Integrated Analysis of the Mechanisms of Da-Chai-Hu Decoction in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by a Network Pharmacology Approach

Exploring the immunological mechanism of Houttuynia cordata in the treatment of colorectal cancer through combined network pharmacology and experimental validation

To explore the potential mechanisms of Houttuynia cordata in the treatment of CRC using network pharmacology combined with experimental validation. The major active components of Houttuynia cordata were identified using the TCMSP database, and their related targets were mined. CRC-related target genes were obtained through the Genecards and OMIM databases. The R software Ven Diagram package was used for visualization of the intersection of drug and disease targets. The intersection target genes were subjected to GO function enrichment and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis using the R software clusterProfiler package. A "Drug - active component - target - Disease" network was constructed and analyzed using Cytoscape software. Intersection target genes were uploaded to the STRING database, and the resultant data were imported into Cytoscape software to construct a PPI network and filter core target genes. Expression analysis, diagnostic efficacy, and survival analysis were used to demonstrate the function and clinical value of the core target genes. The correlation between core genes in CRC samples and immune cell infiltration was analyzed using the R software and ssGSVA algorithm. Molecular docking validation of core active components with core target genes was performed using AutodockVina 1.2.2 software. Finally, the effects of quercetin and kaempferol, core active components of Houttuynia cordata, on the growth of HCT116 cells and the regulation of core target genes were validated through CCK8 assay, flow cytometry, and RT-qPCR. Seven effective active components and 147 component-related targets were selected, along with 3806 CRC-related target genes. GO analysis mainly involved biological processes such as epithelial cell proliferation, with KEGG pathway analysis focusing on pathways including AGE-RAGE signaling. Quercetin and kaempferol were identified as two core components, with IL1B, MMP9, CXCL8, and IL6 as four core target genes. Immune infiltration analysis showed that IL1B, MMP9, CXCL8, and IL6 primarily exert anti-CRC effects by promoting neutrophil activity. Molecular docking results indicated stable binding capacities of quercetin and kaempferol with IL1B, MMP9, CXCL8, and IL6. Experimental validation showed that quercetin and kaempferol could inhibit the viability of HCT116 cells in a dose-dependent manner, promote apoptosis, and downregulate the expression of IL1B, MMP9, CXCL8, and IL6 genes. Houttuynia cordata may exert therapeutic effects on CRC by modulating the immune microenvironment and anti-inflammatory responses, providing new research directions and theoretical guidance for the treatment of CRC with Houttuynia cordata.

Mechanism of Bazhen decoction in the treatment of colorectal cancer based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation

Objective

Bazhen Decoction (BZD) is a common adjuvant therapy drug for colorectal cancer (CRC), although its anti-tumor mechanism is unknown. This study aims to explore the core components, key targets, and potential mechanisms of BZD treatment for CRC.

Methods

The Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) was employed to acquire the BZD's active ingredient and targets. Meanwhile, the Drugbank, Therapeutic Target Database (TTD), DisGeNET, and GeneCards databases were used to retrieve pertinent targets for CRC. The Venn plot was used to obtain intersection targets. Cytoscape software was used to construct an "herb-ingredient-target" network and identify core targets. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were conducted using R language software. Molecular docking of key ingredients and core targets of drugs was accomplished using PyMol and Autodock Vina software. Cell and animal research confirmed Bazhen Decoction efficacy and mechanism in treating colorectal cancer.

Results

BZD comprises 173 effective active ingredients. Using four databases, 761 targets related to CRC were identified. The intersection of BZD and CRC yielded 98 targets, which were utilized to construct the "herb-ingredient-target" network. The four key effector components with the most targets were quercetin, kaempferol, licochalcone A, and naringenin. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis revealed that the core targets of BZD in treating CRC were AKT1, MYC, CASP3, ESR1, EGFR, HIF-1A, VEGFR, JUN, INS, and STAT3. The findings from molecular docking suggest that the core ingredient exhibits favorable binding potential with the core target. Furthermore, the GO and KEGG enrichment analysis demonstrates that BZD can modulate multiple signaling pathways related to CRC, like the T cell receptor, PI3K-Akt, apoptosis, P53, and VEGF signaling pathway. In vitro, studies have shown that BZD dose-dependently inhibits colon cancer cell growth and invasion and promotes apoptosis. Animal experiments have shown that BZD treatment can reverse abnormal expression of PI3K, AKT, MYC, EGFR, HIF-1A, VEGFR, JUN, STAT3, CASP3, and TP53 genes. BZD also increases the ratio of CD4+ T cells to CD8+ T cells in the spleen and tumor tissues, boosting IFN-γ expression, essential for anti-tumor immunity. Furthermore, BZD has the potential to downregulate the PD-1 expression on T cell surfaces, indicating its ability to effectively restore T cell function by inhibiting immune checkpoints. The results of HE staining suggest that BZD exhibits favorable safety profiles.

Conclusion

BZD treats CRC through multiple components, targets, and metabolic pathways. BZD can reverse the abnormal expression of genes such as PI3K, AKT, MYC, EGFR, HIF-1A, VEGFR, JUN, STAT3, CASP3, and TP53, and suppresses the progression of colorectal cancer by regulating signaling pathways such as PI3K-AKT, P53, and VEGF. Furthermore, BZD can increase the number of T cells and promote T cell activation in tumor-bearing mice, enhancing the immune function against colorectal cancer. Among them, quercetin, kaempferol, licochalcone A, naringenin, and formaronetin are more highly predictive components related to the T cell activation in colorectal cancer mice. This study is of great significance for the development of novel anti-cancer drugs. It highlights the importance of network pharmacology-based approaches in studying complex traditional Chinese medicine formulations.

Analysis of Network Pharmacological Efficacy and Therapeutic Effectiveness in Animal Models for Functional Dyspepsia of Foeniculi fructus

For centuries, Foeniculi fructus (F. fructus) has been used as a traditional herbal medicine in China and Europe and is widely used as a natural therapy for digestive disorders, including indigestion, flatulence, and bloating. The mechanism of F. fructus that alleviates functional dyspepsia was analyzed through network pharmacology, and its therapeutic effect on an animal model of functional dyspepsia were investigated. The traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology (TCMSP) database was used to investigate the compounds, targets, and associated diseases of F. fructus. Information on the target genes was classified using the UniProtdatabase. Using the Cytoscape 3.9.1 software, a network was constructed, and the Cytoscape string application was employed to examine genes associated with functional dyspepsia. The efficacy of F. fructus on functional dyspepsia was confirmed by treatment with its extract in a mouse model of loperamide-induced functional dyspepsia. Seven compounds targeted twelve functional dyspepsia-associated genes. When compared to the control group, F. fructus exhibited significant suppression of symptoms in a mouse model of functional dyspepsia. The results of our animal studies indicated a close association between the mechanism of action of F. fructus and gastrointestinal motility. Based on animal experimental results, the results showed that F. fructus provided a potential means to treat functional dyspepsia, suggesting that its medical mechanism for functional dyspepsia could be described by the relationship between seven key compounds of F. fructus, including oleic acid, β-sitosterol, and 12 functional dyspepsia-related genes.

Preliminary exploration of method for screening efficacy markers compatibility in TCM prescriptions based on Q-markers: Anti-inflammatory activity of Dachaihu decoction as an example

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Dachaihu Decoction (DD), a classic Chinese herbal prescription, is composed of radix of Bupleurum chinense DC. (Chaihu), radix of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Huangqin), radix of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (Baishao), rhizoma of Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit. (Banxia), fructus of Citrus aurantium L. (Zhishi), rhizoma of Zingiber officinale Rosc. (Shengjiang), fructus of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. (Dazao) and rhizoma of Rheum officinale Baill. (Dahuang). DD has the traditional effects of soothing the liver, relieving depression and clearing heat from the stomach, and is mainly used to treat heat stagnation in the liver and stomach.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Dachaihu decoction (DD), a classic prescription commonly used in clinical practice for the treatment of pancreatitis and cholecystitis. Although its pharmacological effects are clear, the efficacy components and mechanism of action remain intricate and difficult to clarify.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The action targets and components of the anti-inflammatory activity of DD were predicted by network pharmacology; the effective components and targets were verified by HPLC and qPCR; the efficacy markers of DD were further screened by in vitro experiments; the pharmacological value of DD and its components compatibility were evaluated by in vitro experiments.

RESULTS

The key targets MMP9, JAK2, MAP2K1 and NR3C1 were screened by network pharmacology; HPLC analysis showed that paeoniflorin, naringin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, baicalin, wogonoside, baicalein and saikosaponin B₂ were identified as potential efficacy markers of DD; molecular docking combined with qPCR verification suggested that baicalin, naringin, neohesperidin, hesperidin and baicalein and wogonoside had certain ability to regulate above targets; in vitro studies revealed that paeoniflorin, naringin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, baicalin, wogonoside, baicalein and saikosaponin B₂ could inhibit the release of NO, pancreatic lipase and α-glucosidase; after comprehensive comparison and analysis, naringin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, baicalin, wogonoside, baicalein and saikosaponin B₂ were selected as the efficacy markers of DD; in vivo studies indicated that DD and its efficacy markers (components compatibility) had definite therapeutic effects on guinea pigs with cholecystitis.

CONCLUSIONS

The efficacy markers of DD including naringin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, baicalin, wogonoside, baicalein and saikosaponin B₂ can be used as components compatibility to exert anti-inflammatory activity. In addition, a method for obtaining the compatibility of efficacy markers by simplifying the prescription is initially established.

Application of metabolomics in the diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and the treatment of traditional Chinese medicine

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease around the world, and it often coexists with insulin resistance-related diseases including obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension, which seriously threatens human health. Better prevention and treatment strategies are required to improve the impact of NAFLD. Although needle biopsy is an effective tool for diagnosing NAFLD, this method is invasive and difficult to perform. Therefore, it is very important to develop more efficient approaches for the early diagnosis of NAFLD. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can play a certain role in improving symptoms and protecting target organs, and its mechanism of action needs to be further studied. Metabolomics, the study of all metabolites that is thought to be most closely associated with the patients’ characters, can provide useful clinically biomarkers that can be applied to NAFLD and may open up new methods for diagnosis. Metabolomics technology is consistent with the overall concept of TCM, and it can also be used as a potential mechanism to explain the effects of TCM by measuring biomarkers by metabolomics. Based on PubMed/MEDLINE and other databases, this paper retrieved relevant literature NAFLD and TCM intervention in NAFLD using metabolomics technology in the past 5 years were searched, and the specific metabolites associated with the development of NAFLD and the potential mechanism of Chinese medicine on improving symptoms were summarized.

The efficacy and safety of dachaihu decoction in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a clinical metabolic syndrome characterized by persistent hyperglycemia, which is caused by defective insulin secretion and decreased function in regulating glucose metabolism. Dachaihu Decoction (DCHD) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula that has been gradually used in T2DM treatment. A comprehensive analysis on the efficacy and safety of DCHD in T2DM treatment is necessary.

Objective: This meta-analysis aimed to systematically assess the clinical efficacy and safety of DCHD in the T2DM treatment and provide a reference for subsequent research and clinical practice.

Methods: Both Chinese and English databases were searched from their inceptions to November 2021. All retrieved studies were screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria and randomized controlled trials about DCHD on T2DM were enrolled. The quality of the literature was assessed using the bias risk assessment tool in the Cochrane Handbook. Data extraction was performed on the selected studies. Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 16.0 were used for meta-analysis. Sources of heterogeneity were also explored by using meta-regression and subgroup analysis. Funnel plot and Egger’s test were used to assess publication bias and the evidence quality was assessed by GRADE.

Results: 17 eligible studies, involving 1,525 patients, were included in this study. Compared with conventional treatment, combined treatment with DCHD was significantly better in improving HbA1c (MD = −0.90%, 95%CI: −1.20 to −0.60, p < 0.01), FBG (MD = −1.08 mmol/L, 95%CI: −1.28 to −0.87, p < 0.01), 2hPG (MD = −1.25 mmol/L, 95%CI: −1.42 to −1.09, p < 0.01), TC (MD = −0.50 mmol/L, 95%CI: −0.70 to −0.30, p < 0.01), TG (MD = −0.44 mmol/L, 95%CI: −0.61 to −0.26, p < 0.01), LDL-C (MD = −0.58 mmol/L, 95%CI: −0.85 to −0.31, p < 0.01), HOMA-IR (SMD = −2.04, 95%CI: −3.09 to −0.99, p < 0.01), HOMA-β (SMD = 2.48, 95%CI: 2.20 to 2.76, p < 0.01) and BMI (MD = −1.52 kg/m2, 95%CI: −2.55 to −0.49, p < 0.01). When DCHD used alone, it had a similar efficacy to conventional treatment in HbA1c (MD = −0.04%, 95%CI: −0.17 to 0.09, p = 0.57) and FBG (MD = 0.13 mmol/L, 95%CI: −0.09 to 0.36, p = 0.24). It can also reduce 2hPG, even if not as effective as conventional treatment (MD = 0.54 mmol/L, 95%CI: 0.19 to 0.89, p < 0.01). Due to the small number of included studies, it is unclear whether DCHD used alone has an improving effect on lipid metabolism, BMI, HOMA-IR and HOMA-β. Analysis of adverse events showed DCHD was relatively safe. No obvious publication bias was detected by Funnel plot and Egger’s test.

Conclusion: Based on this meta-analysis, we found that the combination with DCHD in the T2DM treatment has more advantages than conventional treatment alone, which can further regulate the glucose and lipid metabolism, reduce insulin resistance, improve islet function and lower BMI. DCHD alone also plays a certain role in regulating glucose. Meanwhile, DCHD is relatively safe. However, limited by the quality and quantity of included studies, the efficacy and safety of DCHD remain uncertain. More high-quality studies are still needed to provide more reliable evidence for the clinical application of DCHD.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021296718, identifier CRD42021296718.

Molecular Targets and Mechanisms of Hedyotis diffusa-Scutellaria barbata Herb Pair for the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

Objective: Hedyotis diffusa-Scutellaria barbata herb pair (HS) has therapeutic effects on a variety of cancers, and this study aims to systematically explore the multiple mechanisms of HS in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods. The active ingredients of HS were obtained from TCMSP, and the potential targets related to these ingredients were screened from the STITCH, SuperPred, and Swiss TargetPrediction databases. Targets associated with CRC were retrieved by Drugbank, TTD, DisGeNET, and GeneCards. We used a Venn diagram to screen the intersection targets and used Cytoscape to construct the herb-ingredient-target-disease network, and the core targets were selected. The Go analysis and KEGG pathway annotation were performed by R language software. We used PyMol and Autodock Vina to achieve molecular docking of core ingredients and targets. Results: A total of 33 active ingredients were obtained from the HS, and 762 CRC-related targets were reserved from the four databases. We got 170 intersection targets to construct the network and found that the four ingredients with the most targets were quercetin, luteolin, baicalein, and dinatin, which were the core ingredients. The PPI analysis showed that the core targets were STAT3, TP53, MAPK3, AKT1, JUN, EGFR, MYC, VEGFA, EGF, and CTNNB1. Molecular docking results showed that these core ingredients had good binding potential with core targets, especially the docking of each component with MAPK obtained the lowest binding energy. HS acts simultaneously on various signaling pathways related to CRC, including the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, proteoglycans in cancer, and the MAPK signaling pathway. Conclusions: This study systematically analyzed the active ingredients, core targets, and central mechanisms of HS in the treatment of CRC. It reveals the role of HS targeting PI3K-Akt signaling and MAPK signaling pathways in the treatment of CRC. We hope that our research could bring a new perspective to the therapy of CRC and find new anticancer drugs.

A study of the therapeutic mechanism of Jakyakgamcho-Tang about functional dyspepsia through network pharmacology research

Herbal medicines have traditionally been used as an effective digestive medicine. However, compared to the effectiveness of Herbal medicines, the treatment mechanism has not been fully identified. To solve this problem, a system-level treatment mechanism of Jakyakgamcho-Tang (JGT), which is used for the treatment of functional dyspepsia (FD), was identified through a network pharmacology study. The two components, paeoniae radix alba and licorice constituting JGT were analyzed based on broad information on chemical and pharmacological properties, confirming 84 active chemical compounds and 84 FD-related targets. The JGT target confirmed the relationship with the regulation of various biological movements as follows: cellular behaviors of muscle and cytokine, calcium ion concentration and homeostasis, calcium- and cytokine-mediated signalings, drug, inflammatory response, neuronal cells, oxidative stress and response to chemical. And the target is enriched in variety FD-related signaling as follows: MAPK, Toll-like receptor, NOD-like receptor, PI3K-Akt, Apoptosis and TNF signaling pathway. These data give a new approach to identifying the molecular mechanisms underlying the digestive effect of JGT.

A network pharmacology study with molecular docking to investigate the possibility of licorice against posttraumatic stress disorder

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that has a debilitating effect on a person's quality of life and leads to a high socioeconomic burden. Licorice has been demonstrated to have neuroprotective and antidepressant-like effects, but little is known about its effects for the treatment of PTSD. The present study aimed to explore the potential of licorice for PTSD therapy using a network pharmacology approach with molecular docking studies. The compounds of licorice were obtained from databases with screening by absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) evaluation. Genes associated with compounds or PTSD were obtained from public databases, and the genes overlapping between licorice compounds and PTSD were compared by Venn diagram. A network of medicine-ingredients-targets-disease was constructed, visualized, and analyzed using cytoscape software. Protein-protein interactions, gene ontology, pathway enrichment and molecular docking were performed to evaluate the effect of licorice for the treatment of PTSD. 69 potential compounds were screened after ADME evaluation. A total of 81 compound-related genes and 566 PTSD-related genes were identified in the databases with 27 overlapping genes. Licorice compounds (e.g., medicarpin, 7-methoxy-2-methyl isoflavone, shinpterocarpin, formononetin, licochalcone a) and target proteins (e.g., ESR1, PTGS2, NOS2, and ADRB2) with high degree in the network were involved in G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathways at the postsynaptic/synaptic membrane. Moreover, neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, calcium signaling, cholinergic synapse, serotonergic synapse and adrenergic signaling in cardiomyocytes may play important roles in the treatment of PTSD by licorice. This study provides molecular evidence of the beneficial effects of licorice for the treatment of PTSD.

An Investigation of the Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Analgesic Effect of Jakyak-Gamcho Decoction: A Network Pharmacology Study

Herbal drugs have drawn substantial interest as effective analgesic agents; however, their therapeutic mechanisms remain to be fully understood. To address this question, we performed a network pharmacology study to explore the system-level mechanisms that underlie the analgesic activity of Jakyak-Gamcho decoction (JGd; Shaoyao-Gancao-Tang in Chinese and Shakuyaku-Kanzo-To in Japanese), an herbal prescription consisting of Paeonia lactiflora Pallas and Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fischer. Based on comprehensive information regarding the pharmacological and chemical properties of the herbal constituents of JGd, we identified 57 active chemical compounds and their 70 pain-associated targets. The JGd targets were determined to be involved in the regulation of diverse biological activities as follows: calcium- and cytokine-mediated signalings, calcium ion concentration and homeostasis, cellular behaviors of muscle and neuronal cells, inflammatory response, and response to chemical, cytokine, drug, and oxidative stress. The targets were further enriched in various pain-associated signalings, including the PI3K-Akt, estrogen, ErbB, neurotrophin, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, HIF-1, serotonergic synapse, JAK-STAT, and cAMP pathways. Thus, these data provide a systematic basis to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the analgesic activity of herbal drugs.