A Bibliometric Analysis of Triptolide and the Recent Advances in Treating Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Triptolide suppresses melanoma cell growth in vitro and in vivo through the Src-ERK signaling pathway

Melanoma is a highly aggressive form of skin cancer with a rapidly increasing incidence. New strategies are urgently needed for treating advanced melanoma which is closely linked to metastasis and often results in death. The Src-ERK signaling axis contributes significantly to both cell growth and metastasis. Triptolide, a Tripterygium wilfordii extract used for treating autoimmune conditions in traditional Chinese medicine, also has anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antitumor activities. However, its ability to treat melanoma, including its target and underlying mechanism, requires clarification. We performed a range of in vivo and in vitro cellular experiments, encompassing assessments of cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, migration, and invasion, alongside nude mouse xenograft tumor studies, to evaluate the therapeutic potential of triptolide in melanoma. Here, it was found that triptolide markedly reduced proliferation, invasion, and migration in SK-MEL-5 and SK-MEL-28 cells. Triptolide was shown to arrest the cell cycle in G0/G1 and induce apoptosis, with further investigation showing that these effects were mediated by the Src-ERK pathway. Thus, the findings indicated that triptolide could inhibit melanoma cell growth and metastasis, suggesting its potential for treating metastatic melanoma.

Auriculasin induces mitochondrial oxidative stress and drives ferroptosis by inhibiting PI3K/Akt pathway in non-small cell lung cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for the majority of cases of lung cancer with poor outcomes. Auriculasin is a prenylated isoflavone abundant in the root of F. philippinensis with multiple pharmacological effects, including anticancer role. However, its roles in NSCLC remain largely unknown. NSCLC A549 cells were treated with auriculasin in vitro, and used to induce xenograft models. Cell viability was detected via CCK-8 assay. Mitochondrial oxidative stress was analyzed by JC-1 staining, ROS staining, and levels of MDA, SOD and GSH. Ferroptosis was assessed via iron content, and levels of ACSL4, PTGS2, FSP1 and GPX4. The phosphorylation levels of PI3K and Akt were measured by western blot. Auriculasin reduced NSCLC cell viability. Auriculasin promoted mitochondrial oxidative stress by reducing mitochondrial membrane potential, SOD and GSH levels, and enhancing ROS and MDA contents. In addition, auriculasin induced ferroptosis via increasing iron, ACSL4 and PTGS3 levels, and decreasing FSP1 and GPX4 levels. Furthermore, the potential targets of auriculasin in NSCLC were enriched in PI3K/Akt signaling. Auriculasin blunted PI3K/Akt pathway activation by blocking the phosphorylation. Activated PI3K/Akt signaling by activator 740Y-P reversed the effects of auriculasin on mitochondrial oxidative stress and ferroptosis. Finally, auriculasin reduced NSCLC cell growth in xenograft models. Auriculasin facilitates mitochondrial oxidative stress and induces ferroptosis through inhibiting PI3K/Akt pathway in NSCLC.

Global research status and trends of interactions between Traditional Chinese medicine and pulmonary fibrosis: A new dawn in treatment

Background

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) remains a major sequela of COVID-19, yet its pharmacotherapy remains unsatisfactory. Recently, Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has garnered increasing recognition among patients and researchers because of its few side effects and efficacy. The objective of this study is to use bibliometric analysis to explore the current research landscape and emerging trajectories of TCM treating PF(TCM/PF) researches, and comprehensively evaluate publications with substantial citations within the domain of TCM/PF.

Materials and methods

TCM/PF publications from 1996 to June 15, 2023 were identified by a comprehensive search of the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). The Bibliometrix of Origin, CiteSpace, Gephi, dycharts and VOSviewer were used for bibliometric analysis.

Results

A total of 358 papers were included. A rapid increase in the number of papers after 2013 was observed. China had the highest publication output and research contributions in this field. Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicineare leaders in productive research of this field. Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine had the highest citations (227). LI JIANSHENG from Henan University of Chinese Medicine was the most prolific author (8), with the highest number of citations (61), and TONG XIAO LIN from China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences had the highest H-index (30). The leading journal publishing the most research (37) is Frontiers in Pharmacology and the Journal of Ethnopharmacology had the highest total citations (486). Burst analysis of keywords revealed three distinct phases of research. 1996 to 2013 marked the nascent stage of TCM/PF research; from 2014 to 2018, studies gradually focused on the underlying mechanisms governing TCM/PF. The most significant phase occurred from 2019 onward, where TCM/PF exhibited an explosive growth trend. This progression signifies a transition from foundational explorations to a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms involved, ultimately leading to the current surge in research activities focused on TCM/PF. Notable research teams of this stage, led by LI JIAN SHENG and TONG XIAO LIN, have been at the forefront of advancing TCM/PF research. Their studies on Jinshui Huanxian formula and Qimai Feiluoping decoction have been pivotal in advancing the frontier of research in this domain. Furthermore, the monomeric compounds, including emodin, curcumin, salvianolic acid, baicalin, and oxymatrine, have sustained longstanding prominence.

Conclusions

This study gained insight into the research status, focal areas and evolving trends of global TCM/PF research. It also identified the most cited articles in TCM/PF and analyzed their characteristics, which may hold significant relevance for both clinical researchers and practitioners on future directions in this field.

Selective Antitumor Effect and Lower Toxicity of Mitochondrion-Targeting Derivatization of Triptolide

Triptolide has a significant antitumor activity, but its toxicity limits its clinical application. As the mitochondrion-targeting strategy showed an advantage in selective antitumor effect based on the higher mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in tumor cells than normal cells, the lipophilic cations triphenylphosphonium and E-4-(1H-indol-3-yl vinyl)-N-methylpyridinium iodide (F16) were selected as targeting carriers for structural modification of triptolide. The derivatives bearing F16 generally retained most antitumor activities, overcame its inhibition plateau phenomena, and enhanced its selective antitumor effect in lung cancer. The representative derivative F9 could accumulate in the mitochondria of NCI-H1975 cells, inducing apoptosis and a dose-dependent increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species and reducing MMP. Moreover, no effects were observed in normal cells BEAS-2B. In vivo studies showed that the developmental, renal, and liver toxicities of F9 to zebrafish were significantly lower than those of triptolide. This study provides a promising idea to relieve the toxicity problem of triptolide.

SSPH I, A Novel Anti-cancer Saponin, Inhibits EMT and Invasion and Migration of NSCLC by Suppressing MAPK/ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT/ mTOR Signaling Pathways

BACKGROUND

Saponin of Schizocapsa plantaginea Hance I (SSPH I).a bioactive saponin found in Schizocapsa plantaginea, exhibits significant anti-proliferation and antimetastasis in lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the anti-metastatic effects of SSPH I on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with emphasis on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) both in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

The effects of SSPH I at the concentrations of 0, 0.875,1.75, and 3.5 μM on A549 and PC9 lung cancer cells were evaluated using colony formation assay, CCK-8 assay, transwell assay and wound-healing assay. The actin cytoskeleton reorganization of PC9 and A549 cells was detected using the FITC-phalloidin fluorescence staining assay. The proteins related to EMT (N-cadherin, E-cadherin and vimentin), p- PI3K, p- AKT, p- mTOR and p- ERK1/2 were detected by Western blotting. A mouse model of lung cancer metastasis was established by utilizing 95-D cells, and the mice were treated with SSPH I by gavage.

RESULTS

The results suggested that SSPH I significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of NSCLC cells under a non-cytotoxic concentration. Furthermore, SSPH I at a non-toxic concentration of 0.875 μM inhibited F-actin cytoskeleton organization. Importantly, attenuation of EMT was observed in A549 cells with upregulation in the expression of epithelial cell marker E-cadherin and downregulation of the mesenchymal cell markers vimentin as well as Ncadherin. Mechanistic studies revealed that SSPH I inhibited MAPK/ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways.

CONCLUSION

SSPH I inhibited EMT, migration, and invasion of NSCLC cells by suppressing MAPK/ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways, suggesting that the natural compound SSPH I could be used for inhibiting metastasis of NSCLC.

Global bibliometric mapping of the research trends in artificial intelligence-based digital pathology for lung cancer over the past two decades

Background and Objective

The rapid development of computer technology has led to a revolutionary transformation in artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted healthcare. The integration of whole-slide imaging technology with AI algorithms has facilitated the development of digital pathology for lung cancer (LC). However, there is a lack of comprehensive scientometric analysis in this field.

Methods

A bibliometric analysis was conducted on 197 publications related to digital pathology in LC from 502 institutions across 39 countries, published in 97 academic journals in the Web of Science Core Collection between 2004 and 2023.

Results

Our analysis has identified the United States and China as the primary research nations in the field of digital pathology in LC. However, it is important to note that the current research primarily consists of independent studies among countries, emphasizing the necessity of strengthening academic collaboration and data sharing between nations. The current focus and challenge of research related to digital pathology in LC lie in enhancing the accuracy of classification and prediction through improved deep learning algorithms. The integration of multi-omics studies presents a promising future research direction. Additionally, researchers are increasingly exploring the application of digital pathology in immunotherapy for LC patients.

Conclusions

In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive knowledge framework for digital pathology in LC, highlighting research trends, hotspots, and gaps in this field. It also provides a theoretical basis for the application of AI in clinical decision-making for LC patients.

Triptolide restrains the growth, invasion, stemness, and glycolysis of non-small cell lung cancer cells by PFKFB2-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway

Triptolide (TP) has been found to have anti-tumor effects. However, more potential molecular mechanisms of TP in the progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) deserve further investigation. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and stemness were detected by cell counting kit 8 assay, EdU assay, flow cytometry, transwell assay, and sphere formation assay. Cell glycolysis was evaluated by corresponding assay kits. 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 2 (PFKFB2) expression was measured by western blot (WB), qRT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining. PI3K/AKT pathway-related markers were determined by WB. Besides, xenograft tumor model was conducted to evaluate the anti-tumor effect of TP in NSCLC. Our results revealed that TP treatment suppressed NSCLC cell proliferation, invasion, stemness, glycolysis, and enhanced apoptosis. PFKFB2 was upregulated in NSCLC tissues and cells, and its expression was decreased by TP. PFKFB2 knockdown restrained NSCLC cell functions, and its overexpression also eliminated TP-mediated NSCLC cell functions inhibition. TP decreased PFKFB2 expression to inactivate PI3K/AKT pathway. Moreover, PI3K/AKT pathway inhibitor LY294002 also could reverse the promoting effect of PFKFB2 on NSCLC cell functions. In addition, TP suppressed NSCLC tumorigenesis by inhibiting PFKFB2/PI3K/AKT pathway. In conclusion, TP exerted anti-tumor role in NSCLC, which was achieved by reducing PFKFB2 expression to inactivate PI3K/AKT pathway.

Integrating network pharmacology and experimental verification to explore the mechanism of Tripterygium wilfordii in ankylosing spondylitis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to validate the mechanism of triptolide in treating ankylosing spondylitis (AS) through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro experiments.

METHODS

We gathered AS-related genes using databases including DrugBank, OMIM, GeneCards, TTD and DisGeNET. TCMSP database was used to collect Tripterygium wilfordii (TWHF)-related data. Additionally, the potential targets of TWHF in treating AS were predicted by consulting databases such as Venny, String, Cytoscape, and Cytohubba. Subsequently, a protein-protein interaction network was created and the gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis were performed by metascape database. After selecting the most active ingredient of TWHF, molecular docking was performed to confirm the predicted results. Furthermore, we explore the potential mechanism of the most active ingredient of TWHF in the treatment of AS in vitro.

RESULT

By integrating the results of network pharmacological analysis, 62 genes were found to be strongly associated with AS, such as STAT3, TNF, MMP9, VEGFA, CXCL8, PTGS2, etc. Triptolide (TP) is one of the most active ingredients in TWHF. The enrichment analysis indicated that 292 biological processes and 132 signaling pathways were involved, with the T helper 17 cells cell differentiation pathway as the key pathway. TP was selected for molecular docking and in vitro experiments. The molecular docking results indicated that TP had excellent affinity with 6 key targets. Further, flow cytometry, cell counting assay, and ELISA demonstrated that the serum level of IL-17 was higher in AS patients compared to XXX, and 25 μg/mL TP was the optimal intervention concentration. RT-qPCR and Western blotting further verified that TP could inhibit the activation of RORγt and the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental verification in vitro, we proposed that the TP can inhibit the activation of RORγt and the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and inhibit the differentiation of T helper 17 cells cells. The article provide a theoretical basis for further development and utilization of TWHF in AS management.

Bibliometric study of soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators in cardiovascular research based on web of science from 1992 to 2021

Background: Several studies have shown that soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulators have cardiovascular (CV) benefits. However, few bibliometric analyses have examined this field systematically. Our study aimed to examine the publications to determine the trends and hotspots in CV research on sGC stimulators.

Methods: Publications on sGC stimulators in CV research were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. VOSviewer and CiteSpace visualization software were used to analyze publication trends, countries (regions) and institutions, journals and cited journals, authors and cited references, as well as keywords.

Results: A total of 1,212 literatures were obtained. From its first appearance in 1992–2021 (based on WOSCC record), the overall volume of publications has shown a gradual increasing trend. Nearly one-third were authored by American scholars, and most were published in Circulation, Circulation Research, and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. Bayer Agency in Germany was the leading driving force, and has a high academic reputation in this field. Stasch JP has published the most related articles and been cited most frequently. Half of the top 10 co-cited references were published in the leading highly co-cited journal Circulation and New England Journal of Medicine. “NO,” “allosteric regulation” and “free radicals” were the focus of previous research, “chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension,” “pulmonary hypertension” and “heart failure” were the main research hotspots. The key words “chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension,” “Pulmonary hypertension,” “preserved ejection fraction” and “heart failure” appeared most recently as research frontiers.

Conclusion: The research in the CV field of sGC stimulators was relatively comprehensive, and there was a close relationship among countries, research institutions and authors, but it is still in the exploratory stage in the treatment of CV disease. At present, most studies focus on the results of clinical trials. sGC stimulators in the treatment of heart failure, especially heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, may be the hotpots and Frontier at present and in the future, and should be closely monitored.