechanisms of YYFZ in CVD treatment.

Integrated strategy facilitates rapid in-depth chemome characterization of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions: Shengbai oral liquid as a case

Chemome characterization is the prerequisite for either therapeutic mechanism clarification or quality control of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions (TCMPs). Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) currently serves as the most popular analytical tool; however, chemome characterization is still challenged by MS/MS spectral acquisition and post-acquisition data processing. Here, an integrated strategy was proposed for in-depth chemome clarification of Shengbai oral liquid (SBOL). Gas phase ion fractionation with staggered mass ranges was demonstrated to be the superior acquisition method regarding MS2 spectrum coverage in this study, and narrower mass range further advanced coverage. To facilitate information extraction, all ingredient materials were measured in parallel to form an in-house library, where each MS1 -MS2 item generated a square mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) frame to capture the tagged identity and each chemical family produced a pentagon frame for mass defect features to accomplish chemical analogs-targeted quasi-molecular ion extraction. Square m/z frame imprinting captured 355 identities, while mass defect frames extracted 275 compounds. Attributing to comprehensive MS2 spectrum acquisition and efficient data processing, 355 components were captured and tentatively identified, resulting in a clarified chemical composition for SBOL. Therefore, the proposed strategy should be meaningful for the chemome characterization of TCMPs.

Identification and quantification of eight alkaloids in Aconitum heterophyllum using UHPLC-DAD-QTOF-IMS: A valuable tool for quality control

INTRODUCTION

Aconitum spp. are prime medicinal plants rich in alkaloids and have been used as the main constituents of traditional medicine in India and China. The whole plant can be toxic and creates pathophysiological conditions inside the human body. Therefore, simultaneous quantification of alkaloids within plant parts and herbal medicines associated with this genus is essential for quality control.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to develop and validate methods using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector-quadrupole time-of-flight ion mobility mass spectrometry (UHPLC-DAD-QTOF-IMS) and to develop an analytical strategy for the identification and quantification of alkaloid compounds (aconitine, hypaconitine, mesaconitine, aconine, benzoylmesaconitine, benzoylaconine, bulleyaconitine A, and deoxyaconitine) from Aconitum heterophyllum.

METHODOLOGY

We developed a simultaneous identification and quantification method for eight alkaloids using UHPLC-DAD-QTOF-IMS. The method was validated as per International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) guidelines and also in IMS mode.

RESULTS

The developed method has good linearity (r²  = 0.997-0.999), LOD (0.63-8.31 μg/mL), LOQ (0.63-2.80 μg/mL), recovery (86.01-104.33%), reproducibility, intra- and inter-day variability (<3.25%), and stability. Significant qualitative and quantitative variations were found among different plant parts (flower, leaf, stem, root, and tuber) and five market products of A. heterophyllum. Furthermore, a total of 21 metabolites were also profiled based on the fragmentation pattern of MS² using the validated method.

CONCLUSION

An appropriate mobile phase using acetonitrile and water in a gradient elution gave a satisfactory chromatographic separation of eight Aconitum alkaloids with their adjacent peaks. Therefore, this method could provide a scientific and technical platform for quality control assurance.

Establishment of a High Content Image Platform to Measure NF-κB Nuclear Translocation in LPS-Induced RAW264.7 Macrophages for Screening Anti-inflammatory Drug Candidates

BACKGROUND

High content image (HCI), an automatic imaging and analysis system, provides a fast drug screening method by detecting the subcellular distribution of protein in intact cells.

OBJECTIVE

This study established the first standardized HCI platform for lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages to screen anti-inflammatory compounds by measuring nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) nuclear translocation.

METHOD

The influence of the cell passages, cell density, LPS induction time and concentration, antibody dilution, serum, dimethyl sulfoxide and analysis parameters on NF-κB nuclear translocation and HCI data quality was optimized. The BAY-11-7085, the positive control for inhibiting NF-κB and Western blot assay were separately employed to verify the stability and reliability of the platform. Lastly, the effect of BHA on NO release, iNOS expression, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α mRNA in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells was detected.

RESULTS

The optimal conditions for measuring NF-κB translocation in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells by HCI were established. Cells that do not exceed 22 passages were seeded at a density of 10 k cells/well and pretreated with compounds following 200 ng/mL LPS for 40 min. Parameters including nuclear area of 65 μm2, cell area of 80 μm2, collar of 0.9 μm and sensitivity of 25% were recommended for image segmentation algorithms in the analysis workstation. Benzoylhypaconine from aconite was screened for the first time as an anti-inflammatory candidate by the established HCI platform. The inhibitory effect of benzoylhypaconine on NF-κB translocation was verified by Western blot. Furthermore, benzoylhypaconine reduced the release of NO, inhibited the expression of iNOS, decreased the mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α.

CONCLUSION

The established HCI platform could be applied to screen anti-inflammatory compounds by measuring the NF-κB nuclear translocation in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells.

Yiyi Fuzi Baijiang Decoction Alleviates Ulcerative Colitis Partly by Regulating TLR4-Mediated PI3K/Akt and NF-κB Pathways

Yiyi Fuzi Baijiang Decoction (YFBD), an ancient prescription developed by the ancient Chinese physician, Zhang Zhongjing, has shown remarkable effects in treating ulcerative colitis (UC). However, there are few studies on its mechanism. This study was designed to explore the potential mechanism of YFBD in treating UC. The principal ingredients of YFBD were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Dextran sulfate sodium- (DSS-) induced mice and lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) stimulated RAW264.7 cells were used in the study. The body weight and disease activity index (DAI) of mice were recorded and analyzed for 10 days. After sacrifice, the colonic tissues were harvested. The colon length was measured, and the histopathological changes were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The levels of inflammatory cytokines in mice colons and RAW246.7 cells were determined by real-time quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence. The effects of YFBD on the TLR4-mediated PI3K/Akt and NF-κB pathways were determined by western blot analysis. HPLC identified five compounds in YFBD: chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, benzoylmesaconine, benzoyl aconitine, and quercetin. YFBD alleviated weight loss, colon shortening, and colonic histopathological lesion in mice. Meanwhile, it decreased the DAI and histological score of mice with UC. In addition, YFBD remarkably decreased the levels of interleukin- (IL-) 6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the colons of DSS-induced mice and LPS-stimulated RAW246.7 cells. Furthermore, the expression of key proteins in TLR4-mediated PI3K/Akt and NF-κB pathways significantly decreased with YFBD treatment. In conclusion, YFBD had protective effects on mice with UC, which was in part related to its anti-inflammatory effects and downregulation of TLR4-mediated PI3K/Akt and NF-κB pathways.

Comprehensive characterization of polyacetylenes and diterpenes from the underground parts of Solidago altissima L. and their contribution to the overall allelopathic activity

Solidago altissima L. (Asteraceae), a perennial plant native to North America, is considered one of the most invasive weeds in Asia and Europe. The successful invasion of S. altissima is possibly due to its allelopathic effect along with high seed productivity and strong vegetative propagation through rhizomes. Herein, to understand the invasion of S. altissima via the allelopathic effect, we isolated and characterized known and undescribed compounds from the underground parts of S. altissima and evaluated their contribution to the overall allelopathic activity of the plant. NMR spectroscopy and LC-MS analyses clarified the chemical structure of ten specialized metabolites including three undescribed compounds, i.e., (4Z, 8Z)-10-tigloyloxy matricaria lactone, (4Z, 8Z)-10-angeloyloxy matricaria lactone, and (2Z, 8Z)-10-methacryloyloxy matricaria ester. The evaluation of the content and allelopathic ability of each compound showed that cis-dehydromatricaria ester contributes to the allelopathic activities of the S. altissima extract.

Simultaneous Determination of Six Alkaloids in Rat Plasma by SPE-HPLC-MS/MS and Their Pharmacokinetics after Oral Administration of Radix aconiti Preparata Extract

Simultaneous determination of the content of six alkaloids (aconitine, hypoaconitine, mesaconitine, benzoylaconine, benzoylhypaconine, and benzoylmesaconine) in rat plasma is enabled by HPLC-MS/MS combined with microsolid phase extraction (micro-SPE). To study its pharmacokinetics in rat plasma, the extracted plasma sample was passed through a C18 extraction column and eluted with acetonitrile. The six alkaloids in the Radix aconiti Preparata extract can be completely separated as peaks with good shape. The six components in the plasma sample showed a good linear relationship within their respective linear ranges (R ² > 0.997). The analysis of the six alkaloids can be completed within 20 min. This method has high intraday and interday precision, and the room temperature stability and freeze-thaw stability are good. The matrix effect of the plasma samples is between 86.4 and 114%. The metabolism of the six Aconitum alkaloids in plasma is analyzed using a two-compartment model, which is characterized by fast absorption, slow elimination, and good linear fit, R ² > 0.99. The peak time (T _max) for aconitine, hypaconitine, and neoaconitine ranged from 29.95 to 42.07 min, while the peak time (T _max) for benzoaconitine, benzohypaconitine, and benzoxinaconitine ranged from 42.88 to 73.08 min. With the increased dosage, the bioavailability of Aconitum alkaloids decreased gradually. The method for the determination of Aconitum alkaloids in rat plasma by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry is sensitive and accurate, which is suitable for rat plasma analysis. The results provide a scientific basis for metabolic study of Aconitum alkaloids in vivo, and pave the way for clinical use of Aconitum medicinal materials and extracts.

A comprehensive quality evaluation of Fuzi and its processed product through integration of UPLC-QTOF/MS combined MS/MS-based mass spectral molecular networking with multivariate statistical analysis and HPLC-MS/MS

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (the Chinese name is Fuzi, FZ), the lateral or daughter root of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. (Ranunculaceae), is a controversial traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that is universally distributed and applied in many countries, such as China, Japan, Korea, and India. FZ can be used to treat various diseases, including rheumatic fever, rheumatism, painful joints, syncope, collapse, bronchial asthma, some endocrinal disorders, etc. However, quality control and assessment of FZ are challenging due to its obvious and high toxicological risks, and only its processed products are allowed to be used clinically according to the relative safety regulations. Consequently, it is necessary to analyze the whole chemical composition and the dynamic changes of FZ before and after processing. Addressing the changes in the chemical substance of raw and processed products is a way to reduce toxicity.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this article, the whole chemical composition of FZ is analyzed, the differences between raw and processed FZ are evaluated, and possible factors that influence the reduced toxicity of processed FZ are explained from the perspective of its chemical composition using qualitative and quantitative analysis methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A novel strategy of multiple data collection and processing based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS) method in the positive ion mode, together with Global Natural Product Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) and multivariate statistical analysis, was established to systematically identify the chemical constituents of FZ and comprehensively investigate the chemical markers that can be used to differentiate FZ processed with vinegar and honey from its raw product. Combined with the qualitative analysis results, 12 components, including 8 chemical marker compounds and 4 toxicity components, were quantitatively analyzed by using high-performance liquid chromatography equipped with triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS).

RESULTS

Using the molecular networking (MN) analysis method, a total of 145 compounds were identified, of which 13 were identified using reference compounds. Seventy seven chemical markers were also detected between raw and processed FZ. The identification results of the chemical markers were also verified by orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). The quantitative results indicated that the contents of 12 important components all decreased, especially diester-diterpenoid alkaloids (DDAs), after processing.

CONCLUSION

The decrease of toxicity of FZ after processing is closely related to the changes in its chemical composition. The method developed in this study is a comprehensive analysis technique for quality assessment of FZ, and this study provides a useful and quick strategy to characterize chemical compounds of TCM and explore the different chemical markers between raw and processed Chinese herbal medicine.

Identification and quantification analysis of the chemical constituents from Mahonia fortune using Q‑Exactive HF Mass Spectrometer and UPLC-ESI-MS/MS

In this research, a comprehensive and innovative method was established for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the main components in Mahonia fortune (MF). On the one hand, comprehensive insight of the constituents in MF extracts was achieved with a Q‑Exactive HF Mass Spectrometer using data-independent acquisition method. The identification of 17 compounds was based on comparison with authentic reference standards and the deduction of 119 additional compounds both in positive and negative modes was using the MS-dial strategy and comparison with literature data. The proportion of alkaloids and phenols were the most in MF. On the other hand, an ultra-performance liquid chromatographic-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS) method for the quantification of 25 components in MF extract were developed and validated. The method established provided satisfactory precision and accuracy; acceptable recovery and stability; a good linearity and a reasonable limit of detection. The MF samples from 11 different sources were detected, and relative principal component analysis were applied to discriminate these samples. The variations of Columbamine, Jatrorrhizine, Palmatine and Berberine were suggested as important indicators of MF quality. This study supplies a novel and comprehensive method for the quality evaluation of MF. This research presents a MS based analytical strategy which shows an application potential in the analysis of the chemical constituents in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

UPLC-Q-TOF/MS characterization of efficacy substances on osteoblasts differentiation and function in rat serum after administration of Wang-Bi tablet

Wang-Bi tablet (WB) is popularly used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. However, few studies have been carried out on its active ingredients and mechanism. In this study, the effect of WB medicated serum on the changes in differentiation and function in osteoblast was investigated, the results showed that WB induced the production of ALP and mineralized nodules to promote the final maturation of osteoblasts and enhance the function of osteoblasts. The potential mechanism may that WB significantly inhibits gene expressions of RANKL and miR-141, up-regulates the gene expressions of RUNX2 and OPG, decreases expression of DKK-1 and increases levels of β-catenin protein to promote the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways, which enhances osteogenesis and bone repair function. To investigate which compounds contributed to the activity and mechanisms, a total of 138 compounds were characterized from WB, and 13 parent molecules and eight metabolites in rat serum were rapidly characterized by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. Total glycosides of paeony, loganin, α-linolenic acid, linoleic acid and naringin from WB may contribute to the actions on osteoblasts according to our study and literature review. Our research provides a method to explore the bioactive ingredients and action mechanisms of WB.

Identification of the Chemical Constituents of an Anti-Arthritic Chinese Medicine Wen Luo Yin by Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Mass Spectrometry

Wen Luo Yin (WLY), a well-known traditional Chinese medicine formulation, has been used as a complementary therapy for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in clinical settings. However, the chemical constituents of WLY remain unclear. In this study, a high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry method was established to separate and comprehensively identify the chemical constituents of WLY. The analytes were eluted with a mobile phase of acetonitrile and 0.1% aqueous acetic acid. Mass detection was performed in both positive and negative ion mode. The MS/MS fragmentation pathways were proposed for the identification of the components. A total of 42 compounds including sesquiterpenes, alkaloids, biflavonoids, polyacetylenes, phenylpropanoids and acetylenic phenols were identified unambiguously or tentatively according to their retention times and mass behavior with those of authentic standards or literature data. The identification and structural elucidation of chemical constituents may provide important information for quality control and pharmacological research of WLY.

Effects of Active Components of Fuzi and Gancao Compatibility on Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3 in Chronic Heart Failure Rats

Hypaconitine (HA) and glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) are active components of Fuzi (Aconitum carmichaelii) and Gancao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch); they have been used in compatibility for chronic heart failure (CHF) from ancient times. The purpose of the present research was to explore whether apoptosis pathways were related with the protective effects of HA + GA against CHF rats or not. The rats were progressed with transverse-aortic constriction (TAC) operation for 4 weeks to build the CHF state, and then the Digoxin (1 mg/kg), HA (2.07 mg/kg), GA (25 mg/kg), and HA (2.07 mg/kg) + GA (25 mg/kg) were orally administrated to rats for 1 week. The levels of BNP and cTnI in the plasma were decreased in the HA + GA group, and the heart/body weight ratio (H/B) and left ventricular (LV) parameters of transthoracic echocardiography were also declined; moreover, the expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 were all improved in the HA + GA group than other groups in the immunohistochemistry and western blot methods. In general, the data suggested that Fuzi and Gancao compatibility could protect the CHF rats from apoptosis, which provided a strong evidence for further searching for mechanisms of them.