1
|
Li M, Chen L, Liu X, Wu Y, Chen X, Chen H, Zhong Y, Xu Y. The investigation of potential mechanism of Fuzhengkangfu Decoction against Diabetic myocardial injury based on a combined strategy of network pharmacology, transcriptomics, and experimental verification. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:117048. [PMID: 38959606 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117048] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a cardiac condition resulting from myocardial damage caused by diabetes mellitus (DM), currently lacking specific therapeutic interventions. Fuzhengkangfu decoction (FZK) plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of various cardiovascular diseases. However, the efficacy and potential mechanisms of FZK are not fully understood. This study aims to investigate the protective effect and mechanisms of FZK against DCM. METHODOLOGIES Rats were given a high-calorie diet along with a low dosage of streptozotocin (STZ) to establish a rat model of DCM. The diabetic rats received FZK or normal saline subcutaneously for 12 weeks. Echocardiography was conducted to evaluate their heart function characteristics. Rat heart morphologies were assessed using Sirius Red staining and H&E staining. Transcriptome sequencing analysis and network pharmacology were used to reveal possible targets and mechanisms. Molecular docking was conducted to validate the association between the primary components of FZK and the essential target molecules. Finally, both in vitro and in vivo studies were conducted on the cardioprotective properties and mechanism of FZK. RESULTS According to the results of network pharmacology, FZK may prevent DCM by reducing oxidative stress and preventing apoptosis. Transcriptomics confirmed that FZK protected against DCM-induced myocardial fibrosis and remodelling, as predicted by network pharmacology, and suggested that FZK regulated the expression of oxidative stress and apoptosis-related proteins. Integrating network pharmacology and transcriptome analysis results revealed that the AGE-RAGE signalling pathway-associated MMP2, SLC2A1, NOX4, CCND1, and CYP1A1 might be key targets. Molecular docking showed that Poricoic acid A and 5-O-Methylvisammioside had the highest docking activities with these targets. We further conducted in vivo experiments, and the results showed that FZK significantly attenuated left ventricular remodelling, reduced myocardial fibrosis, and improved cardiac contractile function. And, our study demonstrated that FZK effectively reduced oxidative stress and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. The data showed that Erk, NF-κB, and Caspase 3 phosphorylation was significantly inhibited, and Bcl-2/Bax was significantly increased after FZK treatment. In vitro, FZK significantly reduced AGEs-induced ROS increase and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, FZK significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of Erk and NF-κB proteins and decreased the expression of MMP2. All the results confirmed that FZK inhibited the activation of the Erk/NF-κB pathway in AGE-RAGE signalling and alleviated oxidative stress and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. In summary, we verified that FZK protects against DCM by inhibiting myocardial apoptotic remodelling through the suppression of the AGE-RAGE signalling pathway. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our research indicates that FZK demonstrates anti-cardiac dysfunction properties by reducing oxidative stress and cardiomyocyte apoptosis through the AGE-RAGE pathway in DCM, showing potential for therapeutic use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miaofu Li
- Department of Cardiology, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Liuying Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Xiaohua Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Yirong Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Xuechun Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Huimin Chen
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yigang Zhong
- Department of Cardiology, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Yizhou Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gattan HS, Wakid MH, Qahwaji RM, Altwaim S, Mahjoub HA, Alfaifi MS, Elshazly H, Al-Megrin WAI, Alshehri EA, Elshabrawy HA, El-kady AM. In silico and in vivo evaluation of the anti-cryptosporidial activity of eugenol. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1374116. [PMID: 38515537 PMCID: PMC10954888 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1374116] [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: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cryptosporidiosis is an opportunistic parasitic disease widely distributed worldwide. Although Cryptosporidium sp. causes asymptomatic infection in healthy people, it may lead to severe illness in immunocompromised individuals. Limited effective therapeutic alternatives are available against cryptosporidiosis in this category of patients. So, there is an urgent need for therapeutic alternatives for cryptosporidiosis. Recently, the potential uses of Eugenol (EUG) have been considered a promising novel treatment for bacterial and parasitic infections. Consequently, it is suggested to investigate the effect of EUG as an option for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis. Materials and methods The in silico bioinformatics analysis was used to predict and determine the binding affinities and intermolecular interactions of EUG and Nitazoxanide (NTZ) toward several Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum) lowa II target proteins. For animal study, five groups of immunosuppressed Swiss albino mice (10 mice each) were used. Group I was left uninfected (control), and four groups were infected with 1,000 oocysts of Cryptosporidium sp. The first infected group was left untreated. The remaining three infected groups received NTZ, EUG, and EUG + NTZ, respectively, on the 6th day post-infection (dpi). All mice were sacrificed 30 dpi. The efficacy of the used formulas was assessed by counting the number of C. parvum oocysts excreted in stool of infected mice, histopathological examination of the ileum and liver tissues and determination of the expression of iNOS in the ileum of mice in different animal groups. Results treatment with EUG resulted in a significant reduction in the number of oocysts secreted in stool when compared to infected untreated mice. In addition, oocyst excretion was significantly reduced in mice received a combination therapy of EUG and NTZ when compared with those received NTZ alone. EUG succeeded in reverting the histopathological alterations induced by Cryptosporidium infection either alone or in combination with NTZ. Moreover, mice received EUG showed marked reduction of the expression of iNOS in ileal tissues. Conclusion Based on the results, the present study signified a basis for utilizing EUG as an affordable, safe, and alternative therapy combined with NTZ in the management of cryptosporidiosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hattan S. Gattan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majed H. Wakid
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rowaid M. Qahwaji
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah Altwaim
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haifaa A. Mahjoub
- Biological Sciences Department, College of Sciences and Arts, King Abdulaziz University, Rabigh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mashael S. Alfaifi
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hayam Elshazly
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences-Scientific Departments, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt
| | - Wafa Abdullah I. Al-Megrin
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Hatem A. Elshabrawy
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Sam Houston State University, Conroe, TX, United States
| | - Asmaa M. El-kady
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chen L, Gong J, Yong X, Li Y, Wang S. A review of typical biological activities of glycyrrhetinic acid and its derivatives. RSC Adv 2024; 14:6557-6597. [PMID: 38390501 PMCID: PMC10882267 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra08025k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Glycyrrhetinic acid, a triterpenoid compound primarily sourced from licorice root, exhibits noteworthy biological attributes, including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant effects. Despite these commendable effects, its further advancement and application, especially in clinical use, have been hindered by its limited druggability, including challenges such as low solubility and bioavailability. To enhance its biological activity and pharmaceutical efficacy, numerous research studies focus on the structural modification, associated biological activity data, and underlying mechanisms of glycyrrhetinic acid and its derivatives. This review endeavors to systematically compile and organize glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives that have demonstrated outstanding biological activities over the preceding decade, delineating their molecular structures, biological effects, underlying mechanisms, and future prospects for assisting researchers in finding and designing novel glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives, foster the exploration of structure-activity relationships, and aid in the screening of potential candidate compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liang Chen
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy Hainan Medical University No. 3, XueYuan Road, LongHua District Haikou City Hainan Province 571199 China
| | - Jingwen Gong
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy Hainan Medical University No. 3, XueYuan Road, LongHua District Haikou City Hainan Province 571199 China
| | - Xu Yong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University Shanghai 200433 China
| | - Youbin Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy Hainan Medical University No. 3, XueYuan Road, LongHua District Haikou City Hainan Province 571199 China
| | - Shuojin Wang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy Hainan Medical University No. 3, XueYuan Road, LongHua District Haikou City Hainan Province 571199 China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xiong M, Chen X, Wang H, Tang X, Wang Q, Li X, Ma H, Ye X. Combining transcriptomics and network pharmacology to reveal the mechanism of Zuojin capsule improving spasmolytic polypeptide-expressing metaplasia. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 318:117075. [PMID: 37625606 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117075] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Spasmolytic polypeptide-expressing metaplasia (SPEM) is a gastric precancerous lesion (GPL). Zuojin capsule (ZJC), consisting of Coptis chinensis Franch. (Ranunculaceae, recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia as Rhizoma Coptidis) and Tetradium ruticarpum (A.Juss.) T.G.Hartley (Rutaceae, recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia as Fructus Evodiae), has long been used for various gastrointestinal diseases. However, the effect and mechanism of ZJC on SPEM remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY To clarify the role of ZJC in improving SPEM and study its mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study utilized SPEM mice induced by 250 mg/kg body weight of tamoxifen (TAM) to assess the effects of ZJC and investigate its possible mechanisms. A strategy of transcriptomics combined with network pharmacology was conducted to explore the targets and mechanisms of ZJC in improving SPEM. The "ingredients-target-pathway" network was constructed, and the possible connections were verified by RT-qPCR and Western blot assays. RESULTS ZJC significantly attenuated the abnormal serological indices, destruction of the gastric mucosal structure, hyperplasia of gastric pits, increased gastric mucus, massive secretion of CD44 and TFF2, oxyntic atrophy and massive proliferation of stem/progenitor cells in TAM-induced SPEM mice. Combined transcriptomics and network pharmacology analysis, 50 core targets of ZJC related to SPEM improvement were obtained. KEGG results showed that the core targets were significantly enriched in the cell cycle, and PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. The top-ranked targets according to PPI network analysis were CDK1, CCNB1, and CCNA2, which are also associated with cell cycle. Combined experiments demonstrated that ZJC can induce G2/M phase cycle arrest and inhibit TAM-induced malignant proliferation by regulating abnormal activation of cell cycle-related proteins such as CDK1, CCNB1, CCNA2 and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS ZJC may improve TAM-induced SPEM by inhibiting abnormal activation of cell cycle-related proteins (CDK1, CCNB1, CCNA2) and PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. This finding supports the use of ZJC, a famous traditional Chinese medicine compound, as a potential treatment for gastric precancerous lesions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Xiong
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Xiantao Chen
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Hongmei Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Xiang Tang
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Qiaojiao Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Xuegang Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Hang Ma
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Xiaoli Ye
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kan S, Liu C, Zhao X, Feng S, Zhu H, Ma B, Zhou M, Fu X, Hu W, Zhu R. Resveratrol improves the prognosis of rats after spinal cord injury by inhibiting mitogen-activated protein kinases signaling pathway. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19723. [PMID: 37957210 PMCID: PMC10643657 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46541-x] [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: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious condition that results in irreparable nerve damage and severe loss of motor or sensory function. Resveratrol (3,4',5-trihy- droxystilbene) is a naturally occurring plant-based polyphenol that has demonstrated powerful antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic pharmaceutical properties in previous studies. In the central nervous system, it promotes neuronal recovery and protects residual function. However, the role of resveratrol in SCI recovery remains elusive. In this study, the potential mechanisms by which resveratrol affect SCI in rats were assessed by constructing a contusion model of SCI. Resveratrol was intraperitoneally administered to rats. Behavioral scores and electrophysiological examinations were performed to assess functional recovery. After magnetic resonance imaging and staining with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Luxor Fast Blue (LFB), tissue recovery was analyzed. Immunofluorescence with NeuN and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was employed to evaluate neuronal survival and glial changes. TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay was performed to examine apoptotic rates. Moreover, network pharmacology was performed to identify relevant pathways of resveratrol for the treatment of SCI. Lastly, ELISA was performed to detect the expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and IL-6. Our findings revealed that resveratrol dramatically improved the hindlimb locomotor function and their electrophysiological outcomes. Notably, lesion size was significantly reduced on magnetic resonance imaging. HE and LFB staining exposed increased sparseness of tissue and myelin. GFAP and NeuN immunofluorescence assays at the lesion site determined that resveratrol boosted neuronal survival and attenuated glial cell overgrowth. In addition, resveratrol reduced the density and number of TUNEL-positive cells in rats after injury. Additionally, gene ontology analysis revealed that the enriched differentially expressed protein was associated with the JNK/p38MAPK (c-jun N-terminal kinase/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase) signaling pathway. Following resveratrol treatment, the expression levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 were decreased. In summary, the administration of resveratrol protects motor function and neuronal survival in rats after SCI. Furthermore, resveratrol exerts an anti-inflammatory effect by blocking the JNK/p38MAPK signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shunli Kan
- Department of Spine Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, 190 Jieyuan Road, Hongqiao District, Tianjin, 300121, China
| | - Chengjiang Liu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, 190 Jieyuan Road, Hongqiao District, Tianjin, 300121, China
| | - Xinyan Zhao
- Department of Spine Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, 190 Jieyuan Road, Hongqiao District, Tianjin, 300121, China
| | - Sa Feng
- Department of Spine Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, 190 Jieyuan Road, Hongqiao District, Tianjin, 300121, China
| | - Haoqiang Zhu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, 190 Jieyuan Road, Hongqiao District, Tianjin, 300121, China
| | - Boyuan Ma
- Department of Spine Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, 190 Jieyuan Road, Hongqiao District, Tianjin, 300121, China
| | - Mengmeng Zhou
- Department of Spine Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, 190 Jieyuan Road, Hongqiao District, Tianjin, 300121, China
| | - Xuanhao Fu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, 190 Jieyuan Road, Hongqiao District, Tianjin, 300121, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, 190 Jieyuan Road, Hongqiao District, Tianjin, 300121, China
| | - Rusen Zhu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, 190 Jieyuan Road, Hongqiao District, Tianjin, 300121, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Li L, Yang L, Yang L, He C, He Y, Chen L, Dong Q, Zhang H, Chen S, Li P. Network pharmacology: a bright guiding light on the way to explore the personalized precise medication of traditional Chinese medicine. Chin Med 2023; 18:146. [PMID: 37941061 PMCID: PMC10631104 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-023-00853-2] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Network pharmacology can ascertain the therapeutic mechanism of drugs for treating diseases at the level of biological targets and pathways. The effective mechanism study of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) characterized by multi-component, multi-targeted, and integrative efficacy, perfectly corresponds to the application of network pharmacology. Currently, network pharmacology has been widely utilized to clarify the mechanism of the physiological activity of TCM. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the application of network pharmacology in TCM to reveal its potential of verifying the phenotype and underlying causes of diseases, realizing the personalized and accurate application of TCM. We searched the literature using "TCM network pharmacology" and "network pharmacology" as keywords from Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, as well as Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure in the last decade. The origins, development, and application of network pharmacology are closely correlated with the study of TCM which has been applied in China for thousands of years. Network pharmacology and TCM have the same core idea and promote each other. A well-defined research strategy for network pharmacology has been utilized in several aspects of TCM research, including the elucidation of the biological basis of diseases and syndromes, the prediction of TCM targets, the screening of TCM active compounds, and the decipherment of mechanisms of TCM in treating diseases. However, several factors limit its application, such as the selection of databases and algorithms, the unstable quality of the research results, and the lack of standardization. This review aims to provide references and ideas for the research of TCM and to encourage the personalized and precise use of Chinese medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling Li
- School of Comprehensive Health Management, Xihua University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Lele Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
- Zhuhai UM Science and Technology Research Institute, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Liuqing Yang
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Xihua University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chunrong He
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Xihua University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuxin He
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Xihua University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Liping Chen
- School of Comprehensive Health Management, Xihua University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qin Dong
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Xihua University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Huaiying Zhang
- School of Comprehensive Health Management, Xihua University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shiyun Chen
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Xihua University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Peng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mohiuddin A, Mondal S. Advancement of Computational Design Drug Delivery System in COVID-19: Current Updates and Future Crosstalk- A Critical update. Infect Disord Drug Targets 2023; 23:IDDT-EPUB-133706. [PMID: 37584349 PMCID: PMC11348471 DOI: 10.2174/1871526523666230816151614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Positive strides have been achieved in developing vaccines to combat the coronavirus-2019 infection (COVID-19) pandemic. Still, the outline of variations, particularly the most current delta divergent, has posed significant health encounters for people. Therefore, developing strong treatment strategies, such as an anti-COVID-19 medicine plan, may help deal with the pandemic more effectively. During the COVID-19 pandemic, some drug design techniques were effectively used to develop and substantiate relevant critical medications. Extensive research, both experimental and computational, has been dedicated to comprehending and characterizing the devastating COVID-19 disease. The urgency of the situation has led to the publication of over 130,000 COVID-19-related research papers in peer-reviewed journals and preprint servers. A significant focus of these efforts has been the identification of novel drug candidates and the repurposing of existing drugs to combat the virus. Many projects have utilized computational or computer-aided approaches to facilitate their studies. In this overview, we will explore the key computational methods and their applications in the discovery of small-molecule therapeutics for COVID-19, as reported in the research literature. We believe that the true effectiveness of computational tools lies in their ability to provide actionable and experimentally testable hypotheses, which in turn facilitate the discovery of new drugs and combinations thereof. Additionally, we recognize that open science and the rapid sharing of research findings are vital in expediting the development of much-needed therapeutics for COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abu Mohiuddin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, GITAM School of Pharmacy, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam-530045, A.P., India
| | - Sumanta Mondal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, GITAM School of Pharmacy, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam-530045, A.P., India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hossain MA, Rahman MH, Sultana H, Ahsan A, Rayhan SI, Hasan MI, Sohel M, Somadder PD, Moni MA. An integrated in-silico Pharmaco-BioInformatics approaches to identify synergistic effects of COVID-19 to HIV patients. Comput Biol Med 2023; 155:106656. [PMID: 36805222 PMCID: PMC9911982 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.106656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With high inflammatory states from both COVID-19 and HIV conditions further result in complications. The ongoing confrontation between these two viral infections can be avoided by adopting suitable management measures. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to figure out the pharmacological mechanism behind apigenin's role in the synergetic effects of COVID-19 to the progression of HIV patients. METHOD We employed computer-aided methods to uncover similar biological targets and signaling pathways associated with COVID-19 and HIV, along with bioinformatics and network pharmacology techniques to assess the synergetic effects of apigenin on COVID-19 to the progression of HIV, as well as pharmacokinetics analysis to examine apigenin's safety in the human body. RESULT Stress-responsive, membrane receptor, and induction pathways were mostly involved in gene ontology (GO) pathways, whereas apoptosis and inflammatory pathways were significantly associated in the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG). The top 20 hub genes were detected utilizing the shortest path ranked by degree method and protein-protein interaction (PPI), as well as molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were performed, revealing apigenin's strong interaction with hub proteins (MAPK3, RELA, MAPK1, EP300, and AKT1). Moreover, the pharmacokinetic features of apigenin revealed that it is an effective therapeutic agent with minimal adverse effects, for instance, hepatoxicity. CONCLUSION Synergetic effects of COVID-19 on the progression of HIV may still be a danger to global public health. Consequently, advanced solutions are required to give valid information regarding apigenin as a suitable therapeutic agent for the management of COVID-19 and HIV synergetic effects. However, the findings have yet to be confirmed in patients, suggesting more in vitro and in vivo studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Arju Hossain
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Santosh, Tangail, 1902, Bangladesh
| | - Md Habibur Rahman
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Islamic University, Kushtia, 7003, Bangladesh; Center for Advanced Bioinformatics and Artificial Intelligent Research, Islamic University, Kushtia, 7003, Bangladesh.
| | - Habiba Sultana
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Santosh, Tangail, 1902, Bangladesh
| | - Asif Ahsan
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Santosh, Tangail, 1902, Bangladesh
| | - Saiful Islam Rayhan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Santosh, Tangail, 1902, Bangladesh
| | - Md Imran Hasan
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Islamic University, Kushtia, 7003, Bangladesh
| | - Md Sohel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Santosh, Tangail, 1902, Bangladesh
| | - Pratul Dipta Somadder
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Santosh, Tangail, 1902, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Ali Moni
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sun Y, Tao Q, Cao Y, Yang T, Zhang L, Luo Y, Wang L. Kaempferol has potential anti-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) targets based on bioinformatics analyses and pharmacological effects on endotoxin-induced cytokine storm. Phytother Res 2023. [PMID: 36726236 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 has infected 272 million patients and caused 5.33 million deaths around the world, and it remains the main global threat. Previous studies revealed that Chinese traditional medicine is an effective treatment for COVID-19 infection. This study aims to reveal the pharmacological effects of kaempferol, which is the active component of Radix Bupleuri and Tripterygii Radix, and potential mechanisms for the treatment of COVID-19. Here, we employed the bioinformatics methods to filter the anti-COVID-19 candidate genes of kaempferol, which mainly enriched in inflammation (TNF, JUN, etc.) and virus infection (AKT1, JNK, etc.). The Transcription levels of AKT1, JNK and JUN were significantly reduced by kaempferol treatment in the LPS-activated macrophages. In addition, kaempferol reduced the secretion of inflammatory factors by LPS-stimulated macrophages, inhibited MAPK/NF-κB signaling and regulated macrophage polarization to M2 type in vitro, and suppressed endotoxin-induced cytokine storm and improved survival in mice. Molecular docking analysis demonstrated that kaempferol was probable to bind the COVID-19 protein 5R84 and formatted hydrogen bond with the residues, the free binding energy of which was lower than the original ligand. In summary, our current work indicates that kaempferol has anti-COVID-19 potential through the reduction of COVID-19-induced body dysfunction and molecule-protein interaction, and bioinformatics results clarify that some of these key target genes might serve as potential molecular markers for detecting COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaoxiang Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Yixing Hospital of Jiangsu University, Yixing, China
| | - Qing Tao
- Center for Translational Medicine and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Cao
- College of Arts & Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Tingting Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Yixing Hospital of Jiangsu University, Yixing, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Yixing Hospital of Jiangsu University, Yixing, China
| | - Yifeng Luo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Yixing Hospital of Jiangsu University, Yixing, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jiangsu Province hospital on Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Xia T, Liang X, Liu CS, Hu YN, Luo ZY, Tan XM. Network Pharmacology Integrated with Transcriptomics Analysis Reveals Ermiao Wan Alleviates Atopic Dermatitis via Suppressing MAPK and Activating the EGFR/AKT Signaling. Drug Des Devel Ther 2022; 16:4325-4341. [PMID: 36578822 PMCID: PMC9790806 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s384927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ermiao Wan (EMW) is commonly used to treat atopic dermatitis (AD) in China. However, the pharmacological mechanisms underlying the action of EMW against AD remain unclear. Purpose We aimed to determine the mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of EMW in the treatment of AD. Methods We evaluated the effect of EMW on AD induced by dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) in BALB/C mice. To clarify the key components of EMW in AD treatment, the main components of EMW were identified using HPLC. Serum pharmacochemistry was used to analyze the absorbed ingredients from blood. Based on the phytochemical results, network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to predict the action of EMW. Skin transcriptomic analysis was used to validate the network pharmacology results. RT-qPCR,ELISA, and immunohistochemical were performed to validate the results of skin transcriptomics. Results EMW improved the symptoms of AD, with less rashes, less spontaneous scratching, less inflammatory cell infiltration, and fewer allergic reactions. The established HPLC method is simple and reliable. Chlorogenic acid, phellodendrine, magnoflorine, jatrorrhizine, palmatine, berberine, and atractylodin were the key effective ingredients with a high blood concentration. Fifty-seven primary causal targets of EMW against AD were identified. These targets are mainly involved in ErbB signaling pathways including EGFR, AKT1, MAPK8, JUN, MAPK1. Molecular docking showed that EGFR, AKT1, MAPK8, JUN, MAPK1 had good binding force with EMW. In AD mice, EMW regulated the EGFR/AKT signaling through upregulation of Grb2, GAB1, Raf-1, EGFR, and AKT, and downregulation of MAPK1 and JUN, compared to that in the MD group. Conclusion EMW could alleviate AD through activating EGFR/AKT signaling and suppressing MAPK. This study provides a theoretical basis for the clinical use of EMW.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Xia
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People’s Republic of China,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People’s Republic of China,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Preparation Technology, Guangzhou, 510515, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao Liang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541199, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chang-Shun Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People’s Republic of China,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People’s Republic of China,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Preparation Technology, Guangzhou, 510515, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan-Nan Hu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People’s Republic of China,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People’s Republic of China,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Preparation Technology, Guangzhou, 510515, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhen-Ye Luo
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People’s Republic of China,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People’s Republic of China,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Preparation Technology, Guangzhou, 510515, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Mei Tan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People’s Republic of China,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People’s Republic of China,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Preparation Technology, Guangzhou, 510515, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Xiao-Mei Tan, Tel/Fax + 86-020-61648265, Email
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lei S, Lei X, Liu L. Drug repositioning based on heterogeneous networks and variational graph autoencoders. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1056605. [PMID: 36618933 PMCID: PMC9812491 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1056605] [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: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Predicting new therapeutic effects (drug repositioning) of existing drugs plays an important role in drug development. However, traditional wet experimental prediction methods are usually time-consuming and costly. The emergence of more and more artificial intelligence-based drug repositioning methods in the past 2 years has facilitated drug development. In this study we propose a drug repositioning method, VGAEDR, based on a heterogeneous network of multiple drug attributes and a variational graph autoencoder. First, a drug-disease heterogeneous network is established based on three drug attributes, disease semantic information, and known drug-disease associations. Second, low-dimensional feature representations for heterogeneous networks are learned through a variational graph autoencoder module and a multi-layer convolutional module. Finally, the feature representation is fed to a fully connected layer and a Softmax layer to predict new drug-disease associations. Comparative experiments with other baseline methods on three datasets demonstrate the excellent performance of VGAEDR. In the case study, we predicted the top 10 possible anti-COVID-19 drugs on the existing drug and disease data, and six of them were verified by other literatures.
Collapse
|
12
|
Dong Q, Yang S, Liao H, He Q, Xiao J. Preclinical findings reveal the pharmacological targets of ferulic acid in the treatment of traumatic brain injury. Food Sci Nutr 2022; 10:4403-4410. [PMID: 36514753 PMCID: PMC9731527 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.3036] [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: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is characterized by cellular damage and inflammation in lesioned brain tissue. Ferulic acid has been shown to have a melioration effect on neurological functions. However, the active pharmacological effects and the underlying mechanisms of ferulic acid against TBI remain unclear. On the basis of network pharmacology and molecular docking methodology, this study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of ferulic acid in treating TBI, and characterized the detailed biotargets and mechanisms of these actions. The identified core targets were validated via in silico simulation. We identified 91 overlapping targets associated with ferulic acid and TBI. In-silico simulation analysis validated the putative core targets of tumor protein p53, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) 1, and estrogen receptor 1. The Gene Ontology-enriched annotations and findings were largely associated with cell proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation in nerve cells. Additional Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis unmasked the pharmacological pathways of ferulic acid in treating TBI, including the MAPK signaling pathway and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 signaling pathway. Bioinformatic analyses and findings provide a new preclinical strategy for revealing the core targets and network pathways of ferulic acid in treating TBI. Moreover, some bioinformatic findings were computationally validated in silico for exhibiting the neuroprotective action of ferulic acid against TBI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qinghua Dong
- Intensive Care UnitGuilin Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineGuilinGuangxiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Shenglin Yang
- Intensive Care UnitGuilin Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineGuilinGuangxiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Huafeng Liao
- Intensive Care UnitGuilin Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineGuilinGuangxiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Qi He
- Intensive Care UnitGuilin Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineGuilinGuangxiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Junxin Xiao
- Intensive Care UnitGuilin Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineGuilinGuangxiPeople's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wang YX, Yang Z, Wang WX, Huang YX, Zhang Q, Li JJ, Tang YP, Yue SJ. Methodology of network pharmacology for research on Chinese herbal medicine against COVID-19: A review. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 20:477-487. [PMID: 36182651 PMCID: PMC9508683 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine, as a complementary and alternative medicine, has been practiced for thousands of years in China and possesses remarkable clinical efficacy. Thus, systematic analysis and examination of the mechanistic links between Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) and the complex human body can benefit contemporary understandings by carrying out qualitative and quantitative analysis. With increasing attention, the approach of network pharmacology has begun to unveil the mystery of CHM by constructing the heterogeneous network relationship of "herb-compound-target-pathway," which corresponds to the holistic mechanisms of CHM. By integrating computational techniques into network pharmacology, the efficiency and accuracy of active compound screening and target fishing have been improved at an unprecedented pace. This review dissects the core innovations to the network pharmacology approach that were developed in the years since 2015 and highlights how this tool has been applied to understanding the coronavirus disease 2019 and refining the clinical use of CHM to combat it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Xuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an 712046, Shaanxi Province, China; Department of Scientific Research, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an 710068, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Zhen Yang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an 712046, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Wen-Xiao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an 712046, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yu-Xi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an 712046, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Qiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an 712046, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jia-Jia Li
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an 712046, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yu-Ping Tang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an 712046, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Shi-Jun Yue
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an 712046, Shaanxi Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wang L, Wang X, Chang J, Wang P, Liu C, Yuan L, Yin Q, Zhu Q, Lu F. Effect of the Combined Compound Probiotics with Glycyrrhinic Acid on Alleviating Cytotoxicity of IPEC-J2 Cells Induced by Multi-Mycotoxins. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14100670. [PMID: 36287939 PMCID: PMC9612255 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14100670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxins B1 (AFB1), deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEA) are the three most prevalent mycotoxins, whose contamination of food and feed is a severe worldwide problem. In order to alleviate the toxic effects of multi-mycotoxins (AFB1 + DON + ZEA, ADZ) on inflammation and apoptosis in swine jejunal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2), three species of probiotics (Bacillus subtilis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pseudomonas lactis at 1 × 105 CFU/mL, respectively) were mixed together to make compound probiotics (CP), which were further combined with 400 μg/mL of glycyrrhinic acid (GA) to make bioactive materials (CGA). The experiment was divided into four groups, i.e., the control, ADZ, CGA and ADZ + CGA groups. The results showed that ADZ decreased cell viability and induced cytotoxicity, while CGA addition could alleviate ADZ-induced cytotoxicity. Moreover, the mRNA expressions of IL-8, TNF-α, NF-Κb, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-1 and ASCT2 genes, and protein expressions of TNF-α and Claudin-1 were significantly upregulated in ADZ group; while the mRNA abundances of IL-8, TNF-α, NF-Κb, Caspase-3, ASCT2 genes, and protein expressions of TNF-α and Claudin-1 were significantly downregulated in the ADZ + CGA group. In addition, the protein expressions of COX-2, ZO-1, and ASCT2 were significantly downregulated in the ADZ group, compared with the control group; whereas CGA co-incubation with ADZ could increase these protein expressions to recover to normal levels. This study indicated that CGA could alleviate cytotoxicity, apoptosis and inflammation in ADZ-induced IPEC-J2 cells and protect intestinal cell integrity from ADZ damages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Xiaomin Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Juan Chang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Ping Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Chaoqi Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Lin Yuan
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Qingqiang Yin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Qun Zhu
- Henan Delin Biological Product Co., Ltd., Xinxiang 453000, China
| | - Fushan Lu
- Henan Puai Feed Co., Ltd., Zhoukou 466000, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Pang G, Yi T, Luo H, Jiang L. Preclinical findings: The pharmacological targets and molecular mechanisms of ferulic acid treatment for COVID-19 and osteosarcoma via targeting autophagy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:971687. [PMID: 36204096 PMCID: PMC9530469 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.971687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The variant virus-based 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has reportedly impacted almost all populations globally, characterized by a huge number of infected individuals. Clinical evidence proves that patients with cancer are more easily infected with severe acute respiratory disease coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) because of immunologic deficiency. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop candidate medications to treat patients with cancer plus COVID-19, including those with osteosarcoma (OS). Ferulic acid, a latent theriacal compound that has anti-tumor and antivirus activities, is discovered to have potential pharmacological use. Thus, in this study, we aimed to screen and determine the potential therapeutic targets of ferulic acid in treating patients with OS plus COVID-19 as well as the pharmacological mechanisms. We applied a well-established integrated methodology, including network pharmacology and molecular docking technique, to detail target prediction, network construction, gene ontology, and pathway enrichment in core targets. The network pharmacology results show that all candidate genes, by targeting autophagy, were the core targets of ferulic acid in treating OS and COVID-19. Through molecular docking analysis, the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1), and phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 1 (PIK3R1) were identified as the pharmacological targets of ferulic acid in treating OS. These preclinical findings from bioinformatics analysis altogether effectively determined the pharmacological molecules and mechanisms via targeting autophagy, demonstrating the therapeutic effectiveness of ferulic acid against COVID-19 and OS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangfu Pang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Youjiang Medical College for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Tingzhuang Yi
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of YouJiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Hongcheng Luo
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Lihe Jiang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
- Medical College, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Pathology (Army Medical University) Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Li R, Yu S, Liang X, Li Y, Lai KP. Vitamin C exerts anti-cadmium induced fracture functions/targets: bioinformatic and biostructural findings. FOOD SCIENCE AND HUMAN WELLNESS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fshw.2022.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
17
|
Liang X, Pan Q, Liao Y, Nie L, Yang L, Liu F, Su M. In silico analysis and experimental validation to exhibit anti-nasopharyngeal carcinoma effects of plumbagin, an anti-cancer compound. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2022; 102:5460-5467. [PMID: 35355274 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.11900] [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: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is publicly known as a malignant tumor. Our previous study reported that plumbagin exhibits potent anti-cancer actions. Nevertheless, more mechanical details of plumbagin against NPC remain unknown. The present study aimed to unmask the core targets/genes and anti-NPC mechanisms involved in the signaling pathways of plumbagin prior to biochemical validation. METHODS A network pharmacology approach was employed to respective identification of mutual and core targets/genes in plumbagin and/treating NPC. Molecular docking determination was used to identify core target proteins for biochemical validation using human and cell line samples. RESULTS In total, 60 anti-NPC genes of plumbagin were screened out, and then nine core target genes of plumbagin against NPC were identified accordingly. The enrichment findings revealed detailed biological functions and pharmacological pathways of plumbagin against NPC. Moreover, in silico analysis using molecular docking had determined the core targets for further experimental validation, comprising protein kinase B (AKT1) and sarcoma gene (SRC). In human sample validation, clinical NPC sections showed increased positive expression of AKT1 and SRC. Additionally, plumbagin-treated NPC cells resulted in inactivated protein expression of AKT1 and SRC. CONCLUSION The re-identified core targets/genes in the molecular docking report may function as plumbagin-related pharmacological targets for treating NPC via experimental validation. Furthermore, additional anti-NPC molecular mechanisms of plumbagin action were disclosed on the basis of enrichment findings. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Liang
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Qijin Pan
- Department of Oncology, Guigang City Peoples' Hospital, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, China
| | - Yimei Liao
- Department of Pharmacy, Guigang City Peoples' Hospital, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, China
| | - Litao Nie
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Lu Yang
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Fangxian Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Min Su
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ren L, Xu Y, Ning L, Pan X, Li Y, Zhao Q, Pang B, Huang J, Deng K, Zhang Y. TCM2COVID: A resource of anti-COVID-19 traditional Chinese medicine with effects and mechanisms. IMETA 2022; 1:e42. [PMID: 36245702 PMCID: PMC9537919 DOI: 10.1002/imt2.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In China, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely used for coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) prevention, treatment, and recovery and has played a part in the battle against the disease. A variety of TCM treatments have been recommended for different stages of COVID-19. But, to the best of our knowledge, a comprehensive database for storing and organizing anti-COVID TCM treatments is still lacking. Herein, we developed TCM2COVID, a manually curated resource of anti-COVID TCM formulas, natural products (NPs), and herbs. The current version of TCM2COVID (1) documents over 280 TCM formulas (including over 300 herbs) with detailed clinical evidence and therapeutic mechanism information; (2) records over 80 NPs with detailed potential therapeutic mechanisms; and (3) launches a useful web server for querying, analyzing and visualizing documented formulas similar to those supplied by the user (formula similarity analysis). In summary, TCM2COVD provides a user-friendly and practical platform for documenting, querying, and browsing anti-COVID TCM treatments, and will help in the development and elucidation of the mechanisms of action of new anti-COVID TCM therapies to support the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic. TCM2COVID is freely available at http://zhangy-lab.cn/tcm2covid/.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liping Ren
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Academy for InterdisciplineChengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduChina
- School of Healthcare TechnologyChengdu Neusoft UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yi Xu
- School of Life Science and TechnologyUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC)ChengduChina
| | - Lin Ning
- School of Healthcare TechnologyChengdu Neusoft UniversityChengduChina
- School of Life Science and TechnologyUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC)ChengduChina
| | - Xianrun Pan
- College of Medical TechnologyChengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduChina
| | - Yuchen Li
- School of Healthcare TechnologyChengdu Neusoft UniversityChengduChina
| | - Qi Zhao
- College of Food and Biological EngineeringChengdu UniversityChengduChina
| | - Bo Pang
- Beijing CapitalBio Technology Co., Ltd.BeijingChina
| | - Jian Huang
- School of Life Science and TechnologyUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC)ChengduChina
| | - Kejun Deng
- School of Life Science and TechnologyUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC)ChengduChina
| | - Yang Zhang
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Academy for InterdisciplineChengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduChina
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Mohammed EAH, Peng Y, Wang Z, Qiang X, Zhao Q. Synthesis, Antiviral, and Antibacterial Activity of the Glycyrrhizic Acid and Glycyrrhetinic Acid Derivatives. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2022; 48:906-918. [PMID: 35919388 PMCID: PMC9333650 DOI: 10.1134/s1068162022050132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Glycyrrhizic acid and its primary metabolite glycyrrhetinic acid, are the main active ingredients in the licorice roots (glycyrrhiza species), which are widely used in several countries of the world, especially in east asian countries (China, Japan). These ingredients and their derivatives play an important role in treating many diseases, especially infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and hepatic infections. This review aims to summarize the different ways of synthesising the amide derivatives of glycyrrhizic acid and the main ways to synthesize the glycyrrhitinic acid derivatives. Also, to determine the main biological and pharmacological activity for these compounds from the previous studies to provide essential data to researchers for future studies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1134/S1068162022050132.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E. A. H. Mohammed
- Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy of Lanzhou University, 730000 Lanzhou, China
| | - Y. Peng
- Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy of Lanzhou University, 730000 Lanzhou, China
| | - Z. Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy of Lanzhou University, 730000 Lanzhou, China
| | - X. Qiang
- Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy of Lanzhou University, 730000 Lanzhou, China
| | - Q. Zhao
- Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy of Lanzhou University, 730000 Lanzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Grudlewska-Buda K, Wiktorczyk-Kapischke N, Budzyńska A, Kwiecińska-Piróg J, Przekwas J, Kijewska A, Sabiniarz D, Gospodarek-Komkowska E, Skowron K. The Variable Nature of Vitamin C—Does It Help When Dealing with Coronavirus? Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11071247. [PMID: 35883738 PMCID: PMC9312329 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11071247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is still spreading worldwide. For this reason, new treatment methods are constantly being researched. Consequently, new and already-known preparations are being investigated to potentially reduce the severe course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 infection induces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and acute serum biomarkers in the host organism. In addition to antiviral drugs, there are other substances being used in the treatment of COVID-19, e.g., those with antioxidant properties, such as vitamin C (VC). Exciting aspects of the use of VC in antiviral therapy are its antioxidant and pro-oxidative abilities. In this review, we summarized both the positive effects of using VC in treating infections caused by SARS-CoV-2 in the light of the available research. We have tried to answer the question as to whether the use of high doses of VC brings the expected benefits in the treatment of COVID-19 and whether such treatment is the correct therapeutic choice. Each case requires individual assessment to determine whether the positives outweigh the negatives, especially in the light of populational studies concerning the genetic differentiation of genes encoding the solute carriers responsible forVC adsorption. Few data are available on the influence of VC on the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Deducing from already-published data, high-dose intravenous vitamin C (HDIVC) does not significantly lower the mortality or length of hospitalization. However, some data prove, among other things, its impact on the serum levels of inflammatory markers. Finally, the non-positive effect of VC administration is mainly neutral, but the negative effect is that it can result in urinary stones or nephropathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Grudlewska-Buda
- Department of Microbiology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (K.G.-B.); (N.W.-K.); (A.B.); (J.K.-P.); (J.P.); (E.G.-K.)
| | - Natalia Wiktorczyk-Kapischke
- Department of Microbiology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (K.G.-B.); (N.W.-K.); (A.B.); (J.K.-P.); (J.P.); (E.G.-K.)
| | - Anna Budzyńska
- Department of Microbiology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (K.G.-B.); (N.W.-K.); (A.B.); (J.K.-P.); (J.P.); (E.G.-K.)
| | - Joanna Kwiecińska-Piróg
- Department of Microbiology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (K.G.-B.); (N.W.-K.); (A.B.); (J.K.-P.); (J.P.); (E.G.-K.)
| | - Jana Przekwas
- Department of Microbiology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (K.G.-B.); (N.W.-K.); (A.B.); (J.K.-P.); (J.P.); (E.G.-K.)
| | - Agnieszka Kijewska
- Department of Immunobiology and Environmental Biology, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland;
| | | | - Eugenia Gospodarek-Komkowska
- Department of Microbiology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (K.G.-B.); (N.W.-K.); (A.B.); (J.K.-P.); (J.P.); (E.G.-K.)
| | - Krzysztof Skowron
- Department of Microbiology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (K.G.-B.); (N.W.-K.); (A.B.); (J.K.-P.); (J.P.); (E.G.-K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-(52)-585-38-38
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Xu H, Qin L, Nie L, Li L, Guo P, Chen Y, Huang C, Su M, Yang B. Biotargets for mediation of arsenic–induced coronary heart disease by calycosin. FOOD AGR IMMUNOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/09540105.2022.2053947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hongyuan Xu
- Cardiology Department, Guigang City People’s Hospital The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, PR People’s Republic of China
| | - Lixiu Qin
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, PR People’s Republic of China
| | - Litao Nie
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR People’s Republic of China
| | - Lin Li
- Cardiology Department, Guigang City People’s Hospital The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, PR People’s Republic of China
| | - Peng Guo
- Cardiology Department, Guigang City People’s Hospital The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, PR People’s Republic of China
| | - Yizhao Chen
- Cardiology Department, Guigang City People’s Hospital The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, PR People’s Republic of China
| | - Chuang Huang
- Cardiology Department, Guigang City People’s Hospital The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, PR People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Su
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, PR People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Network pharmacology prediction and molecular docking-based strategy to explore the potential mechanism of Huanglian Jiedu Decoction against sepsis. Comput Biol Med 2022; 144:105389. [PMID: 35303581 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2022.105389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Huanglian Jiedu Decoction (HLJDD) is a classical herbal formula with potential efficacy in the treatment of sepsis. However, the main components and potential mechanisms of HLJDD remain unclear. This study aims to initially clarify the potential mechanism of HLJDD in the treatment of sepsis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques. METHODS The principal components and corresponding protein targets of HLJDD were searched on TCMSP, BATMAN-TCM and ETCM and the compound-target network was constructed by Cytoscape3.8.2. Sepsis targets were searched on OMIM and DisGeNET databases. The intersection of compound target and disease target was obtained and the coincidence target was imported into STRING database to construct a PPI network. We further performed GO and KEGG enrichment analysis on the targets. Finally, molecular docking study was approved for the core target and the active compound. RESULTS There are 257 nodes and 792 edges in the component target network. The compounds with a higher degree value are quercetin, kaempferol, and wogonin. The protein with a higher degree in the PPI network is JUN, RELA, TNF. GO and KEGG analysis showed that HLJDD treatment of sepsis mainly involves positive regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter, negative regulation of apoptosis process, response to hypoxia and other biological processes. The signaling pathways mainly include PI3K-AKT, MAPK, TNF signaling pathway. The molecular docking results showed that quercetin, kaempferol and wogonin have higher affinity with JUN, RELA and TNF. CONCLUSION This study reveals the active ingredients and potential molecular mechanism of HLJDD in the treatment of sepsis, and provides a reference for subsequent basic research.
Collapse
|
23
|
Zhao M, Wang P, Zhang K. Bioinformatics/network topology analysis of acupuncture in the treatment of COVID-19: response to methodological issues. Brief Bioinform 2022; 23:6539838. [PMID: 35229103 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbac060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic and there is an urgent need to discover the therapy for COVID-19. In our original article, we first obtained the target proteins of acupuncture and related target genes of COVID-19 by searching English and Chinese databases, then Gene Ontology biological processes and enrichment analysis were performed on the overlapping targets of acupuncture with COVID-19. Moreover, the compound-target and compound-disease-target network was constructed. This is an innovative attempt to predict the potential benefits of acupuncture treatment for COVID-19. In this letter, we answered reader Zheng's comments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meidan Zhao
- School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Pengqian Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin Gong An Hospital, Tianjin, 300042, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Tan R, Xiang X, Chen W, Yang Z, Hu W, Qu H, Liu J. Efficacy of diammonium glycyrrhizinate combined with vitamin C for treating hospitalized COVID-19 patients: a retrospective, observational study. QJM 2022; 115:77-83. [PMID: 34314507 PMCID: PMC8420637 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcab184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has shown limited responses to medical treatments. AIMS To observe the effect of combination treatment of giammonium glycyrrhizinate and vitamin C (DV) on the prognoses of patients with COVID-19. METHODS This retrospective observational study recruited 207 COVID-19 patients from Tongji Hospital, patients were assigned to DV and non-DV groups on the basis of the DV treatment. To make the results more credible, a propensity score matching (PSM) approach was adopted at a 1:3 ratio to determine the participants. Logistic analysis was used to assess the effect of DV therapy in the progress of COVID-19. RESULTS In the DV group, the new-onset incidence rate of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) after admission was clearly lower than that in the non-DV group (DV vs. non-DV groups, 15.2% vs. 35.7%; P = 0.002). Compared with the non-DV group, the DV group showed fewer new onset of complications (such as ARDS, acute liver injury and acute myocardial injury) (DV vs. non-DV groups, 19.6% vs. 46.1%; P = 0.000). Moreover, DG+VC may help to recover the count of NK cells and decrease the level of sIL-2R. CONCLUSIONS DG+VC might be a promising candidate for preventing the deterioration of COVID-19 patients, which is worthy to be studied in large and perspective cohort.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruoming Tan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xiaogang Xiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Zhitao Yang
- Department of Emergency, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Weiguo Hu
- Department of Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Hongping Qu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
- Correspondence: Jialin Liu, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China, Phone: +86 21 53305091, Fax: +86 21 54500671. Hongping Qu, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China,
| | - Jialin Liu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
- Correspondence: Jialin Liu, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China, Phone: +86 21 53305091, Fax: +86 21 54500671. Hongping Qu, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China,
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Wang J, Zhang Y, Nie W, Luo Y, Deng L. Computational anti-COVID-19 drug design: progress and challenges. Brief Bioinform 2022; 23:bbab484. [PMID: 34850817 PMCID: PMC8690229 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbab484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccines have made gratifying progress in preventing the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. However, the emergence of variants, especially the latest delta variant, has brought considerable challenges to human health. Hence, the development of robust therapeutic approaches, such as anti-COVID-19 drug design, could aid in managing the pandemic more efficiently. Some drug design strategies have been successfully applied during the COVID-19 pandemic to create and validate related lead drugs. The computational drug design methods used for COVID-19 can be roughly divided into (i) structure-based approaches and (ii) artificial intelligence (AI)-based approaches. Structure-based approaches investigate different molecular fragments and functional groups through lead drugs and apply relevant tools to produce antiviral drugs. AI-based approaches usually use end-to-end learning to explore a larger biochemical space to design antiviral drugs. This review provides an overview of the two design strategies of anti-COVID-19 drugs, the advantages and disadvantages of these strategies and discussions of future developments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinxian Wang
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Central South University,410075, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang Province Land Reclamation Headquarters General Hospital, 150001, Harbin, China
| | - Wenjuan Nie
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Central South University,410075, Changsha, China
| | - Yi Luo
- School of Science, The University of Auckland,Auckland 1010, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lei Deng
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Central South University,410075, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Xu H, Qin J, Qin L, Guo C, Yang B. Bioinformatics and In Silico Findings Uncover Bio-Targets of Calycosin Against Heart Failure and Diabetes Mellitus. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:790619. [PMID: 35898453 PMCID: PMC9309256 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.790619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart failure (HF) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are life-threatening diseases. However, existing clinical drugs to treat HF complicated with DM are relatively limited. In this study, we performed a viable bioinformatics strategy combining network pharmacology and molecular docking to identify potential anti-HF and -DM targets and therapeutic mechanisms of calycosin, a functional phytoestrogen. METHODS Web-based databases were used to collect candidate genes/targets of calycosin and HF/DM and then identify the hub bio-targets of calycosin against HF/DM. Using the online-available database, all functional processes and signaling pathways of calycosin against HF/DM were screened and identified before further visualization. RESULTS All potential bio-targets of calycosin and HF/DM were collected, and 20 hub targets of calycosin against HF/DM were identified. Interestingly, molecular docking findings indicated that mitogen-activated protein kinase-1 (MAPK1), β-arrestin 1 (ARRB1), and homologue-1 (ABL1) may be potent pharmacological targets of calycosin against HF/DM. In addition, all primary molecular functions of calycosin against HF/DM were identified, including regulating protein binding, ubiquitination, and the metabolic process. Furthermore, the top molecular pathways of calycosin against HF/DM were revealed, including cardiomyocyte and chemokine signaling pathways. CONCLUSION Our bioinformatics analysis uncovered the network targets and therapeutic mechanisms of calycosin against HF/DM. For the first time, the current in silico findings revealed that the identified hub targets may be used to screen and treat HF/DM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongyuan Xu
- Cardiology Department, Guigang City People’s Hospital, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, China
| | - Jingru Qin
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Lixiu Qin
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Chao Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Guigang City People’s Hospital, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, China
- *Correspondence: Chao Guo, ; Bin Yang,
| | - Bin Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- *Correspondence: Chao Guo, ; Bin Yang,
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
OUP accepted manuscript. J Pharm Pharmacol 2022; 74:1241-1250. [DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgac030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
|
28
|
Hasankhani A, Bahrami A, Sheybani N, Aria B, Hemati B, Fatehi F, Ghaem Maghami Farahani H, Javanmard G, Rezaee M, Kastelic JP, Barkema HW. Differential Co-Expression Network Analysis Reveals Key Hub-High Traffic Genes as Potential Therapeutic Targets for COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Immunol 2021; 12:789317. [PMID: 34975885 PMCID: PMC8714803 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.789317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The recent emergence of COVID-19, rapid worldwide spread, and incomplete knowledge of molecular mechanisms underlying SARS-CoV-2 infection have limited development of therapeutic strategies. Our objective was to systematically investigate molecular regulatory mechanisms of COVID-19, using a combination of high throughput RNA-sequencing-based transcriptomics and systems biology approaches. Methods RNA-Seq data from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of healthy persons, mild and severe 17 COVID-19 patients were analyzed to generate a gene expression matrix. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify co-expression modules in healthy samples as a reference set. For differential co-expression network analysis, module preservation and module-trait relationships approaches were used to identify key modules. Then, protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, based on co-expressed hub genes, were constructed to identify hub genes/TFs with the highest information transfer (hub-high traffic genes) within candidate modules. Results Based on differential co-expression network analysis, connectivity patterns and network density, 72% (15 of 21) of modules identified in healthy samples were altered by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, SARS-CoV-2 caused systemic perturbations in host biological gene networks. In functional enrichment analysis, among 15 non-preserved modules and two significant highly-correlated modules (identified by MTRs), 9 modules were directly related to the host immune response and COVID-19 immunopathogenesis. Intriguingly, systemic investigation of SARS-CoV-2 infection identified signaling pathways and key genes/proteins associated with COVID-19's main hallmarks, e.g., cytokine storm, respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), acute lung injury (ALI), lymphopenia, coagulation disorders, thrombosis, and pregnancy complications, as well as comorbidities associated with COVID-19, e.g., asthma, diabetic complications, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), liver disorders and acute kidney injury (AKI). Topological analysis with betweenness centrality (BC) identified 290 hub-high traffic genes, central in both co-expression and PPI networks. We also identified several transcriptional regulatory factors, including NFKB1, HIF1A, AHR, and TP53, with important immunoregulatory roles in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, several hub-high traffic genes, including IL6, IL1B, IL10, TNF, SOCS1, SOCS3, ICAM1, PTEN, RHOA, GDI2, SUMO1, CASP1, IRAK3, HSPA5, ADRB2, PRF1, GZMB, OASL, CCL5, HSP90AA1, HSPD1, IFNG, MAPK1, RAB5A, and TNFRSF1A had the highest rates of information transfer in 9 candidate modules and central roles in COVID-19 immunopathogenesis. Conclusion This study provides comprehensive information on molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2-host interactions and identifies several hub-high traffic genes as promising therapeutic targets for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aliakbar Hasankhani
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Bahrami
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
- Biomedical Center for Systems Biology Science Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Negin Sheybani
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, College of Aburaihan, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behzad Aria
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, School of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran
| | - Behzad Hemati
- Biotechnology Research Center, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
| | - Farhang Fatehi
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
| | | | - Ghazaleh Javanmard
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mahsa Rezaee
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medical Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - John P. Kastelic
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Herman W. Barkema
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Yang L, Yang J, Liang X, Huang W, Zhang X, Li R. Uncovering antiobesity-related hypertension targets and mechanisms of metformin, an antidiabetic medication. Bioengineered 2021; 12:4757-4767. [PMID: 34334083 PMCID: PMC8806643 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1954581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Metformin, a common clinical drug used to treat diabetes mellitus, is found with potential antiobese actions as reported in increasing evidences. However, the detailed mechanisms of metformin-antiobesity-related hypertension remain unrevealed. We have utilized the bioinformatics strategy, including network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses, to uncover pharmacological targets and molecular pathways of bioactive compounds against clinical disorders, such as cancers, coronavirus disease 2019. In this report, the in-silico approaches using network pharmacology and molecular docking was utilized to identify the core targets, pharmacological functions and mechanisms of metformin against obesity-related hypertension. The networking analysis identified 154 differentially expressed genes of obesity and hypertension, and 21 interaction genes, 6 core genes of metformin treating obesity-related hypertension. As results, molecular docking findings indicated the binding capability of metformin with key proteins, including interleukin 6 (IL-6) and chemokine (C-C motif) Ligand 2 (CCL2) expressed in obesity- and hypertension-dependent tissues. Metformin-exerted antihypertension/obesity actions involved in metabolic regulation, inflammatory suppression. And antihypertension/obesity mechanisms of metformin were revealed, including regulation of inflammatory and immunological signaling pathways for ameliorating microenvironmental homeostasis in targeting tissues. In conclusion, our current bioinformatics findings have uncovered all pharmacological targets, biological functions and signaling pathways of metformin treating obesity-related hypertension, thus promoting its clinical application in future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yang
- Faculty of Basic Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR China
| | - Jianxin Yang
- Cardiology Department Area 1, Guigang City People’s Hospital, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Xiao Liang
- Faculty of Basic Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR China
| | - Wenjun Huang
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollutants and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR China
| | - Xiaoxi Zhang
- Faculty of Basic Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR China
| | - Rong Li
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollutants and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Imantalab V, Mansour Ghanaie M, Rafiei Sorouri Z, Mohammadzadeh Jouryabi A, Ghazanfar Tehran S, Fayazi HS, Biazar G, Noroozshamsi M. The Effects of Intravenous Vitamin C on Stress Response Severity in Abdominal Hysterectomy Following Prolonged Fasting Time. Anesth Pain Med 2021; 11:e119332. [PMID: 35075416 PMCID: PMC8782190 DOI: 10.5812/aapm.119332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Inevitable prolonged fasting time before surgery leads to inflammatory reactions, surgery-related stress response, and consequently unfavorable outcomes; thus, developing strategies to mitigate these consequences is crucial. Objectives In this study, we evaluated the effect of ascorbic acid on stress response reduction in abdominal hysterectomy following prolonged fasting time. Methods Eligible women candidates for abdominal hysterectomy following prolonged fasting time were enrolled in the study and divided into 2 groups of vitamin C [group C; 1 g intravenously (IV) before surgery] and placebo (group P). Before induction of anesthesia, C-reactive protein (CRP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and blood sugar (BS) were measured and compared between the 2 groups at 4-point times, 24 and 48 hours immediately after extubation. Results Finally, the data of 80 patients were included for the final analysis. A statistically significant difference was observed between the 2 groups in terms of CRP and BS values in T1 CRP serum levels; at the end of the study, CRP values were 0.5 ± 0.55 and 0.92 ± 0.69 in groups C and P, respectively (P = 0.012), and BS levels were 124.12 ± 18.11 and 152.0 ± 17.36 in groups C and P, respectively (P = 0.0001). However, this significant difference was not observed at T2 regarding CRP (P = 0.145) and BS (P = 0.135), as well as at T3 regarding CRP (P = 0.282) and BS (P = 0.213). However, according to both CRP and BS values, the trend of changes from T0 to T3 was significant in the 2 groups (P < 0.0001). Hemodynamic parameters were not significantly different between the 2 groups. No adverse event was reported in the 2 groups. Conclusions We found that ascorbic acid could induce short-term positive effects in abdominal hysterectomy following prolonged fasting time. Obviously, the optimal dosage, timing, and specific cases that benefit the most from this intervention should be investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vali Imantalab
- Department of Anesthesiology, Anesthesiology Research Center, Al-Zahra Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Mandana Mansour Ghanaie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Health Research Center, Al-Zahra Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Zahra Rafiei Sorouri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Health Research Center, Al-Zahra Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Ali Mohammadzadeh Jouryabi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Anesthesiology Research Center, Al-Zahra Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Samaneh Ghazanfar Tehran
- Department of Anesthesiology, Anesthesiology Research Center, Al-Zahra Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Haniyeh Sadat Fayazi
- Razi Clinical Research Development Unit, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Gelareh Biazar
- Department of Anesthesiology, Anesthesiology Research Center, Al-Zahra Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
- Corresponding Author: Department of Anesthesiology, Anesthesiology Research Center, Al-Zahra Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Noroozshamsi
- School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Anesthesiology Research Center, Alzahra Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Lyu M, Fan G, Xiao G, Wang T, Xu D, Gao J, Ge S, Li Q, Ma Y, Zhang H, Wang J, Cui Y, Zhang J, Zhu Y, Zhang B. Traditional Chinese medicine in COVID-19. Acta Pharm Sin B 2021; 11:3337-3363. [PMID: 34567957 PMCID: PMC8450055 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread across the globe, posing an enormous threat to public health and safety. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), in combination with Western medicine (WM), has made important and lasting contributions in the battle against COVID-19. In this review, updated clinical effects and potential mechanisms of TCM, presented in newly recognized three distinct phases of the disease, are summarized and discussed. By integrating the available clinical and preclinical evidence, the efficacies and underlying mechanisms of TCM on COVID-19, including the highly recommended three Chinese patent medicines and three Chinese medicine formulas, are described in a panorama. We hope that this comprehensive review not only provides a reference for health care professionals and the public to recognize the significant contributions of TCM for COVID-19, but also serves as an evidence-based in-depth summary and analysis to facilitate understanding the true scientific value of TCM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Artemisinin Research Center, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Guanwei Fan
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China
| | - Guangxu Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Taiyi Wang
- Oxford Chinese Medicine Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Dong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jie Gao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Shaoqin Ge
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Qingling Li
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer, the Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Yuling Ma
- Oxford Chinese Medicine Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Han Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jigang Wang
- Artemisinin Research Center, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yuanlu Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Junhua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Boli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Qin L, Huang D, Huang J, Qin F, Huang H. Integrated Analysis and Finding Reveal Anti-Liver Cancer Targets and Mechanisms of Pachyman ( Poria cocos Polysaccharides). Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:742349. [PMID: 34603055 PMCID: PMC8484528 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.742349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This bioinformatics study aimed to characterize and certify crucial anti-cancer targets, functional processes, and molecular mechanisms of Pachyman in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by using pharmacology network and molecular docking analyses, by experimental validation. The crucial anti-HCC targets of Pachyman, including ALB, VEGFA, TNF, CASP3, SRC, EGF, CXCR4, STAT3, HRAS, HSP90AA1, MMP9, BCL2L1, FGF2, and PTPRC, were identified. In addition, the correlative networks of all crucial biotargets of Pachyman in treating HCC were created accordingly. Functionally, these crucial genes were correlated using angiogenesis and neoplastic metastasis of HCC. Interestingly, the molecular docking findings indicated that ALB and VEGFA in HCC might be potent pharmacological targets of Pachyman. In experimental validation, the clinical samples of HCC showed reduced ALB protein expression and increased VEGFA protein level. Following Pachyman treatments in vitro, the intracellular level of ALB protein was elevated, whereas the cellular content of VEGFA protein was downregulated. Taken together, current bioinformatics findings based on pharmacology network and molecular docking analyses elucidate the detailed molecular targets and signaling mechanisms of Pachyman in treating HCC. Interestingly, validated biotargets of ALB and VEGFA may be main potential biomarkers for detecting HCC medically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Qin
- Department of Oncology, Liuzhou Worker's Hospital, Liuzhou, China
| | - Dongning Huang
- Department of Oncology, Liuzhou Worker's Hospital, Liuzhou, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of Oncology, Liuzhou Worker's Hospital, Liuzhou, China
| | - Fuhui Qin
- Department of Oncology, Liuzhou Worker's Hospital, Liuzhou, China
| | - Haixin Huang
- Department of Oncology, Liuzhou Worker's Hospital, Liuzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Abstract
The aim of current study was to exhume the potential targets and molecular mechanisms of oxyresveratrol, a structurally re-constructed resveratrol, for treating liver cancer through bioinformatics investigation and experimentative validation. To start with, the network pharmacology approach and molecular docking technology were used to uncover all candidate targets of oxyresveratrol to treat liver cancer, accompanied with identified anti-liver cancer targets including estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). In addition, more pharmacological mechanisms of oxyresveratrol against liver cancer were revealed in details. In experimental verification, the clinical samples of liver cancer showed elevated ESR1, EGFR mRNA expressions. The in-vitro data indicated that intracellular contents of ESR1, EGFR mRNAs in oxyresveratrol-treated liver cancer cells were reduced. Taken together, the bioinformatics and validated findings have highlighted detailed pharmacological targets and molecular mechanisms of oxyresveratrol for treating liver cancer. Following with experimental verification, the identified genes of ESR1, EGFR may function as potential screening anti-liver cancer markers.
Collapse
|
34
|
Meng L, Qin H, Zhao J, He S, Wei Q, Wang Z, Shen J, Sooranna S, Song J. Transcriptomic Signatures of Airway Epithelium Infected With SARS-CoV-2: A Balance Between Anti-infection and Virus Load. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:735307. [PMID: 34497809 PMCID: PMC8419361 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.735307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 pneumonia requires effective medical therapies. However, it is a challenge to find therapeutic drugs that not only inhibit viral replication, but also inhibit the accompanying cytokine storm and maintain an appropriate immune response. In this study, the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on gene expression in lung epithelial cells from patients with COVID-19 were systematically evaluated with bioinformatics analysis methods. Transcriptome expression specific to bystander (exposed but uninfected) and infected cells were found, and the vital pathways were identified by conducting differentially expressed gene analysis regarding the relationship between gene signatures of COVID-19 infection and disease severity. We found that a high viral load did not necessarily imply a low response of epithelial cells or a poor disease convalescence. The ability to distinguish the role of virus-correlated genes facilitates the development of potential new medicines and therapies for COVID-19 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingzhang Meng
- Center for Systemic Inflammation Research (CSIR), School of Preclinical Medicine, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Houji Qin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Jingjie Zhao
- Life Science and Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Siyuan He
- Center for Systemic Inflammation Research (CSIR), School of Preclinical Medicine, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Qiuju Wei
- Center for Systemic Inflammation Research (CSIR), School of Preclinical Medicine, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China.,College of Pharmacy, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Zechen Wang
- Center for Systemic Inflammation Research (CSIR), School of Preclinical Medicine, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Jiajia Shen
- Center for Systemic Inflammation Research (CSIR), School of Preclinical Medicine, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Suren Sooranna
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jian Song
- Center for Systemic Inflammation Research (CSIR), School of Preclinical Medicine, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Pan Q, Wu K, Tan J, Li Y, Liang X, Su M. Anti-neoplastic characteristics and potential targets of calycosin against bisphenol A-related osteosarcoma: bioinformatics analysis. Bioengineered 2021; 12:4278-4288. [PMID: 34311656 PMCID: PMC8806932 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1956401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmentally, bisphenol A (BPA) is a well-known pollutant caused human health risk, including osteosarcoma (OS). OS, a deadly bone neoplasia, may occur in children and adults. However, the anti-OS pharmacotherapy prescribes limitedly in clinical practice. Interestingly, previous experimental evidences indicate calycosin-exerting potential anti-OS actions. Thus, in this report, we aimed to further characterize and detail the therapeutic targets and molecular mechanisms of calycosin-anti-BPA-related OS by using network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses. In results, the bioinformatics data disclosed all mapped, core targets, biological functions, molecular pathways of calycosin to treat BPA-related OS. The computational analysis using molecular docking indicated that potential binding ability of core targets in calycosin to treat BPA-related OS was identified. Moreover, detailed biological functions and optimal pathways of calycosin-anti-BPA-related OS were revealed, as shown in integrated network maps. Taken together, these network pharmacology and structural biology findings illustrate the core biotargets, pharmacological functions and pathways of calycosin-anti-BPA-related OS. Potentially, these core targets identified by molecular docking may attribute to the potential clinical application of calycosin against BPA-related OS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qijin Pan
- Department of Oncology, Guigang City Peoples' Hospital, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Ka Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second People's Hospital of Nanning City, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jiachang Tan
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Yu Li
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR China
| | - Xiao Liang
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR China
| | - Min Su
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Michailides C, Velissaris D. Common anti-oxidant vitamin C as an anti-infective agent with remedial role on SARS-CoV-2 infection. An update. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2021; 91. [PMID: 34284566 DOI: 10.4081/monaldi.2021.1808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease -2019 (COVID-19) has led to a worldwide multifaceted crisis. The medical world agonizes to contend with the problem, but a string of tested medications has been proven unavailing. Vitamin C is well described as a salutary antioxidant and some trials conclude that it may be a potential antiviral drug. In high doses, Vitamin C can alternate crucial steps in the pathogenesis of sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome. This dynamic was the driving force behind trials around the world that tried immunonutrition as a weapon against clinical entities. We summarize the mechanisms of action of Vitamin C and its role against infections and the current literature referring to the potential role of Vitamin C in SARS-CoV-2 infection, also as a contingent treatment agent.
Collapse
|
37
|
Feng Z, Shi H, Liang B, Ge T, Cai M, Liu F, Huang K, Wen J, Chen Q, Ge B. Bioinformatics and experimental findings reveal the therapeutic actions and targets of pachymic acid against cystitis glandularis. Biofactors 2021; 47:665-673. [PMID: 33893687 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Pachymic acid (PA), a bioactive ingredient isolated from Poria cocos Wolf, is reported with potential benefits of anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative actions. It is reasoned that PA may play the potential benefits against cystitis glandularis (CG), an inflammation of the bladder tissue. In this study, we aimed to apply the network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses to reveal concrete anti-CG targets and mechanisms of PA, and then the bioinformatic findings were verified by using clinical and animal samples. The methodological data from network pharmacology approach showed that 303 and 243 reporting targets of CG and PA, and other 31 shared targets of CG and PA were identified. Subsequently, all top targets of PA against CG were screened out, including cyclooxygenase-2, epidermal growth factor receptor, tumor antigen p53 (TP53), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), interleukin-1 (IL-1) beta, proto-oncogene c-jun. Molecular docking data demonstrated that PA exerted potent bonding capacities with TNF, TP53 proteins in CG. In human study, the findings suggested that overactivated TNF-α expression and suppressed TP53 activation were detected in CG samples. In animal study, PA-treated mice showed reduced intravesical IL-1, IL-6 levels, and lactate dehydrogenase content, downregulated TNF-α and upregulated TP53 proteins in bladder samples. Taken together, our bioinformatics and experimental findings identify the key anti-CG biotargets and mechanisms of PA. More markedly, these pivotal pharmacological targets of PA against CG have been screened out and verified by using computational and experimental analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Feng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Hailin Shi
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Bojian Liang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianyu Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Menghui Cai
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Kunping Huang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jintao Wen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuhong Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Yu S, Wu K, Liang Y, Zhang H, Guo C, Yang B. Therapeutic targets and molecular mechanism of calycosin for the treatment of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:16804-16815. [PMID: 34176787 PMCID: PMC8266369 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
This study was designed to understand the pivotal anti-cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CIRI) targets and pathways of calycosin through network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses. In this study, bioinformatics tools were employed to characterize and identify the pharmacological functions and mechanisms of calycosin for CIRI management. The network pharmacology data identified potential, merged CIRI-associated targets of calycosin including tumor protein p53 (TP53), protein kinase B (AKT1), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1). Molecular docking analysis indicated the binding efficacy of calycosin with three of the targets, namely TP53, AKT1, and VEGFA. The biological processes of calycosin for the treatment of CIRI are mainly involved in the improvement of endothelial cell proliferation and growth, inflammatory development, and cellular metabolism. In addition, the anti-CIRI actions of calycosin were primarily through suppression of the toll-like receptor, PI3K-AKT, TNF, MAPK, and VEGF signaling pathways. Taken together, the current bioinformatic findings revealed pivotal targets, biological functions, and pharmacological mechanisms of calycosin for the treatment of CIRI. In conclusion, calycosin, a functional phytoestrogen, can be potentially used for the treatment of CIRI in future clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Songzuo Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guigang City People's Hospital, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Ka Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second People's Hospital of Nanning City, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Yujia Liang
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Haitao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery Area 1, Guigang City People's Hospital, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Chao Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Guigang City People's Hospital, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Bin Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Zheng W, Huang X, Lai Y, Liu X, Jiang Y, Zhan S. Glycyrrhizic Acid for COVID-19: Findings of Targeting Pivotal Inflammatory Pathways Triggered by SARS-CoV-2. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:631206. [PMID: 34177566 PMCID: PMC8223069 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.631206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is now a worldwide public health crisis. The causative pathogen is severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Novel therapeutic agents are desperately needed. Because of the frequent mutations in the virus and its ability to cause cytokine storms, targeting the viral proteins has some drawbacks. Targeting cellular factors or pivotal inflammatory pathways triggered by SARS-CoV-2 may produce a broader range of therapies. Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) might be beneficial against SARS-CoV-2 because of its anti-inflammatory and antiviral characteristics and possible ability to regulate crucial host factors. However, the mechanism underlying how GA regulates host factors remains to be determined. Methods: In our report, we conducted a bioinformatics analysis to identify possible GA targets, biological functions, protein-protein interactions, transcription-factor-gene interactions, transcription-factor-miRNA coregulatory networks, and the signaling pathways of GA against COVID-19. Results: Protein-protein interactions and network analysis showed that ICAM1, MMP9, TLR2, and SOCS3 had higher degree values, which may be key targets of GA for COVID-19. GO analysis indicated that the response to reactive oxygen species was significantly enriched. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that the IL-17, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN signals, complement system, and growth factor receptor signaling are the main pathways. The interactions of TF genes and miRNA with common targets and the activity of TFs were also recognized. Conclusions: GA may inhibit COVID-19 through its anti-oxidant, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory effects, and its ability to activate the immune system, and targeted therapy for those pathways is a predominant strategy to inhibit the cytokine storms triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenjiang Zheng
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiufang Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanni Lai
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohong Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Jiang
- Shenzhen Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shaofeng Zhan
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Clemente-Suárez VJ, Ramos-Campo DJ, Mielgo-Ayuso J, Dalamitros AA, Nikolaidis PA, Hormeño-Holgado A, Tornero-Aguilera JF. Nutrition in the Actual COVID-19 Pandemic. A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2021; 13:1924. [PMID: 34205138 PMCID: PMC8228835 DOI: 10.3390/nu13061924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has shocked world health authorities generating a global health crisis. The present study discusses the main finding in nutrition sciences associated with COVID-19 in the literature. We conducted a consensus critical review using primary sources, scientific articles, and secondary bibliographic indexes, databases, and web pages. The method was a narrative literature review of the available literature regarding nutrition interventions and nutrition-related factors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The main search engines used in the present research were PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar. We found how the COVID-19 lockdown promoted unhealthy dietary changes and increases in body weight of the population, showing obesity and low physical activity levels as increased risk factors of COVID-19 affection and physiopathology. In addition, hospitalized COVID-19 patients presented malnutrition and deficiencies in vitamin C, D, B12 selenium, iron, omega-3, and medium and long-chain fatty acids highlighting the potential health effect of vitamin C and D interventions. Further investigations are needed to show the complete role and implications of nutrition both in the prevention and in the treatment of patients with COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain;
- Grupo de Investigación en Cultura, Educación y Sociedad, Universidad de la Costa, 080002 Barranquilla, Colombia
- Studies Centre in Applied Combat (CESCA), 45007 Toledo, Spain;
| | | | - Juan Mielgo-Ayuso
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Burgos, 09001 Burgos, Spain;
| | - Athanasios A. Dalamitros
- Laboratory of Evaluation of Human Biological Performance, School of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | | | | | - Jose Francisco Tornero-Aguilera
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain;
- Studies Centre in Applied Combat (CESCA), 45007 Toledo, Spain;
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Wang Z, Yang L. Chinese herbal medicine: Fighting SARS-CoV-2 infection on all fronts. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 270:113869. [PMID: 33485973 PMCID: PMC7825841 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.113869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a highly pathogenic virus that has spread rapidly across the entire world. There is a critical need to develop safe and effective drugs, especially broad-spectrum antiviral and organ protection agents in order to treat and prevent this dangerous disease. It is possible that Chinese herbal medicine may play an essential role in the treatment of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. AIM OF THE REVIEW We aim to review the use of Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of COVID-19 both in vitro and in clinical practice. Our goal was to provide a better understanding of the potential therapeutic effects of Chinese herbal medicine and to establish a "Chinese protocol" for the treatment of COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS We systematically reviewed published research relating to traditional Chinese herbal medicines and the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 from inception to the 6th January 2021 by screening a range of digital databases (Web of Science, bioRxiv, medRxiv, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, X-MOL, Wanfang Data, Google Scholar, PubMed, Elsevier, and other resources) and public platforms relating to the management of clinical trials. We included the active ingredients of Chinese herbal medicines, monomer preparations, crude extracts, and formulas for the treatment of COVID-19. RESULTS In mainland China, a range of Chinese herbal medicines have been recognized as very promising anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents, including active ingredients (quercetagetin, osajin, tetrandrine, proscillaridin A, and dihydromyricetin), monomer preparations (xiyanping injection, matrine-sodium chloride injection, diammonium glycyrrhizinate enteric-coated capsules, and sodium aescinate injection), crude extracts (Scutellariae Radix extract and garlic essential oil), and formulas (Qingfei Paidu decoction, Lianhuaqingwen capsules, and Pudilan Xiaoyan oral liquid). All these agents have potential activity against SARS-CoV-2 and have attracted significant attention due to their activities both in vitro and in clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS As a key component of the COVID-19 treatment regimen, Chinese herbal medicines have played an irreplaceable role in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The "Chinese protocol" has already demonstrated clear clinical importance. The use of Chinese herbal medicines that are capable of inhibiting SARS-Cov-2 infection may help to address this immediate unmet clinical need and may be attractive to other countries that are also seeking new options for effective COVID-19 treatment. Our analyses suggest that countries outside of China should also consider protocols involving Chinese herbal medicines combat this fast-spreading viral infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhonglei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Green Natural Products and Pharmaceutical Intermediates in Colleges and Universities of Shandong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, PR China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, PR China.
| | - Liyan Yang
- School of Physics and Physical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Li R, Guo C, Li Y, Liang X, Su M. Functional benefit and molecular mechanism of vitamin C against perfluorooctanesulfonate-associated leukemia. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 263:128242. [PMID: 33297189 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) is a persistent pollutant that can induce toxic effects, including leukemia, on blood cells. Vitamin C (VC), a functional nutrient, has been found to possess potent cytoprotective effects. However, there are currently no reports on its ability to treat PFOS-associated leukemia. This study used a molecular networking analysis to reveal the functional action and pharmacological mechanism of VC against PFOS-associated leukemia. The biological informatics findings revealed a total of 17 intersection targets against PFOS-associated leukemia. In addition, seven core-functional targets, including tumor protein p53 (TP53), mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1), estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3), myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL1), and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), were screened and identified. Notably, the molecular docking findings indicated that TP53, MAPK1, and ESR1 were potent pharmacological targets of VC against PFOS-associated leukemia. Moreover, the pharmacological functions including biological processes, cell components, and molecular pathways of VC against PFOS-associated leukemia were determined. According to the computational findings, we conclude that VC protects against PFOS-associated leukemia action by suppressing leukemia-associated cell proliferation and tumor growth. The validated genes of TP53, MAPK1, ESR1 may become potential biomarkers for monitoring and treating PFOS-associated leukemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rong Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Chao Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Guigang City People's Hospital, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Yu Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Xiao Liang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Min Su
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Li Y, Yu S, Li Y, Liang X, Su M, Li R. Medical Significance of Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma Patients Infected With SARS-CoV-2 and Pharmacological Characteristics of Plumbagin. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:714909. [PMID: 34712201 PMCID: PMC8547653 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.714909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinically, evidence shows that uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may have a higher death-rate. However, current anti-UCEC/coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment is lacking. Plumbagin (PLB), a pharmacologically active alkaloid, is an emerging anti-cancer inhibitor. Accordingly, the current report was designed to identify and characterize the anti-UCEC function and mechanism of PLB in the treatment of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 via integrated in silico analysis. METHODS The clinical analyses of UCEC and COVID-19 in patients were conducted using online-accessible tools. Meanwhile, in silico methods including network pharmacology and biological molecular docking aimed to screen and characterize the anti-UCEC/COVID-19 functions, bio targets, and mechanisms of the action of PLB. RESULTS The bioinformatics data uncovered the clinical characteristics of UCEC patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, including specific genes, health risk, survival rate, and prognostic index. Network pharmacology findings disclosed that PLB-exerted anti-UCEC/COVID-19 effects were achieved through anti-proliferation, inducing cytotoxicity and apoptosis, anti-inflammation, immunomodulation, and modulation of some of the key molecular pathways associated with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating actions. Following molecular docking analysis, in silico investigation helped identify the anti-UCEC/COVID-19 pharmacological bio targets of PLB, including mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (PLAU). CONCLUSIONS Based on the present bioinformatic and in silico findings, the clinical characterization of UCEC/COVID-19 patients was revealed. The candidate, core bio targets, and molecular pathways of PLB action in the potential treatment of UCEC/COVID-19 were identified accordingly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongming Li
- Department of Gynecology, Guigang Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Guigang, China
| | - Songzuo Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guigang City People’s Hospital, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, China
| | - Yu Li
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Xiao Liang
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Min Su
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
- *Correspondence: Min Su, ; Rong Li, ;
| | - Rong Li
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
- *Correspondence: Min Su, ; Rong Li, ;
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Qin X, Huang C, Wu K, Li Y, Liang X, Su M, Li R. Anti-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) targets and mechanisms of puerarin. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 25:677-685. [PMID: 33241658 PMCID: PMC7753316 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to uncover the pharmacological function and underlying mechanism of puerarin as a potential treatment for COVID‐19, using an in silico methodology, including network pharmacology and molecular docking. The pivotal targets of puerarin to treat COVID‐19 were identified and included the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), tumour necrosis factor (TNF), tumour protein p53 (TP53), caspase 3 (CASP3), RELA proto‐oncogene (RELA), Fos proto‐oncogene (FOS), caspase 8 (CASP8), prostaglandin‐endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), interleukin 2 (IL2), protein kinase CB (PRKCB), B cell lymphoma/leukaemia gene‐2 (BCL2), protein kinase CA (PRKCA), nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3) and peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor gamma (PPARG). Functionally, the anti–COVID‐19 action of puerarin was associated with the suppression of oxidative stress and inflammatory cascades, and cell apoptosis. The signalling pathways of puerarin to treat COVID‐19 included modulation of the pathways of apoptosis, IL‐17 signalling, mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling and TNF signalling. Molecular docking data illustrated the binding capacity of puerarin with COVID‐19 and the effective anti–COVID‐19 activity of puerarin. Taken together, our current network pharmacology–based findings revealed the pharmacological role of puerarin in the treatment of COVID‐19. Furthermore, the bioinformatic findings elucidated that some of these pivotal targets might serve as potential molecular markers for detecting COVID‐19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingyue Qin
- Department of Neurology (Area Two), Guigang City People's Hospital, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, China
| | - Chen Huang
- The Center for Data Science in Health and Medicine, Business School, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ka Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second People's Hospital of Nanning City, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yu Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Xiao Liang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Min Su
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Rong Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Zhang L, Zhang J, Gong Y, Lv L. Systematic and experimental investigations of the anti-colorectal cancer mediated by genistein. Biofactors 2020; 46:974-982. [PMID: 32951326 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidences have suggested that genistein, a beneficial isoflavonoid, exerts marked anti-proliferative action on colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. However, the exact molecular mechanisms behind anti-CRC effect of genistein have not been elucidated. In current report, a systemic pharmacology analysis was used to disclose the anti-CRC mechanism of genistein prior to performing experimentative certification. As shown in network pharmacology findings, a total of 189 common targets and 9 hard-core targets of genistein-anti-CRC were collected and identified. And the detailed anti-CRC functions and pathways mediated by genistein were uncovered. In further certification, human CRC samples resulted in elevated protein and mRNA expressions of myeloid leukemia cell differentiation protein (MCL1), beta amyloid A4 protein (APP), and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (KDR). In animal experiment, genistein-treated tumor-transplanted nude mice exhibited reduced tumor growth, accompanied with dose-dependent down-regulations of MCL1, APP, and KDR proteins and mRNAs. Taken together, the integrated bioinformatic and experimental findings uncover the anti-CRC mechanisms and targets mediated by genistein. Significantly, parts of hard-core biotargets were experimentally verified before clinical application, including MCL1, APP, and KDR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Department of Emergency and Trauma Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Junzhi Zhang
- Department of Emergency and Trauma Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Yizhen Gong
- Department of Emergency and Trauma Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Lv Lv
- Department of Emergency and Trauma Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Shirani F, Khorvash F, Arab A. Review on selected potential nutritional intervention for treatment and prevention of viral infections: possibility of recommending these for Coronavirus 2019. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD PROPERTIES 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/10942912.2020.1825483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Shirani
- Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Farzin Khorvash
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Arman Arab
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Jiang R, Gao J, Shen J, Zhu X, Wang H, Feng S, Huang C, Shen H, Liu H. Glycyrrhizic Acid Improves Cognitive Levels of Aging Mice by Regulating T/B Cell Proliferation. Front Aging Neurosci 2020; 12:570116. [PMID: 33132898 PMCID: PMC7575738 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.570116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) is the substance with the highest content of triterpenoid saponins that can be extracted from licorice, and has anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anticancer functions, among others. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of GA on cognitive decline in middle-aged mice and explore its mechanisms. We injected GA by the tail vein of C57BL/6 mice and measured their cognitive levels using the Morris water maze. The Morris water maze results demonstrated that GA improved learning and memory abilities in middle-aged mice. Furthermore, the RNA-sequencing and flow cytometric analyses revealed that GA could increase T and B cells. We then confirmed the relationship between cognition and the immune system in the immune-deficient B-NDG mouse model. Our results suggest that GA improves cognition in aging mice by regulating T/B cell proliferation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruichan Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Phytomedicine Resource and Utilization of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Jiaming Gao
- Shanghai East Hospital, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Junyan Shen
- Shanghai East Hospital, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoqi Zhu
- Shanghai East Hospital, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Shanghai East Hospital, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengyu Feng
- Shanghai East Hospital, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ce Huang
- Shanghai East Hospital, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haitao Shen
- Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Phytomedicine Resource and Utilization of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Hailiang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Phytomedicine Resource and Utilization of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
- Shanghai East Hospital, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Li R, Wu K, Li Y, Liang X, Tse WKF, Yang L, Lai KP. Revealing the targets and mechanisms of vitamin A in the treatment of COVID-19. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:15784-15796. [PMID: 32805728 PMCID: PMC7467385 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an epidemic disease characterized by rapid infection and a high death toll. The clinical diagnosis of patients with COVID-19 has risen sharply, especially in Western countries. Globally, an effective treatment for COVID-19 is still limited. Vitamin A (VA) exhibits pharmacological activity in the management of pneumonia. Thus, we reason that VA may potentially serve as an anti-SARS-CoV-2 regimen. In this study, bioinformatics analysis and computation assays using a network pharmacology method were conducted to explore and uncover the therapeutic targets and mechanisms of VA for treating COVID-19. We identified candidate targets, pharmacological functions, and therapeutic pathways of VA against SARS-CoV-2. Bioinformatics findings indicate that the mechanisms of action of VA against SARS-CoV-2 include enrichment of immunoreaction, inhibition of inflammatory reaction, and biological processes related to reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, seven core targets of VA against COVID-19, including MAPK1, IL10, EGFR, ICAM1, MAPK14, CAT, and PRKCB were identified. With this bioinformatics-based report, we reveal, for the first time, the anti-SARS-CoV-2 functions and mechanisms of VA and suggest that VA may act as a potent treatment option for COVID-19, a deadly global epidemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rong Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Ka Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second People's Hospital of Nanning City, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yu Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Xiao Liang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - William Ka Fai Tse
- Center for Promotion of International Education and Research, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Lu Yang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Keng Po Lai
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| |
Collapse
|