Unlocking the therapeutic potential of unexplored phytocompounds as hepatoprotective agents through integration of network pharmacology and in-silico analysis

Liver diseases account for over two million deaths annually, amounting to 4% of mortality worldwide, underscoring the need for development of novel preventive and therapeutic strategies. The growing interest in natural hepatoprotective agents highlights the potential of traditional medicine for modern drug discovery, though unlocking their molecular complexity requires advanced tools. This study integrates cutting-edge computational techniques with traditional herbal knowledge to identify potential hepatoprotective compounds. Protein targets implicated in liver disorders were identified through network pharmacology and by leveraging the rich molecular diversity inherent in herbal compounds, phytocompounds were selected. The Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome data were compiled and enrichment analysis was performed using the DAVID database. Molecular docking of selected phytocompounds with top five protein targets helped identify 14 compounds which were employed for building the pharmacophore model. In virtual screening, among 1089 compounds screened, 10 compounds were identified as potential hits based on their predicted scores and alignment with pharmacophore features. The interactions of resulting hits were then analyzed through redocking studies and validated through molecular dynamics simulation and ADMET studies. Notably, (2S,5E)-2-(3,4-Dihydroxybenzyl)-6-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-oxo-5-hexenoic acid and 5'-hydroxymorin emerged as lead compounds for further investigation. Both compounds exhibited significant binding affinities with specific amino acids in selected targets, suggesting their potential to modulate key pathways involved in hepatic disorders. Our findings demonstrate the utility of this integrated approach which transits beyond traditional trial-and-error methods. This approach will accelerate the discovery of novel hepatoprotective compounds, providing deeper insights into their mechanistic pathways and action.

Significance of Limosilactobacillus fermentum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the Growth Performance, Haematological Traits, Serum Biochemistry, Faecal and Caeca Microbiota of Broiler Chickens

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to supplement Lactobacillus and yeast in broiler feed by replacing immunomodulators to develop antibiotic free meat and egg production by analyzing broiler performance, haematological traits, serum biochemistry, histopathology, fecal bacterial count, and metagenomic analysis of broiler ceca.

METHOD

Two cultures i.e. KGL4 (Limosilactobacillus fermentum MTCC 25515) and WBS2A (Saccharomyces cerevisiae GI: MG101828) were considered for the evaluation of Broiler chicken's health and growth during 42 days study without supplementing immunomodulators and commercial probiotics in poultry feeds. The 96-day-old broiler chickens were grouped into: T1 [Control: basal diet + immunomodulatory factor and commercial probiotic], T2 [Basal diet without immunomodulatory factor and commercial probiotic + KGL4 (108 CFU/mL), T3 [Basal diet without immunomodulatory factor and commercial probiotic + WBS2A (107 CFU/mL), and T4 [Basal diet without immunomodulatory factor and commercial probiotic + KGL4 + WBS2A in a 1:1 ratio] (Institutional Animal Ethics Committee (IAEC) No. 365/PRS/2022). The following parameters, i.e., body weight gain, feed consumption ratio (FCR), white blood cell count (WBC), red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin content, platelet count, cholesterol content, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein (HDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), fecal counts and metagenomic analysis of broiler ceca samples, were measured.

RESULTS

In the study, amongst various traits, the overall performance of the group treated along with Limosilactobacillus fermentum (KGL4) showed improved results as compared to control group. Limosilactobacillus fermentum (KGL4) treated group had higher body weight gain (2583.04 ± 35.421 g), FCR (1.60 ± 0.019), WBC (235.60 ± 2.562 × 103/µL), hemoglobin content (14.10 ± 0.442 g/dl), and HDL (131.40 ± 11.400 mg/dl). The investigation did not show significant variations in the relative proportions of genus or phylum among various groups during metagenomic analysis of ceca samples. There was also an improvement in haematological traits; no evidence of necrosis in heart, intestine and liver tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study conclude that it is safe to feed Limosilactobacillus fermentum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae to broilers as feed supplements and also supports the current knowledge regarding the use of yeast and lactic acid bacteria as an effective alternative stimulant for maintaining health and growth of broiler chickens.