Identification of anti-inflammatory compounds from Zhongjing formulae by knowledge mining and high-content screening in a zebrafish model of inflammatory bowel diseases

The potential of zebrafish as drug discovery research tool in immune-mediated inflammatory disease

Immune-mediated inflammatory disease (IMID) prevalence is estimated at 3-7% for Westernised populations, with annual incidence reported at almost 1 in 100 people globally. More recently, drug discovery approaches have been evolving towards more targeted therapies with an improved long-term safety profile, while the requirement for individualisation of medicine in complex conditions such as IMIDs, is acknowledged. However, existing preclinical models-such as cellular and in vivo mammalian models-are not ideal for modern drug discovery model requirements, such as real-time in vivo visualisation of drug effects, logistically feasible safety assessment over the course of a lifetime, or dynamic assessment of physiological changes during disease development. Zebrafish share high homology with humans in terms of proteins and disease-causing genes, with high conservation of physiological processes at organ, tissue, cellular and molecular level. These and other unique attributes, such as high fecundity, relative transparency and ease of genetic manipulation, positions zebrafish as the next major role player in IMID drug discovery. This review provides a brief overview of the suitability of this organism as model for human inflammatory disease and summarises the range of approaches used in zebrafish-based drug discovery research. Strengths and limitations of zebrafish as model organism, as well as important considerations in research study design, are discussed. Finally, under-utilised avenues for investigation in the IMID context are highlighted.

A review on current advancement in zebrafish models to study chronic inflammatory diseases and their therapeutic targets

Chronic inflammatory diseases are caused due to prolonged inflammation at a specific site of the body. Among other inflammatory diseases, bacterial meningitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), atherosclerosis and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are primarily focused on because of their adverse effects and fatality rates around the globe in recent times. In order to come up with novel strategies to eradicate these diseases, a clear understanding of the mechanisms of the diseases is needed. Similarly, detailed insight into the mechanisms of commercially available drugs and potent lead compounds from natural sources are also important to establish efficient therapeutic effects. Zebrafish is widely accepted as a model to study drug toxicity and the pharmacokinetic effects of the drug. Moreover, researchers use various inducers to trigger inflammatory cascades and stimulate physiological changes in zebrafish. The effect of these inducers contrasts with the type of zebrafish used in the investigation. Hence, a thorough analysis is required to study the current advancements in the zebrafish model for chronic inflammatory disease suppression. This review presents the most common inflammatory diseases, commercially available drugs, novel therapeutics, and their mechanisms of action for disease suppression. The review also provides a detailed description of various zebrafish models for these diseases. Finally, the future prospects and challenges for the same are described, which can help the researchers understand the potency of the zebrafish model and its further exploration for disease attenuation.

MYC Oncogene: A Druggable Target for Treating Cancers with Natural Products

Various diseases, including cancers, age-associated disorders, and acute liver failure, have been linked to the oncogene, MYC. Animal testing and clinical trials have shown that sustained tumor volume reduction can be achieved when MYC is inactivated, and different combinations of therapeutic agents including MYC inhibitors are currently being developed. In this review, we first provide a summary of the multiple biological functions of the MYC oncoprotein in cancer treatment, highlighting that the equilibrium points of the MYC/MAX, MIZ1/MYC/MAX, and MAD (MNT)/MAX complexes have further potential in cancer treatment that could be used to restrain MYC oncogene expression and its functions in tumorigenesis. We also discuss the multifunctional capacity of MYC in various cellular cancer processes, including its influences on immune response, metabolism, cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, metastasis, angiogenesis, multidrug resistance, and intestinal flora. Moreover, we summarize the MYC therapy patent landscape and emphasize the potential of MYC as a druggable target, using herbal medicine modulators. Finally, we describe pending challenges and future perspectives in biomedical research, involving the development of therapeutic approaches to modulate MYC or its targeted genes. Patients with cancers driven by MYC signaling may benefit from therapies targeting these pathways, which could delay cancerous growth and recover antitumor immune responses.

The alleviative effect of C-phycocyanin peptides against TNBS-induced inflammatory bowel disease in zebrafish via the MAPK/Nrf2 signaling pathways

INTRODUCTION

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an incurable and highly complex chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affecting millions of people worldwide. C-phycocyanin (C-PC) has been reported to possess outstanding anti-inflammatory activities and can effectively inhibit various inflammation-related diseases. Whether C-PC-derived bioactive peptides can inhibit intestinal inflammation is worth research and consideration.

METHODS

The inhibition activities of three anti-neuroinflammatory peptides were evaluated using 2-4-6-trinitrobenzen sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced zebrafish colitis model. Subsequently, the abilities of peptides to promote gastrointestinal motility were also examined. The changes in the intestinal pathological symptoms and ultrastructure of intestinal, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and antioxidant enzymes were then determined after co-treatment with peptides and TNBS. Transcriptome analysis was used to investigate the underlying ameliorating TNBS-induced colitis effects molecular mechanisms of better activity peptide. Furthermore, quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and molecular docking techniques verified the mRNA sequencing results.

RESULTS

Three peptides, MHLWAAK, MAQAAEYYR and MDYYFEER, which significantly inhibit macrophage migration, were synthesized. The results showed that these peptides could effectively alleviate the inflammatory responses in the TNBS-induced zebrafish model of colitis. In addition, co-treatment with TNBS and C-PC peptides could decrease ROS production and increase antioxidant enzyme activities in zebrafish larvae. Moreover, MHLWAAK had the most significantly therapeutic effects on colitis in zebrafish. The transcriptome analysis suggests that the effect of MHLWAAK on TNBS-induced colitis may be associated with the modulation of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway associated genes. In addition, molecular docking was conducted to study the prospective interaction between peptides and the key proteins that streamline the Nrf2 and MAPK signaling pathways. IL-6, JNK3, TNF-α, KEAP1-NRF2 complex and MAPK may be the core targets of MHLWAAK in treating colitis.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that the three C-PC-derived peptides could ameliorate TNBS-induced colitis in zebrafish, and these peptides might be a promising therapeutic candidate for UC treatment.

Gegen Qinlian decoction (GQD) inhibits ulcerative colitis by modulating ferroptosis-dependent pathway in mice and organoids

BACKGROUND

Gegen Qinlian decoction (GQD) is a classic prescription for treating ulcerative colitis (UC) in traditional Chinese medicine. However, the therapeutic mechanism has not been fully clarified.

PURPOSE

In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the role of ferroptosis-mediated IEC death in UC treated mice with GQD by using DSS-induced a colitis mouse model and RSL3-induced ferroptosis in intestinal organoids.

METHODS

The effects of GQD on DSS-treated colitis were examined via daily body weight, DAI, colon length, HE staining, PAS staining, ZO-1 and Occludin immunohistochemical staining. Ferroptosis was determined by analysis of iron load, MDA, GSH, mitochondrial morphology, and expression of ferroptosis-associated proteins (GPX4, SLC7A11 and ACSL4).

RESULTS

In vivo, GQD administration reduced body weight loss and DAI scores, increased colon length, and improved intestinal histological characteristics and epithelial barrier dysfunction. GQD administration obviously improved the levels of ferroptosis markers (iron load, MDA, GSH, and mitochondrial morphology) and the expression of ferroptosis-associated proteins (GPX4, SLC7A11 and ACSL4). Consistent with in vivo results, GQD administration partially reversed the levels of mtROS, Fe2+ and MDA in intestinal organoids induced by RSL3, and notably improved morphological destruction, histological damage and epithelial barrier dysfunction in organoids.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we demonstrated that ferroptosis was triggered in DSS-induced experimental colitis and that GQD adiministration could protect against colonic damage and intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction by inhibiting ferroptosis.

Pulsatilla Decoction and its bioactive component β-peltatin induce G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer (PAC), a malignancy that is fatal and commonly diagnosed at a late stage. Despite considerable advancements in cancer treatment, the survival rate of PAC remains largely consistent for the past 60 years. The traditional Chinese medicine formula Pulsatilla Decoction (PD) has been clinically used to treat inflammatory diseases for millennia and recently as a supplementary anti-cancer treatment in China. However, the bioactive ingredients and mechanisms underlying its anti-cancer effect remains unclear.

METHODS

The composition and quality control of PD were verified through analysis by high performance liquid chromatography. Cell viability was determined using Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. The cell cycle distribution was analyzed through PI staining and flow cytometry analysis, while apoptotic cells were measured by double staining with Annexin V-FITC and PI. We used immunoblotting to examine protein expressions. The in vivo effects of β-peltatin and podophyllotoxin were evaluated on a subcutaneously-xenografted BxPC-3 cell nude mice model.

RESULTS

The current study demonstrated that PD markedly inhibited PAC cell proliferation and triggered their apoptosis. Four herbal PD formula was then disassembled into 15 combinations of herbal ingredients and a cytotoxicity assay showed that the Pulsatillae chinensis exerted the predominant anti-PAC effect. Further investigation indicated that β-peltatin was potently cytotoxic with IC₅₀ of ~ 2 nM. β-peltatin initially arrested PAC cells at G2/M phase, followed by apoptosis induction. Animal study confirmed that β-peltatin significantly suppressed the growth of subcutaneously-implanted BxPC-3 cell xenografts. Importantly, compared to podophyllotoxin that is the parental isomer of β-peltatin but clinically obsoleted due to its severe toxicity, β-peltatin exhibited stronger anti-PAC effect and lower toxicity in mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that Pulsatillae chinensis and particularly its bioactive ingredient β-peltatin suppress PAC by triggering cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and apoptosis.

Taurocholic Acid and Glycocholic Acid Inhibit Inflammation and Activate Farnesoid X Receptor Expression in LPS-Stimulated Zebrafish and Macrophages

A hyperactive immune response can be observed in patients with bacterial or viral infection, which may lead to the overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines, or "cytokine storm", and a poor clinical outcome. Extensive research efforts have been devoted to the discovery of effective immune modulators, yet the therapeutic options are still very limited. Here, we focused on the clinically indicated anti-inflammatory natural product Calculus bovis and its related patent drug Babaodan to investigate the major active molecules in the medicinal mixture. Combined with high-resolution mass spectrometry, transgenic zebrafish-based phenotypic screening, and mouse macrophage models, taurochiolic acid (TCA) and glycoholic acid (GCA) were identified as two naturally derived anti-inflammatory agents with high efficacy and safety. Both bile acids significantly inhibited the lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophage recruitment and the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines in in vivo and in vitro models. Further studies identified strongly increased expression of the farnesoid X receptor at both the mRNA and protein levels upon the administration of TCA or GCA, which may be essential for mediating the anti-inflammatory effects of the two bile acids. In conclusion, we identified TCA and GCA as two major anti-inflammatory compounds in Calculus bovis and Babaodan, which could be important quality markers for the future development of Calculus bovis, as well as promising lead compounds in the treatment of overactive immune responses.

Multimodal Identification by Transcriptomics and Multiscale Bioassays of Active Components in Xuanfeibaidu Formula to Suppress Macrophage-Mediated Immune Response

Xuanfeibaidu Formula (XFBD) is a Chinese medicine used in the clinical treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Although XFBD has exhibited significant therapeutic efficacy in clinical practice, its underlying pharmacological mechanism remains unclear. Here, we combine a comprehensive research approach that includes network pharmacology, transcriptomics, and bioassays in multiple model systems to investigate the pharmacological mechanism of XFBD and its bioactive substances. High-resolution mass spectrometry was combined with molecular networking to profile the major active substances in XFBD. A total of 104 compounds were identified or tentatively characterized, including flavonoids, terpenes, carboxylic acids, and other types of constituents. Based on the chemical composition of XFBD, a network pharmacology-based analysis identified inflammation-related pathways as primary targets. Thus, we examined the anti-inflammation activity of XFBD in a lipopolysaccharide-induced acute inflammation mice model. XFBD significantly alleviated pulmonary inflammation and decreased the level of serum proinflammatory cytokines. Transcriptomic profiling suggested that genes related to macrophage function were differently expressed after XFBD treatment. Consequently, the effects of XFBD on macrophage activation and mobilization were investigated in a macrophage cell line and a zebrafish wounding model. XFBD exerts strong inhibitory effects on both macrophage activation and migration. Moreover, through multimodal screening, we further identified the major components and compounds from the different herbs of XFBD that mediate its anti-inflammation function. Active components from XFBD, including Polygoni cuspidati Rhizoma, Phragmitis Rhizoma, and Citri grandis Exocarpium rubrum, were then found to strongly downregulate macrophage activation, and polydatin, isoliquiritin, and acteoside were identified as active compounds. Components of Artemisiae annuae Herba and Ephedrae Herba were found to substantially inhibit endogenous macrophage migration, while the presence of ephedrine, atractylenolide I, and kaempferol was attributed to these effects. In summary, our study explores the pharmacological mechanism and effective components of XFBD in inflammation regulation via multimodal approaches, and thereby provides a biological illustration of the clinical efficacy of XFBD.

Network pharmacology and molecular docking reveal zedoary turmeric-trisomes in Inflammatory bowel disease with intestinal fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a complex chronic IBD that is closely associated with risk factors such as environment, diet, medications and lifestyle that may influence the host microbiome or immune response to antigens. At present, with the increasing incidence of IBD worldwide, it is of great significance to further study the pathogenesis of IBD and seek new therapeutic targets. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment of diseases is characterized by multiple approaches and multiple targets and has a long history of clinical application in China. The mechanism underlying the effect of zedoary turmeric-trisomes on inducing mucosal healing in IBD is not clear.

AIM

To explore the effective components and potential mechanism of zedoary turmeric-trisomes in the treatment of IBD with intestinal fibrosis using network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques.

METHODS

The chemical constituents and targets of Rhizoma zedoary and Rhizoma sanarum were screened using the TCMSP database. The GeneCards database was searched to identify targets associated with intestinal fibrosis in IBD. The intersection of chemical component targets and disease targets was obtained using the Venny 2.1 online analysis platform, and the common targets were imported into the STRING 11.0 database to construct a protein interaction regulatory network. A “zedoary turmeric-trisomes-chemical composition-target-disease” network diagram was subsequently constructed using Cytoscape 3.7.2 software, and the topological properties of the network were analyzed using the “Network Analysis” plug-in. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses of the common targets were performed using the DAVID 6.8 database to elucidate the mechanism of zedoary turmeric-trisomes in the treatment of IBD. Subsequently, molecular docking of the compounds and targets with the highest intermediate values in the “zedoary turmeric-trisomes-chemical composition-target-disease” network was performed using Sybyl-x 2.1.1 software.

RESULTS

A total of 5 chemical components with 60 targets were identified, as well as 3153 targets related to IBD and 44 common targets. The protein-protein interaction network showed that the core therapeutic targets included JUN, MAPK14, CASP3, AR, and PTGS2. The GO enrichment analysis identified 759 items, and the KEGG enrichment analysis yielded 52 items, including the cancer pathway, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, hepatitis B, and the calcium signaling pathway, reflecting the complex biological processes of the multicomponent, multitarget and multipathway treatment of diseases with zedoary turmeric-trisomes. Molecular docking showed that the compound bonded with the target through hydrogen bond interactions and exhibited good docking activity.

CONCLUSION

This study identified the potential mechanism of action of zedoary turmeric-trisomes in the treatment of inflammatory bowel fibrosis using network pharmacology and molecular docking technology, providing a scientific basis for further expansion of their clinical use.