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Yao X, Zhang R, Wang X. The gut-joint axis: Genetic evidence for a causal association between gut microbiota and seropositive rheumatoid arthritis and seronegative rheumatoid arthritis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37049. [PMID: 38394529 PMCID: PMC11309692 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the causal relationship between GM and RA (seropositive RA and seronegative RA). A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed to assess the causality of GM on seropositive RA and seronegative RA. GM's genome-wide association study (GWAS) was used as the exposure, whereas the GWAS datasets of seropositive RA and seronegative RA were the outcomes. The primary analysis approach was used as inverse-variance weighted (IVW), followed by 3 additional MR methods (MR-Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode). Cochran's Q test was used to identify heterogeneity. The MR-Egger intercept test and leave-one-out analyses were used to assess horizontal pleiotropy. All statistical analyses were performed in R software. We discovered that Alloprevotella (IVW OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.71-0.99, P = .04) and Christensenellaceae R 7 group (IVW OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.52-0.99, P = .04) were negatively correlated with seropositive RA, Ruminococcaceae UCG002 (IVW OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.10-1.54, P = .002) was positively associated with seropositive RA. Actinomyces (IVW OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.54-0.99, P = .04), Christensenellaceae R 7 group (IVW OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.39-0.97, P = .04), Terrisporobacter (IVW OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.44-0.93, P = .02), Lactobacillales (IVW OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.47-0.90, P = .01) were negatively correlated with seronegative RA. The present MR analysis showed a protective effect of Alloprevotella and Christensenellaceae R 7 group and a potentially anti-protective effect of Ruminococcaceae UCG002 on seropositive RA; and a protective effect of Actinomyces, Christensenellaceae R 7 group, Terrisporobacter, and Lactobacillales on seronegative RA. Further experimental studies and randomized controlled trials are needed to validate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Yao
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Runrun Zhang
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinchang Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
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2
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Wang D, Zheng Z, Yu H, Dou D, Gao Y, Xu S, Li Z, Sun L, Qiu X, Zhong X. Impact of humid climate on rheumatoid arthritis faecal microbiome and metabolites. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16846. [PMID: 37803075 PMCID: PMC10558475 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43964-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies have shown that high humidity is a condition that aggravates the pain of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the relevant mechanism is controversial. Currently, there is a lack of experimental animal studies on high humidity as an adverse factor related to the pathogenesis of RA. We used healthy SD rats and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats to investigate the effects of high humidity on arthritis. Integrated metabolomics analyses of faeces and 16S rRNA sequencing of the faecal microbiota were performed to comprehensively assess the diversity of the faecal microbiota and metabolites in healthy and CIA rats. In this study, high humidity aggravated arthritis in CIA rats, which manifested as articular cartilage lesions, increased arthritis scores, and an increase in proinflammatory cytokines. High humidity had a certain effect on the articular cartilage extent, arthritis score and proinflammatory cytokines of healthy rats as well. Furthermore, high humidity caused significant changes in faecal microbes and metabolites in both healthy and CIA rats. 16S rRNA sequencing of faecal samples showed that high humidity increased the amount of inflammation-related bacteria in healthy and CIA rats. Faecal metabolomics results showed that high humidity significantly altered the level of faecal metabolites in healthy rats and CIA rats, and the changes in biological functions were mainly related to the inflammatory response and oxidative stress. Combined analysis showed that there was a strong correlation between the faecal microbiota and faecal metabolites. High humidity is an adverse factor for the onset and development of RA, and its mechanism is related to the inflammatory response and oxidative stress. However, the question of how high humidity impacts RA pathogenesis needs to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingnan Wang
- Institute of Synopsis of Golden Chamber Department, School of Chinese Medicine College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhili Zheng
- Institute of Synopsis of Golden Chamber Department, School of Chinese Medicine College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Han Yu
- Formulas of Chinese Medicine, Basic Medical College of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Dou Dou
- Institute of Synopsis of Golden Chamber Department, School of Chinese Medicine College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Yining Gao
- Institute of Synopsis of Golden Chamber Department, School of Chinese Medicine College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang Xu
- Institute of Synopsis of Golden Chamber Department, School of Chinese Medicine College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiming Li
- Institute of Synopsis of Golden Chamber Department, School of Chinese Medicine College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Lili Sun
- Institute of Synopsis of Golden Chamber Department, School of Chinese Medicine College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Xudong Qiu
- Institute of Synopsis of Golden Chamber Department, School of Chinese Medicine College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianggen Zhong
- Institute of Synopsis of Golden Chamber Department, School of Chinese Medicine College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.
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3
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Cong S, Wang L, Meng Y, Cai X, Zhang C, Gu Y, Ma X, Luo L. Saussurea involucrata
oral liquid regulates gut microbiota and serum metabolism during alleviation of collagen‐induced arthritis in rats. Phytother Res 2022; 37:1242-1259. [PMID: 36451529 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Saussurea involucrata oral liquid (SIOL) can clinically relieve symptoms, such as joint pain and swelling, and morning stiffness, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the mechanism of action remains unclear. This study used a combination of gut microbiota and serum metabolomics analysis to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of SIOL intervention on rats with RA induced by type II bovine collagen and Freund's complete adjuvant. Results showed that SIOL treatment consequently improved the degree of ankle joint swelling, joint histopathological changes, joint pathological score, and expression of serum-related inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α) in RA model rats. 16 S rRNA sequencing results showed that SIOL increased the relative richness of the Lactobacillus and Bacteroides genus and decreased the relative richness of Romboutsia, Alloprevotella, Blautia, and Helicobacter genus. Serum nontargeted metabolomic results indicated that SIOL could regulate metabolites related to metabolic pathways, such as glycine, serine, threonine, galactose, cysteine, and methionine metabolism. Spearman correlation analysis showed that the regulatory effects of SIOL on the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, phenylalanine metabolism, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis, and glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism pathways were correlated with changes in the richness of the Lactobacillus, Romboutsia, Bacteroides, and Alloprevotella genus in the gut microbiome. In conclusion, this study revealed the ameliorative effects of SIOL on RA and suggested that the therapeutic effects of SIOL on RA may be related to the regulation of the community richness of the Lactobacillus, Romboutsia, Bacteroides, and Alloprevotella genus, thereby improving the TCA cycle; phenylalanine metabolism; phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis, and glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism-related pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Cong
- First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University Xinjiang China
| | - Lingrui Wang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University Xinjiang China
| | - Yan Meng
- First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University Xinjiang China
| | - Xuanlin Cai
- First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University Xinjiang China
| | - Chenxi Zhang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University Xinjiang China
| | - Yanqin Gu
- First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University Xinjiang China
| | - Xiumin Ma
- Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University Xinjiang China
| | - Li Luo
- First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University Xinjiang China
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4
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Yu L, Li S, Pu L, Yang C, Shi Q, Zhao Q, Meniga S, Liu Y, Zhang Y, Lai X. Traditional Tibetan medicine: therapeutic potential in rheumatoid arthritis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:938915. [PMID: 36267280 PMCID: PMC9576941 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.938915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a severe inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by the failed spontaneous resolution of inflammation. The induction of immune regulation and resolution of inflammatory pathways are effective in alleviating inflammation in RA. As the oldest medical system in the world, traditional Tibetan medicine (TTM) has a long history of preventing and treating RA. This review provides a comprehensive overview of medicinal plants with anti-RA activity in the TTM system, using classic books of Tibetan medicine, modern research literature, and drug standards. A total of 27 species have been found to be effective in treating RA, including Tinospora sinensis (Lour.) Merr., Terminalia chehula Retz., P. hookeri (C. B. Clarke) Hock.), and Aconitum pendulum Busch. Alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, and terpenoids have turned out to be the major bioactive components for RA treatment. The inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression by mediating the NF-κB, MAPK, and JAK/STAT pathways is the core mechanism in RA treatment. In conclusion, this review provides key information and research perspectives for further research on the anti-RA effects of TTM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqiong Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Shiling Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Lili Pu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunhong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qian Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Shengbu Meniga
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Ethnic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yue Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Ethnic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Yue Liu, ; Yi Zhang, ; Xianrong Lai,
| | - Yi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Ethnic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Yue Liu, ; Yi Zhang, ; Xianrong Lai,
| | - Xianrong Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Ethnic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Yue Liu, ; Yi Zhang, ; Xianrong Lai,
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5
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Niu S, Zhu X, Zhang J, Ma Y, Lang X, Luo L, Li W, Zhao Y, Zhang Z. Arsenic trioxide modulates the composition and metabolic function of the gut microbiota in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 111:109159. [PMID: 35987143 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109159] [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: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The mechanism of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been widely investigated, and studies on the use of arsenic trioxide (ATO) in the treatment of RA have been reported in recent years. However, the exact mechanism of action of ATO in RA remains unclear. This study explores alterations in the gut microbiota and metabolism during ATO treatment in a mouse model of RA and provides an integrative analysis of the biomechanism. The purpose of this study was to verify whether ATO can alleviate RA by altering the gut microbiota. In this study, the mice were randomly divided into four different groups: the normal control (NC) group, the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) group, the ATO 1.0 mg/kg/day group, and the ATO 2.0 mg/kg/day group. Fecal samples were collected. Through 16S rDNA gene sequencing and metabolomic analysis, the effect of ATO on the composition and metabolites of gut microbiota in CIA mice was investigated. The results showed that compared with NC mice, CIA mice showed differences at both the phylum level (Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes) and the genus level (Muribaculaceae_unclassified and Alistipes). Meanwhile, many metabolites were significantly changed between the two groups, including benzoic acid and (s)-2-acetolactate. However, these alterations were partially reversed in ATO-treated CIA mice. These results indicated that ATO treatment modulated gut microbiota disorder and improved fecal metabolite abnormalities. In conclusion, this study provided important evidence for alterations of the gut microbiota and metabolites and the role of these alterations in a potential novel mechanism of ATO treatment in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Niu
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 23 Youzheng St., Nangang District, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoying Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 23 Youzheng St., Nangang District, Harbin, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 23 Youzheng St., Nangang District, Harbin, China
| | - Yeye Ma
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 23 Youzheng St., Nangang District, Harbin, China
| | - Xueying Lang
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 23 Youzheng St., Nangang District, Harbin, China
| | - Lili Luo
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 23 Youzheng St., Nangang District, Harbin, China
| | - Wenjing Li
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 23 Youzheng St., Nangang District, Harbin, China
| | - Yanping Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 23 Youzheng St., Nangang District, Harbin, China
| | - Zhiyi Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 23 Youzheng St., Nangang District, Harbin, China.
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6
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Zhao Z, Liu Y, Lu Y, Hou M, Shen X, Yang H, Shi Q, Zhang Y, He F, Zhu X. Gingko biloba-inspired lactone prevents osteoarthritis by activating the AMPK-SIRT1 signaling pathway. Arthritis Res Ther 2022; 24:197. [PMID: 35982488 PMCID: PMC9387049 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-022-02890-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uncoupled extracellular matrix (ECM) causes cartilage degeneration and osteoarthritis (OA) by suppressing the synthesis and activating the degradation of ECM components. Gingko biloba is a natural Chinese herb with a variety of biological functions; however, the extent to which it can protect against OA and the mechanisms involved are unknown. METHODS In our study, using bioinformatics tools, we were able to identify an important lactone, bilobalide (BB), from Gingko biloba. In vitro experiments were performed to evaluate the potential therapeutic effects of BB on ECM homeostasis. In vivo experiments were conducted to assess the protection of systemic administration of BB on cartilage degeneration. Molecular mechanisms underlying BB-regulated anti-arthritic role were further explored. RESULTS In interleukin-1β-incubated human chondrocytes, in vitro treatment with BB increased the expression of cartilage anabolic proteins, while inhibiting the activities of ECM degrading enzymes. In a mice model, systemic administration of BB, in vivo, prevented post-traumatic cartilage erosion and attenuated the formation of abnormal osteophytes in the subchondral bone. Mechanistically, the activation of the adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) signaling pathway was involved in the anti-arthritic effects of BB. In vitro, blocking BB's chondroprotection with the AMPK-specific inhibitor Compound C abrogated it. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrated that BB extracted from Gingko biloba regulates ECM balance to prevent OA by activating the AMPK-SIRT1 signaling pathway. This study proposed the monomer BB, a traditional Chinese medicine, as a de novo therapeutic insight for OA. Schematic representation of the experimental design. Based on the bioinformatic analysis, bilobalide (BB), a natural herb Gingko biloba-derived ingredient, was identified as a candidate for treating osteoarthritis. In vitro, BB treatment not only facilitates cartilage extracellular matrix synthesis but also inhibits proteolytic enzyme activities. In vivo intraperitoneal injection of BB improves cartilage degeneration and subchondral bone sclerosis. BB, in particular, had anti-arthritic effects by activating the AMPK-SIRT1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijian Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China.,Orthopaedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215007, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China.,Orthopaedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215007, China
| | - Yingjie Lu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China.,Orthopaedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215007, China
| | - Mingzhuang Hou
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China.,Orthopaedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215007, China
| | - Xu Shen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Suzhou Dushu Lake Hospital, Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Huilin Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China.,Orthopaedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215007, China
| | - Qin Shi
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China.,Orthopaedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215007, China
| | - Yijian Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China. .,Orthopaedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215007, China.
| | - Fan He
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China. .,Orthopaedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215007, China.
| | - Xuesong Zhu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China. .,Orthopaedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215007, China.
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7
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Luo X, Zhang B, Pan Y, Gu J, Tan R, Gong P. Phyllanthus emblica aqueous extract retards hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in NAFLD mice in association with the reshaping of intestinal microecology. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:893561. [PMID: 35959433 PMCID: PMC9360598 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.893561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that dysregulation of the intestinal flora potentially contributes to the occurrence and development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Phyllanthus emblica (PE), an edible and medicinal natural resource, exerts excellent effects on ameliorating NAFLD, but the potential mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, a mouse NAFLD model was established by administering a choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD). The protective effects of the aqueous extract of PE (AEPE) on the gut microbiota and fecal metabolites in NAFLD mice were detected by performing 16S rRNA gene sequencing and untargeted metabolomics. The administration of middle- and high-dose AEPE decreased the levels of ALT, AST, LDL-C, TG, and Hyp and increased HDL-C levels in CDAHFD-fed mice. Hematoxylin–eosin (H&E), Oil Red O, and Masson’s trichrome staining indicated that AEPE treatment attenuated hepatic steatosis and fibrotic lesions. Moreover, the disordered intestinal microflora was remodeled by AEPE, including decreases in the abundance of Peptostreptococcaceae, Faecalibaculum, and Romboutsia. The untargeted metabolomics analysis showed that AEPE restored the disturbed glutathione metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, and primary bile acid biosynthesis of the gut bacterial community in NAFLD mice, which strongly correlated with hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. Collectively, AEPE potentially ameliorates NAFLD induced by a CDAHFD through a mechanism associated with its modulatory effects on the gut microbiota and microbial metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Luo
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Boyu Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yehua Pan
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jian Gu
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rui Tan
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Puyang Gong
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Puyang Gong,
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8
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He Q, Tan X, Geng S, Du Q, Pei Z, Zhang Y, Wang S, Zhang Y. Network analysis combined with pharmacological evaluation strategy to reveal the mechanism of Tibetan medicine Wuwei Shexiang pills in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:941013. [PMID: 35924046 PMCID: PMC9340267 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.941013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tibetan medicine is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine and a significant representative of ethnic medicine in China. Tibetan medicine is gradually recognized by the world for its unique curative effects. Wuwei Shexiang pills (WPW) has been widely used to treat “Zhenbu” disease (Also known as rheumatoid arthritis) in Tibetan medicine, however, its potential bioactive ingredients and mechanism for RA treatment remain unclear. In this study, we used a combination of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-fight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS), network analysis and experimental validation to elucidate the potential pharmacodynamic substances and mechanisms of WPW in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The results showed that songoramine, cheilanthifoline, saussureanine C, acoric acid, arjunolic acid, peraksine, ellagic acid, arjungenin and other 11 components may be the main activities of WPW in the treatment of RA. PIK3CA, AKT, MAPK, IL-6, TNF, MMP1, MMP3, and CDK1 are considered as core targets. PI3K-AKT, MAPK, apoptosis, cell cycle, and other signaling pathways may be the key pathways for WPW to play a role in the treatment of RA. Furthermore, we validated the underlying molecular mechanism of WPW predicted by network analysis and demonstrated its possible mechanism through in vivo animal experiments. It was found that WPW could significantly improve the degree of paw swelling, and reduce ankle joint diameter and arthritis index. Further histomorphological analysis showed that WPW could reduce the degree of synovial tissue inflammation and ankle joint cartilage damage. Meanwhile, WPW could down-regulate the levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-17, and increase the levels of IL-10 and IL-4 in the serum of AA rats. TUNEL staining confirmed that WPW could significantly promote the apoptosis of synovial cells. Moreover, the immunohistochemical results showed that WPW decreased the expression of PI3K, AKT, MAPK, MMP1, MMP3, CDK1, and Bcl-2, as well as increased the expression of Bax protein. In conclusion, we successfully combined GC-MS, UPLC-Q-TOF/MS, network analysis, and experimental validation strategies to elucidate the inhibition of inflammation by WPW in AA model rats via PI3K/AKT, MAPK, cell cycle and apoptotic pathways process. This not only provides new evidence for the study of potential pharmacodynamic substances and the mechanism of WPW in the treatment of RA, but also provides ideas for the study of other Tibetan medicine compound preparations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxiu He
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Ethnic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoyan Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Sang Geng
- Affiliated Hospital of University of Tibetan Medicine, University of Tibetan Medicine, Lasa, China
| | - Qinyun Du
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhaoqing Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yingrui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Ethnic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Shaohui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Ethnic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Yi Zhang, ; Shaohui Wang,
| | - Yi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Ethnic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Yi Zhang, ; Shaohui Wang,
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