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Xie Y, Gong S, Wang L, Yang Z, Yang C, Li G, Zha H, Lv S, Xiao B, Chen X, Di Z, He Q, Wang J, Weng Q. Unraveling the treatment effects of huanglian jiedu decoction on drug-induced liver injury based on network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental validation. BMC Complement Med Ther 2024; 24:219. [PMID: 38849824 PMCID: PMC11157734 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04517-y] [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: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Huanglian Jiedu Decoction (HJD) is a well-known Traditional Chinese Medicine formula that has been used for liver protection in thousands of years. However, the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of HJD in treating drug-induced liver injury (DILI) remain unknown. In this study, a total of 26 genes related to both HJD and DILI were identified, which are corresponding to a total of 41 potential active compounds in HJD. KEGG analysis revealed that Tryptophan metabolism pathway is particularly important. The overlapped genes from KEGG and GO analysis indicated the significance of CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and CYP1B1. Experimental results confirmed that HJD has a protective effect on DILI through Tryptophan metabolism pathway. In addition, the active ingredients Corymbosin, and Moslosooflavone were found to have relative strong intensity in UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis, showing interactions with CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and CYP1B1 through molecule docking. These findings could provide insights into the treatment effects of HJD on DILI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaochen Xie
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti- Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310007, China
| | - Shuchen Gong
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti- Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310007, China
- Taizhou Institute of Zhejiang University, Taizhou, 318000, China
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Lingkun Wang
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti- Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310007, China
| | - Zhaoxu Yang
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti- Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310007, China
| | - Chen Yang
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti- Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310007, China
| | - Guilin Li
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti- Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310007, China
| | - Huiyan Zha
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti- Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310007, China
| | - Shuying Lv
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti- Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310007, China
| | - Boneng Xiao
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti- Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310007, China
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xiaoyu Chen
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti- Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310007, China
| | - Zhenning Di
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qiaojun He
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti- Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310007, China
- ZJU-Xinchang Joint Innovation Center (TianMu Laboratory), Gaochuang Hi-Tech Park, Xinchang, 312500, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Cardiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jincheng Wang
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti- Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310007, China.
- Taizhou Institute of Zhejiang University, Taizhou, 318000, China.
- Beijing Life Science Academy, Beijing, 102200, China.
| | - Qinjie Weng
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti- Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310007, China.
- Taizhou Institute of Zhejiang University, Taizhou, 318000, China.
- ZJU-Xinchang Joint Innovation Center (TianMu Laboratory), Gaochuang Hi-Tech Park, Xinchang, 312500, Zhejiang, China.
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Dong S, Tian Q, Hui M, Zhang S. Revealing the Antiperspirant Components of Floating Wheat and Their Mechanisms of Action through Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology. Molecules 2024; 29:553. [PMID: 38338298 PMCID: PMC10856516 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29030553] [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: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Floating wheat is a classical herbal with potential efficacy in the treatment of hyperhidrosis. Aiming at revealing the main components and potential mechanisms of floating wheat, a comprehensive and unique phytopharmacology profile study was carried out. First, common wheat was used as a control to look for chemical markers of floating wheat. In the screening analysis, a total of 180 shared compounds were characterized in common wheat and floating wheat, respectively. The results showed that floating wheat and common wheat contain similar types of compounds. In addition, in non-targeted metabolomic analysis, when taking the contents of the constituents into account, it was found that there indeed existed quite a difference between floating wheat and common wheat and 17 potential biomarkers for floating wheat. Meanwhile, a total of seven components targeted for hyperhidrosis were screened out based on network pharmacology. Seven key differential components were screened, among which kaempferol, asiatic acid, sclareol, enoxolone, and secoisolariciresinol had higher degree values than the others. The analysis of interacting genes revealed three key genes, namely, MAP2K1, ESR1, and ESR2. The Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses showed that various signaling pathways were involved. Prolactin signaling, thyroid cancer, endocrine resistance, gonadotropin secretion, and estrogen signaling pathways were the main pathways of the intervention of floating wheat in excessive sweating, which was associated with the estrogenic response, hormone receptor binding, androgen metabolism, apoptosis, cancer, and many other biological processes. Molecular docking showed that the screened key components could form good bindings with the target proteins through intermolecular forces. This study reveals the active ingredients and potential molecular mechanism of floating wheat in the treatment of hyperhidrosis and provides a reference for subsequent basic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Dong
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China;
| | - Qing Tian
- Industrial Microorganism Preservation and Breeding Henan Engineering Laboratory, Zhengzhou 450001, China;
| | - Ming Hui
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China;
- Industrial Microorganism Preservation and Breeding Henan Engineering Laboratory, Zhengzhou 450001, China;
| | - Shouyu Zhang
- College of Smart Health, Henan Polytechnic, Zhengzhou 450046, China
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Wang Y, He Q, Rong K, Zhu M, Zhao X, Zheng P, Mi Y. Vitamin D3 promotes gastric cancer cell autophagy by mediating p53/AMPK/mTOR signaling. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1338260. [PMID: 38259281 PMCID: PMC10800859 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1338260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: Vitamin D3 has the general properties of a lipid-soluble vitamin, but is also an active steroid hormone that can regulate the proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation of many tumor cells, and exerts anticancer activity against numerous malignancies. However, the mechanism underlying the effects of vitamin D3 on tumors is not fully understood. Here, we used network pharmacology and in vitro experimental approaches to explore the mechanism of vitamin D3 activity in the context of gastric cancer. Methods: The Targetnet, SuperPred, SwissTargetPrediction, and PharmMapper databases were screened for potential drug-related targets, while we used data from the PharmGKB, Drugbank, OMIM, DisGeNET, CTD, and GeneCards databases to identify potential targets associated with gastric cancer. Disease-drug crossover genes were obtained by constructing Venn diagrams. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses of crossover genes were conducted and STRING was used to generate protein interaction networks and identify core targets. CCK-8 experiments were performed and apoptosis detected to assess the effect of vitamin D3 on gastric cancer cells. Western blotting was applied to detect p53/AMPK/mTOR signaling, as well as autophagy-, cell cycle-, and apoptosis-related proteins. Results: A total of 485 targets of vitamin D3 activity were obtained and 1200 gastric cancer disease-related targets discovered. Further, 60 potential targets for vitamin D3 in gastric cancer treatment were identified. KEGG analysis indicated that potential targets were mainly involved in the cell cycle, HIF-1 signaling, and the AMPK pathway, among other pathways. These findings were validated using cellular experiments, which demonstrated that the viability of AGS and SGC-7901 cells was impeded by vitamin D3. Further, vitamin D3 promoted apoptosis and inhibited the cell cycle in those cell lines, as well as activating the p53/AMPK/mTOR pathway, which promotes autophagy and inhibits tumor development. Conclusion: Our network pharmacological analyses provide preliminarily data supporting a role for vitamin D3 in promoting autophagy and apoptosis in gastric cancer cells, and in activating the p53/AMPK/mTOR pathway, which inhibits gastric cancer cell proliferation. Our findings demonstrate the molecular mechanism underlying the effect of vitamin D3 in cure of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori and Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Qingmin He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ankang Central Hospital, Ankang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kang Rong
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori and Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Mingyang Zhu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori and Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Pengyuan Zheng
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori and Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yang Mi
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori and Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Duan Z, Jin C, Ma S, Liu J, Li S, Zhou Y. Exploring the potential molecular mechanism of Gualou Guizhi decoction in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e36844. [PMID: 38181229 PMCID: PMC10766275 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used in China for a long time and is gradually gaining more and more recognition worldwide. Gualou Guizhi Decoction (GGD) has long been used as a folk medicine for the treatment of rheumatic diseases, but its bioactive components and therapeutic mechanisms are still unclear. METHODS An integrated approach using network pharmacology and molecular docking and using methotrexate as a positive control drug. RESULTS We obtained 157 active ingredients of GGD, 7542 RA disease targets and 49 intersecting targets. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that their functions were mainly related to cytokine active metal ion binding, enzyme binding and DNA binding, and enriched in TNF signaling pathway, T cell receptor signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, RA pathway and other signaling pathways that are closely related to RA. The molecular docking results show that the effector components of GGD bind better to the core targets of RA, and some are even better than methotrexate. CONCLUSION The therapeutic effect of GGD for RA is achieved by affecting the core targets such as VEGFA, IL-1β, IL6, CXCL8, CCL2, and JUN, which together interfere with the tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway and RA pathway to treat RA. The above study provides new ideas for further exploration of this classic formula in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihao Duan
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Renhe Hospital of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- Third-Grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Chinese Medicine Approved by State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Medical College of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, China
| | - Can Jin
- Third-Grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Chinese Medicine Approved by State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Medical College of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, China
| | - Shuai Ma
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Renhe Hospital of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Jinlang Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Renhe Hospital of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Shigang Li
- Third-Grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Chinese Medicine Approved by State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Medical College of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, China
| | - You Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Renhe Hospital of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
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Choi W, Wu Y, Li Y, Dong J. Network pharmacology prediction and molecular docking analysis reveal the mechanism of modified Bushen Yiqi formulas on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. J Gene Med 2024; 26:e3607. [PMID: 37795773 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3607] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study aimed to explore the mechanism of the modified Bushen Yiqi formula (MBYF) in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. METHODS First, the active ingredients and corresponding targets in MBYF were mined through the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database. Subsequently, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, DrugBank, and GeneCard were used to screen COPD-related targets. Cytoscape was used to construct a network of candidate components of MBYF in COPD treatment. The overlapping targets of COPD and MBYF were used to treat COPD, and then CytoHubba and CytoNAC plug-ins in Cytoscape were used for topology analysis to build the core network. In addition, core targets were used for Gene Ontology analysis and enrichment analysis of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. Finally, AutoDock Vina software was used to conduct a molecular docking study on the core active ingredients and core targets to verify the above network pharmacological analysis. RESULTS Seventy-nine active components of MBYF were screened and 261 corresponding targets were found. At the same time, 1307 related targets corresponding to COPD were screened and 111 overlapping targets were matched. By bioinformatics analysis, 10 core targets were identified, and subsequently, enrichment analysis revealed 385 BP, two CC, eight MF and 78 related signaling pathways. The binding of the core active components in MBYF to the core target was further verified by molecular docking, and all showed good binding. CONCLUSIONS The active components of MBYF, such as quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, and baicalein, may be the material basis for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. They affect the expression of inflammatory cells and inflammatory factors, protein phosphorylation, and smooth muscle hyperplasia through tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-17, mitogen-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor-kappa B and other signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenglam Choi
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yueren Wu
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifan Li
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingcheng Dong
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Meng F, Tao X, Li L, Jia W, Yang X, Yang Y. Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Explore the Mechanism of Mubiezi-Yinyanghuo Herb Pair in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2023; 2023:4502994. [PMID: 38106514 PMCID: PMC10723923 DOI: 10.1155/2023/4502994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Objective Our previous studies have shown that the Mubiezi-Yinyanghuo (MBZ-YYH) herb pair inhibits rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cell proliferation and glycolysis, promising results with an obscure mechanism of action. Methods Therefore, it is necessary to explore the main components of MBZ-YYH and unravel the potential mechanism in RA based on network pharmacology and molecular docking methods. Components and targets of MBZ-YYH were retrieved from the TCMSP. Relevant targets of RA were searched in GeneCards, therapeutic target database (TTD), and DisGeNET databases; the common targets of the MBZ-YYH compounds and RA were obtained by comparison; and a component-target interaction network was established by Cytoscape 3.9.1. Gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed through the David database. Molecular docking was performed by PyMoL2.3.0 and AutoDock Vina1.1.2 software. Results 7 active ingredients and 58 putatively identified target genes were screened from MBZ, and 16 effective components of YYH and 230 potential targets were identified. There were 29 mutual targets between the two herbs and RA. Through the PPI network, 9 hub targets which contain JUN, CASP3, PPARG, PTGS2, GSK3B, CASP8, HMOX1, ICAM1, and HK2 were screened out. GO term enrichment analysis indicated that positive regulation of the apoptotic process, response to drugs, and response to hypoxia were significantly enriched. Based on KEGG analysis, it was mainly associated with the IL-17 signaling pathway, the TNF signaling pathway, and the p53 signaling pathway. The docking analysis revealed that the effective components showed strong binding activity with the receptors. Conclusion The effects of the MBZ-YYH herb pair on RA were coordinated by the interaction of diverse components, which may be through the IL-17 signaling pathway and the TNF signaling pathway, which target GSK3B, HK2, caspase 3, and caspase 8, inhibiting the proliferation and glycolysis of rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synovial cells (RA-FLS) and tending towards an increasing efficacy and decreasing toxicity effect on RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuxue Meng
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Duyun, Guizhou, China
| | - Xiaomai Tao
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Duyun, Guizhou, China
- Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Longkuan Li
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Duyun, Guizhou, China
| | - Wei Jia
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Duyun, Guizhou, China
| | - Xin Yang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Duyun, Guizhou, China
| | - Yuchen Yang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Duyun, Guizhou, China
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Wang D, Zhang J, Dai H, Tong K, Chen M, Peng J, Huang W. Probable targets and mechanism of ginsenoside Rg1 for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a study integrating network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-14. [PMID: 38038388 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2289045] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Ginsenoside Rg1 (GRg1), a key bioactive component of medicinal herbs, has shown beneficial effects on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and numerous other conditions. Nevertheless, the specific targets that are actively involved and the potential mechanisms underlying NAFLD treatment remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the therapeutic effects and mechanism of GRg1 in alleviating NAFLD using a combined approach of network pharmacology and molecular biology validation. The analysis yielded 294 targets for GRg1 and 1293 associated with NAFLD, resulting in 89 overlapping targets. Through protein-protein interactions (PPI) network topology analysis, 10 key targets were identified. Upon evaluating the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, GRg1 may exert therapeutic effects on NAFLD by negatively regulating the apoptotic process, insulin and endocrine resistance, the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, and the Estrogen, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK pathways. The three differential gene targets for Akt1, EGFR, and IGF1 were identified through the compound-target network in conjunction with the aforementioned methods. The molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations showed that AKT1 and EGFR had a strong binding affinity with GRg1. Overall, our findings point to a novel therapeutic strategy involving NAFLD, with further in vivo and in vitro studies promising to deepen our comprehension and validate its potential advantages.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danni Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jia Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Haifeng Dai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Kexin Tong
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mingjing Chen
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiayi Peng
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenxiang Huang
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Zhu M, He Q, Wang Y, Duan L, Rong K, Wu Y, Ding Y, Mi Y, Ge X, Yang X, Yu Y. Exploring the mechanism of aloe-emodin in the treatment of liver cancer through network pharmacology and cell experiments. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1238841. [PMID: 37900162 PMCID: PMC10600456 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1238841] [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: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Aloe-emodin (AE) is an anthraquinone compound extracted from the rhizome of the natural plant rhubarb. Initially, it was shown that AE exerts an anti-inflammatory effect. Further studies revealed its antitumor activity against various types of cancer. However, the mechanisms underlying these properties remain unclear. Based on network pharmacology and molecular docking, this study investigated the molecular mechanism of AE in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and evaluated its therapeutic effect through in vitro experiments. Methods: CTD, Pharmmapper, SuperPred and TargetNet were the databases to obtain potential drug-related targets. DisGenet, GeneCards, OMIM and TTD were used to identify potential disease-related targets. Intersection genes for drugs and diseases were obtained through the Venn diagram. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses of intersecting genes were conducted by the website of Bioinformatics. Intersection genes were introduced into STRING to construct a protein-protein interaction network, while the Cytoscape3.9.1 software was used to visualize and analyze the core targets. AutoDock4.2.6 was utilized to achieve molecular docking between drug and core targets. In vitro experiments investigated the therapeutic effects and related mechanisms of AE. Results: 63 overlapped genes were obtained and GO analysis generated 3,646 entries by these 63 intersecting genes. KEGG analysis mainly involved apoptosis, proteoglycans in cancer, TNF signaling pathway, TP53 signaling pathway, PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, etc. AKT1, EGFR, ESR1, TP53, and SRC have been identified as core targets because the binding energies of them between aloe-emodin were less than -5 kcal/Mol.The mRNA and protein expression, prognosis, mutation status, and immune infiltration related to core targets were further revealed. The involvement of AKT1 and EGFR, as well as the key target of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, indicated the importance of this signaling pathway in the treatment of HCC using AE. The results of the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and flow analysis demonstrated the therapeutic effect of AE. The downregulation of EGFR, PI3KR1, AKT1, and BCL2 in mRNA expression and PI3KR1, AKT,p-AKT in protein expression confirmed our hypothesis. Conclusion: Based on network pharmacology and molecular docking, our study initially showed that AE exerted a therapeutic effect on HCC by modulating multiple signaling pathways. Various analyses confirmed the antiproliferative activity and pro-apoptotic effect of AE on HCC through the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. This study revealed the therapeutic mechanism of AE in the treatment of HCC through a novel approach, providing a theoretical basis for the clinical application of AE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyang Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori & Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Qingmin He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ankang Central Hospital, Ankang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yanan Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori & Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Liying Duan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori & Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Kang Rong
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori & Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yingying Wu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori & Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ye Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori & Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yang Mi
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori & Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoyang Ge
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiaocui Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ankang Central Hospital, Ankang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yong Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori & Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Wu W, Zhang Y, Liu G, Chi Z, Zhang A, Miao S, Lin C, Xu Q, Zhang Y. Potential protective effects of Huanglian Jiedu Decoction against COVID-19-associated acute kidney injury: A network-based pharmacological and molecular docking study. Open Med (Wars) 2023; 18:20230746. [PMID: 37533739 PMCID: PMC10390755 DOI: 10.1515/med-2023-0746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is prone to induce multiple organ damage. The kidney is one of the target organs of SARS-CoV-2, which is susceptible to inducing acute kidney injury (AKI). Huanglian Jiedu Decoction (HLJDD) is one of the recommended prescriptions for COVID-19 with severe complications. We used network pharmacology and molecular docking to explore the therapeutic and protective effects of HLJDD on COVID-19-associated AKI. Potential targets related to "HLJDD," "COVID-19," and "Acute Kidney Injury/Acute Renal Failure" were identified from several databases. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed and screened the core targets according to the degree value. The target genes were then enriched using gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. The bioactive components were docked with the core targets. A total of 65 active compounds, 85 common targets for diseases and drugs were obtained; PPI network analysis showed that the core protein mainly involved JUN, RELA, and AKT1; functional analysis showed that these target genes were mainly involved in lipid and atherosclerosis signaling pathway and IL-17 signal pathway. The results of molecular docking showed that JUN, RELA, and AKT1 had good binding activity with the effective chemical components of HLJDD. In conclusion, HLJDD can be used as a potential therapeutic drug for COVID-19-associated AKI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weichu Wu
- Department of Urology, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, 515031, PR China
| | - Yonghai Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, 515031, PR China
| | - Guoyuan Liu
- Department of Urology, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, 515031, PR China
| | - Zepai Chi
- Department of Urology, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, 515031, PR China
| | - Aiping Zhang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Shuying Miao
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Chengchuang Lin
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, 515031, PR China
| | - Qingchun Xu
- Department of Urology, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, 515031, PR China
| | - Yuanfeng Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, 515031, PR China
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Tan Y, Zhang F, Fan X, Lu S, Liu Y, Wu Z, Huang Z, Wu C, Cheng G, Li B, Huang J, Stalin A, Zhou W, Wu J. Exploring the effect of Yinzhihuang granules on alcoholic liver disease based on pharmacodynamics, network pharmacology and molecular docking. Chin Med 2023; 18:52. [PMID: 37165407 PMCID: PMC10173499 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-023-00759-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Yinzhihuang granules (YZHG) is a commonly used Chinese patent medicine for the treatment of liver disease. However, the mechanism of YZHG in alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is still unclear. METHODS This study combined liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry technology, pharmacodynamics, network pharmacology and molecular docking methods to evaluate the potential mechanism of YZHG in the treatment of ALD. RESULTS A total of 25 compounds including 4-hydroxyacetophenone, scoparone, geniposide, quercetin, baicalin, baicalein, chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid in YZHG were identified by ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The pharmacodynamic investigations indicated that YZHG could improve liver function and the degree of liver tissue lesions, and reduce liver inflammation and oxidative stress in ALD mice. Network pharmacology analysis showed that YZHG treated ALD mainly by regulating inflammation-related signaling pathways such as the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. The results of the PPI network and molecular docking showed that the targets of SRC, HSP90AA1, STAT3, EGFR and AKT1 could be the key targets of YZHG in the treatment of ALD. CONCLUSION This study explored the potential compounds, potential targets and signaling pathways of YZHG in the treatment of ALD, which is helpful to clarify the efficacy and mechanism of YZHG and provide new insights for the clinical application of YZHG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Tan
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Fanqin Zhang
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaotian Fan
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shan Lu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yingying Liu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhishan Wu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihong Huang
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Guoliang Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Generic Manufacture Technology of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Linyi, China
| | - Bing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Generic Manufacture Technology of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Linyi, China
| | - Jiaqi Huang
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Antony Stalin
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Jiarui Wu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
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Liu L, Zhang L, Li M. Application of herbal traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of lupus nephritis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:981063. [PMID: 36506523 PMCID: PMC9729561 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.981063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Lupus nephritis (LN) is a secondary renal disease caused by systemic lupus erythematosus affecting the kidneys. It is one of the main causes of end-stage renal disease and a serious risk factor for early mortality and disability of systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Existing LN treatment is mainly based on hormones, cytotoxic drugs, and biological agents. Nevertheless, the prognosis of LN patients remains poor because of frequent recurrence and exacerbation of adverse drug reactions. Hence, LN is still the most important cause of end-stage renal disease. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has attracted increasing attention because of encouraging evidence that it alleviates LN and the well-described mechanisms underlying renal injury. TCM has therapeutic benefits for treating LN patients. This review article elucidates TCM preparations, TCM monomers, and herbal or natural extraction for LN treatment to provide effective supplementary evidence for promoting the development of TCM treatment for LN and reference for future research and clinical practice.
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Network pharmacology prediction and molecular docking-based strategy to explore the potential mechanism of Huanglian Jiedu Decoction against sepsis. Comput Biol Med 2022; 144:105389. [PMID: 35303581 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2022.105389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Huanglian Jiedu Decoction (HLJDD) is a classical herbal formula with potential efficacy in the treatment of sepsis. However, the main components and potential mechanisms of HLJDD remain unclear. This study aims to initially clarify the potential mechanism of HLJDD in the treatment of sepsis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques. METHODS The principal components and corresponding protein targets of HLJDD were searched on TCMSP, BATMAN-TCM and ETCM and the compound-target network was constructed by Cytoscape3.8.2. Sepsis targets were searched on OMIM and DisGeNET databases. The intersection of compound target and disease target was obtained and the coincidence target was imported into STRING database to construct a PPI network. We further performed GO and KEGG enrichment analysis on the targets. Finally, molecular docking study was approved for the core target and the active compound. RESULTS There are 257 nodes and 792 edges in the component target network. The compounds with a higher degree value are quercetin, kaempferol, and wogonin. The protein with a higher degree in the PPI network is JUN, RELA, TNF. GO and KEGG analysis showed that HLJDD treatment of sepsis mainly involves positive regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter, negative regulation of apoptosis process, response to hypoxia and other biological processes. The signaling pathways mainly include PI3K-AKT, MAPK, TNF signaling pathway. The molecular docking results showed that quercetin, kaempferol and wogonin have higher affinity with JUN, RELA and TNF. CONCLUSION This study reveals the active ingredients and potential molecular mechanism of HLJDD in the treatment of sepsis, and provides a reference for subsequent basic research.
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Network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis on molecular targets and mechanism prediction of Huanglian Jiedu Decoction in the treatment of COVID-19. DIGITAL CHINESE MEDICINE 2022. [PMCID: PMC9005230 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcmed.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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