Network pharmacology analyses of the antithrombotic pharmacological mechanism of Fufang Xueshuantong Capsule with experimental support using disseminated intravascular coagulation rats

A study integrated metabolomics and network pharmacology to investigate the effects of Shicao in alleviating acute liver injury

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Shicao is the aerial part of Achillea alpina L., a common herb found mainly in Europe, Asia, and North America. Traditional Chinese medicine has a history of thousands of years and is widely used to treat various diseases.

AIM OF STUDY

To explore the hepatoprotective effects of Shicao on CCl4-induced acute liver injury.

METHODS

A rat model of acute liver injury was established and liver function indices were assessed to evaluate the protective effect of Shicao on the liver. Untargeted metabolomics of the serum and liver tissues was conducted using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS to identify differential metabolites related to acute liver injury. A network of metabolite-reaction-enzyme-gene constituents was constructed using network pharmacology. Hub targets and key components of the effect of Shicao on acute liver injury were screened from the network.

RESULTS

Compared to the model group, Shicao improved the degree of liver damage through the assessment of the liver index, ALT and AST levels, and hepatic pathology slices, demonstrating its hepatoprotective effect against acute liver injury in rats. 10 and 38 differential metabolites involved in acute liver injury were identified in serum and liver tissues, respectively. Most of these were regulated or restored following treatment with Shicao, which mainly consisted of bile acids, lipids, and nucleotides such as taurocholic acid, LysoPC (17:0), and adenosine diphosphate ribose. Through the network of metabolite-reaction-enzyme-gene-constituents, 10 key components and 5 hub genes, along with 7 crucial differential metabolites, were mainly involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism, purine metabolism, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, and primary bile acid biosynthesis, which may play important roles in the prevention of acute liver injury by Shicao.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that Shicao had protective effects against CCl4-induced liver injury in rats. It was speculated that the ingredients of Shicao might be closely related to the hub targets, thereby regulating the levels of key metabolites, affecting inflammatory response and oxidative stress and attenuate the liver injury consequently. This study provides a basis for further investigation of its therapeutic potential and the mechanism of action.

Homotherapy for heteropathy of Alzheimer's disease and anemia through reducing the expression of toll-like receptor and TNF by steamed Panax notoginseng

BACKGROUND

One of the effects of Steamed Panax notoginsen (SPN) is to replenish blood, which is mostly used to treat anemia in clinic. SPN has the effect of treating anemia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) in clinical and basic research. In traditional Chinese medicine, anemia and AD have the same characteristics, and their symptoms are qi and blood deficiency.

METHODS

First, data analysis was carried out through network pharmacology to predict the action targets of SPN homotherapy in the treatment of AD and anemia. Specifically, TCMSP and relevant literature were used to screen the main active ingredients of Panax notoginseng, and SuperPred was used to predict the action targets of the active ingredients. Disease targets related to AD and anemia were collected through Genecards database, and STRING and protein interaction (PPI) was used for enrichment analysis, Analyze the characteristics of the active ingredient target network on the Cytascape 3.9.0 platform, and use Metascape to enrich the gene ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes Pathway Enrichment (KEGG pathway). Then Drosophila was used as the AD animal model, and the effects of SPN on the climbing ability, olfactory memory and brain Aβ, with rats as anemia animal models, the improvement effect of SPN on blood routine and organ index of rats with blood deficiency induced by CTX and APH was analyzed to further explain the therapeutic effect of SPN on these two diseases. Finally, the regulatory effect of SPN on the key active target of allotherapy for AD and anemia was verified by PCR.

RESULTS

After the screening, 17 active components and 92 action targets of SPN were obtained. The degree values of components and the first 15 targets are NFKB1, IL10, PIK3CA, PTGS2, SRC, ECFR, CASP3, MTOR, IL1B, ESR1, AKT1, HSP90AA1, IL6, TNF, and Toll-like receptor, it is mainly related to inflammatory response, immune regulation and antioxidation. SPN improved the climbing ability, olfactory memory ability, and Aβ42 content in the brain of Aβ flies, and significantly reduced the expression of TNF and Toll-like receptor in the brain after treatment. SPN can significantly improve the blood routine index and organ index of anemia rats, and also significantly reduce the expression of TNF and Toll-like receptor in the brain after treatment.

CONCLUSION

SPN can regulate the expression of TNF and Toll-like receptor to achieve the same treatment of AD and anemia.

Exploring the potential targets of Biling Weitong Granules on visceral hypersensitivity through integration of network pharmacology and in vivo analysis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Biling Weitong Granules(BLWTG) are a newly developed traditional Chinese medicine prescription based on the ancient prescription Jinlingzi San and Zuojin Wan. It is used for the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) featured as visceral hypersensitivity(VH). However, its active ingredients and protein targets involved still remain unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the potential targets of BLWTG for the treatment of visceral hypersensitivity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Active components and their protein targets of BLWTG were screened from TCMSP database and the component-target network were constructed with Cytoscape software. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) was the representative disease in this study and information on its linked pathways was obtained from NCBI, Drugbank and Genecard. Target pathways of BLWTG were analyzed through KEGG to verify the correlation with IBS related pathways.Then, the VH mouse models was induced by maternal separation(MS), randomly divided into normal saline(NS),BLWTG1(low-dosage) and BLWTG2(high-dosage) group. After intervention, threshold intensity of colorectal distension (CRD) and body weight were measured to evaluate relief of IBS symptoms. Elisa was performed to evaluate 5-HT concentration changes of colon tissues. Flow cytometry was performed to assess changes of colon eosinophils and mast cells proportion. Transcriptome sequencing was employed to analyze changes of pathways and differential genes.

RESULTS

199 protein targets and 132 active components of BLWTG were identified. KEGG analysis revealed the overlap between BLWTG target pathways and IBS related pathways such as neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, tryptophan metabolism and inflammatory reaction. 34 genes were not only BLWTG target proteins but also recognized targets for treating IBS. After maternal separation(MS), the mice showed a significant decrease in threshold intensity of CRD, a progressive decrease in body weight and an increase of 5-HT concentration of colon tissue. The proportion of mast cells and eosinophils in the colon increased. Differential genes including Hp,Ido1 and Aqp7 were significantly increased in MS mice group and IBS-related pathways were upregulated. After treatment of BLWTG, threshold intensity of CRD and body weight were significantly improved and IBS related pathways were downregulated. In addition, among BLWTG protein targets, Il1b,Tnf,Adrb1 and Nos2 were found upregulated in MS + NS mice and downregulated after BLWTG intervention through combination of transcriptome sequencing.

CONCLUSIONS

In maternal separation-induced mouse models, BLWTG could alleviate visceral hypersensitivity, possibly through downregulation of 5-HT concentration and eosinophils and mast cells proportion in colon and critical pathways such as neuroactive ligand-receptor pathway. Potential targets of BLWTG including Il1b,Tnf,Adrb1 and Nos2 were found through integration of network pharmacology database and transcriptome sequencing, providing evidence for further study on mechanisms underlying visceral hypersensitivity.

Intervention of Compound Xueshuantong Capsule on the incidence of heart failure in patients with acute myocardial infarction after PCI based on the combination of disease and syndrome: A multi-center, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF), manifested as a severe or end stage of various cardiac diseases, is characterized by increased incidence, mortality, re-hospitalization, and economic burden. Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the most common and important causes of HF. Since 2005, acute MI (AMI)-associated mortality in China has been on the rise, and MI accounts for 23.1% of the causes of HF. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has the unique advantages of controlling angina pectoris and HF symptoms, and improving patients' quality of life. Compound Xueshuantong Capsule (CXSTC), also named as Fufang Xueshuantong Capsule, has the effect of increasing cardiac output and protecting myocardial function. In this trial, we aim to investigate the efficacy and safety of CXSTC in the prophylactic treatment of post-infarction HF and attempt to provide a clinical evidence-based basis for the prophylactic treatment of HF after AMI using TCM.

METHODS

This will be a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-parallel controlled trial. A total of 300 patients diagnosed with AMI and undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention within 12 hours of diagnosis will be randomized 1:1 into 2 groups: the control group that will be administered conventional Western medicine plus placebo and the trial group that will be administered XST along with the conventional Western medicine. The duration of treatment will be 3 months and the follow-up will be up to 6 months for both groups. The main efficacy indicator is the incidence of HF. The secondary efficacy indicators are cardiac function classification, 6-minute walk test score, TCM syndrome score, survival quality score, brain natriuretic peptide level, ultrasensitive C-reactive protein level, and cardiac ultrasound result. Data will be collected to analyze the underlying mechanisms by using IBM SPSS 23.0 software.

DISCUSSION

By investigating the efficacy and safety of CXSTC, this study will provide a clinical evidence base for the use of TCM in the prophylactic treatment of post-infarction HF.

Combined metabolomics and network pharmacology to elucidate the mechanisms of Dracorhodin Perchlorate in treating diabetic foot ulcer rats

Background: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a severe chronic complication of diabetes, that can result in disability or death. Dracorhodin Perchlorate (DP) is effective for treating DFU, but the potential mechanisms need to be investigated. We aimed to explore the mechanisms underlying the acceleration of wound healing in DFU by the topical application of DP through the combination of metabolomics and network pharmacology. Methods: A DFU rat model was established, and the rate of ulcer wound healing was assessed. Different metabolites were found in the skin tissues of each group, and MetaboAnalyst was performed to analyse metabolic pathways. The candidate targets of DP in the treatment of DFU were screened using network pharmacology. Cytoscape was applied to construct an integrated network of metabolomics and network pharmacology. Moreover, the obtained hub targets were validated using molecular docking. After the topical application of DP, blood glucose, the rate of wound healing and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were assessed. Results: The levels of IL-1, hs-CRP and TNF-α of the Adm group were significantly downregulated. A total of 114 metabolites were identified. These could be important to the therapeutic effects of DP in the treatment of DFU. Based on the network pharmacology, seven hub genes were found, which were partially consistent with the metabolomics results. We focused on four hub targets by further integrated analysis, namely, PAH, GSTM1, DHFR and CAT, and the crucial metabolites and pathways. Molecular docking results demonstrated that DP was well combined with the hub targets. Conclusion: Our research based on metabolomics and network pharmacology demonstrated that DP improves wound healing in DFU through multiple targets and pathways, and it can potentially be used for DFU treatment.

Network Pharmacology-Based Dissection of the Mechanism of Drynariae Rhizoma for Low Back Pain

Objective

To explain the potential mechanisms of Drynariae Rhizoma (DR) in the treatment of low back pain (LBP).

Design

Network pharmacology was used to reveal the potential mechanisms including collecting the active ingredients of DR, analyzing the common gene targets of LBP and DR, constructing protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, collecting protein classification, performing Gene Ontology (GO) functional analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, and verifying significant gene targets.

Results

234 different gene targets and 18 active compounds altogether were obtained. AKT1, VEGFA, and HIF1A were deemed to be major gene targets based on the degree values. According to GO analysis, steroid metabolic process involved 42 (18.10%) potential therapeutic LBP targets, neuronal cell body involved 24 (10.30%) potential therapeutic LBP targets, and protein serine/threonine kinase activity involved 28 (12.02%) potential therapeutic LBP targets in biological process (BP), cellular component (CC), and molecular function (MF), respectively. According to KEGG and pathway interaction analyses, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway involved 34 (15.89%) potential therapeutic LBP targets, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway played a significant role in the treatment of LBP. The mRNA expression levels of AKT1 and HIF1A were upregulated in healthy nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue than in degenerative NP tissue. In contrast, the mRNA expression level of VEGFA was downregulated in healthy NP tissue than in degenerative NP tissue.

Conclusions

In this study, we identified a potential relationship between LBP and DR in this work, as well as a synergistic mechanism of DR in the treatment of LBP, which serves as a benchmark for further in vivo and in vitro research.

Revealing the mechanisms of Weishi Huogu I capsules used for treating osteonecrosis of the femoral head based on systems pharmacology with one mechanism validated with in vitro experiments

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Weishi Huogu I (WH I) capsules, developed through traditional Chinese medicine, have been used to treat clinical osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) for decades. However, the mechanisms have not been systematically studied.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study, the mechanisms of WH I capsules used in treating ONFH were examined through a systems pharmacology strategy, and one mechanism was validated with in vitro experiments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

WH I capsules compounds were identified by screening databases; then, a database of the potential active compounds was constructed after absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) evaluation. The compounds were identified through a systematic approach in which the probability of an interaction of every candidate compound with each corresponding target in the DrugBank database was calculated. Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analyses of the targets was performed with the Metascape and KEGG DISEASE databases. Then, a compound-target network (C-T) and target-pathway network (T-P) of WH I capsule components were constructed, and network characteristics and related information were used for systematically identifying WH I capsule multicomponent-target interactions. Furthermore, the effects of WH I capsule compounds identified through the systematic pharmacology analysis of the osteogenic transformation of human umbilical mesenchymal stem cells (HUMSCs) were validated in vitro.

RESULTS

In total, 152 potentially important compounds and 176 associated targets were identified. Twenty-two crucial GO biological process (BP) or pathways were related to ONFH, mainly in regulatory modules regulating blood circulation, modulating growth, and affecting pathological processes closely related to ONFH. Furthermore, the GO enrichment analysis showed that corydine, isorhamnetin, and bicuculline were enriched in "RUNX2 regulates osteoblast differentiation", significantly increased alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition and upregulated runt-related transcription factor 2 mRNA and protein expression and osteocalcin mRNA expression in HUMSCs, suggesting that these compounds promoted the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) osteogenic transformation.

CONCLUSIONS

The study showed that the pharmacological mechanisms of WH I capsule attenuation of ONFH mainly involve three therapeutic modules: blood circulation, modulating growth, and regulating pathological processes. The crosstalk between GOBPs/pathways may constitute the basis of the synergistic effects of the compounds in WH I capsules in attenuating ONFH. One of the pharmacological mechanisms in the WH I capsule effect on ONFH involves enhancement of the osteogenic transformation of MSCs, as validated in experiments performed in vitro; however, more mechanisms should be validated in further studies.

Network Pharmacology Approach for Medicinal Plants: Review and Assessment

Natural products have played a critical role in medicine due to their ability to bind and modulate cellular targets involved in disease. Medicinal plants hold a variety of bioactive scaffolds for the treatment of multiple disorders. The less adverse effects, affordability, and easy accessibility highlight their potential in traditional remedies. Identifying pharmacological targets from active ingredients of medicinal plants has become a hot topic for biomedical research to generate innovative therapies. By developing an unprecedented opportunity for the systematic investigation of traditional medicines, network pharmacology is evolving as a systematic paradigm and becoming a frontier research field of drug discovery and development. The advancement of network pharmacology has opened up new avenues for understanding the complex bioactive components found in various medicinal plants. This study is attributed to a comprehensive summary of network pharmacology based on current research, highlighting various active ingredients, related techniques/tools/databases, and drug discovery and development applications. Moreover, this study would serve as a protocol for discovering novel compounds to explore the full range of biological potential of traditionally used plants. We have attempted to cover this vast topic in the review form. We hope it will serve as a significant pioneer for researchers working with medicinal plants by employing network pharmacology approaches.

Mechanism of Sanhua Decoction in the Treatment of Ischemic Stroke Based on Network Pharmacology Methods and Experimental Verification

Objective

The mechanism of action of Sanhua Decoction (SHD) in the treatment of ischemic stroke (IS) was analyzed based on the network pharmacology technology, and the pharmacodynamics and key targets were verified using the rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model.

Methods

The GEO database was used to collect IS-related gene set S_D, and DrugBank and TTD databases were used to obtain the therapeutic drug target set S_T. IS disease gene set S_I was collected from DisGeNET, GeneCards, and OMIM databases. These three different gene sets obtained from various sources were merged, duplicates were removed, and the resulting IS disease gene set S_IS was imported into the STRING database to establish the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Two methods were used to screen the key targets of IS disease based on the PPI network analysis. The TCMSP database and PubChem were applied to retrieve the main chemical components of SHD, and the ACD/Labs software and the SwissADME online system were utilized for ADMET screening. HitPick, SEA, and SwissTarget Prediction online systems were used to predict the set of potential targets for SHD to treat IS. The predicted set of potential targets and the IS disease gene set were intersected. Subsequently, the set of potential targets for SHD treatment of IS was identified, the target information was confirmed through the UniProt database, and finally, the component-target data set for SHD treatment of IS was obtained. clusterProfiler was used for GO function annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis on the target set of SHD active ingredients. A rat MCAO model was established to evaluate the pharmacodynamics of SHD in the treatment of IS, and Western blot analysis assessed the level of proteins in the related pathways.

Results

This study obtained 1,009 IS disease gene sets. PPI network analysis identified 12 key targets: AGT, SAA1, KNG1, APP, GNB3, C3, CXCR4, CXCL12, CXCL8, CXCL1, F2, and EDN1. Database analyses retrieved 40 active ingredients and 47 target genes in SHD. The network proximity algorithm was used to optimize the six key components in SHD. KEGG enrichment showed that the signaling pathways related to IS were endocrine resistance, estrogen, TNF signal pathway, and AGEs/RAGE. Compound-disease-target regulatory network analysis showed that AKT1, IL-6, TNF-α, TP53, VEGFA, and APP were related to the treatment of IS with SHD. Animal experiments demonstrated that SHD significantly reduces the neurological function of rat defect symptoms (P < 0.05), the area of cerebral avascular necrosis, and neuronal necrosis while increasing the levels of IL-6 and APP proteins (P < 0.05) and reducing the levels of AKT1 and VEGFA proteins (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The effective components of SHD may regulate multiple signaling pathways through IL-6, APP, AKT1, and VEGFA to reduce brain damage and inflammatory damage and exert a neuroprotective role in the treatment of IS diseases. Thus, this study provides a feasible method to study the pharmacological mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine compound prescriptions and a theoretical basis for the development of SHD into a new drug for IS treatment.

Transcriptional profiling and network pharmacology analysis identify the potential biomarkers from Chinese herbal formula Huosu Yangwei Formula treated gastric cancer in vivo

Huosu Yangwei (HSYW) Formula is a traditioanl Chinese herbal medicine that has been extensively used to treat chronic atrophic gastritis, precancerous lesions of gastric cancer and advanced gastric cancer. However, the effective compounds of HSYW and its related anti-tumor mechanisms are not completely understood. In the current study, 160 ingredients of HSYW were identified and 64 effective compounds were screened by the ADMET evaluation. Furthermore, 64 effective compounds and 2579 potential targets were mapped based on public databases. Animal experiments demonstrated that HSYW significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Transcriptional profiles revealed that 81 mRNAs were differentially expressed in HSYW-treated N87-bearing Balb/c mice. Network pharmacology and PPI network showed that 12 core genes acted as potential markers to evaluate the curative effects of HSYW. Bioinformatics and qRT-PCR results suggested that HSYW might regulate the mRNA expression of DNAJB4, CALD, AKR1C1, CST1, CASP1, PREX1, SOCS3 and PRDM1 against tumor growth in N87-bearing Balb/c mice.

Screening of Potential Anti-Thrombotic Ingredients from Salvia miltiorrhiza in Zebrafish and by Molecular Docking

Background: Danshen (DS), the dry root of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge., has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for many years to promote blood circulation and to inhibit thrombosis. However, the active ingredients responsible for the anti-thrombotic effect and the underlying mechanisms are yet to be fully elucidated. Methods: Molecular docking was used to predict the active ingredients in DS and their potential targets by calculating the scores of docking between DS ingredients and thrombosis-related proteins. Then, a chemical-induced zebrafish thrombosis model was applied to confirm their anti-thrombotic effects. Result: The molecular docking results indicated that compared to the control ligand, higher docking scores were observed for several compounds in DS, among which salvianolic acid B (SAB), lithospermic acid (LA), rosmarinic acid (MA), and luteolin-7-O-β-d-glucoside (LG) could attenuate zebrafish caudal vein thrombosis and recover the decrease in heart red blood cells (RBCs) in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions: Our study showed that it is possible to screen the potential active components in natural products by combining the molecular docking method and zebrafish in vivo model.

Total Saponins of Panax notoginseng Activate Akt/mTOR Pathway and Exhibit Neuroprotection in vitro and in vivo against Ischemic Damage

OBJECTIVE

To reveal the neuroprotective effect and the underlying mechanisms of a mixture of the main components of Panax notoginseng saponins (TSPN) on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) of cultured cortical neurons.

METHODS

The neuroprotective effect of TSPN was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, flow cytometry and live/dead cell assays. The morphology of dendrites was detected by immunofluorescence. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was developed in rats as a model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. The neuroprotective effect of TSPN was evaluated by neurological scoring, tail suspension test, 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) and Nissl stainings. Western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to measure the changes in the Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway.

RESULTS

MTT showed that TSPN (50, 25 and 12.5 µ g/mL) protected cortical neurons after OGD/R treatment (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Flow cytometry and live/dead cell assays indicated that 25 µ g/mL TSPN decreased neuronal apoptosis (P<0.05), and immunofluorescence showed that 25 µ g/mL TSPN restored the dendritic morphology of damaged neurons (P<0.05). Moreover, 12.5 µ g/mL TSPN downregulated the expression of Beclin-1, Cleaved-caspase 3 and LC3B-II/LC3B-I, and upregulated the levels of phosphorylated (p)-Akt and p-mTOR (P<0.01 or P<0.05). In the MCAO model, 50 µ g/mL TSPN improved defective neurological behavior and reduced infarct volume (P<0.05). Moreover, the expression of Beclin-1 and LC3B in cerebral ischemic penumbra was downregulated after 50 µ g/mL TSPN treatment, whereas the p-mTOR level was upregulated (P<0.05 or P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

TSPN promoted neuronal survival and protected dendrite integrity after OGD/R and had a potential therapeutic effect by alleviating neurological deficits and reversing neuronal loss. TSPN promoted p-mTOR and inhibited Beclin-1 to alleviate ischemic damage, which may be the mechanism that underlies the neuroprotective activity of TSPN.

Investigating the Pharmacological Mechanisms of SheXiang XinTongNing Against Coronary Heart Disease Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Evaluation

SheXiang XinTongNing (XTN), which is composed of six traditional Chinese herbs, is a commercially available Chinese patent medicine that has been widely used as the treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD). Its mechanisms against coronary heart disease, however, remain largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the pharmacological mechanisms of XTN against CHD via network pharmacology and experimental evaluation. In this study, GO enrichment and KEGG pathway enrichment were firstly performed for acquiring the potentially active constituents of XTN, the candidate targets related to coronary heart disease, the drug-components-targets network as well as the protein-protein interaction network and further predicting the mechanisms of XTN against coronary heart disease. Subsequently, a series of in vitro experiments, specifically MTT assay, flow cytometry and Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, and a succession of in vivo experiments, including Tunel staining and immunohistochemical staining were conducted for further verification. Results showed that Bcl-2, IGF1, CASP3 were the key candidate targets which significantly associated with multiple pathways, namely PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway. It indicated that the potential mechanism of XTN against CHD may be predominantly associated with cell apoptosis. The in vitro experimental results showed that XTN treatment remarkably decreased the apoptotic rate and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio of H9c2 cells. Histological results confirmed that XTN not only effectively alleviated oxidative damage caused by myocardial ischemia but inhibited cell apoptosis. Given the above, through the combined utilization of virtual screening and experimental verification, the findings suggest that XTN makes a significant contribution in protecting the heart from oxidative stress via regulating apoptosis pathways, which lays the foundations and offers an innovative idea for future research.

Application of network pharmacology and molecular docking to elucidate the potential mechanism of Astragalus-Scorpion against prostate cancer

The present study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of the Astragalus-Scorpion drug pair in the treatment of prostate cancer (PCa). We employed network pharmacology and molecular docking technology to retrieving the active ingredients and corresponding targets of Astragalus-Scorpion by using TCMSP, BATMAN-TCM, TCMID and Swiss Target Prediction Databases. The targets related to PCa were retrieved through GeneCards. Cytoscape software was used to construct the 'active ingredient-target disease' network, and GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed on the common targets. Autodock software was used for molecular docking verification. In total, 26 active ingredients, 340 potential targets related to active ingredients and 122 common targets were screened from Astragalus-Scorpion drug pair. The core targets of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were JUN, AKT1, IL6, MAPK1 and RELA, whereas the core active ingredients were quercetin, kaempferol, formononetin, 7-o-methylisomucronulatol and calycosin. Nearly 762 GO entries and 154 pathways were obtained by using the pathway enrichment analysis. Molecular docking results revealed that quercetin and kaempferol bind to AKT1 and formononetin binds to RELA, all of which were found to be stable bounds.

Deciphering the synergistic network regulation of active components from SiNiSan against irritable bowel syndrome via a comprehensive strategy: Combined effects of synephrine, paeoniflorin and naringin

BACKGROUND

SiNiSan (SNS) is an ancient Chinese herbal prescription, and the current clinical treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is effective. In the previous study of the research team, the multi-functional co-synergism of SNS against IBS was presented. Some potential drug targets and candidate ligands were predicted.

PURPOSE

This study attempts to explore the crucial ingredient combinations from SNS formula and reveal their synergistic mechanism for IBS therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In present study, a comprehensive strategy was performed to reveal IBS related pathways and biological modules, and explore synergistic effects of the ingredients, including ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion) screening, Text mining, Venn analysis, Gene ontology (GO) analysis, Pathway cluster analysis, Molecular docking, Network construction and Experimental verification in visceral hypersensitivity (VHS) rats.

RESULTS

Three compressed IBS signal pathways were derived from ClueGO KEGG analysis of 63 IBS genes, including Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, Inflammatory mediator regulation of TRP (transient receptor potential) channels and Serotonergic synapse. A multi-module network, composed of four IBS therapeutic modules (psychological, inflammation, neuroendocrine and cross-talk modules), was revealed by Target-Pathway network. Nine kernel targets were considered closely associated with the IBS pathways, including ADRA2A, HTR2A, F2RL1, F2RL3, TRPV1, PKC, PKA, IL-1Β and NGF. In silico analysis revealed that three crucial ingredients (synephrine, paeoniflorin and naringin) were assumed to coordinate the network of those IBS therapeutic modules by acting on these kernel targets in the important pathways. In vivo experimental results showed that the crucial ingredient combinations synergistically affected the expressions of the kernel biological molecules, and improved the minimum capacity threshold of AWR in VHS rats.

CONCLUSION

The study proposes the important IBS associated pathways and the network regulation mechanisms of the crucial ingredients. It reveals the multi-target synergistic effect of the crucial ingredient combinations for the novel therapy on IBS.

In Silico Network Analysis of Ingredients of Cornus officinalis in Osteoporosis

BACKGROUND Cornus officinalis (CO), also known as 'Shanzhuyu', is one of the most common traditional Chinese herbs used against osteoporosis. Although previous studies have found that CO has beneficial effects in alleviating osteoporosis, its mechanisms remain unclear. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this study, we applied system bioinformatic approaches to investigate the possible therapeutic mechanisms of CO against osteoporosis. We collected the active ingredients of CO and their targets from the TCMSP, BATMAN-TCM, and ETCM databases. Next, we obtained the osteoporosis targets from differentially expressed mRNAs from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) gene series (GSE35958). Next, the shared genes of the CO pharmacological targets and osteoporosis-related targets were selected to construct the protein-protein interaction network, based on the results from the STRING database. Subsequently, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were carried out by using the clusterProfiler package in R software. RESULTS In all, there were 58 unique CO compounds and 518 therapeutic targets. Based on the GO and KEGG enrichment results of 98 common genes, we selected the top 25 terms, based on the terms' P values. We found that the anti-osteoporotic effect of CO may mostly involve the regulation of calcium metabolism and reactive oxygen species, and the estrogen signaling pathway and osteoclast differentiation pathway. CONCLUSIONS We found the possible mechanisms of CO in treating osteoporosis may be based on multiple targets and pathways. We also provided a theoretical basis and promising direction for investigating the exact anti-osteoporotic mechanisms of CO.

Virtual Screening of Chinese Medicine Small Molecule Compounds Targeting SARS-CoV-2 3CL Protease (3CL pro)

Background:

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has attracted worldwide attention due to its high infectivity and pathogenicity.

Objective:

The purpose of this study is to develop drugs with therapeutic potentials for COVID-19.

Methods:

we selected the crystal structure of 3CL pro to perform virtual screening against natural products in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). Then, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was carried out to explore the binding mode between compounds and 3CL pro.

Results and Discussion:

A total of 6 candidates with good theoretical binding affinity to 3CL pro were identified. The binding mode after MD shows that hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction play an important role in the binding process. Finally, based on the free binding energy analysis, the candidate natural product Gypenoside LXXV may bind to 3CL pro with high binding affinity.

Conclusion:

The natural product Gypenoside LXXV may have good potential anti-SARS-COV-2 activity.

A review on the chemical profiles, quality control, pharmacokinetic and pharmacological properties of Fufang Xueshuantong Capsule

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Fufang Xueshuantong Capsule (FXC) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula composed of four herbs including Panax notoginseng, Astragalus membranaceus, Salvia miltiorrhiza, and Scrophularia ningpoensis. Long-term and extensive clinical applications have confirmed that FXC could exert significant effects on fundus, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular occlusive diseases.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

To systematically analyze and summarize the existing researches involving quality and efficacy re-evaluation of FXC, point out the typical problems, and further propose some opinions to contribute to future study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Literatures concerning FXC were collected from online scientific databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Data, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Springer Link up to June 2020. All eligible studies are analyzed and summarized in this review.

RESULTS

This review outlines the chemical profiles, quality control, pharmacokinetic and pharmacological properties of FXC based on reported results. Some problems are pointed out for FXC: the quality control needs further improvement, the pharmacokinetic properties have not been comprehensively investigated, and in-depth and systematic mechanism researches are scarce. Hereon we propose several directions for future study: (a) establishment of feasible HPLC or LC-MS based quantitative methods for simultaneous determination of multiple components to monitor the overall quality; (b) pharmacokinetic studies concerning humans, drug-drug interactions, and correlation with pharmacodynamics; (c) pharmacological mechanism researches integrating multi-omics technologies (gut microbiome, metabolomics, etc.).

CONCLUSIONS

This review highlights the researches on quality and efficacy re-evaluation of FXC, and points out some typical problems. Further in-depth studies should focus on the promotion of quality control, pharmacokinetic properties, and pharmacological mechanism.

A Network Pharmacology Approach to Explore the Mechanisms of Artemisiae scopariae Herba for the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B

Background

As a traditional Chinese medicine, Artemisiae scopariae Herba (ASH) is used to treat various liver diseases. The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanisms of ASH for treating chronic hepatitis B (CHB) using a network pharmacological method.

Methods

Bioactive ingredients and related targets of ASH were obtained from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database. Gene names of targets were extracted from UniProt database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of CHB were obtained from microarray dataset GSE83148. The intersect genes between DEGs and target genes were annotated using clusterProfiler package. The STRING database was used to obtain a network of protein-protein interactions. Cytoscape 3.7.2 was used to construct the “ingredient-gene-pathway” (IGP) network. Molecular docking studies were performed using Autodock vina.

Results

A total of 13 active components were extracted from TCMSP database. Fifteen intersect genes were obtained between 183 target genes and 403 DEGs of GSE83148. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis results showed that ASH against CHB mainly involved in toll-like receptor signaling pathway, cellular senescence, hepatitis B, and chemokine signaling pathway. We screened one hub compound, five core targets, and four key pathways from constructed networks. The docking results indicated the strong binding activity between quercetin and AKT1.

Conclusions

This study provides potential molecular mechanisms of ASH against CHB based on exploration of network pharmacology.

Fufang Xueshuantong alleviates diabetic retinopathy by activating the PPAR signalling pathway and complement and coagulation cascades

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Fufang Xueshuantong (FXST) is a traditional Chinese patent medicine composed of Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F.H.Chen (Araliaceae), Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Lamiaceae), Astragalus propinquus Schischkin (Leguminosae), and Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl. (Scrophulariaceae). It has been widely used for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and exerts a positive clinical therapeutic effect.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to observe the effect of FXST on diabetic rat retinas and investigate its pharmacological mechanism for improving DR.

METHODS

The diabetic rat model was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. The rats were divided into a normal group, diabetic group, and FXST group. The rats in the FXST group were treated with FXST by intragastric administration for 12 weeks while other rats were given the same volume of normal saline. The haemodynamic parameters of the central retinal artery in the rats were measured by ultrasound. Haematoxylin-eosin staining was utilised to observe the pathological structural changes in the retina. The apoptosis of retinal nerve cells was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling. RNA sequencing was used to screen the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and enrichment analyses were performed. The DEGs were validated through real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

RESULTS

The peak systolic velocity, end diastolic velocity, and mean velocity decreased while the resistance index and pulsatility index increased in the diabetic rat retinas. FXST also improved haemodynamics. In contrast with the diabetic group, FXST allayed the disorder and oedema of the retinal structure in addition to reversing the reductions in retinal thickness and retinal ganglion cell number. It also decreased the apoptosis index of retinal cells. A total of 1134 DEGs were identified by RNA sequencing in the FXST group compared to the diabetic group, including 814 upregulated genes and 320 downregulated genes. These genes were enriched in the complement and coagulation cascades as well as the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signalling pathway. Several DEGs, including PPAR gamma, perilipin 4, acyl-CoA dehydrogenase long chain, CD55 molecule, and plasminogen activator urokinase, were identified by qRT-PCR, and the results were consistent with the RNA sequencing data.

CONCLUSIONS

FXST alleviates DR by improving the haemodynamics and morphological alterations of diabetic rat retinas, which are mediated by complement and coagulation cascades and the PPAR signalling pathway.

Integrated metabolomics and network pharmacology to reveal the mechanisms of hydroxysafflor yellow A against acute traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has become a leading cause of mortality, morbidity and disability worldwide. Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) is effective in treating TBI, but the potential mechanisms require further exploration. We aimed to reveal the mechanisms of HSYA against acute TBI by an integrated strategy combining metabolomics with network pharmacology. A controlled cortical impact (CCI) rat model was established, and neurological functions were evaluated. Metabolomics of brain tissues was used to identify differential metabolites, and the metabolic pathways were enriched by MetaboAnalyst. Then, network pharmacology was applied to dig out the potential targets against TBI induced by HSYA. The integrated network of metabolomics and network pharmacology was constructed based on Cytoscape. Finally, the obtained key targets were verified by molecular docking. HSYA alleviated the neurological deficits of TBI. Fifteen potentially significant metabolites were found to be involved in the therapeutic effects of HSYA against acute TBI. Most of these metabolites were regulated to recover after HSYA treatment. We found 10 hub genes according to network pharmacology, which was partly consistent with the metabolomics findings. Further integrated analysis focused on 4 key targets, including NOS1, ACHE, PTGS2 and XDH, as well as their related core metabolites and pathways. Molecular docking showed high affinities between key targets and HSYA. Region-specific metabolic alterations in the cortex and hippocampus were illuminated. This study reveals the complicated mechanisms of HSYA against acute TBI. Our work provides a novel paradigm to identify the potential mechanisms of pharmacological effects derived from a natural compound.

Study of the active ingredients and mechanism of Sparganii rhizoma in gastric cancer based on HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and network pharmacology

Sparganii rhizoma (SL) has potential therapeutic effects on gastric cancer (GC), but its main active ingredients and possible anticancer mechanism are still unclear. In this study, we used HPLC-Q-TOF–MS/MS to comprehensively analyse the chemical components of the aqueous extract of SL. On this basis, a network pharmacology method incorporating target prediction, gene function annotation, and molecular docking was performed to analyse the identified compounds, thereby determining the main active ingredients and hub genes of SL in the treatment of GC. Finally, the mRNA and protein expression levels of the hub genes of GC patients were further analysed by the Oncomine, GEPIA, and HPA databases. A total of 41 compounds were identified from the aqueous extract of SL. Through network analysis, we identified seven main active ingredients and ten hub genes: acacetin, sanleng acid, ferulic acid, methyl 3,6-dihydroxy-2-[(2-hydroxyphenyl) ethynyl]benzoate, caffeic acid, adenine nucleoside, azelaic acid and PIK3R1, PIK3CA, SRC, MAPK1, AKT1, HSP90AA1, HRAS, STAT3, FYN, and RHOA. The results indicated that SL might play a role in GC treatment by controlling the PI3K-Akt and other signalling pathways to regulate biological processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and angiogenesis in tumour cells. In conclusion, this study used HPLC-Q-TOF–MS/MS combined with a network pharmacology approach to provide an essential reference for identifying the chemical components of SL and its mechanism of action in the treatment of GC.

Revealing the synergistic mechanism of Shenfu Decoction for anti-heart failure through network pharmacology strategy

The present study was designed to investigate the targets and synergistic mechanism of Shenfu Decoction (SFD) in the treatment of heart failure. A heart failure animal models was established to evaluate the pharmacological effects of SFD for anti-heart failure, then constructed ingredient-target interaction network by developing ingredient and target databases, the Discovery sdudio software was used for molecular docking. In addition, we validated the predicted protein targets of active ingredients in SFD by using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology. Our results demonstrated that SFD could enhance ejection fraction, alleviate myocardial histopathological characteristics, and reduce the level of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), aldosterone (ALD), atrial natriuretic polypeptide (ANP) and Renin (REN) in heart failure rat model. In addition, the ingredient database including 349 constituents and target database including 236 proteins were established, and 75 proteins were screened and identified by molecular docking strategy. 22 core target proteins were identified through network pharmacology, and the component-core target network was constructed. Finally, the affinity between the compounds and targets were verified by the SPR analysis method. The present study suggested that SFD may act on ACE 2, REN, ACE, ICAM-1, EGF, HTR2B, PARP1, NPPB and other proteins through AC, BAC, ACN, Re, Rg1, Rb1 to exert synergistic effects against heart failure.

A comprehensive application: Molecular docking and network pharmacology for the prediction of bioactive constituents and elucidation of mechanisms of action in component-based Chinese medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used for more than 2000 years in China. TCM has received wide attention recently due to its unique charm. At the same time, its main obstacles have attracted wide attention, including vagueness of drug composition and treatment mechanism. With the development of virtual screening technology, more and more Chinese medicine compounds have been studied to discover the potential active components and mechanisms of action. Molecular docking is a computer technology based on structural design. Network pharmacology establishes powerful and comprehensive databases to understand the relationship between TCM and disease network. In this review, emergent uses and applications of two techniques and further superiorities of the two techniques when embarked to boil down into a tidy system were illustrated. A combination of the two provides a theoretical basis and technical support for the construction of modern TCM based on the compatibility of components and accelerates the realization of two basic elements as well, including the clearness of the pharmacodynamic substances and explanation of the effect of TCM.

Pharmacokinetics and biotransformation investigation in beagle dog of active compounds from naoxintong capsule

Naoxintong Capsule (NXTC), a standardized herbal medicine, has been widely applied in treating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases with remarkable efficacy. However, the efficacy contributing components of NXTC are unclear, and the in vivo absorption and metabolism processes of NXTC remain largely obscured. In this study, using beagle dog as model species, we have identified and tentatively characterized 25 prototype and 15 catabolites of NXTC in beagle dog plasma by ultra-fast liquid chromatography/quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UFLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS). We have proposed the in vivo bio-transformation pathways of these absorbed constituents. In addition, for six crucial components, we have developed a quantitative method and conducted plasma pharmacokinetic study of these six components by rapid resolution liquid chromatography tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (RRLC-QQQ-MS/MS). In conclude, our study provided comprehensive insights into the understanding of the plasma absorbed components profiling of NXTC as well as their in vivo transformation behaviors, which would be of great value for identifying efficacy contributing critical components as well as mechanism related investigations of NXTC in the future.

Anticoagulant active ingredients identification of total saponin extraction of different Panax medicinal plants based on grey relational analysis combined with UPLC-MS and molecular docking

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In traditional use, Panax medicinal plants (ginseng, red ginseng, notoginseng, Panax japonicus, and Panacis majoris rhizoma) have different bioactivities from each other, even under different dosages, but their chemical compositions are very similar; so the question is, what is the primary effective substance induced the different efficacy, and how to identify them from a group of chemical constituents?

AIM OF THE STUDY

The goal of this research was to provide a strategy to determine the effective substance in Panax genus medicinal plants responsible for the anticoagulant response.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This research used ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) to analyze the saponin chemical compositions of different concentration ethanol extraction of notoginseng and the ginseng genus medical plant 75% ethanol extraction (Panax ginseng, red ginseng, Panax japonicus, Panacis majoris rhizome), and used four coagulation factors (PT, TT, APTT, Fib) to evaluate the anticoagulant activity of the extracts. Grey correlation analysis was applied to establish the spectral effect relationship and give the anticoagulant potency of different saponins. Network pharmacology and molecular docking were adopted to clarify and verify the possible mechanisms of anticoagulant action.

RESULTS

The results showed that the blood physiological regulation activities of Panax medicinal plants were different according to the solvent concentration, processing, species and dosage. Overall, the most suitable solvent for extraction of SQ was 75% ethanol; At low dosage (10-100 mg/mL), the anticoagulant effect of Panax medical plants was: ZJS > ZZS > SQ > RS > HS, and at high doses (100-1000 mg/mL) was: SQ > ZJS > ZZS > RS > HS. GRA and molecular docking results showed the contribution of some components (NG-R2, NG-Fc/G-Ra1/G-Ra2, G-Rc, G-Rk3, and G-Rh4) to the whole anticoagulant activity of the drug were increased, while the effect of CS-IVa was just decreased with the increase of dosage; the anticoagulant effect of G-Rg3 (the main anticoagulant component) is mainly related to the targets F2, AR, RHO, ACR, MB, GZMB, B2M, CA2, CAT, and PAPOLA.

CONCLUSION

This study determined the effective substance of anti-coagulation of ginseng genus herbal medicines and the regulation of different anticoagulant effects of TCM by changing various influencing conditions, including processing method, extraction method, and dose. It also provided an effective strategy for effective substances identification of multicomponent, multifunction, and multipurpose herbal medicine.

Deciphering the Underlying Mechanism of Eucommiae Cortex against Osteoporotic Fracture by Network Pharmacology

Background

Du Zhong (DZ), or Eucommiae Cortex, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has been used to treat osteoporosis. Although it has been reported that DZ can improve bone mass in ovariectomized rats, its pharmacological mechanisms in treating osteoporotic fractures (OPF) remain unclear.

Methods

In this study, we used a network pharmacological manner to explore its potential complicated mechanism in treating OPF. We obtained DZ compounds from TCMSP and BATMAN-TCM databases and collected potential targets of these compounds through target fishing based on TCMSP and BATMAN-TCM databases. Next, we collected the OPF targets by using CTD, GeneCards, OMIM, HPO, and GenCLiP 3 databases. And then the overlapping genes between DZ potential targets and OPF targets were used to build up the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and to analyze their interactions and find out the big hub genes in this network. Subsequently, clusterProfiler package in R language was utilized to conduct the enrichment of Gene Ontology biological process and KEGG pathways.

Results

There were totally 93 active compounds and 916 related targets in DZ. After the enrichment analysis, we collected top 25 cellular biological processes and top 25 pathways based on the adjusted P value and found that the DZ anti-OPF effect was mainly associated with the regulation of ROS and inflammatory response. Furthermore, 64 hub genes in PPI network, such as MAPK1 (degree = 41), SRC (degree = 39), PIK3R1 (degree = 36), VEGFA (degree = 31), TP53 (degree = 29), EGFR (degree = 29), JUN (degree = 29), AGT (degree = 29), MAPK1, SRC, PIK3R1, VEGFA, and TP53, were considered as potential therapeutic targets, implying the underlying mechanisms of DZ acting on OPF.

Conclusion

We investigated the possible therapeutic mechanisms of DZ from a systemic perspective. These key targets and pathways provided promising directions for the future research to reveal the exact regulating mechanisms of DZ in treating OPF.

Ranibizumab plus fufang xueshuantong capsule versus ranibizumab alone for exudative age-related macular degeneration

Objective

To compare the efficacy of ranibizumab plus fufang xueshuantong capsule (cFXST) with the efficacy of ranibizumab alone in treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration.

Methods

This prospective, randomized, controlled, pilot study included 38 eyes from 38 patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that were randomly allocated into two cohorts of 19 eyes each: ranibizumab (C_r) and ranibizumab plus cFXST (C_fr). All patients received three monthly injections of ranibizumab. Patients in C_fr also received daily oral supplementation of cFXST. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and thickness of the choroidal neovascularization-pigment epithelial detachment (CNV-PED) complex (measured by optical coherence tomography) were recorded at baseline and at 1 and 3 months after the first intravitreal injection of ranibizumab.

Results

In the C_fr, the CNV-PED complex thickness was reduced by 31.7% and 36.1% at 1 and 3 months, respectively; these reductions were significantly greater than the 19.7% and 24.2% reductions in the C_r. BCVA improvement was significantly greater in the C_fr than in the C_r after 3 months; the proportion of patients with functional response was also greater in the C_fr than in the C_r (16/16 vs. 8/17).

Conclusion

Oral cFXST increases the efficacy of short-term ranibizumab treatment for exudative AMD.

Applications of Network Pharmacology in Traditional Chinese Medicine Research

Human diseases, especially infectious ones, have been evolving constantly. However, their treatment strategies are not developing quickly. Some diseases are caused by a variety of factors with very complex pathologies, and the use of a single drug cannot solve these problems. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) medication is a unique treatment method in China. TCM formulae contain multiple herbs with multitarget, multichannel, and multilink characteristics. In recent years, with the flourishing development of network pharmacology, a new method for searching therapeutic drugs has emerged. The multitarget action in network pharmacology is consistent with the complex mechanisms of disease and drug action. Using network pharmacology to understand TCM is an emerging trend.

Steamed Panax notoginseng Attenuates Anemia in Mice With Blood Deficiency Syndrome via Regulating Hematopoietic Factors and JAK-STAT Pathway

Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F. H. Chen is a medicinal herb used to treat blood disorders since ancient times, of which the steamed form exhibits the anti-anemia effect and acts with a “blood-tonifying” function according to traditional use. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-anemia effect and underlying mechanism of steamed P. notoginseng (SPN) on mice with blood deficiency syndrome induced by chemotherapy. Blood deficiency syndrome was induced in mice by cyclophosphamide and acetylphenylhydrazine. A number of peripheral blood cells and organs (liver, kidney, and spleen) coefficients were measured. The mRNA expression of hematopoietic function-related cytokines in the bone marrow of mice was detected by RT-qPCR. The janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathway was screened based on our previous analysis by network pharmacology. The expression of related proteins and cell cycle factors predicted in the pathway was determined by Western blot and RT-qPCR. SPN could significantly increase the numbers of peripheral blood cells and reverse the enlargement of spleen in a dose-dependent manner. The quantities of related hematopoietic factors in bone marrow were also increased significantly after SPN administration. SPN was involved in the cell cycle reaction and activation of immune cells through the JAK-STAT pathway, which could promote the hematopoiesis.

Exploring the Pharmacological Mechanism of the Herb Pair "HuangLian-GanJiang" against Colorectal Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology

Since the herb pair Huang Lian-Gan Jiang (HL-GJ) was put forward as conventional compatibility for cold-heat regulation in the middle energizer in the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), their therapeutic effects were observed on the prevention and treatment of intestinal inflammation and tumors including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the active compounds, crucial targets, and related pathways of HL-GJ against CRC remained unclear. The purpose of this research was to establish a comprehensive and systemic approach that could identify the active compounds, excavate crucial targets, and reveal anti-CRC mechanisms of HL-GJ against CRC based on network pharmacology. We used methods including chemical compound screening based on absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME), compound target prediction, CRC target collection, network construction and analysis, Gene Ontology (GO), and pathway analysis. In this study, eight main active compounds of HL-GJ were identified, including Gingerenone C, Isogingerenone B, 5,8-dihydroxy-2-(2-phenylethyl) Chromone, 2,3,4-trihydroxy-benzenepropanoic acid, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethyl Alcohol Glucoside, 3-carboxy-4-hydroxy-phenoxy Glucoside, Moupinamide, and Obaculactone. HRAS, KRAS, PIK3CA, PDE5A, PPARG, TGFBR1, and TGFBR2 were identified as crucial targets of HL-GJ against CRC. There were mainly 500 biological processes and 70 molecular functions regulated during HL-GJ against CRC (P < 0.001). There were mainly 162 signaling pathways contributing to therapeutic effects (P < 0.001), the top 10 of which included DAP12 signaling, signaling by PDGF, signaling by EGFR, NGF signaling via TRKA from the plasma membrane, signaling by NGF, downstream signal transduction, DAP12 interactions, signaling by VEGF, signaling by FGFR3, and signaling by FGFR4. The study established a comprehensive and systematic paradigm to understand the pharmacological mechanisms of multiherb compatibility such as an herb pair, which might accelerate the development and modernization of TCM.

PD-1-Targeted Discovery of Peptide Inhibitors by Virtual Screening, Molecular Dynamics Simulation, and Surface Plasmon Resonance

The blockade of the programmed cell death protein 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) pathway plays a critical role in cancer immunotherapy by reducing the immune escape. Five monoclonal antibodies that antagonized PD-1/PD-L1 interaction have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and marketed as immunotherapy for cancer treatment. However, some weaknesses of antibodies, such as high cost, low stability, poor amenability for oral administration, and immunogenicity, should not be overlooked. To overcome these disadvantages, small-molecule inhibitors targeting PD-L1 were developed. In the present work, we applied in silico and in vitro approaches to develop short peptides targeting PD-1 as chemical probes for the inhibition of PD-1-PD-L1 interaction. We first predicted the potential binding pocket on PD-1/PD-L1 protein-protein interface (PPI). Sequentially, we carried out virtual screening against our in-house peptide library to identify potential ligands. WANG-003, WANG-004, and WANG-005, three of our in-house peptides, were predicted to bind to PD-1 with promising docking scores. Next, we conducted molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation for the further analysis of interactions between our peptides and PD-1. Finally, we evaluated the affinity between peptides and PD-1 by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) binding technology. The present study provides a new perspective for the development of PD-1 inhibitors that disrupt PD-1-PD-L1 interactions. These promising peptides have the potential to be utilized as a novel chemical probe for further studies, as well as providing a foundation for further designs of potent small-molecule inhibitors targeting PD-1.

Identified the Synergistic Mechanism of Drynariae Rhizoma for Treating Fracture Based on Network Pharmacology

BACKGROUND

Drynariae Rhizoma (DR) has been widely used in the prevention and treatment of various fractures. However, the specific mechanisms of DR's active ingredients have not been elucidated. The purpose of this study was to explore the synergistic mechanisms of DR for treating fracture.

METHODS

A network pharmacology approach integrating ingredient screening, target exploration, active ingredients-gene target network construction, protein-protein interaction network construction, molecular docking, gene-protein classification, gene ontology (GO) functional analysis, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, and signaling pathway integration was used.

RESULTS

This approach identified 17 active ingredients of DR, interacting with 144 common gene targets and 143 protein targets of DR and fracture. NCOA1, GSK3B, TTPA, and MAPK1 were identified as important gene targets. Five most important protein targets were also identified, including MAPK1, SRC, HRAS, RXRA, and NCOA1. Molecular docking found that DR has a good binding potential with common protein targets. GO functional analysis indicated that common genes involve multiple processes, parts and functions in biological process, cellular component, and molecular function, including positive regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter, signal transduction, cytosol, extracellular exosome, cytoplasm, and protein binding. The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated that common gene targets play a role in repairing fractures in multiple signaling pathways, including MAPK, PI3K/AKT, Ras, and VEGF signaling pathways. MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways were involved in osteoblast formation, Ras signaling pathway was involved in enhancing mesenchymal stromal cell migration, and VEGF signaling pathway was involved in angiogenesis.

CONCLUSION

The study revealed the correlation between DR and fracture and the potential synergistic mechanism of different targets of DR in the treatment of fractures, which provides a reference for the development of new drugs.

Interaction between Traditional Chinese Medicine and Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Background:

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used for medical purposes since the ancient time and has gradually gained recognition worldwide. Nowadays, patients with thrombus presiding to anticoagulant/ antiplatelet drugs prefer taking TCM. However, an increasing number of studies on herb–drug interactions have been shown. Nevertheless, findings are frequently conflicting and vague. In this review, we discuss the herb–drug interactions between TCM and anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs to provide guidance on concomitant ingestion with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs.

Methods:

We undertook a structured search of medicine and drug databases for peer-reviewed literature using focused review questions.

Results:

Danshen, Ginkgo, Ginger, H. Perforatum, SMY and Puerarin injection had directional regulation effects on the efficacy of anticoagulant drugs by altering the CYPs, pharmacokinetic indexs and hemorheological parameters. H. Perforatum inhibited the efficacy of Clopidogrel by enhancing the CYP3A4 activity and Ginkgo increased the efficacy of Ticlopidine. Additionally, Renshen, the formulae except SMY and injections except Puerarin injection could increase or decrease the efficacy of anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs via regulating the CYPs, platelet aggregation, hemorheological parameters and others.

Conclusion:

Some cases have reported that TCMs may increase the bleeding risk or has no effect on coagulation when anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs are concurrently used. However, pharmacokinetic studies have presented either consistent or slightly varying results. So it is difficult to ascertain whether the concurrent use of TCM may increase or reduce the pharmacologic effects of anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs with adverse reactions. Therefore, herb–drug interactions of TCM and anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs should be further explored and defined.

Data-Dependent Acquisition and Database-Driven Efficient Peak Annotation for the Comprehensive Profiling and Characterization of the Multicomponents from Compound Xueshuantong Capsule by UHPLC/IM-QTOF-MS

The state of the art ion mobility quadrupole time of flight (IM-QTOF) mass spectrometer coupled with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) can offer four-dimensional information supporting the comprehensive multicomponent characterization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Compound Xueshuantong Capsule (CXC) is a four-component Chinese patent medicine prescribed to treat ophthalmic disease and angina. However, research systematically elucidating its chemical composition is not available. An approach was established by integrating reversed-phase UHPLC separation, IM-QTOF-MS operating in both the negative and positive electrospray ionization modes, and a “Component Knockout” strategy. An in-house ginsenoside library and the incorporated TCM library of UNIFI^TM drove automated peak annotation. With the aid of 85 reference compounds, we could separate and characterize 230 components from CXC, including 155 ginsenosides, six astragalosides, 16 phenolic acids, 16 tanshinones, 13 flavonoids, six iridoids, ten phenylpropanoid, and eight others. Major components of CXC were from the monarch drug, Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma. This study first clarifies the chemical complexity of CXC and the results obtained can assist to unveil the bioactive components and improve its quality control.

Exploring the multicomponent synergy mechanism of Banxia Xiexin Decoction on irritable bowel syndrome by a systems pharmacology strategy

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Banxia Xiexin Decoction (BXD) is a representative prescription to regulate spleen and stomach in "Treatise on Febrile Diseases", which has been proven effective for the clinical treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in the past decades. However, the active principles and molecular mechanisms involved in BXD against IBS are vague yet.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To unfold multicomponent synergy mechanism of BXD on irritable bowel syndrome, this work explored active principles, drug targets and crucial pathways using a systems pharmacology strategy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, a systems pharmacology based strategy was applied by the procedures integrating compound database construction, ADME evaluation, target identification, functional annotation, pathway enrichment analysis, network analysis, and molecular docking verification. The 158 compounds from BXD were selected for the screening. The Compound-Target network (C-T) and the Target-Pathway network (T-P) were constructed. The bioinformatics and network topology were employed to systematically reveal multicomponent-target interactions of BXD. The affinity between important ingredients and the kernel targets was validated using molecular mechanics simulation.

RESULTS

The 35 potential important ingredients and the 16 associated kernel targets were identified. 27 crucial pathways, in which the kernel targets participated, could regulate the biological processes, such as synthesis of inflammatory mediators, smooth muscle relaxation and synaptic plasticity, closely related to pathological mechanism of IBS. The cross-talk interactions were revealed between TNF signaling pathway, Dopaminergic synapse and cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, which would exert the synergistic influences on the occurrence and treatment of the IBS. PTGS2, CALM, NOS2, SCN5A, and PRSS1 might become novel drug targets for IBS.

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrated that the synergy molecular mechanisms of BXD mainly involved three therapeutic modules including inhibiting inflammatory reaction, maintaining intestinal function and improving psychological regulation via the multicomponent-target interaction networks. It may also provide the promising drug targets and therapeutic agents for the development of new medicines.

Chemogenomics Systems Pharmacology Mapping of Potential Drug Targets for Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Though the death rate of initial trauma has dramatically decreased, no drug has been developed to effectively limit the progression of the secondary injury caused by TBI. TBI appears to be a predisposing risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), whereas the molecular mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, we have conducted a research investigation of computational chemogenomics systems pharmacology (CSP) to identify potential drug targets for TBI treatment. TBI-induced transcriptional profiles were compared with those induced by genetic or chemical perturbations, including drugs in clinical trials for TBI treatment. The protein-protein interaction network of these predicted targets were then generated for further analyses. Some protein targets when perturbed, exhibit inverse transcriptional profiles in comparison with the profiles induced by TBI, and they were recognized as potential therapeutic targets for TBI. Drugs acting on these targets are predicted to have the potential for TBI treatment if they can reverse the TBI-induced transcriptional profiles that lead to secondary injury. In particular, our results indicated that TRPV4, NEUROD1, and HPRT1 were among the top therapeutic target candidates for TBI, which are congruent with literature reports. Our analyses also suggested the strong associations between TBI and AD, as perturbations on AD-related genes, such as APOE, APP, PSEN1, and MAPT, can induce similar gene expression patterns as those of TBI. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first CSP-based gene expression profile analyses for predicting TBI-related drug targets, and the findings could be used to guide the design of new drugs targeting the secondary injury caused by TBI.

Exploring pharmacological mechanisms of Xueshuan-Xinmai-Ning tablets acting on coronary heart disease based on drug target-disease gene interaction network

BACKGROUND

Xueshuan-Xinmai-Ning Tablet (XXNT), a commercially available patent drug, has been extensively used in the treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD) with a satisfying therapeutic efficacy. The aim of this study was to explore the underlying pharmacological mechanisms of XXNT acting on CHD.

STUDY DESIGN

An integrative pharmacology-based investigation was performed.

METHOD

Putative targets of composite compounds contained in XXNT were predicted using the Drug Target Prediction Tool in the Computation Platform for Integrative Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCMIP, www.tcmip.cn) and MedChem Studio. Then, an interaction network of XXNT putative targets-known CHD-related genes was constructed, and candidate XXNT targets related to its therapeutic effects on CHD were identified by calculating three major network topological features. Functional enrichment analysis was performed to investigate the specific functions and pathways involved by the candidate XXNT targets acting on CHD, which were further validated by in vitro experiments.

RESULTS

A total of 742 putative targets hit 126 chemical components contained in XXNT were predicted. Following the construction of XXNT putative target-known CHD-related gene network, and the network topological feature calculation, we identified 51 candidate XXNT targets related to its therapeutic effects on CHD. Functionally, these candidate XXNT targets were significantly associated with various cardiovascular system-related pathways, sedation-related pathways, inflammatory and immune-related pathways and endocrine/metabolic system-related pathways. More importantly, the in vitro experiment validation confirmed the regulatory effects of XXNT in SRC, VEGF and VEGFR-1, which play roles in VEGF signaling pathway, based on the endothelial injury cell model.

CONCLUSION

Our findings reveal that XXNT may attenuate the major pathological changes of CHD through regulating its candidate targets, which might be involved into the signal transductions in nervous-endocrine-immune-cardiovascular-metabolic system.

Unveiling Active Constituents and Potential Targets Related to the Hematinic Effect of Steamed Panax notoginseng Using Network Pharmacology Coupled With Multivariate Data Analyses

Steamed Panax notoginseng (SPN) has been used as a tonic to improve the blood deficiency syndrome (BDS) in the theory of traditional Chinese medicine. Here, we aim to unveil active constituents and potential targets related to the hematinic effect of SPN, which has not been answered before. In the study a constituent-target-disease network was constructed by combining the SPN-specific and anemia-specific target proteins with protein-protein interactions. And the network pharmacology was used to screen out the underlying targets and mechanisms of SPN treating anemia. Also, the multivariate data analyses were performed for the double screening. According to the results, 11 targets related to chemical constituents of SPN were found to be closely associated with the hematinic effect of SPN. Among them, the direct target protein of mitochondrial ferrochelatase (FECH) had the major role through the metabolic pathway. Meanwhile, Rk3 and 20(S)-Rg3 were predicted to be major constituents related to the hematinic effect of SPN by both multivariate data analyses and network pharmacology. And it was been validated by the pharmacologic tests that Rk3 and 20(S)-Rg3 could significantly increase the levels of blood routine parameters, FECH and its downstream protein of heme in mice with BDS. The study provides evidences for the mechanism understanding and drug development of SPN for the treatment of anemia.

Network pharmacology-based strategy to investigate pharmacological mechanisms of Zuojinwan for treatment of gastritis

BACKGROUND

Zuojinwan (ZJW), a classic herbal formula, has been extensively used to treat gastric symptoms in clinical practice in China for centuries. However, the pharmacological mechanisms of ZJW still remain vague to date.

METHODS

In the present work, a network pharmacology-based strategy was proposed to elucidate its underlying multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway mode of action against gastritis. First we collected putative targets of ZJW based on TCMSP and STITCH databases, and a network containing the interactions between the putative targets of ZJW and known therapeutic targets of gastritis was built. Then four topological parameters, "degree", "betweenness", "closeness", and "coreness" were calculated to identify the major targets in the network. Furthermore, the major hubs were imported to the Metacore database to perform a pathway enrichment analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 118 nodes including 59 putative targets of ZJW were picked out as major hubs in terms of their topological importance. The results of pathway enrichment analysis indicated that putative targets of ZJW mostly participated in various pathways associated with anti-inflammation response, growth and development promotion and G-protein-coupled receptor signaling. More importantly, five putative targets of ZJW (EGFR, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α and MCP-1) and two known therapeutic targets of gastritis (CCKBR and IL-12β) and a link target NF-κB were recognized as active factors involved in the main biological functions of treatment, implying the underlying mechanisms of ZJW acting on gastritis.

CONCLUSION

ZJW could alleviate gastritis through the molecular mechanisms predicted by network pharmacology, and this research demonstrates that the network pharmacology approach can be an effective tool to reveal the mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) from a holistic perspective.

Network pharmacology-based strategy for predicting active ingredients and potential targets of Yangxinshi tablet for treating heart failure

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Yangxinshi tablet (YXST) is an effective treatment for heart failure and myocardial infarction; it consists of 13 herbal medicines formulated according to traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practices. It has been used for the treatment of cardiovascular disease for many years in China.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, a network pharmacology-based strategy was used to elucidate the mechanism of action of YXST for the treatment of heart failure. Cardiovascular disease-related protein target and compound databases were constructed for YXST. A molecular docking platform was used to predict the protein targets of YXST. The affinity between proteins and ingredients was determined using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assays. The action modes between targets and representative ingredients were calculated using Glide docking, and the related pathways were predicted using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database.

RESULTS

A protein target database containing 924 proteins was constructed; 179 compounds in YXST were identified, and 48 compounds with high relevance to the proteins were defined as representative ingredients. Thirty-four protein targets of the 48 representative ingredients were analyzed and classified into two categories: immune and cardiovascular systems. The SPR assay and molecular docking partly validated the interplay between protein targets and representative ingredients. Moreover, 28 pathways related to heart failure were identified, which provided directions for further research on YXST.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that the cardiovascular protective effect of YXST mainly involved the immune and cardiovascular systems. Through the research strategy based on network pharmacology, we analysis the complex system of YXST and found 48 representative compounds, 34 proteins and 28 related pathways of YXST, which could help us understand the underlying mechanism of YSXT's anti-heart failure effect. The network-based investigation could help researchers simplify the complex system of YXSY. It may also offer a feasible approach to decipher the chemical and pharmacological bases of other TCM formulas.

Hepatoprotective Effect of San-Cao Granule on Con A-Induced Liver Injury in Mice and Mechanisms of Action Exploration

Objective: San-Cao granule (SCG), a traditional Chinese herb formula, has been used for treating autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in our clinics for a long time. However, its active ingredients and mechanisms of action were still unknown due to its complicated chemical compositions. In the present study, the pharmacological study of SCG on acute liver injury induced by Concanavalin A (Con A) was performed to provide a scientific evidence for SCG against liver injury. Methods: In order to screen active components and predicate mechanisms of action, an "ingredients-target-disease" interaction network was constructed by network pharmacology. Then, the pharmacological study was performed to evaluate the therapeutic effect and the underlying mechanisms of SCG on Con A-induced liver injury in mice. Results: This research demonstrated the pharmacological effect of SCG on Con A-induced liver injury, which was through improving the liver function, relieving the pathological changes of liver tissue, decreasing the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and thus balancing the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. And the anti-inflammatory of SCG may advantage over the ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). Network pharmacology analysis revealed that the pharmacological effect of SCG might be related to its active ingredients of taraxanthin, dihydrotanshinone I, isotanshinone I, γ-sitosterol, 3β-acetyl-20,25-epoxydammarane-24α, and δ-7-stigmastenol. The hepatoprotective effect of SCG was reflected by suppressing Con A-induced apoptosis which was mediated by TRAIL and FASL. Conclusion: The combination of network pharmacology and experimental data has revealed the anti-apoptotic effect of SCG against Con A-induced liver injury.

Mass spectrometry-driven drug discovery for development of herbal medicine

Herbal medicine (HM) has made a major contribution to the drug discovery process with regard to identifying products compounds. Currently, more attention has been focused on drug discovery from natural compounds of HM. Despite the rapid advancement of modern analytical techniques, drug discovery is still a difficult and lengthy process. Fortunately, mass spectrometry (MS) can provide us with useful structural information for drug discovery, has been recognized as a sensitive, rapid, and high-throughput technology for advancing drug discovery from HM in the post-genomic era. It is essential to develop an efficient, high-quality, high-throughput screening method integrated with an MS platform for early screening of candidate drug molecules from natural products. We have developed a new chinmedomics strategy reliant on MS that is capable of capturing the candidate molecules, facilitating their identification of novel chemical structures in the early phase; chinmedomics-guided natural product discovery based on MS may provide an effective tool that addresses challenges in early screening of effective constituents of herbs against disease. This critical review covers the use of MS with related techniques and methodologies for natural product discovery, biomarker identification, and determination of mechanisms of action. It also highlights high-throughput chinmedomics screening methods suitable for lead compound discovery illustrated by recent successes.

Ethnopharmacological implications of quantitative and network analysis for traditional knowledge regarding the medicinal use of animals by indigenous people in Wolchulsan National Park, Korea

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The purpose of this study was to record, analyze, and identify ethnopharmacological implications for oral traditional knowledge regarding the medicinal use of animals by indigenous people living in Wolchulsan National Park, Korea.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were collected through interviews, informal meetings, open and group discussions, and observations guided by semi-structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed via quantitative analysis of informant consensus factor and fidelity level, and network analysis, including centrality and clustering analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 46 families, 59 genera, and 60 species of animals, as well as 373 methods of usage, were recorded. Fish comprised 31.7% of the total animal species recorded, followed by mammals at 20.0%, arthropods at 18.3%, and mollusks at 11.7%. Of these animals, 48.0% were utilized as food and 46.1% for medicinal use. Quantitative analysis showed that the category with the highest degree of consensus from informants was veterinary ailments (informant consensus factor value, 0.96). This was followed by poisonings (0.93), pains (0.92), genitourinary system disorders (0.91), cuts and wounds (0.89), and other medical conditions. The lowest degree of consensus was for skin diseases and disorders (0.57). There were 8 species of animals with a fidelity level of 100%, after eliminating from the animals analyzed that were mentioned only once. Finally, using network analysis, Gallus gallus domesticus and Gloydius brevicaudus were defined as species with meaningful medicinal use, while lack of vigor and lung diseases were defined as significant ailments in the study area.

CONCLUSION

This study validates that local communities use animals not only for food but also for medicinal purposes as crucial therapeutic measures. Therefore, the conservation of fauna and preservation of traditional knowledge need to be seriously considered to maintain the health and well-being of the local communities. Network analysis clarified the series of ailments for which each animal species is preferentially used and helped confirm the order of priority when prescribing animal components for medicinal use. The traditional knowledge recorded in the present study will provide the basic data to develop new medicines for the bioindustry.

Network pharmacology analysis of the anti-cancer pharmacological mechanisms of Ganoderma lucidum extract with experimental support using Hepa1-6-bearing C57 BL/6 mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ganoderma lucidum (GL) is an oriental medical fungus, which was used to prevent and treat many diseases. Previously, the effective compounds of Ganoderma lucidum extract (GLE) were extracted from two kinds of GL, [Ganoderma lucidum (Leyss. Ex Fr.) Karst.] and [Ganoderma sinense Zhao, Xu et Zhang], which have been used for adjuvant anti-cancer clinical therapy for more than 20 years. However, its concrete active compounds and its regulation mechanisms on tumor are unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study, we aimed to identify the main active compounds from GLE and to investigate its anti-cancer mechanisms via drug-target biological network construction and prediction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The main active compounds of GLE were identified by HPLC, EI-MS and NMR, and the compounds related targets were predicted using docking program. To investigate the functions of GL holistically, the active compounds of GL and related targets were predicted based on four public databases. Subsequently, the Identified-Compound-Target network and Predicted-Compound-Target network were constructed respectively, and they were overlapped to detect the hub potential targets in both networks. Furthermore, the qRT-PCR and western-blot assays were used to validate the expression levels of target genes in GLE treated Hepa1-6-bearing C57 BL/6 mice.

RESULTS

In our work, 12 active compounds of GLE were identified, including Ganoderic acid A, Ganoderenic acid A, Ganoderic acid B, Ganoderic acid H, Ganoderic acid C2, Ganoderenic acid D, Ganoderic acid D, Ganoderenic acid G, Ganoderic acid Y, Kaemferol, Genistein and Ergosterol. Using the docking program, 20 targets were mapped to 12 compounds of GLE. Furthermore, 122 effective active compounds of GL and 116 targets were holistically predicted using public databases. Compare with the Identified-Compound-Target network and Predicted-Compound-Target network, 6 hub targets were screened, including AR, CHRM2, ESR1, NR3C1, NR3C2 and PGR, which was considered as potential markers and might play important roles in the process of GLE treatment. GLE effectively inhibited tumor growth in Hepa1-6-bearing C57 BL/6 mice. Finally, consistent with the results of qRT-PCR data, the results of western-blot assay demonstrated the expression levels of PGR and ESR1 were up-regulated, as well as the expression levels of NR3C2 and AR were down-regulated, while the change of NR3C1 and CHRM2 had no statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicated that these 4 hub target genes, including NR3C2, AR, ESR1 and PGR, might act as potential markers to evaluate the curative effect of GLE treatment in tumor. And, the combined data provide preliminary study of the pharmacological mechanisms of GLE, which may be a promising potential therapeutic and chemopreventative candidate for anti-cancer.

Effect of compatible herbs on the pharmacokinetics of effective components of Panax notoginseng in Fufang Xueshuantong Capsule

Fufang Xueshuantong (FXT) is a well-known Chinese herbal formula which has been used to treat cardiovascular and ophthalmic diseases, especially diabetic retinopathy. Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F.H. Chen (PN) is the main herb of FXT, whose major bioactive constituents are ginsenosides. However, the scientific basis of the compatibility of FXT is still ambiguous. The present study investigated the scientific basis of the compatibility of FXT by comparing the pharmacokinetics of marker compounds after oral administrations of PN and FXT. A high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) method was developed for simultaneous detection of notoginsenoside R1 (NR1), ginsenoside Rg1 (GRg1), and ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1) in rat plasma. The pharmacokinetic studies of FXT and PN were performed using the established method with the pharmacokinetic parameters being determined by non-compartmental analysis. The results showed that the pharmacokinetic parameters (maximum concentration, area under the curve (AUC_0-t), clearance, and mean residence time) of NR1, GRg1, and GRb1 were significantly different after oral administration of FXT (P<0.05) compared with PN. The AUC_0-t values of GRg1 and GRb1 were 1.7- and 3.4-fold greater, respectively, in FXT than in PN. The compatible herbs of FXT could prolong the retention time and increase the systemic exposure of NR1, GRg1, and GRb1 compared with PN in vivo, providing some scientific basis for the compatibility and clinical use of FXT.

Compatibility of Tanshinone IIA and Astragaloside IV in attenuating hypoxia-induced cardiomyocytes injury

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Herbal medicines including Tanshinone IIA (TanIIA) and Astragaloside IV (AsIV) are widely used in Asia as therapeutic agents for cardiovascular diseases, due to their complementary roles and shared properties based on the theory of traditional Chinese medicine and pharmacological researches. However, the underlying pathological mechanisms for their efficacy are still unclear. In addition, the compatibility or incompatibility of the herbal medicines when administered with other herbal remedies or with prescription drugs is unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We aimed to investigate the compatibility of TanIIA and AsIV in protecting cardiomyocytes against hypoxia-induced injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cultured cardiomyocytes were stimulated in hypoxia condition, in the absence or presence of the two herbal compounds, TanIIA and AsIV. Indicators were determined by cytotoxicity assay, quantitative PCR, ELISA, flow cytometry assay, immunofluorescence staining and western blot.

RESULTS

Either TanIIA alone or the combined herbal compounds inhibited hypoxia-triggered chemokines production including CCL2/5/19, CXCL2 and Transwell assay-indicated monocyte/macrophage recruitment, cytokines production including TNF-α and IL-6. While AsIV alone or the combined herbal compounds attenuated hypoxia-induced cell apoptosis indicated by decreased Annexin V⁺ cells and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, but no significant effect of the herbal compounds was observed in modulating cell apoptosis following both hypoxia and TNF-α stimulation. As an anti-apoptotic factor, stress granule formation was further enhanced by AsIV alone or the combined herbal compounds in hypoxia or heat shock stress. Moreover, immunoblotting analysis indicated that stress-responsive mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathways including the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38 and JNK were inhibited while the phosphorylation of Akt in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) -Akt pathway for cell survival was restored by the herbal compounds. Among these results, the combination of TanIIA and AsIV comprised most of the beneficial properties tested, although their combination did not improve the maximal effects achieved by any of the compounds alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, these data suggest a compatibility of TanIIA and AsIV in protecting cardiomyocyte against hypoxia-induced injury.

Inhibitory Effect of Triterpenoids from Panax ginseng on Coagulation Factor X

Enzymes involved in the coagulation process have received great attention as potential targets for the development of oral anti-coagulants. Among these enzymes, coagulation factor Xa (FXa) has remained the center of attention in the last decade. In this study, 16 ginsenosides and two sapogenins were isolated, identified and quantified. To determine the inhibitory potential on FXa, the chromogenic substrates method was used. The assay suggested that compounds 5, 13 and 18 were mainly responsible for the anti-coagulant effect. Furthermore, these three compounds also possessed high thrombin selectivity in the thrombin inhibition assay. Furthermore, Glide XP from Schrödinger was employed for molecular docking to clarify the interaction between the bioactive compounds and FXa. Therefore, the chemical and biological results indicate that compounds 5 (ginsenoside Rg2), 13 (ginsenoside Rg3) and 18 (protopanaxtriol, PPT) are potential natural inhibitors against FXa.