Network pharmacology and molecular docking to explore the potential mechanism of urolithin A in combined allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome

Network pharmacology and molecular docking to explore the potential mechanism of chlorogenic acid in septic acute liver injury and experimental validation of TLR4/NF-κB pathway in vivo

The objective of this study was to investigate the biological activities and mechanisms of chlorogenic acid (CGA) in the treatment of septic acute liver injury (SALI) based on the network pharmacology, molecular docking, in vivo studies, and other techniques. Chlorogenic acid and potential related targets of septic acute liver injury were searched from the public databases. Then, the protein-protein interaction (PPI), Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were conducted. Subsequently, molecular docking was performed to predict the binding of the active compound to the core target. Finally, in vivo experiments were carried out for further validation. A total of 60 common targets were identified between acute septic liver injury and chlorogenic acid, among which 9 common core targets (EGFR, ESR1, GSK3B, PTGS2, TLR4, PPARA, HSP90AA1, ACE, and MMP9) were screened with Cytoscape. Molecular docking indicated that these core targets had good binding activity to chlorogenic acid (- 7.2, - 6.8, - 7.7, - 8.7, - 6.1, - 6.8, - 7.3, - 8.4, and - 8.6 kcal/mol respectively). In the SALI mouse model, chlorogenic acid can improve pathological damage to the liver and apoptosis of liver cells, and anti-inflammatory properties significantly by the TLR4/NF-κB pathway (all P < 0.05). The biological activity and regulatory network of CGA on SALI were revealed, and the anti-inflammatory effect of CGA was verified, which could be associated with the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.

Appeal of Urolithins from Synthesis to Biological Activities

Urolithins (Uros), a series of natural polyphenols derived from ellagic acid through gut bacteria metabolism, have gathered significant attention due to their diverse bioactivities such as maintaining mitochondrial health and anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. However, the ability to metabolize Uros varies among individuals. This Review provides a comprehensive insight into the synthesis, encapsulation and bioactivities of Uros, focusing on their biotransformation in vivo. We highlight the critical role of gut microbiota in the biotransformation of urolithins, including primary bacterial species such as Gordonibacter urolithinfaciens, Enterocloster bolteae and Enterococcus faecium. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of Uros in alleviating neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy is discussed. Finally, several encapsulation strategies for enhancing the solubility and bioavailability of Uros are summarized. Future research direction includes identifying key genes involved in Uros biotransformation, elucidating the bioactive mechanisms of Uros, and improving their bioavailability. In conclusion, we synthesized biosynthetic pathways and bioactive properties of Uros for better utilization in health management.

A natural biological adhesive from slug mucus for wound repair

Slugs could secrete mucus with multifunctional characteristics, such as reversible gelation, mucoadhesiveness, and viscoelasticity, which can be harnessed for multifaceted biotechnological and healthcare applications. The dried mucus (DM) was prepared using slug, which can be adhered to the tissue surface through different types of interactions (lap-shear force, 1.1 N for DM-3 group). The DM-3 further exhibited the highest hemostatic ability as discerned in a liver trauma injury model (hemostasis time, <15 s), biocompatibility and biodegradability (an insignificant residue at 4 weeks) in vivo, and considerably improved skin repair in full-thickness excisional wounds (wound closure, 96.2 % at day 14). Taken together, slug's mucus can be easily prepared with an economic and an eco-friendly method, which may have broad biotechnological and healthcare implications and potential utility in other related disciplines. This transition from natural components to the biomaterial may provide an invaluable platform for different types of applications.

Gene editing, metabolomics, network pharmacology strategies to explore terpenoid content and anti-TMV activity in NtSPS1 knockout Nicotiana tabacum

The content of terpenoids in tobacco can alter its resistance to TMV. NtSPS1, a pivotal structural gene in tobacco, is capable to regulate the terpenoid content. In this study, we investigated the effect of NtSPS1 knockout in HD on the content of terpenoids and the anti-TMV activity of this mutant using gene editing, widely targeted metabolomics, network pharmacology, and molecular docking. 48 terpenoids (six up-regulated and five down-regulated) in NtSPS1 knockout tobacco compared with WT leaves. Notably, solanesol was remarkable downregulation which was lowered by fourfold and compounds 1 (log2FC = 18.2), 8 (log2FC = 16.7) were significant upregulation between the mutants and wild-type line leaves. The 46 terpenoid's target network encompassed 150 nodes, 509 edges and their underlying mechanisms in the therapeutic management of TMV are discussed. Furthermore, the network pharmacology and molecular docking revealed that compounds 16, 18, 23, 27, and 36 exhibited significant affinity in their respective interactions. Ultimately, five compounds were assayed for their anti-TMV effects, noteworthily, compounds 36 showed potential anti-TMV activity. Above all, we adopted a multifaceted approach to gain a comprehensive understanding of the terpenoid content and anti-TMV properties in NtSPS1 knockout HD. It enlightens the therapeutic potential of NtSPS1 knockout tobacco and it is helpful to find undescribed anti-TMV activity inhibitors, as well as searching for new anti-TMV candidates from the mutants.

Network pharmacology analysis of the Huangqi-Gancao herb pair reveals quercetin as a therapeutics for allergic rhinitis via the RELA-regulated IFNG/IRF1 axis response

Despite the complexity of allergic rhinitis (AR) pathogenesis, no FDA-approved drug has been developed to achieve optimal therapeutic effects. The present study explored the efficacy and mechanism of Huangqi (Hedysarum Multijugum Maxim)-Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma or licorice) herb pair in treating AR by network pharmacology and experimental approaches. The bioactive ingredients of Huangqi and Gancao were identified and used to predict the targets of these herbs in AR and generate the pharmacological network. Ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR mouse model was established to assess the anti-AR effect of the Huangqi decoction (HQD) prepared based on both herbs. We identified 90 active ingredients of the Huangqi-Gancao pair, targeting 69 AR-related genes. Quercetin (QUE) was identified as the hub ingredient of this pair, with 57 targets in AR. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis and molecular docking revealed IL1B, TNF, STAT1, IL6, PTGS2, RELA, IL2, NFKBIA, IFNG, IL10, IL1A, IRF1, EGFR, and CXCL10 as important targets of QUE in AR treatment. Experimentally, QUE or HQD significantly alleviated the AR-induced histopathological changes, AR symptoms, and IgE level and counteracted AR-induced expression changes of IFNG, IRF1, RELA, and NFKBIA. These effects were promoted by the NF-kB inhibitor helenalin, indicating that HQD and QUE counteracted AR in mice by regulating the IFNG/IRF1 signaling via the NF-κB pathway in AR mice. These findings shed light on the efficacy of the constituents of Huangqi-Gancao pair, their potential targets, and the molecular mechanisms of HQD in treating AR, which could advance the development of tailored therapeutic interventions for this disorder.

Morita-Baylis-Hillman adduct 2-(3-hydroxy-1-methyl-2-oxoindolin-3-il) acrylonitrile (CISACN) ameliorates the pulmonary allergic inflammation in CARAS model by increasing IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio towards the Th1 immune response

Combined allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome (CARAS) is an airway-type 2 immune response with a profuse inflammatory process widely affecting the world population. Due to the compromise of quality of life and the lack of specific pharmacotherapy, the search for new molecules becomes relevant. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Morita-Bailys-Hillman adduct (CISACN) treatment in the CARAS experimental model. Female BALB/c mice were ovalbumin (OVA) -sensitized and -challenged and treated with CISACN. The treatment decreased the eosinophil migration to the nasal and lung cavities and tissues and the goblet cell hyperplasia/hypertrophy, attenuated airway hyperactivity by reducing the hyperplasia/hypertrophy of the smooth muscle and the extracellular matrix's thickness. Also, the treatment reduced the clinical signs of rhinitis as nasal rubbing and sneezing in a histamine-induced nasal hyperreactivity assay. The immunomodulatory effect of CISACN was by reducing OVA-specific IgE serum level, and IL-33, IL-4, IL-13, and TGF-β production, dependent on IFN-γ increase. Furthermore, the effect of CISACN on lung granulocytes was by decreasing the p-p38MAPK/p65NF-κB signaling pathway. Indeed, CISACN reduced the p38MAPK and p65NF-κB activation. These data demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of the CISACN with scientific support to become a pharmacological tool to treat airway inflammatory diseases.