Mice kidney biometabolic process analysis after cantharidin exposure using widely-targeted metabolomics combined with network pharmacology

Study of Serum Metabolic Biomarkers and Prediction Models of Cantharidin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats Based on Dynamic Metabolomics

The clinical application of cantharidin (CTD) is seriously limited due to its nephrotoxicity. Therefore, this study aims to investigate sensitive biomarkers for the evaluation and prediction of nephrotoxicity induced by CTD in rat. A total of 80 rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group and three doses of CTD groups. After 0, 1, 5, 15, and 28 days of intragastric administration, rat serum and urine were collected for biochemical indexes, then serum was used for metabolomic analyses, and rat kidney was collected for pathological and ultrastructural observation. The levels of serum crea (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urea, urine crea (Ucrea), and urinary microalbumin (UmALB) were significantly increased after administration of different doses of CTD (p < 0.05). Additionally, histopathology and cell ultrastructure observation of kidney showed significant cell inflammatory infiltration and glomerular edema. Seven metabolic biomarkers including 6-hydroxymelatonin were significantly disturbed by CTD. The CatBoost Classifier prediction model was used to establish the CTD nephrotoxicity prediction model, and the prediction accuracy and precision were 0.645 and 0.640, respectively. Moreover, 6-hydroxymelatonin was found to be most useful biomarkers for evaluating the CTD nephrotoxicity. Finally, the seven metabolic biomarkers were found mainly involved in pyruvate metabolism, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis.

Cortex Dictamni-induced hepatotoxicity by enhanced oxidative phosphorylation: Insights from integrative transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics analyses

BACKGROUND

Cortex Dictamni (CD) is a traditional Chinese medicine that is commonly used to treat various skin diseases. Recently, clinical reports have highlighted its potential to induce severe hepatotoxicity. However, the underlying mechanisms of toxicity remain inadequately explored.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to elucidate the intrinsic mechanisms of CD-induced hepatotoxicity.

STUDY DESIGN

Hepatotoxicity was assessed in SD rats, and human primary hepatocytes (HPHs) and differentiated HepaRG (dHepaRG) cells were used for in vitro testing.

METHODS

The major components of CD were determined using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). Rats were randomly divided into control, CD-high (CD-H), CD-middle (CD-M), CD-low (CD-L), and isoniazid (INH) groups and administered oral gavage for four weeks. Serum biochemical indices, histopathological changes, apoptotic markers, and liver function were evaluated to assess hepatotoxicity. A comprehensive analysis of rat liver samples was performed using transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic approaches to identify key pathways involved in CD-induced hepatotoxicity. In vitro toxicity validation of CD was performed using HPHs and dHepaRG cells. The key pathway was validated in vivo and in vitro.

RESULTS

CD primarily contained obacunone, fraxinellone, and dictamine. Administration of CD-H (9 times the maximum daily clinical dose in adults) and CD-M (3 times the maximum daily clinical dose in adults) for 4 weeks induced varying degrees of hepatotoxicity in rats. The CD-H group presented increased absolute and relative liver weights, reduced alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and bile acid transporter levels, and increased albumin (ALB) and cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 levels, indicating significant hepatotoxicity in rats. Integrated multiomics analysis revealed that NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) Fe-S protein 2 (Ndufs2) is a critical regulator of CD-induced hepatotoxicity involving oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). CD inhibited the viability of HPHs and dHepaRG cells, demonstrating its significant cytotoxicity. Mechanistic validation revealed that CD upregulated Ndufs2, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial respiratory chain complex (MRCC) I, leading to nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway activation, apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and hepatotoxicity.

CONCLUSION

In summary, our study presents a comprehensive picture of the toxicity of CD in terms of dose and sex and reveals, for the first time, the central role of Ndufs2-regulated OXPHOS in CD-induced hepatotoxicity.

Spatially Resolved Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology Reveal Extract D Nephrotoxicity Mechanisms in Pleuropterus multiflorus Thunb

As a traditional Chinese medicine, the adverse hepatotoxicity effects of Pleuropterus multiflorus (Thunb.) Nakai (PM) have been documented. However, nephrotoxicity has been neglected as studies related to kidney toxicity mechanisms are limited. Our previous research reported that extract D [95% ethanol (EtOH) elution, PM-D] in a 70% EtOH PM extract showed more significant hepatotoxicity than other extracts. In the current study, PM-D was continuously administered to mice for 7 days at a dose of 2 g/kg (equivalent to a human dose of 219.8 mg/kg), which increased renal biochemical indexes and caused pathological kidney injury, suggesting renal toxicity. Therefore, network pharmacology and spatially resolved metabolomics were conducted to explore nephrotoxicity mechanisms underpinning PM-D. Network pharmacology indicated that BCL2, HSP90, ESR1, and CTNNB1 genes were core targets, while the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B(AKT)/signaling pathway was significantly enriched. Spatially resolved metabolomics indicated heterogeneous metabolite distribution in the kidney, further indicating that PM-D nephrotoxic metabolic pathways were enriched for α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, carnitine synthesis, and branched-chain fatty acid oxidation. Our comprehensive analyses highlighted that nephrotoxicity mechanisms were related to oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by disordered energy metabolism, lipid metabolism issues, and imbalanced nucleotide metabolism, which provide a platform for further research into PM nephrotoxicity mechanisms.

Exploring the pharmacological mechanism of fermented Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract in the treatment of cisplatin-induced kidney injury in mice: Integrated traditional pharmacology, metabolomics and network pharmacology

Cisplatin (CP) is a widely utilized anticancer drug, which also produces significant side effects, notably acute kidney injury (AKI). Fermented Eucommia ulmoides leaf (FEUL), a medicinal and edible Chinese herbal remedy, is known for its renoprotective properties. However, the effect and underlying mechanism of FEUL extract in AKI therapy have remained largely unexplored. This research aimed to elucidate the protective roles of FEUL extract in an AKI mouse model through biochemical assays, histopathological examinations, and investigating the underlying mechanisms based on metabolomics and network pharmacology. The findings demonstrated that pretreatment with orally administered FEUL extract significantly reduced blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and serum creatinine (SCr) levels, and ameliorated CP-induced kidney histopathological injuries. Moreover, FEUL extract attenuated CP-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress by reducing the protein expressions of PERK, IRE 1α, GRP78, ATF6, ATF4, and CHOP. The metabolomics results indicated that a total of 31 metabolites, involved in taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, lysine degradation, and steroid hormone biosynthesis, were altered after FEUL extract administration. Furthermore, metabolomics integrated with network pharmacology revealed that 8 targets, 4 metabolites, and 3 key pathways including steroid hormone biosynthesis, purine metabolism, and tryptophan metabolism were the main mechanisms of FEUL extract in treating CP-induced AKI. These findings suggested that FEUL extract could offer valuable insights for potential CP-induced AKI treatment strategies.

Integrative approach using network pharmacology, bioinformatics, and experimental methods to explore the mechanism of cantharidin in treating colorectal cancer

Cantharidin, a terpenoid produced by blister beetles, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments and cancers. However, its biological activity, impact, and anticancer mechanisms remain unclear. The Cantharidin chemical gene connections were identified using various databases. The GSE21815 dataset was used to collect the gene expression information. Differential gene analysis and gene ontology analyses were performed. Gene set enrichment analysis was used to assess the activation of disease pathways. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis and differential analysis were used to identify illness-associated genes, examine differential genes, and discover therapeutic targets via protein-protein interactions. MCODE analysis of major subgroup networks was used to identify critical genes influenced by Cantharidin, examine variations in the expression of key clustered genes in colorectal cancer vs. control samples, and describe the subject operators. Single-cell GSE188711 dataset was preprocessed to investigate Cantharidin's therapeutic targets and signaling pathways in colorectal cancer. Single-cell RNA sequencing was utilized to identify 22 cell clusters and marker genes for two different cell types in each cluster. The effects of different Cantharidin concentrations on colorectal cancer cells were studied in vitro. One hundred and ninety-seven Cantharidin-associated target genes and 480 critical genes implicated in the development of the illness were identified. Cantharidin significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of HCT116 cells and promoted apoptosis at certain concentrations. Patients on current therapy develop inherent and acquired resistance. Our study suggests that Cantharidin may play an anti-CRC role by modulating immune function.

Covalent Binding of Reactive Anhydride of Cantharidin to Biological Amines

Cantharidin is a terpenoid from coleoptera beetles. Cantharidin has been used to treat molluscum contagiosum and some types of tumors. Cantharidin is highly toxic, and cantharidin poisoning and fatal cases have been reported worldwide. The mechanisms underlying cantharidin-induced toxicity remain unclear. Cantharidin contains anhydride, which may react with biologic amines. This study aimed to examine the chemical reactivity of cantharidin toward nucleophiles and characterize adducts of cantharidin with biologic amines in vitro and in mice. Here two types of conjugates were formed in the incubation of cantharidin under physiologic conditions with free amino acids, a mimic peptide, or amine-containing compounds, respectively. Amide-type conjugates were produced by the binding of cantharidin anhydride with the primary amino group of biologic amines. Imide-type conjugates were generated from the dehydration and cyclization of amide-type conjugates. The structure of the conjugates was characterized by using high-resolution mass spectrometry. We introduced the 14N/15N and 79Br/81Br isotope signatures to confirm the formation of conjugates using L-(ε)15N-lysine, L-lysine-15N2, and bromine-tagged hydrazine, respectively. The structure of imide conjugate was also confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance experiments. Furthermore, the amide and imide conjugates of cantharidin with amino acids or N-acetyl-lysine were detected in mouse liver and urine. Cantharidin was found to modify lysine residue proteins in mouse liver. Pan-cytochrome P450 inhibitor 1-aminobenzotriazole significantly increased the urine cantharidin-N-acetyl-lysine conjugates, whereas it decreased cantharidin metabolites. In summary, cantharidin anhydride can covalently bind to biologic amines nonenzymatically, which facilitates a better understanding of the role of nonenzymatic reactivity in cantharidin poisoning. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Anhydride moiety of cantharidin can covalently bind to the primary amino group of biological amines nonenzymatically. Amide and imide conjugates were generated after the covalent binding of cantharidin anhydride with the primary amino groups of amino acids, a mimic peptide, and protein lysine residues. The structure of conjugates was confirmed by 14N/15N and 79Br/81Br isotope signatures using isotope-tagged reagents and nuclear magnetic resonance experiments. This study will facilitate the understanding of the role of nonenzymatic reactivity in cantharidin poisoning.

Bibliometric Analysis and Systemic Review of Cantharidin Research Worldwide

BACKGROUND

Cantharidin (CTD), a natural toxic compound from blister beetle Mylabris, has been used for cancer treatment for millenary. CTD and its analogs have become mainstream adjuvant drugs with radiotherapy and chemotherapy in clinical applications. However, the detailed pharmacology mechanism of CTD was not fully elucidated.

METHODS

Publications of CTD were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection database from 1991 to 2023 using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Scimago Graphica software.

RESULTS

A total of 1,611 publications of CTD were mainly published in China and the United States. The University of Newcastle has published the most researches. Mcclusey, Adam, Sakoff, Jennette, and Zhang, Yalin had the most CTD publications with higher H. Notably, CTD researches were mainly published in Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters and the Journal of Biological Chemistry. Cluster profile results revealed that protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), human gallbladder carcinoma, Aidi injection, and cell apoptosis were the hotspots. Concentration on the pharmacology function of PP2A subunit regulation, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and cardiotoxicity mechanism should be strengthened in the future.

CONCLUSION

Bibliometric analysis combined with a systemic review of CTD research first revealed that PP2A and CTD analogs were the knowledge base of CTD, and PP2A subunit regulation and toxic mechanism could be the frontiers of CTD.

Cantharidin-induced toxic injury, oxidative stress, and autophagy attenuated by Astragalus polysaccharides in mouse testis

Cantharidin (CTD) is a chemical constituent derived from Mylabris and has good antitumor effects, but its clinical use is restricted by its inherent toxicity. However, few researches have reported its reproductive toxicity and mechanisms. This study aims to assess CTD's toxicity on mouse testes and the protective effect of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS). Briefly, biochemical analysis, histopathology, transmission electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting were used to evaluate the oxidative damage of mouse testicular tissue after exposure to CTD and treatment by APS. Our research suggests a dramatic decrease in testicular index and serum testosterone levels after CTD exposure. The testis showed obvious oxidative damage accompanied by an increase in mitochondrial autophagy, the Nfr2-Keap1 pathway was inhibited, and the blood-testis barrier was destroyed. Notably, these changes were significantly improved after APS treatment. The internal mechanisms of APS ameliorate CTD-induced testicular oxidative damage in mice may be closely connected to regulatory the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway, restraining autophagy, and repairing the blood-testis barrier, providing theoretical support for further study on the reproductive toxicity mechanism of CTD and clinical treatments to ameliorate it.

Untargeted metabolomics reveals the preventive effect of quercetin on nephrotoxicity induced by four organophosphorus pesticide mixtures

This research aimed to explore the protective effect of quercetin against nephrotoxicity induced by four organophosphate pesticide mixtures (PM) using untargeted metabolomics technology in rat kidneys. Sixty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups: control, low-dose quercetin treated (10 mg/kg. bw), high-dose quercetin treated (50 mg/kg. bw), PM-treated, and two dosages of quercetin + PM-treated. Metabolomics results showed that 17 differential metabolites were identified in the PM-treated group, and pathway analysis revealed that renal metabolic disorders include purine metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and vitamin B6 metabolism. When high-dose quercetin and PM-treated were administered to rats concurrently, the intensities of differential metabolites were substantially restored (p < 0.01), suggesting that quercetin can improve renal metabolic disorders caused by organophosphate pesticides (OPs). Mechanistically, quercetin could regulate the purine metabolism disorder and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-mediated autophagy induced by OPs by inhibiting XOD activity. Moreover, quercetin inhibits PLA2 activity to regulate glycerophospholipid metabolism and it could also exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects to correct vitamin B6 metabolism in rat kidneys. Taken together, the high dose of quercetin (50 mg/kg.bw) has a certain protective effect on OPs-induced nephrotoxicity in rats, which provides a theoretical basis for quercetin against nephrotoxicity caused by OPs.