Network pharmacology-based identification of the key mechanism of quercetin acting on hemochromatosis

A grape-supplemented diet prevented ultraviolet (UV) radiation-induced cataract by regulating Nrf2 and XIAP pathways

The purpose of this study is to investigate if grape consumption, in the form of grape powder (GP), could protect against ultraviolet (UV)-induced cataract. Mice were fed with the regular diet, sugar placebo diet, or a grape diet (regular diet supplemented with 5%, 10%, and 15% GP) for 3 months. The mice were then exposed to UV radiation to induce cataract. The results showed that the GP diet dose-dependently inhibited UV-induced cataract and preserved glutathione pools. Interestingly, UV-induced Nrf2 activation was abolished in the groups on the GP diet, suggesting GP consumption may improve redox homeostasis in the lens, making Nrf2 activation unnecessary. For molecular target prediction, a total of 471 proteins regulated by GP were identified using Agilent Literature Search (ALS) software. Among these targets, the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) was correlated with all of the main active ingredients of GP, including resveratrol, catechin, quercetin, and anthocyanins. Our data confirmed that GP prevented UV-induced suppression of XIAP, indicating that XIAP might be one of the critical molecular targets of GP. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that GP protected the lens from UV-induced cataract development in mice. The protective effects of GP may be attributed to its ability to improve redox homeostasis and activate the XIAP-mediated antiapoptotic pathway.

Targeting ferroptosis unveils a new era for traditional Chinese medicine: a scientific metrology study

In the past 11 years, there has been a surge in studies exploring the regulatory effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) on ferroptosis. However, a significant gap persists in comprehensive scientometric analysis and scientific mapping research, especially in tracking the evolution, primary contributors, and emerging research focal points. This study aims to comprehensively update the advancements in targeting ferroptosis with various TCMs during the previous 11 years. The data, covering the period from 1 January 2012, to 30 November 2023, were retrieved from the Web of Science database. For in-depth scientometric and visualized analyses, a series of advanced analytical instruments were employed. The findings highlight China's predominant role, accounting for 71.99% of total publications and significantly shaping research in this domain. Noteworthy productivity was observed at various institutions, including Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Zhejiang University. Thomas Efferth emerged as the foremost author within this field, while Frontiers in Pharmacology boasted the highest publication count. This study pinpointed hepatocellular carcinoma, chemical and drug-induced liver injury, mitochondrial diseases, acute kidney injury, and liver failure as the most critical disorders addressed in this research realm. The research offers a comprehensive bibliometric evaluation, enhancing our understanding of the present status of TCM therapy in managing ferroptosis-related diseases. Consequently, it aids both seasoned researchers and newcomers by accelerating access to vital information and fostering innovative concept extraction within this specialized field.

Managing ferroptosis-related diseases with indirect dietary modulators of ferroptosis

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of programmed cell death driven by excessive oxidation of polyunsaturated phospholipids on cellular membranes. Accumulating evidence suggests that ferroptosis has been implicated in the pathological process of various diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases, liver diseases, kidney injury, lung injury, diabetes, and cancer. Targeting ferroptosis is therefore considered to be a reasonable strategy to fight against ferroptosis-associated diseases. Many dietary bioactive agents have been identified to be able to either suppress or promote ferroptosis, indicating that ferroptosis-based intervention by dietary approach may be an effective strategy for preventing and treating diseases associated with ferroptosis dysregulation. In this review, we summarize the present understanding of the functional role of ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of aforementioned diseases with an emphasis on the evidence of managing ferroptosis-related diseases with indirect dietary modulators of ferroptosis and propose issues that need to be addressed to promote practical application of dietary approach targeting ferroptosis.

Analysis of the role and mechanism of EGCG in septic cardiomyopathy based on network pharmacology

Background

Septic cardiomyopathy (SC) is a common complication of sepsis that leads to an increase in mortality. The pathogenesis of septic cardiomyopathy is unclear, and there is currently no effective treatment. EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) is a polyphenol that has anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antioxidative stress effects. However, the role of EGCG in septic cardiomyopathy is unknown.

Methods

Network pharmacology was used to predict the potential targets and molecular mechanisms of EGCG in the treatment of septic cardiomyopathy, including the construction and analysis of protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, gene ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis and molecular docking. The mouse model of septic cardiomyopathy was established after intraperitoneal injection of LPS (lipopolysaccharide). The myocardial protective effect of EGCG on septic mice is observed by cardiac ultrasound and HE staining. RT-PCR is used to verify the expression level of the EGCG target in the septic cardiomyopathy mouse model.

Results

A total of 128 anti-SC potential targets of EGCGareselected for analysis. The GO enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway analysis results indicated that the anti-SC targets of EGCG mainly participate in inflammatory and apoptosis processes. Molecular docking results suggest that EGCG has a high affinity for the crystal structure of six targets (IL-6 (interleukin-6), TNF (tumor necrosis factor), Caspase3, MAPK3 (Mitogen-activated protein kinase 3), AKT1, and VEGFA (vascular endothelial growth factor)), and the experimental verification result showed levated expression of these 6 hub targets in the LPS group, but there is an obvious decrease in expression in the LPS + EGCG group. The functional and morphological changes found by echocardiography and HE staining show that EGCG can effectively improve the cardiac function that is reduced by LPS.

Conclusion

Our results reveal that EGCG may be a potentially effective drug to improve septic cardiomyopathy. The potential mechanism by which EGCG improves myocardial injury in septic cardiomyopathy is through anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. The anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of EGCG occur not only through direct binding to six target proteins (IL-6,TNF-α, Caspase3, MAPK3, AKT1, and VEGFA) but also by reducing their expression.

Mechanism of Action of Flavonoids of Oxytropis falcata on the Alleviation of Myocardial Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury

Oxytropis falcata Bunge is a plant used in traditional Tibetan medicine, with reported anti-inflammatory and antioxidants effects and alleviation of myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury (MIRI). However, the underlying mechanism against MIRI and the phytochemical composition of O. falcata are vague. One fraction named OFF1 with anti-MIRI activity was obtained from O. falcata, and the chemical constituents were identified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS). The potential targets and signaling pathways involved in the action of O. falcata against MIRI were predicted by network pharmacology analysis, and its molecular mechanism on MIRI was determined by in vitro assays. The results revealed that flavonoids are the dominant constituents of OFF1. A total of 92 flavonoids reported in O. falcata targeted 213 potential MIRI-associated factors, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), and the NF-κB signaling pathway. The in vitro assay on H9c2 cardiomyocytes subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation injury confirmed that the flavonoids in OFF1 reduced myocardial marker levels, apoptotic rate, and the inflammatory response triggered by oxidative stress. Moreover, OFF1 attenuated MIRI by downregulating the ROS-mediated JNK/p38MAPK/NF-κB pathway. Collectively, these findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanism of O. falcata in alleviating MIRI, being a potential therapeutic candidate.