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Lin J, Gu M, Wang X, Chen Y, Chau NV, Li J, Chu Q, Qing L, Wu W. Huanglian Jiedu decoction inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell-derived foam cell formation by activating autophagy via suppressing P2RY12. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 328:118125. [PMID: 38561055 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118125] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Huanglian Jiedu Decoction (HLJDD) is a Chinese medicine with a long history of therapeutic application. It is widely used in treating atherosclerosis (AS) in Chinese medicine theory and clinical practice. However, the mechanism of HLJDD in treating AS remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the efficacy and mechanism of HLJDD in treating AS. MATERIALS AND METHODS AS was induced on high-fat diet-fed ApoE-/- mice, with the aorta pathological changes evaluated with lipid content and plaque progression. In vitro, foam cells were induced by subjecting primary mouse aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to oxLDL incubation. After HLJDD intervention, VSMCs were assessed with lipid stack, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and the expression of foam cell markers. The effects of P2RY12 were tested by adopting clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate (CDL) in vivo and transfecting P2RY12 over-expressive plasmid in vitro. Autophagy was inhibited by Chloroquine or transfecting siRNA targeting ATG7 (siATG7). The mechanism of HLJDD treating atherosclerosis was explored using network pharmacology and validated with molecular docking and co-immunoprecipitation. RESULTS HLJDD exhibited a dose-dependent reduction in lipid deposition, collagen loss, and necrosis within plaques. It also reversed lipid accumulation and down-regulated the expression of foam cell markers. P2RY12 inhibition alleviated AS, while P2RY12 overexpression enhanced foam cell formation and blocked the therapeutic effects of HLJDD. Network pharmacological analysis suggested that HLJDD might mediate PI3K/AKT signaling pathway-induced autophagy. P2RY12 overexpression also impaired autophagy. Similarly, inhibiting autophagy counteracted the effect of CDL, exacerbated AS in vivo, and promoted foam cell formation in vitro. However, HLJDD treatment mitigated these detrimental effects by suppressing the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Immunofluorescence and molecular docking revealed a high affinity between P2RY12 and PIK3CB, while co-immunoprecipitation assays illustrated their interaction. CONCLUSIONS HLJDD inhibited AS in vivo and foam cell formation in vitro by restoring P2RY12/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway-suppressed autophagy. This study is the first to reveal an interaction between P2RY12 and PI3K3CB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhai Lin
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Guangzhou, 510405, Guangdong, China; Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Guangzhou, 510405, Guangdong, China.
| | - Mingyang Gu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Guangzhou, 510405, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xiaolong Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Guangzhou, 510405, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- Qinchengda Community Health Service Center, Shenzhen Bao'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Group, No. 225, Block 10A, Qinchengda Yueyuan Commercial and Residential Building, Shenzhen, 518100, Guangdong, China.
| | - Nhi Van Chau
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Guangzhou, 510405, Guangdong, China; Traditional Medicine Department, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 179 Nguyen Van Cu Street, An Khanh, Ninh Kieu, Can Tho, 94000, Viet Nam.
| | - Junlong Li
- The Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 16 Jichang Road, Guangzhou, 510405, Guangdong, China.
| | - Qingmin Chu
- The Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 16 Jichang Road, Guangzhou, 510405, Guangdong, China.
| | - Lijin Qing
- The Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 16 Jichang Road, Guangzhou, 510405, Guangdong, China.
| | - Wei Wu
- The Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 16 Jichang Road, Guangzhou, 510405, Guangdong, China.
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Santana-Lima B, Belaunde LHZ, de Souza KD, Rosa ME, de Carvalho JE, Machado-Jr J, Alonso-Vale MIC, Caseli L, Rando DGG, Caperuto LC. Acute Kaempferol Stimulation Induces AKT Phosphorylation in HepG2 Cells. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:764. [PMID: 38929747 PMCID: PMC11205056 DOI: 10.3390/life14060764] [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: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) stands as a prevalent global public health issue caused by deficiencies in the action of insulin and/or insulin production. In the liver, insulin plays an important role by inhibiting hepatic glucose production and stimulating glycogen storage, thereby contributing to blood glucose regulation. Kaempferitrin (KP) and kaempferol (KM), flavonoids found in Bauhinia forficata, exhibit insulin-mimetic properties, showing promise in managing T2DM. In this study, we aimed to assess the potential of these compounds in modulating the insulin signaling pathway and/or glucose metabolism. Cell viability assays confirmed the non-cytotoxic nature of both compounds toward HepG2 cells at the concentrations and times evaluated. Theoretical molecular docking studies revealed that KM had the best docking pose with the IR β subunit when compared to the KP. Moreover, Langmuir monolayer evaluation indicated molecular incorporation for both KM and KP. Specifically, KM exhibited the capability to increase AKT phosphorylation, a key kinase in insulin signaling, regardless of insulin receptor (IR) activation. Notably, KM showed an additional synergistic effect with insulin in activating AKT. In conclusion, our findings suggest the potential of KM as a promising compound for stimulating AKT activation, thereby influencing energy metabolism in T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Santana-Lima
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Química, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas—ICAQF, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema 09913-030, SP, Brazil; (B.S.-L.)
| | - Lucas Humberto Zimmermann Belaunde
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Química, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas—ICAQF, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema 09913-030, SP, Brazil; (B.S.-L.)
| | - Karine Damaceno de Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Química, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas—ICAQF, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema 09913-030, SP, Brazil; (B.S.-L.)
| | - Matheus Elias Rosa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Química—Ciência e Tecnologia da Sustentabilidade, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas—ICAQF, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema 09913-030, SP, Brazil
| | - Jose Eduardo de Carvalho
- Departamento de Biologia e Ecologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas—ICAQF, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema 09913-030, SP, Brazil
| | - Joel Machado-Jr
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas—ICAQF, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema 09913-030, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Isabel Cardoso Alonso-Vale
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Química, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas—ICAQF, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema 09913-030, SP, Brazil; (B.S.-L.)
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas—ICAQF, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema 09913-030, SP, Brazil
| | - Luciano Caseli
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Química—Ciência e Tecnologia da Sustentabilidade, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas—ICAQF, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema 09913-030, SP, Brazil
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas—ICAQF, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema 09913-030, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniela Gonçales Galasse Rando
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Química, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas—ICAQF, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema 09913-030, SP, Brazil; (B.S.-L.)
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas—ICAQF, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema 09913-030, SP, Brazil
| | - Luciana Chagas Caperuto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Química, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas—ICAQF, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema 09913-030, SP, Brazil; (B.S.-L.)
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas—ICAQF, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema 09913-030, SP, Brazil
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Liu R, Yang C, Yang X, Yu J, Tang W. Network toxicology, molecular docking technology, and experimental verification revealed the mechanism of cantharidin-induced testicular injury in mice. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2024; 486:116921. [PMID: 38582374 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2024.116921] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
As a protein kinase inhibitor, cantharidin (CTD) exhibits antitumor activities. However, CTD is highly toxic, thereby limiting clinical applications. Moreover, relatively few studies have investigated CTD-induced reproductive toxicity, thus the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the toxic effects of CTD on mouse testis were confirmed in vivo and the potential mechanism was predicted by network toxicology (NT) and molecular docking technology. Proteins involved in the signaling pathways and core targets were verified. The results showed that different concentrations of CTD induced weight loss increased the testicular coefficient, and caused obvious pathological damage to testicular cells. The NT results showed that the main targets of CTD-induced testicular injury (TI) included AKT1, Caspase 3, Bcl-2, and Bax. The results of pathway enrichment analysis showed that CTD-induced TI was closely related to apoptosis and the PI3K/AKT and HIF-1 signaling pathways. Molecular docking methods confirmed high affinity between CTD and key targets. Western blot analysis showed that CTD inhibited expression of PI3K, AKT, and the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, while promoting expression of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and Caspase 3. These results suggest that CTD-induced TI involves multiple targets and pathways, and the underlying mechanism was associated with inhibition of the apoptosis-related PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruxia Liu
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Changfu Yang
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Jia Yu
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Wenchao Tang
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China.
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Ma ZA, Wang LX, Zhang H, Li HZ, Dong L, Wang QH, Wang YS, Pan BC, Zhang SF, Cui HT, Lv SQ. Jianpi Gushen Huayu decoction ameliorated diabetic nephropathy through modulating metabolites in kidney, and inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 and JNK/P38 pathways. World J Diabetes 2024; 15:502-518. [PMID: 38591083 PMCID: PMC10999033 DOI: 10.4239/wjd.v15.i3.502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Jianpi Gushen Huayu Decoction (JPGS) has been used to clinically treat diabetic nephropathy (DN) for many years. However, the protective mechanism of JPGS in treating DN remains unclear. AIM To evaluate the therapeutic effects and the possible mechanism of JPGS on DN. METHODS We first evaluated the therapeutic potential of JPGS on a DN mouse model. We then investigated the effect of JPGS on the renal metabolite levels of DN mice using non-targeted metabolomics. Furthermore, we examined the effects of JPGS on c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/P38-mediated apoptosis and the inflammatory responses mediated by toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)/NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3). RESULTS The ameliorative effects of JPGS on DN mice included the alleviation of renal injury and the control of inflammation and oxidative stress. Untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed that JPGS altered the metabolites of the kidneys in DN mice. A total of 51 differential metabolites were screened. Pathway analysis results indicated that nine pathways significantly changed between the control and model groups, while six pathways significantly altered between the model and JPGS groups. Pathways related to cysteine and methionine metabolism; alanine, tryptophan metabolism; aspartate and glutamate metabolism; and riboflavin metabolism were identified as the key pathways through which JPGS affects DN. Further experimental validation showed that JPGS treatment reduced the expression of TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathways and JNK/P38 pathway-mediated apoptosis related factors. CONCLUSION JPGS could markedly treat mice with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DN, which is possibly related to the regulation of several metabolic pathways found in kidneys. Furthermore, JPGS could improve kidney inflammatory responses and ameliorate kidney injuries in DN mice via the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway and inhibit JNK/P38 pathway-mediated apoptosis in DN mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Ang Ma
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Li-Xin Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine of Hebei Province Affiliated to Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Cangzhou 061000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine of Hebei Province Affiliated to Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Cangzhou 061000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Han-Zhou Li
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300000, China
| | - Li Dong
- Department of Endocrinology, Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine of Hebei Province Affiliated to Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Cangzhou 061000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Qing-Hai Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine of Hebei Province Affiliated to Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Cangzhou 061000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yuan-Song Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine of Hebei Province Affiliated to Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Cangzhou 061000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Bao-Chao Pan
- Department of Endocrinology, Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine of Hebei Province Affiliated to Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Cangzhou 061000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Shu-Fang Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine of Hebei Province Affiliated to Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Cangzhou 061000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Huan-Tian Cui
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming 065000, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Shu-Quan Lv
- Department of Endocrinology, Hebei Cangzhou Hospital of Integrative Medicine, Cangzhou 061000, Hebei Province, China
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Li Y, Wu F, Zhang J, Xu Y, Chang H, Yu Y, Jiang C, Gao X, Liu H, Chen Z, Wu C, Li JA. Mechanisms of Action of Potentilla discolor Bunge in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification in Drosophila. Drug Des Devel Ther 2024; 18:747-766. [PMID: 38495630 PMCID: PMC10941989 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s439876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with reduced insulin uptake and glucose metabolic capacity. Potentilla discolor Bunge (PDB) has been used to treat T2DM; however, the fundamental biological mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to understand the active ingredients, potential targets, and underlying mechanisms through which PDB treats T2DM. Methods Components and action targets were predicted using network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses. PDB extracts were prepared and validated through pharmacological intervention in a Cg>InRK1409A diabetes Drosophila model. Network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses were used to identify the key components and core targets of PDB in the treatment of T2DM, which were subsequently verified in animal experiments. Results Network pharmacology analysis revealed five effective compounds made up of 107 T2DM-related therapeutic targets and seven protein-protein interaction network core molecules. Molecular docking results showed that quercetin has a strong preference for interleukin-1 beta (IL1B), IL6, RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (AKT1), and cellular tumor antigen p53; kaempferol exhibited superior binding to tumor necrosis factor and AKT1; β-sitosterol demonstrated pronounced binding to Caspase-3 (CASP3). High-performance liquid chromatography data quantified quercetin, kaempferol, and β-sitosterol at proportions of 0.030%, 0.025%, and 0.076%, respectively. The animal experiments revealed that PDB had no effect on the development, viability, or fertility of Drosophila and it ameliorated glycolipid metabolism disorders in the diabetes Cg>InRK1409A fly. Furthermore, PDB improved the body size and weight of Drosophila, suggesting its potential to alleviate insulin resistance. Moreover, PDB improved Akt phosphorylation and suppressed CASP3 activity to improve insulin resistance in Drosophila with T2DM. Conclusion Our findings suggest that PDB ameliorates diabetes metabolism disorders in the fly model by enhancing Akt activity and suppressing CASP3 expression. This will facilitate the development of key drug targets and a potential therapeutic strategy for the clinical treatment of T2DM and related metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghong Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Diabetes and Its Complications, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fanwu Wu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Diabetes and Its Complications, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianbo Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Diabetes and Its Complications, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ye Xu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Diabetes and Its Complications, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Chang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Diabetes and Its Complications, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yueyue Yu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Diabetes and Its Complications, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunhua Jiang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Diabetes and Its Complications, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiujuan Gao
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Diabetes and Its Complications, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huijuan Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Diabetes and Its Complications, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhen Chen
- Oriental Herbs KFT, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Chenxi Wu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Diabetes and Its Complications, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ji-An Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Diabetes and Its Complications, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, People’s Republic of China
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, People’s Republic of China
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Zhang K, Li C, Feng X, Zhang N, Gao X, Lv G, Shen J, Wu P, Lv J, Sun J. Integrated cell metabolomics and network pharmacology approach deciphers the anti-testosterone deficiency mechanisms of Bushen Zhuanggu Tang. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2024; 239:115919. [PMID: 38134707 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2023.115919] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Testicular dysfunction is distinguished by a deficiency in testosterone levels, which can be attributed to the occurrence of oxidative stress injury in Leydig cells. The empirical prescription known as Bushen Zhuanggu Tang, developed by a highly experienced traditional Chinese medicine practitioner with six decades of clinical expertize, aligns with the traditional Chinese medicine principle of "kidney governing bone". Researchers have demonstrated that the administration of BSZGT can effectively enhance testosterone production. The objective of this study is to investigate the potential anti-testicular dysfunction effects of BSZGT and elucidate its underlying mechanism in an in vitro setting. Specifically, the impact of oxidative stress induced by H2O2 on the activity and testosterone levels of Leydig cells (TM3) was examined. Furthermore, the utilization of UPLC-QE-Qrbitrap-MS enabled the identification of the involvement of BSZGT in various metabolic pathways, including arginine biosynthesis, amino acyl-tRNA biosynthesis, Alanine, aspartate and glutamine metabolism, and Citrate Cycle, through the modulation of 25 distinct metabolites. Additionally, a network pharmacological analysis was conducted to investigate the pivotal protein targets associated with the therapeutic effects of BSZGT. The findings demonstrate the identification of six key proteins (CYP19A1, CYP1B1, ALOX5, ARG1, XDH, and MPO) that play a significant role in augmenting testicular function through their involvement in the ovarian steroid production pathway. In summary, our study presents a comprehensive research methodology that combines cell metabonomics and network pharmacology to enhance the discovery of new therapeutic agents for TD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyue Zhang
- Jilin Institute of Ginseng Science, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, PR China
| | - Chunnan Li
- Jilin Institute of Ginseng Science, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, PR China
| | - Xueqin Feng
- Jilin Institute of Ginseng Science, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, PR China
| | - Nanxi Zhang
- Jilin Institute of Ginseng Science, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, PR China
| | - Xiaochen Gao
- Jilin Institute of Ginseng Science, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, PR China
| | - Guangfu Lv
- Jilin Institute of Ginseng Science, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, PR China
| | - Jiaming Shen
- Jilin Institute of Ginseng Science, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, PR China
| | - Peitong Wu
- Jilin Institute of Ginseng Science, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, PR China
| | - Jingwei Lv
- Jilin Institute of Ginseng Science, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, PR China.
| | - Jiaming Sun
- Jilin Institute of Ginseng Science, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, PR China.
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Wang M, Wang T, Gu F. Efficacy of Huanglian Jiedu Decoction for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Complement Med Res 2024; 31:187-200. [PMID: 38286111 DOI: 10.1159/000536453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent metabolic disorder, and there is an increasing interest in the potential benefits of traditional Chinese medicine, such as Huanglian Jiedu decoction (HJD), for its management. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of HJD in the treatment of T2DM. METHODS A systematic review was conducted across six databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang, from their inception to August 24, 2023. We focused on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated HJD as both a monotherapy and in combination treatments for T2DM patients. Data analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 and Stata 17.0, with evaluations for heterogeneity and publication bias. Additionally, subgroup analyses were stratified based on the duration of treatment. RESULTS A total of 40 studies involving 3,934 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Both HJD monotherapy and combined with other therapies significantly reduced hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) fasting blood glucose (FBG) and 2-h postprandial glucose (2hPG) levels, as well as improved insulin resistance. Furthermore, combination therapy enhanced the efficacy rate and favorably altered lipid profiles, including increasing HDL-C and decreasing LDL-C, TC, and TG levels. It was worth noting that the results of the subgroup analysis indicated that, in terms of reducing HbA1c and 2hPG, the efficacy of HJD alone for a duration of less than 3 months was found to be potentially superior to that observed in treatments exceeding 3 months. Adverse event assessment suggested that HJD did not increase the incidence of side effects, including diarrhea, affirming its safety. CONCLUSION HJD appears to be an effective and safe alternative or adjunctive therapy for T2DM, showing significant improvements in glycemic control and lipid profiles without increasing adverse events. Further rigorous, multicenter RCTs outside China are warranted to validate these findings. Ziel Diabetes mellitus Typ 2 (DMT2) ist eine weit verbreitete Stoffwechselerkrankung, und es besteht ein steigendes Interesse an den potenziellen Vorteilen der traditionellen chinesischen Medizin, wie beispielsweise Huanglian Jiedu-Dekokt (HJD), zu seiner Behandlung. Mit dieser Metaanalyse sollten die Wirksamkeit und Sicherheit von HJD zur Behandlung von DMT2 ermittelt werden. Methoden Es wurde eine systematische Recherche in sechs Datenbanken durchgeführt, darunter PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) und Wanfang, für die Zeit vom Beginn der Datenbank bis zum 24. August 2023. Dabei lag unser Hauptaugenmerk auf randomisierten kontrollierten Studien (RCTs), die HJD sowohl als Monotherapie als auch in Kombinationstherapien bei Patienten mit DMT2 untersuchten. Die Datenanalyse erfolgte mithilfe von RevMan 5.3 und Stata 17.0 mit Untersuchungen auf Heterogenität und Publikationsverzerrungen. Darüber hinaus wurden Subgruppenanalysen stratifiziert nach Behandlungsdauer durchgeführt. Ergebnisse Insgesamt wurden 40 Studien mit 3.934 Teilnehmern in die Metaanalyse eingeschlossen. HJD führte sowohl als Monotherapie als auch in Kombination mit anderen Therapien zu einer signifikanten Senkung des HbA1c-Nüchternblutzuckerspiegels (fasting blood glucose, FBG) und der postprandialen Blutzuckerwerte 2 Stunden nach dem Essen (2-h postprandial glucose, 2hPG) sowie zu einer Verbesserung der Insulinresistenz. Darüber hinaus verbesserte die Kombinationstherapie die Wirksamkeitsrate und führte zu einer positiven Veränderung der Lipidprofile, die eine Erhöhung der HDL-Cholesterinwerte und eine Senkung der LDL-, Gesamtcholesterin- und Trigylceridwerte einschloss. Erwähnenswert ist, dass nach den Ergebnissen der Subgruppenanalyse die Wirksamkeit von HJD als Monotherapie in Hinblick auf die Senkung der HbA1c- und 2hPG-Werte bei einer Behandlungsdauer von weniger als drei Monaten gegenüber derjenigen von Behandlungen, die länger als drei Monate dauerten, potenziell überlegen war. Die Bewertung der unerwünschten Ereignisse zeigte, dass HJD nicht zu einem Anstieg der Nebenwirkungen wie Durchfall führte, was seine Sicherheit bestätigte. Schlussfolgerung HJD scheint eine wirksame und sichere Alternative oder Zusatztherapie bei DMT2 zu sein, die signifikante Verbesserungen der Blutzuckerkontrolle und der Lipidprofile ohne Zunahme der unerwünschten Ereignisse bewirkt. Weitere rigorose, multizentrische RCTs außerhalb Chinas sind erforderlich, um diese Ergebnisse zu validieren.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menglong Wang
- Graduate School, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, China
| | - Tongrui Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, China
| | - Feng Gu
- Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, China
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Chen X, Hu L, Wang R, Luo M, Wei C, Li P, Yu H. Uncovering the mechanism of Naoxintong capsule against hypertension based on network analysis and in vitro experiments. Chem Biol Drug Des 2024; 103:e14440. [PMID: 38230784 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14440] [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] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Naoxintong capsule (NXT) is a clinical drug for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, but its pharmacological mechanism against hypertension remains unclear. Data concerning the compounds and targets of NXT were obtained from the TCMSP and DrugBank, whereas data concerning hypertension-related genes were obtained from DisGeNET. The network was analyzed and established by STRING and Cytoscape, and function enrichment was analyzed by GO and KEGG analysis. Molecular docking was performed to analyze the interaction between ingredients and targets, cellular activity was evaluated by MTT assay, and RT-qPCR and western blot were used to evaluate the expressions of related genes. The results showed that 146 active therapeutic components can target hypertension-related genes, and we found that core genes were mainly involved in the metabolism of lipids, lipopolysaccharides, the inflammatory signaling pathway, and the oxidative stress pathway. In addition, there was high affinity between the components of NXT and targets of hypertension, where the former can increase cell viability and reduce the expressions of NOX4, MCP-1, BAX, TNF-α and IL-1β. Moreover, NXT inhibited the expressions of IL-6 and Fis1, as well as increased the expression of MCL-1. These results revealed the active compounds, hypertension targets, signaling pathways, and molecular mechanisms of NXT for treating hypertension, offering references for the clinical application of NXT and the treatment of hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiatian Chen
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Longgang Hu
- The Affiliated Cardiovascular Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ruoying Wang
- Lai Xi Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, China
| | - Min Luo
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chuang Wei
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Peifeng Li
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hua Yu
- The Affiliated Cardiovascular Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Wu L, Yang Y, Lin M, Wang H, Li L, Wu H, Wang X, Yan M. Unraveling the anti-primary dysmenorrhea mechanism of Ainsliaea fragrans Champ. extract by the integrative approach of network pharmacology and experimental verification. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 123:155213. [PMID: 37980805 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155213] [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: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The plant Ainsliaea fragrans Champ. (A. fragrans) named "Xingxiang Tuerfeng", is a traditional herb with a long history of therapeutic practice in southern China in the treatment of gynecological diseases. PURPOSE The anti-inflammatory extract of Ainsliaea fragrans Champ. (AF-ext) exhibited anti-primary dysmenorrhea (PD) activity in oxytocin-induced mice. This study aimed to unravel the underlying mechanisms of AF-ext on PD by the integrative approach of network pharmacology and experimental verification. METHODS First, the therapeutic targets of AF-ext are predicted using network pharmacology and molecular docking methods. Second, activity screening and immunoblotting methods were used for target validation. Then, the therapeutic effect of AF-ext on PD was evaluated using oxytocin-induced mice and uterine strips model. RESULTS AF-p1, and AF-p2, the active ingredients of AF-ext, showed inhibitory effects on COX1/2 and EGFR, and all five active components showed antagonistic activity on TRPV1. AF-ext (25, 50, 100 mg/kg) could significantly reduce the number of writhing times and prolong writhing latencies in a dose-dependent manner. AF-ext inhibited spasmolytic activity in uterine strips induced by oxytocin and Ca2+ stimulation. AF-ext inhibited NF-κB/COX-2/PG pathway and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in PD mice. It significantly downregulated the PD-induced overexpression of p-p65/p65, p-IκBα, and COX-2 by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway. Moreover, the overexpression of NLRP3, p20/pro-Caspase 1, and p17/pro-IL-1β was greatly downregulated. CONCLUSIONS AF-ext demonstrated anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and spasmolytic activity in the treatment of PD. It inhibited the NF-κB/COX-2/PG pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in PD mice with a multi-target approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Wu
- Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China; Shenzhen Research Institute of China, Pharmaceutical University, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Ying Yang
- Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Min Lin
- Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Haiqing Wang
- Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Luqian Li
- Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Haixia Wu
- Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ming Yan
- Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Akoonjee A, Lanrewaju AA, Balogun FO, Makunga NP, Sabiu S. Waste to Medicine: Evidence from Computational Studies on the Modulatory Role of Corn Silk on the Therapeutic Targets Implicated in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1509. [PMID: 38132335 PMCID: PMC10740667 DOI: 10.3390/biology12121509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by insulin resistance and/or defective insulin production in the human body. Although the antidiabetic action of corn silk (CS) is well-established, the understanding of the mechanism of action (MoA) behind this potential is lacking. Hence, this study aimed to elucidate the MoA in different samples (raw and three extracts: aqueous, hydro-ethanolic, and ethanolic) as a therapeutic agent for the management of T2DM using metabolomic profiling and computational techniques. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UP-LCMS), in silico techniques, and density functional theory were used for compound identification and to predict the MoA. A total of 110 out of the 128 identified secondary metabolites passed the Lipinski's rule of five. The Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis revealed the cAMP pathway as the hub signaling pathway, in which ADORA1, HCAR2, and GABBR1 were identified as the key target genes implicated in the pathway. Since gallicynoic acid (-48.74 kcal/mol), dodecanedioc acid (-34.53 kcal/mol), and tetradecanedioc acid (-36.80 kcal/mol) interacted well with ADORA1, HCAR2, and GABBR1, respectively, and are thermodynamically stable in their formed compatible complexes, according to the post-molecular dynamics simulation results, they are suggested as potential drug candidates for T2DM therapy via the maintenance of normal glucose homeostasis and pancreatic β-cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Akoonjee
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa; (A.A.); (A.A.L.); (F.O.B.)
| | - Adedayo Ayodeji Lanrewaju
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa; (A.A.); (A.A.L.); (F.O.B.)
| | - Fatai Oladunni Balogun
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa; (A.A.); (A.A.L.); (F.O.B.)
| | - Nokwanda Pearl Makunga
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa;
| | - Saheed Sabiu
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa; (A.A.); (A.A.L.); (F.O.B.)
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11
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Li WW, Wang J, Wu HB, Qiu ZK. Exploring the potential mechanism of Kaixinsan powder for the same pathogenesis of PTSD and anxiety based on network pharmacology and molecular docking: A review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35869. [PMID: 37986356 PMCID: PMC10659655 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035869] [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: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety are common mental illnesses and there are many similar pathogenesis and clinical manifestations between PTSD and anxiety. Kaixinsan powder (KXS), a commonly used prescription in traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used to treat PTSD and anxiety. This study aims to explore the potential mechanisms of KXS for the same pathogenesis of PTSD and anxiety using a network pharmacology approach. METHODS The bioactive components and relevant target genes of KXS were obtained from the database about Traditional Chinese Medicine. The key genes of PTSD and anxiety were derived from disease databases. Subsequently, the network of protein-protein interaction and a network of "drug-components-disease-targets" was constructed. In order to treat PTSD and anxiety, gene ontology enrichment and signaling pathway enrichment were analyzed by using R language and components-core targets associated were validated by molecular docking. RESULTS One hundred three targets of KXS in treating PTSD and anxiety were identified. The results of protein-protein interaction analysis and molecular docking indicated that AKT1 and IL-6 were crucial targets. Moreover, KEGG analysis has shown that neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, calcium signaling pathway, and cAMP signaling pathway may play crucial roles in treating PTSD and anxiety. Ten biological process, 10 molecular function, and 10 cellular component were revealed via gene ontology analysis. CONCLUSIONS The network pharmacology study and molecular docking indicated that KXS treated anxiety and PTSD by multiple components, targets, and signaling pathways. These results provide an important reference for subsequent basic research on PTSD and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Wei Li
- Key Specialty of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Key Specialty of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Han-Biao Wu
- Key Specialty of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Kun Qiu
- Key Specialty of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
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Yang C, Liu H, Xie Z, Yang Q, Du L, Xie C. The protective role of shenqi compound in type 2 diabetes: A comprehensive investigation of pancreatic β-cell function and mass. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115287. [PMID: 37572639 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a prevalent metabolic disorder characterized by impaired insulin secretion and insulin resistance, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. The dysfunction and loss of pancreatic β-cells, responsible for producing insulin, contribute to the development of T2D. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has emerged as a potential source of innovative therapeutic interventions. However, limited research exists on Chinese herbal formulations specifically targeting the protection of pancreatic β-cell function and mass. One such formulation is the Shenqi compound (SQC), widely used in China and consisting of Panax Ginseng, Astragali Radix, Rhizoma Dioscoreae, Corni Fructus, Rehmanniae Radix, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Radix Trichosanthis, and Rhei Radix et Rhizoma. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of SQC is crucial for developing novel treatment strategies for T2D. This study aims to comprehensively investigate the scientific evidence supporting the role of SQC in alleviating T2D by targeting the protection of pancreatic β-cell function and mass. Spontaneously diabetic GK rats were used as the animal model, receiving SQC (14.4 g/kg/d) for 8 weeks. The results demonstrate multiple beneficial effects of SQC, including significant control of blood glucose levels (P < 0.05), inhibition of insulin resistance (measured by Western Blot), reduction of hyperinsulinemia (P < 0.05), attenuation of oxidative stress (P < 0.05), suppression of inflammation (P < 0.05), protection against islet hypertrophy and beta cell proliferation (evaluated through pathological staining), and inhibition of β-cell apoptosis and senescence (also assessed through pathological staining). These findings indicate the promotion of β-cell survival and function. In vitro experiments using isolated islets further support these results, revealing improvements in insulin secretion (P < 0.05) and β-cell function following SQC therapy (P < 0.05). This represents a significant breakthrough in addressing β-cell dysfunction and preserving mass within the context of TCM. Overall, SQC shows promise as a natural therapeutic approach for T2D, with potential benefits in preserving pancreatic β-cell function and mass. This enhances the practical applicability and significance of the research by bridging the gap between experimental findings and clinical practice, thereby providing important clinical value in TCM treatment of T2D. Further research is necessary to elucidate its precise mechanisms of action and optimize its clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Yang
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Hanyu Liu
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM regulating metabolic diseases key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, 610075 Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ziyan Xie
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM regulating metabolic diseases key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, 610075 Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiangfei Yang
- Jianyang City People's Hospital, 610040 Sichuan, China
| | - Lian Du
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Chunguang Xie
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM regulating metabolic diseases key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, 610075 Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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Mahmoudi A, Atkin SL, Jamialahmadi T, Sahebkar A. Identification of key upregulated genes involved in foam cell formation and the modulatory role of statin therapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 119:110209. [PMID: 37130442 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to investigate the possible effect of statins on important genes/proteins involved in foam cell formation. METHODS The gene expression profile of the GSE9874, GSE54666, and GSE7138from the Omnibus database were usedto identify genes involved in foam cell formation. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and MCODE analysis of the intersection of three databases were analyzed. We used molecular docking analysis to investigate the possible interaction of different statins with the overexpressed hub genes obtained from PPI analysis. RESULTS The intersection among the three datasets showed 54 upregulated and 26 down-regulated genes. The most critical overexpressed genes/proteins obtained as hub genes included: G6PD, NPC1, ABCA1, ABCG1, PGD, PLIN2, PPAP2B, and TXNRD1 based on PPI analysis. Functional enrichment analysis of 81 intersection DEGs at the biological process level focusing on the cholesterol metabolic process, secondary alcohol biosynthetic process and the cholesterol biosynthetic process. Under cellular components, the analysis confirmed that these 81 intersection DEGs were mainly applied in endoplasmic reticulum membrane, lysosome and lytic vacuole. The molecular functions were identified as sterol binding, oxidoreductase activity and NADP binding. The molecular docking showed that all statins appear to affect important protein targets overexpressed in foam cell formation. However, lipophilic statins, especially pitavastatin and lovastatin, had a greater effect than hydrophilic statins. The most significant protein target of all the overexpressed genes interacting with all statin types was ABCA1. CONCLUSION The effect of lipophilic statins was shown for several critical proteins in foam cell formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mahmoudi
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 9177899191, Iran
| | - Stephen L Atkin
- School of Postgraduate Studies and Research, RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, Busaiteen 15503, Bahrain
| | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Sabari SS, Balasubramani K, Iyer M, Sureshbabu HW, Venkatesan D, Gopalakrishnan AV, Narayanaswamy A, Senthil Kumar N, Vellingiri B. Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) and Parkinson's Disease (PD): a Mechanistic Approach. Mol Neurobiol 2023:10.1007/s12035-023-03359-y. [PMID: 37118323 PMCID: PMC10144908 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03359-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Growing evidence suggest that there is a connection between Parkinson's disease (PD) and insulin dysregulation in the brain, whilst the connection between PD and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is still up for debate. Insulin is widely recognised to play a crucial role in neuronal survival and brain function; any changes in insulin metabolism and signalling in the central nervous system (CNS) can lead to the development of various brain disorders. There is accumulating evidence linking T2DM to PD and other neurodegenerative diseases. In fact, they have a lot in common patho-physiologically, including insulin dysregulation, oxidative stress resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction, microglial activation, and inflammation. As a result, initial research should focus on the role of insulin and its molecular mechanism in order to develop therapeutic outcomes. In this current review, we will look into the link between T2DM and PD, the function of insulin in the brain, and studies related to impact of insulin in causing T2DM and PD. Further, we have also highlighted the role of various insulin signalling pathway in both T2DM and PD. We have also suggested that T2DM-targeting pharmacological strategies as potential therapeutic approach for individuals with cognitive impairment, and we have demonstrated the effectiveness of T2DM-prescribed drugs through current PD treatment trials. In conclusion, this investigation would fill a research gap in T2DM-associated Parkinson's disease (PD) with a potential therapy option.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sri Sabari
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine/Translational Research, Central University of Punjab (CUPB), Bathinda, 151401, Punjab, India
- Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, 641 046, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kiruthika Balasubramani
- Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, 641 046, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mahalaxmi Iyer
- Department of Biotechnology, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education (Deemed to Be University), Coimbatore, 641021, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Harysh Winster Sureshbabu
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine/Translational Research, Central University of Punjab (CUPB), Bathinda, 151401, Punjab, India
- Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, 641 046, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Dhivya Venkatesan
- Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, 641 046, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, 632 014, India
| | - Arul Narayanaswamy
- Department of Zoology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, 641 046, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Nachimuthu Senthil Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Mizoram University (A Central University), Aizawl, 796004, Mizoram, India
| | - Balachandar Vellingiri
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine/Translational Research, Central University of Punjab (CUPB), Bathinda, 151401, Punjab, India.
- Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, 641 046, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Seo G, Kim K. Exploring the mechanism of action of Hedyotis diffusa Willd on acne using network analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e33323. [PMID: 36961163 PMCID: PMC10037416 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000033323] [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: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we used a network pharmacological method to explore the active ingredients of Hedyotis diffusa Willd (HDW) in the treatment of acne and elucidated the physiological mechanisms in the human body in which they are involved. We identified the active compounds of HDW that are expected to act effectively in the human body using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database and analysis platform and extracted potential interacting proteins for each active compound using the Swiss Target Prediction platform. Next, we analyzed the potential mechanisms of action of the protein targets shared by HDW and each standard drug on acne and assessed the possibility of spontaneous occurrence of the binding between proteins and active compounds through the molecular docking process. Seven active compounds were selected according to the oral bioavailability and drug-likeness criteria of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database and analysis platform. Subsequently, 300 protein targets were collected from the Swiss Target Prediction. Using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins database, a protein-protein interaction network was constructed by analyzing the relationship between HDW, acne, and each standard drug. By analyzing the gene ontology terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway, the "positive regulation of lipid metabolic process" was found to be the most involved pathway shared by HDW, acne, and isotretinoin. An analysis of the protein targets shared by the antibiotic agents with HDW and acne found that "cholesterol storage" in tetracycline, "icosacoid transport" in azithromycin, "steroid hydroxylase activity" in erythromycin, "positive regulation of leukocyte tethering or rolling" in clindamycin, "response to UV-A" in minocycline, "steroid 11-beta-monooxygenase activity" in doxycycline, and "neutrophil-mediated immunity" in trimethoprim were the most involved. Virtual molecular docking analysis showed that all proteins spontaneously bound to their corresponding active compounds. Our analysis suggests that HDW can, directly and indirectly, suppress sebum secretion and exert antiinflammatory effects on acne. Further, HDW may regulate free radicals and suppress apoptosis. Therefore, HDW can be used as an alternative or supplement to standard drugs for acne treatment in patients who cannot use standard treatments due to side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwangyeel Seo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology and Dermatology of Korean Medicine, Graduate School of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyuseok Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology and Dermatology of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Mahmoudi A, Butler AE, Banach M, Jamialahmadi T, Sahebkar A. Identification of Potent Small-Molecule PCSK9 Inhibitors Based on Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship, Pharmacophore Modeling, and Molecular Docking Procedure. Curr Probl Cardiol 2023; 48:101660. [PMID: 36841313 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.101660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
The leading cause of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) attaches to the domain of LDL receptor (LDLR), diminishing LDL-C influx and LDLR cell surface presentation in hepatocytes, resulting in higher circulating LDL-C levels. PCSK9 dysfunction has been linked to lower levels of plasma LDLC and a decreased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Herein, using virtual screening tools, we aimed to identify a potent small-molecule PCSK9 inhibitor in compounds that are currently being studied in clinical trials. We first performed chemical absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) filtering of 9800 clinical trial compounds obtained from the ZINC 15 database using Lipinski's rule of 5 and achieved 3853 compounds. Two-dimensional (2D) quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) was initiated by computing molecular descriptors and selecting important descriptors of 23 PCSK9 inhibitors. Multivariate calibration was performed with the partial least square regression (PLS) method with 18 compounds for training to design the QSAR model and 5 compounds for the test set to assess the model. The best latent variables (LV) (LV=6) with the lowest value of Root-Mean-Square Error of Cross-Validation (RMSECV) of 0.48 and leave-one-out cross-validation correlation coefficient (R2CV) = 0.83 were obtained for the QSAR model. The low RMSEC (0.21) with high R²cal (0.966) indicates the probability of fit between the experimental data and the calibration model. Using QSAR analysis of 3853 compounds, 2635 had a pIC50<1 and were considered for pharmacophore screening. The PHASE module (a complete package for pharmacophore modeling) designed the pharmacophore hypothesis through multiple ligands. The top 14 compounds (pIC50>1) were defined as active, whereas 9 (pIC50<1) were considered as an inactive set. Three five-point pharmacophore hypotheses achieved the highest score: DHHRR1, DHHRR2, and DHRRR1. The highest and best model with survival scores (5.365) was DHHRR1, comprising 1 hydrogen donor (D), 2 hydrophobic groups (H), and 2 rings of aromatic (R) features. We selected the molecules with a higher 1.5 fitness score (257 compounds) in pharmacophore screening (DHHRR1) for molecular docking screening. Molecular docking indicates that ZINC000051951669, with a binding affinity: of -13.2 kcal/mol and 2 H-bonds, has the highest binding to the PCSK9 protein. ZINC000011726230 with energy binding: -11.4 kcal/mol and 3 H-bonds, ZINC000068248147 with binding affinity: -10.7 kcal/mol and 1 H-bond, ZINC000029134440 with a binding affinity: -10.6 kcal/mol and 4 H-bonds were ranked next, respectively. To conclude, the archived molecules identified as inhibitory PCSK9 candidates, and especially ZINC000051951669 may therefore significantly inhibit PCSK9 and should be considered in the newly designed trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mahmoudi
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Alexandra E Butler
- Research Department, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Bahrain, Adliya, Bahrain
| | - Maciej Banach
- Department of Preventive Cardiology and Lipidology, Medical University of Lodz (MUL) Lodz, Poland; Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Zielona Gora, Zielona Gora, Poland; Department of Cardiology and Congenital Diseases of Adults, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research institute (PMMHRI), Lodz, Poland; Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Surgical Oncology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Anti-biofilm activity of biochanin A against Staphylococcus aureus. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 107:867-879. [PMID: 36585511 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-12350-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Biofilm-forming Staphylococcus aureus can easily accumulate on various food contact surfaces which induce cross-contamination and are difficult to eliminate in the food industry. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-biofilm effects of natural product biochanin A against S. aureus. Results showed that biochanin A effectively eradicated established S. aureus biofilms on different food-contact materials. Fluorescence microscopic analyses suggested that biochanin A disintegrated the established biofilms by dissociate extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) in matrix. In addition, biochanin A at the sub-MIC concentration also effectively inhibited the biofilm formation by regulating the expression of biofilm-related genes (icaA, srtA, eno) and suppressing the release of EPS in biofilm matrix. Molecular docking also demonstrated that biochanin A conducted strong interactions with biofilm-related proteins (Ica A, Sortase A, and Enolase). These findings demonstrated that biochanin A has the potential to be developed as a potent agent against S. aureus biofilm in food industries. KEY POINTS: • Anti-biofilm effect of biochanin A against S. aureus was revealed for the first time. • Biofilm of S. aureus on various food-contact surfaces were efficiently eradicated. • Biochanin A prevented S. aureus biofilm formation via reducing EPS production.
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Yan W, Feng Q, Li Y, Lin Y, Yao J, Jia Z, Lu L, Liu L, Zhou H. Integrated network pharmacology and DSS-induced colitis model to determine the anti-colitis effect of Rheum palmatum L. and Coptis chinensis Franch in granules. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 300:115675. [PMID: 36075275 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Rheum palmatum L. (RP) and Coptis chinensis Franch. (CC), frequently used as herbal pair (HP) in clinical practicing of traditional Chinese medicine, exerted predominate efficacies in colitis treatment. However, the mechanism of their synergism lacks scientific explanation. AIM OF THE STUDY By integrating network pharmacology and DSS-induced colitis model, the anti-colitis effects and synergistic molecular mechanisms of RP-CC combination was determined. MATERIALS AND METHODS In vivo study, mice were divided into control, model, RP, CC and RP-CC (low, middle, high) groups, 2.5% DSS was administrated to induce colitis for consecutive 7 days, subsequently, the therapeutic effects were evaluated from body weight changes, disease activity index (DAI), and pathological conditions. After determining the shared and exclusive targets of RP and CC, respectively by network pharmacology, CETSA, WB, and qPCR were utilized to verify the action modes of RP and CC on specific targets. RESULTS Compared to RP or CC used alone, RP-CC combination can significantly protect colon tissues from inflammatory damage in a dose-dependent manner via remarkably alleviating DAI and colon shortening. Network pharmacological analysis suggested that AKT1 would be the core target for RP-CC synergism since these two herbs could simultaneously but non-competitively bind to AKT1 at different sits. Furthermore, RP and CC could also influencing HIF and MAPK pathways, respectively, these additional actions attribute to more optimizing effectiveness towards colitis. CONCLUSION In contrast to the mild therapeutic effects of RP or CC individually, RP-CC herb pair could exert strong and synergistic effects in treatment of colitis via non-competitive binding to AKT1 simultaneously, as well as exclusively influencing MAPK and HIF pathways. Our study not only provides the evidence for understanding the combined effect of RP and CC, but also brings up a new strategy and suggestive thoughts for the rationality of HP-based TCM formula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxin Yan
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China
| | - Qian Feng
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China
| | - Yu Li
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China
| | - Yuefang Lin
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China
| | - Jingjing Yao
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China
| | - Zhen Jia
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China
| | - Linlin Lu
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China.
| | - Liang Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, SAR, China.
| | - Hua Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, SAR, China.
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Li J, Tao Q, Xie Y, Wang P, Jin R, Huang X, Chen Y, Zeng C. Exploring the Targets and Molecular Mechanisms of Thalidomide in the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis: Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation. Curr Pharm Des 2023; 29:2721-2737. [PMID: 37961863 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128272502231101114727] [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] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, nonspecific, inflammatory disease of the intestine with an unknown cause. Thalidomide (THA) has been shown to be an effective drug for the treatment of UC. However, the molecular targets and mechanism of action of THA for the treatment of UC are not yet clear. OBJECTIVES Combining network pharmacology with in vitro experiments, this study aimed to investigate the potential targets and molecular mechanisms of THA for the treatment of UC. METHODS Firstly, relevant targets of THA against UC were obtained from public databases. Then, the top 10 hub targets and key molecular mechanisms of THA for UC were screened based on the network pharmacology approach and bioinformatics method. Finally, an in vitro cellular inflammation model was constructed using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced intestinal epithelial cells (NCM460) to validate the top 10 hub targets and key signaling pathways. RESULTS A total of 121 relevant targets of THA against UC were obtained, of which the top 10 hub targets were SRC, LCK, MAPK1, HSP90AA1, EGFR, HRAS, JAK2, RAC1, STAT1, and MAP2K1. The PI3K-Akt pathway was significantly associated with THA treatment of UC. In vitro experiments revealed that THA treatment reversed the expression of HSP90AA1, EGFR, STAT1, and JAK2 differential genes. THA was able to up- regulate the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory factor IL-10 and decrease the mRNA levels of anti-inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. Furthermore, THA also exerted anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. CONCLUSION THA may play a therapeutic role in UC by inhibiting the PI3K-Akt pathway. HSP90AA1, EGFR, STAT1, and JAK2 may be the most relevant potential therapeutic targets for THA in the treatment of UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qin Tao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yang Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ruiri Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xia Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Youxiang Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Chunyan Zeng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
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Mahmoudi A, Atkin SL, Jamialahmadi T, Banach M, Sahebkar A. Effect of Curcumin on Attenuation of Liver Cirrhosis via Genes/Proteins and Pathways: A System Pharmacology Study. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14204344. [PMID: 36297027 PMCID: PMC9609422 DOI: 10.3390/nu14204344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Liver cirrhosis is a life-threatening seqsuel of many chronic liver disorders of varying etiologies. In this study, we investigated protein targets of curcumin in liver cirrhosis based on a bioinformatics approach. Methods: Gene/protein associations with curcumin and liver cirrhosis were probed in drug−gene and gene−diseases databases including STITCH/DGIdb/DisGeNET/OMIM/DISEASES/CTD/Pharos and SwissTargetPrediction. Critical clustering groups (MCODE), hub candidates and critical hub genes in liver cirrhosis were identified, and connections between curcumin and liver cirrhosis-related genes were analyzed via Venn diagram. Interaction of hub genes with curcumin by molecular docking using PyRx-virtual screening tools was performed. Results: MCODE analysis indicated three MCODEs; the cluster (MCODE 1) comprised 79 nodes and 881 edges (score: 22.59). Curcumin database interactions recognized 318 protein targets. Liver cirrhosis genes and curcumin protein targets analysis demonstrated 96 shared proteins, suggesting that curcumin may influence 20 candidate and 13 hub genes, covering 81% of liver cirrhosis critical genes and proteins. Thirteen shared proteins affected oxidative stress regulation, RNA, telomerase activity, cell proliferation, and cell death. Molecular docking analysis showed the affinity of curcumin binding hub genes (Binding affinity: ΔG < −4.9 kcal/mol). Conclusions: Curcumin impacted on several critical liver cirrhosis genes mainly involved in extracellular matrix communication, focal adhesion, and the response to oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mahmoudi
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Stephen L. Atkin
- School of Postgraduate Studies and Research, RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, Busaiteen, Bahrain
| | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Surgical Oncology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maciej Banach
- Department of Preventive Cardiology and Lipidology, Medical University of Lodz (MUL), 93-338 Lodz, Poland
- Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Zielona Gora, 65-417 Zielona Gora, Poland
- Correspondence: (M.B.); or (A.S.); Tel.: +98-513-180-1239 (A.S.); Fax: +98-513-800-2287 (A.S.)
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Correspondence: (M.B.); or (A.S.); Tel.: +98-513-180-1239 (A.S.); Fax: +98-513-800-2287 (A.S.)
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Exploring Anti-Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Mechanism of Gegen Qinlian Decoction by Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:1927688. [PMID: 36284987 PMCID: PMC9588339 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1927688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Purpose. Gegen Qinlian Decoction (GGQL) has been employed to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine. However, the underlying mechanism of GGQL in the treatment of T2DM remains unknown. This study was aimed at exploring the pharmacological mechanisms of GGQL against T2DM via network pharmacology analysis combined with experimental validation. Methods. The effective components of GGQL were screened, and the target was predicted by using traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform (TCMSP). The candidate targets of GGQL were predicted by network pharmacological analysis, and crucial targets were chosen by the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment analyses were performed to predict the core targets and pathways of GGQL against T2DM. Then, T2DM mice were induced by a high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin. The model and GGQL groups were given normal saline and GGQL aqueous solution (10 and 20 g/kg/d) intragastric administration, respectively, for 8 weeks. The mice in the GGQLT groups were administered with GGQLT at 10 and 20 g/kg/d, respectively. The pathological changes in liver tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The protein expression of TNF-α and NF-κB was verified by western blotting. Results. A total of 204 common targets of GGQL for the treatment of T2DM were obtained from 140 active ingredients and 212 potential targets of T2DM. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis involved 119 signaling pathways, mainly in inflammatory TNF signaling pathways. Animal experiments showed that GGQL significantly reduced the serum levels of body mass, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, TNF-α, and IL-17. The liver pathological section showed that GGQL could improve the vacuolar degeneration and lipid deposition in the liver of T2DM mice. Mechanistically, GGQL downregulated the mRNA expression of TNF-α and NF-κB. Conclusions. This study demonstrated that GGQL may exert antidiabetic effects against T2DM by suppressing TNF-α signaling pathway activation, thus providing a basis for its potential use in clinical practice and further study in treating T2DM.
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Zhu J, Ding H, Zhong L, Xin W, Yi X, Fang L. Spectrum-Effect Relationship-Based Strategy Combined with Molecular Docking to Explore Bioactive Flavonoids from Sceptridium ternatum. Molecules 2022; 27:5698. [PMID: 36080465 PMCID: PMC9458115 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sceptridium ternatum is a herbaceous plant with significant potential for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. In this study, we established a spectrum-effect relationship-based strategy to investigate the bioactive basis and tissue distribution in S. ternatum. First, a phytochemical analysis on the ethanol extracts from roots, stems, and leaves of S. ternatum was performed using the colorimetric method, high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet (HPLC-UV), and high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS). Then, radical scavenging assays and the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cell model were used to estimate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, respectively. Spectrum-effect relationship analysis and molecular docking were further employed to evaluate the correlation between the phytochemical profile and anti-inflammatory activity. Our results demonstrate that S. ternatum leaves contained the most abundant flavonoids and exerted the best biological activities. Their IC50 values for scavenging 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals were 2.43 ± 0.13 and 5.36 ± 0.54 mg/mL, respectively. In lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, the leaf extract caused the greatest reduction in nitric oxide production (38.15%) and interleukin-6 release (110.86%). Spectrum-effect relationship analysis and molecular docking indicated that quercetin 3-O-rhamnoside-7-O-glucoside possessed high anti-inflammatory activity by binding with interleukin-6. In conclusion, S. ternatum is a rich source of bioactive flavonoids with potential for exploitation in the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress and inflammation-related pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfeng Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Haiying Ding
- Department of Pharmacy, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Like Zhong
- Department of Pharmacy, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Wenxiu Xin
- Department of Pharmacy, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Xiaojiao Yi
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310023, China
| | - Luo Fang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
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Pei H, Zeng J, Chen W, He Z, Du R. Network pharmacology and molecular docking integrated strategy to investigate the pharmacological mechanism of palmatine in Alzheimer's disease. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2022; 36:e23200. [PMID: 35997646 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23200] [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: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The key molecular mechanism of palmatine in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) was investigated in this article. METHODS Network pharmacology techniques constructed drug-target-disease relationship networks and predictive pathways of action. At the cellular level, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce Raw 264.7 cells to establish an inflammation model, and interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α indicators were examined. Apoptosis was detected using Hoechst 33258. At the animal level, LPS was used to induce AD animal model, and behavioral performance were examined by water maze, and serum biochemical indexes were measured by ELISA. And the expression of PI3K and P-AKT was observed by immunohistochemistry. Finally, molecular level validation was performed using the molecular docking technique. RESULTS The result of Network pharmacological was predicted that palmatine may treat AD mainly through the PI3K pathway. Palmatine has no significant effect on Raw264.7 cells viability within 0.05 mg/ml, Palmatine can significantly induce Raw264.7 cells to secret IL-6 and IL1-β in a concentration-dependent manner, but it has not obvious impact on NO and TNF-α. Palmatine has a significant restorative effect on the cell viability of Raw264.7 in a concentration of 0.1 mg/ml. Palmatine can be concentration-dependent to downregulate the secretion of LPS-induced IL-6. At the same time, Palmatine also has a significant effect on the level of TNF-α induced by LPS, it also can slightly downregulate the secretion of IL-1β. The results of Hoechst33258 showed that cells in the 0.025 mg/ml and 0.5 mg/ml delivery groups increased with different degrees of bright blue fluorescence, and apoptosis rate decreased. Animal experiments showed that palmatine effectively improved the learning and memory ability of AD mice. The immunohistochemical results exhibited that the expression of PI3K and P-AKT in the model group decreased, but they were obvious reversed by palmatine The molecular docking results showed that palmatine and key targets had good docking, among which the binding to ERBB2, CDC42, MDM2, and mTOR was the most likely. CONCLUSION Palmatine has neuroprotective effects. Palmatine could effectively ameliorate memory impairment in AD mice by promoting the PI3K-AKT pathway. Molecular docking results showed that palmatine has a better binding ability with mTOR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Pei
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jianning Zeng
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Weijia Chen
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- Engineering Research Center for High-Efficiency Breeding and Product Development Technology of Sika Deer, Jilin, China
| | - Zhongmei He
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Rui Du
- Engineering Research Center for High-Efficiency Breeding and Product Development Technology of Sika Deer, Jilin, China
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Bao X, Li J, Ren C, Wei J, Lu X, Wang X, Du W, Jin X, Ma B, Zhang Q, Ma B. Aucubin ameliorates liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cells activation in diabetic mice via inhibiting ER stress-mediated IRE1α/TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome through NOX4/ROS pathway. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 365:110074. [PMID: 35961541 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.110074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is closely associated with hepatic injury, which could promote/exacerbate hepatic inflammation, steatosis, and accelerate liver fibrosis progression. Aucubin (AU), as an active ingredient isolated from Eucommia ulmoides, exists a nutritional value in hepatoprotective effect and diabetic complications. However, whether it possesses more outstanding features on improving liver injury in diabetic conditions and the underlying mechanism is unclear. Our research investigated the treatment of AU on liver fibrosis and potential mechanisms on high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice and high glucose (HG)&TGF-β1-induced LX-2 cells. Results showed that AU restored hepatic function without affecting blood sugar levels in diabetic mice. Meanwhile, the enhanced levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-c were reversed in hepatic tissue after AU treatment. Histomorphology assays including H&E, Masson, PAS, Oil red and Sirius red staining showed that AU treatment reduced liver swelling, steatosis and fibrosis. Mechanistic studies showed that AU alleviated NLRP3 inflammasome activation and inflammatory responses via inhibiting ER stress-mediated IRE1α/TXNIP signaling pathway, which could postpone the development of T2DM induced hepatic fibrosis. In addition, the ROS generation and the up-regulated expression of NADHP oxidase 4 (NOX4) in the liver tissue were suppressed by AU treatment. Moreover, in vitro model, NOX4 activation was prominently enhanced and AU treatment blocked HG&TGF-β1-induced NOX4 derived superoxide generation and thereby ameliorating hepatic stellate cell activation, which can be abrogated in the overexpression of NOX4 LX-2 cells. In addition, inhibition effects on ER stress-mediated IRE1α/TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome by AU treatment also were abolished in the overexpression of NOX4 LX-2 cells. Meanwhile, molecular docking results indicated that AU and NOX4 protein have a higher affinity. Taken together, AU might be a potential nutraceutical or therapeutic drug to ameliorate hepatic impairment and fibrosis in T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowen Bao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaqi Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaoxing Ren
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingxun Wei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuanzhao Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxuan Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Du
- Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Jin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Beiting Ma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China.
| | - Bo Ma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China.
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Hu Y, Yuan W, Cai N, Jia K, Meng Y, Wang F, Ge Y, Lu H. Exploring Quercetin Anti-Osteoporosis Pharmacological Mechanisms with In Silico and In Vivo Models. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12070980. [PMID: 35888070 PMCID: PMC9322149 DOI: 10.3390/life12070980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Since osteoporosis critically influences the lives of patients with a high incidence, effective therapeutic treatments are important. Quercetin has been well recognized as a bone-sparing agent and thus the underlying mechanisms warrant further investigation. In the current study, the network pharmacology strategy and zebrafish model were utilized to explain the potential pharmacological effects of quercetin on osteoporosis. The potential targets and related signaling pathways were explored through overlapping target prediction, protein–protein interaction network construction, and functional enrichment analysis. Furthermore, we performed docking studies to verify the specific interactions between quercetin and crucial targets. Consequently, 55 targets were related to osteoporosis disease among the 159 targets of quercetin obtained by three database sources. Thirty hub targets were filtered through the cytoNCA plugin. Additionally, the Gene Ontology functions in the top 10 respective biological processes, molecular functions, and cell components as well as the top 20 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were depicted. The most significance difference in the KEGG pathways was the TNF signaling pathway, consisting of the Nuclear Factor Kappa B Subunit (NF-κB), Extracellular Regulated Protein Kinases (ERK) 1/2, Activator Protein 1 (AP-1), Interleukin 6 (IL6), Transcription factor AP-1 (Jun), and Phosphatidylinositol 3 Kinase (PI3K), which were probably involved in the pharmacological effects. Moreover, molecular docking studies revealed that the top three entries were Interleukin 1 Beta (IL1B), the Nuclear Factor NF-Kappa-B p65 Subunit (RelA), and the Nuclear Factor Kappa B Subunit 1 (NFKB1), respectively. Finally, these results were verified by alizarin red-stained mineralized bone in zebrafish and related qPCR experiments. The findings probably facilitate the mechanism elucidation related to quercetin anti-osteoporosis action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Hu
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China; (Y.H.); (N.C.); (K.J.); (Y.M.); (F.W.); (Y.G.)
| | - Wei Yuan
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China; (Y.H.); (N.C.); (K.J.); (Y.M.); (F.W.); (Y.G.)
- Correspondence: (W.Y.); (H.L.)
| | - Na Cai
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China; (Y.H.); (N.C.); (K.J.); (Y.M.); (F.W.); (Y.G.)
| | - Kun Jia
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China; (Y.H.); (N.C.); (K.J.); (Y.M.); (F.W.); (Y.G.)
| | - Yunlong Meng
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China; (Y.H.); (N.C.); (K.J.); (Y.M.); (F.W.); (Y.G.)
| | - Fei Wang
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China; (Y.H.); (N.C.); (K.J.); (Y.M.); (F.W.); (Y.G.)
| | - Yurui Ge
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China; (Y.H.); (N.C.); (K.J.); (Y.M.); (F.W.); (Y.G.)
| | - Huiqiang Lu
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China; (Y.H.); (N.C.); (K.J.); (Y.M.); (F.W.); (Y.G.)
- Jiangxi Engineering Laboratory of Zebrafish Modeling and Drug Screening for Human Diseases, Ji’an 343009, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Organs, Ji’an 343009, China
- Correspondence: (W.Y.); (H.L.)
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Tian R, Liu X, Jing L, Yang L, Xie N, Hou Y, Tao H, Tao Y, Wu J, Meng X. Huang-Lian-Jie-Du decoction attenuates cognitive dysfunction of rats with type 2 diabetes by regulating autophagy and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 292:115196. [PMID: 35337922 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Huang-Lian-Jie-Du decoction (HLJDD) is a traditional Chinese formula that is efficacious in treating diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer's disease, and diabetic encephalopathy; the underlying mechanisms of HLJDD in diabetes-associated cognitive dysfunction remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of HLJDD on cognitive function, and the possible underlying mechanisms in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in a rat model of cognitive impairment. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twelve active ingredients in HLJDD were detected using high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. An animal model of cognitive dysfunction in T2DM was induced via a high-sugar and high-fat diet combined with a low dose of streptozotocin. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups: control, T2DM, metformin (0.34 g/kg/day), and HLJDD groups (3, 1.5, and 0.75 g/kg/day). All treatments were intragastrically administrated for nine continuous weeks after the development of T2DM. Body weight, food and water intake, fasting blood glucose, insulin sensitivity, and blood lipid levels were measured. Spatial learning and memory of the rats were assessed using the Morris water maze test. Hematoxylin and eosin and Nissl staining were performed to evaluate neuronal morphology and vitality. Glutathione, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase levels were measured to determine the level of oxidative stress in the hippocampus. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to observe the synaptic morphology and structure of hippocampal neurons. IL-1β levels in the hippocampus and cerebrospinal fluid were determined. The protein expression of NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, mature IL-1β, ATG7, P62, LC3, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was determined using western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis. RESULTS HLJDD attenuated cognitive dysfunction in rats with T2DM as shown by the decreased escape latency, increased times crossing the platform and time spent in the target quadrant in the Morris water maze test (P < 0.05), improvement in hippocampal histopathological changes, and an elevated level of cell vitality. HLJDD treatment also reduced blood glucose and lipid levels, ameliorated oxidative stress, and downregulated IL-1β expression in the hippocampus and cerebrospinal fluid (P < 0.05). Moreover, HLJDD enhanced BDNF, ATG7, and LC3 protein expression and significantly inhibited the expression of P62, NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, and mature IL-1β in the hippocampal CA1 region (P < 0.05). Immunofluorescence results further confirmed that the fluorescence intensity of NLRP3 and P62 in the hippocampus decreased after HLJDD intervention (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS HLJDD ameliorated cognitive dysfunction in T2DM rats. The neuroprotective effect is exerted via the modulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, upregulation of autophagy, and inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruimin Tian
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China; Department of Pharmacology, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China
| | - Xianfeng Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Lijia Jing
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Lu Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Na Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Ya Hou
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Honglin Tao
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yiwen Tao
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Jiasi Wu
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Xianli Meng
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China; Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
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Guo WH, Zhang K, Yang LH. Potential Mechanisms of Pyrrosiae Folium in Treating Prostate Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2022; 48:189-197. [PMID: 35730236 DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2022.2088785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Objective The network pharmacology approach and molecular docking were employed to explore the mechanism of Pyrrosiae Folium(PF) against prostate cancer (PCa). Methods The active compounds and their corresponding putative targets of PF were identified by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP), the gene names of the targets were obtained from the UniProt database. The collection of genes associated with PCa were obtained from GeneCards and DisGeNET database. We merged the drug targets and disease targets by online software, Draw Venn Diagram. The resulting gene list was imported into R software (v3.6.3) for GO and KEGG function enrichment analysis. The STRING database was utilized for protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction. The cytoHubba plugin of Cytoscape was used to identify core genes. Further, molecular docking analysis of the hub targets were carried out using AutoDock Vina software (v1.5.6). Results A total of 6 active components were screened by PF, with 167 corresponding putative targets, 1395 related targets for PCa, and 113 targets for drugs and diseases. The "drug-component-disease-target" network was constructed by Cytoscape software and the target genes mainly involved in the complex treating effects associated with response to oxidative stress, cytokine activity, pathways in cancer, prostate cancer pathway and TNF signaling pathway. Core genes in the PPI network were TNF, JUN, IL6, IL1B, CXCL8, RELA, CCL2, TP53, IL10 and FOS. The molecular docking results reveal the better binding affinity of 6 active components to the core targets. Conclusion The results of this study indicated that PF may be have a certain anti-PCa effect by regulating related target genes, affecting Pathways in cancer, TNF signaling pathway, Hepatitis B signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Hua Guo
- Modern College of Humanities and Science of Shanxi Normal University, Linfen, Shanxi 041004, P.R. China.,School of Life Science, Shanxi Normal University, Linfen, Shanxi 041004, P.R. China
| | - Kun Zhang
- School of Life Science, Shanxi Normal University, Linfen, Shanxi 041004, P.R. China
| | - Lu-Hong Yang
- Modern College of Humanities and Science of Shanxi Normal University, Linfen, Shanxi 041004, P.R. China
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Cao J, Li L, Xiong L, Wang C, Chen Y, Zhang X. Research on the mechanism of berberine in the treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia pulmonary fibrosis using network pharmacology and molecular docking. PHYTOMEDICINE PLUS : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 2:100252. [PMID: 35403089 PMCID: PMC8895682 DOI: 10.1016/j.phyplu.2022.100252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Pulmonary fibrosis caused by COVID-19 pneumonia is a serious complication of COVID-19 infection, there is a lack of effective treatment methods clinically. This article explored the mechanism of action of berberine in the treatment of COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease 2019, COVID-19) pneumonia pulmonary fibrosis with the help of the network pharmacology and molecular docking. Methods We predicted the role of berberine protein targets with the Pharmmapper database and the 3D structure of berberine in the Pubchem database. And GeneCards database was used in order to search disease target genes and screen common target genes. Then we used STRING web to construct PPI interaction network of common target protein. The common target genes were analyzed by GO and KEGG by DAVID database. The disease-core target gene-drug network was established and molecular docking was used for prediction. We also analyzed the binding free energy and simulates molecular dynamics of complexes. Results Berberine had 250 gene targets, COVID-19 pneumonia pulmonary fibrosis had 191 gene targets, the intersection of which was 23 in common gene targets. Molecular docking showed that berberine was associated with CCl2, IL-6, STAT3 and TNF-α. GO and KEGG analysis reveals that berberine mainly plays a vital role by the signaling pathways of influenza, inflammation and immune response. Conclusion Berberine acts on TNF-α, STAT3, IL-6, CCL2 and other targets to inhibit inflammation and the activation of fibrocytes to achieve the purpose of treating COVID-19 pneumonia pulmonary fibrosis.
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Key Words
- ARDS, acute respiratory distress syndrome
- BP, biological process
- Berberine
- CC, cellular component
- CCL2, chemokine ligand2
- COVID-19
- COVID-19 pneumonia
- COVID-19, corona virus disease 2019
- ECM, extracellular matrix
- EMT, epithelial-mesenchymal cell transformation
- FOXM1, forkhead box M1
- Fsp1, fibroblast-specific protein 1
- GO, gene ontology
- HIF-1, hypoxia inducible factor
- IBD, inflammatory bowel disease
- IL-12, interleukin 12
- IL-6, interleukin 6
- JAK, Janus kinase
- KEGG, Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes
- LR-MSCs, mesenchymal stem cells
- MF, molecular function
- MMP14, matrix metalloproteinase 14
- MMP7, matrix metalloproteinase 7
- Molecular docking
- NF-κB, nuclear transcription factor
- NOS, nitric oxide synthase
- Network pharmacology
- OTUB1, deubiquitinase
- PAI-1, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1
- PPI, protein-protein interaction
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- STAT3, transcription activator
- TGF-β, transforming growth factor-β
- TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor-α
- sIL-6R, interleukin 6 receptor
- α-SMA, α-smooth muscle actin
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfeng Cao
- Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Lianglei Li
- Center for Experimental Technology of Preclinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, No.783 Xindu Road, Xindu District, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China
| | - Li Xiong
- Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Chaochao Wang
- Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Yijun Chen
- Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Center for Experimental Technology of Preclinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, No.783 Xindu Road, Xindu District, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China
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Zhao L, Ding LD, Xia ZH, Sheng P, Shen MM, Cai ZM, Yan BC. A Network-Based Approach to Investigate the Neuroprotective Effects and Mechanisms of Action of Huangqi-Chuanxiong and Sanleng-Ezhu Herb Pairs in the Treatment of Cerebral Ischemic Stroke. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:844186. [PMID: 35401166 PMCID: PMC8984614 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.844186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: We aimed to investigate the effect and mechanisms of action of two drug pairs [Huangqi-Chuanxiong and Sanleng-Ezhu Herb (HCSE)] on the treatment of ischemic stroke. Materials and methods: We mined the current literature related to ischemic stroke and formulated a new formulation of Chinese herbs. Then, we identified the main candidate target genes of the new formulation by network pharmacology. Next, we performed enrichment analysis of the target genes to identify the potential mechanism of action of the new formulation in the treatment of ischemic stroke. Next, we experimentally validated the mechanism of action of the new formulation against ischemic stroke. Infarct volume and neurological deficits were evaluated by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium (TTC) staining and Longa’s score, respectively. The predicted pathways of signal-related proteins were detected by western blotting. Results: We mined the current literature and identified a new formulation of Chinese herbs for the treatment of ischemic stroke. The formulation included Huangqi, Chuanxiong, Sanleng and Ezhu. Next, we used network pharmacological analysis to identify 23 active compounds and 327 target genes for the new formulation. The key target genes were MAPK3, MAPK1, HSP90AA1, STAT3, PIK3R1, PIK3CA and AKT1. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis revealed significant enrichment of the PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways. By performing experiments, we found that the new formulation reduced the infarct volume of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) induced mice and activated the PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways. These findings confirmed that the new formulation has a significant protective effect against ischemic stroke injury by activating the PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways. Conclusion: We identified a new treatment formulation for ischemic stroke by data mining and network pharmacological target prediction. The beneficial effects of the new formulation act by regulating multiple target genes and pathways. The mechanism of action of the new formulation may be related to the AKT and ERK signaling pathways. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for the effects of the new formulation on ischemic stroke injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhao
- Medical College, Institute of Translational Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Li Dong Ding
- Department of Neurology, Taizhou Second People's Hospital, Taizhou, China
| | - Zi Hao Xia
- Medical College, Institute of Translational Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Peng Sheng
- Medical College, Institute of Translational Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Meng Meng Shen
- Medical College, Institute of Translational Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zhong Ming Cai
- Department of Neurology, Yangzhou Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou, China
| | - Bing Chun Yan
- Medical College, Institute of Translational Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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Wang S, Huang Z, Lei Y, Han X, Tian D, Gong J, Liu M. Celastrol Alleviates Autoimmune Hepatitis Through the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway Based on Network Pharmacology and Experiments. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:816350. [PMID: 35359864 PMCID: PMC8960436 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.816350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This work aims to explore the potential targets and underlying therapeutic mechanisms of celastrol in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) through network pharmacology and experiments on Laboratory Animals. Methods: A drug-target interaction network was constructed to predict the possible targets of celastrol and their potential relationship with the drug; docking studies were also performed for validation. This study used both acute and chronic rodent models of autoimmune hepatitis. Gross appearance of liver and spleen were obtained from murine models, hematoxylin-eosin staining and Sirius red staining were performed to examine hepatic inflammation and fibrosis respectively. By combining molecular docking and enrichment analysis results, the most prominent signaling pathway was selected and further confirmed by Western blot in AIH models administered with celastrol. Results: In total, 82 common targets of celastrol and AIH were obtained from databases, identified by network pharmacology, and adequately enriched. Among them, PIK3R1, SRC, MAPK1, AKT1, and HRAS were selected as the top 5 closely related targets to celastrol. They all performed effectively in molecular docking, with AKT1 and PIK3R1 exhibiting more-prominent binding energy. Subsequently, celastrol administration significantly ameliorated hepatitis and liver fibrosis by reducing AKT1 and PI3K phosphorylation in both acute liver injury and chronic models of autoimmune hepatitis. Conclusion: In summary, celastrol significantly attenuates autoimmune hepatitis by suppressing the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, confirmed by validated animal models. These findings may help identify the mechanism involved in the anti-inflammatory action of celastrol in autoimmune hepatitis and provide ideas for future comprehensive studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jin Gong
- *Correspondence: Jin Gong, ; Mei Liu,
| | - Mei Liu
- *Correspondence: Jin Gong, ; Mei Liu,
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31
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Zhao J, Wang Z, Karrar E, Xu D, Sun X. Inhibition Mechanism of Berberine on α‐Amylase and α‐Glucosidase in Vitro. STARCH-STARKE 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/star.202100231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jinjin Zhao
- Synergetic Innovation Center of Food Safety and Nutrition State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology International Joint Research Laboratory for Lipid Nutrition and Safety School of Food Science and Technology Jiangnan University Wuxi Jiangsu 214122 People's Republic of China
| | - Zhangtie Wang
- Synergetic Innovation Center of Food Safety and Nutrition State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology International Joint Research Laboratory for Lipid Nutrition and Safety School of Food Science and Technology Jiangnan University Wuxi Jiangsu 214122 People's Republic of China
| | - Emad Karrar
- Synergetic Innovation Center of Food Safety and Nutrition State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology International Joint Research Laboratory for Lipid Nutrition and Safety School of Food Science and Technology Jiangnan University Wuxi Jiangsu 214122 People's Republic of China
| | - Deping Xu
- Synergetic Innovation Center of Food Safety and Nutrition State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology International Joint Research Laboratory for Lipid Nutrition and Safety School of Food Science and Technology Jiangnan University Wuxi Jiangsu 214122 People's Republic of China
| | - Xiulan Sun
- Synergetic Innovation Center of Food Safety and Nutrition State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology International Joint Research Laboratory for Lipid Nutrition and Safety School of Food Science and Technology Jiangnan University Wuxi Jiangsu 214122 People's Republic of China
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Yang J, He Q, Wang Y, Pan Z, Zhang G, Liang J, Su L, Wang A, Zeng C, Luo H, Liu L, Li J, Rao Q, Wang B, Wang H, Chen P. Gegen Qinlian Decoction ameliorates type 2 diabetes osteoporosis via IGFBP3/MAPK/NFATc1 signaling pathway based on cytokine antibody array. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 94:153810. [PMID: 34798519 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteoporosis affects more than half the patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Up to data, there is no effective clinical practice in managing type 2 diabetes osteoporosis (T2DOP) because of its complex pathogenesis. Gegen Qinlian Decoction (GQD) has been used for the long-term management of T2DM. However, the underlying mechanism of GQD in the treatment of T2DOP remains unknown. PURPOSE To reveal the role of GQD in T2DOP and its potential therapeutic targets in the management of T2DOP. STUDY DESIGN The effect of GQD on T2DOP was observed in db/db mice in four groups: model group, GQD low-dose group (GQD-L), GQD high-dose group (GQD-H), and metformin (positive control) group. C57BL/6J mice were used as the negative control group. METHODS Quantitative phytochemical analysis of GQD was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Micro-CT and hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining were used to evaluate bone histomorphometry. To screen for candidate targets of GQD, a cytokine antibody array was used, followed by bioinformatics analysis. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blotting (WB) were used to determine expression levels. RESULTS The major active components of GQD were confirmed by HPLC. Micro-CT and H&E staining showed that bone mass was significantly increased in the GQD-H group compared with the model group. Antibody arrays revealed that the expression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) was elevated in the GQD-H group. The MAPK pathway was identified using bioinformatics analysis. Additionally, the levels of osteoclastogenesis-related genes, including cathepsin K (Ctsk), acid phosphatase 5 (Acp5), matrix metallopeptidase 9 (Mmp9), and ATPase H+ transporting V0 subunit D2 (Atp6v0d2) were significantly decreased in the GQD-H group. Compared with the model group, high-dosage GQD inhibited phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) and P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and the expression of c-Fos and nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1). CONCLUSION GQD plays a protective role in T2DOP by upregulating IGFBP3 expression and downregulating the IGFBP3/MAPK/NFATc1 signaling pathway. IGFBP3 in serum may also be a novel biomarker in the treatment of T2DOP. Our current findings not only expand the application of GQD, but also provide a theoretical basis and guidance for T2DOP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junzheng Yang
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510405, PR China; The Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology of Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510405, PR China
| | - Qi He
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510405, PR China; The Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology of Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510405, PR China
| | - Yunhan Wang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510405, PR China
| | - Zhaofeng Pan
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510405, PR China; The Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology of Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510405, PR China
| | - Gangyu Zhang
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510405, PR China; The Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology of Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510405, PR China
| | - Jianming Liang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510405, PR China
| | - Lijun Su
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510405, PR China; The Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology of Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510405, PR China
| | - Ailin Wang
- Second School of Clinical Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510405, PR China
| | - Chuning Zeng
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510405, PR China; The Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology of Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510405, PR China
| | - Haoran Luo
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510405, PR China; The Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology of Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510405, PR China
| | - Lingyun Liu
- College of Basic Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510405, PR China
| | - Jianliang Li
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510405, PR China; The Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology of Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510405, PR China
| | - Qiuhong Rao
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510405, PR China
| | - Baohua Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510405, PR China.
| | - Haibin Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 16 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdon 510405, PR China.
| | - Peng Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 16 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdon 510405, PR China.
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Shi H, Wang S, Zhang Y, Liu P, Dong C, Wang D, Si G, Wang W, Li Y. The Effects of Tai Chi Exercise for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: An Overview of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. J Diabetes Res 2022; 2022:6587221. [PMID: 35799947 PMCID: PMC9256439 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6587221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Tai chi (TC) is a potential complementary treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This overview systematically summarizes and evaluates the existing evidence of TC in the treatment of T2DM. METHODS Systematic reviews (SRs)/meta-analyses (MAs) on TC interventions for T2DM were comprehensively searched in seven databases. Methodological quality, risk of bias, reporting quality, and quality of evidence were assessed using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR-2), the Risk of Bias in Systematic (ROBIS) scale, the list of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA), and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. RESULTS Eight published SRs/MAs were included in our study. Based on the methodology and quality of evidence assessment, all SRs/MAs are considered to be of very low quality, and only 1 SR/MA has been assessed as low risk of bias, and none of the SR/MA has been fully reported on the checklist. A total of 65 outcome indicators extracted from the included SRs/MAs were evaluated, and only 1 item was assessed as high quality. CONCLUSIONS TC may be an effective and safe complementary treatment for T2DM. However, this conclusion must be treated with caution because the quality of the evidence provided by the included SRs/MAs is generally low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongshuo Shi
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | | | - Yufeng Zhang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Pulin Liu
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Chengda Dong
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Guomin Si
- Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenbo Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yujie Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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An W, Huang Y, Chen S, Teng T, Shi Y, Sun Z, Xu Y. Mechanisms of Rhizoma Coptidis against type 2 diabetes mellitus explored by network pharmacology combined with molecular docking and experimental validation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20849. [PMID: 34675276 PMCID: PMC8531350 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00293-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This study systematically explored the underlying mechanism of Rhizoma Coptidis against type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by using network pharmacology and molecular docking and experimental validation. We retrieved and screened active compounds of Rhizoma Coptidis and corresponding T2DM-related targets across multiple databases. PPI networks of the genes were constructed using STRING, and the core targets were screened via topological analysis. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed by using DAVID. Finally, molecular docking and experimental studies were performed after bioinformatic analysis for verification. There were 14 active compounds and 19 core targets of Rhizoma Coptidis-T2DM, of which quercetin was identified as the main compound and IL6, VEGFA and TNF were the most significant core targets. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses showed that Rhizoma Coptidis ameliorated T2DM by regulating multiple biological processes and pathways. Docking studies indicated that IL6, VEGFA and TNF could stably bind with all active compounds of Rhizoma Coptidis. The results of our experiments revealed that Rhizoma Coptidis could inhibit the expression of IL6 and TNFα and enhance islet cell viability. This study suggests anti-inflammatory therapeutic effects of Rhizoma Coptidis on T2DM, thereby providing a scientific basis and new insight for further research on the antidiabetic effect of Rhizoma Coptidis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenrong An
- First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Yanqin Huang
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Shouqiang Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1 Jingba Road, Jinan, 250001, China
| | - Tao Teng
- Department of Endocrinology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1 Jingba Road, Jinan, 250001, China
| | - Yingning Shi
- First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Zhenhai Sun
- First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Yunsheng Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1 Jingba Road, Jinan, 250001, China.
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Network Pharmacology Combined with Bioinformatics to Investigate the Mechanisms and Molecular Targets of Astragalus Radix-Panax notoginseng Herb Pair on Treating Diabetic Nephropathy. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:9980981. [PMID: 34349833 PMCID: PMC8328704 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9980981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Astragalus Radix (AR)-Panax notoginseng (PN), a classical herb pair, has shown significant effects in treating diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, the intrinsic mechanism of AR-PN treating DN is still unclear. This study aims to illustrate the mechanism and molecular targets of AR-PN treating DN based on network pharmacology combined with bioinformatics. Materials and Methods The Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database was used to screen bioactive ingredients of AR-PN. Subsequently, putative targets of bioactive ingredients were predicted utilizing the DrugBank database and converted into genes on UniProtKB database. DN-related targets were retrieved via analyzing published microarray data (GSE30528) from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Protein-protein interaction networks of AR-PN putative targets and DN-related targets were established to identify candidate targets using Cytoscape 3.8.0. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of candidate targets were reflected using a plugin ClueGO of Cytoscape. Molecular docking was performed using AutoDock Vina software, and the results were visualized by Pymol software. The diagnostic capacity of hub genes was verified by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results Twenty-two bioactive ingredients and 189 putative targets of AR-PN were obtained. Eight hundred and fifty differently expressed genes related to DN were screened. The PPI network showed that 115 candidate targets of AR-PN against DN were identified. GO and KEGG analyses revealed that candidate targets of AR-PN against DN were mainly involved in the apoptosis, oxidative stress, cell cycle, and inflammation response, regulating the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, cell cycle, and MAPK signaling pathway. Moreover, MAPK1, AKT1, GSK3B, CDKN1A, TP53, RELA, MYC, GRB2, JUN, and EGFR were considered as the core potential therapeutic targets. Molecular docking demonstrated that these core targets had a great binding affinity with quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, and formononetin components. ROC curve analysis showed that AKT1, TP53, RELA, JUN, CDKN1A, and EGFR are effective in discriminating DN from controls. Conclusions AR-PN against DN may exert its renoprotective effects via various bioactive chemicals and the related pharmacological pathways, involving multiple molecular targets, which may be a promising herb pair treating DN. Nevertheless, these results should be further validated by experimental evidence.
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