Native musk and synthetic musk ketone strongly induced the growth repression and the apoptosis of cancer cells

AI-assisted literature exploration of innovative Chinese medicine formulas

Objective: Our study provides an innovative approach to exploring herbal formulas that contribute to the promotion of sustainability and biodiversity conservation. We employ data mining, integrating keyword extraction, association rules, and LSTM-based generative models to analyze classical Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) texts. We systematically decode classical Chinese medical literature, conduct statistical analyses, and link these historical texts with modern pharmacogenomic references to explore potential alternatives. Methods: We present a novel iterative keyword extraction approach for discerning diverse herbs in historical TCM texts from the Pu-Ji Fang copies. Utilizing association rules, we uncover previously unexplored herb pairs. To bridge classical TCM herbal pairs with modern genetic relationships, we conduct gene-herb searches in PubMed and statistically validate this genetic literature as supporting evidence. We have expanded on the present work by developing a generative language model for suggesting innovative TCM formulations based on textual herb combinations. Results: We collected associations with 7,664 PubMed cross-search entries for gene-herb and 934 for Shenqifuzheng Injection as a positive control. We analyzed 16,384 keyword combinations from Pu-Ji Fang's 426 volumes, employing statistical methods to probe gene-herb associations, focusing on examining differences among the target genes and Pu-Ji Fang herbs. Conclusion: Analyzing Pu-Ji Fang reveals a historical focus on flavor over medicinal aspects in TCM. We extend our work on developing a generative model from classical textual keywords to rapidly produces novel herbal compositions or TCM formulations. This integrated approach enhances our comprehension of TCM by merging ancient text analysis, modern genetic research, and generative modeling.

Effects of musk volatile compounds on attenuated nerve injury and improving post-cerebral ischemic exercise functions

BACKGROUND

Reperfusion Injury Acute ischemic stroke is increasing in people recently and Musk, as a commonly used Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been suggested as a potential agent against acute ischemic stroke, but the efficacies and underlying mechanisms of it remain unknown.

OBJECTIVE

This study was aimed to tested the hypotheses that volatile compounds of musk could attenuate nerve injury and identify the bioactive compounds and potential mechanisms of Musk.

METHOD

Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model in vivo in Sprague-Dawley rats (SD rats) was used to test this hypothesis. Collecting ingredients of Musk and their related targets were discerned from the Gas chromatography-olfactory mass spectrometry (GC-O-MS) experiment. Then the potential mechanisms and targets of the compounds were searched by network pharmacology techniques. Finally, the pathway was verified by Western Bolt (WB).

RESULTS

First, Musk treatment significantly up-regulated the relative levels of AKT1, PI3KA, and VEGFA in the hippocampus, and improved the sport functions in the post-MCAO ischemic rats in vivo. Next, twenty potential flavor active compounds were recognized by GC-O-MS. A total of 89 key targets including HIF-1, PIK3CA, TNF signaling pathway, and VEGF were identified. AKT1, HIF1A, PIK3CA, and VEGFA were viewed as the most important genes, which were validated by molecular docking simulation.

CONCLUSION

The Volatile compounds of musk can attenuate nerve injury and improving post-cerebral ischemic exercise functions by HIF1A pathways, and the combined data provide novel insight for Musk volatile compounds developed as new drug for improving reperfusion injury in acute ischemic stroke.

Chemical compositions and pharmacological activities of natural musk (Moschus) and artificial musk: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Natural musk (Moschus), derived naturally from male musk deer (Moschus berezovskii Flerov, Moschus sifanicus Przewalski, or Moschus moschiferus Linnaeus), has long been an important component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and was used as resuscitation, blood circulation, and collateral drainage. detumescence and pain relief. Artificial musk was researched and applied into TCM as natural musk being as unsustainable resources.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We mainly summarized chemical compositions, pharmacological activities and mechanism of action of natural and artificial musk, and designed to serve as a foundation for further research into musk chemical compositions and pharmacological effect.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Those mainstream scientific databases including Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, CNKI, Wiley Online Library, web of science, were used for searching with below "Keywords", as well as literature-tracking. Literatures spanned 1962 to 2021, and involved into Chinese, English, Janpanese, Korean.

RESULTS

Natural musk contains some very desirable but scarce compounds, as well as their biological features, which led to the development of artificial musk. The chemical ingredients, pharmacological activities, and mechanisms of action of natural and artificial musk are summarized and compared in this paper. Polypeptide and protein, muscone, musclide, steroids, muscopyridine, and other chemical constituents of musk demonstrated important therapeutic properties against inflammation, immune system disorders, neurological disorders, cardiovascular system disorders, and so on. The mechanism of action contributed to effect on mediators, acceptors and relative signal pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Natural and artificial musk were revealed having some activated compounds, and showed excellent pharmacological effect. Meantime, above two sides of natural and artificial musk ought to get further research.

Zoology, chemical composition, pharmacology, quality control and future perspective of Musk (Moschus): a review

Musk, the dried secretion from the musk sac gland which is located between the navel and genitals of mature male musk deer, is utilized as oriental medicine in east Asia. It has been utilized to treat conditions such as stroke, coma, neurasthenia, convulsions, and heart diseases in China since ancient times. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of musk in zoology, chemical composition, pharmacology, clinical applications, and quality control according to the up-to-date literature. Studies found that musk mainly contains macrocyclic ketones, pyridine, steroids, fatty acids, amino acids, peptides, and proteins, whilst the main active ingredient is muscone. Modern pharmacological studies have proven that musk possesses potent anti-inflammatory effects, neuroprotective effects, anti-cancer effects, antioxidant effects, etc. Moreover, muscone, the main active ingredient, possesses anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antioxidant, and other pharmacological effects. In the quality control of musk, muscone is usually the main detection indicator, and the common analytical method is GC, and researchers have established novel and convenient methods such as HPLC-RI, RP-UPLC-ELSD, and Single-Sweep Polarography. In addition, quality evaluation methods based on steroids and the bioactivity of musk have been established. As for the identification of musk, due to various objective factors such as the availability of synthetic Muscone, it is not sufficient to rely on muscone alone as an identification index. To date, some novel technologies have also been introduced into the identification of musk, such as the electronic nose and DNA barcoding technology. In future research, more in vivo experiments and clinical studies are encouraged to fully explain the pharmacological effects and toxicity of musk, and more comprehensive methods are needed to evaluate and control the quality of musk.

Muscone Ameliorates Synaptic Dysfunction and Cognitive Deficits in APP/PS1 Mice

BACKGROUND

Dysfunction of synaptic plasticity leads to memory impairment in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Muscone (Mus) has shown neuroprotective effects in cerebral ischemic models. However, little is known of Mus effects on AD.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of Mus on memory functions and synaptic plasticity in 6-month-old APP/PS1 double-transgenic mice and explore the potential mechanisms.

METHODS

Mus was intraperitoneally injected into APP/PS1 or wild-type mice, and cognitive function was assessed by Novel object recognition and Morris water maze tests. The levels of amyloid-β (Aβ) were evaluated by immunofluorescence staining and ELISA. Synaptic morphology and plasticity were evaluated by Golgi staining and long-term potentiation. Cell viability was examined by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. The protein levels of histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) were accessed by western blotting and Immunofluorescence staining. The protein levels of microtubule associated protein 2 and synaptophysin were analyzed by immunofluorescence staining. The ubiquitination of HDAC2 was examined by co-immunoprecipitation. The interaction of Mus with HDAC2 was predicted by molecular docking analysis.

RESULTS

Mus treatment attenuated memory dysfunction, reduced Aβ level, and enhanced synaptic plasticity in APP/PS1 mice. In addition, Mus treatment decreased the level of HDAC2 in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice and Aβ1-42-induced primary neurons, which might be associated with increased HDAC2 ubiquitination induced by HDAC2 and Mus interaction.

CONCLUSION

Mus protected against synaptic plasticity and memory impairment in APP/PS1 mice, and enhanced HDAC2 degradation via ubiquitination, indicating that Mus was a potential drug for AD treatment.

Musk ketone induces apoptosis of gastric cancer cells via downregulation of sorbin and SH3 domain containing 2

Musk ketone exerts antiproliferative effects on several types of cancer, such as lung and breast cancer. However, the effects and underlying mechanisms of action of musk ketone in gastric cancer (GC) are poorly understood. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of musk ketone in GC cells. The present study indicated that musk ketone exerted significant anticancer effects on GC cells. The IC₅₀ values of musk ketone were 4.2 and 10.06 µM in AGS and HGC-27 cells, respectively. Low dosage of musk ketone significantly suppressed the proliferation and colony formation of AGS and HGC-27 cells. Cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were induced by musk ketone. Furthermore, microarray data indicated that musk ketone treatment led to downregulation of various genes, including sorbin and SH3 domain containing 2 (SORBS2). Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and immunoblotting results indicated that musk ketone repressed mRNA and protein expression levels of SORBS2. It was also shown that knockdown of SORBS2 inhibited the proliferation and colony formation of HGC-27 cells. The antiproliferative effects of musk ketone were decreased in HGC-27 cells with SORBS2 silencing. In summary, the present study indicated that musk ketone suppressed the proliferation and growth of GC partly by downregulating SORBS2 expression.

Pien Tze Huang (PZH) as a Multifunction Medicinal Agent in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): a review on cellular, molecular and physiological mechanisms

RELEVANCE

Pien Tze Huang (PZH) is a well-known Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), characterized by a multitude of pharmacological effects, such as hepatoprotection and inhibition of inflammation and cell proliferative conditions. Many of these effects have been validated at the cellular, molecular and physiological levels but, to date, most of these findings have not been comprehensively disclosed.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to provide a critical summary of recent studies focusing on PZH and its multiple pharmacological effects. As a result, we further discuss some novel perspectives related to PZH's mechanisms of action and a holistic view of its therapeutic activities.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed focusing on PZH studies originated from original scientific resources. The scientific literature retrieved for this work was obtained from International repositories including NCBI/PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases.

RESULTS

The major active componentes and their potential functions, including hepatoprotective and neuroprotective effects, as well as anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities, were summarized and categorized accordingly. As indicated, most of the pharmacological effects were validated in vitro and in vivo. The identification of complex bioactive components in PZH may provide the basis for further therapeutic initiatives.

CONCLUSION

Here we have collectively discussed the recent evidences covering most, if not all, pharmacological effects driven by PZH. This review provides novel perspectives on understanding the modes of action and the holistic view of TCM. The rational development of future clinical trials will certainly provide evidence-based medical evidences that will also confirm the therapeutic advantages of PZH, based on the current information available.

Inhibitory mechanism of muscone in liver cancer involves the induction of apoptosis and autophagy

Traditionally, musk has been used as an analgesic to treat pain associated with cancer. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive tumor; however, patients with liver cancer that received musk were reported to live longer and have a higher quality of life. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate whether muscone, a macrocyclic compound of musk, demonstrated potential as an anti-liver cancer drug for the non-surgical treatment of advanced liver cancer. Briefly, liver cancer cells were treated with muscone and the rates of cellular apoptosis and autophagy were investigated using staining techniques and western blotting. The underlying molecular mechanisms of muscone were evaluated using high-throughput sequencing and the in vitro effects of muscone were subsequently validated in vivo using a nude mouse model. Muscone increased the rates of apoptosis and autophagy in liver cancer cells; the increase in cellular apoptosis was observed to occur through endoplasmic reticulum stress responses, whereas muscone-induced autophagy was closely associated with the AMP kinase/mTOR complex 1 signaling pathway. These findings were verified in vivo. Notably, sestrin-2 expression levels were also significantly decreased in liver cancer tissues compared with paracancerous tissues. In conclusion, the present study suggests that muscone demonstrates potential as an anticancer drug, and the findings of the present study provide the basis for the development of effective anticancer drugs derived from natural compounds.

Protective effect of Ketone musk on LPS/ATP-induced pyroptosis in J774A.1 cells through suppressing NLRP3/GSDMD pathway

Pyroptosis is a different type of proinflammatory and lytic mode of cell death from apoptosis and necrosis, which play a killer and cleaner to the pathogenic microorganisms as an immune response when the host is infected by pathogenic microorganisms. Ketone musk (KM) is a component of the native musk, which is widely used to medicine and chemical engineering. In this research, we studied whether KM can suppress the pyroptosis in J774A.1 cells induced by lipopoysaccharide (LPS)/Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) stimulation. The results showed that KM increased the viability of LPS/ATP-stimulated cells, decreased the production of interleukin (IL)-1β/18, and suppressed the activation of caspased-1 and NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and gasdermin D (GSDMD). Our present study demonstrated that KM inhibited LPS/ATP-induced pyroptosis and the release of IL-1β/18 in J774A.1 cells by inhibiting the activation of GSDMD and caspase-1 and the assembly of NLRP3 inflammasome. Our finding may be of significance on investigating that KM has a positive potential application in the treatment of pyroptosis-mediated diseases.