Exploring the Potential Mechanisms of Melilotus officinalis (L.) Pall. in Chronic Muscle Repair Patterns Using Single Cell Receptor-Ligand Marker Analysis and Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Erxian Decoction-induced serum exosomes slowed bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell senescence through mitophagy

OBJECTIVE

Erxian Decoction (EXD) is traditionally employed in the treatment of menopausal syndromes, although its underlying mechanisms remain largely undefined. Given that the senescence of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) is intertwined with organismal aging and associated diseases, this study endeavored to elucidate the influence of EXD on aging BMSCs and uncover the mechanisms through which EXD impedes BMSC senescence.

METHODS

Initially, we probed the anti-senescent mechanisms of EXD on BMSCs via network pharmacology. We subsequently isolated and identified exosomes from the serum of EXD-fed rats (EXD-Exos) and administered these to H2 O2 -induced aging BMSC. Assays were conducted to assess BMSC senescence indicators and markers pertinent to mitochondrial autophagy. Treatments with mitophagy inhibitors and activators were then employed to substantiate our findings.

RESULTS

Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses spotlighted AKT1, TP53, TNF, JUN, VEGFA, IL6, CASP3 and EGFR as focal targets. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encylcopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses underscored oxidative stress, mitophagy and cell proliferation as pivotal processes. Our cellular assays ascertained that EXD-Exos mitigated H2 O2 -induced senescence phenotypes in BMSCs. Moreover, EXD-Exos ameliorated disrupted mitophagy in BMSCs, as evidenced by enhanced cellular membrane potential and diminished reactive oxygen species levels. Intriguingly, EXD-Exos also preserved the osteogenic differentiation potential of BMSCs while curtailing their adipogenic propensity.

CONCLUSION

Our findings compellingly suggest that EXD counteracts BMSC senescence by fostering mitophagy.

Triptoquinone A and B exercise a therapeutic effect in systemic lupus erythematosus by regulating NLRC3

The autoimmune disorder systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is multifaceted, with limited therapeutic alternatives and detrimental side effects, particularly on bones and joints. This research endeavors to examine the curative potential and underlying mechanisms of in addressing SLE-associated bone and joint complications. Triptoquinone A and triptoquinone B, constituents of Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside tablets (TGTs), exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory attributes; nonetheless, its function in SLE therapy remains elusive. This investigation delves into the role of oxidative stress in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and probes the prospective remedial effects of triptoquinone A and triptoquinone B on inflammation and cartilage deterioration in SLE-affected joints. Employing bioinformatics analyses, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and protein-protein interactions were discerned in SLE, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and osteoarthritis (OA) datasets. Enrichment analyses unveiled shared genes implicated in immune system regulation and toll-like receptor signaling pathways, among others. Subsequent examination of triptoquinone A and triptoquinone B revealed their capacity to diminish NLRC3 expression in chondrocytes, resulting in decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and cartilage degradation enzyme expression. Suppression of NLRC3 augmented the protective effects of triptoquinone A and B, implying that targeting NLRC3 may constitute a potential therapeutic strategy for inflammation and cartilage degeneration-associated conditions in SLE patients. Our discoveries indicate that triptoquinone A and triptoquinone B may impede SLE progression via the NLRC3 axis, offering potential benefits for SLE-affected bone and joint health.

High-fiber-diet-related metabolites improve neurodegenerative symptoms in patients with obesity with diabetes mellitus by modulating the hippocampal-hypothalamic endocrine axis

Objective

Through transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses, this study examined the role of high-fiber diet in obesity complicated by diabetes and neurodegenerative symptoms.

Method

The expression matrix of high-fiber-diet-related metabolites, blood methylation profile associated with pre-symptomatic dementia in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and high-throughput single-cell sequencing data of hippocampal samples from patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and through a literature search. Data were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) after quality control and data filtering to identify different cell clusters and candidate markers. A protein-protein interaction network was mapped using the STRING database. To further investigate the interaction among high-fiber-diet-related metabolites, methylation-related DEGs related to T2DM, and single-cell marker genes related to AD, AutoDock was used for semi-flexible molecular docking.

Result

Based on GEO database data and previous studies, 24 marker genes associated with high-fiber diet, T2DM, and AD were identified. Top 10 core genes include SYNE1, ANK2, SPEG, PDZD2, KALRN, PTPRM, PTPRK, BIN1, DOCK9, and NPNT, and their functions are primarily related to autophagy. According to molecular docking analysis, acetamidobenzoic acid, the most substantially altered metabolic marker associated with a high-fiber diet, had the strongest binding affinity for SPEG.

Conclusion

By targeting the SPEG protein in the hippocampus, acetamidobenzoic acid, a metabolite associated with high-fiber diet, may improve diabetic and neurodegenerative diseases in obese people.

Prevention of polycystic ovary syndrome and postmenopausal osteoporosis by inhibiting apoptosis with Shenling Baizhu powder compound

Objective

Shenling Baizhu powder (SBP) has been shown to reverse the abnormal expression of the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) mediated by air pollution. Our study aimed to understand the main ingredient of SBP and investigate its action mechanism in preventing polycystic ovary syndrome (POCS) and postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO).

Methods

The active ingredients of SBP with the highest binding affinity to AHR were screened using a Chinese medicine database, and their binding mechanism was simulated using molecular dynamics simulation (MDS). Rutin was utilized to treat ovarian granulosa cell lines and osteoblast cell lines. The cell lines were treated with a gradient of rutin concentration (0.01 mmol/L, 0.05 mmol/L and 0.1 mmol/L) to find the optimal drug dose. PCR was used to detect AHR and apoptosis-related proteins, and WB to detect the expression of AHR, caspase-3 and cleaved-caspase-3. Finally, the CCK-8 cell proliferation assay detected the proliferation of cells.

Results

We obtained Rutin through the Chinese medicine database, and dynamics simulation determined its binding sites. Ovarian granulosa cell lines and osteoblast cell lines were treated with Rutin. RT-PCR and western blotting revealed that the expression of apoptosis-associated protein Bcl-2 was elevated, and the expression of AHR, Bax, caspase-3 and PARP were decreased. CCK-8 results showed accelerated proliferation in both cell types.

Conclusion

Rutin, the main ingredient of SBP compound, works by binding to AHR, which can improve POCS and PMO by inhibiting cell apoptosis and by promoting cell proliferation.

Potential mechanism of the Shunaoxin pill for preventing cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objective

This study aims to analyze the efficacy and mechanism of action of the Shunaoxin pill in preventing cognitive impairment in diabetic patients using network pharmacology.

Methods

The main active compounds of the Shunaoxin pills and their action targets were identified via the TCMSP and Batman-TCM databases. The GEO database was used to identify the genes in type 2 diabetic individuals associated with cognitive impairment. Subsequently, a common target protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database, and targets associated with diabetes and cognitive impairment were screened by performing a topological analysis of the PPI network. The AutoDock Vina software was used for molecular docking to evaluate the reliability of the bioinformatic analysis predictions and validate the interactions between the active ingredients of the Shunaoxin pill and proteins associated with diabetes and cognitive impairment.

Results

Based on the TCMSP and Batman-Tcm platform, 48 active ingredients of the Shunaoxin pill were identified, corresponding to 222 potential action targets. Further analysis revealed that 18 active components of the Shunaoxin pill might contribute to cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetic patients. Molecular docking simulations demonstrated that the active ingredients of the Shunaoxin pill (hexadecanoic acid, stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol, and angelicin) targeted four core proteins: OPRK1, GABRA5, GABRP, and SCN3B.

Conclusion

Active ingredients of the Shunaoxin pill may alleviate cognitive impairment in diabetic patients by targeting the proteins OPRK1, GABRA5, GABRP, and SCN3B.

Alzheimer's disease-associated inflammatory pathways might contribute to osteoporosis through the interaction between PROK2 and CSF3

This study aimed to explore the potential molecular pathways and targets of Alzheimer's disease leading to osteoporosis using bioinformatics tools. The Alzheimer's and osteoporosis microarray gene expression data were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus, and differentially expressed genes in the blood microenvironment related to Alzheimer's disease and osteoporosis were identified. The intersection of the three datasets (GSE97760, GSE168813, and GSE62402) was used to obtain 21 co-expressed targets in the peripheral blood samples in patients with Alzheimer's disease and osteoporosis. Based on the degree algorithm, the top 10 potential core target genes related to these diseases were identified, which included CLEC4D, PROK2, SIGLEC7, PDGFB, PTCRA, ECH1, etc. Two differentially expressed mRNAs, Prokineticin 2 (PROK2) and three colony-stimulating factor 3 (CSF3), were screened in the GSE62402 dataset associated with osteoporosis. Protein–protein rigid docking with ZDOCK revealed that PROK2 and CSF3 could form a stable protein docking model. The interaction of PROK2 and CSF3, core genes related to osteoporosis inflammation, plays an important role in the mechanism of osteoporosis in patients with Alzheimer's. Therefore, abnormalities or alterations in the inflammatory pathways in the peripheral blood samples of Alzheimer's patients may affect the course of osteoporosis.

Quercetin targets VCAM1 to prevent diabetic cerebrovascular endothelial cell injury

Introduction

Endothelial cells play important roles in neurodegenerative diseases caused by diabetes, therefore, we aimed at investigating the mechanisms through which endothelial cells are involved in diabetes development.

Methods

Single cell analysis was performed to identify the major endothelial cell subtypes in cardiovascular tissues that are involved in diabetes development. A cell-cell communication approach was then used to identify ligand-receptor interaction pairs between these cell types. Differential expression analysis between the two experimental groups [standard chow diet group and diabetogenic diet with cholesterol (DDC) group] was used to identify diabetes-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The upregulated genes were used to identify candidate ligands or receptors, as well as the corresponding cell types. Cell trajectory inference was performed to identify the stage of cell development and changes in expression of candidate ligands or receptors during cell development. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted to investigate the biological functions of genes of purpose. Finally, molecular dynamics simulations (MDSs) were used to predict potential drugs with the ability to target the proteins of purpose.

Results

Seven cell types, including five endothelial cell subtypes (EC_1, EC_2, EC_3, EC_4, and EC_EndMT), were identified from endothelial cell-enriched single cell samples from the heart and aorta of mice. Cell-cell communication analysis revealed the potential ligand-receptor interactions between these cell types while five important ligand-receptor-associated genes, including Fn1, Vcam1, Fbn1, Col4a1, and Col4a2, were established by differential expression analysis. Among them, Vcam1 is mainly expressed in EC_EndMT and is involved in interactions between EC_EndMT and other cells. Cell trajectory extrapolation analysis revealed a shift from EC_2/EC_4 to EC_EndMT and a shift from EC_EndMT to EC_3/EC_1 during the progression of diabetes. GSEA analysis revealed that upregulation of VCAM1 may have inhibitory effects on cell growth and energy metabolism.

Conclusion

EC_EndMT subtypes have a complex role in neurodegenerative diseases caused by diabetes. Through mechanisms involved in cell-cell communication, Vcam1 may play an important role in dysregulation of biological functions of EC_ EndMT. Molecular docking results of the quercetin-VCAM1 complex suggest that quercetin may be an effective drug for targeting this protein.