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Lo TY, Chan ASL, Cheung ST, Yung LY, Leung MMH, Wong YH. Multi-target regulatory mechanism of Yang Xin Tang - a traditional Chinese medicine against dementia. Chin Med 2023; 18:101. [PMID: 37587513 PMCID: PMC10428601 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-023-00813-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Yang Xin Tang (YXT) is a traditional Chinese herbal preparation which has been reported to improve cognitive function and memory in patients with dementia. As the underlying mechanism of action of YXT has not been elucidated, we examined the effects of YXT and its major herbal components in regulating gene transcription and molecular targets related to Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS Aqueous and ethanol extracts of YXT and selected herbal components were prepared and validated by standard methods. A series of biochemical and cellular assays were employed to assess the ability of the herbal extracts to inhibit acetylcholinesterase, reduce β-amyloid aggregation, stimulate the differentiation of neural progenitor cells, suppress cyclooxygenase, and protect neurons against β-amyloid or N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced cytotoxicity. The effects of YXT on multiple molecular targets were further corroborated by a panel of nine reporter gene assays. RESULTS Extracts of YXT and two of its constituent herbs, Poria cocos and Poria Sclerotium pararadicis, significantly inhibited β-amyloid aggregation and β-amyloid-induced cytotoxicity. A protective effect of the YXT extract was similarly observed against N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced cytotoxicity in primary neurons, and this activity was shared by extracts of Radix Astragali and Rhizoma Chuanxiong. Although the YXT extract was ineffective, extracts of Poria cocos, Poria Sclerotium pararadicis and Radix Polygalae inhibited acetylcholine esterase, with the latter also capable of upregulating choline acetyltransferase. YXT and its components significantly inhibited the activities of the pro-inflammatory cyclooxygenases. Additionally, extracts of YXT and several of its constituent herbs significantly stimulated the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases and cAMP-responsive element binding protein, two molecular targets involved in learning and memory, as well as in the regulation of neurogenesis. CONCLUSIONS Several constituents of YXT possess multiple regulatory effects on known therapeutic targets of AD that range from β-amyloid to acetylcholinesterase. The demonstrated neuroprotective and neurogenic actions of YXT lend credence to its use as an alternative medicine for treating AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tung Yan Lo
- Division of Life Science and the Biotechnology Research Institute, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Anthony Siu Lung Chan
- Division of Life Science and the Biotechnology Research Institute, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Suet Ting Cheung
- Division of Life Science and the Biotechnology Research Institute, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lisa Ying Yung
- Division of Life Science and the Biotechnology Research Institute, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Manton Man Hon Leung
- Division of Life Science and the Biotechnology Research Institute, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Yung Hou Wong
- Division of Life Science and the Biotechnology Research Institute, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Molecular Neuroscience Center, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China.
- Center for Aging Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China.
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Units 1501-1502, 17 Science Park West Avenue, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China.
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Wei C, Wang H, Sun X, Bai Z, Wang J, Bai G, Yao Q, Xu Y, Zhang L. Pharmacological profiles and therapeutic applications of pachymic acid (Review). Exp Ther Med 2022; 24:547. [PMID: 35978941 PMCID: PMC9366251 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Poria cocos is a saprophytic fungus that grows in diverse species of Pinus. Its sclerotium, called fu-ling or hoelen, has been used in various traditional Chinese medicines and health foods for thousands of years, and in several modern proprietary traditional Chinese medicinal products. It has extensive clinical indications, including sedative, diuretic, and tonic effects. Pachymic acid (PA) is the main lanostane-type triterpenoid in Poria cocos. Evidence suggests that PA has various biological properties such as cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycemic, antiviral, antibacterial, sedative-hypnotic, and anti-ischemia/reperfusion activities. Although considerable advancements have been made, some fundamental and intricate issues remain unclear, such as the underlying mechanisms of PA. The present study aimed to summarize the biological properties and therapeutic potential of PA. The biosynthetic, pharmacokinetic, and metabolic pathways of PA, and its underlying mechanisms were also comprehensively summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyong Wei
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Hezhen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Xun Sun
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Zhixun Bai
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Jing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Guohui Bai
- Key Laboratory of Oral Disease Research, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Qizheng Yao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
| | - Yingshu Xu
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
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Non-enzymatic formation of isoprene and 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol (2-MBO) by manganese. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2465. [PMID: 35165356 PMCID: PMC8844067 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06520-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been suggested that isoprene synthesis by isoprene synthase (IspS) proceeds via a substrate-assisted mechanism. The authors observed a non-enzymatic isoprene formation by Mn2+, which represents the basis of IspS enzyme reaction. Because IspS and many other terpene synthases require Mn2+ metal ions as cofactor, this study characterized the formation reaction for the first time. Metal ions including Mn2+ non-enzymatically produced both isoprene and 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol (2-MBO) from dimethylallyl pyrophosphate (DMADP). Isoprene formation was most enhanced by Fe2+ and, to a lesser extent, by Mn2+ or Cu2+. Ni2+, Co2+, Mg2+, and Ba2+ exhibited a low activity to generate both isoprene and 2-MBO. The proportion of isoprene and 2-MBO varied with the Mn2+ concentration: isoprene predominated over 2-MBO at a higher Mn2+ concentration. Similarly, isoprene formation by Mn2+ increased exponentially as temperature increased with predominance of isoprene over 2-MBO at higher temperature. Both isoprene and 2-MBO formation was enhanced by acidic and neutral pH compared to alkaline conditions. Molecular dynamic simulation of DMADP suggested that the formation reaction is initiated by deprotonation of hydrogen on allyl terminal carbon by phosphate oxygen and generates carbocation and allyl anion intermediates. This is followed by quenching to produce isoprene or by hydroxyl addition to form 2-MBO. Thus, this study provided an insight into reaction mechanism of isoprene and 2-MBO biosynthesis and highlighted some parts of isoprene emission from terrestrial plants, which could be formed by non-enzymatic mechanism.
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Eom S, Lee J, Baek YB, Yeom HD, Lee S, Kim C, Park Y, Park SI, Lee CM, Lee JH. Identification and molecular study on the interaction of Schisandrin C with human 5-HT 3A receptor. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 906:174220. [PMID: 34081905 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Schisandrin C (Sch C) is one of the main components of Schisandra chinensis (Schisandra). Since the olden times, Schisandra has been used as a traditional herbal medicine in Asia. Recent studies have shown that Schisandra is effective against irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in an animal model and affects IBS through the 5-HT3A pathway in the IBS rat model. However, there lacks fundamental research on the interaction of specific components of Schisandra with the 5-HT3A receptor for the treatment of IBS. We hypothesized that a component of Schisandra binds to the 5-HT3A receptor and identified Sch C via a screening work using two electrode-voltage clamps (TEVC). Thus, we aimed to elucidate the neuropharmacological actions between Sch C and the 5-HT3A receptor at molecular and cellular levels. Co-treatment of Sch C with 5-HT inhibited I5-HT in a reversible, concentrate-dependent, like-competition, and voltage-independent manner, and IC50 values of Sch C. Besides, the main binding positions of Sch C were identified through 3D modeling and point mutation were V225A and V288Y on 5-HT3A receptor. Thus, we suggest the potential of Sch C in treating IBS in a manner that suppresses excessive neuronal serotonin signaling in the synapse of sensory neurons and enterochromaffin (EC) cells. In conclusion, the results demonstrate the mechanism of interaction between Sch C and 5-HT3A receptor and reveal Sch C as a novel antagonist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanung Eom
- Department of Biotechnology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Jaeeun Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Yeong-Bin Baek
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and BK21 FOUR Program, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | | | - Shinhui Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Chaelin Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Youngseo Park
- Department of Biotechnology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Sang-Ik Park
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and BK21 FOUR Program, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Chang-Min Lee
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and BK21 FOUR Program, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea.
| | - Junho H Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea.
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Nie A, Chao Y, Zhang X, Jia W, Zhou Z, Zhu C. Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities of Wolfiporia cocos (F.A. Wolf) Ryvarden & Gilb. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:505249. [PMID: 33071776 PMCID: PMC7533546 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.505249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Poria cocos is the dried sclerotium of Wolfiporia cocos (F.A. Wolf) Ryvarden & Gilb., which was the current accepted name and was formerly known as Macrohyporia cocos (Schwein.) I. Johans. & Ryvarden, Pachyma cocos (Schwein.) Fr., Poria cocos F.A. Wolf and Sclerotium cocos Schwein. It is one of the most important crude drugs in traditional Chinese medicine, with a wide range of applications in ameliorating phlegm and edema, relieving nephrosis and chronic gastritis and improving uneasiness of minds. Its extensive pharmacological effects have attracted considerable attention in recent years. However, there is no systematic review focusing on the chemical compounds and pharmacological activities of Poria cocos. Therefore, this review aimed to provide the latest information on the chemical compounds and pharmacological effects of Poria cocos, exploring the therapeutic potential of these compounds. We obtained the information of Poria cocos from electronic databases such as SCI finder, PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, WanFang DATA and Google Scholar. Up to now, two main active ingredients, triterpenes and polysaccharides of Poria cocos, have been identified from Poria cocos. It has been reported that they have pharmacological effects on anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulation, and liver and kidney protection. The review summarizes the phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of Poria cocos, which suggest that researchers should focus on the development of new drugs about Poria cocos to make them exert greater therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anzheng Nie
- Department of Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yanhui Chao
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaochuan Zhang
- Department of Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenrui Jia
- Department of Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zheng Zhou
- Department of Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chunsheng Zhu
- Department of Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Feng G, Li S, Liu S, Song F, Pi Z, Liu Z. Targeted Screening Approach to Systematically Identify the Absorbed Effect Substances of Poria cocos in Vivo Using Ultrahigh Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2018; 66:8319-8327. [PMID: 29985616 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.8b02753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Poria cocos are extensively used as nutritious food, dietary supplements, and oriental medicine in Asia. However, the effect substances are still not very clear. In this study, a targeted screening approach was developed to systematically identify absorbed constituents of Poria cocos in vivo using ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry combined with UNIFI software. First, incubation reactions in vitro with rat intestinal microflora and rat liver microsomes were conducted to sum up metabolic rules of main constituents. Second, the absorbed constituents in vivo were picked out and identified based on the results of metabolic study in vitro. Finally, the absorbed active constituents in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease were screened by targeted network pharmacology analysis. A total of 62 absorbed prototypes and 59 metabolites were identified and characterized in dosed plasma. Thirty potential active constituents were screened, and 86 drug-targets shared by absorbed constituents and Alzheimer's disease were discovered by targeted network pharmacology analysis. In general, this proposed targeted strategy comprehensively provides new insight for active ingredients of Poria cocos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guifang Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, National Center of Mass Spectrometry in Changchun, Jilin Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Chemistry and Mass Spectrometry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Changchun 130022 , P. R. China
- University of Science and Technology of China , Hefei 230026 , P. R. China
| | - Shizhe Li
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, National Center of Mass Spectrometry in Changchun, Jilin Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Chemistry and Mass Spectrometry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Changchun 130022 , P. R. China
- University of Science and Technology of China , Hefei 230026 , P. R. China
- College of Chemistry , Jilin University , Changchun 130012 , China
| | - Shu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, National Center of Mass Spectrometry in Changchun, Jilin Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Chemistry and Mass Spectrometry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Changchun 130022 , P. R. China
| | - Fengrui Song
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, National Center of Mass Spectrometry in Changchun, Jilin Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Chemistry and Mass Spectrometry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Changchun 130022 , P. R. China
| | - Zifeng Pi
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, National Center of Mass Spectrometry in Changchun, Jilin Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Chemistry and Mass Spectrometry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Changchun 130022 , P. R. China
| | - Zhiqiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, National Center of Mass Spectrometry in Changchun, Jilin Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Chemistry and Mass Spectrometry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Changchun 130022 , P. R. China
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