A network pharmacology approach to discover active compounds and action mechanisms of San-Cao Granule for treatment of liver fibrosis

Effect and mechanism of chlorogenic acid on cognitive dysfunction in mice by lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation

Background

Neuroinflammation is an important factor causing numerous neurodegenerative pathologies. Inflammation can lead to abnormal neuronal structure and function and even death, followed by cognitive dysfunction. There is growing evidence that chlorogenic acid has anti-inflammatory effects and immunomodulatory activity.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to elucidate the potential targets and molecular mechanisms of chlorogenic acid in the treatment of neuroinflammation.

Methods

We used the lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation mouse model and the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV-2 cells in vitro model. Behavioral scores and experiments were used to assess cognitive dysfunction in mice. HE staining and immunohistochemistry were used to assess neuronal damage in the mouse brain. Immunofluorescence detected microglia polarization in mouse brain. Western blot and flow cytometry detected the polarization of BV-2 cells. The migration of BV-2 cells was detected by wound healing assay and transwell assay. Potential targets for chlorogenic acid to exert protective effects were predicted by network pharmacology. These targets were then validated using molecular docking and experiments.

Results

The results of in vivo experiments showed that chlorogenic acid had an obvious ameliorating effect on neuroinflammation-induced cognitive dysfunction. We found that chlorogenic acid was able to inhibit BV-2 cells M1 polarization and promote BV-2 cells M2 polarization in vitro while also inhibiting the abnormal migration of BV-2 cells. Based on the network pharmacology results, we identified the TNF signaling pathway as a key signaling pathway in which chlorogenic acid exerts anti-neuroinflammatory effects. Among them, Akt1, TNF, MMP9, PTGS2, MAPK1, MAPK14, and RELA are the core targets for chlorogenic acid to function.

Conclusion

Chlorogenic acid can inhibit microglial polarization toward the M1 phenotype and improve neuroinflammation-induced cognitive dysfunction in mice by modulating these key targets in the TNF signaling pathway.

Identification of phytochemical compounds of Fagopyrum dibotrys and their targets by metabolomics, network pharmacology and molecular docking studies

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a clinically severe lung illness with high incidence rate and mortality. Especially, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) poses a serious threat to world wide governmental fitness. It has distributed to almost from corner to corner of the universe, and the situation in the prevention and control of COVID-19 remains grave. Traditional Chinese medicine plays a vital role in the precaution and therapy of sicknesses. At present, there is a lack of drugs for treating these diseases, so it is necessary to develop drugs for treating COVID-19 related ALI. Fagopyrum dibotrys (D. Don) Hara is an annual plant of the Polygonaceae family and one of the long-history used traditional medicine in China. In recent years, its rhizomes (medicinal parts) have attracted the attention of scholars at home and abroad due to their significant anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anticancer activities. It can work on SARS-COV-2 with numerous components, targets, and pathways, and has a certain effect on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related acute lung injury (ALI). However, there are few systematic studies on its aerial parts (including stems and leaves) and its potential therapeutic mechanism has not been studied. The phytochemical constituents of rhizome of F. dibotrys were collected using TCMSP database. And metabolites of F. dibotrys' s aerial parts were detected by metabonomics. The phytochemical targets of F. dibotrys were predicted by the PharmMapper website tool. COVID-19 and ALI-related genes were retrieved from GeneCards. Cross targets and active phytochemicals of COVID-19 and ALI related genes in F. dibotrys were enriched by gene ontology (GO) and KEGG by metscape bioinformatics tools. The interplay network entre active phytochemicals and anti COVID-19 and ALI targets was established and broke down using Cytoscape software. Discovery Studio (version 2019) was used to perform molecular docking of crux active plant chemicals with anti COVID-19 and ALI targets. We identified 1136 chemicals from the aerial parts of F. dibotrys, among which 47 were active flavonoids and phenolic chemicals. A total of 61 chemicals were searched from the rhizome of F. dibotrys, and 15 of them were active chemicals. So there are 6 commonly key active chemicals at the aerial parts and the rhizome of F. dibotrys, 89 these phytochemicals's potential targets, and 211 COVID-19 and ALI related genes. GO enrichment bespoken that F. dibotrys might be involved in influencing gene targets contained numerous biological processes, for instance, negative regulation of megakaryocyte differentiation, regulation of DNA metabolic process, which could be put down to its anti COVID-19 associated ALI effects. KEGG pathway indicated that viral carcinogenesis, spliceosome, salmonella infection, coronavirus disease - COVID-19, legionellosis and human immunodeficiency virus 1 infection pathway are the primary pathways obsessed in the anti COVID-19 associated ALI effects of F. dibotrys. Molecular docking confirmed that the 6 critical active phytochemicals of F. dibotrys, such as luteolin, (+) -epicatechin, quercetin, isorhamnetin, (+) -catechin, and (-) -catechin gallate, can combine with kernel therapeutic targets NEDD8, SRPK1, DCUN1D1, and PARP1. In vitro activity experiments showed that the total antioxidant capacity of the aerial parts and rhizomes of F. dibotrys increased with the increase of concentration in a certain range. In addition, as a whole, the antioxidant capacity of the aerial part of F. dibotrys was stronger than that of the rhizome. Our research afford cues for farther exploration of the anti COVID-19 associated ALI chemical compositions and mechanisms of F. dibotrys and afford scientific foundation for progressing modern anti COVID-19 associated ALI drugs based on phytochemicals in F. dibotrys. We also fully developed the medicinal value of F. dibotrys' s aerial parts, which can effectively avoid the waste of resources. Meanwhile, our work provides a new strategy for integrating metabonomics, network pharmacology, and molecular docking techniques which was an efficient way for recognizing effective constituents and mechanisms valid to the pharmacologic actions of traditional Chinese medicine.

Molecular Mechanism of Naringenin Against High-Glucose-Induced Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Proliferation and Migration Based on Network Pharmacology and Transcriptomic Analyses

Although the protective effects of naringenin (Nar) on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) have been confirmed, whether it has anti-proliferation and anti-migration effects in high-glucose-induced VSMCs has remained unclear. This study aimed to clarify the potential targets and molecular mechanism of Nar when used to treat high-glucose-induced vasculopathy based on transcriptomics, network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vivo and in vitro assays. We found that Nar has visible anti-proliferation and anti-migration effects both in vitro (high-glucose-induced VSMC proliferation and migration model) and in vivo (type 1 diabetes mouse model). Based on the results of network pharmacology and molecular docking, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), the proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase Src (Src) and the kinase insert domain receptor (KDR) are the core targets of Nar when used to treat diabetic angiopathies, according to the degree value and the docking score of the three core genes. Interestingly, not only the Biological Process (BP), Molecular Function (MF), and KEGG enrichment results from network pharmacology analysis but also transcriptomics showed that phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) is the most likely downstream pathway involved in the protective effects of Nar on VSMCs. Notably, according to the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the transcriptomic analysis, we found that cAMP-responsive element binding protein 5 (CREB5) is a downstream protein of the PI3K/Akt pathway that participates in VSMCs proliferation and migration. Furthermore, the results of molecular experiments in vitro were consistent with the bioinformatic analysis. Nar significantly inhibited the protein expression of the core targets (VEGFA, Src and KDR) and downregulated the PI3K/Akt/CREB5 pathway. Our results indicated that Nar exerted anti-proliferation and anti-migration effects on high-glucose-induced VSMCs through decreasing expression of the target protein VEGFA, and then downregulating the PI3K/Akt/CREB5 pathway, suggesting its potential for treating diabetic angiopathies.

Unveiling the Mechanism of Principal Drugs of Lianpu Drink on Chronic Gastritis by Network Pharmacology

Lianpu drink (LPD) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula for the treatment of chronic gastritis (CG), and its clinical effects have been effectively verified. However, due to the complexity of the chemical composition of TCM formulas, its mechanism of action has not yet been clearly explained. Many studies have shown that the principal drugs in the TCM formula play a major therapeutic role. Therefore, in this study, the principal drugs Coptidis Rhizoma (CR) and Magnolia officinalis Rehd. et Wils. (MOR) in LPD were used as the main research objects to predict the mechanism of LPD on CG. We contrasted a “compounds-targets-diseases” network and screened the putative targets of CR and MOR in LPD related to CG, respectively. Furthermore, common targets of CR and MOR related to CG were selected as candidate targets. In this study, the specific target proteins of CR, MOR, and CG were combined by protein-protein interaction (PPI) to construct a pharmacological network of “components-targets-diseases.” In addition, we investigated the effects of CR and MOR on the TNF signaling pathway, which mediated the remission of CG. This study preliminarily revealed that CR and MOR play a key role in the treatment of CG. Animal experiments also showed that CR and MOR could significantly improve CG by inhibiting MKK6/p38 and RIP/p38 pathway.

Sedum sarmentosum Bunge Attenuates Drug-Induced Liver Injury via Nrf2 Signaling Pathway: An Experimental Verification Based on Network Pharmacology Prediction

Purpose

Using network pharmacology and in vivo experiments, we investigated the antidrug-induced liver injury components and functional processes of Sedum sarmentosum Bunge (SSBE).

Methods

The effective components, primary active ingredients, and possible target in the therapy of DILI were predicted using network pharmacology and bioinformatics. APAP was inducing the DILI model. In vivo testing of the pharmacodynamic foundation of SSBE in the treatment of DILI was performed.

Results

The TCMSP database evaluated five main active components and 299 related targets. In addition, 707 differential genes for DILI were obtained from the DisGeNET database, DigSee database, and OMIM database. 61 related targets were mapped to predict the targets of SSBE acting on DILI. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) core network contained 59 proteins, including IL-β, MARK14, SSP1, and MMP9. These genes are closely related to the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway, and they may play a key role in the hepatoprotective effect of SSBE. Verification experiment results showed that, in the DILI mouse model, SSBE promoted inflammation diminution and regulation of Nrf2-ARE cascade. SSBE protected normal hepatocyte growth and inhibited apoptosis of normal liver cells induced by APAP. SSBE inhibited the expression of Nrf2 and ARE proteins in the liver tissue of the DILI mouse model in vivo.

Conclusion

By modulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, the active components in SSBE may protect against drug-induced liver damage.

Modelling direct and herd protection effects of vaccination against the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant in Australia

OBJECTIVES

To analyse the outcomes of COVID-19 vaccination by vaccine type, age group eligibility, vaccination strategy, and population coverage.

DESIGN

Epidemiologic modelling to assess the final size of a COVID-19 epidemic in Australia, with vaccination program (Pfizer, AstraZeneca, mixed), vaccination strategy (vulnerable first, transmitters first, untargeted), age group eligibility threshold (5 or 15 years), population coverage, and pre-vaccination effective reproduction number ( R eff v ¯ ) for the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant as factors.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Numbers of SARS-CoV-2 infections; cumulative hospitalisations, deaths, and years of life lost.

RESULTS

Assuming R eff v ¯ = 5, the current mixed vaccination program (vaccinating people aged 60 or more with the AstraZeneca vaccine and people under 60 with the Pfizer vaccine) will not achieve herd protection unless population vaccination coverage reaches 85% by lowering the vaccination eligibility age to 5 years. At R eff v ¯ = 3, the mixed program could achieve herd protection at 60-70% population coverage and without vaccinating 5-15-year-old children. At R eff v ¯ = 7, herd protection is unlikely to be achieved with currently available vaccines, but they would still reduce the number of COVID-19-related deaths by 85%.

CONCLUSION

Vaccinating vulnerable people first is the optimal policy when population vaccination coverage is low, but vaccinating more socially active people becomes more important as the R eff v ¯ declines and vaccination coverage increases. Assuming the most plausible R eff v ¯ of 5, vaccinating more than 85% of the population, including children, would be needed to achieve herd protection. Even without herd protection, vaccines are highly effective in reducing the number of deaths.

An Integrative Pharmacology Based Analysis of Refined Liuweiwuling Against Liver Injury: A Novel Component Combination and Hepaprotective Mechanism

Liver disease is a major cause of illness and death worldwide. In China, liver diseases, primarily alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and viral hepatitis, affect approximately 300 million people, resulting in a major impact on the global burden of liver diseases. The use of Liuweiwuling (LWWL), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, approved by the Chinese Food and Drug Administration for decreasing aminotransferase levels induced by different liver diseases. Our previous study indicated a part of the material basis and mechanisms of LWWL in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. However, knowledge of the materials and molecular mechanisms of LWWL in the treatment of liver diseases remains limited. Using pharmacokinetic and network pharmacology methods, this study demonstrated that the active components of LWWL were involved in the treatment mechanism against liver diseases and exerted anti-apoptosis and anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, esculetin, luteolin, schisandrin A and schisandrin B may play an important role by exerting anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects in vitro. Esculeti and luteolin dose-dependently inhibited H₂O₂-induced cell apoptosis, and luteolin also inhibited the NF-κB signaling pathway in bone marrow-derived macrophages. schisandrin A and B inhibited the release of ROS in acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute liver injury in vitro. Moreover, LWWL active ingredients protect against APAP-induced acute liver injury in mice. The four active ingredients may inhibit oxidative stress or inflammation to exert hepatoprotective effect. In conclusion, our results showed that the novel component combination of LWWL can protect against APAP-induced acute liver injury by inhibiting cell apoptosis and exerting anti-inflammatory effects.

Study on the Mechanism of Lianpu Drink for the Treatment of Chronic Gastritis Based on Network Pharmacology

Chronic gastritis (CG) places a considerable burden on the healthcare system worldwide. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulas characterized by multicompounds and multitargets have been acknowledged with striking effects in the treatment of CG in China's history. Nevertheless, their accurate mechanisms of action are still ambiguous. In this study, we analyzed the effective compounds, potential targets, and related biological pathway of Lianpu Drink (LPD), a TCM formula which has been reported to have a therapeutic effect on CG, by contrasting a “compound-target-disease” network. According to the results, 92 compounds and 5762 putative targets of LPD were screened; among them, 8 compounds derived from different herbs in LPD and 30 common targets related to LPD and CG were selected as candidate compounds and precision targets, respectively. Meanwhile, the predicted common targets were verified by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signaling pathway analysis and pharmacological experiments. The results demonstrated that quercetin, ephedrine, trigonelline, crocetin, and β-sitosterol were major effective compounds of LPD responsible for the CG treatment by inhibiting the activation of the JAK 2-STAT 3 signaling pathway to reduce the expressions of cyclin D1 and Bcl-2 proteins. The study provides evidence for the mechanism of understanding of LPD for the treatment of CG.

System Pharmacology-Based Strategy to Decode the Synergistic Mechanism of GanDouLing for Wilson's Disease

Results

Firstly, 324 active compounds have been identified in the GDL formula. Meanwhile, we identified 1496 human genes which are related to WD or liver cirrhosis. Functional and pathway enrichment analysis indicated that NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, bile secretion, calcium signaling pathway, steroid hormone biosynthesis, T cell receptor signaling pathway, apoptosis, MAPK signaling pathway, and so forth can be obviously regulated by GDL. Further, in a mouse model of WD, in vivo experiments showed that GDL treatment can not only reduce the pathological symptoms of the liver but also reduce the apoptosis of hepatocytes.

Conclusions

In this study, systemic pharmacological methods were proposed and the mechanism of GDL combined therapy for WD was explored. This method can be used as a reference for the study of other mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine.

Mechanism of Paeoniflorin in the Treatment of Bile Duct Ligation-Induced Cholestatic Liver Injury Using Integrated Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology

Paeoniflorin (PF) is the main active component of Paeonia lactiflora Pall., which is used in the treatment of severe cholestatic hepatitis. However, its biological mechanism in regulating bile acid metabolism and cholestatic liver injury has not been fully revealed. Our study aimed to reveal the mechanism of PF in the treatment of cholestatic liver injury in an in vivo metabolic environment using bioinformatics analysis. The serum of rats with bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced cholestatic liver injury treated with PF was analyzed by UHPLC-Q-TOF, and specific metabolites were screened using a metabolomics method. These specific metabolites were further analyzed by network pharmacology to identify the upstream signaling pathways and key protein targets. Finally, the key target proteins were verified by immunohistochemistry using cholestatic rat liver tissue. The serum ALT, AST, TBA, and TBIL levels, as well as the pathological state of the liver tissues, were significantly improved by PF. Twenty-five specific metabolites and 157 corresponding target proteins were screened for the treatment of cholestatic liver injury by PF. The “PF-target-metabolite” interaction network was constructed, and five protein targets (MAP2K1, MAPK1, ILBP, ABCB1, and LTA4H) that may regulate specific metabolites were obtained. The results of immunohistochemistry showed that PF improved the expression of these proteins. The integrated application of multiple bioinformatics methods revealed that PF plays a key role in the treatment of cholestatic liver injury by intervening in important targets related to bile acid metabolism and inflammation.

Integrated Network Pharmacology Analysis and Pharmacological Evaluation to Explore the Active Components and Mechanism of Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medik. on Renal Fibrosis

Background

Renal fibrosis is a common pathological outcome of chronic kidney diseases (CKD) that is considered as a global public health issue with high morbidity and mortality. The dry corolla of Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medik. (AMC) has been used for chronic nephritis in clinic and showed a superior effect in alleviating proteinuria in CKD patients to losartan. However, the effective components and underlying mechanism of AMC in the treatment of renal fibrosis have not been systematically clarified.

Methods

Based on drug-likeness evaluation, oral bioavailability prediction and compound contents, a systematic network pharmacology analysis was conducted to predict the active ingredients. Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis and protein–protein interaction analysis were applied to predict the potential pathway and target of AMC against renal fibrosis. The formula of component contribution index (CI) based on the algorithm was used to screen the principal active compounds of AMC in the treatment of renal fibrosis. Finally, pharmacological evaluation was conducted to validate the protective effect and primary predicted mechanism of AMC in the treatment of renal fibrosis on a 5/6 nephrectomy mice model.

Results

Fourteen potential active components of AMC possessing favorable pharmacokinetic profiles and biological activities were selected and hit by 17 targets closely related to renal fibrosis. Quercetin, caffeic acid, 9.12-octadecadienoic acid, and myricetin are recognized as the more highly predictive components as their cumulative contribution rate reached 85.86%. The AMC administration on 5/6 nephrectomy mice showed a protective effect on kidney function and renal fibrosis. The hub genes analysis revealed that AMC plays a major role in inhibiting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition during renal fibrosis.

Conclusion

Our results predicted active components and potential targets of AMC for the application to renal fibrosis from a holistic perspective, as well as provided valuable direction for further research of AMC and improved comprehension of renal fibrosis pathogenesis.

A Network Pharmacology Analysis of the Active Components of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Zuojinwan in Patients with Gastric Cancer

BACKGROUND Zuojinwan (ZJW) is a traditional Chinese prescription normally used for gastritis. Several studies indicated that it could fight against gastric cancer. This study was designed to determine the potential pharmacological mechanism of ZJW in the treatment of gastric cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS Bioactive compounds and potential targets of ZJW and related genes of gastric cancer were retrieved from public databases. Pharmacological mechanisms including crucial ingredients, potential targets, and signaling pathways were determined using protein-protein interaction (PPI) and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. Virtual docking was performed to validate the findings. RESULTS Network analysis identified 47 active ZJW compounds, and 48 potential ZJW target genes linked to gastric cancer. Quercetin, beta-sitosterol, isorhamnetin, wogonin, and baicalein were identified as potential candidate agents. Our PPI analysis results combined with previously published results indicated that matrix metalloproteinases family members MMP9, MMP1, and MMP3 may play key roles in the anti-gastric cancer effect of ZJW. Molecular docking analysis showed that these crucial targets had good affinity for the representative components in ZJW. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that ZJW target genes functioned in multiple pathways for treating gastric cancer, including interleukin-17 signaling and platinum drug resistance. CONCLUSIONS Our results illuminate the active ingredients, associated targets, biological processes, and signaling pathways of ZJW in the treatment of gastric cancer. This study enhances our understanding of the potential effects of ZJW in gastric cancer and demonstrates a feasible method for discovering potential drugs from Chinese medicinal formulas.

Analyzing Active Constituents and Optimal Steaming Conditions Related to the Hematopoietic Effect of Steamed Panax notoginseng by Network Pharmacology Coupled with Response Surface Methodology

During hundreds of years of medication, it is believed that the steamed Panax notoginseng (SPN) can enrich and regulate the blood, replenish the body, and improve the health. The aim of this study was to optimize the steaming conditions of SPN which are related to the hematopoietic effect. In the study, network pharmacology and pharmacological experiments were used to predict and verify the potential hematopoietic active ingredients of SPN. Three variables including the steaming time (2-10 h), steaming temperature (90-130°C), and different producing areas of PN were investigated by using single-factor analysis. Box-Behnken design response surface methodology (BBD-RSM) was performed to explore the optimized steaming conditions which are responsible for the hematopoietic effect of SPN. Furthermore, the hematopoietic effect of the optimized SPN was evaluated. Results demonstrated that ginsenoside Rd, Rh₁, Rh₄, Rk₃, and 20(S)-Rg₃ can significantly increase blood routine parameters and expressions of hematopoietic factors in anemia mice. The total contents of the five ginsenosides were selected as evaluation indexes of the response surface method. We found that the PN from Wenshan steamed at 120°C for 5 h could significantly increase the levels of blood routine parameters and hematopoietic factor expression compared with the model group. The study not only provides data support for the determination of hematinic effect-related markers for SPN but also gives a scientific reference for the processing of SPN which has a better hematopoietic effect. The underlying mechanisms require further research.

Steamed Panax notoginseng Attenuates Anemia in Mice With Blood Deficiency Syndrome via Regulating Hematopoietic Factors and JAK-STAT Pathway

Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F. H. Chen is a medicinal herb used to treat blood disorders since ancient times, of which the steamed form exhibits the anti-anemia effect and acts with a “blood-tonifying” function according to traditional use. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-anemia effect and underlying mechanism of steamed P. notoginseng (SPN) on mice with blood deficiency syndrome induced by chemotherapy. Blood deficiency syndrome was induced in mice by cyclophosphamide and acetylphenylhydrazine. A number of peripheral blood cells and organs (liver, kidney, and spleen) coefficients were measured. The mRNA expression of hematopoietic function-related cytokines in the bone marrow of mice was detected by RT-qPCR. The janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathway was screened based on our previous analysis by network pharmacology. The expression of related proteins and cell cycle factors predicted in the pathway was determined by Western blot and RT-qPCR. SPN could significantly increase the numbers of peripheral blood cells and reverse the enlargement of spleen in a dose-dependent manner. The quantities of related hematopoietic factors in bone marrow were also increased significantly after SPN administration. SPN was involved in the cell cycle reaction and activation of immune cells through the JAK-STAT pathway, which could promote the hematopoiesis.

Network Pharmacology-Based Study on the Mechanism of Bushen-Jianpi Decoction in Liver Cancer Treatment

To investigate the mechanism of a Bushen-Jianpi decoction (BSJPD) in liver cancer (LC) treatment, we analyzed clinical therapy data, conducted network pharmacology analysis, and performed pharmacological experimental verification in vitro and in vivo. The univariate analysis of clinical therapy showed that the BSJPD was protective factor (p < 0.05). The network pharmacology analysis showed that 9 compounds were important nodes of BSJPD-LC therapy network. In experimental verification, the rate of apoptosis increased in the liver tumors of mice treated with the BSJPD (p < 0.05); drug serum with 20 % BSJPD inhibited cell viability (p < 0.05) and reduced the expression of PI3K, the Bcl-xL/BAD ratio, and the levels of p53 and p-Akt in HepG2 cells. Moreover, licochalcone A, alisol B, and hederagenin inhibited cell viability (p < 0.05), induced cell apoptosis (p < 0.01), reduced p-Akt levels, and increased cleaved-CASP3 (p < 0.05) and p53 expression levels in HepG2 cells. These data suggest that the BSJPD prolongs the survival of LC patients and induces apoptosis and that it may be associated with the regulation of PI3K, Akt, p53, CASP3, and Bcl-xL/BAD expression.

Active Compounds Derived from Fuzheng Huayu Formula Protect Hepatic Parenchymal Cells from Apoptosis Based on Network Pharmacology and Transcriptomic Analysis

Fuzheng huayu formula (FZHY), an antifibrotic traditional Chinese medicine, is frequently used for the treatment of liver fibrosis. In this study, network analysis, transcriptomic analysis, assays of cell apoptosis, viability and protein expression were used for investigating the effects and mechanisms of compounds derived from FZHY on hepatic parenchymal cell (HPC) protection and hepatic stellate cell activation. Network pharmacology analysis found that 6 major compounds and 39 potential targets were important network nodes. Our analysis predicted that the active compounds of FZHY, including hederagenin, luteolin and tanshinone IIA inhibited cell apoptosis (p < 0.05), increased PI3K expression and reduced cleaved caspase 3 expression and the Bax/Bcl-w ratio (p < 0.05) in L02 cells that had apoptosis induced by TNF-α. Few significant changes caused by FZHY, hederagenin, luteolin and tanshinone IIA were observed in hepatic stellate Lx2 cells upon TGF-β1 induction. These data suggest that FZHY is active against liver fibrosis, protects hepatic parenchymal cells from apoptosis, and recovers liver function, possibly through the effects of its active compounds hederagenin, luteolin and tanshinone IIA and is involved in the inhibition of apoptosis in HPCs, possibly through regulating the PI3K, ERK, cleaved caspase 3 and Bax/Bcl-w levels.

Unveiling Active Constituents and Potential Targets Related to the Hematinic Effect of Steamed Panax notoginseng Using Network Pharmacology Coupled With Multivariate Data Analyses

Steamed Panax notoginseng (SPN) has been used as a tonic to improve the blood deficiency syndrome (BDS) in the theory of traditional Chinese medicine. Here, we aim to unveil active constituents and potential targets related to the hematinic effect of SPN, which has not been answered before. In the study a constituent-target-disease network was constructed by combining the SPN-specific and anemia-specific target proteins with protein-protein interactions. And the network pharmacology was used to screen out the underlying targets and mechanisms of SPN treating anemia. Also, the multivariate data analyses were performed for the double screening. According to the results, 11 targets related to chemical constituents of SPN were found to be closely associated with the hematinic effect of SPN. Among them, the direct target protein of mitochondrial ferrochelatase (FECH) had the major role through the metabolic pathway. Meanwhile, Rk3 and 20(S)-Rg3 were predicted to be major constituents related to the hematinic effect of SPN by both multivariate data analyses and network pharmacology. And it was been validated by the pharmacologic tests that Rk3 and 20(S)-Rg3 could significantly increase the levels of blood routine parameters, FECH and its downstream protein of heme in mice with BDS. The study provides evidences for the mechanism understanding and drug development of SPN for the treatment of anemia.

A systems pharmacology-oriented discovery of a new therapeutic use of the TCM formula Liuweiwuling for liver failure

Multiple components of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulae determine their treatment targets for multiple diseases as opposed to a particular disease. However, discovering the unexplored therapeutic potential of a TCM formula remains challenging and costly. Inspired by the drug repositioning methodology, we propose an integrated strategy to feasibly identify new therapeutic uses for a formula composed of six herbs, Liuweiwuling. First, we developed a comprehensive systems approach to enrich drug compound-liver disease networks to analyse the major predicted diseases of Liuweiwuling and discover its potential effect on liver failure. The underlying mechanisms were subsequently predicted to mainly attribute to a blockade of hepatocyte apoptosis via a synergistic combination of multiple effects. Next, a classical pharmacology experiment was designed to validate the effects of Liuweiwuling on different models of fulminant liver failure induced by D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide (GalN/LPS) or thioacetamide (TAA). The results indicated that pretreatment with Liuweiwuling restored liver function and reduced lethality induced by GalN/LPS or TAA in a dose-dependent manner, which was partially attributable to the abrogation of hepatocyte apoptosis by multiple synergistic effects. In summary, the integrated strategy discussed in this paper may provide a new approach for the more efficient discovery of new therapeutic uses for TCM formulae.

Predicting new indications of compounds with a network pharmacology approach: Liuwei Dihuang Wan as a case study

With the ever increasing cost and time required for drug development, new strategies for drug development are highly demanded, whereas repurposing old drugs has attracted much attention in drug discovery. In this paper, we introduce a new network pharmacology approach, namely PINA, to predict potential novel indications of old drugs based on the molecular networks affected by drugs and associated with diseases. Benchmark results on FDA approved drugs have shown the superiority of PINA over traditional computational approaches in identifying new indications of old drugs. We further extend PINA to predict the novel indications of Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) with Liuwei Dihuang Wan (LDW) as a case study. The predicted indications, including immune system disorders and tumor, are validated by expert knowledge and evidences from literature, demonstrating the effectiveness of our proposed computational approach.

Wu-Tou Decoction in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Integrating Network Pharmacology and In Vivo Pharmacological Evaluation

Purpose: This study aimed to explore underlying action mechanism of Wu-Tou decoction (WTD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through network pharmacology prediction and experimental verification. Methods: Chemical compounds and human target proteins of WTD as well as RA-related human genes were obtained from TCM Database @ Taiwan, PubChem and GenBank, respectively. Subsequently, molecular networks and canonical pathways presumably involved in the treatment of WTD on RA were generated by ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) software. Furthermore, experimental validation was carried out with MIP-1β-induced U937 cell model and collagen induced arthritis (CIA) rat model. Results: CCR5 signaling pathway in macrophages was shown to be the top one shared signaling pathway associated with both cell immune response and cytokine signaling. In addition, protein kinase C (PKC) δ and p38 in this pathway were treated as target proteins of WTD in RA. In vitro experiments indicated that WTD inhibited MIP-1β-induced production of TNF-α, MIP-1α, and RANTES as well as phosphorylation of CCR5, PKC δ, and p38 in U937 cells. WTD treatment maintained the inhibitory effects on production of TNF-α and RANTES in MIP-1β-induced U937 cells after CCR5 knockdown. In vivo experiments demonstrated that WTD ameliorated symptoms in CIA rats, decreased the levels of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, MIP-1α, MIP-2, RANTES, and IP-10 in serum of CIA rats, as well as mRNA levels of MIP-1α, MIP-2, RANTES, and IP-10 in ankle joints of CIA rats. Furthermore, WTD also lowered the phosphorylation levels of CCR5, PKC δ and p38 in both ankle joints and macrophages in ankle joints from CIA rats. Conclusion: It was demonstrated in this research that WTD played a role in inhibiting inflammatory response in RA which was closely connected with the modulation effect of WTD on CCR5 signaling pathway in macrophages.

Traditional Chinese medicine for pulmonary fibrosis therapy: Progress and future prospects

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic, debilitating and often lethal lung disorder. Despite the molecular mechanisms of PF are gradually clear with numerous researchers' efforts, few effective drugs have been developed to reverse human PF or even halt the chronic progression to respiratory failure. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the main component of the medical practice used for more than 5000 years especially in China, often exerts wider action spectrum than previously attempted options in treating human diseases. Recent data have shown the anti-fibrotic benefits of the active ingredients from TCM in this field, which may represent an attractive source of the drug discovery against PF.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review summarizes the pre-clinical and clinical evidence on the benefits of TCM and their active ingredients, and provides a comprehensive information and reliable basis for the exploration of new treatment strategies of botanical drugs in the therapy of PF.

METHODS

The literature information was obtained from the scientific databases on ethnobotany and ethno medicines (up to Aug 2016), mainly from the Pubmed, Web of Science and CNKI databases, and was to identify the experimental studies on the anti-fibrotic role of the active agents from TCM and the involved mechanisms. The search keywords for such work included: "lung fibrosis" or "pulmonary fibrosis", and "traditional Chinese medicine", "extract" or "herb".

RESULTS

A number of studies have shown that the active agents of single herbs and TCM formulas, particularly the flavonoids, glycosides and alkaloids, exhibit potential benefits against PF, the mechanisms of which appear to involve the regulation of inflammation, oxidant stress, and pro-fibrotic signaling pathways, etc. Besides, the processing methods for discovering TCM in treating PF were prospectively discussed.

CONCLUSION

These research work have shown the therapeutic benefits of TCM in the treatment of PF. However, more continued researches should be undertaken to clarify the unconfirmed chemical composition and regulatory mechanisms, conduct standard clinical trials, and evaluate the possible side effects. The insights provided in present review will be needed for further exploration of botanical drugs in the development of PF therapy.