Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking-Based Mechanism Study to Reveal the Protective Effect of Salvianolic Acid C in a Rat Model of Ischemic Stroke

Phlomis crinita Cav. From Algeria: A source of bioactive compounds possessing antioxidant and wound healing activities

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Phlomis crinita Cav. (Lamiaceae), locally known as "El Khayata" or "Kayat El Adjarah", is traditionally used in Algeria for its wound-healing properties.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Investigate, for the first time, the phytochemical profile, safety, antioxidant and wound-healing activities of the flowering tops methanolic extract of P. crinita (PCME) collected from Bouira Province in the North of Algeria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Preliminary phytochemical assays were carried out on PCME to quantify the main classes of bioactive compounds, such as total phenols, flavonoids, and tannins. An in-depth LC-DAD-ESI-MS analysis was carried out to elucidate the phytochemical profile of this plant species. Antioxidant activity was investigated by several colorimetric and fluorimetric assays (DPPH, TEAC, FRAP, ORAC, β-carotene bleaching and ferrozine assay). The acute oral toxicity of PCME (2000 mg/kg b.w.) was tested in vivo on Swiss albino mice, whereas the acute dermal toxicity and wound-healing properties of the PCME ointment (1-5% PCMO) were tested in vivo on Wistar albino rats. Biochemical and histological analyses were carried out on biological samples.

RESULTS

The phytochemical screening highlighted a high content of phenolic compounds (175.49 ± 0.8 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g of dry extract), mainly flavonoids (82.28 ± 0.44 mg of quercetin equivalents/g of dry extract). Fifty-seven compounds were identified by LC-DAD-ESI-MS analysis, belonging mainly to the class of flavones (32.27%), with luteolin 7-(6″-acetylglucoside) as the most abundant compound and phenolic acids (32.54%), with salvianolic acid C as the most abundant compound. A conspicuous presence of phenylethanoids (15.26%) was also found, of which the major constituent is forsythoside B. PCME showed a strong antioxidant activity with half-inhibitory activity (IC50) ranging from 1.88 to 37.88 μg/mL and a moderate iron chelating activity (IC50 327.44 μg/mL). PCME appears to be safe with Lethal Dose 50 (LD50) ≥ 2000 mg/kg b.w. No mortality or toxicity signs, including any statistically significant changes in body weight gain and relative organs' weight with respect to the control group, were recorded. A significant (p < 0.001) wound contraction was observed in the 5% PCMO-treated group with respect to the untreated and petroleum jelly groups between 8 and 20 days, whereas no statistically significant results were observed at the two lower doses (1 and 2% PCMO). In addition, the 5% PCMO-treated group showed a statistically significant (p < 0.05) wound healing activity with respect to the reference drug-treated group, showing, at the end of the study, the highest wound contraction percentage (88.00 ± 0.16%).

CONCLUSION

PCME was safe and showed strong antioxidant and wound-healing properties, suggesting new interesting pharmaceutical applications for P. crinita based on its traditional use.

THSG alleviates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury via the GluN2B-CaMKII-ERK1/2 pathway

BACKGROUND

The potential therapeutic targeting of PINK1-PARK2-mediated mitophagy against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (CI/R) injury involves the pathophysiological processes of neurovascular unit (NVU) and is closely associated with N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) commonly expressed in NVU. 2,3,5,4'-Tetrahydroxy-stilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (THSG), a compound derived from the traditional Chinese medicine Polygonum multiflorum Thunb., has demonstrated notable neuroprotective properties against CI/R injury. However, it remains unclear whether THSG exerts its protective effects through GluN2B related PINK1/ PARK2 pathway.

PURPOSE

This study aims to explore the pharmacological effects of THSG on alleviating CI/R injury via the GluN2B-CaMKII-ERK1/2 pathway.

METHODS

THSG neuroprotection against CI/R injury was studied in transient middle cerebral artery occlusion/reversion (tMCAO/R) model rats and in oxygen and glucose deprivation/ reoxygenation (OGD/R) induced neurons. PINK1-PARK2-mediated mitophagy involvement in the protective effect of THSG was investigated in tMCAO/R rats and OGD/R-induced neurons via THSG and 3-methyladenine (3-MA) treatment. Furthermore, the beneficial role of GluN2B in reperfusion and its contribution to the THSG effect via CaMKII-ERK1/2 and PINK1-PARK2-mediated mitophagy was explored using the GluN2B-selective antagonist Ro 25-6981 both in vivo and in vitro. Finally, the interaction between THSG and GluN2B was evaluated using molecular docking.

RESULTS

THSG significantly reduced infarct volume, neurological deficits, penumbral neuron structure, and functional damage, upregulated the inhibitory apoptotic marker Bcl-2, and suppressed the increase of pro-apoptotic proteins including cleaved caspase-3 and Bax in tMCAO/R rats. THSG (1 μM) markedly improved the neuronal survival under OGD/R conditions. Furthermore, THSG promoted PINK1 and PARK2 expression and increased mitophagosome numbers and LC3-II-LC3-I ratio both in vivo and in vitro. The effects of THSG were considerably abrogated by the mitophagy inhibitor 3-MA in OGD/R-induced neurons. Inhibiting GluN2B profoundly decreased mitophagosome numbers and OGD/R-induced neuronal viability. Specifically, inhibiting GluN2B abolished the protection of THSG against CI/R injury and reversed the upregulation of PINK1-PARK2-mediated mitophagy by THSG. Inhibiting GluN2B eliminated THSG upregulation of ERK1/2 and CaMKII phosphorylation. The molecular docking analysis results demonstrated that THSG bound to GluN2B (binding energy: -5.2 ± 0.11 kcal/mol).

CONCLUSIONS

This study validates the premise that THSG alleviates CI/R injury by promoting GluN2B expression, activating CaMKII and ERK1/2, and subsequently enhancing PINK1-PARK2-mediated mitophagy. This work enlightens the potential of THSG as a promising candidate for novel therapeutic strategies for treating ischemic stroke.

Mechanism of baicalein in treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer based on network pharmacology and cell experiments

Objective

Baicalein, one of the most abundant flavonoids found in Chinese herb Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, exhibits pharmacological activities against various cancers. However, the precise pharmacological mechanism of baicalein in treating castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) remains elusive. This study aimed to elucidate the potential mechanism of baicalein against CRPC through a combination of network pharmacology and experimental approaches, thereby providing new avenues for research in CRPC treatment.

Methods

The pharmacological and molecular properties of baicalein were obtained using the TCMSP database. Baicalein-related targets were collected from multiple sources including SwissTargetPrediction, PharmMapper and CTD. Targets related to CRPC were acquired from DisGeNET, GeneCards, and CTD. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) was analyzed using STRING 11.5, and Cytoscape 3.7.2 software was utilized to explore the core targets of baicalein on CRPC. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed using DAVID database. Cell experiments were carried out to confirm the validity of the targets.

Results

A total of 131 potential targets of baicalein for the treatment of CRPC were obtained. Among them, TP53, AKT1, ALB, CASP3, and HSP90AA1, etc., were recognized as core targets by Cytoscape 3.7.2. GO function enrichment analysis yielded 926 entries, including 703 biological process (BP) terms, 84 cellular component (CC) terms and 139 molecular function (MF) terms. The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis unveiled 159 signaling pathways, mainly involved in Pathways in cancer, prostate cancer, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, TP53 signaling pathway, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, etc. Cell experiments confirmed that baicalein may inhibit the proliferation of CRPC cells and induce cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase. This effect could be associated with the TP53/CDK2/cyclin E1 pathway. In addition, the results of CETSA suggest that baicalein may directly bind to TP53.

Conclusion

Based on network pharmacology analysis and cell experiments, we have predicted and validated the potential targets and related pathways of baicalein for CRPC treatment. This comprehensive approach provides a scientific basis for elucidating the molecular mechanism underlying the action of baicalein in CRPC treatment. Furthermore, these findings offer valuable insights and serve as a reference for the research and development of novel anti-CRPC drugs.

Integrating UPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS with serum pharmacochemistry network and experimental verification to explore the pharmacological mechanisms of Cynanchi stauntonii rhizoma et radix against sepsis-induced acute lung injury

Introduction: Patients with sepsis are at an incremental risk of acute lung injury (ALI). Baiqian, also known as Cynanchi stauntonii rhizoma et radix (Csrer), has anti-inflammatory properties and is traditionally used to treat cough and phlegm. This study aimed to demonstrate the multicomponent, multitarget, and multi-pathway regulatory molecular mechanisms of Csrer in treating lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI. Methods: The bioactive components of Csrer were identified by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography Q-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS). Active targets predicted from PharmMapper. DrugBank, OMIM, TTD, and GeneCards were used to identify potential targets related to ALI. Intersection genes were identified for Csrer against ALI. The PPI network was analysed to identify prime targets. GO and KEGG analyses were performed. A drug-compound-target-pathway-disease network was constructed. Molecular docking and simulations evaluated the binding free energy between key proteins and active compounds. The protective effect and mechanism of Csrer in ALI were verified using an ALI model in mice. Western blot, Immunohistochemistry and TUNEL staining evaluated the mechanisms of the pulmonary protective effects of Csrer. Results: Forty-six bioactive components, one hundred and ninety-two potential cross-targets against ALI and ten core genes were identified. According to GO and KEGG analyses, the PI3K-Akt, apoptosis and p53 pathways are predominantly involved in the "Csrer-ALI" network. According to molecular docking and dynamics simulations, ten key genes were firmly bound by the principal active components of Csrer. The "Csrer-ALI" network was revealed to be mediated by the p53-mediated apoptosis and inflammatory pathways in animal experiments. Conclusion: Csrer is a reliable source for ALI treatment based on its practical components, potential targets and pathways.

Salvianolic acid C attenuates cerebral ischemic injury through inhibiting neuroinflammation via the TLR4-TREM1-NF-κB pathway

BACKGROUND

Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability with ischemic stroke being the most common type of stroke. Salvianolic acid C (SalC), a polyphenolic compound found in Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, has demonstrated therapeutic potential in the recovery phase of ischemic stroke. However, its pharmacological effects and underlying mechanisms during the early stages of ischemic stroke remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the potential mechanism of action of SalC during the early phase of ischemic stroke using network pharmacology strategies and RNA sequencing analysis.

METHODS

SalC effects on infarct volume, neurological deficits, and histopathological changes were assessed in a mouse model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). By integrating RNA sequencing data with a cerebral vascular disease (CVD)-related gene database, a cerebral ischemic disease (CID) network containing dysregulated genes from the tMCAO model was constructed. Network analysis algorithms were applied to evaluate the key nodes within the CID network. In vivo and in vitro validation of crucial targets within the identified pathways was conducted.

RESULTS

SalC treatment significantly reduced infarct volume, improved neurological deficits, and reversed pathological changes in the tMCAO mouse model. The integration of RNA sequencing data revealed an 80% gene reversion rate induced by SalC within the CID network. Among the reverted genes, 53.1% exhibited reversion rates exceeding 50%, emphasizing the comprehensive rebalancing effect of SalC within the CID network. Neuroinflammatory-related pathways regulated by SalC, including the toll-like-receptor 4 (TLR4)- triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM1)-nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, were identified. Further in vivo and in vitro experiments confirmed that TLR4-TREM1-NF-κB pathway was down-regulated by SalC in microglia, which was essential for its anti-inflammatory effect on ischemic stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

SalC attenuated cerebral ischemic injury by inhibiting neuroinflammation mediated by microglia, primarily through the TLR4-TREM1-NF-κB pathway. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential therapeutic benefits of SalC in ischemic stroke.

Potential pharmacological mechanisms of tanshinone IIA in the treatment of human neuroblastoma based on network pharmacological and molecular docking Technology

Tanshinone IIA (Tan-IIA) is the main bioactive component of Chinese herbal medicine salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen). Sodium sulfonate of Tan-IIA is widely used in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Tan-IIA also has inhibitory effects on tumor cells such as gastric cancer, but its therapeutic effect and mechanism on human neuroblastoma have not been evaluated, so its pharmacological mechanism is systematically evaluated by the combined method of network pharmacology and molecular docking. PharmMapper and SwissTargetPrediction predicted 331 potential Tan-IIA-related targets, and 1,152 potential neuroblastoma-related targets were obtained from GeneCards, DisGeNET, DrugBank, OMIM and Therapeutic Target databases (TTD), 107 common targets for Tan-IIA and neuroblastoma. Through gene ontology (GO) functional annotation, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomesa (KEGG) pathway enrichment, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and cytoHubba plug-in, 10 related signal pathways (Pathways in cancer, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Prostate cancer, etc.) and 10 hub genes were identified. The results of molecular docking showed that Tan-IIA could interact with 10 targets: GRB2, SRC, EGFR, PTPN1, ESR1, IGF1, MAPK1, PIK3R1, AKT1 and IGF1R. This study analyzed the related pathways and targets of Tan-IIA in the treatment of human neuroblastoma, as well as the potential anticancer and anti-tumor targets and related signaling pathways of Tan-IIA, which provides a reference for us to find and explore effective drugs for the treatment of human neuroblastoma.

Integrating network pharmacology and experimental verification to investigate the pharmacological mechanisms of Buzhong Yiqi decoction in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer

Among all types of cancers, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) exhibits the highest mortality rate with a five-year survival rate below 17% for patients. The Buzhong Yiqi decoction (BZYQD), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, has been reported to exhibit clinical efficacy in the treatment of NSCLC. Nevertheless, the underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive. This study aimed to assess the mechanistic actions exerted by BZYQD against NSCLC using network pharmacological analysis and experimental validation. The public databases were searched for active compounds in BZYQD, their potential targets, and NSCLC-related targets. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed to predict the core targets and signaling pathways of BZYQD against NSCLC. After screening, this study validated the results of predictions through in vitro experiments and public databases. We found 192 common targets between BZYQD and NSCLC. KEGG analysis showed that the anti-NSCLC effects of BZYQD were mediated through the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. The results of in vitro experiment indicated that BZYQD could inhibit cell viability and proliferation of A549 and H1299 cells apart from inducing cell apoptosis. In addition, western blot results substantiated that BZYQD could treat NSCLC by inhibiting the activation of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. The current study investigated the pharmacological mechanism of BZYQD against NSCLC via network pharmacology and in vitro analyses. Overall, the results revealed that BZYQD could be a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of NSCLC in the future. Still, more experimental investigations are needed to confirm the applicability of BZYQD for clinical trials.

Network Pharmacology Combined with Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics, and In Vitro Experimental Validation Reveals the Therapeutic Potential of Thymus vulgaris L. Essential Oil (Thyme Oil) against Human Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a major global health issue for women. Thyme oil, extracted from Thymus vulgaris L., has shown promising anticancer effects. In the present study, we investigated how Thyme oil can influence breast cancer treatment using a multimethod approach. We used network pharmacology to identify the active compounds of Thyme oil, their molecular targets, and the pathways involved in breast cancer. We found that Thyme oil can modulate several key proteins (EGFR, AKT1, ESR1, HSP90AA1, STAT-3, SRC, IL-6, HIF1A, JUN, and BCL2) and pathways (EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, prolactin signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, estrogen signaling pathway, ERBB signaling pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, JAK-STAT signaling pathway, FoxO signaling pathway, and PI3K-AKT signaling pathway) related to breast cancer progression. We then used molecular docking and dynamics to study the interactions and stability of the Thyme oil-compound complexes. We discovered three potent compounds (aromadendrene, α-humulene, and viridiflorene) that can bind strongly to important breast cancer proteins. We also performed in vitro experiments on MCF-7 cells to confirm the cytotoxicity and antiproliferative effects of Thyme oil. We observed that Thyme oil can inhibit cancer cell growth and proliferation at a concentration of 365.37 μg/mL. Overall, our results provide a comprehensive understanding of the pharmacological mechanism of Thyme oil in breast cancer treatment and suggest its potential as a new or adjuvant therapy. Further studies are needed to validate and optimize the therapeutic efficacy of Thyme oil and its active compounds.

Network Analysis and Experimental Verification of the Mechanisms of Hydroxysafflor Yellow A in Ischemic Stroke Following Atherosclerosis

Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) is derived from Carthamus tinctorius L. (Honghua in Chinese) and is used to treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. However, the mechanism by which HSYA treats ischemic stroke following atherosclerosis (ISFA) remains unclear. The targets and pathways of HSYA against ISFA were obtained using network analysis. A total of 3335 potential IFSA-related targets were predicted using the GenCards and Drugbank databases, and a total of 88 potential HSYA-related targets were predicted using the Swiss Target Prediction database. A total of 62 HSYA-related targets against IFSA were obtained. The network was composed of HSYA, 62 targets, and 20 pathways. The top 20 targets were constructed via the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that the targets were involved in signal transduction, protein phosphorylation, the cytoplasm, the plasma membrane, the cytosol, zinc ion binding, ATP binding, protein kinase binding/activity, and enzyme binding. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the pathways were associated with cancer, inflammatory mediator regulation of the transient receptor potential channels, and microRNA in cancer. Additionally, molecular docking indicated that HSYA mainly interacts with five targets, namely interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), E1A-binding protein p300 (EP300), protein kinase C alpha (PRKCA), and inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B kinase subunit beta (IKBKB). In animal experiments, HSYA administration ameliorated the infarct size, neurological deficit score, histopathological changes, carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), and blood lipid level (total cholesterol and triglycerides). Immunochemistry and quantitative PCR showed that HSYA intervention downregulated the expression of STAT3, EP300, PRKCA, and IKBKB, and the enzyme-linked immunoassay showed reduced IL-1β levels. The findings of this study provide a reference for the development of anti-ISFA drugs.

Salidroside regulates tumor microenvironment of non-small cell lung cancer via Hsp70/Stub1/Foxp3 pathway in Tregs

BACKGROUND

The treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is challenging due to immune tolerance and evasion. Salidroside (SAL) is an extract in traditional Chinese medicine and has a potential antitumor effect. However, the mechanism of SAL in regulating the immunological microenvironment of NSCLC is yet to be clarified.

METHODS

The mouse model with Lewis lung cancer cell line (3LL) in C57BL/6 mice was established. And then, the percentage of tumor-infiltrating T cell subsets including Treg was detected in tumor-bearing mice with or without SAL treatment. In vitro, the effect of SAL on the expression of IL-10, Foxp3 and Stub1 and the function of Treg were detected by flow cytometry. Network pharmacology prediction and molecular docking software were used to predict the target of SAL and intermolecular interaction. Furthermore, the effect of SAL on the expression of Hsp70 and the co-localization of Stub1-Foxp3 in Treg was confirmed by flow cytometry and confocal laser microscopy. Finally, Hsp70 inhibitor was used to verify the above molecular expression.

RESULTS

We discovered that SAL treatment inhibits the growth of tumor cells by decreasing the percentage of tumor-infiltrated CD4⁺Foxp3⁺T cells. SAL treatment downregulates the expression of Foxp3 in Tregs, but increases the expression of Stub1, an E3 ubiquitination ligase upstream of Foxp3, and the expression of Hsp70. Inhibiting the expression of Hsp70 reverses the inhibition of SAL on Foxp3 and disrupts the colocalization of Stub1 and Foxp3 in the nucleus of Tregs.

CONCLUSIONS

SAL inhibits tumor growth by regulating the Hsp70/stub1/Foxp3 pathway in Treg to suppress the function of Treg. It is a new mechanism of SAL for antitumor therapy.

Exploring the mechanisms under Zuogui Pill's treatment of ischemic stroke through network pharmacology and in vitro experimental verification

Due to its high mortality, incidence and disability rates, ischemic stroke poses heavy economic burdens to families and society. Zuogui Pill (ZGP) is a classic Chinese medicine for tonifying the kidney, which is effective for the recovery of neurological function after ischemic stroke. However, Zuogui Pill has not been evaluated for its potential effects on ischemic strokes. Using network pharmacology, the research aimed to explore the mechanisms of Zuogui Pill on ischemic stroke, which were further validated in SH-SY5Y cells injured by oxygen and glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R). Network analysis of Zuogui Pill identified 86 active ingredients and 107 compound-related targets correlated with ischemic stroke. Additionally, 11 core active compounds were obtained, such as Quercetin, beta sitosterol, and stigmasterol. Most of the compounds have been proven to have pharmacological activities. Based on pathway enrichment studies, Zuogui Pill may exert neuroprotection through MAPK signaling, PI3K-Akt signaling and apoptosis, as well as enhance neurite outgrowth and axonal regeneration effect via mTOR signaling, p53 signaling and Wnt signaling pathways. In vitro experiment, the viability of ischemic neuron treated with Zuogui Pill was increased, and the ability of neurite outgrowth was significantly improved. Western blot assays shown that the pro-neurite outgrowth effect of Zuogui Pill on ischemic stroke may be relate to PTEN/mTOR signal pathway. The results of the study provided new insights into Zuogui Pill's molecular mechanism in treatment of ischemic stroke, as well as clinical references for its use.

Downregulation of Nogo-B ameliorates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice through regulating microglia polarization via TLR4/NF-kappaB pathway

Many studies have shown a close association between Nogo-B and inflammation-related diseases. However, uncertainty does exist, regarding Nogo-B function in the pathological progression of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) model was utilized in C57BL/6L mice to mimic ischemic stroke in vivo. Using oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (ODG/R) model in microglia cells (BV-2) to establish cerebral I/R injury in vitro. Various methods, including Nogo-B siRNA transfection, mNSS and the rotarod test, TTC, HE and Nissl staining, immunofluorescence staining, immunohistochemistry, Western blot, ELISA, TUNEL and qRT-PCR were employed to probe into the effect of Nogo-B downregulation on cerebral I/R injury and the potential mechanisms. A small amount of Nogo-B expression (protein and mRNA) was observed in cortex and hippocampus before ischemia, then Nogo-B expression increased significantly on day 1, reaching the maximum on day 3, remaining stable on day 14 after I/R, and decreasing gradually after 21 days, but it still rose significantly compared with that observed preischemia. Nogo-B down-regulation could markedly reduce the neurological score and infarct volume, improve the histopathological changes and neuronal apoptosis, lower the number of CD86⁺/Iba1⁺ cells and the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, and raise the density of NeuN fluorescence, the number of CD206⁺/Iba1⁺ cells, and the level of IL-4, IL-10 and TGF-β in brain of MCAO/R mice. Treatment with Nogo-B siRNA or TAK-242 in BV-2 cells could obviously decrease the CD86 fluorescence density and the mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, increase CD206 fluorescence density and the mRNA expression of IL-10 after OGD/R injury. In addition, the expression of TLR4, p-IκBα and p-p65 proteins significantly increased in the brain after MCAO/R and BV-2 cells exposed to OGD/R. Treatment with Nogo-B siRNA or TAK-242 prominently reduced the expression of TLR4, p-IκBα and p-p65. Our findings suggest that the down-regulation of Nogo-B exerts protective effect on cerebral I/R injury by modulating the microglia polarization through inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Nogo-B may be a potential therapeutic target for ischemic stroke.

Protective effect of Gastrodia elata Blume in a Caenorhabditis elegans model of Alzheimer's disease based on network pharmacology

The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of Gastrodia elata Blume (GEB) against Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) through network pharmacology. Firstly, the active constituents of GEB through ETCM and BATMAN-TCM databases were collected and its potential AD-related targets in Swiss Target Prediction were predicted. The potential targets related to AD were collected from the GeneCards, OMIM, CTD and DisGeNET databases, and the differential genes (DEGs) between the normal population and the AD patient population in GSE5281 chip of the Gene Expression Omnibus database were collected at the same time. The intersection of the three targets yielded 59 key targets of GEB for the treatment of AD. The drug-active ingredient-target-AD network diagram was constructed and visualized with Cytoscape software to obtain the core components. Subsequently, protein-protein interaction analysis (PPI) was performed on 59 key targets through STRING database, and Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses was performed on 59 key targets. Finally, molecular docking was conducted between core components and core targets using AutoDock software, and the C. elegans AD model was used for experimental verification to explore the regulatory paralysis effect of core components on the C. elegans model, β-amyloid (Aβ) plaque deposition, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction verification of the regulatory effect of components on targets. The GEB components 4,4'-dihydroxydiphenyl methane (DM) and protocatechuic aldehyde (PA) were found to be most strongly associated with AD, and five core targets were identified in the PPI network, including GAPDH, EP300, HSP90AB1, KDM6B, and CREBBP. In addition to GAPDH, the other four targets were successfully docked with DM and PA using AutoDock software. Compared with the control group, 0.5 mM DM and 0.25 mM PA significantly delayed C. elegans paralysis (P<0.01), and inhibited the aggregation of Aβ plaques in C. elegans. Both DM and PA could upregulate the expression level of core target gene HSP90AB1 (P<0.01), and DM upregulated the expression of KDM6B (P<0.01), suggesting that DM and PA may be potential active components of GEB in the treatment of AD.

Network pharmacology and experimental evidence reveal the protective mechanism of Yi-Qi Cong-Ming decoction on age-related hearing loss

CONTEXT

Yi-Qi Cong-Ming (YQCM) decoction has been widely used to prevent age-related hearing loss (ARHL), the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease in the elderly.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the mechanism of YQCM decoction in the treatment of ARHL.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chemical constituents of YQCM were screened from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database. Potential targets of YQCM against ARHL were predicted by DrugBank, GeneCards, and OMIM database. Protein-protein network and enrichment analysis were used for exploring possible molecular mechanisms. Molecular docking and an in vitro model of ARHL by exposing auditory cells with 100 μM H₂O₂ for 3 h were applied. Cell viability and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨM) were detected by CCK-8 and high-content analysis. γH2AX and cleaved caspase-3 were detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

The main compounds have good affinities with hub targets, especially AKT1, PTGS2, and CASP3. GO and KEGG analysis showed that the main biological process and key targets were related to negative regulation of the apoptotic process. H₂O₂ treatment could reduce the cell viability by 68% and impaired ΔΨM, while 90 μg/mL YQCM pre-treatment could restore the cell viability by 97.45% and increase ΔΨM (2-fold higher). YQCM pre-treatment also reduced γH2AX and cleaved caspase-3 protein levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggested that YQCM prevents ARHL by modulating the apoptosis process in auditory hair cells. Moreover, this study proved that bioinformatics analysis combined with molecular docking and cell model is a promising method to explore other possible pharmacological interventions of ARHL.

A New Therapeutic Trend: Natural Medicine for Ameliorating Ischemic Stroke via PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway

Ischemic stroke (IS) is an acute cerebrovascular disease caused by sudden arterial occlusion, which is characterized by a high morbidity, mortality, and disability rate. It is one of the most important causes of nervous system morbidity and mortality in the world. In recent years, the search for new medicine for the treatment of IS has become an attractive research focus. Due to the extremely limited time window of traditional medicine treatment, some side effects may occur, and accompanied by the occurrence of adverse reactions, the frequency of exploration with natural medicine is significantly increased. Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway is a classical pathway for cell metabolism, growth, apoptosis, and other physiological activities. There is considerable research on medicine that treats various diseases through this pathway. This review focuses on how natural medicines (including herbs and insects) regulate important pathophysiological processes such as inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and the role it plays in improving IS. We found that many kinds of herbal medicine and insect medicine can alleviate the damage caused by IS through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Moreover, the prescription after their combination can also achieve certain results. Therefore, this review provides a new candidate category for medicine development in the treatment of IS.

Network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis on molecular targets and mechanisms of Gastrodia elata Blume in the treatment of ischemic stroke

Gastrodia elata Blume (GEB) is widely used to treat cardio-cerebrovascular disease in China and in traditional Chinese medicine it is considered to be a dispelling wind and dredging collateral. However, the mechanism and active components of the plant in treating ischemic stroke (IS) remain unclear. The present study aimed to identify the active components and mechanism of GEB in treating IS using network pharmacology and molecular docking technology. Network analysis predicted 752 potential targets from 14 compounds in GEB, sharing 32 key targets with IS-associated targets. Gene Ontology analysis of key targets showed that 'oxidative stress', 'immune response' and 'regulation of blood circulation' were significantly enriched. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis indicated that the key targets regulated 11 representative pathways including 'arachidonic acid metabolism', 'lipid and galactose metabolism'. In the protein-protein interaction network, five core targets, including toll-like receptor agonist, STAT3, myeloperoxidase (MPO), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)9, were identified and successfully docked with four active components: Palmitic acid, alexandrin, para-hydroxybenzaldehyde and gastrodin. Alexandrin, para-hydroxybenzaldehyde, and gastrodin are closely related to brain ischemia/reperfusion damage and repair. Therefore, to further verify the mechanism of action of three active components in the second part, we established the HT22 oxygen-glucose deprivation-reperfusion (OGD/R) model. Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and western blot analysis demonstrated that these three active components of GEB regulated core targets of molecular docking, such as STAT3, MPO and MMP9. In vitro experiments showed that OGD/R decreased cell survival, while this effect was reversed by the three active components of GEB. In addition, western blot analysis indicated that alexandrin upregulated expression of phosphorylated-STAT3, para-hydroxybenzaldehyde downregulated MPO and gastrodin downregulated MMP9. Therefore, the present study showed that GEB may prevent and treat IS via interaction between the active components and the main targets, which is key for investigating the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine.