1
|
Li Q, Sheng J, Baruscotti M, Liu Z, Wang Y, Zhao L. Identification of Senkyunolide I as a novel modulator of hepatic steatosis and PPARα signaling in zebrafish and hamster models. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2025; 336:118743. [PMID: 39209000 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118743] [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: 07/01/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality, with hepatic steatosis being the hallmark symptom. Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Smil, Dan-Shen) and Ligusticum striatum DC (Lstr, Chuan-Xiong) are commonly used to treat cardiovascular diseases and have the potential to regulate lipid metabolism. However, whether Smil/Lstr combo can be used to treat NAFLD and the mechanisms underlying its lipid-regulating properties remain unclear. PURPOSE To assess the feasibility and reliability of a short-term high-fat diet (HFD) induced zebrafish model for evaluating hepatic steatosis phenotype and to investigate the liver lipid-lowering effects of Smil/Lstr, as well as its active components. METHODS The phenotypic alterations of liver and multiple other organ systems were examined in the HFD zebrafish model using fluorescence imaging and histochemistry. The liver-specific lipid-lowering effects of Smil/Lstr combo were evaluated endogenously. The active molecules and functional mechanisms were further explored in zebrafish, human hepatocytes, and hamster models. RESULTS In 5-day HFD zebrafish, significant lipid accumulation was detected in the blood vessels and the liver, as evidenced by increased staining with Oil Red O and fluorescent lipid probes. Hepatic hypertrophy was observed in the model, along with macrovesicular steatosis. Smil/Lstr combo administration effectively restored the lipid profile and alleviated hepatic hypertrophy in the HFD zebrafish. In oleic-acid stimulated hepatocytes, Smil/Lstr combo markedly reduced lipid accumulation and cell damage. Subsequently, based on zebrafish phenotypic screening, the natural phthalide senkyunolide I (SEI) was identified as a major molecule mediating the lipid-lowering activities of Smil/Lstr combo in the liver. Moreover, SEI upregulated the expression of the lipid metabolism regulator PPARα and downregulated fatty acid translocase CD36, while a PPARα antagonist sufficiently blocked the regulatory effect of SEI on hepatic steatosis. Finally, the roles of SEI on hepatic lipid accumulation and PPARα signaling were further verified in the hamster model. CONCLUSIONS We proposed a zebrafish-based screening strategy for modulators of hepatic steatosis and discovered the regulatory roles of Smil/Lstr combo and its component SEI on liver lipid accumulation and PPARα signaling, suggesting their potential value as novel candidates for NAFLD treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingquan Li
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jian Sheng
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Mirko Baruscotti
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milano, Milan, 1-20133, Italy
| | - Zhenjie Liu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University Medical School, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310020, China
| | - Lu Zhao
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University Medical School, Hangzhou, 310003, China; State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Modernization, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang W, Wang S, Li Y, Zhu M, Xu Q, Luo B, Liu Y, Liu Y. Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro experimental verification of the mechanism of Guanxining in treating diabetic atherosclerosis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 324:117792. [PMID: 38290612 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117792] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Guanxinning(GXN) tablet is a patented traditional Chinese medicine widely used to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases. However, its potential mechanism and target in anti-diabetic atherosclerosis have not been clarified. AIM The aim of this study was to investigate the underlying targets and mechanisms of action GXN in the treatment of diabetic atherosclerosis, employing a combination of network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro experimental verification. METHODS We predicted the core components and targets of GXN in the treatment of diabetic atherosclerosis through various databases, and made analysis and molecular docking. In vitro, we induced injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells using glucose/palmitate and observed the effects of GXN on cellular damage high-glucose and high-fat conditions, subsequently elucidating its molecular mechanisms. RESULTS A total of 14 active components and 157 targets of GXN were identified. Using the PPI network, we selected 9 core active components and 20 targets of GXN. GO functional analysis revealed that these targets were primarily associated with apoptosis signaling pathways in response to endoplasmic reticulum stress and reactive oxygen species responses. Molecular docking confirmed the strong binding affinities of the primary active components of GXN with ERN1, MAPK1 and BECN1. In vitro experiments demonstrated the ability of GXN to restore endothelial cell activity, enhance cell migration and inhibit sICAM secretion, and upregulate the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins (IRE1, XBP1) and autophagy-related proteins (Beclin1, LC3A, and LC3B), while simultaneously inhibiting endothelial cell apoptosis under high-glucose and high-fat conditions. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that GXN can potentially safeguard endothelial cells from the adverse effects of high-glucose and high-fat by modulating the interactions between endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy. Therefore, GXN is a promising candidate for the prevention and treatment of diabetic atherosclerosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Sutong Wang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014 Shandong China
| | - Yiwen Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Mengmeng Zhu
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Qian Xu
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Binyu Luo
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Yanfei Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China; The Second Department of Gerontology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China.
| | - Yue Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li Y, Chen J, Tu H, Ma Q, Wang M, Chen J, Chen M. Protective effects of GuanXinNing tablet (GXNT) on diabetic encephalopathy in zucker diabetic obesity (ZDF) rats. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:385. [PMID: 37891536 PMCID: PMC10605859 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04195-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetic encephalopathy (DE) is a complication of diabetes that leads to cognitive and behavioral decline. Utilizing safe and effective complementary and alternative medications for its management is a wise choice. Previous studies have shown that GuanXinNing Tablet (GXNT), an oral preparation primarily derived from two Chinese herbs, Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. and Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort., exerts a beneficial neuroprotective effect. In this study, we explored the protective effects of GXNT on DE in male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats induced by a high-fat diet, aiming to ascertain its significance and potential mechanisms. METHODS ZDF rats were induced to develop type 2 diabetes (T2DM) with DE by a high-fat diet and treated with GXNT for 8 weeks until they were 20 weeks old. Throughout the experiment, the animals' vital parameters, such as body weight, were continuously monitored. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Y maze test. Biochemical kits were employed to analyze blood glucose, lipids, and vascular endothelial-related factors. Cerebrovascular lesions were assessed using magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) imaging. Brain lesions were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and ultrastructure observation. IgG and albumin (ALB) leakage were detected using immunofluorescence. RESULTS GXNT demonstrated an enhancement in the overall well-being of the animals. It notably improved cognitive and behavioral abilities, as demonstrated by extended retention time in the novel heterogeneous arm during the Y-maze test. GXNT effectively regulated glucose and lipid metabolism, reducing fasting and postprandial blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and total cholesterol (TC) levels. Additionally, it exhibited a protective effect on the vascular endothelium by reducing the serum TXB2/PGI2 ratio while elevating NO and PGI2 levels. Moreover, GXNT ameliorated stenosis and occlusion in cerebral vessel branches, increased the number of microvessels and neurons around the hippocampus, and improved microvascular occlusion in the cerebral cortex, along with addressing perivascular cell abnormalities. Immunofluorescence staining showed a decrease in the fluorescence intensity of IgG and ALB in the cerebral cortex. CONCLUSIONS GXNT demonstrated a highly satisfactory protective effect on DE in ZDF rats. Its mechanism of action could be based on the regulation of glucolipid metabolism and its protective effect on the vascular endothelium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yajing Li
- The Department of Biopharmaceutical Technology, Zhejiang Institute of Economics and Trade, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Jiaojiao Chen
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, Experimental Animal Research Center, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
- Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou, 310012, China
| | - Haiye Tu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Quanxin Ma
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, Experimental Animal Research Center, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Mulan Wang
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, Experimental Animal Research Center, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
- The Department of Medicine, Chiatai Qingchunbao Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Vasculocardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, Hangzhou, 310006, China.
| | - Minli Chen
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, Experimental Animal Research Center, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Niu C, Zhang P, Zhang L, Lin D, Lai H, Xiao D, Liu Y, Zhuang R, Li M, Ma L, Ye J, Pan Y. Molecular targets and mechanisms of Guanxinning tablet in treating atherosclerosis: Network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35106. [PMID: 37773840 PMCID: PMC10545342 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035106] [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: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Guanxinning tablet (GXNT), a Chinese patent medicine, is composed of salvia miltiorrhiza bunge and ligusticum striatum DC, which may play the role of endothelial protection through many pathways. We aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms of GXNT against atherosclerosis (AS) through network pharmacology and molecular docking verification. METHODS The active ingredients and their potential targets of GXNT were obtained in traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform and bioinformatics analysis tool for molecular mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine databases. DrugBank, TTD, DisGeNET, OMIM, and GeneCards databases were used to screen the targets of AS. The intersection targets gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analysis were performed in DAVID database. GXNT-AS protein-protein interaction network, ingredient-target network and herb-target-pathway network were constructed by Cytoscape. Finally, we used AutoDock for molecular docking. RESULTS We screened 65 active ingredients of GXNT and 70 GXNT-AS intersection targets. The key targets of protein-protein interaction network were AKT1, JUN, STAT3, TNF, TP53, IL6, EGFR, MAPK14, RELA, and CASP3. The Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway enrichment analysis showed that pathways in cancer, lipid and atherosclerosis, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway were the main pathways. The ingredient-target network showed that the key ingredients were luteolin, tanshinone IIA, myricanone, dihydrotanshinlactone, dan-shexinkum d, 2-isopropyl-8-methylphenanthrene-3,4-dione, miltionone I, deoxyneocryptotanshinone, Isotanshinone II and 4-methylenemiltirone. The results of molecular docking showed that tanshinone IIA, dihydrotanshinlactone, dan-shexinkum d, 2-isopropyl-8-methylphenanthrene-3,4-dione, miltionone I, deoxyneocryptotanshinone, Isotanshinone II and 4-methylenemiltirone all had good binding interactions with AKT1, EGFR and MAPK14. CONCLUSION The results of network pharmacology and molecular docking showed that the multiple ingredients within GXNT may confer protective effects on the vascular endothelium against AS through multitarget and multichannel mechanisms. AKT1, EGFR and MAPK14 were the core potential targets of GXNT against AS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chaofeng Niu
- Department of Cardiology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Peiyu Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lijing Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Dingfeng Lin
- Department of Cardiology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Haixia Lai
- Department of Cardiology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Di Xiao
- Department of Cardiology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Zhuang
- Department of Cardiology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Li
- Department of Cardiology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Liyong Ma
- Department of Cardiology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaqi Ye
- Department of Cardiology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Pan
- Department of Cardiology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tao Y, Bao J, Liu Q, Liu L, Zhu J. Deep residual network enabled smart hyperspectral image analysis and its application to monitoring moisture, size distribution and contents of four bioactive compounds of granules in the fluid-bed granulation process of Guanxinning tablets. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2023; 287:122083. [PMID: 36371812 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2022.122083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Bed collapse is a serious problem in a fluid-bed granulation process of traditional Chinese medicine. Moisture content and size distribution are regarded as two pivotal influencing factors. Herein, a smart hyperspectral image analysis methodology was established via deep residual network (ResNet) algorithm, which was then applied to monitoring moisture content, size distribution and contents of four bioactive compounds of granules in the fluid-bed granulation process of Guanxinning tablets. First, a hyperspectral imaging camera was utilized to acquire hyperspectral images of 132 real granule samples in the spectral region of 389-1020 nm. Second, the moisture content and size distribution of the granules were measured with a laser particle sizer and a fast moisture analyzer, respectively. Moreover, the contents of danshensu, ferulic acid, rosmarinic acid and salvianolic acid B of the granules were determined by using high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection. Third, ResNet quantitative calibration models were built, which consisted of convolutional layer, maxpooling layer, four convolutional blocks with residual learning function and two fully connected layers. As a result, the Rc2 values for the moisture content, granule sizes and contents of four bioactive compounds are determined to be 0.957, 0.986, 0.936, 0.959, 0.937, 0.938, 0.956, 0.889, 0.914 and 0.928, whereas the Rp2 values are calculated as 0.940, 0.969, 0.904, 0.930, 0.925, 0.928, 0.896, 0.849, 0.844, and 0.905, respectively. The predicted values matched well with the measured values. These findings indicated that ResNet algorithm driven hyperspectral image analysis is feasible for monitoring both the physical and chemical properties of Guanxinning tablets at the same time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Tao
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Jiaqi Bao
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Qing Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Li Liu
- Chiatai Qingchunbao Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hangzhou 310023, China.
| | - Jieqiang Zhu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Huang HY, Tsai ST. Network pharmacology implicates traditional Chinese medicine in regulating systemic homeostasis to benefit Alzheimer's disease. Tzu Chi Med J 2023. [DOI: 10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_125_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
|
7
|
Guanxinning Tablet Attenuates Coronary Atherosclerosis via Regulating the Gut Microbiota and Their Metabolites in Tibetan Minipigs Induced by a High-Fat Diet. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:7128230. [PMID: 35935588 PMCID: PMC9352486 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7128230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronary atherosclerosis (CA) is a chronic and evolving inflammatory disease characterized by the build-up of atherosclerotic plaque in the wall of coronary arteries. Guanxinning tablet (GXNT) is a novel Chinese medicine formula, which has been clinically used to treat coronary heart disease for many years. However, the potential mechanism for treating CA remains unclear. Thus, the study was aimed at investigating the therapeutic effect of GXNT on CA and further explore the underlying mechanisms from the perspective of gut microbiota. Following the establishment of a CA model in Tibetan minipigs, GXNT was orally administrated. We simultaneously detected blood lipid levels, observed ventricular function using ultrasound examination, measured platelet aggregation, and checked changes in inflammatory factors, oxidative stress factors, and vascular endothelial injury-related indexes applying ELISA assays. Histopathological changes of coronary artery tissue were subsequently evaluated using Sudan IV staining, HE staining, Oil red “O” staining, and immunohistochemistry assays. Finally, alterations of the gut microbiota and microbial metabolites were detected using metagenomic sequencing and targeted metabolomics, respectively. The results have suggested that GXNT could regulate dyslipidemia, improve heart function, and inhibit the levels of ox-LDL, CRP, TNF-α, IL-1β, SOD, MDA, vWF, and ET-1, as well as platelet aggregation. Additionally, histopathological findings revealed that GXNT could reduce lipid deposition, alleviate AS lesions, and restrain the expressions of NF-κB, TNF-α, and MMP-9. Furthermore, the composition of the gut microbiota was altered. Specifically, GXNT could upregulate the relative abundance of Prevotellaceae and Prevotella and downregulate the abundance of Proteobacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and Escherichia. As for microbial metabolites, GXNT could increase fecal propionic acid, butyric acid, and LCA-3S and decrease fecal TMA-related metabolites, CDCA, and serum TMAO. In sum, the results showed that GXNT had a satisfactory anti-CA effect, and the mechanism was closely associated with modulating gut microbiota and related metabolites.
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhang YG, Liu XX, Zong JC, Zhang YTJ, Dong R, Wang N, Ma ZH, Li L, Wang SL, Mu YL, Wang SS, Liu ZM, Han LW. Investigation Driven by Network Pharmacology on Potential Components and Mechanism of DGS, a Natural Vasoprotective Combination, for the Phytotherapy of Coronary Artery Disease. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27134075. [PMID: 35807320 PMCID: PMC9268537 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27134075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Phytotherapy offers obvious advantages in the intervention of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), but it is difficult to clarify the working mechanisms of the medicinal materials it uses. DGS is a natural vasoprotective combination that was screened out in our previous research, yet its potential components and mechanisms are unknown. Therefore, in this study, HPLC-MS and network pharmacology were employed to identify the active components and key signaling pathways of DGS. Transgenic zebrafish and HUVECs cell assays were used to evaluate the effectiveness of DGS. A total of 37 potentially active compounds were identified that interacted with 112 potential targets of CAD. Furthermore, PI3K-Akt, MAPK, relaxin, VEGF, and other signal pathways were determined to be the most promising DGS-mediated pathways. NO kit, ELISA, and Western blot results showed that DGS significantly promoted NO and VEGFA secretion via the upregulation of VEGFR2 expression and the phosphorylation of Akt, Erk1/2, and eNOS to cause angiogenesis and vasodilation. The result of dynamics molecular docking indicated that Salvianolic acid C may be a key active component of DGS in the treatment of CAD. In conclusion, this study has shed light on the network molecular mechanism of DGS for the intervention of CAD using a network pharmacology-driven strategy for the first time to aid in the intervention of CAD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- You-Gang Zhang
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250000, China; (Y.-G.Z.); (X.-X.L.); (Y.-T.-J.Z.); (R.D.); (N.W.); (Z.-H.M.); (Y.-L.M.); (S.-S.W.)
| | - Xia-Xia Liu
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250000, China; (Y.-G.Z.); (X.-X.L.); (Y.-T.-J.Z.); (R.D.); (N.W.); (Z.-H.M.); (Y.-L.M.); (S.-S.W.)
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030000, China
| | - Jian-Cheng Zong
- Chenland Research Institute, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (J.-C.Z.); (L.L.); (S.-L.W.)
| | - Yang-Teng-Jiao Zhang
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250000, China; (Y.-G.Z.); (X.-X.L.); (Y.-T.-J.Z.); (R.D.); (N.W.); (Z.-H.M.); (Y.-L.M.); (S.-S.W.)
| | - Rong Dong
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250000, China; (Y.-G.Z.); (X.-X.L.); (Y.-T.-J.Z.); (R.D.); (N.W.); (Z.-H.M.); (Y.-L.M.); (S.-S.W.)
| | - Na Wang
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250000, China; (Y.-G.Z.); (X.-X.L.); (Y.-T.-J.Z.); (R.D.); (N.W.); (Z.-H.M.); (Y.-L.M.); (S.-S.W.)
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030000, China
| | - Zhi-Hui Ma
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250000, China; (Y.-G.Z.); (X.-X.L.); (Y.-T.-J.Z.); (R.D.); (N.W.); (Z.-H.M.); (Y.-L.M.); (S.-S.W.)
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Li Li
- Chenland Research Institute, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (J.-C.Z.); (L.L.); (S.-L.W.)
| | - Shang-Long Wang
- Chenland Research Institute, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (J.-C.Z.); (L.L.); (S.-L.W.)
| | - Yan-Ling Mu
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250000, China; (Y.-G.Z.); (X.-X.L.); (Y.-T.-J.Z.); (R.D.); (N.W.); (Z.-H.M.); (Y.-L.M.); (S.-S.W.)
| | - Song-Song Wang
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250000, China; (Y.-G.Z.); (X.-X.L.); (Y.-T.-J.Z.); (R.D.); (N.W.); (Z.-H.M.); (Y.-L.M.); (S.-S.W.)
| | - Zi-Min Liu
- Chenland Nutritionals Inc., Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Correspondence: (Z.-M.L.); (L.-W.H.)
| | - Li-Wen Han
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250000, China; (Y.-G.Z.); (X.-X.L.); (Y.-T.-J.Z.); (R.D.); (N.W.); (Z.-H.M.); (Y.-L.M.); (S.-S.W.)
- Correspondence: (Z.-M.L.); (L.-W.H.)
| |
Collapse
|