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Dharshan SS, Ramamurthy K, Kaliraj S, Manikandan K, Chitra V, Rajagopal R, Alfarhan A, Namasivayam SKR, Kathiravan MK, Arockiaraj J. Combined effects of vitamin D3 and dioxopiperidinamide derivative on lipid homeostasis, inflammatory pathways, and redox imbalance in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in vivo zebrafish model. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2024. [PMID: 39252166 DOI: 10.1002/bab.2666] [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: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Liver damage and metabolic dysfunctions, the defining features of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), are marked by inflammation, oxidative stress, and excessive hepatic fat accumulation. The current therapeutic approaches for NAFLD are limited, necessitating exploring novel treatment strategies. Dioxopiperidinamide derivatives, particularly DOPA-33, have shown effective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, potentially offering therapeutic benefits against NAFLD. This study investigated the combined potential of vitamin D3 (Vit D3) and DOPA-33 in treating NAFLD. The network pharmacology analysis identified key NAFLD targets modulated by Vit D3 and DOPA-33, emphasizing their potential mechanisms of action. In NAFLD-induced zebrafish models, Vit D3 and DOPA-33 significantly reduced hepatic lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, demonstrating superior efficacy over individual treatments. The treatment also lowered reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, decreased liver damage, and enhanced antioxidant defense mechanisms. Moreover, behavioral analyses showed improved locomotion and reduced weight gain in treated zebrafish. Biochemical analyses revealed lower triglycerides (TG) and glucose levels with improved oxidative markers. Furthermore, histological analyses indicated reduced hepatic steatosis and inflammation, with decreased expression of lipogenesis-related genes and inflammatory mediators. Finally, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) confirmed a significant reduction in hepatic cholesterol levels, indicating the effectiveness of the combination therapy in addressing key NAFLD-related dyslipidemias. These findings suggest that Vit D3 + DOPA-33 targets pathways involved in lipid metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress by offering a promising therapeutic approach for NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santhanam Sanjai Dharshan
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulatur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Karthikeyan Ramamurthy
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulatur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Salamuthu Kaliraj
- Department of Chemistry, College of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Krishnan Manikandan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, SRM College of Pharmacy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Vellapandian Chitra
- Department of Pharmacology, SRM College of Pharmacy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rajakrishnan Rajagopal
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Alfarhan
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - S Karthick Raja Namasivayam
- Centre for Applied Research, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Muthu Kumaradoss Kathiravan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, SRM College of Pharmacy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jesu Arockiaraj
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulatur, Tamil Nadu, India
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Shen Q, Ge L, Lu W, Wu H, Zhang L, Xu J, Tang O, Muhammad I, Zheng J, Wu Y, Wang SW, Zeng XX, Xue J, Cheng K. Transplanting network pharmacology technology into food science research: A comprehensive review on uncovering food-sourced functional factors and their health benefits. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2024; 23:e13429. [PMID: 39217524 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.13429] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Network pharmacology is an emerging interdisciplinary research method. The application of network pharmacology to reveal the nutritional effects and mechanisms of active ingredients in food is of great significance in promoting the development of functional food, facilitating personalized nutrition, and exploring the mechanisms of food health effects. This article systematically reviews the application of network pharmacology in the field of food science using a literature review method. The application progress of network pharmacology in food science is discussed, and the mechanisms of functional factors in food on the basis of network pharmacology are explored. Additionally, the limitations and challenges of network pharmacology are discussed, and future directions and application prospects are proposed. Network pharmacology serves as an important tool to reveal the mechanisms of action and health benefits of functional factors in food. It helps to conduct in-depth research on the biological activities of individual ingredients, composite foods, and compounds in food, and assessment of the potential health effects of food components. Moreover, it can help to control and enhance their functionality through relevant information during the production and processing of samples to guarantee food safety. The application of network pharmacology in exploring the mechanisms of functional factors in food is further analyzed and summarized. Combining machine learning, artificial intelligence, clinical experiments, and in vitro validation, the achievement transformation of functional factor in food driven by network pharmacology is of great significance for the future development of network pharmacology research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Shen
- Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Clinical Research, Institute of Seafood, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, China
- Panvascular Diseases Research Center, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou, China
| | - Lijun Ge
- Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Clinical Research, Institute of Seafood, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weibo Lu
- Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Clinical Research, Institute of Seafood, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huixiang Wu
- Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Clinical Research, Institute of Seafood, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Quzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Quzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun Xu
- Ningbo Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Oushan Tang
- Shaoxing Second Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Imran Muhammad
- Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Clinical Research, Institute of Seafood, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Zheng
- Panvascular Diseases Research Center, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou, China
| | - Yeshun Wu
- Panvascular Diseases Research Center, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou, China
| | - Si-Wei Wang
- Panvascular Diseases Research Center, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou, China
| | - Xi-Xi Zeng
- Panvascular Diseases Research Center, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou, China
| | - Jing Xue
- Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Clinical Research, Institute of Seafood, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Keyun Cheng
- Panvascular Diseases Research Center, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou, China
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Jain NK, Tailang M, Chandrasekaran B, Khazaleh N, Thangavel N, Makeen HA, Albratty M, Najmi A, Alhazmi HA, Zoghebi K, Alagusundaram M, Jain HK. Integrating network pharmacology with molecular docking to rationalize the ethnomedicinal use of Alchornea laxiflora (Benth.) Pax & K. Hoffm. for efficient treatment of depression. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1290398. [PMID: 38505421 PMCID: PMC10949534 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1290398] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Alchornea laxiflora (Benth.) Pax & K. Hoffm. (A. laxiflora) has been indicated in traditional medicine to treat depression. However, scientific rationalization is still lacking. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the antidepressant potential of A. laxiflora using network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis. Materials and methods: The active compounds and potential targets of A. laxiflora and depression-related targets were retrieved from public databases, such as PubMed, PubChem, DisGeNET, GeneCards, OMIM, SwissTargetprediction, BindingDB, STRING, and DAVID. Essential bioactive compounds, potential targets, and signaling pathways were predicted using in silico analysis, including BA-TAR, PPI, BA-TAR-PATH network construction, and GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. Later on, with molecular docking analysis, the interaction of essential bioactive compounds of A. laxiflora and predicted core targets of depression were verified. Results: The network pharmacology approach identified 15 active compounds, a total of 219 compound-related targets, and 14,574 depression-related targets with 200 intersecting targets between them. SRC, EGFR, PIK3R1, AKT1, and MAPK1 were the core targets, whereas 3-acetyloleanolic acid and 3-acetylursolic acid were the most active compounds of A. laxiflora with anti-depressant potential. GO functional enrichment analysis revealed 129 GO terms, including 82 biological processes, 14 cellular components, and 34 molecular function terms. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis yielded significantly enriched 108 signaling pathways. Out of them, PI3K-Akt and MAPK signaling pathways might have a key role in treating depression. Molecular docking analysis results exhibited that core targets of depression, such as SRC, EGFR, PIK3R1, AKT1, and MAPK1, bind stably with the analyzed bioactive compounds of A. laxiflora. Conclusion: The present study elucidates the bioactive compounds, potential targets, and pertinent mechanism of action of A. laxiflora in treating depression. A. laxiflora might exert an antidepressant effect by regulating PI3K-Akt and MAPK signaling pathways. However, further investigations are required to validate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nem Kumar Jain
- School of Pharmacy, ITM University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India
- School of Studies in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Mukul Tailang
- School of Studies in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | | | | | - Neelaveni Thangavel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hafiz A. Makeen
- Pharmacy Practice Research Unit, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Albratty
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asim Najmi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hassan Ahmad Alhazmi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Zoghebi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - M. Alagusundaram
- School of Pharmacy, ITM University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Hemant Kumar Jain
- Department of General Medicine, Government Medical College, Datia, Madhya Pradesh, India
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Guo Y, Zhang R, Li W. Emodin in cardiovascular disease: The role and therapeutic potential. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1070567. [PMID: 36618923 PMCID: PMC9816479 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1070567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Emodin is a natural anthraquinone derivative extracted from Chinese herbs, such as Rheum palmatum L, Polygonum cuspidatum, and Polygonum multiflorum. It is now also a commonly used clinical drug and is listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Emodin has a wide range of pharmacological properties, including anticancer, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial effects. Many in vivo and in vitro experiments have demonstrated that emodin has potent anticardiovascular activity. Emodin exerts different mechanisms of action in different types of cardiovascular diseases, including its involvement in pathological processes, such as inflammatory response, apoptosis, cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial fibrosis, oxidative damage, and smooth muscle cell proliferation. Therefore, emodin can be used as a therapeutic drug against cardiovascular disease and has broad application prospects. This paper summarized the main pharmacological effects and related mechanisms of emodin in cardiovascular diseases in recent years and discussed the limitations of emodin in terms of extraction preparation, toxicity, and bioavailability-related pharmacokinetics in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin, China,Department of Cardiology, Geriatrics, and General Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Rongzhen Zhang
- Department of Heart Failure, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenlan Li
- School of Pharmacy, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin, China,*Correspondence: Wenlan Li,
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Zhu BJ, Nai GY, Pan TX, Ma ZF, Huang ZD, Shi ZZ, Pang YH, Li N, Lin JX, Ling GM. To explore the active constituents of Sedum aizoon L in the treatment of coronary heart disease based on network pharmacology and molecular docking methodology. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2022; 10:1327. [PMID: 36660641 PMCID: PMC9843314 DOI: 10.21037/atm-22-5391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background There is a lack of effective drugs for the treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD). Sedum aizoon L (SL) has multiple effects, and there is no report on CHD in SL at present. The aim of this study is to explore the mechanisms of action of SL in the treatment of CHD based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology. Methods The targets and active ingredients of SL were screened using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database, and CHD-related targets were obtained by searching GeneCards and DisGeNet databases. The intersection of LS active ingredient targets and CHD targets was used to construct a "drug-ingredient-disease-target" network using the Cytoscape software. The STRING database was used to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed. Key targets and core active ingredients were selected and molecular docking was performed using the AutoDock software. Results According to the predicted results, a total of 134 corresponding target genes for LS, 12 active components, 1,704 CHD-related targets, and 52 intersecting targets were obtained. GO function and KEGG pathway analysis showed that the key targets were involved with signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), tumor protein p53 (TP53), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA). The molecular docking results showed that the key targets bound to the important active ingredients in a stable conformation. The core active ingredients of LS in the treatment of CHD were determined to be ursolic acid, myricetin, and beta-sitosterol. Conclusions SL may act on targets such as STAT3, TP53, and VEGFA through tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway, interleukin 17A (IL-17A) signaling pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, and other related pathways, thereby playing a role in preventing and treating CHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Jie Zhu
- The Department of Chinese Medicine, The People’s Hospital of Baise, Baise, China
| | - Guan-Ye Nai
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Tian-Xiao Pan
- The Department of Chinese Medicine, The People’s Hospital of Baise, Baise, China
| | - Zhou-Fei Ma
- School of Dentistry, The Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Zi-Dong Huang
- The Department of Chinese Medicine, The People’s Hospital of Baise, Baise, China
| | - Zong-Ze Shi
- The Department of Chinese Medicine, The People’s Hospital of Baise, Baise, China
| | - Ying-Hua Pang
- The Department of Chinese Medicine, The People’s Hospital of Baise, Baise, China
| | - Na Li
- The Department of Chinese Medicine, The People’s Hospital of Baise, Baise, China
| | - Jia-Xi Lin
- The Department of Chinese Medicine, The People’s Hospital of Baise, Baise, China
| | - Gui-Mei Ling
- The Department of Chinese Medicine, The People’s Hospital of Baise, Baise, China
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Liu Y, Luo D, Xu B. The combination of molecular docking and network pharmacology reveals the molecular mechanism of Danggui Niantong decoction in treating gout. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e31535. [PMID: 36451451 PMCID: PMC9704887 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000031535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to unhealthy diet and living habits, the incidence of gout is on the rise and has become a common disease with a high incidence. Danggui Niantong decoction (DGNTD), as a classic formula composed of 15 common herbs, has been widely used in clinical practice since ancient times to prevent and treat gout. However, the pharmacological mechanism and target of DGNTD are not clear. METHODS The potential active compounds and targets of DGNTD were obtained by traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology (TCMSP) database, and the differential genes of gout patients and controls were analyzed in gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. GSEA analysis of differential genes with GSEA 4.1.0 software and then the differential genes were intersected with the gout-related disease targets searched by GeneCard, CTD and OMIM disease database to obtain the final disease target. The "Traditional Chinese medicine-Active compounds-Targets" network was constructed by Cytoscape3.7.2 software. The R packet is used for enrichment analysis. The molecular docking between the active compound of DGNTD and the core target was verified by AutoDockTools software. RESULTS Two hundred eighty six and 244 targets of DGNTD-related active components and 652 targets of gout were obtained, of which 13 targets were potential targets of DGNTD in the treatment of gout. GSEA analysis showed that the differential genes were mainly involved in apoptosis, inflammatory reaction, and receptor metabolism and so on. Gene ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis shows that DGNTD regulates many biological processes, such as the response to purine-containing compound and response to lipopolysaccharide, positive regulation of acute inflammatory response and other cellular components. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis shows that DGNTD treatment of gout is mainly related to interleukin-17 (IL-17), Toll-like receptor, rheumatoid arthritis, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and so on. The results of molecular docking showed that the five active compounds in DGNTD had strong binding activity to core protein receptors. CONCLUSIONS The active compounds of DGNTD may achieve the purpose of treating gout by acting on the core target (CASP8, CXCL8, FOS, IL1B, IL6, JUN, PTGS2, STAT1, MMP1, TNF) to regulate cell metabolism, proliferation and apoptosis, and improve inflammatory response, which is the result of multi-component, multi-target and multi-pathway interaction. It provides an idea for the development of new combined drugs for gout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Liu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Di Luo
- Microscopic Orthopaedic, Shandong University of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Bo Xu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Jinan, China
- * Correspondence: Bo Xu, The First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 16369 Jingshi Road, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong 250000, China (e-mail: )
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Study on the Potential Mechanism of Semen Strychni against Myasthenia Gravis Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking with Experimental Verification. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:3056802. [PMID: 36217431 PMCID: PMC9547686 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3056802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Background Semen Strychni (SS) is an effective Chinese medicine formula for treating myasthenia gravis (MG) in clinics. Nonetheless, its molecular mechanism is largely unknown. Objective Using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation, we aim to identify the therapeutic effect of SS on MG and its underlying mechanism. Methods The main ingredients of SS and their targets and potential disease targets for MG were extracted from public databases. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING 11.0 database, and Cytoscape was used to identify the hub targets. In addition, Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were used to identify molecular biological processes and signaling pathways. Then, AutoDock Via conducted molecular docking. The experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) model in female Lewis rats, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were performed to confirm the effect and mechanism of SS on MG. Results The following active compounds and hub targets were identified by screening and analyzing: isobrucine, vomicine, (S)-stylopine, strychnine, brucine-N-oxide, brucine and AKT1, MAPK1, MAPK14, CHRM1, ACHE, and CHRNA4. KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that the cholinergic synapse and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction signaling pathway may be necessary. The results of molecular docking revealed that the main active ingredients bind well to the hub targets. In vivo experiments proved that SS could improve the weight loss and Lennon scores in the EAMG model. Experiments in molecular biology showed that SS could treat MG by affecting the cholinergic synapse through the respective antibody, receptor, and key enzymes in the cholinergic pathway. Conclusion This study provided a preliminary overview of the active constituents, primary targets, and potential pathways of SS against MG. SS ameliorated EAMG by regulating the cholinergic synaptic junction.
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Liu H, Hu Y, Qi B, Yan C, Wang L, Zhang Y, Chen L. Network pharmacology and molecular docking to elucidate the mechanism of pulsatilla decoction in the treatment of colon cancer. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:940508. [PMID: 36003525 PMCID: PMC9393233 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.940508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Colon cancer is a malignant neoplastic disease that seriously endangers the health of patients. Pulsatilla decoction (PD) has some therapeutic effects on colon cancer. This study is based on the analytical methods of network pharmacology and molecular docking to study the mechanism of PD in the treatment of colon cancer. Methods: Based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database, the main targets and active ingredients in PD were filtered, and then, the colon cancer-related targets were screened using Genecards, OMIM, PharmGKB, and Drugbank databases. Then, the screened drug and disease targets were Venn analyzed to obtain the intersection targets. Cytoscape software was used to construct the “Components–Targets–Pathway” map, and the String database was used to analyze the protein interaction network of the intersecting targets and screen the core targets, and then, the core targets were analyzed using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. Molecular docking was implemented using AutoDockTools to predict the binding capacity for the core targets and the active components in PD. Results: Sixty-five ingredients containing 188 nonrepetitive targets were screened and 180 potential targets of PD anticolon cancer were identified, including 10 core targets, namely, MAPK1, JUN, AKT1, TP53, TNF, RELA, MAPK14, CXCL8, ESR1, and FOS. The results of GO analysis showed that PD anticolon cancer may be related to cell proliferation, apoptosis, energy metabolism, immune regulation, signal transduction, and other biological processes. The results of KEGG analysis indicated that the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, proteoglycans in cancer, IL-17 signaling pathway, cellular senescence, and TNF signaling pathway were mainly involved in the regulation of tumor cells. We further selected core targets with high degree values as receptor proteins for molecular docking with the main active ingredients of the drug, including MAPK1, JUN, and AKT1. The docking results showed good affinity, especially quercetin. Conclusion: This study preliminarily verified that PD may exert its effect on the treatment of colon cancer through multi-ingredients, multitargets, and multipathways. This will deepen our understanding of the potential mechanisms of PD anticolon cancer and establish a foundation for further basic experimental research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Liu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Yuting Hu
- College of Integration Science, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
- *Correspondence: Yuting Hu, ; Liang Chen,
| | - Baoyu Qi
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Chengqiu Yan
- Anorectal Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Lin Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Yiwen Zhang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Anorectal Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Yuting Hu, ; Liang Chen,
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Molecular Mechanism of Crataegi Folium and Alisma Rhizoma in the Treatment of Dyslipidemia Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:4891370. [PMID: 35722157 PMCID: PMC9200514 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4891370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Dyslipidemia has become a critical global issue for public health, with elevating prevalence and morbidity closely related to many cardiovascular diseases (CVD) with high incidence rates. Crataegi Folium (known as Shanzhaye in China, SZ, the leaves of Crataegus pinnatifida Bge. var. major N.E. Br. or Crataegus pinnatifida Bge) and Alisma rhizoma (known as Zexie in China, ZX, the dried tuber of Alisma orientale (Sam.) Juzep or Alisma plantago-aquatica Linn), a classic combination of herbs, have been widely used to treat dyslipidemia. However, the therapeutic mechanism of this pair still remains unclear. Hence, this study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanism of the Shanzhaye-Zexie herb pair (SZHP) in the treatment of dyslipidemia with the use of a network pharmacology analysis approach. Methods Active compounds, targets of the SZHP, and targets for dyslipidemia were screened based on the public database. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment were performed on the database for annotation, visualization, and integrated discovery (DAVID 6.8). The compound-target-disease-pathway network was visualized using the Cytoscape software, and SYBYL was used for molecular docking. Results Twelve active compounds in the SZHP were screened out, which were closely connected to 186 dyslipidemia-related targets. The network analysis revealed that sitosterol, stigmasterol, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, and quercetin might be candidate agents and CCND1, CASP3, HIF1A, and ESR1 genes were potential drug targets. GO analysis revealed 856 biological processes (BP), 139 molecular functions (MF), and 89 cellular components (CC). The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the lipid level and atherosclerosis might influence the treatment of dyslipidemia. Molecular docking showed that quercetin bound well to CCND1, HIF1A, MYC, AKT1, and EGFR genes. These findings were in accord with the prediction obtained through the network pharmacology approach. Conclusions This study revealed the primary pharmacological effects and relevant mechanisms of the SZHP in treating dyslipidemia. Our findings may facilitate the development of the SZHP or its active compounds as an alternative therapy for dyslipidemia. Still, more pharmacological experiments are needed for verification.
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