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Wu W, Lan W, Jiao X, Shao A, Wu P, Wang K, Zhan S. Mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Gang Huo Qing wen granules in the treatment of influenza based on network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15853. [PMID: 38982082 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62469-2] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Influenza (Flu) is a severe health, medical, and economic problem, but no medication that has excellent outcomes and lowers the occurrence of these problems is now available. GanghuoQingwenGranules (GHQWG) is a common Chinese herbal formula for the treatment of influenza (flu). However, its methods of action remain unknown. We used network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation techniques to investigate the pharmacological mechanism of GHQWG in flu. TCMSP and various types of literature were used to obtain active molecules and targets of GHQWG. Flu-related targets were found in the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database, the DisFeNET database, the Therapeutic Target Database (TTD), and the DrugBank database. To screen the key targets, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. DAVID was used to analyze GO and KEGG pathway enrichment. Target tissue and organ distribution was assessed. Molecular docking was used to evaluate interactions between possible targets and active molecules. For the ideal core protein-compound complexes obtained using molecular docking, a molecular dynamics simulation was performed. In total, 90 active molecules and 312 GHQWG targets were discovered. The PPI network's topology highlighted six key targets. GHQWG's effects are mediated via genes involved in inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress, as well as the TNF and IL-17 signaling pathways, according to GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated that the active compounds and tested targets had strong binding capabilities. This analysis accurately predicts the effective components, possible targets, and pathways involved in GHQWG flu treatment. We proposed a novel study strategy for future studies on the molecular processes of GHQWG in flu treatment. Furthermore, the possible active components provide a dependable source for flu drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyu Wu
- The First Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wanning Lan
- The First Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Jiao
- The First Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Axue Shao
- The First Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Wu
- The First Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Kai Wang
- The First Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Shaofeng Zhan
- The First Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
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Shi Y, Liu J, Hou M, Tan Z, Chen F, Zhang J, Liu Y, Leng Y. Ursolic acid improves necroptosis via STAT3 signaling in intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 138:112463. [PMID: 38971110 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112463] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) poses a serious threat to human survival and quality of life with high mortality and morbidity rates. The current absence of effective treatments for intestinal IRI highlights the urgent need to identify new therapeutic targets. Ursolic acid (UA), a pentacyclic triterpene natural compound, has been shown to possess various pharmacological properties including intestinal protection. However, its potential protective efficacy on intestinal IRI remains elusive. This study aimed to investigate the effect of UA on intestinal IRI and explore the underlying mechanisms. To achieve this, we utilized network pharmacology to analyze the mechanism of UA in intestinal IRI and assessed UA's effects on intestinal IRI using a mouse model of superior mesenteric artery occlusion/reperfusion and an in vitro model of oxygen-glucose deprivation and reperfusion-induced IEC-6 cells. Our results demonstrated that UA improved necroptosis through the RIP1/RIP3/MLKL pathway, reduced necroinflammation via the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway, attenuated morphological damage, and enhanced intestinal barrier function. Furthermore, UA pretreatment downregulated the phosphorylation level of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). The effects of UA were attenuated by the STAT3 agonist Colivelin. In conclusion, our study suggests that UA can improve intestinal IRI by inhibiting necroptosis in enterocytes via the suppression of STAT3 activation. These results provide a theoretical basis for UA treatment of intestinal IRI and related clinical diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajing Shi
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China; Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710000, PR China
| | - Jie Liu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Min Hou
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Zhiguo Tan
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Feng Chen
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Jianmin Zhang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Yongqiang Liu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China; Department of Anesthesiology, the First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Yufang Leng
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China; Department of Anesthesiology, the First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China.
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Ullah A, Sun Q, Li J, Li J, Khatun P, Kou G, Lyu Q. Bioactive Compounds in Citrus reticulata Peel Are Potential Candidates for Alleviating Physical Fatigue through a Triad Approach of Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Modeling. Nutrients 2024; 16:1934. [PMID: 38931288 PMCID: PMC11206486 DOI: 10.3390/nu16121934] [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: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Physical fatigue (peripheral fatigue), which affects a considerable portion of the world population, is a decline in the ability of muscle fibers to contract effectively due to alterations in the regulatory processes of muscle action potentials. However, it lacks an efficacious therapeutic intervention. The present study explored bioactive compounds and the mechanism of action of Citrus reticulata peel (CR-P) in treating physical fatigue by utilizing network pharmacology (NP), molecular docking, and simulation-based molecular dynamics (MD). The bioactive ingredients of CR-P and prospective targets of CR-P and physical fatigue were obtained from various databases. A PPI network was generated by the STRING database, while the key overlapping targets were analyzed for enrichment by adopting KEGG and GO. The binding affinities of bioactive ingredients to the hub targets were determined by molecular docking. The results were further validated by MD simulation. Five bioactive compounds were screened, and 56 key overlapping targets were identified for CR-P and physical fatigue, whereas the hub targets with a greater degree in the PPI network were AKT1, TP53, STAT3, MTOR, KRAS, HRAS, JAK2, IL6, EGFR, and ESR1. The findings of the enrichment analysis indicated significant enrichment of the targets in three key signaling pathways, namely PI3K-AKT, MAPK, and JAK-STAT. The molecular docking and MD simulation results revealed that the bioactive compounds of CR-P exhibit a stronger affinity for interacting with the hub targets. The present work suggests that bioactive compounds of CR-P, specifically Hesperetin and Sitosterol, may ameliorate physical fatigue via the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway by targeting AKT1, KRAS, and MTOR proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Ullah
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Qiuxi Sun
- Centre for Nutritional Ecology and Centre for Sport Nutrition and Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Jiangtao Li
- Centre for Nutritional Ecology and Centre for Sport Nutrition and Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Jinjie Li
- Centre for Nutritional Ecology and Centre for Sport Nutrition and Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Pipasha Khatun
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Guangning Kou
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Centre for Nutritional Ecology and Centre for Sport Nutrition and Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Quanjun Lyu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Department of Public Health, Zhengzhou Shuqing Medical College, Zhengzhou 450001, China
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Xu H, Dong M, Du R, Zhang C, Chen Z, Tian G, Cui Q, Li K. Material basis and pharmacodynamic mechanism of YangshenDingzhi granules in the intervention of viral pneumonia: Based on serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology. Animal Model Exp Med 2024; 7:259-274. [PMID: 38860392 PMCID: PMC11228082 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12440] [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: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND YangshenDingzhi granules (YSDZ) are clinically effective in preventing and treating COVID-19. The present study elucidates the underlying mechanism of YSDZ intervention in viral pneumonia by employing serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology. METHODS The chemical constituents of YSDZ in the blood were examined using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS). Potential protein targets were obtained from the SwissTargetPrediction database, and the target genes associated with viral pneumonia were identified using GeneCards, DisGeNET, and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) databases. The intersection of blood component-related targets and disease-related targets was determined using Venny 2.1. Protein-protein interaction networks were constructed using the STRING database. The Metascape database was employed to perform enrichment analyses of Gene Ontology (GO) functions and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signaling pathways for the targets, while the Cytoscape 3.9.1 software was utilized to construct drug-component-disease-target-pathway networks. Further, in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to establish the therapeutic effectiveness of YSDZ against viral pneumonia. RESULTS Fifteen compounds and 124 targets linked to viral pneumonia were detected in serum. Among these, MAPK1, MAPK3, AKT1, EGFR, and TNF play significant roles. In vitro tests revealed that the medicated serum suppressed the replication of H1N1, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2 replicon. Further, in vivo testing analysis shows that YSDZ decreases the viral load in the lungs of mice infected with RSV and H1N1. CONCLUSION The chemical constituents of YSDZ in the blood may elicit therapeutic effects against viral pneumonia by targeting multiple proteins and pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huirong Xu
- College of Traditional Chinese MedicineShandong University of Traditional Chinese MedicineJinanChina
| | - Meiyue Dong
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and PharmacyShandong University of Traditional Chinese MedicineJinanChina
| | - Ruikun Du
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and PharmacyShandong University of Traditional Chinese MedicineJinanChina
- Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medical SciencesShandong University of Traditional Chinese MedicineQingdaoChina
| | - Chengcheng Zhang
- College of PharmacyShandong University of Traditional Chinese MedicineJinanChina
| | - Zinuo Chen
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and PharmacyShandong University of Traditional Chinese MedicineJinanChina
| | - Guangyu Tian
- College of Traditional Chinese MedicineShandong University of Traditional Chinese MedicineJinanChina
| | - Qinghua Cui
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and PharmacyShandong University of Traditional Chinese MedicineJinanChina
- Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medical SciencesShandong University of Traditional Chinese MedicineQingdaoChina
| | - Kejian Li
- College of Traditional Chinese MedicineShandong University of Traditional Chinese MedicineJinanChina
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Chang TM, Chi MC, Chiang YC, Lin CM, Fang ML, Lee CW, Liu JF, Kou YR. Promotion of ROS-mediated apoptosis, G2/M arrest, and autophagy by naringenin in non-small cell lung cancer. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:1093-1109. [PMID: 38322119 PMCID: PMC10845293 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.85443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: As lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, the development of new medicines is a crucial endeavor. Naringenin, a flavanone derivative, possesses anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties and has been reported to have cytotoxic effects on various cancer cells. The current study investigated the underlying molecular mechanism by which naringenin induces cell death in lung cancer. Methods: The expression of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and autophagy markers in H1299 and A459 lung cancer cells was evaluated using a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay (TUNEL), Western blot, Annexin V/PI stain, PI stain, acridine orange staining, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Using fluorescence microscopy, DALGreen was used to observe the degradation of p62, a GFP-LC3 plasmid was used to evaluate puncta formation, and a pcDNA3-GFP-LC3-RFP-LC3ΔG plasmid was used to evaluate autophagy flux. Furthermore, the anti-cancer effect of naringenin was evaluated in a subcutaneous H1299 cell xenograft model. Results: Naringenin treatment of lung cancer cells (H1299 and A459) reduced cell viability and induced cell cycle arrest. Pretreatment of cells with ROS scavengers (N-acetylcysteine or catalase) suppressed the naringenin-induced cleavage of apoptotic protein and restored cyclin-dependent kinase activity. Naringenin also triggered autophagy by mediating ROS generation, thereby activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling. ROS inhibition not only inhibited naringenin-induced autophagic puncta formation but also decreased the ratio of microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3 II (LC3II)/LC3I and activity of the AMPK signaling pathway. Furthermore, naringenin suppressed tumor growth and promoted apoptosis in the xenograft mouse model. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the potent anti-cancer effects of naringenin on lung cancer cells, thereby providing valuable insights for developing small-molecule drugs that can induce cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and autophagic cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Ming Chang
- School of Dental Technology, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Department and Institute of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Miao-Ching Chi
- Department of Nursing, Division of Basic Medical Sciences, and Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion Research Center, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan
- Department of Safety Health and Environmental Engineering, Ming Chi University of Technology, New Taipei City 24301, Taiwan
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan
- Department of Respiratory Care, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Chang Chiang
- Department of Nursing, Division of Basic Medical Sciences, and Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion Research Center, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan
- Research Center for Industry of Human Ecology and Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 33303, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Mo Lin
- Department of Nursing, Division of Basic Medical Sciences, and Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion Research Center, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Ling Fang
- Center for Environmental Toxin and Emerging-Contaminant Research, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung 83347, Taiwan
- Super Micro Research and Technology Center, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung 83347, Taiwan
| | - Chiang-Wen Lee
- Department of Nursing, Division of Basic Medical Sciences, and Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion Research Center, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan
- Department of Safety Health and Environmental Engineering, Ming Chi University of Technology, New Taipei City 24301, Taiwan
- Department of Respiratory Care, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan
| | - Ju-Fang Liu
- School of Oral Hygiene, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Translational Medicine Center, Shin-Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei 11101, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Yu Ru Kou
- Department and Institute of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97002, Taiwan
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