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Wang H, Lan Y, Luo L, Xiao Y, Meng X, Zeng Y, Wu J. The Scutellaria-Coptis herb couple and its active small-molecule ingredient wogonoside alleviate cytokine storm by regulating the CD39/NLRP3/GSDMD signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 329:118155. [PMID: 38593962 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118155] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE A drug pair is a fundamental aspect of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions. Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi and Coptis chinensis Franch, commonly used as an herb couple (SBCC), are representative heat-clearing and dampness-drying drugs. They possess functions such as clearing heat, drying dampness, purging fire, and detoxifying. These herbs are used in both traditional and modern medicine for treating inflammation. AIM OF THE STUDY This study investigated the effects of SBCC on cytokine storm syndrome (CSS) and explored its potential regulatory mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS We assessed the impact of SBCC in a sepsis-induced acute lung injury mouse model by administering an intraperitoneal injection of LPS (15 mg/kg). The cytokine levels in the serum and lungs, the wet-to-dry ratio of the lungs, and lung histopathological changes were evaluated. The macrophages in the lung tissue were examined through transmission electron microscopy. Western blot was used to measure the levels of the CD39/NLRP3/GSDMD pathway-related proteins. Immunofluorescence imaging was used to assess the activation of pro-caspase-1 and ASC and their interaction. AMP-Glo™ assay was used to screen for active ingredients in SBCC targeting CD39. One of the ingredients was selected, and its effect on cell viability was assessed. We induced inflammation in macrophages using LPS + ATP and detected the levels of proinflammatory factors. The images of cell membrane large pores were captured using scanning electron microscopy, the interaction between NLRP3 and ASC was detected using immunofluorescence imaging, and the levels of CD39/NLRP3/GSDMD pathway-related proteins were assessed using Western blot. RESULTS SBCC administration effectively mitigated LPS-induced cytokine storm, pulmonary edema and lung injury. Furthermore, it repressed the programmed death of lung tissue macrophages by inhibiting the NLRP3/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway and regulating the CD39 purinergic pathway. Based on the results of the AMP-Glo™ assay, we selected wogonoside for further valuation. Wogonoside alleviated LPS + ATP-induced inflammatory damage by regulating the inhibiting the NLRP3/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway and regulating the CD39 purinergic pathway. However, its effect on NLRP3 is not mediated though CD39. CONCLUSION SBCC and its active small-molecule ingredient, wogonoside, improved CSS by regulating the NLRP3/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway and its upstream CD39 purinergic pathway. It is essential to note that the regulatory effect of wogonoside on NLRP3 is not mediated by CD39.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Yuejia Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Liuling Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Yang Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Xianli Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611130, China; Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Yong Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611130, China.
| | - Jiasi Wu
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611130, China.
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Huang X, Liu X, Li Z. Bile acids and coronavirus disease 2019. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:1939-1950. [PMID: 38799626 PMCID: PMC11119507 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2024.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been significantly alleviated. However, long-term health effects and prevention strategy remain unresolved. Thus, it is essential to explore the pathophysiological mechanisms and intervention for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Emerging research indicates a link between COVID-19 and bile acids, traditionally known for facilitating dietary fat absorption. The bile acid ursodeoxycholic acid potentially protects against SARS-CoV-2 infection by inhibiting the farnesoid X receptor, a bile acid nuclear receptor. The activation of G-protein-coupled bile acid receptor, another membrane receptor for bile acids, has also been found to regulate the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, the receptor through which the virus enters human cells. Here, we review the latest basic and clinical evidence linking bile acids to SARS-CoV-2, and reveal their complicated pathophysiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoru Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Management and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xuening Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Management and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zijian Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Management and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
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3
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Deng Z, Ouyang Z, Mei S, Zhang X, Li Q, Meng F, Hu Y, Dai X, Zhou S, Mao K, Huang C, Dai J, Yi C, Tan N, Feng T, Long H, Tian X. Enhancing NKT cell-mediated immunity against hepatocellular carcinoma: Role of XYXD in promoting primary bile acid synthesis and improving gut microbiota. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 318:116945. [PMID: 37490989 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116945] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE 'Xiayuxue decoction' (XYXD) is a traditional Chinese medicine compound, composing of three natural medicines: Rheum officinale Baill., Prunus persica (L.) Batsch and Eupolyphaga sinensis Walker. It is derived from the famous traditional Chinese medical classics 'Jingui Yaolue' and has been used for thousands of years. In the Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary liver Cancer issued by China's Health Commission, XYXD was applied in the treatment of primary liver cancer. AIM OF THE STUDY To clarify the pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism of XYXD in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Firstly, the active components of XYXD and its distribution in vivo were identified by Ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). Then, the effective components and mechanism of XYXD against HCC were explored by network pharmacology combined with cell experiments in vitro. Furthermore, the anti-HCC effect of XYXD was determined by animal experiments in vivo. Metagenomic sequencing was used to detect its effect in gut microbiota, and targeted metabolism was used to detect the changes of bile acids in the liver. Finally, the related targets of NKT cell immune function activation were detected by RT-qPCR and Elisa. RESULTS A total of 113 active ingredients in XYXD were identified, and the distribution of active ingredients in blood, liver, tumor, cecum, intestinal contents and feces was clarified. The circulation process and active ingredient group of XYXD were preliminarily clarified. In addition, we found five anti-HCC active ingredients in XYXD through network pharmacology combined with cell experiments in vitro, among which aloe emodin had the most significant effect, and predicted the potential mechanism of XYXD against HCC through NKT cell pathway. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of XYXD on liver tumor growth was clarified by animal experiments in vivo. The mechanism was mainly to promote the production of bile salt hydrolase (BSH) by increasing the abundance of Bacteroides and Lactobacillus, BSH converts conjugated bile acids into primary bile acids, and reduces the conversion of primary bile acids to secondary bile acids by reducing the abundance of Eubacterium, thereby increasing the content of primary bile acids. Primary bile acids trigger NKT cells in the liver to produce interferon-γ to exert anti-HCC immune effects. CONCLUSION This study found that the traditional Chinese herbal formula XYXD can trigger the immune effect of NKT cells against HCC by regulating the interaction between gut microbiota and bile acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Deng
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zhaoguang Ouyang
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, Tianjin Province, China; Department of Preventive Dentistry, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong, Guangzhou, China
| | - Si Mei
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- College of Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Qian Li
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Fanying Meng
- College of Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yuxing Hu
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xinjun Dai
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Siqian Zhou
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410021, Hunan Province, China
| | - Kexin Mao
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410021, Hunan Province, China
| | - Caizhi Huang
- Laboratory Department of Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, 410007, Hunan province, China
| | - Jingjing Dai
- College of Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Chun Yi
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Nianhua Tan
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Ting Feng
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Hongping Long
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410021, Hunan Province, China.
| | - Xuefei Tian
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, Hunan Province, China; Hunan Province University Key Laboratory of Oncology of Traditional Chinese Medicine Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Mechanism of Tumor Prevention &Treatment, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China.
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Singh Dagur H, Behmard E, Rajakumara E, Barzegari E. Identifying potent inhibitory phytocompounds from Lagerstroemia speciosa against SARS-Coronavirus-2: structure-based virtual screening. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:806-818. [PMID: 37170794 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2205942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing spillover of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) calls for expedited countermeasure through developing therapeutics from natural reservoirs and/or the use of less time-consuming drug discovery methodologies. This study aims to apply these approaches to identify potential blockers of the virus from the longstanding medicinal herb, Lagerstroemia speciosa, through comprehensive computational-based screening. Nineteen out of 22 L. speciosa phytochemicals were selected on the basis of their pharmacokinetic properties. SARS-CoV-2 Main protease (Mpro), RNA-directed RNA polymerase (RdRp), Envelope viroporin protein (Evp) and receptor-binding domain of Spike glycoprotein (S-RBD), as well as the human receptor Angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (hACE2) were chosen as targets. The screening was performed by molecular docking, followed by 100-ns molecular dynamic simulations and free energy calculations. 24-Methylene cycloartanol acetate (24MCA) was found as the best inhibitor for both Evp and RdRp, and sitosterol acetate (SA) as the best hit for Mpro, S-RBD and hACE2. Dynamic simulations, binding mode analyses, free energy terms and share of key amino acids in protein-drug interactions confirmed the stable binding of these phytocompounds to the hotspot sites on the target proteins. With their possible multi-targeting capability, the introduced phytoligands might offer promising lead compounds for persistent fight with the rapidly evolving coronavirus. Therefore, experimental verification of their safety and efficacy is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanuman Singh Dagur
- Macromolecular Structural Biology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Sangareddy, Telangana, India
| | - Esmaeil Behmard
- School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Eerappa Rajakumara
- Macromolecular Structural Biology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Sangareddy, Telangana, India
| | - Ebrahim Barzegari
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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Zhou D, Liu X, Lan L, Yu W, Qiu R, Wu J, Teng C, Huang L, Yu C, Zeng Y. Protective effects of Liupao tea against high-fat diet/cold exposure-induced irritable bowel syndrome in rats. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16613. [PMID: 37303551 PMCID: PMC10248097 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Liupao tea as a type of dark tea can relieve irritable bowel syndrome by regulating gut microbiota, but the mechanism has not been fully explained. An ultra-high performance liquid chromatography along with quadrupole time of flight tandem mass spectrometry was used to analyze the phytochemicals in Liupao tea. Then, we explored the effects of Liupao tea against IBS. From the results of chemical analysis, we identified catechins, polyphenols, amino acids, caffeine, polysaccharides and other components in Liupao tea. The open-field test, gastrointestinal function-related indexes, histochemical assays, measurements of cytokine and aquaporin 3 (AQP3), and determination of serum metabolites were utilized to monitor the physiological consequences of Liupao tea administration in rats with irritable bowel syndrome. The results showed that Liupao tea had a significant protective effect on irritable bowel syndrome. Liupao tea increased locomotive velocity while reducing interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels, as well as gastrointestinal injury. Moreover, Liupao tea increased the AQP3 levels of renal tissues but reduced the AQP3 levels of gastrointestinal tissues. Liupao tea reduced the Firmicutes/Bacteroides ratio and significantly reconstructed the microbial pattern. Liupao tea relieved irritable bowel syndrome by repairing gastrointestinal dysfunction, regulating the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, modulating water metabolism, and restoring microbial homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danshui Zhou
- School of Traditional Materia Medica, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaotong Liu
- School of Traditional Materia Medica, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lunli Lan
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Wenxin Yu
- School of Traditional Materia Medica, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ruijin Qiu
- Wuzhou Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Wuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Jianhua Wu
- Wuzhou Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Wuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Cuiqin Teng
- Wuzhou Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Wuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Liyun Huang
- Wuzhou Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Wuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Cuiping Yu
- Wuzhou Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Wuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Yu Zeng
- School of Traditional Materia Medica, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Zhang Y, Li W, Hu Y, Ding T, Zafar MM, Jia X, Zhang L, Ren M, Li F, Wang W. Cotton flower metabolites inhibit SARS-CoV-2 main protease. FEBS Open Bio 2022; 12:1886-1895. [PMID: 36054247 PMCID: PMC9527594 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been spreading globally for over 2 years, causing serious contagious disease and incalculable damage. The introduction of vaccines has slowed the spread of SARS-CoV-2 to some extent, but there remains a need for specific and effective treatment. The high chemical diversity and safety profiles of natural products make them a potential source of effective anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs. Cotton plant is one of the most important economic and medical crops and is the source of a large number of antiviral phytochemicals. In this work, we used SARS-CoV-2 main protein (Mpro ) as the target to identify potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 natural products in cotton. An in vitro assay showed that of all cotton tissues examined, cotton flower extracts (CFs) exhibited optimal inhibitory effects against Mpro . We proceeded to use the CF metabolite database to screen natural Mpro inhibitors by combining virtual screening and biochemical assays. We identified that several CF natural products, including astragalin, myricitrin, and astilbin, significantly inhibited Mpro with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) of 0.13, 10.73, and 7.92 μm, respectively. These findings may serve as a basis for further studies into the suitability of cotton as a source of potential therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufang Zhang
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural SciencesZhengzhou UniversityChina
| | - Wenkang Li
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural SciencesZhengzhou UniversityChina,Institute of Cotton ResearchChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesAnyangChina
| | - Yiming Hu
- Zhengzhou Technology and Business UniversityChina
| | - Tianze Ding
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural SciencesZhengzhou UniversityChina
| | - Muhammad Mubashar Zafar
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural SciencesZhengzhou UniversityChina
| | - Xue Jia
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural SciencesZhengzhou UniversityChina
| | - Liya Zhang
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural SciencesZhengzhou UniversityChina
| | - Maozhi Ren
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural SciencesZhengzhou UniversityChina,Institute of Cotton ResearchChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesAnyangChina,Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed LaboratorySanyaChina,Laboratory of Space Biology, Institute of Urban AgricultureChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesChengduChina,Sanya Institute of Zhengzhou UniversityChina
| | - Fuguang Li
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural SciencesZhengzhou UniversityChina,Institute of Cotton ResearchChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesAnyangChina,Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed LaboratorySanyaChina,Sanya Institute of Zhengzhou UniversityChina
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural SciencesZhengzhou UniversityChina,Institute of Cotton ResearchChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesAnyangChina,Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed LaboratorySanyaChina,Sanya Institute of Zhengzhou UniversityChina
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Huang S, Chen H, Teng J, Wu Z, Huang L, Wei B, Xia N. Antihyperlipidemic effect and increased antioxidant enzyme levels of aqueous extracts from Liupao tea and green tea in vivo. J Food Sci 2022; 87:4203-4220. [PMID: 35982642 DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.16274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Liupao tea (fermented dark tea) may improve the active function of hyperlipidemia. Utilizing a hyperlipidemia Sprague-Dawley model and UPLC-MS/MS metabolomics, we examined how the effect of Liupao and green tea extracts on hyperlipidemia and antoxidant enzyme levels and compared their constituents. The results showed that the two types of tea could reduce the levels of total cholesterol (TC), total triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C); increase the contents of bile acids and cholesterol in feces; and improve catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities. Compared with the model control group, Liupao tea effectively reduced TC and LDL-C levels by 39.53% and 58.55% and increased GSH-Px activity in the liver by 67.07%, which was better than the effect of green tea. A total of 93 compounds were identified from two samples; the amounts of alkaloids and fatty acids increased compared with green tea, and ellagic acid, hypoxanthine, and theophylline with relatively high contents in Liupao tea had a significantly positive correlation with antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant effects. Therefore, Liupao tea had better antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities in vivo than green tea, which might be related to the relatively high content of some active substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuoyuan Huang
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Huan Chen
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Jianwen Teng
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Zhengmei Wu
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Li Huang
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Baoyao Wei
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Ning Xia
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
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Deng Z, Chen G, Shi Y, Lin Y, Ou J, Zhu H, Wu J, Li G, Lv L. Curcumin and its nano-formulations: Defining triple-negative breast cancer targets through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental verification. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:920514. [PMID: 36003508 PMCID: PMC9393234 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.920514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Curcumin (CUR) displays the capability of suppressing the proliferation and metastasis of various cancer cells. However, the effects and underline mechanisms of CUR to treat triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) have not been systematically elucidated with an appropriate method. Methods: In the present research, a combination method of network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro bio-experiment was used to investigate the pharmacological actions and underline mechanisms of CUR against TNBC. First, common targets of CUR and TNBC were screened via Venny 2.1.0 after potential CUR-related targets and targets of TNBC were got from several public databases. Then, the Gene Ontology (GO) function and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment were performed on the Metascape website, and the network of compound-targets-pathways was constructed via Cytoscape software. Moreover, the network of protein-protein interaction was constructed by the STRING database to screen potential targets. Moreover, molecular docking was applied to affirm the interaction of CUR with the screened top 10 potential targets. Finally, in vitro experiments were used to further verify the effects and mechanisms of CUR and its nano-formulation (CUR-NPs) against TNBC. Results: Forty potential targets of CUR against TNBC were obtained. STAT3, AKT1, TNF, PTGS2, MMP9, EGFR, PPARG, NFE2L2, EP300, and GSK3B were identified as the top 10 targets of CUR against TNBC. In vitro experiment verified that CUR and CUR-NPs could not only restrain the invasion, migration, and proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells but also induce their apoptosis. In addition, molecular docking demonstrated that CUR could bind spontaneously with the screened top 10 targeted proteins, and a real-time PCR experiment demonstrated that both CUR and CUR-NPs could downregulate the genetic expression levels of the 10 targets. Moreover, according to the CUR-targets-pathways network, PI3K-Akt, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, JAK-STAT, Foxo, and HIF-1 signaling pathways were identified as the important pathways of CUR effects on TNBC. Among them, the inhibiting effects of CUR and CUR-NPs on the JAK-STAT signaling pathway were further verified by the western blot analysis. Conclusion: Taken together, the present research demonstrates that CUR and CUR-NPs have pharmacological effects against TNBC via a multi-target and multi-pathway manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhicheng Deng
- Department of Pharmacy, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Shenshan Central Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shanwei, China
| | - Guanghui Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yonghui Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, Zengcheng District People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiebin Ou
- Department of Pharmacy, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junyan Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Li Lv, ; Guocheng Li, ; Junyan Wu,
| | - Guocheng Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Shenshan Central Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shanwei, China
- *Correspondence: Li Lv, ; Guocheng Li, ; Junyan Wu,
| | - Li Lv
- Department of Pharmacy, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Li Lv, ; Guocheng Li, ; Junyan Wu,
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Abstract
Over the past few months, numerous studies harnessed in silico methods such as molecular docking to evaluate food compounds for inhibitory activity against coronavirus infection and replication. These studies capitalize on the efficiency of computational methods to quickly guide subsequent research and examine diet-disease relationships, and their sudden widespread utility may signal new opportunities for future antiviral and bioactive food research. Using Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) research as a case study, we herein provide an overview of findings from studies using molecular docking to study food compounds as potential inhibitors of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), explore considerations for the critical interpretation of study findings, and discuss how these studies help shape larger conversations of diet and disease.
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Bahun M, Jukić M, Oblak D, Kranjc L, Bajc G, Butala M, Bozovičar K, Bratkovič T, Podlipnik Č, Poklar Ulrih N. Inhibition of the SARS-CoV-2 3CL pro main protease by plant polyphenols. Food Chem 2022; 373:131594. [PMID: 34838409 PMCID: PMC8592230 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.131594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The abundance of polyphenols in edible plants makes them an important component of human nutrition. Considering the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a number of studies have investigated polyphenols as bioactive constituents. We applied in-silico molecular docking as well as molecular dynamics supported by in-vitro assays to determine the inhibitory potential of various plant polyphenols against an important SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic target, the protease 3CLpro. Of the polyphenols in initial in-vitro screening, quercetin, ellagic acid, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate and resveratrol showed IC50 values of 11.8 µM to 23.4 µM. In-silico molecular dynamics simulations indicated stable interactions with the 3CLpro active site over 100 ns production runs. Moreover, surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy was used to measure the binding of polyphenols to 3CLpro in real time. Therefore, we provide evidence for inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro by natural plant polyphenols, and suggest further research into the development of these novel 3CLpro inhibitors or biochemical probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miha Bahun
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marko Jukić
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Chemical Thermodynamics, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia; Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, SI-6000 Koper, Slovenia
| | - Domen Oblak
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Luka Kranjc
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Bajc
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matej Butala
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Krištof Bozovičar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tomaž Bratkovič
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Črtomir Podlipnik
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Nataša Poklar Ulrih
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Centre of Excellence for Integrated Approaches in Chemistry and Biology of Proteins (CIPKeBiP), SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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