Serial five-membered lactone ring ions in the treatment of Alzheimer's diseases-comprehensive profiling of arctigenin metabolites and network analysis

Identification of daurisoline metabolites in rats via the UHPLC-Q-exactive orbitrap mass spectrometer

Daurisoline, a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid extracted from the rhizomes of Menispermum dauricum, exhibits diverse biological activities, encompassing antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antitumor properties. However, previous investigations have not comprehensively elucidated the metabolic profile and pathways of daurisoline in vivo. Using Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Q-Exactive Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry technology, we comprehensively investigated the metabolites of daurisoline in Sprague-Dawley rats, following intragastric administration. Data collection and analysis were enhanced through Full Scan MS/dd-MS2, in conjunction with parallel reaction monitoring, extracted ion chromatography, and diagnostic fragment ions. Sixty-three metabolites were detected and characterized, including sixty-two novel metabolites and coclaurine. This investigation elucidated the cleavage patterns and tissue distribution characteristics of the metabolism of daurisoline. Furthermore, in vivo reactions, including dehydrogenation, hydroxylation, methylation, sulfation and glucuronidation, were thoroughly examined. Investigating the metabolites of daurisoline in rats has deepened our understanding of its metabolism in vivo, aiding in elucidating its metabolic and pharmacological actions. This provides a valuable foundation for further research into its therapeutic efficacy.

Cynomorium songaricum: UHPLC/ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS analysis and mechanistic study on insulin sensitivity of a flavonoid-enriched fraction

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, posing a significant global health concern due to its increasing prevalence. Insulin resistance (IR) plays a major role in the development of T2DM and is often linked to factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, and a sedentary lifestyle. Recently, there has been growing interest in exploring the potential of natural products for improving insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. Among these, Cynomorium songaricum Rupr., an edible parasitic plant, has shown promising antidiabetic effects. However, research on its beneficial effects on IR is still nascent. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the application of a Cynomorium songaricum flavonoid-enriched fraction (CSF) in the treatment of IR in T2DM, along with elucidating the chemical and biochemical mechanisms involved.

METHOD

First, UHPLC/ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS was utilized to perform a chemical profiling of CSF. Subsequently, glycogen synthesis, gluconeogenesis and glucose consumption assays were conducted on HepG2 cells with a high glucose high insulin-induced IR model to illustrate the favorable impacts of CSF on IR. Then, an innovative network pharmacology analysis was executed to predict the potential chemical components and hub genes contributing to CSF's protective effect against IR. To further elucidate molecular interactions, molecular docking studies were performed, focusing on the binding interactions between active constituents of CSF and crucial targets. Additionally, an RNA-sequencing assay was employed to uncover the underlying biochemical signaling pathway responsible for CSF's beneficial effects. To validate these findings, western blot and qPCR assays were employed to verify the pathways related to IR and the potential signaling cascades leading to the amelioration of IR.

RESULTS

The UHPLC/ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS analysis successfully identified a total of thirty-six flavonoids derived from CSF. Moreover, CSF was shown to significantly improve glycogen synthesis and glucose consumption as well as inhibit gluconeogenesis in HepG2 cells of IR. An innovative network pharmacology analysis unveiled key hub genes-AKT1 and PI3K-integral to metabolic syndrome-related signaling pathways, which contributed to the favorable impact of CSF against IR. Noteworthy active ingredients including quercetin, ellagic acid and naringenin were identified as potential contributors to these effects. The results of western blot and qPCR assays provided compelling evidence that CSF improved insulin sensitivity by modulating the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Subsequent RNA-sequencing analysis, in tandem with western blot assays, delved deeper into the potential mechanisms underlying CSF's advantageous effects against IR, potentially associated with the enhancement of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) proteostasis.

CONCLUSION

CSF exhibited a remarkable ability to enhance insulin sensitivity in the IR model of HepG2 cells. This was evident through enhancements in glycogen synthesis and glucose consumption, along with its inhibitory impact on gluconeogenesis. Furthermore, CSF demonstrated an improvement in the insulin-mediated PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. The potential active constituents were identified as quercetin, ellagic acid and naringenin. The underlying biochemical mechanisms responsible for CSF's beneficial effects against IR were closely linked to its capacity to mitigate ER stress, thereby offering a comprehensive understanding of its protective action.

Metabolic profiles of Fufang Xiling Jiedu capsule in rats by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry

Fufang Xiling Jiedu capsule (FXJC), a traditional Chinese medicine that evolved from "Yinqiao Powder", is widely used for the treatment of cold and influenza. However, due to a lack of in vivo metabolism research, the chemical components responsible for the therapeutic effects still remain unclear. Hence, this study aimed to describe the metabolic profiles of the FXJC in rat plasma, urine, and feces. A combined data mining strategy based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry was employed and 201 xenobiotics, including 117 prototype components and 84 metabolites were detected. Phenolic acids, flavonoids, triterpenes, and lignans were prominent ingredients absorbed in vivo, and the major metabolic pathways of the detected metabolites were glucuronidation, sulfation, methylation, and oxidation. This is the first systematic study on the metabolism of the FXJC in vivo, providing valuable information for future studies on the efficacy, toxicity, and mechanism of the FXJC.

Multi-target Phenylpropanoids Against Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disease with no defined cause, characterized by recurrent epileptic seizures. These occur due to the dysregulation of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system (CNS). Psychopharmaceuticals have undesirable side effects; many patients require more than one pharmacotherapy to control crises. With this in mind, this work emphasizes the discovery of new substances from natural products that can combat epileptic seizures. Using in silico techniques, this review aims to evaluate the antiepileptic and multi-target activity of phenylpropanoid derivatives. Initially, ligand-based virtual screening models (LBVS) were performed with 468 phenylpropanoid compounds to predict biological activities. The LBVS were developed for the targets alpha- amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA), voltage-gated calcium channel Ttype (CaV), gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA), gamma-aminobutyric acid transporter type 1 (GAT-1), voltage-gated potassium channel of the Q family (KCNQ), voltage-gated sodium channel (NaV), and N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA). The compounds that had good results in the LBVS were analyzed for the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) parameters, and later, the best molecules were evaluated in the molecular docking consensus. The TR430 compound showed the best results in pharmacokinetic parameters; its oral absorption was 99.03%, it did not violate any Lipinski rule, it showed good bioavailability, and no cytotoxicity was observed either from the molecule or from the metabolites in the evaluated parameters. TR430 was able to bind with GABAA (activation) and AMPA (inhibition) targets and demonstrated good binding energy and significant interactions with both targets. The studied compound showed to be a promising molecule with a possible multi-target activity in both fundamental pharmacological targets for the treatment of epilepsy.

Exploring the possible mechanism(s) underlying the nephroprotective effect of Zhenwu Decoction in diabetic kidney disease: An integrated analysis

BACKGROUND

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the major chronic microvascular complications of diabetes and the main cause of end-stage renal failure. Zhenwu Decoction (ZWD), an ancient classic herbal formula in Chinese medicine, has been clinically used for the treatment of kidney disease in China for many years. However, there is currently limited research investigating the application of ZWD in the treatment of DKD and the underlying chemical and biochemical mechanisms involved. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to identify active components in ZWD and unravel the possible mechanism(s) of action for ZWD in treating DKD.

METHODS

The protective effect of ZWD against DKD was evaluated utilizing an in vitro model of diabetic renal proximal tubulopathy. The major chemical components from ZWD were identified by LC-MS/MS. Drug targets were predicted by submitting the SMILES (Simplified Molecular Input Line Entry System) of the compounds to SEA (Similarity Ensemble Approach) search server and SwissTargetPrediction. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of the disease were collected and integrated from GeneCards. The constructions of "Compounds-potential targets interaction" (CTI) network and Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network, as well as topology analysis were conducted by Cytoscape. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Metacore pathway enrichment analysis were also performed. Lastly, molecular docking and experimental studies were adopted to validate the core target and identify an active component(s) of ZWD.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that the ZWD extract could significantly rescue the palmitic acid (PA) and high glucose-induced apoptotic cell death in HK-2 cells, and the cytoprotection was accompanied by decreases in the extent of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial membrane depolarization and ATP depletion. Fifty-seven compounds in the aqueous extract of ZWD were identified by LC-MS. The results of PPI analysis showed that top hub genes involved epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3), Serine/Threonine Kinase 1 (AKT1), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGFA) and Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 (FGF2). Pathway enrichment analysis revealed the involvement of S1P1 receptor signaling and EGFR pathways. The results of molecular docking analysis showed that albiflorin has a high binding affinity to EGFR. Albiflorin could also exert protective effects in an HK-2 cell model of DKD, which may be related to the inhibition of the high glucose/high lipid-induced EGFR and Akt phosphorylation.

CONCLUSION

ZWD has been shown to be effective in ameliorating cell death in an experimental model of DKD. The beneficial effect of ZWD against DKD was associated with the interactions between the active ingredients and the hub genes, such as EGFR, STAT3, AKT1, and VEGF-A. Albiflorin may be one of the active components responsible for the nephroprotective effect in ZWD.

Integrating single-nucleus sequence profiling to reveal the transcriptional dynamics of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS) are three nervous system diseases that partially overlap clinically and genetically. However, bulk RNA-sequencing did not accurately detect the core pathogenic molecules in them. The availability of high-quality single cell RNA-sequencing data of post-mortem brain collections permits the generation of a large-scale gene expression in different cells in human brain, focusing on the molecular features and relationships between diseases and genes. We integrated single-nucleus RNA-sequencing (snRNA-seq) datasets of human brains with AD, PD, and MS to identify transcriptomic commonalities and distinctions among them.

METHODS

The snRNA-seq datasets were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The Seurat package was used for snRNA-seq data processing. The uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) were utilized for cluster identification. The FindMarker function in Seurat was used to identify the differently expressed genes. Functional enrichment analysis was carried out using the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Gene ontology (GO). The protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was analyzed using STRING database ( http://string-db.org ). SCENIC analysis was performed using utilizing pySCENIC (v0.10.0) based on the hg19-tss-centered-10 kb-10species databases. The analysis of potential therapeutic drugs was analyzed on Connectivity Map ( https://clue.io ).

RESULTS

The gene regulatory network analysis identified several hub genes regulated in AD, PD, and MS, in which HSPB1 and HSPA1A were key molecules. These upregulated HSP family genes interact with ribosome genes in AD and MS, and with immunomodulatory genes in PD. We further identified several transcriptional regulators (SPI1, CEBPA, TFE3, GRHPR, and TP53) of the hub genes, which has important implications for uncovering the molecular crosstalk among AD, PD, and MS. Arctigenin was identified as a potential therapeutic drug for AD, PD, and MS.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, the integrated snRNA-seq data and findings have significant implications for unraveling the shared and unique molecular crosstalk among AD, PD, and MS. HSPB1 and HSPA1A as promising targets involved in the pathological mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, the identification of arctigenin as a potential therapeutic drug for AD, PD, and MS further highlights its potential in treating these neurological disorders. These discoveries lay the groundwork for future research and interventions to enhance our understanding and treatment of AD, PD, and MS.