Ethyl Gallate Dual-Targeting PTPN6 and PPARγ Shows Anti-Diabetic and Anti-Obese Effects

Exploring the Anti-Diabetic Potential of Quercetagitrin through Dual Inhibition of PTPN6 and PTPN9

Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) are pivotal contributors to the development of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Hence, directing interventions towards PTPs emerges as a valuable therapeutic approach for managing type 2 diabetes. In particular, PTPN6 and PTPN9 are targets for anti-diabetic effects. Through high-throughput drug screening, quercetagitrin (QG) was recognized as a dual-target inhibitor of PTPN6 and PTPN9. We observed that QG suppressed the catalytic activity of PTPN6 (IC50 = 1 μM) and PTPN9 (IC50 = 1.7 μM) in vitro and enhanced glucose uptake by mature C2C12 myoblasts. Additionally, QG increased the phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and insulin-dependent phosphorylation of Akt in mature C2C12 myoblasts. It further promoted the phosphorylation of Akt in the presence of palmitic acid, suggesting the attenuation of insulin resistance. In summary, our results indicate QG's role as a potent inhibitor targeting both PTPN6 and PTPN9, showcasing its potential as a promising treatment avenue for T2DM.

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) seed kernel extract suppresses hyperglycemia by modulating pancreatic β cell apoptosis and dysfunction and hepatic glucose metabolism in diabetic rats

This study investigated the anti-hyperglycemic action of mango seed kernel extract (MKE) and various mechanisms involved in its actions to improve pancreatic β cells and hepatic carbohydrate metabolism in diabetic rats. An intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ) followed by 30 consecutive days of treatment with MKE (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight) was used to establish a study group of diabetic rats. Using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS) for identification, 26 chemical compounds were found in MKE and the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of the MKE also revealed the existence of mangiferin, gallic acid, and quercetin. The results confirmed that in each diabetes-affected rat, MKE mitigated the heightened levels of fasting blood glucose, diabetic symptoms, glucose intolerance, total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C). As demonstrated by a remarkable increment in serum and pancreatic insulin, the diabetic pancreatic β cell function was potentiated by treating with MKE. The effect of MKE on diabetic pancreatic apoptosis clearly reduced the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells, which was related to diminished levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and Bax and an increase in Bcl-xL protein expression. Furthermore, diabetes-induced liver damage was clearly ameliorated along with a notable reduction in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and abnormal liver histology. By enhancing anti-oxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, MKE alleviated diabetes-induced pancreatic and liver oxidative damage, as demonstrated by diminished levels of malondialdehyde. In minimizing the expression levels of glucose 6-phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase-1 proteins in the diabetic liver, MKE also enhanced glycogen content and hexokinase activity. Collectively, these findings indicate that by suppressing oxidative and inflammatory processes, MKE exerts a potent anti-hyperglycemic activity in diabetic rats which serve to protect pancreatic β cell apoptosis, enhance their function, and improve hepatic glucose metabolism.

Pan-cancer analysis revealing that PTPN2 is an indicator of risk stratification for acute myeloid leukemia

The non-receptor protein tyrosine phosphatases gene family (PTPNs) is involved in the tumorigenesis and development of many cancers, but the role of PTPNs in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains unclear. After a comprehensive evaluation on the expression patterns and immunological effects of PTPNs using a pan-cancer analysis based on RNA sequencing data obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas, the most valuable gene PTPN2 was discovered. Further investigation of the expression patterns of PTPN2 in different tissues and cells showed a robust correlation with AML. PTPN2 was then systematically correlated with immunological signatures in the AML tumor microenvironment and its differential expression was verified using clinical samples. In addition, a prediction model, being validated and compared with other models, was developed in our research. The systematic analysis of PTPN family reveals that the effect of PTPNs on cancer may be correlated to mediating cell cycle-related pathways. It was then found that PTPN2 was highly expressed in hematologic diseases and bone marrow tissues, and its differential expression in AML patients and normal humans was verified by clinical samples. Based on its correlation with immune infiltrates, immunomodulators, and immune checkpoint, PTPN2 was found to be a reliable biomarker in the immunotherapy cohort and a prognostic predictor of AML. And PTPN2'riskscore can accurately predict the prognosis and response of cancer immunotherapy. These findings revealed the correlation between PTPNs and immunophenotype, which may be related to cell cycle. PTPN2 was differentially expressed between clinical AML patients and normal people. It is a diagnostic biomarker and potentially therapeutic target, providing targeted guidance for clinical treatment.

Phytoconstituent Profiles Associated with Relevant Antioxidant Potential and Variable Nutritive Effects of the Olive, Sweet Almond, and Black Mulberry Gemmotherapy Extracts

The extracts of whole plants or specific organs from different plant species are gaining increasing attention for their phytotherapy applications. Accordingly, we prepared standardized gemmotherapy extracts (GTEs) from young shoots/buds of olive (Olea europaea), sweet almond (Prunus amygdalus), and black mulberry (Morus nigra), and analyzed the corresponding phytonutrient profiles. We identified 42, 103, and 109 phytonutrients in the olive, almond, and black mulberry GTEs, respectively, containing amino acids, vitamins, polyphenols, flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids, iridoids, carboxylic acids, lignans, terpenoids, and others. In order to assess the physiological effects generated by the GTEs, we developed a translational nutrition model based on Drosophila melanogaster and Cyprinus carpio. The results indicate that GTEs could influence, to a variable extent, viability and ATP synthesis, even though both are dependent on the specific carbohydrate load of the applied diet and the amino acid and polyphenol pools provided by the GTEs. It seems, therefore, likely that the complex chemical composition of the GTEs offers nutritional properties that cannot be separated from the health-promoting mechanisms that ultimately increase viability and survival. Such an approach sets the paves the way for the nutritional genomic descriptions regarding GTE-associated health-promoting effects.

Phytochemical Profile and Composition of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.): Varietal Differences and Effect of Germination under Elicited Conditions

Germination is a simple process that improves the nutritional and medicinal values of seeds such as chickpeas. However, the detailed analysis of the phytochemical profile after chemical elicitation during chickpea germination is indispensable when making inferences about its biological properties. Therefore, an evaluation was made of the effect of the chemical inducers salicylic acid (SA, 1 and 2 mM), chitosan (CH, 3.3 and 7 μM), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 20 and 30 mM) during germination at 25 °C with 70% RH for 4 days on the content of antinutritional and bioactive compounds, including phenolics, sterols, and saponins, in three Mexican chickpea varieties (Blanoro, Patron, and San Antonio) using UPLC-ELSD-ESI-QqQ-MS/MS, UPLC-DAD-ESI-QqQ-MS/MS, and HPLC-DAD-sQ-MS. The highest increase in phenolics and saponins was found in the Blanoro sprouts induced with SA 2 mM, whereas the highest phytosterol content was detected in San Antonio sprouts induced with CH 7 μM. In addition, significant increases in mono-, di-, and oligosaccharides and decreases in antinutritional contents were achieved after germination with most of the elicitation conditions. More importantly, we identified new compounds in chickpea sprouts, such as the lignans matairesinol and secoisolariciresinol, the phenolic compounds epicatechin gallate and methyl gallate, some phytosterols, and the saponin phaseoside 1, which further increased after chemical elicitation.

Methyl Syringate Stimulates Glucose Uptake by Inhibiting Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases Relevant to Insulin Resistance

Several protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs), particularly PTPN1, PTPN2, PTPN6, PTPN9, PTPN11, PTPRS, and DUSP9, are involved in insulin resistance. Therefore, these PTPs could be promising targets for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Our previous studies revealed that PTPN2 and PTPN6 are potential antidiabetic targets. Therefore, the identification of dual-targeting inhibitors of PTPN2 and PTPN6 could be a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment or prevention of type 2 diabetes. In this study, we demonstrate that methyl syringate inhibits the catalytic activity of PTPN2 and PTPN6 in vitro, indicating that methyl syringate acts as a dual-targeting inhibitor of PTPN2 and PTPN6. Furthermore, methyl syringate treatment significantly increased glucose uptake in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Additionally, methyl syringate markedly enhanced phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in 3T3L1 adipocytes. Taken together, our results suggest that methyl syringate, a dual-targeting inhibitor of PTPN2 and PTPN6, is a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment or prevention of type 2 diabetes.

Effect of ethyl gallate and propyl gallate on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis in C57BL/6 J mice: preventive and protective

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an idiopathic inflammatory condition of the digestive system marked by oxidative stress, leukocyte infiltration, and elevation of inflammatory mediators. In this study, we demonstrate the protective effect of ethyl gallate (EG), a phytochemical, and propyl gallate (PG), an anti-oxidant, given through normal drinking water (DW) and copper water (CW) in various combinations, which had a positive effect on the amelioration of DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in C57BL/6 J mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We successfully determined the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and anti-oxidant enzymes by ELISA, tracked oxidative/nitrosative stress (RO/NS) by in vivo imaging (IVIS) using L-012 chemiluminescent probe, disease activity index (DAI), and histopathological and morphometric analysis of colon in DSS-induced colitis in a model.

RESULTS

The results revealed that oral administration of ethyl gallate and propyl gallate at a dose of 50 mg/kg considerably reduced the severity of colitis and improved both macroscopic and microscopic clinical symptoms. The level of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IFN-γ) in colonic tissue was considerably reduced in the DSS + EG-treated and DSS + PG-treated groups, compared to the DSS alone-treated group. IVIS imaging of animals from the DSS + EG and DSS + PG-treated groups showed a highly significant decrease in RO/NS species relative to the DSS control group, with the exception of the DSS + PG/CW and DSS + EG + PG/CW-treated groups. We also observed lower levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO), nitric oxide (NO), and lipid peroxidation (LPO), and restored levels of GST and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in DSS + EG-DW/CW, DSS + PG/DW, and DSS + EG + PG/DW groups compared to DSS alone-treated group. In addition, we showed that the EG, PG, and EG + PG treatment significantly reduced the DAI score, and counteracted the body weight loss and colon shortening in mice compared to DSS alone-treated group. In this 21-day study, mice were treated daily with test substances and were challenged to DSS from day-8 to 14.

CONCLUSION

Our study highlights the protective effect of ethyl gallate and propyl gallate in various combinations which, in pre-clinical animals, serve as an anti-inflammatory drug against the severe form of colitis, indicating its potential for the treatment of IBD in humans. In addition, propyl gallate was investigated for the first time in this study for its anti-colitogenic effect with normal drinking water and reduced effect with copper water.

Bioinformatics gene analysis of potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets of osteoarthritis associated myelodysplastic syndrome

Objective: Osteoarthritis (OA) and Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) are diseases caused by the same immune disorder with unclear etiology and many similarities in clinical manifestations; however, the specific mechanisms between osteoarthritis and myelodysplastic syndrome are unclear.

Methods: The expression profile microarrays of osteoarthritis and myelodysplastic syndrome were searched in the GEO database, the intersection of their differential genes was taken, Venn diagrams were constructed to find common pathogenic genes, bioinformatics analysis signaling pathway analysis was performed on the obtained genes, and protein-protein interaction networks were constructed to find hub genes in order to establish diagnostic models for each disease and explore the immune infiltration of hub genes.

Results: 52 co-pathogenic genes were screened for association with immune regulation, immune response, and inflammation. The mean area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) for all 10 genes used for co-causal diagnosis ranged from 0.71–0.81. Immune cell infiltration analysis in the myelodysplastic syndrome subgroup showed that the relative numbers of Macrophages M1, B cells memory, and T cells CD4 memory resting in the myelodysplastic syndrome group were significantly different from the normal group, however, in the osteoarthritis subgroup the relative numbers of Mast cells resting in the osteoarthritis subgroup was significantly different from the normal group.

Conclusion: There are common pathogenic genes in osteoarthritis and myelodysplastic syndrome, which in turn mediate differential alterations in related signaling pathways and immune cells, affecting the high prevalence of osteoarthritis and myelodysplastic syndrome and the two disease phenomena.

Identifying the mechanisms and molecular targets of Hongjingtian injection on treatment of TGFβ1-induced HK-2 cells: coupling network pharmacology with experimental verification

Background

The study was designed to investigate the mechanism of Hongjingtian injection (HJT) in treating tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF) in chronic kidney diseases (CKD) based on network pharmacology and experimental verification.

Methods

First, active ingredients of HJT obtained from literature were screened using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database and putative targets of active ingredients were predicted using the Chemmapper, SEA and Swiss Target Prediction database. Subsequently, the "compound-target" network for HJT was established. In addition, TIF disease targets were obtained from the GEO gene chips (accession number GSE20247). The intersecting targets of HJT and TIF obtained through Venny 2.1.0. The key targets and signaling pathways were determined by protein-protein interaction (PPI) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. Finally, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot (WB) were used to validate the predicted five key genes targets (GAD1, SPHK1, P4HA2, AKR1B1, PTGES). And immunofluorescence, wound healing assay and transwell assay were used to verify the anti-fibrosis effect of HJT on TGFβ1-induced HK-2 cells.

Results

The network pharmacology analysis results showed that there are 36 active compounds and 1,044 putative target genes in HJT. HJT may exert its inhibitory effects against TIF by acting on 79 key targets. Besides, KEGG analysis indicated that the anti-TIF effect of HJT was mediated by multiple pathways, such as the metabolic pathway, pathways in cancer and gap junction. Among them, GAD1, SPHK1, P4HA2, AKR1B1 and PTGES are enriched in the metabolic pathway. In vitro induced cell model experiments, the immunofluorescence experience showed that HJT could restore EMT of HK-2 cells. In addition, the qPCR and WB results showed that HJT significantly restored the expression of the SPHK1 in HK-2 cells induced by TGF-β1.

Conclusions

This study comprehensively illuminated the active compounds, potential targets, and molecular mechanism of HJT against TIF. HJT treatment of TIF may reverse EMT caused by TGF-β1 by targeting SPHK1.