1
|
Guo W, Zhang J, Feng Y. Treatment of neuropathic pain by traditional Chinese medicine: An updated review on their effect and putative mechanisms of action. Phytother Res 2024; 38:2962-2992. [PMID: 38600617 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8180] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a common chronic pain with heterogeneous clinical features, and consequent lowering of quality of life. Currently, although conventional chemical drugs can effectively manage NP symptoms in the short term, their long-term efficacy is limited, and they come with significant side effects. In this regard, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) provides a promising avenue for treating NP. Numerous pharmacological and clinical studies have substantiated the effectiveness of TCM with multiple targets and mechanisms. We aimed to outline the characteristics of TCM, including compound prescriptions, single Chinese herbs, active ingredients, and TCM physical therapy, for NP treatment and discussed their efficacy by analyzing the pathogenesis of NP. Various databases, such as PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang database, were searched. We focused on recent research progress in NP treatment by TCM. Finally, we proposed the future challenges and emerging trends in the treatment of NP. TCM demonstrates significant clinical efficacy in NP treatment, employing multi-mechanisms. Drawing from the theory of syndrome differentiation, four types of dialectical treatments for NP by compound TCM prescriptions were introduced: promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis; promoting blood circulation and promote Qi flow; warming Yang and benefiting Qi; soothing the liver and regulating Qi. Meanwhile, 33 single Chinese herbs and 25 active ingredients were included. In addition, TCM physical therapy (e.g., acupuncture, massage, acupoint injection, and fumigation) also showed good efficacy in NP treatment. TCM, particularly through the use of compound prescriptions and acupuncture, holds bright prospects in treating NP owing to its diverse holistic effects. Nonetheless, the multi-targets of TCM may result in possible disadvantages to NP treatment, and the pharmacological mechanisms of TCM need further evaluation. Here, we provide an overview of NP treatment via TCM, based on the pathogenesis and the potential therapeutic mechanisms, thus providing a reference for further studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Guo
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Preparation Technology of TCM of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiquan Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Preparation Technology of TCM of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Feng
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Preparation Technology of TCM of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mo RL, Li Z, Zhang P, Sheng MH, Han GC, Sun DQ. Matrine inhibits invasion and migration of gallbladder cancer via regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03162-z. [PMID: 38789637 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03162-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a common malignant cancer in the biliary system, which poses a serious threat to human health. It is urgent to explore ideal drugs for the treatment of GBC. Matrine is the main active ingredient of Sophora flavescentis, with a wide range of biological activities encompassing anti-inflammatory, antiviral, immunomodulatory, and anti-tumor. However, the underlying mechanism by which Matrine treats GBC is still unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the anti-tumor effects of Matrine on GBC in vivo and in vitro and to clarify the potential regulatory mechanisms. Here, we found that Matrine had a significant killing effect on GBC through CCK8 and flow cytometry, including arrest of cell cycle, inhibition of GBC cell, and induction of apoptosis. Further in vivo studies confirmed the inhibitory effect of Matrine on tumor growth in NOZ xenografted nude mouse. At the same time, Matrine also significantly suppressed the migration and invasion of GBC cells through scratch and Transwell experiments. In addition, by detecting the mRNA and protein levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and matrix metalloproteinases, Matrine furtherly substantiated the inhibitory role on invasion and migration of GBC. From a mechanistic perspective, network pharmacology analysis suggests that the potential targets of Matrine in the treatment of GBC are enriched in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Subsequently, Matrine effectively decreased the abundance of p-PI3K and p-AKT protein in vivo and in vitro. More importantly, PI3K activator (740 Y-P) antagonized the anti-tumor effect of Matrine, while PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) increased the sensitivity of Matrine for GBC. Based on the above findings, we conclude that Matrine inhibits the invasion and migration of GBC by regulating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Our results indicate the crucial role and regulatory mechanism of Matrine in suppressing the growth of GBC, which provides a theoretical basis for Matrine to be a candidate drug for the treatment and research of GBC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Liang Mo
- Anhui Medical University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Zhuang Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Chinese People's Armed Police Forces Anhui Provincial Corps Hospital, Hefei, 230041, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Graduate School, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Ming-Hui Sheng
- Department of General Surgery, The Chinese People's Armed Police Forces Anhui Provincial Corps Hospital, Hefei, 230041, China.
| | - Gen-Cheng Han
- Anhui Medical University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China.
| | - Deng-Qun Sun
- Department of General Surgery, The Chinese People's Armed Police Forces Anhui Provincial Corps Hospital, Hefei, 230041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yang X, Cheng J, Yin X, Ao T, He X, Yang Y, Lin Y, Chen Z. Metabolic Profiling for Unveiling Mechanisms of Kushenol F against Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis with UHPLC/MS Analysis. Molecules 2024; 29:2410. [PMID: 38893287 PMCID: PMC11173924 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112410] [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: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Psoriasis is a common chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin disorder. Sophora flavescens Alt. (S. flavescens) has been widely acknowledged in the prevention and treatment of psoriasis. Kushenol F (KSCF) is a natural isopentenyl flavonoid extracted from the root of S. flavescens. We aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of KSCF on imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like skin lesions in mice. A mouse model of psoriasis was induced with 5% IMQ for 5 days, and the mice were given KSCF dermally for 5 days. Changes in skin morphology, the psoriasis area, the severity index (PASI), and inflammatory factors of psoriasis-like skin lesions were evaluated. Metabolites in the psoriasis-like skin lesions were analyzed with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry followed by a multivariate statistical analysis to identify the differential metabolites and metabolic pathway. The results of the present study confirmed that KSCF significantly reduced PASI scores, epidermal thickening, and epidermal cell proliferation and differentiation. KSCF also reduced the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, IL-22, IL-23, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the injured skin tissues while increasing IL-10 content. KSCF significantly regulated metabolites in the skin samples, and a total of 161 significant metabolites were identified. These differential metabolites involved sphingolipid and linoleic acid metabolism and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Collectively, KSCF inhibited the inflammatory response to prevent IMQ-induced psoriasis-like skin lesions in mice by call-backing the levels of 161 endogenous metabolites and affecting their related metabolic pathways. KSCF has the potential to be developed as a topical drug for treating psoriasis symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingxin Yang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650500, China; (X.Y.); (X.Y.); (T.A.); (X.H.)
| | - Jiaoli Cheng
- Science and Technology Achievement Incubation Center, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China;
| | - Xunqing Yin
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650500, China; (X.Y.); (X.Y.); (T.A.); (X.H.)
| | - Ting Ao
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650500, China; (X.Y.); (X.Y.); (T.A.); (X.H.)
| | - Xudong He
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650500, China; (X.Y.); (X.Y.); (T.A.); (X.H.)
| | - Yaqin Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 311403, China
| | - Yuping Lin
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650500, China; (X.Y.); (X.Y.); (T.A.); (X.H.)
| | - Zhen Chen
- Science and Technology Achievement Incubation Center, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Qiu G, Xie J, Li F, Han K, Long Q, Kowah JAH, Gao R, Wang L, Liu X. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of matrine contains benzimidazole derivatives as dual TOPOI and PARP inhibitors for cancer therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 270:116348. [PMID: 38554475 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116348] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
TOPOI inhibitors have long been a focal point in the research and development of antitumor drugs. PARP-1 plays a crucial role in repairing DNA damage induced by TOPOI inhibitors. Thus, concurrent inhibition of TOPOI and PARP-1 has the potential to augment drug activity. Matrine, characterized by low toxicity and good water solubility, offers advantageous properties. In this investigation, a series of benzimidazole matrine derivatives were designed and synthesized using matrine as the lead compound with the aim of developing dual inhibitors targeting both TOPOI and PARP-1. Among these derivatives, Compound B6 exhibited potent inhibitory effects on PARP-1 and TOPOI, effectively suppressing cancer cell proliferation and migration. Mechanistic assessments revealed that B6 induced DNA damage in HGC-27 cells, leading to G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and significant apoptosis. Molecular docking experiments demonstrated that B6 can effectively enter the active pocket of target proteins, where it forms stable hydrogen bonds with amino acid residues. In vivo, experiments demonstrated that B6 exhibited antitumor activity comparable to that of the positive control drug. The tumor growth inhibition rates (TGIs) for irinotecan, B6 and matrine were 87.0%, 75.4% and 9.7%, respectively. Importantly, B6 demonstrated lower toxicity than the positive control drug. Our findings suggest that TOPOI and PARP-1 may represent potential targets for matrine and B6 emerges as a promising candidate for cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gan Qiu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Junwei Xie
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Fan Li
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Keyan Han
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Qingfeng Long
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Jamal A H Kowah
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Ruobing Gao
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Lisheng Wang
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China.
| | - Xu Liu
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang Y, Zhang B, Wang W, Yuan P, Hu K, Zhang L, Yang D, Lu Y, Du G. Improvement of the Thermal Stability and Aqueous Solubility of Three Matrine Salts Assembled by the Similar Structure Salt Formers. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:94. [PMID: 38256926 PMCID: PMC10818515 DOI: 10.3390/ph17010094] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Matrine (MAT), a natural Chinese herbal medicine, has a unique advantage in the treatment of various chronic diseases. However, its low melting point, low bioavailability, and high dosage restrict its subsequent development into new drugs. In this study, three kinds of MAT salts, namely, MAT-2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (MAT-25DHB), MAT-2,6-dihydroxybenzoic acid (MAT-26DHB), and MAT-salicylic acid-hydrate (MAT-SAL-H2O), were designed and synthesized to improve the drugability of MAT. The three salts were characterized by using various analytical techniques, including single-crystal X-ray diffractometry, powder X-ray diffractometry, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, and infrared spectroscopy. The results of the thermal stability evaluation showed that the formation of salts improved the stability of MAT; MAT-25DHB is the most stable salt reported at present. The results of aqueous solubility showed that the solubility of MAT-25DHB was higher than that of MAT, while that of MAT-26DHB and MAT-SAL-H2O were less. Given that the MAT-25DHB salt further improved the solubility of MAT, it is expected to be subjected to further research as an optimized salt. Lattice energy and solvation free energy are important factors affecting the solubility of salts; the reasons for the changes of solubility and stability of three kinds of salts are explained by calculating them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yeyang Wang
- Beijing City Key Laboratory of Polymorphic Drugs, Center of Pharmaceutical Polymorphs, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Baoxi Zhang
- Beijing City Key Laboratory of Polymorphic Drugs, Center of Pharmaceutical Polymorphs, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Wenwen Wang
- Beijing City Key Laboratory of Polymorphic Drugs, Center of Pharmaceutical Polymorphs, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Penghui Yuan
- Beijing City Key Laboratory of Polymorphic Drugs, Center of Pharmaceutical Polymorphs, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Kun Hu
- Beijing City Key Laboratory of Polymorphic Drugs, Center of Pharmaceutical Polymorphs, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Beijing City Key Laboratory of Polymorphic Drugs, Center of Pharmaceutical Polymorphs, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Polymorphic Drugs, Shandong Yikang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tengzhou 277500, China
| | - Dezhi Yang
- Beijing City Key Laboratory of Polymorphic Drugs, Center of Pharmaceutical Polymorphs, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yang Lu
- Beijing City Key Laboratory of Polymorphic Drugs, Center of Pharmaceutical Polymorphs, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Guanhua Du
- Beijing City Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Screening Research, National Center for Pharmaceutical Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| |
Collapse
|