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Wu T, Zhang H, Jin Y, Zhang M, Zhao Q, Li H, Wang S, Lu Y, Chen S, Du H, Liu T, Guo W, Liu W. The active components and potential mechanisms of Wuji Wan in the treatment of ethanol-induced gastric ulcer: An integrated metabolomics, network pharmacology and experimental validation. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 326:117901. [PMID: 38341112 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Wuji Wan (WJW) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula that can be found in the "Prescriptions of Taiping Benevolent Dispensary" that has been employed in treating gastric discomfort, burning epigastric pain, and gastric reflux for hundreds of years and has shown promise for treating gastric ulcers (GUs). However, the active components and mechanism of action against GUs remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this study was to explore the active components of WJW and elucidate the underlying mechanism involved in treating GUs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Initially, cell viability was measured by a cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assay to evaluate the efficacy of WJW-containing serum in vitro. The gastric ulcer index, ulcer inhibition rate, hematoxylin and staining (H&E), and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of WJW in vivo. Subsequently, the levels of inflammatory factors and oxidative stress factors were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) on in vitro and in vivo samples. Additionally, UPLC-Q Exactive Plus Orbitrap HRMS was used to analyze the components that were absorbed into the blood of WJW and its metabolites. Network pharmacology and metabolomics were subsequently used to identify the targets and pathways. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT‒qPCR) and Western blotting were used to verify the mRNA and protein levels of the key targets and pathways. Finally, the active components were identified by molecular docking to verify the binding stability of the components and key targets. RESULTS WJW-containing serum ameliorated ethanol-induced damage in GES-1 cells and promoted cell healing. WJW-containing serum reduced IL-6, TNF-α, MDA, and LDH levels while increasing IL-10, SOD, and T-AOC levels in the cells. Moreover, WJW treatment resulted in decreased IL-6, TNF-α, and MDA levels and increased IL-10, SOD, PGE2, and NO levels in GUs rats. In addition, eight components of WJW were absorbed into the blood. The network pharmacology results revealed 192 common targets for blood entry components and GUs, and KEGG analysis revealed that apoptosis signaling pathways were the main pathways involved in WJW activity against GUs. Metabolomic screening was used to identify 13 differential metabolites. There were 23 common targets for blood entry components, GUs, and differential metabolites, with the key targets TNF (TNF-α), AKT1, PTGS2 (COX2) and MAPK1. WJW significantly inhibited the expression of Bax, Caspase-9, Caspase-3, cleaved Caspase-9, cleaved Caspase-3, TNF-α, COX2, and p-p44/42 MAPK while promoting the expression of Bcl-2 and p-AKT1. Molecular docking revealed that the active components of WJW for the treatment of GUs are berberine, palmatine, coptisine, evodiamine, rutaecarpine, evocarpine, and paeoniflorin. CONCLUSIONS WJW treatment reduces inflammation and oxidative stress injury and inhibits apoptosis signaling pathways. The main active components are berberine, palmatine, coptisine, evodiamine, rutaecarpine, evocarpine, and paeoniflorin. In this paper, we provide a new strategy for exploring the active components of traditional Chinese medicine formulas for the treatment of diseases based on target mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantai Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Yang Jin
- School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China; State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China; Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, 550014, China
| | - Qing Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Herong Li
- School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Shouli Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Yuan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Shuaishuai Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Huakang Du
- School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Ting Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Weiyu Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Wen Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China; School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China.
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Gong H, Zhao N, Zhu C, Luo L, Liu S. Treatment of gastric ulcer, traditional Chinese medicine may be a better choice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 324:117793. [PMID: 38278376 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Gastric ulcer (GU) is the injury of the gastric mucosa caused by the stimulation of various pathogenic factors penetrating the deep mucosal muscle layer. An increasing number of studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is highly effective in treating GU due to its multitarget, multilevel, and multi-pathway effects. AIM OF THE STUDY To review the latest research progress in the treatment of GU by TCM, including clinical and experimental studies, focusing on the target and mechanism of action of drugs and providing a theoretical basis for the treatment of GU by natural herbs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Electronic databases (PubMed, Elsevier, Springer, Web of Science, and CNKI) were searched using the keywords "gastric ulcer", "gastric mucosal lesion", "TCM" and or paired with "peptic ulcer" and "natural drugs" for studies published in the last fifteen years until 2023. RESULTS TCM, including single components of natural products, Chinese patent medicines (CPM), and TCM decoction, is expected to treat GU by regulating various mechanisms, such as redox balance, inflammatory factors, angiogenesis, gastric mucosal protective factors, intestinal flora, apoptosis, and autophagy. CONCLUSIONS We discussed and summarized the mechanism of TCM in the treatment of GU, which provided a sufficient basis for TCM treatment of GU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiying Gong
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ning Zhao
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Conglei Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Fuyang People's Hospital, Fuyang, Anhui, China
| | - Lin Luo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair, Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Sen Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair, Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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Lv Y, Li J, Li Y, Su J, Ding X, Yuan Y, Liu S, Mou Y, Li G, Zhang L. Unveiling the potential mechanisms of Amomi fructus against gastric ulcers via integrating network pharmacology and in vivo experiments. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117179. [PMID: 37777029 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE As a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, Amomi fructus (A. fructus) (Sharen) has been used therapeutically to treat gastrointestinal illnesses, including gastric ulcer (GU). The mechanism underlying this impact is still not fully known, though. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the hidden mechanism by which A. fructus influences the pathogenesis of GU, we employed network pharmacology approaches and in vivo validated studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS Multiple public databases were used to compile information on bioactive compounds, potential targets of A. fructus, and associated genes of GU. Then, the STRING database's protein-protein interaction (PPI) data of the drug-disease overlapping gene targets was obtained, and the core targets for A. fructus against GU were discovered. Additionally, molecular docking was done to examine the binding capabilities of the active substances and core targets. Then, the pathways of A. fructus that target GU were examined using the Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID)'s Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway studies. In a mouse model of acute stomach mucosal damage brought on by absolute ethanol, the findings of network pharmacology were finally validated. RESULTS In total, 610 targets derived from the 196 bioactive compounds in A. fructus, were discovered, and along with 115 A. fructus target genes for therapy of GU. Then, ten core targets associated with apoptosis and inflammation were determined based on node degree, and ALB, AKT1, TNF, EGFR, MAPK3, CASP3, MMP9, STAT3, SRC, and HRAS were identified as promising therapeutic targets of A. fructus against GU. The results of molecular docking also revealed that 65 active compounds had strong binding activity with the core targets, with volatile chemicals being the most significant active ingredients. So, for following in vivo tests, A. fructus volatile oils (AVO) were used. The KEGG analysis showed that the phosphoinositide-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway may be crucial for the therapeutic mechanism of GU. In experiments that were validated in vivo, AVO considerably decreased the ulcer area and enhanced the histological appearance of the gastric tissues. In addition, compared to the model group, up-regulated the expression of IGF-1, p-PI3K, and p-AKT and down-regulated the protein levels of TNF-α and Caspase 3 in the stomach tissues. CONCLUSION According to preliminary findings from this work, A. fructus may influence inflammatory response and apoptosis via regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and associated gene targets. Importantly, our research might offer a theoretical foundation for future research into the intricate anti-GU mechanism of A. fructus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana Lv
- Yunnan Branch of Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinghong, 666100, China.
| | - Jiaxin Li
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Haerbin, 150006, China.
| | - Yao Li
- West Yunnan University of Applied Sciences, Dali, 671006, China.
| | - Jing Su
- Yunnan Branch of Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinghong, 666100, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal Utilization, Jinghong, 666100, China.
| | - Xuan Ding
- Yunnan Branch of Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinghong, 666100, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal Utilization, Jinghong, 666100, China.
| | - Yin Yuan
- Yunnan Branch of Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinghong, 666100, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal Utilization, Jinghong, 666100, China.
| | - Shifang Liu
- Yunnan Branch of Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinghong, 666100, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal Utilization, Jinghong, 666100, China.
| | - Yan Mou
- Yuxi Normal College, Yuxi, 653100, China.
| | - Guang Li
- Yunnan Branch of Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinghong, 666100, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal Utilization, Jinghong, 666100, China.
| | - Lixia Zhang
- Yunnan Branch of Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinghong, 666100, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal Utilization, Jinghong, 666100, China.
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Feng L, A. L, Bao T, Mu X, Ta N, Duan Q, Ta L, Chen Y, Bai L, Fu M. An integrated network analysis, RNA-seq and in vivo validation approaches to explore the protective mechanism of Mongolian medicine formulae Ruda-6 against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1181133. [PMID: 37637418 PMCID: PMC10449537 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1181133] [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: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric ulcer (GU) is one of the most prevalent digestive diseases that seriously affects people's health. Previous studies have demonstrated the anti-GU effect of Ruda-6 (RD-6), a classic formulae of traditional Mongolian medicine. However, the underlying mechanism of RD-6 against GU remains elusive. Thus, we conducted an integrative approach of network analysis, RNA-seq, and in vivo validation experiment to elucidate the therapeutic mechanisms of RD-6 in preventing GU. A network analysis was performed to predict the potential targets of RD-6. Rats were pretreated with RD-6 at different doses for 21 days, followed by GU induction with indomethacin injection. The ulcer index and inhibition rates were calculated, and the levels of inflammatory related factors were determined by ELISA. The gastroprotective mechanism of RD-6 against ulceration was verified by RNA-seq and the key pathway was detected by in vivo validation. As the network analysis predicted, RD-6 exerts anti-GU effects by regulating 75 targets and 160 signaling pathways. Animal experiment results suggested that pretreatment with RD-6 significantly ameliorated the gastric mucosal injury and inflammatory response, as evidenced by a reduced ulcer index, decreased interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-17 levels, and increased prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels in the GU model rats induced by indomethacin. RNA-seq data identified four potential hub genes that were primarily involved in the IL-17 signaling pathway. Furthermore, in vivo validation experiment showed that RD-6 inhibited the IL-17 signaling pathway by down-regulating the expression of IL17RA, proto-oncogene C-Fos (FOS), IL1B and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2). Taken together, the present study provides evidence that RD-6 could effectively protect against indomethacin-induced GU, which might be attributed to suppressed inflammation. The IL-17 signaling pathway may be one of the crucial mechanisms that mediates the effect of RD-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Feng
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Mongolian Medicine), School of Mongolian Medicine, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, China
| | - Lisha A.
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Terigele Bao
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Mongolian Medicine), School of Mongolian Medicine, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, China
| | - Xiyele Mu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Mongolian Medicine), School of Mongolian Medicine, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, China
| | - Na Ta
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Mongolian Medicine), School of Mongolian Medicine, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, China
| | - Qiang Duan
- Key Laboratory of Castor Breeding of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, China
| | - La Ta
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yongsheng Chen
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Mongolian Medicine), School of Mongolian Medicine, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, China
- Key Laboratory of Castor Breeding of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, China
| | - Laxinamujila Bai
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Mongolian Medicine), School of Mongolian Medicine, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, China
| | - Minghai Fu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Mongolian Medicine), School of Mongolian Medicine, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, China
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Zhang X, Wang S, Jin Y, Wang J, Wang R, Yang X, Zhang S, Yan T, Jia Y. Wei-Tong-Xin ameliorated cisplatin-induced mitophagy and apoptosis in gastric antral mucosa by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 308:116253. [PMID: 36806345 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Wei-Tong-Xin (WTX) originated from the famous ancient Chinese formula "Wan Ying Yuan", recorded in the ancient Chinese medicine book "Zhong Zang Jing" by Hua Tuo. As "Jun" drugs, Dahuang and Muxiang have the effects of clearing heat and expelling fire, reducing food retention, regulating Qi and relieving pain. As "Chen" drug, Qianniuzi has the effect of assisting "Jun" drugs. Zhuyazao and Gancao, as "Zuo-Shi" drugs, can reduce toxicity and modulate the medicinal properties of other herbs. AIM OF THE STUDY The present study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of WTX on the oxidative stress of gastric antrum mucosa in mice with cisplatin (CIS)-induced dyspepsia. MATERIALS AND. METHODS A variety of experimental methods, including western blot, qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were performed in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS In vivo, WTX restored the number and function of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs), accompanied by the inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Moreover, WTX inhibited the activation of Parkin-dependent mitophagy and apoptosis. In vitro, WTX activated the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway and inactivated mitophagy in GES-1 cells. To explore the role of Nrf2 in WTX's improvement of CIS-induced cell damage, Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 was used in cell experiments. We found that ML385 counteracted the regulation of WTX on mitophagy and apoptosis. Finally, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, was applied in our experiments, and the results suggested that WTX suppressed the CIS-induced apoptosis via mitochondrial pathway. CONCLUSIONS The above results, for the first time, indicated that WTX inhibited mitophagy and apoptosis of gastric antral mucosal cells induced by CIS through the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Shiyu Wang
- Faculty of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Yanjun Jin
- Faculty of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Jinyu Wang
- Faculty of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Ruixuan Wang
- Faculty of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Xihan Yang
- Faculty of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Shuanglin Zhang
- Faculty of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Tingxu Yan
- Faculty of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, 110016, China.
| | - Ying Jia
- Faculty of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, 110016, China.
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Feng L, Bao T, Bai L, Mu X, Ta N, Bao M, Li Y, Zhang J, Fu M, Chen Y. Mongolian medicine formulae Ruda-6 alleviates indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer by regulating gut microbiome and serum metabolomics in rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 314:116545. [PMID: 37196816 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Ruda-6 (RD-6), a typical traditional Mongolian medicine formulae consisting of 6 herbs, has been traditionally used in treating gastric disorders. Even though it has been shown to protect against gastric ulcers (GU) in animal models, the gut microbiome and serum metabololite-related mechanisms that prevent GU are not well understood. AIM OF THE STUDY This study was conducted to evaluate the gastroprotective mechanism of RD-6 associated with the alteration of the gut microbiome and serum metabolic profiles in GU rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS RD-6 (0.27, 1.35 and 2.7 g/kg) or ranitidine (40 mg/kg) were orally administered in rats for three weeks before the induction of gastric ulcer using indomethacin (30 mg/kg, single oral dose). The gastric ulcer index, ulcer area, H&E staining, and the levels of TNF-α, iNOS, MPO and MDA were quantified to evaluate the ulcer inhibitory effects of RD-6. Then, 16S rRNA gene sequencing combined with LC-MS metabolic profiling was performed to investigate the effect of RD-6 on the gut microbiota and serum metabolites in rats. Moreover, a spearman analysis was used to calculate the correlation coefficient between the different microbiota and the metabolites. RESULTS RD-6 inhibited the gastric lesion damage caused by indomethacin in rats, decreased the ulcer index by 50.29% (p < 0.05), reduced the levels of TNF-α, iNOS, MDA and MPO in gastric tissue. Additionally, RD-6 reshaped the diversity and microbial composition, and reversed the reduced bacteria including [Eubacterium]_xylanophilum group, Sellimonas, Desulfovibrio, and UCG-009, and the increased bacteria Aquamicrobium caused by indomethacin induction. Furthermore, RD-6 regulated the levels of metabolites including amino acids and organic acids, and these affected metabolites were involved in taurine and hypotaurine metabolism and tryptophan metabolism. Spearman analysis revealed that the perturbed gut microbiota were closely related to the changes in differential serum metabolites. CONCLUSION In view of the 16S rRNA gene sequencing and LC-MS metabolic results, the present study suggests the mechanism of RD-6 ameliorating GU via modulating intestinal microbiota and their metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Feng
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Mongolian Medicine), School of Mongolian Medicine, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Terigele Bao
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Mongolian Medicine), School of Mongolian Medicine, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, China
| | - Laxinamujila Bai
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Mongolian Medicine), School of Mongolian Medicine, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, China
| | - Xiyele Mu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Mongolian Medicine), School of Mongolian Medicine, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, China
| | - Na Ta
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Mongolian Medicine), School of Mongolian Medicine, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, China
| | - Minglan Bao
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Mongolian Medicine), School of Mongolian Medicine, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, China
| | - Yonghui Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Junqing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Minghai Fu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Mongolian Medicine), School of Mongolian Medicine, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China.
| | - Yongsheng Chen
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Mongolian Medicine), School of Mongolian Medicine, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, China.
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Lin F, Zhang G, Yang X, Wang M, Wang R, Wan M, Wang J, Wu B, Yan T, Jia Y. A network pharmacology approach and experimental validation to investigate the anticancer mechanism and potential active targets of ethanol extract of Wei-Tong-Xin against colorectal cancer through induction of apoptosis via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 303:115933. [PMID: 36403742 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Wei-Tong-Xin (WTX), derives from the Chinese herbal decoction (CHD) of Wan-Ying-Yuan in ancient China, has been shown to be effective therapeutic herbal decoction for treating gastrointestinal diseases. Present studies have demonstrated that WTX had potential to alleviate the symptoms of gastrointestinal inflammation, gastric ulcer and improve gastric motility. AIM OF THE STUDY The study primarily focused on exploring the therapeutic effect and possible pharmacological mechanism of WTX on colorectal cancer (CRC) based on network pharmacology, in vitro and in vivo experiments. MATERIALS AND METHODS Firstly, colorectal cancer and WTX associated with targets were searched from GeneCards database and TCM Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) respectively. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network also was constructed to screening key targets. In addition, the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were applied to predict the underlying biological function and mechanism involving in the anti-colorectal cancer effect of WTX. Next, CCK-8, colony formation and transwell assays were performed to verify the influence of proliferation and metastasizing ability of HCT116 cells after treated with WTX. Cell cycle, apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were analysis by flow cytometry. Hoechst 33258 staining was conducted to observe nuclear morphology changes. Protein expression of apoptosis and PI3K/AKT signaling as well as mRNA expression of ferroptosis and apoptosis were determined by Western Blotting and RT-qPCR. The effects of WTX and LY294002 combination on the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway were measured by Western Blotting. Finally, the xenograft tumor mouse model was established by subcutaneous injection of CT26 cells to measure tumors volume and weight. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemical analysis were used to observe the pathological changes and the protein expression in tumor tissues. RESULTS There were 286 potential treatment targets from 130 bioactive compounds in WTX, 1349 CRC-related targets were identified. Eleven core targets (TP53, AKT1, STAT3, JUN, TNF, HSP90AA1, IL-6, MAPK3, CASP3, EGFR, MYC) were found by PPI network analysis constructed of 142 common targets. The results of KEGG enrichment displayed PI3K/AKT signaling pathway as core pathway. After the treatment of WTX, the inhibitory of viability, metastases and cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase were observed in HCT116 cells. Moreover, WTX induced an increase in the expression of apoptosis proteins (Bak, cytochrome c, cleaved caspase-9/caspase-9 and cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3) and the levels of ROS and MDA, a decrease in the expression of PI3K/AKT signaling related proteins (PI3K, p-PI3K, p-AKT/AKT and p-mTOR/mTOR) and the level of SOD. WTX treatment significantly reduced the tumor weight, increased cleaved caspase-3 positive area and decreased that of ki67 in xenograft mouse model. CONCLUSION Through a network pharmacology approach and in vitro experiments, we predicted and verified the effect of WTX on colorectal cancer cells mainly depended on the regulation of intrinsic apoptosis via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and further animal experiments proved that WTX has a good anti-colon cancer effect in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Lin
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110016, China.
| | - Guanglin Zhang
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110016, China.
| | - Xihan Yang
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110016, China.
| | - Mengshi Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110016, China.
| | - Ruixuan Wang
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110016, China.
| | - Meiqi Wan
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110016, China.
| | - Jinyu Wang
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110016, China.
| | - Bo Wu
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110016, China.
| | - Tingxu Yan
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110016, China.
| | - Ying Jia
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110016, China.
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