Predication of the underlying mechanism of Bushenhuoxue formula acting on knee osteoarthritis via network pharmacology-based analyses combined with experimental validation

Insights into the Molecular Mechanisms of Bushen Huoxue Decoction in Breast Cancer via Network Pharmacology and in vitro experiments

AIMS

Breast cancer (BC) is by far seen as the most common malignancy globally, with 2.261 million patients newly diagnosed, accounting for 11.7% of all cancer patients, according to the Global Cancer Statistics Report (2020). The luminal A subtype accounts for at least half of all BC diagnoses. According to TCM theory, Bushen Huoxue Decoction (BSHXD) is a prescription used for cancer treatment that may influence luminal A subtype breast cancer (LASBC).

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the clinical efficacy and underlying mechanisms of BSHXD in LASBC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Network pharmacology and in vitro experiments were utilized to foresee the underlying mechanism of BSHXD for LASBC.

RESULTS

According to the bioinformatics analysis, BSHXD induced several proliferation and apoptosis processes against LASBC, and the presumed targets of active components in BSHXD were mainly enriched in the HIF-1 and PI3K/AKT pathways. Flow cytometry assay and western blotting results revealed that the rate of apoptosis enhanced in a dose-dependent manner with BSHXD concentration increasing, respectively. BSHXD notably downregulated the expressions of HIF-1α, P-PI3K, PI3K, P-AKT and AKT proteins. However, adding an HIF-1α agonist restored those protein levels.

CONCLUSION

The study proved that the mechanism of BSHXD in LASBC may be connected to suppressing proliferation by inhibiting the activity of the HIF-1α/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and promoting apoptosis via the Caspase cascade in LASBC cells.

Catalpol promotes articular cartilage repair by enhancing the recruitment of endogenous mesenchymal stem cells

Articular cartilage defect is challenged by insufficient regenerative ability of cartilage. Catalpol (CA), the primary active component of Rehmanniae Radix, could exert protective effects against various diseases. However, the impact of CA on the treatment of articular cartilage injuries is still unclear. In this study, full-thickness articular cartilage defect was induced in a mouse model via surgery. The animals were intraperitoneally injected with CA for 4 or 8 weeks. According to the results of macroscopic observation, micro-computed tomography CT (μCT), histological and immunohistochemistry staining, CA treatment could promote mouse cartilage repair, resulting in cartilage regeneration, bone structure improvement and matrix anabolism. Specifically, an increase in the expression of CD90, the marker of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), in the cartilage was observed. In addition, we evaluated the migratory and chondrogenic effects of CA on MSCs. Different concentration of CA was added to C3H10 T1/2 cells. The results showed that CA enhanced cell migration and chondrogenesis without affecting proliferation. Collectively, our findings indicate that CA may be effective for the treatment of cartilage defects via stimulation of endogenous MSCs.

Network pharmacological analysis on the mechanism of Coix seed decoction for osteoarthritis of the knee

Based on network pharmacology methods, we explored the mechanism of the classic Chinese medicine formula Coix seed decoction (CSD) in treating knee osteoarthritis (KOA). We searched each single drug in the CSD in the traditional Chinese medicine systematic pharmacology database in turn to obtain information on the active ingredients and target proteins of the CSD, and obtain the name of the genes corresponding to the target proteins through the UniProt database. We collected KOA-related genes from DisGeNET, GeneCards, comparative toxicogenomics database, and MalaCards database. The Venny online tool identified potential therapeutic targets by intersecting CSD and KOA target genes, while gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analysis was performed using the Oebiotech Cloud Platform. A protein-protein interaction network was established using the String database; a "CSD-active ingredient-target gene-KOA" network plot was constructed using Cytoscape 3.9.1 software and screened for key targets and hub targets. Finally, molecular docking was performed for hub genes with high Degree values. A total of 227 effective target genes for CSD and 8816 KOA-related target genes were obtained, as well as 191 cross-target genes for CSD and KOA. We screened 37 key gene targets and identified the top 10 hub target genes in descending order of Degree value using protein-protein interaction and Cytoscape 3.9.1 software (TNF, IL-6, MMP-9, IL-1β, AKT-1, VEGFα, STAT-3, PTGS-2, IL-4, TP53). Gene ontology analysis showed that the biological process of CSD treatment of KOA mainly involves cytokine-mediated signaling pathway, negative regulation of apoptotic process, cellular response to hypoxia, cellular response to cadmium ion, response to estradiol, and extrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway in absence of ligand. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analysis revealed major signaling pathways including Cellular senescence, TNF signaling pathway, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. The molecular docking results show that the core components bind well to the core targets. In conclusion, CSD may exert therapeutic effects on KOA by inhibiting pathological processes such as inflammatory response, apoptosis, cellular senescence, and oxidative stress.

Disruption of Col9a2 expression leads to defects in osteochondral homeostasis and osteoarthritis-like phenotype in mice

Background/Objective

As one of the branched chains of Type IX collagen (Col9), Collagen IX alpha2 (Col9a2) has been reported to be associated with several orthopedic conditions. However, the relationship between Col9a2 and knee osteoarthritis (KOA) remains to be elucidated.

Methods

To probe the relationship between Col9a2 and KOA, we performed a systematic analysis of Col9a2-deficient (Col9a2-/-) mice using whole-mount skeletal staining, Micro-CT (μCT), biomechanics, histomorphometry, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF) and Elisa.

Results

We found that the subchondral bone (SCB) in the knee joint of Col9a2-/- mice became sparse and deformed in the early stage, with altered bone morphometric parameters, reduced load-bearing capacity, dysfunctional bone homeostasis (decreased osteogenesis capacity and elevated bone resorption capacity), diminished cartilage proteoglycans and disrupted cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) anabolism and catabolism compared with the Col9a2+/+ mice. In the late stage, the cartilage degeneration in Col9a2-/- mice were particularly pronounced compared to Col9a2+/+ mice, as evidenced by severe cartilage destruction and a marked reduction in cartilage thickness and area.

Conclusion

Overall, Col9a2 is essential for maintaining osteochondral homeostasis in the knee joint of mice, and the absence of this gene is accompanied by distinct sclerosis of the SCB and a reduction in load-bearing capacity; in the late stage, in the lack of SCB stress inhibition, excessive load is consistently exerted on the cartilage, ultimately leading to osteoarthritic-like articular cartilage damage.

Network pharmacology-based mechanism prediction and pharmacological validation of Bushenhuoxue formula attenuating postmenopausal osteoporosis in ovariectomized mice

BACKGROUND

Bushenhuoxue (BSHX) formula, a ten-compound herbal decoction, is widely used to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) in China. However, the mechanism is not clear yet.

METHODS

The underlying biological processes and signaling pathways were predicted by network pharmacology. In vivo experimental study, 24 female C57BL/6 J mice were randomly divided into sham, ovariectomized (OVX) and BSHX formula groups. Mice in the latter two groups were subjected to bilateral ovariectomy, and mice in the BSHX formula group were extra treated by BSHX formula at an oral dosage of 0.2 mL/10 g for 8 weeks. The femur samples were harvested for tissue analyses including μCT assay, histology and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of VEGF signaling.

RESULTS

A total of 218 active ingredients and 274 related targets were identified in BSHX formula. After matching with 292 targets of PMOP, 64 overlapping genes were obtained. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses on these 64 genes revealed that angiogenesis and VEGF signaling were considered as the potential therapeutic mechanism of BSHX formula against PMOP. Animal experiments showed that mice in the BSHX formula-treated group presented increased bone mass, microstructural parameters, blood vessel numbers and an activation of VEGF signaling (VEGF, COX2, eNOS and CD31) compared to the OVX mice.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that BSHX formula exerts anti-PMOP effects possibly through activating VEGF signaling-mediated angiogenesis.

Glycyrrhizic acid alters the hyperoxidative stress-induced differentiation commitment of MSCs by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway to prevent SONFH

This study aimed to examine the in vivo and in vitro therapeutic effects of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) on steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH), which is caused by the overuse of glucocorticoids (GCs). Clinically, we identified elevated oxidative stress (OS) levels and an imbalance in osteolipogenic homeostasis in SONFH patients compared to femoral neck fracture (FNF) patients. In vivo, we established experimental SONFH in rats via lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) combined with methylprednisolone (MPS). We showed that GA and Wnt agonist-S8320 alleviated SONFH, as evidenced by the reduced microstructural and histopathological alterations in the subchondral bone of the femoral head and the decreased levels of OS in rat models. In vitro, GA reduced dexamethasone (Dex)-induced excessive NOX4 and OS levels by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, thereby promoting the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and inhibiting lipogenic differentiation. In addition, GA regulated the expression levels of the key transcription factors downstream of this pathway, Runx2 and PPARγ, thus maintaining osteolipogenic homeostasis. In summary, we demonstrated for the first time that GA modulates the osteolipogenic differentiation commitment of MSCs induced by excessive OS through activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, thereby ameliorating SONFH.

A Study on the Potential Mechanism of Shujin Dingtong Recipe against Osteoarthritis Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

Background. With the aging of the social population, Osteoarthritis (OA) has already become a vital health and economic problem globally. Shujin Dingtong recipe (SJDTR) is an effective formula to treat OA in China. Although studies have shown that SJDTR can significantly alleviate OA symptoms, its mechanism still remains unclear. Purpose. This study is aimed at investigating the potential mechanism of SJDTR for the treatment of OA based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. Methods. Main ingredients of SJDTR were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database. OA disease targets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The overlapped targets and signaling pathways were explored using Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network, Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Following this, the core targets were employed to dock with corresponding components via molecular docking in order to further explore the mechanism of SJDTR in the treatment of OA. Results. From network pharmacology, we found 100 active components of SJDTR, 31 drug and OA-related targets, 1161 GO items, and 91 signaling pathways. Based on the analysis with PPI network and molecular docking, TP53, CCNB1, and MMP-2 were selected for the core targets of SJDTR against OA. Molecular docking demonstrated that Quercetin, Baicalein, and Luteolin, had good binding with the TP53, CCNB1, and MMP-2 protein, respectively. Conclusion. To conclude, our study suggested the main ingredients of SJDTR might alleviate the progression of OA through multiple targets and pathways. Additionally, network pharmacology and molecular docking, as new approaches, were adopted for systematically exploring the potential mechanism of SJDTR for the treatment of OA.

Elucidation of the Underlying Mechanism of Gujian Oral Liquid Acting on Osteoarthritis through Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Experiment

Gujian oral liquid (GJ), a traditional herbal formula in China, has been widely used to treat patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Nevertheless, the active component and potential mechanism of GJ are not fully elucidated. Thus, we investigate the effect of GJ and explore its underlying mechanism on OA through network pharmacology and experimental validation. First, a total of 175 bioactive compounds were identified, and 134 overlapping targets were acquired after comparing the targets of the GJ with those of OA. 8 hub targets, including IL6 and AKT1, were obtained in PPI network analysis. Then, we built up GJ-target-OA network and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, followed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. The results underlined inflammatory tumor necrosis factor (TNF) as a promising signaling pathway of GJ for OA treatment. Moreover, molecular docking also verified the top two active compounds had direct bindings with the top three target genes. Finally, we verified the effect of GJ on OA in vivo and in vitro. In vivo experiments validated that GJ not only significantly attenuated OA phenotypes including articular cartilage degeneration and subchondral bone sclerosis but also reduced the expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and p-p65 in articular chondrocytes. Besides, GJ serum also had a protective effect on chondrocytes against inflammation caused by TNF-α in vitro. Hence, our study predicted and verified that GJ could exert anti-inflammation and anticatabolism effects partially via regulating TNF-α/NF-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling.

Network pharmacology explores the mechanisms of Eucommia ulmoides cortex against postmenopausal osteoporosis

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) has become one of most frequent chronic disease worldwide with aging population. Eucommia ulmoides cortex (EU), a traditional Chinese medicine, has long since been used to treat PMOP. The aim of this study is to explore pharmacological mechanisms of EU against PMOP through using network pharmacology approach.The active ingredients of EU were obtained from Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology database, and target fishing was performed on these ingredients in UniProt database for identification of their relative targets. Then, we screened the targets of PMOP using GeneCards database and DisGeNET database. The overlapping genes between PMOP and EU were obtained to performed protein-protein interaction, Gene Ontology analysis, Kyoto encyclopedia of genes, and genomes analysis.Twenty-eight active ingredients were identified in EU, and corresponded to 207 targets. Also, 292 targets were closely associated with PMOP, and 50 of them matched with the targets of EU were considered as therapeutically relevant. Gene ontology enrichment analysis suggested that EU exerted anti-PMOP effects via modulating multiple biological processes including cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and inflammatory response. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analysis revealed several pathways, such as PI3K-AKT pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, hypoxia-inducible factors-1 pathway, tumor necrosis factor pathway, and interleukin-17 pathway that might be involved in regulating the above biological processes.Through the method of network pharmacology, we systematically investigated the mechanisms of EU against PMOP. The multi-targets and multi-pathways identified here could provide new insights for further determination of more exact mechanisms of EU.

The Pharmacological Mechanism of the Effect of Plant Extract Compound Drugs on Cancer Pain Based on Network Pharmacology

Objective

We systematically analyzed the mechanism of plant-derived drugs alleviating cancer pain in our hospital through network pharmacology, so as to provide the possibility of further application of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of cancer pain.

Methods

We used TCMSP, ETCM, and TCMID databases to mine the active ingredients of plant-derived drugs. We combined OMIM, GeneCards, and DrugBank databases to mine and match the common targets of plant-derived drugs for cancer pain. We used the STRING platform and Cytoscape software to analyze and screen out the core targets. We used GO and KEGG methods to analyze the biological processes, molecular functions, cellular composition, and signaling pathways involved in the reduction of cancer pain by plant-derived drugs.

Results

We found 153 active ingredients from botanical drugs by TCMSP (Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform, TCMSP), ETCM (The Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine), and TCMID (Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Database) databases, covering 341 protein targets in human body. Combined with OMIM (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man), GeneCards, and DrugBank databases, we excavated and matched 141 targets of plant-derived drugs and cancerous pain diseases. Through the analysis of the STRING platform and Cytoscape software, 19 core targets including TNF, MAPK1, JUN, and IL-6 were screened out. Go and KEGG enrichment showed that plant-derived drugs alleviated cancer pain processes involving 193 biological processes, 47 molecular functions, 22 cell components, and 118 signaling pathways. By screening genes involved in KEGG signaling pathway, it was found that plant-derived drugs were mainly associated with PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, and HIF-1 signaling pathway in alleviating cancer pain.

Conclusion

These results indicate that botanical drugs can positively affect the expression of inflammatory factors and apoptotic factors in the process of treatment and relief of cancer pain, which is expected to have a potential therapeutic effect on the relief of cancer pain.

Herbal Formula Modified Bu-Shen-Huo-Xue Decoction Attenuates Intervertebral Disc Degeneration via Regulating Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Objective

This study aims to clarify the potential mechanism of modified Bu-Shen-Huo-Xue decoction (MBSHXD) in treating intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) with methods of network pharmacology and molecular docking.

Methods

An MBSHXD and IDD-related common target gene set was established through TCMSP, UniProt, and two disease gene databases. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were performed through the R platform and STRING to discover the potential mechanism. Molecular docking between the active ingredients and the core genes is used to calculate the binding energy.

Results

A total of 147 active ingredients and 79 common genes (including 10 core genes, TNF, VEGFA, IL6, MAPK3, AKT1, MAPK8, TP53, JUN, MMP9, and CXCL8) were identified. The results of GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that MBSHXD plays an essential role in regulating inflammation and oxidative stress. The meaningful pathways are the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, the IL-17 signaling pathway, the TNF signaling pathway, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, the MAPK signaling pathway, and apoptosis. In addition, the PPI network and molecular docking further demonstrated the roles that nine bioactive ingredients of MBSHXD play in IDD treatment through their interference with core target proteins.

Conclusion

This study reveals that MBSHXD has the characteristics of a “multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway” in the treatment of IDD by regulating inflammation and oxidative stress, and network pharmacology may provide a feasible method to verify the molecular mechanism of MBSHXD for IDD by combining with molecular docking.

Exploration of the Mechanism of Lianhua Qingwen in Treating Influenza Virus Pneumonia and New Coronavirus Pneumonia with the Concept of "Different Diseases with the Same Treatment" Based on Network Pharmacology

The 31 main components of Lianhua Qingwen (LHQW) were obtained through a literature and database search; the components included glycyrrhizic acid, emodin, chlorogenic acid, isophoroside A, forsythia, menthol, luteolin, quercetin, and rutin. Sixty-eight common targets for the treatment of novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) and influenza virus pneumonia (IVP) were also obtained. A "component-target-disease" network was constructed with Cytoscape 3.2.1 software, and 20 key targets, such as cyclooxygenase2 (COX2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), mitogen-activated protein kinase14 (Mapk14), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), were screened from the network. The David database was used to perform a Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signal pathway enrichment analysis and gene ontology (GO) biological process enrichment. Results showed that the key targets of LHQW in the treatment of NCP and IVP mainly involved biological processes, such as immune system process intervention, cell proliferation, apoptosis and invasion, toxic metabolism, cytokine activity, and regulation of the synthesis process. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that 115 signalling pathways were related to the treatment of LHQW. Amongst them, IL-17, T cell receptor, Th17 cell differentiation, TNF, toll-like receptor, MAPK, apoptosis, and seven other signalling pathways were closely related to the occurrence and development of NCP and IVP. Molecular docking showed that each component had different degrees of binding with six targets, namely, 3C-like protease (3CL), angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), COX2, hemagglutinin (HA), IL-6, and neuraminidase (NA). Rutin, isoforsythiaside A, hesperidin and isochlorogenic acid B were the best components for docking with the six core targets. The first five components with the best docking results were isoforsythiaside, hesperidin, isochlorogenic acid B, forsythin E, and quercetin. In conclusion, LHQW has many components, targets, and pathways. The findings of this work can provide an important theoretical basis for determining the mechanism of LHQW in treating NCP and IVP.

Mechanisms and Molecular Targets of BuShenHuoXue Formula for Osteoarthritis

The aim was to identify latent mechanism of BuShenHuoXue (BSHX) formula for the management of osteoarthritis (OA) through the network pharmacology approach and experimental validation. We obtained OA-related targets through the Gene Expression Omnibus database and bioactive ingredients with corresponding targets in the formula via the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database. Subsequently, networks of the protein-protein interaction and compound-disease target were created and enrichment analysis was implemented. Furthermore, in vitro, IL-1β was applied to rat chondrocytes to mediate apoptosis through inflammation and the Alcian blue and type II collagen staining was used to observe cell morphology. The TUNEL and DAPI staining was performed to observe chondrocyte apoptosis, and the apoptosis rates were gauged via flow cytometry. In addition, we utilized Western blot and PCR to detect the protein and mRNA expression, respectively. A total of 104 potential chemicals and 42 intersecting targets were screened out. Quercetin and luteolin from BSHX formula were principal ingredients. The experiment validated quercetin might suppress chondrocyte apoptosis mediated by IL-1β and reduce SELE, MMP2, and COL1 expression. Via the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, quercetin could aim at SELE, MMP2, and COL1 and exert antagonistic effects against OA.

N-Butanol Extract of Modified You-Gui-Yin Attenuates Osteoclastogenesis and Ameliorates Osteoporosis by Inhibiting RANKL-Mediated NF-κB Signaling

Postmenopausal Osteoporosis (PMOP) is the most prevalent primary osteoporosis, attributable to an imbalance in osteoblast and osteoclast activity. Modified You-Gui-Yin (MYGY), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, is able to effectively treat PMOP, while the critical components and pharmacological mechanisms of MYGY are still unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of N-butanol extract of MYGY (MYGY-Nb) in ovariectomized (OVX)-induced osteoporosis mice. Histological staining and micro-computed tomography (μCT) analysis showed that MYGY-Nb was more effective in the suppression of OVX-induced bone loss than MYGY original formula. Subsequently, liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis identified 16 critical compounds of MYGY-Nb and some of them are reported to affect osteoclast functions. Furthermore, in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that MYGY-Nb significantly attenuated osteoclastogenesis by down-regulating RANKL-mediated NF-κB signaling. In conclusion, our study indicated that MYGY-Nb suppresses NF-κB signaling and osteoclast formation to mitigate bone loss in PMOP, implying that MYGY-Nb and its compounds are potential candidates for development of anti-PMOP drugs.

Network Pharmacology-Based Prediction and Verification of Shikonin for the mechanism treating colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Shikonin (SKN), a naturally occurring naphthoquinone, is a major active chemical component isolated from Lithospermum erythrorhizon Sieb Zucc, Arnebia euchroma (Royle) Johnst, or Arnebia guttata Bunge, and commonly used to treat viral infection, inflammation, and cancer. However, the underlying mechanism has not been elucidated.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the antitumor mechanism of SKN in colorectal cancer (CRC) through network pharmacology and cell experiments.

METHODS

Using SymMap database and Genecards to predict the potential targets of SKN and CRC, while the cotargets were obtained by Venn diagram. The cotargets were imported into website of String and DA DAVID, constructing the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, performing Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses, the Compound-Target-Pathway (C-T-P) network was generated by connecting potential pathways with the corresponding targets.

RESULTS

According to the results of network pharmacological analysis, the cell experiments were used to verify the key signal pathway. The most relevant target of SKN for the treatment of CRC was PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. SKN inhibited CRC cells (HT29 and HCT116) proliferation, migration, and invasion, and promoted cell apoptosis by targeting IL6 and inhibiting the IL6R/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. SKN promotes apoptosis and suppresses CRC cells (HT29 and HCT116) activity through the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

This research not only provides a theoretical and experimental basis for more in-depth studies but also offers an efficient method for the rational utilization of a series of Traditional Chinese medicines as anti-CRC drugs.

Underlying Mechanism and Active Ingredients of Tianma Gouteng Acting on Cerebral Infarction as Determined via Network Pharmacology Analysis Combined With Experimental Validation

Cerebral infarction (CI), a common cerebrovascular disease worldwide, is caused by unknown factors common to many diseases, including hypokalemia, respiratory diseases, and lower extremity venous thrombosis. Tianma Gouteng (TMGT), a traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) prescription, has been used for the clinical treatment of CI. In this study, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprint analysis was used to detect and identify major chemical constituents of TMGT. TCMSP and BATMAN-TCM databases were used to screen for active TMGT constituent compounds, while the GeneCards database was used to screen for protein targets associated with CI. Next, GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of these core nodes were performed to determine the identities of key associated biological processes and signal pathways. Meanwhile, a total of six possible gene targets of TMGT, including NFKBIA, PPARG, IL6, IL1B, CXCL8, and HIF1A, were selected for further study using two cellular models of CI. For one model, PC12 cells were treated under oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) conditions to generate an OGD cellular model of CI, while for the other model, BV2 cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to generate a cellular model of CI-associated inflammation. Ultimately TMGT treatment increased PPARγ expression and downregulated the expression of p-P65, p-IκBα, and HIF-1α in both OGD-induced and LPS-induced cell models of CI. In addition, molecular docking analysis showed that one TMGT chemical constituent, quercetin, may be a bioactive TMGT compound with activity that may be associated with the alleviation of neuronal damage and neuroinflammation triggered by CI. Moreover, additional data obtained in this work revealed that TMGT could inhibit neuroinflammation and protect brain cells from OGD-induced and LPS-induced damage by altering HIF-1α/PPARγ/NF-κB pathway functions. Thus, targeting this pathway through TMGT administration to CI patients may be a strategy for alleviating nerve injury and neuroinflammation triggered by CI.

Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Combined to Analyze the Molecular and Pharmacological Mechanism of Pinellia ternata in the Treatment of Hypertension

Hypertension is a cardiovascular disease that causes great harm to health and life, affecting the function of important organs and accompanied by a variety of secondary diseases, which need to be treated with drugs for a long time. P. ternata alone or combination with western medicine has played an important role in traditional Chinese medicine. Although P. ternata is used clinically to treat hypertension, its functional molecular mechanism and pharmacological mechanism have not been elucidated. Therefore, in this study, the potentially effective components, and targets of P. ternata in the treatment of hypertension were screened by the method of network pharmacology, and the mechanism of P. ternata in the treatment of hypertension was analyzed by constructing a component-target relationship network, PPI interaction network, targets’ function analysis, and molecular docking. In the study, 12 potentially effective components and 88 targets were screened, and 3 potential protein modules were found and analyzed after constructing a PPI network using targets. In addition, 10 targets were selected as core targets of the PPI network. After that, the targets were analyzed by Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. Finally, the molecular docking method is used to study the interaction between the targets and the active components. The above evidence shows that the mechanism of P. ternata in the treatment of hypertension is complicated, as it acts in many ways, mainly by affecting nerve signal transmission, cell proliferation, and apoptosis, calcium channels, and so on. The binding between targets and active components mainly depends on Pi bonds and hydrogen bonds. Using the method of network pharmacology and molecular docking to analyze the mechanism of P. ternata in the treatment of hypertension will help to provide a better scientific basis for the combined use of traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine, and will better help to improve the quality of P. ternata and point out its direction.

Systems Pharmacology Study of the Anti-Liver Injury Mechanism of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium

Liver diseases are mostly triggered by oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to extracellular matrix overproduction and prone to develop into liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver injury (LI) refers to various pathogenic factors leading to the destruction of stem cells that then affect the liver's normal function, causing a series of symptoms and abnormal liver function indicators. Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (CRP) is one of the most commonly used traditional Chinese medicines; it contains flavonoids including hesperidin, nobiletin, and tangeretin. CRP has antibacterial, antioxidant, and antitumor effects that reduce cholesterol, prevent atherosclerosis and decrease LI. Here we analyzed the components of CRP and their targets of action in LI treatment and assessed the relationships between them using a systems pharmacology approach. Twenty-five active ingredients against LI were selected based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry results and databases. The drug targets and disease-related targets were predicted. The 117 common targets were used to construct a protein-protein interaction network. We identified 1719 gene ontology items in LI treatment, including 1,525 biological processes, 55 cellular components, and 139 molecular functions. These correlated with 49 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways. These findings suggest that CRP may counteract LI by affecting apoptotic, inflammatory, and energy metabolism modules. In vitro experiments suggested that the mechanism may involve hesperidin and naringenin acting on CASP3, BAX, and BCL2 to affect the apoptosis pathway, attenuating liver fibrosis. Naringenin significantly inhibited AKT1 phosphorylation, which in turn mediated activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Akt signaling pathways against LI. This study provides a reference for systematically exploring the mechanism of CRP's anti-LI action and is also expands of the application of systems pharmacology in the study of traditional Chinese medicine.