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Zheng S, Liang Y, Xue T, Wang W, Li S, Zhang P, Li X, Cao X, Liu Q, Qi W, Ye Y, Zao X. Application of network pharmacology in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of digestive system diseases. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1412997. [PMID: 39086391 PMCID: PMC11289720 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1412997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
With the general improvement in living standards in recent years, people's living habits, including their dietary habits, have changed. More people around the world do not follow a healthy diet, leading to an increase in morbidity and even mortality due to digestive system diseases, which shows an increasing trend every year. The advantage of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in treating digestive system diseases is evident. Consequently, the mechanisms of action of single Chinese herbs and compound Chinese medicines have become the focus of research. The research method of the network pharmacology system was highly consistent with the holistic concept of TCM, and provided a new perspective and theoretical basis for basic research on digestive system diseases. This article summarizes the common databases currently used in research on TCM. It also briefly introduces the basic methods and technologies of network pharmacology studies. It also summarizes the advancements of network pharmacology technology through a comprehensive literature search on PubMed. Based on this analysis, we further explored the role of TCM in treating digestive system diseases, including chronic gastritis, gastric cancer, ulcerative colitis, and liver cirrhosis. This study provides new ideas and references for treating digestive system diseases with TCM in the future and serves as a reference for relevant researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihao Zheng
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Liver Diseases Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yijun Liang
- Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tianyu Xue
- First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Liver Diseases Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Size Li
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Liver Diseases Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoke Li
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Liver Diseases Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Cao
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Liver Diseases Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Qiyao Liu
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Liver Diseases Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education and Beijing, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Wenying Qi
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Liver Diseases Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yongan Ye
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Liver Diseases Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaobin Zao
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Liver Diseases Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education and Beijing, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Qiu X, Luo W, Li H, Li T, Huang Y, Huang Q, Zhou R. A Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhenqi Granule, Potentially Alleviates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Mouse Colitis Symptoms. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:427. [PMID: 38927307 PMCID: PMC11200386 DOI: 10.3390/biology13060427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic inflammation in the large intestine. The etiology of UC is complex and incompletely understood, with potential contributing factors including genetic susceptibility, environmental influences, immune dysregulation, and gut barrier dysfunction. Despite available therapeutic drugs, the suboptimal cure rate for UC emphasizes the necessity of developing novel therapeutics. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has attracted great interest in the treatment of such chronic inflammatory diseases due to its advantages, such as multi-targets and low side effects. In this study, a mouse model of Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis was established and the efficacy of Zhenqi Granule, a TCM preparation composed of the extractives from Astragali Radix and Fructus Ligustri Lucidi, was evaluated. The results showed that treatment with Zhenqi Granule prior to or post-DSS induction could alleviate the symptoms of colitis, including weight loss, diarrhea, hematochezia, colon length shortening, and pathological damage of colon tissues of the DSS-treated mice. Further, network pharmacology analysis showed that there were 98 common targets between the active components of Zhenqi Granule and the targets of UC, and the common targets were involved in the regulation of inflammatory signaling pathways. Our results showed that Zhenqi Granule had preventive and therapeutic effects on acute colitis in mice, and the mechanism may be that the active components of Zhenqi Granule participated in the regulation of inflammatory response. This study provided data reference for further exploring the mechanism of Zhenqi Granule and also provided potential treatment strategies for UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuxiu Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (X.Q.); (W.L.); (H.L.); (T.L.); (Y.H.)
| | - Wentao Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (X.Q.); (W.L.); (H.L.); (T.L.); (Y.H.)
| | - Haotian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (X.Q.); (W.L.); (H.L.); (T.L.); (Y.H.)
| | - Tingting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (X.Q.); (W.L.); (H.L.); (T.L.); (Y.H.)
| | - Yaxue Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (X.Q.); (W.L.); (H.L.); (T.L.); (Y.H.)
| | - Qi Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (X.Q.); (W.L.); (H.L.); (T.L.); (Y.H.)
- International Research Center for Animal Disease, Ministry of Science & Technology of China, Wuhan 430070, China
- The Cooperative Innovation Center of Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Rui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (X.Q.); (W.L.); (H.L.); (T.L.); (Y.H.)
- International Research Center for Animal Disease, Ministry of Science & Technology of China, Wuhan 430070, China
- The Cooperative Innovation Center of Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
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Zhao B, Liu K, Liu X, Li Q, Li Z, Xi J, Xie F, Li X. Plant-derived flavonoids are a potential source of drugs for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Phytother Res 2024; 38:3122-3145. [PMID: 38613172 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a dynamic pathological process that can be triggered by any chronic liver injury. If left unaddressed, it will inevitably progress to the severe outcomes of liver cirrhosis or even hepatocellular carcinoma. In the past few years, the prevalence and fatality of hepatic fibrosis have been steadily rising on a global scale. As a result of its intricate pathogenesis, the quest for pharmacological interventions targeting liver fibrosis has remained a formidable challenge. Currently, no pharmaceuticals are exhibiting substantial clinical efficacy in the management of hepatic fibrosis. Hence, it is of utmost importance to expedite the development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of this condition. Various research studies have revealed the ability of different natural flavonoid compounds to alleviate or reverse hepatic fibrosis through a range of mechanisms, which are related to the regulation of liver inflammation, oxidative stress, synthesis and secretion of fibrosis-related factors, hepatic stellate cells activation, and proliferation, and extracellular matrix synthesis and degradation by these compounds. This review summarizes the progress of research on different sources of natural flavonoids with inhibitory effects on liver fibrosis over the last decades. The anti-fibrotic effects of natural flavonoids have been increasingly studied, making them a potential source of drugs for the treatment of liver fibrosis due to their good efficacy and biosafety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bolin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Kai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiuxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhibei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jingjing Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Fan Xie
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 610032, China
| | - Xiaofang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Zhang Y, Wang T, Song Y, Chen M, Hou B, Yao B, Ma K, Song Y, Wang S, Zhang D, Liang J, Wei C. Mechanism of Bazi Bushen capsule in delaying the senescence of mesenchymal stem cells based on network pharmacology and experimental validation. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27646. [PMID: 38509951 PMCID: PMC10950659 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Ageing is becoming an increasingly serious problem; therefore, there is an urgent need to find safe and effective anti-ageing drugs. Aims To investigate the effects of Bazi Bushen capsule (BZBS) on the senescence of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and explore its mechanism of action. Methods Network pharmacology was used to predict the targets of BZBS in delaying senescence in MSCs. For in vitro studies, MSCs were treated with D-gal, BZBS, and NMN, and cell viability, cell senescence, stemness-related genes, and cell cycle were studied using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, SA-β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining, Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qPCR) and flow cytometry (FCM), respectively. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alizarin red, and oil red staining were used to determine the osteogenic and lipid differentiation abilities of MSCs. Finally, the expression of senescence-related genes and cyclin-related factors was detected by qPCR and western blotting. Results Network pharmacological analysis suggested that BZBS delayed cell senescence by interfering in the cell cycle. Our in vitro studies suggested that BZBS could significantly increase cell viability (P < 0.01), decrease the quantity of β-galactosidase+ cells (P < 0.01), downregulate p16 and p21 (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), improve adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation, and upregulate Nanog, OCT4 and SOX2 genes (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) in senescent MSCs. Moreover, BZBS significantly reduced the proportion of senescent MSCs in the G0/G1 phase (P < 0.01) and enhanced the expression of CDK4, Cyclin D1, and E2F1 (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, respectively). Upon treatment with HY-50767A, a CDK4 inhibitor, the upregulation of E2F1 was no longer observed in the BZBS group. Conclusions BZBS can protect MSCs against D-gal-induced senescence, which may be associated with cell cycle regulation via the Cyclin D1/CDK4/E2F1 signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Zhang
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050091, China
| | - Tongxing Wang
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
- High-level TCM Key Disciplines of National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine—Luobing Theory, Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
- Key Laboratory of State Administration of TCM (Cardio-Cerebral Vessel Collateral Disease), Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
| | - Yanfei Song
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
- High-level TCM Key Disciplines of National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine—Luobing Theory, Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
- Shijiazhuang Compound Traditional Chinese Medicine Technology Innovation Center, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
| | - Meng Chen
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
- High-level TCM Key Disciplines of National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine—Luobing Theory, Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
- Shijiazhuang Compound Traditional Chinese Medicine Technology Innovation Center, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
| | - Bin Hou
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
- High-level TCM Key Disciplines of National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine—Luobing Theory, Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
| | - Bing Yao
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
- High-level TCM Key Disciplines of National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine—Luobing Theory, Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
- Shijiazhuang Compound Traditional Chinese Medicine Technology Innovation Center, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
| | - Kun Ma
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
- High-level TCM Key Disciplines of National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine—Luobing Theory, Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
- Hebei Clinical Research Center of Cardiovascular Disease of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
| | - Yahui Song
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
- High-level TCM Key Disciplines of National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine—Luobing Theory, Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
| | - Siwei Wang
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050091, China
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
- High-level TCM Key Disciplines of National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine—Luobing Theory, Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050091, China
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
- High-level TCM Key Disciplines of National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine—Luobing Theory, Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
| | - Junqing Liang
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
- High-level TCM Key Disciplines of National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine—Luobing Theory, Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
| | - Cong Wei
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050091, China
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
- High-level TCM Key Disciplines of National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine—Luobing Theory, Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
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Guo J, Yang S, Zhai W, Xie Y, Shen Z, Zhang J, Jia Y. Network Pharmacology with Metabolomics Study to Reveal the Mechanisms of Bushen Huoxue Formula in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Treatment. Drug Des Devel Ther 2024; 18:493-512. [PMID: 38405577 PMCID: PMC10894601 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s451197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a pathophysiological process that leads to severe back pain or neurological deficits. The Bushen Huoxue Formula (BSHXF) is a traditional herbal remedy widely used to treat diseases related to IVDD. However, its pharmacological mechanism needs further exploration. Objective This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms through which BSHXF treats IVDD-related diseases by integrating metabolomics with network pharmacology. Methods Network pharmacology was utilized to identify potential targets of BSHXF against IVDD. Additionally, an animal model of needle puncture-induced disc degeneration was established to assess the effect of BSHXF. Mice were randomly assigned to the sham group, model group, and BSHXF group. Various techniques, including PCR, CCK-8 assay, MRI, histological examinations, and immunohistochemical analyses, were employed to evaluate degenerative and oxidative stress conditions in mouse disc tissue and cultured nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. UHPLC-HRMS/MS was used to differential distinct metabolites in the disc tissue from different groups, and MetaboAnalyst 5.0 was employed to enrich the metabolic pathways. Results Through network pharmacology, 15 core proteins were identified through protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction. Functional enrichment analysis highlighted the critical role of BSHXF in addressing IVDD by influencing the response to oxidative stress. Furthermore, experimental evidence demonstrated that BSHXF significantly improved the pathological progression of IVDD and increased oxidative stress markers SOD-1 and GPX1, both in the disc degeneration model and cultured NP cells. Metabolomics identified differential metabolites among the three groups, revealing 15 metabolic pathways between the sham and model groups, and 13 metabolic pathways enriched between the model and BSHXF groups. Conclusion This study, integrating network pharmacology and metabolomics, suggests that BSHXF can alleviate IVDD progression by modulating oxidative stress. Key metabolic pathways associated with BSHXF-mediated reduction of oxidative stress include the citrate cycle, cysteine and methionine metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and tryptophan metabolism. While this research demonstrates the therapeutic potential of BSHXF in reducing oxidative stress levels in IVDD, further research is needed to thoroughly understand its underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Guo
- Guanghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200052, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Guanghua Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai, 200052, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200052, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shengqi Yang
- Guanghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200052, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Guanghua Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai, 200052, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200052, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weifeng Zhai
- Guanghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200052, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Guanghua Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai, 200052, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200052, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai, 201318, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue Xie
- Guanghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200052, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Guanghua Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai, 200052, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200052, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhan Shen
- Guanghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200052, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Guanghua Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai, 200052, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200052, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianpo Zhang
- Guanghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200052, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Guanghua Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai, 200052, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200052, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yongwei Jia
- Guanghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200052, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Guanghua Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai, 200052, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200052, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai, 201318, People’s Republic of China
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Guo Z, Ye G, Tang C, Xiong H. Exploring effect of herbal monomers in treating gouty arthritis based on nuclear factor-kappa B signaling: A review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37089. [PMID: 38306549 PMCID: PMC10843426 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Gouty arthritis (GA) is an inflammatory disease caused by disorders of the purine metabolism. Although increasing number of drugs have been used to treat GA with the deepening of relevant research, GA still cannot be cured by simple drug therapy. The nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway plays a key role in the pathogenesis of GA. A considerable number of Chinese herbal medicines have emerged as new drugs for the treatment of GA. This article collected relevant research on traditional Chinese medicine monomers in the treatment of GA using NF-κB, GA, etc. as keywords; and conducted a systematic search of relevant published articles using the PubMed database. In this study, we analyzed the therapeutic effects of traditional Chinese medicine monomers on GA in the existing literature through in vivo and in vitro experiments using animal and cell models. Based on this review, we believe that traditional Chinese medicine monomers that can treat GA through the NF-κB signaling pathway are potential new drug development targets. This study provides research ideas for the development and application of new drugs for GA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanghao Guo
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guisheng Ye
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chengjian Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui Xiong
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
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Li Q, Huang D, Liao W, Su X, Li J, Zhang J, Fang M, Liu Y. Tanshinone IIA regulates CCl 4 induced liver fibrosis in C57BL/6J mice via the PI3K/Akt and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2024; 38:e23648. [PMID: 38348705 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases caused by various factors may develop into liver fibrosis (LF). Early stage of LF could be reversible. Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA), an extract from Salvia miltiorrhiza, has been reported to be hepatoprotective. However, the potential targets and mechanism of Tan IIA in the treatment of LF are still unclear. Our study aims at the anti-LF mechanism of Tan IIA through network pharmacological analysis combined with LF-related experiments. Serum biochemical indicators and histopathological examination showed that Tan IIA could ameliorate the process of LF in the CCl4 -induced mouse model. Western blot and immunohistochemical assays showed that Tan IIA decreased the expression of Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS), phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor/heme oxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1). Compared with the model group, the Tan IIA groups increased the decreased superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione content, while decreasing the increased malondialdehyde content. These results indicate that Tan IIA may play an antioxidant role by inhibiting the expression of KRAS, PI3K/Akt, and Nrf2/HO-1 to ameliorate the progression of LF, which to some extent explains the pharmacological mechanism of Tan IIA in LF. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that Tan IIA could regulate LF via PI3K/Akt and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways. It may be an effective therapeutic compound for the treatment of LF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Li
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Dongrui Huang
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenjing Liao
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinyue Su
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jin Li
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinwei Zhang
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Meng Fang
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuwei Liu
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
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Zuhri UM, Yuliana ND, Fadilah F, Erlina L, Purwaningsih EH, Khatib A. Exploration of the main active metabolites from Tinospora crispa (L.) Hook. f. & Thomson stem as insulin sensitizer in L6.C11 skeletal muscle cell by integrating in vitro, metabolomics, and molecular docking. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117296. [PMID: 37820996 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Tinospora crispa (L.) Hook. f. & Thomson stem (TCS) has long been used as folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Previous study revealed that TCS possesses multi-ingredients and multi-targets characteristic potential as insulin sensitizer activity. However, its mechanisms of action and molecular targets are still obscure. AIM OF THE STUDY In the present study, we investigated the effects of TCS against insulin resistance in muscle cells through integrating in vitro experiment and identifying its active biomarker using metabolomics and in molecular docking validation. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) to isolate 33 fractions from methanolic extract of TCS, and then used UHPLC-Orbitrap-HRMS to identify the detectable metabolites in each fraction. We assessed the insulin sensitization activity of each fraction using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and then used confocal immunocytochemistry microscopy to measure the translocation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) to the cell membrane. The identified active metabolites were further simulated for its molecular docking interaction using Autodock Tools. RESULTS The polar fractions of TCS significantly increased insulin sensitivity, as measured by the inhibition of phosphorylated insulin receptor substrate-1 (pIRS1) at serine-312 residue (ser312) also the increasing number of translocated GLUT4 and glycogen content. We identified 58 metabolites of TCS, including glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, coumarins, and nucleotides groups. The metabolomics and molecular docking simulations showed the presence of minor metabolites consisting of tinoscorside D, higenamine, and tinoscorside A as the active compounds. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that TCS is a promising new treatment for insulin resistance and the identification of the active metabolites in TCS could lead to the development of new drugs therapies for diabetes that target these pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ummu Mastna Zuhri
- Doctoral Program in Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Nancy Dewi Yuliana
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Fadilah Fadilah
- Doctoral Program in Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia; Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.
| | - Linda Erlina
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Erni Hernawati Purwaningsih
- Doctoral Program in Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia; Department of Medical Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Alfi Khatib
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
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Wei L, Li X, Yao Y, Wang S, Ai X, Liu S. Study on the molecular mechanism of dihydromyricetin in alleviating liver cirrhosis based on network pharmacology. Chem Biol Drug Des 2024; 103:e14421. [PMID: 38230771 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is a bioactive flavonoid extracted from Hovenia dulcis, which has various activities. In the present study, the molecular mechanism of dihydromyricetin (DHM) in relieving liver cirrhosis was investigated through network pharmacology and experimental verification. The cell model was induced by TGF-β1 activating the human hepatic stellate cell line (HSC; LX-2). The protein levels of α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III and pathway-related proteins within LX-2 cells were detected using Western blot. EdU staining was conducted to detect cell proliferation. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the expression levels of α-SMA and collagen I. Next, the drug targets of DHM were screened from the PubChem database. The differentially expressed genes in the liver cirrhosis dataset GSE14323 were identified. The expression of the identified drug targets in LX-2 cells was verified using qRT-PCR. The results showed that TGF-β1 treatment notably increased LX-2 cell viability, promoted cell proliferation, and elevated α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III protein contents. DHM treatment could partially eliminate TGF-β1 effects, as evidenced by the inhibited cell viability and proliferation and reduced α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III contents. After network pharmacology analysis, nine differentially expressed target genes (MMP2, PDGFRB, PARP1, BCL2L2, ABCB1, TYR, CYP2E1, SQSTM1, and IL6) in liver cirrhosis were identified. According to qRT-PCR verification, DHM could inhibit the expression of MMP2, PDGFRB, PARP1, CYP2E1, SQSTM1, and IL6, and enhance ABCB1 expression levels within LX-2 cells. Moreover, DHM inhibited mTOR and MAPK signaling pathways in TGF-β1-induced HSCs. In conclusion, DHM could inhibit HSC activation, which may be achieved via acting on MMP2, PDGFRB, PARP1, CYP2E1, SQSTM1, IL6, and ABCB1 genes and their downstream signaling pathways, including mTOR and MAPK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wei
- College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoying Li
- Key Laboratory of Research and Utilization of Ethnomedicinal Plant Resources of Hunan Province, College of biology and food engineering, Huaihua University, Huaihua, Hunan, China
| | - Yuanzhi Yao
- Key Laboratory of Research and Utilization of Ethnomedicinal Plant Resources of Hunan Province, College of biology and food engineering, Huaihua University, Huaihua, Hunan, China
| | - Siqi Wang
- College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Hunan, China
| | - Xinghui Ai
- College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Hunan, China
| | - Shenggui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Research and Utilization of Ethnomedicinal Plant Resources of Hunan Province, College of biology and food engineering, Huaihua University, Huaihua, Hunan, China
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10
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Ouyang JY, Lin WJ, Dong JM, Yang Y, Yang HK, Zhou ZL, Wang RQ. Exploring the pharmacological mechanism of Wuzhuyu decoction on hepatocellular carcinoma using network pharmacology. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:6327-6343. [PMID: 37900230 PMCID: PMC10601014 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i27.6327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wuzhuyu decoction, a traditional Chinese medicinal formula, is effective in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). AIM To explore the potential mechanism of action of Wuzhuyu decoction against HCC. METHODS The active components of each Chinese herbal medicinal ingredient in Wuzhuyu decoction and their targets were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Database and Analysis Platform. HCC was used as a search query in GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, Malacards, DisGeNET, Therapeutic Target Database, and Comparative Toxicogenomics Database. The overlapping targets of the Wuzhuyu decoction and HCC were defined, and then protein-protein interaction, Gene Ontology, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed. CytoHubba was used to select hub genes, and their binding activities and key active components were verified using molecular docking. RESULTS A total of 764 compounds, 77 active compounds, and 204 potential target genes were identified in Wuzhuyu decoction. For HCC, 9468 potential therapeutic target genes were identified by combining the results from the six databases and removing duplicates. A total of 179 overlapping targets of Wuzhuyu decoction and HCC were defined, including 10 hub genes (tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-6, AKT1, TP53, caspase-3, mitogen-activated protein kinase 1, epidermal growth factor receptor, MYC, mitogen-activated protein kinase 8, and JUN). There were six main active components (quercetin, kaempferol, ginsenoside Rh2, rutaecarpine, β-carotene, and β-sitosterol) that may act on hub genes to treat HCC in Wuzhuyu decoction. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis mainly involved the mitogen-activated protein kinase, p53, phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase-Akt, Janus kinase-signal transducer of activators of transcription, and Hippo signaling pathways. Further verification based on molecular docking results showed that the small molecule compounds (quercetin, kaempferol, ginsenoside Rh2, rutaecarpine, β-carotene, and β-sitosterol) contained in Wuzhuyu decoction generally have excellent binding affinity to the macromolecular target proteins encoded by the top 10 genes. CONCLUSION This study revealed that Wuzhuyu decoction may be a latent multicomponent, multitarget, and multipathway treatment for HCC. It provided novel insights for verifying the mechanism of Wuzhuyu decoction in the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Ying Ouyang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wei-Jie Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jia-Mei Dong
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hai-Kui Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhi-Ling Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Rui-Qi Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong Province, China
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11
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Ren J, Ding Y, Li S, Lei M. Predicting the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Radix Astragali using network pharmacology and molecular docking. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e34945. [PMID: 37657026 PMCID: PMC10476849 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000034945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
According to current research, the primary active ingredients of Radix Astragali (RA), such as saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, play an important role in anti-inflammatory effects. However, the exact molecular mechanism underlying the action was not elucidated to date. Our research attempted to determine the active components in RA and to investigate the interaction between the active components and targets involved in the anti-inflammation activity by network pharmacology and molecular docking. The active components and targets of RA were screened out by TCMSP. Thereafter, through the "anti-inflammation effect" and "inflammation" as the keywords, disease targets were obtained from the GeneCards database. The PPI network was constructed with Cytoscape 3.8.0 software to screen core targets. The GO function and KEGG analysis were enriched and analyzed through the Metascape platform, obtaining the 3-dimensional view of the core targets from the PDB database, and then, performing molecular docking in AutoDock Vina, a heatmap was constructed using the binding free energies in GraphPad Prism 8. The Discovery Studio software was used for docking analysis, and eventually, the docking results were visualized. We also explored the targets and signaling pathways of Astragaloside IV acting on anti-inflammatory effects via constructing compound-disease-target-pathway network. 18 active components and 45 targets of RA were screened out. The main anti-inflammatory active components of RA were quercetin, Astragaloside IV, kaempferol, 7-O-methylisomucronulatol, and formononetin, and the strongly interacting core proteins were TNF, IL6, IL1B, TLR4, CXCL8, CCL2, IL10, VEGFA, and MMP9. The signal pathways mainly involved include Lipid and atherosclerosis, IL-17 signaling pathway, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and TNF signaling pathway. Moreover, molecular docking showed that the 2 most active compounds, Astragaloside IV and kaempferol, could efficiently bind with the targets TNF, TLR4, and IL10. Astragaloside IV may play a part in anti-inflammatory effects through pathways such as HIF-1 signaling pathway, Inflammatory bowel disease and Hepatitis B ect. RA exhibits the characteristic of multicomponent and multitarget synergistic effects in exerting anti-inflammatory effects and the effective component of RA is Astragaloside IV, targeting TNF, TLR4, and IL10.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianwei Ren
- College of Medicine, Tibet University, Lhasa, China
| | - Yuetian Ding
- College of Medicine, Tibet University, Lhasa, China
| | - Shangze Li
- College of Medicine, Tibet University, Lhasa, China
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ming Lei
- Department of Science and Technology of Tibet Autonomous Region, Lhasa, China
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12
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Li Y, Lu Y, Nian M, Sheng Q, Zhang C, Han C, Dou X, Ding Y. Therapeutic potential and mechanism of Chinese herbal medicines in treating fibrotic liver disease. Chin J Nat Med 2023; 21:643-657. [PMID: 37777315 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(23)60443-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a pathological condition characterized by replacement of normal liver tissue with scar tissue, and also the leading cause of liver-related death worldwide. During the treatment of liver fibrosis, in addition to antiviral therapy or removal of inducers, there remains a lack of specific and effective treatment strategies. For thousands of years, Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) have been widely used to treat liver fibrosis in clinical setting. CHMs are effective for liver fibrosis, though its mechanisms of action are unclear. In recent years, many studies have attempted to determine the possible mechanisms of action of CHMs in treating liver fibrosis. There have been substantial improvements in the experimental investigation of CHMs which have greatly promoted the understanding of anti-liver fibrosis mechanisms. In this review, the role of CHMs in the treatment of liver fibrosis is described, based on studies over the past decade, which has addressed the various mechanisms and signaling pathways that mediate therapeutic efficacy. Among them, inhibition of stellate cell activation is identified as the most common mechanism. This article provides insights into the research direction of CHMs, in order to expand its clinical application range and improve its effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwei Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Yunrui Lu
- Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Mozuo Nian
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Qiuju Sheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Chong Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Chao Han
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Xiaoguang Dou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Yang Ding
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China.
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13
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Zhi G, Shao B, Zheng T, Mu J, Li J, Feng Y, Zhu S, Dang Y, Liu F, Wang D. Exploring the molecular mechanism of Gan Shuang granules for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental verification. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1082451. [PMID: 36762105 PMCID: PMC9902723 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1082451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: With the gradual increase in prevalence in recent years, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has become one of the significant health problems that urgently needs to be addressed worldwide. GanShuang Granules (GSG) is derived from the classical Chinese formula Xiaoyao San and mainly used in the clinical treatment of chronic liver diseases. Objective: In this study, we aim to gain a deeper insight into the inhibiting effects of GSG on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) rats and preliminarily elucidate the underlying intervention mechanisms. Methods: First, High performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC-Q/Orbitrap-MS/MS) was used for the active compounds prediction in GSG. Then the data was mapped to mzCloud database. The targets corresponding to GSG compounds were collected from public databases, along with disease genes for NAFLD. The core targets and molecular mechanisms of GSG for NAFLD treatment were predicted by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment analyses. Molecular docking of the core target-component interactions was simulated using AutoDock Vina software. The effect of GSG on NASH rats was evaluated by pathological staining and analysis of various index results. Finally, the candidate targets were further validated by ELISA and western blot (WB) analyses. Results: Combining UHPLC-Q/Orbitrap-MS/MS data analysis and public database data, a total of 346 cross-targets were obtained, corresponding to 81 compounds. The subnetwork with an MCODE score of 53.623 is a potential core target group for this study. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses showed that the targets of GSG in NAFLD were mostly related to oxidative stress, the NF-κB signaling pathway, and the apoptosis signaling pathway. By integrating the results of network pharmacology analysis, the core objectives of this study mainly include AKT1, CASP9, TNF, and CASP8. The core ingredients are related to resveratrol and fisetin. The molecular docking results indicated key binding activity between AKT1-fisetin, AKT1-Resveratrol, and CASP8-fisetin. Moreover, GSG could improve the inflammatory status and restore the abnormal lipid accumulation of NAFLD/NASH liver, and these levels are further verified by pathological staining and detection of related indicators. Mechanistically, GSG could regulate protein expression levels in the liver for P65, p-P65, IKB, p-IKB, IKK, caspase-3, -8, -9, and cytochrome C, etc. It reflects the inhibitory effect of GSG on the NF-κB/IκB signaling pathway. Conclusion: Our results suggested that GSG demonstrated therapeutic effects on NAFLD/NASH rats, and these may be mainly reflected in the inhibitory effects on the NF-κB/IκB signaling pathway and its downstream inflammation and apoptosis signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoguo Zhi
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Bingjie Shao
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Tianyan Zheng
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jie Mu
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jingwei Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yiyuan Feng
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Sha Zhu
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanni Dang
- Shanxi Buchang Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Xi’an, Shanxi, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Shanxi Buchang Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Xi’an, Shanxi, China,*Correspondence: Feng Liu, ; Dong Wang,
| | - Dong Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China,*Correspondence: Feng Liu, ; Dong Wang,
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14
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Hu Y, Zhai W, Tan D, Chen H, Zhang G, Tan X, Zheng Y, Gao W, Wei Y, Wu J, Yang X. Uncovering the effects and molecular mechanism of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge and its bioactive ingredients formononetin and calycosin against colon cancer: An integrated approach based on network pharmacology analysis coupled with experimental validation and molecular docking. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1111912. [PMID: 36755950 PMCID: PMC9899812 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1111912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Colon cancer is a highly malignant cancer with poor prognosis. Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge (Huang Qi in Chinese, HQ), a well-known Chinese herbal medicine and a popular food additive, possesses various biological functions and has been frequently used for clinical treatment of colon cancer. However, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. Isoflavonoids, including formononetin (FMNT) and calycosin (CS), are the main bioactive ingredients isolated from HQ. Thus, this study aimed to explore the inhibitory effects and mechanism of HQ, FMNT and CS against colon cancer by using network pharmacology coupled with experimental validation and molecular docking. The network pharmacology analysis revealed that FMNT and CS exerted their anticarcinogenic actions against colon cancer by regulating multiple signaling molecules and pathways, including MAPK and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. The experimental validation data showed that HQ, FMNT and CS significantly suppressed the viability and proliferation, and promoted the apoptosis in colon cancer Caco2 and HT-29 cells. HQ, FMNT and CS also markedly inhibited the migration of Caco2 and HT-29 cells, accompanied by a marked increase in E-cadherin expression, and a notable decrease in N-cadherin and Vimentin expression. In addition, HQ, FMNT and CS strikingly decreased the expression of ERK1/2 phosphorylation (p-ERK1/2) without marked change in total ERK1/2 expression. They also slightly downregulated the p-Akt expression without significant alteration in total Akt expression. Pearson correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between the inactivation of ERK1/2 signaling pathway and the HQ, FMNT and CS-induced suppression of colon cancer. The molecular docking results indicated that FMNT and CS had a strong binding affinity for the key molecules of ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Conclusively, HQ, FMNT and CS exerted good therapeutic effects against colon cancer by mainly inhibiting the ERK1/2 signaling pathway, suggesting that HQ, FMNT and CS could be useful supplements that may enhance chemotherapeutic outcomes and benefit colon cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenjuan Zhai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Duanling Tan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology and the State, NMPA Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haipeng Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guiyu Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuanjing Tan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuting Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenhui Gao
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yijie Wei
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinjun Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China,*Correspondence: Jinjun Wu, ; Xin Yang,
| | - Xin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology and the State, NMPA Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Jinjun Wu, ; Xin Yang,
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15
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Zhang L, Hu Y, Qi S, Zhang C, Zhou Q, Zhang D, Mu Y, Zhang H, Chen G, Liu P, Chen J, Liu W. Astragalus saponins and its main constituents ameliorate ductular reaction and liver fibrosis in a mouse model of DDC-induced cholestatic liver disease. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:965914. [PMID: 36339578 PMCID: PMC9632275 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.965914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholestatic liver disease (CLD) is a chronic liver disease characterized by ductular reaction, inflammation and fibrosis. As there are no effective chemical or biological drugs now, majority of CLD patients eventually require liver transplantation. Astragali radix (AR) is commonly used in the clinical treatment of cholestatic liver disease and its related liver fibrosis in traditional Chinese medicine, however its specific active constituents are not clear. Total astragalus saponins (ASTs) were considered to be the main active components of AR. The aim of this study is to investigate the improvement effects of the total astragalus saponins (ASTs) and its main constituents in cholestatic liver disease. The ASTs from AR was prepared by macroporous resin, the content of saponins was measured at 60.19 ± 1.68%. The ameliorative effects of ASTs (14, 28, 56 mg/kg) were evaluated by 3, 5-Diethoxycarbonyl-1, 4-dihydrocollidine (DDC)-induced CLD mouse model. The contents of hydroxyproline (Hyp), the mRNA and protein expression of cytokeratin 19 (CK19) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in liver tissue were dose-dependently improved after treatment for ASTs. 45 astragalus saponins were identified in ASTs by UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap HRMS, including astragaloside I, astragaloside II, astragaloside III, astragaloside IV, isoastragaloside I, isoastragaloside II, cycloastragenol, etc. And, it was found that ductular reaction in sodium butyrate-induced WB-F344 cell model were obviously inhibited by these main constituents. Finally, the improvement effects of astragaloside I, astragaloside II, astragaloside IV and cycloastragenol (50 mg/kg) were evaluated in DDC-induced CLD mice model. The results showed that astragaloside I and cycloastragenol significantly improved mRNA and protein expression of CK19 and α-SMA in liver tissue. It suggested that astragaloside I and cycloastragenol could alleviate ductular reaction and liver fibrosis. In summary, this study revealed that ASTs could significantly inhibit ductular reaction and liver fibrosis, and astragaloside I and cycloastragenol were the key substances of ASTs for treating cholestatic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linzhang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yonghong Hu
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shenglan Qi
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Congcong Zhang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qun Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dingqi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongping Mu
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Gaofeng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Ping Liu, ; Jiamei Chen, ; Wei Liu,
| | - Jiamei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Ping Liu, ; Jiamei Chen, ; Wei Liu,
| | - Wei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Ping Liu, ; Jiamei Chen, ; Wei Liu,
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Gong F, Qu R, Li Y, Lv Y, Dai J. Astragalus Mongholicus: A review of its anti-fibrosis properties. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:976561. [PMID: 36160396 PMCID: PMC9490009 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.976561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Fibrosis-related diseases (FRD) include cerebral fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, liver fibrosis, renal fibrosis, peritoneal fibrosis, etc. The effects of fibrosis can be severe, resulting in organ dysfunction, functional decline, and even organ failure, which can cause serious health problems.Aim: Currently, there is no effective modern medicine for anti-fibrosis in the clinics; however, Chinese medicine has a certain beneficial effect on treating such diseases. Astragalus Mongholicus (AM) has rich medicinal value, and its anti-fibrosis effect has been recently investigated. In recent years, more and more experimental studies have been conducted on the intervention of astragaloside IV (AS-IV), astragalus polysaccharide (APS), astragalus flavone, cycloastragalus alcohol, astragalus water extract and other pharmacological components in fibrosis-related diseases, attracting the interest of researchers. We aim to provide ideas for future research by summarizing recent research advances of AM in treating fibrosis-related diseases.Methods: A literature search was conducted from the core collections of electronic databases such as Baidu Literature, Sciencen.com, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct using the above keywords and the pharmacological and phytochemical details of the plant.Results: AM can be used to intervene in fibrosis-disease progression by regulating inflammation, oxidative stress, the immune system, and metabolism.Conclusion: AS-IV, APS, and astragalus flavone were studied and discussed in detail. These components have high potential anti-fibrosis activity. Overall, this review aims to gain insight into the AM’s role in treating fibro-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengying Gong
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongmei Qu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics and Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application and National Key Discipline of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongchun Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Lv
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Ying Lv, ; Jingxing Dai,
| | - Jingxing Dai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics and Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application and National Key Discipline of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Ying Lv, ; Jingxing Dai,
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17
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Xie Y, Yan F, Wang X, Yu L, Yan H, Pu Q, Li W, Yang Z. Mechanisms and network pharmacological analysis of Yangyin Fuzheng Jiedu prescription in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Med 2022; 12:3237-3259. [PMID: 36043445 PMCID: PMC9939140 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the key drugs of Yangyin Fuzheng Jiedu prescription (YFJP) and investigate their therapeutic effects against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the potential mechanism using network pharmacology. METHODS The H22 tumor-bearing mouse model was established. Thirty male BALB/c mice were divided randomly into five groups. The mice were orally treated with either disassembled prescriptions of YFJP or saline solution continuously for 14 days. The mice were weighed every 2 days during treatment and the appearance of tumors was observed by photographing. The tumor inhibition rate and the spleen and thymus indexes were calculated. Hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemical staining were performed to observe the histological changes and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Cell apoptosis was determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling staining. The proportion of CD8+ T cells and the expression of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), T cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain-3 (Tim-3), and T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT) were analyzed using flow cytometry. The production of serum cytokines was detected using the Milliplex® MAP mouse high sensitivity T cell panel kit. The active components of the key drugs and HCC-related target proteins were obtained from the corresponding databases. The putative targets for HCC treatment were screened by target mapping, and potential active components were screened by constructing a component-target network. The interactive targets of putative targets were obtained from the STRING database to construct the protein-protein interaction network. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed based on potential targets. The gene-gene inner and component-target-pathway networks were constructed and analyzed to screen the key targets. Western blotting was used to evaluate the protein expression of the key targets in the tumor-bearing mouse model. The binding activity of the key targets and compounds was verified by molecular docking. RESULTS Among the three disassembled prescriptions of YFJP, the Fuzheng prescription (FZP) showed significant antitumor effects and inhibited weight loss during the treatment of H22 tumor-bearing mice. FZP increased the immune organ index and the levels of CD8+ and CD3+ T cells in the spleen and peripheral blood of H22 tumor-bearing mice. FZP also reduced the expression of PD-1, TIGIT, and TIM3 in CD8+ T cells and the production of IL-10, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-1β. Network pharmacology and experimental validation showed that the key targets of FZP in the treatment of HCC were PIK3CA, TP53, MAPK1, MAPK3, and EGFR. The therapeutic effect on HCC was evaluated based on HCC-related signaling pathways, including the PIK3-Akt signaling pathway, PD-L1 expression, and PD-1 checkpoint pathway in cancer. GO enrichment analysis indicated that FZP positively regulated the molecular functions of transferases and kinases on the cell surface through membrane raft, membrane microarea, and other cell components to inhibit cell death and programmed cell death. CONCLUSION FZP was found to be the key disassembled prescription of YFJP that exerted antitumor and immunoregulatory effects against HCC. FZP alleviated T cell exhaustion and improved the immunosuppressive microenvironment via HCC-related targets, pathways, and biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Xie
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingP.R. China
| | - Fengna Yan
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingP.R. China
| | - Xinhui Wang
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingP.R. China
| | - Lihua Yu
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingP.R. China
| | - Huiwen Yan
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingP.R. China
| | - Qing Pu
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingP.R. China
| | - Weihong Li
- School of Traditional Chinese MedicineBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingP.R. China
| | - Zhiyun Yang
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingP.R. China
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18
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Yi X, Wang F, Feng Y, Zhu J, Wu Y. Danhong injection attenuates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats via suppression of apoptosis: network pharmacology analysis and experimental validation. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:929302. [PMID: 36071840 PMCID: PMC9441549 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.929302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potent chemotherapeutic agent that is used against various types of human malignancies. However, the associated risk of cardiotoxicity has limited its clinical application. Danhong injection (DHI) is a Chinese medicine with multiple pharmacological activities and is widely used for treating cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential protective effect of DHI on DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in vivo and to investigate the possible underlying mechanisms. First, a sensitive and reliable HPLC−ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS method was developed to comprehensively analyze the chemical compositions of DHI. A total of 56 compounds were identified, including phenolic acids, tanshinones, and flavonoids. Then, a DOX-induced chronic cardiotoxicity rat model was established to assess the therapeutic effect of DHI. As a result, DHI administration prevented the reduction in body weight and heart weight, and improved electrocardiogram performance. Additionally, the elevated levels of serum biochemical indicators were reduced, and the activities of oxidative enzymes were restored in the DOX-DHI group. Network pharmacology analysis further revealed that these effects might be attributed to 14 active compounds (e.g., danshensu, salvianolic acid A, salvianolic acid B, rosmarinic acid, and tanshinone IIA) and 15 potential targets (e.g., CASP3, SOD1, NOS3, TNF, and TOP2A). The apoptosis pathway was highly enriched according to the KEGG analysis. Molecular docking verified the good binding affinities between the active compounds and the corresponding apoptosis targets. Finally, experimental validation demonstrated that DHI treatment significantly increased the Bcl-2 level and suppressed DOX-induced Bax and caspase-3 expression in rat heart tissue. Furthermore, DHI treatment obviously decreased the apoptosis rate of DOX-treated H9c2 cells. These results indicate that DHI attenuated DOX-induced cardiotoxicity via regulating the apoptosis pathway. The present study suggested that DHI is a promising agent for the prevention of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojiao Yi
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fugen Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Feng
- Department of Pharmacy, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junfeng Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Junfeng Zhu, ; Yongjiang Wu,
| | - Yongjiang Wu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Junfeng Zhu, ; Yongjiang Wu,
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19
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Network pharmacology-based study on apigenin present in the methanolic fraction of leaves extract of Cestrum nocturnum L. to uncover mechanism of action on hepatocellular carcinoma. MEDICAL ONCOLOGY (NORTHWOOD, LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 39:155. [PMID: 35852639 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01759-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common type of cancer in the world. It is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality. In more than 80% of people liver cancer-related death is due to its poor prognosis. The flavonoids obtained from natural sources have potent therapeutic effects on HCC. The flavonoid rich methanolic fraction obtained from ethyl acetate extract of leaf of Cestrum nocturnum (MFLCN) was analyzed by UPLC-QTOFMS/MS for the presence of different flavonoids. The physiochemical and pharmacokinetics properties of the identified flavonoids were performed by absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET). It was selected on the basis of Lipinski rule and hepatotoxicity evaluations. The potential gene dataset of HCC were taken from gene card database and targets compounds were selected from target net prediction. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analysis of HCC was performed via enricher and David web tools. Cytoscape was used to visualize targets and network pathways. MFLCN contains 33 flavonoids. Among these flavonoids, apigenin was selected as principal active compound on the basis of their pharmacokinetic and ADMET properties. Apigenin has 92 targets out of 627 total targets related to HCC, while there was13 pathways in the target-pathway network. Results revealed that apigenin regulates cell proliferation and survival, primarily through different signaling pathways like estrogen, VEGF, PI3K/AKT1, TNF, FoXO, and Ras signaling pathways. Thus, integrating network pharmacology prediction with m-RNA and human protein atlas validation could be an effective method for understanding the molecular mechanism of apigenin on HCC.
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20
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Hameed S, Ur Rehman A, Massey S, Syed NIH, Anwar F, Ahmed D, Ahmad S. Grevillea robusta Delayed the Progression of Experimentally Induced Hepatic Fibrosis and Cirrhosis in Wistar Rats by Attenuating the Expression of Smooth Muscle Actin, Collagen, and TGF-β. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:904584. [PMID: 35784733 PMCID: PMC9240227 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.904584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The chronic damage to the liver causes fibrosis, especially when different proteins are accumulated in the liver, which is the basic characteristic of chronic liver damage. The excessive accumulation of the matrix protein such as collagen causes liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis leads to cirrhosis, liver failure, and portal vein hypertension. Plants having antioxidants, free radical scavenging activities, and anti-inflammatory constituents are believed to be hepatoprotective in nature. Grevillea robusta (GR) is native to the subtropical environment. Its in vitro antioxidant, cytotoxic, and free radical scavenging activities are known, while the effect on liver fibrosis and cirrhosis remains elusive. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective and antifibrotic effects of Grevillea robusta plant. GR leaf extract (GREE) was prepared from the hydroethanolic extract (70%). Polyphenol and flavonoid contents and the in vitro antioxidant activity of the extract were determined. In vivo hepatitis was induced in Wistar rats by continual IP injections of CCl4. GREE was administered by oral gavage at a dose of 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg of body weight once daily for 4 weeks. Variations in rat’s body weight, liver-to-body weight ratio, serum alanine aminotransferases, gamma-glutamyltransferase, liver histology, and cellular markers of liver fibrosis were evaluated. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p < 0.05) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT) (p < 0.001) were decreased in the treatment group compared with the disease control group. RBC count was increased (p < 0.001) in the treatment group compared with the disease control group. The expression of alpha-SMA was downregulated to 40% (p < 0.05) and that of collagen was decreased by 9% (p < 0.05) compared with the disease control group. Extracellular matrix deposition and necrotic areas were also decreased as compared to the disease control group. It can be concluded that GR possesses hepatoprotective action by virtue of antioxidant constituents and delays the progression of liver cirrhosis by suppressing the activation of extracellular matrix–producing cells in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saaid Hameed
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Atta Ur Rehman
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Forman Christian College, Lahore, Pakistan
- *Correspondence: Atta Ur Rehman, ; Fareeha Anwar,
| | - Shazma Massey
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Forman Christian College, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Fareeha Anwar
- Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore Campus, Lahore, Pakistan
- *Correspondence: Atta Ur Rehman, ; Fareeha Anwar,
| | - Dildar Ahmed
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Forman Christian College, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sarfraz Ahmad
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
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21
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Cao M, Fan J, Yang X, Shi M, Lin S, Chi X. Exploration on Molecular Mechanism of Reversal Effect of Compound Danshen Tablets on Hepatic Fibrosis Based on Network Pharmacology. Appl Bionics Biomech 2022; 2022:7241719. [PMID: 35592869 PMCID: PMC9113907 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7241719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To research the molecular mechanism of compound Danshen tablets in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis through network pharmacology. Methods Traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology (TCMSP) and online Mendelian inheritance in man (OMIM) databases were searched for compound Danshen tablets' active ingredients o and hepatic fibrosis-related genes. The network enrichment of the targets of "herb-compound-target" was visualized and analyzed using Cytoscape software. Then, the screened target genes were used to construct a protein-protein interaction network. The DAVID enrichment database (the database for annotation, visualization, and integrated discovery) was adopted for GO (Gene Ontology) enrichment and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway enrichment of vital nodes. Results The results yielded 234 targets of compound Danshen tablets; ten important targets (TNF, IL-10, TGF-β1, EGF, CXCL16, CCL21, SERPINB5, SERPINA1, SOD2, and PPIG) for reversing hepatic fibrosis; and four core targets (TNF, IL-10, TGF-1, and EGF). In addition, KEGG enrichment analysis showed that compound Danshen tablets mainly involved FoxO and MAPK signaling pathways, as the key signaling pathways in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. Conclusion TNF, IL-10, TGF-1, and EGF and FOXO and MAPK signaling pathways play a key role in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. Based on the results of this study, the mechanism of action of compound Danshen tablets in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis may be associated with the regulation of FoxO and MAPK signaling pathways and inhibition of TNF, IL-10, TGF-1, and EGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minling Cao
- Department of Hepatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong, Guangzhou 510007, China
| | - Jingyue Fan
- Department of Hepatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong, Guangzhou 510007, China
| | - Xiaoli Yang
- Department of Hepatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong, Guangzhou 510007, China
| | - Meifeng Shi
- Department of Hepatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong, Guangzhou 510007, China
| | - Shanshan Lin
- Department of Hepatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong, Guangzhou 510007, China
| | - Xiaoling Chi
- Department of Hepatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong, Guangzhou 510007, China
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22
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Hu Q, Liao W, Zhang Z, Shi S, Hou S, Ji N, Zhang X, Zhang Q, Liao Y, Li L, Zhu Z, Chen Y, Chen J, Yu F, Yang Q, Xiao H, Fu C, Du H, Wang Q, Cao H, Xiao H, Li R. The hepatoprotective effects of plant-based foods based on the "gut-liver axis": a prospective review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 63:9136-9162. [PMID: 35466839 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2064423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The importance of the "gut-liver axis" in the pathogenesis of liver diseases has been revealed recently; which promotes the process of developing preventive and therapeutic strategies. However, considering that there are still many challenges in the medical treatment of liver diseases, potential preventive dietary intervention may be a good alternative choice. Plant-based foods have received much attention due to their reported health-promoting effects in targeting multiple pathways involved in the pathogenesis of liver diseases as well as the relative safety for general use. Based on the PubMed and Web of Science databases, this review emphatically summarizes the plant-based foods and their chemical constituents with reported effects to impact the LPS/TLR4 signaling pathway of gut-liver axis of various liver diseases, reflecting their health benefits in preventing/alleviating liver diseases. Moreover, some plant-based foods with potential gut-liver effects are specifically analyzed from the reported studies and conclusions. This review intends to provide readers an overview of the current progress in the field of this research topic. We expect to see more hepatoprotective measures for alleviating the current prevalence of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiongdan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Wan Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Sanjun Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Shuguang Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Ningping Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Xinjie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Qian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Yangyang Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Linghui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Zongping Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Yi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Jiao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Fangkun Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Qingsong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Hongtao Xiao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
| | - Chaomei Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Hengjun Du
- Department of Food Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Food Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Heping Cao
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Hang Xiao
- Department of Food Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Rui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, PR China
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23
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Role of NOD-Like Receptors in a Miniature Pig Model of Diabetic Renal Injuries. Mediators Inflamm 2022; 2022:5515305. [PMID: 35399795 PMCID: PMC8986423 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5515305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of NOD-like receptor (NLR) signaling pathway can promote downstream cytokine and proinflammatory cytokines release, and inflammation induced by excess nutrients leads to renal metabolic injury. How the NLRs influence metabolic progress and then lead to the renal injury remains poorly investigated. Compared with rodents, minipigs are more similar to humans and are more ideal animal models for human disease research. In this study, we established a diabetic minipig model through a high-sugar and high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin (STZ) injection. Blood biological markers and renal pathological markers, expression of NLRP subfamily members (NLRP1 and NLRP3) and their downstream cytokines (precursors of IL-1β and IL-18 and mature forms of IL-1β and IL-18), expression of NLRC subfamily members (NLRC1, NLRC2, and NLRC5) and their downstream nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway molecules (IKKβ, IκBα, and NF-κB p65), and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and interleukin-6 (IL-6)) were systematically evaluated. The expression of NLRP3 and its downstream cytokine signaling molecules, the precursors of IL-1β and IL-18, and the mature forms of IL-1β and IL-18 was significantly upregulated. The expression levels of NLRC1, NLRC2, and NLRC5 and activation of the downstream NF-κB pathway molecules phospho-IKKβ, phospho-IκBα, NF-κB p65, and phospho-NF-κB p65 were significantly increased. The TNF-α and IL-6 levels were significantly increased in diabetic pig kidneys. The TGF-β/Smad signaling molecules, TGF-β and P-SMAD2/3, were also increased. These results suggested that the metabolic inflammation activated by NLRs might play an important role in diabetic renal injuries.
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24
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Chang Z, Zhang J, Lei M, Jiang Z, Wu X, Huang Y, He Z, Zhang Y, Li S, Duan X, Wu W. Dissecting and Evaluating the Therapeutic Targets of Coptis Chinensis Franch in the Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections Induced by Escherichia coli. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:794869. [PMID: 35095505 PMCID: PMC8790249 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.794869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Coptis chinensis Franch (CCF) is extensively used in the treatment of inflammatory-related diseases. Accumulating studies have previously demonstrated the anti-inflammatory properties of CCF, yet data on its exact targets against urinary tract infections (UTIs) remain largely unknown. Therefore, the present study decodes the potential targets of action of CCF against UTIs by network pharmacology combined with experiment evaluations. Based on the pharmacology network analysis, the current study yielded six core ingredients: quercetin, palmatine (R)-canadine, berlambine, berberine, and berberrubine. The protein–protein interaction network (PPI) was generated by the string database, and then, four targets (IL6, FOS, MYC, and EGFR) were perceived as the major CCF targets using the CytoNCA plug-in. The results of molecular docking showed that the six core constituents of CCF had strong binding affinities toward the four key targets of UTIs after docking into the crystal structure. The enrichment analysis indicated that the possible regulatory mechanisms of CCF against UTIs were based on the modules of inflammation, immune responses, and apoptosis among others. Experimentally, the Escherichia coli (E. coli) strain CFT073 was applied to establish in vivo and in vitro models. In vivo results revealed that the key targets, IL6 and FOS, are significantly upregulated in rat bladder tissues of UTIs, whereas the expression of MYC and EGFR remained steady. Last, in vitro results further confirmed the therapeutic potential of CCF by reducing the expression of IL6 and FOS. In conclusion, IL6 and FOS were generally upregulated in the progression of E. coli–induced UTIs, whereas the CCF intervention exerted a preventive role in host cells stimulated by E. coli, partially due to inhibiting the expression of IL6 and FOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenglin Chang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinhu Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Lei
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zheng Jiang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangkun Wu
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital and Basic Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yapeng Huang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhican He
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuyan Zhang
- Guangzhou Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shujue Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolu Duan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenqi Wu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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25
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Shi S, Sun M, Liu Y, Jiang J, Li F. Insight into Shenqi Jiangtang Granule on the improved insulin sensitivity by integrating in silico and in vivo approaches. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 282:114672. [PMID: 34560213 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Presently, insulin resistance has been a growing concern that urgently needs to be addressed, because it not only places patients at risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus but also results in metabolic syndrome and different aspects of cardiovascular diseases. Shenqi Jiangtang Granule (SJG) is a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription that is widely used to treat diabetes mellitus and its complications in clinical practice. While studies have revealed that SJG with multi-ingredients and multi-targets characteristics possesses potential anti-insulin resistance pharmacological properties, its mechanisms of action and molecular targets for the treatment of insulin resistance are still obscure, which prompt us to conduct an in-depth research. AIM OF THE STUDY This study was purposed to uncover the pharmacological mechanism of SJG against insulin resistance through integrating network pharmacology and experimental validation. MATERIALS AND METHODS The putative ingredients of SJG and its related targets were discerned from the TCMSP database. Subsequently, insulin resistance-associated targets were retrieved from GeneCard, OMIM, and GEO database. Compound-target, protein-protein interaction (PPI), and compound-target-pathway networks were established using Cytoscape software. GO and KEGG pathway analyses were performed to identify possible enrichment of genes with specific biological themes. Molecular docking was used to verify the correlation between the main active ingredients and hub targets. Optimal docking conformation was further analyzed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Finally, the potential molecular mechanisms of SJG acting on insulin resistance, as predicted by the network pharmacology analyses, were validated experimentally in insulin-resistant rat model. RESULTS 136 active compounds, 211 corresponding targets in addition to 1463 disease-related targets were collected, of which 94 intersection targets were obtained. 29 key targets including AKT1, VEGFA, IL-6, CASP3, and PTGS2 were identified through PPI network analysis. Hub module of PPI network was closely associated with inflammation. GO and KEGG analyses also revealed that inflammation-related pathways may be a central factor for SJG to modulate insulin resistance. Molecular docking test showed a good binding potency between primary active ingredients and core targets, and the binding mode of optimal docking conformation was stable in MD simulation. A rat model of insulin resistance was successfully induced by chronic high-fat diet (HFD) consumption. Through a series of in vivo studies, including HEC, ITT, and HOMA-IR measurement, it was revealed that SJG exhibited a beneficial effect on ameliorating insulin resistance, as demonstrated by a significant increase of GIR and a significant decrease of AUCITT and HOMA-IR index value. Further molecular biological analysis showed that SJG can decrease the mRNA expression level and serum concentration of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β), along with suppressing the p-NFκB protein overexpression, indicating its anti-inflammatory activity. Also, it can contribute to the reversal of the impaired hepatic insulin signaling pathway, as evidenced by up-regulated protein expression of p-Akt and GLUT2. CONCLUSIONS Through in silico and in vivo approaches, the present study not only provides a unique insight into the possible mechanism of SJG in insulin resistance after successfully filtering out associated key target genes and signaling pathways, but also suggests a novel promising therapeutic strategy for curing insulin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shulong Shi
- Department of Endocrinology, Jining No. 1 People's Hospital, Jining, Shandong, 272000, China; Institute for Chronic Disease Management, Jining No. 1 People's Hospital, Jining, Shandong, 272000, China.
| | - Mingliang Sun
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250000, China.
| | - Yaping Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Jining No. 1 People's Hospital, Jining, Shandong, 272000, China.
| | - Jiajia Jiang
- Institute for Chronic Disease Management, Jining No. 1 People's Hospital, Jining, Shandong, 272000, China.
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Jining No. 1 People's Hospital, Jining, Shandong, 272000, China; Institute for Chronic Disease Management, Jining No. 1 People's Hospital, Jining, Shandong, 272000, China.
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26
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Zhang H, Yao S, Zhang Z, Zhou C, Fu F, Bian Y, Luo H, Li Y, Yan S, Ge Y, Chen Y, Zhan K, Ge Y, Chen Z, Yue M, Li X, Du W, Jin H, Tong P, Ruan H, Wu C. Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation to Reveal the Pharmacological Mechanisms of Liuwei Dihuang Decoction Against Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. Drug Des Devel Ther 2021; 15:4911-4924. [PMID: 34880601 PMCID: PMC8648103 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s338439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To explore the pharmacological mechanisms of Liuwei Dihuang Decoction (LWDHD) against intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IVDD) via network pharmacology analysis combined with experimental validation. Methods First, active ingredients and related targets of LWDHD, as well as related genes of IVDD, were collected from public databases. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment analyses were performed to predict the core targets and pathways of LWDHD against IVDD. Secondly, the IVDD model of mice treated with LWDHD was selected to validate the major targets predicted by network pharmacology. Results By searching the intersection of the active ingredient targets and IVDD targets, a total of 110 targets matched the related targets of 30 active ingredients in LWDHD and IVDD were retrieved. PPI network analysis indicated that 17 targets, including Caspase-3, IL-1β, P53, etc., were hub targets. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses showed that the apoptosis pathway was enriched by multiple targets and served as the target for in vivo experimental study validation. The results of animal experiments revealed that LWDHD administration not only restored the decrease in disc height and abnormal degradation of matrix metabolism in IVDD mice but also reversed the high expression of Bax, Caspase-3, IL-1β, P53, and low expression of Bcl-2, thereby inhibiting the apoptosis of IVD tissue and ameliorating the progression of IVDD. Conclusion Using a comprehensive network pharmacology approach, our findings predicted the active ingredients and potential targets of LWDHD intervention for IVDD, and some major target proteins involved in the predictive signaling pathway were validated experimentally, which gave us a new understanding of the pharmacological mechanism of LWDHD in treating IVDD at the comprehensive level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihao Zhang
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Sai Yao
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengcong Zhou
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Fangda Fu
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yishan Bian
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Luo
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Li
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuxin Yan
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuying Ge
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuying Chen
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Kunyu Zhan
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanzhi Ge
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Zuxiang Chen
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Yue
- Department of Physiology, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Weibin Du
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.,Research Institute of Orthopedics, The Affiliated JiangNan Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongting Jin
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Peijian Tong
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongfeng Ruan
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.,Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengliang Wu
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
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27
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Tang X, Lu J, Chen H, Zhai L, Zhang Y, Lou H, Wang Y, Sun L, Song B. Underlying Mechanism and Active Ingredients of Tianma Gouteng Acting on Cerebral Infarction as Determined via Network Pharmacology Analysis Combined With Experimental Validation. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:760503. [PMID: 34867377 PMCID: PMC8635202 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.760503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral infarction (CI), a common cerebrovascular disease worldwide, is caused by unknown factors common to many diseases, including hypokalemia, respiratory diseases, and lower extremity venous thrombosis. Tianma Gouteng (TMGT), a traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) prescription, has been used for the clinical treatment of CI. In this study, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprint analysis was used to detect and identify major chemical constituents of TMGT. TCMSP and BATMAN-TCM databases were used to screen for active TMGT constituent compounds, while the GeneCards database was used to screen for protein targets associated with CI. Next, GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of these core nodes were performed to determine the identities of key associated biological processes and signal pathways. Meanwhile, a total of six possible gene targets of TMGT, including NFKBIA, PPARG, IL6, IL1B, CXCL8, and HIF1A, were selected for further study using two cellular models of CI. For one model, PC12 cells were treated under oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) conditions to generate an OGD cellular model of CI, while for the other model, BV2 cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to generate a cellular model of CI-associated inflammation. Ultimately TMGT treatment increased PPARγ expression and downregulated the expression of p-P65, p-IκBα, and HIF-1α in both OGD-induced and LPS-induced cell models of CI. In addition, molecular docking analysis showed that one TMGT chemical constituent, quercetin, may be a bioactive TMGT compound with activity that may be associated with the alleviation of neuronal damage and neuroinflammation triggered by CI. Moreover, additional data obtained in this work revealed that TMGT could inhibit neuroinflammation and protect brain cells from OGD-induced and LPS-induced damage by altering HIF-1α/PPARγ/NF-κB pathway functions. Thus, targeting this pathway through TMGT administration to CI patients may be a strategy for alleviating nerve injury and neuroinflammation triggered by CI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Tang
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Jing Lu
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China.,College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Haoyuan Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Lu Zhai
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Huijuan Lou
- College of Acupuncture and Tuina, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Department of Tuina, the Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Liwei Sun
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Bailin Song
- Northeast Asian Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
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28
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Li J, Bi H. The effect and mechanism of cypermethrin-induced hippocampal neurotoxicity as determined by network pharmacology analysis and experimental validation. Bioengineered 2021; 12:9279-9289. [PMID: 34714723 PMCID: PMC8810029 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.2000106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cypermethrin (CMN) is a widely used artificial synthetic pesticide that causes neurotoxicity in the hippocampus. However, the underlying toxicological targets and mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, network pharmacology analysis and in vitro models were integrated to investigate the effect and mechanism of CMN-induced hippocampal neurotoxicity. A total of 88 targets of CMN-induced hippocampal neurotoxicity were predicted. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment (KEGG) analyses suggested that these targets were related to multiple GO terms and signaling pathways. To further investigate underlying mechanism, the top 10 hub targets (Akt1, Tnf, Ptgs2, Casp3, Igf1, Sirt1, Jun, Cat, Il10, and Bcl2l1) were screened. Furthermore, cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays demonstrated that CMN was toxic to HT22 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining revealed that treatment with CMN increased the proportion of apoptotic cells. In addition, the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) results indicated that CMN altered the mRNA expression levels of most of the hub targets, with the exceptions of Igf1 and Jun. The results demonstrated that multiple targets and signaling pathways were involved in CMN-induced hippocampal neurotoxicity. These findings provided reference values for subsequent studies of the toxicological mechanism of CMN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianan Li
- KeyLaboratory of Environment and Health, College of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Haoran Bi
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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29
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Zhu W, Ding Q, Wang L, Xu G, Diao Y, Qu S, Chen S, Shi Y. Vitamin D3 alleviates pulmonary fibrosis by regulating the MAPK pathway via targeting PSAT1 expression in vivo and in vitro. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 101:108212. [PMID: 34656907 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and fatal fibrotic lung disease. However, there are insufficient drugs available for IPF treatment, and the currently used drugs are accompanied by many adverse reactions. Deficiency of vitamin D3 (VD3) in the development of IPF and the potential role of VD3 in the treatment of IPF have attracted increasing attention. In vivo experimental results showed that VD3 could increase the survival rate in bleomycin (BLM)-induced models, relieve lung inflammation, reduce hydroxyproline content, and inhibit collagen deposition and cell apoptosis. We further performed proteomics analysis and screened 251 target proteins that reflect VD3 intervention in BLM-induced animal models. These target proteins were involved in acute inflammation, oxidative stress, antioxidant activity and extracellular matrix binding. Combined with the comprehensive analysis of clinical samples, PSAT1 was screened out as a candidate target related to IPF disease and VD3 treatment. Through further computational analysis, the MAPK signaling pathway was considered to be the most probable candidate pathway for VD3 function targeting IPF. In in vivo experiments, VD3 inhibited BLM-induced expression of PSAT1 and phosphorylation of p38 and ERK1/2 in mouse lung tissue. The experiments of cell proliferation and western blot confirmed that VD3 inhibited the expression of PSAT1 and the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in human pulmonary fibroblasts (HPF). Furthermore, experiments with transfection plasmids overexpressing PSAT1 proved that VD3 could attenuate the proliferation and differentiation of HPF by suppressing the effect of PSAT1 on the MAPK signaling pathway. Finally, we confirmed that vitamin D receptor (VDR) could occupy the PSAT1 promoter to reveal the transcriptional regulation effect of VD3 on PSAT1. In conclusion, VD3 exerted a therapeutic effect on IPF by down-regulating the MAPK signaling pathway via targeting the expression of PSAT1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxiang Zhu
- School of Life Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China; Shenzhen Research Institute, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qi Ding
- School of Life Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China; Shenzhen Research Institute, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lu Wang
- School of Life Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China; Shenzhen Research Institute, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Gonghao Xu
- School of Life Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yirui Diao
- School of Life Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Sihao Qu
- School of Life Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Sheng Chen
- Shenzhen Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Shi
- School of Life Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China; Shenzhen Research Institute, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China.
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30
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Zhang C, Yan Y, Gao X, Ma Y. [Therapeutic mechanism of the Mongolian medicine Qiwei Qinggan Powder against liver fibrosis based on UHPLC-TOF-MS combined with network pharmacological methods]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2021; 41:1131-1141. [PMID: 34549702 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2021.08.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To elucidate the chemical composition of the Mongolian medicine Qiwei Qinggan Powder and explore its key targets, related pathways and its therapeutic mechanism for liver fibrosis. METHODS UHPLC-TOF-MS was used to analyze the composition of Qiwei Qinggan Powder. The therapeutic targets of Qiwei Qinggan Powder were screened in Swiss Target Prediction database, and liver fibrosis-related targets were screened in TTD and GeneCards databases to identify the anti-fibrosis targets of Qiwei Qinggan Powder by intersection using Venny.2.1.0. The protein interaction was analyzed using STRING database, the GO functions and KEGG pathways were analyzed on the Metascape platform, and the core targets and active components were verified by molecular docking using AutoDock software. The therapeutic mechanism of Qiwei Qinggan Powder against liver fibrosis was verified in rat models and cell experiment. RESULTS We identified a total of 45 chemical constituents in Qiwei Qinggan Powder, including flavonoids, alkaloids, coumarins, terpenes, phenols and fatty acids. Network pharmacological analysis identified 62 targets of Qiwei Qinggan Powder, including 10 core targets. GO enrichment analysis suggested that the therapeutic effect of Qiwei Qinggan Powder was mediated by biological processes (BP), cell components (CC) and molecular functions (MF). KEGG enrichment results showed that PI3K/Akt, Rap1, MAPK, AMPK and PPAR were all pathways associated with liver fibrosis. Molecular docking showed that quercetin, luteolin and kaempferol could bind to Akt1, PIK3R1 and MAPK1, respectively. In rat models of liver fibrosis, treatment with Qiwei Qinggan Powder significantly suppressed proliferation of fibrous tissues and inflammatory cell infiltration to improve fibrosis in the liver tissue. Western blotting demonstrated that Qiwei Qinggan Powder significantly decreased the expressions of the Liver fibrosis markers including α-SMA, Collagen1, PI3K and Akt (P < 0.01). In vitro cell experiment, Qiwei Qinggan Powder-containing serum obviously promoted apoptosis of HSC-T6 cells. CONCLUSION The therapeutic effect of Qiwei Qinggan Powder against liver fibrosis is mediated by multiple components, targets and channels, and its mechanism may involve the regulation of PI3K, Akt and other key targets and modulation of cell apoptosis and energy metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Zhang
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010059, China
| | - Y Yan
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010059, China
| | - X Gao
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010059, China
| | - Y Ma
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010059, China
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31
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Xu Z, Lin S, Gong J, Feng P, Cao Y, Li Q, Jiang Y, You Y, Tong Y, Wang P. Exploring the Protective Effects and Mechanism of Crocetin From Saffron Against NAFLD by Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:681391. [PMID: 34179049 PMCID: PMC8219931 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.681391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a burgeoning health problem but no drug has been approved for its treatment. Animal experiments and clinical trials have demonstrated the beneficial of saffron on NAFLD. However, the bioactive ingredients and therapeutic targets of saffron on NAFLD are unclear. Purpose: This study aimed to identify the bioactive ingredients of saffron responsible for its effects on NAFLD and explore its therapy targets through network pharmacology combined with experimental tests. Methods: Various network databases were searched to identify bioactive ingredients of saffron and identify NAFLD-related targets. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment were conducted to enrich functions and molecular pathways of common targets and the STRING database was used to establish a protein-protein interaction network (PPI). The effect of crocetin (CCT) on NAFLD was evaluated in a mouse model of NAFLD by measuring the biomarkers of lipid, liver and renal function, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Liver histopathology was performed to evaluate liver injury. Nuclear factor erythroid-related factor (Nrf2) and hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) were examined to elucidate underlying mechanism for the protective effect of saffron against NAFLD. Results: A total of nine bioactive ingredients of saffron, including CCT, with 206 common targets showed therapeutic effects on NAFLD. Oxidative stress and diabetes related signaling pathways were identified as the critical signaling pathways mediating the therapeutic effects of the active bioactive ingredients on NAFLD. Treatment with CCT significantly reduced the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), malondialdehyde (MDA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (CR), and uric acid (UA). CCT significantly increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). Histological analysis showed that CCT suppressed high-fat diet (HFD) induced fat accumulation, steatohepatitis, and renal dysfunctions. Results of ELISA assay showed that CCT decreased the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and increased the expression of HO-1 and Nrf2. Conclusion: This study shows that CCT is a potential bioactive ingredient of saffron that treats NAFLD. Its mechanism of action involves suppressing of oxidative stress, mitigating inflammation, and upregulating Nrf2 and HO-1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijin Xu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Susu Lin
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junjie Gong
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peishi Feng
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yifeng Cao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuli Jiang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ya You
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yingpeng Tong
- School of Life Sciences, Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
| | - Ping Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
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32
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Zhang H, Zhou C, Zhang Z, Yao S, Bian Y, Fu F, Luo H, Li Y, Yan S, Ge Y, Chen Y, Zhan K, Yue M, Du W, Tian K, Jin H, Li X, Tong P, Ruan H, Wu C. Integration of Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation to Explore the Pharmacological Mechanisms of Zhuanggu Busui Formula Against Osteoporosis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:841668. [PMID: 35154014 PMCID: PMC8831245 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.841668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoporosis (OP) is a common skeletal disease, characterized by decreased bone formation and increased bone resorption. As a novel Chinese medicine formula, Zhuanggu Busui formula (ZGBSF) has been proved to be an effective prescription for treating OP in clinic, however, the pharmacological mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects remain obscure. In this study, we explored the pharmacological mechanisms of ZGBSF against OP via network pharmacology analysis coupled with in vivo experimental validation. The results of the network pharmacology analysis showed that a total of 86 active ingredients and 164 targets of ZGBSF associated with OP were retrieved from the corresponding databases, forming an ingredient-target-disease network. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network manifested that 22 core targets, including Caspase-3, BCL2L1, TP53, Akt1, etc, were hub targets. Moreover, functional enrichment analyses revealed that PI3K-Akt and apoptosis signalings were significantly enriched by multiple targets and served as the targets for in vivo experimental study validation. The results of animal experiments revealed that ZGBSF not only reversed the high expression of Caspase-3, Bax, Prap, and low expression of Bcl-2 in osteoblasts of the OP mouse model but also contributed to the phosphorylation of Akt1 and expression of PI3K, thereby promoting osteogenesis and ameliorating the progression of OP. In conclusion, this study systematically and intuitively illustrated that the possible pharmacological mechanisms of ZGBSF against OP through multiple ingredients, targets, and signalings, and especially the inhibition of the apoptosis and the activation of PI3K-Akt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihao Zhang
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chengcong Zhou
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sai Yao
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yishan Bian
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fangda Fu
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huan Luo
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Li
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuxin Yan
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuying Ge
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuying Chen
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kunyu Zhan
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ming Yue
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weibin Du
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Research Institute of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Jiang Nan Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kun Tian
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongting Jin
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Hongfeng Ruan, ; Peijian Tong, ; Xiaofeng Li,
| | - Peijian Tong
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Hongfeng Ruan, ; Peijian Tong, ; Xiaofeng Li,
| | - Hongfeng Ruan
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Hongfeng Ruan, ; Peijian Tong, ; Xiaofeng Li,
| | - Chengliang Wu
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
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