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ZHENG X, GUO L, LAI S, LI F, LIANG M, LIU W, MENG C, LIU G. Emodin suppresses alkali burn-induced corneal inflammation and neovascularization by the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 signaling pathway. J TRADIT CHIN MED 2024; 44:268-276. [PMID: 38504533 PMCID: PMC10927407 DOI: 10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.20240203.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of emodin on alkali burn-induced corneal inflammation and neovascularization. METHODS The ability of emodin to target vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) was predicted by molecular docking. The effects of emodin on the invasion, migration, and proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were determined by cell counting kit-8, Transwell, and tube formation assays. Analysis of apoptosis was performed by flow cytometry. CD31 levels were examined by immunofluorescence. The abundance and phosphorylation state of VEGFR2, protein kinase B (Akt), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and P38 were examined by immunoblot analysis. Corneal alkali burn was performed on 40 mice. Animals were divided randomly into two groups, and the alkali-burned eyes were then treated with drops of either 10 μM emodin or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) four times a day. Slit-lamp microscopy was used to evaluate inflammation and corneal neovascularization (CNV) in all eyes on Days 0, 7, 10, and 14. The mice were killed humanely 14 d after the alkali burn, and their corneas were removed and preserved at -80 ℃ until histological study or protein extraction. RESULTS Molecular docking confirmed that emodin was able to target VEGFR2. The findings revealed that emodin decreased the invasion, migration, angiogenesis, and proliferation of HUVEC in a dose-dependent manner. In mice, emodin suppressed corneal inflammatory cell infiltration and inhibited the development of corneal neovascularization induced by alkali burn. Compared to those of the PBS-treated group, lower VEGFR2 expression and CD31 levels were found in the emodin-treated group. Emodin dramatically decreased the expression of VEGFR2, p-VEGFR2, p-Akt, p-STAT3, and p-P38 in VEGF-treated HUVEC. CONCLUSION This study provides a new avenue for evaluating the molecular mechanisms underlying corneal inflammation and neovascularization. Emodin might be a promising new therapeutic option for corneal alkali burns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueying ZHENG
- 1 Department of Bioengineering, College of Biological Science and Biotechnology, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350104, China
| | - Liang GUO
- 1 Department of Bioengineering, College of Biological Science and Biotechnology, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350104, China
| | - Siyi LAI
- 3 Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated People's Hospital (Fujian Provincial People's Hospital), Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350004, China
- 4 Eye Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350004, China
| | - Fengyue LI
- 1 Department of Bioengineering, College of Biological Science and Biotechnology, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350104, China
| | - Mingli LIANG
- 1 Department of Bioengineering, College of Biological Science and Biotechnology, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350104, China
| | - Wanting LIU
- 1 Department of Bioengineering, College of Biological Science and Biotechnology, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350104, China
| | - Chun MENG
- 2 Department of Bioengineering, College of Biological Science and Biotechnology, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350104, China; Eye Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350004, China
| | - Guanghui LIU
- 3 Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated People's Hospital (Fujian Provincial People's Hospital), Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350004, China
- 4 Eye Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350004, China
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Tabassum A, Nadeem H, Azeem F, Siddique MH, Zubair M, Kanwal A, Rasul I. An integrated network pharmacology approach to discover therapeutic mechanisms of Commiphora wightii for the treatment of Bell's palsy. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-18. [PMID: 38502688 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2326196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Bell's palsy (BP) can result in facial paralysis. Inflammation or injury to the cranial nerves that regulate the facial muscles is primarily responsible for that disease. Commiphora wightii remains recognized as a cure for a few human ailments. This study focused on therapeutic phenomena of C. wightii for the treatment of Bell's palsy, utilizing the network drug discovery and molecular docking techniques. Active biological constituents of C. wightii were retrieved from literature and independent databases. Potential therapeutic targets (431) of 13 bioactive phytochemicals were fetched via SwissTargetPrediction tool. Putative intersecting targets (855) of Bell's palsy were computed through the DisGeNET and GeneCards datasets. Subsequently, by the analysis of potential shared targets (87) of C. wightii and Bell's palsy, a Venn diagram was drawn. DAVID database was used to evaluate gene functional annotations and enriched pathways that are involved in Bell's palsy. STRING database was used for generating the protein-protein relationship complex. Visual presentations of the interactions of potential targets to active chemical constituents were done by the Cytoscape. Whereas, the conformational research sorted out 10 key targets through the protein-protein interactions network. Moreover, the capacity of therapeutic ingredients to interact with a target inhibiting Bell's palsy was confirmed by molecular docking, which might ratify the findings of network pharmacology. In the molecular complex of AKT1-cholesterol, a 100-ns simulation unveiled a graceful stability, with a minimal 0.167 Å ligand shift and resilient hydrogen bonds (ASN54 and SER205). The final 20 ns showcased a P1 motif pirouette, gracefully forming aromatic bonds with H165 and W186, underscoring the complex's dynamic finesse. This study evaluated compound-target interactions and their impact on disease-related genes. It revealed that five genes (AKT1, TNF, MAPK3, EGFR and SRC) of C. wightii might be useful therapeutic targets for the treatment of Bell's palsy, as well as helping in lowering down the blood pressure.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Tabassum
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Habibullah Nadeem
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Farrukh Azeem
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Hussnain Siddique
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Zubair
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Aqsa Kanwal
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Ijaz Rasul
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
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Fauquet J, Carette J, Duez P, Zhang J, Nachtergael A. Microfluidic Diffusion Sizing Applied to the Study of Natural Products and Extracts That Modulate the SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD/ACE2 Interaction. Molecules 2023; 28:8072. [PMID: 38138562 PMCID: PMC10745392 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28248072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The interaction between SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD and ACE2 proteins is a crucial step for host cell infection by the virus. Without it, the entire virion entrance mechanism is compromised. The aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of various natural product classes, including flavonoids, anthraquinones, saponins, ivermectin, chloroquine, and erythromycin, to modulate this interaction. To accomplish this, we applied a recently developed a microfluidic diffusional sizing (MDS) technique that allows us to probe protein-protein interactions via measurements of the hydrodynamic radius (Rh) and dissociation constant (KD); the evolution of Rh is monitored in the presence of increasing concentrations of the partner protein (ACE2); and the KD is determined through a binding curve experimental design. In a second time, with the protein partners present in equimolar amounts, the Rh of the protein complex was measured in the presence of different natural products. Five of the nine natural products/extracts tested were found to modulate the formation of the protein complex. A methanol extract of Chenopodium quinoa Willd bitter seed husks (50 µg/mL; bisdesmoside saponins) and the flavonoid naringenin (1 µM) were particularly effective. This rapid selection of effective modulators will allow us to better understand agents that may prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Fauquet
- Unit of Therapeutic Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Mons (UMONS), 7000 Mons, Belgium; (J.F.); (P.D.); (A.N.)
| | - Julie Carette
- Unit of Therapeutic Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Mons (UMONS), 7000 Mons, Belgium; (J.F.); (P.D.); (A.N.)
| | - Pierre Duez
- Unit of Therapeutic Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Mons (UMONS), 7000 Mons, Belgium; (J.F.); (P.D.); (A.N.)
| | - Jiuliang Zhang
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China;
| | - Amandine Nachtergael
- Unit of Therapeutic Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Mons (UMONS), 7000 Mons, Belgium; (J.F.); (P.D.); (A.N.)
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Dong Q, Tan Y, Tang G, Wu Z, Li A, Qin X, Li S, Liao H, Xiao J, Huang Q, Yang J, Qin Y. Neuroprotective potentials of ferulic acid against intracerebral hemorrhage COVID-19 through using network pharmacology approach and molecular docking analysis. Curr Res Toxicol 2023; 5:100123. [PMID: 37731942 PMCID: PMC10507130 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2023.100123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) refers to severe stroke subtype that may be life-threatening or even cause death. It is clinically observed that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be associated with the high mortality in ICH patients. Ferulic acid, one of the functional bioactive ingredients from medicinal herbs, has been preclinically proven with beneficial activities, including neuroprotection and anti-inflammation actions. Based on current findings, we assumed that ferulic acid may play the potentials against COVID-19 when ICH. In this study, preclinical approach including network pharmacology and molecular docking was applied to detect and identify the core targets and pharmacological mechanisms involved in ferulic acid on COVID-19 and ICH. The network pharmacology analysis identified total eleven core targets in ferulic acid and COVID-19/ICH. The molecular mechanisms of ferulic acid against COVID-19 and ICH were mostly involved in induction of antiviral activity, modulation of inflammatory reaction. Molecular docking model revealed that ferulic acid might effectively bind to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) protein based on strong binding capability. Current findings reflected the preclinical pharmacological activities of ferulic acid that might use for management of COVID-19 and ICH. Although there are the limitations that are absence of experimental validation, these bioinformatic results underline that ferulic acid may exert simultaneous potentials against COVID-19 and ICH through modulating integrative mechanisms and key biotargets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghua Dong
- Intensive Care Unit, Guilin Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guilin, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Yongxing Tan
- Intensive Care Unit, Guilin Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guilin, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Gangjian Tang
- Intensive Care Unit, Guilin Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guilin, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Zhonghui Wu
- Guilin Boai Hospital, Guilin, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Aiguo Li
- Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR China
| | - Xiaohui Qin
- Intensive Care Unit, Guilin Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guilin, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Shaobin Li
- Intensive Care Unit, Guilin Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guilin, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Huafeng Liao
- Intensive Care Unit, Guilin Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guilin, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Junxin Xiao
- Intensive Care Unit, Guilin Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guilin, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Qiuye Huang
- Intensive Care Unit, Guilin Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guilin, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Jiawu Yang
- Intensive Care Unit, Guilin Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guilin, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Yujing Qin
- Intensive Care Unit, Guilin Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guilin, Guangxi, PR China
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Wu W, Zhang Y, Liu G, Chi Z, Zhang A, Miao S, Lin C, Xu Q, Zhang Y. Potential protective effects of Huanglian Jiedu Decoction against COVID-19-associated acute kidney injury: A network-based pharmacological and molecular docking study. Open Med (Wars) 2023; 18:20230746. [PMID: 37533739 PMCID: PMC10390755 DOI: 10.1515/med-2023-0746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is prone to induce multiple organ damage. The kidney is one of the target organs of SARS-CoV-2, which is susceptible to inducing acute kidney injury (AKI). Huanglian Jiedu Decoction (HLJDD) is one of the recommended prescriptions for COVID-19 with severe complications. We used network pharmacology and molecular docking to explore the therapeutic and protective effects of HLJDD on COVID-19-associated AKI. Potential targets related to "HLJDD," "COVID-19," and "Acute Kidney Injury/Acute Renal Failure" were identified from several databases. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed and screened the core targets according to the degree value. The target genes were then enriched using gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. The bioactive components were docked with the core targets. A total of 65 active compounds, 85 common targets for diseases and drugs were obtained; PPI network analysis showed that the core protein mainly involved JUN, RELA, and AKT1; functional analysis showed that these target genes were mainly involved in lipid and atherosclerosis signaling pathway and IL-17 signal pathway. The results of molecular docking showed that JUN, RELA, and AKT1 had good binding activity with the effective chemical components of HLJDD. In conclusion, HLJDD can be used as a potential therapeutic drug for COVID-19-associated AKI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weichu Wu
- Department of Urology, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, 515031, PR China
| | - Yonghai Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, 515031, PR China
| | - Guoyuan Liu
- Department of Urology, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, 515031, PR China
| | - Zepai Chi
- Department of Urology, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, 515031, PR China
| | - Aiping Zhang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Shuying Miao
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Chengchuang Lin
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, 515031, PR China
| | - Qingchun Xu
- Department of Urology, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, 515031, PR China
| | - Yuanfeng Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, 515031, PR China
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Cherian S, Hacisayidli KM, Kurian R, Mathews A. Therapeutically important bioactive compounds of the genus Polygonum L. and their possible interventions in clinical medicine. J Pharm Pharmacol 2023; 75:301-327. [PMID: 36757388 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgac105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Increasing literature data have suggested that the genus Polygonum L. possesses pharmacologically important plant secondary metabolites. These bioactive compounds are implicated as effective agents in preclinical and clinical practice due to their pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, antiaging, neuroprotective or immunomodulatory properties among many others. However, elaborate pharmacological and clinical data concerning the bioavailability, tissue distribution pattern, dosage and pharmacokinetic profiles of these compounds are still scanty. KEY FINDINGS The major bioactive compounds implicated in the therapeutic effects of Polygonum genus include phenolic and flavonoid compounds, anthraquinones and stilbenes, such as quercetin, resveratrol, polydatin and others, and could serve as potential drug leads or as adjuvant agents. Data from in-silico network pharmacology and computational molecular docking studies are also highly helpful in identifying the possible drug target of pathogens or host cell machinery. SUMMARY We provide an up-to-date overview of the data from pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic profiles and preclinical (in-vitro and in-vivo) investigations and the available clinical data on some of the therapeutically important compounds of genus Polygonum L. and their medical interventions, including combating the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Cherian
- Indian Society for Plant Physiology, New Delhi, India
| | - Kushvar Mammadova Hacisayidli
- Department of Hygiene and Food Safety, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, Azerbaijan State Agricultural University, Ganja City, Azerbaijan
| | - Renju Kurian
- Department of Pathology, Manipal University College, Melaka, Malaysia
| | - Allan Mathews
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Quest International University Perak, Ipoh, Malaysia
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Wang YX, Yang Z, Wang WX, Huang YX, Zhang Q, Li JJ, Tang YP, Yue SJ. Methodology of network pharmacology for research on Chinese herbal medicine against COVID-19: A review. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 20:477-487. [PMID: 36182651 PMCID: PMC9508683 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine, as a complementary and alternative medicine, has been practiced for thousands of years in China and possesses remarkable clinical efficacy. Thus, systematic analysis and examination of the mechanistic links between Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) and the complex human body can benefit contemporary understandings by carrying out qualitative and quantitative analysis. With increasing attention, the approach of network pharmacology has begun to unveil the mystery of CHM by constructing the heterogeneous network relationship of "herb-compound-target-pathway," which corresponds to the holistic mechanisms of CHM. By integrating computational techniques into network pharmacology, the efficiency and accuracy of active compound screening and target fishing have been improved at an unprecedented pace. This review dissects the core innovations to the network pharmacology approach that were developed in the years since 2015 and highlights how this tool has been applied to understanding the coronavirus disease 2019 and refining the clinical use of CHM to combat it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-xuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi’an 712046, Shaanxi Province, China,Department of Scientific Research, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an 710068, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Zhen Yang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi’an 712046, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Wen-xiao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi’an 712046, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yu-xi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi’an 712046, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Qiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi’an 712046, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jia-jia Li
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi’an 712046, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yu-ping Tang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi’an 712046, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Shi-jun Yue
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi’an 712046, Shaanxi Province, China,Corresponding author
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Nowak-Perlak M, Bromke MA, Ziółkowski P, Woźniak M. The Comparison of the Efficiency of Emodin and Aloe-Emodin in Photodynamic Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116276. [PMID: 35682955 PMCID: PMC9181794 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin cancer (melanoma and non-melanoma) is the most frequent type of malignancy in the Caucasian population. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) as an interesting and unique strategy may potentially boost standard therapeutic approaches. In the present study, the potential of emodin and aloe-emodin as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy has been investigated. The conducted research presents for the first-time comparison of the phototoxic and anti-cancerous effects of emodin and aloe-emodin on skin cancer cell lines, including SCC-25 representing cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, MUG-Mel2 representing a melanoma cell line, and normal human keratinocytes HaCaT representing control normal skin cells. To assess the effectiveness of emodin and aloe-emodin as a photosensitizer in PDT on different skin cell lines, we performed MTT assay measuring cytotoxicity of natural compounds, cellular uptake, apoptosis with flow cytometry, and a wound-healing assay. Although emodin and aloe-emodin are isomers and differ only in the position of one hydroxyl group, our phototoxicity and apoptosis detection results show that both substances affect skin cancer cells (SSC-25 squamous cell carcinoma and MUG-Mel2 melanoma) and normal keratinocytes (HaCaT cell line) in other ways. In conclusion, our study provides evidence suggesting that emodin and aloe-emodin mediated PDT exhibits the potential for clinical development as a new effective and safe photosensitizer to treat skin cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Nowak-Perlak
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Division of General and Experimental Pathology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.N.-P.); (P.Z.)
| | - Mariusz A. Bromke
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunochemistry, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Piotr Ziółkowski
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Division of General and Experimental Pathology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.N.-P.); (P.Z.)
| | - Marta Woźniak
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Division of General and Experimental Pathology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.N.-P.); (P.Z.)
- Correspondence:
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Qi JH, Dong FX, Wang K, Zhang SY, Liu ZM, Wang WJ, Sun FZ, Zhang HM, Wang XL. Feasibility analysis and mechanism exploration of Rhei Radix et Rhizome-Schisandrae Sphenantherae Fructus (RS) against COVID-19. J Med Microbiol 2022; 71. [PMID: 35584000 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction. As a novel global epidemic, corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 brought great suffering and disaster to mankind. Recently, although significant progress has been made in vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, there are still no drugs for treating COVID-19. It is well known that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has achieved excellent efficacy in the treatment of COVID-19 in China. As a treasure-house of natural drugs, Chinese herbs offer a promising prospect for discovering anti-COVID-19 drugs.Hypothesis/Gap Statement. We proposed that Rhei Radix et Rhizome-Schisandrae Sphenantherae Fructus (RS) may have potential value in the treatment of COVID-19 patients by regulating immune response, protecting the cardiovascular system, inhibiting the production of inflammatory factors, and blocking virus invasion and replication processes.Aim. We aimed to explore the feasibility and molecular mechanisms of RS against COVID-19, to provide a reference for basic research and clinical applications.Methodology. Through literature mining, it is found that a Chinese herbal pair, RS, has potential anti-COVID-19 activity. In this study, we analysed the feasibility of RS against COVID-19 by high-throughput molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Furthermore, we predicted the molecular mechanisms of RS against COVID-19 based on network pharmacology.Results. We proved the feasibility of RS anti-COVID-19 by literature mining, virtual docking and molecular dynamics simulations, and found that angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and 3C-like protease (3 CL pro) were also two critical targets for RS against COVID-19. In addition, we predicted the molecular mechanisms of RS in the treatment of COVID-19, and identified 29 main ingredients, 21 potential targets and 16 signalling pathways. Rhein, eupatin, (-)-catechin, aloe-emodin may be important active ingredients in RS. ALB, ESR1, EGFR, HMOX1, CTSL, and RHOA may be important targets against COVID-19. Platelet activation, renin secretion, ras signalling pathway, chemokine signalling pathway, and human cytomegalovirus infection may be important signalling pathways against COVID-19.Conclusion. RS plays a key role in the treatment of COVID-19, which may be closely related to immune regulation, cardiovascular protection, anti-inflammation, virus invasion and replication processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Hong Qi
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, PR China
| | - Fang-Xu Dong
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, PR China
| | - Ke Wang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, PR China
| | - Shan-Yu Zhang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, PR China
| | - Zi-Ming Liu
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, PR China
| | - Wen-Jing Wang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, PR China
| | - Feng-Zhi Sun
- The Pharmacy Department, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province, Jinan 250014, PR China
| | - Hui-Min Zhang
- Shandong Academy of Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, PR China
| | - Xiao-Long Wang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, PR China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Basic Research, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, PR China
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The Potential of Dietary Bioactive Compounds against SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27051623. [PMID: 35268723 PMCID: PMC8912066 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27051623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 is an endothelial disease. All the major comorbidities that increase the risk for severe SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe COVID-19 including old age, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, respiratory disease, compromised immune system, coronary artery disease or heart failure are associated with dysfunctional endothelium. Genetics and environmental factors (epigenetics) are major risk factors for endothelial dysfunction. Individuals with metabolic syndrome are at increased risk for severe SARS-CoV-2 infection and poor COVID-19 outcomes and higher risk of mortality. Old age is a non-modifiable risk factor. All other risk factors are modifiable. This review also identifies dietary risk factors for endothelial dysfunction. Potential dietary preventions that address endothelial dysfunction and its sequelae may have an important role in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection severity and are key factors for future research to address. This review presents some dietary bioactives with demonstrated efficacy against dysfunctional endothelial cells. This review also covers dietary bioactives with efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Dietary bioactive compounds that prevent endothelial dysfunction and its sequelae, especially in the gastrointestinal tract, will result in more effective prevention of SARS-CoV-2 variant infection severity and are key factors for future food research to address.
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11
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Kang X, Jin D, Jiang L, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, An X, Duan L, Yang C, Zhou R, Duan Y, Sun Y, Lian F. Efficacy and mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine for COVID-19: a systematic review. Chin Med 2022; 17:30. [PMID: 35227280 PMCID: PMC8883015 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-022-00587-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has made an important contribution to the prevention and control of the epidemic. This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy and explore the mechanisms of TCM for COVID-19. We systematically searched 7 databases from their inception up to July 21, 2021, to distinguish randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies (CSs), and case–control studies (CCSs) of TCM for COVID-19. Two reviewers independently completed the screening of literature, extraction of data, and quality assessment of included studies. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 software. Eventually, 29 RCTs involving 3060 patients and 28 retrospective studies (RSs) involving 12,460 patients were included. The meta-analysis demonstrated that TCM could decrease the proportion of patients progressing to severe cases by 55% and the mortality rate of severe or critical patients by 49%. Moreover, TCM could relieve clinical symptoms, curtail the length of hospital stay, improve laboratory indicators, and so on. In addition, we consulted the literature and obtained 149 components of Chinese medicinal herbs that could stably bind to antiviral targets or anti-inflammatory or immune-regulating targets by the prediction of molecular docking. It suggested that the mechanisms involved anti-virus, anti-inflammation, and regulation of immunity. Our study made a systematic review on the efficacy of TCM for COVID-19 and discussed the possible mechanisms, which provided clinical reference and theoretical basis for further research on the mechanism of TCM for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Kang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - De Jin
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Linlin Jiang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yuqing Zhang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuehong Zhang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuedong An
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liyun Duan
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Cunqing Yang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Rongrong Zhou
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yingying Duan
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yuting Sun
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fengmei Lian
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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12
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Geronikolou SA, Takan I, Pavlopoulou A, Mantzourani M, Chrousos GP. Thrombocytopenia in COVID‑19 and vaccine‑induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia. Int J Mol Med 2022; 49:35. [PMID: 35059730 PMCID: PMC8815408 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2022.5090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The highly heterogeneous symptomatology and unpredictable progress of COVID-19 triggered unprecedented intensive biomedical research and a number of clinical research projects. Although the pathophysiology of the disease is being progressively clarified, its complexity remains vast. Moreover, some extremely infrequent cases of thrombotic thrombocytopenia following vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 infection have been observed. The present study aimed to map the signaling pathways of thrombocytopenia implicated in COVID-19, as well as in vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT). The biomedical literature database, MEDLINE/PubMed, was thoroughly searched using artificial intelligence techniques for the semantic relations among the top 50 similar words (>0.9) implicated in COVID-19-mediated human infection or VITT. Additionally, STRING, a database of primary and predicted associations among genes and proteins (collected from diverse resources, such as documented pathway knowledge, high-throughput experimental studies, cross-species extrapolated information, automated text mining results, computationally predicted interactions, etc.), was employed, with the confidence threshold set at 0.7. In addition, two interactomes were constructed: i) A network including 119 and 56 nodes relevant to COVID-19 and thrombocytopenia, respectively; and ii) a second network containing 60 nodes relevant to VITT. Although thrombocytopenia is a dominant morbidity in both entities, three nodes were observed that corresponded to genes (AURKA, CD46 and CD19) expressed only in VITT, whilst ADAM10, CDC20, SHC1 and STXBP2 are silenced in VITT, but are commonly expressed in both COVID-19 and thrombocytopenia. The calculated average node degree was immense (11.9 in COVID-19 and 6.43 in VITT), illustrating the complexity of COVID-19 and VITT pathologies and confirming the importance of cytokines, as well as of pathways activated following hypoxic events. In addition, PYCARD, NLP3 and P2RX7 are key potential therapeutic targets for all three morbid entities, meriting further research. This interactome was based on wild-type genes, revealing the predisposition of the body to hypoxia-induced thrombosis, leading to the acute COVID-19 phenotype, the 'long-COVID syndrome', and/or VITT. Thus, common nodes appear to be key players in illness prevention, progression and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Styliani A Geronikolou
- Clinical, Translational and Experimental Surgery Research Centre, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Işil Takan
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG), 35340 Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - Marina Mantzourani
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Laiko Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - George P Chrousos
- Clinical, Translational and Experimental Surgery Research Centre, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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13
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Xu Y, Yang L, Wang L, Chen F. Potential therapeutic effect of Shufeng Jiedu capsule and its major herbs on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): A review. Drug Discov Ther 2022; 15:289-299. [PMID: 34980761 DOI: 10.5582/ddt.2021.01099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The outbreak and rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) poses a huge threat to human health and social stability. Shufeng Jiedu capsule (SFJDC), a patented herbal drug composed of eight medicinal plants, is used to treat different viral respiratory tract infectious diseases. Based on its antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory activities in acute lung injury, SFJDC can be effectively used as a treatment for COVID-19 patients according to the diagnosis and treatment plan issued in China and existing clinical data. SFJDC has been recommended in 15 therapeutic regimens for COVID-19 in China. This review summarizes current data on the ingredients, chemical composition, pharmacological properties, clinical efficacy, and potential therapeutic effect of SFJDC on COVID-19, to provide a theoretical basis for its anti-viral mechanism and the clinical treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yayun Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
| | - Li Yang
- School of food and biological engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Longfei Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
| | - Feihu Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
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