Assessment of the Potential of Sarcandra glabra (Thunb.) Nakai. in Treating Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats Based on Metabolomics and Network Analysis

Unveiling SSR4: a promising biomarker in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Background

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) represents a frequent cancer with a poor prognosis. Altered glucose metabolism contributes factor to ESCC progression. In our previous study, signal sequence receptor subunit delta (SSR4) was included in an ESCC prognostic model; however, the mechanisms underlying SSR4 implication in ESCC remain ambiguous. Accordingly, we aim to determine the interconnection between SSR4 expression and clinical characteristics of ESCC.

Methods

This differential expression and prognostic significance of SSR4 was performed using bulk RNA-seq data and 110 patients with complete follow-up information. The ESCC cell subsets with the highest gene expression levels were identified with single-cell data. Gene function and enrichment, immune infiltration, cell communication, and molecular docking analyses were performed.

Results

Unlike adjacent non-cancerous tissues, SSR4 was overexpressed in ESCC tissues, validated by both reverse transcription-qPCR and IHC staining. SSR4 expression was related to the N stage, lymph node metastasis, and AJCC TNM classification stage. Patients exhibiting low SSR4 expression had a more favorable prognosis. The highest SSR4 expression was recognized in tumor plasma cells. Continued exploration of immune infiltration highlighted a close association between SSR4 gene expression and the infiltration of immune cells such as plasma cells. On dividing cells into SSR4-positive and -negative groups, CellChat analysis indicated that SSR4 may regulate the interactions that existed between ESCC tumor plasma cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) by modulating the MIF/CD74/CXCR4 axis.

Conclusion

The SSR4 gene may have significant relevance with clinical pathological factors, and play a critical role in the regulation of tumor microenvironment of ESCC patients. Overall, SSR4 may be a promising ESCC biomarker with prospective applicability in clinical diagnosis as well as the development of targeted treatment approaches in patients of ESCC.

Analysis of intestinal bacterial carboxylesterase-mediated metabolites and the potential antitumour molecular mechanism of angoroside C

Angoroside C (AgrC) is a compound with many pharmacological properties. However, its antitumour potential has not been well studied. The low bioavailability of AgrC suggests a strong link to gut bacteria. Therefore, we identified and quantified four AgrC metabolites in gut microbiota. Molecular docking and inhibitor-based experiments demonstrated that carboxylesterase played a key role in AgrC metabolism. Both AgrC and its metabolites inhibited the viability of CT-26 cells, and potential antitumour targets were further explored. Additionally, AgrC significantly increased the levels of propionic, butyric, valeric and isovaleric acids. This provides a new insight for the antitumour effects of AgrC.

Protective effect of Bletilla ochracea Schltr. against acetogenic gastric ulcer in rats based on non-targeted metabolomics

Background

Gastric ulcer (GU), a globally prevalent disease, represents a significant burden to human health. Bletilla ochracea Schltr. (BOS), an herbal medicine, shows promising therapeutic potential in the treatment of chronic GU.

Methods

This study utilized a rat model of chronic gastric ulceration induced by acetic acid to evaluate the protective effects of Bletilla ochracea Schltr. (BOS) on gastric tissue through the analysis of gross morphological and histopathological changes. Non-targeted metabolomic techniques were employed to identify differential metabolites, followed by the use of metabolic analysis software to enrich the pathways associated with these metabolites, thereby revealing the potential mechanisms underlying the anti-gastric ulcer effects of BOS.

Results

The results suggest that the primary mechanism underlying BOS regulation of GU involves modulation of endogenous metabolites, including dimethylglycine, l-2,4-diaminobutyric acid, uridine propionic acid and l-asparagine. These diverse metabolites may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and reparative properties. In addition, KEGG enrichment analysis indicated potential anti-GU effects of BOS through diverse pathways such as energy metabolism, immune metabolism and amino acid metabolism.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates BOS protective effects on GU in rats, potentially through modulating key metabolites and pathways, highlighting its therapeutic potential and warranting further investigation for clinical applications.

Exploring the potential mechanisms of polysaccharides against gastric ulcer: Network pharmacology analysis and molecular docking validation

Gastric ulcer is a common peptic ulcer that affects human health and life quality seriously. As anti‐gastric ulcer drugs usually cause side‐effects, polysaccharides may be the potential alternatives because of better effectiveness and less toxicity. Although the anti‐gastric ulcer activities of polysaccharides have been widely reported, the mechanisms have not yet been well‐disclosed. In this study, network pharmacology analysis was performed to explore the potential mechanisms of polysaccharides against gastric ulcer, and the results were validated by molecular docking. Results indicated that β‐glucan, arabinogalactan, xylan, and arabinan were the key structures, and ABL1, AKT1, androgen receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor, v‐Ha‐ras Harvey rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog, HSP90AA1, mitogen‐activated protein kinase 8 (MAPK8), MAPK14, NOS2, PIK3R1, RAC1, ras homolog gene family member A, and proto‐oncogene tyrosine‐protein kinase Src were the core targets for polysaccharides in treating gastric ulcer. Polysaccharides have influences on 1958 GO items and 199 KEGG pathways, and their anti‐gastric ulcer activities are related to MAPK, Ras, PI3K‐Akt, vascular endothelial growth factor, prolactin, FoxO and Rap1 signaling pathways, etc. Molecular docking validation showed that the results of network pharmacology analysis were credible, and interactions between polysaccharide structures and core targets were observed. This study contributes to understanding the mechanisms of polysaccharides in treating gastric ulcer and provides references for future activity screening and mechanism research in anti‐gastric ulcer.

The Potential Mechanisms of Catechins in Tea for Anti-Hypertension: An Integration of Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation

Catechins, a class of polyphenolic compounds found in tea, have attracted significant attention due to their numerous health benefits, particularly for the treatment and protection of hypertension. However, the potential targets and mechanisms of action of catechins in combating hypertension remain unclear. This study systematically investigates the anti-hypertensive mechanisms of tea catechins using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation techniques. The results indicate that 23 potential anti-hypertensive targets for eight catechin components were predicted through public databases. The analysis of protein-protein interaction (PPI) identified three key targets (MMP9, BCL2, and HIF1A). KEGG pathway and GO enrichment analyses revealed that these key targets play significant roles in regulating vascular smooth muscle contraction, promoting angiogenesis, and mediating vascular endothelial growth factor receptor signaling. The molecular docking results demonstrate that the key targets (MMP9, BCL2, and HIF1A) effectively bind with catechin components (CG, GCG, ECG, and EGCG) through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. Molecular dynamics simulations further confirmed the stability of the binding between catechins and the targets. This study systematically elucidates the potential mechanisms by which tea catechins treat anti-hypertension and provides a theoretical basis for the development and application of tea catechins as functional additives for the prevention of hypertension.

The therapeutic effect and targets of herba Sarcandrae on breast cancer and the construction of a prognostic signature consisting of inflammation-related genes

Background

The prevalence of breast cancer (BRCA), which is common among women, is on the rise. This study applied network pharmacology to explore the potential mechanism of action of herba sarcandrae in BRCA and construct a prognostic signature composed of inflammation-related genes.

Methods

The active ingredients of herba sarcandrae were screened using the SymMap, TCMID, and TCMSP platforms, and the molecular targets were determined in the UniProt database. The "drug-active compound-potential target" network was established with Cytoscape 3.7.2. The molecular targets were subjected to disease ontology, gene ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes (KEGG) analyses. AutoDock software was used for molecular docking. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to inflammation were obtained from the BRCA Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. In the training cohort, the univariate Cox regression model was applied to preliminarily screen prognostic genes. A multigene signature was built by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model, followed by validation through Kaplan‒Meier, Cox, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses.

Results

Forty-one active compounds were identified, and 265 therapeutic targets for herba sarcandrae were predicted. GO enrichment results revealed significant enrichment of biological processes, such as response to xenobiotic stimuli, response to nutrient levels, and response to lipopolysaccharide. KEGG analysis revealed significant enrichment of pathways such as AGE-RAGE and chemical carcinogenesis receptor activation signaling pathways. In addition, the herbs Marc-Andre and rutin were shown to mediate BRCA cell proliferation and apoptosis via the interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway. Sixteen inflammatory signatures, including BST2, GPR132, IL12B, IL18, IL1R1, IL2RB, IRF1, and others, were constructed, and the risk score was found to be a strong independent prognostic factor for overall survival in BRCA patients. The 16-inflammation signature was associated with several clinical features (age, clinical stage, T, and N classifications) and could reflect immune cell infiltration in tumor microenvironments with different immune cells.

Conclusions

Herba sarcandrae and rutin were shown to mediate BRCA cell proliferation and apoptosis via the IRF1/STAT3/PD-L1 pathway, and the 16-member inflammatory signature might be a novel biomarker for predicting BRCA patient prognosis, providing more accurate guidance for clinical treatment prognosis evaluation and having important reference value for individualized treatment selection.

Metabolomics analysis reveals the effects of Salvia Miltiorrhiza Bunge extract on ameliorating acute myocardial ischemia in rats induced by isoproterenol

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SM) is a widespread herbal therapy for myocardial ischemia (MI). Nevertheless, the therapeutic signaling networks of SM extract on MI is yet unknown. Emerging evidences suggested that alterations in cardiac metabolite influences host metabolism and accelerates MI progression. Herein, we employed an isoproterenol (ISO)-induced acute myocardial ischemia (AMI) rat model to confirm the pharmacological effects of SM extract (0.8, 0.9, 1.8 g/kg/day) via assessment of the histopathological alterations that occur within the heart tissue and associated cytokines; we also examined the underlying SM extract-mediated signaling networks using untargeted metabolomics. The results indicated that 25 compounds with a relative content higher than 1 % in SM aqueous extract were identified using LC-MS/MS analysis, which included salvianolic acid B, lithospermic acid, salvianolic acid A, and caffeic acid as main components. An in vivo experiment showed that pretreatment with SM extract attenuated ISO-induced myocardial injury, shown as decreased myocardial ischemic size, transformed electrocardiographic, histopathological, and serum biochemical aberrations, reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines, inhibited oxidative stress (OS), and reversed the trepidations of the cardiac tissue metabolic profiles. Metabolomics analysis shows that the levels of 24 differential metabolites (DMs) approached the same value as controls after SM extract therapy, which were primarily involved in histidine; alanine, aspartate, and glutamate; glycerophospholipid; and glycine, serine, and threonine metabolisms through metabolic pathway analysis. Correlation analysis demonstrated that the levels of modulatory effects of SM extract on the inflammation and OS were related to alterations in endogenous metabolites. Overall, SM extract demonstrated significant cardioprotective effects in an ISO-induced AMI rat model, alleviating myocardial injury, inflammation and oxidative stress, with metabolomics analysis indicating potential therapeutic pathways for myocardial ischemia.

Mechanism of Wuzhuyu decoction on alcohol-induced gastric ulcers using integrated network analysis and metabolomics

Background: Gastric ulcers (GUs) are prevalent digestive disorders worldwide. Wuzhuyu Decoction (WZYT) is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been employed for centuries to alleviate digestive ailments like indigestion and vomiting. This study aims to explore the potential effects and underlying mechanisms of WZYT on alcohol induced gastric ulcer treatment. Methods: We employed macroscopic assessment to evaluate the gastric ulcer index (UI), while the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was utilized for detecting biochemical indicators. Pathological tissue analysis involved hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining and Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) staining to assess gastric tissue damage. Additionally, the integration of network analysis and metabolomics facilitated the prediction of potential targets. Validation was conducted using Western blotting. Results: The research revealed that WZYT treatment significantly reduced the gastric ulcer index (UI) and regulation of alcohol-induced biochemical indicators levels. Additionally, improvements were observed in pathological tissue. Network analysis results indicated that 62 compounds contained in WZYT modulate alcohol-induced gastric ulcers by regulating 183 genes. The serum metabolomics indicated significant changes in the content of 19 metabolites after WZYT treatment. Two pivotal targets, heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1) and albumin (ALB), are believed to assume a significant role in the treatment of gastric ulcers by the construction of "compounds-target-metabolite" networks. Western blot analysis confirmed that WZYT has the capacity to elevate the expression of HMOX1 and ALB targets. Conclusion: The integration of network analysis and metabolomics provides a scientific basis to propel the clinical use of WZYT for GUs. Our study provides a theoretical basis for the use of Wuzhuyu decoction in the treatment of gastric ulcers.

A comprehensive review on the chemical constituents, sesquiterpenoid biosynthesis and biological activities of Sarcandra glabra

Sarcandra glabra (Thunb.) Nakai is a perennial evergreen herb categorised within the Sarcandra Gardner genus under the Chloranthaceae family. Indigenous to tropical and subtropical regions of East Asia and India, this species is extensively distributed across China, particularly in the southern regions (Sichuan, Yunnan, and Jiangxi). In addition to its high ornamental value, S. glabra has a rich history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, evident through its empirical prescriptions for various ailments like pneumonia, dysentery, fractures, bruises, numbness, amenorrhea, rheumatism, and other diseases. Besides, modern pharmacological studies have revealed various biological activities, such as antitumour, anti-bacterial, anti-viral anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. The diverse chemical constituents of S. glabra have fascinated natural product researchers since the 1900s. To date, over 400 compounds including terpenoids, coumarins, lignans, flavonoids, sterols, anthraquinones, organic acids, and organic esters have been isolated and characterised, some featuring unprecedented structures. This review comprehensively examines the current understanding of S. glabra's phytochemistry and pharmacology, with emphasis on the chemistry and biosynthesis of its unique chemotaxonomic marker, the lindenane-type sesquiterpenoids.

Effects of different levels of Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus by-products fermented feed on growth performance, serum biochemical, and intestinal health of cyan-shank partridge birds

This research aimed to investigate the effects of supplements containing fermented feed made from Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus by-products (CSFBP-Fermented feed) on the growth performance, immunological function, and gut health of broilers. 1080 cyan-shank partridge birds aged 47 days were chosen and casually distributed to four groups, each with 6 replicates and 45 birds per replicate. The experimental groups were provided with 1% (group T2), 3% (group T3) and 5% (group T4) of CSFBP-fermented feed in the basic diet, while the control group (group T1) received the basic diet. The findings revealed that supplementation with CSFBP-Fermented feed reduced ADFI and FCR and improved ADG in birds (P < 0.05). MDA levels in the serum of birds fed CSFBP-fermented feed were lower than in the control group (P < 0.05). The CAT activity in the serum of broilers increased after supplementation with 3% CSFBP-Fermented feed (P < 0.05). Supplementing broilers with CSFBP-fermented feed enhanced VH in the ileum, jejunum, and duodenum (P < 0.05). The addition of 3% CSFBP-Fermented feed decreased CD in the jejunum (P < 0.05). The addition of 3% and 5% CSFBP-Fermented feed increased the mRNA expression of ZO-1 and Occludin in the jejunum of broiler chickens and reduced the mRNA expression of IL-6 (P < 0.05). The addition of 3% CSFBP-Fermented feed increased the mRNA expression of Claudin in the jejunum of broiler chickens and reduced IL-1β mRNA expression (P < 0.05). Compared to the control group, all experimental groups exhibited decreased mRNA expression of TNF-α and INF-γ in the jejunal mucosa of the birds (P < 0.05). According to research using high-throughput sequencing of microorganisms' 16S rDNA, and an analysis of α-diversity found that supplementing broilers with 3% CSFBP-Fermented feed decreased the number of bacteria in their cecum (P < 0.05). Bacteroidota was higher in all groups after supplementation with CSFBP-Fermented feed. At the genus level, after addition with 3% CSFBP-Fermented feed, the abundance of Bacteroide and Prevotellaceae_Ga6A1_group were higher than the control group (33.36% vs 29.95%, 4.35% vs 2.94%). The abundance of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and Fusobacterium were lower than the control group (5.52% vs. 7.17%,0.38% vs. 1.33%). In summary, supplementing the diet with CSFBP-Fermented feed can promote the growth of performance by enhancing intestinal morphology, and barrier function, as well as modulating intestinal inflammatory factors and microbial composition in broilers.

Use of fermented Chinese medicine residues as a feed additive and effects on growth performance, meat quality, and intestinal health of broilers

Introduction

The purpose of this research was to investigate how dietary supplementation with fermented herbal residues (FCMR) affected birds' development capacity, quality of meat, gut barrier, and cecum microbiota.

Methods

540 cyan-shank partridge birds aged 47 days were chosen and divided into two groups of six replicates each and 45 birds for each replicate. The control group (CON) received a basal diet, while the trial group decreased a basic diet containing 5% FCMR.

Results and discussion

The findings revealed that the addition of FCMR decreased FCR and increased ADG in broilers (P < 0.05). Adding FCMR increased steaming loss in broiler chicken breasts (p < 0.05). Supplementation with FCMR significantly enhanced VH/CD and VH in the bird's intestine (jejunum, duodenum, and ileum) (p < 0.05). In addition, the addition of FCMR significantly down-regulated mRNA expression of INF-γ, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α and up-regulated mRNA expression of ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin (P < 0.05). Microbial 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing study revealed that supplements with FCMR modified the cecum microbiota, and α-diversity analysis showed that supplementation with FCMR reduced the cecum bacterial abundance in broilers (P < 0.05). At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Spirochaetota increased considerably following FCMR supplementation (P < 0.05). The broiler cecum's close lot of Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 (P < 0.05), Desulfovibrio, Muribaculaceae, and Fusobacterium (p < 0.05) reduced when FCMR was supplemented. Supplementation with FCMR can promote growth capacity and maintain intestinal health in birds by enhancing gut barrier function and modulating the inflammatory response and microbial composition.

Glucagon-like peptide-2 protects the gastric mucosa via regulating blood flow and metabolites

INTRODUCTION

Refractory peptic ulcers lead to perforation and hemorrhage, which are fatal. However, these remain a therapeutic challenge. Gastric mucosal blood flow is crucial in maintaining gastric mucosal health. It's reported that Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2), a gastrointestinal hormone, stimulated intestinal blood flow. However, the direct role of GLP-2 in gastric mucosal blood flow and metabolites remain unclear. Here, we speculated that GLP-2 might protect the gastric mucosa by increasing gastric mucosal blood flow and regulating metabolites. This study was conducted to evaluate the role of GLP-2 in gastric mucosal lesions and its underlying mechanism.

METHODS

We analyzed endogenous GLP-2 during gastric mucosal injury in the serum. Rats were randomly divided into two groups, with 36 rats in each group as follows: (1) normal control group (NC1); (2) ethanol model group (EC1); rats in EC1 and NC1 groups were intragastrically administered ethanol (1 ml/200 g body weight) and distilled water (1 ml/200 g body weight). The serum was collected 10 min before intragastric administration and 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after intragastric administration. Furthermore, additional male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups, with six rats in each group as follows: (1) normal control group (NC); (2) ethanol model group (EC); (3) 10 μg/200 g body weight GLP-2 group (GLP-2). Rats in the NC and EC groups were intraperitoneally injected with saline. Those in the GLP-2 group were intraperitoneally injected with GLP-2. Thirty minutes later, rats in the EC and GLP-2 groups were intragastrically administered ethanol (1 ml/200 g body weight), and rats in the NC group were intragastrically administered distilled water (1 ml/200 g body weight). After the intragastric administration of ethanol for 1 h, the animals were anesthetized and gastric mucosal blood flow was measured. Serum were collected for ultra performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) metabolomics.

RESULTS

There were no significant change in endogenous GLP-2 during gastric mucosal injury (P<0.05). Pretreatment with GLP-2 significantly reduced ethanol-induced gastric mucosal lesions by improving the gastric mucosal blood flow, as examined using a laser Doppler flow meter, Guth Scale, hematoxylin-eosin staining, and two-photon microscopy. UPLC-MS/MS analyses showed that GLP-2 also maintained a steady state of linoleic acid metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, GLP-2 protects the gastric mucosa against ethanol-induced lesions by improving gastric mucosa blood flow and affecting linoleic acid metabolism.