Integrated Phytochemical Analysis Based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, Network Pharmacology, and Experiment Verification to Explore the Potential Mechanism of Platycodon grandiflorum for Chronic Bronchitis

Stem cell therapies for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: mesenchymal stem cells as a promising treatment option

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) is an inflammatory disease characterized by the progressive and irreversible structural and functional damage of lung tissue. Although COPD is a significant global disease burden, the available treatments only ameliorate the symptoms, but cannot reverse lung damage. Researchers in regenerative medicine have examined the use of stem cell transplantation for treatment of COPD and other diseases because these cells have the potential for unlimited self-renewal and the ability to undergo directed differentiation. Stem cells are typically classified as embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, and adult stem cells (which includes mesenchymal stem cells [MSCs]), each with its own advantages and disadvantages regarding applications in regenerative medicine. Although the heterogeneity and susceptibility to senescence of MSCs make them require careful consideration for clinical applications. However, the low tumourigenicity and minimal ethical concerns of MSCs make them appear to be excellent candidates. This review summarizes the characteristics of various stem cell types and describes their therapeutic potential in the treatment of COPD, with a particular emphasis on MSCs. We aim to facilitate subsequent in-depth research and preclinical applications of MSCs by providing a comprehensive overview.

Calculus bovis inhibits M2 tumor-associated macrophage polarization via Wnt/β-catenin pathway modulation to suppress liver cancer

BACKGROUND

Calculus bovis (CB), used in traditional Chinese medicine, exhibits anti-tumor effects in various cancer models. It also constitutes an integral component of a compound formulation known as Pien Tze Huang, which is indicated for the treatment of liver cancer. However, its impact on the liver cancer tumor microenvironment, particularly on tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), is not well understood.

AIM

To elucidate the anti-liver cancer effect of CB by inhibiting M2-TAM polarization via Wnt/β-catenin pathway modulation.

METHODS

This study identified the active components of CB using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, evaluated its anti-neoplastic effects in a nude mouse model, and elucidated the underlying mechanisms via network pharmacology, transcriptomics, and molecular docking. In vitro assays were used to investigate the effects of CB-containing serum on HepG2 cells and M2-TAMs, and Wnt pathway modulation was validated by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

This study identified 22 active components in CB, 11 of which were detected in the bloodstream. Preclinical investigations have demonstrated the ability of CB to effectively inhibit liver tumor growth. An integrated approach employing network pharmacology, transcriptomics, and molecular docking implicated the Wnt signaling pathway as a target of the antineoplastic activity of CB by suppressing M2-TAM polarization. In vitro and in vivo experiments further confirmed that CB significantly hinders M2-TAM polarization and suppresses Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation. The inhibitory effect of CB on M2-TAMs was reversed when treated with the Wnt agonist SKL2001, confirming its pathway specificity.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that CB mediates inhibition of M2-TAM polarization through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, contributing to the suppression of liver cancer growth.

UPLC-Q-TOF-MS profiling of Viola stocksii Boiss. and evaluation of aphrodisiac potential and risk factors associated with erectile dysfunction

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Viola stocksii Boiss. locally known as makhni or makhanr booti, is an important medicinal food plant with multiple therapeutic applications, including erectile dysfunction (ED). It is mixed with butter and used for boosting energy and sexual health in the subcontinent.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

This study was designed to evaluate the chemical composition, aphrodisiac potential and effect of V. stocksii on the risk factors associated with ED.

METHODOLOGY

The hydroethanolic extract of V. stocksii (HEEVS) was prepared through the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) technique. The chemical composition was evaluated using preliminary phytochemical screening and UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis. Metals and minerals analysis was performed by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The aphrodisiac activity of HEEVS was evaluated using an in vivo aphrodisiac model established in male albino rats and the effect on various sexual parameters such as mount, intromission, ejaculation frequencies and mount, intromission, ejaculation latencies, postejaculatory interval, penile reflexes and serum hormone concentration were analyzed. The effect of HEEVS on various risk factors associated with ED, including prostate cancer (PC), bacterial infections, diabetes and obesity, was evaluated using various in vitro assays. Moreover, four compounds were selected from the UPLC-Q-TOF-MS profile and evaluated for in silico computational analysis against phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) for possible interaction.

FINDINGS

The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of various secondary metabolites in HEEVS, while 58 compounds were tentatively identified in the UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis. Various important minerals and metals such as zinc, calcium, cadmium and magnesium were detected in the atomic absorption spectrometry analysis. The in vivo aphrodisiac evaluation showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the mount, intromission and ejaculation frequencies and a decrease in the mount, intromission latencies and post-ejaculatory intervals at a dose of 300 mg/kg. A marked (p < 0.05) increase was observed in the concentration of serum testosterone and luteinizing hormones in HEEVS treated animals with a significant increase in total penile reflexes. The extract displayed significant anti-prostate cancer activity and a potential antibacterial spectrum against E. coli and S. aureus, with MIC50 values of 215.72 μg/mL and 139.05 μg/mL, respectively. Similarly, HEEVS was found active towards pancreatic lipase (67.34 ± 1.03%), α-glucosidase (3.87 ± 0.54 mmol ACAE/g d.w.) and α-amylase (6.98 ± 1.63 mmol ACAE/g d.w.). The in silico docking study presented a potential interaction between the selected compounds and residues of the active site of PDE-5.

CONCLUSION

This report highlights the aphrodisiac potential of V. stocksii and provides experimental support for its traditional use in ED with an attenuative effect on the risk factors associated with ED. Moreover, the chemical composition displayed the presence of functional phytoconstituents and minerals in HEEVS and paves the way for the isolation of compounds with potent aphrodisiac activity.

A systematical strategy for quality markers screening of different methods processing Platycodonis radix based on phytochemical analysis and the impact on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Baihezhijiegeng is a processed product of Platycodonis radix, and it's effective in the treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). However, the specific mechanism of action has not been reported in the literature.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We attempted to evaluate the phytochemical composition and pharmaco-dynamics of Platycodon grandiflorum (PG) and BJ to clarify the mechanism behind the expectorant effect of BJ.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We integrated the ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-linear trap quadrupole orbitrap velos mass spectrometry (UPLC-LTQ Orbitrap MS/MS) and the ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) methods to identify the chemical constituents of PG and BJ. Moreover, correlation and multivariate statistical analyses were utilized to seek the candidate quality markers of PG and BJ. Analysis of effective herbal chemical components using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and retrieval of COPD disease targets from OMIM, TTD, GeneCard databases. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) and topology analyses were performed using the String database and Cytoscape 3.7.2 software; gene ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed using the Metescape platform on common targets. Moreover, we used molecular docking to predict the potential mechanism of quality markers for developing anti-COPD activity. Simultaneously, the model of COPD was established by exposing the animals to cigarette smoke combined with a tracheal drip injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Using the ELISA method, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting (WB) to determine tumor-necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)9 levels in serum and IL-4, IL-10, IFN-γ levels, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and MUC5AC expression in lung tissue of COPD rats to explore the therapeutic effects of PG and BJ on the COPD rat model.

RESULTS

The chemical identification of JG and PG extracts using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and UPLC-LTQ Orbitrap MS/MS showed 71 compounds, including 47 saponins, 16 phenolic acids, four flavonoids, and four other components. The multivariate statistical analysis showed that seven quality markers were screened. Network pharmacology results showed a role in biological processes such as cellular response to hydrogen peroxide, positive regulation of pri-miRNA transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter, molecular functions such as oxidoreductase activity, acting on NAD(P)H, quinone or similar compound as acceptor, bile acid binding and other molecular functions. In COPD rats, histopathological findings depicted that BJ administration could effectively inhibit inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus hypersecretion, and improve the lung pathological status in rats with COPD. Moreover, BJ could significantly decrease TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)9 levels in the serum and interferon (IFN)-γ levels in lung tissues of rats with COPD (p < 0.01), and significantly increase IL-4 and IL-10 levels in their lung tissues (p < 0.01), suggesting its inhibition of the inflammatory response in vivo. Additionally, EGFR and MUC5AC were reduced in the lung tissues of rats with COPD and airway mucus hypersecretion in rats with COPD.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed the material basis of PG and BJ for anti-COPD activity and discovered the quality markers of PG and BJ which could affect the anti-COPD activity. The therapeutic effects of BJ may be attributed to the regulation of the inflammatory mediators and mediation of the EGFR/MUC5AC pathway in rats with COPD.

Zhisou powder displays therapeutic effect on chronic bronchitis through inhibiting PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α/VEGFA signaling pathway and reprograming metabolic pathway of arachidonic acid

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Zhisou Powder (ZP), one of the most common prescriptions in traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used in the treatment of acute or chronic bronchitis and chronic cough. The ZP was composed of Ziwan (Aster tataricus L. f.), Jiegeng (Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A. DC.), Jingjie (Nepeta cataria L.), Baibu (Stemona sessilifolia (Miq.) Miq.), Baiqian (Vincetoxicum glaucescens (Decne.) C. Y. Wu & D. Z. Li), Chenpi (Citrus × aurantium f. deliciosa (Ten.) M. Hiroe) and Gancao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. ex DC.), with plant names among it checked with MPNS (http://mpns.kew.org). But until now, the key active components and targets of ZP, and related mechanism of ZP in the treatment of chronic bronchitis (CB) remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study combined UPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS, network pharmacology, metabonomics with experiment verification to explore potential mechanism of ZP in the treatment of CB.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

UPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS was performed to analyze the chemical components of ZP. The potentially effective components, attractive targets and critical signaling pathways of Zhisou Powder in the treatment of CB were screened by UPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS combined with network pharmacology. Additionally, the CB model rats induced by SO2 were used to evaluate the anti-chronic bronchitis activity of ZP in vivo. The pulmonary pathology was determined by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Meanwhile, PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α/VEGFA signaling pathway predicted from network pharmacology was verified by Western blot and RT-PCR. Lastly, the metabolic changes of arachidonic acid (AA) in ZP-treated rats were quantitatively analyzed by LC-MS targeted metabonomics, and the proteins expression involved in AA metabolic pathway were detected by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and Western blot.

RESULTS

The main active components of ZP in the treatment of CB selected by network pharmacology and UPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS technology were quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, galangin, isorhamnetin, naringenin, nobiletin, formononetin and so on. The core targets of these components were predicted to be TP53, TNF, IL-6, VEGFA, CASP3, IL-1β, JUN, PTGS2. Enrichment of KEGG pathway analysis found that PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α/VEGFA signaling pathway might play a key role in the treatment of CB with ZP. The in vivo study showed that ZP significantly improved the pathological changes of SO2-treated lung tissue and inhibited the activation of PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α/VEGFA signaling pathway. The changes of AA and its metabolites in vivo were studied by targeted metabonomics, and it showed that ZP could reprogram the disorder of AA metabolism which contributed to the treatment of CB with ZP.

CONCLUSION

ZP displayed good therapeutic effect on CB model rats through inhibiting PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α/VEGFA signaling pathway to exhibit anti-inflammatory effect and reprogramming disordered metabolic pathway of arachidonic acid.

Gleditsiae sinensis fructus Pills combined with Jujubae fructus attenuate chronic bronchitis via regulation of AGE-RAGE signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Gleditsiae sinensis fructus Pills (GF) is a famous classical prescription, that is regularly combined with Jujubae fructus (JF) for the treatment of chronic bronchitis (CB) in the clinic. While the clinical efficacy of this combination prescription is clearly established, the active ingredients and molecular mechanisms remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To elucidate the mechanisms of action of Gleditsiae sinensis fructus Pills combined with Jujubae fructus (GF&JF) against CB based on network pharmacology and experimental verification.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The potential targets of GF&JF involved in therapeutic activity against CB were predicted based on network pharmacology and an "ingredients-targets" network constructed. The Metascape database was used for Module, GO functional and KEGG signaling pathway enrichment analyses of potential targets. Molecular docking was applied to simulate the binding activities of key candidate active ingredients to core targets. For experimental verification, a CB model was established through smoking and nasal cavity drip of lipopolysaccharide. Related inflammatory factors, including TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-6 and IL-8 in serum, and IL-4 IL-8, IFN-γ and IL-10 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), were detected using ELISA. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson staining were performed to observe pathological changes in lung and tracheal tissue. The expression of related proteins and mRNAs in the lung tissue were detected using immunohistochemistry (IHC), quantitative real-time PCR, and western blot.

RESULTS

In network pharmacology, 36 common targets of GF&JF for CB were screened and the key targets and main signaling pathways identified. The active ingredients quercetin and stigmasterol in GF&JF had more targets for CB, which displayed good binding activity to IL-6, VEGFA, and EGFR, as established from molecular docking results. In vivo, GF&JF effectively inhibit the inflammatory response in CB mice and improved pathological changes in lung and tracheal tissue. In terms of the key proteins of the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, GF&JF induced significant down-regulation of IL-6, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, EGFR, CASPASE-3, AGEs and RAGE proteins in lung tissue as well as mRNA expression of IL-6, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, EGFR, AGEs and RAGE.

CONCLUSIONS

The GF&JF combination exerts a good therapeutic effect in CB model mice, which may be attributed to inhibition of the inflammatory response as well as regulation on the expression of AGE-RAGE signaling pathway. In addition, quercetin and stigmasterol appear to be the main active ingredients of GF&JF in the treatment of CB.

Qi Fu Yin ameliorates neuroinflammation through inhibiting RAGE and TLR4/NF-κB pathway in AD model rats

The purpose of this study is to investigate the therapeutic effect of Qi Fu Yin (QFY) on Alzheimer's disease (AD) both computationally and experimentally. Network pharmacology analysis and molecular docking were conducted to identify potential targets and signaling pathways involved in QFY treating AD. Streptozotocin-induced AD rat model was used to verify important targets and predicted pathways. The components of QFY were identified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The results indicate that the potential targets of QFY are highly enriched for anti-inflammatory pathways. Molecular docking analysis revealed stable structures formed between QFY's active compounds, including stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, and isorhamnetin, and the identified targets. In vivo, QFY improved cognitive memory in AD rats and reduced the mRNA expression levels of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), the receptor for advanced glycation end products (AGER), and the inflammatory factors interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the brains of AD rats. Furthermore, QFY effectively reduced nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and inhibited NF-κB and microglia activation. In conclusion, QFY can ameliorate neuroinflammation in AD model rats, partly via the inhibition of TLR4 and RAGE/NF-κB pathway and microglia activation, thereby enhancing learning and memory in AD model rats.

Structural characterization and antioxidant activity of processed polysaccharides PCP-F1 from Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua

Introduction

Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua. (PC) is a traditional Chinese herb with a history of use in both food and medicine. For clinical use, processed PC pieces are most commonly used, while present research has focused on crude PC polysaccharides (PCPs).

Methods

In this study, a new polysaccharide, PCP-F1, with a molecular weight of 37.46 kDa, was separated from four-time processed PCPs by column chromatography and evaluated by antioxidant activity. It was composed of glucose, mannose, galactose, rhamnose, and galacturonic acid with a molar ratio of 3.5: 2.5: 1.3: 1.8: 0.8.

Results and Discussion

The methylation analysis and two-dimensional NMR measurement revealed that the configuration of PCP-F1 contained nine residues in the primary structural unit by the chain of →3)-α-D-Glcp, →2)-α-D-Glcp (6→, →1)-ꞵ-D-Glcp (2→, →2)-α-D-GalAp (3,4→, →1) -ꞵ-D-Manp (3→, →2)-α-D-Glcp (3→, branched for →3)-α-D-Glcp, →2)-ꞵ-D-Galp (4→, →1)-ꞵ-D-Glcp (2→, →2,4)-α-D-Manp (6→, →3)-α-L-Rhap (4→. Radical scavenging assays indicated that PCP-F1 could scavenge radicals with a high scavenging rate, suggesting PCP-F1 possesses good antioxidant activity. The study confirms the importance of processed PC and offers the potential for exploiting it as a functional food.

The pharmacology and mechanisms of platycodin D, an active triterpenoid saponin from Platycodon grandiflorus

Chinese doctors widely prescribed Platycodon grandiflorus A. DC. (PG) to treat lung carbuncles in ancient China. Modern clinical experiences have demonstrated that PG plays a crucial role in treating chronic pharyngitis, plum pneumonia, pneumoconiosis, acute and chronic laryngitis, and so forth. Additionally, PG is a food with a long history in China, Japan, and Korea. Furthermore, Platycodin D (PLD), an oleanane-type triterpenoid saponin, is one of the active substances in PG. PLD has been revealed to have anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-oxidation, anti-obesity, anticoagulant, spermicidal, anti-tumor etc., activities. And the mechanism of the effects draws lots of attention, with various signaling pathways involved in these processes. Additionally, research on PLD's pharmacokinetics and extraction processes is under study. The bioavailability of PLD could be improved by being prescribed with Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. or by creating a new dosage form. PLD has been recently considered to have the potential to be a solubilizer or an immunologic adjuvant. Meanwhile, PLD was discovered to have hemolytic activity correlated. PLD has broad application prospects and reveals practical pharmacological activities in pre-clinical research. The authors believe that these activities of PLD contribute to the efficacy of PG. What is apparent is that the clinical translation of PLD still has a long way to go. With the help of modern technology, the scope of clinical applications of PLD is probable to be expanded from traditional applications to new fields.

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.

Methyl eugenol protects the kidney from oxidative damage in mice by blocking the Nrf2 nuclear export signal through activation of the AMPK/GSK3β axis

Disrupted redox homeostasis contributes to renal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. Abundant natural products can activate nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), thereby providing therapeutic benefits. Methyl eugenol (ME), an analog of the phenolic compound eugenol, has the ability to induce Nrf2 activity. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of ME against renal oxidative damage in vivo and in vitro. An IR-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) model was established in mice. ME (20 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.p.) was administered to mice on 5 consecutive days before IR surgery. We showed that ME administration significantly attenuated renal destruction, improved the survival rate, reduced excessive oxidative stress and inhibited mitochondrial lesions in AKI mice. We further demonstrated that ME administration significantly enhanced Nrf2 activity and increased the expression of downstream antioxidative molecules. Similar results were observed in vitro in hypoxia/reoxygenation (HR)-exposed proximal tubule epithelial cells following pretreatment with ME (40 μmol·L-1). In both renal oxidative damage models, ME induced Nrf2 nuclear retention in tubular cells. Using specific inhibitors (CC and DIF-3) and molecular docking, we demonstrated that ME bound to the binding pocket of AMPK with high affinity and activated the AMPK/GSK3β axis, which in turn blocked the Nrf2 nuclear export signal. In addition, ME alleviated the development of renal fibrosis induced by nonfatal IR, which is frequently encountered in the clinic. In conclusion, we demonstrate that ME modulates the AMPK/GSK3β axis to regulate the cytoplasmic-nuclear translocation of Nrf2, resulting in Nrf2 nuclear retention and thereby enhancing antioxidant target gene transcription that protects the kidney from oxidative damage.

Integrating network pharmacology and pharmacological evaluation to explore the protective mechanism of Ershiwuwei Zhenzhu pill in ischemic stroke

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ershiwuwei Zhenzhu Pill (EZP), a representative and classic formula in Tibetan medicine, is commonly used in the treatment of various cerebrovascular diseases, including ischemic stroke (IS). Nevertheless, their efficacy and potential mechanism in treating IS have yet to be investigated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms of EZP in the treatment of IS based on network pharmacology and experimental verification.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chemical profile of EZP was characterized using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). The targets related to the compounds in EZP were predicted by the Swiss Target Prediction and Target Net platform, and targets of IS were collected from the Gene Cards and OMIM databases. Subsequently, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of targets was constructed and analyzed by the STRING database and Cytoscape software, version 3.7.1. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed, and an ingredient-target-pathway network was constructed. Ultimately, the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was established to evaluate the anti-IS effects of EZP by detecting the neurological deficit score, HE, Nissl and TCC staining, and inflammatory factors, and the expression of key protein targets was detected by western blotting.

RESULTS

A total of 129 components were identified in EZP. Network pharmacology revealed 3136 compound targets and 2826 disease-related targets, and 412 overlapping proteins were obtained as potential therapeutic targets. The PPI network results showed that 6 key targets (AKT1, SRC, VEGFA, TP53, TNF and EGFR) were core targets of EZP in the treatment of IS. Western blotting demonstrated that the expression levels of AKT1, VEGFA, TP53, SRC, TNF and EGFR in the brain tissue of MCAO rats were significantly changed after treatment with EZP compared to the model group.

CONCLUSIONS

EZP ameliorated IS in MCAO rats. The underlying mechanism might be associated with inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis, promoting angiogenesis and protecting neurons by regulating multiple targets and pathways.

Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry coupled with three-step data post-processing techniques for comprehensive profiling of the multiple components in Fufang Xianzhuli Ye

INTRODUCTION

Fufang Xianzhuli (FXZL) Ye, a classical formula of traditional Chinese medicine, is composed of Succus Bambusae, Houttuyniae herba, Pinelliae Rhizoma, Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, Eriobotryae Folium, Platycodonis Radix, and peppermint oil. For many years, FXZL has been primarily utilised in China to treat cough and phlegm. The chemical composition of FXZL has not been reported, which seriously affects the safety of the clinical application.

OBJECTIVE

To establish a systematic method for rapidly classifying and recognising the chemical constituents in the FXZL for the safety of the clinical application.

METHODS

An ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry coupled with a three-step data post-processing strategy was developed to screen the chemical constituents of FXZL.

RESULTS

In this experiment, the diagnostic ions in FXZL were classified into six main compounds. A total of 106 compounds were unambiguously identified in FXZL based on their retention times, accurate masses, and tandem mass spectrometry data. These include 11 chlorogenic acids, three flavonoids, eight sesquiterpenoids, six organic acids, 65 triterpenoid saponins, and 13 other compounds.

CONCLUSION

The chemical composition of FXZL was identified and summarised, providing useful information for quality control and a basis for further exploration of its active ingredients in vivo.

Exploring the common pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus via microarray data analysis

Background

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) have an increased incidence in modern society. Although more and more evidence has supported that DM is prone to AD, the interrelational mechanisms remain fully elucidated.

Purpose

The primary purpose of this study is to explore the shared pathophysiological mechanisms of AD and DM.

Methods

Download the expression matrix of AD and DM from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database with sequence numbers GSE97760 and GSE95849, respectively. The common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by limma package analysis. Then we analyzed the six kinds of module analysis: gene functional annotation, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, potential drug screening, immune cell infiltration, hub genes identification and validation, and prediction of transcription factors (TFs).

Results

The subsequent analyses included 339 common DEGs, and the importance of immunity, hormone, cytokines, neurotransmitters, and insulin in these diseases was underscored by functional analysis. In addition, serotonergic synapse, ovarian steroidogenesis, estrogen signaling pathway, and regulation of lipolysis are closely related to both. DEGs were input into the CMap database to screen small molecule compounds with the potential to reverse AD and DM pathological functions. L-690488, exemestane, and BMS-345541 ranked top three among the screened small molecule compounds. Finally, 10 essential hub genes were identified using cytoHubba, including PTGS2, RAB10, LRRK2, SOS1, EEA1, NF1, RAB14, ADCY5, RAPGEF3, and PRKACG. For the characteristic Aβ and Tau pathology of AD, RAPGEF3 was associated significantly positively with AD and NF1 significantly negatively with AD. In addition, we also found ADCY5 and NF1 significant correlations with DM phenotypes. Other datasets verified that NF1, RAB14, ADCY5, and RAPGEF3 could be used as key markers of DM complicated with AD. Meanwhile, the immune cell infiltration score reflects the different cellular immune microenvironments of the two diseases.

Conclusion

The common pathogenesis of AD and DM was revealed in our research. These common pathways and hub genes directions for further exploration of the pathogenesis or treatment of these two diseases.

Platycodin D induces apoptosis through JNK1/AP-1/PUMA pathway in non-small cell lung cancer cells: A new mechanism for an old compound

Platycodin D, a triterpenoid monomer, has been shown to possess an anti-tumor effect on various types of cancer. Although Platycodin D has been reported to suppress tumorigenesis, the detailed underlying mechanism remains elusive. Platycodin D treatment significantly reduced the cell viability, decreased the number of colonies, impaired the mitochondrial function, and induced apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. To understand the mechanism by which platycodin D induces apoptosis, the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins were examined, and we found that the expression of PUMA (p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis) was upregulated upon platycodin D treatment. Knockdown of PUMA resulted in attenuation of platycodin D-induced apoptosis, indicating that PUMA up-regulation is essential for platycodin D to induce apoptosis. The induction of PUMA expression by platycodin D treatment was through activation of AP-1 since mutation of AP-1 binding site in the PUMA promoter abolished the PUMA promoter activity. In addition, the chromatin immunoprecipitation further demonstrated that platycodin D promoted AP-1 binding to PUMA promoter. Moreover, knockdown of JNK1, but not JNK2, significantly abolished the phosphorylation of c-Jun at Ser63 (a component of AP-1), decreased the platycodin D-induced expression of PUMA and cleaved caspase 3, indicating that platycodin D inhibits JNK1/AP-1 signaling pathway. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining studies showed that tumors from the mice treated with platycodin D activated JNK by translocation of JNK into nuclei, increased phosphorylation of JNK and c-Jun at Ser63 in nuclei, and boosted the PUMA expression. Taken together, our in vitro and in vivo data revealed a novel mechanism by which platycodin D up-regulates PUMA to induce apoptosis through JNK1/AP-1 axis in NSCLC.

Integrated network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking, LC-MS analysis and bioassays revealed the potential active ingredients and underlying mechanism of Scutellariae radix for COVID-19

Scutellariae radix ("Huang-Qin" in Chinese) is a well-known traditional herbal medicine and popular dietary supplement in the world, extensively used in prescriptions of TCMs as adjuvant treatments for coronavirus pneumonia 2019 (COVID-19) patients in China. According to the differences in its appearance, Scutellariae radix can be classified into two kinds: ZiQin (1∼3 year-old Scutellariae baicalensis with hard roots) and KuQin (more than 3 year-old S. baicalensis with withered pithy roots). In accordance with the clinical theory of TCM, KuQin is superior to ZiQin in cooling down the heat in the lung. However, the potential active ingredients and underlying mechanisms of Scutellariae radix for the treatment of COVID-19 remain largely unexplored. It is still not clear whether there is a difference in the curative effect of ZiQin and KuQin for the treatment of COVID-19. In this research, network pharmacology, LC-MS based plant metabolomics, and in vitro bioassays were integrated to explore both the potential active components and mechanism of Scutellariae radix for the treatment of COVID-19. As the results, network pharmacology combined with molecular docking analysis indicated that Scutellariae radix primarily regulates the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways via active components such as baicalein and scutellarin, and blocks SARS-CoV-2 spike binding to human ACE2 receptors. In vitro bioassays showed that baicalein and scutellarein exhibited more potent anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious effects than baicalin, the component with the highest content in Scutellariae radix. Moreover, baicalein inhibited SARS-CoV-2's entry into Vero E6 cells with an IC₅₀ value of 142.50 μM in a plaque formation assay. Taken together, baicalein was considered to be the most crucial active component of Scutellariae radix for the treatment of COVID-19 by integrative analysis. In addition, our bioassay study revealed that KuQin outperforms ZiQin in the treatment of COVID-19. Meanwhile, plant metabolomics revealed that baicalein was the compound with the most significant increase in KuQin compared to ZiQin, implying the primary reason for the superiority of KuQin over ZiQin in the treatment of COVID-19.

Platycodon grandiflorus polysaccharides deeply participate in the anti-chronic bronchitis effects of platycodon grandiflorus decoction, a representative of “the lung and intestine are related”

Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A. DC. (PG) root is one of the most commonly used medicine-food materials for respiratory discomfort in Asia, usually in the form of a decoction or leaching solution. As everyone knows, both of decoction and leaching solution is a polyphase dispersion system, containing low-molecular-weight water-soluble active ingredients and hydrophilic macromolecules. This study aimed to discuss the synergistic effect of Platycodon grandiflorus polysaccharide (PGP) and platycodin D (PD) in PG decoction against chronic bronchitis (CB) and the mechanism underlying. A series of PGP, PD, and PGD + PD suspensions were administrated to CB model rats, on the levels of whole animal and in situ intestinal segment with or without mesenteric lymphatic vessels ligation. It exhibited that PGP exhibited synergistic effects with PD, on improving the histopathological abnormity, mucus secretion excess, and immunological imbalance in lung of CB model rat, closely associated with its modulations on the mucosal immunity status in small intestine. The polysaccharide macromolecules in PG decoction or leaching solution should be responsible for the modulation of pulmonary immune state, possibly through the common mucosal immune between small intestine and lung. These results might be a new perspective that illustrates the classical theory of “the lung and intestine are related” in traditional Chinese medicine.

Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis reveals variation in the metabolites and genes of Platycodon grandiflorus roots from different regions

INTRODUCTION

Platycodon grandiflorum root (PG), a popular traditional Chinese medicine, contains considerable chemical components with broad pharmacological activities. The complexity and diversity of the chemical components of PG from different origins contribute to its broad biological activities. The quality of southern PG is superior to that of northern PG, but the mechanisms underlying these differences remain unclear.

OBJECTIVES

In order to study variation in the differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs), differentially expressed genes (DEGs), as well as their interactions and signalling pathways among PG from Anhui and Liaoning.

METHODS

The metabolomes based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and the transcriptome based on high-throughput sequencing technology were combined to comprehensively analyse PGn and PGb.

RESULTS

A total of 6515 DEGs and 83 DAMs from the comparison of PG from Anhui and Liaoning were detected. Integrated analysis of metabolomic and transcriptomic data revealed that 215 DEGs and 57 DAMs were significantly enriched in 48 pathways according to KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, and 15 DEGs and 10 DAMs significantly enriched in the main pathway sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis might play a key role in complex response or regulatory processes.

CONCLUSION

Differences in PG from southern and northern China might thus stem from differences in environmental factors, such as precipitation, light duration, and humidity. The results of our study provide new insight into geographic variation in gene expression and metabolite accumulation and will enhance the utilisation of PG resources.

Study on HPLC Fingerprint, Network Pharmacology, and Antifungal Activity of Rumex japonicus Houtt

Background

Rumex japonicus Houtt (R. japonicus) is used mainly to treat various skin diseases in Southeast Asia. However, there are few studies on its quality evaluation methods and antifungal activity.

Objective

To establish the quality control criteria for the effective parts from R. japonicus against psoriasis.

Methods

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was established for its fingerprint, and the similarity evaluation, cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to reveal the differences of those fingerprints among the tested R. japonicus. Network pharmacology analyzed the relationship between the components and psoriasis, revealing the potential targets of R. japonicus. Oxford cup anti-C. albicans experiment was used to verify the antifungal activity of R. japonicus.

Results

HPLC was developed for the R. japonicus fingerprint by optimizing for 10 batches of quinquennial R. japonicus from different habitats; the 18 common peaks were identified with 10 characteristic peaks such as rutin, quercetin, aloe-emodin, nepodin, emodin, musizin-8-O-β-D-glucoside, chrysophanol, emodin-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, chrysophanol-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, and aloin, respectively. The network pharmacology-based analysis showed a high correlation between R. japonicus and psoriasis, revealing the potential targets of R. japonicus. The oxford cup anti-Candida albicans experiment displayed a significant activity response to emodin-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and the ethyl acetate fraction of R. japonicus acidic aqueous extract.

Conclusions

A new and optimized HPLC method was created, and the research provides an experimental basis for the development of effective drugs related to C. albicans.

Highlights

The fingerprint of R. japonicus was organically combined with network pharmacology to further clarify its criteria for quality control.

Antiviral Effect of Polyphenolic Substances in Geranium wilfordii Maxim against HSV-2 Infection Using in vitro and in silico Approaches

Background

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infestation was the most widespread STD (sexually transmitted diseases) among humans and was the leading cause of infectious recurrent genital herpes. Existing therapies against HSV-2 did incompletely restrain the comeback of activated HSV-2 infestation. Geranium wilfordii Maxim had long been used as traditional Chinese medicine for treating the diseases owing to its anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects. Herein, the study was designed to investigate the antiviral activity of G.wilfordii and its potential effect in regulating the host's immune response.

Methods

To identify the stage of infection at which the compounds inhibited HSV-2, we performed virucidal, therapeutic, and prophylactic assays. The antiviral efficacy was evaluated by the analysis of viral components HSV-2 gD and VP16. The antiviral activities of these compounds were also evaluated by phenotypic analysis, such as cell proliferation and apoptosis. Molecular docking studies on candidate compounds were done to indicate binding interactions between the compounds and adopted compound targets.

Results

Quercetin, corilagin, and geraniin inhibited the replication of HSV-2, with geraniin showing greater TI. The obtained IC₅₀ value of quercetin was 204.7 μM and TI (IC₅₀/EC₅₀) was 5.1, whereas the obtained IC₅₀ value of corilagin was 118.0 μg/ml and TI was 4.05. Geraniin exhibited prominent antiviral activity with an IC₅₀ of 212.4 μM and an EC₅₀ of 18.37 μM, resulting in a therapeutic index (TI) of 11.56. Geraniin showed important in vitro virucidal activity through blocking viral attachment. Compared with the virus group, the apoptosis rates in quercetin-, corilagin-, and geraniin-treated groups were significantly decreased (p < 0.001).The expressions at the transcription genes of virus own replication key factors (including HSV-2 gD and VP16) and cytokines (including TBK1) of infected cells treated with quercetin, corilagin, and geraniin were inhibited. The in silico approaches demonstrated a high number of potential strong intermolecular interactions as hydrogen bonds between geraniin, corilagin, and the activity site of HSV-2 gD. Molecular docking studies demonstrated the effects of corilagin by targeting TBK1.

Conclusions

Together, these results highlighted the importance of G.wilfordii treatment in HSV-2 infection and underscored its therapeutic potential. However, additional in vitro and in vivo research was required to validate our findings.

Network pharmacology analysis and experimental validation to explore the mechanism of Bushao Tiaozhi capsule (BSTZC) on hyperlipidemia

Bushao Tiaozhi Capsule (BSTZC) is a novel drug in China that is used in clinical practice and has significant therapeutic effects on hyperlipidemia (HLP). In our previous study, BSTZC has a good regulatory effect on lipid metabolism of HLP rats. However, its bioactive compounds, potential targets, and underlying mechanism remain largely unclear. We extracted the active ingredients and targets in BSTZC from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and literature mining. Subsequently, core ingredients, potential targets, and signaling pathways were determined through bioinformatics analysis, including constructed Drug-Ingredient-Gene symbols-Disease (D-I-G-D), protein–protein interaction (PPI), the Gene Ontology (GO), and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Finally, the reliability of the core targets was evaluated using in vivo studies. A total of 36 bioactive ingredients and 209 gene targets were identified in BSTZC. The network analysis revealed that quercetin, kaempferol, wogonin, isorhamnetin, baicalein and luteolin may be the core ingredients. The 26 core targets of BSTZC, including IL-6, TNF, VEGFA, and CASP3, were considered potential therapeutic targets. Furthermore, GO and KEGG analyses indicated that the treatment of HLP by BSTZC might be related to lipopolysaccharide, oxidative stress, inflammatory response and cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. The pathway analysis showed enrichment for different pathways like MAPK signaling pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic, IL-17 signaling pathway and TNF signaling pathway. In this study, network pharmacology analysis, and experiment verification were combined, and revealed that BSTZC may regulate key inflammatory markers and apoptosis for ameliorating HLP.

A novel method for investigating the mechanism of anti-rheumatoid arthritis activity of Angelicae pubescentis Radix by integrating UHPLC-QTOF/MS and network pharmacology

The study aimed to establish a strategy to elucidate the in vivo constituents of Angelicae pubescentis Radix (APR, also known as Duhuo) and reveal the probable mechanisms underlying the anti-rheumatoid arthritis activity of APR. APR, first recorded in Shennong Bencao Jing, is mainly used to treat Bi syndrome. Eleven absorbed components of APR were successfully identified using the Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) rat model and the UHPLC-QTOF/MS technique. Two active ingredients (osthole, and columbianadin) and five corresponding targets (PTGS1, PTGS2, RXRA, CCNA2 and ACHE) were found to construct a compound-protein interaction network in RA. In addition, a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathway, which was related to anti-RA activity, was eventually identified by KEGG analysis. Subsequently, molecular docking was performed by establishing a mixed matrix network including the absorbed component, corresponding target, and signaling pathway with two key compounds (osthole and columbianadin) and two important targets (PTGS2 and PTGS1). The result of molecular docking is in agreement with the network pharmacology (NP).

Platycodon grandiflorum root fermentation broth reduces inflammation in a mouse IBD model through the AMPK/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway

The effect of Platycodon grandiflorum (PG) on colitis and its underlying mechanism were rarely studied. In this study, Lactobacillus rhamnosus 217-1 was used to ferment PG roots, and the concentrations of platycodin-D, flavonoids, and polyphenols and the DPPH free radical scavenging rate were significantly increased. Treatment with a PG root fermentation broth (PGRFB) could reduce dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice. Meanwhile, the PGRFB significantly reduced the content of inflammatory factors in mouse serum and the expression of inflammatory factor mRNA in the intestinal tract, regulated the polarization of M1/M2 macrophages, and increased the expression of tight junction protein mRNA in intestinal epithelial cells. In summary, it was proved that the PGRFB could inhibit the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and the expression of Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and lowering the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Polysaccharides from Platycodonis Radix ameliorated respiratory syncytial virus-induced epithelial cell apoptosis and inflammation through activation of miR-181a-mediated Hippo and SIRT1 pathways

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of bronchiolitis in young children, but there are few safe and effective treatments for this disease. Platycodonis Radix is widely used as an antitussive and expectorant drug for preventing various diseases in lower respiratory tract, in which the polysaccharides are one of the main bioactivity constituents. In this study, the protective effects of the P. Radix polysaccharides (PRP) against RSV-induced bronchiolitis in juvenile mice and RSV-induced apoptosis of epithelial HEp-2 cells were investigated. The results showed that PRP obviously decreased the levels of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ and TSLP in lung tissues, and reduced the number of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of RSV-infected mice. Furthermore, it reduced the apoptosis of RSV-infected HEp-2 cells and remarkably inhibited the mRNA expressions of RSV L gene, which indicated that PRP affected transcription and replication of RSV in host cells. Compared with that in RSV-infected group, miR-181a-5p in the PRP-treated group presented the highest relative abundance and its expression was violently reduced by approximately 30%. Mechanistically, PRP had the similar effects as miR-181a-5p antagomir on RSV-induced apoptosis and inflammation in HEp-2 cells via upregulating BCL2, MLL3 and SIRT1, which could be reversed by miR-181a-5p mimic. Therefore, it demonstrated that PRP not only protected against RSV-induced lung inflammation in mice but also inhibited apoptosis of RSV-infected HEp-2 cells via suppressing miR-181a-5p and transcriptionally activating Hippo and SIRT1 pathways.

Based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, Systematic Network Pharmacology, and Molecular Docking to Explore the Potential Mechanism of Fructus Aurantii for Major Depression Disorder

Background

Major Depression Disorder (MDD) is a common mental disease that has become one of the world's major medical diseases. Currently, the Fructus Aurantii (FA) has been widely used to treat depression. However, the active substance ingredients and potential mechanisms of the shell antidepression have not yet been clarified.

Method

First, we used ultraperformance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/time-of-flight tandem mass (UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS) technology to identify the chemical composition of the FA. Then, it is predicted for active ingredients, pharmaceutical disease target screening by DiscoveryStudio 2016 (DS), Metascape, and other databases, PPI network diagram, and FC core pathway. Finally, the system network pharmacology results are verified by molecular contact verification.

Results

Forty-six compounds in FA were identified, and twelve active ingredients were determined. Various database information, PPI network analysis of 41 intersections, and 20 core targets including DRD2, MTOR, FASP3, and PIK3P1 were integrated. Finally, the MDD treatment is indicated by molecular docking, and the most relevant potential signal pathway is the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.

Study on the Mechanism of treating COVID-19 with Shenqi Wan based on Network Pharmacology

PURPOSE

Through the method of network pharmacology, the active components and targets of Shenqi wan (SQW) were excavated, the relationship with COVID-19 was discussed, and the possible mechanism of SQW in the treatment of COVID-19 was revealed from the aspects of multi-components, multi-targets, and multi-pathways.

METHODS

Firstly, the active components of SQW were screened from TCMSP and the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, and the related targets of the components were obtained. Then the disease targets related to COVID-19 were screened from GeneCards and OMIM. Venny was used to map the relationship between component-target and disease-target, and String was used to analyzing the interaction of common targets. The network was constructed and analyzed by Cytoscape, the function of GO and KEGG genes was enriched by Metascape, and the molecular docking was verified by CB-Dock.

RESULTS

Finally, 45 active components of SQW were obtained, and 72 potential targets were related to COVID-19, ACE2, IL6, NOS3, and CRP may be the key targets. GO enrichment of 1715 projects, such as lipopolysaccharide stress response, active oxygen metabolism, positive regulation of cell migration, and other GO enrichment. 136 KEGG pathways were obtained, TNF signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway. Molecular docking showed that kaempferol, quercetin, luteolin, astragaloside, calyx isoflavone glucoside, matrine, and other COVID-19-related targets such as ACE2, 3CLpro, PLpro, PTGS2 have good binding ability.

CONCLUSION

According to the above results, it is suggested that SQW may play a role in the treatment of COVID-19 by directly or indirectly combining kaempferol, quercetin, and luteolin with ACE2, 3CLpro, PLpro, and PTGS2 to regulate multiple biological functions and signaling pathways.

Comprehensive characterization of the chemical constituents in Platycodon grandiflorum by an integrated liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry strategy

Platycodon grandiflorum (PG), as a well-known medicine food homology species, possess various pharmacological effects and health benefits. Aiming to facilitate in-depth and global characterization of the chemical compositions of PG, a profiling method based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with ion mobility quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/IM-QTOF-MS) was conducted. Consequently, as many as 187 compounds were plausibly or unambiguously identified. Most importantly, phospholipids (PLs) were first observed and identified in PG. Due to their widely confirmed bioactivities, an analysis scheme was developed by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry combined with the online Paternò-Büchi reaction (HILIC-PB-MS/MS). The fatty acyl chains and C=C locations of 180 PLs molecular species, which fell into four classes, were unprecedently characterized. This exposure strategy of multi-type constituents greatly enriches the chemical profiling of PG, and helps promoting the further development of therapeutic agents and nutraceutical products from PG.