Integrating Network Pharmacology and Metabolomics Study on Anti-rheumatic Mechanisms and Antagonistic Effects Against Methotrexate-Induced Toxicity of Qing-Luo-Yin

Exploring the pharmacological mechanisms of the flower of Rhododendron molle in rheumatoid arthritis rats based on metabolomics integrated network pharmacology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

As a traditional Chinese medicine, the flower of Rhododendron molle G. Don (RMF) is record in the Chinese pharmacopoeia, and is commonly utilized for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in clinical practice. However, its precise mechanisms necessitate further exploration.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To expound the effective components, targets, metabolites, and pathways participated in RMF's anti-RA effects by metabolomics integrated network pharmacology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CIA rats were intragastric administered RMF for 2 weeks, following which the therapeutic effects were comprehensively evaluated. Serum metabolomics was adopted to investigate the differential metabolites (DEMs). UHPLC-Q-Exactive-MS method was applied to identify the components of RMF, and then network pharmacology was utilize to select the component-RA-targets. Molecular docking and Western blotting were utilized to validate the key targets.

RESULTS

RA symptoms were alleviated by RMF through the inhibition secretion of pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, along with relief in bone destruction observed in CIA rats. Four targets, namely AKR1B1, TPH1, CYP1A1, and CYP1A2, were identified, along with their corresponding metabolites, namely D-glucose, D-mannose, L-tryptophan, 11-deoxycorticosterone, and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone. These were found to be involved in three key metabolic pathways: steroid hormone biosynthesis, tryptophan metabolism, and galactose metabolism. Additionally, five significant anti-RA active components were identified from RMF, including Rhodojaponin (Rj)-Ⅱ, Rj-Ⅲ, Rj-Ⅴ, Rj-Ⅵ, and quercetin.

CONCLUSIONS

The anti-RA mechanisms of RMF were investigated in this study, focusing on active components, upstream targets, and downstream metabolites. These findings lay a foundation for the clinical practice and drug development of RMF.

Uncovering the role of traditional Chinese medicine in immune-metabolic balance of gastritis from the perspective of Cold and Hot: Jin Hong Tablets as a case study

Chronic gastritis (CG) is a common inflammatory disease of chronic inflammatory lesion of gastric mucosa and in the diagnosis of gastritis in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), CG can be classified into Cold ZHENG (syndrome in TCM) and Hot ZHENG. However, the molecular features of Cold/Hot ZHENG in CG and the mechanism of Cold/Hot herbs in formulae for CG remained unclear. In this study, we collected a transcriptomics data including 35 patients of Cold/Hot ZHENG CG and 3 scRNA-seq CG samples. And 25 formulae for CG and 89 herbs recorded in these formulae were also collected. We conduct a comprehensive analysis based on the combination of transcriptomics datasets and machine learning algorithms, to discover biomarkers for Cold/Hot ZHENG CG. Then the target profiles of the collected formulae and Cold/Hot herbs were predicted to uncover the features and biomarkers of them against Cold/Hot ZHENG CG. These biomarkers suggest that Hot ZHENG CG might be characterized by over-inflammation and exuberant metabolism, and Cold ZHENG CG showed a trend of suppression in immune regulation and energy metabolism. Biomarkers and specific pathways of Hot herbs tend to regulate immune responses and energy metabolism, while those of Cold herbs are more likely to participate in anti-inflammatory effects. Finally, the findings were verified based on public transcriptomics datasets, as well as transcriptomics and ELISA detection, taking Jin Hong tablets as a case study. Biomarkers like leptin and IL-6 together with proportions of immune cells showed significant changes after the intervention. These findings might reflect the mechanism and build a bridge between macro and micro views of Cold/Hot ZHENG as well as Cold/Hot herbs.

Analyzing how SiMiao Wan regulates ferroptosis to prevent RA-ILD using metabolomics and cyberpharmacology

BACKGROUND

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that plays a significant role in the morbidity and mortality of individuals with this condition. In clinical settings, Si Miao Wan (SMW), a traditional Chinese medicine, is often utilized for the management of RA, as it is believed to possess properties that aid in reducing inflammation, eliminating excess moisture, and alleviating joint pain.

PURPOSE

The primary objective of this investigation was to elucidate the potential mechanism of RA-ILD prevention from the perspective of ferroptosis mediated by SMW.

METHODS

UPLC-Q-TOF/MS and network pharmacology were employed to forecast the potential targets of SMW for the early prevention of RA-ILD. Following this, HE staining, metabolomics, and RT-PCR were utilized to investigate the mechanism by which SMW prevents RA-ILD at an early stage.

RESULTS

Following six weeks of continuous administration of SMW extract at a dosage of 2.16 g/kg/day, it was observed that SMW exhibited early preventive effects against RA-ILD. Metabolomics analysis revealed seven potential biomarkers linked to the pharmacological efficacy of SMW in the early prevention of RA-ILD. Additionally, network pharmacology analysis suggested that SMW may exert its therapeutic effects on RA-ILD by modulating signaling pathways associated with lipid metabolism, atherosclerosis, TNF, and IL-17. Ultimately, through the integration of metabolomics and network pharmacology analysis, along with subsequent verification, it was determined that the early prevention of rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) by Shenmai injection (SMW) is associated with the ferroptosis pathway.

CONCLUSION

This research offers preliminary insights into the potential mechanism by which traditional Chinese medicine Shen Mai Wan (SMW) may mitigate the early onset of Rheumatoid Arthritis-Interstitial Lung Disease (RA-ILD) via the process of ferroptosis. Furthermore, it establishes a theoretical framework for the development of innovative SMW-based pharmaceuticals for the management of RA-ILD. The signal proteins implicated in this process are anticipated to emerge as crucial targets for the prevention of RA-ILD.

Qing-Luo-Yin Eased Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis by Inhibiting SIRT1-Controlled Visfatin Production in White Adipose Tissues

Background

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)-dependent deacetylase SIRT1 regulates both metabolism and immune functions. This study investigated if SIRT1 inhibitory property of herbal formula Qing-Luo-Yin (QLY) contributed to its anti-rheumatic effects.

Methods

Adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats were treated by QLY and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN, a biosynthesis precursor of NAD) for 38 days. After sacrifice, blood, paws, liver and white adipose tissues (WAT) were collected. Pre-adipocytes were cultured by the rats' serum. The medium was used for monocytes culture. Some pre-adipocytes were treated by QLY-derived SIRT1 inhibitors. SIRT1 was silenced or overexpressed beforehand. The samples were subjected to kits-based quantification, polymerase-chain reaction, western-blot, immunofluorescence, and histology experiments.

Results

AIA rats experienced significant fat loss in liver and WAT. Expression of many SIRT1-related signals like PPARγ, PGC-1α, HSL, ATGL and CPT-1A were altered. QLY attenuated all these abnormalities and joint injuries. By pan-acetylation up-regulation, visfatin was obviously reduced in QLY-treated AIA rats' blood (from 191.8 to 127.0 pg/mL). NMN sustained SIRT1 activation by replenishing NAD, and weakened these effects. QLY-containing serum and the related compounds showed similar impacts on pre-adipocytes, resembling the changes in QLY-treated AIA rats' WAT. These treatments suppressed AIA serum-induced visfatin secretion (from 49.3 to 36.1 and 30.7 pg/mL). This effect was impaired by SIRT1 overexpression. The medium from the compounds-treated pre-adipocytes impaired NF-κB activation in AIA serum-cultured monocytes.

Conclusion

Besides fat depletion, SIRT1 up-regulation in rheumatic subjects' WAT promotes visfatin production, and exacerbates inflammation. SIRT1 inhibition in WAT is an anti-rheumatic way of QLY independent of immune regulation.

Integrated network pharmacology and serum metabonomics analysis to explore the potential mechanism of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge-Phellodendron chinense Schneid herb pair in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge-Phellodendron chinense Schneid (AAPC) is one of the most widely accepted herb pairs in Chinese medicine prescription for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, the mechanisms underlying the combination of the two herbs for anti-BPH are still not completely clear. To uncover the potential mechanism of the AAPC herb pair in the treatment of BPH, chemical profiling, network pharmacology, serum metabonomics and experimental validation were integrated. UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS was performed to characterize the chemical profiling of the herb pair extract, and network pharmacology was employed to forecast the potential effective components, core targets and key signaling pathways. Then, western blot and RT-PCR experiments were conducted to verify the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway predicted by network pharmacology. Finally, the serum differential metabolites and metabolic pathways were analyzed by serum non-targeted metabonomics, and these results were jointly analyzed by MetScape. 51 chemical components of the AAPC herb pair extract were identified, including phellodendrine, magnoflorine, berberine, mangiferin, anemarsaponin BIII, etc. In network pharmacology, the predicted core targets of these components include AKT1, TNF, EGFR, PTGS2, PIK3CA, etc. The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated that PI3K-Akt, Rap1 and MAPK signaling pathways may play a key role in the AAPC herb pair for the treatment of BPH, and the results of animal experiments demonstrated that the herb pair could significantly inhibit the activation and expression of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, p-NF-κB/NF-κB in protein and mRNA levels. Furthermore, 31 serum differential metabolites and three main metabolic pathways were obtained by serum non-targeted metabonomics. And the crucial metabolic pathway of arachidonic acid (AA) was obtained by integrated analysis of network pharmacology and metabonomics results. In conclusion, the AAPC herb pair can improve BPH through inhibiting the activation and expression of the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway and AA metabolism.

Mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Semen cuscutae in treating recurrent spontaneous abortion based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Background: This paper aims to analyse the active components of Semen cuscutae (SC) by network pharmacology and screen the most stable compounds with tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) by molecular docking to explore the mechanisms of SC treatment of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) and provide a theoretical basis for drug development. Methods: The active compounds of SC and the potential inflammatory targets of RSA were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database and GeneCards, respectively. The RSA-SC target gene interaction network was obtained and visualized using the STRING database and Cytoscape software. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were obtained from DAVID to further explore the RSA mechanism and therapeutic effects of SC. Interactions between TNF-α and drugs were analysed by molecular docking. Treatment of human trophoblast cells with sesamin and TNF-α was carried out to detect their proliferative and apoptotic abilities, and WB assay was carried out to detect EGFR, PTGS2, and CASP3 protein expression. Results: Ten compounds and 128 target genes were screened from SC, of which 79 overlapped with RSA target inflammatory genes, which were considered potential therapeutic targets. Network pharmacological analysis showed that sesamin, matrine, matrol, and other SC compounds had a good correlation with the inflammatory target genes of RSA. Related genes included PGR, PTGS1, PTGS2, TGFB1, and CHRNA7. Several signalling pathways are involved in the pathogenesis of RSA, such as the TNF-α signalling pathway, HIF-1 signalling pathway, oestrogen signalling pathway, proteoglycans in cancer cells, and FoxO signalling pathway. Molecular docking results suggested that sesamin was the most suitable natural tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi). Sesamin can promote proliferation and inhibit apoptosis in human trophoblasts by downregulating EGFR and CASP3 expression and upregulating PTGS2 expression. Conclusion: Our findings play an important role and basis for further research into the molecular mechanism of SC treatment of RSA and drug development of TNFi.

Identification of potential anti-tumor targets and mechanisms of HuaChanSu injection using network pharmacology and cytological experiments in Breast cancer

HuaChanSu (HCS) or Cinobufacini injection is an aqueous extract of the dried skin of Bufo bufo gargarigans, and has anti-tumor effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible therapeutic effect of HCS against breast cancer (BRCA) using cytology, network pharmacology, and molecular biology approaches. The half-inhibitory concentration (IC50) of HCS in the BRCA cells was determined by cytotoxicity assay, and were accordingly treated with high and low doses HCS in the TUNEL and scratch assays. The potential targets of HCS in the BRCA cells were identified through functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, and verified by molecular docking. The expression levels of key signaling pathways-related proteins in HCS-treated BRCA cells by western blotting. HCS inhibited the proliferation and migration of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, we screened 289 core HCS targets against BRCA, which were primarily enriched in the PI3K-AKT, MAPK chemokines, and other. signaling pathways. In addition, PIK3CA, PIK3CD, and MTOR were confirmed as HCS targets by molecular docking. Consistent with this, we observed a reduction in the expression levels of phosphorylated PI3K, AKT, and MTOR in the HCS-treated BRCA cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that HCS inhibits the growth of BRCA cells by targeting the PI3K-AKT pathway, and warrants further investigation as a therapeutic agent for treating patients with BRCA.

Exploring the mechanism of action of the combination of cinnamon and motherwort in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: A network pharmacology study

Cinnamon and motherwort are traditional Chinese medicines and are often combined to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia; however, the specific therapeutic mechanisms involved remain unclear. Therefore, in this study, we applied a network pharmacology approach to investigate the potential mechanisms of action of the drug pair cinnamon and motherwort (PCM) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Relevant targets for the use of PCM to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia were obtained through databases. Protein-protein interactions were then identified by the STRING database and core targets were screened. Enrichment analysis was conducted through the Metascape platform. Finally, molecular docking experiments were carried out to evaluate the affinity between the target proteins and ligands of PCM. We identified 22 active ingredients in PCM, 315 corresponding targets and 130 effective targets of PCM for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. These targets were related to the PI3K-Akt, MAPK, FoxO, TNF, and IL-17 signaling pathways. Network pharmacology was used to identify the effective components and action targets of PCM. We also identified potential mechanisms of action for PCM in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Our results provide a foundation for expanding the clinical application of PCM and provide new ideas and directions for further research on the mechanisms of action of PCM and its components for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Anti-rheumatoid arthritis potential of different fractions derived from of Coluria longifolia

Coluria longifolia Maxim (C. longifolia) is a Chinese folk medication commonly used to treat arthritis and joint pain. Literatures have reported that C. longifolia has significant anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects. The aim of this research was to assay the effective fractions of C. longifolia (EFCL) against rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to elucidate its anti-RA mechanism on a preliminary basis. The rat model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was established. The therapeutic effects of different fractions in vivo were evaluated by body weight changes, a foot swelling score, inflammatory factors and histopathological examination. The mechanism of EFCL was investigated by activity of oxidative stress related enzyme, qPCR and Western blotting tests. In vivo results showed that total extraction (TE) and n-butanol fraction (NF) could significantly alleviate the symptoms of RA, decrease the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α (P < 0.01), and improve histopathological injury. The mechanism study showed that SOD level was significantly increased with MDA level decreased in the NF group. The upregulated proteins and mRNA expression levels of Nrf2, HO1 and NQO1 after TE and NF administration suggested that the anti-arthritic effect may be related to the Nrf2 signaling pathway and downstream HO1 and NQO1. In conclusion, this study confirmed that C. longifolia is capable of treating RA with NF as the main effective fraction. Its anti-RA action may be associated with Nrf2 signaling pathway and downstream HO1 and NQO1.

Network-Based Methods and Their Applications in Drug Discovery

Drug discovery is time-consuming, expensive, and predominantly follows the "one drug → one target → one disease" paradigm. With the rapid development of systems biology and network pharmacology, a novel drug discovery paradigm, "multidrug → multitarget → multidisease", has emerged. This new holistic paradigm of drug discovery aligns well with the essence of networks, leading to the emergence of network-based methods in the field of drug discovery. In this Perspective, we initially introduce the concept and data sources of networks and highlight classical methodologies employed in network-based methods. Subsequently, we focus on the practical applications of network-based methods across various areas of drug discovery, such as target prediction, virtual screening, prediction of drug therapeutic effects or adverse drug events, and elucidation of molecular mechanisms. In addition, we provide representative web servers for researchers to use network-based methods in specific applications. Finally, we discuss several challenges of network-based methods and the directions for future development. In a word, network-based methods could serve as powerful tools to accelerate drug discovery.

SIRT1 inhibitors within Qing-Luo-Yin alleviated white adipose tissues-mediated inflammation in antigen-induced arthritis mice

BACKGROUND

White adipose tissues (WAT) release large amounts of inflammatory mediators, which are responsible for the pathology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

PURPOSE

The current study investigated the involvement of WAT in the treatments of antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) mice with the herbal formula Qing-Luo-Yin (QLY).

METHODS

Cytokines and biochemical/metabolic indicators were determined by ELISA and colorimetry methods, respectively. Monocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry. Tissues were subjected to PCR, western-blot and histological analyses. Pre-adipocytes were cultured in the different mouse serum from the in vivo experiment, and some of them were treated by certain compounds or/and lipopolysaccharide. Afterwards, the catalytic activity and thermostability of SIRT1 were tested. Gene/protein expression and cytokine production were investigated too. NAMPT and SIRT1 were silenced in some cells by siRNA.

RESULTS

AIA mice suffered from inflammatory adipokines-mediated metabolism and immune disorders. Besides joint protective effects, QLY therapies favored adipocyte differentiation and suppressed inflammatory adipokines release. The up-regulation of fatty acid oxidation and inflammatory monocyte polarization was therefore inhibited in peripheral tissues. PPARγ expression was generally promoted by QLY. Whereas, SIRT1 activity was always impaired, indicated by the declined NAD+ levels and the increased ace-p65 expression. QLY effectively inhibited eNAMPT release in AIA mouse serum-cultured pre-adipocytes. This effect was antagonized by resveratrol (a SIRT1 agonist) and overshadowed by NAMPT silencing. QLY-related compounds berberine, dioscin and sophocarpine showed high binding affinities to SIRT1, stabilized this protein, and inhibited its deacetylation activity in vitro. Their effects on ace-p65 expression were weakened when SIRT1 was silenced.

CONCLUSION

SIRT1 inhibitors in QLY reduced eNAMPT production and up-regulated PPARγ in AIA mice, leading to inflammation remission. These clues show that except for the well-known anti-inflammatory functions, SIRT1 participates in inflammatory reactions too and could be a potential anti-rheumatic target.

Exploring the potential mechanism of Xuebijing injection against sepsis based on metabolomics and network pharmacology

Sepsis is a major contributor to the death of critically ill patients globally, in which metabolic disturbance is observed. Xuebijing injection (XBJ), a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, has received approval by the State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) of China owing to its satisfactory clinical therapeutic effect. Nowadays, it has been applied clinically to the treatment of sepsis, but its effect on metabolic disorders remains unclear. In the present study, we sought to explore its underlying mechanism by employing a combination of network pharmacology and metabolomics. Initially, its protective effects were validated using a sepsis rat model created through cecal ligation puncture (CLP). Subsequently, the metabonomic strategy was utilized to discriminate the differential metabolic markers. Meanwhile, a comprehensive view of the potential ingredient-target-disease network was constructed based on a network pharmacology analysis. Next, the network diagram was constructed by integrating the results of network pharmacology and metabonomics. Finally, qRT-PCR together with Western blot was used to validate the expression levels of the associated genes. Based on our findings, we identified 34 differential metabolites in the sepsis group and 26 distinct metabolites in the XBJ group, with 8 common biological metabolites predominantly associated with arginine and proline metabolism. Through comprehensive analysis, we identified 21 genes that regulate metabolites, and qRT-PCR validation was conducted on six of these genes in both liver and kidney tissues. Additionally, XBJ demonstrated the capability to inhibit the activation of the NF-kB signaling pathway in both liver and kidney tissues, leading to a reduction in the occurrence of inflammatory responses. In summary, our study has validated the complexity of the natural compounds within XBJ and elucidated their potential mechanisms for addressing CLP-induced metabolic disturbances. This work contributes to our understanding of the bioactive compounds and their associated targets, providing insights into the potential molecular mechanisms involved.

Network pharmacology to explore the molecular mechanisms of Prunella vulgaris for treating thyroid cancer

BACKGROUND

Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common endocrine malignancy that has rapidly increased in global incidence. Prunella vulgaris (PV) has manifested therapeutic effects in patients with TC. We aimed to investigate its molecular mechanisms against TC and provide potential drug targets by using network pharmacology and molecular docking.

METHODS

The ingredients of PV were retrieved from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systematic Pharmacology Database. TC-related gene sets were established using the GeneCard and OMIM databases. The establishment of the TC-PV target gene interaction network was accomplished using the STRING database. Cytoscape constructed networks for visualization. Protein-protein interaction, gene ontology and the biological pathway Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analyses were performed to discover the potential mechanism. Molecular docking technology was used to analyze the effective compounds from PV for treating TC.

RESULTS

11 active compounds and 192 target genes were screened from PV. 177 potential targets were obtained by intersecting PV and TC gene sets. Network pharmacological analysis showed that the PV active ingredients including Vulgaxanthin-I, quercetin, Morin, Stigmasterol, poriferasterol monoglucoside, Spinasterol, kaempferol, delphinidin, stigmast-7-enol, beta-sitosterol and luteolin showed better correlation with TC target genes such as JUN, AKT1, mitogen-activated protein kinase 1, IL-6 and RELA. The gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes indicated that PV can act by regulating the host defense and response to oxidative stress immune response and several signaling pathways are closely associated with TC, such as the TNF and IL-17. Protein-protein interaction network identified 8 hub genes. The molecular docking was conducted on the most significant gene MYC. Eleven active compounds of PV can enter the active pocket of MYC, namely poriferasterol monoglucoside, stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol, vulgaxanthin-I, spinasterol, stigmast-7-enol, luteolin, delphinidin, morin, quercetin and kaempferol. Further analysis showed that oriferasterol monoglucoside, followed by tigmasterol, were the potential therapeutic compound identified in PV for the treatment of TC.

CONCLUSION

The network pharmacological strategy integrates molecular docking to unravel the molecular mechanism of PV. MYC is a promising drug target to reduce oxidative stress damage and potential anti-tumor effect. Oriferasterol monoglucoside and kaempferol were 2 bioactive compounds of PV to treat TC. This provides a basis to understand the mechanism of the anti-TC activity of PV.

Identification of Artemisia Argyi (AA) Therapy in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) Using Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

This study aims to investigate the molecular mechanism of Artemisia argyi (AA) in the treatment of cognitive impairment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the docking activity of AA on potential therapeutic targets using network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques. Bioinformatic analysis showed that neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, the pathway of cancer, calcium signaling, neurodegeneration-multiple disease, and chemical carcinogenesis-receptor activation might be the related signal pathway in AA-AD. Moreover, the binding energy of AA active compounds to potential targets are ≦-4.16 kJ mol-1 with 10 patterns ≦-10 kJ mol-1 . The results of molecular docking showed that there would be a stable binding ability between the active components of AA and potential target genes. Among them, 24-methylenecyloartanone, beta-sitosterol, and Stigmasterol are active components with potential oral bioavailability (OB), drug-likeness (DL), and blood-brain-barrier(BBB) are screened out with the stable binding ability to target genes, which may be potential components of AA treatment for AD. This study laid an important foundation for further study of the molecular mechanism of AA treatment for AD.

Integrated network pharmacology and fecal metabolomic analysis of the combinational mechanisms of Shexiang Baoxin Pill against atherosclerosis

Shexiang Baoxin Pill (SBP) has an excellent therapeutic effect on atherosclerosis (AS), but the combinational mechanisms of SBP against AS remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the combinational mechanisms of SBP against AS by comprehensive network pharmacology and fecal metabolomic analysis. Bufonis venenum, one of the adjuvant medicines in SBP, is an animal medicine with a narrow therapeutic window. Considering animal protection, we evaluated the anti-AS effect of SBP without BV (SBP-BV) using ApoE-/- mouse models, culture cells, and metabolomic methods. Our data suggested that SBP showed remarkable anti-atherosclerotic effects through multiple targets and multiple pathways, while each component in SBP played different roles in their synergistic effect. Notably, SBP-BV showed comparable effects with SBP in the treatment of AS. Both SBP and SBP-BV could reduce cholesterol uptake in RAW264.7 cells and prevent the occurrence and development of AS in WD-induced ApoE-/- mice by attenuating the atherosclerotic plaque area, and reducing inflammatory cytokines and cholesterol levels in vivo. Our finding might provide new insights into the research and development of new anti-atherosclerosis drugs.

Systemic Pharmacology Reveals the Potential Targets and Signaling Mechanisms in the Adjuvant Treatment of Brucellosis with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Human brucellosis is one of the world's most common zoonoses, caused by Brucella infection and characterized by induced inflammation, which in severe cases can lead to abortion and sterility in humans and animals. There is growing evidence that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is beneficial as an adjunct to the treatment of brucellosis. However, its specific targets of action and molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, a systematic pharmacological approach was applied to demonstrate pharmacological targets, biological functions, and signaling pathways of TCM as an adjunct to the treatment of brucellosis (TCMTB). The results of network pharmacology were further verified by in vitro experiments. Network analysis revealed that 133 active ingredients and 247 targets were screened in TCMTB. Further data analysis identified 21 core targets and 5 core compounds in TCMTB, including beta-sitosterol, quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, and paeoniflorin. Gene ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome analysis showed that TCMTB might actively treat brucellosis by regulating inflammatory response, enhancing immune function, and targeting signaling pathways such as tuberculosis and TNF. Molecular docking results showed that multiple compounds could bind to multiple targets. Further, in vitro experiments confirmed that quercetin, among the active compounds screened, induced the strongest immunomodulatory and pro-inflammatory cytokine production during Brucella abortus infection. Further, quercetin induced nitric oxide production, which attenuated the ability of B. abortus to internalize THP-1 cells as well as intracellular survival. This study reveals the mechanism by which TCMTB aids in the treatment of brucellosis through a synergistic multicomponent, multipathway, and multitarget action. The contribution of quercetin treatment to B. abortus infection was demonstrated for the first time, which may be related to the quercetin-induced production of nitric oxide and immunomodulatory and inflammatory cytokines. These predictions of the core compounds and targets may be used in the future for the clinical treatment of brucellosis.

A novel perspective on the preventive treatment of hydrazine compound-induced liver injury: Isoniazid liver injury as an example

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Anethum graveolens L. (dill), which has been used as a medicine, spice and aromatic plant since ancient times, is not only a traditional Chinese medicines but also an important medicinal and functional food in Europe and Central and South Asia. In ethnomedicine, dill reportedly exerts a protective effect on the liver and has been widely used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of jaundice in the liver and spleen and inflammatory gout diseases in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, studies have found that dill can regulate the NAT2 enzyme, and this plant was thus selected to study its alleviating effect on isoniazid liver injury.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of dill on alleviating liver injury induced by hydrazine compounds represented by isoniazid through the use of network pharmacology combined with in vivo and in vitro experimental verifications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First, we screened the key targets of dill in the treatment of liver injury through the use of network pharmacology; we then performed GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses using the DAVID database. We also verified the alleviative and anti-inflammatory effects of dill on isoniazid liver injury in rats by animal experiments. We further investigated the modulating effect of dill on the enzymatic activity of NAT2, a common metabolizing enzyme of hydrazine compounds.

RESULTS

A total of 111 key targets were screened through network pharmacology. In vivo experiments showed that dill reduced the amount of inflammatory factors produced by isoniazid, such as IL-10, IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6, restored the levels of ALT, AST, r-GT, AKP and TBA in vivo, and attenuated isoniazid liver injury. Both in vivo and vitro results indicated that dill could regulate the expression of NAT2 enzymes.

CONCLUSIONS

The results tentatively demonstrate that dill can alleviate isoniazid liver injury through multiple components, targets and pathways and exerts a regulatory effect on the NAT2 enzyme, and these findings thus provide new ideas for subsequent studies on hydrazide liver injury--reducing the risk of hydrazide-induced liver injury through anti-inflammation and regulation of NAT2 enzymes.

Network pharmacology approaches for research of Traditional Chinese Medicines

Pharmacodynamics material basis and effective mechanisms are the two main issues to decipher the mechnisms of action of Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) for the treatment of diseases. TCMs, in "multi-component, multi-target, multi-pathway" paradigm, show satisfactory clinical results in complex diseases. New ideas and methods are urgently needed to explain the complex interactions between TCMs and diseases. Network pharmacology (NP) provides a novel paradigm to uncover and visualize the underlying interaction networks of TCMs against multifactorial diseases. The development and application of NP has promoted the safety, efficacy, and mechanism investigations of TCMs, which then reinforces the credibility and popularity of TCMs. The current organ-centricity of medicine and the "one disease-one target-one drug" dogma obstruct the understanding of complex diseases and the development of effective drugs. Therefore, more attentions should be paid to shift from "phenotype and symptom" to "endotype and cause" in understanding and redefining current diseases. In the past two decades, with the advent of advanced and intelligent technologies (such as metabolomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, single-cell omics, and artificial intelligence), NP has been improved and deeply implemented, and presented its great value and potential as the next drug-discovery paradigm. NP is developed to cure causal mechanisms instead of treating symptoms. This review briefly summarizes the recent research progress on NP application in TCMs for efficacy research, mechanism elucidation, target prediction, safety evaluation, drug repurposing, and drug design.

An Integrative Approach to Investigate the Mode of Action of (-)-Dendroparishiol in Bacterial Meningitis: Computer-Aided Estimation of Biological Activity and Network Pharmacology

Bacterial meningitis remains one of the most prevalent infectious diseases worldwide. Although advances in medical care have improved mortality and morbidity, neurological complications remain high. Therefore, aside from antibiotics, therapeutic adjuvants targeting neuroinflammation are essential to combat the long-term neuronal sequelae of bacterial meningitis. In the present study, we propose (-)-dendroparishiol as a potential add-on therapy to improve neuroinflammation associated with bacterial meningitis. The biological activity of (-)-dendroparishiol was first predicted by computational analysis and further confirmed in vitro using a cell-based assay with LPS-induced BV-2 microglial cells. Biological pathways involved with (-)-dendroparishiol were identified by applying network pharmacology. Computational predictions of biological activity indicated possible attenuation of several inflammatory processes by (-)-dendroparishiol. In LPS-induced BV-2 microglial cells, (-)-dendroparishiol significantly reduced the expression of inflammatory mediators: iNOS, NO, COX-2, IL-6, and TNF-α. Molecular docking results demonstrated the potential iNOS and COX-2 inhibitory activity of (-)-dendroparishiol. Network pharmacological analysis indicated the plausible role of (-)-dendroparishiol in biological processes involved in oxidative stress and neuroinflammation with enrichment in neuroinflammatory pathways. Overall, this study provides scientific evidence for the potential application of (-)-dendroparishiol in the management of bacterial meningitis-associated neuroinflammation.

The effect of JuanBiQiangGu granules in combination with methotrexate on joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) joint inflammation severely affects joint function and quality of life in patients and leads to joint deformities and limb disability. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used in the treatment of RA do not fully control the progression of joint inflammation and bone destruction and have notable adverse reactions. Traditional Chinese medicine formula JuanBiQiangGu Granules (JBQG) are commonly used for the treatment of RA inflammation and delay of bone destruction, but has not been evaluated through high-quality clinical studies. There is a pressing need for well-designed, randomized, parallel, controlled clinical studies to evaluate the exact effect of JBQG on RA joint inflammation and improvement of patient quality of life. Methods: This is a randomized, parallel, controlled clinical study in which 144 patients with rheumatoid arthritis who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to 2 groups in a 1:1 ratio. The JBQG group received methotrexate 7.5 mg qw and JBQG granules 8 mg tid, while the MTX group received methotrexate 7.5 mg qw. The endpoint was 12 weeks after treatment. Relevant indices at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks after treatment were observed and recorded, and DAS28-ESR, HAQ-DI, and Sharp scores were recorded for each patient. Blood samples were collected to test for CRP, ESR, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, and INF-γ, and adverse reactions and liver and kidney function (AST, ALT, Cr, BUN) were recorded for safety assessment. After 12 weeks of treatment, the effect of JBQG granules on disease activity, improvement in bone damage, and patient quality of life scores and safety in RA patients were evaluated. Results: A total of 144 subjects completed treatment (71 in the JBQG group and 73 in the MTX group) and were included in the analysis. At baseline, there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the observed indicators (p > 0.05). After treatment, 76.06% of patients in the JBQG group had DAS28-ESR levels below or equal to Low, including 45.07% in Remission and 5.63% in High, compared to 53.1% in the MTX group below or equal to Low, 12.33% in Remission, and 17.81% in High. CRP was significantly reduced (8.54 ± 5.87 vs. 11.86 ± 7.92, p < 0.05, p = 0.005), ESR was significantly reduced (15.1 ± 6.11 vs. 21.96 ± 9.19, p < 0.0001), TNF-α was significantly reduced (1.44 ± 0.83 vs. 1.85 ± 1.07, p < 0.05, p = 0.011), IL-17 was significantly reduced (0.53 ± 0.33 vs. 0.71 ± 0.38, p < 0.05, p = 0.004), and INF-γ was significantly reduced (3.2 ± 1.51 vs. 3.89 ± 1.77, p < 0.05, p = 0.014). The median (IQR) OPG in the JBQG group was 2.54 (2.21-3.01), significantly higher than in the MTX group 2.06 (1.81-2.32), p < 0.0001), and the median (IQR) β-CTX in the JBQG group was 0.4 (0.32-0.43), significantly lower than in the MTX group 0.55 (0.47-0.67), p < 0.0001). The median (IQR) VSA scores were 2 (1-3), a decrease from 3 (2-4) in the MTX group (p < 0.0001). The median (IQR) Sharp scores were 1 (1-2), a decrease from 2 (1-2) in the MTX group, but the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05, p = 0.28). The median (IQR) HAQ-DI scores were 11 (8-16), significantly lower than in the MTX group 26 (16-30) (p < 0.0001). The median (IQR) AST in the JBQG group was 16 (12-20), with a significant difference compared to the MTX group 19 (13-25) (p < 0.01, p = 0.004); the median (IQR) ALT in the JBQG group was 14 (10-18), with a significant difference compared to the MTX group 16 (11-22.5) (p < 0.05, p = 0.015). There were no statistically significant differences in Cr or BUN (p > 0.05). Conclusion: JuanBiQiangGu Granules can be used to treat patients with rheumatoid arthritis, alleviate joint inflammation, reduce the incidence of adverse reactions to methotrexate, and has good safety. Clinical Trial Registration: http://www.chinadrugtrials.org.cn/index.html; identifier: ChiCTR2100046373.

Resveratrol-induced SIRT1 activation inhibits glycolysis-fueled angiogenesis under rheumatoid arthritis conditions independent of HIF-1α

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the impacts of SIRT1 activation on rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-related angiogenesis.

METHODS

HUVECs were cultured by different human serum. Intracellular metabolites were quantified by UPLC-MS. Next, HUVECs and rat vascular epithelial cells under different inflammatory conditions were treated by a SIRT1 agonist resveratrol (RSV). Cytokines and biochemical indicators were detected by corresponding kits. Protein and mRNA expression levels were assessed by immunoblotting and PCR methods, respectively. Angiogenesis capabilities were evaluated by migration, wound-healing and tube-formation experiments. To down-regulate certain signals, gene-specific siRNA were applied.

RESULTS

Metabolomics study revealed the accelerated glycolysis in RA serum-treated HUVECs. It led to ATP accumulation, but did not affect GTP levels. RSV inhibited pro-angiogenesis cytokines production and glycolysis in both the cells, and impaired the angiogenesis potentials. These effects were mimicked by an energy metabolism interrupter bikini in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-primed HUVECs, largely independent of HIF-1α. Both RSV and bikinin can inhibit the activation of the GTP-dependent pathway Rho/ROCK and reduce VEGF production. Abrogation of RhoA signaling reinforced HIF-1α silencing-brought changes in LPS-stimulated HUVECs, and overshadowed the anti-angiogenesis potentials of RSV.

CONCLUSION

Glycolysis provides additional energy to sustain Rho/ROCK activation in RA subjects, which promotes VEGF-driven angiogenesis and can be inhibited by SIRT1 activation.

Clinical features and shared mechanisms of chronic gastritis and osteoporosis

Chronic gastritis (CG) and osteoporosis (OP) are common and occult diseases in the elderly and the relationship of these two diseases have been increasingly exposed. We aimed to explore the clinical characteristics and shared mechanisms of CG patients combined with OP. In the cross-sectional study, all participants were selected from BEYOND study. The CG patients were included and classified into two groups, namely OP group and non-OP group. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression methods were used to evaluate the influencing factors. Furthermore, CG and OP-related genes were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the GEO2R tool and the Venny platform. Protein-protein interaction information was obtained by inputting the intersection targets into the STRING database. The PPI network was constructed by Cytoscape v3.6.0 software again, and the key genes were screened out according to the degree value. Gene function enrichment of DEGs was performed by Webgestalt online tool. One hundred and thirty CG patients were finally included in this study. Univariate correlation analysis showed that age, gender, BMI and coffee were the potential influencing factors for the comorbidity (P < 0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression model found that smoking history, serum PTH and serum β-CTX were positively correlated with OP in CG patients, while serum P1NP and eating fruit had an negative relationship with OP in CG patients. In studies of the shared mechanisms, a total of 76 intersection genes were identified between CG and OP, including CD163, CD14, CCR1, CYBB, CXCL10, SIGLEC1, LILRB2, IGSF6, MS4A6A and CCL8 as the core genes. The biological processes closely related to the occurrence and development of CG and OP mainly involved Ferroptosis, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, Legionellosis and Chemokine signaling pathway. Our study firstly identified the possible associated factors with OP in the patients with CG, and mined the core genes and related pathways that could be used as biomarkers or potential therapeutic targets to reveal the shared mechanisms.

Prospects for the application of traditional Chinese medicine network pharmacology in food science research

There has always been a particular difficulty with in-depth research on the mechanisms of food nutrition and bioactivity. The main function of food is to meet the nutritional needs of the human body, rather than to exert a therapeutic effect. Its relatively modest biological activity makes it difficult to study from the perspective of general pharmacological models. With the popularity of functional foods and the concept of dietary therapy, and the development of information and multi-omics technology in food research, research into these mechanisms is moving towards a more microscopic future. Network pharmacology has accumulated nearly 20 years of research experience in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and there has been no shortage of work from this perspective on the medicinal functions of food. Given the similarity between the concept of 'multi-component-multi-target' properties of food and TCM, we think that network pharmacology is applicable to the study of the complex mechanisms of food. Here we review the development of network pharmacology, summarize its application to 'medicine and food homology', and propose a methodology based on food characteristics for the first time, demonstrating its feasibility for food research. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

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

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

Network-based drug repurposing for the treatment of COVID-19 patients in different clinical stages

In the severe acute respiratory coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there is an urgent need to develop effective treatments. Through a network-based drug repurposing approach, several effective drug candidates are identified for treating COVID-19 patients in different clinical stages. The proposed approach takes advantage of computational prediction methods by integrating publicly available clinical transcriptome and experimental data. We identify 51 drugs that regulate proteins interacted with SARS-CoV-2 protein through biological pathways against COVID-19, some of which have been experimented in clinical trials. Among the repurposed drug candidates, lovastatin leads to differential gene expression in clinical transcriptome for mild COVID-19 patients, and estradiol cypionate mainly regulates hormone-related biological functions to treat severe COVID-19 patients. Multi-target mechanisms of drug candidates are also explored. Erlotinib targets the viral protein interacted with cytokine and cytokine receptors to affect SARS-CoV-2 attachment and invasion. Lovastatin and testosterone block the angiotensin system to suppress the SARS-CoV-2 infection. In summary, our study has identified effective drug candidates against COVID-19 for patients in different clinical stages and provides comprehensive understanding of potential drug mechanisms.

Xanthones from securidaca inappendiculata antagonizes the anti-rheumatic effect of methotrexate by inhibiting reduced folate carrier 1

BACKGROUND

The first-line anti-rheumatic drug methotrexate (MTX) is used in the combination. Because of the unpredictable adverse reactions, optimization of relevant regimens is necessary and meaningful. This study aimed to study the possible interaction between Securidaca inappendiculate Hassk. Derived xanthones and MTX.

METHODS

We established adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) model, which was treated with MTX and MTX + xanthone-rich fraction (XRF). The clinical efficacy was evaluated by histopathological examination, and LC-MS was used to monitor the blood concentration of MTX. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to detect protein expression. In vitro, we assessed the activity of related transporters by cellular uptake assay based on HEK-293T cells.

RESULTS

Compared with MTX-treated rats, inflammation in the immunized rats in the MTX + XRF group was obvious, indicating that XRF antagonized the anti-rheumatic effect of MTX. Meanwhile, XRF reduced liver and kidney injuries caused by MTX in addition to MTX. Results from immunohistochemical and nappendiculat assays suggested that XRF may reduce uptake of MTX by down-regulating reduced folate carrier 1 (RFC1).

CONCLUSION

This study indicated that XRF could reduce the plasma concentration of MTX by inhibiting the expression of RFC1, antagonize the therapeutic effect of MTX on AIA rats, and reduce its oral bioavailability. The combination of S. inappendiculate and MTX should be further optimized to achieve the goal of increasing efficiency and reducing toxicity.

Chemical profiling and identification of Radix Cudramiae and their metabolites in rats using an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography method coupled with time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry

Radix Cudramiae, known as "Chuan-Po-Shi" in China, is a herbal medicine widely used in the southwest of the country, especially applied by the Miao and Zhuang nationalities for the treatment of liver diseases, such as acute liver injury and liver fibrosis. As a kind of ethnomedicine, the report on its chemical analysis was still blank, which restricted its clinical application. Therefore, this paper aimed to illustrate the chemical characteristics of Radix Cudramiae. A rapid analytical strategy based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry was developed to profile the natural small-molecular compounds in Radix Cudramiae, as well as the related prototypes and their metabolites in rats after drug administration. As a result, a total of 74 compounds were detected in the aqueous exact of Radix Cudramiae. In vivo, 45 chemicals including 16 prototypes and 29 metabolites in rat serum, along with 35 chemicals including 17 prototypes and 18 metabolites in rat liver, were screened out and identified. For the first time, the chemical constituents of Radix Cudramiae and their metabolic characteristics were discovered. It was hoped that this work would be beneficial for the safe and effective application of Radix Cudramiae in a clinic.

Integrate metabolomics strategy and target prediction to reveal the ameliorate effect of four typical 'cold' property herbs on hyperthyroidism rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The 'cold' property herbs are commonly applied in heat syndrome. Unfortunately, the underlying mechanisms of the 'cold' property herbs on heat syndrome has not been investigated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study aimed to probe the activities of the four typical 'cold' property herbs on hyperthyroidism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Firstly, the four typical 'heat' property herbs were set as contrasting experiment. Then. the physical sign, thyroid function and metabolism profile (multivariate statistical analysis) were assessing the difference between the four typical 'cod' property herbs and the four typical 'heat' property herbs. H&E staining were used to confirmed the influence of the typical 'cold' property herbs on hyperthyroidism. A metabolomics approach combine with network pharmacology were explored the effected mechanism of the typical 'cold' property herbs on hyperthyroidism. the gene expression of UCP-1 was detected by RT-PCR. The metabolites pathway and target-associated metabolites were verified Na⁺/K⁺-ATP enzyme and GSH, as well IL6, IL17, MAPK and PPAR-γ, which detected by commercial kits and Western blot.

RESULTS

It is proved that the four typical 'cold' property herbs effectively ameliorate the physical sign, thyroid function and metabolism profile in hyperthyroidism rats, but the four typical 'heat' property herbs showed no benefit. Moreover, the four typical 'cold' property herbs regulated energy metabolism, glutathione metabolism, taurine hypotaurine metabolism, thyroid hormone synthesis, arachidonic acid metabolism and linoleic acid metabolism and the inflammation mediated by inflammatory factor (IL6, IL17), Ca²⁺ and MAPK signaling pathway. And the levels of UCP-1, Na⁺/K⁺-ATP enzyme, GSH, and the targets protein of IL6, IL17, MAPK and PPAR-γ were ameliorated by the four typical 'cold' property herbs.

CONCLUSION

The four typical 'cold' property herbs could alleviate hyperthyroidism by ameliorate thyroid hormone synthesis, restraining inflammation and oxidative stress via regulating energy metabolism, glutathione metabolism, taurine hypotaurine metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism and linoleic acid metabolism and Ca ²⁺/MAPK signaling pathway, which might be a useful strategy for treating hyperthyroidism.

Cortex Mori extracts induce apoptosis and inhibit tumor invasion via blockage of the PI3K/AKT signaling in melanoma cells

Melanoma, the most aggressive and deadliest form of skin cancer, has attracted increased attention due to its increasing incidence worldwide. The Cortex Mori (CM) has long been used as a classical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat various diseases, including cancer. The bioactive components and underlying mechanisms, however, remain largely unknown. The current study aims to investigate the anti-melanoma effects of CM and potential mechanisms through combined network pharmacology and bioinformatic analyses, and validated by in vitro and in vivo experiments. We report here that CM has anti-melanoma activity both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, 25 bioactive compounds in CM were found to share 142 melanoma targets, and network pharmacology and enrichment analyses suggested that CM inhibits melanoma through multiple biological processes and signaling pathways, particularly the PI3K-AKT signaling inhibition and activation of apoptotic pathways, which were further confirmed by biochemical and histological examinations. Finally, partial CM-derived bioactive compounds were found to show anti-melanoma effects, validating the anti-melanoma potential of bioactive ingredients of CM. Taken together, these results reveal bioactive components and mechanisms of CM in inhibiting melanoma, providing them as potential anti-cancer natural products for the treatment of melanoma.

Integrated System Pharmacology Approaches to Elucidate Multi-Target Mechanism of Solanum surattense against Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant liver tumors with high mortality. Chronic hepatitis B and C viruses, aflatoxins, and alcohol are among the most common causes of hepatocellular carcinoma. The limited reported data and multiple spectra of pathophysiological mechanisms of HCC make it a challenging task and a serious economic burden in health care management. Solanum surattense (S. surattense) is the herbal plant used in many regions of Asia to treat many disorders including various types of cancer. Previous in vitro studies revealed the medicinal importance of S. surattense against hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the exact molecular mechanism of S. surattense against HCC still remains unclear. In vitro and in silico experiments were performed to find the molecular mechanism of S. surattense against HCC. In this study, the network pharmacology approach was used, through which multi-targeted mechanisms of S. surattense were explored against HCC. Active ingredients and potential targets of S. surattense found in HCC were figured out. Furthermore, the molecular docking technique was employed for the validation of the successful activity of bioactive constituents against potential genes of HCC. The present study investigated the active “constituent–target–pathway” networks and determined the tumor necrosis factor (TNF), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Bcl-2-like protein 1(BCL2L1), estrogen receptor (ER), GTPase HRas, hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF1-α), Harvey Rat sarcoma virus, also known as transforming protein p21 (HRAS), and AKT Serine/Threonine Kinase 1 (AKT1), and found that the genes were influenced by active ingredients of S. surattense. In vitro analysis was also performed to check the anti-cancerous activity of S. surattense on human liver cells. The result showed that S. surattense appeared to act on HCC via modulating different molecular functions, many biological processes, and potential targets implicated in 11 different pathways. Furthermore, molecular docking was employed to validate the successful activity of the active compounds against potential targets. The results showed that quercetin was successfully docked to inhibit the potential targets of HCC. This study indicates that active constituents of S. surattense and their therapeutic targets are responsible for their pharmacological activities and possible molecular mechanisms for treating HCC. Lastly, it is concluded that active compounds of S. surattense act on potential genes along with their influencing pathways to give a network analysis in system pharmacology, which has a vital role in the development and utilization of drugs. The current study lays a framework for further experimental research and widens the clinical usage of S. surattense.

Application of metabolomics and network analysis to reveal the ameliorating effect of four typical “hot” property herbs on hypothyroidism rats

Herbs with a “hot” properties are frequently used to treat cold symptoms in TCM. However, the underlying mechanisms of the herbs with “hot” properties on hypothyroidism have not been investigated. This study aimed to explore four typical “hot” and “cold” property herb on hypothyroidism. Firstly, the difference efficacy between the four typical “hot” property herbs and the four typical “cold” property herbs was assessed by physical signs, thyroid function, and the metabolic profile using multivariate statistical analysis. The influence of the four typical “hot” property herbs on hypothyroidism was validated pathologically. The impact mechanism of the four typical “hot” property herbs on hypothyroidism was investigated through a metabolomics method combined with network analysis. Na⁺/K⁺-ATP, ACC1 enzyme, UCP-1, and the PI3K-Akt pathway were used to confirm the metabolite pathways and target-associated metabolites. The results showed that the four typical “hot” property herbs could significantly improve physical signs, thyroid function, and the metabolic profile in hypothyroidism rats, the four typical “cold” property herbs did not show any benefit. Moreover, the four typical “hot” property herbs could improve lipid metabolism, energy metabolism, and thyroid hormone levels by the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Ca²⁺- AMPK signaling pathways, purine metabolism, and tryptophan metabolism. Additionally, the levels of UCP-1, Na+/K + -ATP enzyme, and ACC1 were ameliorated by the four typical “hot” property herbs in hypothyroidism rats. Therefore, a metabolomics strategy combined with network analysis was successfully performed and interpreted the mechanism of the four typical “hot” property herbs on hypothyroidism based on the theory of “cold and hot” properties of TCM well.

Network pharmacology approach and molecular docking to explore the potential mechanism of Wu-Wei-Wen-Tong Chubi capsules in rheumatoid arthritis

Network pharmacology, a holistic approach based on the theory of biological network technology, integrates information from biological systems, drugs, and diseases. Here, this theory was used to predict the targets of Wu-Wei-Wen-Tong Chubi capsule (WWWT) to explore the mechanism in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The ingredients of each herbal medicine in WWWT were collected from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), and the active ingredients were screened through bioavailability (OB) ≥30% and drug-likeness (DL) ≥ 0.18. SwissTargetPrection and TCMSP were utilized to calculate and predict the targets of active ingredients. RA-related targets were obtained by searching the Genecards and OMIM databases. The common targets of RA and WWWT were used for gene ontology (GO), KEGG pathway enrichment, protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, and molecular docking. And then, four key genes were screened for subsequent verification experiments. In total, 90 active compounds and 330 potential targets of WWWT, 1310 targets of RA, and 135 intersection targets were found. Additionally, GO and pathway analysis identified 4610 significant GO terms and 147 significant KEGG pathways. Based on the PPI network, 11 key genes including IL-6, MMP-9, and TNF-α were screened out for molecular docking. Molecular docking showed that these key genes have good binding activities to active compounds of WWWT such as oroxylin a, kaempferol, and luteolin. Simultaneously, Western blot experimental validation demonstrated that the protein expressions of IL-6, MMP-9, TNF-α, and VEGFA significantly decreased after WWWT treatment. The mechanism of WWWT in treating RA involves multiple active compounds acting on multiple targets, and multiple pathways, which provides an important reference for further elucidation the mechanism and clinical applications of WWWT in the treatment of RA.

Glycolysis aggravates methotrexate toxicity by fueling RFC1-controlled intestinal absorption in rheumatic rats

Methotrexate (MTX) is a first line anti-rheumatic drug. This study was designed to investigate the impact of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) conditions on its oral absorption, and clarify the relevance with changes of MTX absorption-related transporters in rheumatic models. MTX was orally administered to healthy, collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), and adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats. MTX plasma concentrations were determined by a validated liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method. We found that intestinal MTX absorption was significantly increased in CIA/AIA rats versus healthy controls. This finding was supported by small intestine-based MTX uptake assay in vitro. Meanwhile, intestinal expression of both reduced folate carrier 1 (RCF1) and proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT) remained unchanged. The everted intestinal sac assay confirms RFC1 is the key transporter accounting for intestinal MTX absorption, as its antagonist salicylazosulfapyridine showed potent capacity in reducing MTX uptake. No correlation between RA-related cytokines and RCF1 expression was observed in clinical samples. We further revealed that when cultured with AIA rat or RA patient serum, lactate and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production as well as MTX uptake in MDCKII cells were significantly increased, and this increase was completely abrogated by ATP production-related metabolic inhibitors. Thanks to its inhibitory effects on MTX bioavailability, the glycolysis inhibitor shikonin diminished MTX-induced injuries of kidney and liver in AIA rats. These data demonstrate that glycolysis-driven high energy metabolism increases MTX absorption in rheumatic subjects, leading to the exacerbated toxicity. These findings will have important implications in optimizing MTX regimens for RA treatment with better efficacy and lower toxicity.

Xiaoyao-Qingluoyin Cure Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis by Easing LPS Response-Related Pathway-Mediated Immune Abnormality

Qingluoyin (QLY) is a representative herbal formula prescribed for hot symptom-related rheumatoid arthritis treatment. Among its derivatives, Xiaoyao-Qingluoyin (XYQLY) attracts increasing attention due to the notable clinical efficacy. In this study, we compared its effects with QLY on adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) in rats and partially elucidated the antirheumatic mechanism using a network pharmacology-based strategy. After continuous oral treatments, clinical outcomes were systematically evaluated by radiographic, histological, immunohistochemical, and serological analyses. Possibly altered pathways were predicted based on reported interactions between the related chemicals and proteins/genes. The obtained conclusion was further validated by experiments in vitro. QLY and XYQLY eased polyarthritis in AIA rats after repeated doses, which reflected in reduced inflammation and bone degradation and downregulated p-p65, MMP3, and TLR4 expressions in joints. Meanwhile, they restored oxidative stress (MDA, SOD, GSH, T-AOC, and NO) and inflammatory indicators (TNF-α and CO) in serum. Synovium-based immunoblotting assay revealed that QLY and XYQLY were similarly effective in downregulating MMP3 and COX-2, but XYQLY treatment exhibited notable merit in suppressing p-p65 expression. Network pharmacology analysis hinted that XYQLY should exert greater impacts on LPS signaling and the downstream. Based on results from LC-MS analysis, we treated AIA rat-derived peripheral blood mononuclear cells with either QLY or XYQLY-based chemical combinations and confirmed that XYQLY had the better potential in inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB-controlled IL-6 production. Consequently, it led to a more profound decrease in Th17 cells counts. Overall evidence demonstrated that XYQLY was especially effective in regulating innate immunity and, therefore, improved immune environment in AIA rats as a whole.

Network Pharmacology Approach for Medicinal Plants: Review and Assessment

Natural products have played a critical role in medicine due to their ability to bind and modulate cellular targets involved in disease. Medicinal plants hold a variety of bioactive scaffolds for the treatment of multiple disorders. The less adverse effects, affordability, and easy accessibility highlight their potential in traditional remedies. Identifying pharmacological targets from active ingredients of medicinal plants has become a hot topic for biomedical research to generate innovative therapies. By developing an unprecedented opportunity for the systematic investigation of traditional medicines, network pharmacology is evolving as a systematic paradigm and becoming a frontier research field of drug discovery and development. The advancement of network pharmacology has opened up new avenues for understanding the complex bioactive components found in various medicinal plants. This study is attributed to a comprehensive summary of network pharmacology based on current research, highlighting various active ingredients, related techniques/tools/databases, and drug discovery and development applications. Moreover, this study would serve as a protocol for discovering novel compounds to explore the full range of biological potential of traditionally used plants. We have attempted to cover this vast topic in the review form. We hope it will serve as a significant pioneer for researchers working with medicinal plants by employing network pharmacology approaches.

Mechanisms of Danggui Buxue Tang on Hematopoiesis via Multiple Targets and Multiple Components: Metabonomics Combined with Database Mining Technology

This study aimed to explore the mechanism of action of Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) with its multiple components and targets in the synergistic regulation of hematopoiesis. Mouse models of hematopoiesis were established using antibiotics. Metabolomics was used to detect body metabolites and enriched pathways. The active ingredients, targets, and pathways of DBT were analyzed using system pharmacology. The results of metabolomics and system pharmacology were integrated to identify the key pathways and targets. A total of 515 metabolites were identified using metabolomics. After the action of antibiotics, 49 metabolites were markedly changed: 23 were increased, 26 were decreased, and 11 were significantly reversed after DBT administration. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that these 11 metabolites were related to bile secretion, cofactor biosynthesis, and fatty acid biosynthesis. The results of the pharmacological analysis showed that 616 targets were related to DBT-induced anemia, which were mainly enriched in biological processes, such as bile secretion, biosynthesis of cofactors, and cholesterol metabolism. Combined with the results of metabolomics and system pharmacology, we found that bile acid metabolism and biotin synthesis were the key pathways for DBT. Forty-two targets of DBT were related to these two metabolic pathways. PPI analysis revealed that the top 10 targets were CYP3A4, ABCG2, and UGT1A8. Twenty-one components interacted with these 10 targets. In one case, a target corresponds to multiple components, and a component corresponds to multiple targets. DBT acts on multiple targets of ABCG2, UGT1A8, and CYP3A4 through multiple components, affecting the biosynthesis of cofactors and bile secretion pathways to regulate hematopoiesis.

Immunometabolism at the service of traditional Chinese medicine

To enhance therapeutic efficacy and reduce adverse effects, ancient practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescribe combinations of plant species/animal species and minerals designated "TCM formulae" developed based on TCM theory and clinical experience. TCM formulae have been shown to exert curative effects on complex diseases via immune regulation but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown at present. Considerable progress in the field of immunometabolism, referring to alterations in the intracellular metabolism of immune cells that regulate their function, has been made over the past decade. The core context of immunometabolism is regulation of the allocation of metabolic resources supporting host defense and survival, which provides a critical additional dimension and emerging insights into how the immune system and metabolism influence each other during disease progression. This review summarizes research findings on the significant association between the immune function and metabolic remodeling in health and disease as well as the therapeutic modulatory effects of TCM formulae on immunometabolism. Progressive elucidation of the immunometabolic mechanisms involved during the course of TCM treatment continues to aid in the identification of novel potential targets against pathogenicity. In this report, we have provided a comprehensive overview of the benefits of TCM based on regulation of immunometabolism that are potentially applicable for the treatment of modern diseases.

Network pharmacology to unveil the mechanism of Moluodan in the treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis

BACKGROUND

Moluodan (MLD) is a traditional Chinese patent medicine for the treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG). However, the mechanism of action (MoA) of MLD for treating CAG still remain unclear.

PURPOSE

Elucidate the MoA of MLD for treating CAG based on network pharmacology.

STUDY DESIGN

Integrate computational prediction and experimental validation based on network pharmacology.

METHODS

Computationally, compounds of MLD were scanned by LC-MS/MS and the target profiles of compounds were identified based on network-based target prediction method. Compounds in MLD were compared with western drugs used for gastritis by hierarchical clustering of target profile. Key biological functional modules of MLD were analyzed, and herb-biological functional module network was constructed to elucidate combinatorial rules of MLD herbs for CAG. Experimentally, MLD's effect on different biological functional modules were validated from both phenotypic level and molecular level in 1- Methyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG)-induced GES-1 cells.

RESULTS

Computational results show that the target profiles of compounds in MLD can cover most of the biomolecules reported in literature. The MoA of MLD can cover most types of MoA of western drugs for CAG. The treatment of CAG by MLD involved the regulation of various biological functional modules, e.g., inflammation/immune, cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, cell differentiation, digestion and metabolism. Experimental results show that MLD can inhibit cell proliferation, promote cell apoptosis and differentiation, reduce the inflammation level and promote lipid droplet accumulation in MNNG-induced GES-1 cells.

CONCLUSION

The network pharmacology framework integrating computational prediction and experimental validation provides a novel way for exploring the MoA of MLD.

Qing-Luo-Yin Alleviated Experimental Arthritis in Rats by Disrupting Immune Feedback Between Inflammatory T Cells and Monocytes: Key Evidences from Its Effects on Immune Cell Phenotypes

BACKGROUND

Qing-Luo-Yin (QLY) is an anti-rheumatic herbal formula. Despite the well-investigated therapeutic efficacy of QLY, its immune regulatory properties are largely unknown. CD4+ T cells and monocytes are two key parameters in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study investigated the changes in these cells in QLY-treated RA animal models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

RA models were induced in male SD rats and were orally treated with QLY. Dynamic metabolic changes in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats were monitored by 1H NMR approach. The immunity profiles of CIA and adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats were evaluated using immunohistochemical, PCR, ELISA, cytokine chip, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence experiments. The bioactive components in QLY were identified by bioinformatic-guided LC-MS analyses. The compounds with high abundance in QLY decoction and easily absorbed were taken as key anti-rheumatic components and used to treat blood-derived immune cells using in vitro experiments.

RESULTS

The results indicated that QLY decreased Th17 cells frequency and T cells-released IL-6, IL-17 and GM-CSF in CIA rats, which was attributed to the impaired lymphocyte maturation and altered differentiation. QLY inhibited lactic acid production and inflammatory polarization in the monocytes during the peak period of AIA and CIA. AIA monocytes elicited significant increase in Th17 cells counts, IL-6 and IL-1β secretion in co-cultured splenocytes, which was abrogated by QLY. QLY-containing serum suppressed the phosphorylation of JNK and p65 in AIA lymphocyte-stimulated normal monocytes and consequently inhibited iNOS and IL-1β expression as well as IL-6 and IL-1β production. Matrine, sinomenine and sophocarpine were identified as major bioactive compounds in QLY. These identified compounds effectively inhibited the development of inflammatory T cells using concentrations detected in QLY-treated rats. At higher concentrations (20-fold increase), the chemical stimuli significantly suppressed the production of IL-1β in AIA monocytes by inhibiting JNK and p65 pathways.

CONCLUSION

By targeting inflammatory T cells and monocytes as well as disrupting their interplay, QLY improved immune environment in RA models especially during the active stages of disease.

Qingluoyin granules protect against adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats via downregulating the CXCL12/CXCR4-NF-κB signalling pathway

CONTEXT

Qingluoyin (QLY) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula which has been used in treating human rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for years in China.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the effect of QLY granules on adjuvant arthritis (AA) and the possible mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were injected with Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) to induce the AA model. After the onset of arthritis, rats received intragastric administrations of the QLY granules (1.35, 2.70, and 5.40 g/kg) or Tripterygium glycosides (TG) tablets (positive drug, 10 mg/kg) for 14 d. After 28 d immunization, the symptoms, inflammatory parameters and molecular mechanisms were investigated.

RESULTS

In the QLY granule (1.35, 2.70, and 5.40 g/kg) therapy groups, the arthritis index decreased to 6.30 ± 2.06, 5.80 ± 1.55, 5.30 ± 1.16 compared with the model (9.00 ± 3.01), paw swelling decreased to 1.56 ± 0.40, 1.28 ± 0.38, 1.12 ± 0.41 mL compared with the model (2.22 ± 0.73 mL). QLY granules (1.35, 2.70 and 5.40 g/kg) significantly reduced the thymus and the spleen indexes, inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and alleviated the pathological changes of joints compared with the model group. Furthermore, the treatment of QLY granules (2.70 and 5.40 g/kg) markedly inhibited CXCL12, CXCR4 (in spleen and synovium) and p-NF-κB p65 (in synovium) protein expression of AA rats.

CONCLUSIONS

QLY granules have obvious therapeutic effects on AA rats, which may be associated with downregulating the CXCL12/CXCR4-NF-κB signalling pathway. QLY granules can be used as a candidate for the treatment of RA, which deserves further study.

Study on the alleviation of Fengshi Gutong capsule on rheumatoid arthritis through integrating network pharmacology and experimental exploration

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Fengshi Gutong (FSGT) capsule, a traditional Chinese medicine formula, has effects including warming meridians and dispersing cold, and relieving pain by dredging collaterals. FSGT is generally used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in clinic in China.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to investigate the alleviation provided by FSGT capsule on RA in vivo and the engaged mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model was used to evaluate the alleviation of FSGT capsule on RA in vivo. Network pharmacology was used to find the potential involved molecular targets. Western-blot, Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were conducted. Wound healing assay was performed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

RESULTS

FSGT capsule (300, 900 mg/kg) alleviated RA in CIA mice with no obvious side effects. The results from network pharmacology showed that the top 6 molecular targets involved in the FSGT-provided alleviation on RA were interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), C-C motif chemokine 2 (CCL2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and these results imply the critical participation of inhibiting inflammation or angiogenesis. Next, FSGT capsule decreased the elevated serum contents of rheumatoid factor (RF) and VEGF, and some pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNFα and IL-6. Moreover, FSGT capsule also reduced the elevated protein expression of ICAM1, IL-1β and phosphorylated protein kinase B (Akt) in synovium from CIA mice. Further in vitro results showed that totally 13 compounds from FSGT reduced the enhanced IL-1β and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression in RAW264.7 macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Meanwhile, 7 compounds from FSGT decreased the VEGF-induced HUVEC migration. Among those compounds, benzoylhypaconine (BHA), pseudoephedrine hydrochloride (PSE), glycyrrhetnic acid (GA), isoliquiritigenin (ISL), quercetin (QUER) and kaempferol (KAE) were found to inhibit both inflammation and angiogenesis in vitro.

CONCLUSION

FSGT capsule ameliorates RA in CIA mice by reducing inflammation, abrogating angiogenesis and relieving pain. Some compounds in FSGT, including BHA, GA, PSE, ISL, QUER and KAE, reduced both inflammation and angiogenesis in vitro, which suggests that those compounds may contribute to the FSGT capsule-provided alleviation on RA.

Network differentiation: A computational method of pathogenesis diagnosis in traditional Chinese medicine based on systems science

Resembling the role of disease diagnosis in Western medicine, pathogenesis (also called Bing Ji) diagnosis is one of the utmost important tasks in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In TCM theory, pathogenesis is a complex system composed of a group of interrelated factors, which is highly consistent with the character of systems science (SS). In this paper, we introduce a heuristic definition called pathogenesis network (PN) to represent pathogenesis in the form of the directed graph. Accordingly, a computational method of pathogenesis diagnosis, called network differentiation (ND), is proposed by integrating the holism principle in SS. ND consists of three stages. The first stage is to generate all possible diagnoses by Cartesian Product operated on specified prior knowledge corresponding to the input symptoms. The second stage is to screen the validated diagnoses by holism principle. The third stage is to pick out the clinical diagnosis by physician-computer interaction. Some theorems are stated and proved for the further optimization of ND in this paper. We conducted simulation experiments on 100 clinical cases. The experimental results show that our proposed method has an excellent capability to fit the holistic thinking in the process of physician inference.

Clinical Evidence-Guided Anti-rheumatoid Arthritis Study of Shuji Tablet in Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis Rats and Mechanism Exploration via Network Pharmacological Approach

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a kind of chronic autoimmune disease with several tissues damaged. Shuji tablet (SJT) is a prescription approved for treating lumbago and leg pain in the clinic. However, the efficacy of SJT against RA is still unknown. This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effect of SJT on adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats and explore the mechanism via a network pharmacological approach.

Methods: AIA rats were treated with SJT for 30 days at the dosages of 3.6, 1.8, and 0.9 g/kg, respectively, and the anti-RA effect was determined by measuring paw swelling, systemic symptoms score, arthritis index, and histopathological change. ELISA assay was used to evaluate the level of inflammatory cytokines in serum. The mechanism exploration and target prediction of SJT against RA were performed via a network pharmacological approach.

Results: SJT showed excellent alleviation on AIA rats, with evidence of reducing paws swelling, decreasing systemic symptoms score, and arthritis index. Furthermore, SJT significantly reduced the serum cytokines of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α in AIA rats. Histopathological examination showed SJT remarkably reduced synovial hyperplasia, cartilage damage, and inflammatory infiltration in the secondary-side paws. According to network pharmacological analysis, 208 candidate compounds and 445 potential targets of SJT were identified, and 4465 RA therapy-related targets were searched out. Subsequently, 292 target genes of SJT were speculated to be associated with RA treatment, among which the top 5 “response values” targets were STAT3, AKT1, JUN, HSP90AA1, TNF. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis suggested that 45 signaling pathways were associating with SJT treating RA. The top 10 signaling pathways were PI3K-Akt, MAPK, AGE-RAGE pathway in diabetic complications, Ras, HIF-1, TNF, Chemokine, IL-17, FoxO, and Rap1.

Conclusion: Our experimental study showed that SJT significantly alleviated rheumatoid arthritis of AIA rats. Network pharmacology showed that the key targets of SJT against RA probably were STAT3, AKT1, JUN, HSP90AA1, TNF, and the potential mechanism was associated with modulation on the signaling pathways of PI3K-Akt, MAPK, Ras, AGE-RAGE, HIF-1, TNF, chemokine, IL-17, FoxO, Rap 1. Our study strongly provides evidence for Shuji tablet in RA therapy and would enlarge its application in the clinic.

Qing-Luo-Yin Alleviated Monocytes/Macrophages-Mediated Inflammation in Rats with Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis by Disrupting Their Interaction with (Pre)-Adipocytes Through PPAR-γ Signaling

Background

The Chinese herbal formula Qing-Luo-Yin (QLY) has been successfully used in rheumatoid arthritis treatment for decades. It exhibits notable immune and metabolism regulatory properties. Thereby, we investigated its effects on the interplay between (pre)-adipocytes and monocytes/macrophages under adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) circumstances.

Methods

Fat reservoir and histological characteristics of white fat tissues (WAT) in AIA rats receiving QLY treatment were examined upon sacrifice. Metabolic parameters, clinical indicators, and oxidative stress levels were determined using corresponding kits, while mRNA/protein expression was investigated by PCR and immunoblotting methods. M1 macrophage distribution in WAT was assessed by flow cytometry. The effects of QLY on (pre)-adipocytes were further validated by experiments in vitro.

Results

Compared with normal healthy controls, body weight and circulating triglyceride were declined in AIA rats, but serological levels of free fatty acids and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were increased. mRNA IL-1β and iNOS expression in white blood cells and rheumatoid factor, C-reactive protein, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody, MCP-1 and IL-1β production in serum/WAT were up-regulated. Obvious CD86⁺CD11b⁺ macrophages were enriched in WAT. Meanwhile, expression of PPAR-γ and SIRT1 and secretion of adiponectin and leptin in these AIA rats were impaired. QLY restored all these pathological changes. Of note, it significantly stimulated PPAR-γ expression in the treated AIA rats. Accordingly, QLY-containing serum promoted SCD-1, PPAR-γ, and SIRT1 expression in pre-adipocytes cultured in vitro. AIA rats-derived peripheral blood mononuclear cells suppressed PPAR-γ and SCD-1 expression in co-cultured pre-adipocytes, but serum from AIA rats receiving QLY treatment did not exhibit this potential. The changes on PPAR-γ expression eventually resulted in varied adipocyte differentiation statuses. PPAR-γ selective inhibitor T0070907 abrogated QLY-induced MCP-1 production decline in LPS-primed pre-adipocytes and reduced adiponectin secretion.

Conclusion

QLY was potent in promoting PPAR-γ expression and consequently disrupted inflammatory feedback in WAT by altering monocytes/macrophages polarization and adipocytes differentiation.

Identification of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-α) Inhibitor in Rheumatoid Arthritis Using Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

Background: This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of Radix Paeoniae Alba (white peony, WP) in treating immune inflammatory diseases of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors (TNFis) by using network pharmacology and molecular docking. Methods: In this study, the ingredient of WP and the potential inflammatory targets of RA were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systematic Pharmacology Database, GeneCard, and OMIM databases, respectively. The establishment of the RA-WP-potential inflammatory target gene interaction network was accomplished using the STRING database. Network maps of the WP-RA-potential inflammatory target gene network were constructed using Cytoscape software. Gene ontology (GO) and the biological pathway (KEGG) enrichment analyses were used to further explore the RA mechanism and therapeutic effects of WP. Molecular docking technology was used to analyze the optimal effective components from WP for docking with TNF-α. Results: Thirteen active ingredients and 71 target genes were screened from WP, and 49 of the target genes intersected with RA target inflammatory genes and were considered potential therapeutic targets. Network pharmacological analysis showed that the WP active ingredients such as mairin, DPHCD, (+)-catechin, beta-sitosterol, paeoniflorin, sitosterol, and kaempferol showed better correlation with RA inflammatory target genes such as PGR, PTGS1, PTGS2, NR3C2, TNFSF15, and CHRM2, respectively. The immune-inflammatory signaling pathways of the active ingredients for the treatment of RA are the TNF-α signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, cell apoptosis, interleukin-17 signaling pathway, C-type lectin receptor signaling pathway, mitogen-associated protein kinase, etc. Molecular docking results suggested that mairin was the most appropriate natural TNFis. Conclusion: Our findings provide an essential role and basis for further immune-inflammatory studies into the molecular mechanisms of WP and TNFis development in RA.

Network Pharmacology and Metabolomics Studies on Antimigraine Mechanisms of Da Chuan Xiong Fang (DCXF)

Background

Da Chuan Xiong Fang (DCXF) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula used to treat migraines. Previously, we uncovered partial mechanisms involved in the therapeutic actions of DCXF on migraines.

Methods

In this study, we further elucidated its antimigraine mechanisms in vivo by using an integrated strategy coupling with network pharmacology and metabolomics techniques.

Results

Network pharmacology identified 33 genes linked with both migraine and DCXF, most of which were 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors, dopamine, and peptide receptors. The results of GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that DCXF significantly regulated tyrosine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, dopamine metabolic process, glucose transmembrane transport, lipid metabolism, and fatty acid transport. The results of metabolomics analysis found that the metabolism of tryptophan and tyrosine in the brain tissue and energy and lipid metabolism of rats tended towards normal and reached normal levels after administering DCXF. The metabolomics and network pharmacology approaches demonstrated similar antimigraine effects of DCXF on endogenous neurotransmitters and overall trends in serum and brain tissue. Using both approaches, 62 hub genes were identified from the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of DCXF and gene-metabolite interaction network, with hub genes and different metabolites in serum and brain tissue. The hub genes of DCXF, which were mostly linked with inflammation, might affect mainly neurotransmitters in serum and brain tissue metabolisms.

Conclusion

Network pharmacology and metabolomics study may help identify hub genes, metabolites, and possible pathways of disease and treatment. Additionally, two parts of the results were integrated to confirm each other. Their combination may help elucidate the relationship between hub genes and metabolites and provide the further understanding of TCM mechanisms.

Deciphering the Pharmacological Mechanisms of Guizhi-Fuling Capsule on Primary Dysmenorrhea Through Network Pharmacology

Guizhi-Fuling capsule (GZFLC), originated from a classical traditional Chinese herbal formula Guizhi-Fuling Wan, has been clinically used for primary dysmenorrhea in China. Nonetheless, the underlying pharmacological mechanisms of GZFLC remain unclear. The integration of computational and experimental methods of network pharmacology might be a promising way to decipher the mechanisms. In this study, the target profiles of 51 representative compounds of GZFLC were first predicted by a high-accuracy algorithm, drugCIPHER-CS, and the network target of GZFLC was identified. Then, potential functional modules of GZFLC on primary dysmenorrhea were investigated using functional enrichment analysis. Potential bioactive compounds were recognized by hierarchical clustering analysis of GZFLC compounds and first-line anti-dysmenorrhea drugs. Furthermore, the potential anti-dysmenorrhea mechanisms of GZFLC were verified through enzyme activity assays and immunofluorescence tests. Moreover, effects of GZFLC on primary dysmenorrhea were evaluated in oxytocin-induced dysmenorrhea murine model. In the network target analysis, GZFLC may act on five functional modules of pain, inflammation, endocrine, blood circulation and energy metabolism. Integrating computational and experimental approaches, we found that GZFLC significantly inhibited the writhing response and reduced the degree of uterine lesions in oxytocin-induced dysmenorrhea murine model. Furthermore, GZFLC may partially alleviate primary dysmenorrhea by inhibiting cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) and downregulating MAPK signaling pathway. Consequently, GZFLC presented pain relief and sustained benefits for primary dysmenorrhea. This study could provide a scientific approach for deciphering pharmacological mechanisms of herbal formulae through network pharmacology.

The synergistic anti-depression effects of different efficacy groups of Xiaoyaosan as demonstrated by the integration of network pharmacology and serum metabolomics

Compatibility investigations are vital but also the most difficult aspect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions. Previous researches have demonstrated that Xiaoyaosan (XYS) is an effective treatment for depression. However, the compatibility rules of XYS and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Herein, we combined network pharmacology and serum metabolomics to investigate the scientific connotations and the compatibility effects of XYS. First, the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) and the GeneCards databases were applied to identify the chemical components and the putative targets of XYS, and its efficacy groups. We then analyzed the herb-component-target pathways and constructed PPI networks. Potential pathways were determined by gene ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analyses. Additionally, a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model was applied on rats. A proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry (¹H NMR) based serum metabolomics was then used to identify potential metabolites and the corresponding pathways that were involved in depression and the potential anti-depression effects of XYS and its efficacy groups. A total of 121 components of XYS and 111 targets were associated with depression. Additionally, we screened 105 targets of 24 components in Shugan (SG) group and 106 targets of 95 components in Jianpi (JP) group. 13 targets were common to all three groups. Protein-protein interaction network analysis showed that Caspase-3 and Nitric oxide synthase-3 were nodes that overlapped with proteins known to be associated with depression. Pathway enrichment analysis further indicated that the putative targets of XYS and its efficacy groups mostly participated in pathways associated with cancer. Also, XYS and its efficacy groups significantly reversed abnormalities of serum metabolites and metabolic pathways, but to different degrees. Overall, different efficacy groups of XYS exhibit synergistic anti-depression effects and contribute to the whole prescription against depression. This study shows that the combination of network pharmacology and metabolomics is an effective approach to demonstrate scientific connotations and compatibility of TCMs from a holistic perspective.

Utilizing Network Pharmacology to Explore the Possible Mechanism of Coptidis Rhizoma in Kawasaki Disease

Background: The purpose of the research is to identify the main active ingredients in Coptidis Rhizoma (CR) and explore the possible molecular mechanisms in the treatment of Kawasaki disease (KD). Materials and Methods: A total of 58 children with KD were randomly divided into a control group and a Berberine treatment group. The therapeutic indicators of the two groups before and after treatment were compared. Then, compounds and drug targets of CR from the TCMSP, SWISS, SEA, and the STITCH were collected, and targeted KD genes were retrieved from the DisGeNET, DrugBank, and GeneCards databases. The network pharmacology approach involved network construction, target prediction, and module analysis. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis were performed to investigate the possible pathways related to CR for KD treatments. Finally, protein expression was determined to verify the core targets using Western blotting in the cell experiment. Results: In total, nine compounds, 369 relative drug targets, and 624 KD target genes were collected in the above database. The network analysis revealed that 41 targets might be the therapeutic targets of CR on KD. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that the biological processes, namely, response to hormone, response to inorganic substance, and enzyme-linked receptor protein signaling pathway, and Pathways in cancer, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, and Pancreatic cancer are the most significant. Protein expression of CASP3, PTGS2, and SRC was upregulated and AKT1 and ERK were downregulated. Conclusion: We provided useful resources to understand the molecular mechanism and the potential targets for novel therapy of KD.