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Su Y, Xu S, Hu X, Wang R, Dong M, Wang Y, Wang S, Zhang Y, Tian Q, Han L. Rapid discovery of natural skin-lightening ingredients based on an integrated screening strategy based on molecular docking and zebrafish model. J Cosmet Dermatol 2024. [PMID: 38923657 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.16439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural herbs have been widely considered a reservoir for skin-lightening ingredients, but discovery of the effective ingredients from herbs remains a large challenge. AIM This research aimed to rapidly identify compounds with skin-lightening activity in Chinese herbs. METHODS The structure information of herbal compounds was collected and selected from the open-source data. High throughput virtual screening (HTVS) and Extra precision (XP) docking modes were used to screen for compounds that could bind to the mushroom tyrosinase involved in melanin synthesis. Furthermore, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were introduced to assess the binding stability of those compounds with the key target protein. The candidate compounds found by this kind of multidimensional molecular screening were finally tested for their ability to inhibit pigmentation and potential toxicity using an in vivo zebrafish animal model. RESULTS A Natural Compounds Database was established with 5616 natural compounds. Fourteen compounds with favorable binding capability were screened by the XP docking mode with mushroom tyrosinase and five compounds among them were found to have superior dynamic binding performance through MD simulations. Then the Zebrafish animal experiments revealed that two components, sennoside B (SB) and sennoside C (SC), could significantly inhibit melanogenesis rather than the other three compounds. Meanwhile, there were no obvious side effects observed in SB and SC about the morphology, heart rate, or body length of zebrafish. CONCLUSION A strategy for rapid screening of compounds with whitening activity has been established, and two potent skin-lightening compounds, SB and SC, have been identified from a vast library of herbal compounds. This study revealed that SB and SC have potential for topical use in skin lightening for the first time. The findings of this study would provide an important theoretical basis for the application of these two compounds in the cosmetic field in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghui Su
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Science, Jinan, China
| | - Shanshan Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Science, Jinan, China
| | - Xinqi Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Science, Jinan, China
| | - Ruifen Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Science, Jinan, China
| | - Mengxuan Dong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Science, Jinan, China
| | - Yihan Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Science, Jinan, China
| | - Songsong Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Science, Jinan, China
| | - Yougang Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Science, Jinan, China
| | - Qingping Tian
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Liwen Han
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Science, Jinan, China
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Ma C, He Y, Wang H, Chang X, Qi C, Feng Y, Cai X, Bai M, Wang X, Zhao B, Dong W. Understanding the toxicity mechanism of gelsemine in zebrafish. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 280:109886. [PMID: 38447648 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2024.109886] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Gelsemium elegans (GE), also known as Duanchangcao, is a plant associated with toxic symptoms related to the abdomen; however, the toxicity caused by GE remains unknown. Gelsemine (GEL) is an alkaloid extracted from GE and is one of the most toxic alkaloids. This study used zebrafish as an animal model and employed high-throughput gene sequencing to identify genes and signaling pathways related to GEL toxicity. Exposure to GEL negatively impacted heart rate, swim bladder development, and activity in zebrafish larvae. Transcriptomics data revealed the enrichment of inflammatory and phagocyte signaling pathways. RT-PCR analysis revealed a decrease in the expression of pancreas-related genes, including the pancreatic coagulation protease (Ctr) family, such as Ctrl, Ctrb 1, and Ctrc, due to GEL exposure. Furthermore, GEL exposure significantly reduced Ctrb1 protein expression while elevating trypsin and serum amylase activities in zebrafish larvae. GEL also resulted in a decrease in pancreas-associated fluorescence area and an increase in neutrophil-related fluorescence area in transgenic zebrafish. This study revealed that GEL toxicity in zebrafish larvae is related to acute pancreatic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglong Ma
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Toxicant Monitoring and Toxicology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia 028000, China; School of Tea and Food Science & Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Yanan He
- School of Tea and Food Science & Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Toxicant Monitoring and Toxicology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia 028000, China; State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Xu Chang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Toxicant Monitoring and Toxicology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia 028000, China
| | - Chelimuge Qi
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Toxicant Monitoring and Toxicology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia 028000, China; Department of agriculture and animal husbandry, XING AN VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE, Horqin Right Wing Front Banner, Inner Mongolia 137400, China
| | - Yuanzhou Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Xiaoxu Cai
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Toxicant Monitoring and Toxicology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia 028000, China
| | - Meirong Bai
- Key Laboratory of Mongolian Medicine Research and Development Engineering, Ministry of Education, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia 028000, China
| | - Xueyan Wang
- School of Tea and Food Science & Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
| | - Baoquan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China.
| | - Wu Dong
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Toxicant Monitoring and Toxicology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia 028000, China.
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Tian L, Gao R, Cai Y, Chen J, Dong H, Chen S, Yang Z, Wang Y, Huang L, Xu Z. A systematic review of ginsenoside biosynthesis, spatiotemporal distribution, and response to biotic and abiotic factors in American ginseng. Food Funct 2024; 15:2343-2365. [PMID: 38323507 DOI: 10.1039/d3fo03434h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) has gained recognition as a medicinal and functional food homologous product with several pharmaceutical, nutritional, and industrial applications. However, the key regulators involved in ginsenoside biosynthesis, the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of ginsenosides, and factors influencing ginsenosides are largely unknown, which make it challenging to enhance the quality and chemical extraction processes of the cultivated American ginseng. This review presents an overview of the pharmacological effects, biosynthesis and spatiotemporal distribution of ginsenosides, with emphasis on the impacts of biotic and abiotic factors on ginsenosides in American ginseng. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that American ginseng has neuroprotective, cardioprotective, antitumor, antidiabetic, and anti-obesity effects. Additionally, most genes involved in the upregulation of ginsenoside biosynthesis have been identified, while downstream regulators (OSCs, CYP450, and UGTs) require further investigation. Futhermore, limited knowledge exists regarding the molecular mechanisms of the impact of biotic and abiotic factors on ginsenosides. Notably, the nonmedicinal parts of American ginseng, particularly its flowers, fibrous roots, and leaves, exhibit higher ginsenoside content than its main roots and account for a considerable amount of weight in the whole plant, representing promising resources for ginsenosides. Herein, the prospects of molecular breeding and metabolic engineering based on multi-omics to improve the unstable quality of cultivated American ginseng and the shortage of ginsenosides are proposed. This review highlights the gaps in the current research on American ginseng and proposes solutions to address these limitations, providing a guide for future investigations into American ginseng ginsenosides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Tian
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Ranran Gao
- The Artemisinin Research Center, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100007, China
| | - Yuxiang Cai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Junxian Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Hongmei Dong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Shanshan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for Identification and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Zaichang Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - Linfang Huang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - Zhichao Xu
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150006, China.
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Zhang T, Xie Y, Li T, Deng Y, Wan Q, Bai T, Zhang Q, Cai Z, Chen M, Zhang J. Phytochemical analysis and hepatotoxicity assessment of braised Polygoni Multiflori Radix (Wen-He-Shou-Wu). Biomed Chromatogr 2024; 38:e5768. [PMID: 38087457 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.5768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Polygoni Multiflori Radix (PMR) is a medicinal herb commonly used in China and Eastern Asia. Recently, the discovery of hepatotoxicity in PMR has received considerable attention from scientists. Processing is a traditional Chinese medicine technique used for the effective reduction of toxicity. One uncommon technique is the braising method-also known as 'Wen-Fa' in Chinese-which is used to prepare tonics or poisonous medications. Braised PMR (BPMR)-also known as 'Wen-He-Shou-Wu'-is one of the processed products of the braising method. However, the non-volatile components of BPMR have not been identified and examined in detail, and therefore, the hepatotoxic advantage of BPMR remains unknown. In this study, we compared the microscopic characteristics of different samples in powder form using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), investigated the non-volatile components, assessed the effects of different processed PMR products on the liver, and compared the differences between BPMR and PMR Praeparata recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition). We found that the hepatotoxicity of BPMR was dramatically decreased, which may be related to an increase in polysaccharide content and a decrease in toxic substances. The present study provides an important foundation for future investigations of the processing mechanisms of BPMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Yating Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Tao Li
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Yaling Deng
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Quan Wan
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Tingting Bai
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Jianchangbang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanchang, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Processing (Braising Method), Nanchang, China
| | - Zhongxi Cai
- Jianchangbang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanchang, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Processing (Braising Method), Nanchang, China
| | - Mingxia Chen
- Jianchangbang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanchang, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Processing (Braising Method), Nanchang, China
- Beijing Scrianen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Jinlian Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
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Li X, Zeng L, Qu Z, Zhang F. Huoxin pill protects verapamil-induced zebrafish heart failure through inhibition of oxidative stress-triggered inflammation and apoptosis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23402. [PMID: 38169776 PMCID: PMC10758798 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is a major and growing public health concern. Although advances in medical and surgical therapies have been achieved over the last decades, there is still no firmly evidence-based treatment with many traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) for HF. Huoxin Pill (HXP), a TCM, has been widely used to treat patients with coronary heart disease and angina pectoris. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is poorly understood. In this study, using a verapamil-induced zebrafish HF model, we validated the efficacy and revealed the underlying mechanism of HXP in the treatment of HF. Zebrafish embryos were pretreated with different concentrations of HXP followed by verapamil administration, and we found that HXP significantly improved cardiac function in HF zebrafish, such as by effectively alleviating venous congestion and increasing heart rates. Mechanistically, HXP evidently inhibited verapamil-induced ROS and H2O2 production and upregulated CAT activity in HF zebrafish. Moreover, transgenic lines Tg(mpx:EGFP) and Tg(nfkb:EGFP) were administered for inflammation evaluation, and we found that neutrophil infiltration in HF zebrafish hearts and the activated NF-kB level could be reduced by HXP. Furthermore, HXP significantly downregulated the level of cell apoptosis in HF zebrafish hearts, as assessed by AO staining. Molecularly, RT‒qPCR results showed that pretreatment with HXP upregulated antioxidant-related genes such as gpx-1a and gss and downregulated the expression of the stress-related gene hsp70, proinflammatory genes such as tnf-α, il-6 and lck, and apoptosis-related indicators such as apaf1, puma and caspase9. In conclusion, HXP exerts a protective effect on verapamil-induced zebrafish HF through inhibition of oxidative stress-triggered inflammation and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianmei Li
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, PR China
| | - Laifeng Zeng
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, PR China
| | - Zhixin Qu
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, PR China
| | - Fenghua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, PR China
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Feng C, Bai H, Chang X, Wu Z, Dong W, Ma Q, Yang J. Aflatoxin B1-induced early developmental hepatotoxicity in larvae zebrafish. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 340:139940. [PMID: 37634582 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a ubiquitous mycotoxin that causes oxidative damage in various organs. At present, the research studies on AFB1 are primarily focused on its effects on the terrestrial environment and animals. However, its toxicity mechanism in aquatic environments and aquatic animals has not been largely explored. Thus, in this study, zebrafish was used as a model to study the toxicity mechanism of AFB1 on the liver of developing larvae. The results showed that AFB1 exposure inhibited liver development and promoted fat accumulation in the liver. Transcriptome sequencing analysis showed that AFB1 affected liver redox metabolism and oxidoreductase activity. KEGG analysis showed that AFB1 inhibited the expression of gsto1, gpx4a, mgst3a, and idh1 in the glutathione metabolizing enzyme gene pathway, resulting in hepatic oxidative stress. At the same time, AFB1 also inhibited the expression of acox1, acsl1b, pparα, fabp2, and cpt1 genes in peroxidase and PPAR metabolic pathways, inducing hepatic steatosis and lipid droplet accumulation. Antioxidant N-Acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) preconditioning up-regulated gsto1, gpx4a and idh1 genes, and improved the AFB1-induced lipid droplet accumulation in the liver. In summary, AFB1 induced hepatic oxidative stress and steatosis, resulting in abnormal liver fat metabolism and accumulation of cellular lipid droplets. NAC could be used as a potential preventative drug to improve AFB1-induced fat accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Feng
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Toxicant Monitoring and Toxicology,Tongliao,Inner Mongolia, 028000, China; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Hongxia Bai
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Toxicant Monitoring and Toxicology,Tongliao,Inner Mongolia, 028000, China; Inner Mongolia Minzu Univ, Coll Anim Sci & Technol, Tongliao,Inner Mongolia, 028000, China
| | - Xu Chang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Toxicant Monitoring and Toxicology,Tongliao,Inner Mongolia, 028000, China; Inner Mongolia Minzu Univ, Coll Anim Sci & Technol, Tongliao,Inner Mongolia, 028000, China
| | - Zhixuan Wu
- Inner Mongolia Minzu Univ, Coll Anim Sci & Technol, Tongliao,Inner Mongolia, 028000, China
| | - Wu Dong
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Toxicant Monitoring and Toxicology,Tongliao,Inner Mongolia, 028000, China; Inner Mongolia Minzu Univ, Coll Anim Sci & Technol, Tongliao,Inner Mongolia, 028000, China
| | - Qianqian Ma
- Inner Mongolia Minzu Univ, Inst Pharmaceut Chem & Pharmacol, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia, 028000, China
| | - Jingfeng Yang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Toxicant Monitoring and Toxicology,Tongliao,Inner Mongolia, 028000, China; Inner Mongolia Minzu Univ, Coll Anim Sci & Technol, Tongliao,Inner Mongolia, 028000, China.
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