Exploring the mechanism of Ginkgo biloba L. leaves in the treatment of vascular dementia based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation

BACKGROUND

Ginkgo biloba L. leaves (GBLs) play a substantial role in the treatment of vascular dementia (VD); however, the underlying mechanisms of action are unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to investigate the mechanisms of action of GBLs in the treatment of VD through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations.

METHODS

The active ingredients and related targets of GBLs were screened using the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology, Swiss Target Prediction and GeneCards databases, and the VD-related targets were screened using the OMIM, DrugBank, GeneCards, and DisGeNET databases, and the potential targets were identified using a Venn diagram. We used Cytoscape 3.8.0 software and the STRING platform to construct traditional Chinese medicine-active ingredient-potential target and protein-protein interaction networks, respectively. After gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis of potential targets using the DAVID platform, the binding affinity between key active ingredients and targets was analyzed by molecular docking, and finally, the top 3 proteins-ligand pairs with the best binding were simulated by molecular dynamics to verify the molecular docking results.

RESULTS

A total of 27 active ingredients of GBLs were screened and 274 potential targets involved in the treatment of VD were identified. Quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and ginkgolide B were the core ingredients for treatment, and AKT1, TNF, IL6, VEGFA, IL1B, TP53, CASP3, SRC, EGFR, JUN, and EGFR were the main targets of action. The main biological processes involved apoptosis, inflammatory response, cell migration, lipopolysaccharide response, hypoxia response, and aging. PI3K/Akt appeared to be a key signaling pathway for GBLs in the treatment of VD. Molecular docking displayed strong binding affinity between the active ingredients and the targets. Molecular dynamics simulation results further verified the stability of their interactions.

CONCLUSION SUBSECTIONS

This study revealed the potential molecular mechanisms involved in the treatment of VD by GBLs using multi-ingredient, multi-target, and multi-pathway interactions, providing a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment and lead drug development of VD.

Deep muscle stimulator in the treatment of post-stroke spasticity: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Spasticity is one of the most common complications and sequelae of stroke, with the main clinical manifestations being increased muscle tension, pain, stiffness, and other disorders. It not only increases the length of hospitalization and medical costs but also affects the quality of daily life and the stress of returning to society, increasing the burden on patients and their families. At present, 2 driver types of deep muscle stimulator (DMS) have been used in the clinical treatment of post-stroke spasticity (PSS) with good clinical results, but there is no evidence of clinical efficacy and safety. Therefore, this study aims to integrate direct and indirect comparative clinical evidence through a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA). According to the data, different driver types for DMS with the same body of evidence will be collected, analyzed, and sequenced in a quantitative and comprehensive manner and then screened for the optimal driver type of DMS device for PSS treatment. The study also aims to provide reference value and an evidence-based theoretical basis for the clinical optimization of DMS equipment selection.

METHODS

A comprehensive retrieval of China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese scientific journal database, China biological feature database, Wanfang Chinese databases and the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase foreign databases will be conducted. Randomized controlled trials of these 2 driver types of DMS devices combined with conventional rehabilitation training of PSS will be searched and published. The retrieval time is from the establishment of the database to December 20, 2022. The 2 first authors will screen references that meet the inclusion criteria, independently extract data according to predesigned rules, and assess the quality of the included studies and the risk of bias according to the Cochrane 5.1 Handbook criteria. R programming and Aggregate Data Drug Information System software will be used to perform a combined NMA of the data and to evaluate the probability of ranking for all interventions.

RESULTS

The NMA and probability ranking will determine the best driver type of DMS device for PSS.

CONCLUSION

This study will offer a comprehensive evidence-based approach to DMS therapy and assist doctors, PSS patients, and decision-makers in selecting a more efficient, secure, and cost-effective treatment option.

Exploring the molecular mechanism of Nux Vomica in treating ischemic stroke using network pharmacology and molecular docking methods

BACKGROUND

Nux Vomica (NV) has the effects of dredging collaterals, relieving pain, dispersing knots, and detumescence, and has a verified effect in treating ischemic stroke (IS), but its molecular mechanism for treating IS remains unclear. In this study, network pharmacology and molecular docking methods were adopted to explore the pharmacological mechanism of NV in treating IS.

METHODS

The Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and the HERB database were searched to screen the active components and targets of NV. IS disease targets were retrieved from the DisGeNET, DrugBank, GeneCards, and Therapeutic Target Database. Venn diagram and intersection targets were obtained from the Venny website. Subsequently, the STRING database was employed to analyze the interrelationship of the intersection targets. Metascape database was used for Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of intersection targets. Furthermore, Cytoscape was employed to plot a drug-component-target network, and other networks, and molecular docking method was adopted to predict the effective components and targets of NV for treating IS.

RESULTS

A total of 14 active compounds and 59 targets of NV were screened, of which 35 targets were related to IS. Stigmasterol, brucine, isobrucine, isostrychnine N-oxide (I), (S)-stylopine, icaride A, and (2R)-5,7-dihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)chroman-4-one were the main active ingredients, and SLC6A4, NR3C1, SLC6A3, HTR3A, CHRNA7, MAOA, PTGS2, ESR1, catalase (CAT), ADRB2, and AR were the core targets. Molecular docking shows that these compounds bind well to the core targets. In addition, the treatment of IS by NV may mainly involve salivary secretion, serotonergic synapse, calcium signaling pathway, cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed that NV exerts its therapeutic effect on IS through multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway, which provides a basis for clinical treatment of IS.

Understanding the molecular mechanism of Ginkgo Folium-Forsythiae Fructus for cerebral atherosclerosis treatment using network pharmacology and molecular docking

BACKGROUND

Cerebral atherosclerosis (CA) is a chronic disease caused by multiple infarcts and atrophy causing nerve degenerative syndrome. Ginkgo Folium (GF) and Forsythiae Fructus (FF) have shown positive effects on vascular protection, but their relationship with CA is unclear. This study aimed to identify the potential CA targets and mechanisms of action of GF-FF, using network pharmacology.

OBJECTIVE

This study used network pharmacology and molecular docking to examine the potential targets and pharmacological mechanism of GF-FF on CA.

METHODS

Using the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform, components were screened and corresponding targets were predicted using boundary values and Swiss Target Prediction. Using Cytoscape 3.8.0, a network was established between GF-FF components and CA targets. We extracted disease genes and constructed a network of targets based on the protein-protein interaction networks functional enrichment analysis database. Using Metascape, the Gene Ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes of the enriched targets were determined. AutoDock Vina was used to perform molecular docking.

RESULTS

Twenty-three active ingredients of GF-FF were confirmed to treat CA, covering 109 targets, of which 48 were CA-related. Luteolin, bicuculline, sesamin, kaempferol, quercetin, and ginkgolide B were the vital active compounds, and EGFR, CYP2E1, CREB1, CYP19A1, PTGS2, PPARG, PPARA, ESR1, MMP9, MAPK14, MAPK8, and PLG were the major targets. The molecular docking showed that these compounds and targets exhibited good intercalation. These 48 protein targets produced effects on CA by modulating pathways such as "apoptosis-multiple species," "IL-17 signaling pathway," and "relaxin signaling pathway."

CONCLUSIONS

As predicted by network pharmacology, GF-FF exerts anti-tumor effects through multiple components and targets for treatment of CA, providing new clinical ideas for CA treatment.

Exploration of potential targets and mechanisms of Naringenin in treating autism spectrum disorder via network pharmacology and molecular docking

Naringenin (NR) is a kind of flavonoid which plays a great role in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the underlying mechanism of NR in treating ASD still remains unclear. This study used network pharmacology and molecular docking to examine the potential targets and pharmacological mechanism of NR on ASD. Targets related to NR were screened from Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine Database (ETCM), Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Database (TCMID), PharmaMapper database, and targets related to ASD were screened from Online Mendelian Inheritance In Man (OMIM), Disgenet, GeneCards, Therapeutic Target Database (TTD), Drugbank, and ETCM. Screened of the intersected gene targets. Then, we used the protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks to construct a PPI network and used Network Analyzer plug-in to perform topological analysis to screen out the core target. We used Metascape platform to perform gene ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, and used Chem draw, Pymol, AutoDock 1.5.6 software for molecular docking verification with core targets. A total of 149 targets of NR and 1594 potential targets of ASD were screened, and 43 intersected targets and 8 key targets were obtained and screened. A total of 176 GO items were obtained by GO enrichment analysis (P < .05), 153 entries on biological process (BP), 12 entries on BP and 11entries on cell composition (CC) were included. A total of 100 signaling pathways were obtained by KEGG pathway enrichment screening (P < .05).The pathways that are closely related to the pathogenesis of ASD are estrogen signaling, thyroid hormone signaling pathway, prolactin signaling pathway, and endocrine resistance pathway. Molecular docking results showed that NR had the best docking activity with the core target CASP3, and had good binding ability with AKT1, ESR1, ACTB and MAPK3. Taken together, our findings support that NR exerts therapeutic effects on ASD with multi-target, and multi-pathway characteristics, which provides a preliminary theoretical basis for clinical trials. The mechanism of anti-oxidative stress response, anti-apoptosis, regulation of cell growth and metabolism, anti-inflammatory, balance hormone levels may be important for the therapeutic effect.

[A preliminary investigation of the clinical characteristics of community acquired pneumonia with concomitant pulmonary embolism]

Objective: To understanding the clinical characteristics of the patients of pneumonia concomitant with acute pulmonary embolism, and the early identification of high-risk patients. Methods: Retrospective analysis of hospitalized patients with confirmed diagnosis of community acquired pneumonia (CAP) with concomitant pulmonary embolism (PE) within a period of 5 years. Patients hospitalized with CAP alone in the same period were included in the control group in a ratio of 1∶2 according to the principle of gender and age. The demographic characteristics, clinical feature, laboratory examination, radiographic and other clinical data of these 2 groups of patients were studied. Statistical analysis was performed by Chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis test and logistic regression. Results: Thirty-nine patients with CAP combined with PE and 78 patients with CAP alone were included. Compared to patients with CAP alone, dyspnea (21/39 vs 21/78, P=0.004), a history of heart disease (10/39 vs 8/78, P=0.031), and a history of connective tissue diseases (3/39 vs 0/78, P=0.035) were more common to seen in patients with CAP combined with PE. D-dimer [2 222(854, 3 539) ng/ml vs 295(168, 707) ng/ml, P=0.000], arterial PH value (7.5±0.5 vs 7.4±0.4, P=0.022), BNP [103.9(48.7, 236.8) pg/ml vs 98.4(44.8, 246.3) pg/ml, P=0.028] and incidence of lower extremity venous thrombosis (18/39 vs 3/41, P=0.000) were higher in patients with CAP combined with PE, while arterial partial pressure of CO₂ [(35.3±6.2) mmHg vs (38.4±4.4) mmHg, P=0.009, 1 mmHg=0.133 kPa] was lower. Logistic regression analysis showed that D-dimer (P=0.000) and dyspnea (P=0.033) were associated with the risk of PE. Conclusion: When patients with CAP represent dyspnea or have a history of heart disease or connective tissue diseases concomitant PE should be considered for differential diagnosis. Determination of D-dimer, arterial PH value, arterial partial pressure of CO₂, BNP and ultrasonography of lower extremities had important implications for the diagnosis of pneumonia complicated with acute pulmonary embolism.

Identifying Risks for Persistent Postconcussive Symptoms in a Pediatric Emergency Department: An Examination of a Clinical Risk Score

OBJECTIVE

External examination of a clinical risk score to predict persistent postconcussive symptoms (PPCS) in a pediatric emergency department (ED).

METHODS

Prospective cohort study of 5- to 18-year-old patients diagnosed with an acute concussion. Risk factors were collected at diagnosis and participants (n = 85) were followed to determine PPCS 30 days postinjury. Univariate logistic regression analyses were completed to examine associations of risk factors with PPCS.

RESULTS

Headache and total clinical risk score were associated with increased odds of PPCS in the univariate analyses, OR 3.37 (95% CI 1.02, 11.10) and OR 1.25 (95% CI 1.02, 1.52), respectively. Additionally, teenage age group, history of prolonged concussions, and risk group trended toward association with PPCS, OR 4.79 (95% CI 0.93, 24.7), OR 3.41 (95% CI 0.88, 13.20), and OR 2.23 (95% CI 0.88, 5.66), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our study supports the use of multiple variables of a clinical risk score to assist with ED risk stratification for pediatric patients at risk for PPCS.

[Identification of major gene and polygene mixed inheritance model and estimation of genetic parameters of a quantitative trait from F2 progeny]

It has been proved by many field experiments and QTL mapping results that among genes affecting some quantitative traits there are some major genes with larger genetic effect and some polygenes with smaller genetic effect. For such traits, the distribution of segregating population demonstrates multimodality, and this is the characteristic of the mixture of more than one distributions. Mixture distribution models have been used extensively as models in a wide variety of practical situations where data can be viewed as arising from two or more populations mixed in certain proportions. Akaike's Information Criterion(AIC) has been used to identify the existence of major genes affecting quantitative traits. Under the existence of major genes, the genetic effects of these genes and their genetic variance were estimated through segregation analysis. The genotype of major gene of F2 individuals of were determined by clustering using Bayesian criterion. With P1, P2, F1 and F2 populations, the likelihood ratio test was used to test the existence of polygenes. In the end, the inheritance of soybean flowering date is analyzed. One major gene was found in F2 population derived from Guludou x Shanghaihongmangzao.

Soybean Disease Loss Estimates for the Top 10 Soybean Producing Countries in 1994

Soybean disease loss estimates were compiled for the 1994 harvested crop from the 10 countries with the greatest soybean production. The objective was to document the major soybean disease problems in these countries and any recent changes in the severity of individual soybean diseases. Total yield losses caused by Heterodera glycines in these 10 countries were greater than those caused by any other disease. Next in order of importance were stem canker, brown spot, and charcoal rot. The total yield loss due to disease during 1994 in these countries was 14.99 million metric tons, valued at $3.31 billion. Methods used to estimate soybean disease losses were field surveys, plant disease diagnostic clinic samples, variety trial data, information from field workers and university extension staff, research plots, grower demonstrations, and private crop consultant reports. Yield loss estimates due to a particular disease varied by country. For example, yield losses due to rust were reported from China and Indonesia, but no losses due to this disease were reported from any of the remaining eight countries. Soybean disease control research and extension efforts are needed to provide more effective preventive and therapeutic disease management strategies and systems to producers.

Effect of SR 59026A, a new 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist, on sexual activity in male rats

The effect of SR 59026A, a new selective 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist, was evaluated on sexual behaviour of male rats in different experimental conditions. SR 59026A (1-10mg/kg p.o.) stimulated the copulatory behaviour of sexually experienced rats, as evidenced by a decrease in the number of pre-ejaculatory mounts and intromissions and a shortening of the ejaculation latency. SR 59026A also facilitated the sexual behaviour of naive male rats characterized by a low level of sexual performance: over the same dose range, the percentage of naive males that copulated was significantly increased and the ejaculation latency reduced. In experiments designed to evaluate the onset of sexual satiation, SR 59026A (1 and 3mg/kg) increased significantly the number of ejaculations and delayed the time of sexual satiation. Finally, in agreement with studies on other 5-HT(1A) receptor agonists, SR 59026A did not modify the occurrence of spontaneous erections in isolated male rats. Therefore, the present study shows that SR 59026A improves the sexual performance of male rats in a number of different experimental models, and the compound may prove to be of interest for the treatment of certain states of human male sexual dysfunction.