Pharmacokinetics-Based Chronoefficacy of Semen Strychni and Tripterygium Glycoside Tablet Against Rheumatoid Arthritis

Chemical composition and antioxidant properties of native Ecuadorian fruits: Rubus glabratus Kunth, Vaccinium floribundum Kunth, and Opuntia soederstromiana

The native berries of South America present promising marketing opportunities owing to their high antioxidant content, notably rich in anthocyanin and phenolic compounds. However, Ecuador's endemic fruits, primarily found in the wild, lack comprehensive data regarding their phytochemical composition and antioxidant capacity, underscoring the need for research in this area. Accordingly, this study evaluated the total phenolic, anthocyanin, flavonoid, resveratrol, ascorbic acid, citric acid, sugars, and antioxidant content of three native Ecuadorian fruits: mora de monte (Rubus glabratus Kunth), mortiño (Vaccinium floribundum Kunth), and tuna de monte (Opuntia soederstromiana). Determination of resveratrol, ascorbic acid, citric acid, and sugars was determined by HPLC analysis, and UPLC analysis was used to determine tentative metabolites with nutraceutical properties. Antioxidant capacity was assessed using cyclic voltammetry and the DPPH method; differential pulse voltammetry was used to evaluate antioxidant power. Analysis of results through UPLC-QTOF mass spectrometry indicated that R. glabratus Kunth and V. floribundum Kunth are important sources of various compounds with potential health-promoting functions in the body. The DPPH results showed the following antioxidant capacities for the three fruits: R. glabratus Kunth > O. soederstromiana > V. floribundum Kunth; this trend was consistent with the antioxidant capacity results determined using the electrochemical methods.

Advantages of Chinese herbal medicine in treating rheumatoid arthritis: a focus on its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects

Oxidative stress is a condition characterized by an imbalance between the oxidative and antioxidant processes within the human body. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is significantly influenced by the presence of oxidative stress, which acts as a pivotal factor in its pathogenesis. Elevated levels of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation have been found to be closely associated in the plasma of patients with RA. The clinical treatment strategies for this disease are mainly chemical drugs, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), glucocorticoids (GCs) and biological agents, but it is difficult for patients to accept long-term drug treatment and its side effects. In the theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), RA is thought to be caused by the attack of "wind, cold, damp humor," and herbs with the effect of removing wind and dampness are used to relieve pain. Chinese herbal medicine boasts a rich heritage in effectively attenuating the symptoms of RA, and its global recognition continues to ascend. In particular, RA-relevant anti-inflammatory/anti-oxidative effects of TCM herbs/herbal compounds. The main aim of this review is to make a valuable contribution to the expanding pool of evidence that advocates for the incorporation of Chinese herbal medicine in conventional treatment plans for RA.

Brucine alleviates fibroblast-like synoviocytes dysfunction and inflammation by regulating YY1 during rheumatoid arthritis

Brucine is a weak alkaline indole alkaloid with wide pharmacological activities and has been identified to protect against rheumatoid arthritis (RA) process. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are also reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of RA. Here, we aimed to probe the role and mechanism of Brucine and circ_0139658 in RA progression. The fibroblast-like synoviocytes of RA (RA-FLSs) were isolated for functional analysis. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration, as well as inflammatory response were evaluated by CCK-8 assay, EdU assay, flow cytometry, transwell assay, and ELISA analysis, respectively. qRT-PCR and western blotting analyses were utilized to measure the levels of genes and proteins. The binding between miR-653-5p and circ_0139658 or Yin Yang 1 (YY1), was verified using dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays. Brucine suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of RA-FLSs, and alleviated inflammation by reducing the release of pro-inflammatory factors and macrophage M1 polarization. RA-FLSs showed increased circ_0139658 and YY1 levels and decreased miR-653-5p levels. Circ_0139658 is directly bound to miR-653-5p to regulate YY1 expression. Brucine treatment suppressed circ_0139658 and YY1 expression but increased YY1 expression in RA-FLSs. Functionally, circ_0139658 overexpression reversed the suppressing effects of Brucine on RA-FLS dysfunction and inflammation. Moreover, circ_0139658 silencing alleviated the dysfunction and inflammation in RA-FLSs, which were reverted by YY1 overexpression. Brucine suppressed the proliferation, migration, invasion, and inflammation in RA-FLSs by decreasing YY1 via circ_0139658/miR-653-5p axis.

Systematic pharmacology-based strategy to explore the mechanism of Semen Strychni for treatment of papillary thyroid carcinoma

The aim of the study was to investigated the mechanism of Strychnos nux-vomica L. (Semen Strychni, SS) against papillary carcinoma thyroid (PTC) by combined of network pharmacology and experimental verification. By searching the TCMSP, SEA and SwissTarget Prediction database, the main active ingredients and related targets were obtained. Utilizing Venny 2.1.0 String database and Cytoscape 3.7.2 to screened the intersection target and constructed protein-protein interaction (PPI) network diagram. Using R 4.0.4 software carried out the enrichment analysis of GO and KEGG. HPLC was carried out using LC-20A modular HPLC system to identify the bioactive compound brucine present in SS. Molecular docking was performed using Discovery 2019 software. The inhibition rate was detected by CCK8 method. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of brucine anti-PTC related pathway proteins. 14 active components were screened out, of which 4 main components showed tight relationship with PTC. SS may play the anti-PTC role by acting on two main pathways (TNF signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway) and mediating various biological functions. HPLC analysis revealed that brucine was a suitable marker for standardization of the SS. 4 active components exhibit strong binding energy with core protein. Brucine could significantly reduce the activity of BCPAP cells compared with isobrucine, stigmasterol, (+)-catechin. Brucine may reduce the protein expression levels of IL-6, VEGFA, JUN, TP53, 1L1B, PTGS2, BCL2, CASP3, CASP8, and CASP9 while increase the protein expression levels of BAD, cleaved-CASP3, cleaved-CASP8, and cleaved-CASP9 in BCPAP cells, respectively. The active components of SS against PTC mainly include isobrucine, stigmasterol, (+)-catechin, brucine. Among them, brucine exhibits the strongest anti-PTC activity in BCPAP cells, which may reduce the PTC-related protein expression levels. Therefore, SS may exhibits the anti-PTC activities through multiple targets and pathways.

Exploring the molecular mechanism of Nux Vomica in treating ischemic stroke using network pharmacology and molecular docking methods

BACKGROUND

Nux Vomica (NV) has the effects of dredging collaterals, relieving pain, dispersing knots, and detumescence, and has a verified effect in treating ischemic stroke (IS), but its molecular mechanism for treating IS remains unclear. In this study, network pharmacology and molecular docking methods were adopted to explore the pharmacological mechanism of NV in treating IS.

METHODS

The Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and the HERB database were searched to screen the active components and targets of NV. IS disease targets were retrieved from the DisGeNET, DrugBank, GeneCards, and Therapeutic Target Database. Venn diagram and intersection targets were obtained from the Venny website. Subsequently, the STRING database was employed to analyze the interrelationship of the intersection targets. Metascape database was used for Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of intersection targets. Furthermore, Cytoscape was employed to plot a drug-component-target network, and other networks, and molecular docking method was adopted to predict the effective components and targets of NV for treating IS.

RESULTS

A total of 14 active compounds and 59 targets of NV were screened, of which 35 targets were related to IS. Stigmasterol, brucine, isobrucine, isostrychnine N-oxide (I), (S)-stylopine, icaride A, and (2R)-5,7-dihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)chroman-4-one were the main active ingredients, and SLC6A4, NR3C1, SLC6A3, HTR3A, CHRNA7, MAOA, PTGS2, ESR1, catalase (CAT), ADRB2, and AR were the core targets. Molecular docking shows that these compounds bind well to the core targets. In addition, the treatment of IS by NV may mainly involve salivary secretion, serotonergic synapse, calcium signaling pathway, cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed that NV exerts its therapeutic effect on IS through multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway, which provides a basis for clinical treatment of IS.

Study on the Potential Mechanism of Semen Strychni against Myasthenia Gravis Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking with Experimental Verification

Background

Semen Strychni (SS) is an effective Chinese medicine formula for treating myasthenia gravis (MG) in clinics. Nonetheless, its molecular mechanism is largely unknown.

Objective

Using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation, we aim to identify the therapeutic effect of SS on MG and its underlying mechanism.

Methods

The main ingredients of SS and their targets and potential disease targets for MG were extracted from public databases. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING 11.0 database, and Cytoscape was used to identify the hub targets. In addition, Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were used to identify molecular biological processes and signaling pathways. Then, AutoDock Via conducted molecular docking. The experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) model in female Lewis rats, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were performed to confirm the effect and mechanism of SS on MG.

Results

The following active compounds and hub targets were identified by screening and analyzing: isobrucine, vomicine, (S)-stylopine, strychnine, brucine-N-oxide, brucine and AKT1, MAPK1, MAPK14, CHRM1, ACHE, and CHRNA4. KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that the cholinergic synapse and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction signaling pathway may be necessary. The results of molecular docking revealed that the main active ingredients bind well to the hub targets. In vivo experiments proved that SS could improve the weight loss and Lennon scores in the EAMG model. Experiments in molecular biology showed that SS could treat MG by affecting the cholinergic synapse through the respective antibody, receptor, and key enzymes in the cholinergic pathway.

Conclusion

This study provided a preliminary overview of the active constituents, primary targets, and potential pathways of SS against MG. SS ameliorated EAMG by regulating the cholinergic synaptic junction.

Differences in Multicomponent Pharmacokinetics, Tissue Distribution, and Excretion of Tripterygium Glycosides Tablets in Normal and Adriamycin-Induced Nephrotic Syndrome Rat Models and Correlations With Efficacy and Hepatotoxicity

Tripterygium glycosides tablets (TGT) are widely used for treating nephrotic syndrome (NS), but hepatotoxicity is frequently reported. The presence of underlying disease(s) can alter the disposition of drugs and affect their efficacy and toxicity. However, no studies have reported the impact of NS on the ADME profiles of TGT or its subsequent impact on the efficacy and toxicity. Thus, the efficacy and hepatotoxicity of TGT were evaluated in normal and NS rats after oral administration of TGT (10 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. The corresponding ADME profiles of the six key TGT components (triptolide (TPL), wilforlide A (WA), wilforgine (WFG), wilfortrine (WFT), wilfordine (WFD), and wilforine (WFR)) were also measured and compared in normal and NS rats after a single oral gavage of 10 mg/kg TGT. Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) of the severity of NS and the in vivo exposure of the six key TGT components was performed to screen the anti–NS and hepatotoxic material bases of TGT. Finally, the efficacy and hepatotoxicity of the target compounds were evaluated in vitro. The results showed that TGT decreased the NS symptoms in rats, but caused worse hepatotoxicity under the NS state. Significant differences in the ADME profiles of the six key TGT components between the normal and NS rats were as follows: higher plasma and tissue exposure, lower urinary and biliary excretion, and higher fecal excretion for NS rats. Based on CCA and in vitro verification, TPL, WA, WFG, WFT, WFD, and WFR were identified as the anti–NS material bases of TGT, whereas TPL, WFG, WFT, and WFD were recognized as the hepatotoxic material bases. In conclusion, NS significantly altered the ADME profiles of the six key TGT components detected in rats, which were related to the anti–NS and hepatotoxic effects of TGT. These results are useful for the rational clinical applications of TGT.

Pharmacokinetics-based Chronotherapy

Dosing time-dependency of pharmacokinetics (or chronopharmacokinetics) has been long recognized. Studies in recent years have revealed that diurnal rhythmicity in expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters (DMETs) are key factors determining chronopharmacokinetics. In this article, we briefly summarize current knowledge with respect to circadian mechanisms of DMETs and discuss how rhythmic DMETs are translated to drug chronoeffects. More importantly, we present our perspectives on pharmacokinetics-based chronotherapy.