Exploring the Potential Molecular Mechanism of Sijunzi Decoction in the Treatment of Non-Segmental Vitiligo Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

Therapeutic potential and pharmacological insights of total glucosides of paeony in dermatologic diseases: a comprehensive review

Total glucosides of paeony (TGP) are a group of monoterpenes extracted from Paeonia lactiflora Pall., primarily including metabolites such as paeoniflorin and oxypaeoniflorin. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that TGP possesses a variety of biological effects, including immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, antidepressant, and cell proliferation regulatory activities. In recent years, clinical research has demonstrated favorable therapeutic effects of TGP on disorders of the liver, cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine, and skeletal systems. Particularly in dermatological treatments, TGP has been found to significantly improve clinical symptoms and shorten the course of the disease. However, there are still certain limitations in the scientific rigor of existing studies and in its clinical application. To assess the potential of TGP in treating dermatologic diseases, this article provides a review of its botanical sources, preparation and extraction processes, quality control, and major chemical metabolites, as well as its pharmacological research and clinical applications in dermatology. Additionally, the mechanisms of action, research gaps, and future directions for TGP in the treatment of dermatologic diseases are discussed, offering valuable guidance for future clinical research on TGP in dermatology.

The Therapeutic Mechanisms of Huayu Quban Capsule in Treating Acne Vulgaris Are Uncovered Through Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

PURPOSE

To uncover how the Huayu Quban (HYQB) capsule treats acne vulgaris (AV) through the use of network pharmacology and molecular docking technology.

METHODS

The traditional Chinese medicine system pharmacology database (TCMSP) was used to identify the components and potential targets of HYQB capsule. Targets related to AV were identified by screening the GeneCards, Disease Gene Network (DisGeNET) and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) databases. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network between targets of active ingredients and AV targets was built using the STRING database. Cytoscape3.7.2 software was used to create the visualization network for the 'herb-component-target' and identify the key targets. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were utilized for functional enrichment analysis of the primary targets. Subsequently, molecular docking technology was employed to confirm the interaction between key components and core targets.

RESULTS

The technique discovered 50 different active substances and 270 associated therapeutic targets in the HYQB capsule as well as predicting 70 targets for treating acne vulgaris. Cytoscape hubba plug-in identified 19 key target genes, with the top 5 being TNF, IL1B, CCL2, SIRT1, IFNG, and IL10. Analysis of KEGG pathways revealed significant enrichment of immune-related pathways, including TNF and IL-17 signaling pathways, among the target genes. The HYQB capsule also involves lipid and atherosclerosis, Th17 cell differentiation, and the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complication signaling pathways. Molecular docking results showed that quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and wogonin, the core components of HYQB, had good binding ability with the first 4 core targets.

CONCLUSIONS

The HYQB capsule may have a synergistic effect on inhibiting sebaceous adipogenesis and sebum cell differentiation and play an effect on AV through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of different signaling pathways.

Efficacy and safety of fire needle therapy in treating non-segmental stable vitiligo: A randomized self-controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Vitiligo remains a challenging condition to treat. Fire needle therapy, a traditional Chinese medicine technique, has potential as an alternative therapeutic strategy. However, rigorous evidence on its efficacy is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fire needle therapy, alone and combined with topical tacrolimus ointment, for non-segmental stable vitiligo.

METHODS

In this 6-month randomized self-controlled trial, 35 vitiligo patients were enrolled, providing three similar lesions each. Lesions were randomly allocated to receive fire needle monotherapy, 0.1% tacrolimus ointment monotherapy, or combined fire needle and tacrolimus ointment therapy. The main outcome was change in vitiligo surface area.

RESULTS

In total, 29 patients completed the 6-month follow-up. The combination therapy group showed significantly greater reductions in vitiligo surface area compared to monotherapy groups starting at months 4 and 5. By the end of the study, combination therapy resulted in remarkably higher repigmentation responses, with 89.7% of lesions showing at least mild (≥25%) repigmentation and 51.7% showing good (≥50%) repigmentation. This significantly exceeded the outcomes with topical tacrolimus ointment alone, which only achieved 6.9% mild response and 6.9% good response. Fire needle monotherapy also demonstrated steady repigmentation over time, with 69% of lesions attaining a mild response by month 6. Importantly, no major adverse events occurred.

CONCLUSION

This study provides promising preliminary evidence supporting the use of fire needle therapy, alone or in combination with topical tacrolimus ointment, for inducing repigmentation in non-segmental stable vitiligo. As a non-pharmacological approach, fire needle therapy warrants further study as an alternative vitiligo treatment.

PPARG and the PTEN-PI3K/AKT Signaling Axis May Cofunction in Promoting Chemosensitivity in Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

It has been demonstrated that PPARG may interact with the PTEN-PI3K/AKT pathway, contributing to its involvement in the chemotherapy treatment of hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HSCC). However, the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. In this study, gene expression profiles of 17 HSCC patients, comprising 8 chemotherapy-sensitive patients (CSP) and 9 chemotherapy-nonsensitive patients (CNSP), were collected and analyzed to investigate expression patterns, correlations, influencing factors of the PPARG-PTEN-PI3K/AKT pathway, and its role in regulating chemosensitivity. The results revealed significantly increased expression (p < 0.04) of AKT1, AKT2, AKT3, PIK3CA, PPARG, and PTEN in the CSP group compared to the CNSP group. Specifically, AKT2 exhibited significant overexpression in tumor tissue (p = 0.01), while AKT2, AKT3, PPARG, and PTEN displayed significant increases in normal tissue (p ≤ 0.04). Positive correlations (R ∈ [0.43, 0.71], p < 0.014) were observed between PIK3CA, AKT1, AKT2, AKT3, and PTEN, with AKT2, AKT3, and PTEN also showing significant correlations with PPARG (R ∈ [0.35, 0.47], p < 0.04). Age, gender, and disease stage had no influence on PPARG, PIK3CA, and PTEN expression, but they may affect AKT expressions. Pathway analysis revealed that PPARG may interact with the PTEN-PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, playing a crucial role in regulating chemosensitivity in the normal tissue microenvironment. Our results suggest that AKT1 and PIK3CA may be associated with chemosensitivity in HSCC tumor cells, while PPARG and PTEN might exhibit a correlation with a specific segment of the PI3K/AKT pathway, potentially influencing chemosensitivity in the normal tissue microenvironment of HSCC patients.

Exploring the therapeutic mechanisms of Sijunzi decoction in the treatment of sarcopenia: Key targets and signaling pathways

Sarcopenia, an age-associated condition, negatively impacts the quality of life. This study investigates the mechanism of Sijunzi decoction (SJZD), a traditional Chinese formula, against sarcopenia. Active compounds and potential targets of SJZD for sarcopenia were gathered from databases. Hub targets were identified using protein-protein interaction networks, with GO and KEGG analyses suggesting potential pathways. Molecular docking was used to assess compound-target affinity. A lipopolysaccharide-induced sarcopenia rat model was used to verify the targets. Sijunzi decoction contains 92 compounds and 47 targets for sarcopenia. The top 10 hub targets comprise AKT1, ALB, INS, IL6, TNF, TP53, VEGFA, SIRT1, CAT and FOS. GO and KEGG analyses indicate involvement in steroid hormone response, vesicle lumen, receptor agonist activity, and FoxO and HIF-1 signaling pathways. Validation experiments showed that SJZD alleviates sarcopenia by downregulating SIRT1, IL-6, TNF and AKT1. Sijunzi decoction treats sarcopenia by targeting SIRT1, IL-6, TNF and AKT1, potentially involving FoxO and HIF-1 signaling pathways. This highlights SJZD's potential for sarcopenia treatment.