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Pan G, Chai L, Chen R, Yuan Q, Song Z, Feng W, Wei J, Yang Z, Zhang Y, Xie G, Yan A, Lv Q, Wang C, Zhao Y, Wang Y. Potential mechanism of Qinggong Shoutao pill alleviating age-associated memory decline based on integration strategy. Pharm Biol 2024; 62:105-119. [PMID: 38145345 PMCID: PMC10763866 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2023.2291689] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Qinggong Shoutao Wan (QGSTW) is a pill used as a traditional medicine to treat age-associated memory decline (AAMI). However, its potential mechanisms are unclear. OBJECTIVE This study elucidates the possible mechanisms of QGSTW in treating AAMI. MATERIALS AND METHODS Network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches were utilized to identify the potential pathway by which QGSTW alleviates AAMI. C57BL/6J mice were divided randomly into control, model, and QGSTW groups. A mouse model of AAMI was established by d-galactose, and the pathways that QGSTW acts on to ameliorate AAMI were determined by ELISA, immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting after treatment with d-gal (100 mg/kg) and QGSTW (20 mL/kg) for 12 weeks. RESULTS Network pharmacology demonstrated that the targets of the active components were significantly enriched in the cAMP signaling pathway. AKT1, FOS, GRIN2B, and GRIN1 were the core target proteins. QGSTW treatment increased the discrimination index from -16.92 ± 7.06 to 23.88 ± 15.94% in the novel location test and from -19.54 ± 5.71 to 17.55 ± 6.73% in the novel object recognition test. ELISA showed that QGSTW could increase the levels of cAMP. Western blot analysis revealed that QGSTW could upregulate the expression of PKA, CREB, c-Fos, GluN1, GluA1, CaMKII-α, and SYN. Immunostaining revealed that the expression of SYN was decreased in the CA1 and DG. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS This study not only provides new insights into the mechanism of QGSTW in the treatment of AAMI but also provides important information and new research ideas for the discovery of traditional Chinese medicine compounds that can treat AAMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiyun Pan
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Second Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Lijuan Chai
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Qing Yuan
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhihui Song
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Wanying Feng
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinna Wei
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhihua Yang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuhang Zhang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Guinan Xie
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - An Yan
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Qingbo Lv
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Caijun Wang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yingqiang Zhao
- Second Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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Xia TJ, Jin SW, Liu YG, Zhang SS, Wang Z, Liu XM, Pan RL, Jiang N, Liao YH, Yan MZ, Chang Q. Shen Yuan extract exerts a hypnotic effect via the tryptophan/5-hydroxytryptamine/melatonin pathway in mice. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 326:117992. [PMID: 38428654 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117992] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Sleep plays a critical role in several physiologic processes, and sleep disorders increase the risk of depression, dementia, stroke, cancer, and other diseases. Stress is one of the main causes of sleep disorders. Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Polygalae Radix have been reported to have effects of calming the mind and intensifying intelligence in Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions composed of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Polygalae Radix (Shen Yuan, SY) are commonly used to treat insomnia, depression, and other psychiatric disorders in clinical practice. Unfortunately, the underlying mechanisms of the SY extract's effect on sleep are still unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to investigate the hypnotic effect of the SY extract in normal mice and mice with chronic restraint stress (CRS)-induced sleep disorders and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS The SY extract (0.5 and 1.0 g/kg) was intragastrically administered to normal mice for 1, 14, and 28 days and to CRS-treated mice for 28 days. The open field test (OFT) and pentobarbital sodium-induced sleep test (PST) were used to evaluate the hypnotic effect of the SY extract. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were utilized to detect the levels of neurotransmitters and hormones. Molecular changes at the mRNA and protein levels were determined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis to identify the mechanisms by which SY improves sleep disorders. RESULTS The SY extract decreased sleep latency and increased sleep duration in normal mice. Similarly, the sleep duration of mice subjected to CRS was increased by administering SY. The SY extract increased the levels of tryptophan (Trp) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and the expression of tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) in the cortex of normal mice. The SY extract increased the Trp level, transcription and expression of estrogen receptor beta and TPH2 in the cortex in mice with sleep disorders by decreasing the serum corticosterone level, which promoted the synthesis of 5-HT. Additionally, the SY extract enhanced the expression of arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase, which increased the melatonin level and upregulated the expressions of melatonin receptor-2 (MT2) and Cryptochrome 1 (Cry1) in the hypothalamus of mice with sleep disorders. CONCLUSIONS The SY extract exerted a hypnotic effect via the Trp/5-HT/melatonin pathway, which augmented the synthesis of 5-HT and melatonin and further increased the expressions of MT2 and Cry1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Ji Xia
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Su-Wei Jin
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Yong-Guang Liu
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Shan-Shan Zhang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Zhi Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Xin-Min Liu
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, PR China
| | - Rui-Le Pan
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Ning Jiang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Yong-Hong Liao
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Ming-Zhu Yan
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, PR China.
| | - Qi Chang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, PR China.
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Lei X, Zhang Y, Wei X, Tang Y, Qu Q, Zhao X, Zhang X, Duan X, Song X. Sambucus williamsii Hance: A comprehensive review of traditional uses, processing specifications, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 326:117940. [PMID: 38401662 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117940] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sambucus williamsii Hance, belonging to the Sambucus L. family (Viburnaceae), possesses medicinal properties in its roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits. It is recognized for its ability to facilitate bone reunion, enhance blood circulation, remove stasis, and dispel wind and dampness. This traditional Chinese medicine holds significant potential for development and practical use. Hence, this paper offers an in-depth review of S. williamsii, covering traditional uses, processing guidelines, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics, aiming to serve as a reference for its further development and utilization. MATERIALS AND METHODS Information for this study was gathered from various books, bibliographic databases, and literature sources such as Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Baidu Scholar, VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, and Wanfang Data. RESULTS Phytochemical investigations have identified approximately 238 compounds within the root bark, stem branches, leaves, and fruits of S. williamsii. These compounds encompass flavonoids, sugars, glycosides, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, phenols, phenolic glycosides, and other chemical constituents, with phenylpropanoids being the most prevalent. S. williamsii exhibits a wide range of pharmacological effects, particularly in promoting osteogenesis and fracture healing. CONCLUSION This comprehensive review delves into the traditional uses, processing guidelines, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics of S. williamsii. It provides valuable insights into this plant, which will prove beneficial for future research involving S. williamsii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Lei
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, China
| | - Xuan Wei
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, China
| | - Yingying Tang
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, China
| | - Qiong Qu
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, China
| | - Xiaomei Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, China
| | - Xinbo Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, China
| | - Xi Duan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712000, China
| | - Xiao Song
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, China; Engineering Research Center for Pharmaceutics of Chinese Materia Medica and New Drug Development, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100029, China.
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Chen C, Chen F, Gu L, Jiang Y, Cai Z, Zhao Y, Chen L, Zhu Z, Liu X. Discovery and validation of COX2 as a target of flavonoids in Apocyni Veneti Folium: Implications for the treatment of liver injury. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 326:117919. [PMID: 38364933 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117919] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Apocyni Veneti Folium (AVF), a popular traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is known for its effects in soothing the liver and nerves and eliminating heat and water. It is relevant from an ethnopharmacological perspective. Pharmacological research has confirmed its benefits on antihypertension, antihyperlipidemia, antidepression, liver protection, immune system boosting, antiaging, and diabetic vascular lesions. Previous studies have shown that flavonoids, the active ingredients, have a hepatoprotective effect. However, the exact mechanism has not been clarified. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to identify the active flavonoids in AVF and their corresponding targets for liver injury. Multiple methods were introduced to confirm the targets. MATERIAL AND METHODS AVF compounds were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Then, network pharmacology was utilized to screen potential hepatoprotection targets of the compounds. An enzyme activity assay was performed to determine the effect of the compounds on the targets. Biolayer interferometry (BLI) was applied to confirm the direct interaction between the compounds and the targets. RESULTS A total of 71 compounds were identified by LC-MS and 19 compounds and 112 shared targets were screened using network pharmacology. These common targets were primarily involved in the TNF signaling pathway, cancer pathways, hepatitis B, drug responses, and negative regulation of the apoptotic process. Flavonoids were the primary pharmacological substance basis of AVF. The cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) protein was one of the direct targets of flavonoids in AVF. The enzyme activity assay and BLI-based intermolecular interactions demonstrated that the compounds astragalin, isoquercitrin, and hyperoside exhibited stronger inhibition of enzyme activity and a higher affinity with COX2 compared to epigallocatechin, quercetin, and catechin. CONCLUSIONS COX2 was preliminarily identified as a target of flavonoids, and the mechanism of the hepatoprotective effect of AVF might be linked to flavonoids inhibiting the activity of COX2. The findings can establish the foundation for future research on the traditional hepatoprotective effect of AVF on the liver and for clinical studies on liver disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuihua Chen
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine & College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Feiyan Chen
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine & College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Ling Gu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine & College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Yucui Jiang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine & College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Zhichen Cai
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Yunan Zhao
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Lin Chen
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Zhu Zhu
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Xunhong Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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Fan Y, Yin L, Zhong X, He Z, Meng X, Chai F, Kong M, Zhang Q, Xia C, Tong Y, Bi Q. An integrated network pharmacology, molecular docking and experiment validation study to investigate the potential mechanism of Isobavachalcone in the treatment of osteoarthritis. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 326:117827. [PMID: 38310989 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117827] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In many different plants, including Dorstenia and Psoralea corylifolia L., Isobavachalcone (IBC) is a naturally occurring flavonoid chemical having a range of biological actions, including anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anti-bacterial. The "Theory of Medicinal Properties" of the Tang Dynasty states that Psoralea corylifolia L. has the ability to alleviate discomfort in the knees and waist. One of the most widespread chronic illnesses, osteoarthritis (OA), is characterized by stiffness and discomfort in the joints. However, there hasn't been much research done on the effectiveness and underlying processes of IBC in the treatment of osteoarthritis. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the potential efficacy and mechanism of IBC in treating osteoarthritis, we adopted an integrated strategy of network pharmacology, molecular docking and experiment assessment. MATERIALS AND METHODS The purpose of this research was to determine the impact of IBC on OA and the underlying mechanisms. IBC and OA possible targets and processes were predicted using network pharmacology, including the relationship between IBC and OA intersection targets, Cytoscape protein-protein interaction (PPI) to obtain key potential targets, and GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis to reveal the probable mechanism of IBC on OA. Following that, in vitro tests were carried out to confirm the expected underlying processes. Finally, in vivo tests clarified IBC's therapeutic efficacy on OA. RESULTS We anticipated and validated that the impact of IBC on osteoarthritis is mostly controlled by the PI3K-AKT-NF-κB signaling pathway by combining the findings of network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking and Experiment Validation. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals the IBC has potential to delay OA development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Fan
- Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Postgraduate Training Base Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325000, China; Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Institute of Sports Medicine and Osteoarthropathy of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China
| | - Li Yin
- Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Postgraduate Training Base Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325000, China; Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Institute of Sports Medicine and Osteoarthropathy of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China
| | - Xugang Zhong
- Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Institute of Sports Medicine and Osteoarthropathy of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China
| | - Zeju He
- Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Institute of Sports Medicine and Osteoarthropathy of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China
| | - Xiang Meng
- Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Institute of Sports Medicine and Osteoarthropathy of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China
| | - Fang Chai
- Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Institute of Sports Medicine and Osteoarthropathy of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China
| | - Mingxiang Kong
- Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Institute of Sports Medicine and Osteoarthropathy of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China
| | - Qiong Zhang
- Department of Nursing, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China
| | - Chen Xia
- Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Institute of Sports Medicine and Osteoarthropathy of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China.
| | - Yu Tong
- Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Institute of Sports Medicine and Osteoarthropathy of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China.
| | - Qing Bi
- Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Postgraduate Training Base Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325000, China; Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Institute of Sports Medicine and Osteoarthropathy of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China.
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Zheng H, Zeng J, Bi P, Xu W, Yang Y, Chen H, Jin D. Integrated network analysis and experimental verification of the mechanisms employed by Compound Jixuecao Decoction to improve endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis in chronic renal failure. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 326:117959. [PMID: 38423413 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117959] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Compound Jixuecao Decoction (CJD) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine prescribed in China to treat chronic renal failure (CRF). Previous studies have shown that CJD affects cell apoptosis and proliferation. However, the mechanism of its renal protective action has not been characterized. AIM OF THE STUDY To explore the mechanism(s) underlying the effect of CJD on endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and apoptosis in the treatment of CRF using network pharmacology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and in vivo studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS The compounds comprising CJD were extracted from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database. A Swiss target prediction database and similarity integration approach were employed to identify potential targets of these components. The GeneCards and DisGeNET databases were used to identify targets associated with CRF, apoptosis, and ERS. The STRING database was employed to analyze the protein-protein interactions (PPIs) associated with drug-disease crossover. A chemical composition-shared target network was established, and critical pathways were identified through gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses. The Protein Data Bank database was used to search key proteins, while molecular docking and dynamics simulations were performed between the top four CJD active ingredients and proteins involved in apoptosis and ERS in CRF. Subsequent in vivo studies using a 5/6 nephrectomy rat model of CRF were performed to verify the findings. RESULTS The 80 compounds identified in CJD yielded 875 target genes, of which 216 were potentially related to CRF. PPI network analysis revealed key targets via topology filtering. Enrichment analysis, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation results suggested that CJD primarily targets mitofusin-2 (MFN2), B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL2), BAX, protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK), and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) during CRF treatment. In vivo, CJD significantly increased the abundance of MFN2, BCL2, and significantly reduced the abundance of BAX, PERK, CHOP proteins in kidney tissues, indicating that CJD could improve apoptosis and ERS in CRF rats. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence that CJD effectively delays CFR through modulation of the MFN2 and PERK-eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihong Zheng
- Department of Nephrology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 310007, China
| | - Jiali Zeng
- Department of Nephrology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 310007, China
| | - Peng Bi
- Department of Nephrology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 310007, China
| | - Wanyue Xu
- Department of Nephrology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 310007, China
| | - Yazhen Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 310007, China
| | - Hongyu Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 310007, China.
| | - De Jin
- Department of Nephrology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 310007, China.
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Gao Y, Yang Z, Ji T, Zhou P, Geng L, Gao X. Anti-papillary thyroid carcinoma effects of dioscorea bulbifera L. through ferroptosis and the PI3K/AKT pathway based on network pharmacology and experimental validation. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 326:117912. [PMID: 38387682 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117912] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the predominant form of thyroid cancer with a rising global incidence. Despite favorable prognoses, a significant recurrence rate persists. Dioscorea bulbifera L. (DBL), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been historically used for thyroid-related disorders. However, its therapeutic effects and mechanisms of action on PTC remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY To explore the potential therapeutic effects, principal active components, and molecular mechanisms of DBL in the treatment of PTC through network pharmacology and molecular docking, with experimental validation conducted to corroborate these findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS The Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database (TCMSP) was utilized as a systematic tool for collecting and screening the phytochemical components of DBL, and for establishing associations between these components and molecular targets. Based on this, network data was visually processed using Cytoscape software (version 3.8.0). Concurrently, precise molecular docking studies of the principal active components of DBL and their corresponding targets were conducted using Autodock software. Additionally, PTC-related genes were selected through the GeneCards and GEO databases. We further employed the DAVID bioinformatics resources to conduct comprehensive Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses on the intersecting genes between DBL and PTC. These analyses aid in predicting the potential therapeutic actions of DBL on PTC and its mechanisms of action. To validate these findings, corresponding in vitro experimental studies were also conducted. RESULTS In this investigation, 14 bioactive compounds of DBL and 195 corresponding molecular targets were identified, with 127 common targets shared between DBL and PTC. Molecular docking revealed strong binding affinities between major bioactive compounds and target proteins. GO enrichment analysis unveiled key processes involved in DBL's action. KEGG analysis highlighted DBL's modulation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Experimental outcomes demonstrated DBL's potential in inhibiting PTC cell proliferation and migration, suppressing PI3K/AKT pathway activation, and promoting ferroptosis. CONCLUSION In conclusion, DBL offers a multifaceted therapeutic approach for PTC, targeting multiple molecular entities and influencing diverse biological pathways. Network pharmacology and molecular docking shed light on DBL's potential utility in PTC treatment, substantiated by experimental validation. This study contributes valuable insights into using DBL as a promising therapeutic agent for PTC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhi Gao
- Department of Central Laboratory, Clinical College of Lianyungang, Bengbu Medical University, Lianyungang, 222002, Jiangsu, China; Department of Central Laboratory, Lianyungang Hospital Affiliated to Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang 222002, Jiangsu, China; Institute of Clinical Oncology, The Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang City (Cancer Hospital of Lianyungang), Lianyungang 222002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhendong Yang
- Department of Ultrasonography, The Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang City (Cancer Hospital of Lianyungang), Lianyungang 222002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tuo Ji
- Department of Central Laboratory, Clinical College of Lianyungang, Bengbu Medical University, Lianyungang, 222002, Jiangsu, China; Department of Central Laboratory, Lianyungang Hospital Affiliated to Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang 222002, Jiangsu, China; Institute of Clinical Oncology, The Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang City (Cancer Hospital of Lianyungang), Lianyungang 222002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Endocrinology Department, The Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang City (Cancer Hospital of Lianyungang), Lianyungang 222002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Geng
- Department of Radiology, The Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang City (Cancer Hospital of Lianyungang), Lianyungang 222002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuzhu Gao
- Department of Central Laboratory, Clinical College of Lianyungang, Bengbu Medical University, Lianyungang, 222002, Jiangsu, China; Department of Central Laboratory, Lianyungang Hospital Affiliated to Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang 222002, Jiangsu, China; Institute of Clinical Oncology, The Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang City (Cancer Hospital of Lianyungang), Lianyungang 222002, Jiangsu, China.
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Wu T, Zhang H, Jin Y, Zhang M, Zhao Q, Li H, Wang S, Lu Y, Chen S, Du H, Liu T, Guo W, Liu W. The active components and potential mechanisms of Wuji Wan in the treatment of ethanol-induced gastric ulcer: An integrated metabolomics, network pharmacology and experimental validation. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 326:117901. [PMID: 38341112 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117901] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Wuji Wan (WJW) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula that can be found in the "Prescriptions of Taiping Benevolent Dispensary" that has been employed in treating gastric discomfort, burning epigastric pain, and gastric reflux for hundreds of years and has shown promise for treating gastric ulcers (GUs). However, the active components and mechanism of action against GUs remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this study was to explore the active components of WJW and elucidate the underlying mechanism involved in treating GUs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Initially, cell viability was measured by a cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assay to evaluate the efficacy of WJW-containing serum in vitro. The gastric ulcer index, ulcer inhibition rate, hematoxylin and staining (H&E), and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of WJW in vivo. Subsequently, the levels of inflammatory factors and oxidative stress factors were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) on in vitro and in vivo samples. Additionally, UPLC-Q Exactive Plus Orbitrap HRMS was used to analyze the components that were absorbed into the blood of WJW and its metabolites. Network pharmacology and metabolomics were subsequently used to identify the targets and pathways. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT‒qPCR) and Western blotting were used to verify the mRNA and protein levels of the key targets and pathways. Finally, the active components were identified by molecular docking to verify the binding stability of the components and key targets. RESULTS WJW-containing serum ameliorated ethanol-induced damage in GES-1 cells and promoted cell healing. WJW-containing serum reduced IL-6, TNF-α, MDA, and LDH levels while increasing IL-10, SOD, and T-AOC levels in the cells. Moreover, WJW treatment resulted in decreased IL-6, TNF-α, and MDA levels and increased IL-10, SOD, PGE2, and NO levels in GUs rats. In addition, eight components of WJW were absorbed into the blood. The network pharmacology results revealed 192 common targets for blood entry components and GUs, and KEGG analysis revealed that apoptosis signaling pathways were the main pathways involved in WJW activity against GUs. Metabolomic screening was used to identify 13 differential metabolites. There were 23 common targets for blood entry components, GUs, and differential metabolites, with the key targets TNF (TNF-α), AKT1, PTGS2 (COX2) and MAPK1. WJW significantly inhibited the expression of Bax, Caspase-9, Caspase-3, cleaved Caspase-9, cleaved Caspase-3, TNF-α, COX2, and p-p44/42 MAPK while promoting the expression of Bcl-2 and p-AKT1. Molecular docking revealed that the active components of WJW for the treatment of GUs are berberine, palmatine, coptisine, evodiamine, rutaecarpine, evocarpine, and paeoniflorin. CONCLUSIONS WJW treatment reduces inflammation and oxidative stress injury and inhibits apoptosis signaling pathways. The main active components are berberine, palmatine, coptisine, evodiamine, rutaecarpine, evocarpine, and paeoniflorin. In this paper, we provide a new strategy for exploring the active components of traditional Chinese medicine formulas for the treatment of diseases based on target mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantai Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Yang Jin
- School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China; State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China; Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, 550014, China
| | - Qing Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Herong Li
- School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Shouli Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Yuan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Shuaishuai Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Huakang Du
- School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Ting Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Weiyu Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Wen Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China; School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China.
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Li Z, Yuan J, Dai Y, Xia Y. Integration of serum pharmacochemistry and metabolomics to reveal the underlying mechanism of shaoyao-gancao-fuzi decoction to ameliorate rheumatoid arthritis. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 326:117910. [PMID: 38373664 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117910] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE For centuries, Shaoyao-Gancao-Fuzi decoction (SGFD) has been a reliable traditional Chinese medicine for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Despite its long history of use, the specific active components and underlying mechanisms of its therapeutic effects have yet to be fully understood. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this study was to investigate the active ingredients and therapeutic effects of SGFD on RA, and to further understand its underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS The chemical constituents in SGFD extract and in rat serum after oral administration of SGFD were identified and evaluated using ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole-time-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) together with various data-processing methods, respectively. The efficacy of SGFD was assessed by using an adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rat model and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cell. Subsequently, cell metabolomic was conducted to clarify the potential biomarkers and pathways. ELISA, RT-qPCR, and WB were used to verify the anti-arthritis mechanism of SGFD. RESULTS A total of 65 chemical constituents were identified in SGFD. 17 active components were distinguished in rat serum samples, of which 13 may be the main active ingredients for SGFD treatment of RA. The remarkable efficacy of SGFD in reducing the symptoms of RA is evident through its ability to alleviate the redness and swelling of the affected paws, as well as reduce the infiltration of inflammatory cells. Cell experiments revealed that rat serum of SGFD reduced IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α secretion in RAW 264.7 cells. 27 potential biomarkers were identified through cell metabolomics analysis. The arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism signaling pathway was activated in RA, which could be reversed by rat serum of SGFD. SGFD effectively inhibited the expression and transformation of AA by downregulating the expression of key enzymes, including phospholipase A and cyclooxygenase. CONCLUSION SGFD may ameliorate RA symptoms by regulating the AA-PGH2-PGE2/PGF2α pathway. The main active components include songorine, fuziline, neoline, albiflorin, paeoniflorin, liquiritin, benzoylmesaconine, isoformononetin, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, formononetin, glycyrrhizic acid, and glycyrrhetinic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Li
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Yuan
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yue Dai
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinses Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yufeng Xia
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, China.
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Lin Y, Xu L, Lin H, Cui W, Jiao Y, Wang B, Li H, Wang X, Wu J. Network pharmacology and experimental validation to investigate the mechanism of Nao-Ling-Su capsule in the treatment of ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 326:117958. [PMID: 38395179 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117958] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Nao-Ling-Su Capsule (NLSC) is a traditional prescription, which is composed of fifteen herbs such as epimedium, Polygala tenuifolia, and Schisandra chinensis. It has the effect of strengthening the brain, calming nerves, and protecting the kidney, which has been used clinically for many years to strengthen the brain and kidney. However, the effect of NLSC in the treatment of acute kidney injury (AKI) is still unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY The present study aims to elucidate the pharmacological actions of NLSC in the treatment of AKI. MATERIALS AND METHODS Molecular targets for NLSC and AKI were obtained from various databases, and then we built networks of interactions between proteins (PPI) by employing string databases. Additionally, we employed the DAVID database to conduct gene ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. Molecular docking was conducted to analyze the interaction between core components and their corresponding core targets. Next, the C57BL male mice model of ischemia/reperfusion damage (IRI) was developed, and the nephridial protective effect of NLSC was evaluated. The accuracy of the expected targets was confirmed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The renal protective effect of NLSC was assessed using an immortalized human kidney tubular (HK-2) cell culture produced by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). RESULTS Network pharmacology analysis identified 199 common targets from NLSC and AKI. STAT3, HSP90AA1, TP53, MAPK3, JUN, JAK2, and VEGFA could serve as potential drug targets and were associated with JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, etc. The molecular docking analysis confirmed significant docking activity between the main bioactive components and core targets, including STAT3 and KIM-1. Moreover, the AKI mice model was successfully established and NLSC pretreatment could improve renal function and alleviate renal damage. NLSC could alleviate renal inflammation and tubular cell apoptosis, and decrease the expression of STAT3 and KIM-1 in AKI mice. In vitro, both NLSC and drug-containing serum may protect HK-2 cells by inhibiting STAT3 signaling, especially STAT3-mediated apoptosis and KIM-1 expression. CONCLUSION NLSC could alleviate renal inflammation and apoptosis, exerting its beneficial effects by targeting the STAT3/KIM-1 pathway. NLSC is a promising candidate for AKI treatment and provides a new idea and method for the treatment of AKI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongqiang Lin
- Shandong Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shandong Engineering Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Standard Innovation and Quality Evaluation, Shangdong Engineering Research Center for Generic Technologies of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granules, Jinan, 250101, Shandong, China
| | - Lili Xu
- Shandong Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shandong Engineering Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Standard Innovation and Quality Evaluation, Shangdong Engineering Research Center for Generic Technologies of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granules, Jinan, 250101, Shandong, China; Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250c55, Shandong, China
| | - Huibin Lin
- Shandong Academy of Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, Shandong, China
| | - Weiliang Cui
- Shandong Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shandong Engineering Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Standard Innovation and Quality Evaluation, Shangdong Engineering Research Center for Generic Technologies of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granules, Jinan, 250101, Shandong, China
| | - Yang Jiao
- Shandong Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shandong Engineering Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Standard Innovation and Quality Evaluation, Shangdong Engineering Research Center for Generic Technologies of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granules, Jinan, 250101, Shandong, China
| | - Bing Wang
- Shandong Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shandong Engineering Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Standard Innovation and Quality Evaluation, Shangdong Engineering Research Center for Generic Technologies of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granules, Jinan, 250101, Shandong, China
| | - Huifen Li
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250c55, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaojie Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
| | - Jichao Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
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Jin X, Dong W, Chang K, Yan Y. Research on the signaling pathways related to the intervention of traditional Chinese medicine in Parkinson's disease:A literature review. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 326:117850. [PMID: 38331124 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117850] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting more than 10 million people worldwide and is characterized by the progressive loss of Daergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. It has been reported that signaling pathways play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of PD, while the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have been found to possess a protective effect against PD. TCM has demonstrated significant potential in mitigating oxidative stress (OS), neuroinflammation, and apoptosis of DA neurons via the regulation of signaling pathways associated with PD. AIM OF THE REVIEW This study discussed and analyzed the signaling pathways involved in the occurrence and development of PD and the mechanism of active ingredients of TCM regulating PD via signaling pathways, with the aim of providing a basis for the development and clinical application of therapeutic strategies for TCM in PD. MATERIALS AND METHODS With "Parkinson's disease", "Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease", "Lewy Body Parkinson's Disease", "Parkinson's Disease, Idiopathic", "Parkinson Disease, Idiopathic", "Parkinson's disorders", "Parkinsonism syndrome", "Traditional Chinese medicine", "Chinese herbal medicine", "active ingredients", "medicinal plants" as the main keywords, PubMed, Web of Science and other online search engines were used for literature retrieval. RESULTS PD exhibits a close association with various signaling pathways, including but not limited to MAPKs, NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, Nrf2/ARE, Wnt/β-catenin, TLR/TRIF, NLRP3, Notch. The therapeutic potential of TCM lies in its ability to regulate these signaling pathways. In addition, the active ingredients of TCM have shown significant effects in improving OS, neuroinflammation, and DA neuron apoptosis in PD. CONCLUSION The active ingredients of TCM have unique advantages in regulating PD-related signaling pathways. It is suggested to combine network pharmacology and bioinformatics to study the specific targets of TCM. This not only provides a new way for the prevention and treatment of PD with the active ingredients of TCM, but also provides a scientific basis for the selection and development of TCM preparations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaxia Jin
- National Key Laboratory of Quality Assurance and Sustainable Utilization of Authentic Medicinal Materials, Chinese Medicine Resource Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Wendi Dong
- Foshan Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Kaile Chang
- Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, China
| | - Yongmei Yan
- National Key Laboratory of Quality Assurance and Sustainable Utilization of Authentic Medicinal Materials, Chinese Medicine Resource Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China; Department of Encephalopathy, Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712000, China.
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Sheng MY, Peng DW, Peng HM, Zhang YL, Xiao L, Zhang MR, Wang SY, Zhao CP, Zhu SY, Lu JK, Lin L, Huang R, Nie J, Fang JB. Effective substances and molecular mechanisms guided by network pharmacology: An example study of Scrophulariae Radix treatment of hyperthyroidism and thyroid hormone-induced liver and kidney injuries. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 326:117965. [PMID: 38423410 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117965] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Scrophulariae Radix (Xuanshen [XS]) has been used for several years to treat hyperthyroidism. However, its effective substances and pharmacological mechanisms in the treatment of hyperthyroidism and thyroid hormone-induced liver and kidney injuries have not yet been elucidated. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to explore the pharmacological material basis and potential mechanism of XS therapy for hyperthyroidism and thyroid hormone-induced liver and kidney injuries based on network pharmacology prediction and experimental validation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Based on 31 in vivo XS compounds identified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem quadruple exactive orbitrap high-resolution accurate-mass spectrometry (UPLC-QE-HRMS), a network pharmacology approach was used for mechanism prediction. Systematic networks were constructed to identify the potential molecular targets, biological processes (BP), and signaling pathways. A component-target-pathway network was established. Mice were administered levothyroxine sodium through gavage for 30 d and then treated with different doses of XS extract with or without propylthiouracil (PTU) for 30 d. Blood, liver, and kidney samples were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blotting. RESULTS A total of 31 prototypes, 60 Phase I metabolites, and 23 Phase II metabolites were tentatively identified in the plasma of rats following the oral administration of XS extract. Ninety-six potential common targets between the 31 in vivo compounds and the diseases were identified. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed that Bcl-2, BAD, JNK, p38, and ERK1/2 were the top targets. XS extract with or without PTU had the following effects: inhibition of T3/T4/fT3/fT4 caused by levothyroxine; increase of TSH levels in serum; restoration of thyroid structure; improvement of liver and kidney structure and function by elevating the activities of anti-oxidant enzymes catalase (CAT),superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px); activation anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2; inhibition the apoptotic protein p-BAD; downregulation inflammation-related proteins p-ERK1/2, p-JNK, and p-p38; and inhibition of the aggregation of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, as well as immune cells in the liver. CONCLUSION XS can be used to treat hyperthyroidism and liver and kidney injuries caused by thyroid hormones through its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. In addition, serum pharmacochemical analysis revealed that five active compounds, namely 4-methylcatechol, sugiol, eugenol, acetovanillone, and oleic acid, have diverse metabolic pathways in vivo and exhibit potential as effective therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yuan Sheng
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China; School of Pharmacy, Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China; Hubei Institute for Drug Control, Wuhan, 430064, China; Department of Anatomy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - De-Wei Peng
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Hui-Ming Peng
- Department of Anatomy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Ya-Li Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China.
| | - Ling Xiao
- Hubei Institute for Drug Control, Wuhan, 430064, China.
| | - Meng-Ru Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Si-Yu Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Chuan-Peng Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Si-Ying Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Jian-Kang Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Li Lin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Rong Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430061, Hubei, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Theory and Application Research of Liver and Kidney in Traditional Chinese Medicine, China.
| | - Jing Nie
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China; Hubei Institute for Drug Control, Wuhan, 430064, China.
| | - Jin-Bo Fang
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Zhao Y, Xi C, Liu D, Ren X, Fan J, Tangthianchaichana J, Lu Y, Wu H. Chemical components with antibacterial properties found in sanchen powder from traditional Tibetan medicine. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 326:117981. [PMID: 38417599 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117981] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Sanchen powder is a traditional Tibetan medicine comprising Bambusae Concretio Silicea, Carthami Flos, and Bovis Calculus Artifactus. Bambusae Concretio Silicea is the dried mass of secreted fluid in the stalks of Gramineae plants such as Bambusa textilis McClure or Schizostachyum chinense Rendle. Carthami Flos is the dried flower of Carthamus tinctorius L. in the Compositae plant. Bovis Calculus Artifactus is made from ox bile powder, cholic acid, hyodeoxycholic acid, taurine, bilirubin, cholesterol, and trace elements. Research has evidenced the antibacterial efficacy of Sanchen powder, albeit its active constituents for this effect are yet to be established. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate effective compounds, potential targets, and molecular mechanism of Sanchen powder for its antibacterial properties by using network pharmacology combined with in vitro validation, with the aims of observing the action of effective compounds in Sanchen powder and exploring new therapeutic strategies for antibacterial. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was utilized to identify the chemical composition in Sanchen powder and its blood-borne chemical ingredients post-oral intake. A network pharmacology analysis was used to establish the chemical compound in the blood following oral administration-target-disease network. The study aimed to identify antibacterial active ingredients, which were then subjected to molecular docking and pharmacodynamic experiments to verify their efficacy. RESULTS The findings demonstrate that following oral administration, the blood contains seven key components of Sanchen powder, including bilirubin, glycochenodeoxycholic acid, glycocholic acid, taurocholic acid, phenylalanine, safflomin A, and tryptophan. Additionally, the network pharmacology and molecular docking study results indicate the potential antibacterial effects of bilirubin, glycocholic acid, and glycochenodeoxycholic acid. In vitro antibacterial experiments revealed that bilirubin, glycocholic acid, and glycochenodeoxycholic acid could restrict the growth of the Staphylococcus aureus cell membrane at a certain concentration. Moreover, they exhibited antibacterial effects on Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Escherichia coli. CONCLUSIONS Bilirubin, glycocholic acid, and glycochenodeoxycholic acid could be effective therapeutic ingredients for the antibacterial effects of Sanchen powder. These results offer a foundation for further clinical application and research on the antibacterial effect of Sanchen powder, a Traditional Tibetan Medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueying Zhao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Cheng Xi
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Donghan Liu
- Beijing Union Pharmaceutical Factory, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaoqiao Ren
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China; Institute of Minority Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Jiayi Fan
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | | | - Yang Lu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Huichao Wu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China; Institute of Minority Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
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Xin L, Ren M, Lou Y, Yin H, Qin F, Xiong Z. Integrated UHPLC-MS untargeted metabolomics and gut microbe metabolism pathway-targeted metabolomics to reveal the prevention mechanism of Gushudan on kidney-yang-deficiency-syndrome rats. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2024; 242:116062. [PMID: 38387127 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2024.116062] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Gushudan (GSD) was a traditional Chinese prescription with the remarkable effect of kidney-tonifying and bone-strengthening. However, the potential prevention mechanisms of the GSD on kidney-yang-deficiency-syndrome (KYDS) and its regulation on gut microbe metabolism still need to be further systematically investigated. This study established untargeted urinary metabolomics based on RP/HILIC-UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS and combined with multivariate statistical analysis to discover differential metabolites and key metabolic pathways. And the gut microbe metabolism pathway-targeted metabolomic based on HILIC-UHPLC-MS/MS was developed and validated to simultaneously determine 15 gut microbe-mediated metabolites in urine samples from the control group (CON), KYDS model group (MOD), GSD-treatment group (GSD) and positive group (POS). The results showed that a total of 36 differential metabolites were discovered in untargeted metabolomics. These differential metabolites included proline, cytosine, butyric acid and nicotinic acid, which were primarily involved in the gut microbe metabolism, amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism and nucleotide metabolism. And GSD played a role in preventing KYDS by regulating these metabolic pathways. The targeted metabolomics found that the levels of 10 gut microbe-mediated metabolites had significant differences in different groups. Among them, compared with the CON group, the levels of lysine, tryptophan, phenylacetylglycine and hippuric acid were increased in the MOD group, while the levels of threonine, leucine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, succinic acid and butyric acid were decreased, which verified the disorders of gut microbe metabolism in the KYDS rats and GSD had a significant regulatory effect on this disorder. As well as by comparing analysis, it was found that the experimental results were consistent with previous metabolomics and microbiomics of fecal samples. Therefore, this integrated strategy of untargeted and targeted metabolomics not only elucidated the potential prevention mechanism of GSD on KYDS, but also provided a scientific basis for GSD preventing KYDS via the "gut-kidney" axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Xin
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, Liaoning 117004, P.R. China
| | - Mengxin Ren
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, Liaoning 117004, P.R. China
| | - Yanwei Lou
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, Liaoning 117004, P.R. China
| | - Huawen Yin
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, Liaoning 117004, P.R. China
| | - Feng Qin
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, Liaoning 117004, P.R. China
| | - Zhili Xiong
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, Liaoning 117004, P.R. China.
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Zhang R, Qin X, Liu Y. Exploration of the intestinal flora to reveal the important contribution of Radix Astragali to Huangqi Jianzhong Tang in treating chronic atrophic gastritis rats. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2024; 242:116067. [PMID: 38417324 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2024.116067] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Radix Astragali (Huangqi in Chinese, HQ) is a commonly used Chinese herbal medicine for thousands of years. In this study, A classic prescription Huangqi Jianzhong tang (HQJZ) was selected to evaluate the important effect of HQ on rats with chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) from the perspective of intestinal flora in cecal contents samples. Traditional pharmacological indicators, including weight change, pathological examination and biochemical indicators showed that HQ exerted favorable contribution to HQJZ against CAG, where the efficiencies of HQ and HQJZ were better than HY (HQJZ prepared without HQ). An accurate strategy was adopted to screen out the differential metabolites in the metabolomis analysis of intestinal flora in cecal contents samples based on the optimal screening factors, including VIP (importance of variables in projection), FC (fold change), AUROC (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve) and -ln(p-value), which were evaluated based on their interpreting, grouping, and predicting abilities of the performed orthogonal partial least-squares-discriminate analysis (OPLS-DA) models. Ten altered differential metabolites were obtained and associated with the intestinal flora, which HQ exerted the important metabolic contributions to HQJZ. The efficacy on the diversity of intestinal flora and their correlations with the altered metabolites further showed the important role of HQ in HQJZ composition. This work provided valuable approach for looking for potential biomarkers associated with metabolomics research with more accuracy, and provided new insights into the mechanisms to explain the efficacy of HQ contributing to HQJZ formula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruonan Zhang
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, No. 92, Wucheng Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, PR China; Key Laboratory of Effective Substances Research and Utilization in TCM of Shanxi Province, No. 92, Wucheng Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, PR China
| | - Xuemei Qin
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, No. 92, Wucheng Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, PR China; Key Laboratory of Effective Substances Research and Utilization in TCM of Shanxi Province, No. 92, Wucheng Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, PR China.
| | - Yuetao Liu
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, No. 92, Wucheng Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, PR China; Key Laboratory of Effective Substances Research and Utilization in TCM of Shanxi Province, No. 92, Wucheng Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, PR China.
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16
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Jiang Y, Yang L, Chen H, Chen J, Yang L, Wang Z, Yuan X, Shan J, Lin L, Li H, Ye J. Network pharmacology combined with lipidomics to reveal the regulatory effects and mechanisms of Kangzao granules in the hypothalamus of rats with central precocious puberty. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2024; 242:116059. [PMID: 38422672 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2024.116059] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Central precocious puberty (CPP) is a prevalent endocrine disorder that primarily affects children, specifically females, and is associated with various physical and psychological complications. Although Kangzao granules (KZG) are efficacious in managing CPP, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the therapeutic mechanisms of KZG using network pharmacology, molecular docking, pharmacodynamics, and pathway validation. A putative compound-target-pathway network was constructed using Cytoscape, before KEGG and Gene Ontology enrichment analyses were conducted. Moreover, molecular docking was performed using AutoDockTools. Quality control of the 10 key components of KZG was carried out using UHPLC-ESI/LTQ-Orbitrap-MS/MS, and hypothalamic lipids were analyzed using UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS/MS. In total, 87 bioactive compounds that targeting 110 core proteins to alleviate CPP were identified in KZG. Lipidomic analysis revealed 18 differential lipids among the CPP, KZG, and control groups, wherein fatty acids were significantly reduced in the model group; however, these changes were effectively counteracted by KZG treatment. Molecular docking analysis revealed a strong binding affinity between flavonoids and RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT) when docked into the crystal structure. Moreover, a substantial disruption in lipid metabolism was observed in the model group; however, treatment with KZG efficiently reversed these alterations. Furthermore, the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT signaling pathway was identified as a pivotal regulator of hypothalamic lipid metabolism regulator. Overall, this study highlights the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary approach that combines network pharmacology, lipidomics, molecular docking, and experimental validation in the elucidation of the therapeutic mechanisms of KZG in CPP treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhua Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatric Respiratory Disease, Institute of Pediatrics, Medical Metabolomics Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; Department of Pediatrics, Shaoxing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shaoxing, China
| | - Lixia Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatric Respiratory Disease, Institute of Pediatrics, Medical Metabolomics Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatric Respiratory Disease, Institute of Pediatrics, Medical Metabolomics Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiabin Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatric Respiratory Disease, Institute of Pediatrics, Medical Metabolomics Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Lingling Yang
- Department of Pediatric, Suzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Zhao Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatric Respiratory Disease, Institute of Pediatrics, Medical Metabolomics Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuejing Yuan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatric Respiratory Disease, Institute of Pediatrics, Medical Metabolomics Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinjun Shan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatric Respiratory Disease, Institute of Pediatrics, Medical Metabolomics Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Lili Lin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatric Respiratory Disease, Institute of Pediatrics, Medical Metabolomics Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Hui Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatric Respiratory Disease, Institute of Pediatrics, Medical Metabolomics Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Jin Ye
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatric Respiratory Disease, Institute of Pediatrics, Medical Metabolomics Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
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Li Y, Li S, Shou Z, Li Y, Li A, Liu W, Zhang X, Zhou C, Xu D, Li L. Integration of network pharmacology with experimental validation to reveal the mechanism of action of Longdan Xiegan Decoction against HSV2 infection and determine its effective components. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 325:117861. [PMID: 38316223 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117861] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has made enormous strides recently in the discovery of anti-herpes simplex virus (HSV) drugs under the guidance of TCM theory. Longdan Xiegan Decoction (LXD), a formulation recorded in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, has proved to be effective against HSV infection. However, its effective components and action mechanism remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the effective components and mechanisms of LXD in treating HSV infection based on network pharmacology and experimental validation. MATERIALS AND METHODS The anti-HSV activities of key compounds predicted by network analysis were detected by antiviral tests. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was applied to identify the main components of the LXD aqueous extract. Time-of-addition assay and infectivity inhibition reversibility assay were conducted to identify the potential antiviral mechanisms of licochalcone B (LCB). Additionally, we assessed the antiviral effect of LCB in vivo by use of body weight, viral load, histological analysis, and scoring of genital lesions in an HSV2-infected mouse model. RESULTS Our data demonstrated that some components exhibited significant anti-HSV1/2 activity in vitro, including quercetin, kaempferol, wogonin, formononetin, naringenin, baicalein, isorhamnetin, glabridin, licochalcone A, echinatin, oroxylin A, isoliquiritigenin, pinocembrin, LCB and acacetin. HPLC analysis showed that LCB was the main component of LXD aqueous extract. In vitro experiments revealed that LCB not only inactivated HSV2 particles, but also inhibited HSV2 multiplication through the inhibition of the phosphorylation of Akt and its downstream targets. In vivo experiments confirmed that LCB could significantly reduce viral titer, delay weight loss, and alleviate pathological changes in vaginal tissue in vaginal infection mouse models. CONCLUSION LCB acted as the main component of LXD, with significant anti-HSV2 infection effects both in vivo and in vitro. This study provides additional evidence of the healing efficacy of LXD against HSV infection and presents an efficient analytical method for further investigation of the mechanisms of TCM in prevention and treatment of various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyun Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China; Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Pharmacy Development, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Siyan Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Guangzhou Xinhua University, Guangzhou, 510520, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zeren Shou
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yibin Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Axin Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Wenli Liu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Chengliang Zhou
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Daohua Xu
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Pharmacy Development, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China.
| | - Lin Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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Zhou Y, Chen C, Yuan J, Xue J, Chen H, Liu X, Cai Z, Wu N, Yang W, Cheng J. A study for quality evaluation of Lysimachiae herba from different origins based on fingerprint-activity relationship modeling and multi-component content determination. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 325:117840. [PMID: 38316219 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117840] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Lysimachiae Herba (LH), called Jinqiancao in Chinese, is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine in clinical practice. Doctors in the Qing Dynasty recorded that it tastes bitter, sour, and slightly cold, and it belongs to the liver, gallbladder, kidney, and bladder meridians. It has the effects of removing dampness and jaundice, eliminating gallstones, and reducing blood stasis. Because of its potent pharmacological effects, it is extensively utilized in the treatment of hepatobiliary and urinary system stones, jaundice, hepatitis, and cholecystitis. Although LH is included in "Sichuan authentic Chinese herbal medicine records", the quality of it from different origins still lacks reliable evaluation methods, which is difficult to reflect the high quality of LH from Sichuan. AIMS OF THE STUDY This study aimed to establish a fingerprint-activity relationship model between the fingerprint of LH and its protective effect on cholestatic liver injury, and to evaluate the quality of LH from Sichuan and Guizhou by multivariate statistical analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS 20 batches of LH samples were collected from Sichuan and Guizhou. Characteristic fingerprints of samples were established by UHPLC-Triple TOF-MS/MS and the chemical pattern recognition analysis was carried out by HCA. Then, a rat model of cholestatic liver injury was established by intragastric administration of ANIT. Combined with the common peak information of fingerprint and pharmacodynamic index results, GCA and BCA were used to screen the efficacy markers. Finally, based on UHPLC-QTRAP-MS/MS, the content of efficacy markers was simultaneously determined, and the overall quality of LH from two origins was evaluated by PCA and TOPSIS. RESULTS In the fingerprint of 20 batches of LH, 15 common peaks were identified in the negative ion mode, and the similarity was between 0.887 and 0.981. Pharmacological results showed that, compared with the control group, the content of AST, ALT, ALP, TBA, TBIL, and MDA in serum increased, and the content of GSH and SOD activity decreased after 48 h of ANIT administration. In addition, compared to the model group, different doses of LH from the two origins could decrease the serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, TBA, TBIL, and MDA, raise the levels of GSH and SOD activity, reduce the infiltration range of inflammatory cells, and improve the cholestatic liver injury in rats. Among them, the pharmacodynamic indices of the SCHD group were significantly better. GCA and BCA showed that a total of 7 constituents related to the efficacy were screened, which were proanthocyanidin B1, ferulic acid, hyperoside, astragalin, nicotiflorin, afzelin, and kaempferol. Besides, the content of 7 active constituents in samples from Sichuan was higher than that from Guizhou, indicating that the quality of samples from Sichuan may be better, consistent with the result of the pharmacological experiment. CONCLUSION The quality and efficacy of LH from different origins were stable, and all of them had protective effects on cholestatic liver injury in rats. The method established in this study is accurate and reliable, and it can be used to comprehensively evaluate the internal quality of LH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongyi Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Cuihua Chen
- College of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Jiahuan Yuan
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jia Xue
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Haijie Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xunhong Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Classical Prescription, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Zhichen Cai
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Nan Wu
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Wei Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jianming Cheng
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Classical Prescription, Nanjing 210023, China
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Li Y, Ren TT, Liu SS, Zhang L, Yi H, Li C, Chen LM, Gao HM, Yan LH, Liu XQ, Wang ZM. Fingerprint analysis of dang-gui-Si-Ni decoction and its anticoagulant activity in vivo-in vitro. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 325:117890. [PMID: 38336186 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117890] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Dang-Gui-Si-Ni (DGSN) decoction is a classic prescription in the clinical practice of traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). DGSN decoction is often used to relieve symptoms of cold coagulation and blood stasis recorded by Treatise on Febrile Diseases (Shang Han Lun) and treat Raynaud's disease, dysmenorrhea, arthritis, migraine in TCM clinic. Accumulated evidences have suggested that this diseases are related to microcirculation disturbance. However, the anticoagulant activity and underlying mechanisms of DGSN decoction responsible for the therapeutic not well understood. AIM OF THE STUDY The fingerprint and anticoagulant activity in vivo-in vitro of DGSN decoction were evaluated to strengthen the quality control and activity study of formulas. MATERIALS AND METHODS The chemical components of DGSN decoction were analyzed by HPLC and its fingerprint similarity were evaluated by "Chinese Medicine Chromatographic Fingerprint Similarity Evaluation Software (2012 Edition)". The anticoagulant activity of DGSN decoction was assessed by measuring four coagulation factors (PT, TT, APTT, FIB) in vitro. Zebrafish thrombosis model induced by punatinib was established to evaluate the activity of improving microvascular hemodynamics in vivo. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) were adopted to compare the changes in the RNA expression levels of coagulation factor II (FII), VII (FVII), IX (FIX) and X (FX) in zebrafish thrombosis model. RESULTS The fingerprint similarity evaluation method of DGSN decoction was established. The results showed that 18 samples had higher similarity (S1-S18 > 0.878). Pharmacodynamic results showed that DGSN decoction could extend PT, TT and APTT, and reduce FIB content in vitro. Meanwhile, it markedly enhanced the cardiac output and blood flow velocity at low dosage (500 μg mL-1) in vivo. q-PCR data demonstrated that DGSN decoction (500 μg mL-1) could downregulate the RNA expression of FII, FVII, FIX and FX. Interestingly, there were a bidirectional regulation of FII, FIX and FX in a certain concentration range. In general, DGSN decoction can significantly improve hemodynamics and downregulate coagulation factors, and the results were consistent both in vitro - in vivo. CONCLUSION The fingerprint study provide a new perspective for improving the quality control of DGSN decoction. DGSN decoction possess anticoagulant activity by regulating multiple coagulation factors simultaneously. Thus, it has the potential to develop into the novel raw material of anticoagulant drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Quality Control Technology of Chinese Herbal Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Teng-Teng Ren
- Shandong Provincial Third Hospital Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 11 Wuyingshan Road, Jinan, 250031, Shandong, China
| | - Shan-Shan Liu
- Institute of Analysis and Testing, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology (Beijing Center for Physical &Chemical Analysis), No.27, North Xisanhuan Road, Beijing, 100089, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Hong Yi
- National Engineering Laboratory for Quality Control Technology of Chinese Herbal Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Chun Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Quality Control Technology of Chinese Herbal Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Liang-Mian Chen
- National Engineering Laboratory for Quality Control Technology of Chinese Herbal Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Hui-Min Gao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Quality Control Technology of Chinese Herbal Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Li-Hua Yan
- National Engineering Laboratory for Quality Control Technology of Chinese Herbal Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Xiao-Qian Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Quality Control Technology of Chinese Herbal Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Zhi-Min Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Quality Control Technology of Chinese Herbal Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
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Cao R, Wang Y, Zhou Y, Zhu J, Zhang K, Liu W, Feng F, Qu W. Advanced researches of traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of medical Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 325:117848. [PMID: 38336181 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117848] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Medical Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis consists of Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq.) Miq. ex Havil, Uncaria macrophylla Wall, Uncaria sinensis (Oliv.) Havil, Uncaria hirsuta Havil, and Uncaria sessilifructus Roxb, which belongs to the species widely used in the genus Uncaria. These species resource widely distributed in China and abroad, and the hook-bearing stem is the primary constituent enrichment site. There are many different forms and architectures of chemicals, depending on the extraction site. Traditional remedies employing URCU had been used widely in antiquity and were first compiled in renowned ancient masterpiece 'Mingyi Bielu ()' written by Hongjing Tao. In modern pharmacological studies, both the total extracts and the phytoconstituents isolated from URCU have been shown to have neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, and autophagy-enhancer properties. AIM OF THE STUDY This review concentrates on the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and nanomaterials studies of URCU, with a perspective to assist with further research and advance. MATERIAL AND METHODS The Chinese and English literature studies of this review are based on these database searches including Science Direct, CNKI, Wiley online library, Spring Link, Web of Science, PubMed, Medalink, Google scholar, Elsevier, ACS Publications, iPlant, Missouri Botanical Garden, Plant of the World Online. The pertinent data on URCU was gathered. RESULTS Based on the examination of the genus Uncaria, 107 newly marked chemical compositions have been identified from URCU from 2015 to present, including alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, steroids, and others. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated that URCU has a variety of benefits in diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and migraine, due to its neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. According to metabolic and toxicological studies, the dosage, frequency, and interactions of the drugs that occur in vivo are of great significance for determining whether the organic bodies can perform efficacy or produce toxicity. The research on URCU-mediated nanomaterials is expanding and increasing in order to address the inadequacies of conventional Chinese medicine. The alkaloids in URCU have the capability to self-assemble with other classes of components in addition to being biologically active. CONCLUSION URCU plants are widely distributed, abundant in chemical constituents, and widely used in both traditional and modern medicine for a variety of pharmacological effects. The utilization of herbal medicines can be raised by assessing the pharmacological distinctions among several species within the same genus and may accelerate the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine. Controlling the concentration of drug administration, monitoring metabolic markers, and inventing novel nanotechnologies are effective strategies for synergistic influence and detoxification to alleviate the main obstacles that toxicity, low bioavailability, and poor permeability. This review can assist further research and advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruolian Cao
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Ya Zhou
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhu
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Kexin Zhang
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Wenyuan Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Feng Feng
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Wei Qu
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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Zhang LB, Yan Y, Ma R, Li DX, Yin WF, Tao QW, Xu Y. Integrated phytochemistry and network pharmacology analysis to reveal effective substances and mechanisms of Bushen Quhan Zhiwang decoction in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 325:117897. [PMID: 38336180 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117897] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Bushen Quhan Zhiwang decoction (BQZD), a formula in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), effectively delays bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. However, its chemical constituents, absorbed components, and metabolites remain unrevealed, and its mechanism in treating bone destruction in RA needs further investigation. AIM OF THE STUDY Our objective is to identify the chemical constituents, absorbed components, and metabolites of BQZD and explore the potential mechanisms of BQZD in treating bone destruction in RA. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study systematically identified the chemical constituents, absorbed components, and metabolites of BQZD using ultra-performance liquid chromatography with Q-Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry combined with parallel reaction monitoring. The absorbed components and metabolites were subjected to network pharmacology analysis to predict the potential mechanisms of BQZD in treating bone destruction in RA. The in vivo anti-osteoclastogenic and underlying mechanism were further verified in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats. RESULTS A total of 182 compounds were identified in BQZD, 27 of which were absorbed into plasma and organs and 42 metabolites were identified in plasma and organs. The KEGG analysis revealed that MAPK signaling pathway was highly prioritized. BQZD treatment attenuated paw swelling and the arthritis index; suppressed synovial hyperplasia, bone destruction, and osteoclast differentiation; and inhibited the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in CIA rats. Mechanically, BQZD significantly decreased the protein expression levels of TRAF6, NFATc1, p-JNK, and p-p38, which might be related to 9 absorbed components and 1 metabolite. CONCLUSION This study revealed the key active components and metabolites of BQZD. BQZD exhibits bone-protective effects via TRAF6/p38/JNK MAPK pathway, which may be associated with 9 absorbed components and 1 metabolite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu-Bo Zhang
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, PR China
| | - Yu Yan
- Department of TCM Rheumatism, Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, PR China
| | - Ru Ma
- Clinical Pharmacy Department & Xi'an Public Health Center, Xi'an, 710200, PR China
| | - Dong-Xu Li
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Wei-Feng Yin
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, PR China
| | - Qing-Wen Tao
- Department of TCM Rheumatism, Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, PR China.
| | - Yuan Xu
- Department of TCM Rheumatism, Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, PR China.
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Han LY, Yu H, Wang S, Bao YR, Li TJ, Zheng Y, Luo X, Jia MN, Zhang Q, Meng XS. Classical prescription Floris Sophorae Powder treat colorectal cancer by regulating KRAS/MEK-ERK signaling pathway. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 325:117805. [PMID: 38278374 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117805] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Colorectal cancer (CRC) belongs to the category of intestinal wind, anal ulcer, abdominal mass and other diseases in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Floris Sophorae Powder (F.S), is a classical prescription is recorded in Puji Benshi Fang for the treatment of intestinal carbuncle. It has been incorporated into the prescriptions for the treatment of intestinal diseases and achieved remarkable results in modern medicine. However, the mechanism of F.S in the treatment of colorectal cancer remains unclear and requires further study. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate F.S in treating CRC and clarify the underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was based on Dextran Sulfate Sodium Salt (DSS) combined with Azoxymethane (AOM) induced CRC mouse model to clarify the pharmacological effects of F.S. The serum metabolomics was used to study the mechanism of action, and the chemical composition of F.S was found by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. The rationality of serm metabolomics results was verified through the clinical target database of network pharmacology, and the upstream and downstream targets of related pathways were found. The mechanism pathway was verified by Western blot to clarify its mechanism of action. RESULTS In vivo pharmacological experiments showed that F.S inhibited tumor growth and improved hematochezia. The vital signs of mice in the high-dose F.S group approached to those in the control group. A total of 43 differential metabolites were found to be significantly changed by serum metabolomics. F.S could modulate and recover most of the differential metabolites, which proved to be closely related to the KRAS/MEK-ERK signaling pathway. A total of 46 compounds in F.S were identified, and the rationality of serm metabolic pathway was verified by network pharmacology. Western blot results also verified that the expression of KRAS, E2F1, p-MEK and p-ERK were significantly decreased after F.S treatment. CONCLUSION Classical prescription Floris Sophorae Powder treat colorectal cancer by regulating KRAS/MEK-ERK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ying Han
- College of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Multi-dimensional Analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine Technical Innovation Center, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Province Modern Chinese Medicine Research Engineering Laboratory, Dalian, 116600, China.
| | - Hao Yu
- College of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Multi-dimensional Analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine Technical Innovation Center, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Province Modern Chinese Medicine Research Engineering Laboratory, Dalian, 116600, China.
| | - Shuai Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Multi-dimensional Analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine Technical Innovation Center, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Province Modern Chinese Medicine Research Engineering Laboratory, Dalian, 116600, China.
| | - Yong-Rui Bao
- College of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Multi-dimensional Analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine Technical Innovation Center, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Province Modern Chinese Medicine Research Engineering Laboratory, Dalian, 116600, China.
| | - Tian-Jiao Li
- College of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Multi-dimensional Analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine Technical Innovation Center, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Province Modern Chinese Medicine Research Engineering Laboratory, Dalian, 116600, China.
| | - Ying Zheng
- College of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Multi-dimensional Analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine Technical Innovation Center, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Province Modern Chinese Medicine Research Engineering Laboratory, Dalian, 116600, China.
| | - Xi Luo
- College of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Multi-dimensional Analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine Technical Innovation Center, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Province Modern Chinese Medicine Research Engineering Laboratory, Dalian, 116600, China.
| | - Meng-Nan Jia
- College of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Multi-dimensional Analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine Technical Innovation Center, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Province Modern Chinese Medicine Research Engineering Laboratory, Dalian, 116600, China.
| | - Qiang Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Multi-dimensional Analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine Technical Innovation Center, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Province Modern Chinese Medicine Research Engineering Laboratory, Dalian, 116600, China.
| | - Xian-Sheng Meng
- College of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Multi-dimensional Analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine Technical Innovation Center, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Province Modern Chinese Medicine Research Engineering Laboratory, Dalian, 116600, China.
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Ding X, Li S, Huang H, Shen J, Ding Y, Chen T, Ma L, Liu J, Lai Y, Chen B, Wang Y, Tan Q. Bioactive triterpenoid compounds of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf in the treatment of diabetic ulcers via regulating the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 325:117812. [PMID: 38301984 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117812] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Diabetic ulcers represent a chronic condition characterized by prolonged hyperglycemia and delayed wound healing, accompanied by endocrine disorders, inflammatory responses, and microvascular damage in the epidermal tissue, demanding effective clinical treatment approaches. For thousands of years, ancient Chinese ethnopharmacological studies have documented the use of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf in treating diabetic ulcers. Recent research has substantiated the diverse pharmacological effects of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf, including its potential to alleviate hyperglycemia and exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune regulatory properties, which could effectively mitigate diabetic ulcer symptoms. Furthermore, being a natural medicine, Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf has demonstrated promising therapeutic effects and safety in the management of diabetic ulcers, holding significant clinical value. Despite its potential clinical efficacy and applications in diabetic ulcer treatment, the primary active components and underlying pharmacological mechanisms of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf remains unclear. Further investigations are imperative to establish a solid foundation for drug development in this domain. AIM OF THE STUDY AND MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, we aimed to identify the active compounds and potential targets of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf using UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS and TCMSP databases. Additionally, we attempt to identify targets related to diabetic ulcers. Following enrichment analysis, a network of protein-protein interactions was constructed to identify hub genes based on the common elements between the two datasets. To gain insights into the binding activities of the hub genes and active ingredients, molecular docking analysis was employed. Furthermore, to further validate the therapeutic effect of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf, we exerted in vitro experiments using human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells and human myeloid leukemia monocytes (THP-1). The active ingredient of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf was applied in these experiments. Our investigations included various assays, such as CCK-8, scratch test, immunofluorescence, western blotting, RT-PCR, and flow cytometry, to explore the potential of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf triterpenoid extract (PTE) in treating diabetic ulcers. RESULTS The findings here highlighted PTE as the primary active ingredient in Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf. Utilizing network pharmacology, we identified 74 potential targets associated with diabetic ulcer treatment for Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf, with five hub genes (JUN, MAPK1, STAT3, AKT1, and CTNNB1). Enrichment analysis revealed the involvement of multiple pathways in the therapeutic process, with the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway showing significant enrichment. Through molecular docking, we discovered that relevant targets within this pathway exhibited strong binding with the active components of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf. In vitro experiments unveiled that PTE (10 mg/L) facilitated the migration of human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells (P < 0.05). PTE also increased the expression of CD31 and VEGF mRNA (P < 0.05) while activating the expressions of p-PI3K and p-AKT (P < 0.05). Moreover, PTE demonstrated its potential by reducing the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB mRNA in THP-1 (P < 0.05) and fostering M2 macrophage polarization. These results signify the potential therapeutic effects of PTE in treating diabetic ulcers, with its beneficial actions mediated through the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS PTE is the main active ingredient in Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf that exerts therapeutic effects. Through PI3K-AKT signaling pathway activation and inflammatory response reduction, PTE promotes angiogenesis, thereby healing diabetic ulcers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Ding
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200443, China
| | - Shiyan Li
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, NO. 321, Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Heyan Huang
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Jiayun Shen
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Youjun Ding
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, NO. 321, Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Timson Chen
- Adolph Innovation Laboratory, Guangzhou Degu Personal Care Products Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Ling Ma
- Adolph Innovation Laboratory, Guangzhou Degu Personal Care Products Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Jinfang Liu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Yongxian Lai
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200443, China
| | - Bin Chen
- Institute of Plant Resources and Chemistry, Nanjing Research Institute for Comprehensive Utilization of Wild Plants, Nanjing, 210042, China.
| | - Yiwei Wang
- Jiangsu Provincial Engineering Research Centre of TCM External Medication Development and Application, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Qian Tan
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210008, China.
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Wang F, Mai J, Wang H, Xu Y, Zhou X, Xie Z, Yu B, Liu P, Liu W, Cheng Y. Identification of Erzhu Jiedu Recipe and its molecular mechanism underlying inhibited human hepatoma cells by UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap HRMS and network pharmacology. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 325:117893. [PMID: 38336184 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117893] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Erzhu Jiedu Recipe (EZJDR) is a formula of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC). However, its effective components and the mechanism of action remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY To explain how the active compounds of EZJDR suppress the growth of hepatoma cells. METHODS UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap HRMS was used to identify the chemical constituents of EZJDR and their distribution in the serum and liver of mice. Together with experimental investigations, network pharmacology unraveled the molecular mechanism of components of EZJDR underlying the inhibited Hep3B cells. RESULTS A total of 138 compounds which can be divided into 18 kinds of components (such as sesquiterpenoids, diterpenoids, anthraquinones, flavonoids and so on) were found in the aqueous extract of EZJDR. Of these components, the tricyclic-diterpenoids exhibited a highest exposure in the serum (74.5%) and liver (94.7%) of mice. The network pharmacology revealed that multiple components of EZJDR interacted with key node genes involved in apoptosis, proliferation, migration and metabolism through various signaling pathways, including ligand binding and protein phosphorylation. In vitro experiments demonstrated that 6 tricyclic-diterpenoids, 2 anthraquinones and 1 flavonoid inhibited the viability of Hep3B cells, with IC50 values ranging from 3.81 μM to 37.72 μM. Dihydrotanshinone I had the most potent bioactivity, arresting the S phase of cell cycle and inducing apoptosis. This compound changed the expression of proteins, including Bad, Bax, Bcl-2, Bal-x, caspase3 and catalase, which were associated with mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathways. Moreover, dihydrotanshinone I increased the levels of p21 proteins, but decreased the phosphorylated p53, suggesting accumulation of p53 protein prevented cell cycle progression of Hep3B cells with damaged DNA. CONCLUSIONS These results suggested that multiple components of EZJDR-diterpenoid, anthraquinone and flavonoid-could be the effective material for the treatment of HBV-HCC. This research provided valuable insights into the molecular mechanism of action underlying the therapeutic effects of EZJDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jingyin Mai
- Emergency Department, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200071, China
| | - Haoyi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xianglu Zhou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhishen Xie
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Bao Yu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, 402760, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Department of Pharmacy, The SATCM Third Grade Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparations, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Yang Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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Yu X, Wang Y, Wu Z, Jia M, Xu Y, Qu H, Zhao X, Wang S, Jing L, Lou Y, Fan G, Gui Y. Multi-technology integrated network pharmacology-based study on phytochemicals, active metabolites, and molecular mechanism of Psoraleae Fructus to promote melanogenesis. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 325:117755. [PMID: 38218502 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117755] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE According to the Compendium of Materia Medica (Shizhen Li, Ming dynasty) and Welfare Pharmacy (Song dynasty), Psoraleae Fructus (PF), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a bitter taste and warm nature, which has the effect of treating spleen and kidney deficiency and skin disease. Although PF has been widely used since ancient times and has shown satisfactory efficacy in treating vitiligo, the active substances and the mechanism of PF in promoting melanogenesis remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY To explore the active substances and action mechanisms of PF in promoting melanogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Firstly, UPLC-UV-Q-TOF/MS was used to characterize the components in PF extract and identify the absorption components and metabolites of PF after oral administration at usual doses in rats. Secondly, the active substances and related targets and pathways were predicted by network pharmacology and molecular docking. Finally, pharmacodynamic and molecular biology experiments were used to verify the prediction results. RESULTS The experimental results showed that 15 compounds were identified in PF extract, and 44 compounds, consisting of 8 prototype components and 36 metabolites (including isomers) were identified in rats' plasma. Promising action targets (MAPK1, MAPK8, MAPK14) and signaling pathways (MAPK signaling pathway) were screened and refined to elucidate the mechanism of PF against vitiligo based on network pharmacology. Bergaptol and xanthotol (the main metabolites of PF), psoralen (prototype drug), and PF extract significantly increased melanin production in zebrafish embryos. Furthermore, bergaptol could promote the pigmentation of zebrafish embryos more than psoralen and PF extract. Bergaptol significantly increased the protein expression levels of p-P38 and decreased ERK phosphorylation in B16F10 cells, which was also supported by the corresponding inhibitor/activator combination study. Moreover, bergaptol increased the mRNA expression levels of the downstream microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and tyrosinase in B16F10 cells. Our data elucidate that bergaptol may promote melanogenesis by regulating the p-P38 and p-ERK signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS This study will lay a foundation for discovering potential new drugs for treating vitiligo and provide feasible ideas for exploring the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Yu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, PR China.
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, PR China; Department of Neurology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, PR China.
| | - Zhenghua Wu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, PR China; School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Building 6-312, Shanghai, 200240, PR China.
| | - Mengqi Jia
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, PR China.
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, PR China.
| | - Han Qu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, PR China; School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Building 6-312, Shanghai, 200240, PR China.
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200434, PR China.
| | - Shuowen Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, PR China.
| | - Lili Jing
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Building 6-312, Shanghai, 200240, PR China.
| | - Yuefen Lou
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200434, PR China.
| | - Guorong Fan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, PR China; School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Building 6-312, Shanghai, 200240, PR China.
| | - Yaxing Gui
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, PR China.
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Chen S, Zeng J, Li R, Zhang Y, Tao Y, Hou Y, Yang L, Zhang Y, Wu J, Meng X. Traditional Chinese medicine in regulating macrophage polarization in immune response of inflammatory diseases. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 325:117838. [PMID: 38310986 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117838] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Numerous studies have demonstrated that various traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) exhibit potent anti-inflammatory effects against inflammatory diseases mediated through macrophage polarization and metabolic reprogramming. AIM OF THE STUDY The objective of this review was to assess and consolidate the current understanding regarding the pathogenic mechanisms governing macrophage polarization in the context of regulating inflammatory diseases. We also summarize the mechanism action of various TCMs on the regulation of macrophage polarization, which may contribute to facilitate the development of natural anti-inflammatory drugs based on reshaping macrophage polarization. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a comprehensive review of recently published articles, utilizing keywords such as "macrophage polarization" and "traditional Chinese medicines" in combination with "inflammation," as well as "macrophage polarization" and "inflammation" in conjunction with "natural products," and similar combinations, to search within PubMed and Google Scholar databases. RESULTS A total of 113 kinds of TCMs (including 62 components of TCMs, 27 TCMs as well as various types of extracts of TCMs and 24 Chinese prescriptions) was reported to exert anti-inflammatory effects through the regulation of key pathways of macrophage polarization and metabolic reprogramming. CONCLUSIONS In this review, we have analyzed studies concerning the involvement of macrophage polarization and metabolic reprogramming in inflammation therapy. TCMs has great advantages in regulating macrophage polarization in treating inflammatory diseases due to its multi-pathway and multi-target pharmacological action. This review may contribute to facilitate the development of natural anti-inflammatory drugs based on reshaping macrophage polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China
| | - Jiuseng Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China
| | - Rui Li
- The Affiliated Meishan Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Meishan, 620010, PR China
| | - Yingrui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China
| | - Yiwen Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China
| | - Ya Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China
| | - Lu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China
| | - Yating Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China
| | - Jiasi Wu
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China.
| | - Xianli Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China.
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Gao J, Wang N, Song W, Yuan Y, Teng Y, Liu Z. Mechanisms underlying the synergistic effects of chuanxiong combined with Chishao on treating acute lung injury based on network pharmacology and molecular docking combined with preclinical evaluation. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 325:117862. [PMID: 38342157 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117862] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The herb pair of Chuanxiong Rhizome (Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort., Chuanxiong in Chinese, CX) and Paeoniae Radix Rubra (Paeonia lactiflora Pall. Or Paeonia veitchii Lynch, Chishao in Chinese, CS) is a famous blood activating and stasis resolving pair that is often found in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas for the treatment of acute lung injury (ALI). However, the relationship of CX-CS herb pair to ALI and its underlying mechanisms are unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY The study explored the effect and mechanisms of CX-CS herb pair in LPS induced ALI by network pharmacology and molecular docking combined with preclinical evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS The related targets of the active compounds of CX-CS herb pair in regulating ALI were screened by network pharmacology. PPI was constructed and the potential pathways were investigated by GO and KEGG. The contribution of each active ingredient of CX-CS herb pair to ALI were calculated by network-based efficacy. The interactions between potential targets and active ingredients were evaluated by molecular docking. LPS stimulated RAW264.7 cells and mice model experiments were adopted to verify the effect of CX-CS herb pair on ALI. RESULTS A total of 25 compounds and 193 targets were identified in the CX-CS herb pair, of which 19 compounds and 64 targets were associated with ALI, and six compounds including baicalin, ellagic acid, baicalein, beta-sitosterol, paeoniflorin and ferulic acid accounted for 93.12% of the total combination index for ALI prevention. The CX-CS herbal pair against ALI was associated with PI3K/AKT and MAPK signaling pathways by GO and KEGG analysis. The screened active compounds showed good affinity for TNF, MAPK, and AKT by molecular docking. In vitro and in vivo tests showed that CX combined with CS synergistically inhibited LPS-induced ALI at 1:3, suppressed the release of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, inhibited the accumulation of ROS, as well as regulated the content of SOD, MDA and GSH. Meanwhile, the herb pair was effective in inhibiting the expression of p38, ERK, IκBα, p65, caspase 3, PARP, and up-regulating the levels of AKT and Bcl-2/Bax. CONCLUSIONS Our study confirmed the synergistic effect of CX-CS herb pair on the prevention of ALI by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis through MAPK/NF-κB and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junling Gao
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Ning Wang
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Wenjuan Song
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Yajie Yuan
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Yuou Teng
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China.
| | - Zhen Liu
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China.
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Man S, Ma W, Jiang H, Haider A, Shi S, Li X, Wu Z, Song Y. Evaluating the efficacy and mechanisms of Hua-Zhuo-Ning-Fu-Decoction on psoriasis using integrated bioinformatics analysis and metabolomics. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 325:117856. [PMID: 38316220 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117856] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Hua Zhuo Ning Fu Decoction (HZD) is an empirical prescription from traditional Chinese medicine that shows excellent clinical results for psoriasis patients. Uncertainty lingered over HZD's potential anti-psoriasis mechanisms. AIM OF THE STUDY The study's objective is to investigate the pharmacological processes and therapeutic effects of HZD on psoriasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS In the initial phase of the study, an investigation was conducted to assess the effects of HZD on psoriasis-afflicted mice using an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced murine model. The experimental mice were randomly allocated to different groups, including the IMQ-induced model group, the control group, the HZD therapy groups with varying dosage levels (low, medium, and high), and Dexamethasone (DEX, the positive control medicine) group. Bioinformatics analysis and molecular docking were subsequently employed to identify the primary components and molecular targets associated with the therapeutic action of HZD in the context of psoriasis. Additionally, to find the impacts on metabolite regulation, plasma metabolomics based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS) was used. It's interesting to note that the combined mechanisms from metabolomics were examined in tandem with the targets. In vivo tests were the last step in validating the potential mechanism. Throughout the trial, the following data were recorded: body weight, psoriasis area and severity index (PASI). The molecular targets connected to HZD's anti-psoriasis activities were revealed using histological examination, western blot (WB), and ELISA investigation. RESULTS In mice induced with IMQ, HZD shown good anti-psoriasis effects in terms of PASI score and epidermal acanthosis. 95 HZD targets and 77 bioactive chemicals connected to psoriasis were found by bioinformatics research; of these, 7 key targets (EPHX2, PLA2G2A, TBXAS1, MAOA, ALDH1A3, ADH1A, and ADH1B) were linked to the mechanisms of HZD, the combination degree of which was finally expressed by the score of docking. In addition, HZD regulated nine metabolites. In line with this, HZD modified three metabolic pathways. Additionally, a combined examination of 7 key targets and 9 metabolites suggested that the metabolism of arachidonic acid might be the key metabolic route, which was identified by ELISA analysis. The in vivo investigation shown that HZD could control cytokines associated to inflammation (IL-10, TGF-β, IL-17A, and IL-23), as well as important antioxidant system markers (ROS, GSH, and MDA). Moreover, HZD controlled iron levels and the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins (ACSL4 and GPX4), suggesting that ferroptosis played a crucial role in this process. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrated the whole mechanism and anti-psoriasis effectiveness of HZD, which will promote its clinical application and aid in the investigation of new bioactive components of HZD against psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Man
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China; Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Wenke Ma
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Hao Jiang
- Pharmacy School, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Ali Haider
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore, Gujrat Campus, 50700, Pakistan
| | - Shasha Shi
- Pharmacy School, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
| | - Zhuzhu Wu
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
| | - Yongmei Song
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China; Institute for Literature and Culture of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
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Xia W, Wang Y, Yue J, Fu X. Insights into Q-markers of honey-fried licorice in treating spleen deficiency based on substance and energy metabolism regulation. Phytomedicine 2024; 127:155498. [PMID: 38460491 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155498] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Honey-fried Licorice (HFL) is a dosage form of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizome processed with honey, which has been recorded to exhibit better efficacy in tonifying the spleen compared to the raw product. In contrast, different processing methods of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizome exhibit different efficacies and applications, but their current quality control index components remain consistent. PURPOSE Based on the discovery and research strategy of traditional Chinese medicine decoction piece quality marker (Q-marker), this study aimed to conduct a multidimensional integration of constituents absorbed into the body and metabolomics based on the tonifying spleen and stomach effects of HFL to effectively identify the Q-marker of HFL. METHODS In this study, a spleen deficiency rat model was established using the "exhausted swimming + poor diet" method to investigate the pharmacodynamics of tonifying the spleen and stomach by HFL. The constituents absorbed into blood was conducted using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS, correlation analysis between metabolomics and constituents absorbed into blood recognized the Q-Marker of HFL. RESULTS The pharmacodynamic data demonstrated that HFL exhibited a significant regulatory effect on the disordered levels of PP, trypsin, chymase, PL, α-Glu, MTL, GAS, VIP, IL-2, IFN-γ, and IgA in the spleen deficiency model. Furthermore, HFL was found to improve the pathological changes in the spleen and intestine in the spleen deficiency model, highlighting its significant "tonifying spleen and stomach" effect. In the serum containing HFL, a total of 17 constituents were identified as being absorbed into the blood. Among these, 11 were prototypical components, while 6 were metabolites. Metabolomics data revealed that 9 differentially expressed metabolic markers were observed. Furthermore, the analysis of endogenous metabolic markers indicated that 10 components exhibited significant correlations with these biomarkers. CONCLUSION The effect of "tonifying spleen and stomach" of HFL is closely related to the regulation of the material and energy metabolism pathway. The Q-Marker of HFL is glycyrrhizic acid and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid as the main control standards and liquiritin, isoliquiritin, liquiritin, isoliquiritin, isolicorice flavonol, licorice chalcone C and Formononetin were used as auxiliary standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxin Xia
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160 Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia 751104, China; Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Yushu Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160 Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia 751104, China; Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Jiahui Yue
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160 Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia 751104, China; Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Xueyan Fu
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160 Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia 751104, China; Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan 750004, China.
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Xu SY, Cao HY, Yang RH, Xu RX, Zhu XY, Ma W, Liu XB, Yan XY, Fu P. Genus Paeonia monoterpene glycosides: A systematic review on their pharmacological activities and molecular mechanisms. Phytomedicine 2024; 127:155483. [PMID: 38432036 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155483] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genus Paeonia, which is the main source of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Paeoniae Radix Rubra (Chishao in Chinese), Paeoniae Radix Alba (Baishao in Chinese) and Moutan Cortex (Mudanpi in Chinese), is rich in active pharmaceutical ingredient such as monoterpenoid glycosides (MPGs). MPGs from Paeonia have extensive pharmacological effects, but the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of MPGs has not been comprehensively reviewed. PURPOSE MPGs compounds are one of the main chemical components of the genus Paeonia, with a wide variety of compounds and strong pharmacological activities, and the structure of the mother nucleus-pinane skeleton is similar to that of a cage. The purpose of this review is to summarize the pharmacological activity and mechanism of action of MPGs from 2012 to 2023, providing reference direction for the development and utilization of Paeonia resources and preclinical research. METHODS Keywords and phrases are widely used in database searches, such as PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and X-Mol to search for citations related to the new compounds, extensive pharmacological research and molecular mechanisms of MPGs compounds of genus Paeonia. RESULTS Modern research confirms that MPGs are the main compounds in Paeonia that exert pharmacological effects. MPGs with extensive pharmacological characteristics are mainly concentrated in two categories: paeoniflorin derivatives and albiflflorin derivatives among MPGs, which contains 32 compounds. Among them, 5 components including paeoniflorin, albiflorin, oxypaeoniflorin, 6'-O-galloylpaeoniflorin and paeoniflorigenone have been extensively studied, while the other 28 components have only been confirmed to have a certain degree of anti-inflammatory and anticomplementary effects. Studies of pharmacological effects are widely involved in nervous system, endocrine system, digestive system, immune system, etc., and some studies have identified clear mechanisms. MPGs exert pharmacological activity through multilateral mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, inhibition of cell apoptosis, regulation of brain gut axis, regulation of gut microbiota and downregulation of mitochondrial apoptosis, etc. CONCLUSION: This systematic review delved into the pharmacological effects and related molecular mechanisms of MPGs. However, there are still some compounds in MPGs whose pharmacological effects and pharmacological mechanisms have not been clarified. In addition, extensive clinical randomized trials are needed to verify the efficacy and dosage of MPGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Yi Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China; Experimental Training Center, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Hui-Yan Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Rui-Hong Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Rong-Xue Xu
- The Health Center of Longjiang Airlines, Harbin 150000, China; Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161003, China
| | - Xing-Yu Zhu
- Experimental Training Center, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Wei Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China; Experimental Training Center, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Xiu-Bo Liu
- Jiamusi College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Jiamusi 154007, China
| | - Xue-Ying Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China.
| | - Peng Fu
- First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China.
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Ren H, Wu W, Chen J, Li Q, Wang H, Qian D, Guo S, Duan JA. Integrated serum metabolomics and network pharmacology analysis on the bioactive metabolites and mechanism exploration of Bufei huoxue capsule on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease rats. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 324:117816. [PMID: 38286154 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117816] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Bufei Huoxue capsule (BHC) as a classic Chinese patent medicine formula, has the efficacy of tonifying the lungs and activating the blood. It has been extensively used in China for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) clinically. However, its mechanism is still unclear, which hampers the applications of BHC in treating COPD. AIM OF THE STUDY The purpose of the present study was to demonstrate the protective efficacy and mechanism of BHC on COPD model rats by integrating serum metabolomics analysis and network pharmacology study. MATERIALS AND METHODS A COPD rat model was established by cigarette fumigation combined with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) airway drip for 90 consecutive days. After oral administration for 30 days, the rats were placed in the body tracing box of the EMKA Small Animal Noninvasive Lung Function Test System to determine lung function related indexes. Histopathological alteration was observed by H&E staining and Masson staining. The serum levels of inflammatory cytokine, matrix metalloprotein 9, and laminin were determined by ELISA kits. Oxidative stress levels were tested by biochemical methods. UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS analysis of serum metabolomics and network pharmacology were performed to reveal the bioactive metabolites, key components and pathways for BHC treating COPD. WB and ELISA kits were used to verify the effects of BHC on key pathway. RESULTS BHC could improve lung function, immunity, lung histopathological changes and collagen deposition in COPD model rats. It also could significantly reduce inflammatory response in vivo, regulate oxidative stress level, reduce laminin content, and regulate protease-antiprotease balance. Metabolomics analysis found 46 biomarkers of COPD, of which BHC significantly improved the levels of 23 differential metabolites including arachidonic acid, leukotriene B4 and prostaglandin E2. Combined with the results of network pharmacology, the components of BHC, such as calycosin, oxypaeoniflora, (S)-bavachin and neobavaisoflavone could play therapeutic roles through the arachidonic acid pathway. In addition, the results of WB and ELISA indicated that BHC could suppress the expressions of COX2 and 5-LOX in lung tissues and inhibit the generation of AA and its metabolites in serum samples. Regulation of arachidonic acid metabolic pathway may be the crucial mechanism for BHC treating COPD. CONCLUSIONS In summary, the studies indicated that BHC exhibited the protective effect on COPD model rats by anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties through arachidonic acid metabolism pathway. This study provided beneficial support for the applications of BHC in treating COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ren
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Wenxing Wu
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jiangyan Chen
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Quan Li
- Leiyunshang Pharmaceutical Co. Limited, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Hengbin Wang
- Leiyunshang Pharmaceutical Co. Limited, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Dawei Qian
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Sheng Guo
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Jin-Ao Duan
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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Liang X, Xie H, Yu L, Ouyang J, Peng Q, Chen K, Liu F, Chen H, Chen X, Du X, Zhu X, Li G, He R. Study on the effects and mechanisms of Wenzhong Bushen Formula in improving ovarian reserve decline in mice based on network pharmacology. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 324:117756. [PMID: 38218503 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117756] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The Wenzhong Bushen Formula (WZBSF) is a traditional Chinese medicine empirical formula known for its effects in tonifying qi, strengthening the spleen, warming the kidneys, promoting yang, regulating blood circulation, and balancing menstruation. Clinical evidence has demonstrated its significant efficacy in treating Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR) by improving ovarian reserves. However, the specific pharmacological mechanisms of WZBSF remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aims to investigate the mechanisms by which WZBSF improves ovarian reserve decline through network pharmacology and animal experiments. METHODS AND MATERIALS WZBSF was analyzed using a dual UPLC-MS/MS and GC-MS platform. Effective components and targets of WZBSF were obtained from the TCMSP database and standardized using UniProt. Disease targets were collected from GeneCard, OMIM, PHARMGKB, and DisGeNET databases, with cross-referencing between the two sets of targets. A PPI protein interaction network was constructed using Cytoscape3.9.1 and STRING database, followed by KEGG and GO enrichment analysis using the Metascape database. Finally, an ovarian reserve decline model was established in mice, different doses of WZBSF were administered, and experimental validation was conducted through serum hormone detection, H&E staining, immunofluorescence (IF), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and Western blot analysis (WB). RESULTS WZBSF shares 145 common targets with ovarian reserve decline. GO enrichment analysis revealed involvement in biological processes such as response to hormone stimulation and phosphatase binding, while KEGG analysis implicated pathways including the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway and FoxO signaling pathway. In mice with ovarian reserve decline, WZBSF restored weight gain rate, increased ovarian index, normalized estrous cycles, reversed serum hormone imbalances, restored various follicle counts, and improved ovarian morphology. Additionally, WZBSF reduced p-AKT and p-FOXO3a levels, preventing excessive activation of primordial follicles and maintaining ovarian reserve. CONCLUSION WZBSF can ameliorate cyclophosphamide and busulfan-induced ovarian reserve decline, and its mechanism may be associated with the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/FOXO3a signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Liang
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China; Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization Ministry of Education, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Haibo Xie
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Leyi Yu
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China; Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization Ministry of Education, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Jiahui Ouyang
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Qingjie Peng
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Keming Chen
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China; General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Feifei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Hua Chen
- General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Xiaojiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Xiaoli Du
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China; Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization Ministry of Education, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Xiangdong Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China; Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization Ministry of Education, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Guangyong Li
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China; General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Rui He
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China; Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization Ministry of Education, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China.
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Li N, Du X, Qu T, Ren H, Lu W, Cui X, Hu J, Chen Z, Tao H. Pharmacodynamic material basis and pharmacological mechanisms of Cortex Mori against diabetes mellitus. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 324:117781. [PMID: 38253278 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117781] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The application of Cortex Mori (CM) in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) has been extensively documented in traditional medicine. In recent years, the chemical composition of CM has been gradually unraveled, and its therapeutic mechanism in treating DM, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic cardiomyopathy, and other related conditions has been highlighted in successive reports. However, there is no systematic study on the treatment of DM based on the chemical composition of CM. AIM OF THE STUDY This study was conducted to systematically explore the hypoglycemic activity mechanism of CM based on its chemical composition. METHODS The material basis of Cortex Mori extract (CME) was investigated through qualitative analyses based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The possible acting mechanism was simulated using network pharmacology and validated in streptozotocin (STZ) + high fat diet (HFD)-induced diabetic rats and glucosamine-induced IR-HepG2 model with the assistance of molecular docking techniques. RESULTS A total of 39 compounds were identified in CME by the LC-MS-based qualitative analysis. In diabetic rats, it was demonstrated that CME significantly ameliorated insulin resistance, blood lipid levels, and liver injury. The network pharmacology analysis predicted five major targets, including AKT1, PI3K, FoxO1, Gsk-3β, and PPARγ. Additionally, three key compounds (resveratrol, protocatechuic acid, and kaempferol) were selected based on their predicted contributions. The experimental results revealed that CME, resveratrol, protocatechuic acid, and kaempferol could promote the expression of AKT1, PI3K, and PPARγ, while inhibiting the expression of FoxO1 and Gsk-3β. The molecular docking results indicated a strong binding affinity between resveratrol/kaempferol and their respective targets. CONCLUSIONS CME contains a substantial amount of prenylated flavonoids, which may be the focal point of research on the efficacy of CM in the treatment of DM. Besides, CME is effective in controlling blood glucose and insulin resistance, improving lipid levels, and mitigating liver injury in patients with DM. Relevant mechanisms may be associated with the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, the inhibition of the expression of FoxO1 and Gsk-3β, and the enhancement of PPARγ activity. This study represents the first report on the role of CME in the treatment of DM through regulating PPARγ, FoxO1, and Gsk-3β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Li
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710003, China
| | - Xia Du
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710003, China
| | - Tong Qu
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710003, China
| | - Hui Ren
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710003, China
| | - Wenjing Lu
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710003, China
| | - Xiaomin Cui
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710003, China
| | - Jing Hu
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710003, China
| | - Zhiyong Chen
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710003, China.
| | - Hongxun Tao
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China.
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Gong H, Zhao N, Zhu C, Luo L, Liu S. Treatment of gastric ulcer, traditional Chinese medicine may be a better choice. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 324:117793. [PMID: 38278376 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117793] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Gastric ulcer (GU) is the injury of the gastric mucosa caused by the stimulation of various pathogenic factors penetrating the deep mucosal muscle layer. An increasing number of studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is highly effective in treating GU due to its multitarget, multilevel, and multi-pathway effects. AIM OF THE STUDY To review the latest research progress in the treatment of GU by TCM, including clinical and experimental studies, focusing on the target and mechanism of action of drugs and providing a theoretical basis for the treatment of GU by natural herbs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Electronic databases (PubMed, Elsevier, Springer, Web of Science, and CNKI) were searched using the keywords "gastric ulcer", "gastric mucosal lesion", "TCM" and or paired with "peptic ulcer" and "natural drugs" for studies published in the last fifteen years until 2023. RESULTS TCM, including single components of natural products, Chinese patent medicines (CPM), and TCM decoction, is expected to treat GU by regulating various mechanisms, such as redox balance, inflammatory factors, angiogenesis, gastric mucosal protective factors, intestinal flora, apoptosis, and autophagy. CONCLUSIONS We discussed and summarized the mechanism of TCM in the treatment of GU, which provided a sufficient basis for TCM treatment of GU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiying Gong
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ning Zhao
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Conglei Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Fuyang People's Hospital, Fuyang, Anhui, China
| | - Lin Luo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair, Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Sen Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair, Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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Yang X, Chi C, Li W, Zhang Y, Yang S, Xu R, Liu R. Metabolomics and lipidomics combined with serum pharmacochemistry uncover the potential mechanism of Huang-Lian-Jie-Du decoction alleviates atherosclerosis in ApoE -/- mice. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 324:117748. [PMID: 38216103 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117748] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Atherosclerosis (AS) is one of the main cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) leading to an increase in global mortality, and its key pathological features are lipid accumulation and oxidative stress. Huang-Lian-Jie-Du decoction (HLJDD), a representative formula for clearing heat and detoxifying, has been shown to reduce aortic lipid plaque and improve AS. However, multiple components and multiple targets of HLJDD pose a challenge in comprehending its comprehensive mechanism in the treatment of AS. AIM OF THE STUDY This study was designed to illustrate the anti-AS mechanisms of HLJDD in an apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mouse model from a metabolic perspective. MATERIALS AND METHODS ApoE-/- mice were kept on a high-fat diet (HFD) to induce AS. Serum total cholesterol (TC), total triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were determined to evaluate the influence of HLJDD on dyslipidemia. Oil red O was used to stain mouse aortic lipid plaques, and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to assess the pathological changes in the aortic roots. Metabolomics and lipidomics combined with serum pharmacochemistry were performed to research the HLJDD mechanism of alleviating AS. RESULTS In this study, HLJDD treatment improved serum biochemical levels and histopathological conditions in AS mice. A total of 6 metabolic pathways (arginine biosynthesis, glycerophospholipid, sphingolipid, arachidonic acid, linoleic acid, and glycerolipid metabolism) related to 25 metabolic biomarkers and 41 lipid biomarkers were clarified, and 22 prototype components migrating to blood were identified after oral administration of HLJDD. CONCLUSION HLJDD improved AS induced by HFD in ApoE-/- mice. The effects of HLJDD were mainly attributed to regulating lipid metabolism by regulating the metabolic pathways of glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, arachidonic acid, linoleic acid, and glycerolipids and reducing the levels of oxidative stress by upregulating arginine biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Chenglin Chi
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Wenjing Li
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Yanyan Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Shufang Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Ruoxuan Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Rongxia Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China.
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Liu T, Zhuang XX, Tang YY, Gao YC, Gao JR. Mechanistic insights into Qiteng Xiaozhuo Granules' regulation of autophagy for chronic glomerulonephritis treatment: Serum pharmacochemistry, network pharmacology, and experimental validation. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 324:117819. [PMID: 38286158 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117819] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Qiteng Xiaozhuo Granules (QTXZG), a traditional Chinese medicine prescription, is widely acknowledged for its therapeutic efficacy and lack of discernible toxicity in clinical practice, substantiating its potential in the treatment of chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN). Nevertheless, the specific effectiveness and underlying mechanisms of QTXZG remain insufficiently explored. AIM OF THE STUDY The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanism of the QTXZG in the treatment of CGN via targeting autophagy based on serum pharmacochemistry, network pharmacology, and experimental validation. METHODS Serum samples from SD rats orally administered QTXZG were analyzed using UPLC-QE/MS to identify contained compounds. Network and functional enrichment analyses elucidated QTXZG's targets and biological mechanisms. Reliability was ensured through molecular docking, in vivo and in vitro experiments. RESULTS After oral administration of QTXZG, 39 enriched compounds in serum samples collected 1 h later were identified as potential active agents, with 508 potential targets recognized as QTXZG-specific targets. Through integration of various databases, intersection analysis of QTXZG targets, CGN-related genes, and autophagy-related targets identified 10 core autophagy-related targets for QTXZG in CGN. GO and KEGG analyses emphasized their roles in autophagy, inflammation, and immune processes, particularly emphasizing the enrichment of the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. Molecular docking results demonstrated strong binding affinities between QTXZG's key compounds and the predicted core targets. In animal experiments, QTXZG was found to ameliorate renal tissue damage in CGN model mice, significantly reducing serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. Importantly, both animal and cell experiments revealed QTXZG's ability to decrease excessive ROS and inflammatory factor release in mesangial cells. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed QTXZG's capacity to upregulate Beclin1 and LC3II/I expression, decrease p62 expression, and induce CGN autophagy through modulation of the AMPK/mTOR pathway. CONCLUSIONS This study indicated that QTXZG can induce autophagy in CGN by affecting the AMPK/mTOR pathway, and induction of autophagy may be one of the possible mechanisms of QTXZG's anti-CGN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, Anhui, China; College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230011, Anhui, China.
| | - Xing Xing Zhuang
- Department of Pharmacy, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Chaohu, 238000, Anhui, China.
| | - Yong Yan Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, Anhui, China; College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230011, Anhui, China.
| | - Ya Chen Gao
- Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, Anhui, China.
| | - Jia Rong Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, Anhui, China.
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Song X, Feng G, Ren C, Li W, Liu W, Liu G, Zhang J, Lei Y, He Z, Han C, Liu T, Ma K, Hou J. Study of the mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory effect of Miao medicine comprising raw and processed Radix Wikstroemia indica using the "sweat soaking method". J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 324:117770. [PMID: 38219877 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117770] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE To explore the differences in the anti-inflammatory efficacy and mechanisms of the Miao medicine, both raw and after processing, using the "sweat soaking method" of Radix Wikstroemia indica (RWI). AIM OF THE STUDY The purpose of this study was to explore the differences in the anti-inflammatory efficacy and mechanism of action before and after the processing of the Miao medicine (RWI) using the "sweat soaking method." MATERIALS AND METHODS Network pharmacology technology was used to construct the "drug-component target-pathway-disease" network, and the main anti-inflammatory pathways of RWI were identified. Rat models of collagen-induced arthritis were established. The changes in body weight, swelling rate of the foot pad and ankle joint, arthritis index, thymus index, spleen index, pathological changes of the ankle joint, and the content of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and NO) were used as indices to evaluate the effect of RWI on rats with collagen-induced arthritis before and after its processing. Plasma and urine samples were collected from the rats, and the potential biomarkers of, and metabolic pathways underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of RWI before and after processing were identified using 1H-Nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomics combined with a multivariate statistical analysis. RESULTS Eleven key anti-inflammatory targets of IL6, IL-1β, TNF, ALB, AKT1, IFNG, INS, STAT3, EGFR, TP53, and SRC were identified by network pharmacology. The PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, steroid hormone biosynthesis, arginine biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, and other pathways were mainly involved in these effects. Pharmacodynamic studies found that both raw and processed RWI products downregulated inflammatory factors in rats with collagen-induced arthritis and alleviated the pathological changes. A total of 41 potential pathways for the anti-inflammatory effects of raw RWI products and 36 potential pathways for the anti-inflammatory effects of processed RWI products were identified by plasma and urine metabolomics. The common pathways of network pharmacology and metabolomics were steroid hormone biosynthesis, arginine biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism, and tryptophan metabolism. CONCLUSIONS The anti-inflammatory effect of RWI was mainly related to the regulation of steroid hormone biosynthesis, arginine biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism, and tryptophan metabolism. Finally, the "sweat soaking method" enhanced the anti-inflammatory effect of RWI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueli Song
- Department of Chinese Materia Medica, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou Province, China.
| | - Guo Feng
- Department of Chinese Materia Medica, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou Province, China.
| | - Chenchen Ren
- Department of Chinese Materia Medica, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou Province, China.
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Chinese Materia Medica, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou Province, China.
| | - Wen Liu
- Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou Province, China.
| | - Gang Liu
- Department of Chinese Materia Medica, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou Province, China.
| | - Ju Zhang
- Department of Chinese Materia Medica, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou Province, China.
| | - Yan Lei
- Department of Chinese Materia Medica, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou Province, China.
| | - Zhengyan He
- Department of Chinese Materia Medica, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou Province, China.
| | - Caiyao Han
- Department of Chinese Materia Medica, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou Province, China.
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department of Chinese Materia Medica, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou Province, China.
| | - Kexin Ma
- Department of Chinese Materia Medica, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou Province, China.
| | - Jinxin Hou
- Department of Chinese Materia Medica, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou Province, China.
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Xiang P, Li Q, Cui G, Xu N, Xiao Q, Qu X, Zhang Y, Chen Y, Wei X, Wang Q, Zhong R, Liu K, Liu C, Zhu F. Investigating the mechanism and efficacy material basis of Xiehuo Xiaoying decoction for treating Graves' disease via thyroid cell apoptosis based on proteomics and molecular docking techniques. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 324:117753. [PMID: 38218499 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117753] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE For numerous years, the Xiehuo Xiaoying decoction (XHXY), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, has demonstrated substantial promise in treating Graves' disease (GD) in clinical settings, showcasing significant potential. However, the therapeutic mechanism and efficacy material basis of XHXY remains obscure. AIM OF THE STUDY This work aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms and to study the efficacy material basis of XHXY in anti-GD effect using a combination of TMT quantitative proteomics and molecular docking method. MATERIALS AND METHODS GD model was initiated by administering Ad-TSH289. Subsequently, the mice underwent a four-week regimen that included oral gavage of XHXY at doses of 17 g/kg·d and 34 g/kg·d, along with intraperitoneal injections of Gentiopicroside (GPS). Utilizing the principles of pharmacological chemistry in traditional Chinese medicine, we employed high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-QTOF/MS) to discern prescribed prototype composition of XHXY in serum samples from mouse. TMT proteomics research provided evidence of XHXY's putative targets and important pathways in vivo. The binding activity of probable action targets and prototype composition was detected by molecular docking. Finally, Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and TUNEL staining were used to verify the mechanism of XHXY and GPS in anti-GD. RESULTS XHXY and GPS alleviated GD by ameliorating the pathological changes and reducing thyroxine and TRAb levels. In mouse serum, a total of 31 prototypical XHXY ingredients were detected, and the majority of these components were from monarch and minister medicine. Proteomics study results indicated that the XHXY may mainly regulate targets including FAS-associated death domain protein (FADD), Apolipoprotein C-III, etc. and main pathways are Apoptosis, Cholesterol metabolism, TNF signalling pathway, etc. Strong binding activity of the prototypical active ingredient and GPS towards FADD, Caspase 8, and Caspase 3 was demonstrated by molecular docking. XHXY and its primary component, GPS, elevated the expression of FADD, Caspase 8, and Caspase 3, and enhance apoptosis in thyroid cells, as lastly validated by TUNEL and IHC staining. CONCLUSIONS XHXY exhibits a favorable therapeutic effect in treating GD by promoting apoptosis in thyroid cells through the upregulation of FADD, Caspase 8, and Caspase 3 expression. And GPS is the main efficacy material basis for its therapeutic effect in anti-GD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingping Xiang
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Qinning Li
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Guoqian Cui
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Nan Xu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qi Xiao
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Xiaoyang Qu
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Yunnan Zhang
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Xiao Wei
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Qifeng Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Ronglin Zhong
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Kemian Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China.
| | - Fenxia Zhu
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China.
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Xie H, Xie Z, Luan F, Zeng J, Zhang X, Chen L, Zeng N, Liu R. Potential therapeutic effects of Chinese herbal medicine in postpartum depression: Mechanisms and future directions. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 324:117785. [PMID: 38262525 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117785] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common psychiatric disorder in women after childbirth. Per data from epidemiologic studies, PPD affects about 5%-26.32% of postpartum mothers worldwide. Biological factors underlying this condition are multiple and complex and have received extensive inquiries for the roles they play in PPD. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), which is widely used as a complementary and alternative therapy for neurological disorders, possesses multi-component, multi-target, multi-access, and low side effect therapeutic characteristics. CHM has already shown efficacy in the treatment of PPD, and a lot more research exploring the mechanisms of its potential therapeutic effects is being conducted. AIM OF THE REVIEW This review provides an in-depth and comprehensive overview of the underlying mechanisms of PPD, as well as samples the progress made in researching the potential role of CHM in treating the disorder. MATERIALS AND METHODS Literature was searched comprehensively in scholarly electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CNKI and WanFang DATA, using the search terms "postpartum depression", "genetic", "hormone", "immune", "neuroinflammation", "inflammation", "neurotransmitter", "neurogenesis", "brain-gut axis", "traditional Chinese medicine", "Chinese herbal medicine", "herb", and an assorted combination of these terms. RESULTS PPD is closely associated with genetics, as well as with the hormones, immune inflammatory, and neurotransmitter systems, neurogenesis, and gut microbes, and these biological factors often interact and work together to cause PPD. For example, inflammatory factors could suppress the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin by inducing the regulation of tryptophan-kynurenine in the direction of neurotoxicity. Many CHM constituents improve anxiety- and depression-like behaviors by interfering with the above-mentioned mechanisms and have shown decent efficacy clinically against PPD. For example, Shen-Qi-Jie-Yu-Fang invigorates the neuroendocrine system by boosting the hormone levels of hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) and hypothalamic pituitary gonadal (HPG) axes, regulating the imbalance of Treg/T-helper cells (Th) 17 and Th1/Th2, and modulating neurotransmitter system to play antidepressant roles. The Shenguiren Mixture interferes with the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway to enhance the number, morphology and apoptosis of neurons in the hippocampus of PPD rats. Other herbal extracts and active ingredients of CHM, such as Paeoniflorin, hypericin, timosaponin B-III and more, also manage depression by remedying the neuroendocrine system and reducing neuroinflammation. CONCLUSIONS The pathogenesis of PPD is complex and diverse, with the main pathogenesis not clear. Still, CHM constituents, like Shen-Qi-Jie-Yu-Fang, the Shenguiren Mixture, Paeoniflorin, hypericin and other Chinese Medicinal Formulae, active monomers and Crude extracts, treats PPD through multifaceted interventions. Therefore, developing more CHM components for the treatment of PPD is an essential step forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxiao Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, PR China.
| | - Zhiqiang Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, PR China.
| | - Fei Luan
- Shaanxi Province Key Laboratory of New Drugs and Chinese Medicine Foundation Research, Pharmacy College, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, PR China.
| | - Jiuseng Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, PR China.
| | - Xiumeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, PR China.
| | - Li Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, PR China; Department of Pharmacy, Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, PR China.
| | - Nan Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, PR China.
| | - Rong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, PR China.
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Gao Z, Wang J, Lu G, Wu Q, Wang S, Wu X, Ou C, Wu Z, Yu H, Wang Y. Exploration the mechanism of Shenling Baizhu San in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, network pharmacology and in vitro experimental verification. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 324:117728. [PMID: 38216101 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117728] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Shenling Baizhu San (SLBZS) is a formula of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that enhances the functions of the qi, spleen, and lung. According to the theory of TCM, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often caused by lung qi deficiency, and SLBZS is often used in the treatment of COPD and has achieved remarkable results. However, the active components of SLBZS absorbed in serum and the underlying mechanism of SLBZS in treating COPD remain unclear and require further studies. AIM OF THE STUDY The objective of this study is to investigate the active components of SLBZS in rat serum, as well as the crucial targets and signaling pathways involved in the therapeutic effects of SLBZS for COPD. MATERIALS AND METHODS First, the absorption components and metabolites of SLBZS in rat serum were identified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS). Second, potential targets of SLBZS for the treatment of COPD were acquired from publicly accessible online sources. Cytoscape (v3.7.0) software was used to construct a component-target-pathway network and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis of potential targets was performed using the Metascape database. The binding status of the active components in SLBZS to the potential targets was assessed with molecular docking technology. Finally, a cell model of COPD was successfully developed for experimental validation In vitro. RESULTS A total of 108 active components were identified, including 30 prototype components and 78 metabolites. A total of 292 potential targets for the treatment of COPD were identified, including TNF, IL-6, TLR9, RELA, and others. The KEGG pathway included inflammatory mediator regulation of TRP channels, necroptosis, and the NF-κB signaling pathway, among others. The In vitro experiments showed that SLBZS-containing serum had the ability to decrease the levels of inflammatory factors and cell death. Additionally, it was observed that SLBZS-containing serum could control the expression levels of TLR9, MyD88, TRAF6, NF-κB, and IκBα at the mRNA and protein levels. These findings suggested that SLBZS-containing serum was likely to be involved in the regulation of the TLR9/NF-κB pathway. CONCLUSIONS The mechanism of action of SLBZS on COPD was preliminarily elucidated using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, network pharmacology, and In vitro experiments. The primary active components and potential targets of SLBZS were identified, providing a scientific foundation for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zu Gao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, PR China
| | - Jiayun Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, PR China
| | - Guangying Lu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, PR China; Shandong Co-Innovation Center of Classic TCM Formula, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, PR China
| | - Qiaolan Wu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, PR China
| | - Shijun Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, PR China; Shandong Co-Innovation Center of Classic TCM Formula, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, PR China
| | - Xiaolin Wu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, PR China
| | - Chunxue Ou
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, PR China
| | - Zhichun Wu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, PR China; Shandong Co-Innovation Center of Classic TCM Formula, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, PR China
| | - Huayun Yu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, PR China; Shandong Co-Innovation Center of Classic TCM Formula, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, PR China
| | - Yuan Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, PR China; Shandong Co-Innovation Center of Classic TCM Formula, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, PR China.
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Wang W, Wang S, Li Y, Zhu M, Xu Q, Luo B, Liu Y, Liu Y. Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro experimental verification of the mechanism of Guanxining in treating diabetic atherosclerosis. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 324:117792. [PMID: 38290612 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117792] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Guanxinning(GXN) tablet is a patented traditional Chinese medicine widely used to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases. However, its potential mechanism and target in anti-diabetic atherosclerosis have not been clarified. AIM The aim of this study was to investigate the underlying targets and mechanisms of action GXN in the treatment of diabetic atherosclerosis, employing a combination of network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro experimental verification. METHODS We predicted the core components and targets of GXN in the treatment of diabetic atherosclerosis through various databases, and made analysis and molecular docking. In vitro, we induced injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells using glucose/palmitate and observed the effects of GXN on cellular damage high-glucose and high-fat conditions, subsequently elucidating its molecular mechanisms. RESULTS A total of 14 active components and 157 targets of GXN were identified. Using the PPI network, we selected 9 core active components and 20 targets of GXN. GO functional analysis revealed that these targets were primarily associated with apoptosis signaling pathways in response to endoplasmic reticulum stress and reactive oxygen species responses. Molecular docking confirmed the strong binding affinities of the primary active components of GXN with ERN1, MAPK1 and BECN1. In vitro experiments demonstrated the ability of GXN to restore endothelial cell activity, enhance cell migration and inhibit sICAM secretion, and upregulate the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins (IRE1, XBP1) and autophagy-related proteins (Beclin1, LC3A, and LC3B), while simultaneously inhibiting endothelial cell apoptosis under high-glucose and high-fat conditions. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that GXN can potentially safeguard endothelial cells from the adverse effects of high-glucose and high-fat by modulating the interactions between endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy. Therefore, GXN is a promising candidate for the prevention and treatment of diabetic atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Sutong Wang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014 Shandong China
| | - Yiwen Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Mengmeng Zhu
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Qian Xu
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Binyu Luo
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Yanfei Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China; The Second Department of Gerontology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China.
| | - Yue Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China.
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Liu XM, Shi H, Li W. Review on the potential roles of traditional Chinese medicines in the prevention, treatment, and postoperative recovery of age-related cataract. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 324:117786. [PMID: 38253273 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117786] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
ETHNIC PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Cataract is the most common cause of blindness worldwide, a visual disorder caused by a clouded lens that seriously affects People's Daily lives. Age-related cataract (ARC) is the most common type of cataract due to long-term combined effects of many factors, and its pathogenesis is varied. At present, the surgery is the main treatment for cataracts, but it is still limited to the prevention, treatment of early cataracts and the postoperative complications care. While, its drug treatments are still in the stage of exploration and research. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a unique resource in China, is conceived under the guidance of traditional Chinese medicine theory and has little toxicity and side effects, but it has made great progress in the treatment and prevention of ARC. AIM OF THIS REVIEW This review presents an overview of the pathogenesis of ARC in both traditional and modern medicines and summarizes the history and therapeutic effect of TCM on ARC including their formula, crude drugs and active components, and also the other auxiliary methods. METHODS A number of recognized databases like SciFinder, PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were extensively explored by using keywords and phrases such as "cataract", "age-related cataract", "traditional medicine", "ethnopharmacology", "herbs", "medicinal plants", or other relevant terms, and the plants/phytoconstituents that are evaluated in the models of age-related cataract. As well as the current TCM adjuvant therapy used in the clinical treatment were summarized. RESULTS TCM revealed to plays an active role in treating age-related cataract, via multi-pathway and multi-target, and can treat or delay ARC by inhibiting abnormal glucose metabolism, antioxidant damage, inhibiting LEC apoptosis, and so on, which is in concordance with the good effects of the global use of TCM in clinical application. Concerning the early prevention and treatment of cataract and postoperative complications, TCM and auxiliary methods remain to achieve better clinical effects. CONCLUSION ARC belongs to the category of "Yuan Yi Nei Zhang" in TCM theory, showing that there are many causes of ARC including aging, and kidney-yang, spleen, sperm and blood deficiencies. At the same time, the viscera gradually decline, as well as yin or yang progressively become weak, especially in the elder people. So, TCM could be mainly based on liver, kidney, and spleen syndrome differentiation, personalizing diagnosis and treatment, following multiple targets, regulating fundamentally yin and yang, and thus justifying the advantages of Chinese medicine in the prevention and treatment of ARC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Min Liu
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China; College of Life Sciences, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China; Jilin Provincial International Joint Research Center for the Development and Utilization of Authentic, China
| | - Hui Shi
- The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Wei Li
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China; College of Life Sciences, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China; Jilin Provincial International Joint Research Center for the Development and Utilization of Authentic, China.
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Lv X, Bi A, Zhang Z, Li J, Wei Y, Wan M, Wang J, Yan T, Jia Y. Non-targeted metabolomics strategy reveals the role of Geng-Nian-Shu in regulating ferroptosis in perimenopausal syndrome. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2024; 241:115980. [PMID: 38266455 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2024.115980] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Ovariectomy (OVX) is usually accompanied by the occurrence of metabolic syndrome. Previous studies have shown that Geng-Nian-Shu (GNS) plays an important regulatory role in perimenopausal syndrome (PMS) rats. GNS is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription which composed of Suanzaoren Decoction and Ganmai Dazao Decoction in "Jingui Yaolue" and Siwu Decoction in "Heji Jufang". Recently, metabolomics analysis has been used to identify slight changes in the metabolic profile and to help understand disease progression and therapeutic interventions in PMS. However, the mechanism of GNS in the treatment of PMS is still unknown. We purposed to study the metabolic characteristics of PMS by serum and fecal metabolomics, and revealed the internal mechanism of GNS regulating ferroptosis against PMS. The PMS model was established by surgical removal of 4/5 ovaries of rats. HPLC-Q-TOF/MS was used to analyze the metabolomics of rat plasma and feces to explore the potential mechanism of GNS in PMS. The expression of ferroptosis-related proteins in rat ovaries was detected by tissue Prussian blue staining, Elisa kit and Western blotting. Cluster analysis of differential metabolites in plasma and feces between the control group and the model group showed that organic acids and their derivatives, lipids and lipid molecules were mainly disturbed during PMS in rats. After GNS administration, 17 differential metabolites were adjusted, involving several major pathways, such as the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, biosynthesis of amino acids and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids. Further, we found that GNS affected ferroptosis in ovarian cells by regulating endogenous substances in OVX rats. Our study provides new insights into the mechanism of OVX-induced metabolic syndrome based on non-targeted metabolomics. It provides new ideas for the development and application of GNS and the diagnosis and treatment of PMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyan Lv
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Anqi Bi
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Zhan Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Jinyan Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yingbo Wei
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Meiqi Wan
- Faculty of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Jinyu Wang
- Faculty of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Tingxu Yan
- Faculty of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Ying Jia
- Faculty of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang 110016, China.
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Yin YH, Li CH, Huang HP, Zhang C, Zhang SB, Li SM, Chen J. A novel enzyme-based functional correlation algorithm for multi-omics reveals the potential mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicines: Taking Jian-Pi-Yi-Shen formula as an example. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2024; 241:115973. [PMID: 38237547 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2024.115973] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
The integrated analysis of host metabolome and intestinal microbiome is an opportunity to explore the complex therapeutic mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicines. Currently, researchers mainly employ various statistical correlation analytical methods to investigate metabolome-microbiome correlations. However, these conventional correlation techniques often focus on statistical correlations and their biological meanings are always ignored, especially the functional relevance between them. Here, we developed a novel enzyme-based functional correlation (EBFC) algorithm to further improve the interpretability and the identified scope of microbe-metabolite correlations based on the conventional Spearman's analysis. The proposed EBFC algorithm is successfully utilized to reveal the therapeutic mechanisms of Jian-Pi-Yi-Shen (JPYS) formula on the treatment of adenine-induced chronic kidney disease (CKD) rats. JPYS, a TCM formula for treating CKD, has beneficial clinical effects. We tentatively revealed the potential mechanism of JPYS for treating CKD rats from the perspective of the serum metabolome, gut microbiome, and their interactions. Specifically, 11 metabolites and 19 bacterial genera in the CKD rats were significantly regulated to approaching normal status after JPYS treatment, suggesting that JPYS could ameliorate the pathological symptoms of CKD rats by reshaping the disturbed metabolome and gut microbiota. Further correlation analysis between the significantly perturbed metabolites, microbiota, and the related enzymes provided more strong evidence for the study of host metabolism-microbiota interactions and the therapeutic mechanism of JPYS on CKD rats. In conclusion, these findings will help us to deeply understand the pathogenesis of CKD and provide new insights into the therapeutic mechanism of JPYS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Hao Yin
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Hospital Chinese Medicine Preparation, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen 518033, China
| | - Chang-Hui Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Hospital Chinese Medicine Preparation, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen 518033, China
| | - Hai-Piao Huang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Hospital Chinese Medicine Preparation, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen 518033, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Hospital Chinese Medicine Preparation, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen 518033, China
| | - Shang-Bin Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Hospital Chinese Medicine Preparation, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen 518033, China
| | - Shun-Min Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Hospital Chinese Medicine Preparation, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen 518033, China
| | - Jianping Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Hospital Chinese Medicine Preparation, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen 518033, China.
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Zheng W, Zhou H, Fu Z, Feng L, Wen D, Liang X, Cao L. Integration of 16 S rRNA gene sequencing, metabonomics and metagenome analysis to investigate the mechanism of Sparganium stoloniferum-Curcuma phaeocaulis in treating of endometriosis in rats. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2024; 241:115970. [PMID: 38277707 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2024.115970] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is a gynecological disease that causes severe chronic pelvic pain and infertility in women. The therapeutic efficacy of the traditional herbal combination of Sparganium stoloniferum-Curcuma phaeocaulis (Sangleng-Ezhu, SL-EZ) in the treatment of endometriosis has been established. However, the precise mechanism by which this treatment exerts its effects remains elusive. METHODS To gain further insights, UPLC-MS/MS was employed to identify the primary chemical constituents of SL-EZ in serum. Additionally, network pharmacology was utilized to analyze the active ingredients and their corresponding targets. Furthermore, the impact of SL-EZ on ectopic endometrial growth in endometrial implants was assessed using a rat model. The therapeutic mechanism of SL-EZ in rats with endometriosis was further investigated through the application of 16 S rRNA gene sequencing, metagenomic sequencing, and metabolomics. RESULTS The primary compounds in serum were zederone, p-coumaric acid, dehydrocostus lactone, curdione, curcumol. The growth of ectopic lesions in a rat model was effectively inhibited by SL-EZ. In comparison to the control group, the endometriotic rats exhibited a decrease in α-diversity of the gut microbiota, an increase in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, and a reduction in the abundance of Ruminococcaceae. Following SL-EZ intervention, the potential probiotic strains Lactobacillus gasseri and Lactobacillus johnsonii were able to restore the intestinal microenvironment at the species level. The altered metabolites were significantly correlated with Verrucomicrobia, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. The metabolomic analysis demonstrated significant alterations in intestinal metabolites. And SL-EZ intervention also exerted regulatory effects on various metabolic pathways in gut microbiota, including aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, monobactam biosynthesis, cyanoamino acid metabolism, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, plant secondary metabolite biosynthesis, and amino acid biosynthesis. CONCLUSION The identification of novel treatment formulations for endometriosis was achieved through the utilization of network pharmacology and gut microbiota analyses. Our findings revealed simultaneous alterations in the microbiota within the rat model of endometriosis. The therapeutic efficacy of SL-EZ in treating endometriosis is attributed to its ability to restore the gut microbiota and regulate metabolism. This investigation offers valuable insights into the therapeutic mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weilin Zheng
- Department of traditional Chinese medicine, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong Zhou
- National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Nanfang Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyi Fu
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510000, China
| | - Luyao Feng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Danting Wen
- Department of gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuefang Liang
- Department of gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Lixing Cao
- Department of gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
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Shi Y, Li H, Lin Y, Wang S, Shen G. Effective constituents and protective effect of Mudan granules against Schwann cell injury. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 323:117692. [PMID: 38176668 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117692] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common complication of diabetes. Mudan granules (MD) is a Chinese patent medicine for treating DPN, which is composed of nine Chinese medicinal herbs, including the radix of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao or Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. (Huangqi in Chinese), rhizome of Corydalis yanhusuo W.T. Wang (Yanhusuo), radix and rhizome of Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F. H. Chen (Sanqi), radix of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. or Paeonia veitchii Lynch (Chishao), radix and rhizome of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. (Danshen), rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (Chuanxiong), flowers of Carthamus tinctorius L. (Honghua), lignum of Caesalpinia sappan L. (Sumu), and caulis of Spatholobus suberectus Dunn (Jixueteng). MD was reported to have a protective effect on Schwann cell (SC) that is considered as an important therapeutic target of DPN. However, the constituents of MD have not been reported, and the effective constituents and protective pathways for MD against SC injury remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to identify the constituents in MD, and to investigate the effective constituents and protective pathways of MD against high-glucose/lipid injury in SC. MATERIALS AND METHODS The chemical constituents of MD were identified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS). Protective effect and effective constituents screening were performed in an in vitro SC injury model induced by high glucose and lipid levels. The protective pathways of MD and its effective constituents were investigated by western blotting assay of related proteins. RESULTS A total of 136 constituents were identified in MD. MD downregulated the phosphorylation of extracellular-regulated protein kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) and expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and upregulated the expression of sirtuin 2 (SIRT2). Seven effective constituents were screened out, including three from Sanqi [20(R)-ginsenoside Rh2, 20(S)-ginsenoside Rh2, and ginsenoside Rk3], one from Huangqi (astragaloside II), one from Danshen (danshensu), and two from Chuanxiong (chlorogenic and cryptochlorogenic acid). Six of the seven compounds, excluding danshensu, inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Both astragaloside II and chlorogenic acid upregulated the expression of SIRT2, and cryptochlorogenic acid and danshensu downregulated the expression of COX-2. CONCLUSIONS The constituents of MD were firstly identified, and seven effective constituents were found. MD can protect SC against high-glucose and -lipid injury by downregulating ERK1/2 phosphorylation and COX-2 expression and upregulating SIRT2 expression. Seven effective constituents regulated the expression of these proteins. This study presented an important advance toward elucidating the chemical constituents, and the effective constituents and protective pathways of MD against high-glucose/lipid injury in SC, which is very helpful for investigating the action mechanism of MD on treating DPN, and could ultimately inform the development of effective quality control procedures for MD production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingqiu Shi
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Haoran Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yugang Lin
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Shufang Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Innovation Center of Translational Pharmacy, Jinhua Institute of Zhejiang University, Jinhua, 321016, China.
| | - Guofang Shen
- Hangzhou Institute for Food and Drug Control, Hangzhou, 310022, China
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Liu M, Li Z, Cui Q, Yan B, Achi JG, Zhao Y, Rong L, Du R. Integrated serum pharmacochemistry and investigation of the anti-influenza A virus pneumonia effect of Qingjin Huatan decoction. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 323:117701. [PMID: 38185258 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117701] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Qingjin Huatan Decoction (QJHTT) consists of 11 herbal medicines: Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, Gardenia jasminoides J. Ellis, Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A. DC., Ophiopogon japonicus (Thunb.) Ker Gawl., Morus alba L., Fritillaria thunbergii Miq., Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge, Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim., Citrus reticulata Blanco, Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. As a traditional Chinese medicinal formula, QJHTT has been used for more than 400 years in China. It has shown promising results in treating influenza A virus (IAV) pneumonia. AIM OF THE STUDY To elusive the specific pharmacological constituents and mechanisms underlying its anti-IAV pneumonia effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS The components in QJHTT were analyzed through the use of a serum pharmacology-based ultra high-performance liquid chromatography Q- Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q Exactive Orbitrap-MS) method. Simultaneously, the dynamic changes in IAV-infected mouse lung viral load, lung index, and expression of lung inflammation factors were monitored by qRT-PCR. RESULTS We successfully identified 152 chemical components within QJHTT, along with 59 absorbed chemical prototype constituents found in the serum of mice treated with QJHTT. 43.45% of these chemical components and 43.10% of the prototype constituents were derived from the monarch drugs, namely Huangqin and Zhizi, aligning perfectly with traditional Chinese medicine theory. Notably, our analysis led to the discovery of 14 compounds within QJHTT for the first time, three of which were absorbed into the bloodstream. Simultaneously, we observed that QJHTT not only reduced the viral load but also modulated the expression of inflammation factors in the lung tissue including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IFN-γ, and IL17A. A time-effect analysis further revealed that QJHTT intervention effectively suppressed the peak of inflammatory responses, demonstrating a robust anti-IAV pneumonia effect. CONCLUSIONS We comprehensively analyzed the pharmacological material basis of QJHTT by a highly sensitive and high-resolution UHPLC-Q Exactive Orbitrap-MS method, and demonstrated its efficacy in combating IAV pneumonia by reducing lung viral load and inflammatory factors. This study has significant importance for elucidating the pharmacological basis and pharmacological mechanism of QJHTT in combating IAV pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China; Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medicinal Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, 266041, China
| | - Zhongyuan Li
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Qinghua Cui
- Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medicinal Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, 266041, China; Innovative Institute of Chinse Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Beibei Yan
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Jazmin Galvan Achi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Yangang Zhao
- Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medicinal Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, 266041, China.
| | - Lijun Rong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
| | - Ruikun Du
- Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medicinal Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, 266041, China; Innovative Institute of Chinse Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
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Zhao Q, Liu J, Chen L, Gao Z, Lin M, Wang Y, Xiao Z, Chen Y, Huang X. Phytomedicine Fructus Aurantii-derived two absorbed compounds unlock antidepressant and prokinetic multi-functions via modulating 5-HT 3/GHSR. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 323:117703. [PMID: 38185260 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117703] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Fructus Aurantii (FA), a well-known phytomedicine, has been employed to evoke antidepressant and prokinetic multi-functions. Therein, systematically identifying bioactive components and the referred mechanism is essential for FA. AIM OF THE STUDY This study was planned to answer "2 W" (What and Why), such as which components and pathways contribute to FA's multi-functions. We aimed to identify bioactive compounds as the key for opening the lock of FA's multi-functions, and the molecule mechanisms are their naturally matched lock cylinder. MATERIALS AND METHODS The phytochemical content of FA extract was determined, and the compounds were identified in rats pretreated with FA using liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The contribution strategy was used to assess bioactive compounds' efficacy (doses = their content in FA) in model rats with the mechanism. The changes in functional brain regions were determined via 7.0 T functional magnetic resonance imaging-blood oxygen level-dependent (fMRI-BOLD). RESULT Eight phytochemicals' content was detected, and merely six components were identified in rats in vivo. Meranzin hydrate + hesperidin (MH), as the primary contributor of FA, exerted antidepressant and prokinetic effects (improvement of indexes for immobility time, gastric emptying, intestinal transit, CRH, ghrelin, ACTH, DA, NA, 5-HT, CORT, and 5-HT3) by regulating 5-HT3/Growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) pathway. These results were validated by 5-HT2A, 5-HT3, and GHSR receptor antagonists combined with molecule docking. MH restored the excessive BOLD activation of the left accumbens nucleus, left corpus callosum and hypothalamus preoptic region. CONCLUSION Absorbed MH accounts for FA's anti-depressant and prokinetic efficacy in acutely-stressed rats, primarily via 5-HT3/GHSR shared regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiulong Zhao
- Institute of TCM-Related Comorbid Depression, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Medical College, Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Li Chen
- Institute of TCM-Related Comorbid Depression, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhao Gao
- Institute of TCM-Related Comorbid Depression, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Muhai Lin
- Medical College, Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Medical College, Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Zhe Xiao
- Medical College, Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Medical College, Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Xi Huang
- Institute of TCM-Related Comorbid Depression, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Medical College, Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen, 361102, China.
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Deng JW, Yuan S, Shi LP, Chen X, Liu J, Chen ZW, Tan KY, Yang Q, Cao WF. Integration of network pharmacology and serum medicinal chemistry to investigate the pharmacological mechanisms of QiZhuYangGan Decoction in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 323:117730. [PMID: 38190954 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117730] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Qizhuyanggan Decoction (QZD), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, is frequently utilized in clinical practice for managing hepatic fibrosis. However, the specific target and mechanism of action of QZD for hepatic fibrosis treatment remain unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY By combining network pharmacology, serum medicinal chemistry, and experimental validation methods, our study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of QZD on hepatic fibrosis, the anti-hepatic fibrosis active ingredients, and the possible mechanism of anti-hepatic fibrosis action. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of QZD on hepatic fibrosis induced by CCl4 in SD rats, as well as its mechanism of action. The rats were anesthetized intraperitoneally using 3% pentobarbital and were executed after asphyxiation with high concentrations of carbon dioxide. Several techniques were employed to evaluate the efficacy of QZD, including ELISA, Western blot, HYP reagent assay, and various pathological examinations such as HE, Masson, Sirius Red staining, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Additionally, serum biochemical assays were conducted to assess the effect of QZD on liver injury. Network pharmacology, UPLC, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation were utilized to explore the mechanism of QZD in treating hepatic fibrosis. Finally, experimental validation was performed through ELISA, IHC, RT-qPCR, and Western blot analysis. RESULT Liver histopathology showed that QZD reduced inflammation and inhibited collagen production, and QZD significantly reduced HA and LN content to treat hepatic fibrosis. Serum biochemical analysis showed that QZD improved liver injury. Network pharmacology combined with UPLC screened six active ingredients and obtained 87 targets for the intersection of active ingredients and diseases. The enrichment analysis results indicated that the PI3K/AKT pathway might be the mechanism of action of QZD in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis, and counteracting the inflammatory response might be one of the pathways of action of QZD. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations showed that the active ingredient had good binding properties with PI3K, AKT, and mTOR proteins. Western blot, ELISA, PCR, and IHC results indicated that QZD may treat hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and suppressing M1 macrophage polarization, while also promoting M2 macrophage polarization. CONCLUSIONS QZD may be effective in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and M1 macrophage polarization, while promoting M2 macrophage polarization. This provides a strong basis for the clinical application of QZD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Wei Deng
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Su Yuan
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, China; Department of Combination of Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li-Peng Shi
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Chen
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, China; Department of Combination of Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhi-Wei Chen
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Kai-Yue Tan
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Qian Yang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Wen-Fu Cao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing, China; Department of Combination of Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Li MC, Li MZ, Lin ZY, Zhuang YM, Wang HY, Jia JT, Lu Y, Wang ZJ, Zou HY, Zhao H. Buyang Huanwu Decoction promotes neurovascular remodeling by modulating astrocyte and microglia polarization in ischemic stroke rats. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 323:117620. [PMID: 38141792 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117620] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BYHWD), one of the most commonly utilized traditional Chinese medicine prescription for treatment of cerebral ischemic stroke. However, the understanding of BYHWD on neurovascular repair following cerebral ischemia is so far limited. AIM OF THE STUDY This research investigated the influence of BYHWD on neurovascular remodeling by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology and revealed the potential neurovascular repair mechanism underlying post-treatment with BYHWD after ischemic stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were utilized as an ischemic stroke model by permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO). BYHWD was intragastrically administrated once daily for 30 days straight. Multimodal MRI was performed to detect brain tissue injuries, axonal microstructural damages, cerebral blood flow and intracranial vessels on the 30th day after BYHWD treatment. Proangiogenic factors, axonal/synaptic plasticity-related factors, energy transporters and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signal pathway were evaluated using western blot. Double immunofluorescent staining and western blot were applied to evaluate astrocytes and microglia polarization. RESULTS Administration of BYHWD significantly alleviated infarct volume and brain tissue injuries and ameliorated microstructural damages, accompanied with improved axonal/synaptic plasticity-related factors, axonal growth guidance factors and decreased axonal growth inhibitors. Meanwhile, BYHWD remarkably improved cerebral blood flow, cerebral vascular signal and promoted the expression of proangiogenic factors. Particularly, treatment with BYHWD obviously suppressed astrocytes A1 and microglia M1 polarization accompanied with promoted astrocyte A2 and microglia M2 polarization. Furthermore, BYHWD effectively improved energy transporters. Especially, BYHWD markedly increased expression of phosphorylated AMPK, cyclic AMP-response element binding protein (CREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) accompanied by inactivation of the NF-κB. CONCLUSION Taken together, these findings identified that the beneficial roles of BYHWD on neurovascular remodeling were related to AMPK pathways -mediated energy transporters and NFκB/CREB pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Cong Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Man-Zhong Li
- Department of pharmacy, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100038, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio-characteristic Profiling for Evaluation of Rational Drug Use, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Zi-Yue Lin
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yu-Ming Zhuang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Han-Yu Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Jing-Ting Jia
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yun Lu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Zhan-Jing Wang
- Medical Imaging laboratory of Core Facility Center, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Hai-Yan Zou
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, 100069, China.
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