1
|
Wang H, Zhao X, Wu Z. Mechanism of drug-pairs Astragalus Mongholicus-Largehead Atractylodes on treating knee osteoarthritis investigated by GEO gene chip with network pharmacology and molecular docking. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e38699. [PMID: 38968529 PMCID: PMC11224889 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000038699] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Investigations into the therapeutic potential of Astragalus Mongholicus (AM, huáng qí) and Largehead Atractylodes (LA, bái zhú) reveal significant efficacy in mitigating the onset and progression of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), albeit with an elusive mechanistic understanding. This study delineates the primary bioactive constituents and their molecular targets within the AM-LA synergy by harnessing the comprehensive Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) network databases, including TCMSP, TCMID, and ETCM. Furthermore, an analysis of 3 gene expression datasets, sourced from the gene expression omnibus database, facilitated the identification of differential genes associated with KOA. Integrating these findings with data from 5 predominant databases yielded a refined list of KOA-associated targets, which were subsequently aligned with the gene signatures corresponding to AM and LA treatment. Through this alignment, specific molecular targets pertinent to the AM-LA therapeutic axis were elucidated. The construction of a protein-protein interaction network, leveraging the shared genetic markers between KOA pathology and AM-LA intervention, enabled the identification of pivotal molecular targets via the topological analysis facilitated by CytoNCA plugins. Subsequent GO and KEGG enrichment analyses fostered the development of a holistic herbal-ingredient-target network and a core target-signal pathway network. Molecular docking techniques were employed to validate the interaction between 5 central molecular targets and their corresponding active compounds within the AM-LA complex. Our findings suggest that the AM-LA combination modulates key biological processes, including cellular activity, reactive oxygen species modification, metabolic regulation, and the activation of systemic immunity. By either augmenting or attenuating crucial signaling pathways, such as MAPK, calcium, and PI3K/AKT pathways, the AM-LA dyad orchestrates a comprehensive regulatory effect on immune-inflammatory responses, cellular proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and antioxidant defenses, offering a novel therapeutic avenue for KOA management. This study, underpinned by gene expression omnibus gene chip analyses and network pharmacology, advances our understanding of the molecular underpinnings governing the inhibitory effects of AM and LA on KOA progression, laying the groundwork for future explorations into the active components and mechanistic pathways of TCM in KOA treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- Jinan Third People’s Hospital, Affiliated Jinan Third People’s Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Xinyou Zhao
- Yanzhou People’s Hospital, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Zixuan Wu
- Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu Y, Sun Z, Zhou X, Wang H, Yu M, Li D. Protective Effects of Polysaccharide of Atractylodes Macrocephala Koidz against Porcine Aortic Valve Endothelial Cells Damage Induced by di (2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate. Cell Biochem Biophys 2024; 82:1409-1419. [PMID: 38722472 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-024-01295-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/25/2024]
Abstract
The activation, injury, and dysfunction of endothelial cells are considered to be the initial key events in the development of atherosclerosis. Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a prevalent organic pollutant, can cause damage to multiple organs. Polysaccharide of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (PAMK) is a bioactive compound extracted from A. macrocephala Koidz with various biological activities. This study investigates the protective effects of PAMK on porcine aortic valve endothelial cells (PAVEC) damaged by DEHP. PAVECs treated with DEHP alone or with PAMK showed reduced cell apoptosis and death in PAMK-pretreated cells. PAMK up-regulated Bcl-2 expression and down-regulated Bax protein, suppressing apoptosis. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that PAMK protected PAVECs from DEHP-induced damage. These findings suggest that PAMK inhibits cell apoptosis and protects against DEHP damage in endothelial cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunfeng Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Zongyi Sun
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, 510225, China
| | - Xiaoling Zhou
- Centre for Animal Disease Prevention and Control of Heilongjiang Province, Haerbin, 150069, China
| | - Haibin Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Miaomiao Yu
- Journal Center of Northeast Agricultural University, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Dejun Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China.
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liu PY, Hong KF, Liu YD, Sun ZY, Zhao TT, Li XL, Lao CC, Tan SF, Zhang HY, Zhao YH, Xie Y, Xu YH. Total flavonoids of Astragalus protects glomerular filtration barrier in diabetic kidney disease. Chin Med 2024; 19:27. [PMID: 38365794 PMCID: PMC10870499 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-024-00903-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a prevalent complication of diabetes and the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Recent evidence suggests that total flavonoids of Astragalus (TFA) has promising effects on diabetes; however, its influence on DKD and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. METHODS In this study, we induced the DKD model using streptozotocin (STZ) in male C57BL/6J mice and utilized glomerular endothelial cell (GEC) lines for in vitro investigations. We constructed a network pharmacology analysis to understand the mechanism of TFA in DKD. The mechanism of TFA action on DKD was investigated through Western blot analysis and multi-immunological methods. RESULTS Our findings revealed that TFA significantly reduced levels of urinary albumin (ALB). Network pharmacology and intracellular pathway experiments indicated the crucial involvement of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in mediating these effects. In vitro experiments showed that TFA can preserve the integrity of the glomerular filtration barrier by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors TNF-alpha and IL-8, reducing oxidative stress. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrated that TFA can ameliorates the progression of DKD by ameliorating renal fibrosis and preserving the integrity of the kidney filtration barrier. These results provide pharmacological evidence supporting the use of TFA in the treatment of kidney diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Yu Liu
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao, People's Republic of China
| | - Kin-Fong Hong
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya-Di Liu
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhong-Yan Sun
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting-Ting Zhao
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu-Ling Li
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao, People's Republic of China
| | - Chi-Chou Lao
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao, People's Republic of China
| | - Shu-Feng Tan
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Ying Zhang
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong-Hua Zhao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Ying Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - You-Hua Xu
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Choudhary S, Khan S, Rustagi S, Rajpal VR, Khan NS, Kumar N, Thomas G, Pandey A, Hamurcu M, Gezgin S, Zargar SM, Khan MK. Immunomodulatory Effect of Phytoactive Compounds on Human Health: A Narrative Review Integrated with Bioinformatics Approach. Curr Top Med Chem 2024; 24:1075-1100. [PMID: 38551050 DOI: 10.2174/0115680266274272240321065039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunomodulation is the modification of immune responses to control disease progression. While the synthetic immunomodulators have proven efficacy, they are coupled with toxicity and other adverse effects, and hence, the efforts were to identify natural phytochemicals with immunomodulatory potential. OBJECTIVE To understand the immunomodulatory properties of various phytochemicals and investigate them in Echinacea species extracts using an in silico approach. METHODOLOGY Several scientific database repositories were searched using different keywords: "Phytochemicals," "Alkaloids," "Polyphenols," "Flavonoids," "Lectins," "Glycosides," "Tannins," "Terpenoids," "Sterols," "Immunomodulators," and "Human Immune System" without any language restriction. Additionally, the study specifically investigated the immunomodulatory properties of Echinacea species extracts using gene expression analysis of GSE12259 from NCBI-GEO through the Bioconductor package GEOquery and limma. RESULTS A total of 182 studies were comprehensively analyzed to understand immunomodulatory phytochemicals. The in silico analysis highlighted key biological processes (positive regulation of cytokine production, response to tumor necrosis factor) and molecular functions (cytokine receptor binding, receptor-ligand activity, and cytokine activity) among Echinacea species extracts contributing to immune responses. Further, it also indicated the association of various metabolic pathways, i.e., pathways in cancer, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, NF-kappa B, PI3K-Akt, TNF, MAPK, and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways, with immune responses. The study revealed various hub targets, including CCL20, CCL4, GCH1, SLC7A11, SOD2, EPB41L3, TNFAIP6, GCLM, EGR1, and FOS. CONCLUSION The present study presents a cumulative picture of phytochemicals with therapeutic benefits. Additionally, the study also reported a few novel genes and pathways in Echinacea extracts by re-analyzing GSE 12259 indicating its anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and immunomodulatory properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sheeba Khan
- Department of Food Technology, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, 21107, India
| | - Shivani Rustagi
- Department of Food Processing and Technology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, 201312, India
| | - Vijay Rani Rajpal
- Department of Botany, Hansraj College, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Noor Saba Khan
- ICMR-National Institute of Pathology, New Delhi, 110091, India
| | - Neeraj Kumar
- ICMR-National Institute of Pathology, New Delhi, 110091, India
| | - George Thomas
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Engineering, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, 21107, India
| | - Anamika Pandey
- Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Selcuk University, Konya, 42079, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Hamurcu
- Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Selcuk University, Konya, 42079, Turkey
| | - Sait Gezgin
- Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Selcuk University, Konya, 42079, Turkey
| | - Sajad Majeed Zargar
- Proteomics Laboratory, Division of Plant Biotechnology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Srinagar, 190025, India
| | - Mohd Kamran Khan
- Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Selcuk University, Konya, 42079, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dong Q, Li Z, Zhang Q, Hu Y, Liang H, Xiong L. Astragalus mongholicus Bunge (Fabaceae): Bioactive Compounds and Potential Therapeutic Mechanisms Against Alzheimer's Disease. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:924429. [PMID: 35837291 PMCID: PMC9273815 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.924429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Astragalus mongholicus Bunge (Fabaceae) (also known as Astragali radix-AR), a widely used herb by Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners, possesses a wide range of pharmacological effects, and has been used to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD) historically. Its bioactive compounds are categorized into four families: saponins, flavonoids, polysaccharides, and others. AR's bioactive compounds are effective in managing AD through a variety of mechanisms, including inhibiting Aβ production, aggregation and tau hyperphosphorylation, protecting neurons against oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and apoptosis, promoting neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation and ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction. This review aims to shed light upon the chemical constituents of AR and the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of each compound in manging AD. Also presented are clinical studies which reported successful management of AD with AR and other herbs. These will be helpful for drug development and clinical application of AR to treat AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qianyu Dong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yueyu Hu
- Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huazheng Liang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lize Xiong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Antiosteoporosis Studies of 20 Medicine Food Homology Plants Containing Quercetin, Rutin, and Kaempferol: TCM Characteristics, In Vivo and In Vitro Activities, Potential Mechanisms, and Food Functions. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:5902293. [PMID: 35399639 PMCID: PMC8989562 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5902293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Dietary nutraceutical compounds have been evidenced as backbone for bone health in recent years. It is reported that medicine food homology (MFH) plants have multiple nutraceutical compounds. Based on our literature research, 20 MFH plants caught our attention because they contain three popular antiosteoporosis compounds simultaneously: quercetin, rutin, and kaempferol. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), their characteristics including natures, flavors, attributive to meridian tropism, and efficacies were listed. The relationships between TCM efficacies, such as “heat clearing,” “tonic,” and “the interior warming,” and antiosteoporosis pharmacological actions such as antioxidant and immune regulation were discussed. The in vivo antiosteoporosis effects of the 20 MFH plants were summarized. The in vitro antiosteoporosis activities and related mechanisms of the 20 plants and quercetin, rutin, kaempferol were detailed. The TGF-β-Smad signaling, fibroblast growth factor, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling on bone formation and the RANKL signaling, NF-κB signaling, and macrophage-colony-stimulating factor on bone resorption were identified. From food point, these 20 MFH plants could be classified as condiment, vegetable, fruit, tea and related products, beverage, etc. Based on the above discussion, these 20 MFH plants could be used as daily food supplements for the prevention and treatment against osteoporosis.
Collapse
|
7
|
The Pharmacological Mechanism of the Effect of Plant Extract Compound Drugs on Cancer Pain Based on Network Pharmacology. JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE ENGINEERING 2022; 2022:9326373. [PMID: 35265311 PMCID: PMC8898871 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9326373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Objective We systematically analyzed the mechanism of plant-derived drugs alleviating cancer pain in our hospital through network pharmacology, so as to provide the possibility of further application of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of cancer pain. Methods We used TCMSP, ETCM, and TCMID databases to mine the active ingredients of plant-derived drugs. We combined OMIM, GeneCards, and DrugBank databases to mine and match the common targets of plant-derived drugs for cancer pain. We used the STRING platform and Cytoscape software to analyze and screen out the core targets. We used GO and KEGG methods to analyze the biological processes, molecular functions, cellular composition, and signaling pathways involved in the reduction of cancer pain by plant-derived drugs. Results We found 153 active ingredients from botanical drugs by TCMSP (Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform, TCMSP), ETCM (The Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine), and TCMID (Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Database) databases, covering 341 protein targets in human body. Combined with OMIM (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man), GeneCards, and DrugBank databases, we excavated and matched 141 targets of plant-derived drugs and cancerous pain diseases. Through the analysis of the STRING platform and Cytoscape software, 19 core targets including TNF, MAPK1, JUN, and IL-6 were screened out. Go and KEGG enrichment showed that plant-derived drugs alleviated cancer pain processes involving 193 biological processes, 47 molecular functions, 22 cell components, and 118 signaling pathways. By screening genes involved in KEGG signaling pathway, it was found that plant-derived drugs were mainly associated with PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, and HIF-1 signaling pathway in alleviating cancer pain. Conclusion These results indicate that botanical drugs can positively affect the expression of inflammatory factors and apoptotic factors in the process of treatment and relief of cancer pain, which is expected to have a potential therapeutic effect on the relief of cancer pain.
Collapse
|