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Mao B, Liu S, Zhu S, Wu F, Yuan W, Yan Y, Wang B. The janus face of serotonin: Regenerative promoter and chronic liver disease aggravator. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30703. [PMID: 38756588 PMCID: PMC11096747 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The progression of liver diseases, from viral hepatitis and fatty liver disease to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the most representative series of pathological events in liver diseases. While serotonin (5-HT) primarily regulates brain functions such as psychology, mood, and appetite in the central nervous system (CNS), peripheral 5-HT plays a crucial role in regulating tumor development, glucose and lipid metabolism, immune function and inflammatory response related to liver diseases. These peripheral physiological processes involving 5-HT are the key mechanisms driving the development of these liver diseases. This study presents an overview of the existing literature, focusing on the role of 5-HT in HCC, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, and liver injury. In summary, while 5-HT promotes liver regeneration, it can also contribute to the progression of chronic liver disease. These findings indicate the potential for the development and use of 5-HT-related drugs for the treatment of liver diseases, including HCC and cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benliang Mao
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Shoupei Liu
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institutes for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shanfei Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fan Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bailin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
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Xu SY, Cao HY, Yang RH, Xu RX, Zhu XY, Ma W, Liu XB, Yan XY, Fu P. Genus Paeonia monoterpene glycosides: A systematic review on their pharmacological activities and molecular mechanisms. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 127:155483. [PMID: 38432036 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genus Paeonia, which is the main source of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Paeoniae Radix Rubra (Chishao in Chinese), Paeoniae Radix Alba (Baishao in Chinese) and Moutan Cortex (Mudanpi in Chinese), is rich in active pharmaceutical ingredient such as monoterpenoid glycosides (MPGs). MPGs from Paeonia have extensive pharmacological effects, but the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of MPGs has not been comprehensively reviewed. PURPOSE MPGs compounds are one of the main chemical components of the genus Paeonia, with a wide variety of compounds and strong pharmacological activities, and the structure of the mother nucleus-pinane skeleton is similar to that of a cage. The purpose of this review is to summarize the pharmacological activity and mechanism of action of MPGs from 2012 to 2023, providing reference direction for the development and utilization of Paeonia resources and preclinical research. METHODS Keywords and phrases are widely used in database searches, such as PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and X-Mol to search for citations related to the new compounds, extensive pharmacological research and molecular mechanisms of MPGs compounds of genus Paeonia. RESULTS Modern research confirms that MPGs are the main compounds in Paeonia that exert pharmacological effects. MPGs with extensive pharmacological characteristics are mainly concentrated in two categories: paeoniflorin derivatives and albiflflorin derivatives among MPGs, which contains 32 compounds. Among them, 5 components including paeoniflorin, albiflorin, oxypaeoniflorin, 6'-O-galloylpaeoniflorin and paeoniflorigenone have been extensively studied, while the other 28 components have only been confirmed to have a certain degree of anti-inflammatory and anticomplementary effects. Studies of pharmacological effects are widely involved in nervous system, endocrine system, digestive system, immune system, etc., and some studies have identified clear mechanisms. MPGs exert pharmacological activity through multilateral mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, inhibition of cell apoptosis, regulation of brain gut axis, regulation of gut microbiota and downregulation of mitochondrial apoptosis, etc. CONCLUSION: This systematic review delved into the pharmacological effects and related molecular mechanisms of MPGs. However, there are still some compounds in MPGs whose pharmacological effects and pharmacological mechanisms have not been clarified. In addition, extensive clinical randomized trials are needed to verify the efficacy and dosage of MPGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Yi Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China; Experimental Training Center, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Hui-Yan Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Rui-Hong Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Rong-Xue Xu
- The Health Center of Longjiang Airlines, Harbin 150000, China; Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161003, China
| | - Xing-Yu Zhu
- Experimental Training Center, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Wei Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China; Experimental Training Center, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Xiu-Bo Liu
- Jiamusi College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Jiamusi 154007, China
| | - Xue-Ying Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China.
| | - Peng Fu
- First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China.
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Yang Y, Yuan L, Wang K, Lu D, Meng F, Xu D, Li W, Nan Y. The Role and Mechanism of Paeoniae Radix Alba in Tumor Therapy. Molecules 2024; 29:1424. [PMID: 38611704 PMCID: PMC11012976 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumors have a huge impact on human life and are now the main cause of disease-related deaths. The main means of treatment are surgery and radiotherapy, but they are more damaging to the organism and have a poor postoperative prognosis. Therefore, we urgently need safe and effective drugs to treat tumors. In recent years, Chinese herbal medicines have been widely used in tumor therapy as complementary and alternative therapies. Medicinal and edible herbs are popular and have become a hot topic of research, which not only have excellent pharmacological effects and activities, but also have almost no side effects. Therefore, as a typical medicine and food homology, some components of Paeoniae Radix Alba (PRA, called Baishao in China) have been shown to have good efficacy and safety against cancer. Numerous studies have also shown that Paeoniae Radix Alba and its active ingredients treat cancer through various pathways and are also one of the important components of many antitumor herbal compound formulas. In this paper, we reviewed the literature on the intervention of Paeoniae Radix Alba in tumors and its mechanism of action in recent years and found that there is a large amount of literature on its effect on total glucosides of paeony (TGP) and paeoniflorin (PF), as well as an in-depth discussion of the mechanism of action of Paeoniae Radix Alba and its main constituents, with a view to promote the clinical development and application of Paeoniae Radix Alba in the field of antitumor management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Yang
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Ling Yuan
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Kaili Wang
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Doudou Lu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Fandi Meng
- Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Duojie Xu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Weiqiang Li
- Department of Chinese Medical Gastrointestinal, The Affiliated TCM Hospital, Ningxia Medical University, Wuzhong 751100, China
| | - Yi Nan
- Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
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Yang M, Jiang G, Li Y, Chen W, Zhang S, Wang R. Paeoniflorin loaded liposomes modified with glycyrrhetinic acid for liver-targeting: preparation, characterization, and pharmacokinetic study. Pharm Dev Technol 2024; 29:176-186. [PMID: 38376879 DOI: 10.1080/10837450.2024.2319738] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To enhance the retention times and therapeutic efficacy of paeoniflorin (PF), a liver-targeted drug delivery system has been developed using glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) as a ligand. SIGNIFICANCE The development and optimization of GA-modified PF liposomes (GPLs) have shown promising potential for targeted delivery to the liver, opening up new possibilities for liver disease treatment. METHODS This study aimed to identify the best prescriptions using single-factor experiments and response surface methodology. The formulation morphology was determined using transmission electron microscopy. Tissue distribution was observed through in vivo imaging, and pharmacokinetic studies were conducted. RESULTS The results indicated that GPLs, prepared using the thin film dispersion method and response surface optimization, exhibited well-dispersed and uniformly sized particles. The in vitro release rate of GPLs was slower compared to PF monomers, suggesting a sustained release effect. The liver-targeting ability of GA resulted in stronger fluorescence signals in the liver for targeted liposomes compared to non-targeted liposomes. Furthermore, pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that GPLs significantly prolonged the residence time of PF in the bloodstream, thereby contributing to prolonged efficacy. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that GPLs are more effective than PF monomers in terms of controlling drug release and delivering drugs to specific targets, highlighting the potential of PF as a liver-protective drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menghuan Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Gang Jiang
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Yumeng Li
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Weidong Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
- MOE-Anhui Joint Collaborative Innovation Center for Quality Improvement of Anhui Genuine Chinese Medicinal Materials, Hefei, China
| | - Shantang Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Rulin Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
- MOE-Anhui Joint Collaborative Innovation Center for Quality Improvement of Anhui Genuine Chinese Medicinal Materials, Hefei, China
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Zhang M, Liu Q, Meng H, Duan H, Liu X, Wu J, Gao F, Wang S, Tan R, Yuan J. Ischemia-reperfusion injury: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:12. [PMID: 38185705 PMCID: PMC10772178 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01688-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury paradoxically occurs during reperfusion following ischemia, exacerbating the initial tissue damage. The limited understanding of the intricate mechanisms underlying I/R injury hinders the development of effective therapeutic interventions. The Wnt signaling pathway exhibits extensive crosstalk with various other pathways, forming a network system of signaling pathways involved in I/R injury. This review article elucidates the underlying mechanisms involved in Wnt signaling, as well as the complex interplay between Wnt and other pathways, including Notch, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B, transforming growth factor-β, nuclear factor kappa, bone morphogenetic protein, N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor-Ca2+-Activin A, Hippo-Yes-associated protein, toll-like receptor 4/toll-interleukine-1 receptor domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β, and hepatocyte growth factor/mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor. In particular, we delve into their respective contributions to key pathological processes, including apoptosis, the inflammatory response, oxidative stress, extracellular matrix remodeling, angiogenesis, cell hypertrophy, fibrosis, ferroptosis, neurogenesis, and blood-brain barrier damage during I/R injury. Our comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms involved in Wnt signaling during I/R reveals that activation of the canonical Wnt pathway promotes organ recovery, while activation of the non-canonical Wnt pathways exacerbates injury. Moreover, we explore novel therapeutic approaches based on these mechanistic findings, incorporating evidence from animal experiments, current standards, and clinical trials. The objective of this review is to provide deeper insights into the roles of Wnt and its crosstalk signaling pathways in I/R-mediated processes and organ dysfunction, to facilitate the development of innovative therapeutic agents for I/R injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhang
- The Collaborative Innovation Center, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, 272067, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Clinical Medical College, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, 272067, China
| | - Hui Meng
- Clinical Medical College, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, 272067, China
| | - Hongxia Duan
- Clinical Medical College, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, 272067, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Second Clinical Medical College, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, 272067, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Gao
- The Collaborative Innovation Center, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, 272067, China
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shijun Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Rubin Tan
- Department of Physiology, Basic medical school, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China.
| | - Jinxiang Yuan
- The Collaborative Innovation Center, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, 272067, China.
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Kim TW. Paeoniflorin Induces ER Stress-Mediated Apoptotic Cell Death by Generating Nox4-Derived ROS under Radiation in Gastric Cancer. Nutrients 2023; 15:5092. [PMID: 38140352 PMCID: PMC10745742 DOI: 10.3390/nu15245092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is one of the most prevalent cancer types worldwide, and its resistance to cancer therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, has made treating it a major challenge. Paeoniflorin (PF) is one potential pharmacological treatment derived from paeony root. However, in cancer, the molecular mechanisms and biological functions of PF are still unclear. In the present study, we found that PF exerts anti-tumor effects in vivo and in vitro and induces apoptotic cell death through ER stress, calcium (Ca2+), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) release in gastric cancer cells. However, ROS inhibition by DPI and NAC blocks cell death and the PERK signaling pathway via the reduction of Nox4. Moreover, PF triggers a synergistic inhibitory effect of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process under radiation exposure in radiation-resistant gastric cancer cells. These findings indicate that PF-induced Ca2+ and ROS release overcomes radioresistance via ER stress and induces cell death under radiation in gastric cancer cells. Therefore, PF, in combination with radiation, may be a powerful strategy for gastric cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Woo Kim
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Engineering, Dongguk University-WISE, Gyeongju 38066, Republic of Korea
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Gao M, Zhang D, Jiang C, Jin Q, Zhang J. Paeoniflorin inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma growth by reducing PD-L1 expression. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115317. [PMID: 37597322 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115317] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) on cancer cells contributes to immune escape in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Paeoniflorin has been shown to inhibit the growth of HCC; however, whether its inhibitory effect involves reducing PD-L1 expression on HCC cells remains unknown. We investigated the antitumor effects of paeoniflorin and its potential regulatory mechanisms in HCC. The effects of paeoniflorin on tumor growth and tumor immunity were determined in H22-xenografted mice and DEN-induced HCC rats. Small interfering RNA against suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) was transfected into HepG2 cells to verify the effect of paeoniflorin on the SOCS3/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/PD-L1signaling pathway. The levels of SOCS3/STAT3/PD-L1 signaling pathway-related mRNAs and proteins were determined by real time-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. Interleukin-2 (IL-2), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), granzyme B (GrB), and perforin 1 (PRF1) levels were detected in an H22 and mouse T cell co-culture system. Paeoniflorin can trigger T cell-mediated anti-tumor immune responses by increasing CD8+ T cell counts in tumor tissues, thereby inhibiting tumor growth. Moreover, paeoniflorin increased IL-2, IFN-γ, GrB, and PRF1 levels in the co-culture system. PD-L1 expression was suppressed by paeoniflorin, and this effect was mediated by the SOCS3/STAT3 signaling pathway. Paeoniflorin might thus act via enhancing SOCS3 to inhibit STAT3/PD-L1 signaling and subsequently restore T cell sensitivity to kill tumor cells. Our findings provide novel insights into the anticancer effects of paeoniflorin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Gao
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, Jiangsu Province, PR China; Laboratory of Translational Medicine, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, Jiangsu Province, PR China.
| | - Dongjian Zhang
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, Jiangsu Province, PR China; Laboratory of Translational Medicine, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Cuihua Jiang
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, Jiangsu Province, PR China; Laboratory of Translational Medicine, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Qiaomei Jin
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, Jiangsu Province, PR China; Laboratory of Translational Medicine, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, Jiangsu Province, PR China; Laboratory of Translational Medicine, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, Jiangsu Province, PR China; Laboratory of Central, Nanjing Lishui District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 211200, Jiangsu Province, PR China.
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Yang M, Yan Q, Luo Y, Wang B, Deng S, Luo H, Ye B, Wang X. Molecular mechanism of Ganji Fang in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma based on network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental verification technology. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1016967. [PMID: 36744264 PMCID: PMC9892186 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1016967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor harmful to human health. Ganji Fang (GJF) has good clinical efficacy in the treatment of HCC, but its mechanism is still unclear. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of action of GJF in the treatment of HCC through network pharmacology, molecular docking and in vitro experiments. Methods: A series of network pharmacology methods were used to identify the potential targets and key pathways of GJF in the treatment of HCC. Then, molecular docking technology was used to explore the binding ability of key active ingredients and targets in GJF. Multiple external databases were used to validate the key targets. In in vitro experiments, we performed MTT assays, wound-healing assays, cell cycle assays, apoptosis assays and RT‒qPCR to verify the inhibitory effect of GJF on the Human hepatoma G2 (HepG2) cells. Result: A total of 162 bioactive components and 826 protein targets of GJF were screened, and 611 potential targets of HCC were identified. Finally, 63 possible targets of GJF acting on HCC were obtained. KEGG enrichment analyses showed that the top five pathways were the cell cycle, cellular senescence, p53 signaling pathway, PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation. Among them, we verified the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. CCNE1, PKN1, CCND2, CDK4, EPHA2, FGFR3, CDK6, CDK2 and HSP90AAI were enriched in the PI3K/Akt pathway. The molecular docking results showed that the docking scores of eight active components of GJF with the two targets were all less than -5.0, indicating that they had certain binding activity. In vitro cell experiments showed that GJF could inhibit the proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells, block the cell cycle and induce apoptosis of HepG2 cells, which may be related to the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. In summary, EPHA2 may be an important target of GJF in HCC, and pachymic acid may be an important critical active compound of GJF that exerts anticancer activity. Conclusion: In general, we demonstrated, for the first time, that the molecular mechanism of GJF in HCC may involve induction of G0/G1 phase cycle arrest through inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and promote apoptosis of hepatoma cell lines. This study provides a scientific basis for the subsequent clinical application of GJF and the in-depth study of its mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaolun Yang
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Yan
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuehua Luo
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Boqing Wang
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shicong Deng
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huiyan Luo
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baoqian Ye
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiongwen Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Xiongwen Wang,
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Cao C, Zhao W, Chen X, Shen B, Wang T, Wu C, Rong X. Deciphering the action mechanism of paeoniflorin in suppressing pancreatic cancer: A network pharmacology study and experimental validation. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1032282. [PMID: 36339551 PMCID: PMC9630940 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1032282] [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: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Paeoniflorin (PF) is the main active component of Chinese herbaceous peony that has been shown to have an anti-tumor effect. However, there are few studies on the prevention and treatment of pancreatic cancer with PF. Methods: We gathered Microarray data pertaining to paeoniflorin intervention in pancreatic cancer by utilizing the GEO database (GSE97124). Then, the DEGs were filtered by the 33R program. RNA-seq data of pancreatic cancer and normal tissue samples were taken from the TCGA and GTEx databases, respectively, and the WGCNA technique was utilized to examine the pancreatic cancer-specific genes. Paeoniflorin target genes for the treatment of pancreatic cancer were determined based on the overlap between DEGs and WGCNA. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were then performed on paeoniflorin target genes to discover which biological processes were impacted. Using the 3 hierarchical methods included in the Cytohubba plugin, we re-screened the hub genes in the target genes to find the genes most relevant to paeoniflorin treatment. The overall survival effects of hub genes were confirmed using the TCGA database. Finally, the paeoniflorin targets identified by the network pharmacology analysis were validated using PANC-1 and Capan-2 cells. Results: We identified 148 main potential PF targets, and gene enrichment analysis suggested that the aforementioned targets play a crucial role in the regulation of MAPK, PI3K-AKT, and other pathways. The further screening of the prospective targets resulted in the identification of 39 hub genes. Using the TCGA database, it was determined that around 33.33% of the hub gene’s high expression was linked with a bad prognosis. Finally, we demonstrated that PF inhibits IL-6 and IL-10 expression and p38 phosphorylation in pancreatic cancer cells, thereby reducing inflammation. Conclusion: PF may regulate inflammatory factors mainly through the p38 MAPK signal pathway. These findings provide theoretical and experimental evidence suggesting the PF as a promising natural source of anti-tumor compounds for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhao Cao
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliate Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenting Zhao
- Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | | | - Bin Shen
- Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Teng Wang
- Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chaoxu Wu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliate Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaofeng Rong, ; Chaoxu Wu,
| | - Xiaofeng Rong
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliate Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaofeng Rong, ; Chaoxu Wu,
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Paeoniflorin Improved Constipation in the Loperamide-Induced Rat Model via TGR5/TRPA1 Signaling-Mediated 5-Hydroxytryptamine Secretion. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:6076293. [PMID: 34925531 PMCID: PMC8674056 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6076293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Slow transit constipation (STC) is a common type of constipation with a high incidence rate and a large number of patients. We aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and potential mechanism of paeoniflorin (PAE) on loperamide-induced Sprague Dawley (SD) rat constipation models. Rats with loperamide-induced constipation were orally administered different concentrations of PAE (10, 20, or 40 mg/kg). In vitro, enterochromaffin (EC)-like RIN-14B cells were treated with 20, 40, or 80 μg/ml PAE. We found that PAE treatment significantly improved the symptoms of constipation and increased the intestinal transit rate. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining showed that PAE alleviated colonic tissue pathological damage. Besides, our results implied that PAE concentration-dependently promoted the content of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) catalyzed by tryptophan hydroxylase (Tph)-1 in the serum of loperamide-induced rats and in RIN-14B cells. Western blot and immunofluorescence (IF) stain indicated that PAE also promoted the expression of G protein-coupled BA receptor 1 (TGR5), transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), phospholipase C (PLC)-γ1, and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) in vivo and in vitro. RIN-14B cells were cotreated with a TGR5 inhibitor (SBI-115) to explore the mechanism of PAE in regulating the 5-HT secretion. We observed inhibition of TGR5 reversed the increase of 5-HT secretion induced by PAE in RIN-14B cells. We provided evidence that PAE could promote 5-HT release from EC cells and improve constipation by activating the TRPA1 channel and PLC-γ1/PIP2 signaling. Thus, PAE may provide therapeutic effects for patients with STC.
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Identification of a Gene Prognostic Signature for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma by RNA Sequencing and Bioinformatics. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:6657767. [PMID: 33869632 PMCID: PMC8032525 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6657767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common oral cancer and has a poor prognosis. We aimed to identify new biomarkers or potential therapeutic targets for OSCC. Materials and Methods Four pairs of tumor and adjacent normal tissues were collected from OSCC patients, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened via high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were used to analyze the DEGs. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was established with the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) database and Cytoscape, and two significant clusters were found. Candidate genes were screened by analyzing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). A DEG-based risk model was established to predict the overall survival (OS) of OSCC patients via Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test. Furthermore, univariate Cox regression analysis was applied to assess associations between potential biomarkers and the overall survival rate. Results Of 720 total DEGs, fifty-two DEGs in the two subclusters of the PPI network analysis were selected. A risk model was established, and five candidate genes (SPRR2E, ICOS, CTLA4, HTR1D, and CCR4) were identified as biomarkers of OS in OSCC patients. Conclusions We successfully constructed a prognostic signature to predict prognosis and identified five candidate genes associated with the OS of OSCC patients that are potential tumor biomarkers and targets in OSCC.
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