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Gao J, Wang N, Song W, Yuan Y, Teng Y, Liu Z. Mechanisms underlying the synergistic effects of chuanxiong combined with Chishao on treating acute lung injury based on network pharmacology and molecular docking combined with preclinical evaluation. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 325:117862. [PMID: 38342157 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The herb pair of Chuanxiong Rhizome (Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort., Chuanxiong in Chinese, CX) and Paeoniae Radix Rubra (Paeonia lactiflora Pall. Or Paeonia veitchii Lynch, Chishao in Chinese, CS) is a famous blood activating and stasis resolving pair that is often found in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas for the treatment of acute lung injury (ALI). However, the relationship of CX-CS herb pair to ALI and its underlying mechanisms are unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY The study explored the effect and mechanisms of CX-CS herb pair in LPS induced ALI by network pharmacology and molecular docking combined with preclinical evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS The related targets of the active compounds of CX-CS herb pair in regulating ALI were screened by network pharmacology. PPI was constructed and the potential pathways were investigated by GO and KEGG. The contribution of each active ingredient of CX-CS herb pair to ALI were calculated by network-based efficacy. The interactions between potential targets and active ingredients were evaluated by molecular docking. LPS stimulated RAW264.7 cells and mice model experiments were adopted to verify the effect of CX-CS herb pair on ALI. RESULTS A total of 25 compounds and 193 targets were identified in the CX-CS herb pair, of which 19 compounds and 64 targets were associated with ALI, and six compounds including baicalin, ellagic acid, baicalein, beta-sitosterol, paeoniflorin and ferulic acid accounted for 93.12% of the total combination index for ALI prevention. The CX-CS herbal pair against ALI was associated with PI3K/AKT and MAPK signaling pathways by GO and KEGG analysis. The screened active compounds showed good affinity for TNF, MAPK, and AKT by molecular docking. In vitro and in vivo tests showed that CX combined with CS synergistically inhibited LPS-induced ALI at 1:3, suppressed the release of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, inhibited the accumulation of ROS, as well as regulated the content of SOD, MDA and GSH. Meanwhile, the herb pair was effective in inhibiting the expression of p38, ERK, IκBα, p65, caspase 3, PARP, and up-regulating the levels of AKT and Bcl-2/Bax. CONCLUSIONS Our study confirmed the synergistic effect of CX-CS herb pair on the prevention of ALI by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis through MAPK/NF-κB and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junling Gao
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Ning Wang
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Wenjuan Song
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Yajie Yuan
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Yuou Teng
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China.
| | - Zhen Liu
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China.
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Vikhar Danish Ahmad A, Khan SW, Ali SA, Yasar Q. Network pharmacology combined with molecular docking and experimental verification to elucidate the effect of flavan-3-ols and aromatic resin on anxiety. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9799. [PMID: 38684743 PMCID: PMC11058257 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58877-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the potential anxiolytic properties of flavan-3-ols and aromatic resins through a combined computational and experimental approach. Network pharmacology techniques were utilized to identify potential anxiolytic targets and compounds by analyzing protein-protein interactions and KEGG pathway data. Molecular docking and simulation studies were conducted to evaluate the binding interactions and stability of the identified targets. Behavioral tests, including the elevated plus maze test, open field test, light-dark test, actophotometer, and holeboard test, were used to assess anxiolytic activity. The compound-target network analysis revealed complex interactions involving 306 nodes and 526 edges, with significant interactions observed and an average node degree of 1.94. KEGG pathway analysis highlighted pathways such as neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, dopaminergic synapses, and serotonergic synapses as being involved in anxiety modulation. Docking studies on EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate) showed binding energies of -9.5 kcal/mol for MAOA, -9.2 kcal/mol for SLC6A4, and -7.4 kcal/mol for COMT. Molecular dynamic simulations indicated minimal fluctuations, suggesting the formation of stable complexes between small molecules and proteins. Behavioral tests demonstrated a significant reduction in anxiety-like behavior, as evidenced by an increased number of entries into and time spent in the open arm of the elevated plus maze test, light-dark test, open field center activity, hole board head dips, and actophotometer beam interruptions (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). This research provides a comprehensive understanding of the multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway intervention mechanisms of flavan-3-ols and aromatic resins in anxiety treatment. Integrated network and behavioral analyses collectively support the anxiolytic potential of these compounds and offer valuable insights for future research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Subur W Khan
- Y. B. Chavan College of Pharmacy, Dr. Rafiq Zakaria Campus, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Syed Ayaz Ali
- Y. B. Chavan College of Pharmacy, Dr. Rafiq Zakaria Campus, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India
| | - Qazi Yasar
- Y. B. Chavan College of Pharmacy, Dr. Rafiq Zakaria Campus, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India
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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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Alexander C, Parsaee A, Vasefi M. Polyherbal and Multimodal Treatments: Kaempferol- and Quercetin-Rich Herbs Alleviate Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1453. [PMID: 37998052 PMCID: PMC10669725 DOI: 10.3390/biology12111453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder impairing cognition and memory in the elderly. This disorder has a complex etiology, including senile plaque and neurofibrillary tangle formation, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and damaged neuroplasticity. Current treatment options are limited, so alternative treatments such as herbal medicine could suppress symptoms while slowing cognitive decline. We followed PRISMA guidelines to identify potential herbal treatments, their associated medicinal phytochemicals, and the potential mechanisms of these treatments. Common herbs, including Ginkgo biloba, Camellia sinensis, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Cyperus rotundus, and Buplerum falcatum, produced promising pre-clinical results. These herbs are rich in kaempferol and quercetin, flavonoids with a polyphenolic structure that facilitate multiple mechanisms of action. These mechanisms include the inhibition of Aβ plaque formation, a reduction in tau hyperphosphorylation, the suppression of oxidative stress, and the modulation of BDNF and PI3K/AKT pathways. Using pre-clinical findings from quercetin research and the comparatively limited data on kaempferol, we proposed that kaempferol ameliorates the neuroinflammatory state, maintains proper cellular function, and restores pro-neuroplastic signaling. In this review, we discuss the anti-AD mechanisms of quercetin and kaempferol and their limitations, and we suggest a potential alternative treatment for AD. Our findings lead us to conclude that a polyherbal kaempferol- and quercetin-rich cocktail could treat AD-related brain damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Alexander
- Department of Biology, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX 77705, USA
| | - Ali Parsaee
- Biological Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Maryam Vasefi
- Department of Biology, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX 77705, USA
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Liu Y, Chang D, Zhou X. Development of Novel Herbal Compound Formulations Targeting Neuroinflammation: Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Experimental Verification. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2023; 2023:2558415. [PMID: 37266321 PMCID: PMC10232107 DOI: 10.1155/2023/2558415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation plays an important role in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. The multicomponent and multitarget approach may provide a practical strategy to address the complex pathological mechanisms of neuroinflammation. This study aimed to develop synergistic herbal compound formulas to attenuate neuroinflammation using integrated network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental bioassays. Eight phytochemicals with anti-neuroinflammatory potential were selected in the present study. A compound-gene target-signaling pathway network was constructed to illustrate the mechanisms of action of each phytochemical and the interactions among them at the molecular level. Molecular docking was performed to verify the binding affinity of each phytochemical and its key gene targets. An experimental study was conducted to identify synergistic interactions among the eight phytochemicals, and the associated molecular mechanisms were examined by immunoblotting based on the findings from the network pharmacology analysis. Two paired combinations, andrographolide and 6-shogaol (AN-SG) (IC50 = 2.85 μg/mL), and baicalein-6-shogaol (BA-SG) (IC50 = 3.28 μg/mL), were found to synergistically (combination index <1) inhibit the lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced nitric oxide production in microglia N11 cells. Network pharmacology analysis suggested that MAPK14, MAPK8, and NOS3 were the top three relevant gene targets for the three phytochemicals, and molecular docking demonstrated strong binding affinities of the phytochemicals to their coded proteins. Immunoblotting suggested that the AN-SG and BA-SG both showed prominent effects in inhibiting inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) and MAPKp-p38 (both p < 0.05) compared with those induced by the LPS stimulation only. The AN-SG combination exhibited greater inhibitions of the protein expressions of iNOS (p < 0.05 vs. individual components), which may partly explain the mechanisms of the synergy observed. This study established a practical approach to developing novel herbal-compound formulations using integrated network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking, and experimental bioassays. The study provides a scientific basis and new insight into the two synergistic combinations against neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Dennis Chang
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Xian Zhou
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
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Lv S, Dai W, Zheng Y, Dong P, Yu Y, Zhao Y, Sun S, Bi D, Liu C, Han F, Wu J, Zhao T, Ma Y, Zheng F, Sun P. Anxiolytic effect of YangshenDingzhi granules: Integrated network pharmacology and hippocampal metabolomics. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:966218. [PMID: 36386232 PMCID: PMC9659911 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.966218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorder is one of the most common mental diseases. It is mainly characterized by a sudden, recurring but indescribable panic, fear, tension and/or anxiety. Yangshendingzhi granules (YSDZ) are widely used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, but its active ingredients and underlying mechanisms are not yet clear. This study integrates network pharmacology and metabolomics to investigate the potential mechanism of action of YSDZ in a rat model of anxiety. First, potential active ingredients and targets were screened by network pharmacology. Then, predictions were verified by molecular docking, molecular dynamics and western blotting. Metabolomics was used to identify differential metabolites and metabolic pathways. All results were integrated for a comprehensive analysis. Network pharmacology analysis found that Carotene, β-sitosterol, quercetin, Stigmasterol, and kaempferol in YSDZ exert anxiolytic effects mainly by acting on IL1β, GABRA1, PTGS1, ESR1, and TNF targets. Molecular docking results showed that all the affinities were lower than -5 kcal/mol, and the average affinities were -7.7764 kcal/mol. Molecular dynamics simulation results showed that RMSD was lower than 2.5 A, and the overall conformational changes of proteins were small, indicating that the small molecules formed stable complexes with proteins. The results of animal experiments showed that YSDZ exerts anxiolytic effects by regulating GABRA1 and TNF-α, ameliorating pathological damage in hippocampal CA1, and regulating metabolic pathways such as thiamine, cysteine and methionine metabolism, lysine biosynthesis and degradation. Altogether, we reveal multiple mechanisms through which YSDZ exerts its anti-anxiety effects, which may provide a reference for its clinical application and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimeng Lv
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Weibo Dai
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhong Shan, China
| | - Yan Zheng
- Research Center of Translational Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Ping Dong
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yihong Yu
- School of Management, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yifan Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Shiguang Sun
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Dezhong Bi
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Chuanguo Liu
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Fabin Han
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jibiao Wu
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Tingting Zhao
- School of Foreign Language, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yuexiang Ma
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Feng Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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Wang F, Zhang S, Zhang J, Yuan F. Systematic review of ethnomedicine, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Cyperi Rhizoma. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:965902. [PMID: 36278199 PMCID: PMC9585201 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.965902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyperi Rhizoma (CR) is the dry rhizome of Cyperus rotundus L., a Cyperaceae plant. It has a long history of clinical medication and is known as the “holy medicine” of gynecology. CR smells sweet and bitter. It has the effect of soothing the liver and relieving depression, regulating qi, regulating meridian and relieving pain. It can be used to treat liver qi stagnation, chest pain, spleen and stomach qi stagnation, hernia pain, irregular menstruation and other diseases. At present, the main chemical constituents isolated from CR are volatile oil, flavonoids and terpenes. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that CR has a wide range of pharmacological activities, including antidepressant, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic effects. In this paper, the botany, traditional application, phytochemistry, pharmacological effects, processing and other aspects of CR are reviewed. At the same time, the shortcomings of current research of CR are discussed in depth, and the possible solutions are put forward in order to find a breakthrough point for future research of CR.
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Wang J, Shi J, Jia N, Sun Q. Network pharmacology analysis reveals neuroprotection of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino in Alzheimer' disease. BMC Complement Med Ther 2022; 22:57. [PMID: 35255879 PMCID: PMC8902721 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-022-03534-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders in the world, but still lack of effective drug treatment. Gynostemma Pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino (GpM), a Chinese medicinal herb, plays important roles in anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress and anti-tumor, which has been reported to ameliorate cognitive impairment of AD. However, the neuroprotective mechanism of GpM remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the targets and possible signaling pathways of GpM in the treatment of AD. Methods Active compounds of GpM and their putative target proteins were selected from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) Database and Analysis Platform. AD-associated targets were identified from GeneCards, the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database and the Therapeutic Target Database (TTD). The intersecting targets of GpM and AD were identified and Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were carried out to analyze the mechanism of them. Compound-target-pathway (CTP) network and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network were constructed and analyzed to elucidate the correlation between compounds, proteins and pathways. Molecular docking was performed to further demonstrate the possibility of GpM for AD. Results A total of 13 active compounds of GpM, 168 putative target proteins of compounds and 722 AD-associated targets were identified. Eighteen intersecting targets of GpM and AD were found and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nitric oxide synthase in endothelial (NOS3) and serum paraoxonase/arylesterase 1 (PON1) were selected as the primary targets of GpM in the treatment of AD. The neuroprotective effect of GPM was related to a variety of pathways, including amoebiasis, HIF-1 signaling pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and so on. Conclusions Our findings elucidate the active compounds, targets and pathways of GpM involved in effects of anti-AD. The novel mechanism of GpM against AD provides more treatment options for AD. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-022-03534-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahao Wang
- Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center , Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiamiao Shi
- Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center , Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Jia
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, No. 76, West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qinru Sun
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, No. 76, West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China.
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