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Sun Q, Xu J, Yuan F, Liu Y, Chen Q, Guo L, Dong H, Liu B. RND1 inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition and temozolomide resistance of glioblastoma via AKT/GSK3-β pathway. Cancer Biol Ther 2024; 25:2321770. [PMID: 38444223 PMCID: PMC10936657 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2024.2321770] [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: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
GBM is one of the most malignant tumor in central nervous system. The resistance to temozolomide (TMZ) is inevitable in GBM and the characterization of TMZ resistance seriously hinders clinical treatment. It is worthwhile exploring the underlying mechanism of aggressive invasion and TMZ resistance in GBM treatment. Bioinformatic analysis was used to analyze the association between RND1 and a series of EMT-related genes. Colony formation assay and cell viability assay were used to assess the growth of U87 and U251 cells. The cell invasion status was evaluated based on transwell and wound-healing assays. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression in GBM cells. Treatment targeted RND1 combined with TMZ therapy was conducted in nude mice to evaluate the potential application of RND1 as a clinical target for GBM. The overexpression of RND1 suppressed the progression and migration of U87 and U251 cells. RND1 knockdown facilitated the growth and invasion of GBM cells. RND1 regulated the EMT of GBM cells via inhibiting the phosphorylation of AKT and GSK3-β. The promoted effects of RND1 on TMZ sensitivity was identified both in vitro and in vivo. This research demonstrated that the overexpression of RND1 suppressed the migration and EMT status by downregulating AKT/GSK3-β pathway in GBM. RND1 enhanced the TMZ sensitivity of GBM cells both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings may contribute to the targeted therapy for GBM and the understanding of mechanisms of TMZ resistance in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Junjie Xu
- Office of director, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Fan’en Yuan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qianxue Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lirui Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Huimin Dong
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Baohui Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Zhang K, Zheng X, Sun Y, Feng X, Wu X, Liu W, Gao C, Yan Y, Tian W, Wang Y. TOP2A modulates signaling via the AKT/mTOR pathway to promote ovarian cancer cell proliferation. Cancer Biol Ther 2024; 25:2325126. [PMID: 38445610 PMCID: PMC10936659 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2024.2325126] [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: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is a form of gynecological malignancy that is associated with worse patient outcomes than any other cancer of the female reproductive tract. Topoisomerase II α (TOP2A) is commonly regarded as an oncogene that is associated with malignant disease progression in a variety of cancers, its mechanistic functions in OC have yet to be firmly established. We explored the role of TOP2A in OC through online databases, clinical samples, in vitro and in vivo experiments. And initial analyses of public databases revealed high OC-related TOP2A expression in patient samples that was related to poorer prognosis. This was confirmed by clinical samples in which TOP2A expression was elevated in OC relative to healthy tissue. Kaplan-Meier analyses further suggested that higher TOP2A expression levels were correlated with worse prognosis in OC patients. In vitro, TOP2A knockdown resulted in the inhibition of OC cell proliferation, with cells entering G1 phase arrest and undergoing consequent apoptotic death. In rescue assays, TOP2A was confirmed to regulate cell proliferation and cell cycle through AKT/mTOR pathway activity. Mouse model experiments further affirmed the key role that TOP2A plays as a driver of OC cell proliferation. These data provide strong evidence supporting TOP2A as an oncogenic mediator and prognostic biomarker related to OC progression and poor outcomes. At the mechanistic level, TOP2A can control tumor cell growth via AKT/mTOR pathway modulation. These preliminary results provide a foundation for future research seeking to explore the utility of TOP2A inhibitor-based combination treatment regimens in platinum-resistant recurrent OC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiwen Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xingyu Zheng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yiqing Sun
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinyu Feng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xirong Wu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Wenlu Liu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Chao Gao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Ye Yan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenyan Tian
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yingmei Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
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Guo Y, Chen B, Guo J, Jiang P, Wang J, Sun W. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel podophyllotoxin derivatives as tubulin-targeting anticancer agents. Pharm Biol 2024; 62:233-249. [PMID: 38393642 PMCID: PMC10896134 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2024.2318350] [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: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Podophyllotoxin (PPT) derivatives, used in cancer therapy, require development toward enhanced efficacy and reduced toxicity. OBJECTIVE This study synthesizes PPT derivatives to assess their anticancer activities. MATERIALS AND METHODS Compounds E1-E16 antiproliferative activity was tested against four human cancer cell lines (H446, MCF-7, HeLa, A549) and two normal cell lines (L02, BEAS-2B) using the CCK-8 assay. The effects of compound E5 on A549 cell growth were evaluated through molecular docking, in vitro assays (flow cytometry, wound healing, Transwell, colony formation, Western blot), and in vivo tests in female BALB/c nude mice treated with E5 (2 and 4 mg/kg). E5 (4 mg/kg) significantly reduced xenograft tumor growth compared to the DMSO control group. RESULTS Among the 16 PPT derivatives tested for cytotoxicity, E5 exhibited potent effects against A549 cells (IC50: 0.35 ± 0.13 µM) and exceeded the reference drugs PPT and etoposide to inhibit the growth of xenograft tumours. E5-induced cell cycle arrest in the S and G2/M phases accelerated tubulin depolymerization and triggered apoptosis and mitochondrial depolarization while regulating the expression of apoptosis-related proteins and effectively inhibited cell migration and invasion, suggesting a potential to limit metastasis. Molecular docking showed binding of E5 to tubulin at the colchicine site and to Akt, with a consequent down-regulation of PI3K/Akt pathway proteins. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS This research lays the groundwork for advancing cancer treatment through developing and using PPT derivatives. The encouraging results associated with E5 call for extended research and clinical validation, leading to novel and more effective cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujin Guo
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Jining First People′s Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jining, P.R. China
- Translational Pharmaceutical Laboratory, Jining First People′s Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jining, P.R. China
| | - Beibei Chen
- Translational Pharmaceutical Laboratory, Jining First People′s Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jining, P.R. China
| | - Jinxiu Guo
- Translational Pharmaceutical Laboratory, Jining First People′s Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jining, P.R. China
| | - Pei Jiang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Jining First People′s Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jining, P.R. China
- Translational Pharmaceutical Laboratory, Jining First People′s Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jining, P.R. China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Translational Pharmaceutical Laboratory, Jining First People′s Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jining, P.R. China
- Postdoctoral of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Wenxue Sun
- Translational Pharmaceutical Laboratory, Jining First People′s Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jining, P.R. China
- Chinese Medicine Innovation Institute, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, P.R. China
- Postdoctoral of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, P.R. China
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Jiang L, Yang D, Zhang Z, Xu L, Jiang Q, Tong Y, Zheng L. Elucidating the role of Rhodiola rosea L. in sepsis-induced acute lung injury via network pharmacology: emphasis on inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and the PI3K-AKT pathway. Pharm Biol 2024; 62:272-284. [PMID: 38445620 PMCID: PMC10919309 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2024.2319117] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Rhodiola rosea L. (Crassulaceae) (RR) and its extracts have shown anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and lung-protective effects. OBJECTIVE This study elucidates the molecular mechanisms of RR against sepsis-induced ALI. MATERIALS AND METHODS The pivotal targets of RR against sepsis-induced ALI and underlying mechanisms were revealed by network pharmacology and molecular docking. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were stimulated by 1 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide for 0.5 h and treated with 6.3, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL RR for 24 h. Then, the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated HUVECs were subjected to cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), enzyme-linked immunosorbent, apoptosis, and Western blot analyses. C57BL/6 mice were divided into sham, model, low-dose (40 mg/kg), mid-dose (80 mg/kg), and high-dose (160 mg/kg) RR groups. The mouse model was constructed through caecal ligation and puncture, and histological, apoptosis, and Western blot analyses were performed for further validation. RESULTS We identified six hub targets (MPO, HRAS, PPARG, FGF2, JUN, and IL6), and the PI3K-AKT pathway was the core pathway. CCK-8 assays showed that RR promoted the viability of the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated HUVECs [median effective dose (ED50) = 18.98 μg/mL]. Furthermore, RR inhibited inflammation, oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, and PI3K-AKT activation in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated HUVECs and ALI mice, which was consistent with the network pharmacology results. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION This study provides foundational knowledge of the effective components, potential targets, and molecular mechanisms of RR against ALI, which could be critical for developing targeted therapeutic strategies for sepsis-induced ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Jiang
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dongdong Yang
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhuoyi Zhang
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liying Xu
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qingyu Jiang
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yixin Tong
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lanzhi Zheng
- Department of Medical Administration, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Wang F, Wang J, Liang X, Wu Z, Xue J, Yin L, Wei L, Zhang X. Ghrelin inhibits myocardial pyroptosis in diabetic cardiomyopathy by regulating ERS and NLRP3 inflammasome crosstalk through the PI3K/AKT pathway. J Drug Target 2024; 32:148-158. [PMID: 38088811 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2023.2295268] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS) can induce inflammation mediated by NLRP3 inflammatory bodies and link inflammation with oxidative stress in myocardial tissue. Ghrelin is an endogenous growth hormone-releasing peptide that has been proven to have multiple effects, such as regulating energy metabolism and inhibiting inflammation. However, the role of ghrelin in myocardial injury in diabetic rats and the mechanism have not been reported. RESULTS We found that ghrelin could improve endoplasmic reticulum stress and inflammatory pyroptosis in the myocardial tissue of diabetic rats and reduce ERS and NLRP3 inflammasome crosstalk in H9C2 cardiomyocytes. Interestingly, ghrelin could activate the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway, playing a role in inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress and reducing the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins. However, these protective effects could be largely eliminated by LY294002. CONCLUSIONS In summary, we demonstrated that ghrelin inhibited myocardial pyroptosis in diabetic cardiomyopathy by regulating ERS and NLRP3 inflammasome crosstalk through the PI3K/AKT pathway. Our results provide new insights into the mechanism of diabetic myocardial injury induced by high glucose and high palmitic acid and ghrelin-mediated anti-inflammatory protection and provide potential therapeutic targets and strategies for diabetic cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Wang
- The Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jingzhi Wang
- The Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xinfang Liang
- The Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zixuan Wu
- The Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jiaxin Xue
- The Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Lingyu Yin
- The Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Lai Wei
- The Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- The Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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Chen L, Ruan Y, Ni L, Wang G, Gao Y, Zhang J, Li D, Xu H. KISS-1 knockdown inhibits cell growth, migration, and invasion in HTR-8/SVneo cells by regulating the GRP54-mediated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Autoimmunity 2024; 57:2297564. [PMID: 38155490 DOI: 10.1080/08916934.2023.2297564] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA) affect reproductive health and increase the risk of subsequent abortions. To investigate the role of KISS-1/GPR-54 signaling in RSA progression. Villus tissue was collected from RSA patients, and human trophoblastic HTR-8/SVneo cells were used. KISS-1 and GRP54 levels were detected using RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry. Western blotting was performed to analyze ZO-1 and ZEB1 levels. Cell proliferation was determined via CCK-8 and cell clone formation assays. Transwell assays were performed to assess cell migration and invasion abilities. KISS-1 was down-regulated in the villus tissues of RSA patients. KISS-1 overexpression dramatically inhibited trophoblast proliferation, migration, and invasion. Mechanistically, ZEB1 expression was down-regulated, whereas ZO-1 expression was up-regulated, after KISS-1 overexpression. GPR54 silencing neutralized the effect of KISS-1 in HTR-8/SVneo cells. Additionally, KISS-1 overexpression inactivated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway through GRP54. The KISS-1/GPR-54 signaling axis regulates RSA progression by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Liping Ni
- Hangzhou Women's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | | | - Yajuan Gao
- Hangzhou Women's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | | | | | - Haiou Xu
- Hangzhou Women's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
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Sun R, Liang Y, Zhu S, Yin Q, Bian Y, Ma H, Zhao F, Yin G, Tang D. Homotherapy-for-heteropathy of Bupleurum Chinense DC.-Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi in treating depression and colorectal cancer: A network pharmacology and animal model approach. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 328:118038. [PMID: 38479544 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118038] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Bupleurum chinense DC.-Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (BS) is a classic drug pair that has good clinical effects on depression and many tumors. However, the concurrent targeting mechanism of how the aforementioned drug pair is valid in the two distinct diseases, has not been clarified yet. AIM OF THE STUDY The components of BS were detected by LC-MS, combined with network pharmacology to explore the active ingredients and common targeting mechanism of its multi-pathway regulation of BS in treating depression and CRC, and to validate the dual effects of BS using the CUMS mice model and orthotopic transplantation tumor mice model of CRC. RESULTS Twenty-nine components were screened, 84 common gene targets were obteined, and the top 5 key targets including STAT3, PIK3R1, PIK3CA, AKT1, IL-6 were identified by PPI network. GO and KEGG analyses revealed that PI3K/AKT and JAK/STAT signaling pathways might play a crucial role of BS in regulating depression and CRC. BS significantly modulated CUMS-induced depressive-like behavior, attenuated neuronal damage, and reduced serum EPI and NE levels in CUMS model mice. BS improved the pathological histological changes of solid tumors and liver tissues and inhibited solid tumors and liver metastases in tumor-bearing mice. BS significantly decreased the proteins' expression of IL-6, p-JAK2, p-STAT3, p-PI3K, p-AKT1 in hippocampal tissues and solid tumors, and regulated the levels of IL-2, IL-6 and IL-10 in serum of two models of mice. CONCLUSION BS can exert dual antidepressant and anti-CRC effects by inhibiting the expression of IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 and PI3K/AKT pathway proteins and regulating the release of inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruolan Sun
- School of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yan Liang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Shijiao Zhu
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qihang Yin
- School of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yong Bian
- Labthatory Animal Center, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Hongyue Ma
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Fan Zhao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Gang Yin
- School of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Decai Tang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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Cao W, Yuan F, Liu T, Yin R. Network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking integrated experimental verification reveal β-sitosterol as the active anti-NSCLC ingredient of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua by suppression of PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α signaling pathway. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 328:117900. [PMID: 38432577 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117900] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (Huangjing) is a Chinese herb that is considered by ancient Chinese healers to have the effect of nourishing yin and moisturizing the lungs. It is clinically used to treat diseases of the pulmonary system, including non-small cell lung cancer. However, the precise active components and underlying mechanisms of Huangjing in the context of treating NSCLC remain uncertain. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to explore the active components and mechanisms of Huangjing for the treatment of NSCLC by means of data mining, network pharmacology, and in vitro and vivo experiments. MATERIALS AND METHODS First, the main active compounds and key targets of Huangjing were predicted by network pharmacology. The potential key targets of Huangjing were molecularly docked with the main active compounds using Pymol. In vivo, we verified whether Huangjing and its main active compound have anti-lung cancer effects. Key targets were verified by PCR and immunohistochemistry. In vitro, we verified the effects of Huangjing's main active compound on the proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of A549 cells by CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing assay, and flow cytometry. Key targets and signaling pathway were validated by PCR and Western blot. RESULTS The network pharmacology results suggested that β-sitosterol was the main active substance. TP53, JUN, AKT1, MAPK14, ESR1, RELA, HIF1A, and RXRA were potential targets of Huangjing. Molecular docking results suggested that MAPK14, HIF-1α, and RXRA docked well with β-sitosterol. In vivo tests also confirmed that Huangjing could significantly inhibit the growth of lung cancer tumors, while PCR and immunohistochemistry results suggested that the expression of HIF-1α was significantly decreased. Critically, KEGG analysis indicated that the PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α signaling pathway was recommended as one of the main pathways related to the anti-NSCLC effect of Huangjing. We conducted in vitro experiments to confirm the significant impact of β-sitosterol on the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and colony formation of A549 cells. Furthermore, our findings indicate that a high dosage of β-sitosterol may effectively decrease the expression of HIF-1α, AKT1, JUN and RELA in A549 cells. Similarly, in vitro experiments also revealed that high doses of β-sitosterol could inhibit the PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS We discovered Huangjing and its main active ingredient, β-sitosterol, can reduce HIF-1α, AKT1, JUN and RELA expression and decrease non-small cell lung cancer growth through the PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Cao
- Department of integrated Chinese and Western medicine, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, 21009, Nanjing, PR China; The Third Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 210023, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Fangwei Yuan
- The Fourth Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, 210009, Nanjing, PR China; Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, 21009, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Tongyan Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, 21009, Nanjing, PR China; Department of Science and Technology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, 21009, Nanjing, PR China.
| | - Rong Yin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, 21009, Nanjing, PR China; Department of Science and Technology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, 21009, Nanjing, PR China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211116, Nanjing, PR China; Biobank of Lung Cancer, Jiangsu Biobank of Clinical Resources, 21009, Nanjing, PR China.
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9
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Lin J, Gu M, Wang X, Chen Y, Chau NV, Li J, Chu Q, Qing L, Wu W. Huanglian Jiedu decoction inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell-derived foam cell formation by activating autophagy via suppressing P2RY12. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 328:118125. [PMID: 38561055 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118125] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Huanglian Jiedu Decoction (HLJDD) is a Chinese medicine with a long history of therapeutic application. It is widely used in treating atherosclerosis (AS) in Chinese medicine theory and clinical practice. However, the mechanism of HLJDD in treating AS remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the efficacy and mechanism of HLJDD in treating AS. MATERIALS AND METHODS AS was induced on high-fat diet-fed ApoE-/- mice, with the aorta pathological changes evaluated with lipid content and plaque progression. In vitro, foam cells were induced by subjecting primary mouse aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to oxLDL incubation. After HLJDD intervention, VSMCs were assessed with lipid stack, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and the expression of foam cell markers. The effects of P2RY12 were tested by adopting clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate (CDL) in vivo and transfecting P2RY12 over-expressive plasmid in vitro. Autophagy was inhibited by Chloroquine or transfecting siRNA targeting ATG7 (siATG7). The mechanism of HLJDD treating atherosclerosis was explored using network pharmacology and validated with molecular docking and co-immunoprecipitation. RESULTS HLJDD exhibited a dose-dependent reduction in lipid deposition, collagen loss, and necrosis within plaques. It also reversed lipid accumulation and down-regulated the expression of foam cell markers. P2RY12 inhibition alleviated AS, while P2RY12 overexpression enhanced foam cell formation and blocked the therapeutic effects of HLJDD. Network pharmacological analysis suggested that HLJDD might mediate PI3K/AKT signaling pathway-induced autophagy. P2RY12 overexpression also impaired autophagy. Similarly, inhibiting autophagy counteracted the effect of CDL, exacerbated AS in vivo, and promoted foam cell formation in vitro. However, HLJDD treatment mitigated these detrimental effects by suppressing the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Immunofluorescence and molecular docking revealed a high affinity between P2RY12 and PIK3CB, while co-immunoprecipitation assays illustrated their interaction. CONCLUSIONS HLJDD inhibited AS in vivo and foam cell formation in vitro by restoring P2RY12/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway-suppressed autophagy. This study is the first to reveal an interaction between P2RY12 and PI3K3CB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhai Lin
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Guangzhou, 510405, Guangdong, China; Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Guangzhou, 510405, Guangdong, China.
| | - Mingyang Gu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Guangzhou, 510405, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xiaolong Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Guangzhou, 510405, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- Qinchengda Community Health Service Center, Shenzhen Bao'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Group, No. 225, Block 10A, Qinchengda Yueyuan Commercial and Residential Building, Shenzhen, 518100, Guangdong, China.
| | - Nhi Van Chau
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Guangzhou, 510405, Guangdong, China; Traditional Medicine Department, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 179 Nguyen Van Cu Street, An Khanh, Ninh Kieu, Can Tho, 94000, Viet Nam.
| | - Junlong Li
- The Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 16 Jichang Road, Guangzhou, 510405, Guangdong, China.
| | - Qingmin Chu
- The Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 16 Jichang Road, Guangzhou, 510405, Guangdong, China.
| | - Lijin Qing
- The Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 16 Jichang Road, Guangzhou, 510405, Guangdong, China.
| | - Wei Wu
- The Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 16 Jichang Road, Guangzhou, 510405, Guangdong, China.
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Wei J, Zhao X, Long F, Tian K, Wu L. Lianhua Qingwen exerts anti-liver cancer effects and synergistic efficacy with sorafenib through PI3K/AKT pathway: Integrating network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation. Gene 2024; 912:148383. [PMID: 38493972 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148383] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies and sorafenib resistance is the main treatment obstacle for patients with advanced liver cancer. Developing drugs that sensitize liver cancer patients to sorafenib is of great importance. Lianhua Qingwen (LHQW), a sort of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approved by the Chinese Food and Drug Administration (CFDA), is reported to exert synergistic effects with oseltamivir against Influenza virus. However, whether LHQW could exhibit anti-liver cancer effects and enhance the efficacy of sorafenib against liver cancer have not been reported. In the present study, the potential anti-liver cancer effects of LHQW and its synergistic effects with sorafenib were investigated via applying network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro experiments. An "ingredient-compound- target-liver cancer" network was constructed which included 12 ingredients, 164 compounds, and 402 targets. AKT1 was identified as the most hub gene and the PI3K/AKT pathway was revealed as the most enriched pathway. Subsequently, the molecular docking results showed that kaempferol, luteolin, and quercetin were screened as the top 3 compounds which showed the tightest binding to AKT1. Further, the in vitro experiments verified that LHQW significantly inhibited liver cancer cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. Western blot assays confirmed that LHQW could attenuate the PI3K/AKT pathway. Interestingly, LHQW showed a synergistic effect with sorafenib against liver cancer via reducing cell viability, inducing apoptosis, and down- regulating PI3K/AKT pathway. This study broadens the potential application of LHQW and provides insights for liver cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinrui Wei
- Guangxi Scientific Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, Guangxi, China
| | - Xuqi Zhao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, 7 Guangxi 530004, China
| | - Fuli Long
- Department of Hepatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, Guangxi, China
| | - Kunpeng Tian
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, 7 Guangxi 530004, China; Pediatrics Research Institute of Hunan Province, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha 410007, China.
| | - Lichuan Wu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, 7 Guangxi 530004, China.
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11
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Zhao Y, Zhu S, Li Y, Niu X, Shang G, Zhou X, Yin J, Bao B, Cao Y, Cheng F, Li Z, Wang R, Yao W. Integrated component identification, network pharmacology, and experimental verification revealed mechanism of Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo against lung cancer. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2024; 243:116077. [PMID: 38460276 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2024.116077] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo (DO), a valuable Chinese herbal medicine, has been reported to exhibit potential effects in the prevention and treatment of lung cancer. However, its material basis and mechanism of action have not been comprehensively analyzed. PURPOSE The objective of this study was to preliminarily elucidate the active components and pharmacological mechanisms of DO in treating lung cancer, according to UPLC-Q/TOF-MS, HPAEC-PAD, network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental verification. METHODS The chemical components of DO were identified via UPLC-Q/TOF-MS, while the monosaccharide composition of Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide (DOP) was determined by HPAEC-PAD. The prospective active constituents of DO as well as their respective targets were predicted in the combined database of Swiss ADME and Swiss Target Prediction. Relevant disease targets for lung cancer were searched in OMIM, TTD, and Genecards databases. Further, the active compounds and potential core targets of DO against lung cancer were found by the C-T-D network and the PPI network, respectively. The core targets were then subjected to enrichment analysis in the Metascape database. The main active compounds were molecularly docked to the core targets and visualized. Finally, the viability of A549 cells and the relative quantity of associated proteins within the major signaling pathway were detected. RESULTS 249 ingredients were identified from DO, including 39 flavonoids, 39 bibenzyls, 50 organic acids, 8 phenanthrenes, 27 phenylpropanoids, 17 alkaloids, 17 amino acids and their derivatives, 7 monosaccharides, and 45 others. Here, 50 main active compounds with high degree values were attained through the C-T-D network, mainly consisting of bibenzyls and monosaccharides. Based on the PPI network analysis, 10 core targets were further predicted, including HSP90AA1, SRC, ESR1, CREBBP, MAPK3, AKT1, PIK3R1, PIK3CA, HIF1A, and HDAC1. The results of the enrichment analysis and molecular docking indicated a close association between the therapeutic mechanism of DO and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. It was confirmed that the bibenzyl extract and erianin could inhibit the multiplication of A549 cells in vitro. Furthermore, erianin was found to down-regulate the relative expressions of p-AKT and p-PI3K proteins within the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS This study predicted that DO could treat lung cancer through various components, multiple targets, and diverse pathways. Bibenzyls from DO might exert anti-lung cancer activity by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and modulating the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. A fundamental reference for further studies and clinical therapy was given by the above data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhao
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Shuaitao Zhu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Yuan Li
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Xuan Niu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Guanxiong Shang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Xiaoqi Zhou
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Jiu Yin
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Beihua Bao
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Yudan Cao
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Fangfang Cheng
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Zhipeng Li
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China.
| | - Ran Wang
- China Tobacco Anhui Industrial Co., Ltd., Hefei, Anhui 210088, China.
| | - Weifeng Yao
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
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12
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Bostancıklıoğlu M, İğci M, Ulaşlı M. Nigella sativa, Anthemis hyaline and Citrus sinensis extracts reduce SARS-CoV-2 replication by fluctuating Rho GTPase, PI3K-AKT, and MAPK/ERK pathways in HeLa-CEACAM1a cells. Gene 2024; 911:148366. [PMID: 38485035 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148366] [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: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Traditional remedies have long utilized Anthemis hyaline, Nigella sativa, and Citrus sinensis peel extracts as treatments for microbial infections. This study aimed to investigate the influence of Anthemis hyaline, Nigella sativa, and Citrus sinensis extracts on coronavirus replication and apoptosis-related pathways. HeLa-CEACAM1a cells were exposed to mouse hepatitis virus-A59. After viral inoculation, the mRNA levels of 36 genes were quantified using a Fluidigm Dynamic Array nanofluidic chip. IL-8 level and intracellular Ca2+ concentration was measured, and viral titer was assessed by the TCID50/ml assay to detect the extent of infection. Treatment with Nigella sativa extract surged the inflammatory cytokine IL-8 level at both 24 and 48-hour. Changes in gene expression were notable for RHOA, VAV3, ROCK2, CFL1, RASA1, and MPRIP genes following treatment with any of the extracts. The addition of Anthemis hyaline, Nigella sativa, or Citrus sinensis extracts to coronavirus-infected cells reduced viral presence, with Anthemis hyaline extract leading to a virtually undetectable viral load at 6- and 8-hours after infection. While all treatments influenced IL-8 production and viral levels, Anthemis hyaline extract displayed the most pronounced reduction in viral load. Consequently, Anthemis hyaline extract emerges as the most promising agent, harboring potential therapeutic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Bostancıklıoğlu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Gaziantep University, 27310 Gaziantep, Turkey; Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Pole of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mehri İğci
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Gaziantep University, 27310 Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Ulaşlı
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Gaziantep University, 27310 Gaziantep, Turkey.
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Zhang W, Wang Y, Yu H, Jin Z, Yuan Y, Liu L, Zhou J. Exploring the mechanism of Erteng-Sanjie capsule in treating gastric and colorectal cancers via network pharmacology and in-vivo validation. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 327:117945. [PMID: 38428659 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117945] [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: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The Erteng-Sanjie capsule (ETSJC) has therapeutic effects against gastric cancer (GC) and colorectal cancer (CRC). However, its underlying pharmacological mechanism remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY To explore the pharmacological mechanism of ETSJC against GC and CRC via network pharmacology and in-vivo validation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data on the ingredients of ETSJC were obtained from the TCMSP and HERB databases. Further, details on the related targets of the active ingredients were collected from the HERB and SwissTargetPrediction databases. The targets in GC and CRC, which were screened from the OMIM, GeneCards, and TTD databases, were uploaded to STRING for a separate protein-protein interaction network analysis. The common targets shared by ETSJC, GC, and CRC were then screened. Cytoscape and STRING were used to construct the networks of herbs-compounds-targets and PPI. Metascape was utilized to analyze the enrichment of the GO and KEGG pathways. Molecular docking was used to validate the potential binding mode between the core ingredients and targets. Finally, the predicted results were verified with animal experiment. RESULTS Eight core ingredients (resveratrol, quercetin, luteolin, baicalein, delphinidin, kaempferol, pinocembrin, and naringenin) and six core targets (TP53, SRC, PIK3R1, AKT1, MAPK3, and STAT3) were filtered via network analysis. The molecular mechanism mainly involved the positive regulation of various processes such as cell migration, protein phosphorylation, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Molecular docking revealed that the core ingredients could be significantly combined with all core targets. The animal experiment revealed that ETSJC could suppress proliferation and promote apoptosis of both GC and CRC tumor cells by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS Multiple targets (TP53, SRC, AKT1, and STAT3) were important in GC and CRC. ETSJC could act on these targets and engage in different pathways against GC and CRC. Simultaneously, inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was a promising therapeutic mechanism for treating GC and CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wencui Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Shanxi Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China.
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Oncology, Shanxi Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China.
| | - Han Yu
- Department of Oncology, Shanxi Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China.
| | - Zengcai Jin
- Department of Oncology, Shanxi Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China.
| | - Yuyao Yuan
- Department of Oncology, Shanxi Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China.
| | - Likun Liu
- Department of Oncology, Shanxi Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China.
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Shanxi Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China.
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Liu BJ, Guan YY, Qiao LX, Zhang JM, Li AJ, Yang PX, Gao YX, Chen DX, Wang CX, Wu J. The mechanism and experimental verification of Ixeris sonchifolia promoting apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma based on network pharmacology: Ixeris sonchifolia Induces Hepatocellular Carcinoma Apoptosis via the PI3K/AKT Pathway. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 327:117994. [PMID: 38437889 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117994] [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: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Ixeris sonchifolia alias Kudiezi, it was named Ixeris sonchifolia (Bunge) Hance, a synonym for Crepidiastrum sonchifolium (Bunge) Pak & Kawano in the https://www.iplant.cn/. And it was first published in J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 13: 108 (1873), which was named Ixeris sonchifolia (Maxim.) Hance in the MPNS (http://mpns.kew.org). As a widely distributed medicinal and edible wild plant, it possesses unique bitter-cold characteristics and constituents with various pharmacological activities. Its main antitumor substances, same as artemisinin and paclitaxel, are classified as terpenoids and have become research foci in recent years. However, its specific biological activity and role in antitumor treatment remain largely unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to elucidate the molecular targets and potential mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma apoptosis induced by Ixeris sonchifolia. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used network pharmacology methods to analyze and screen the active ingredients and possible underlying mechanisms of Ixeris sonchifolia in treating liver cancer and employed integrative time- and dose-dependent toxicity, transcriptomics, and molecular biology approaches to comprehensively verify the function of Ixeris sonchifolia extract (IsE) in human hepatoblastoma cell (HepG2) apoptosis and its potential mechanism. RESULTS A total of 169 common targets were screened by network pharmacology, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that IsE inhibited HepG2 cell activity in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Western blot analysis confirmed that IsE promoted HepG2 cell apoptosis by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and that the PI3K/AKT inhibitor LY294002 also substantially enhanced IsE-induced apoptosis. The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway exhibited significant differences compared to that in the control group. CONCLUSION Combining network pharmacology with experimental verification, IsE inhibited mitochondrial function and the PI3K/AKT pathway while inducing hepatoma cell apoptosis. IsE may have promising potential for liver cancer treatment and chemoprevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Jun Liu
- Department of Head, Neck and Genitourinary Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Heilongjiang, 150081, China; Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong, 271000, China
| | - Yuan-Yue Guan
- Department of Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing You an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Lu-Xin Qiao
- Department of Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing You an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Ji-Mei Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University, Shandong, 271000, China
| | - Ai-Ju Li
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong, 271000, China
| | - Peng-Xiang Yang
- Department of Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing You an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yu-Xue Gao
- Department of Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing You an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - De-Xi Chen
- Department of Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing You an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
| | - Chun-Xiao Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong, 271000, China.
| | - Jin Wu
- Department of Head, Neck and Genitourinary Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Heilongjiang, 150081, China.
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Bao X, He Y, Huang L, Li H, Li Q, Huang Y. Sinomenine exerts a neuroprotective effect on PD mouse model through inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway to enhance autophagy. Int J Neurosci 2024; 134:301-309. [PMID: 35815397 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2022.2100780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease (PD), as a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disease, is associated with autophagy. This study focused on the regulation of sinomenine (SN) on autophagy in PD and its related mechanism. METHODS The PD mouse model was constructed by MPTP inducement, and the mouse motor function after modeling and SN treatment was examined by rotarod, grip strength, and foot printing tests. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)/LC3B-positive neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta of mouse brains were detected by immunofluorescence. The expressions of proteins related to autophagy (Beclin1, p62, LC3-I and LC3-II) and phosphorylated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase (mTOR) signaling pathway were measured by western blot. Rescue experiments were performed to determine the effects of MHY1485 (mTOR activator) on SN-treated PD mice. RESULTS SN potentiated the motor ability in PD mice, promoted the survival of dopaminergic neurons, increased the protein expression level of Beclin1, LC3-II/LC3-I ratio and LC3B-positive neurons, lowered the protein expression level of p62 and inactivated PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in the substantia nigra tissue of mouse brains. Moreover, MHY1485 reversed the above effects of SN on PD mice via reactivating PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. CONCLUSION SN augments the autophagy of dopaminergic neurons via inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and exerts a neuroprotective effect on PD mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Bao
- Department of Geriatrics, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yingchun He
- Department of Geriatrics, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lin Huang
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haichang Li
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Geriatrics, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yun Huang
- Department of Chinese Medicine Gynecology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 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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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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Guo Y, Wu Y, Huang T, Huang D, Zeng Q, Wang Z, Hu Y, Liang P, Chen H, Zheng Z, Liang T, Zhai D, Jiang C, Liu L, Zhu H, Liu Q. Licorice flavonoid ameliorates ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats by suppressing apoptosis via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 325:117739. [PMID: 38301986 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117739] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Licorice is the dry roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., Glycyrrhiza glabra L. and Glycyrrhiza inflata Bat., which was first recorded in Shengnong's herbal classic. Licorice flavonoid (LF) is the main compound isolated from licorice with an indispensable action in treating gastric ulcer (GU). However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further explored. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to investigate and further elucidate the mechanisms of LF against ethanol-induced GU using an integrated approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS The anti-GU effects of LF were evaluated in an ethanol-induced gastric injury rat model. Then, the metabolomics approach was applied to explore the specific metabolites and metabolic pathways. Next, the network pharmacology combined with metabolomics strategy was employed to predict the targets and pathways of LF for GU. Finally, these predictions were validated by molecular docking, RT-qPCR, and western blotting. RESULTS LF had a positive impact on gastric injury and regulated the expression of GU-related factors. Upon serum metabolomics analysis, 25 metabolic biomarkers of LF in GU treatment were identified, which were primarily involved in amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and other related processes. Subsequently, a "components-targets-metabolites" network was constructed, revealing six key targets (HSP90AA1, AKT1, MAPK1, EGFR, ESR1, PIK3CA) that may be associated with GU treatment. More importantly, KEGG analysis highlighted the importance of the PI3K/AKT pathway including key targets, as a critical route through which LF exerted its anti-GU effects. Molecular docking analyses confirmed that the core components of LF exhibited a strong affinity for key targets. Furthermore, RT-qPCR and western blotting results indicated that LF could reverse the expression of these targets, activate the PI3K/AKT pathway, and ultimately reduce apoptosis. CONCLUSION LF exerted a gastroprotective effect against gastric ulcer induced by ethanol, and the therapeutic mechanism may involve improving metabolism and suppressing apoptosis through the PI3K-AKT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinglin Guo
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yufan Wu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Tairun Huang
- Faculty of Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau
| | - Dehao Huang
- Huizhou Jiuhui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Huizhou, 516000, China
| | - Quanfu Zeng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zhuxian Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yi Hu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Peiyi Liang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Hongkai Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zeying Zheng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Tao Liang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Dan Zhai
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Cuiping Jiang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Li Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Hongxia Zhu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Qiang Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, 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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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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Wang Z, Huang PE, Wang N, Zhang Q, Kang J, Fang Y, Ning B, Li L. β-asarone inhibits autophagy by activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in a rat model of depression in Parkinson's disease. Behav Brain Res 2024; 465:114966. [PMID: 38518853 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.114966] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE It is unclear whether β-asarone has a good antidepressant effect and what is the main mechanism in Depression in Parkinson's disease (DPD) model rats. METHODS In this study, DPD model rats were screened from 6-OHDA induced rats by sucrose preference test (SPT) and forced swimming test (FST). DPD model rats were divided into eight groups: model group, pramipexole group, β-asarone low-dose group (β-asarone 7.5 group), β-asarone medium-dose group (β-asarone 15 group), β-asarone high-dose group (β-asarone 30 group), 3-MA group, rapamycin group, and PI3K inhibitor group. 28 days after the end of treatment, open field test (OFT), SPT and FST were conducted in rats. The level of α-synuclein (α-syn) in the striatum was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of Beclin-1, p62 in the striatum was determined by western blot. The expression of PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, mTOR, p-mTOR, Beclin-1, and p62 in the hippocampus was determined by western blot. The spine density of neurons in the hippocampus was detected by golgi staining. RESULTS The results showed that 4-week oral administration of β-asarone improve the motor and depressive symptoms of DPD model rats, and decrease the content of α-syn in the striatum. β-asarone inhibited the expression of autophagy in the striatum of DPD model rats. Furthermore, β-asarone decreased the levels of Beclin-1 protein, increased the expression of p62, p-PI3K, p-AKT, and p-mTOR, and improved the density of neuron dendritic spine in the hippocampus. CONCLUSIONS We concluded that β-asarone might improve the behavior of DPD model rats by activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, inhibiting autophagy and protecting neuron.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifang Wang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping-E Huang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nanbu Wang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Jian Kang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongqi Fang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baile Ning
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Ling Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
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Zhang K, Li R, Matniyaz Y, Yu R, Pan J, Liu W, Wang D. Liraglutide attenuates angiotensin II-induced aortic dissection and aortic aneurysm via inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization in APOE -/- mice. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 223:116170. [PMID: 38548245 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116170] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection (AAD) are severe cardiovascular conditions with potentially lethal consequences such as aortic rupture. Existing studies suggest that liraglutide, a long-acting glucagon-like peptide receptor (GLP-1R) agonist, offers protective benefits across various cardiovascular diseases. However, the efficacy of liraglutide in mitigating AAD development is yet to be definitively elucidated. METHODS Ang II (Angiotension II) infusion of APOE-/- mouse model with intraperitoneal injection of liraglutide (200 μg/kg) to study the role of GLP-1R in AAD formation. Bone Marrow Derived Macrophages (BMDM) and Raw264.7 were incubated with LPS, liraglutide, exendin 9-39 or LY294002 alone or in combination. SMC phenotype switching was examined in a macrophage and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) co-culture system. An array of analytical methods, including Western Blot, Immunofluorescence Staining, Enzyme-LinkedImmunosorbent Assay, Real-Time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction, RNA-seq, and so on were employed. RESULTS Our investigation revealed a significant increase in M1 macrophage polarization and GLP-1R expression in aortas of AD patients and Ang II-induced AAD APOE-/- mice. Administering liraglutide in APOE-/- mice notably reduced Ang II-induced AAD incidence and mortality. It was found that liraglutide inhibits M1 macrophage polarization primarily via GLP-1R activation, and subsequently modulates vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic switching was the primary mechanism. RNA-Seq and subsequent KEGG enrichment analysis identified CXCL3, regulated by the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, as a key element in liraglutide's modulation of M1 macrophage polarization. CONCLUSION Our study found liraglutide exhibits protective effects against AAD by modulating M1 macrophage polarization, suppressing CXCL3 expression through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This makes it a promising therapeutic target for AAD, offering a new avenue in AAD management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyin Zhang
- Institute of Cardiothoracic Vascular Disease, Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ruisha Li
- Institute of Cardiothoracic Vascular Disease, Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yusanjan Matniyaz
- Institute of Cardiothoracic Vascular Disease, Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ronghuang Yu
- Institute of Cardiothoracic Vascular Disease, Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Pan
- Institute of Cardiothoracic Vascular Disease, Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Wenxue Liu
- Institute of Cardiothoracic Vascular Disease, Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - DongJin Wang
- Institute of Cardiothoracic Vascular Disease, Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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Wang Y, Huang Y, Wang Y, Zhang W, Wang N, Bai R, Luo R, Tuo H, Zheng Y. LPCAT1 promotes melanoma cell proliferation via Akt signaling. Oncol Rep 2024; 51:67. [PMID: 38551165 PMCID: PMC10995661 DOI: 10.3892/or.2024.8726] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most lethal type of skin cancer with an increasing cutaneous cancer‑related mortality rate worldwide. Despite therapeutic advances in targeted therapy and immunotherapy, the overall survival of patients with melanoma remains unsatisfactory. Thus, a further understanding of the pathogenesis of melanoma may aid towards the development of therapeutic strategies. Lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 1 (LPCAT1) is a key enzyme that converts lysophosphatidylcholine into phosphatidylcholine in lipid remodeling. In the present study, LPCAT1 was found to play a pro‑proliferative role in melanoma. Firstly, the expression of LPCAT1 was found to be upregulated in tissues from patients with melanoma compared with that in benign nevi. Subsequently, LPCAT1 knockdown was performed, utilizing short hairpin RNA, which induced melanoma cell cycle arrest at the G1/S transition and promoted cell death. Moreover, LPCAT1 facilitated melanoma cell growth in an Akt‑dependent manner. In summary, the results of the present study indicate that targeting LPCAT1 may impede cell proliferation by inhibiting Akt signaling, thus providing a promising therapeutic strategy for melanoma in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqian Wang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Yingjian Huang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
- Department of Dermatology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Yan Wang
- Center for Mitochondrial Biology and Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Ruimin Bai
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Ruiting Luo
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Huihui Tuo
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Yan Zheng
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
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Bibha K, Akhigbe TM, Hamed MA, Akhigbe RE. Metabolic Derangement by Arsenic: a Review of the Mechanisms. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024; 202:1972-1982. [PMID: 37670201 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-03828-4] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Studies have implicated arsenic exposure in various pathological conditions, including metabolic disorders, which have become a global phenomenon, affecting developed, developing, and under-developed nations. Despite the huge risks associated with arsenic exposure, humans remain constantly exposed to it, especially through the consumption of contaminated water and food. This present study provides an in-depth insight into the mechanistic pathways involved in the metabolic derangement by arsenic. Compelling pieces of evidence demonstrate that arsenic induces metabolic disorders via multiple pathways. Apart from the initiation of oxidative stress and inflammation, arsenic prevents the phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473 and Thr308, leading to the inhibition of PDK-1/Akt insulin signaling, thereby reducing GLUT4 translocation through the activation of Nrf2. Also, arsenic downregulates mitochondrial deacetylase Sirt3, decreasing the ability of its associated transcription factor, FOXO3a, to bind to the agents that support the genes for manganese superoxide dismutase and PPARg co-activator (PGC)-1a. In addition, arsenic activates MAPKs, modulates p53/ Bcl-2 signaling, suppresses Mdm-2 and PARP, activates NLRP3 inflammasome and caspase-mediated apoptosis, and induces ER stress, and ox-mtDNA-dependent mitophagy and autophagy. More so, arsenic alters lipid metabolism by decreasing the presence of 3-hydroxy-e-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase 1 and carnitine O-octanoyl transferase (Crot) and increasing the presence of fatty acid-binding protein-3 mRNA. Furthermore, arsenic promotes atherosclerosis by inducing endothelial damage. This cascade of pathophysiological events promotes metabolic derangement. Although the pieces of evidence provided by this study are convincing, future studies evaluating the involvement of other likely mechanisms are important. Also, epidemiological studies might be necessary for the translation of most of the findings in animal models to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Bibha
- Department of Zoology, Magadh Mahila College, Patna University, Patna, India
| | - T M Akhigbe
- Breeding and Plant Genetics Unit, Department of Agronomy, Osun State University, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria
- Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Oasis of Grace Hospital, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - M A Hamed
- Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Oasis of Grace Hospital, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
- The Brainwill Laboratory, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - R E Akhigbe
- Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Oasis of Grace Hospital, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria.
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria.
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Chen X, Zhang P, Zhang H, Ma X, Zhang Y, Wu Y, Jin K, Wang J, Wu J. Discovery of cinnamylaldehyde-derived mono-carbonyl curcumin analogs as anti-gastric cancer agents via suppression of STAT3 and AKT pathway. Bioorg Chem 2024; 146:107306. [PMID: 38531150 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107306] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
The structural modification of curcumin has always been a hotspot in drug development. In this paper, a class of cinnamylaldehyde-derived mono-carbonyl curcumin analogs (MCAs) with 7-carbon-links were designed and synthesized and their anticancer properties were evaluated. Through screening anti-gastric cancer activity of these compounds, H1 exhibited the strongest cytotoxic activity by inhibiting cell viability and colony formation, inducing cell cycle G2/M phase arrest in vitro (SGC-7901 and AGS gastric cancer cells). Moreover, the SGC-7901 subcutaneous tumor-bearing mice studies revealed that H1 significantly inhibited the tumor growth of gastric cancer. We explored the possible potential targets of H1 through network pharmacology. Mechanistically, our results demonstrated that H1 showed potential anti-gastric cancer activity through suppression of the STAT3 and AKT signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo, which was validated by molecular docking. Overall, our results indicate the potential of H1 as a potent chemotherapeutic drug against gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou Zhejiang, 318000, China
| | - Peiqin Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Huating Zhang
- School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou Zhejiang, 318000, China
| | - Xueqiang Ma
- Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou Zhejiang, 318000, China
| | - Yajie Wu
- School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou Zhejiang, 318000, China
| | - Kaiwen Jin
- School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou Zhejiang, 318000, China
| | - Jiabing Wang
- Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jianzhang Wu
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China; Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
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Jia J, Yu L. METTL3-mediated m6A modification of EPPK1 to promote the development of esophageal cancer through regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway. Environ Toxicol 2024; 39:2830-2841. [PMID: 38293837 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24158] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Methyltransferase like 3 (METTL3) has been proved to be involved in the progression of various cancers. In this study, we explored the role of METTL3 and its underlying mechanism in esophageal cancer progression. The mRNA and protein levels of METTL3 and epiplakin1 (EPPK1) were determined using qRT-PCR and western blot. The proliferative ability was evaluated through 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y1)-3,5-di- phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT), colony formation, and EdU assays. Transwell invasion assay and wound-healing assay were employed for detecting cell invasion and migration, respectively. Cell stemness was evaluated by sphere-formation assay. Xenograft tumor experiments and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed to explore the effects of METTL3 knockdown on tumor growth in vivo. The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of EPPK1 was analyzed using MeRIP. RNA-protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to verify the relationship between EPPK1 and METTL3. METTL3 was upregulated in esophageal cancer tissues and cells, which was related to the poor prognosis of esophageal cancer patients. Knockdown of METTL3 overtly decreased the proliferative, invasive, migrated abilities, and cell stemness of esophageal cancer cells in vitro. Moreover, depletion of METTL3 also observably suppressed the growth of tumor in vivo. EPPK1 was a direct target of METTL3, and METTL3 could mediate the m6A modification of EPPK1. EPPK1 was downregulated in esophageal cancer tissues and cells, and EPPK1 depletion markedly repressed cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and stemness of esophageal cancer cells. The inhibition effects of METTL3 deficiency on these malignant behaviors were harbored by EPPK1 upregulation in esophageal cancer cells. In addition, METTL3 deficiency reduced EPPK1 expression to inactivate the PI3K/AKT pathway. Our results revealed that METTL3 deficiency regulated the m6A modification of EPPK1 to inhibit the PI3K/AKT pathway, thereby restraining the progression of esophageal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Jia
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nanyang First People's Hospital, Nanyang, China
| | - Longhai Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nanyang First People's Hospital, Nanyang, 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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Yu JR, Liu YY, Gao YY, Qian LH, Qiu JL, Wang PP, Zhang GJ. Diterpenoid tanshinones inhibit gastric cancer angiogenesis through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 324:117791. [PMID: 38301987 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117791] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge is a kind of Chinese herbal medicine known for activating blood circulation and removing blood stasis, with the effect of cooling blood and eliminating carbuncles, and has been proven to have the effect of treating tumors. However, the inhibitory effect of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge extracts (Diterpenoid tanshinones) on tumors by inhibiting angiogenesis has not been studied in detail. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to investigate the anti-gastric cancer effect of diterpenoid tanshinones (DT) on angiogenesis, including the therapeutic effects and pathways. MATERIALS AND METHODS This experiment utilized network pharmacology was used to identify relevant targets and pathways of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge-related components in the treatment of gastric cancer. The effects of DT on the proliferation and migration of human gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901 and human umbilical vein endothelial cell line HUVECs were evaluated, and changes in the expression of angiogenesis-related factors were measured. In vivo, experiments were conducted on nude mice to determine tumor activity, size, immunohistochemistry, and related proteins. RESULTS The findings showed that DT could inhibit the development of gastric cancer by suppressing the proliferation of gastric cancer cells, inducing apoptosis, and inhibiting invasion and metastasis. In addition, the content of angiogenesis-related factors and proteins was significantly altered in DT-affected cells and animals. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that DT has potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of gastric cancer, as it can inhibit tumor growth and angiogenesis. It was also found that DT may affect the expression of the angiogenic factor VEGF through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, leading to the regulation of tumor angiogenesis. This study provides a new approach to the development of anti-tumor agents and has significant theoretical and clinical implications for the treatment of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie-Ru Yu
- Key Laboratory of Blood-Stasis-Toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for "Preventive Treatment" Smart Health of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yu-Yue Liu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yang-Yang Gao
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Li-Hui Qian
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jia-Lin Qiu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Pei-Pei Wang
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Guang-Ji Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Blood-Stasis-Toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for "Preventive Treatment" Smart Health of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China.
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Messana VG, Fascì A, Vitale N, Micillo M, Rovere M, Pesce NA, Martines C, Efremov DG, Vaisitti T, Deaglio S. A molecular circuit linking the BCR to the NAD biosynthetic enzyme NAMPT is an actionable target in Richter syndrome. Blood Adv 2024; 8:1920-1933. [PMID: 38359376 PMCID: PMC11021907 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023011690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT This works defines, to the best of our knowledge, for the first time a molecular circuit connecting nicotinamide mononucleoside phosphoribosyl transferase (NAMPT) activity to the B-cell receptor (BCR) pathway. Using 4 distinct xenograft models derived from patients with Richter syndrome (RS-PDX), we show that BCR cross-linking results in transcriptional activation of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) biosynthetic enzyme NAMPT, with increased protein expression, in turn, positively affecting global cellular NAD levels and sirtuins activity. NAMPT blockade, by using the novel OT-82 inhibitor in combination with either BTK or PI3K inhibitors (BTKi or PI3Ki), induces rapid and potent apoptotic responses in all 4 models, independently of their mutational profile and the expression of the other NAD biosynthetic enzymes, including nicotinate phosphoribosyltransferase. The connecting link in the circuit is represented by AKT that is both tyrosine- and serine-phosphorylated by PI3K and deacetylated by sirtuin 1 and 2 to obtain full kinase activation. Acetylation (ie, inhibition) of AKT after OT-82 administration was shown by 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis and immunoprecipitation. Consistently, pharmacological inhibition or silencing of sirtuin 1 and 2 impairs AKT activation and induces apoptosis of RS cells in combination with PI3Ki or BTKi. Lastly, treatment of RS-PDX mice with the combination of PI3Ki and OT-82 results in significant inhibition of tumor growth, with evidence of in vivo activation of apoptosis. Collectively, these data highlight a novel application for NAMPT inhibitors in combination with BTKi or PI3Ki in aggressive lymphomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo G. Messana
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Amelia Fascì
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Vitale
- Department of Molecular Biotechnologies and Health Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Matilde Micillo
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Matteo Rovere
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Noemi A. Pesce
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Claudio Martines
- Molecular Hematology Unit, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy
| | - Dimitar G. Efremov
- Molecular Hematology Unit, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy
| | - Tiziana Vaisitti
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia Deaglio
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Zhao YZ, Wang YL, Yu Y. Immunoenhancement effect of cinobufagin on macrophages and the cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression mouse model. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 131:111885. [PMID: 38503015 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111885] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Cinobufagin (CBG) is a natural active substance. Although its various pharmacological activities have been explored, the immunomodulatory activity of CBG remains unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities of CBG ex vivo and in vivo. The immunomodulatory activity of CBG was investigated in RAW 264.7 cells. CBG showed no significant toxicity to cells. Additionally, 0.5-8 μg/mL CBG significantly increased the phagocytosis ability of macrophages and the secretion levels of IL-1β and TNF-α. Thus, it exerted immunomodulatory effects. We established the immunosuppressive model induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX) in mice and studied the immunomodulatory activity of CBG in vivo. The experimental results showed that the intervention of CBG alleviated the CTX-induced weight loss, restored the lymphocyte nuclear cell number, and promoted the secretion and mRNA expression of cytokines IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-12. Moreover, CBG increased the immune organ index, protected the growth of the spleen and thymus, and improved the pathological changes in immunosuppressed mice. Western blot results showed that different concentrations of CBG upregulated the phosphorylation level of PI3K/Akt/mTOR in the spleen of CTX-induced immunosuppressed mice. This suggests that the immunomodulatory effect of CBG may be related to the regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. This study provides a theoretical basis for developing CBG immune enhancers and opens up new ideas for the comprehensive utilization and development of CBG in factories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Zhu Zhao
- Liaoning Technical Innovation Center for Meat Processing and Quality and Safety Control, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121001, China
| | - Yi-Lun Wang
- College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
| | - Yang Yu
- Liaoning Technical Innovation Center for Meat Processing and Quality and Safety Control, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121001, China.
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Cheng W, Tan L, Yu S, Song J, Li Z, Peng X, Wei Q, He Z, Zhang W, Yang X. Geniposide reduced oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in HK-2 cell through PI3K/AKT3/FOXO1 by m6A modification. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 131:111820. [PMID: 38508092 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111820] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Exogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) may generate excessive oxidative stress, inducing renal cell apoptosis related with kidney dysfunction. Geniposide (GP) belongs to the iridoid compound with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects. This study aimed to observe the intervention effect of GP on H2O2-induced apoptosis in human kidney-2 (HK-2) cells and to explore its potential mechanism in relation to N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation. Cell viability, apotosis rate and cell cycle were tested separately after different treatments. The mRNA and protein levels of m6A related enzymes and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/a serine/threonine-specific protein kinase 3 (AKT3)/forkhead boxo 1 (FOXO1) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot. The whole m6A methyltransferase activity and the m6A content were measured by ELISA-like colorimetric methods. The changes of m6A methylation levels of PI3K/AKT3/FOXO1 and SOD2 were determined by methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP)-qPCR. Multiple comparisons were performed by ANOVA with Turkey's post hoc test. Exposed to 400 μmol/L H2O2, cells were arrested in G1 phase and the apoptosis rate increased, which were significantly alleviated by GP. Compared with the H2O2 apoptosis group, both the whole m6A RNA methyltransferase activity and the m6A contents were increased due to GP intervention. Besides, the SOD2 protein was increased, while PI3K and FOXO1 decreased. The m6A methylation level of AKT3 was negatively correlated with its protein level. Taken together, GP affects the global m6A methylation microenvironment and regulates the expression of PI3K/AKT3/FOXO1 signaling pathway via m6A modification, alleviating cell cycle arrest and apoptosis caused by oxidative stress in HK-2 cells with a good application prospect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Cheng
- Food Safety and Health Research Center, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, PR China; Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, PR China
| | - Luyi Tan
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, PR China
| | - Susu Yu
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, PR China
| | - Jia Song
- Food Safety and Health Research Center, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, PR China
| | - Ziyin Li
- Food Safety and Health Research Center, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, PR China
| | - Xinyue Peng
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, PR China
| | - Qinzhi Wei
- Food Safety and Health Research Center, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, PR China
| | - Zhini He
- Food Safety and Health Research Center, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, PR China
| | - Wenjuan Zhang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, PR China.
| | - Xingfen Yang
- Food Safety and Health Research Center, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, PR China.
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Zhu N, Hou J, Si J, Yang N, Chen B, Wei X, Zhu L. SIRT1 and ZNF350 as novel biomarkers for osteoporosis: a bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:530. [PMID: 38637425 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09406-8] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteoporosis (OP) is characterized by bone mass decrease and bone tissue microarchitectural deterioration in bone tissue. This study identified potential biomarkers for early diagnosis of OP and elucidated the mechanism of OP. METHODS Gene expression profiles were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) for the GSE56814 dataset. A gene co-expression network was constructed using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify key modules associated with healthy and OP samples. Functional enrichment analysis was conducted using the R clusterProfiler package for modules to construct the transcriptional regulatory factor networks. We used the "ggpubr" package in R to screen for differentially expressed genes between the two samples. Gene set variation analysis (GSVA) was employed to further validate hub gene expression levels between normal and OP samples using RT-PCR and immunofluorescence to evaluate the potential biological changes in various samples. RESULTS There was a distinction between the normal and OP conditions based on the preserved significant module. A total of 100 genes with the highest MM scores were considered key genes. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that the top 10 biological processes, cellular component and molecular functions were enriched. The Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, osteoclast differentiation, JAK-STAT signaling pathway, and chemokine signaling pathway were identified by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis. SIRT1 and ZNF350 were identified by Wilcoxon algorithm as hub differentially expressed transcriptional regulatory factors that promote OP progression by affecting oxidative phosphorylation, apoptosis, PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling, and p53 pathway. According to RT-PCR and immunostaining results, SIRT1 and ZNF350 levels were significantly higher in OP samples than in normal samples. CONCLUSION SIRT1 and ZNF350 are important transcriptional regulatory factors for the pathogenesis of OP and may be novel biomarkers for OP treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiqiang Zhu
- Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100102, China
- Department of Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, 067000, China
| | - Jingyi Hou
- Chengde Medical University, Chengde, 067000, China
| | - Jingyuan Si
- South Operation Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, 067000, China
| | - Ning Yang
- Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, 067000, China
| | - Bin Chen
- Department of Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, 067000, China
| | - Xu Wei
- Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100102, China.
| | - Liguo Zhu
- Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100102, China.
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Yao N, Ma Q, Yi W, Zhu Y, Liu Y, Gao X, Zhang Q, Luo W. Artesunate attenuates the tumorigenesis of choroidal melanoma via inhibiting EFNA3 through Stat3/Akt signaling pathway. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:202. [PMID: 38630320 PMCID: PMC11024049 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05711-8] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Choroidal melanoma (CM), a kind of malignant tumor, is the main type of Uveal melanoma and one half of CM patients develop metastases. As a member of Eph/ephrin pathway that plays vital role in tumors, EphrinA3 (EFNA3) has been proved to promote tumorigenesis in many tumors. But the effect of EFNA3 in CM has not been studied yet. Through inhibiting angiogenesis, inducing apoptosis and autophagy and so on, Artesunate (ART) plays a key anti-tumor role in many tumors, including CM. However, the exact mechanisms of anti-tumor in CM remain unclear. METHODS The UALCAN and TIMER v2.0 database analyzed the role of EFNA3 in CM patients. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot were used to detect the expression of EFNA3 in CM. The growth ability of CM was tested by clonogenic assay and Cell counting kit-8 assay, and the migration ability using Transwell assay. RESULTS Our results found EFNA3 boosted CM cells' growth and migration through activating Stat3/Akt signaling pathway, while ART inhibited the tumor promoting effect of CM via downregulating EFNA3. In xenograft tumor model, EFNA3 knockdown and ART significantly inhibited tumor growth. CONCLUSION EFNA3 could be a valuable prognostic factor in CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningning Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology of The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Qingyue Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology of The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Wendan Yi
- Department of Ophthalmology of The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Yuanzhang Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology of The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Yichong Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology of The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Xiaodi Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology of The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology of The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Wenjuan Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology of The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China.
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Zhu N, Li T, Bai Y, Sun J, Guo J, Yuan H, Shan Z. Targeting myocardial inflammation: investigating the therapeutic potential of atrial natriuretic peptide in atrial fibrosis. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:506. [PMID: 38622341 PMCID: PMC11018689 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09393-w] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial Fibrillation (AF), a prevalent arrhythmic condition, is intricately associated with atrial fibrosis, a major pathological contributor. Central to the development of atrial fibrosis is myocardial inflammation. This study focuses on Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) and its role in mitigating atrial fibrosis, aiming to elucidate the specific mechanisms by which ANP exerts its effects, with an emphasis on fibroblast dynamics. METHODS AND RESULTS The study involved forty Sprague-Dawley rats, divided into four groups: control, Angiotensin II (Ang II), Ang II + ANP, and ANP only. The administration of 1 µg/kg/min Ang II was given to Ang II and Ang II + ANP groups, while both Ang II + ANP and ANP groups received 0.1 µg/kg/min ANP intravenously for a duration of 14 days. Cardiac fibroblasts were used for in vitro validation of the proposed mechanisms. The study observed that rats in the Ang II and Ang II + ANP groups showed an increase in blood pressure and a decrease in body weight, more pronounced in the Ang II group. Diastolic dysfunction, a characteristic of the Ang II group, was alleviated by ANP. Additionally, ANP significantly reduced Ang II-induced atrial fibrosis, myofibroblast proliferation, collagen overexpression, macrophage infiltration, and the elevated expression of Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and Tenascin-C (TN-C). Transcriptomic sequencing indicated enhanced PI3K/Akt signaling in the Ang II group. Furthermore, in vitro studies showed that ANP, along with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002, effectively reduced PI3K/Akt pathway activation and the expression of TN-C, collagen-I, and collagen-III, which were induced by Ang II. CONCLUSIONS The study demonstrates ANP's potential in inhibiting myocardial inflammation and reducing atrial fibrosis. Notably, ANP's effect in countering atrial fibrosis seems to be mediated through the suppression of the Ang II-induced PI3K/Akt-Tenascin-C signaling pathway. These insights enhance our understanding of AF pathogenesis and position ANP as a potential therapeutic agent for treating atrial fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Zhu
- Graduate School, Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Tianlun Li
- Graduate School, Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Yili Bai
- Southern Medical Branch, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jiao Sun
- Graduate School, Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Jianping Guo
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, the Sixth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hongtao Yuan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, the Sixth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoliang Shan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, the Sixth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
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Zabransky DJ, Chhabra Y, Fane ME, Kartalia E, Leatherman JM, Hüser L, Zimmerman JW, Delitto D, Han S, Armstrong TD, Charmsaz S, Guinn S, Pramod S, Thompson ED, Hughes SJ, O'Connell J, Egan JM, Jaffee EM, Weeraratna AT. Fibroblasts in the Aged Pancreas Drive Pancreatic Cancer Progression. Cancer Res 2024; 84:1221-1236. [PMID: 38330147 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-24-0086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is more prevalent in older individuals and often carries a poorer prognosis for them. The relationship between the microenvironment and pancreatic cancer is multifactorial, and age-related changes in nonmalignant cells in the tumor microenvironment may play a key role in promoting cancer aggressiveness. Because fibroblasts have profound impacts on pancreatic cancer progression, we investigated whether age-related changes in pancreatic fibroblasts influence cancer growth and metastasis. Proteomics analysis revealed that aged fibroblasts secrete different factors than young fibroblasts, including increased growth/differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15). Treating young mice with GDF-15 enhanced tumor growth, whereas aged GDF-15 knockout mice showed reduced tumor growth. GDF-15 activated AKT, rendering tumors sensitive to AKT inhibition in an aged but not young microenvironment. These data provide evidence for how aging alters pancreatic fibroblasts and promotes tumor progression, providing potential therapeutic targets and avenues for studying pancreatic cancer while accounting for the effects of aging. SIGNIFICANCE Aged pancreatic fibroblasts secrete GDF-15 and activate AKT signaling to promote pancreatic cancer growth, highlighting the critical role of aging-mediated changes in the pancreatic cancer microenvironment in driving tumor progression. See related commentary by Isaacson et al., p. 1185.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Zabransky
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yash Chhabra
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mitchell E Fane
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Emma Kartalia
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - James M Leatherman
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Laura Hüser
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jacquelyn W Zimmerman
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Daniel Delitto
- Hagey Laboratory for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Song Han
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Todd D Armstrong
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Soren Charmsaz
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Samantha Guinn
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sneha Pramod
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Elizabeth D Thompson
- Department of Pathology, Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Steven J Hughes
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Jennifer O'Connell
- Diabetes Section/Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Josephine M Egan
- Diabetes Section/Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Elizabeth M Jaffee
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- The Johns Hopkins Cancer Convergence Institute, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ashani T Weeraratna
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
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Tong T, Cheng B, Tie S, Ouyang D, Cao J. Exploring Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma and Polygalae Radix in Alzheimer's: Network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37740. [PMID: 38608086 PMCID: PMC11018230 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037740] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Explore Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (ATR) and Polygalae Radix (PR) mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatment through network pharmacology. ATR-PR was investigated in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database, Batman, and Traditional Chinese Medicines Integrated Database (TCMID) to gather information on its chemical components and target proteins. Target genes associated with AD were retrieved from the GeneCards and National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) databases. The integration of these datasets with potential targets facilitated the construction of an AD and ATR-PR protein-protein interaction (PPI) network using the STRING database. The resulting network identified the core active ingredients and main targets of ATR-PR in AD treatment. Cluster analysis of the PPI network was performed using Cytoscape 3.7.1. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were conducted using the Metascape database. Molecular docking simulations revealed potential interactions between the main active ingredients and core targets. Our analysis identified 8 putative components and 455 targets of ATR-PR. We systematically searched for 1306 genes associated with AD, conducted Venn diagram analysis resulting in 156 common targets, and constructed a PPI network with 57 key targets. GO functional analysis highlighted the primary biological processes associated with oxidative stress. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed the involvement of 64 signaling pathways, with the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway playing a key role. Molecular docking analysis indicated a high affinity between the potential targets of ATR-PR and the main compounds of AD. This study sheds light on the complex network of interactions involving ATR-PR in the context of AD. The identified targets, pathways, and interactions provide a foundation for understanding the potential therapeutic mechanisms. The involvement of oxidative stress-related processes and the crucial role of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway suggest avenues for targeted therapeutic interventions in Alzheimer's disease treatment. Our proposition of the combined use of ATR-PR has emerged as a potential treatment strategy for AD, supported by a network pharmacology approach. This framework provides a robust foundation for future clinical applications and experimental research in the pursuit of effective Alzheimer's disease treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhao Tong
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Bin Cheng
- Xiangtan County Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiangtan, China
| | - Songyan Tie
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Dan Ouyang
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Jianzhong Cao
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnostics in Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
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Guo Q, Wang Y, Yu L, Guan L, Ji X, Li X, Pang G, Ren Z, Ye L, Cheng H. Nicotine restores olfactory function by activation of prok2R/Akt/FoxO3a axis in Parkinson's disease. J Transl Med 2024; 22:350. [PMID: 38609979 PMCID: PMC11015622 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05171-1] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Olfactory dysfunction occurs frequently in Parkinson's disease (PD). In this study, we aimed to explore the potential biomarkers and underlying molecular pathways of nicotine for the treatment of olfactory dysfunction in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced PD mice. METHODS MPTP was introduced into C57BL/6 male mice to generate a PD model. Regarding in vivo experiments, we performed behavioral tests to estimate the protective effects of nicotine in MPTP-induced PD mice. RNA sequencing and traditional molecular methods were used to identify molecules, pathways, and biological processes in the olfactory bulb of PD mouse models. Then, in vitro experiments were conducted to evaluate whether nicotine can activate the prok2R/Akt/FoxO3a signaling pathway in both HEK293T cell lines and primary olfactory neurons treated with 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+). Next, prok2R overexpression (prok2R+) and knockdown (prok2R-) were introduced with lentivirus, and the Akt/FoxO3a signaling pathway was further explored. Finally, the damaging effects of MPP+ were evaluated in prok2R overexpression (prok2R+) HEK293T cell lines. RESULTS Nicotine intervention significantly alleviated olfactory and motor dysfunctions in mice with PD. The prok2R/Akt/FoxO3a signaling pathway was activated after nicotine treatment. Consequently, apoptosis of olfactory sensory neurons was significantly reduced. Furthermore, prok2R+ and prok2R- HEK293T cell lines exhibited upregulation and downregulation of the Akt/FoxO3a signaling pathway, respectively. Additionally, prok2R+ HEK293T cells were resistant to MPP+-induced apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS This study showed the effectiveness and underlying mechanisms of nicotine in improving hyposmia in PD mice. These improvements were correlated with reduced apoptosis of olfactory sensory neurons via activated prok2R/Akt/FoxO3a axis. These results explained the potential protective functions of nicotine in PD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinglong Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Jixi Road 218, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Jixi Road 218, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Liangchen Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Jixi Road 218, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Liao Guan
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Jixi Road 218, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Xuefei Ji
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Jixi Road 218, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaohui Li
- Department of Anatomy, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Road 81, Hefei, 230032, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory for Brain Bank Construction and Resource Utilization, Meishan Road 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Gang Pang
- Department of Anatomy, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Road 81, Hefei, 230032, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory for Brain Bank Construction and Resource Utilization, Meishan Road 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Zhenhua Ren
- Department of Anatomy, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Road 81, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory for Brain Bank Construction and Resource Utilization, Meishan Road 81, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Lei Ye
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Jixi Road 218, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
| | - Hongwei Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Jixi Road 218, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
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Zhu Q, Zhang X, Lu F, Miao S, Zhang C, Liu Z, Gao Z, Qi M, An X, Geng P, Wang S, Ren H, Han F, Zhang R, Zha D. RUNX1-BMP2 promotes vasculogenic mimicry in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma via activation of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:227. [PMID: 38610001 PMCID: PMC11010429 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01605-x] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the head and neck. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is crucial for tumor growth and metastasis and refers to the formation of fluid channels by invasive tumor cells rather than endothelial cells. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying VM during the malignant progression of LSCC remain largely unknown. METHODS Gene expression and clinical data for LSCC were obtained from the TCGA and Gene GEO (GSE27020) databases. A risk prediction model associated with VM was established using LASSO and Cox regression analyses. Based on their risk scores, patients with LSCC were categorized into high- and low-risk groups. The disparities in immune infiltration, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and functional enrichment between these two groups were examined. The core genes in LSCC were identified using the machine learning (SVM-RFE) and WGCNA algorithms. Subsequently, the involvement of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) in VM and metastasis was investigated both in vitro and in vivo. To elucidate the downstream signaling pathways regulated by BMP2, western blotting was performed. Additionally, ChIP experiments were employed to identify the key transcription factors responsible for modulating the expression of BMP2. RESULTS We established a new precise prognostic model for LSCC related to VM based on three genes: BMP2, EPO, and AGPS. The ROC curves from both TCGA and GSE27020 validation cohorts demonstrated precision survival prediction capabilities, with the nomogram showing some net clinical benefit. Multiple algorithm analyses indicated BMP2 as a potential core gene. Further experiments suggested that BMP2 promotes VM and metastasis in LSCC. The malignant progression of LSCC is promoted by BMP2 via the activation of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, with the high expression of BMP2 in LSCC resulting from its transcriptional activation by runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1). CONCLUSION BMP2 predicts poor prognosis in LSCC, promotes LSCC VM and metastasis through the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, and is transcriptionally regulated by RUNX1. BMP2 may be a novel, precise, diagnostic, and therapeutic biomarker of LSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingwen Zhu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fei Lu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Siyu Miao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chunyang Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhenzhen Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zejun Gao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Meihao Qi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaogang An
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Panling Geng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Sufang Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hongbo Ren
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fugen Han
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ruyue Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - DingJun Zha
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
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Baek JY, Kwak JE, Ahn MR. Eriocitrin Inhibits Angiogenesis by Targeting VEGFR2-Mediated PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathways. Nutrients 2024; 16:1091. [PMID: 38613124 PMCID: PMC11013780 DOI: 10.3390/nu16071091] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Eriocitrin, a flavanone found in peppermint and citrus fruits, is known to possess many physiological activities. However, the anti-angiogenic effects of eriocitrin are yet to be fully elucidated. Therefore, the objective of this research was to explore the anti-angiogenic effects of eriocitrin both in vitro and in vivo as well as its underlying mechanism. Anti-angiogenic effects of eriocitrin were evaluated utilizing in vitro models of angiogenesis, including inhibition of tube formation, and induction of apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). A chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay in chick embryos was also performed to evaluate the in vivo effects of eriocitrin on angiogenesis. Results showed significant eriocitrin effects on proliferation, tube formation, migration, and apoptosis in HUVECs. Furthermore, in vivo analysis revealed that eriocitrin significantly suppressed the formation of new blood vessels. In particular, it regulated MAPK/ERK signaling pathway and VEGFR2, inhibited the downstream PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, and activated apoptosis signals such as caspase cascades. In HUVECs, the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) exhibited an inhibitory effect on angiogenesis through the suppression of the signaling pathway. Therefore, eriocitrin presents potential for development into an antiangiogenic therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Yoon Baek
- Department of Health Sciences, The Graduate School of Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea; (J.-Y.B.); (J.-E.K.)
| | - Jeong-Eun Kwak
- Department of Health Sciences, The Graduate School of Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea; (J.-Y.B.); (J.-E.K.)
| | - Mok-Ryeon Ahn
- Department of Health Sciences, The Graduate School of Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea; (J.-Y.B.); (J.-E.K.)
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Health Sciences, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea
- Center for Food & Bio Innovation, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea
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Fernández-Arjona MDM, Navarro JA, López-Gambero AJ, de Ceglia M, Rodríguez M, Rubio L, Rodríguez de Fonseca F, Barrios V, Chowen JA, Argente J, Rivera P, Suárez J. Sex-based differences in growth-related IGF1 signaling in response to PAPP-A2 deficiency: comparative effects of rhGH, rhIGF1 and rhPAPP-A2 treatments. Biol Sex Differ 2024; 15:34. [PMID: 38589872 PMCID: PMC11000399 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-024-00603-5] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A2 (PAPP-A2) mutations resulting in low levels of bioactive insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) and progressive postnatal growth retardation have improved growth velocity and height following recombinant human (rh)IGF1 treatment. The present study aimed to evaluate whether Pappa2 deficiency and pharmacological manipulation of GH/IGF1 system are associated with sex-specific differences in growth-related signaling pathways. METHODS Plasma, hypothalamus, pituitary gland and liver of Pappa2ko/ko mice of both sexes, showing reduced skeletal growth, and liver of these mice treated with rhGH, rhIGF1 and rhPAPP-A2 from postnatal day (PND) 5 to PND35 were analyzed. RESULTS Reduced body and femur length of Pappa2ko/ko mice was associated with increases in: (1) components of IGF1 ternary complexes (IGF1, IGFBP5/Igfbp5, Igfbp3, Igfals) in plasma, hypothalamus and/or liver; and (2) key signaling regulators (phosphorylated PI3K, AKT, mTOR, GSK3β, ERK1/2 and AMPKα) in hypothalamus, pituitary gland and/or liver, with Pappa2ko/ko females having a more prominent effect. Compared to rhGH and rhIGF1, rhPAPP-A2 specifically induced: (1) increased body and femur length, and reduced plasma total IGF1 and IGFBP5 concentrations in Pappa2ko/ko females; and (2) increased Igf1 and Igf1r levels and decreased Ghr, Igfbp3 and Igfals levels in the liver of Pappa2ko/ko females. These changes were accompanied by lower phospho-STAT5, phospho-AKT and phospho-ERK2 levels and higher phospho-AMPK levels in the liver of Pappa2ko/ko females. CONCLUSIONS Sex-specific differences in IGF1 system and signaling pathways are associated with Pappa2 deficiency, pointing to rhPAPP-A2 as a promising drug to alleviate postnatal growth retardation underlying low IGF1 bioavailability in a female-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Del Mar Fernández-Arjona
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Avenida Carlos Haya 82, Málaga, 29010, Spain
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga, 29010, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Navarro
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Avenida Carlos Haya 82, Málaga, 29010, Spain
- UGC Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga, 29010, Spain
| | - Antonio Jesús López-Gambero
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Avenida Carlos Haya 82, Málaga, 29010, Spain
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, 33000, France
| | - Marialuisa de Ceglia
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Avenida Carlos Haya 82, Málaga, 29010, Spain
- UGC Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga, 29010, Spain
| | - Miguel Rodríguez
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Avenida Carlos Haya 82, Málaga, 29010, Spain
- Departamento de Anatomía Humana, Medicina Legal e Historia de la Ciencia. Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, Bulevar Louis Pasteur 32, Málaga, 29071, Spain
| | - Leticia Rubio
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Avenida Carlos Haya 82, Málaga, 29010, Spain
- Departamento de Anatomía Humana, Medicina Legal e Historia de la Ciencia. Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, Bulevar Louis Pasteur 32, Málaga, 29071, Spain
| | - Fernando Rodríguez de Fonseca
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Avenida Carlos Haya 82, Málaga, 29010, Spain
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga, 29010, Spain
| | - Vicente Barrios
- Departments of Pediatrics & Pediatric Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Avenida Menéndez Pelayo 65, Madrid, 28009, Spain
- La Princesa Research Institute, Madrid, 28009, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Julie A Chowen
- Departments of Pediatrics & Pediatric Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Avenida Menéndez Pelayo 65, Madrid, 28009, Spain
- La Princesa Research Institute, Madrid, 28009, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, 28029, Spain
- IMDEA Food Institute, CEI UAM & CSIC, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | - Jesús Argente
- Departments of Pediatrics & Pediatric Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Avenida Menéndez Pelayo 65, Madrid, 28009, Spain.
- La Princesa Research Institute, Madrid, 28009, Spain.
- Department of Pediatrics, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, 28029, Spain.
- IMDEA Food Institute, CEI UAM & CSIC, Madrid, 28049, Spain.
| | - Patricia Rivera
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Avenida Carlos Haya 82, Málaga, 29010, Spain.
- UGC Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga, 29010, Spain.
| | - Juan Suárez
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Avenida Carlos Haya 82, Málaga, 29010, Spain.
- Departamento de Anatomía Humana, Medicina Legal e Historia de la Ciencia. Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, Bulevar Louis Pasteur 32, Málaga, 29071, Spain.
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Zhao G, Tang Y, Dan R, Xie M, Zhang T, Li P, He F, Li N, Peng Y. Pasteurella multocida activates apoptosis via the FAK-AKT-FOXO1 axis to cause pulmonary integrity loss, bacteremia, and eventually a cytokine storm. Vet Res 2024; 55:46. [PMID: 38589976 PMCID: PMC11003142 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-024-01298-7] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Pasteurella multocida is an important zoonotic respiratory pathogen capable of infecting a diverse range of hosts, including humans, farm animals, and wild animals. However, the precise mechanisms by which P. multocida compromises the pulmonary integrity of mammals and subsequently induces systemic infection remain largely unexplored. In this study, based on mouse and rabbit models, we found that P. multocida causes not only lung damage but also bacteremia due to the loss of lung integrity. Furthermore, we demonstrated that bacteremia is an important aspect of P. multocida pathogenesis, as evidenced by the observed multiorgan damage and systemic inflammation, and ultimately found that this systemic infection leads to a cytokine storm that can be mitigated by IL-6-neutralizing antibodies. As a result, we divided the pathogenesis of P. multocida into two phases: the pulmonary infection phase and the systemic infection phase. Based on unbiased RNA-seq data, we discovered that P. multocida-induced apoptosis leads to the loss of pulmonary epithelial integrity. These findings have been validated in both TC-1 murine lung epithelial cells and the lungs of model mice. Conversely, the administration of Ac-DEVD-CHO, an apoptosis inhibitor, effectively restored pulmonary epithelial integrity, significantly mitigated lung damage, inhibited bacteremia, attenuated the cytokine storm, and reduced mortality in mouse models. At the molecular level, we demonstrated that the FAK-AKT-FOXO1 axis is involved in P. multocida-induced lung epithelial cell apoptosis in both cells and animals. Thus, our research provides crucial information with regard to the pathogenesis of P. multocida as well as potential treatment options for this and other respiratory bacterial diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangfu Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yunhan Tang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ruitong Dan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Muhan Xie
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tianci Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center for Diabetes and Metabolism Research, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Pan Li
- Department of Environment and Safety Engineering, Taiyuan Institute of Technology, Taiyuan, China
| | - Fang He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Nengzhang Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Yuanyi Peng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
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Li J, Liu S, Dong Q, Fu Y, Sun Y, Luo R, Tian X, Guo L, Liu W, Qiu Y, Lu Q, Ye C, Zong B, Fu S. PD-1/PD-L1 axis induced host immunosuppression via PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway in piglets infected by Glaesserella Parasuis. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:141. [PMID: 38582846 PMCID: PMC10998357 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-03993-1] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Glaesserella parasuis, an important respiratory bacterial pathogen, causes Glässer's disease in piglets, with potential immunosuppression. We established a piglet infection model and explored the immunosuppression mechanism to improve our understanding of the host immune response to G. parasuis. Twenty piglets were randomly divided into two groups (n = 10). The infection group was intraperitoneally challenged with 2 × 108 CFU of G. parasuis in 2 mL TSB. The control group was intraperitoneally injected with equivalent TSB. After 72 h, the piglets were sacrificed, and spleen tissue was collected. PD-1/PD-L1 expression was determined. The splenocytes were isolated to detect CD3+ T, CD3+CD4+ T, CD3+CD8+ T and CD3-CD21+cell differentiation. Via data-independent acquisition (DIA), we compared the proteomics of healthy and infected spleen tissues. Glaesserella parasuis modified CD3+ T, CD3+CD4+ T, CD3+CD8+ T and CD3-CD21+ cell differentiation and PD-1/PD-L1 expression in the spleen. The infection group had 596 proteins with significant differences in expression, of which 301 were significantly upregulated and 295 downregulated. Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were mainly related to immune responses. This is the first study on PD-1/PD-L1 expression in the spleen associated with immunosuppression in a piglet model to explore the protein changes related to immune responses via DIA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyang Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, PR China
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety, Wuhan, 430023, PR China
| | - Siyu Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, PR China
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety, Wuhan, 430023, PR China
| | - Qiaoli Dong
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, PR China
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety, Wuhan, 430023, PR China
| | - Yunjian Fu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, PR China
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety, Wuhan, 430023, PR China
| | - Yamin Sun
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, PR China
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety, Wuhan, 430023, PR China
| | - Ronghui Luo
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, PR China
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety, Wuhan, 430023, PR China
| | - Xinyue Tian
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, PR China
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety, Wuhan, 430023, PR China
| | - Ling Guo
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, PR China
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety, Wuhan, 430023, PR China
| | - Wei Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, PR China
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety, Wuhan, 430023, PR China
| | - Yinsheng Qiu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, PR China
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety, Wuhan, 430023, PR China
| | - Qirong Lu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, PR China
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety, Wuhan, 430023, PR China
| | - Chun Ye
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, PR China
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety, Wuhan, 430023, PR China
| | - Bingbing Zong
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, PR China
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety, Wuhan, 430023, PR China
| | - Shulin Fu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, PR China.
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety, Wuhan, 430023, PR 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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Xu HB, Chen XZ, Zhu SY, Xue F, Zhang YB. A study on molecular mechanism of Xihuang pill in the treatment of glioblastoma based on network pharmacology and validation in vitro and in vivo. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 323:117675. [PMID: 38159819 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117675] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Xihuang pill has been utilized to treat cancer for more than three hundred years in China. The molecular mechanisms of Xihuang pill in treating glioblastoma remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to explore the core molecular mechanisms of Xihuang pill in treating glioblastoma by an integrative pharmacology-based investigation. MATERIALS AND METHODS The main active compounds of Xihuang pill were identified from TCMSP, BATMAN-TCM, TCMID and CNKI. Glioblastoma-related therapeutic targets were retrieved from GeneCards and UniProt. Subsequently, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis was constructed using STRING. GO and KEGG enrichment were performed to analyze the intersection targets between the active compounds of Xihuang pill and glioblastoma. Based on the above analysis, we built a CTP network. The in vitro and in vivo experiments were further performed to validate the crucial molecular targets of Xihuang pill for the treatment of glioblastoma. RESULTS A total of sixty active compounds of Xihuang pill and ten potential targets related to glioblastoma were found. Based on topological analysis, fourteen ingredients were selected as the main active compounds, and MY11 might be the most important metabolite in Xihuang pill. PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and receptor tyrosine kinases were considered as crucial targets for Xihuang pill against glioblastoma through KEGG enrichment and CTP analysis. The present experiments indicated that Xihuang pill suppressed the activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in glioblastoma cells and mouse xenografts via modulating the expression of PTEN and Rheb proteins, the interaction between TSC2 and Rheb, and the production of PIP3. Meanwhile, after glioblastoma cells treatment with Xihuang pil, the release of IL-1β, INF-γ was increased and the production of IL-10, TGF-β1 was decreased in glioblastoma cells after incubated with Xihuang pill. In addition, the activation of the upstream positive modulators of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway including PDGF/PDGFR and FGF/FGFR signaling were down-regulated in glioblastoma cells and mouse xenografts after treatment with Xihuang pill. CONCLUSION Taken together, Xihuang pill inhibiting glioblastoma cell growth might be partly through down-regulating the activation of PDGF/PDGFR or FGF/FGFR-PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling axis and improving immuno-suppressive micro-environment of glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Bin Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Zhe Jiang, 315010, China.
| | - Xian-Zhen Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Su-Yan Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Zhe Jiang, 315010, China
| | - Fei Xue
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Yuan-Bin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Zhe Jiang, 315010, China
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Zhang ZT, Liang QF, Wang X, Wang RS, Duan TT, Wang SM, Tang D. Protective effects of Huang-Qi-Ge-Gen decoction against diabetic liver injury through regulating PI3K/AKT/Nrf2 pathway and metabolic profiling. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 323:117647. [PMID: 38163558 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117647] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Huang-Qi-Ge-Gen decoction (HGD) is a traditional Chinese medicine prescription that has been used for centuries to treat "Xiaoke" (the name of diabetes mellitus in ancient China). However, the ameliorating effects of HGD on diabetic liver injury (DLI) and its mechanisms are not yet fully understood. AIM OF THE STUDY To elucidate the ameliorative effect of HGD on DLI and explore its material basis and potential hepatoprotective mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS A diabetic mice model was induced by feeding a high-fat diet and injecting intraperitoneally with streptozotocin (40 mg kg-1) for five days. After the animals were in confirmed diabetic condition, they were given HGD (3 or 12 g kg-1, i. g.) for 14 weeks. The effectiveness of HGD in treating DLI mice was evaluated by monitoring blood glucose and blood lipid levels, liver function, and pathological conditions. Furthermore, UPLC-MS/MS was used to identify the chemical component profile in HGD and absorption components in HGD-treated plasma. Network pharmacology and molecular docking were performed to predict the potential pathway of HGD intervention in DLI. Then, the results of network pharmacology were validated by examining biochemical parameters and using western blotting. Lastly, urine metabolites were analyzed by metabolomics strategy to explore the effect of HGD on the metabolic profile of DLI mice. RESULTS HGD exerted therapeutic potential against the disorders of glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism, liver dysfunction, liver steatosis, and fibrosis in a DLI model mice induced by HFD/STZ. A total of 108 chemical components in HGD and 18 absorption components in HGD-treated plasma were preliminarily identified. Network pharmacology and molecular docking results of the absorbed components in plasma indicated PI3K/AKT as a potential pathway for HGD to intervene in DLI mice. Further experiments verified that HGD markedly reduced liver oxidative stress in DLI mice by modulating the PI3K/AKT/Nrf2 signaling pathway. Moreover, 19 differential metabolites between normal and DLI mice were detected in urine, and seven metabolites could be significantly modulated back by HGD. CONCLUSIONS HGD could ameliorate diabetic liver injury by modulating the PI3K/AKT/Nrf2 signaling pathway and urinary metabolic profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Tong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Digital Quality Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica of State Administration of TCM and Engineering & Technology Research Center for Chinese Materia Medica Quality of Guangdong Province, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Development and Application of External Drugs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Classical Prescription, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Qing-Feng Liang
- Key Laboratory of Digital Quality Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica of State Administration of TCM and Engineering & Technology Research Center for Chinese Materia Medica Quality of Guangdong Province, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Digital Quality Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica of State Administration of TCM and Engineering & Technology Research Center for Chinese Materia Medica Quality of Guangdong Province, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ru-Shang Wang
- Institute of Consun Co. for Chinese Medicine in Kidney Diseases, Guangdong Consun Pharmaceutical Group, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Ting-Ting Duan
- Institute of Consun Co. for Chinese Medicine in Kidney Diseases, Guangdong Consun Pharmaceutical Group, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Shu-Mei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Digital Quality Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica of State Administration of TCM and Engineering & Technology Research Center for Chinese Materia Medica Quality of Guangdong Province, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Dan Tang
- Key Laboratory of Digital Quality Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica of State Administration of TCM and Engineering & Technology Research Center for Chinese Materia Medica Quality of Guangdong Province, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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Zhang Y, Li WW, Wang Y, Fan YW, Wang QY, Liu C, Jiang S, Shang EX, Duan JA. Investigation of the material basis and mechanism of Lizhong decoction in ameliorating ulcerative colitis based on spectrum-effect relationship and network pharmacology. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 323:117666. [PMID: 38159822 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117666] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Lizhong decoction (LZD), a classical herbal prescription recorded by Zhang Zhongjing in Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Diseases, has been extensively used to treat ulcerative colitis (UC) in clinical practice for thousands of years. However, its material basis and underlying mechanism are not yet clear. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aims to explore the material basis and potential mechanism of LZD against UC based on the spectrum-effect relationship and network pharmacology. MATERIALS AND METHODS First, LZD was extracted by a systematic solvent extraction method into four parts. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) technique was used to identify the compounds from different polar parts, and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model was used to evaluate the efficacy of each fraction. Then, the spectrum-effect analyses of compounds and efficacy indicators were established via grey relational analysis (GRA), bivariate correlation analysis (BCA) and partial least squares regression (PLSR). Finally, the potential mechanism of LZD for UC therapy was explored by network pharmacology, and the results were further verified by molecular docking and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). RESULTS 66 chemical components of LZD were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS technology. The pharmacodynamic results showed that extraction parts of LZD had different therapeutic effects on UC, among which ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts had significant anti-colitis effects, which might be the main effective fractions of LZD. Furthermore, the spectrum-effect analyses indicated that 21 active ingredients such as liquiritin apioside, neolicuroside, formononetin, ginsenoside Rg1, 6-gingesulfonic acid, licoricesaponin A3, liquiritin, glycyrrhizic acid were the main material basis for LZD improving UC. Based on the above results, network pharmacology suggested that the amelioration of LZD on UC might be closely related to the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Additionally, molecular docking technology and RT-qPCR further verified that LZD could markedly inhibit the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Overall, our study first identified the chemical compositions of LZD by using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. Furthermore, the material basis and potential mechanism of LZD in improving UC were comprehensively elucidated via spectrum-effect relationships, network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental verification. The proposed strategy provided a systematic approach for exploring how herbal medicines worked. More importantly, it laid the solid foundation for further clinical application and rational development of LZD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Wen-Wen Li
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Yu Wang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Yu-Wen Fan
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Qu-Yi Wang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Chen Liu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Shu Jiang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, PR China.
| | - Er-Xin Shang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Jin-Ao Duan
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, PR China.
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Ma W, Long J, Dong L, Zhang J, Wang A, Zhang Y, Yan D. Uncovering the key pharmacodynamic material basis and possible molecular mechanism of Xiaoke formulation improve insulin resistant through a comprehensive investigation. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 323:117752. [PMID: 38216099 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117752] [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: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Xiaoke formulation (XKF) has been utilized in clinical practice for decades in China as a treatment option for mild to moderate type 2 diabetes. However, there is still a need for systematic research to uncover the key pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism of XKF. AIM OF THE STUDY Aim of to investigate the distribution and metabolism of XKF in normal and insulin resistant (IR) mice were different, and elucidate its key pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ultra performance liquid chromatography/time of flight mass spectrometry technology was employed to investigate the differences in XKF absorption, distribution, and metabolism between normal and IR mice across blood, liver, feces, and urine samples. Further, network pharmacology was used to predict target proteins and their associated signaling pathways. Then, molecular docking was utilized to validate the activity of key pharmacodynamic components and targets. Finally, IR HepG2 cells were used to detect the glucose consumption under the action of key pharmacodynamic material basis. In addition, the expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT) and phospho-protein kinase B (p-AKT) was determined using western blotting. RESULTS The study demonstrates significant distinctions in plasma and liver number and abundance of alkaloids, organic acids, flavonoids, iridoids and saponins between normal and IR mice when XKF was administered. Further analysis has shown that the representative components of XKF, including berberine, chlorogenic acid, calycosin, swertiamarin and astragaloside IV have significantly different metabolic pathways in plasma and liver. Prototypes and metabolites of these components were rarely detected in the urine and feces of mice. According to the network pharmacological analysis, these differential components are predicted to improve IR by targeting key factors such as SRC, JUN, HRAS, NOS3, FGF2, etc. Additionally, the signaling pathways involved in this process include PI3K-AKT pathway, GnRH signaling pathway, and T cell receptor signaling pathway. In addition, in vitro experiments indicate that berberine and its metabolites (berberine and demethyleneberine), chlorogenic acid and its metabolites (3-O-ferulic quinic acid and 5-O-ferulic quinic acid), calycosin and swertiamarin could improve IR in IR-HepG2 cells by elevating the expression of PI3K and AKT, leading to an increase in glucose consumption. CONCLUSION The key pharmacodynamic material basis of XKF, such as berberine and its metabolites (berberrubine and demethyleneberberine), chlorogenic acid and its metabolites (3-O-feruloylquinic acid and 5-O-feruloylquinic acid), calycosin and swertiamarin influence the glucose metabolism disorder of IR-HepG2 cells by regulating the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway, leading to an improvement in IR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Ma
- Beijing Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China; School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, Liaoning, 110016, China
| | - Jianglan Long
- Beijing Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Linjie Dong
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, Liaoning, 110016, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Aiting Wang
- Beijing Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Dan Yan
- Beijing Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China.
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Fujiwara-Tani R, Sasaki T, Bhawal UK, Mori S, Ogata R, Sasaki R, Ikemoto A, Kishi S, Fujii K, Ohmori H, Sho M, Kuniyasu H. Nuclear MAST4 Suppresses FOXO3 through Interaction with AKT3 and Induces Chemoresistance in Pancreatic Ductal Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4056. [PMID: 38612866 PMCID: PMC11012408 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074056] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is highly malignant, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 10%. Furthermore, the acquisition of anticancer drug resistance makes PDAC treatment difficult. We established MIA-GEM cells, a PDAC cell line resistant to gemcitabine (GEM), a first-line anticancer drug, using the human PDAC cell line-MIA-PaCa-2. Microtubule-associated serine/threonine kinase-4 (MAST4) expression was increased in MIA-GEM cells compared with the parent cell line. Through inhibitor screening, dysregulated AKT signaling was identified in MIA-GEM cells with overexpression of AKT3. MAST4 knockdown effectively suppressed AKT3 overexpression, and both MAST4 and AKT3 translocation into the nucleus, phosphorylating forkhead box O3a (FOXO3) in MIA-GEM cells. Modulating FOXO3 target gene expression in these cells inhibited apoptosis while promoting stemness and proliferation. Notably, nuclear MAST4 demonstrated higher expression in GEM-resistant PDAC cases compared with that in the GEM-sensitive cases. Elevated MAST4 expression correlated with a poorer prognosis in PDAC. Consequently, nuclear MAST4 emerges as a potential marker for GEM resistance and poor prognosis, representing a novel therapeutic target for PDAC.
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Grants
- 19K16564 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- 20K21659 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- 23K10481 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- 22K11396 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- 21K11223 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- 22H04922 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
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Affiliation(s)
- Rina Fujiwara-Tani
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara 634-8521, Nara, Japan; (T.S.); (S.M.); (R.O.); (A.I.); (S.K.); (K.F.); (H.O.)
| | - Takamitsu Sasaki
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara 634-8521, Nara, Japan; (T.S.); (S.M.); (R.O.); (A.I.); (S.K.); (K.F.); (H.O.)
| | - Ujjal Kumar Bhawal
- Research Institute of Oral Science, Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo, Matsudo 271-8587, Chiba, Japan;
| | - Shiori Mori
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara 634-8521, Nara, Japan; (T.S.); (S.M.); (R.O.); (A.I.); (S.K.); (K.F.); (H.O.)
| | - Ruiko Ogata
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara 634-8521, Nara, Japan; (T.S.); (S.M.); (R.O.); (A.I.); (S.K.); (K.F.); (H.O.)
| | - Rika Sasaki
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara 634-8521, Nara, Japan; (T.S.); (S.M.); (R.O.); (A.I.); (S.K.); (K.F.); (H.O.)
| | - Ayaka Ikemoto
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara 634-8521, Nara, Japan; (T.S.); (S.M.); (R.O.); (A.I.); (S.K.); (K.F.); (H.O.)
| | - Shingo Kishi
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara 634-8521, Nara, Japan; (T.S.); (S.M.); (R.O.); (A.I.); (S.K.); (K.F.); (H.O.)
- Pathology Laboratory, Research Institute, Tokushukai Nozaki Hospital, 2-10-50 Tanigawa, Daito 574-0074, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kiyomu Fujii
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara 634-8521, Nara, Japan; (T.S.); (S.M.); (R.O.); (A.I.); (S.K.); (K.F.); (H.O.)
| | - Hitoshi Ohmori
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara 634-8521, Nara, Japan; (T.S.); (S.M.); (R.O.); (A.I.); (S.K.); (K.F.); (H.O.)
| | - Masayuki Sho
- Department of Surgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8522, Nara, Japan;
| | - Hiroki Kuniyasu
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara 634-8521, Nara, Japan; (T.S.); (S.M.); (R.O.); (A.I.); (S.K.); (K.F.); (H.O.)
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Jiang M, Han J, Ma Q, Chen X, Xu R, Wang Q, Zheng J, Wang W, Song J, Huang Y, Chen Y. Nicotine-derived NNK promotes CRC progression through activating TMUB1/AKT pathway in METTL14/YTHDF2-mediated m6A manner. J Hazard Mater 2024; 467:133692. [PMID: 38341886 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133692] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Cigarette smoking substantially promotes tumorigenesis and progression of colorectal cancer; however, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. Among 662 colorectal cancer patients, our investigation revealed a significant correlation between cigarette smoking and factors, such as large tumor size, poor differentiation, and high degree of invasion. Among the nicotine-derived nitrosamines, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) emerged as the most critical carcinogen, which significantly promoted the malignant progression of colorectal cancer both in vivo and in vitro. The results of methylated RNA immunoprecipitation and transcriptome sequencing indicated that NNK upregulated transmembrane and ubiquitin-like domain-containing protein 1 (TMUB1) via N6-adenosine methylation, which was regulated by methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL14) and YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 2 (YTHDF2). Elevated TMUB1 levels were associated with a higher risk of cancer invasion and metastasis, leading to a high mortality risk in patients with colorectal cancer. Additionally, TMUB1 promoted lysine63-linked ubiquitination of AKT by interacting with AMFR, which led to the induction of malignant proliferation and metastasis in colorectal cancer cells exposed to NNK. In summary, this study provides a new insight, indicating that targeting TMUB1 expression via METTL14/YTHDF2 mediated N6-adenosine methylation may be a potential therapeutic and prognostic target for patients with colorectal cancer who smoke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Jiang
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; Center for Medical Statistics and Data Analysis, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; Key Laboratory of Human Genetics and Environmental Medicine, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingyi Han
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qun Ma
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xue Chen
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Renjie Xu
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qing Wang
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jia Zheng
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Weimin Wang
- Department of Oncology, Yixing Hospital Affiliated to Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yixing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Jun Song
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yefei Huang
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yansu Chen
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; Center for Medical Statistics and Data Analysis, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; Key Laboratory of Human Genetics and Environmental Medicine, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China.
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50
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Shi T, Hou C, Duan Y, Li Y, Liu W, Huang P, Zhou Y, Yu S, Song L. Mechanism of Smilax china L. in the treatment of intrauterine adhesions based on network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental validation. BMC Complement Med Ther 2024; 24:150. [PMID: 38580999 PMCID: PMC10996135 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04414-4] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smilax china L. (SCL) is a traditional herbal medicine for the potential treatment of intrauterine adhesion (IUA). However, the mechanisms of action have not yet been determined. In this study, we explored the effects and mechanisms of SCL in IUA by network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular biology experiments. METHODS Active ingredients and targets of SCL were acquired from TCMSP and SwissTargetPrediction. IUA-related targets were collected from the GeneCards, DisGeNET, OMIM and TTD databases. A protein‒protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by Cytoscape 3.9.1 and analysed with CytoHubba and CytoNCA to identify the core targets. The DAVID tool was used for GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. Furthermore, molecular docking was employed to assess the interaction between the compounds and key targets. Finally, the mechanisms and targets of SCL in IUA were verified by cellular experiments and western blot. RESULTS A total of 196 targets of SCL were identified, among which 93 were related to IUA. Topological and KEGG analyses results identified 15 core targets that were involved in multiple pathways, such as inflammation, apoptosis, and PI3K/AKT signalling pathways. Molecular docking results showed that the active compounds had good binding to the core targets. In vitro experiments showed that astilbin (AST), a major component of SCL, significantly reduced TGF-β-induced overexpression of fibronectin (FN), activation of the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway and the expression of downstream factors (NF-κB and BCL2) in human endometrial stromal cells, suggesting that AST ameliorates IUA by mediating the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB and BCL2 proteins. CONCLUSIONS AST, a major component of SCL, may be a potential therapeutic agent for IUA. Moreover, its mechanism is strongly associated with regulation of the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway and the downstream NF-κB and BCL2 proteins. This study will provide new strategies that utilize AST for the treatment of IUA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, #253 Industrial Avenue Zhong, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Chuqi Hou
- Clinical Pharmacy Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yongzhen Duan
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, #253 Industrial Avenue Zhong, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuliang Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, #253 Industrial Avenue Zhong, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenqin Liu
- Clinical Pharmacy Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Peixian Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, #253 Industrial Avenue Zhong, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuhua Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, #253 Industrial Avenue Zhong, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Shanshan Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, #253 Industrial Avenue Zhong, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China.
| | - Luyao Song
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, #253 Industrial Avenue Zhong, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China.
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