Identification for metabolism profiles and pharmacokinetic studies of tradition Chinese prescription Ji-Ming-San and its major metabolites in rats by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and UHPLC-MS/MS

Ji-Ming-San enhances intestinal circadian rhythms and mitigates colitis in mice: The role of epithelial RORα

BACKGROUND

Ji-Ming-San (JMS), a traditional Chinese medicine, exhibits time-dependent pharmacological effects, suggesting its potential as a circadian clock modulator. However, the precise mechanisms by which JMS regulates circadian rhythms remain unclear.

PURPOSE

This study aims to elucidate how JMS influences the local circadian clock machinery, and move beyond association to mechanistic discovery.

METHODS

A jet lag model of circadian disruption was used to assess the regulatory effects of JMS on circadian behavior and clock gene expression. The impact of JMS on clock genes was examined in colon epithelial cells. Non-targeted metabolomics was utilized to identify key components and potential pathways. Network pharmacology, molecular docking, Gal4 co-transfection assays, and RNA sequencing were conducted to explore potential JMS targets. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were performed to investigate the transcriptional regulation mechanisms.

RESULTS

JMS restored circadian rhythms in locomotor activity and intestinal clock gene expression in jet-lagged mice. Under colitis conditions, JMS reduced pathological severity and inflammation in mice with circadian disruption by upregulating BMAL1 and PER2. In mice with normal circadian rhythms, the protective effect of JMS was observed during the remission phase of colitis. At the cellular level, JMS activated RORα and enhanced the transcription and expression of BMAL1 and PER2 in colonic epithelial cells. Metabolomics and RNA sequencing revealed that JMS inhibited NF-κB signaling, contributing to its anti-inflammatory action. Mechanistically, JMS enhanced RORα/HDAC3 binding to NF-κB target genes in epithelial cells, leading to reduced H3K9Ac levels and repression of Il-1β and Tnf-α, while epithelial RORα knockdown abolished the anti-inflammatory effects.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that JMS activates epithelial RORα to restore circadian rhythm in the colon and suppresses NF-κB signaling, ultimately promoting colitis recovery These findings underscore the role of JMS in regulating intestinal circadian rhythm and highlight its potential as a chronotherapeutic strategy for colitis.

Chronopharmacology of diuresis via metabolic profiling and key biomarker discovery of the traditional Chinese prescription Ji-Ming-San using tandem mass spectrometry in rat models

BACKGROUND

Ji-Ming-Shan (JMS) is a traditional prescription used for patients with rheumatism, tendons swelling, relief of foot pain, athlete's foot, diuresis, gout. Although many studies have investigated the active compounds in each herb, the functional mechanism behind its therapeutic effect remains unclear.

STUDY DESIGN

Metabolic cages for sample collection. The serum components obtained from the experimental animals were analyzed using LC-MS/MS. Furthermore, cross-analysis using the software MetaboAnalyst and Venn diagrams were used to investigate chronopharmacology of JMS in the animal models.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to analyze the diuretic effects of JMS and to explore their chronopharmacology involved in organ regulation through four-quarter periods from serum samples of rat models.

METHODS

Metabolic cages were used for collecting the urine samples and PocketChem UA PU-4010, Fuji DRI-CHEM 800 were used to examine the urine biochemical parameters. The serum components were identified through ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight (UPLC-Q-TOF) with a new developed method. Cross analysis, Venn diagram, MetaboAnalyst were used to investigate the key biomarker and major metabolism route with the oral administration of the drug.

RESULT

JMS significantly changed the 6 h urine volume with no observed kidney toxicity. Urine pH value ranges from 7.0 to 7.5. The chronopharmacology of JMS diuresis activity were 0-6 and 6-12 groups. UPLC-Q-TOF analyses identified 243 metabolites which were determined in positive mode and negative mode respectively. With cross analysis in the Venn diagram, one key biomarker naringenin-7-O-glucoside has been identified. Major metabolic pathways such as 1: Glycerophospholipid metabolism, 2: Primary bile acid biosynthesis, 3: Sphingolipid metabolism, 4: Riboflavin metabolism, 5: Linoleic acid metabolism, 6: Butanoate metabolism.

CONCLUSION

JMS significantly changed the urine output of animals in the 0-6 and 6-12 groups. No change in urine pH was observed and also kidney toxicity. A new UPLC-Q-TOF method was developed for the detection of the metabolites of JMS after oral administration. The cross analysis with Venn diagram and identified the key biomarker of JMS namely naringenin-7-O-glucoside. The results showed that six major pathways are involved in the gastrointestinal system and the liver. This study demonstrated the capability of JMS prescription in the regulation of diuresis and identified a key biomarker that is responsible for its therapeutic effect.