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Lee K, Choi YJ, Lim HI, Cho KJ, Kang N, Ko SG. Network pharmacology study to explore the multiple molecular mechanism of SH003 in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. BMC Complement Med Ther 2024; 24:70. [PMID: 38303001 PMCID: PMC10832243 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04347-y] [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: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the leading causes of human death worldwide. Herbal prescription SH003 has been developed to treat several cancers including NSCLC. Due to the multi-component nature of SH003 with multiple targets and pathways, a network pharmacology study was conducted to analyze its active compounds, potential targets, and pathways for the treatment of NSCLC. METHODS We systematically identified oral active compounds within SH003, employing ADME criteria-based screening from TM-MC, OASIS, and TCMSP databases. Concurrently, SH003-related and NSCLC-associated targets were amalgamated from various databases. Overlapping targets were deemed anti-NSCLC entities of SH003. Protein-protein interaction networks were constructed using the STRING database, allowing the identification of pivotal proteins through node centrality measures. Empirical validation was pursued through LC-MS analysis of active compounds. Additionally, in vitro experiments, such as MTT cell viability assays and western blot analyses, were conducted to corroborate network pharmacology findings. RESULTS We discerned 20 oral active compounds within SH003 and identified 239 core targets shared between SH003 and NSCLC-related genes. Network analyses spotlighted 79 hub genes, including TP53, JUN, AKT1, STAT3, and MAPK3, crucial in NSCLC treatment. GO and KEGG analyses underscored SH003's multifaceted anti-NSCLC effects from a genetic perspective. Experimental validations verified SH003's impact on NSCLC cell viability and the downregulation of hub genes. LC-MS analysis confirmed the presence of four active compounds, namely hispidulin, luteolin, baicalein, and chrysoeriol, among the eight compounds with a median of > 10 degrees in the herb-compounds-targets network in SH003. Previously unidentified targets like CASP9, MAPK9, and MCL1 were unveiled, supported by existing NSCLC literature, enhancing the pivotal role of empirical validation in network pharmacology. CONCLUSION Our study pioneers the harmonization of theoretical predictions with practical validations. Empirical validation illuminates specific SH003 compounds within NSCLC, simultaneously uncovering novel targets for NSCLC treatment. This integrated strategy, accentuating empirical validation, establishes a paradigm for in-depth herbal medicine exploration. Furthermore, our network pharmacology study unveils fresh insights into SH003's multifaceted molecular mechanisms combating NSCLC. Through this approach, we delineate active compounds of SH003 and target pathways, reshaping our understanding of its therapeutic mechanisms in NSCLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangwook Lee
- Department of Food and Biotechnology, Korea University, Sejong, 30019, South Korea
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, South Korea
| | - Yu-Jeong Choi
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, South Korea
| | - Hae-In Lim
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, South Korea
| | - Kwang Jin Cho
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, South Korea
| | - Nuri Kang
- Department of Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, South Korea
| | - Seong-Gyu Ko
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, South Korea.
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Jung T, Cheon C. Synergistic and Additive Effects of Herbal Medicines in Combination with Chemotherapeutics: A Scoping Review. Integr Cancer Ther 2024; 23:15347354241259416. [PMID: 38867515 PMCID: PMC11179546 DOI: 10.1177/15347354241259416] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural products are increasingly gaining interest as potential new drug candidates for cancer treatment. Herbal formula, which are combinations of several herbs, are primarily used in East Asia and have a long history of use that continues today. Recently, research exploring the combination of herbal formulas and chemotherapy for cancer treatment has been on the rise. METHODS This study reviewed research on the co-administration of herbal formulas and chemotherapy for cancer treatment. The databases PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were used for article searches. The following keywords were employed: "Antineoplastic agents," "Chemotherapy," "Phytotherapy," "Herbal medicine," "Drug synergism," and "Synergistic effect." The selection process focused on studies that investigated the synergistic interaction between herbal formulas and chemotherapeutic agents. RESULTS Among the 30 studies included, 25 herbal formulas and 7 chemotherapies were used. The chemotherapy agents co-administered included cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, docetaxel, doxorubicin, oxaliplatin, irinotecan, and gemcitabine. The types of cancer most frequently studied were lung, breast, and colon cancers. Most studies evaluating the anticancer efficacy of combined herbal formula and chemotherapy treatment were conducted in vitro or in vivo. DISCUSSION Most studies reported synergistic effects on cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and tumor growth inhibition. These effects were found to be associated with cell cycle arrest, anti-angiogenesis, and gene expression regulation. Further studies leading to clinical trials are required. Clinical experiences in East Asian countries could provide insights for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taehun Jung
- Kyung Hee University, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chunhoo Cheon
- Kyung Hee University, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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LEE SEOYEON, KIM TAEHOON, CHOI WONGEUN, CHUNG YOONHEY, KO SEONGGYU, CHEON CHUNHOO, CHO SUNGGOOK. SH003 Causes ER Stress-mediated Apoptosis of Breast Cancer Cells via Intracellular ROS Production. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2023; 20:88-116. [PMID: 36581346 PMCID: PMC9806670 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women all over the world and new treatment options are urgent. ER stress in cancer cells results in apoptotic cell death, and it is being proposed as a new therapeutic target. SH003, a newly developed herbal medicine, has been reported to have anti-cancer effects. However, its molecular mechanism is not yet clearly defined. MATERIALS AND METHODS Microarray was performed to check the differential gene expression patterns in various breast cancer cell lines. Cell viability was measured by MTT assays to detect cytotoxic effects. Annexin V-FITC and 7AAD staining, TUNEL assay and DCF-DA staining were analyzed by flow cytometry to evaluate apoptosis and ROS levels, respectively. Protein expression was examined in SH003-breast cancer cells using immunoblotting assays. The expression of C/EBP Homologous Protein (CHOP) mRNA was measured by real-time PCR. The effects of CHOP by SH003 treatment were investigated using transfection method. RESULTS Herein, we investigated the molecular mechanisms through which SH003 causes apoptosis of human breast cancer cells. Both cell viability and apoptosis assays confirmed the SH003-induced apoptosis of breast cancer cells. Meanwhile, SH003 altered the expression patterns of several genes in a variety of breast cancer cell lines. More specifically, it upregulated gene sets including the response to unfolded proteins, independently of the breast cancer cell subtype. In addition, SH003-induced apoptosis was due to an increase in ROS production and an activation of the ER stress-signaling pathway. Moreover, CHOP gene silencing blocked SH003-induced apoptosis. CONCLUSION SH003 causes apoptosis of breast cancer cells by upregulating ROS production and activating the ER stress-mediated pathway. Thus, our findings suggest that SH003 can be a potential therapeutic agent for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- SEO YEON LEE
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - TAE HOON KIM
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - WON GEUN CHOI
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - YOON HEY CHUNG
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - SEONG-GYU KO
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea,Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - CHUNHOO CHEON
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - SUNG-GOOK CHO
- Department of Biotechnology, Korea National University of Transportation, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
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Han NR, Kim KC, Kim JS, Ko SG, Park HJ, Moon PD. The immune-enhancing effects of a mixture of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge, Angelica gigas Nakai, and Trichosanthes Kirilowii (Maxim.) or its active constituent nodakenin. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 285:114893. [PMID: 34875347 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE A mixture (SH003) of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge, Angelica gigas Nakai, and Trichosanthes Kirilowii (Maxim.) has beneficial effects against several carcinomas. There have been few reports on an immune-enhancing activity of SH003 and its active constituent nodakenin. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed at identifying the immune-enhancing effect of SH003 and nodakenin. MATERIALS AND METHODS The immune-enhancing effect was evaluated using RAW264.7 macrophages, mouse primary splenocytes, and a cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced immunosuppression murine model. RESULTS The results show that SH003 or nodakenin stimulated the production levels of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, IL-12, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, and nitric oxide (NO) and the expression levels of iNOS in RAW264.7 macrophages. SH003 or nodakenin also enhanced NF-κB p65 activation in RAW264.7 macrophages. SH003 or nodakenin stimulated the production levels of IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-2, TNF-α, and NO and the expression levels of iNOS in splenocytes. SH003 or nodakenin increased the splenic lymphocyte proliferation and splenic NK cell activity. In addition, SH003 or nodakenin increased the levels of IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α in the serum and spleen of CP-treated mice, alleviating CP-induced immunosuppression. CONCLUSION Taken together, the results of this study show that SH003 improved immunosuppression through the activation of macrophages, splenocytes, and NK cells. These findings suggest that SH003 could be applied as a potential immunostimulatory agent for a variety of diseases caused or exacerbated by immunodeficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na-Ra Han
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea; Korean Medicine-Based Drug Repositioning Cancer Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyeoung-Cheol Kim
- Majors in Plant Resource and Environment, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, SARI, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ju-Sung Kim
- Majors in Plant Resource and Environment, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, SARI, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seong-Gyu Ko
- Korean Medicine-Based Drug Repositioning Cancer Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea; Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hi-Joon Park
- Department of Anatomy & Information Sciences, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
| | - Phil-Dong Moon
- Center for Converging Humanities, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
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State of the Art and Future Implications of SH003: Acting as a Therapeutic Anticancer Agent. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14041089. [PMID: 35205836 PMCID: PMC8870567 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14041089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer ranks as the first leading cause of death globally. Despite the various types of cancer treatments, negative aspects of the treatments, such as side effects and drug resistance, have been a continuous dilemma for patients. Thus, natural compounds and herbal medicines have earned profound interest as chemopreventive agents for reducing burden for patients. SH003, a novel herbal medicine containing Astragalus membranaceus, Angelica gigas, and Trichosanthes kirilowii, showed the potential to act as an anticancer agent in previous research studies. A narrative review was conducted to present the significant highlights of the total 15 SH003 studies from the past nine years. SH003 has shown positive results in both in vivo and vitro studies against various types of cancer cells; furthermore, the first clinical trial was performed to identify the maximum tolerated dose among solid cancer patients. So far, the potential of SH003 as a chemotherapeutic agent has been well-documented in research studies; continuous work on SH003's efficacy and safety is required to facilitate better cancer patient care but is part of the knowledge needed to understand whether SH003 has the potential to become a pharmaceutical.
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Lee JH, Kim B, Ko SG, Kim W. Analgesic Effect of SH003 and Trichosanthes kirilowii Maximowicz in Paclitaxel-Induced Neuropathic Pain in Mice. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:718-730. [PMID: 35723335 PMCID: PMC8929024 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44020050] [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: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pacliatxel is a taxol-based chemotherapeutic drug that is widely used to treat cancer. However, it can also induce peripheral neuropathy, which limits its use. Although several drugs are prescribed to attenuate neuropathies, no optimal treatment is available. Thus, in our study, we analyzed whether SH003 and its sub-components could alleviate paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain. Multiple paclitaxel injections (cumulative dose 8 mg/kg, i.p.) induced cold and mechanical allodynia from day 10 to day 21 after the first injection in mice. Oral administration of SH003, an herbal mixture extract of Astragalus membranaceus, Angelica gigas, and Trichosantheskirilowii Maximowicz (Tk), dose-dependently attenuated both allodynia. However, when administered separately only Tk decreased both allodynia. The effect of Tk was shown to be mediated by the spinal noradrenergic system as intrathecal pretreatment with α1- and α2-adrenergic-receptor antagonists (prazosin and idazoxan), but not 5-HT1/2, and 5-HT3-receptor antagonists (methysergide and MDL-72222) blocked the effect of Tk. The spinal noradrenaline levels were also upregulated. Among the phytochemicals of Tk, cucurbitacin D was shown to play a major role, as 0.025 mg/kg (i.p.) of cucurbitacin D alleviated allodynia similar to 500 mg/kg of SH003. These results suggest that Tk should be considered when treating paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hwan Lee
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea;
- Korean Medicine-Based Drug Repositioning Cancer Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea; (B.K.); (S.-G.K.)
| | - Bonglee Kim
- Korean Medicine-Based Drug Repositioning Cancer Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea; (B.K.); (S.-G.K.)
| | - Seong-Gyu Ko
- Korean Medicine-Based Drug Repositioning Cancer Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea; (B.K.); (S.-G.K.)
| | - Woojin Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea;
- Korean Medicine-Based Drug Repositioning Cancer Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea; (B.K.); (S.-G.K.)
- Correspondence:
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Cheon C. Synergistic effects of herbal medicines and anticancer drugs: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e27918. [PMID: 34797348 PMCID: PMC8601363 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000027918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increasing number of studies have been reporting combination therapy using herbal medicines and anticancer drugs, and the synergistic effects of this combination have gained much attention across the medical community. In this study, we will review and summarize all published studies that have investigated the synergistic interaction between herbal medicines and anticancer drugs. METHODS We will search the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. Studies investigated the synergistic interaction between herbal medicines and anticancer drugs will be included. The selection and extraction process will be performed by 2 independent reviewers, and we will perform qualitative synthesis. DISCUSSION The present study is being performed to investigate the herbal medicines and anticancer drugs that are used concomitantly, and to determine the combinations that are expected to show a synergistic effect. This knowledge will provide new insights into the possible role of herbal medicines in anticancer treatment. REVIEW REGISTRATION Trial registration: OSF Registration number: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/H5QS9.
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Zhang Q, Huang X. The modulatory properties of Astragalus membranaceus treatment on endometrial cancer: an integrated pharmacological method. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11995. [PMID: 34513331 PMCID: PMC8395571 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Astragalus membranaceus is a traditional Chinese medicine and has been used for adjuvant clinical therapy for a variety of cancers. However, the mechanism of its action on endometrial carcinoma is unclear. Based on the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database (TCMSP™), the drug and target compounds were initially screened to construct a common network module. Twenty active compounds in Astragalus membranaceus were successfully identified, which hit by 463 potential targets related to endometrial cancer. Eight of the more highly predictive compounds (such as Jaranol, Bifendate, Isorhamnetin, Calycosin, 7-O-methylisomucronulatol, Formononetin, Kaempferol, Quercetin) were involved in DNA integrity checkpoint, cyclin-dependent protein kinase holoenzyme complex, and histone kinase activity. Additionally, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway confirmed that Astragalus membranaceus might play a role in the treatment of endometrial cancer through p53 signalling pathway, transcriptional misregulation in cancer, and endometrial cancer signalling pathway. Drug-target-pathway networks were constructed using Cytoscape to provide a visual perspective. In addition, we verified that formononetin inhibited the proliferation of endometrial cancer cells through cell viability tests and clone formation tests. And qPCR and western blot found that formononetin exerts anti-cancer effects by promoting the expression of estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) and p53. Based on a systematic network pharmacology approach, our works successfully predict the active ingredients and potential targets of Astragalus membranaceus for application to endometrial cancer and helps to illustrate mechanism of action on a comprehensive level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Hebei Medical University Second Affiliated Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xianghua Huang
- Department of Gynecology, Hebei Medical University Second Affiliated Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
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Mechanism Prediction of Astragalus membranaceus against Cisplatin-Induced Kidney Damage by Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:9516726. [PMID: 34457031 PMCID: PMC8390139 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9516726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Cisplatin is a frequently used and effective chemotherapy drug in clinical practice, but severe side effects limit its use, among which nephrotoxicity is considered the most serious and prolonged damage to the body. Astragalus membranaceus (AM) is a well-known herbal medicine, and modern pharmacological studies have confirmed its antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and antiapoptotic effects. Clinical studies have shown that AM and its active components can attenuate cisplatin-induced kidney damage, but the molecular mechanism has not been fully expounded. Materials and Methods First, the components and targets information of AM were collected from the TCMSP, and the relevant targets of cisplatin-induced kidney damage were accessed from the GeneCards and OMIM databases. Then, the core targets were selected by the Venn diagram and network topology analysis, which was followed by GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. Finally, we construct a component-target-pathway network. Furthermore, molecular docking was carried out to identify the binding activity between active components and key targets. Results A total of 20 active components and 200 targets of AM and 646 targets related to cisplatin-induced kidney damage were obtained. 91 intersection targets were found between AM and cisplatin-induced kidney damage. Then, 16 core targets were identified, such as MAPK1, TNF-α, and p53. Furthermore, GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis suggested that MAPK, Toll-like receptor, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways may be of significance in the treatment of cisplatin-induced kidney damage by AM. Molecular docking indicated that quercetin and kaempferol had high binding affinities with many core targets. Conclusion In summary, the active components, key targets, and signaling pathways of AM in the treatment of cisplatin-induced kidney damage were predicted in this study, which contributed to the development and application of AM.
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Herbal Prescription SH003 Alleviates Docetaxel-Induced Neuropathic Pain in C57BL/6 Mice. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:4120334. [PMID: 34422067 PMCID: PMC8373497 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4120334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Docetaxel-based therapy has been applied to kill cancers including lung and breast cancers but frequently causes peripheral neuropathy such as mechanical allodynia. Lack of effective drugs for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) treatment leads us to find novel drugs. Here, we investigated whether and how novel anticancer herbal prescription SH003 alleviates mechanical allodynia in mouse model of docetaxel-induced neuropathic pain. Docetaxel-induced mechanical allodynia was evaluated using von Frey filaments. Nerve damage and degeneration in paw skin of mice were investigated by immunofluorescence staining. Neuroinflammation markers in bloodstream, lumbar (L4-L6) spinal cord, and sciatic nerves were examined by ELISA or western blot analysis. Docetaxel (15.277 mg/kg) was intravenously injected into the tail vein of C57BL/6 mice, and mechanical allodynia was followed up. SH003 (557.569 mg/kg) was orally administered at least 60 min before the mechanical allodynia test, and von Frey test was performed twice. Docetaxel injection induced mechanical allodynia, and SH003 administration restored withdrawal threshold. Meanwhile, degeneration of intraepidermal nerve fibers (IENF) was observed in docetaxel-treated mice, but SH003 treatment suppressed it. Moreover, docetaxel injection increased levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in plasma and expressions of phospho-NF-κB and phospho-STAT3 in both of lumbar spinal cord and sciatic nerves, while SH003 treatment inhibited those changes. Taken together, it is worth noting that TNF-α and IL-6 in plasma and phospho-NF-κB and phospho-STAT3 in spinal cord and sciatic nerves are putative biomarkers of docetaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (DIPN) in mouse models. In addition, we suggest that SH003 would be beneficial for alleviation of docetaxel-induced neuropathic pain.
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Liu F, Pei S, Li W, Wang X, Liang C, Yang R, Zhang Z, Yao X, Fang D, Xie S, Sun H. Characterization of Formononetin Sulfonation in SULT1A3 Overexpressing HKE293 Cells: Involvement of Multidrug Resistance-Associated Protein 4 in Excretion of Sulfate. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:614756. [PMID: 33510641 PMCID: PMC7836013 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.614756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Formononetin is one of the main active compounds of traditional Chinese herbal medicine Astragalus membranaceus. However, disposition of formononetin via sulfonation pathway remains undefined. Here, expression-activity correlation was performed to identify the contributing of SULT1A3 to formononetin metabolism. Then the sulfonation of formononetin and excretion of its sulfate were investigated in SULT1A3 overexpressing human embryonic kidney 293 cells (or HKE-SULT1A3 cells) with significant expression of breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) and multidrug resistance-associated protein 4 (MRP4). As a result, formononetin sulfonation was significantly correlated with SULT1A3 protein levels (r = 0.728; p < 0.05) in a bank of individual human intestine S9 fractions (n = 9). HEK-SULT1A3 cells catalyzed formononetin formation of a monosulfate metabolite. Sulfate formation of formononetin in HEK-SULT1A3 cell lysate followed the Michaelis-Menten kinetics (Vmax = 13.94 pmol/min/mg and Km = 6.17 μM). Reduced activity of MRP4 by MK-571 caused significant decrease in the excretion rate (79.1%–94.6%) and efflux clearance (85.3%–98.0%) of formononetin sulfate, whereas the BCRP specific inhibitor Ko143 had no effect. Furthermore, silencing of MRP4 led to obvious decrease in sulfate excretion rates (>32.8%) and efflux clearance (>50.6%). It was worth noting that the fraction of dose metabolized (fmet), an indicator of the extent of drug sulfonation, was also decreased (maximal 26.7%) with the knockdown of MRP4. In conclusion, SULT1A3 was of great significance in determining sulfonation of formononetin. HEK-SULT1A3 cells catalyzed formononetin formation of a monosulfate. MRP4 mainly contributed to cellular excretion of formononetin sulfate and further mediated the intracellular sulfonation of formononetin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanye Liu
- Institute for Innovative Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Shuhua Pei
- Institute for Innovative Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Wenqi Li
- Institute for Innovative Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Institute for Innovative Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Chao Liang
- Institute for Innovative Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Ruohan Yang
- Institute for Innovative Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Zhansheng Zhang
- Institute for Innovative Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Xin Yao
- Institute for Innovative Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Dong Fang
- Institute for Innovative Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Songqiang Xie
- Institute of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Hua Sun
- Institute for Innovative Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
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Cheon C, Ko SG. Phase I study to evaluate the maximum tolerated dose of the combination of SH003 and docetaxel in patients with solid cancer: A study protocol. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e22228. [PMID: 32957363 PMCID: PMC7505292 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000022228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cancer is the second leading cause of death, and the burden of cancer continues to grow globally. Research on the efficacy of combined administration of herbal medicine and anticancer drugs is also increasing. SH003 is a new herbal medicine composed of Astragalus membranaceus, Angelica gigas, and Trichosanthes kirilowii. SH003 alone up to 4800 mg daily was found to be safe. Preclinical studies have shown SH003 to have a synergistic effect with coadministration of anticancer drugs. This study aimed to determine the maximum tolerated dose of SH003 combined with docetaxel in patients with lung or breast cancer. METHODS This is an open-label, dose-escalation study to evaluate the safety of SH003 combined with docetaxel. Patients with lung or breast cancer will be recruited. The participants will be divided into 3 groups based on SH003 daily dose (2400, 3600, and 4800 mg); the medication will be taken orally for 21 days. The traditional 3 + 3 design will be adopted for the dose escalation. Dose-limiting toxicities are defined as grade 3 or 4 adverse events according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. The highest dose at which no more than 1 of the 6 patients experience dose-limiting toxicity will be determined as the maximum tolerated dose of SH003 combined with docetaxel. DISCUSSION This study investigates the safety of SH003 when combined with docetaxel. The results of this study will provide a safe dose range for conducting therapeutic exploratory trials. TRIAL REGISTRATIONS ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04360317.
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