In Silico and In Vivo Studies on the Mechanisms of Chinese Medicine Formula (Gegen Qinlian Decoction) in the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

Ge-Gen-Qin-Lian decoction alleviates the symptoms of type 2 diabetes mellitus with inflammatory bowel disease via regulating the AGE-RAGE pathway

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to explore the mechanism of Ge-Gen-Qin-Lian decoction (GGQLD) in the alleviation of symptoms of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by network pharmacology and experimental validation.

METHODS

The active components and targets of GGQLD were identified from the TCMSP database. The potential therapeutic targets of T2DM and IBD were identified from the GEO database and 4 online disease target databases. The PPI network and KEGG/GO analyses were performed with the common targets among GGQLD, T2DM and IBD. Molecular docking was carried out between the core compounds and hub targets. To verify the above results, UHPLC-MS technology was used to identify the chemical compounds in GGQLD, and a T2DM with IBD rat model was used to explore the mechanism by which GGQLD treats T2DM with IBD.

RESULTS

Totally, 70 potential therapeutic targets were identified among GGQLD, T2DM and IBD. Ten hub genes were selected from the PPI network. KEGG analysis revealed that GGQLD is tightly involved in the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway. Berberine, baicalein, wogonin, and quercitrin are the main active compounds of GGQLD. Animal experiments showed that GGQLD could decrease blood glucose and alleviate intestinal inflammation. Notably, the concentrations of AGEs, the expression of RAGE, c-JUN and NF-κB and the expression of inflammatory cytokines were decreased by GGQLD.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study initially demonstrated that GGQLD has favorable anti-hyperglycemic and anti-intestinal inflammation effects in a T2DM with IBD rat model, and the AGE-RAGE pathway plays a vital role in this process.

In Silico Approaches to Polyherbal Synergy: Protocol for a Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

According to the World Health Organization, more than 80% of the world's population relies on traditional medicine. Traditional medicine is typically based on the use of single herbal drugs or polyherbal formulations (PHFs) to manage diseases. However, the probable mode of action of these formulations is not well studied or documented. Over the past few decades, computational methods have been used to study the molecular mechanism of phytochemicals in single herbal drugs. However, the in silico methods applied to study PHFs remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this protocol is to develop a search strategy for a scoping review to map the in silico approaches applied in understanding the activity of PHFs used as traditional medicines worldwide.

METHODS

The scoping review will be conducted based on the methodology developed by Arksey and O'Malley and the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). A set of predetermined keywords will be used to identify the relevant studies from five databases: PubMed, Embase, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Two independent reviewers will conduct the search to yield a list of relevant studies based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Mendeley version 1.19.8 will be used to remove duplicate citations, and title and abstract screening will be performed with Rayyan software. The JBI System for the Unified Management, Assessment, and Review of Information tool will be used for data extraction. The scoping review will be reported based on the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines.

RESULTS

Based on the core areas of the scoping review, a 3-step search strategy was developed. The initial search produced 3865 studies. After applying filters, 875 studies were short-listed for further review. Keywords were further refined to yield more relevant studies on the topic.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings are expected to determine the extent of the knowledge gap in the applications of computational methods in PHFs for any traditional medicine across the world. The study can provide answers to open research questions related to the phytochemical identification of PHFs, criteria for target identification, strategies applied for in silico studies, software used, and challenges in adopting in silico methods for understanding the mechanisms of action of PHFs. This study can thus provide a better understanding of the application and types of in silico methods for investigating PHFs.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/56646.

Network pharmacology combined with experimental verification to explore the potential mechanism of naringenin in the treatment of cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of morbidity and mortality in women worldwide. Traditional treatment methods have become limited. Naringenin, a flavonoid abundant in various fruits and herbal medicines, has demonstrated anti-tumor properties among other effects. This research undertook to elucidate the mechanism of naringenin in the context of cervical cancer treatment by leveraging network pharmacology and performing experimental validation. Initial steps involved predicting potential naringenin targets and subsequently screening for overlaps between these targets and those related to cervical cancer, followed by analysis of their interrelationships. Molecular docking was subsequently utilized to verify the binding effect of the central target. Within the framework of network pharmacology, it was discovered that naringenin might possess anti-cancer properties specific to cervical cancer. Following this, the anti-tumor effects of naringenin on Hela cell viability, migration, and invasion were assessed employing CCK-8, transwell, wound healing assays, and western blotting. Experimental data indicated that naringenin attenuates the migration and invasion of Hela cells via downregulation EGFR/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Thus, our findings suggest that naringenin has therapeutic impacts on cervical cancer via multiple mechanisms, primarily by inhibiting the migration and invasion through the EGFR/PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. This study offers fresh insights for future clinical studies.

Exploring the Mechanisms of Self-made Kuiyu Pingchang Recipe for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome using a Network Pharmacology-based Approach and Molecular Docking

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis (UC) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are common intestinal diseases. According to the clinical experience and curative effect, the authors formulated Kuiyu Pingchang Decoction (KYPCD) comprised of Paeoniae radix alba, Aurantii Fructus, Herba euphorbiae humifusae, Lasiosphaera seu Calvatia, Angelicae sinensis radix, Panax ginseng C.A. Mey., Platycodon grandiforus and Allium azureum Ledeb.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to explore the mechanisms of KYPCD in the treatment of UC and IBS following the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory of "Treating different diseases with the same treatment".

METHODS

The chemical ingredients and targets of KYPCD were obtained using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database and analysis platform (TCMSP). The targets of UC and IBS were extracted using the DisGeNET, GeneCards, DrugBANK, OMIM and TTD databases. The "TCM-component-target" network and the "TCM-shared target-disease" network were imaged using Cytoscape software. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was built using the STRING database. The DAVID platform was used to analyze the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. Using Autodock Tools software, the main active components of KYPCD were molecularly docked with their targets and visualized using PyMOL.

RESULTS

A total of 46 active ingredients of KYPCD corresponding to 243 potential targets, 1,565 targets of UC and 1,062 targets of IBS, and 70 targets among active ingredients and two diseases were screened. Core targets in the PPI network included IL6, TNF, AKT1, IL1B, TP53, EGFR and VEGFA. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis demonstrated 563 biological processes, 48 cellular components, 82 molecular functions and 144 signaling pathways. KEGG enrichment results revealed that the regulated pathways were mainly related to the PI3K-AKT, MAPK, HIF-1 and IL-17 pathways. The results of molecular docking analysis indicated that the core active ingredients of KYPCD had optimal binding activity to their corresponding targets.

CONCLUSION

KYPCD may use IL6, TNF, AKT1, IL1B, TP53, EGFR and VEGFA as the key targets to achieve the treatment of UC and IBS through the PI3K-AKT, MAPK, HIF-1 and IL-17 pathways.

Repairing the intestinal mucosal barrier of traditional Chinese medicine for ulcerative colitis: a review

Damage to the intestinal mucosal barrier play an important role in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). Discovering the key regulators and repairing the disturbed barrier are crucial for preventing and treating UC. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been proved to be effective on treating UC and has exhibited its role in repairing the intestinal mucosal barrier. We summarized the evidence of TCM against UC by protecting and repairing the physical barrier, chemical barrier, immune barrier, and biological barrier. Mechanisms of increasing intestinal epithelial cells, tight junction proteins, and mucins, promoting intestinal stem cell proliferation, restoring the abundance of the intestinal microbiota, and modulating the innate and adaptive immunity in gut, were all involved in. Some upstream proteins and signaling pathways have been elucidated. Based on the existing problems, we suggested future studies paying attention to patients' samples and animal models of UC and TCM syndromes, conducting rescue experiments, exploring more upstream regulators, and adopting new technical methods. We hope this review can provide a theoretical basis and novel ideas for clarifying the mechanisms of TCM against UC via repairing the intestinal mucosal barrier.

Protective Application of Chinese Herbal Compounds and Formulae in Intestinal Inflammation in Humans and Animals

Intestinal inflammation is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder with uncertain pathophysiology and causation that has significantly impacted both the physical and mental health of both people and animals. An increasing body of research has demonstrated the critical role of cellular signaling pathways in initiating and managing intestinal inflammation. This review focuses on the interactions of three cellular signaling pathways (TLR4/NF-κB, PI3K-AKT, MAPKs) with immunity and gut microbiota to explain the possible pathogenesis of intestinal inflammation. Traditional medicinal drugs frequently have drawbacks and negative side effects. This paper also summarizes the pharmacological mechanism and application of Chinese herbal compounds (Berberine, Sanguinarine, Astragalus polysaccharide, Curcumin, and Cannabinoids) and formulae (Wumei Wan, Gegen-Qinlian decoction, Banxia xiexin decoction) against intestinal inflammation. We show that the herbal compounds and formulae may influence the interactions among cell signaling pathways, immune function, and gut microbiota in humans and animals, exerting their immunomodulatory capacity and anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. This demonstrates their strong potential to improve gut inflammation. We aim to promote herbal medicine and apply it to multispecies animals to achieve better health.

Effects of Rosa roxburghii Tratt on Ulcerative Colitis: An Integrated Analysis of Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation

Rosa roxburghii Tratt is a traditional Chinese plant that has been used to treat different inflammatory diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism of action of Rosa roxburghii Tratt extract (RRTE) against ulcerative colitis (UC) using network pharmacology and experimental validation. HPLC-Q/Orbitrap MS was used to rapidly identify the substances contained in RRTE after extracting the active components from the fruit. Then, network pharmacology combined with molecular docking was used to explore the critical target and potential mechanism of RRTE against UC using the active ingredients in RRTE as the research object. Data are presented in a visual manner. Finally, the pharmacological effects of RRTE in alleviating UC were further verified using a DSS-induced UC model of NCM460. The results showed that 25 components in RRTE were identified. A total of 250 targets of the active components and 5376 targets associated with UC were collected. Furthermore, a systematic analysis of the Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) networks suggests that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 1 (PIK3R1), and serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1) are critical targets for RRTE in the treatment of UC. A comprehensive regulatory network analysis showed that RRTE alleviated UC through the EGFR-mediated PI3K/Akt pathway, and molecular docking showed that active components could strongly bind to EGFR, PIK3R1, and AKT1. In addition, RRTE alleviated dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS)-induced cell injury and significantly decreased the protein expression levels of EGFR, PIK3R1, and p-AKT in NCM460 cells in vitro. Furthermore, RRTE significantly regulated the expression of the apoptosis-related proteins Apoptotic protease-activating factor 1 (Apaf1), cleaved caspase-3, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl2), and Bcl2 associated X protein (Bax). In conclusion, the components of RRTE are complex, and RRTE can relieve UC through the EGFR-mediated PI3K/Akt pathway.

Gegen Qinlian standard decoction alleviated irinotecan-induced diarrhea via PI3K/AKT/NF-κB axis by network pharmacology prediction and experimental validation combination

BACKGROUND

The frequently occurred chemotherapy-induced diarrhea (CID) caused by irinotecan (CPT-11) administration has been the most representative side-effects of CPT-11, resulting in the chemotherapy suspension or failure. Our previous studies indicated that Gegen Qinlian formula exhibited a significant alleviation effect on CPT-11-induced diarrhea. However, referencing to Japanese Kampo medicine, the TCM standard decoction would supply the gap between ancient preparation application and modern industrial production.

METHODS

The LC-MS technology combined with network pharmacology was employed to identify the active ingredients and mechanisms of GQD standard decoction for CPT-11-induced diarrhea. The anti-inflammatory activities associated with intestinal barrier function of GQD standard decoction were studied by SN-38 activated NCM460 cells in vitro and CPT-11-induced diarrhea in vivo. Proteins involved in inflammation, mRNA levels, disease severity scores, and histology involved in intestinal inflammation were analysed.

RESULTS

There were 37 active compounds were identified in GQD standard decoction. Network pharmacology analyses indicated that PI3K-AKT signaling pathway were probably the main pathway of GQD standard decoction in CPT-11-induced diarrhea treatment, and PIK3R1, AKT1, NF-κB1 were the core proteins. Moreover, we found that the key proteins and pathway predicted above was verified in vivo and in vitro experiments, and the GQD standard decoction could protect the cellular proliferation in vitro and ameliorate CPT-11-induced diarrhea in mice model.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated the molecular mechanism of 37 active ingredients in GQD standard decoction against CPT-11-induced diarrhea. And the core proteins and pathway were validated by experiment. This data establishes the groundwork for particular molecular mechanism of GQD standard decoction active components, and this research can provide a scientific reference for the TCM therapy of CID.

Administration of modified Gegen Qinlian decoction for hemorrhagic chronic radiation proctitis: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Hemorrhagic chronic radiation proctitis (CRP) is a common late complication of irradiation of the pelvis and seriously impairs life quality. There is no standard treatment for hemorrhagic CRP. Medical treatment, interventional treatment, and surgery are available, but they are limited in their applications due to nondefinite efficacy or side effects. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), as a complementary or alternative therapy, may provide another option for hemorrhagic CRP treatment.

CASE SUMMARY

A 51-year-old woman with cervical cancer received intensity-modulated radiation therapy and brachytherapy with a total dose of 93 Gy fifteen days after hysterectomy and bilateral adnexectomy. She received six additional cycles of chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel. Nine months after radiotherapy treatment, she mainly complained of 5-6 times diarrhea daily and bloody purulent stools for over 10 d. After colonoscopy examinations, she was diagnosed with hemorrhagic CRP with a giant ulcer. After assessment, she received CHM treatment. The specific regimen was 150 mL of modified Gegen Qinlian decoction (GQD) used as a retention enema for 1 mo, followed by replacement with oral administration of 150 mL of modified GQD three times per day for 5 mo. After the whole treatment, her diarrhea reduced to 1-2 times a day. Her rectal tenesmus and mild pain in lower abdomen disappeared. Both colonoscopy and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed its significant improvement. During treatment, there were no side effects, such as liver and renal function damage.

CONCLUSION

Modified GQD may be another effective and safe option for hemorrhagic CRP patients with giant ulcers.

A Review of Fibraurea tinctoria and Its Component, Berberine, as an Antidiabetic and Antioxidant

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by hyperglycemia caused by resistance to insulin action, inadequate insulin secretion, or excessive glucagon production. Numerous studies have linked diabetes mellitus and oxidative stress. People with diabetes usually exhibit high oxidative stress due to persistent and chronic hyperglycemia, which impairs the activity of the antioxidant defense system and promotes the formation of free radicals. Recently, several studies have focused on exploring natural antioxidants to improve diabetes mellitus. Fibraurea tinctoria has long been known as the native Borneo used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes. Taxonomically, this plant is part of the Menispermaceae family, widely known for producing various alkaloids. Among them are protoberberine alkaloids such as berberine. Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid with many pharmacological activities. Berberine is receiving considerable interest because of its antidiabetic and antioxidant activities, which are based on many biochemical pathways. Therefore, this review explores the pharmacological effects of Fibraurea tinctoria and its active constituent, berberine, against oxidative stress and diabetes, emphasizing its mechanistic aspects. This review also summarizes the pharmacokinetics and toxicity of berberine and in silico studies of berberine in several diseases and its protein targets.

The potential mechanism of Bletilla striata in the treatment of ulcerative colitis determined through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vivo experimental verification

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic nonspecific intestinal inflammatory disease, which belongs to a subtype of inflammatory bowel disease, but still lacks effective drug treatment. Bletilla striata (B. striata) is one of the most valuable traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) in China, can stop bleeding, can promote wound healing, and can regulate immunity. Based on data mining, B. striata was found to be a common TCM for the treatment of UC, but the exact therapeutic mechanism is not yet known. This study aims to explore the potential mechanisms of B. striata in the treatment of UC using network pharmacology, molecular docking techniques, and in vivo experimental research. We extracted the active ingredients and targets of B. striata from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database and analysis platform. We retrieved and screened the corresponding UC-related target genes in multiple databases. Subsequently, we constructed an herb-ingredient-target-disease-network, generated a protein-protein interaction network, performed Gene Ontology enrichment analysis, and performed Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis to identify potential treatment mechanisms. After screening for key active ingredients and target genes, we performed molecular docking using AutoDock Vina software to select the best binding target for molecular docking and validate the binding activity. The UC model was established in mice, and the results of network pharmacology and molecular docking were verified by in vivo experiments. In all, 5 compounds were obtained from the TCMSP database, and 74 UC-related pathogenic genes were obtained from GeneCards, DisGeNET, OMIM, TTD, and DrugBank. After KEGG enrichment analysis, pathways in cancer, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signalling pathway, and metabolic pathways were identified as the top three signalling pathways associated with UC treatment. The results of molecular docking showed that the active components of B. striata have good binding activities to the pivotal targets epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and PIK3CA. In a dextran sulphate sodium-induced colitis model, we found that B. striata can alleviate the symptoms of UC, decrease the secretion of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-α, and downregulate the expression levels of EGFR, PIK3CA, and p-AKT. In conclusion, the treatment of UC with B. striata may alleviate the inflammatory response of the colon, and B. striata mainly inhibits the EGFR/PI3K/AKT signalling pathways.

Protective effects and potential mechanisms of fermented egg-milk peptides on the damaged intestinal barrier

Introduction

Fermented egg-milk peptides (FEMPs) could enhance the colon-intestinal barrier and upgrade the expression of zonula occludens-1 and mucin 2. Besides, the underlying biological mechanism and the targets FEMPs could regulate were analyzed in our study.

Methods

Herein, the immunofluorescence technique and western blot were utilized to evaluate the repair of the intestinal barrier. Network pharmacology analysis and bioinformatics methods were performed to investigate the targets and pathways affected by FEMPs.

Results and discussion

Animal experiments showed that FEMPs could restore intestinal damage and enhance the expression of two key proteins. The pharmacological results revealed that FEMPs could regulate targets related to kinase activity, such as AKT, CASP, RAF, and GSK. The above targets could interact with each other. GO analysis indicated that the targets regulated by FEMPs could participate in the kinase activity of the metabolic process. KEGG enrichment revealed that the core targets were enriched in pathways related to cell apoptosis and other important procedures. Molecular docking demonstrated that FEMPs could bind to the key target AKT via hydrogen bond interactions. Our study combined the experiment in vivo with the method in silico and investigated the interaction between peptides and targets in a pattern of multi-targets and multi-pathways, which offered a new perspective on the functional validation and potential application of bioactive peptides.

A potential therapeutic target in traditional Chinese medicine for ulcerative colitis: Macrophage polarization

Intestinal macrophages are the main participants of intestinal immune homeostasis and intestinal inflammation. Under different environmental stimuli, intestinal macrophages can be polarized into classical activated pro-inflammatory phenotype (M1) and alternative activated anti-inflammatory phenotype (M2). Its different polarization state is the “guide” to promoting the development and regression of inflammation. Under normal circumstances, intestinal macrophages can protect the intestine from inflammatory damage. However, under the influence of some genetic and environmental factors, the polarization imbalance of intestinal M1/M2 macrophages will lead to the imbalance in the regulation of intestinal inflammation and transform the physiological inflammatory response into pathological intestinal injury. In UC patients, the disorder of intestinal inflammation is closely related to the imbalance of intestinal M1/M2 macrophage polarization. Therefore, restoring the balance of M1/M2 macrophage polarization may be a potentially valuable therapeutic strategy for UC. Evidence has shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has positive therapeutic effects on UC by restoring the balance of M1/M2 macrophage polarization. This review summarizes the clinical evidence of TCM for UC, the vital role of macrophage polarization in the pathophysiology of UC, and the potential mechanism of TCM regulating macrophage polarization in the treatment of UC. We hope this review may provide some new enlightenment for the clinical treatment, fundamental research, and research and development of new Chinese medicine of UC.

Science Evidence of Chinese Herbal Medicine (Gegen Qinlian Decoction) in the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

Objectives. Gegen Qinlian decoction (GQD), a Chinese herbal compound, has been widely used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) in China. However, evidence from systematic reviews (SRs)/meta-analyses (MAs) of GQD in UC remains highly controversial. To collate, evaluate, and synthesize the current evidence, we carried out this study. Methods. SRs/MAs of GQD for UC were obtained from eight databases. Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR-2) was utilized to appraise the methodological quality, Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) for reporting quality, and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) for evidence quality. Results. Four eligible SRs/MAs were obtained. According to AMSTAR 2, all SRs/MAs were graded as critically low quality. According to PRISMA checklist, all SRs/MAs failed to report the information of protocol and registration. With GRADE, no outcome measure with high-quality evidence was found, and the evidence quality for outcome measures was in the moderate to critically low levels. Conclusions. GQD with conventional medicine (CM) seems to be more effective in UC than CM alone. This finding provides a new alternative strategy for the treatment of UC. However, owing to the limitations of the evidence provided by the included SRs/MAs, this conclusion must be treated with caution.

Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Analysis on Molecular Mechanism of Qingzi Zhitong Decoction in the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a disease with complex pathological mechanisms. We explored the potential molecular mechanisms behind the therapeutic functions of Qingzi Zhitong decoction (QZZTD) in the treatment of UC by network pharmacology and molecular docking. QZZTD is a formula of Chinese traditional medicine consisting of 10 herbs. The potential active ingredients of QZZTD and their target genes were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform database, and UC-related target genes were obtained from GeneCards and OMIM databases. A total of 138 co-identified target genes were obtained by plotting the intersection target Venn diagram, and then the STRING database and Cytoscape software were used to establish protein-protein interaction networks and herb-ingredient-target networks. Four key active compounds and nine key proteins were identified. Then, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses showed that the biological functions of potential target genes were associated with DNA transcription, signaling receptor and ligand activity, cytokine activity, cellular autophagy, and antioxidant pathways, with related pathways involving the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt signaling pathway, advanced glycosylation end product (AGE)-RAGE signaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway, and IL-17 signaling pathway. Moreover, the binding activities of key target genes and essential active compounds of Chinese herbal medicines in QZZTD were further validated by molecular docking. This demonstrated that quercetin, luteolin, hyndarin, and beta-sitosterol had good binding to eight key proteins, and Akt1 was the target protein with the best binding activity, suggesting that Akt1 could be the essential mediator responsible for signaling transduction after QZZTD administration. The rat experiment verified that QZZTD inhibited PI3K-Akt pathway activation and reduced inflammation in UC. In conclusion, our study suggested four potential key active components, including quercetin, were identified in QZZTD, which could interact with Akt1 and modulate the activation of the PI3K-Akt pathway. The other three pathways may also be involved in the signaling transduction induced by QZZTD in the treatment of UC.

Gegen Qinlian Decoction Alleviates Experimental Colitis and Concurrent Lung Inflammation by Inhibiting the Recruitment of Inflammatory Myeloid Cells and Restoring Microbial Balance

Objective

Ulcerative colitis (UC) as one of the intractable diseases in gastroenterology seriously threatens human health. Respiratory pathology is a representative extraintestinal manifestation of UC affecting the quality of life of patients. Gegen Qinlian Decoction (GQD) is a classical traditional Chinese medicine prescription for UC or acute lung injury. This study was aimed to reveal the therapeutic effect of GQD on UC and its pulmonary complications and uncover its molecular mechanism mediated by myeloid cells and microbiota.

Methods

Mice with DSS-induced colitis were orally administrated with GQD. Overall vital signs were assessed by body weight loss and disease activity index (DAI). Pulmonary general signs were evaluated by pulmonary pathology and lung function. The mechanism of GQD relieving UC was characterized by detecting myeloid cells (neutrophils, macrophages, inflammatory monocytes, and resident monocytes) in colonic and lung tissues, related inflammatory cytokines, as well as the microbiota in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and feces.

Results

GQD significantly reduced weight loss, DAI scores, and lung injury but improved the lung function of colitis mice. The DSS-induced colonic and concurrent pulmonary inflammation were also alleviated by GQD, as indicated by the down-regulated expressions of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, CCR2, and CCL2) and the suppressed recruitment of neutrophils and inflammatory monocytes. Meanwhile, GQD greatly improved intestinal microbiota imbalance by enriching Ruminococcaceae UCG-013 while decreasing Parabacteroides, [Eubacterium]_fissicatena_group, and Akkermansia in the feces of colitis mice. Expectantly, GQD also restored lung microbiota imbalance by clearing excessive Coprococcus 2 and Ochrobactrum in the BALF of colitis mice. Finally, significant correlations appeared between GQD-mediated specific bacteria and inflammatory cytokines or immune cells.

Conclusion

GQD could alleviate UC by decreasing excessive inflammatory myeloid cells and cytokines, and reshaping the microbiota between the colon and lung, which contributes to clarifying the mechanism by which GQD ameliorates colitis-associated pulmonary inflammation.

Topical Application of Galgeunhwanggeumhwangryeon-Tang Recovers Skin-Lipid Barrier and Ameliorates Inflammation via Filaggrin-Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin-Interleukin 4 Pathway

Background and objectives: The purpose of this study was to confirm the effect of Galgeunhwanggeumhwangryeon-tang (GGRT) on the skin barrier integrity and inflammation in an atopic dermatitis-like animal model. Materials and Methods: The model was established using lipid barrier elimination (LBE) in BALB/c mice. Ceramide 3B, a control drug, and GGRT were applied to the skin of LBE mice. Gross observation and histological examination were combined with measurement of skin score, trans-epidermal water loss, and pH. The expression of filaggrin, kallikrein-related peptidase 7 (KLK7), protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2), thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), and interleukin 4 (IL-4) was examined. Results: The effect of GGRT on atopic dermatitis was estimated in silico using two individual gene sets of human atopic dermatitis. In animal experiments, GGRT treatment reduced atopic dermatitis-like symptoms, as confirmed via gross and histological observations, skin score, pH change, and trans-epidermal water loss. The expression level of filaggrin increased in the skin of GGRT-treated mice compared to that in the LBE group. The expression levels of KLK7, PAR2, TSLP, and IL-4 were decreased in GGRT-treated mice skin compared to those in LBE mice. Conclusions: We demonstrated that GGRT restored the skin barrier and reduced inflammatory reactions in a murine model of atopic dermatitis.

In vivo and in silico studies on the mechanisms of egg white peptides in relieving acute colitis symptoms

Active peptides, as an alternative nutrition supplement, have been confirmed to have beneficial efficacy against acute colitis. Herein, egg white peptides (EWPs) were used as a nutritional supplement to relieve dextran sulfate sodium-induced acute colitis symptoms. The potential multi-component synergetic pharmacological intervention mechanism of EWPs was investigated on the basis of in silico pharmacology, bioinformatics analysis, and molecular docking. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the migration rate of HSF cells was enhanced 5.30-fold upon treatment with EWPs relative to the control group. After administration with EWPs, colitis symptoms were alleviated in a dose-dependent manner and the serum amino acid content was significantly enhanced, especially for Ala, Leu, Ser, Thr, and Met. Four peptides identified from EWPs showed a total of 52 acute colitis-related potential targets (Fit score >3.8) with network pharmacology analysis, and the targets participated in 31 signaling pathways (p < 0.001). Among these pathways, PI3K-Akt, VEGF, Ras, TNF, and MAPK signaling pathways may exert essential anti-inflammatory effects and accelerate repairing intestinal mucosa. Molecular docking showed that the majority binding energy of peptides-targets was between -10.35 kcal mol^-1 and -18.72 kcal mol^-1, and peptides mainly interacted with the core targets (Btk, Gstm1, and Rac1) by hydrogen-bonding interactions. The current study confirmed that EWPs as supplementary nutrition can alleviate acute colitis.

Active Ingredients and Potential Mechanisms of the Gan Jiang-Huang Qin-Huang Lian-Ren Shen Decoction against Ulcerative Colitis: A Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking-Based Study

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic and nonspecific inflammatory bowel disease, seriously affects the quality of patients' life. Han Re Bing Yong Fa (treating diseases with both cool- and warm-natured herbs) is a classical therapeutic principle of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which is often used to treat chronic diseases, including UC. The Gan Jiang-Huang Qin-Huang Lian-Ren Shen decoction (GJHQHLRSD), a representative of Han Re Bing Yong Fa, is effective in alleviating inflammatory symptoms in UC. However, the pharmacological mechanism underlying its anti-inflammatory effect remains unclear.

METHODS

A network pharmacology strategy, including the construction and analysis of the drug-disease network, was used to explore the complex mechanism of GJHQHLRSD treatment of UC. In addition, molecular docking technology was used to preliminarily examine the binding ability of the potential active components and core therapeutic targets of GJHQHLRSD.

RESULTS

The network pharmacology results revealed 140 targets of GJHQHLRSD which are involved in UC. The PPI network analysis identified seven target genes: BCL2L1, NR3C1, ALOX5, S1PR5, NR1I2, CYP2D6, and LPAR6. The molecular docking results revealed that the following displayed strongest combined effects: EGFR with kaempferol, ERK1 with worenine, STAT3 with Palmidin A, BCL2L1 with diop and VEGFA with ginsenoside Rg3. The KEGG and gene ontology enrichment analyses results indicated that GJHQHLRSD functions by regulating the EGFR signaling pathway in UC treatment. Other effective biological processes involved in UC treatment included cancer-related as well as inflammation and viral infection signaling pathways, such as the "MicroRNAs in cancer," "TNF signaling pathway," and "JAK-STAT signaling pathway."

CONCLUSIONS

This study reflects the multicomponent, multitarget, and multipathway characteristics of the action mechanism of GJHQHLRSD in treating UC. Furthermore, it helps better understand the TCM therapeutic principle of Han Re Bing Yong Fa and explore novel candidate drug targets for UC treatment.