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Li L, Lin Z, Yuan J, Li P, Wang Q, Cho N, Wang Y, Lin Z. The neuroprotective mechanisms of naringenin: Inhibition of apoptosis through the PI3K/AKT pathway after hypoxic-ischemic brain damage. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 318:116941. [PMID: 37480970 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Naringenin (NGN) is a widely distributed flavonoid with potent antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. Neuroprotective agents play a crucial role in the treatment of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). It has shown potential therapeutic effects for neurological disorders. However, its efficacy on HIE is yet to be investigated. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aims to investigate the potential neuroprotective effect of naringenin and its underlying molecular mechanisms in reducing oxidative stress, apoptosis, and improving brain outcomes following HIE. Additionally, the study aims to identify the potential targets, mechanisms, and functions of naringenin using network pharmacology analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Neonatal mice were exposed to the hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) model to determine brain water content, and brain tissue was subjected to hematoxylin and eosin (HE), immunohistochemistry (IHC), terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), and Nissl staining to investigate its neuroprotective effects. Furthermore, the neonatal mouse primary neuron oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) model to measure reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in vitro. The protein levels were characterized by Western Blot, and mRNA levels were evaluated by a real-time quantitative PCR detecting system (qPCR). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and mitochondrial fluorescent staining were used to observe mitochondrial morphology. Neuronal nuclei (NeuN) and microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) were detected by Immunofluorescence (IF). Finally, network pharmacology was employed to determine the common target of naringenin and HIE. The core genes were obtained via protein-protein interaction networks (PPI) analysis and molecular docking was examined, and the mechanism of action was explored through Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. Additionally, small interfering RNA (siRNA) was constructed for verification. RESULTS Naringenin has a neuroprotective effect in HIBD by modulating Vegfa expression and activating the PI3K/AKT pathway to inhibit apoptosis. Furthermore, molecular docking results suggest that Vegfa is a potential binding target of naringenin, and silencing Vegfa partially reverses the pharmacological effects of NGN. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that naringenin demonstrates potential clinical application for treating HIE as a novel neuroprotective agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Li
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Perinatal Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang Province, China; Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China; College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Zhen Lin
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junhui Yuan
- Wenling Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Xiabao Road, Chengdong Street of Wenling City, Zhejiang Province, 317500, China
| | - Pingping Li
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Perinatal Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Perinatal Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Namki Cho
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea.
| | - Yi Wang
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
| | - Zhenlang Lin
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Perinatal Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang Province, China; Key Laboratory of Structural Malformations in Children of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, China.
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Wu K, Qin J, Liu M, Yan X, Guo C. Bioinformatics approach and experimental validation reveal the hepatoprotective effect of pachyman against acetaminophen-associated liver injury. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:8800-8811. [PMID: 37679038 PMCID: PMC10522380 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205000] [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: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Pachyman, known as Poria cocos polysaccharides, refers to the bioactive compounds isolated from Poria cocos. Pachyman is thought to exert cytoprotective action. However, the detailed mechanisms of pachyman action for hepatoprotection remain unknown. In this study, we aimed to assess the therapeutic actions, molecular mechanisms, and key target proteins of pachyman in the treatment of liver injury through network pharmacology and molecular docking assays. Furthermore, these bioinformatic findings were validated by an acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury in vivo. Primarily using bioinformatic analysis, we screened and characterized 12 genes that act as potential therapeutic targets of pachyman against APAP-induced liver injury, in which all core targets were obtained. By using enrichment analysis, these core target genes of pachyman were characterized to reveal the pharmacological functions and molecular mechanisms of anti-liver injury induced by APAP. A molecular docking simulation was further performed to certain anti-liver injury target proteins of pachyman, including cytochrome P450 3A4 enzyme (CYP3A4) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2). In animal experiments, pachyman exerted potent hepatoprotective activities in prenatal APAP-exposed offspring livers, characterized by activated hepatocellular CYP3A4 and NOS2 expressions. These current findings have thus indicated that pachyman exerts hepatoprotective effects and may be the promising nutraceuticals for the treatment of APAP-induced liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second People’s Hospital of Nanning City, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jingru Qin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Guigang City People’s Hospital, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, Guangxi, China
| | - Meizhen Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Guigang City People’s Hospital, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, Guangxi, China
| | - Xin Yan
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second People’s Hospital of Nanning City, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Chao Guo
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Guigang City People’s Hospital, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, Guangxi, China
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Liu W, Zhou X, Zeng K, Nie C, Huang J, Zhu L, Pei D, Zhang Y. Study on the action mechanism of Buyang Huanwu Decoction against ischemic stroke based on S1P/S1PR1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 312:116471. [PMID: 37030556 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Ischemic stroke is a common and frequent clinical disease. Recent studies have demonstrated that sphingolipid plays an important role in the pathological process of ischemic stroke. PI3K-Akt is a classic protective signaling pathway of cerebral ischemic injury. After acting on the S1P receptor, S1P can activate the downstream PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and play an anti-cerebral ischemia role. Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BHD) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula used to treat ischemic stroke. However, the mechanisms of BHD on ischemic stroke remain unclear based on S1P/S1PR1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. AIM OF THE STUDY The present study is intended to investigate the action mechanism of BHD on ischemic stroke based on the S1P/S1PR1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway from multiple perspectives. MATERIALS AND METHODS The BHD lyophilized product was prepared by vacuum freeze-drying method, of which the chemical composition was determined by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. The mouse permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) model was established by the suture-occluded method. Male KM mice were randomly divided into seven groups: sham group, model group, FTY720 (positive control) group, BHD group, BHD + W146 (selective S1PR1 inhibitor) group, SEW2871 (selective S1PR1 agonist) group, and Calycosin group. Each group was administered continuously for 14 days and evaluated with modified neurological severity score (mNSS) and cerebral infarct volume on the 1st, 4th, 7th, and 14th days. The SphK1, SphK2, S1PR1, PI3K, Akt, and p-Akt protein in the prefrontal lobe, hippocampus, and striatum was quantified by Western blot and immunohistochemical (IHC) experiment respectively. The qRT-PCR method was employed to evaluate SphK1, SphK2, and S1PR1 mRNA expression in the above tissue. RESULTS BHD and Calycosin both effectively improved mNSS scores with smaller infarct volumes. The SphK1 level in the prefrontal lobe, hippocampus, and striatum of mice in the BHD group was significantly lower, and SphK2, PI3K, and p-Akt in the hippocampus and striatum were significantly higher than those in the model group. BHD significantly decreased SphK1 mRNA expression in the prefrontal lobe, hippocampus, and striatum, and significantly up-regulated SphK2 mRNA and S1PR1 mRNA expression. Additionally, SphK1 protein expression levels of the prefrontal lobe, hippocampus, and striatum in the BHD group was significantly lower than model group, and SphK2, S1PR1, PI3K, Akt, and p-Akt protein expressions levels were increased obviously. Furthermore, SEW2871 can increase S1PR1 and Akt expression, and up-regulate SphK2 and S1PR1 mRNA expression. The effect of BHD on the expression of S1P/S1PR1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway-related proteins and mRNA were weakened by BHD + W146. CONCLUSION BHD and Calycosin significantly improved the symptoms of neurological deficits in pMCAO mice, reduced the cerebral infarction volume, up-regulated SphK2 and S1PR1 mRNA levels, enhanced SphK2, S1PR1, PI3K, Akt, p-Akt protein expression of the prefrontal lobe, hippocampus and striatum, and down-regulated SphK1 mRNA and protein expression, which may be helpful to clarify the mechanism of BHD through S1P/S1PR1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to protect against cerebral ischemic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanyi Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Chinese Materia Medica, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 51006, Guangdong, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Chinese Materia Medica, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 51006, Guangdong, China.
| | - Keqi Zeng
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Chinese Materia Medica, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 51006, Guangdong, China.
| | - Cong Nie
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Chinese Materia Medica, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 51006, Guangdong, China.
| | - Jieyi Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Chinese Materia Medica, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 51006, Guangdong, China
| | - Lixia Zhu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, China
| | - Die Pei
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Chinese Materia Medica, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 51006, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingfeng Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Chinese Materia Medica, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 51006, Guangdong, China.
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Li X, Yang X, Lu H, Wang W, Cai L, Chen J, Wang Y. Calycosin attenuates the inflammatory damage of microglia induced by oxygen and glucose deprivation through the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2023; 55:1415-1424. [PMID: 37528661 PMCID: PMC10520471 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2023125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke seriously threatens human life and health worldwide, but only very few effective stroke medicines are currently available. Our previous studies have indicated that the phytoestrogen calycosin exerts neuroprotective effects in cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury rats. Therefore, the objective of this study is to further explore the protective effect of calycosin on inflammatory injury in microglia after oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) and to clarify whether its protective effect is related to the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Here, the OGD/R model of rodent microglia is established in vitro to simulate cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Through the CCK-8 test, ELISA, qRT-PCR, and western blot analysis, we find that the activity of microglia is decreased, the expressions of HMGB1 and TLR4 and the phosphorylation of NF-κB (p-NF-κB) are increased, and the releases of the inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α are increased after OGD/R. Pretreatment with calycosin could ameliorate these states, increase cell viability, reduce HMGB1, TLR4 and p-NF-κB expression, and reduce inflammatory cytokine production. In addition, the effect of calycosin is similar to that of TAK-242 (an inhibitor of TLR4), and the effect of the combined treatment is better than that of the single treatment. The results indicate that calycosin protects microglia from OGD/R injury and reduces the inflammatory response. Calycosin might alleviate cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental RegulationGuilin Medical UniversityGuilin541199China
| | - Xin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental RegulationGuilin Medical UniversityGuilin541199China
| | - Huiling Lu
- Department of Pathology and PhysiopathologyGuilin Medical UniversityGuilin541199China
| | - Wenbo Wang
- Department of NeurosurgeryNanxishan Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionGuilin541002China
| | - Le Cai
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental RegulationGuilin Medical UniversityGuilin541199China
| | - Jian Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental RegulationGuilin Medical UniversityGuilin541199China
| | - Yong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental RegulationGuilin Medical UniversityGuilin541199China
- Department of PhysiologyGuilin Medical UniversityGuilin541199China
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Liu H, Zhao Z, Yan M, Zhang Q, Jiang T, Xue J. Calycosin decreases cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by suppressing ACSL4-dependent ferroptosis. Arch Biochem Biophys 2023; 734:109488. [PMID: 36516890 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2022.109488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is the second leading cause of death globally. Calycosin is a typical phytoestrogen that protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, the role of ferroptosis in this effect remains unknown. In the present study, we investigated the ferroptosis mechanism of calycosin against cerebral I/R injury using transient middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (tMCAO/R)-exposed rats and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R)-stimulated PC12 cells. We found that calycosin treatment significantly improved neurological deficits, brain edema, blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown, infarction volume, and neuronal injuries in rats that underwent tMCAO/R; similar to ferrostatin-1 (a ferroptosis inhibitor), calycosin prevented cell viability loss in PC12 cells exposed to OGD/R stimulation. In addition, calycosin intervention decreased ferroptosis, as assessed by iron accumulation, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), ceramide, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, as well as ferroptosis-related protein expression (ACSL4, TfR1, FTH1, and GPX4). Furthermore, overexpression of ACSL4 reversed calycosin-induced beneficial efficacy in OGD/R-stimulated PC12 cells. The molecular docking analysis demonstrated that calycosin binds to ACSL4 by forming stable hydrogen bonds at G465, K690, and D573. Collectively, these findings indicate that calycosin ameliorates cerebral I/R injury by depressing ACSL4-dependent ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Liu
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Changshu No.2 People's Hospital, The Affiliated Changshu Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Changshu, 215500, China
| | - Zongbo Zhao
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Changshu No.2 People's Hospital, The Affiliated Changshu Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Changshu, 215500, China
| | - Manyun Yan
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Changshu No.2 People's Hospital, The Affiliated Changshu Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Changshu, 215500, China
| | - Qiu Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Changshu No.2 People's Hospital, The Affiliated Changshu Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Changshu, 215500, China
| | - Tingwang Jiang
- Department of Key Laboratory, Changshu No.2 People's Hospital, The Affiliated Changshu Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Changshu, 215500, China.
| | - Jianzhong Xue
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Changshu No.2 People's Hospital, The Affiliated Changshu Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Changshu, 215500, China.
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Li M, Tang H, Li Z, Tang W. Emerging Treatment Strategies for Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury. Neuroscience 2022; 507:112-124. [PMID: 36341725 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CI/RI) injury is a common feature of ischemic stroke which occurs when the blood supply is restored after a period of ischemia in the brain. Reduced blood-flow to the brain during CI/RI compromises neuronal cell health as a result of mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, cytokine production, inflammation and tissue damage. Reperfusion therapy during CI/RI can restore the blood flow to ischemic regions of brain which are not yet infarcted. The long-term goal of CI/RI therapy is to reduce stroke-related neuronal cell death, disability and mortality. A range of drug and interventional therapies have emerged that can alleviate CI/RI mediated oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in the brain. Herein, we review recent studies on CI/RI interventions for which a mechanism of action has been described and the potential of these therapeutic modalities for future use in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxing Li
- College of Acupuncture and Massage (Rehabilitation Medical College), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Heyong Tang
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (School of Life Sciences), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Zhen Li
- College of Acupuncture and Massage (Rehabilitation Medical College), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Wei Tang
- College of Acupuncture and Massage (Rehabilitation Medical College), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China.
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Chen G, Xu H, Xu T, Ding W, Zhang G, Hua Y, Wu Y, Han X, Xie L, Liu B, Zhou Y. Calycosin reduces myocardial fibrosis and improves cardiac function in post-myocardial infarction mice by suppressing TGFBR1 signaling pathways. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 104:154277. [PMID: 35752078 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excessive myocardial fibrosis is the pathological basis of heart failure following myocardial infarction (MI). Although calycosin improves cardiac function, its effect on cardiac fibrosis and cardiac function after MI in mice and its precise mechanism remain unclear. PURPOSE Here, we firstly investigated the effects of calycosin on cardiac fibrosis and ventricular function in mice after MI and the role of transforming growth factor-beta receptor 1 (TGFBR1) signaling in the amelioration of cardiac fibrosis and ventricular function. METHODS In vivo effects of calycosin on cardiac structure and function in mice with MI induced by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation were determined by hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson trichrome staining, and echocardiography. The molecular mechanism of the interaction between TGFBR1 and calycosin was investigated using molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi), immunohistochemistry, and western blotting (WB). Subsequently, cardiac-specific Tgfbr1 knockout mice were used to verify the effects of calycosin. The effect of calycosin on primary cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) proliferation and collagen deposition was detected using cell counting (CCK-8), EdU assay, and WB in vitro. CFs infected with an adenovirus that encodes TGFBR1 were used to verify the effects of calycosin. RESULTS In vivo, calycosin attenuated myocardial fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction following MI in a dose-dependent pattern. Calycosin-TGFBR1 complex was found to have a binding energy of -9.04 kcal/mol based on molecular docking. In addition, calycosin bound steadily in the cavity of TGFBR1 during the MD simulation. Based on SPRi results, the solution equilibrium dissociation constant for calycosin and TGFBR1 was 5.11 × 10-5 M. Calycosin inhibited the expression of TGFBR1, Smad2/3, collagen I, and collagen III. The deletion of TGFBR1 partially counteracted these effects. In vitro, calycosin suppressed CFs proliferation and collagen deposition after TGF-β1 stimulation by suppressing the TGFBR1 signaling pathway. The suppressive effects of calycosin were partially rescued by overexpression of TGFBR1. CONCLUSION Calycosin attenuates myocardial fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction following MI in mice in vivo via suppressing the TGFBR1 signaling pathway. Calycosin suppresses CFs proliferation and collagen deposition induced by TGF-β1 via inhibition of the TGFBR1 signaling pathway in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghong Chen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanfang Hospital (ZengCheng Branch), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Honglin Xu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanfang Hospital (ZengCheng Branch), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Tong Xu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanfang Hospital (ZengCheng Branch), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Wenjun Ding
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease), the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Guoyong Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanfang Hospital (ZengCheng Branch), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yue Hua
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanfang Hospital (ZengCheng Branch), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, Guangzhou 510515, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Preparation Technology, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yuting Wu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanfang Hospital (ZengCheng Branch), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xin Han
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanfang Hospital (ZengCheng Branch), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Lingpeng Xie
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanfang Hospital (ZengCheng Branch), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease), the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, China.
| | - Yingchun Zhou
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanfang Hospital (ZengCheng Branch), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
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Wu X, Zheng X, Tang H, Zhao L, He C, Zou Y, Song X, Li L, Yin Z, Ye G. A network pharmacology approach to identify the mechanisms and molecular targets of curcumin against Alzheimer disease. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e30194. [PMID: 36042609 PMCID: PMC9410577 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000030194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer disease (AD) is a degenerative brain disease, which may lead to severe memory loss and other cognitive disorders. However, few effective drugs are available in the clinic at present. Curcumin, a major ingredient of traditional Chinese medicine, Curcuma Longa, has various pharmacological activities. Therefore, exploring clinical drugs based on the inhibition of AD pathological features is imperative. METHODS First, we utilized the HERB database and Swisstarget Prediction database to get the related targets of curcumin and intersected with the AD targets. The intersection targets were used to construct the protein-protein interaction network and performed gene ontology and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analyses. Further, we obtained targets of curcumin against AD-related tau and aβ pathology via the AlzData database. These targets were applied to perform GEO and receiver operating characteristic analyses. Finally, the reliability of the core targets was evaluated using molecular docking technology. RESULTS We identified 49 targets of curcumin against AD, and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway enrichment analysis demonstrated that the Alzheimer disease pathway (has05010) was significantly enriched. Even more, we obtained 16 targets of curcumin-related Aβ and tau pathology. Among these targets, 8 targets involved the Alzheimer disease pathway and the biological process analyses showed that positive regulation of cytokine production (GO:0001819) was significantly enriched. Bioinformatic analyses indicated that HMOX1, CSF1R, NFKB1, GSK3B, BACE1, AR, or PTGS1 expression was significantly different compared to the control group in the AD patients. Finally, molecular docking studies suggested these genes have a good binding force with curcumin. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we identified curcumin exerted the effect of treating AD by regulating multitargets and multichannels through the method of network pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyan Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Gang Ye, PhD, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, No. 211 Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, China (e-mail: )
| | - Xiaomei Zheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Gang Ye, PhD, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, No. 211 Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, China (e-mail: )
| | - Huaqiao Tang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, China
| | - Changliang He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuanfeng Zou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, China
| | - Xu Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, China
| | - Lixia Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhongqiong Yin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, China
| | - Gang Ye
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, China
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Ni S, Luo Z, Fan Y, Zhang W, Peng W, Zhang H. Alteration of m6A epitranscriptomic tagging of ribonucleic acids after spinal cord injury in mice. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:904573. [PMID: 36090276 PMCID: PMC9454195 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.904573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The m6A methylation is reported to function in multiple physiological and pathological processes. However, the functional relevance of m6A modification to post-spinal cord injured (SCI) damage is not yet clear. In the present study, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation combined with microarray analysis showed that the global RNA m6A levels were decreased following SCI. Then, gene ontology (GO) and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analyses were conducted to demonstrate the potential function of differential m6A-tagged transcripts and the altered transcripts with differential m6A levels. In addition, we found that the m6A “writer,” METTL3, significantly decreased after SCI in mice. The immunostaining validated that the expression of METTL3 mainly changed in GFAP or Iba-1+ cells. Together, this study shows the alteration of m6A modification following SCI in mice, which might contribute to the pathophysiology of the spinal cord after trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangfei Ni
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zixiang Luo
- Department of Spine Surgery and Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yonggang Fan
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Weixin Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Peng
- Department of Spine Surgery and Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Wei Peng,
| | - Huafeng Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Huafeng Zhang,
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Liu W, Zeng K, Zhou X, Zhang Y, Nie C. Comparative study on brain pharmacokinetics of buyang huanwu decoction in normal and cerebral ischemia rats using brain microdialysis combined with LC-MS/MS. CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINES 2022; 14:630-637. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chmed.2022.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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11
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Calycosin alleviates hyperbilirubin nerve injury in Ugt1 -/- mice by inhibiting oxidative stress, apoptosis, and mitochondrial function. Acta Histochem 2022; 124:151918. [PMID: 35724482 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2022.151918] [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: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Hyperbilirubinemia is a common condition in neonates that is associated with poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. Although studies have proposed that calycosin has a neuroprotective effect, the exact molecular mechanism underlying calycosin treatment of hyperbilirubinemia remains elusive. To fill this gap, we analyzed the mechanism of calycosin treatment in hyperbilirubinemia model mice. METHOD Thirty neonatal mice were randomly divided into wide type (WT), Ugt1-/- and calycosin treatment group. Neuronal damage was observed with Nissl staining. Immunofluorescence staining were carried out to determine DNA damage repair and neurodegeneration. Oxidative stress was investigated by immunostaining with 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE). Western blot (WB) and Qpcr were used to detect relative protein and mRNA expression levels. Mitochondrial CI/CII activity of mitochondria was analyzed with a spectrophotometer. RESULT The total bilirubin concentration was significantly higher in Ugt1-/- group compared with WT, but calycosin treatment reduced concentration of bilirubin. The total bilirubin and bilirubin/albumin ratio were significantly higher at postnatal day 4 compared with day 2. Calycosin treatment reduced serum bilirubin concentration and bilirubin/albumin ratio. After calycosin treatment, Nissl body count increased, apoptosis-related protein was downregulated and 4-HNE level decreased. Compared with Ugt-/- group, calycosin treatment increased neurons (NeuN+) and calbindin positive cells and decreased fluorojade C(FJC)positive neurons in WT group. In mitochondria, calycosin alleviated mitochondrial electron transport chain dysfunction in Ugt1-/- mice. CONCLUSION We demonstrated that the mechanism of calycosin treatment on hyperbilirubinemia-induced Ugt1-/- was associated mainly with antioxidant effects, antiapoptosis and inhibition of normal mitochondrial function.
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Chen Q, Wan J, Zhang Y, He Y, Bao Y, Yu L, Yang J. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling analysis for hydroxysafflor yellow A-calycosin in compatibility in normal and cerebral ischemic rats: A comparative study. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 150:112950. [PMID: 35427818 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112950] [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] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Astragalus and Safflower are commonly used in the treatment of stroke. Studies have shown that their two active components, hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) and calycosin (CA), have protective effects on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/R). However, the pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) modeling study of the combination of the two components has not been reported in rats. The study aimed to perform combined PK-PD modeling of HSYA and CA in normal and cerebral ischemia model rats to explain quantitatively their time-concentration-effect relationship. METHODS To make the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. SD rats were randomly divided into normal treated group (NTG) (n = 6), model group (MDG) (n = 6) and model treated group (MTG) (n = 6). Plasma was collected from the mandibular vein after 0, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 120, 180, and 240 min after intravenous administration. Rats in NTG and MTG were administered the same dose of HSYA (5 mg/kg) and CA (8 mg/kg) by tail vein injection. HPLC-VWD method was used for detection and analysis. Simultaneously, ELISA was performed to detect the levels of IL-1β and caspase-9 in rat plasma at different time points. The improvement in the above indicators was compared after administration. Lastly, after combining the pharmacokinetic parameters and pharmacodynamic indicators in vivo, DAS 3.2.6 software was used to fit the PK-PD model. RESULTS The MCAO model was successfully established. Compared to NTG, there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in t1/2α, t1/2β, V1, V2, CL1, CL2, AUC(0-t), AUC (0-∞), and K12 of MTG for HSYA, and there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in t1/2α, V1, CL1, AUC(0-t), AUC (0-∞), and K10 of MTG for CA. Compared to NTG, the PK parameters of t1/2α, V1, V2, CL1, and K10 were higher for HSYA in MTG, while AUC(0-t), AUC (0-∞), K12, and K21 were lower; the PK parameters of t1/2α, V1, V2, AUC(0-t), and AUC(0-∞) were higher for CA in MTG, while CL1, CL2, K10, K12, and K21 were lower. Also, the results of PD showed extremely significant differences in the levels of caspase-9 and IL-1β at the different time points in MTG (P < 0.01) compared with 0 min. The levels of caspase-9 and IL-1β in NTG rats showed little fluctuation and were relatively stable; however, their levels in MTG showed a downward trend with time. There were highly significant differences in the levels of each of the pharmacodynamic indicators at every time point between NTG and MTG (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION The PK-PD model of the combined administration of HSYA and CA was successfully established in rats, and the differences in pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties between the normal and cerebral ischemic rats were evaluated. Based on comprehensive data analysis, we found that the combination of HSYA and CA may exert protective effects against I/R injury in rats via anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory pathways. The study provided additional insights into the development of drugs for ischemic stroke as well as the design of appropriate dosing regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Chen
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, PR China.
| | - Jiayang Wan
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, PR China.
| | - Yangyang Zhang
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, PR China.
| | - Yu He
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, PR China.
| | - Yida Bao
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, PR China.
| | - Li Yu
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, PR China.
| | - Jiehong Yang
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, PR China.
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Qin Q, Qin L, Xie R, Peng S, Guo C, Yang B. Insight Into Biological Targets and Molecular Mechanisms in the Treatment of Arsenic-Related Dermatitis With Vitamin A via Integrated in silico Approach. Front Nutr 2022; 9:847320. [PMID: 35685889 PMCID: PMC9171494 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.847320] [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: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to arsenic (As), an inorganic poison, may lead to skin lesions, including dermatitis. Vitamin A (VA), a fat-soluble vitamin essential for mucous membrane integrity, plays a key role in skin protection. Although the beneficial actions of VA are known, the anti-As-related dermatitis effects of VA action remain unclear. Hence, in this study, we aimed to interpret and identify the core target genes and therapeutic mechanisms of VA action in the treatment of As-related dermatitis through integrated in silico approaches of network pharmacology and molecular docking. We integrated the key VA-biological target-signaling pathway-As-related dermatitis networks for identifying core drug targets and interaction pathways associated with VA action. The network pharmacology data indicated that VA may possess potential activity for treating As-related dermatitis through the effective regulation of core target genes. An enrichment analysis in biological processes further revealed multiple immunoregulation-associated functions, including interferon-gamma production and negative regulation of T-cell activation and production of molecular mediator of immune response. An enrichment analysis in molecular pathways mainly uncovered multiple biological signaling, including natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity, autophagy, apoptosis, necroptosis, platelet activation involved in cell fate, and immunity regulations. Molecular docking study was used to identify docked well core target proteins with VA, including Jun, tumor protein p53 (TP53), mitogen-activated protein kinase-3 (MAPK3), MAPK1, and MAPK14. In conclusion, the potential use of VA may suppress the inflammatory stress and enhance the immunity against As-related dermatitis. In the future, VA might be useful in the treatment of dermatitis associated with As through multi-targets and multi-pathways in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuhai Qin
- Department of Surgery, The People’s Hospital of Gangbei District, Guigang, China
| | - Lixiu Qin
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Ruitang Xie
- Department of Surgery, The People’s Hospital of Gangbei District, Guigang, China
| | - Shuihua Peng
- Department of Pharmacy, Guigang City People’s Hospital, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, China
| | - Chao Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Guigang City People’s Hospital, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, China
- *Correspondence: Chao Guo,
| | - Bin Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Bin Yang,
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Xu H, Qin L, Nie L, Li L, Guo P, Chen Y, Huang C, Su M, Yang B. Biotargets for mediation of arsenic–induced coronary heart disease by calycosin. FOOD AGR IMMUNOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/09540105.2022.2053947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hongyuan Xu
- Cardiology Department, Guigang City People’s Hospital The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, PR People’s Republic of China
| | - Lixiu Qin
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, PR People’s Republic of China
| | - Litao Nie
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR People’s Republic of China
| | - Lin Li
- Cardiology Department, Guigang City People’s Hospital The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, PR People’s Republic of China
| | - Peng Guo
- Cardiology Department, Guigang City People’s Hospital The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, PR People’s Republic of China
| | - Yizhao Chen
- Cardiology Department, Guigang City People’s Hospital The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, PR People’s Republic of China
| | - Chuang Huang
- Cardiology Department, Guigang City People’s Hospital The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, PR People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Su
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, PR People’s Republic of China
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Abstract
The aim of current study was to exhume the potential targets and molecular mechanisms of oxyresveratrol, a structurally re-constructed resveratrol, for treating liver cancer through bioinformatics investigation and experimentative validation. To start with, the network pharmacology approach and molecular docking technology were used to uncover all candidate targets of oxyresveratrol to treat liver cancer, accompanied with identified anti-liver cancer targets including estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). In addition, more pharmacological mechanisms of oxyresveratrol against liver cancer were revealed in details. In experimental verification, the clinical samples of liver cancer showed elevated ESR1, EGFR mRNA expressions. The in-vitro data indicated that intracellular contents of ESR1, EGFR mRNAs in oxyresveratrol-treated liver cancer cells were reduced. Taken together, the bioinformatics and validated findings have highlighted detailed pharmacological targets and molecular mechanisms of oxyresveratrol for treating liver cancer. Following with experimental verification, the identified genes of ESR1, EGFR may function as potential screening anti-liver cancer markers.
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