Network pharmacology analysis of the pharmacological mechanism of Artemisia lavandulaefolia DC. in rheumatoid arthritis

Fengshi gutong capsules attenuates CIA-induced RA bone destruction in rats by targeting TNF-α inhibition: Integration and experimental validation of network pharmacology and proteomics

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Fengshi Gutong Capsule (FSGT) is a proprietary Chinese medicine with established clinical efficacy in Rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

AIM

This study aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which FSGT alleviates RA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model was employed to assess the therapeutic effects of FSGT in RA. Network pharmacology and proteomics were integrated to identify potential mechanism and molecular targets, which were further validated via Western blot analysis. Molecular docking and microscale thermophoresis (MST) were utilized to assess the binding affinities of FSGT's active components to key proteins.

RESULTS

FSGT (280 and 840 mg/kg) alleviated CIA-induced RA in rats without significant side effects. Network pharmacology and label-free proteomic analysis displayed that FSGT exerted its therapeutic effects by modulating inflammation and bone destruction. FSGT significantly reduced serum levels of inflammatory cytokines and their protein expression in the ankle joints and synovial tissues. Additionally, FSGT attenuated bone destruction and significantly reversed the expression of bone destruction-related proteins. Molecular docking revealed that 18 active compounds in FSGT exhibited strong binding affinity for TNF-α, with hypaconitine, 18α-glycyrrhizic acid, and naringenin further validated by MST assays.

CONCLUSION

FSGT improved CIA-induced RA in rats by targeting TNF-α to reduce inflammation and inhibit bone destruction, offering insights into its therapeutic mechanisms in RA.

Study of kaempferol in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis through modulation of the NLRP3/CASP1/GSDMD axis and T-cell activation: Based on network pharmacology, single-cell analysis, and experimental validation

BACKGROUND

Kaempferol (Kae) is a natural flavonol compound with excellent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, which is of great importance in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. The efficacy of Kae in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been demonstrated. However, its relevant pharmacodynamic mechanism requires further investigation.

PURPOSES

This study aimed to further explore the potential mechanism of action of Kae in the treatment of RA using network pharmacology, single-cell analysis, and animal experiments.

METHODS

Drug target genes were downloaded and screened from the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD), SwissTargetPrediction database, BindingDB database, and TargetNet database. Transcriptome data from GEO databases (GSE55235, GSE89408, and GSE200815) were selected for disease transcriptome analysis and single-cell matrix data. Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to investigate the potential mechanism of action of Kae in treating RA. Single-cell analysis, immune infiltration co-expression analyses, and Mendelian-Randomization (MR) studies were conducted to explore the relationship between Kae's target genes and immune cells. Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was induced in DBA/1 mouse models through enhanced immunization. Therapeutic efficacy of Kae was assessed using arthritis score, paw swelling index, body weight monitoring, microCT, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, Safranin O-Fast green staining, and Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining. Tissue immunofluorescence and flow cytometry were used to detect expression levels of key genes and immune cell activation status.

RESULTS

In vivo experiments demonstrated the efficacy of Kae in treating CIA mice. Network pharmacology indicated that Kae might exert anti-inflammatory effects through the NLRP3/CASP1/GSDMD axis. Immune infiltration, single-cell, and MR analyses revealed close associations between Kae's target genes and CD4+, CD8+, and regulatory T cells. Kae inhibited cellular pyroptosis in joint tissues and down-regulated NLRP3, CASP1, and GSDMD expression. Flow cytometry results showed decreased CD4/CD8 ratio, reduced proportion of CD4+ effector memory T cells (Tem), and increased naïve and regulatory T cells (Treg).

CONCLUSION

Kae might exert anti-inflammatory effects by modulating the NLRP3/CASP1/GSDMD axis to inhibit pyroptosis and suppress overactive immune responses by regulating T-cell proliferation. In summary, Kae demonstrated significant therapeutic efficacy in treating RA.

Norisoboldine Reduces Arthritis Severity by Attenuating Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Extracellular Matrix Degradation in a Rat Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder marked by persistent joint inflammation, pain, and tissue degradation. This study evaluates the therapeutic potential of Norisoboldine (NOR), an isoquinoline alkaloid from Lindera aggregata, in a rat model of RA.

Methods

Rats were divided into five groups: normal control (G1), RA model (G2), NOR-treated groups at 15 mg/kg (G3) and 30 mg/kg (G4), and methotrexate-treated group (G5). NOR's anti-arthritic effects were assessed by measuring clinical arthritis scores and inflammatory markers (RF, CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10). Oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD, catalase, GPx) and pathways (NF-κB/IKKβ and Nrf2/Keap1) were also evaluated. Histopathology assessed synovial inflammation and tissue degradation.

Results

NOR treatment significantly reduced arthritis severity, as evidenced by decreased clinical arthritis scores and inflammatory markers in RA rats. NOR also exhibited strong antioxidant effects, demonstrated by decreased MDA levels and enhanced SOD, catalase, and GPx activities. NOR further downregulated matrix metalloproteinases (Mmp-2, Mmp-3), aggrecanases (Adamts-4, Adamts-5), and PCNA expression. Histopathology confirmed marked reductions in synovial inflammation and tissue damage in NOR-treated groups.

Discussion

These findings suggest that NOR's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties contribute to reducing both inflammation and the overall severity of RA. NOR's multifaceted actions support its potential as a novel therapeutic agent for RA.

Conclusion

NOR demonstrates protective effects in RA rats by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and extracellular matrix degradation, offering promise as a therapeutic option to manage RA pathology comprehensively.

Molecular and Morphological Characteristics of a Novel Cyst Nematode in the Rhizosphere of Artemisia lavandulaefolia DC. in Gansu Province, Northwest China

Cyst nematodes are obligate parasitic nematodes found in the fields of many cultivated crops. These nematodes, which have great economic importance, pose a threat to food security, though they are frequently ignored or misdiagnosed as pests because of covert parasitism. A cyst nematode population parasitizing on Artemisia lavandulaefolia DC., one of the traditional Chinese medicines was collected in Gansu Province. The species was diagnosed using integrative taxonomy and molecular approaches. The cyst population is spherical or lemon-shaped, light brown or dark brown in color, with a long neck and a protruding vulval cone. The stylet of the second-stage juvenile is strong, and the front end of the ball at the base of the stylet is concave; the median bulb and excretory pore are prominent; the tail is blunt and circular, and the transparent tail is usually shorter than the stylet. A phylogenetic analysis was carried out using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and 28S genes of ribosomal DNA, which further confirmed the presence of Cactodera chenopodiae. According to our literature review, this is the first report on C. chenopodiae in Compositae. By following this research, we can better understand the challenges posed by A. lavandulaefolia DC. and develop effective strategies for managing its spread and impacts. This will help to protect vulnerable ecosystems and ensure the sustainability of agricultural and forestry activities in affected areas.

Prepared Radix Polygoni Multiflori and emodin alleviate lipid droplet accumulation in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease through MAPK signaling pathway inhibition

As one of the most common liver diseases, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects almost one-quarter of the world's population. Although the prevalence of NAFLD is continuously rising, effective medical treatments are still inadequate. Radix Polygoni Multiflori (RPM) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. As a processed product of RPM, prepared Radix Polygoni Multiflori (PRPM) has been reported to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study investigated whether PRPM treatment could significantly improve NAFLD. We used recent literature, the Herb database and the SwissADME database to isolate the active compounds of PRPM. The OMIM, DisGeNET and GeneCards databases were used to isolate NAFLD-related target genes, and GO functional enrichment and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were conducted. Moreover, PRPM treatment in NAFLD model mice was evaluated. The results indicate that the target genes are mainly enriched in the AMPK and de novo lipogenesis signaling pathways and that PRPM treatment improves NAFLD disease in model mice. Here, we found the potential benefits of PRPM against NAFLD and demonstrated in vivo and in vitro that PRPM and its ingredient emodin downregulate phosphorylated P38/P38, phosphorylated ERK1/2 and genes related to de novo adipogenesis signaling pathways and reduce lipid droplet accumulation. In conclusion, our findings revealed a novel therapeutic role for PRPM in the treatment of NAFLD and metabolic inflammation.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms of Lipophilic Fractions from Polyscias fruticosa Leaves Based on Network Pharmacology, In Silico, and In Vitro Approaches

Polyscias fruticosa leaf (PFL) has been used in food and traditional medicine for the treatment of rheumatism, ischemia, and neuralgia. However, the lipophilic components of PFL and their biological properties remain unknown. This study, integrating network pharmacology analysis with in silico and in vitro approaches, aimed to elucidate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities of lipophilic extracts from PFL. A total of 71 lipophilic compounds were identified in PFL using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses showed that key active compounds, mainly phytosterols and sesquiterpenes, were responsible for regulating core target genes, such as PTGS2, TLR4, NFE2L2, PRKCD, KEAP1, NFKB1, NR1l2, PTGS1, AR, and CYP3A4, which were mostly enriched in oxidative stress and inflammation-related pathways. Furthermore, lipophilic extracts from PFL offered powerful antioxidant capacities, as evident in our cell-free antioxidant assays. These extracts also provided a protection against oxidative stress by inducing the expression of catalase and heme oxygenase-1 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 cells. Additionally, lipophilic fractions from PFL showed anti-inflammatory potential in downregulating the level of pro-inflammatory factors in LPS-treated macrophages. Overall, these findings provide valuable insights into the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of lipophilic extracts from PFL, which can be used as a fundamental basis for developing nutraceuticals and functional foods.