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Wong AR, Yang AWH, Gill H, Lenon GB, Hung A. Mechanisms of Nelumbinis folium targeting PPARγ for weight management: A molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations study. Comput Biol Med 2023; 166:107495. [PMID: 37742414 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.107495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
The lotus leaf, Nelumbinis folium (NF), has frequently appeared in obesity clinical trials as an intervention to promote weight loss and improve metabolic profiles. However, the molecular mechanisms by which it interacts with important obesity targets and pathways, such as the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) within the PPAR signalling pathway, were not well understood. This study aims to screen for candidate compounds from NF with desirable pharmacokinetic properties and examine their binding feasibility at the PPARγ ligand-binding domain (LBD). Ligand- and structure-based screening of NF compounds were performed, and a consensus approach has been applied to identify druggable candidates. By examining the pharmacokinetic profiles, a large proportion of NF compounds exhibited favourable drug-likeness and oral bioavailability properties. Furthermore, the binding affinity scores and poses provided new insights on the distinctive binding behaviours of NF compounds at the LBD of PPARγ in its inactive form. Several NF compounds could bind strongly to PPARγ at sub-pockets where partial agonists and antagonists were found to bind and may induce conformational changes that influence co-repressor binding, trans-repression, and gene expression inhibition. Subsequent molecular dynamics simulations of a candidate compound (NF129 narcissin) bound to PPARγ revealed conformational stability, residue fluctuation, and binding behaviours comparable to that of the known inhibitor, SR1664. Therefore, it can be proposed that narcissin exhibits characteristics of a PPARγ antagonist. Further experimental validation to support the development of NF129 as a future anti-obesity agent is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Rann Wong
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Angela Wei Hong Yang
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Harsharn Gill
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - George Binh Lenon
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew Hung
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Li B, Mao Q, Xiong R, Zhou D, Huang S, Saimaiti A, Shang A, Luo M, Li H, Li H, Li S. Preventive Effects of Different Black and Dark Teas on Obesity and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Modulate Gut Microbiota in High-Fat Diet Fed Mice. Foods 2022; 11:3457. [PMID: 36360069 PMCID: PMC9658379 DOI: 10.3390/foods11213457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as a leading public health challenge and is closely associated with metabolic syndromes, such as obesity. Intestinal microbiota dysbiosis could play a vital role in the pathogenesis and progression of NAFLD. Tea is the second most popular health drink in the world behind water, and exhibits many health-promoting effects. In this study, the protective effects of different black and dark teas on NAFLD induced by long-term high-fat diet (HFD) exposure and their regulation of gut microbiota were evaluated and explored. The results indicated that supplementation with different black and dark tea extracts could significantly suppress the energy intake, alleviate abnormal accumulation of visceral fat, and prevent obesity, hepatic abnormal lipid deposition and liver steatosis in HFD-fed mice at varying degrees. In addition, Dianhong tea and Liupao tea interventions could significantly decrease the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes, and selenium-enriched black tea and selenium-enriched dark rea supplementation could remarkably reduce the relative abundance of Actinobacteria compared to the model group. Moreover, these teas could partly shift the relative abundances of Allobaculum, Roseburia and Dubosiella. Taken together, black teas and dark teas could prevent HFD-induced features of obesity and NAFLD, which might partly be due to the modulation of gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bangyan Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Qianqian Mao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Ruogu Xiong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Dandan Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Siyu Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Adila Saimaiti
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Ao Shang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Min Luo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Hangyu Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Huabin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Sha Li
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
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Shao Y, Tian J, Yang Y, Hu Y, Zhu Y, Shu Q. Identification of key genes and pathways revealing the central regulatory mechanism of brain-derived glucagon-like peptide-1 on obesity using bioinformatics analysis. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:931161. [PMID: 35992905 PMCID: PMC9389235 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.931161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Central glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a target in treating obesity due to its effect on suppressing appetite, but the possible downstream key genes that GLP-1 regulated have not been studied in depth. This study intends to screen out the downstream feeding regulation genes of central GLP-1 neurons through bioinformatics analysis and verify them by chemical genetics, which may provide insights for future research. Materials and methods GSE135862 genetic expression profiles were extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway (KEGG) enrichment analyses were carried out. STRING database and Cytoscape software were used to map the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). After bioinformatics analysis, we applied chemogenetic methods to modulate the activities of GLP-1 neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) and observed the alterations of screened differential genes and their protein expressions in the hypothalamus under different excitatory conditions of GLP-1 neurons. Results A total of 49 DEGs were discovered, including 38 downregulated genes and 11 upregulated genes. The two genes with the highest expression scores were biglycan (Bgn) and mitogen-activated protein kinase activated protein kinase 3 (Mapkapk3). The results of GO analysis showed that there were 10 molecular functions of differential genes. Differential genes were mainly localized in seven regions around the cells, and enriched in 10 biology processes. The results of the KEGG signaling pathway enrichment analysis showed that differential genes played an important role in seven pathways. The top 15 genes selected according to the Cytoscape software included Bgn and Mapkapk3. Chemogenetic activation of GLP-1 in NTS induced a decrease in food intake and body mass, while chemogenetic inhibition induced the opposite effect. The gene and protein expression of GLP-1 were upregulated in NTS when activated by chemogenetics. In addition, the expression of Bgn was upregulated and that of Mapkapk3 was downregulated in the hypothalamus. Conclusion Our data showed that GLP-1 could modulate the protein expression of Bgn and Mapkapk3. Our findings elucidated the regulatory network in GLP-1 to obesity and might provide a novel diagnostic and therapeutic target for obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Shao
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Tian
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanan Yang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Resources Wugang General Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Hu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ye Zhu
- College of Health Sciences, Wuhan Sports University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qing Shu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Qing Shu,
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GLP-1 mediates the neuroprotective action of crocin against cigarette smoking-induced cognitive disorders via suppressing HMGB1-RAGE/TLR4-NF-κB pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 110:108995. [PMID: 35785730 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cigarette smoking (CS) has been associated with an increased risk of cognitive disorders. Although HMGB1 has been connected to various neurological ailments, its role in the pathogenesis of CS-induced cognitive impairments is undefined. With the ability of GLP-1 to lower HMGB1 expression and improve learning and memory performance, we sought to assess the potential neuroprotective efficacy of Crocin (Cro) as a GLP-1 stimulator against CS-induced cognitive impairments, with a focus on the HMGB1-RAGE/TLR4-NF-κB pathway. Fifty adult rats were specified into: Control; Cro (30 mg/kg); CS; Cro then CS and CS concurrently with Cro. Cognitive functions were assessed by MWM, EMP, and passive avoidance tests. Hippocampal levels of GLP-1, HMGB1, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and apoptotic markers were detected using ELISA, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Hippocampal oxidant/antioxidant status was evaluated via colorimetric determination of MDA and TAC. The results revealed that Cro either before or along with CS produced a significant improvement in learning and memory. Cro markedly hindered HMGB1-RAGE/TLR4-NF-κB pathway through enhancing GLP-1 level and expression, which in turn suppressed TNF-α and IL-1β levels and alleviated CS-induced neuroinflammation. Cro significantly counteracted CS-triggered oxidative stress as evidenced by reducing MDA level and raising TAC. Histopathologically, Cro lessened neuronal apoptosis by lowering Bax/Bcl-2 ratio at hippocampal CA2 region. These findings confirmed a GLP-1-dependent neuroprotective action of Cro against CS-induced cognitive disorders via suppressing HMGB1-RAGE/TLR4-NF-κB axis.
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Yuen H, Hong Yang AW, Hung A, Lenon GB. How does traditional knowledge of Cassiae semen shed light on weight management? - A classical and modern literature review. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 268:113572. [PMID: 33188899 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The seed of Senna obtusifolia (L.) H. S. Irwin & Barneby (Cassiae semen, CS) also known as Jue ming zi in China, has been traditionally used for weight management by purging the liver and improving the liver functions to support digestion. In the past decades, it has been used for hepatoprotection and treatment of overweight and other metabolic disorders such as hyperlipidaemia and diabetes. AIM OF THE REVIEW This review aimed at providing comprehensive information on the traditional usages, pharmacology, phytochemistry and toxicology of CS and critically exploring its potential usage for clinical weight management from both traditional and modern application perspectives. MATERIALS AND METHODS In order to fully understand the properties, actions and indications of CS, two sets of Chinese classical texts were searched, namely: Zhong Hua Yi Dian (Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine) and Zhong Guo Ben Cao Quan Shu (Complete Collection of Traditional Texts on Chinese Materia Medica). The purpose of studying these classical texts was to determine the traditional use of CS in weight management. Comprehensive searches were also performed on seven databases for publications on original randomised clinical trials (RCT), in vivo, in vitro or in silico studies related to pharmacological effects of CS. Detailed information about the phytochemistry of CS was collected from books, encyclopedia, online databases and journal literature. FINDINGS In classical literature review, 89 classic texts provided information of properties, actions and indications of CS. In modern literature review, 44 studies were included for analysis, including 5 RCTs, 7 in vivo studies, 14 in vitro studies, 2 in silico studies and 16 studies of mixed types. Chinese classic literature has provided traditional evidence of the usage of CS for weight management. Contemporary studies have revealed that CS has weight loss effects and possesses some other pharmacological activities supporting weight management. Some chemical compounds of CS have been hypothesised to have a direct or indirect contribution to weight control. CONCLUSIONS The relationships between chemical compounds and the corresponding weight-loss target proteins are not fully understood. Therefore, CS constituents should be further explored for the development of novel therapeutic or preventive agents for the treatment of overweight and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Yuen
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Angela Wei Hong Yang
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Andrew Hung
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - George Binh Lenon
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
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Zhang J, Yang S, Wang K, Huang Y, Yang N, Yang Z, Zheng Z, Wang Y. Crocin induces autophagic cell death and inhibits cell invasion of cervical cancer SiHa cells through activation of PI3K/AKT. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:1180. [PMID: 33241029 PMCID: PMC7576020 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-5882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background Cervical cancer is a prevalent tumor mainly induced by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Autophagy was inactivated with HPV to promote cancer progression. Here we explored the effects of crocin on cervical cancer cells, mainly on autophagy and apoptosis. Methods SiHa cells were treated with crocin, and proliferation, metastases, apoptosis and autophagy were measured using a CCK-8 assay, transwell migration assay, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. Protein levels were measured using western blotting. The antitumor effects of crocin were validated in female BALB/c nude mice injected with SiHa cells. Results The result showed that 2, 4, 8 and 16 mM of crocin significantly reduced the viability of SiHa cells within 24 h. Subsequently, 0, 1, 2 and 4 mM crocin concentrations were used in later experiments. Treatment with crocin reduced invasive cells, while increasing autophagic and apoptotic cells dose-dependently. The enhanced apoptosis and autophagy were partly validated by an increase in cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9/caspase9, LC3B II/I, Beclin1 and ATG7. AMPK and mTOR were inactivated with crocin treatment, while PI3K was activated. These results indicated that crocin might promote autophagy and apoptosis by inactivating AMPK and mTOR signaling. Tumor progression was inhibited in mice treated with 50 mg/kg/d of crocin, which was demonstrated by smaller tumor volumes, less VEGF expression, more intense caspase-3 staining and increased LC3B II/I in the tumor tissues. Conclusions Crocin inhibited the progression of cervical cancer in vitro and in vivo, possibly through inactivation of AMPK and mTOR, inhibition of proliferation and invasion, and promotion of autophagy and apoptosis. These results support the potential therapeutic value of crocin in treating cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Shaoping Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Kana Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Nian Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhongmei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhenrong Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yujue Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
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