1
|
Shen P, Deng X, Li T, Chen X, Wu X. Demethylzeylasteral protects against renal interstitial fibrosis by attenuating mitochondrial complex I-mediated oxidative stress. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 327:117986. [PMID: 38437887 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117986] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is a main pathological process in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Demethylzeylasteral (DML), a major component of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f., has anti-renal fibrosis effects. However, its mechanism of action remains incompletely understood. AIM OF THE STUDY The present study was designed to comprehensively examine the effects of DML on RIF and the underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pathological experiments were performed to determine the therapeutic effect of DML on a mouse model of UUO-induced RIF. To determine the novel mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of DML against RIF, a comprehensive transcriptomics analysis was performed on renal tissues, which was further verified by a series of experiments. RESULTS Pathological and immunohistochemical staining showed that DML inhibited UUO-induced renal damage and reduced the expression of fibrosis-related proteins in mice. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the partial subunits of mitochondrial complex (MC) I and II may be targets by which DML protects against RIF. Furthermore, DML treatment reduced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, consequently promoting ATP production and mitigating oxidative stress-induced injury in mice and cells. Notably, this protective effect was attributed to the inhibition of MC I activity, suggesting a crucial role for this specific complex in mediating the therapeutic effects of DML against RIF. CONCLUSIONS This study provides compelling evidence that DML may be used to treat RIF by effectively suppressing mitochondrial oxidative stress injury mediated by MC I. These findings offer valuable insights into the pharmacological mechanisms of DML and its potential clinical application for patients with CKD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pan Shen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, China.
| | - Xuan Deng
- Department of Nephrology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, China.
| | - Tingting Li
- Department of Integrated Chinese Traditional and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China
| | - Xiaoqi Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, China.
| | - Xiaoyan Wu
- Department of Nephrology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yang S, Wang M, Li Z, Luan X, Yu Y, Jiang J, Li Y, Xie Y, Wang L. Tripterygium wilfordii Hook.f induced kidney injury through mediating inflammation via PI3K-Akt/HIF-1/TNF signaling pathway: A study of network toxicology and molecular docking. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e36968. [PMID: 38335377 PMCID: PMC10860970 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036968] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
We intend to explore potential mechanisms of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook.f (TwHF) induced kidney injury (KI) using the methods of network toxicology and molecular docking. We determined TwHF potential compounds with its targets and KI targets, obtained the TwHF induced KI targets after intersecting targets of TwHF and KI. Then we conducted protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, gene expression analysis, gene ontology (GO) function and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis to explore the mechanism of TwHF-induced KI. Finally we conducted molecular docking to verify the core toxic compounds and the targets. We obtained 12 TwHF toxic compounds and 62 TwHF-induced KI targets. PPI network, gene expression analysis and GO function enrichment analysis unveiled the key biological process and suggested the mechanism of TwHF-induced KI might be associated with inflammation, immune response, hypoxia as well as oxidative stress. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway and TNF signaling pathway were key signaling pathways of TwHF induced KI. Molecular docking showed that the binding energy of core targets and toxic compounds was all less than -6.5 kcal/mol that verified the screening ability of network pharmacology and provided evidence for modifying TwHF toxic compounds structure. Through the study, we unveiled the mechanism of TwHF induce KI that TwHF might activate PI3K-Akt signaling pathway as well as TNF signaling pathway to progress renal inflammation, mediate hypoxia via HIF-1 signaling pathway to accelerate inflammatory processes, and also provided a theoretical basis for modifying TwHF toxic compounds structure as well as supported the follow-up research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Yang
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mengmeng Wang
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongming Li
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications (BUPT), Beijing, China
| | - Xiangjia Luan
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanan Yu
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Junjie Jiang
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanming Xie
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lianxin Wang
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhou L, Yang Y, Fu X, Xia B, Li C, Lu C, Qi Y, Zhang H, Liu T. The protective effect and molecular mechanism of glycyrrhizic acid glycosides against Tripterygium glycosides induced nephrotoxicity based on the RhoA/ROCK1 signalling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117100. [PMID: 37648177 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117100] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Tripterygium glycosides (TG), which are extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine, Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F. (TwHF), has promising applications in the treatment of renal diseases; however, since its active components exerts bidirectional kidney toxicity, its clinical application is severely restricted. AIM OF THE STUDY Recent investigations have demonstrated definite toxicity-reducing effects from glycyrrhizic acid glycosides (GA) when combined with TG; however, the mechanism remains unclear. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the specific molecular mechanism by which GA alleviates TG-induced renal toxicity from the perspective of tight junctions. MATERIALS AND METHODS Dynamic analyses, which investigated the changes in kidney toxicity biomarkers for different combinations and concentrations of TG and GA, were conducted for three weeks on SD rats and renal tissue structural changes were examined after three weeks of administration. Additionally, the transcription and translation levels of the relevant tight junctions and RhoA/ROCK1/MLC signalling proteins were analysed in HK-2 cells. RESULTS Our study showed that TG can cause transient tubulotoxicity at certain doses, and that the combined application of GA and TG can repair tight junction structures by regulating the key factors in the RhoA/ROCK1/MLC signalling pathway, thus reducing TG-induced nephrotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS Overall, this study provides a new strategy to reduce TG-induced toxicity by protecting renal tight junctions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liu Zhou
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Yifei Yang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Xiaotong Fu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Bing Xia
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Chun Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Chenna Lu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Ying Qi
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Haijing Zhang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Ting Liu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing, 100700, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ding Y, Zhao D, Wang T, Xu Z, Fu Y, Tao L. Medicinal patterns of vines used in Chinese herbal medicine: a quantitative study. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117184. [PMID: 37827301 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117184] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The botanical characteristics of twinning, climbing vine plants conceptually take shape to interlink the meridians and collaterals system throughout the human body by expelling climatic evils (e.g., wind, dampness). Thus, vines have displayed great medicinal properties in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). AIM OF THE STUDY Although some popular vine species have been intensively investigated, the comparable features and medicinal specifications among a vast collection of taxonomic groups based on data visualization methods are relatively lacking in attention. Moreover, the translatability of vines from ancient ethnomedical evidence to modern medical system has not been well established. This review tends to quantitatively summarize the strength of vines in healthcare from the perspectives of medicinal part, traditional function, clinical spectrum, phytochemistry divergence, pharmacological attributes, toxicity as well as the progress of proprietary drug development. MATERIALS AND METHODS Medicinal vines were retrieved from databases of drug standards and curated catalogues. Synonyms of plant origin across different datasets were normalized by accepted scientific names in the World Flora Online. The distribution patterns and rank of plant origin, medicinal parts, traditional functions and target conditions, as well as the correlation between phytochemical composition and clinical applications were analyzed and visualized. RESULTS A total of 121 crude drugs from 36 families, 77 genera, 133 species of vines were obtained and analyzed. The Fabaceae, Menispermaceae and Rubiaceae were the highest ranked families of medicinal vines. Not surprisingly, stem was the most dominant medical part. Moreover, "eliminate wind" displayed a hub node in the traditional function co-occurrence network. In addition to joint impediment disorders, these vines particularly displayed a wide range of therapeutic modalities toward conditions from various organ systems. Chemotaxonomic properties-oriented phytochemical analysis was performed and the chemical diversity among medicinal vines complementarily determined a certain group of therapeutic domains. Particularly, the anti-inflammatory effect and antiarthritic effect were highlighted for treating rheumatic diseases. Using integral animal models and cultured cells, modern pharmacological actions of medicinal vines have been largely observed and validated according to their traditional ethnopharmacology. Furthermore, a small proportion of vine species are well-known toxic plants. Successful drug development pipelines in rheumatic, cardiovascular, liver, malignant and infectious diseases have offered the capacity to generate new treatment options that are being sought out from vine plants. CONCLUSIONS Medicinal vines are rich sources of Chinese Material Medica (CMM) and good fit for a variety of clinical manifestations beyond arthritis and rheumatic diseases. In addition to stem, other parts are also popular for both medicines and dietary supplements. Vine plants provide extensive biologically relevant chemical space for developing value-creating drugs. Thus, our analysis can be useful for further motivating and strengthening the preclinical and clinical research of vine-derived remedies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanlin Ding
- College of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China; The State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Toxic Pathogens-Based Therapeutic Approaches of Gastric Cancer, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China
| | - Dingping Zhao
- College of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China; The State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Toxic Pathogens-Based Therapeutic Approaches of Gastric Cancer, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China
| | - Tingye Wang
- College of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China; The State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Toxic Pathogens-Based Therapeutic Approaches of Gastric Cancer, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China
| | - Zhenyu Xu
- College of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China; The State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Toxic Pathogens-Based Therapeutic Approaches of Gastric Cancer, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China
| | - Yuxuan Fu
- College of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China; The State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Toxic Pathogens-Based Therapeutic Approaches of Gastric Cancer, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China
| | - Li Tao
- College of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China; The State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Toxic Pathogens-Based Therapeutic Approaches of Gastric Cancer, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chen Y, Liu Z, Yu Q, Qu X, Liu H. Integrating network pharmacology and experimental verification to explore the mechanism of Tripterygium wilfordii in ankylosing spondylitis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e36580. [PMID: 38115356 PMCID: PMC10727665 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036580] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to validate the mechanism of triptolide in treating ankylosing spondylitis (AS) through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro experiments. METHODS We gathered AS-related genes using databases including DrugBank, OMIM, GeneCards, TTD and DisGeNET. TCMSP database was used to collect Tripterygium wilfordii (TWHF)-related data. Additionally, the potential targets of TWHF in treating AS were predicted by consulting databases such as Venny, String, Cytoscape, and Cytohubba. Subsequently, a protein-protein interaction network was created and the gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis were performed by metascape database. After selecting the most active ingredient of TWHF, molecular docking was performed to confirm the predicted results. Furthermore, we explore the potential mechanism of the most active ingredient of TWHF in the treatment of AS in vitro. RESULT By integrating the results of network pharmacological analysis, 62 genes were found to be strongly associated with AS, such as STAT3, TNF, MMP9, VEGFA, CXCL8, PTGS2, etc. Triptolide (TP) is one of the most active ingredients in TWHF. The enrichment analysis indicated that 292 biological processes and 132 signaling pathways were involved, with the T helper 17 cells cell differentiation pathway as the key pathway. TP was selected for molecular docking and in vitro experiments. The molecular docking results indicated that TP had excellent affinity with 6 key targets. Further, flow cytometry, cell counting assay, and ELISA demonstrated that the serum level of IL-17 was higher in AS patients compared to XXX, and 25 μg/mL TP was the optimal intervention concentration. RT-qPCR and Western blotting further verified that TP could inhibit the activation of RORγt and the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. CONCLUSION In conclusion, based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental verification in vitro, we proposed that the TP can inhibit the activation of RORγt and the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and inhibit the differentiation of T helper 17 cells cells. The article provide a theoretical basis for further development and utilization of TWHF in AS management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuening Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoyi Liu
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Qing Yu
- Department of Rheumatology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinning Qu
- Department of Rheumatology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongxiao Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tong X, Wang Y, Dong B, Li Y, Lang S, Ma J, Ma X. Effects of genus Epimedium in the treatment of osteoarthritis and relevant signaling pathways. Chin Med 2023; 18:92. [PMID: 37525296 PMCID: PMC10388486 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-023-00788-8] [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: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic degenerative joint disease in clinical practice with a high prevalence, especially in the elderly. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that OA belongs to the category of "Bi syndrome" and the "bone Bi syndrome". The etiology and pathogenesis lie in the deficiency of the liver and kidney, the deficiency of Qi and blood, and external exposure to wind, cold, and dampness. Epimedium is a yang-reinforcing herb in TCM, which can tonify the liver and kidney, strengthen muscles and bones, dispel wind, cold and dampness, and can treat both the symptoms and the root cause of "bone Bi syndrome". In addition, Epimedium contains a large number of ingredients. Through modern science and technology, more than 270 compounds have been found in Epimedium, among which flavonoids are the main active ingredients. Therefore, our study will review the effects and mechanisms of genus Epimedium in treating OA from two aspects: (1) Introduction of Epimedium and its main active ingredients; (2) Effects of Epimedium and its active ingredients in treating OA and relevant signaling pathways, in order to provide more ideas for OA treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue Tong
- Orthopaedics Institute of Tianjin, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, China
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Orthopaedics Institute of Tianjin, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Benchao Dong
- Orthopaedics Institute of Tianjin, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan Li
- Orthopaedics Institute of Tianjin, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuang Lang
- Orthopaedics Institute of Tianjin, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, China
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jianxiong Ma
- Orthopaedics Institute of Tianjin, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, China.
- Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Xinlong Ma
- Orthopaedics Institute of Tianjin, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, China.
- Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yang Y, Fu X, Xia B, Zhou L, Zhang H, Li C, Ye X, Liu T. Glycyrrhizic acid glycosides reduces extensive tripterygium glycosides-induced lipid deposition in hepatocytes. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17891. [PMID: 37483744 PMCID: PMC10362073 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17891] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim Tripterygium glycosides (TG) extracted from the plant Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F has been used to treat chronic kidney diseases for many years. However, hepatotoxicity limits its clinical application. Glycyrrhizic acid glycosides (GA) can reduce TG hepatotoxicity, however, further investigation into the underlying molecular mechanisms by which GA attenuates TG-induced hepatotoxicity is required. Methods Sprague‒Dawley rats were randomly divided into the control group, the TG groups (TG189 mg/kg group, TG472.5 mg/kg group), and the TG + GA groups (TG189 mg/kg + GA20.25 mg/kg group, TG472.5 mg/kg + GA20.25 mg/kg group). After 21 consecutive days of intragastric administration, structural and molecular changes in hepatocytes were detected. Results After 21 days of TG treatment, the serum level of the total bilirubin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased in the TG189 mg/kg and TG472.5 mg/kg groups when compared to the control group. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were reduced in both TG groups. The ultrastructure of hepatocytes and the structural integrity of the liver were compromised. In addition, the relevant molecular level of the peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor α (PPARα) and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family members (ACSLs) pathway was modulated. With the addition of 20.25 mg/kg GA, the serum biochemical indexes and liver tissue structure ultrastructure of hepatocytes were improved, and the PPARα-ACSLs pathway was corrected. Conclusion The combined application of GA and TG improved abnormal lipid metabolism, repaired liver structure, reduced lipid deposition in hepatocytes, and reduced TG-induced hepatotoxicity.
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhao J, Liu H, Xia M, Chen Q, Wan L, Leng B, Tang C, Chen G, Liu Y, Zhang L, Liu H. Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation to Explore That Celastrol Targeting PTEN is the Potential Mechanism of Tripterygium wilfordii (Lév.) Hutch Against IgA Nephropathy. Drug Des Devel Ther 2023; 17:887-900. [PMID: 36992900 PMCID: PMC10042171 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s402503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Accumulating clinical evidence showed that Tripterygium hypoglaucum (Lév.) Hutch (THH) is effective against IgA nephropathy (IgAN), but the mechanism is still unclear. This study is to evaluate the renal protective effect and molecular mechanism of THH against IgAN via network pharmacology, molecular docking strategy and experimental validation. Methods Several databases were used for obtaining the active ingredients of THH, the corresponding targets, as well as the IgAN-related genes. The critical active ingredients, functional pathways, and potential for the combination of the hub genes and their corresponding active components were determined through bioinformatics analysis and molecular docking. The IgAN mouse model was treated with celastrol (1 mg/kg/d) for 21 days, and the aggregated IgA1-induced human mesangial cell (HMC) was treated with various concentrations of celastrol (25, 50 or 75 nM) for 48 h. The immunohistochemistry and Western blot techniques were applied to evaluate the protein expression of the predicted target. The cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) was used to detect HMC proliferation. Results A total of 17 active ingredients from THH were screened, covering 165 IgAN-related targets. The PPI network identified ten hub targets, including PTEN. The binding affinity between the celastrol and PTEN was the highest (-8.69 kJ/mol). The immunohistochemistry showed that celastrol promoted the expression of PTEN in the glomerulus of IgAN mice. Furthermore, the Western blot techniques showed that celastrol significantly elevated the expression of PTEN and inhibited PCNA and Cyclin D1 in vitro and in vivo. The CCK8 assay determined that celastrol decreased HMC proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. Conclusion This study suggests that activating PTEN by celastrol may play a pivotal role in THH alleviating IgAN renal injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juanyong Zhao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haiyang Liu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ming Xia
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qian Chen
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lili Wan
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin Leng
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chengyuan Tang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guochun Chen
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Liu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Liu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Hong Liu; Lei Zhang, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-13973116951; +86-18673174522, Email ;
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ling J, Huang Y, Sun Z, Guo X, Chang A, Pan J, Zhuo X. Exploration of the effect of Celastrol on protein targets in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental evaluations. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:996728. [PMID: 36506508 PMCID: PMC9726908 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.996728] [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: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Celastrol, an important extract of Tripterygium wilfordii, shows strong antitumor activity in a variety of tumors including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, little is known about its targets in NPC. We aimed to screen the key gene targets of Celastrol in the treatment of NPC by means of in silico analyses (including network pharmacology and molecular docking) and experimental evaluations. Methods: The main target genes of Celastrol and the genes related to NPC were obtained by retrieving the relevant biological databases, and the common targets were screened. Protein-protein interaction analysis was used to screen the hub genes. Then, a "compound-target-disease" network model was created and molecular docking was used to predict the binding of Celastrol to the candidate hub proteins. Afterward, the expression changes of the candidate genes under the administration of Celastrol were verified in vitro and in vivo. Results: Sixty genes common to Celastrol and NPC were screened out, which may be related to numerous biological processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and tube development, and enriched in various pathways such as PI3K- Akt, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, and Apoptosis. The tight binding ability of the candidate hub proteins (TNF, VEGFA, and IL6) to Celastrol was predicted by molecular docking [Docking energy: TNF, -6.08; VEGFA,-6.76; IL6,-6.91(kcal/mol)]. In vitro experiments showed that the expression of TNF and VEGFA decreased while the expression of IL6 increased in NPC cells (CNE2 and HONE1) treated with Celastrol. In vivo experiments suggested that Celastrol significantly reduced the weight and volume of the transplanted tumors in tumor-bearing mice in vivo. The expression of TNF, VEGFA, and IL6 in the transplanted tumor cells could be regulated by using Celastrol, and the expression trends were consistent with the in vitro model. Conclusion: Several gene targets have been filtered out as the core targets of Celastrol in the treatment of NPC, which might be involved in a variety of signaling pathways. Hence, Celastrol may exert its anti-NPC activity through multiple targets and multiple pathways, which will provide new clues for further research. Future experiments are warranted to validate the findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junjun Ling
- Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Zhen Sun
- Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Xiaopeng Guo
- Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Aoshuang Chang
- Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Jigang Pan
- Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China,*Correspondence: Jigang Pan, ; Xianlu Zhuo,
| | - Xianlu Zhuo
- Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China,*Correspondence: Jigang Pan, ; Xianlu Zhuo,
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Liu X, Wang X, Ma H, Zhang W. Mechanisms underlying acupuncture therapy in chronic kidney disease: A narrative overview of preclinical studies and clinical trials. FRONTIERS IN NEPHROLOGY 2022; 2:1006506. [PMID: 37675019 PMCID: PMC10479635 DOI: 10.3389/fneph.2022.1006506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with high incidence, low awareness, and high disability rates among the population. Moreover, the disease significantly affects the physical and mental health of patients. Approximately 25% of patients with CKD develop end-stage renal disease (ESRD) within 20 years of diagnosis and have to rely on renal replacement therapy, which is associated with high mortality, heavy economic burden, and symptoms including fatigue, pain, insomnia, uremia pruritus, and restless leg syndrome. Currently, the means to delay the progress of CKD are insufficient; therefore, developing strategies for delaying CKD progression has important practical implications. In recent years, more and more people are accepting the traditional Chinese medical technique "acupuncture." Acupuncture has been shown to improve the uncomfortable symptoms of various diseases through stimulation (needling, medicinal moxibustion, infrared radiation, and acupressure) of acupoints. Its application has been known for thousands of years, and its safety and efficacy have been verified. As a convenient and inexpensive complementary therapy for CKD, acupuncture has recently been gaining interest among clinicians and scientists. Nevertheless, although clinical trials and meta-analysis findings have demonstrated the efficacy of acupuncture in reducing albuminuria, improving glomerular filtration rate, relieving symptoms, and improving the quality of life of patients with CKD, the underlying mechanisms involved are still not completely understood. Few studies explored the correlation between acupuncture and renal pathological diagnosis. The aim of this study was to conduct a literature review summarizing the currently known mechanisms by which acupuncture could delay the progress of CKD and improve symptoms in patients with ESRD. This review help provide a theoretical basis for further research regarding the influence of acupuncture on renal pathology in patients with CKD, as well as the differences between specific therapeutic mechanisms of acupuncture in different renal pathological diagnosis. The evidence in this review indicates that acupuncture may produce marked effects on blocking and reversing the critical risk factors of CKD progression (e.g., hyperglycemia, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, aging, and anemia) to improve the survival of patients with CKD via mechanisms including oxidative stress inhibition, reducing inflammatory effects, improving hemodynamics, maintaining podocyte structure, and increasing energy metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyin Liu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoran Wang
- Department of Nephrology, The First People’s Hospital of Hangzhou Lin’An District, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongzhen Ma
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Shi H, Deng P, Dong C, Lu R, Si G, Yang T. Quality of Evidence Supporting the Role of Tripterygium Glycosides for the Treatment of Diabetic Kidney Disease: An Overview of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Drug Des Devel Ther 2022; 16:1647-1665. [PMID: 35669283 PMCID: PMC9166689 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s367624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tripterygium glycosides (TG) is widely used in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in China. To systematically assess and synthesize the available evidence, we present an overview of systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) on the topic of TG interventions for DKD. Methods SRs/MAs on TG interventions for DKD were comprehensively searched in seven databases. Methodological quality, risk of bias, reporting quality, and quality of evidence were assessed using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR-2), the Risk of Bias in Systematic (ROBIS) scale, the list of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), as well as the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Results This overview includes 13 SRs/MAs that use quantitative calculations to comprehensively assess various outcomes in TG interventions for DKD. The methodological quality, reporting quality, and risk of bias of SRs/MAs, and the quality of evidence for outcome indicators are unsatisfactory. Limitations of the included SRs/MAs consist in the lack of essential procedures such as protocol registration, screening of duplicate study, provision of the list of excluded studies, and assessment of publication bias. Besides, the reliance on small samples for quantitative synthesis of effect sizes also constitutes an important limitation. Conclusion TG may be a potential complementary treatment modality to DKD therapy. However, this conclusion must be treated with caution as the quality of the evidence provided by SRs/MAs is generally low.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongshuo Shi
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Pin Deng
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengda Dong
- First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongchen Lu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Guomin Si
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Tiantian Yang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|