Network pharmacological identification of active compounds and potential actions of Erxian decoction in alleviating menopause-related symptoms

Network pharmacology and experimental verification of the potential mechanism of Er-Xian decoction in aplastic anemia

To investigate the potential mechanism of Er-Xian decoction (EXD) in treating aplastic anemia (AA), the active components of EXD were screened by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), and the targets of the components were predicted by the Swiss Target Prediction database. AA targets were collected from the GeneCards, OMIM, DisGeNET, PharmGKB, DrugBank, and TTD databases, the intersection of AA targets and EXD targets was calculated, and an herb-component-target network was constructed by Cytoscape 3.7.2 software. The STRING database was used for protein‒protein interaction (PPI) analysis, and Cytoscape 3.7.2 software was used to construct a PPI network and perform topology analysis. The core targets were imported into the DAVID database for gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. The molecular docking software AutoDock was used to measure the affinity between active components and key targets. Finally, we established a mouse model of AA and verified the key targets and signaling pathways of EXD by RT‒PCR, ELISA and Western blot analysis. A total of 53 active components were screened from EXD, 2516 AA-related targets were collected, and 195 common targets were obtained. An herb-component-target network and a PPI network were successfully constructed, and 36 core targets were selected from the PPI network. The main active components of EXD include luteolin, kaempferol, berberine, etc., and key targets include PIK3CA, AKT1, STAT3, etc. GO functional enrichment analysis showed that cell components, molecular functions and biological processes with significant correlations were macromolecular complexes, protein serine/threonine/tyrosine kinase activity and protein phosphorylation, respectively. KEGG pathway analysis showed that the pathways with significant correlations included the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Molecular docking results showed that the tested key targets had good affinity for the corresponding active components. In AA mice, we found that EXD significantly increased white blood cell count, red blood cell count, platelet count and hemoglobin levels, increased mRNA levels of PIK3CA, PIK3CD, AKT1, JAK2, STAT3 and MAPK1, and promoted phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, ERK1/2 and STAT3. In summary, EXD acts on PI3K, AKT, STAT3 and other targets through berberine, luteolin, quercetin and other components to regulate the PI3K-Akt pathway, JAK-STAT pathway and other pathways, thus exerting its therapeutic effect on AA. This study explained the Chinese medicine theory of treating AA with EXD by tonifying kidney-yang and provides a scientific basis for the use of EXD in treating AA.

Exploring therapeutic targets and drug candidates for obesity: a combined network pharmacology, bioinformatics approach

The remarkably high prevalence of obesity in Saudi Arabia reflects a global epidemic demanding urgent attention due to its associated health risks. The integration of traditional medicine, a vital cultural aspect, involves the use of medicinal plants to address various diseases, including obesity. This research merges network pharmacology (NP) and bioinformatics to innovate obesity treatment by identifying effective phytochemicals from native plants in the Taif valley. Focusing on six indigenous plants-Senna alexandrina, Capsicum annuum, Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa, Trigonella foenum-graecum, and Foeniculum vulgare-we conducted preliminary screenings for potential bioactive compounds. We systematically compiled compound data from public databases and reviewed literature, revealing active compounds like apigenin, kaempferol, moupinamide, cyclocurcumin, chrysoeriol, isorhamnetin, rheinanthrone, cyclocurcumin, and riboflavin.Constructing a compound-target genes-obesity network unveiled their significant impact on metabolic regulation and fat accumulation, interacting notably with key proteins AKT1 and PTGS2. Molecular docking and 100 ns Molecular Dynamic (MD) simulations demonstrated robust binding affinity and stability at the docking site. Employing adipocytes as a cellular model, we gauged their viability and response to obesity-related stressors post-treatment with these native plant compounds.In conclusion, Saudi Arabia's indigenous plants hold promise as natural solutions for obesity treatment. This research opens new avenues in the battle against this pervasive health crisis by incorporating the potential of native botanicals.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

An anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic proprietary Chinese medicine nasal spray designated as Allergic Rhinitis Nose Drops (ARND) with potential to prevent SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection by targeting RBD (Delta)- angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) binding

BACKGROUND

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 has resulted in over 313,000,000 confirmed cases of infection and over 5,500,000 deaths, substantial research work has been conducted to discover agents/ vaccines against COVID-19. Undesired adverse effects were observed in clinical practice and common vaccines do not protect the nasal tissue. An increasing volume of direct evidence based on clinical studies of traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) in the treatment of COVID-19 has been reported. However, the safe anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic proprietary Chinese medicines nasal spray, designated as Allergic Rhinitis Nose Drops (ARND), and its potential of re-purposing for suppressing viral infection via SARS-CoV-2 RBD (Delta)- angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) binding have not been elucidated.

PURPOSE

To characterize ARND as a potential SARS-CoV-2 entry inhibitor for its possible preventive application in anti-virus hygienic agent.

METHODS

Network pharmacology analysis of ARND was adopted to asacertain gene targets which were commonly affected by COVID-19. The inhibitory effect of ARND on viral infection was determined by an in vitro pseudovirus assay. Furthermore, ARND was confirmed to have a strong binding affinity with ACE2 and SARS-CoV-2 spike-RBD (Delta) by ELISA. Finally, inflammatory and fibrotic cell models were used in conjunction in this study.

RESULTS

The results suggested ARND not only inhibited pseudovirus infection and undermined the binding affinity between ACE2 and the Spike protein (Delta), but also attenuated the inflammatory response upon infection and may lead to a better prognosis with a lower risk of pulmonary fibrosis. The data in this study also provide a basis for further development of ARND as an antiviral hygienic product and further investigations on ARND in the live virus, in vivo and COVID-19 patients. ARND holds promise for use in the current COVID-19 outbreak as well as in future pandemics.

CONCLUSION

ARND could be considered as a safe anti-SARS-CoV-2 agent with potential to prevent SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection.

Network Pharmacology- and Molecular Docking-Based Identification of Potential Phytocompounds from Argyreia capitiformis in the Treatment of Inflammation

The methanolic extract of Argyreia capitiformis stem was examined for anti-inflammatory activities following network pharmacology analysis and molecular docking study. Based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, 49 compounds were identified from the methanolic extract of A. capitiformis stem. A network pharmacology analysis was conducted against the identified compounds, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis and Gene Ontology analysis of biological processes and molecular functions were performed. Six proteins (IL1R1, IRAK4, MYD88, TIRAP, TLR4, and TRAF6) were identified from the KEGG pathway analysis and subjected to molecular docking study. Additionally, six best ligand efficiency compounds and positive control (aspirin) from each protein were evaluated for their stability using the molecular dynamics simulation study. Our study suggested that IL1R1, IRAK4, MYD88, TIRAP, TLR4, and TRAF6 proteins may be targeted by compounds in the methanolic extract of A. capitiformis stem to provide anti-inflammatory effects.

Erxian Decoction modulates Th17/Treg cells differentiation through LFA-1/ICAM-1/STAT3 pathway in menopausal dry eye disease

With the development of modern societies and the ageing of the population, the treatment of menopausal dry eye disease (MDED) has become a thorny issue for the medical profession. Erxian Decoction (EXD) is a traditional Chinese medicine prescription, which has performed good clinical effect on dry eye disease. In this research, we purposed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of EXD for the treatment of MDED. A MDED rat model was established, the results indicated that high concentration of EXD could significantly improve the tear secretion and tear film stability of the animal model. Next, we found that EXD worked through the LFA-1/ICAM-1/STAT3 pathway in the body, and EXD could regulate IL-17, IL-10, CTLA-4 and TGF-β1 to get Th17/Treg balance. In vitro experiments, the results indicated that EXD affected the differentiation of CD4⁺ T cells into Th17/Treg cells by inhibiting the expression and activation of LFA-1 on CD4⁺ T cells, thus exerting immunotherapy effect. Our research provided the experimental basis and associated mechanisms for the clinical application of EXD in dry eye disease.

Analysis of the Composition and Anti-Rheumatoid Arthritis Mechanism of Qintengtongbi Decoction Based on Network Pharmacology

Qintengtongbi Decoction (QTTBD) is a traditional prescription for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment in Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, southern China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. However, there is not yet any analysis on its active compounds or action mechanism for treating RA. Moreover, the prescription has not been investigated from the perspective of network pharmacology. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the compounds QTTBD and their potential pharmacological effects and the mechanism by which they treat RA via an integrated network pharmacology approach. With the aid of the relevant database tools and research indices, 188 compounds and 272 related drug targets genes/proteins were collected from QTTBD through the compound-target network, and 175 common gene targets between the QTTBD and RA were obtained by Venn 2.1. Finally, the top 10 gene targets and pathways were identified through the protein–protein interaction network, gene ontology, and KEGG pathway analysis: the gene targets include AKT1, IL6, TP53, VEGFA, MAPK3, TNF, CASP3, JUN, EGF, and EGFR; the pathways include oxytocin signaling pathway, amphetamine addiction, graft-versus-host disease, ovarian steroidogenesis, cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, Rap1 signaling pathway, allograft rejection, cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction, regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes and inflammatory mediator regulation of transient receptor potential channels. Therefore, it is concluded that a network pharmacology-based approach can help reveal and clarify the anti-RA role of QTTBD, and provide a scientific basis for further research into the mechanism.

Exploring the mechanism of PingTang No.5 capsule on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease through network pharmacology and experimental validation

PingTang No.5 capsule (PT5), a modified Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula of Zexie Decoction, is used to treat patients with lipid metabolism disorders in our hospital. The present study was designed to investigate the mechanisms of PT5 in treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). PT5 information including ingredients, pharmacological properties, and potential targets was obtained from TCM databases. The candidate targets of PT5 were predicted by network pharmacological analysis, and the possible pathway and mechanism were obtained from DAVID database, followed by experimental validation in NAFLD mice model treated with PT5. Total 328 compounds were selected using the threshold oral bioactivity (OB) > 30% or drug-likeness (DL) > 0.1 of pharmacology characteristic, and 1033 candidate targets obtained to construct the network analysis. The 113 targets were selected from the intersection between candidate targets of PT5 and NAFLD relative gene. These targets were evaluated in diabetic complications, cancer, Hepatitis B, Fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, and TNF signaling pathway. TNF-α was the important factor in protein interaction analysis of STRING and involved in the lipid regulation and oxidative stress in NAFLD. When administrated to the NAFLD mice, PT5 reduced weight, blood fatty acids, decreased the adipocyte size, and improved the metabolism. Besides, the molecular verification of lipid metabolism increased and oxidative stress reduced that interpreted the mechanism of PT5 preventing liver cell from lipid accumulation and injury of NAFLD. These results presented PT5 have the potential therapy as an alternative treatment for NAFLD.

Molecular Targets and Associated Signaling Pathways of Jingshu Granules in Ovarian Cysts Based on Systemic Pharmacological Analysis

Background

More than a third of women could develop ovarian cysts during their lifetime. Jingshu granules are used for the treatment of gynecological disease of primary dysmenorrhea. However, the molecular mechanisms of Jingshu granules in ovarian cysts are still unreported. We aimed to find the active ingredients, molecular targets, and potential signaling pathways of Jingshu granules in ovarian cysts by using the systemic pharmacological analysis.

Methods

Firstly, the effect of Jingshu granules on female hormones and reproductive organs of young female rats was evaluated. Secondly, candidate pharmaceutical ingredients of Jingshu granules were retrieved from the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology (TCMSP) database and analysis platform. Potential protein targets for the active ingredients in Jingshu granules were then identified according to the oral bioavailability and drug-likeness indices. Thirdly, ovarian cyst-related gene targets were screened based on different databases. Finally, enrichment analysis was used to analyze the potential biological function of intersection targets between Jingshu granules and ovarian cysts.

Results

In young female rats, Jingshu granules reduced the secretion of estradiol, progesterone, and prolactin and could affect the development of the uterus. This suggested that Jingshu granules played roles in hormone secretion and reproduction. From the TCMSP, a total of 1021 pharmaceutical ingredients of Jingshu granules were retrieved. After further screening, a total of 166 active ingredients and 159 protein targets of Jingshu granules were identified. In addition, 4488 gene targets of ovarian cysts were screened out. After taking the intersection, a total of 110 intersection targets were identified between potential protein targets of Jingshu granules and gene targets of ovarian cysts. In the functional analysis of 110 intersection targets, 8 signaling pathways including progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation (MAPK8 and CDK1 involved), GnRH signaling pathway (JUN involved), T cell receptor signaling pathway and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway (MAPK1 involved), NOD-like receptor signaling pathway (TNF, IL6, and IL1B involved), p53 signaling pathway (CDK2 and CDK4 involved), VEGF signaling pathway (MAPK14 involved), and PPAR signaling pathway (PPARG involved) were obtained.

Conclusion

Our study revealed that Jingshu granules could function in patients with ovarian cysts through a number of molecular targets and signaling pathways. Our study may provide a new field into the mechanisms of Jingshu granules in ovarian cysts, from the molecular to the signaling pathway level.

Erxian decoction, a famous Chinese medicine formula, antagonizes corticosterone-induced injury in PC12 cells, and improves depression-like behaviours in mice

Context: In folk medicine, erxian decoction (EXD) is used to treat perimenopausal syndrome in women. It is also used clinically to treat depression, but the mechanism remains unknown.Objectives: To investigate the neuroprotective effect of EXD, and its antidepressant potential.Materials and methods: ICR mice were treated with EXD (0.5, 1.5 and 4.5 g/kg i.g.) and fluoxetine (6.0 mg/kg i.g.) for 10 days. On day 10 of the treatment, depression-like behaviour was induced by reserpine (2.5 mg/kg injected i.p.), and after 24 h of reserpine administration, it was assessed using the tail suspension and forced swimming tests. MTT assay, lactate dehydrogenase test, flow cytometry analysis, Hoechst staining and western blotting were used to assess the apoptosis of PC12 cells. Apoptosis proteins and neurotransmitter were tested in vitro and in vivo, respectively.Results: MTT assay results showed corticosterone prevented cell growth, but EXD at concentrations of 100, 200 and 400 μg/mL restored cell viability (EC₅₀: 204.016 μg/mL). EXD decreased lactate dehydrogenase leakage from 63.48 to 43.60 U/L, and upregulated expression of Bcl-2 while the expression of Bax, caspase-3 and caspase-8 were decreased in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, EXD improved depression-like behaviour in mice, and 4.5 g/kg EXD treatment increased the secretion of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine by 67.44, 28.12 and 42.12 pg/mg, respectively, in hypothalamus compared to that of reserpine group.Discussion and conclusions: EXD demonstrated neuroprotective effects and improved depression-like behaviour in mice. Further research should be focussed on the mechanism of the active components in EXD.

Ziziphora clinopodioides flavonoids based on network pharmacology attenuates atherosclerosis in rats induced by high-fat emulsion combined with vitamin D3 by down-regulating VEGF/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway

Ziziphora clinopodioides flavonoids (ZCF) is a major bioactive total flavonoids compound isolated from Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. It has been long used as an anti-atherosclerosis (AS) in clinics. However, anti-AS effects of ZCF have not been fully investigated. The objective of this study is to further investigate the anti-AS activities and mechanisms of ZCF in vivo. The main chemical components, action targets and signal pathways of Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam were predicted and analyzed by network pharmacology technology. The main bioactive components of Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam were identified using high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). In vivo experiments, atherosclerosis in rats induced by high-fat emulsion combined with vitamin D₃ and treated with simvastatin (0.45 mg/kg/d), ZCF (6.25, 12.5, 25 g/kg/d) for 7 weeks. We found that ZCF significantly reduced blood lipid levels (TG, TC, and LDL-C), and decreased lipid deposition in the aorta and atherosclerotic lesion size, inhibited mitochondrial mem- brane potential (MMP2/9/12/13) impairment. Meanwhile, ZCF may down-regulated the levels of VEGF, AKT, NF-κB, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 proteins, indicating ZCF may play an anti-atherosclerotic role by down-regulating the VEGF/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway. Results from this study demonstrated that ZCF have an anti-AS ability to lower lipid concentrations and protect endothelial function, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, and suggested that ZCF might be a potential therapeutic drug in the prevention of AS.

A Comprehensive Network Pharmacology-Based Strategy to Investigate Multiple Mechanisms of HeChan Tablet on Lung Cancer

Background

HeChan tablet (HCT) is a traditional Chinese medicine preparation extensively prescribed to treat lung cancer in China. However, the pharmacological mechanisms of HCT on lung cancer remain to be elucidated.

Methods

A comprehensive network pharmacology-based strategy was conducted to explore underlying mechanisms of HCT on lung cancer. Putative targets and compounds of HCT were retrieved from TCMSP and BATMAN-TCM databases; related genes of lung cancer were retrieved from OMIM and DisGeNET databases; known therapeutic target genes of lung cancer were retrieved from TTD and DrugBank databases; PPI networks among target genes were constructed to filter hub genes by STRING. Furthermore, the pathway and GO enrichment analysis of hub genes was performed by clusterProfiler, and the clinical significance of hub genes was identified by The Cancer Genome Atlas.

Result

A total of 206 compounds and 2,433 target genes of HCT were obtained. 5,317 related genes of lung cancer and 77 known therapeutic target genes of lung cancer were identified. 507 unique target genes were identified among HCT-related genes of lung cancer and 34 unique target genes were identified among HCT-known therapeutic target genes of lung cancer. By PPI networks, 11 target genes AKT1, TP53, MAPK8, JUN, EGFR, TNF, INS, IL-6, MYC, VEGFA, and MAPK1 were identified as major hub genes. IL-6, JUN, EGFR, and MYC were shown to associate with the survival of lung cancer patients. Five compounds of HCT， quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, beta-sitosterol, and baicalein were recognized as key compounds of HCT on lung cancer. The gene enrichment analysis implied that HCT probably benefitted patients with lung cancer by modulating the MAPK and PI3K-Akt pathways.

Conclusion

This study predicted pharmacological and molecular mechanisms of HCT against lung cancer and could pave the way for further experimental research and clinical application of HCT.

A bioinformatics investigation into the pharmacological mechanisms of javanica oil emulsion injection in non-small cell lung cancer based on network pharmacology methodologies

Background

Javanica oil emulsion injection (JOEI) is an effective therapeutic option for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but its mechanisms have not been fully elucidated.

Methods

In this study, we utilized network pharmacology to systematically investigate the bioactive components and targets of JOEI, identify common targets in NSCLC, and understand and evaluate the underlying mechanism of JOEI in the treatment of NSCLC through expression level, correlation, enrichment, Cox, survival and molecular docking analyses. The results indicated that five compounds of JOEI interact with five pivotal targets (LDLR, FABP4, ABCB1, PTGS2, and SDC4) that might be strongly correlated with the JOEI-mediated treatment of NSCLC.

Results

The expression level analysis demonstrated that NSCLC tissues exhibit low expression of FABP4, ABCB1, LDLR and PTGS2 and high SDC4 expression. According to the correlation analysis, a decrease in FABP4 expression was strongly correlated with decreases in LDLR and ABCB1, and a decrease in LDLR was strongly correlated with decreased PTGS2 and increased in SDC4 expression. Cox and survival analyses showed that the survival rate of the high-risk group was significantly lower than that of the low-risk group (p = 0.00388). In the survival analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) showed that the pivotal gene model exhibited the best predictive capacity over 4 years (AUC = 0.613). Moreover, the molecular docking analysis indicated that LDLR, FABP4, ABCB1, PTGS2 and SDC4 exhibit good binding activity with the corresponding compounds.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study predicted and verified that the mechanism of JOEI against NSCLC involves multiple targets and signaling pathways. Furthermore, this study provides candidate targets for the treatment of NSCLC, lays a good foundation for further experimental research and promotes the reasonable application of JOEI in clinical treatment.

Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester Effects: In Silico Study of its Osteoimmunological Mechanisms

Background:

Biological system complexity impedes the drug target identification by biological experiments. Thus drugs, rather than acting on target site only, can interact with the entire biological system. Study of this phenomenon, known as network pharmacology, provides grounds for biological target identification of new drugs or acts as a foundation for the discovery of new targets of present drugs. No publication is available on the interaction network of CAPE.

Aim:

This study was aimed at the investigation of the candidate targets and possible interactions of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) involved in its osteoimmunological effects.

Methods:

This study encompasses the investigation of candidate targets and possible interactions of CAPE by analyzing through PASS Prediction and constructing a biological network of CAPE.

Results:

In response to input (CAPE), PASS Prediction generated a network of 1723 targets. While selecting the probability to be active (Pa) value greater than 0.7 brought forth only 27 targets for CAPE. Most of these targets predicted the therapeutic role of CAPE as an osteoimmunological agent. Apart from this, this network pharmacology also identified 10 potential anti-cancer targets for CAPE, out of which 7 targets have been used efficiently in developing potent osteoimmunological drugs.

Conclusion:

This study provides scientific prediction of the mechanisms involved in osteoimmunological effects of CAPE, presenting its promising use in the development of a natural therapeutic agent for the pharmaceutical industry. CAPE targets identified by web-based online databases and network pharmacology need additional in silico assessment such as docking and MD simulation studies and experimental verification to authenticate these results.

Network Pharmacology-Based Prediction of Active Ingredients and Potential Targets of ShengDiHuang Decoction for Treatment of Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the potential active ingredients and related crucial targets of the ShengDiHuang Decoction (SDHD) formula in the treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) by using network pharmacology and verification experiment.

METHODS

In this study, we determined the potential active ingredients from the traditional SDHD formula and their targets with the network pharmacology method. The network of "compound-disease-target" was constructed by the software of Cytoscape. Software of DAVID was used to enrich pathways for these 87 targets of SDHD. Further, the therapeutic effect of SDHD on DUB was verified by observing the morphological changes of the uterus and ovaries and determining the expression of ERS2 and progesterone in the plasma.

RESULTS

52 compounds of Rheum and 5 compounds of Rehmannia were selected, and 87 potential targets were screened by network pharmacology. Furthermore, 7 main active ingredients were acquired by the ADME process. In addition, enrichment analysis of drug-target networks indicated that SDHD may play a role in overall coordination through "multicomponent and multitarget" in different organ patterns by regulating multiple pathways directly or indirectly. Finally, in the verification experiment of SDHD on DUB, it was found that SDHD can effectively repair the uterus and ovaries and also have an upregulation effect on the target ESR2 and increase the content of progesterone.

CONCLUSION

Overall, this study revealed potential mechanisms of multitarget and multicomponent about SDHD in the treatment of DUB and provided a scientific foundation for further studying the mechanism.

Identification of the Active Constituents and Significant Pathways of Cangfu Daotan Decoction for the Treatment of PCOS Based on Network Pharmacology

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common female endocrine disease. Cangfu Daotan Decoction (CDD) can effectively relieve the clinical symptoms of PCOS patients.

Methods

To explore the active ingredients and related pathways of CDD for treating PCOS, a network pharmacology-based analysis was carried out. The active ingredients of CDD and their potential targets were obtained from the TCM system pharmacology analysis platform. The obtained PCOS-related genes from OMIM and GeneCards were imported to establish protein-protein interaction networks in STRING. Finally, GO analysis and significant pathway analysis were conducted with the RStudio (Bioconductor) database.

Results

A total of 111 active compounds were obtained from 1433 ingredients present in the CDD, related to 118 protein targets. In addition, 736 genes were found to be closely related to PCOS, of which 44 overlapped with CDD and were thus considered therapeutically relevant. Pathway enrichment analysis identified the AGE-RAGE signalling pathway in diabetic complications, endocrine resistance, the IL-17 signalling pathway, the prolactin signalling pathway, and the HIF-1 signalling pathway. Moreover, PI3K-Akt, insulin resistance, Toll-like receptor, MAPK, and AGE-RAGE were related to PCOS and treatment.

Conclusions

CDD can effectively improve the symptoms of PCOS, and our network pharmacological analysis lays the foundation for future clinical research.

A Network-Based Method for Mechanistic Investigation and Neuroprotective Effect on Post-treatment of Senkyunolid-H Against Cerebral Ischemic Stroke in Mouse

Senkyunolide-H (SEH), a major bioactive compound extracted from Ligusticum chuanxiong, has been reported to be effective in preventing cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS). In this study, we employed network pharmacology to reveal potential mechanism of SEH against CIS on a system level and confirmed the therapeutic effects of SEH on CIS by models of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in vivo and in vitro. Through protein-protein interaction networks construction of SEH- and CIS-related targets, a total of 62 key targets were obtained by screening topological indices and analyzed for Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment. Gene Ontology analysis indicated that SEH might have a role in treating CIS via regulating some biological processes including regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter, epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway, phosphatidylinositol-mediated signaling, and some molecular function, such as transcription factor and protein phosphatase binding and nitric oxide synthase regulator activity. Meanwhile, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis showed that phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway was significantly enriched. In addition, our result showed that SEH posttreatment significantly decreased the neurological scores, infarct volume, and neuronal death in the middle cerebral artery occlusion mice. Moreover, the PI3K/Akt/nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway was activated by intragastric administration of 40 mg/kg SEH, as verified by Western blot. In vitro, treatment of PC12 cells with 100 μM SEH markedly reduced cell death induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation through the activation of PI3K/Akt/nuclear factor kappa B pathway, and the therapeutic effect of SEH was obviously inhibited by 10 μM LY294002. In summary, these results suggested that SEH carries a therapeutic potential in CIS involving multiple targets and pathways, and the most crucial mechanism might be through the activation of PI3K/Akt/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway to inhibit inflammatory factor releases and increase the antiapoptosis capacity. Our study furnishes the future traditional Chinese medicine research with a network pharmacology framework.

Erxian Decoction Attenuates TNF-α Induced Osteoblast Apoptosis by Modulating the Akt/Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway

Erxian decoction (EXD), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, has been used for treatment of osteoporosis for many years. The purpose of this study was to investigate the pharmacological effect of EXD in preventing osteoblast apoptosis and the underlying mechanism of prevention. Putative targets of EXD were predicted by network pharmacology, and functional and pathway enrichment analyses were also performed. Evaluations of bone mineral density, serum estradiol level, trabecular area fraction, serum calcium levels, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels in ovariectomized rats, as well as cell proliferation assays, apoptosis assays, and western blotting in MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts were performed for further experimental validation. Ninety-three active ingredients in the EXD formula and 259 potential targets were identified. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses indicated that EXD significantly influenced the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. In vivo experiments indicated that EXD treatment attenuated bone loss and decreased TNF-α levels in rats with osteoporosis. In vitro experiments showed that EXD treatment increased cell viability markedly and decreased levels of caspase-3 and the rate of apoptosis. It also promoted phosphorylation of Akt, nuclear translocation of transcription factor NF-erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2), and hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in TNF-α-induced MC3T3-E1 cells. Our results suggest that EXD exerted profound anti-osteoporosis effects, at least partially by reducing production of TNF-α and attenuating osteoblast apoptosis via Akt/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Network pharmacology-based identifcation of potential targets of the flower of Trollius chinensis Bunge acting on anti-inflammatory effectss

The flower of Trollius chinensis Bunge was widely used for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In order to clarify the anti-inflammatory mechanism of this Chinese herbs, a comprehensive network pharmacology strategy that consists of three sequential modules (pharmacophore matching, enrichment analysis and molecular docking.) was carried out. As a result, Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), Janus kinase 1 (JAK1), c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), transforming protein p21 (HRas) and mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (p38α) that related to the anti-inflammatory effect were filtered out. In further molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, the conformation of CID21578038 and CID20055288 were found stable in the protein ASK1 and JNKs respectively. The current investigation revealed that two effective compounds in the flower of Trollius chinensis Bunge played a crucial role in the process of inflammation by targeting ASK1 and JNKs, the comprehensive strategy can serve as a universal method to guide in illuminating the mechanism of the prescription of traditional Chinese medicine by identifying the pathways or targets.

Network pharmacology-based identification for therapeutic mechanism of Ling-Gui-Zhu-Gan decoction in the metabolic syndrome induced by antipsychotic drugs

BACKGROUND

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a common side effect of second-generation antipsychotic drugs (SGAs), leading to poor prognosis in patients with mental illness. The traditional Chinese herbal formula Ling-Gui-Zhu-Gan decoction (LGZGD) is a clinically validated remedy for SGAs-induced MetS, but its underlying mechanism remains unclear.

METHODS

A network pharmacology-based analysis was performed to explore predicted plasma-absorbed components, putative therapeutic targets, and main pathways involved in LGZGD bioactivity. We constructed a target interaction network between the predicted targets of LGZGD and the known targets of MetS, after which we extracted major hubs using topological analysis. Thereafter, the maximum value of "edge betweenness" of all interactions was defined as a bottleneck, which suggested its importance in connecting all targets in the network. Finally, a pathway enrichment analysis of major hubs was used to reveal the biological functions of LGZGD.

RESULTS

This approach identified 120 compounds and 361 candidate targets of LGZGD. According to the data generated in this study, the interaction between JUN and APOA1 plays a vital role in the treatment of SGAs-induced MetS using LGZGD. Interestingly, JUN was a putative target of LGZGD and APOA1 is one of the known targets of both MetS and SGAs (olanzapine and clozapine). LGZGD was significantly associated with several pathways including PI3K-Akt signaling, insulin resistance, and MAPK signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

LGZGD might inhibit JUN and thereby increases the expression of APOA1 to maintain metabolic homeostasis via some vital pathways.

Erxian decoction, a Chinese herbal formula, for menopausal syndrome: An updated systematic review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Erxian decoction (EXD), a famous Chinese herbal prescription, consists of Rhizoma Curculiginis, Herba Epimedii, Radix Morindae Officinalis, Radix Angelicae Sinensis, Cortex Phellodendri, Rhizoma Anemarrhenae, all of which are recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia.

OBJECTIVE

To conduct an updated systematic and meta-analysis investigating efficacy and safety of EXD for menopausal syndrome.

METHODS

An electronic search was conducted in eight databases from inception until July 2018. Randomized controlled trials with risk-of-bias score ≥ 7 according to the Cochrane Back Review Group were included for analyses. All participants with a diagnosis of menopausal syndrome met the established criteria. The treatment group was EXD monotherapy or adjunct therapy. Comparators were placebo, hormone replace therapy, hormone plus nonhormonal agents, nonhormonal agents and no treatment. The primary outcome measurements were the Kupperman index, total hot flush scores, total menopause rating scale (MRS) scores and total menopause-specific quality of life (MENQOL) scores. The secondary outcomes were total clinical effective rate, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, Hamilton depression (HAMD) scale scores, self-rating depression scale (SDS) scores, self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) scores, athens insomnia scale (AIS) scores, serological indicators, blood pressure, and adverse events. RevMan 5.3 Software was used for data analyses. GRADE system was used to assess the level of evidence.

RESULTS

Sixteen eligible studies with 1594 subjects were identified. Five studies showed EXD was contradictory results according to Kupperman index of menopausal syndrome compared with hormone. One study showed EXD significantly improved total hot flush scores, total MRS scores and total MENQOL scores compared with placebo (P < 0.05). Meta-analysis of 10 EXD monotherapy or 2 paratherapy studies showed that both can significantly improve total effective rate compared with hormone (P < 0.05); 3 studies showed that EXD plus hormone significantly reduces the TCM syndrome scores, HAMD scale scores, SDS scores and SAS scores compared with hormone (P < 0.05). One study showed a significant effect of EXD for reducing AIS scores compared with hormone (P < 0.05); 7 studies showed contradictory effects for improving serological indicators compared with hormone. Two studies reported adverse effects, whereas the other studies did not mention. The quality of the evidence of primary outcomes was moderate to high according to the GRADE profiler.

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings do not allow an assessment of the evidence because the low-quality studies included cannot be reproduced. However, we identified an area, which is worthy of further research. Rigorous RCTs are still needed in the future.

Chinese Medicines Improve Perimenopausal Symptoms Induced by Surgery, Chemoradiotherapy, or Endocrine Treatment for Breast Cancer

The application of surgery, chemoradiotherapy, and endocrine treatment successfully increases survival rates of breast cancer patients. However, perimenopausal symptoms, the main side effects of these treatments, often afflict patients and reduce their quality of life. Perimenopausal symptoms include vasomotor symptoms, sleep problems, arthromuscular symptoms, and osteoporosis. Currently, there are no satisfactory treatments for perimenopausal symptoms that result from these treatments. Therefore, alternative and complementary therapies including herbal medicines represented by Chinese medicines (CMs), acupuncture, massage, and psychotherapy are increasingly being expected and explored. In this paper, we review the effects and potentials of several CM formulae, along with some active ingredients or fractions from CMs, Chinese herbal extracts, and other herbal medicines, which have drawn attention for improving perimenopausal symptoms in breast cancer patients. We also elaborate their possible mechanisms. Moreover, further studies for evaluation of standardized clinical efficacy should be scientifically well-designed and continuously performed to investigate the efficacy and mechanisms of CMs for perimenopausal symptoms due to breast cancer therapy. The safety and value of estrogen-containing CMs for breast cancer should also be clarified.

Network Pharmacology Databases for Traditional Chinese Medicine: Review and Assessment

The research field of systems biology has greatly advanced and, as a result, the concept of network pharmacology has been developed. This advancement, in turn, has shifted the paradigm from a “one-target, one-drug” mode to a “network-target, multiple-component-therapeutics” mode. Network pharmacology is more effective for establishing a “compound-protein/gene-disease” network and revealing the regulation principles of small molecules in a high-throughput manner. This approach makes it very powerful for the analysis of drug combinations, especially Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) preparations. In this work, we first summarized the databases and tools currently used for TCM research. Second, we focused on several representative applications of network pharmacology for TCM research, including studies on TCM compatibility, TCM target prediction, and TCM network toxicology research. Third, we compared the general statistics of several current TCM databases and evaluated and compared the search results of these databases based on 10 famous herbs. In summary, network pharmacology is a rational approach for TCM studies, and with the development of TCM research, powerful and comprehensive TCM databases have emerged but need further improvements. Additionally, given that several diseases could be treated by TCMs, with the mediation of gut microbiota, future studies should focus on both the microbiome and TCMs to better understand and treat microbiome-related diseases.

Determining the Balance Between Drug Efficacy and Safety by the Network and Biological System Profile of Its Therapeutic Target

One of the most challenging puzzles in drug discovery is the identification and characterization of candidate drug of well-balanced profile between efficacy and safety. So far, extensive efforts have been made to evaluate this balance by estimating the quantitative structure–therapeutic relationship and exploring target profile of adverse drug reaction. Particularly, the therapeutic index (TI) has emerged as a key indicator illustrating this delicate balance, and a clinically successful agent requires a sufficient TI suitable for it corresponding indication. However, the TI information are largely unknown for most drugs, and the mechanism underlying the drugs with narrow TI (NTI drugs) is still elusive. In this study, the collective effects of human protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and biological system profile on the drugs' efficacy–safety balance were systematically evaluated. First, a comprehensive literature review of the FDA approved drugs confirmed their NTI status. Second, a popular feature selection algorithm based on artificial intelligence (AI) was adopted to identify key factors differencing the target mechanism between NTI and non-NTI drugs. Finally, this work revealed that the targets of NTI drugs were highly centralized and connected in human PPI network, and the number of similarity proteins and affiliated signaling pathways of the corresponding targets was much higher than those of non-NTI drugs. These findings together with the newly discovered features or feature groups clarified the key factors indicating drug's narrow TI, and could thus provide a novel direction for determining the delicate drug efficacy-safety balance.

A network pharmacology approach to explore the mechanisms of Erxian decoction in polycystic ovary syndrome

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) significantly affects women's health and well-being. To explore the pharmacological basis of the Erxian decoction (EXD) action in PCOS therapy, a network interaction analysis was conducted at the molecular level.

METHODS

The active elements of EXD were identified according to the oral bioavailability and drug-likeness filters from three databases: traditional Chinese medicine system pharmacology analysis platform, TCM@taiwan and TCMID, and their potential targets were also identified. Genes associated with PCOS and established protein-protein interaction networks were mined from the NCBI database. Finally, significant pathways and functions of these networks were identified using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses to determine the mechanism of action of EXD.

RESULTS

Seventy active compounds were obtained from 981 ingredients present in the EXD decoction, corresponding to 247 targets. In addition, 262 genes were found to be closely related with PCOS, of which 50 overlapped with EXD and were thus considered therapeutically relevant. Pathway enrichment analysis identified PI3k-Akt, insulin resistance, Toll-like receptor, MAPK and AGE-RAGE from a total of 15 significant pathways in PCOS and its treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

EXD can effectively improve the symptoms of PCOS and our systemic pharmacological analysis lays the experimental foundation for further clinical applications of EXD.

Herb Formula ZhenRongDan Balances Sex Hormones, Modulates Organ Atrophy, and Restores ERα and ERβ Expressions in Ovariectomized Rats

Herb mixtures are widely used for treatment of the menopausal syndrome long before the hormonal therapy. However, there is insufficient data for herb remedies in treating menopausal syndromes. Here we aim to investigate the effect of ZhenRongDan (ZRD) in balancing female hormones, regulating expression of estrogen receptors (ERs), and preventing organ atrophy in menopausal rats. Rats that underwent bilateral ovariectomy were used in the experiments; the effects of ZRD on serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), and estradiol (E2) levels were observed. Histology of vagina and ERs expression in vagina, uterus, and adrenal gland were also examined. ELISAs were used to analyze the changes of FSH, LH, PRL, and E2 in serum, and the morphological changes of the cervical epithelium cells were observed by Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E) staining. Immunohistochemistry and western blot were applied to detect estrogen receptors subtypes alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ) expression in vagina, uterus, and adrenal gland. We found that ZRD could significantly reduce the weight of the adrenal gland and increase the weight of the uterus. It could decrease the release of FSH and LH as well as increasing E2 and PRL levels. Furthermore, ZRD could improve the number of cervical vaginal epithelial cells and increase the thickness of the vaginal wall. And the altered expressions of ERα and ERβ are also restored by ZRD. ZRD could obviously relieve the endocrine disorders, modulate organ atrophy, and restore ERα and ERβ expression in the ovariectomized rat model.

Chinese herbal formulas for postmenopausal osteoporosis: A review of preclinical evidence on animal studies and molecular mechanism

Whether Chinese herbal formulas are effective in treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis remains unclear. The aim of this study is to explore the experimental evidence of both in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies using Chinese herbal formulas in postmenopausal osteoporosis. Searches were applied to various databases with relevant keywords. Original in vivo and in vitro studies using Chinese herbal formulas to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis, and with full text available, were included. Er-Xian Decoction, Bu-Shen-Ning-Xin Decoction, Qing E Formula, Liuwei Dihuang Wan, and Xian-Ling-Gu-Bao Decoction, the most commonly studied formulas, were selected from the pool of Chinese medicine. The preclinical data indicated the potential use of Chinese herbal formulas in postmenopausal osteoporosis. The underlying mechanisms included bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), Wnt/[Formula: see text]-catenin, extracellular-signal-regulated kinase/c-Jun [Formula: see text] terminal kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK/JNK/MAPK), estrogen receptor (ER), and osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor [Formula: see text]B ligand (OPG/RANKL) signaling pathways. This study demonstrated the anti-osteoporotic effect of Chinese herbal formulas targeting different pathways in bone metabolism. Further study with adequate sample size and follow-up time, appropriate controls, and optimal blinding is required.

Identification of Steroidogenic Components Derived From Gardenia jasminoides Ellis Potentially Useful for Treating Postmenopausal Syndrome

Estrogen-stimulating principles have been demonstrated to relieve postmenopausal syndrome effectively. Gardenia jasminoides Ellis (GJE) is an herbal medicine possessing multiple pharmacological effects on human health with low toxicity. However, the therapeutic effects of GJE on the management of postmenopausal syndrome and its mechanism of action have not been fully elucidated. In this study, network pharmacology-based approaches were employed to examine steroidogenesis under the influence of GJE. In addition, the possibility of toxicity of GJE was ruled out and four probable active compounds were predicted. In parallel, a chromatographic fraction of GJE with estrogen-stimulating effect was identified and nine major compounds were isolated from this active fraction. Among the nine compounds, four of them were identified by network pharmacology, validating the use of network pharmacology to predict active compounds. Then the phenotypic approaches were utilized to verify that rutin, chlorogenic acid (CGA) and geniposidic acid (GA) exerted an estrogen-stimulating effect on ovarian granulosa cells. Furthermore, the results of target-based approaches indicated that rutin, CGA, and GA could up-regulate the FSHR-aromatase pathway in ovarian granulosa cells. The stimulation of estrogen production by rat ovarian granulosa cells under the influence of the three compounds underwent a decline when the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) was blocked by antibodies against the receptor, indicating the involvement of FSHR in the estradiol-stimulating activity of the three compounds. The effects of the three compounds on estrogen biosynthesis- related gene expression level were further confirmed by Western blot assay. Importantly, the MTT results showed that exposure of breast cancer cells to the three compounds resulted in reduction of cell viability, demonstrating the cytotoxicity of the three compounds. Collectively, rutin, chlorogenic acid and geniposidic acid may contribute to the therapeutic potential of GJE for the treatment of postmenopausal syndrome.

Hepatoprotective Effects of a Functional Formula of Three Chinese Medicinal Herbs: Experimental Evidence and Network Pharmacology-Based Identification of Mechanism of Action and Potential Bioactive Components

Various Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) have shown beneficial liver protection effects. Jian-Gan-Bao (JGB), a functional herbal formula, consists of three famous CHMs, including Coriolus versicolor, Salvia miltiorrhiza and Schisandra chinensis, which has been used as a folk medicine for several chronic liver diseases. In the present study, we aim systemically to evaluate the effects of JGB on acute and chronic alcoholic liver diseases (ALD) as well as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in mouse models, and identify its potential bioactive components and mechanism of action. JGB showed preventive effects for acute and chronic ALD as well as NAFLD, while post-treatment of JGB showed no significant effect, suggesting the nature of JGB as a health supplement rather than a drug. Furthermore, a compound-target network was constructed to identify the potential bioactive compounds and pathways that regulate its hepatoprotective effects. There are 40 bioactive compounds and 15 related targets that have been identified via this network pharmacology study. Among them are miltirone, neocryptotanshinone II and deoxyshikonin, with desirable pharmaceutical properties. Pathways relating to inflammation, fatty acid oxidation, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production and cell proliferation were predicted as bioactive compounds and potential underlying mechanisms, which should be the focus of study in this field in the future.

Effects of Bushen Tianjing Recipe in a rat model of tripterygium glycoside-induced premature ovarian failure

Background

Bushen Tianjing Recipe (BTR) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that has been prescribed for premature ovarian failure (POF) for decades in China. Nevertheless, little is known regarding its underlying molecular mechanism. In the present study, we investigated the effects of BTR in a tripterygium glycoside (TG)-induced-POF rat model.

Methods

Three doses of BTR were administered via intragastric gavage to adult female Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats with TG-induced POF. After 15 days of treatment, the estrous cycle was examined by vaginal smear analysis. Serum levels of estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, progesterone, and testosterone were measured by radioimmunoassay. Histological analysis and assessment of apoptosis were performed after hematoxylin and eosin staining of ovarian tissue sections. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2, and pro-apoptotic factors Bax and caspase 3 in ovaries of animals was examined by an immunohistochemistry process.

Results

BTR not only reverted an abnormal estrous cycle and decreased the ovary index in POF rats but also improved the abnormal secretion of reproductive hormones associated with POF. In addition, treatment with BTR can protect ovaries from TG-induced damage, induce intraovarian expression of VEGF and VEGFR2, and regulate intraovarian expression of apoptosis-related proteins.

Conclusions

Our results show that BTR is effective in the treatment of TG-induced POF rats. Promotion of angiogenesis and anti-apoptosis are most likely to contribute to the effects of BTR against POF.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13020-017-0131-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Steroidogenic effect of Erxian decoction for relieving menopause via the p-Akt/PKB pathway in vitro and in vivo

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Erxian decoction (EXD), an empirical Chinese medicine formula, is effectively used in the clinical treatment of menopause-related symptoms in China. Previous data from our group show that EXD has steroidogenic effect on natural menopausal Sprague-Dawley-rats (SD-rats) as an animal model of menopause. However, the mechanistic studies on steroidogenic effects of EXD are still inadequate. Hence, the mechanisms of steroidogenic effects of EXD were studied in vitro and in vivo in this study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Menopause causes a decline of endocrine function and a series of symptoms. In this study, 16-20-month-old female SD rats with a low serum estradiol level were employed. Their endocrine functions after treatment with EXD (4.1g/kg) were assessed by determination of their serum estradiol level. Proteins involved in the steroidogenic pathway including StAR, 17βHSD, 3βHSD, aromatase, and activation of phosphorylated Protein Kinase B (p-Akt/PKB), as well as estradiol receptor proteins (ERα & ERβ) after EXD treatment were analyzed. Kinase inhibition assay was conducted to confirm the mechanism of steroidogenic effects of EXD in vitro. MCF-7 and BT-483 cells were used to investigate whether EXD stimulated breast cancer cell proliferation.

RESULTS

Results revealed a significantly ameliorated serum estradiol level, and a significantly increased expression of ovarian aromatase and PKB in the EXD-treated rats. EXD attenuated 17β-estradiol stimulated proliferation of breast cancer cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained from immunoblotting and measurements of serum estradiol level of the present investigation revealed that EXD may relieve the menopausal syndrome through an upregulation of ovarian aromatase and p-PKB expression without stimulating the growth of breast cancer cells.

Network pharmacology-based identification of key pharmacological pathways of Yin-Huang-Qing-Fei capsule acting on chronic bronchitis

For decades in China, the Yin-Huang-Qing-Fei capsule (YHQFC) has been widely used in the treatment of chronic bronchitis, with good curative effects. Owing to the complexity of traditional Chinese herbal formulas, the pharmacological mechanism of YHQFC remains unclear. To address this problem, a network pharmacology-based strategy was proposed in this study. At first, the putative target profile of YHQFC was predicted using MedChem Studio, based on structural and functional similarities of all available YHQFC components to the known drugs obtained from the DrugBank database. Then, an interaction network was constructed using links between putative YHQFC targets and known therapeutic targets of chronic bronchitis. Following the calculation of four topological features (degree, betweenness, closeness, and coreness) of each node in the network, 475 major putative targets of YHQFC and their topological importance were identified. In addition, a pathway enrichment analysis based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway database indicated that the major putative targets of YHQFC are significantly associated with various pathways involved in anti-inflammation processes, immune responses, and pathological changes caused by asthma. More interestingly, eight major putative targets of YHQFC (interleukin [IL]-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, FCER1G, CCL11, and EPX) were demonstrated to be associated with the inflammatory process that occurs during the progression of asthma. Finally, a molecular docking simulation was performed and the results exhibited that 17 pairs of chemical components and candidate YHQFC targets involved in asthma pathway had strong binding efficiencies. In conclusion, this network pharmacology-based investigation revealed that YHQFC may attenuate the inflammatory reaction of chronic bronchitis by regulating its candidate targets, which may be implicated in the major pathological processes of the asthma pathway.

Ameliorating effect of Erxian decoction combined with Fructus Schisandrae chinensis (Wu Wei Zi) on menopausal sweating and serum hormone profiles in a rat model

Background

Modified Erxian decoction (MEXD), i.e., Erxian decoction (EXD) with Fructus Schisandrae chinensis (Wu Wei Zi) added, has been used to alleviate menopausal symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the effects of MEXD on menopausal sweating and serum hormone levels in a rat model of menopause after oral administration of MEXD.

Methods

Quality control of MEXD was conducted by employing a reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography column. The three treatment groups received oral administration of MEXD in 0.5% sodium carboxylmethyl cellulose (CMC-Na) at three different doses (5.5, 11, and 22 g/kg body weight) once-daily for 6 consecutive weeks, with 10 animals per group. Huangqijing oral liquor (5 mL/kg) prepared from the roots of Huang qi (Astragalus membranaceus) with an antiperspirant effect was used as a positive control. The negative control group received the same volume of vehicle (0.5% CMC-Na). Ten 3-month-old Sprague–Dawley rats were used as a young group for comparison with the treatment groups (12–14 months old rats). Blood was collected from all animals after 3–6 weeks of treatment. At the end of the treatment, the uterine weight, ovarian weight, and body weight were recorded. Serum malondialdehyde contents and superoxide dismutase activities were determined by thiobarbituric acid colorimetric assays and chemoluminescence assays, respectively. Serum levels of estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone were measured by radioimmunoassays. Rat foot pad assays were used to determine the antiperspirant activity of MEXD and histological examinations were conducted on plantar sweat glands.

Results

Treatment with MEXD (11 g/kg) significantly inhibited sweat excretion in the menopause model rats after treatment for 3 (P = 0.0026) and 6 (P < 0.0001) weeks. The decoction markedly decreased the number of secretory cells in plantar sweat glands. In addition, MEXD (11 g/kg) significantly increased the serum estradiol levels (P < 0.001) and superoxide dismutase activities (P = 0.0405). Furthermore, MEXD (11 g/kg) markedly decreased the serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (P = 0.001), luteinizing hormone (P = 0.0213), and malondialdehyde (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Modified Erxian decoction significantly inhibited sweat excretion, regulated serum levels of pituitary gonadotropins and estradiol, and exhibited antioxidative effects in a rat model of menopause.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13020-016-0117-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Comparative Analysis of Proteins with Stimulating Activity on Ovarian Estradiol Biosynthesis from Four Different Dioscorea Species in vitro Using Both Phenotypic and Target-based Approaches: Implication for Treating Menopause

Rhizomes of Dioscorea species are traditionally used for relieving menopausal syndromes in Chinese medicine. The estrogen-stimulating bioactive principles have been demonstrated in our previous study. In this study, the estrogen-stimulating effects of proteins isolated from four Dioscorea species [D. alata L. (DA), D. zingiberensis C.H. Wright (DH), D. collettii var. hypoglauca (Palib.) S.J. Pei & C.T. Ting (DH), and D. oppositifolia L. (DO)] have been investigated and compared. Microscopic authentication of four Dioscorea species was performed by using paraffin and powder sections of the rhizomes. The potential bioactive proteins of four Dioscorea species have been rapidly isolated by using a DOI-antibody affinity column chromatography on immobilized antibodies against on estradiol-stimulating protein from DO (DOI), and their bioactivity has been rapidly confirmed and compared by phenotypic (i.e., estradiol-stimulating effect) and target-based (i.e., STAR, aromatase, estrogen receptors) screening approaches. The estrogen-stimulating activity of bioactive proteins from DO is the highest. In addition, bioactive proteins from DO upregulated the estradiol-metabolizing enzymes (aromatase and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein). Meanwhile, bioactive proteins from DA, DH and DO upregulated estrogen receptor β (ERβ). All bioactive proteins did not change the expression of estrogen receptor β (ERα). The estrogen-stimulating bioactive proteins isolated from DO increased biosynthesis of estradiol and upregulated the protein expression of aromatase, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, and ERβ. The results scientifically support the traditional use of DO in Chinese medicine for relieving menopausal syndrome. Besides, proteins from DA and DZ could also upregulate the translational levels of ERβ, and potentially reducing the risk of ovarian cancer, which also support the clinical use of them for treating female aging disorder. Graphical Abstract Comparative Analysis of DOI-like Proteins with Stimulating Activity on Ovarian Estradiol Biosynthesis from Four Different Dioscorea Species in vitro.

Traditional Chinese medicine valuably augments therapeutic options in the treatment of climacteric syndrome

Climacteric syndrome refers to recurring symptoms such as hot flashes, chills, headache, irritability and depression. This is usually experienced by menopausal women and can be related to a hormonal reorganization in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, originating 1000s of years ago, above-mentioned symptoms can be interpreted on the basis of the philosophic diagnostic concepts, such as the imbalance of Yin and Yang, the Zang-Fu and Basic substances (e.g. Qi, Blood and Essence). These concepts postulate balance and harmonization as the principle aim of a treatment. In this context, it is not astounding that one of the most prominent ancient textbooks dating back to 500-200 BC, Huang di Neijing: The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine gives already first instructions for diagnosis and therapy of climacteric symptoms. For therapy, traditional Chinese medicine comprises five treatment principles: Chinese herbal medicine, TuiNa (a Chinese form of manual therapy), nutrition, activity (e.g. QiGong) and acupuncture (being the most widespread form of treatment used in Europe). This review provides an easy access to the concepts of traditional Chinese medicine particularly regarding to climacteric syndrome and also focuses on current scientific evidence.