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Wu B, Lan X, Chen X, Wu Q, Yang Y, Wang Y. Researching the molecular mechanisms of Taohong Siwu Decoction in the treatment of varicocele-associated male infertility using network pharmacology and molecular docking: A review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e34476. [PMID: 37543801 PMCID: PMC10402989 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000034476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Taohong Siwu Decoction (THSWD) was widely used for the treatment of varicocele-associated male infertility. However, the pharmacological mechanism of action is not completely clear. Therefore, network pharmacology and molecular docking were performed to explore potential mechanism of THSWD in the treatment of varicocele-associated male infertility. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP), Swiss Target Prediction, and GeneCards were used to retrieve candidate compounds, action targets, and disease-related targets. The construction of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and the screening of core genes were completed by the STRING and Cytoscape 3.9.1, respectively. The DAVID was used to obtain results of gene ontology function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. The Mcule analysis platform was used to perform molecular docking. There were a total of 53 candidate compounds and 782 relevant targets in THSWD. There were 45 common targets between THSWD, varicocele, and male infertility, and 23 core genes were found in the PPI network. Biological processes involved response to hypoxia, regulation of blood pressure, cellular response to hypoxia, and regulation of the nitric oxide biosynthetic process. Furthermore, the KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the common targets mainly regulated the disease of varicocele-associated male infertility through the HIF-1 signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Relaxin signaling pathway, and TNF signaling pathway. Finally, the molecular docking showed that luteolin, quercetin, and kaempferol had good intercalation with major targets. As predicted by network pharmacology, THSWD regulated varicocele-associated male infertility through multiple compounds and targets, and its mechanism was closely related to inflammatory response, reactive oxygen species damage, and function of blood vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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Alqrad MAI, El-Agamy DS, Ibrahim SRM, Sirwi A, Abdallah HM, Abdel-Sattar E, El-Halawany AM, Elsaed WM, Mohamed GA. SIRT1/Nrf2/NF-κB Signaling Mediates Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Apoptotic Activities of Oleanolic Acid in a Mouse Model of Acute Hepatorenal Damage. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1351. [PMID: 37512162 PMCID: PMC10383078 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59071351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Background and objectives: Oleanolic acid (OA) is a penta-cyclic triterpene with diverse bioactivities such as anticarcinogenic, antiviral, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, anti-atherosclerotic, hypolipidemic, and gastroprotective. However, its effects on hepatorenal damage remain unclear. The protective activity of OA, separated from Viscum schimperi (Loranthaceae), against TAA (thioacetamide)-produced acute hepatic and renal damage was explored. Materials and Methods: Mice were treated with OA for 7 days before TAA (200 mg/kg, i.p.). Serum indices of hepatorenal injury, pathological lesions, molecular biological indexes, and inflammatory/apoptotic genes were estimated. Results: The tissues of both organs were greatly affected by the TAA injection. That was evident through increased serum markers of hepato-renal injury as well as remarkable histopathological lesions. TAA-induced injury was associated with oxidative and inflammatory responses in both organs as there was an elevation of oxidative stress parameters (4-HNE (4-hydroxy-nonenal), MDA (malondialdehyde), NOx (nitric oxide)), decline of antioxidants (reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC)), and an increase in the gene expression/level of inflammatory mediators (interleukins (1β&6)). The inflammatory response was linked to a significant activation of NF-κB (nuclear-factor kappa-B)/TNF-α (tumor-necrosis factor-alpha) signaling. The inflammatory response in both organs was accompanied by apoptotic changes, including a rise in the gene expression and level of apoptotic parameters (caspase-3 and Bax) along with a decline in Bcl-2 (anti-apoptotic parameter) gene expression and level. These pathogenic events were found to be closely related to the suppression of the antioxidant signaling pathway, Nrf2 (nuclear-factor erythroid 2-related factor-2)/SIRT1 (sirtuin-1)/HO-1 (heme-oxygenase 1). On the other hand, OA significantly ameliorated TAA-induced injury in both organs. On the other hand, OA counterpoised the inflammatory response as it ameliorated NF-κB/TNF-α signaling and cytokine release. OA enhanced Nrf2/SIRT1/HO-1 signaling and counteracted apoptotic damage. Conclusions: OA showed anti-inflammation and antiapoptotic capacities that effectively suppressed TAA-induced acute hepatorenal damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manea A. I. Alqrad
- Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.I.A.); (A.S.); (H.M.A.)
| | - Dina S. El-Agamy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt;
| | - Sabrin R. M. Ibrahim
- Department of Chemistry, Preparatory Year Program, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah 21442, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Alaa Sirwi
- Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.I.A.); (A.S.); (H.M.A.)
| | - Hossam M. Abdallah
- Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.I.A.); (A.S.); (H.M.A.)
| | - Essam Abdel-Sattar
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt; (E.A.-S.); (A.M.E.-H.)
| | - Ali M. El-Halawany
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt; (E.A.-S.); (A.M.E.-H.)
| | - Wael M. Elsaed
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt;
| | - Gamal A. Mohamed
- Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.I.A.); (A.S.); (H.M.A.)
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Sedik AA, Hassan A, Saleh DO. Neuromodulatory role of L-arginine: nitric oxide precursor against thioacetamide-induced-hepatic encephalopathy in rats via downregulation of NF-κB-mediated apoptosis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:10.1007/s11356-023-28184-7. [PMID: 37378730 PMCID: PMC10359237 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28184-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of arginine (ARG), a nitric oxide (NO) precursor, on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in rats by injection of TAA (100 mg/kg, i.p) three times per week for six consecutive weeks. TAA-injected rats were administered ARG (100 mg/kg; p.o.) concurrently with TAA for the six consecutive weeks. Blood samples were withdrawn, and rats were sacrificed; liver and brain tissues were isolated. Results of the present study demonstrated that ARG administration to TAA-injected rats revealed a restoration in the serum and brain ammonia levels as well as serum aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin levels as well as behavioral alterations evidenced by restoration in locomotor activity, motor skill performance, and memory impairment. ARG showed also improvement in the hepatic and neuro-biochemical values, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress biomarkers. All these results were confirmed by histopathological evaluation as well as ultrastructural imaging of the cerebellum using a transmission electron microscope. Furthermore, treatment with ARG could ameliorate the immunological reactivity of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and cleaved caspase-3 proteins in the cerebellum and hepatic tissues. From all the previous results, it can be fulfilled that ARG showed a beneficial role in modulating the adverse complications associated with TAA-induced HE in rats via reducing hyperammonemia and downregulating nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)-mediated apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed A Sedik
- Pharmacology Department, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Azza Hassan
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Dalia O Saleh
- Pharmacology Department, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Cairo, Egypt
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Yu W, Liang Z, Li Q, Liu Y, Liu X, Jiang L, Liu C, Zhang Y, Kang C, Yan J. The pharmacological validation of the Xiao-Jian-Zhong formula against ulcerative colitis by network pharmacology integrated with metabolomics. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 298:115647. [PMID: 35987415 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is pathologically characterized by an immune response accommodative insufficiency and dysbiosis accompanied by persistent epithelial barrier dysfunction, and is divided into ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Its progression increases the susceptibility to colitis-associated cancer (CAC), as well as other complications. The Xiao-Jian-Zhong (XJZ) formula has a historical application in the clinic to combat gastrointestinal disorders. AIM OF THE STUDY The investigation aimed to explore the molecular and cellular mechanisms of XJZ. MATERIALS AND METHODS Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) was diluted in drinking water and given to mice for a week to establish murine models of experimental colitis, and the XJZ solution was administered for two weeks. Network pharmacology analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were utilized to predict the therapeutic role of XJZ against UC and CAC. 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics were conducted utilizing murine feces to examine the changes in the microbiome profile. Biochemical experiments were conducted to confirm the predicted functions. RESULTS XJZ treatment markedly attenuated DSS-induced experimental colitis progression, and the targets were enriched in inflammation, infection, and tumorigenesis, predicted by network pharmacology analysis. Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, the XJZ-targets were related to the survival probability in patients with colorectal cancer, underlying a potential therapeutic value in cancer intervention. Moreover, the XJZ therapy successfully rescued the decreased richness and diversity of microbiota, suppressed the potentially pathogenic phenotype of the gut microorganisms, and reversed the declined linoleic acid metabolism and increased cytochrome P450 activity in murine colitis models. Our in-vitro experiments confirmed that the XJZ treatment suppressed Caspase1-dependent pyroptosis and increased peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor-γ(PPAR-γ) expression in the colon, facilitated the alternative activation of macrophages (Mφs), inhibited tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in intestinal organoids (IOs), thereby favoring the mucosal healing. CONCLUSION The XJZ formula is efficacious for colitis by a prompt resolution of inflammation and dysbiosis, and by re-establishing a microbiome profile that favors re-epithelization, and prevents carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yu
- Department of Physiology, Jining Medical University, Jining City, Shandong province, China.
| | - Zhenghao Liang
- Department of Physiology, Jining Medical University, Jining City, Shandong province, China.
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Physiology, Jining Medical University, Jining City, Shandong province, China.
| | - Yanzhi Liu
- Department of Physiology, Jining Medical University, Jining City, Shandong province, China.
| | - Xincheng Liu
- Department of Physiology, Jining Medical University, Jining City, Shandong province, China.
| | - Lu Jiang
- Department of Physiology, Jining Medical University, Jining City, Shandong province, China.
| | - Chen Liu
- Department of Physiology, Jining Medical University, Jining City, Shandong province, China.
| | - Yijia Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Jining Medical University, Jining City, Shandong province, China.
| | - Cai Kang
- Department of Physiology, Jining Medical University, Jining City, Shandong province, China.
| | - Jing Yan
- Department of Physiology, Jining Medical University, Jining City, Shandong province, China.
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ElBaset MA, Salem RS, Ayman F, Ayman N, Shaban N, Afifi SM, Esatbeyoglu T, Abdelaziz M, Elalfy ZS. Effect of Empagliflozin on Thioacetamide-Induced Liver Injury in Rats: Role of AMPK/SIRT-1/HIF-1α Pathway in Halting Liver Fibrosis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:2152. [PMID: 36358524 PMCID: PMC9686640 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11112152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis causes severe morbidity and death. No viable treatment can repair fibrosis and protect the liver until now. We intended to discover the empagliflozin's (EMPA) hepatoprotective efficacy in thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatotoxicity by targeting AMPK/SIRT-1 activity and reducing HIF-1α. Rats were treated orally with EMPA (3 or 6 mg/kg) with TAA (100 mg/kg, IP) thrice weekly for 6 weeks. EMPA in both doses retracted the serum GGT, ALT, AST, ammonia, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and increased serum albumin. At the same time, EMPA (3 or 6 mg/kg) replenished the hepatic content of GSH, ATP, AMP, AMPK, or SIRT-1 and mitigated the hepatic content of MDA, TNF-α, IL-6, NF-κB, or HIF-1α in a dose-dependent manner. Likewise, hepatic photomicrograph stained with hematoxylin and eosin or Masson trichrome stain of EMPA (3 or 6 mg/kg) revealed marked regression of the hepatotoxic effect of TAA with minimal injury. Similarly, in rats given EMPA (3 or 6 mg/kg), the immunohistochemically of hepatic photomicrograph revealed minimal stain of either α-SMA or caspase-3 compared to the TAA group. Therefore, we concluded that EMPA possessed an antifibrotic effect by targeting AMPK/SIRT-1 activity and inhibiting HIF-1α. The present study provided new insight into a novel treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwan A. ElBaset
- Pharmacology Department, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, 33 El-Bohouth St., Dokki, Cairo P.O. Box 12622, Egypt
| | - Rana S. Salem
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Science and Arts, Cairo 12451, Egypt
| | - Fairouz Ayman
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Science and Arts, Cairo 12451, Egypt
| | - Nadeen Ayman
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Science and Arts, Cairo 12451, Egypt
| | - Nooran Shaban
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Science and Arts, Cairo 12451, Egypt
| | - Sherif M. Afifi
- Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City, Sadat City 32897, Egypt
| | - Tuba Esatbeyoglu
- Department of Food Development and Food Quality, Institute of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz University Hannover, Am Kleinen Felde 30, 30167 Hannover, Germany
| | - Mahmoud Abdelaziz
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Science and Arts, Cairo 12451, Egypt
| | - Zahraa S. Elalfy
- Pathology Department Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, 33 El-Bohouth St., Dokki, Cairo P.O. Box 12622, Egypt
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Validation of the Anticolitis Efficacy of the Jian-Wei-Yu-Yang Formula. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:9110704. [PMID: 36091591 PMCID: PMC9451982 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9110704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality due to its repetitive remission and relapse. The Jian-Wei-Yu-Yang (JW) formula has a historical application in the clinic to combat gastrointestinal disorders. The investigation aimed to explore the molecular and cellular mechanisms of JW. Methods 2% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) was diluted in drinking water and given to mice for 5 days to establish murine models of experimental colitis, and different doses of JW solution were administered for 14 days. Network pharmacology analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were utilized to predict the therapeutic role of JW against experimental colitis and colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC). 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics were conducted using murine feces. Western blotting, immunocytochemistry, and wound healing experiments were performed to confirm the molecular mechanisms. Results (1) Liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry was utilized to confirm the validity of the JW formula. The high dose of JW treatment markedly attenuated DSS-induced experimental colitis progression, and the targets were enriched in inflammation, infection, and tumorigenesis. (2) The JW targets were related to the survival probability in patients with colorectal cancer, underlying a potential therapeutic value in CRC intervention. (3) Moreover, the JW therapy successfully rescued the decreased richness and diversity of microbiota, suppressed the potentially pathogenic phenotype of the gut microorganisms, and increased cytochrome P450 activity in murine colitis models. (4) Our in vitro experiments confirmed that the JW treatment suppressed caspase3-dependent pyroptosis, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α), and interleukin-1b (IL-1b) in the colon; facilitated the alternative activation of macrophages (Mφs); and inhibited tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in intestinal organoids (IOs). Conclusion The JW capsule attenuated the progression of murine colitis by a prompt resolution of inflammation and bloody stool and by re-establishing a microbiome profile that favors re-epithelization and prevents carcinogenesis.
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