An Integrative Serum Pharmacology-Based Approach to Study the Anti-Tumor Activity of B. paniculatum Aqueous Bulb Extract on the Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Line BEL-7404

Active metabolites combination therapies: towards the next paradigm for more efficient and more scientific Chinese medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulae have been studied extensively in various human diseases and have proven to be effective due to their multi-component, multi-target advantage. However, its active metabolites are not clear and the specific mechanisms are not well established, which limits its scientific application. Recently, combination therapies are attracting increasing attention from the scientific community in the past few years and are considered as the next paradigm in drug discovery. Here, we tried to define a new concept of "active metabolites combination therapies (AMCT)" rules to elucidate how the bioactive metabolites from TCMs to produce their synergistic effects in this review. The AMCT rules integrate multidisciplinary technologies like molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, analytical chemistry and pharmacodynamics, etc. Meanwhile, emerging technologies such as multi-omics combined analysis, network analysis, artificial intelligence conduce to better elucidate the mechanisms of these combination therapies in disease treatment, which provides new insights for the development of novel active metabolites combination drugs. AMCT rules will hopefully further guide the development of novel combination drugs that will promote the modernization and international needs of TCM.

The potential mechanism of qinghua quyu jianpi decoction in the treatment of ulcerative colitis based on network pharmacology and experimental validation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic and recurrent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Following the idea of herbal property and compatibility, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula consists of a number of TCM herbs. Qinghua Quyu Jianpi Decoction (QQJD) has been clinically proven to be effective in treating UC, however, its therapeutic mechanism has not been fully elucidated.

AIM OF STUDY

Here, we used network pharmacology analysis and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to predict the mechanism of action of QQJD, and then validated our predictions through in vivo and in vitro experiments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First, based on a number of datasets, relationship network diagrams between QQJD and UC were created. The target network for the QQJD-UC intersection genes was then built, and KEGG analysis was carried out to identify a potential pharmacological mechanism. Finally, the results of the previous prediction were validated in dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS) induced UC mice and a cellular inflammatory model.

RESULTS

Network pharmacology results suggested that QQJD may play a role in repairing intestinal mucosa by activating Wnt pathway. In vivo experiments have shown that QQJD can significantly reduce weight loss, disease activity index (DAI) score, improve colon length, and effectively repair the tissue morphology of UC mice. In addition, we also found that QQJD can activate the Wnt pathway to promote epithelial cell renewal, reduce apoptosis, and repair the mucosal barrier. To further understand how QQJD promotes cell proliferation in DSS-induced Caco-2 cells, we performed a study in vitro experiment. We were surprised to find that QQJD activated the Wnt pathway by inducing nuclear translocation of β-catenin, accelerating the cell cycle and promoting cell proliferation in vitro.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, network pharmacology and experiments showed that QQJD achieves mucosal healing and restores the colonic epithelium barrier by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling, regulating cell cycle progression, and promoting the proliferation of epithelial cells.

Adjuvant activity of tubeimosides by mediating the local immune microenvironment

Rhizoma Bolbostemmatis, the dry tuber of Bolbostemma paniculatum, has being used for the treatment of acute mastitis and tumors in traditional Chinese medicine. In this study, tubeimoside (TBM) I, II, and III from this drug were investigated for the adjuvant activities, structure-activity relationships (SAR), and mechanisms of action. Three TBMs significantly boosted the antigen-specific humoral and cellular immune responses and elicited both Th1/Th2 and Tc1/Tc2 responses towards ovalbumin (OVA) in mice. TBM I also remarkably facilitated mRNA and protein expression of various chemokines and cytokines in the local muscle tissues. Flow cytometry revealed that TBM I promoted the recruitment and antigen uptake of immune cells in the injected muscles, and augmented the migration and antigen transport of immune cells to the draining lymph nodes. Gene expression microarray analysis manifested that TBM I modulated immune, chemotaxis, and inflammation-related genes. The integrated analysis of network pharmacology, transcriptomics, and molecular docking predicted that TBM I exerted adjuvant activity by interaction with SYK and LYN. Further investigation verified that SYK-STAT3 signaling axis was involved in the TBM I-induced inflammatory response in the C2C12 cells. Our results for the first time demonstrated that TBMs might be promising vaccine adjuvant candidates and exert the adjuvant activity through mediating the local immune microenvironment. SAR information contributes to developing the semisynthetic saponin derivatives with adjuvant activities.

Therapeutic Mechanism of Kai Xin San on Alzheimer’s Disease Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation

OBJECTIVE

To explore the specific pharmacological molecular mechanisms of Kai Xin San (KXS) on treating Alzheimer's disease (AD) based on network pharmacology and experimental validation.

METHODS

The chemical compounds of KXS and their corresponding targets were screened using the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM) database. AD-related target proteins were obtained from MalaCards database and DisGeNET databases. Key compounds and targets were identified from the compound-target-disease network and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Functional enrichment analysis predicted the potential key signaling pathways involved in the treatment of AD with KXS. The binding affinities between key ingredients and targets were further verified using molecular docking. Finally, the predicted key signaling pathway was validated experimentally. Positioning navigation and space search experiments were conducted to evaluate the cognitive improvement effect of KXS on AD rats. Western blot was used to further examine and investigate the expression of the key target proteins related to the predicted pathway.

RESULTS

In total, 38 active compounds and 469 corresponding targets of KXS were screened, and 264 target proteins associated with AD were identified. The compound-target-disease and PPI networks identified key active ingredients and protein targets. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis suggested a potential effect of KXS in the treatment of AD via the amyloid beta (A β)-glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK3 β)-Tau pathway. Molecular docking revealed a high binding affinity between the key ingredients and targets. In vivo, KXS treatment significantly improved cognitive deficits in AD rats induced by Aβ_1-42, decreased the levels of Aβ, p-GSK3β, p-Tau and cyclin-dependent kinase 5, and increased the expressions of protein phosphatase 1 alpha (PP1A) and PP2A (P<0.05 or P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

KXS exerted neuroprotective effects by regulating the Aβ -GSK3β-Tau signaling pathway, which provides novel insights into the therapeutic mechanism of KXS and a feasible pharmacological strategy for the treatment of AD.

Mechanism Investigation of Wuwei Shexiang Pills on Gouty Arthritis via Network Pharmacology, Molecule Docking, and Pharmacological Verification

Background

Gout is a common crystal-related arthritis caused by the deposition of monosodium urates (MSU). Tibetan medicine Wuwei Shexiang Pills (WSP) has been demonstrated to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antihyperuricemia, and antigout activities. However, the underlying mechanism is unknown.

Objectives

To explore the mechanisms of Wuwei Shexiang Pills on gouty arthritis via network pharmacology, molecule docking, and pharmacological verification.

Methods

The ingredients and targets of WSP were obtained by searching and screening in BATMAN-TCM and SwissADME. The targets involving the gout were acquired from public databases. The shared targets were put onto STRING to construct a PPI network. Furthermore, Metascape was applied for the GO and KEGG enrichment analysis to predict the biological processes and signaling pathways. And molecular docking was performed to validate the binding association between the key ingredients and the relative proteins of TNF signaling. Based on the serum pharmacology, the predicted antigout mechanism of WSP was validated in MSU-induced THP-1 macrophages. The levels of inflammatory cytokines and mRNA were measured by ELISA and qRT-PCR, respectively, and MAPK, NF-κB, and NLRP3 signaling-associated proteins were determined by western blot and immunofluorescence staining.

Results

48 bioactive ingredients and 165 common targets were found in WSP. The data showed that 5-Cis-Cyclopentadecen-1-One, 5-Cis-Cyclotetradecen-1-One, (-)-isoshyobunone, etc. were potential active ingredients. TNF signaling, HIF-1 signaling, and Jak-STAT signaling were predicted to be the potential pathways against gout. The molecule docking analysis found that most ingredients had a high affinity for p65, NLRP3, IL-1β, TNF-α, and p38. The data from in vitro experiment showed that WSP suppressed the production and gene expression of inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, WSP could inhibit the activation of MAPK, NF-κB, and NLRP3 signaling pathways.

Conclusion

Our finding suggested that the antigout effect of WSP could be achieved by inhibiting MAPK, NF-κB, and NLRP3 signaling pathways. WSP might be a candidate drug for gouty treatment.

Pharmacological mechanism of Shenlingbaizhu formula against experimental colitis

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by an overactive immune response and destruction of the colorectal epithelium with intricate pathological factors. Shenlingbaizhu (SLBZ) formula, included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020, has been widely utilized to treat UC.

PURPOSE

The present study was designed to uncover the underlying molecular mechanisms of SLBZ formula against UC.

METHODS

A murine model of experimental colitis was established by orally feeding 2% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) to mice for 7 days, followed by SLBA treatment for the next 15 days. Network pharmacology analysis was performed to predict the pharmacological mechanisms. High-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing integrated with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was conducted on mouse stool in order to determine alterations in the composition of the intestinal microbiota and metabolites. Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry were performed to examine the anti-inflammatory role of SLBZ.

RESULTS

DSS treatment induced experimental colitis, and this induction was alleviated by SLBZ treatment, as evidenced by rescued pathological symptoms in the experimental colitis mouse groups. Network pharmacology analysis showed that SLBZ-target genes were enriched in pathogen-induced infectious and inflammatory pathways, as well as neoplastic processes. SLBZ administration also modulated the gut microbiota composition and metabolic profiles of experimental colitis mice and alleviated the progression of experimental colitis. We further showed via in-vitro experiments that SLBZ suppressed macrophage (Mφ) transition to pro-inflammatory phenotype (M1), rescued tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα)-induced pyroptosis of intestinal organoids (IOs), and decreased the recruitment of Mφs by epithelial cells.

CONCLUSION

SLBZ formula is an effective treatment for murine colitis and showed a stronger therapeutic capacity than melasazine. The pharmacological mechanisms of SLBZ involve the re-establishment of an anti-inflammatory milieu and healthy microbiome, which favors mucosal healing.

Identification of the Main Active Components and Mechanism of Wang Bi Tablet in Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis Based on Integrative Pharmacology

Wang Bi tablet (WBT) is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in China. We employed integrative pharmacology, including rapid analysis of chemical composition, pharmacological experiment, and network pharmacology analysis, to elucidate the active components and mechanism underlying the effect of WBT against RA. The chemical fingerprint of WBT was revealed by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS, and the chemical composition was identified. The anti-inflammatory effect of WBT was evaluated in TNF-α-stimulated RAW264.7 cells by ELISA and transcriptome sequencing. Network pharmacology analysis, functional enrichment analysis, and network visualization were performed. A total of 293 chemical constituents were preliminarily identified or tentatively characterized in WBT extract, and they effectively inhibited inflammatory response in TNF-α-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Forty-eight key active constituents were identified based on high-frequency binding to hub targets and their corresponding targets number. Next, 135 corresponding hub genes, which may be the putative targets of WBT in treating RA, were selected. Functionally, the putative targets were significantly associated with the inflammatory immune response regulation module, energy metabolism regulation module, and cell function regulation module, corresponding to the traditional efficacy of WBT. In summary, this study revealed, for the first time using integrative pharmacology, that WBT may attenuate RA through the inflammation-immune regulation system.