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Liu HX, Lian L, Hou LL, Liu CX, Ren JH, Qiao YB, Wen SY, Li QS. Herb pair of Huangqi-Danggui exerts anti-tumor immunity to breast cancer by upregulating PIK3R1. Animal Model Exp Med 2024; 7:234-258. [PMID: 38863309 PMCID: PMC11228089 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12434] [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: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), drugs supplementing the vital energy, Qi, can eliminate tumors by restoring host immunity. The objective of this study is to investigate the underlying immune mechanisms of anti-tumor activity associated with Qi-supplementing herbs, specifically the paired use of Huangqi and Danggui. METHODS Analysis of compatibility regularity was conducted to screen the combination of Qi-supplementing TCMs. Using the MTT assay and a transplanted tumor mice model, the anti-tumor effects of combination TCMs were investigated in vitro and in vivo. High content analysis and flow cytometry were then used to evaluate cellular immunity, followed by network pharmacology and molecular docking to dissect the significant active compounds and potential mechanisms. Finally, the anti-tumor activity and the mechanism of the active ingredients were verified by molecular experiments. RESULTS There is an optimal combination of Huangqi and Danggui that, administered as an aqueous extract, can activate immunity to suppress tumor and is more effective than each drug on its own in vitro and in vivo. Based on network pharmacology analysis, PIK3R1 is the core target for the anti-tumor immunity activity of combined Huangqi and Danggui. Molecular docking analysis shows 6 components of the combined Danggui and Huangqi extract (quercetin, jaranol, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, calycosin, and suchilactone) that bind to PIK3R1. Jaranol is the most important component against breast cancer. The suchilactone/jaranol combination and, especially, the suchilactone/kaempferol combination are key for immunity enhancement and the anti-tumor effects of the extract. CONCLUSIONS The combination of Huangqi and Danggui can activate immunity to suppress breast cancer and is more effective than the individual drugs alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Xin Liu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug for the Treatment of Serious Diseases Basing on the Chronic Inflammation, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Li Lian
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug for the Treatment of Serious Diseases Basing on the Chronic Inflammation, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Li-Li Hou
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug for the Treatment of Serious Diseases Basing on the Chronic Inflammation, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Cai-Xia Liu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jin-Hong Ren
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug for the Treatment of Serious Diseases Basing on the Chronic Inflammation, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yuan-Biao Qiao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug for the Treatment of Serious Diseases Basing on the Chronic Inflammation, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Shi-Yuan Wen
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Qing-Shan Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug for the Treatment of Serious Diseases Basing on the Chronic Inflammation, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
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Lin H, Du X, Wang Y, Cai C, Gao J, Xiang H, Pan F. The Potential Mechanisms of Qufeng Zhitong Capsule against Rheumatoid Arthritis Based on Network Pharmacology and In Vitro Experiments. Crit Rev Immunol 2024; 44:1-16. [PMID: 37947068 DOI: 10.1615/critrevimmunol.2023050214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Qufeng Zhitong capsule (QFZTC) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula with potential therapeutic efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study seeks to clarify the potential effects and mechanisms of QFZTC against RA. Active compounds and targets of QFZTC were retrieved from the Herbal Ingredients' Targets (HIT), Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), and Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Database (TCMID) databases. RA-related targets were searched on GeneCards and DisGeNET databases. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was established using the STRING database. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed on hub targets. Molecular docking was conducted on hub targets and active compounds. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was applied to characterize the active compounds in QFZTC. RA-fibroblast like synoviocytes (RA-FLSs) were cultured and treated by QFZTC-containing serum, in which proinflammatory cytokines and hub targets were detected. Cell viability was determined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. A total of 360 active compounds and 445 potential targets are identified for QFZTC against RA. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network determined five hub targets, interleukin 6 (IL6), IL1B, VEGFA, JUN, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). GO and KEGG analyses revealed that the MAPK pathway may be a critical signaling in QFZTC treating RA. Molecular docking showed that luteolin, kaempferol, and myricetin has good affinity with TNF, and they were identified by HPLC. In vitro experiments confirmed that QFZTC restrained the cell viability and inflammation in RA. This study revealed the active compounds and molecular targets for QFZTC treating RA. QFZTC is a promising drug and ameliorates RA by inhibiting inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haili Lin
- The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Xiaokang Du
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Yilu Wang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Chengsong Cai
- The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Jin Gao
- Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Haiyan Xiang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Feng Pan
- Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310015, China
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Ji C, Ma J, Feng C, Zhu H, Gao Y, Huang J, Shen H, Wei Y. Promotion of Hair Regrowth in Androgenetic Alopecia with Supplemented Erzhi Wan: Exploring Its Mechanism Using Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2023; 16:2995-3022. [PMID: 37901149 PMCID: PMC10612515 DOI: 10.2147/ccid.s425295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Supplemented Erzhi Wan (SEZW) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine commonly used in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). This study aims to verify the effectiveness of SEZW for the treatment of AGA in mice and explore the potential molecular mechanisms underlying its function using network pharmacology and molecular docking. Methods Forty mice were divided into five groups: Control, AGA-model, AGA-Positive, SEZW Low Dose, and SEZW High Dose. Hair regrowth in mice was evaluated by scoring hair on days 0, 14, and 28 post-treatment and weighing mouse hair on day 28 post-treatment. The targets of the active compounds of SEZW were obtained using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Database. AGA-related targets were downloaded from five databases. Then, the overlapping genes were identified. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed using the STRING database. Hub targets were determined through analysis. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed. Finally, molecular docking of active compounds and hub targets was performed. Results Hair regrowth in mice in the SEZW treatment groups was significantly enhanced relative to that in the AGA-model mice. A total of 59 potential drug-disease targets were identified. Based on the GO/KEGG analysis results, oxidative stress and gland development were identified as potential mechanisms of action of SEZW in AGA treatment. The PI3K-Akt and AGE-RAGE signaling pathways and seven hub targets were identified as the potential underlying mechanism of SEZW function. Molecular docking results showed that the most active SEZW compounds bind stably to several of the candidate disease targets. Conclusion SEZW is effective in the treatment of AGA in a mouse model. Combined with network pharmacological analysis, the potential mechanisms, signaling pathways, and hub targets of SEZW in the treatment of AGA were identified, providing new ideas for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Ji
- Department of Dermatology, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jun Ma
- Department of Dermatology, the Affiliated Zhangjiagang Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chengcheng Feng
- Department of Dermatology, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongliu Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, Jiangyin Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanwei Gao
- Department of Dermatology, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jun Huang
- Department of Dermatology, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui Shen
- Department of Dermatology, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuegang Wei
- First College of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
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Dong Y, Liu L, Zhang X, Gong Y, Yan S, Li W, Li S, Rong H, Liu J. A cross-sectional study on the application of patient-reported outcome measurements in clinical trials of traditional Chinese medicine in mainland China. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1159906. [PMID: 37251323 PMCID: PMC10213936 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1159906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) provide a global perspective of patient health status which plays an enormous role in evaluating clinical efficacy. However, the application of PROs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) was still insufficiently studied in mainland China. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed based on interventional clinical trials of TCM that were conducted in mainland China from 1 January 2010, to 15 July 2022. Data was retrieved from the ClinicalTrials.gov and Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. We included interventional clinical trials of TCM for which the country of the primary sponsors or recruitment settings in mainland China. For each included trial, data including clinical trial phases, study settings, participant's age, sex, diseases, and the patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were extracted. Trials were categorized into four categories according to 1) listed PROs as primary endpoints, 2) listed PROs as secondary endpoints, 3) listed PROs as coprimary outcomes (both primary and secondary endpoints), and 4) did not mention any PROMs. Results: Among a total of 3,797 trials, 680 (17.9%) trials listed PROs as primary endpoints, 692 (18.2%) trials listed PROs as secondary endpoints, and 760 (20.0%) trials listed PROs as coprimary endpoints. Among 675,787 participants included in the registered trials, 448,359 (66.3%) patients' data were scientifically collected by PRO instruments. Neurological diseases (11.8%), musculoskeletal symptoms (11.5%), mental health conditions (9.1%) were the most common conditions evaluated by PROMs. Disease-specific symptoms related concepts were used most frequently (51.3%), followed by health-related quality of life concepts. Visual analog scale, 36-item Short-Form Health Questionnaire, and TCM symptom score were the most common PROMs in these trials. Conclusion: In this cross-sectional study, the use of PROs increased in the past decades according to clinical trials of TCM conducted in mainland China. Considering that the application of PROs in clinical trials of TCM has some existing issues including uneven distribution and lack of normalized PROs of TCM, further study should be focused on the standardization and normalization of TCM-specific scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Dong
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaowen Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Center for Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Institute for Excellence in Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yijia Gong
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shiyan Yan
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Li
- International Research Center for Medicinal Administration, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Shunping Li
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hongguo Rong
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Center for Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Institute for Excellence in Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jianping Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Center for Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Institute for Excellence in Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Prediction of the Active Components and Mechanism of Forsythia suspensa Leaf against Respiratory Syncytial Virus Based on Network Pharmacology. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:5643345. [PMID: 35911158 PMCID: PMC9328944 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5643345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective Forsythia suspensa leaf (FSL) has been used as a health tea in China for centuries. Previous experiments have proved that FSL extract has a good effect on the antirespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in vitro, but its exact mechanism is not clear. Therefore, this study aims to determine the active components and targets of FSL and further explore its anti-RSV mechanism. Methods UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS was used to analyze the main chemical components of FSL. The compound disease target network, PPI, GO, and KEGG were used to obtain key targets and potential ways. Then, the molecular docking was verified by Schrödinger Maestro software. Next, the cell model of RSV infection was established, and the inhibitory effect of each drug on RSV was detected. Finally, western blotting was used to detect the effect of the active components of FSL on the expression of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway-related protein. Results UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS analysis showed that there were 67 main chemical constituents in FSL, while network pharmacological analysis showed that there were 169 anti-RSV targets of the active components in FSL, involving 177 signal pathways, among which PI3K/AKT signal pathway played an important role in the anti-RSV process of FSL. The results of molecular docking showed that cryptochlorogenic acid, phillyrin, phillygenin, rutin, and rosmarinic acid had higher binding activities to TP53, STAT3, MAPK1, AKT1, and MAPK3, respectively. In vitro experiments showed that phillyrin and rosmarinic acid could effectively improve the survival rate of RSV-infected cells, increase the expression level of PI3K, and decrease the expression level of AKT. Conclusion The active ingredients of FSL, phillyrin, and rosmarinic acid can play an anti-RSV role by inhibiting PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This study provides reliable theoretical and experimental support for the anti-RSV treatment of FSL.
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Xue M, Zhao Y, Cui Y, Yang J, Wang Y, Chai X. Quantitative Analysis of Multicomponents in Qufeng Zhitong Capsule and Application of Network Pharmacology to Explore the Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Focused Compounds. JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL METHODS IN CHEMISTRY 2022; 2022:4229945. [PMID: 35815311 PMCID: PMC9259231 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4229945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Qufeng Zhitong capsule (QZC) is a well-known Chinese patent medicine that has been widely applied for the clinical treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. To date, its material basis is still unclear, which has greatly limited its clinical application. In this study, by taking advantage of ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem Q-Exactive Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry, 16 chemical components such as gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, and neochlorogenic acid in QZC were characterized and unambiguously identified based on comparison with the corresponding reference standards. In addition, the correlation between the focused components and their corresponding raw herbs from QZC prescription was investigated. For the first time, the relationship between the components mentioned above and their anti-inflammatory activity was explored via network pharmacology analysis, and a visualized network of "medicinal materials-QZC-compounds-targets-pathways" was established. Based on the brief prediction results of network pharmacological analysis, ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detector method was validated in terms of linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, precision, repeatability, stability, and recovery test and was successfully employed to determine 16 compounds in 28 batches of QZCs, which confirmed the feasibility and reliability of the established method for the quantitative analysis of 16 compounds in QZC. Considering the content and bioactivity of the tested components, four compounds were recommended as candidate indicators for quality evaluation ultimately. The potential value of this study could not only support a quality evaluation of QZC but also provide a theoretical basis for further in-depth research of QZC in clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjie Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Key Laboratory of TCM Chemistry and Analysis, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yuting Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Key Laboratory of TCM Chemistry and Analysis, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Ying Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Key Laboratory of TCM Chemistry and Analysis, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Key Laboratory of TCM Chemistry and Analysis, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yuefei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Key Laboratory of TCM Chemistry and Analysis, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Xin Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Key Laboratory of TCM Chemistry and Analysis, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
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Identifying the Mechanism of Polygoni Cuspidati Rhizoma et Radix in Treating Acute Liver Failure Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2022; 2022:2021066. [PMID: 35432526 PMCID: PMC9012611 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2021066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Materials and Methods The potential bioactive compounds of PCRR and their targets were collected from TCMSP, TCMID, and BATMAN-TCM databases with absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion protocols (oral bioavailability ≥30% and drug-likeness ≥0.18). The ALF-related target genes were identified using the GeneCards and OMIM databases. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network among these targets was constructed using the Cytoscape software to obtain the core targets. The genes associated with ALF were analyzed via Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses to identify the signaling pathways related to the therapeutic effect of PCRR in ALF. Results In total, 10 bioactive compounds of PCRR and 200 targets related to them were obtained, and 2913 ALF-related target genes were identified. PPI network analysis pinpointed 15 core targets, namely, TP53, AKT1, JUN, HSP90AA1, MAPK1, RELA, TNF, ESR1, IL6, MYC, MAPK14, FOS, RB1, CDKN1A, and EGFR. GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analyses revealed that the therapeutic mechanisms of PCRR in ALF are related to cell metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, and hepatocyte apoptosis. Conclusion This is the first study to explore the therapeutic mechanisms of PCRR in ALF via network pharmacology and molecular docking. This study provides a research platform with candidate ALF-related targets of PRCC for the development of therapeutics against ALF.
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A network pharmacology-based approach to explore mechanism of action of medicinal herbs for alopecia treatment. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2852. [PMID: 35181715 PMCID: PMC8857194 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06811-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hair loss is one of the most common skin problems experienced by more than half of the world's population. In East Asia, medicinal herbs have been used widely in clinical practice to treat hair loss. Recent studies, including systematic literature reviews, indicate that medicinal herbs may demonstrate potential effects for hair loss treatment. In a previous study, we identified medical herbs used frequently for alopecia treatment. Herein, we explored the potential novel therapeutic mechanisms of 20 vital medicinal herbs for alopecia treatment that could distinguish them from known mechanisms of conventional drugs using network pharmacology analysis methods. We determined the herb-ingredient–target protein networks and ingredient-associated protein (gene)-associated pathway networks and calculated the weighted degree centrality to define the strength of the connections. Data showed that 20 vital medicinal herbs could exert therapeutic effects on alopecia mainly mediated via regulation of various target genes and proteins, including acetylcholinesterase (AChE), phospholipase A2 (PLA2) subtypes, ecto-5-nucleotidase (NTE5), folate receptor (FR), nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), and quinolinate phosphoribosyltransferase (QPRT). Findings regarding target genes/proteins and pathways of medicinal herbs associated with alopecia treatment offer insights for further research to better understand the pathogenesis and therapeutic mechanism of medicinal herbs for alopecia treatment with traditional herbal medicine.
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Niu W, Miao J, Li X, Guo Q, Deng Z, Wu L. Metabolomics combined with systematic pharmacology reveals the therapeutic effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza and Radix Pueraria lobata herb pair on type 2 diabetes rats. J Funct Foods 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2022.104950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
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Jang D, Jeong H, Kim CE, Leem J. A System-Level Mechanism of Anmyungambi Decoction for Obesity: A Network Pharmacological Approach. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11121881. [PMID: 34944525 PMCID: PMC8699029 DOI: 10.3390/biom11121881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a low-grade systemic inflammatory disease involving adipocytokines. As though Anmyungambi decoction (AMGB) showed significant improvement on obesity in a clinical trial, the molecular mechanism of AMGB in obesity remains unknown. Therefore, we explored the potential mechanisms of action of AMGB on obesity through network pharmacological approaches. We revealed that targets of AMGB are significantly associated with obesity-related and adipocyte-elevated genes. Evodiamine, berberine, genipin, palmitic acid, genistein, and quercetin were shown to regulate adipocytokine signaling pathway proteins which mainly involved tumor necrosis factor receptor 1, leptin receptor. In terms of the regulatory pathway of lipolysis in adipocytes, norephedrine, pseudoephedrine, quercetin, and limonin were shown to affect adrenergic receptor-beta, protein kinase A, etc. We also found that AMGB has the potentials to enhance the insulin signaling pathway thereby preventing type II diabetes mellitus. Additionally, AMGB was discovered to be able to control not only insulin-related proteins but also inflammatory mediators and apoptotic regulators and caspases, hence reducing hepatocyte injury in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Our findings help develop a better understanding of how AMGB controls obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyeop Jang
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Gachon University, Seongnam-si 13121, Korea; (D.J.); (H.J.)
| | - Hayeong Jeong
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Gachon University, Seongnam-si 13121, Korea; (D.J.); (H.J.)
| | - Chang-Eop Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Gachon University, Seongnam-si 13121, Korea; (D.J.); (H.J.)
- Correspondence: (C.-E.K.); (J.L.); Tel.: +82-31-750-5493 (C.-E.K.); +82-63-850-6984 (J.L.)
| | - Jungtae Leem
- Research Center of Traditional Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, 460, Iksan-daero, Sin-dong, Iksan 54538, Korea
- Correspondence: (C.-E.K.); (J.L.); Tel.: +82-31-750-5493 (C.-E.K.); +82-63-850-6984 (J.L.)
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Zhou Y, Wang C, Kou J, Wang M, Rong X, Pu X, Xie X, Han G, Pang X. Chrysanthemi Flos extract alleviated acetaminophen-induced rat liver injury via inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis based on network pharmacology analysis. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2021; 59:1378-1387. [PMID: 34629029 PMCID: PMC8510625 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2021.1986077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is the leading cause of drug-induced liver injury. Bianliang ziyu, a variety of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. (Asteraceae), has potential hepatoprotective effect. However, the mechanism is not clear yet. OBJECTIVE To investigate the hepatoprotective activity and mechanism of Bianliang ziyu flower ethanol extract (BZE) on APAP-induced rats based on network pharmacology. MATERIALS AND METHODS Potential pathways of BZE were predicted by network pharmacology. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were pre-treated with BZE (110, 220 and 440 mg/kg, i.g.) for eight days, and then APAP (800 mg/kg, i.g.) was used to induce liver injury. After 24 h, serum and liver were collected for biochemical detection and western blot measurement. RESULTS Network pharmacology indicated that liver-protective effect of BZE was associated with its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic efficacy. APAP-induced liver pathological change was alleviated, and elevated serum AST and ALT were reduced by BZE (440 mg/kg) (from 66.45 to 22.64 U/L and from 59.59 to 17.49 U/L, respectively). BZE (440 mg/kg) reduced the ROS to 65.50%, and upregulated SOD and GSH by 212.92% and 175.38%, respectively. In addition, BZE (440 mg/kg) increased levels of p-AMPK, p-GSK3β, HO-1 and NQO1, ranging from 1.66- to 10.29-fold compared to APAP group, and promoted nuclear translocation of Nrf2. BZE also inhibited apoptosis induced by APAP through the PI3K-Akt pathway and restored the ability of mitochondrial biogenesis. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated that BZE protected rats from APAP-induced liver injury through antioxidant and anti-apoptotic pathways, suggesting BZE could be further developed as a potential liver-protecting agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfeng Zhou
- Pharmaceutical Institute, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Chunli Wang
- Pharmaceutical Institute, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Jiejian Kou
- Pharmaceutical Institute, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Minghui Wang
- Pharmaceutical Institute, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Xuli Rong
- Pharmaceutical Institute, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Xiaohui Pu
- Pharmaceutical Institute, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Xinmei Xie
- Pharmaceutical Institute, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- CONTACT Xinmei Xie
| | - Guang Han
- Pharmaceutical Institute, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- Kaifeng Key Lab for Application of Local Dendranthema morifolium in Food & Drug, Kaifeng, China
- Guang Han
| | - Xiaobin Pang
- Pharmaceutical Institute, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- Institutes of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- Xiaobin Pang Pharmaceutical Institute, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng475004, China
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Li D, Fan H, Dong J, Sun C, Su Y, Liu J, Gu Y. Based on BATMAN-TCM to Explore the Molecular Mechanism of Xihuang Pill Regulating Immune Function to Treat Breast Precancerous Lesions. BREAST CANCER: TARGETS AND THERAPY 2021; 13:725-742. [PMID: 34992452 PMCID: PMC8711846 DOI: 10.2147/bctt.s339607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dehui Li
- Hebei Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine;The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shi Jiazhuang, 050011, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Dehui Li Email
| | - Huanfang Fan
- Hebei Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine;The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shi Jiazhuang, 050011, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingfei Dong
- Hebei Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine;The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shi Jiazhuang, 050011, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunxia Sun
- Hebei Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine;The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shi Jiazhuang, 050011, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yifan Su
- Hebei Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine;The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shi Jiazhuang, 050011, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiao Liu
- Hebei Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine;The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shi Jiazhuang, 050011, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yiting Gu
- Hebei Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine;The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shi Jiazhuang, 050011, People’s Republic of China
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Ma B, Chen D, Liu Y, Zhao Z, Wang J, Zhou G, Xu K, Zhu T, Wang Q, Ma C. Yanghe Decoction Suppresses the Experimental Autoimmune Thyroiditis in Rats by Improving NLRP3 Inflammasome and Immune Dysregulation. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:645354. [PMID: 34234669 PMCID: PMC8255388 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.645354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is an important contributor to autoimmune thyroiditis. Yanghe decoction (YH) is a traditional Chinese herbal formulation which has various anti-inflammatory effects. It has been used for the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis In this study we aimed to investigate the effects of YH on autoimmune thyroiditis in a rat model and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. The experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT) model was established by thyroglobulin (pTG) injections and excessive iodine intake. Thyroid lesions were observed using hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) staining and serum TgAb, TPOAb, TSH, T3, and T4 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay IL-35 levels were evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Th17/Treg balance in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was determined by flow cytometry and RT-PCR. Changes in Wnt/β-catenin signaling were evaluated using Western blot. Immunofluorescence staining and western blot were employed to examine NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the thyroid. YH minimized thyroid follicle injury and decreased concentrations of serum TgAb, TPOAb, TSH, T3, and T4 in EAT model. The mRNA of IL-35 was increased after YH treatment. YH also increased the percentage of Treg cells, and decreased Th17 proportion as well as Th17/Treg ratio in PBMCs. Meanwhile, the mRNA levels of Th17 related cytokines (RORγt, IL-17A, IL-21, and IL-22) were suppressed and Treg related cytokines (FoxP3, TGF-β, and IL-10) were promoted in PBMCs. Additionally, the protein expressions of Wnt-1 and β-catenin were unregulated after YH treatment. NLRP3 immunostaining signal and protein levels of IL-17, p-NF-κB, NLRP3, ASC, cleaved-Caspase-1, cleaved-IL-1β, and IL-18 were downregulated in the thyroid after YH intervention. Overall, the present study demonstrated that YH alleviated autoimmune thyroiditis in rats by improving NLRP3 inflammasome and immune dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing'e Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dexuan Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yangjing Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhengping Zhao
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guowei Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Kun Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Taiyang Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Chaoqun Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Network Pharmacology Identifies the Mechanisms of Sang-Xing-Zhi-Ke-Fang against Pharyngitis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:2421916. [PMID: 33101439 PMCID: PMC7576344 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2421916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Background Sang-Xing-Zhi-Ke-Fang (SXZKF) demonstrates good therapeutic effect against pharyngitis. Nevertheless, the pharmacological mechanism underlying its effectiveness is still unclear. Objective To investigate the underlying mechanisms of SXZKF against pharyngitis using network pharmacology method. Methods Bioactive ingredients of SXZKF were collected and screened using published literature and two public databases. Using four public databases, the overlapping genes between these bioactive compound-related and pharyngitis-related genes were identified by Venn diagram. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) was obtained using “Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING)” database. “Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery ver. 6.8 (DAVID 6.8)” was used to perform Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis to explore the molecular mechanisms of SXZKF against pharyngitis. Finally, Cytoscape 3.7.2 software was used to construct and visualize the networks. Result A total of 102 bioactive compounds were identified. Among them, 886 compounds-related and 6258 pharyngitis-related genes were identified, including 387 overlapping genes. Sixty-three core targets were obtained, including ALB, PPARγ, MAPK3, EGF, and PTGS2. Signaling pathways closely related to mechanisms of SXZKF for pharyngitis were identified, including serotonergic synapse, VEGF signaling pathway, Fc epsilon RI signaling pathway, Ras signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and influenza A. Conclusion This is the first identification of in-depth study of SXZKF against pharyngitis using network pharmacology. This new evidence could be informative in providing new support on the clinical effects of SXZKF on pharyngitis and for the development of personalized medicine for pharyngitis.
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Gu S, Xue Y, Zhang Y, Chen K, Xue S, Pan J, Tang Y, Zhu H, Wu H, Dou D. An Investigation of the Mechanism of Rapid Relief of Ulcerative Colitis Induced by Five-flavor Sophora Flavescens Enteric-coated Capsules Based on Network Pharmacology. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen 2020; 23:239-252. [PMID: 32116186 PMCID: PMC7475943 DOI: 10.2174/1386207323666200302121711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM AND OBJECTIVE Five-Flavor Sophora flavescens Enteric-Coated Capsules (FSEC) are the only proprietary Chinese medicine approved for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) in China. Phase II and III clinical trials have shown that the curative effect of FSEC in relieving UC was not inferior to that of mesalazine granules and enteric-coated tablets, but its pharmacological mechanism is unclear. Therefore, the network pharmacology is used to reveal the more comprehensive effective components and targets of FSEC in the treatment of UC. METHODS We screened the components of FSEC based on the TCMSP database, determined the action targets of these compounds through target fishing, and integrated the UC disease targets of several disease gene databases. The FSEC-UC composite targets were obtained by matching the two results, and then a PPI network was constructed to analyze the relationship between these targets, and the core targets were selected by topological correlation parameters. Finally, GO-BP and KEGG enrichment analyses were carried out using the clusterProfiler software package. RESULTS One hundred and sixty active components of FSEC were identified and 77 targets were obtained. Of these, 30 core targets were the main targets of FESC in the treatment of UC. And quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin and mangiferin were regarded as the core active components of FSEC. The results screened by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that FSEC played a comprehensive therapeutic role in immune recognition, anti-inflammation and antioxidation mainly through IL-17, TNF, Toll-like receptor, NF-kappa B, and Th17 cell differentiation. CONCLUSION The molecular mechanism of UC remission induced by FSEC was predicted by network pharmacology. These findings provide an important theoretical basis for further study of the effective substances and mechanism of FSEC in the treatment of UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sizhen Gu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China
| | - Yan Xue
- Shi’s Center of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China
| | - Yuli Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China
| | - Kanjun Chen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China
| | - Shigui Xue
- Digestive Endoscopy Center, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China
| | - Ji Pan
- Digestive Endoscopy Center, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China
| | - Yini Tang
- Digestive Endoscopy Center, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China
| | - Hui Zhu
- Emergency Department, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China
| | - Huan Wu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China
| | - Danbo Dou
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China
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