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Peng W, Xia Q, Zhang Y, Cao D, Zheng X. VEGF and EGFR signaling pathways are involved in the baicalein attenuation of OVA-induced airway inflammation and airway remodeling in mice. Respir Res 2024; 25:10. [PMID: 38178132 PMCID: PMC10765748 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02637-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used for treating asthma for centuries, the understanding of its mechanism of action is still limited. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the possible therapeutic effects, and underlying mechanism of baicalein in the treatment of asthma. METHODS Freely availabled atabases (e.g. OMIM, TTD, Genecards, BATMAN-TCM, STITCH 5.0, SEA, SwissTargetPrediction) and software (e.g. Ligplot 2.2.5 and PyMoL) were used for disease drug target prediction and molecular docking by network pharmacology. The efficacy and mechanism of action of baicalein in the treatment of asthma were validated using an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma mouse model and molecular biology techniques. RESULTS A total of 1655 asthma-related genes and 161 baicalein-related targets were identified from public databases. Utilizing common databases and software for network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis, seven potential target proteins for the therapeutic effects of baicalein on asthma were selected, including v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1 (AKT1), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase Src (SRC), mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3), matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9), and MAPK1. In vivo, baicalein treatment via intraperitoneal injection at a dose of 50 mg/kg significantly reduced airway inflammation, collagen deposition, smooth muscle thickness, lung interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 levels, peripheral blood immunoglobulin (Ig)E levels, as well as the count and ratio of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in an OVA-induced asthma mouse model. Further validation by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blotting analysis revealed that the VEGF and EGFR signaling pathways involving VEGFA, MAPK1, MAPK3, and EGFR were inhibited by baicalein in the asthma mouse model. CONCLUSION Baicalein attenuates airway inflammation and airway remodeling through inhibition of VEGF and EGFR signaling pathways in an OVA-induced asthma mouse model. This will provide a new basis for the development of baicalein as a treatment for asthma and highlights the potential of network pharmacology and molecular docking in drug discovery and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Peng
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
- Respiratory and critical care medicine, Xiangya Hospital, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Qinxuan Xia
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1227, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
- Respiratory and critical care medicine, Xiangya Hospital, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Danfeng Cao
- Academician Workstation and The Hunan Provincial University Key Laboratory of the Fundamental and Clinical Research on Functional Nucleic Acid, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, Hunan, 410219, China.
| | - Xiangrong Zheng
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
- Respiratory and critical care medicine, Xiangya Hospital, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
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Jin D, Huang NN, Wei JX. Hepatotoxic mechanism of cantharidin: insights and strategies for therapeutic intervention. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1201404. [PMID: 37383714 PMCID: PMC10293652 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1201404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cantharidin (CTD), a natural compound derived from Mylabris, is widely used in traditional Oriental medicine for its potent anticancer properties. However, its clinical application is restricted due to its high toxicity, particularly towards the liver. This review provides a concise understanding of the hepatotoxic mechanisms of CTD and highlights novel therapeutic strategies to mitigate its toxicity while enhancing its anticancer efficacy. We systematically explore the molecular mechanisms underlying CTD-induced hepatotoxicity, focusing on the involvement of apoptotic and autophagic processes in hepatocyte injury. We further discuss the endogenous and exogenous pathways implicated in CTD-induced liver damage and potential therapeutic targets. This review also summarizes the structural modifications of CTD derivatives and their impact on anticancer activity. Additionally, we delve into the advancements in nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems that hold promise in overcoming the limitations of CTD derivatives. By offering valuable insights into the hepatotoxic mechanisms of CTD and outlining potential avenues for future research, this review contributes to the ongoing efforts to develop safer and more effective CTD-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dian Jin
- Department of Pharmacy, Sixth People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, China
| | - Na-Na Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing-Xia Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, Sixth People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, China
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Mechanism Investigation of Wuwei Shexiang Pills on Gouty Arthritis via Network Pharmacology, Molecule Docking, and Pharmacological Verification. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:2377692. [PMID: 36248423 PMCID: PMC9568303 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2377692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Background Gout is a common crystal-related arthritis caused by the deposition of monosodium urates (MSU). Tibetan medicine Wuwei Shexiang Pills (WSP) has been demonstrated to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antihyperuricemia, and antigout activities. However, the underlying mechanism is unknown. Objectives To explore the mechanisms of Wuwei Shexiang Pills on gouty arthritis via network pharmacology, molecule docking, and pharmacological verification. Methods The ingredients and targets of WSP were obtained by searching and screening in BATMAN-TCM and SwissADME. The targets involving the gout were acquired from public databases. The shared targets were put onto STRING to construct a PPI network. Furthermore, Metascape was applied for the GO and KEGG enrichment analysis to predict the biological processes and signaling pathways. And molecular docking was performed to validate the binding association between the key ingredients and the relative proteins of TNF signaling. Based on the serum pharmacology, the predicted antigout mechanism of WSP was validated in MSU-induced THP-1 macrophages. The levels of inflammatory cytokines and mRNA were measured by ELISA and qRT-PCR, respectively, and MAPK, NF-κB, and NLRP3 signaling-associated proteins were determined by western blot and immunofluorescence staining. Results 48 bioactive ingredients and 165 common targets were found in WSP. The data showed that 5-Cis-Cyclopentadecen-1-One, 5-Cis-Cyclotetradecen-1-One, (−)-isoshyobunone, etc. were potential active ingredients. TNF signaling, HIF-1 signaling, and Jak-STAT signaling were predicted to be the potential pathways against gout. The molecule docking analysis found that most ingredients had a high affinity for p65, NLRP3, IL-1β, TNF-α, and p38. The data from in vitro experiment showed that WSP suppressed the production and gene expression of inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, WSP could inhibit the activation of MAPK, NF-κB, and NLRP3 signaling pathways. Conclusion Our finding suggested that the antigout effect of WSP could be achieved by inhibiting MAPK, NF-κB, and NLRP3 signaling pathways. WSP might be a candidate drug for gouty treatment.
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Liu F, Tian M. Study on the mechanism of Qiju Dihuang pill in the treatment of ophthalmic diseases based on systems pharmacology. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e30033. [PMID: 35945711 PMCID: PMC9351859 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000030033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Qiju Dihuang pill is one of the common Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat ophthalmic diseases. In vivo studies have suggested that Qiju Dihuang pill can be used for treating glaucoma, and it can also be used clinically to treat cataract patients. However, the bioactive ingredients and the therapeutic mechanism of Qiju Dihuang pill on treating these ophthalmic diseases remained unclear. Presently, a systems pharmacology approach which combines pharmacokinetic screening, targeted fishing, biological function enrichment, network pharmacology, and molecular docking analysis, was employed. A total of 134 active ingredients with 72 corresponding targets are identified from Qiju Dihuang pill. Additionally, 3 core targets including CHRM1, ESR1, and AR are obtained from the ingredients and drug targets network analysis. Besides, gen ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis reveal 3 important biological pathways, that is, calcium signaling pathway, insulin signaling pathway and Vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway. In final, a molecular docking model was constructed to study the interaction mechanism between active components and drug targets at the molecular level. All the findings show that Qiju Dihuang pill achieves therapeutic effects on treating ophthalmic diseases by regulating the crucial targets of the compounds in it. This work not only provides insight into the therapeutic mechanism of herbal medicine in the treatment of ophthalmic diseases from a multiscale perspective, but also offers an effective approach for drug discovery and development of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Liu
- Faculty of Medical Technology, Ophthalmology Laboratory of Anhui Medical College, Hefei, China
- * Correspondence: Fei Liu, MSc, Faculty of Medical Technology, Ophthalmology Laboratory of Anhui Medical College, Furong Road 632 #, Hefei 230601, Anhui, China (e-mail: )
| | - Mi Tian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Qi G, Jiang K, Qu J, Zhang A, Xu Z, Li Z, Zheng X, Li Z. The Material Basis and Mechanism of Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction in Treating Stable Angina Pectoris and Unstable Angina Pectoris. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2022; 2022:3741027. [PMID: 35140797 PMCID: PMC8820872 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3741027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
METHODS Firstly, we used a network proximity approach to calculate and compare the effectiveness of the formula with that of Western drugs for each type of angina, including all targets and intersecting targets, from a topological perspective. Secondly, we compared the mechanisms of action of the two angina pectoris at three levels and five aspects, including conventional and modular analysis approaches. Thirdly, based on the unique functions of each angina in the complex heterogeneous network, we designed a reverse process for finding the material basis using dynamic, static, and enriched items as well as a total item. Finally, the designed inverse process, material basis, and mechanism of action were validated. RESULTS The target network of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction is closer to the target network of each type of angina than that of Western drugs, and the intersection targets have a closer proximity. Comparison of the mechanisms of action showed that stable angina and unstable angina had 158 common targets, while the unique targets were 34 and 1, respectively. Modularity analysis showed that the GO similarity of target modules was highly correlated with KEGG similarity. We ended up with 67 compounds upregulated for stable angina and 47 compounds upregulated for unstable angina. Our results were validated by literature mining, high-volume molecular docking, and miRNA enrichment analysis. CONCLUSIONS For both types of angina pectoris, Xuefu Zhuyu decoction is superior to Western drugs. A comparison of various aspects led to the unique mechanisms of action, from which the material basis of each type of angina was deduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanpeng Qi
- 1School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Kaiwen Jiang
- 1School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jiaming Qu
- 1School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Aijun Zhang
- 1School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ze Xu
- 1School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhaohang Li
- 1School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaosong Zheng
- 2School of Medical Devices, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zuojing Li
- 2School of Medical Devices, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
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