β-Sitosterol regulated microRNAs in endothelial cells against an oxidized low-density lipoprotein

The active ingredient β-sitosterol in Ganoderma regulates CHRM2-mediated aerobic glycolysis to induce apoptosis of lung adenocarcinoma cells

β-sitosterol is a natural plant steroidal compound with anti-cancer properties against various tumors. This work explored the inhibitory effect of β-sitosterol on the progression of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and further analyzed its targets. We applied network pharmacology to obtain the components and targets of Ganoderma spore powder. The biological functions of β-sitosterol and CHRM2 were studied using the homograft mouse model and a series of in vitro experiments involving quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, western blot, CCK-8, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The regulatory influence of β-sitosterol on the glycolysis pathway was validated by measuring glucose consumption and lactate production, as well as the extracellular acidification rate and oxygen consumption rate. We found that CHRM2 binds directly to β-sitosterol. In vitro, CHRM2 overexpression repressed the apoptosis rate and expression of apoptosis-related proteins in LUAD cells, and promoted glycolysis, while the addition of lonidamine attenuated the apoptosis-inhibiting effect conferred by CHRM2 overexpression. Furthermore, β-sitosterol hindered glycolysis as well as the growth of tumors in vitro and in vivo. CHRM2 overexpression reversed the effect of β-sitosterol on the biological behavior of LUAD cells. Our results emphasize that CHRM2 is a direct target of β-sitosterol in LUAD cells. β-sitosterol can repress the glycolysis pathway, exerting an anti-tumor effect. These findings provide new support for the use of β-sitosterol as a therapeutic agent for LUAD.

Brucea javanica Seed Oil Emulsion and Shengmai Injections Improve Peripheral Microcirculation in Treatment of Gastric Cancer

OBJECTIVE

To explore and verify the effect and potential mechanism of Brucea javanica Seed Oil Emulsion Injection (YDZI) and Shengmai Injection (SMI) on peripheral microcirculation dysfunction in treatment of gastric cancer (GC).

METHODS

The potential mechanisms of YDZI and SMI were explored through network pharmacology and verified by cellular and clinical experiments. Human microvascular endothelial cells (HMECs) were cultured for quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured for tube formation assay. Twenty healthy volunteers and 97 patients with GC were enrolled. Patients were divided into surgical resection, surgical resection with chemotherapy, and surgical resection with chemotherapy combining YDZI and SMI groups. Forearm skin blood perfusion was measured and recorded by laser speckle contrast imaging coupled with post-occlusive reactive hyperemia. Cutaneous vascular conductance and microvascular reactivity parameters were calculated and compared across the groups.

RESULTS

After network pharmacology analysis, 4 ingredients, 82 active compounds, and 92 related genes in YDZI and SMI were screened out. β-Sitosterol, an active ingredient and intersection compound of YDZI and SMI, upregulated the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2, P<0.01), downregulated the expression of caspase 9 (CASP9) and estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1, P<0.01) in HMECs under oxaliplatin stimulation, and promoted tube formation through VEGFA. Chemotherapy significantly impaired the microvascular reactivity in GC patients, whereas YDZI and SMI ameliorated this injury (P<0.05 or P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

YDZI and SMI ameliorated peripheral microvascular reactivity in GC patients. β-Sitosterol may improve peripheral microcirculation by regulating VEGFA, PTGS2, ESR1, and CASP9.

Effect and mechanism of Jinkui Shenqi Pill on preventing neural tube defects in mice based on network pharmacology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

jinkui Shenqi Pill (JSP) is a classic traditional Chinese medicine used to treat "Kidney Yang Deficiency" disease. Previous studies indicate a protective effect of JSP on apoptosis in mouse neurons.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This research, combining network pharmacology with in vivo experiments, explores the mechanism of JSP in preventing neural tube defects (NTDs) in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Network pharmacology analyzed JSP components and targets, identifying common genes with NTDs and exploring potential pathways. Molecular docking assessed interactions between key JSP components and pathway proteins. In an all-trans retinoic acid (atRA)-induced NTDs mouse model, histopathological changes were observed using HE staining, neuronal apoptosis was detected using TUNEL, and Western Blot assessed changes in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and apoptosis-related proteins.

RESULTS

Different concentrations of JSP led to varying degrees of reduction in the occurrence of neural tube defects in mouse embryos, with the highest dose showing the most significant decrease. Furthermore, it showed a better reduction in NTDs rates compared to folic acid (FA). Network pharmacology constructed a Drug-Active Ingredient-Gene Target network, suggesting key active ingredients such as Quercetin, Wogonin, Beta-Sitosterol, Kaempferol, and Stigmasterol, possibly acting on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Molecular docking confirmed stable binding structures. Western Blot analysis demonstrated increased expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-Akt1, p-Akt2, p-Akt3, downregulation of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax, and upregulation of Bcl-2, indicating prevention of NTDs through anti-apoptotic effects.

CONCLUSION

We have identified an effective dosage of JSP for preventing NTDs, revealing its potential by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and inhibiting cell apoptosis in atRA-induced mouse embryonic NTDs.

Phytosterol and phytostanol-mediated epigenetic changes in cancer and other non-communicable diseases: a systematic review

Phytosterols/phytostanols are bioactive compounds found in vegetable oils, nuts and seeds and added to a range of commercial food products. Consumption of phytosterols/phytostanols reduces levels of circulating LDL-cholesterol, a causative biomarker of CVD, and is linked to a reduced risk of some cancers. Individuals who consume phytosterols/phytostanols in their diet may do so for many years as part of a non-pharmacological route to lower cholesterol or as part of a healthy diet. However, the impact of long term or high intakes of dietary phytosterols/phytostanols has not been on whole-body epigenetic changes before. The aim of this systematic review was to identify all publications that have evaluated changes to epigenetic mechanisms (post-translation modification of histones, DNA methylation and miRNA expression) in response to phytosterols/phytostanols. A systematic search was performed that returned 226 records, of which eleven were eligible for full-text analysis. Multiple phytosterols were found to inhibit expression of histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes and were also predicted to directly bind and impair HDAC activity. Phytosterols were found to inhibit the expression and activity of DNA methyl transferase enzyme 1 and reverse cancer-associated gene silencing. Finally, phytosterols have been shown to regulate over 200 miRNA, although only five of these were reported in multiple publications. Five tissue types (breast, prostate, macrophage, aortic epithelia and lung) were represented across the studies, and although phytosterols/phytostanols alter the molecular mechanisms of epigenetic inheritance in these mammalian cells, studies exploring meiotic or transgenerational inheritance were not found.

Gene variants and clinical characteristics of children with sitosterolemia

OBJECTIVE

To enhance the detection, management and monitoring of Chinese children afflicted with sitosterolemia by examining the physical characteristics and genetic makeup of pediatric patients.

METHODS

In this group, 26 children were diagnosed with sitosterolemia, 24 of whom underwent genetic analysis. Patient family medical history, physical symptoms, tests for liver function, lipid levels, standard blood tests, phytosterol levels, cardiac/carotid artery ultrasounds, fundus examinations, and treatment were collected.

RESULTS

The majority (19, 73.1%) of the 26 patients exhibited xanthomas as the most prevalent manifestation. The second most common symptoms were joint pain (7, 26.9%) and stunted growth (4, 15.4%). Among the 24 (92.3%) patients whose genetics were analyzed, 16 (66.7%) harbored ABCG5 variants (type 2 sitosterolemia), and nearly one-third (8, 33.3%) harbored ABCG8 variants (type 1 sitosterolemia). Additionally, the most common pathogenic ABCG5 variant was c.1166G > A (p.Arg389His), which was found in 10 patients (66.7%). Further analysis did not indicate any significant differences in pathological traits among those carrying ABCG5 and ABCG8 variations (P > 0.05). Interestingly, there was a greater abundance of nonsense variations in ABCG5 than in ABCG8 (P = 0.09), and a greater frequency of splicing variations in ABCG8 than ABCG5 (P = 0.01). Following a change in diet or a combination of ezetimibe, the levels of cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein were markedly decreased compared to the levels reported before treatment.

CONCLUSION

Sitosterolemia should be considered for individuals presenting with xanthomas and increased cholesterol levels. Phytosterol testing and genetic analysis are important for early detection. Managing one's diet and taking ezetimibe can well control blood lipids.

β-Sitosterol attenuates anlotinib resistance in non-small cell lung cancer cells by inhibiting miR-181a-3p/SHQ1 signaling

Anlotinib is used for the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer; however, the emergence of drug resistance limits its clinical application. β-sitosterol may also be used to treat lung cancer, but there have been no studies evaluating β-sitosterol against anlotinib-resistant lung cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanism by which β-sitosterol enhances the sensitivity of lung cancer cells to anlotinib. A549 cells were treated with different concentrations of anlotinib to generate anlotinib-resistant cells (A549/anlotinib cells). miR-181a-3p mimics were transfected into A549/anlotinib cells. A549 and A549/anlotinib cells were treated with β-sitosterol at various concentrations. The Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to measure cell proliferation. Apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to measure the expression of miR-181a-3p. The interaction of miR-181a-3p with the H/ACA ribonucleoprotein assembly factor (SHQ1) was predicted using the miRDB and TargetScan Human databases and verified with a luciferase reporter assay. The expression of SHQ1, activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), and glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) were measured by western blot analysis. β-Sitosterol effectively suppressed A549/anlotinib cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis. SHQ1 is a downstream target of miR-181a-3p. The expression of miR-181a-3p was inhibited; however, SHQ1 expression was increased by β-sitosterol treatment of A549/anlotinib cells. The inhibition of SHQ1, ATF6, and GRP78 protein expression by β-sitosterol in A549/anlotinib cells was rescued by increased miR-181a-3p. β-Sitosterol markedly promotes anlotinib-resistant A549 cell apoptosis and inhibits cell proliferation by activating SHQ1/UPR signaling through miR-181a-3p inhibition.

Xinmaikang (XMK) tablets alleviate atherosclerosis by regulating the SREBP2-mediated NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Xinmaikang (XMK) tablets, a Chinese patent medicine, have been used for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis (AS) clinically. However, the underlying mechanism of XMK is far from completely illustrated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to determine whether XMK alleviates AS in Apolipoprotein E-knockout (ApoE-/-) mice and to explore the potential mechanism of action in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

XMK decoction was analyzed by an LC‒MS/MS assay. Molecular docking was conducted to determine the interaction of XMK molecular ligands and AS targets. In vivo, 10 ApoE-/- mice were selected as the control group. Fifty ApoE-/- mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: the model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose XMK groups and the simvastatin group. Mice in the control group were fed a chow diet, and the other 5 groups were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, the treatment groups were administered low-dose XMK (2.28·kg-1·d), medium-dose XMK (4.55·kg-1·d), high-dose XMK (9.1 kg-1 d) and simvastatin (91 mg-1 d) for another 12 weeks. Serum enzymology assays tested AST/ALT, Cr, LDH and CK-MB levels. The atherosclerotic plaques and lipid deposition were measured by Oil red O (ORO) staining and Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining. Then, we examined the body weight and serum lipids (TC, TG, LDL-C and HDL-C) of the mice. ELISA was performed to determine the levels of inflammatory factors (IL-6, TNF-ɑ, VCAM-1, CXCL8 and CCL2). SREBP2/NLRP3 signaling pathway-related genes (SREBP2, NLRP3, ASC, IL-1β and Caspase-1) were analyzed by RT‒qPCR and western blotting. In vitro, LPS-stimulated BMDMs were treated with different concentrations of XMK (1, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 40 μg/ml). Immunofluorescence staining (SREBP2, NLRP3), adenovirus infection and siRNA knockdown (SREBP2, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and ASC) were conducted as complements to the in vivo experiment.

RESULTS

Molecular docking showed a stable interaction between the effective components of XMK and SREBP2 and NLRP3. Serum enzymology assays revealed the medication safety of XMK in cardiac, hepatic and renal function. Studies in vivo indicated that XMK improved serum lipids (TC, TG, LDL-C and HDL-C) and reduced plaque area. Body weight decreased, and the expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-ɑ and VCAM-1) was inhibited. Then, XMK downregulated the mRNA and protein expression of SREBP2, NLRP3, ASC, IL-1β and Caspase-1. In vitro, the above findings were reinforced in BMDMs, and knocking down SREBP2 restrained the effect of XMK on the NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

XMK restrains AS by improving inflammation through the SREBP2-mediated NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 signaling pathway.

Inhibitory Effect of β-Sitosterol on the Ang II-Induced Proliferation of A7r5 Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells

Objective

To explore the effects of β-sitosterol on VSMC proliferation.

Materials and Methods

A7r5 cells were pretreated with 2 µM angiotensin II (Ang II) for 24 hr to establish an excessive VSMC proliferation model, followed by treatment with β-sitosterol for 24 hr. Cells were divided into five groups: control, Ang II, and Ang II + β-sitosterol (2, 4, 8 µM). CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, and Ad-mCherry-GFP-LC3B assay analyzed cell proliferation, cell cycle, cell apoptosis, and autophagic flux. Additionally, the expression of proteins was detected by the western blotting.

Results

β-Sitosterol effectively inhibited Ang II-induced A7r5 cell proliferation (IC50 : 6.841 µM at 24 hr). It achieved this by arresting cell cycle progression, promoting apoptosis, inhibiting autophagy, and suppressing the contractile-synthetic phenotypic switch. Mechanistically, β-sitosterol downregulated PCNA, Cyclin D1, and Bcl-2, while upregulating pro-caspase 3, cleaved-caspase 3, and Bax to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Additionally, it suppressed the contractile-synthetic phenotypic transformation by downregulating OPN and upregulating α-SMA. The Ad-mCherry-GFP-LC3B Assay and western blotting revealed β-sitosterol's autophagy inhibitory effects by downregulating LC3, ULK1, and Beclin-1 while upregulating P62 expression. Discussion and Conclusion. This study found for the first time that β-sitosterol could inhibit the proliferation of A7r5 cells induced by Ang II. β-Sitosterol treatment may be recommended as a therapeutic strategy to prevent the cardiovascular diseases.

PM2.5 and its respiratory tract depositions on blood pressure, anxiety, depression and health risk assessment: A mechanistic study based on urinary metabolome

Effects of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and regional respiratory tract depositions on blood pressure (BP), anxiety, depression, health risk and the underlying mechanisms need further investigations. A repeated-measures panel investigation among 40 healthy young adults in Hefei, China was performed to explore the acute impacts of PM2.5 exposure and its deposition doses in 3 regions of respiratory tract over diverse lag times on BP, anxiety, depression, health risk, and the potential mechanisms. We collected PM2.5 concentrations, its deposition doses, BP, the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) score and the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) score. An untargeted metabolomics approach was used to detect significant urine metabolites, and the health risk assessment model was used to evaluate the non-carcinogenic risks associated with PM2.5. We applied linear mixed-effects models to assess the relationships of PM2.5 with the aforementioned health indicators We further evaluate the non-carcinogenic risks associated with PM2.5. We found deposited PM2.5 dose in the head accounted for a large proportion. PM2.5 and its three depositions exposures at a specific lag day was significantly related to increased BP levels and higher SAS and SDS scores. Metabolomics analysis showed significant alterations in urinary metabolites (i.e., glucoses, lipids and amino acids) after PM2.5 exposure, simultaneously accompanied by activation of the cAMP signaling pathway. Health risk assessment presented that the risk values for the residents in Hefei were greater than the lower limits of non-cancer risk guidelines. This real-world investigation suggested that acute PM2.5 and its depositions exposures may increase health risks by elevating BP, inducing anxiety and depression, and altering urinary metabolomic profile via activating the cAMP signaling pathway. And the further health risk assessment indicated that there are potential non-carcinogenic risks of PM2.5 via the inhalation route in this area.

Production of Recombinant Zika Virus Envelope Protein by Airlift Bioreactor as a New Subunit Vaccine Platform

The Zika Virus (ZIKV) is an emerging arbovirus of great public health concern, particularly in the Americas after its last outbreak in 2015. There are still major challenges regarding disease control, and there is no ZIKV vaccine currently approved for human use. Among many different vaccine platforms currently under study, the recombinant envelope protein from Zika Virus (rEZIKV) constitutes an alternative option for vaccine development and has great potential for monitoring ZIKV infection and antibody response. This study describes a method to obtain a bioactive and functional rEZIKV using an E. coli expression system, with the aid of a 5-L airlift bioreactor and following an automated fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) protocol, capable of obtaining high yields of approximately 20 mg of recombinant protein per liter of bacterium cultures. The purified rEZIKV presented preserved antigenicity and immunogenicity. Our results show that the use of an airlift bioreactor for the production of rEZIKV is ideal for establishing protocols and further research on ZIKV vaccines bioprocess, representing a promising system for the production of a ZIKV envelope recombinant protein-based vaccine candidate.

Identification of bioactive compounds and potential mechanisms of scutellariae radix-coptidis rhizoma in the treatment of atherosclerosis by integrating network pharmacology and experimental validation

OBJECTIVE

This study aims at investigating the potential targets and functional mechanisms of Scutellariae Radix-Coptidis Rhizoma (QLYD) against atherosclerosis (AS) through network pharmacology, molecular docking, bioinformatic analysis and experimental validation.

METHODS

The compositions of QLYD were collected from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and literature, where the main active components of QLYD and corresponding targets were identified. The potential therapeutic targets of AS were excavated using the OMIM database, DrugBank database, DisGeNET database, CTD database and GEO datasets. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of common targets was constructed and visualized by Cytoscape 3.7.2 software. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis were performed to analyze the function of core targets in the PPI network. Molecular docking was carried out using AutoDockTools, AutoDock Vina, and PyMOL software to verify the correlation between the main components of QLYD and the core targets. Mouse AS model was established and the results of network pharmacology were verified by in vivo experiments.

RESULTS

Totally 49 active components and 225 corresponding targets of QLYD were obtained, where 68 common targets were identified by intersecting with AS-related targets. Five hub genes including IL6, VEGFA, AKT1, TNF, and IL1B were screened from the PPI network. GO functional analysis reported that these targets had associations mainly with cellular response to oxidative stress, regulation of inflammatory response, epithelial cell apoptotic process, and blood coagulation. KEGG pathway analysis demonstrated that these targets were correlated to AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, TNF signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and NF-kappa B signaling pathway. Results of molecular docking indicated good binding affinity of QLYD to FOS, AKT1, and TNF. Animal experiments showed that QLYD could inhibit inflammation, improve blood lipid levels and reduce plaque area in AS mice to prevent and treat AS.

CONCLUSION

QLYD may exert anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress effects through multi-component, multi-target and multi-pathway to treat AS.

Deciphering the pharmacological mechanisms of Rostellularia procumbens (L) Nees. Extract alleviates adriamycin-induced nephropathy in vivo and in vitro

BACKGROUND

Rostellularia procumbens (L) Nees. is an effective traditional Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of patients with chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN) in the clinic. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms need further elucidation.

PURPOSE

This study aims to investigate the renoprotective mechanisms of n-butanol extract from Rostellularia procumbens (L) Nees. (J-NE) in vivo and in vitro.

METHODS

The components of J-NE were analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS. In vivo, the nephropathy model was induced in mice by tail vein injection with adriamycin (10 mg·kg^-1), and mice were treated with vehicle or J-NE or benazepril by daily gavage. In vitro, MPC5 cells exposed to adriamycin (0.3 μg/ml) were treated with J-NE. The effects of J-NE inhibit podocyte apoptosis and protect against adriamycin-induced nephropathy were determined by Network pharmacology, RNA-seq, qPCR, ELISA, immunoblotting, flow cytometry, and TUNEL assay, according to the experimental protocols.

RESULT

The results showed that treatment significantly improved ADR-induced renal pathological changes, and the therapeutic mechanism of J-NE was related to the inhibition of podocyte apoptosis. Further molecular mechanism studies found that J-NE inhibited inflammation, increase the proteins expression levels of Nephrin and Podocin, reduce TRPC6 and Desmin expression levels and calcium ion levels in podocytes, and decrease the proteins expression levels of PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt and p-Akt to attenuated apoptosis. Furthermore, 38 compounds of J-NE were identified.

CONCLUSION

J-NE exerted the renoprotective effects by inhibiting podocyte apoptosis, which provides effective evidence for the treatment of J-NE targeting renal injury in CGN.

Clinical Evidence and Potential Mechanisms in Treating Radiation Enteritis with Modified Baitouweng Decoction

Objectives

To perform a meta-analysis and network analysis identification to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and potential mechanisms of modified Baitouweng decoction (mBTWD) in the treatment of radiation enteritis.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Databases, SionMed, and Chinese Scientific Journals Database to collect the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of mBTWD treating radiation enteritis. Rev.Man 5.3 and Stata 14.0 software are employed for meta-analysis. The GRADE online tool is used to evaluate the quality of evidence. Network analysis and molecular docking approach are applied to predict the potential targets and ingredients of representative drugs in mBTWD for the treatment of radiation enteritis.

Results

Seventeen studies are eventually included, covering a total of 1611 patients: (1) The clinical efficacy is significantly higher in mBTWD groups than in control groups (RR = 1.24, 95% CI (1.17, 1.32), P < 0.00001). (2) mBTWD has certain advantages in improving TCM syndromes (MD = -3.41, P < 0.00001). (3) mBTWD has a certain positive effect on the improvement of intestinal signs and symptoms (RR = 1.23, P=0.0001; OR = 3.51, P < 0.00001). (4) Indexes including CRP, KPS, and OB, are better in mBTWD groups than in control groups (P < 0.00001, P=0.002, P=0.03), but the credibility is downgraded for a small sample size. Adverse events and recurrence rates require further confirmation with larger sample sizes. (5) Univariate meta-regression for clinical efficacy shows none of the coefficients are significantly associated with the estimated risk ratio. The clinical efficacy overestimates about 4.9% from publication bias. The quality of the included studies is low according to GRADE evidence. (6) Quercetin, isorhamnetin, and beta-sitosterol are the main ingredients from representative drugs in mBTWD and its key targets are MYC, TP53, and MAPK14/MAPK1.

Conclusions

mBTWD may be effective in the treatment of radiation enteritis, but its long-term benefits, safety, and molecular mechanisms remain unclear due to the poor quality of the evidence. Larger sample sizes, high-quality studies, and basic research are essential in the future.

β-Sitosterol Suppresses LPS-Induced Cytokine Production in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells via MAPKs and NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Atherosclerosis (AS) is an inflammatory disease, whose occurrence and development mechanism is related to a great number of inflammatory cytokines. β-sitosterol (BS), a natural compound extracted from numerous vegetables and plant medicines, has been suggested to improve AS, but the underlying mechanism remains vague. This work focused on investigating how BS affected the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and further exploring the potential targets and mechanisms through network pharmacology (NP) and molecular docking (MD). According to in vitro experiments, LPS resulted in an increase in the expression of inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Besides, secretion of IL-6, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and TNF-α also increased in HUVECs, whereas BS decreased the expression and secretion of these cytokines. NP analysis revealed that the improvement effect of BS on AS was the result of its comprehensive actions targeting 99 targets and 42 pathways. In this network, MAPKs signaling pathway was the core pathway, whereas MAPK1, MAPK8, MAPK14, and NFKB1 were the hub targets. MD analysis also successfully validated the interactions between BS and these targets. Moreover, verification test results indicated that BS downregulated the abnormal expression and activation of MAPKs and NF-κB signaling pathways in LPS-treated cells, including p38, JNK, ERK, NF-κB, and IκB-α phosphorylation expressions. Furthermore, p65 nuclear translocation was also regulated by BS treatment. In conclusion, the BS-related mechanisms in treating AS are possibly associated with inflammatory response inhibition by regulating MAPKs and NF-κB signaling pathways.

Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Analysis of the Mechanism Underlying Yikunyin's Therapeutic Effect on Menopausal Syndrome

Objective

Yikunyin is an empirical prescription that exhibits good efficacy in the clinical treatment of menopausal syndrome; however, its underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study investigates the mechanism implicated in the therapeutic effect of Yikunyin by identifying its hub genes, central pathways, and key active ingredients.

Method

The active ingredients and targets of Yikunyin were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database, whereas the targets related to menopausal syndrome were obtained from GeneCards, PharmGKB, Therapeutic Target Database (TTD), and Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD). To reveal the pharmacological mechanism, the component-target and the intersecting protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed, and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed. Finally, molecular docking was carried out to assess the strength of binding between the key active ingredients and key targets.

Results

A total of 418 targets and 121 active ingredients were identified in Yikunyin. The intersection of Yikunyin's 418 targets with the 2822 targets related to menopausal syndrome shows that there are 247 common targets that can be considered potential targets of Yikunyin in the treatment of menopausal syndrome. The topology analysis of the constructed PPI network conducted using the Cytoscape software shows that there are 15 hub genes implicated in the therapeutic effect of Yikunyin: AKT1, PRKCA, TLR9, CXCL10, PRKCD, PARP1, ABCB1, TP53, CAV1, MAPK8, PPARA, GRB2, EGFR, IL-6, and JAK2. Moreover, the key active components acting on these genes are paeoniflorin, luteolin, quercetin, beta-sitosterol, and kaempferol. GO and KEGG analyses indicate that Yikunyin can treat menopausal syndrome by regulating cellular response to chemical stress (GO:0062197), cellular response to oxidative stress (GO:0034599), phosphatase binding (GO:0019902), cytokine receptor binding (GO:0005126), PI3K-Akt signaling (hsa04151), lipid and atherosclerosis (hsa05417), and hepatitis B (hsa05161). Finally, the results of molecular docking suggest that the key active ingredients and key targets can bind well, with binding energies of less than −5 kJ/mol.

Conclusion

The research conducted herein reveals that Yikunyin treats menopausal syndrome by targeting AKT1 and IL-6 and by regulating the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Moreover, it provides a new idea for understanding the therapeutic effects of traditional Chinese medicines.

Network pharmacology and in vitro studies reveal the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of Shenzhi Jiannao prescription against vascular dementia

Background

Shenzhi Jiannao (SZJN) prescription is a type of herbal formula adopted in the management of cognitive impairment and related disorders. However, its effects and related regulatory mechanisms on vascular dementia (VD) are elusive. Herein, network pharmacology prediction was employed to explore the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of SZJN prescription on VD using network pharmacology prediction, and validated the results through in vitro experiments.

Methods

Through a search in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) database, chemical composition and targets for SZJN prescription were retrieved. The potential targets for VD were then obtained from the GeneCards and DisGeNET databases. The network was constructed that depicted the interactions between putative SZJN prescription and known therapeutic targets for VD using Cytoscape 3.7.1. Analysis of protein-protein interaction was achieved via STRING 11.0 software, followed by Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment and Kyoto Gene and Genome Encyclopedia (KEGG) pathway analyses. To validate the computer-predicted results, in vitro experiments based on an excitotoxic injury model were designed using glutamate-exposed PC12 cells, and treated with varying concentrations (low, 0.05; medium, 0.1 and high, 0.2 mg/mL) of SZJN prescription. Cell viability and cell death were detected using the IncuCyte imaging system. Moreover, the expression profiles of Caspase-3 were analyzed through qRT-PCR.

Results

Twenty-eight potentially active ingredients for SZJN prescription, including stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol, and kaempferol, plus 21 therapeutic targets for VD, including PTGS2, PTGS1, and PGR were revealed. The protein-protein interaction network was employed for the analysis of 20 target proteins, including CASP3, JUN, and AChE. The enrichment analysis demonstrated candidate targets of SZJN prescription were more frequently involved in neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, calcium, apoptosis, and cholinergic synaptic signaling pathways. In vitro experiments revealed that SZJN prescription could significantly reverse glutamate-induced cell viability loss and cell death, and lower the levels of Caspase-3 mRNA in glutamate-induced PC12 cells.

Conclusions

Collectively, this study demonstrated that SZJN prescription exerted the effect of treating VD by regulating multi-targets and multi-channels with multi-components through the method of network pharmacology. Furthermore, in vitro results confirmed that SZJN prescription attenuated glutamate-induced neurotoxicity.

Banxia Baizhu Tianma decoction attenuates obesity-related hypertension

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Banxia Baizhu Tianma decoction (BBTD) is a classical representative prescription for expelling phlegm, extinguishing wind, strengthening the spleen and dissipating excessive fluid in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). According to both TCM theory and about 300 years of clinical practice, BBTD is especially suitable for hypertensive patients of abdominal obesity and lacking physical activity.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study tried to interpret the pharmacology of the ancient formula of BBTD. Herein, we focused on the plasma metabonomics of BBTD and evaluated the effect and targets of BBTD on endothelial protective effect.

METHODS

Obesity-related hypertensive mice were induced by high-fat diet for 20 weeks. BBTD (17.8 g/kg) was administered intragastrically for 8 weeks, and telmisartan group (12.5 mg/kg) was used as positive drug. Body weight, blood pressure, triglyceride and cholesterol were recorded to evaluate the efficacy of BBTD in vivo. Lipid deposition in aortic roots was assessed by oil red O staining, while morphology of aortas was observed by HE staining. Ultra performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was performed to study the plasma non-targeted metabonomics. According to the data of metabonomics, human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were treated by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL, 50 μg/mL) with/without BBTD (2, 1 or 0.5 mg/mL). Apoptosis rate (Annexin V-FITC/PI), migration (Transwell), cytoskeleton (Phalloidin) and density of VE-cadherin (Immunofluorescence staining) were used to investigate the effect of BBTD in vitro. Transcriptome sequencing was performed (2 mg/mL BBTD vs ox-LDL) to screen the possible targets of BBTD in endothelial protection against ox-LDL.

RESULTS

BBTD effectively reduced the body weight and total cholesterol, and decreased 12.1 mmHg in SBP and 10.5 mmHg in DBP of obesity-related hypertensive mice (P < 0.05). BBTD attenuated lipid deposition in arterial roots and improved the morphology of aortas in vivo. Plasma metabolite profiles identified 94 differential metabolites and suggested BBTD mainly affected glycerophospholipids and fatty acyls. Bioinformatics analysis indicated sphingolipid metabolism and fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis were main pathways. Therefore, we focused on endothelial protective effect of BBTD against ox-LDL. In vitro, BBTD demonstrated endothelial protective effects, decreasing apoptosis rate, improving cell migration in dose-dependent manner and maintaining cell morphology. Transcriptome sequencing identified 251 downregulated and 603 upregulated mRNAs after 24h-BBTD treatment, which reversed 51.8% change in mRNAs (393 DE mRNAs) induced by ox-LDL. Bioinformatics analysis supported the potential of BBTD in hypertension and suggested that BBTD improved endothelial cells by targeting mainly on p53 and PPAR signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

BBTD attenuates obesity-related hypertension by regulating metabolism of glycerophospholipids and endothelial protection.

MicroRNA-217 ameliorates inflammatory damage of endothelial cells induced by oxidized LDL by targeting EGR1

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) modulates gene transcription and expression and induces the development of endothelium inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, in which microRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role. However, the mechanism of ox-LDL in inflammatory damage of endothelial cells still remains elusive. Herein, we focused on the effect of hsa-miR-217-5p (miR-217) on endothelial dysfunction induced by ox-LDL by targeting early growth response protein-1 (EGR1). In the present study, 31 upregulated miRNAs and 59 downregulated miRNAs (Fold Change > 2, P value < 0.05) were identified after 6 h of 80 μg/mL ox-LDL exposure in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) by small RNA sequencing, including miR-217 that was significantly decreased (FC = 0.2787, P value = 5.22E-16). MiR-217 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation and increased level of IL-6, IL-1β, ICAM-1 and TNF-α, while overexpression of miR-217 relieved the growth inhibition induced by ox-LDL and demonstrated anti-inflammatory effect in HAECs. EGR1 was predicted as a potential candidate target gene of miR-217 by TargetScan. The subsequent dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed the direct binding of miR-217 to 3'UTR of EGR1. And EGR1 expression was negatively correlated with the level of miRNA-217 in HAECs after exposure to ox-LDL. Overexpression of EGR1 recapitulated the effects of miR-217 knockdown on cell proliferation inhibition and inflammation in HAECs, while knockdown EGR1 relieved the proliferative inhibition and demonstrated anti-inflammatory effect in ox-LDL-induced HAECs. The present study confirmed miR-217 ameliorates inflammatory damage of endothelial cells induced by oxidized LDL by targeting EGR1.