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Cao W, Yuan F, Liu T, Yin R. Network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking integrated experimental verification reveal β-sitosterol as the active anti-NSCLC ingredient of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua by suppression of PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 328:117900. [PMID: 38432577 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117900] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (Huangjing) is a Chinese herb that is considered by ancient Chinese healers to have the effect of nourishing yin and moisturizing the lungs. It is clinically used to treat diseases of the pulmonary system, including non-small cell lung cancer. However, the precise active components and underlying mechanisms of Huangjing in the context of treating NSCLC remain uncertain. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to explore the active components and mechanisms of Huangjing for the treatment of NSCLC by means of data mining, network pharmacology, and in vitro and vivo experiments. MATERIALS AND METHODS First, the main active compounds and key targets of Huangjing were predicted by network pharmacology. The potential key targets of Huangjing were molecularly docked with the main active compounds using Pymol. In vivo, we verified whether Huangjing and its main active compound have anti-lung cancer effects. Key targets were verified by PCR and immunohistochemistry. In vitro, we verified the effects of Huangjing's main active compound on the proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of A549 cells by CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing assay, and flow cytometry. Key targets and signaling pathway were validated by PCR and Western blot. RESULTS The network pharmacology results suggested that β-sitosterol was the main active substance. TP53, JUN, AKT1, MAPK14, ESR1, RELA, HIF1A, and RXRA were potential targets of Huangjing. Molecular docking results suggested that MAPK14, HIF-1α, and RXRA docked well with β-sitosterol. In vivo tests also confirmed that Huangjing could significantly inhibit the growth of lung cancer tumors, while PCR and immunohistochemistry results suggested that the expression of HIF-1α was significantly decreased. Critically, KEGG analysis indicated that the PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α signaling pathway was recommended as one of the main pathways related to the anti-NSCLC effect of Huangjing. We conducted in vitro experiments to confirm the significant impact of β-sitosterol on the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and colony formation of A549 cells. Furthermore, our findings indicate that a high dosage of β-sitosterol may effectively decrease the expression of HIF-1α, AKT1, JUN and RELA in A549 cells. Similarly, in vitro experiments also revealed that high doses of β-sitosterol could inhibit the PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS We discovered Huangjing and its main active ingredient, β-sitosterol, can reduce HIF-1α, AKT1, JUN and RELA expression and decrease non-small cell lung cancer growth through the PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Cao
- Department of integrated Chinese and Western medicine, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, 21009, Nanjing, PR China; The Third Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 210023, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Fangwei Yuan
- The Fourth Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, 210009, Nanjing, PR China; Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, 21009, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Tongyan Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, 21009, Nanjing, PR China; Department of Science and Technology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, 21009, Nanjing, PR China.
| | - Rong Yin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, 21009, Nanjing, PR China; Department of Science and Technology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, 21009, Nanjing, PR China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211116, Nanjing, PR China; Biobank of Lung Cancer, Jiangsu Biobank of Clinical Resources, 21009, Nanjing, PR China.
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Sun J, Wei Y, Wang J, Hou M, Su L. Treatment of colorectal cancer by traditional Chinese medicine: prevention and treatment mechanisms. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1377592. [PMID: 38783955 PMCID: PMC11112518 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1377592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant global health burden, with high morbidity and mortality rates. It is often diagnosed at middle to advanced stage, affecting approximately 35% of patients at the time of diagnosis. Currently, chemotherapy has been used to improve patient prognosis and increase overall survival. However, chemotherapy can also have cytotoxic effects and lead to adverse reactions, such as inhibiting bone marrow hematopoiesis, causing digestive dysfunction, hand-foot syndrome, and even life-threatening conditions. In response to these adverse effects, researchers have proposed using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as an option to treat cancer. TCM research focuses on prescriptions, herbs, and components, which form essential components of the current research in Chinese medicine. The study and implementation of TCM prescriptions and herbs demonstrate its distinctive holistic approach to therapy, characterized by applying multi-component and multi-target treatment. TMC components have advantages in developing new drugs as they consist of single ingredients, require smaller medication dosages, have a precise measure of pharmacodynamic effects, and have a clear mechanism of action compared to TCM prescriptions and herbs. However, further research is still needed to determine whether TMC components can fully substitute the therapeutic efficacy of TCM prescriptions. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the research advancements made in TCM prescriptions, herbs, and components. The findings of this study can serve as a theoretical basis for researchers who are interested in exploring the potential of TCM for the treatment of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Sun
- Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Ying Wei
- Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Gynaecology, Inner Mongolia People’s Hospital, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Mingxing Hou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Liya Su
- Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
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Khan MRUZ, Trivedi V. Molecular modelling, docking and network analysis of phytochemicals from Haritaki churna: role of protein cross-talks for their action. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:4297-4312. [PMID: 37288779 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2220036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Phytochemicals are bioactive agents present in medicinal plants with therapeutic values. Phytochemicals isolated from plants target multiple cellular processes. In the current work, we have used fractionation techniques to identify 13 bioactive polyphenols in ayurvedic medicine Haritaki Churna. Employing the advanced spectroscopic and fractionation, structure of bioactive polyphenols was determined. Blasting the phytochemical structure allow us to identify a total of 469 protein targets from Drug bank and Binding DB. Phytochemicals with their protein targets from Drug bank was used to create a phytochemical-protein network comprising of 394 nodes and 1023 edges. It highlights the extensive cross-talk between protein target corresponding to different phytochemicals. Analysis of protein targets from Binding data bank gives a network comprised of 143 nodes and 275 edges. Taking the data together from Drug bank and binding data, seven most prominent drug targets (HSP90AA1, c-Src kinase, EGFR, Akt1, EGFR, AR, and ESR-α) were found to be target of the phytochemicals. Molecular modelling and docking experiment indicate that phytochemicals are fitting nicely into active site of the target proteins. The binding energy of the phytochemicals were better than the inhibitors of these protein targets. The strength and stability of the protein ligand complexes were further confirmed using molecular dynamic simulation studies. Further, the ADMET profiles of phytochemicals extracted from HCAE suggests that they can be potential drug targets. The phytochemical cross-talk was further proven by choosing c-Src as a model. HCAE down regulated c-Src and its downstream protein targets such as Akt1, cyclin D1 and vimentin. Hence, network analysis followed by molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation and in-vitro studies clearly highlight the role of protein network and subsequent selection of drug candidate based on network pharmacology.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Rafi Uz Zama Khan
- Malaria Research Group, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Vishal Trivedi
- Malaria Research Group, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
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Xu Y, Zhang J, Li X. Erjingwan and Alzheimer's disease: research based on network pharmacology and experimental confirmation. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1328334. [PMID: 38741585 PMCID: PMC11089143 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1328334] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Alzheimer's disease (AD), a challenging neurodegenerative condition, has emerged as a significant global public health concern. The Chinese medicine decoction Erjingwan (EJW) has shown promising efficacy in AD treatment, though its mechanism remains unclear. Objective This study aims to elucidate the mechanism by which EJW treats AD through network pharmacology analysis and in vivo experiments. Methods We identified EJW's components using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database and determined AD-related targets from various databases. A network comprising herbs-compounds-targets was established, and EJW's core targets were ascertained through protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis. This study assessed the cognitive abilities of APP/PS1 mice using Morris water mazes and Y mazes, in addition to analyzing blood samples for triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Brain tissues were examined histologically with HE staining, Nissl staining, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for amyloid β-protein (Aβ) detection. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), reactive oxygen species (ROS), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in the hippocampal region were measured by ELISA. mRNA expression of apolipoprotein A-I (APOA-I), apolipoprotein B (APOB), apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4), advanced glycation end products (AGE), the receptor for AGE (RAGE), and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) was evaluated by quantitative PCR (q-PCR). Western blotting was used to detect the expression of AGE, RAGE, NF-κB, and Tau protein. Results Screening identified 57 chemical components and 222 potential targets of EJW. Ten core targets for AD treatment were identified, with enrichment analysis suggesting EJW's effects are related to lipid metabolism and AGEs/RAGE pathways. EJW enhanced learning and memory in APP/PS1 mice, protected neuronal structure in the hippocampal region, reduced Aβ deposition, and altered levels of TG, TC, LDL, IL-1β, and IL-6, and the expression of APOE4, AGEs, RAGE, NF-κB, and Tau protein, while increasing SOD, APOA-I, and APOB mRNA expression. Conclusion The study identified four core components of EJW-iosgenin, baicalein, beta-sitosterol, quercetin-and ten core targets including AKT1, IL6, VEGFA, TP53, CASP3, for treating AD. Experimental results demonstrate EJW's capacity to modulate lipid profiles, reduce pathological markers such as Aβ1-42, Tau, IL-6, IL-1β, reactive oxygen species, SOD, and enhance cognitive functions in APP/PS1 mice, potentially through inhibiting the AGEs/RAGE/NF-κB pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuya Xu
- Department of Neurology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xuling Li
- Department of Neurology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
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Yuan X, Huang H, Yu C, Tang Z, Li Y. Network pharmacology and experimental verification study on the mechanism of Hedyotis diffusa Willd in treating colorectal cancer. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03024-8. [PMID: 38446216 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03024-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the pharmacological mechanism of Hedyotis diffusa Willd against CRC (colorectal cancer) using network pharmacological analysis combined with experimental validation. The active components and potential targets of Hedyotis diffusa Willd were screened from the tax compliance management program public database using network pharmacology. The core anti-CRC targets were screened using a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. The mRNA and protein expression of core target genes in normal colon and CRC tissues and their relationship with overall CRC survival were evaluated using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Human Protein Atlas (HPA), and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) databases. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses of the potential targets were performed using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). The first six core targets with stable binding were molecular-docked with the active components quercetin and β-sitosterol. Finally, the results of network pharmacology were verified using in vitro experiments. In total, 149 potential targets were identified by searching for seven types of active components and the intersection of all potential and CRC targets. PPI network analysis showed that ten target genes, including tumor protein p53 (TP53) and recombinant cyclin D1 (CCND1), were pivotal genes. GO enrichment analysis involved 2043 biological processes, 52 cellular components, and 191 molecular functions. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that the anticancer effects of H. alba were mediated by tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-17, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways. Validation of key targets showed that the validation results for most core genes were consistent with those in this study. Molecular docking revealed that the ten core target proteins could be well combined with quercetin and β-sitosterol and the structure remained stable after binding. The results of the in vitro experiment showed that β-sitosterol inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in SW620 cells. This study identified a potential target plant for CRC through network pharmacology and in vitro validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiya Yuan
- Futian District, Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 6001 Beihuan Avenue, Shenzhen City, 518034, Guangdong, China
| | - Haifu Huang
- Futian District, Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 6001 Beihuan Avenue, Shenzhen City, 518034, Guangdong, China
| | - Changhui Yu
- Futian District, Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 6001 Beihuan Avenue, Shenzhen City, 518034, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhenhao Tang
- Futian District, Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 6001 Beihuan Avenue, Shenzhen City, 518034, Guangdong, China
| | - Yaoxuan Li
- Futian District, Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 6001 Beihuan Avenue, Shenzhen City, 518034, Guangdong, China.
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Yang W, Lv Y, Ma T, Wang N, Chen P, Liu Q, Yan H. Exploring the association between inflammatory biomarkers and gastric cancer development: A two-sample mendelian randomization analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e36458. [PMID: 38306562 PMCID: PMC10843383 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to elucidate the potential causative links between inflammatory biomarkers and gastric cancer risk via a two-sample Mendelian randomization approach. Leveraging genome-wide association study (GWAS) data, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis. Instrumental variable selection for inflammatory markers - namely, tissue factor, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, E-selectin, interleukin 6 receptor, and fatty acid-binding protein 4 - was informed by SNP data from the IEU database. Strongly associated SNPs served as instrumental variables. We applied a suite of statistical methods, including Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW), Weighted Median Estimator (WME), MR-Egger, and mode-based estimates, to compute the odds ratios (ORs) that articulate the impact of these markers on gastric cancer susceptibility. The IVW method revealed that the interleukin 6 receptor was inversely correlated with gastric cancer progression (OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.74-0.99, P = .03), whereas fatty acid-binding protein 4 was found to elevate the risk (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.05-1.39, P = .03). Instrumental variables comprised 5, 4, 7, 2, and 3 SNPs respectively. Convergent findings from WME, MR-Egger, and mode-based analyses corroborated these associations. Sensitivity checks, including heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy assessments, and leave-one-out diagnostics, affirmed the robustness and reliability of our instruments across diverse gastric malignancy tissues without substantial bias. Our research suggests that the interleukin 6 receptor potentially mitigates, while fatty acid-binding protein 4 may contribute to the pathogenesis of gastric cancer (GC). Unraveling the intricate biological interplay between inflammation and oncogenesis offers valuable insights for preemptive strategies and therapeutic interventions in gastric malignancy management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Yang
- General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Ye Lv
- General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Tao Ma
- General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Ningju Wang
- General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Ping Chen
- General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Quanxia Liu
- General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Hui Yan
- General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
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Wang T, Zhang W, Fang C, Wang N, Zhuang Y, Gao S. Research on the Regulatory Mechanism of Ginseng on the Tumor Microenvironment of Colorectal Cancer based on Network Pharmacology and Bioinformatics Validation. Curr Comput Aided Drug Des 2024; 20:486-500. [PMID: 37287284 DOI: 10.2174/1573409919666230607103721] [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: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A network pharmacology study on the biological action of ginseng in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) by regulating the tumor microenvironment (TME). OBJECTIVES To investigate the potential mechanism of action of ginseng in the treatment of CRC by regulating TME. METHODS This research employed network pharmacology, molecular docking techniques, and bioinformatics validation. Firstly, the active ingredients and the corresponding targets of ginseng were retrieved using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), the Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Database (TCMID), and the Traditional Chinese Medicine Database@Taiwan (TCM Database@Taiwan). Secondly, the targets related to CRC were retrieved using Genecards, Therapeutic Target Database (TTD), and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM). Tertiary, the targets related to TME were derived from screening the GeneCards and National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)-Gene. Then the common targets of ginseng, CRC, and TME were obtained by Venn diagram. Afterward, the Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed in the STRING 11.5 database, intersecting targets identified by PPI analysis were introduced into Cytoscape 3.8.2 software cytoHubba plugin, and the final determination of core targets was based on degree value. The OmicShare Tools platform was used to analyze the Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis of the core targets. Autodock and PyMOL were used for molecular docking verification and visual data analysis of docking results. Finally, we verified the core targets by Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and Human Protein Atlas (HPA) databases in bioinformatics. RESULTS A total of 22 active ingredients and 202 targets were identified to be closely related to the TME of CRC. PPI network mapping identified SRC, STAT3, PIK3R1, HSP90AA1, and AKT1 as possible core targets. Go enrichment analysis showed that it was mainly involved in T cell co-stimulation, lymphocyte co-stimulation, growth hormone response, protein input, and other biological processes; KEGG pathway analysis found 123 related signal pathways, including EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, chemokine signaling pathway, VEGF signaling pathway, ErbB signaling pathway, PD-L1 expression and PD-1 checkpoint pathway in cancer, etc. The molecular docking results showed that the main chemical components of ginseng have a stable binding activity to the core targets. The results of the GEPIA database showed that the mRNA levels of PIK3R1 were significantly lowly expressed and HSP90AA1 was significantly highly expressed in CRC tissues. Analysis of the relationship between core target mRNA levels and the pathological stage of CRC showed that the levels of SRC changed significantly with the pathological stage. The HPA database results showed that the expression levels of SRC were increased in CRC tissues, while the expression of STAT3, PIK3R1, HSP90AA1, and AKT1 were decreased in CRC tissues. CONCLUSION Ginseng may act on SRC, STAT3, PIK3R1, HSP90AA1, and AKT1 to regulate T cell costimulation, lymphocyte costimulation, growth hormone response, protein input as a molecular mechanism regulating TME for CRC. It reflects the multi-target and multi-pathway role of ginseng in modulating TME for CRC, which provides new ideas to further reveal its pharmacological basis, mechanism of action and new drug design and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiancheng Wang
- School of lntegrated Traditional and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Weijie Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Cancan Fang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Nan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Yue Zhuang
- School of Acupuncture and Massage, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Song Gao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, the Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
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Zheng Q, Wang X, Gao T, Zhang B, Zhao N, Du R, Zhao Z. Exploring the pharmacological and molecular mechanisms of Salvia chinensis Benth in colorectal cancer: A network pharmacology and molecular docking study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e36602. [PMID: 38115259 PMCID: PMC10727650 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
While Salvia chinensis Benth (commonly known as "Shijianchuan" in Chinese, and abbreviated as SJC) is commonly used in adjuvant therapy for colorectal cancer (CRC) in traditional Chinese medicine, its mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, Initially, we examined the impact of SJC on CRC cells in an in vitro setting. Next, we initially retrieved the primary active components and targets of SJC from databases such as TCMSP and existing literature. Subsequently, we integrated differential gene expression data from the GEO database and collected CRC-related targets from resources like DisGeNET. The matching of these datasets enabled the identification of SJC-CRC targets. We constructed a protein-protein interaction network and identified core targets through topological analysis. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed using clusterProfiler. We established networks linking traditional Chinese medicine components to targets and core targets to signaling pathways. Additionally, we performed molecular docking to validate interactions between the main compounds and targets, and employed Western blot analysis to explore how the major components of SJC affect crucial signaling pathways. In this study, SJC inhibited the viability of HCT-116 and HT-29 cells. We identified a total of 11 active components in SJC along with 317 target genes. Among these, there were 8612 target genes associated with CRC, and we successfully matched 276 SJC-CRC target genes. Through topological analysis of the protein-protein interaction network, we pinpointed 20 core targets. It was revealed that SJC effects are linked to genes governing processes like cell apoptosis, proliferation, hypoxia, oxidative stress, and signaling pathways such as PI3K-Akt through GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. Additionally, we applied molecular docking techniques and observed that the majority of active compounds displayed robust binding affinity with the selected targets. In vitro experiments suggested that SJC and its key component, Ursolic acid, may exert its anti-CRC effects by modulating the core PI3K/AKT signaling pathway through inhibiting the phosphorylation of the target Akt1. This discovery is consistent with the predictions derived from network pharmacology methods. This study marks the inaugural utilization of bioinformatics methods in conjunction with in vitro experiments to comprehensively investigate the pharmacological and molecular mechanisms responsible for SJC anti-CRC effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Hebei Key Laboratory of CRC Precision Diagnosis and Treatment, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Hebei Key Laboratory of CRC Precision Diagnosis and Treatment, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Tian Gao
- Department of General Surgery, Hebei Key Laboratory of CRC Precision Diagnosis and Treatment, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Bingzhou Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Hebei Key Laboratory of CRC Precision Diagnosis and Treatment, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ning Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Hebei Key Laboratory of CRC Precision Diagnosis and Treatment, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Runsen Du
- Department of General Surgery, Hebei Key Laboratory of CRC Precision Diagnosis and Treatment, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zengren Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Hebei Key Laboratory of CRC Precision Diagnosis and Treatment, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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Han X, Liang L, He C, Ren Q, Su J, Cao L, Zheng J. A real-world study and network pharmacology analysis of EGFR-TKIs combined with ZLJT to delay drug resistance in advanced lung adenocarcinoma. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:422. [PMID: 37990309 PMCID: PMC10664478 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04213-3] [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: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of combining epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) with ZiLongJin Tablet (ZLJT) in delaying acquired resistance in advanced EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients. Furthermore, we employed network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques to investigate the underlying mechanisms. METHODS A retrospective comparative study was conducted on stage IIIc/IV LUAD patients treated with EGFR-TKIs alone or in combination with ZLJT at the Second Affiliated Hospital of the Air Force Medical University between January 1, 2017, and May 1, 2023. The study evaluated the onset of TKI resistance, adverse reaction rates, safety indicators (such as aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and creatinine), and inflammatory markers (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio) to investigate the impact of EGFR-TKI combined with ZLJT on acquired resistance and prognostic indicators. Additionally, we utilized the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform, the Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine, PubChem, UniProt, and Swiss Target Prediction databases to identify the active ingredients and targets of ZLJT. We obtained differentially expressed genes related to EGFR-TKI sensitivity and resistance from the Gene Expression Omnibus database using the GSE34228 dataset, which included sensitive (n = 26) and resistant (n = 26) PC9 cell lines. The "limma" package in R software was employed to detect DEGs. Based on this, we constructed a protein‒protein interaction network, performed gene ontology and KEGG enrichment analyses, and conducted pathway network analysis to elucidate the correlation between the active ingredients in ZLJT and signaling pathways. Finally, molecular docking was performed using AutoDockVina, PYMOL 2.2.0, and Discovery Studio Client v19.1.0 software to simulate spatial and energy matching during the recognition process between predicted targets and their corresponding compounds. RESULTS (1) A total of 89 patients were included, with 40 patients in the EGFR-TKI combined with ZLJT group (combination group) and 49 patients in the EGFR-TKI alone group (monotherapy group). The baseline characteristics of the two groups were comparable. There was a significant difference in the onset of resistance between the combination group and the monotherapy group (P < 0.01). Compared to the monotherapy group, the combination group showed a prolongation of 3.27 months in delayed acquired resistance. There was also a statistically significant difference in the onset of resistance to first-generation TKIs between the two groups (P < 0.05). (2) In terms of safety analysis, the incidence of adverse reactions related to EGFR-TKIs was 12.5% in the combination group and 14.3% in the monotherapy group, but this difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in serum AST, ALT, CREA, TBIL, ALB and BUN levels between the two groups after medication (P > 0.05). (3) Regarding inflammatory markers, there were no statistically significant differences in the changes in neutrophil-to-lymphocyte Ratio(NLR) and Platelet-to-lymphocyte Ratio(PLR) values before and after treatment between the two groups (P > 0.05). (4) Network pharmacology analysis identified 112 active ingredients and 290 target genes for ZLJT. From the GEO database, 2035 differentially expressed genes related to resistant LUAD were selected, and 39 target genes were obtained by taking the intersection. A "ZLJT-compound-target-disease" network was successfully constructed using Cytoscape 3.7.0. GO enrichment analysis revealed that ZLJT mainly affected biological processes such as adenylate cyclase-modulating G protein-coupled receptor. In terms of cellular components, ZLJT was associated with the cell projection membrane. The molecular function primarily focused on protein heterodimerization activity. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that ZLJT exerted its antitumor and anti-drug resistance effects through pathways such as the PI3K-Akt pathway. Molecular docking showed that luteolin had good binding activity with FOS (-9.8 kJ/mol), as did tanshinone IIA with FOS (-9.8 kJ/mol) and quercetin with FOS (-8.7 kJ/mol). CONCLUSION ZLJT has potential antitumor progression effects. For patients with EGFR gene-mutated non-small cell LUAD, combining ZLJT with EGFR-TKI treatment can delay the occurrence of acquired resistance. The underlying mechanisms may involve altering signal transduction pathways, blocking the tumor cell cycle, inhibiting tumor activity, enhancing cellular vitality, and improving the bioavailability of combination therapy. The combination of EGFR-TKI and ZLJT represents an effective approach for the treatment of tumors using both Chinese and Western medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Han
- Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Shiji Avenue, Xixian new area, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xinsi Avenue, Baqiao Area, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lan Liang
- Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Shiji Avenue, Xixian new area, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chenming He
- Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Shiji Avenue, Xixian new area, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qinyou Ren
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xinsi Avenue, Baqiao Area, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jialin Su
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xinsi Avenue, Baqiao Area, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Liang Cao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xinsi Avenue, Baqiao Area, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Jin Zheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xinsi Avenue, Baqiao Area, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
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10
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Ahmad MS, Braoudaki M, Patel H, Ahmad I, Shagufta, Siddiqui SS. Novel Siglec-15-Sia axis inhibitor leads to colorectal cancer cell death by targeting miR-6715b-3p and oncogenes. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1254911. [PMID: 37869015 PMCID: PMC10587484 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1254911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Siglecs are well known immunotherapeutic targets in cancer. Current checkpoint inhibitors have exhibited limited efficacy, prompting a need for novel therapeutics for targets such as Siglec-15. Presently, small molecule inhibitors targeting Siglec-15 are not explored alongside characterised regulatory mechanisms involving microRNAs in CRC progression. Therefore, a small molecule inhibitor to target Siglec-15 was elucidated in vitro and microRNA mediated inhibitor effects were investigated. Our research findings demonstrated that the SHG-8 molecule exerted significant cytotoxicity on cell viability, migration, and colony formation, with an IC50 value of approximately 20µM. SHG-8 exposure induced late apoptosis in vitro in SW480 CRC cells. Notably, miR-6715b-3p was the most upregulated miRNA in high-throughput sequencing, which was also validated via RT-qPCR. MiR-6715b-3p may regulate PTTG1IP, a potential oncogene which was validated via RT-qPCR and in silico analysis. Additionally, molecular docking studies revealed SHG-8 interactions with the Siglec-15 binding pocket with the binding affinity of -5.4 kcal/mol, highlighting its role as a small molecule inhibitor. Importantly, Siglec-15 and PD-L1 are expressed on mutually exclusive cancer cell populations, suggesting the potential for combination therapies with PD-L1 antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Saqif Ahmad
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Braoudaki
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Hershna Patel
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Irshad Ahmad
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Arts and Sciences, American University of Ras Al Khaimah, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shagufta
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Arts and Sciences, American University of Ras Al Khaimah, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shoib Sarwar Siddiqui
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
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11
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Wan M, Dai J, Gan A, Wang J, Lin F, Zhang X, Lv X, Wu B, Yan T, Jia Y. A network pharmacology approach to investigate dehydrocostus lactone inhibits the proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of human gastric cancer cells via regulating the PI3K/Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinases/mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling pathways. J Pharm Pharmacol 2023; 75:1344-1356. [PMID: 37403268 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgad065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Dehydrocostus lactone (DHE), a sesquiterpene lactone, has been proven the significant inhibition of multiple cancer cells. However, there are limited reports on the activity of DHE in gastric cancer (GC). In this research, Network pharmacology predicted the anti-GC mechanism of DHE, and the prediction was verified by in-vitro experiments. METHODS Network pharmacology confirmed the major effect signalling pathway of DHE in treating GC. Cell viability assay, colony formation assay, wound healing assay, cell migration and invasion assay, apoptosis assay, western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction verified the mechanism of DHE in GC cell lines. KEY FINDINGS The results showed that DHE inhibited the growth and metastasis of MGC803 and AGS GC cells. Mechanistically, the analysis results indicated that DHE significantly induced the apoptosis process by suppressing the PI3K/protein kinase B (Akt) signalling pathway, and inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition by suppressing the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK)/MAPK signalling pathway. The Akt activator (SC79) inhibited DHE induced apoptosis, and DHE had similar effects with the ERK inhibitor (FR180204). CONCLUSIONS All results suggested that DHE was a potential natural chemotherapeutic drug in GC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiqi Wan
- Faculty of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jun Dai
- Faculty of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Anna Gan
- Faculty of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jinyu Wang
- Faculty of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Fei Lin
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaoying Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xinyan Lv
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Bo Wu
- Faculty of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tingxu Yan
- Faculty of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ying Jia
- Faculty of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
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