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Wang S, Chen B, Du R, Zhong M, Zhang C, Jin X, Cui X, Zhou Y, Kang Q, Xu H, Li Y, Wu Q, Tong G, Luo L. An herbal formulation " Shugan Xiaozhi decoction" ameliorates methionine/choline deficiency-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis through regulating inflammation and apoptosis-related pathways. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 329:118127. [PMID: 38583728 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Shugan Xiaozhi (SGXZ) decoction is a traditional Chinese medicine used for treating nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). It has been used clinically for over 20 years and proved to be effective; however, the molecular mechanism underlying the effects of SGXZ decoction remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY We analyzed the chemical components, core targets, and molecular mechanisms of SGXZ decoction to improve NASH through network pharmacology and in vivo experiments. MATERIALS AND METHODS The chemical components, core targets, and related signaling pathways of SGXZ decoction intervention in NASH were predicted using network pharmacology. Molecular docking was performed to verify chemical components and their core targets. The results were validated in the NASH model treated with SGXZ decoction. Mouse liver function was assessed by measuring ALT and AST levels. TC and TG levels were determined to evaluate lipid metabolism, and lipid deposition was assessed via oil red O staining. Mouse liver damage was determined via microscopy following hematoxylin and eosin staining. Liver fibrosis was assessed via Masson staining. Western blot (WB) and immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses were performed to detect inflammation and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins, including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, TNF-α, MCP1, p53, FAS, Caspase-8, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, Bax, Bid, Cytochrome c, Bcl-2, and Bcl-XL. In addition, WB and IHC were used to assess protein expression associated with the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway. RESULTS Quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, naringenin, and nobiletin in SGXZ decoction were effective chemical components in improving NASH, and TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were the major core targets. Molecular docking indicated that these chemical components and major core targets might interact. KEGG pathway analysis showed that the pathways affected by SGXZ decoction, primarily including apoptosis and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways, interfere with NASH. In vivo experiments indicated that SGXZ decoction considerably ameliorated liver damage, fibrosis, and lipid metabolism disorder in MCD-induced NASH mouse models. In addition, WB and IHC verified the underlying molecular mechanisms of SGXZ decoction as predicted via network pharmacology. SGXZ decoction inhibited the activation of apoptosis-related pathways in MCD-induced NASH mice. Moreover, SGXZ decoction suppressed the activation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway in MCD-induced NASH mice. CONCLUSION SGXZ decoction can treat NASH through multiple targets and pathways. These findings provide new insights into the effective treatment of NASH using SGXZ decoction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Wang
- Department of Hepatology, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.15, Yingchun Road, Luohu District, Guangdong, 518033, China; Faculty of Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau, 999078, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Liver Diseases of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.15, Yingchun Road, Luohu District, Guangdong, 518033, China
| | - Bohao Chen
- Department of Hepatology, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.15, Yingchun Road, Luohu District, Guangdong, 518033, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Liver Diseases of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.15, Yingchun Road, Luohu District, Guangdong, 518033, China; Department of Hepatology, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No.15, Yingchun Road, Luohu District, Guangdong, 518033, China
| | - Ruili Du
- Department of Hepatology, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.15, Yingchun Road, Luohu District, Guangdong, 518033, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Liver Diseases of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.15, Yingchun Road, Luohu District, Guangdong, 518033, China; Department of Hepatology, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No.15, Yingchun Road, Luohu District, Guangdong, 518033, China
| | - Mei Zhong
- Department of Hepatology, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.15, Yingchun Road, Luohu District, Guangdong, 518033, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Liver Diseases of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.15, Yingchun Road, Luohu District, Guangdong, 518033, China; Department of Hepatology, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No.15, Yingchun Road, Luohu District, Guangdong, 518033, China
| | - Chunmei Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Science of Luoyang Polytechnic, No. 6 Keji Avenue, Yibin District, Henan, 471099, China
| | - Xiaoming Jin
- Department of Nephrology, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.15, Yingchun Road, Luohu District, Guangdong, 518033, China
| | - Xiang Cui
- Ankang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Ankang, 725000, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuhang Zhou
- Department of Hepatology, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.15, Yingchun Road, Luohu District, Guangdong, 518033, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Liver Diseases of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.15, Yingchun Road, Luohu District, Guangdong, 518033, China; Department of Hepatology, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No.15, Yingchun Road, Luohu District, Guangdong, 518033, China
| | - Qinyang Kang
- Department of Hepatology, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.15, Yingchun Road, Luohu District, Guangdong, 518033, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Liver Diseases of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.15, Yingchun Road, Luohu District, Guangdong, 518033, China
| | - Hang Xu
- Department of Hepatology, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.15, Yingchun Road, Luohu District, Guangdong, 518033, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Liver Diseases of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.15, Yingchun Road, Luohu District, Guangdong, 518033, China
| | - Yuting Li
- Department of Hepatology, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.15, Yingchun Road, Luohu District, Guangdong, 518033, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Liver Diseases of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.15, Yingchun Road, Luohu District, Guangdong, 518033, China
| | - Qibiao Wu
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau, 999078, China.
| | - Guangdong Tong
- Department of Hepatology, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.15, Yingchun Road, Luohu District, Guangdong, 518033, China; Faculty of Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau, 999078, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Liver Diseases of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.15, Yingchun Road, Luohu District, Guangdong, 518033, China; Department of Hepatology, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No.15, Yingchun Road, Luohu District, Guangdong, 518033, China.
| | - Lidan Luo
- Department of Hepatology, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.15, Yingchun Road, Luohu District, Guangdong, 518033, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Liver Diseases of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.15, Yingchun Road, Luohu District, Guangdong, 518033, China.
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Yang R, Yang H, Jiang D, Xu L, Feng L, Xing Y. Investigation of the potential mechanism of the Shugan Xiaozhi decoction for the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease based on network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14171. [PMID: 36389420 PMCID: PMC9657198 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic disease, the incidence of which increases annually. Shugan Xiaozhi (SGXZ) decoction, a composite traditional Chinese medicinal prescription, has been demonstrated to exert a therapeutic effect on NAFLD. In this study, the potential bioactive ingredients and mechanism of SGXZ decoction against NAFLD were explored via network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation. Methods Compounds in SGXZ decoction were identified and collected from the literature, and the corresponding targets were predicted through the Similarity Ensemble Approach database. Potential targets related to NAFLD were searched on DisGeNET and GeneCards databases. The compound-target-disease and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed to recognize key compounds and targets. Functional enrichment analysis of Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) was performed on the targets. Molecular docking was used to further screen the potent active compounds in SGXZ. Finally, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was applied to verify and validate the binding between the most potent compound and targets. Results A total of 31 active compounds and 220 corresponding targets in SGXZ decoction were collected. Moreover, 1,544 targets of NAFLD were obtained, of which 78 targets intersected with the targets of SGXZ decoction. Key compounds and targets were recognized through the compound-target-disease and PPI network. Multiple biological pathways were annotated, including PI3K-Akt, MAPK, insulin resistance, HIF-1, and tryptophan metabolism. Molecular docking showed that gallic acid, chlorogenic acid and isochlorogenic acid A could combine with the key targets. Molecular dynamics simulations suggested that isochlorogenic acid A might potentially bind directly with RELA, IL-6, VEGFA, and MMP9 in the regulation of PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Conclusion This study investigated the active substances and key targets of SGXZ decoction in the regulation of multiple-pathways based on network pharmacology and computational approaches, providing a theoretical basis for further pharmacological research into the potential mechanism of SGXZ in NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Yang
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Huili Yang
- Department of Hepatology, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Dansheng Jiang
- Department of Hepatology, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Linyi Xu
- Department of Hepatology, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lian Feng
- Department of Hepatology, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yufeng Xing
- Department of Hepatology, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
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