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Aloe-Emodin Suppresses Oxidative Stress and Inflammation via a PI3K-Dependent Mechanism in a Murine Model of Sepsis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:9697887. [PMID: 35978995 PMCID: PMC9377882 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9697887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background This study was designed to assess the impact of aloe-emodin (AE) on oxidative stress and inflammation in a murine model of LPS-induced sepsis. In addition, the mechanistic basis for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity was assessed. Methods Male ICR mice received an intraperitoneal injection of LPS (10 mg/kg), and the preventive properties of AE (80 or 150 mg/kg) on these mice were assessed by monitoring spleen index, and levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress-related factors. Peripheral blood TNF-α and IL-6 levels were assessed via ELISA kits, while changes in hepatic SOD and GSH-Px levels were assessed using appropriate biochemical kits. Splenic PI3K, AKT, and mTOR levels were assessed via qPCR and western blotting. Results Relative to animals in the LPS model group, those in the AE treatment groups exhibited reduced spleen index, decreased inflammatory cytokine levels, and improved SOD and GSH-Px activity in liver tissues. Splenic PI3K, Akt, and mTOR levels were also reduced in response to AE treatment. Conclusions These findings indicated that AE can alleviate sepsis-related tissue damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress, at least in part by suppressing the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. These results offer a clinical basis for the use of AE to treat sepsis and associated diseases.
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Emodin induces collagen type I synthesis in Hs27 human dermal fibroblasts. Exp Ther Med 2021; 21:420. [PMID: 33747160 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.9864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrillar collagen and elastic fibers are the main components of the dermal extracellular matrix (ECM), which confers mechanical strength and resilience to the skin. In particular, type I collagen produced by fibroblasts is the most abundant collagen that determines the general strength of the ECM, thereby contributing to the prevesntion of the skin-aging process. Although the natural anthraquinone derivative emodin (1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methylanthraquinone) exerts numerous beneficial effects, including antiviral, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects in diverse cells, the effect of emodin on collagen expression or skin aging is not fully understood. The present study demonstrated that exposure to emodin increased type I collagen synthesis in a concentration- and time-dependent manner in Hs27 human dermal fibroblasts. Subsequent experiments showed that emodin strongly increased collagen type I levels without altering cell proliferation or cellular matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression. Additionally, it was determined that increased phosphorylation of 5' AMP-activated protein kinase, following emodin treatment, was responsible for increased type I collagen synthesis. These findings clearly indicate that emodin plays an important role in collagen type I synthesis in dermal fibroblasts, thereby making it a potential drug candidate for treating skin aging and wrinkles.
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Asgharpour M, Alirezaei A. Herbal antioxidants in dialysis patients: a review of potential mechanisms and medical implications. Ren Fail 2021; 43:351-361. [PMID: 33593237 PMCID: PMC7894453 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2021.1880939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The consumption of exogenous antioxidants isolated from herbal extracts has shown beneficial effects on ameliorating dialysis-related complications through debilitating oxidative stress and inflammatory process. Many clinical studies available in public databases have reported the improved consequences of dialysis in patients supplemented with herbal antioxidants. Exploration of such data offers great possibilities for gaining insights into the potential mechanisms and medical implications of herbal antioxidants. In this work, the mechanisms and implications of some famous bioactive substances including silymarin, curcumin, resveratrol, emodin, and quercetin on the consequences of dialysis in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients were explored. The protective features of silymarin are due to the flavonoid complex silybin. Curcumin is an active element from the root of curcuma longa with extensive beneficial properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activity, and inhibitory effects on cell apoptosis. Resveratrol can reduce the oxidative stress by neutralization of free radicals. Emodin is known as a natural anthraquinone derivative isolated from Chinese herbs. Finally, quercetin has been reported to exhibit several properties including antioxidant, anti-diabetic, analgesic, antihistaminic, antiviral, cholesterol reducer, and renal hemodynamic modulator. However, potential mechanisms and medical implications of the aforementioned herbal antioxidants seem to be more complicated, that is, more studies are required in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Asgharpour
- Department of Nephrology, Rouhani Hospital, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Amirhesam Alirezaei
- Department of Nephrology, Shahid Modarres Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Zhou S, Yin X, Mayr M, Noor M, Hylands PJ, Xu Q. Proteomic landscape of TGF-β1-induced fibrogenesis in renal fibroblasts. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19054. [PMID: 33149203 PMCID: PMC7642370 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75989-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) plays a premier role in fibrosis. To understand the molecular events underpinning TGF-β1-induced fibrogenesis, we examined the proteomic profiling of a TGF-β1-induced in vitro model of fibrosis in NRK-49F normal rat kidney fibroblasts. Mass spectrometric analysis indicated that 628 cell-lysate proteins enriched in 44 cellular component clusters, 24 biological processes and 27 molecular functions were regulated by TGF-β1. Cell-lysate proteins regulated by TGF-β1 were characterised by increased ribosomal proteins and dysregulated proteins involved in multiple metabolic pathways, including reduced Aldh3a1 and induced Enpp1 and Impdh2, which were validated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). In conditioned media, 62 proteins enriched in 20 cellular component clusters, 40 biological processes and 7 molecular functions were regulated by TGF-β1. Secretomic analysis and ELISA uncovered dysregulated collagen degradation regulators (induced PAI-1 and reduced Mmp3), collagen crosslinker (induced Plod2), signalling molecules (induced Ccn1, Ccn2 and Tsku, and reduced Ccn3) and chemokines (induced Ccl2 and Ccl7) in the TGF-β1 group. We conclude that TGF-β1-induced fibrogenesis in renal fibroblasts is an intracellular metabolic disorder and is inherently coupled with inflammation mediated by chemokines. Proteomic profiling established in this project may guide development of novel anti-fibrotic therapies in a network pharmacology approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujun Zhou
- Renal Science and Integrative Chinese Medicine Laboratory, Department of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Xiaoke Yin
- School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, King's BHF Centre of Research Excellence, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Manuel Mayr
- School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, King's BHF Centre of Research Excellence, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Mazhar Noor
- Renal Science and Integrative Chinese Medicine Laboratory, Department of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Peter J Hylands
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Qihe Xu
- Renal Science and Integrative Chinese Medicine Laboratory, Department of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.
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Liu SY, Huang P, Zhang N. Efficacy and safety of the Fu-Zheng-Qu-Zhuo method on retarding the progress of chronic kidney disease (stage 3-4): a systematic review and meta-analysis. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2019; 7:114. [PMID: 31032269 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2018.12.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Background To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Fu-Zheng-Qu-Zhuo, on retarding the progress of stage 3-4 chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods We searched the relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from the Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase, SinoMed, Wanfang, CNKI, and Weipu (VIP) databases from their inception to June 2018. Conference proceedings, and reference lists of relevant articles and two reviewers, independently identified the relevant studies. RevMan software was used for statistical analysis. The fixed-effect model was applied if there was either no or low heterogeneity, and pooled odds ratios (ORs) were estimated using the Mantel-Haenszel method. Publication bias was assessed if there were more than ten studies in one outcome. All hypotheses were tested at the alpha =0.05 level. Results Ten studies with 1,308 participants were included, and eight studies were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with the control group, the occurrence of composite endpoint events (defined as the initiation of dialysis, CKD-related death, or the doubling of serum creatinine) was significantly reduced in the treatment group [risk ratio (RR) =0.56, 95% CI: 0.33-0.94, P=0.029, I2=0.0%]. In addition, it did not increase the risk of hyperkalemia (RR =1.43, 95% CI: 0.85-2.42, P=0.180, I2=0.0%). Conclusions In conclusion, the Fu-Zheng-Qu-Zhuo method combined with integrated therapy decreased the occurrence of composite endpoint events and retarded the progress of stage 3-4 CKD. In addition, there was no increase in the risk of hyperkalemia. We recommend the use of the Fu-Zheng-Qu-Zhuo method combined with integrated therapy for stage 3-4 CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Yi Liu
- Department of Nephropathy Diseases, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100102, China
| | - Po Huang
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Clinical Medical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Department of Nephropathy Diseases, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100102, China.,Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Clinical Medical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100010, China
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Chen W, Chen HY, Yang YH, Yang SH, Yang CW, Wu YH, Chen JL. An Investigation of the Prescription Patterns of Chinese Herbal Products for Chronic Glomerulonephritis Patients: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2018; 2018:5080764. [PMID: 30581484 PMCID: PMC6276402 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5080764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a high incidence and prevalence worldwide, and chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN) is one of the main causes of CKD. Therefore, it is important to diagnose and treat CGN early. The purpose of this study is to analyze the prescription patterns and frequencies of Chinese herbal products (CHPs) for CGN by using a hospital-based database from the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (CGMH), a large, tertiary hospital system in Taiwan, and to evaluate the safety and possible efficacy of CHPs by blood test. The International Classification of Disease Ninth Revision (ICD-9) code 582 was used to identify patients with CGN. From 2004 to 2015, a total of 54726 CHP prescriptions for CGN were provided. Association rule mining was used to analyze the prevalent of CHP combination patterns in treating CGN. Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San (JWXYS) and Gorgon (Euryale feroxSalisb.) were the most frequently prescribed herbal formula (HF) and single herb (SH), respectively. The most frequently prescribed combination of CHPs was that of JWXYS with Bu-Yang-Huan-Wu-Tang (BYHWT) in CGMH. In statistical, the level of eGFR in Stage 3a and 3b group was increasing after treatment in 6 and 12 months and might not cause the renal function to worsen within 12-month treatments. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first pharmacoepidemiological study to review CHP treatments for CGN. However, additional studies and clinical trials are needed to provide data on the safety and efficacy of these CHPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Chen
- Division of Chinese Internal Medicine, Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Yu Chen
- Division of Chinese Internal Medicine, Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Hsu Yang
- Department for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chia-Yi, Taiwan
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, National Taiwan University College of Public Health, Taipei, Taiwan
- Center of Excellence for Chang Gung Research Data link, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chia-Yi, Taiwan
| | - Sien-Hung Yang
- Division of Chinese Internal Medicine, Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Chang Gung Immunology Consortium, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Gueishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Wei Yang
- Division of Chinese Internal Medicine, Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - You-Hung Wu
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jiun-Liang Chen
- Division of Chinese Internal Medicine, Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Li S, Rao XR, Dai XW, Pei K, Wang L, Huo BM, Wang XJ, Kong LX, Zhang NN, Lian FM. Beneficial effects of Fu-Zheng-Qu-Zhuo oral liquid combined with standard integrated therapy in patients with chronic kidney disease (stage 3-4): A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. Medicine (Baltimore) 2017; 96:e7448. [PMID: 28700482 PMCID: PMC5515754 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000007448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high worldwide prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a critical health problem and the development of more effective therapies is urgently needed. We conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial from October 2010 to December 2012 to assess whether Fu-Zheng-Qu-Zhuo oral liquid (FZQZ) has a beneficial effect in preventing CKD progression when added to standard integrated therapies. METHODS Patients with CKD stage 3 to 4 from 3 hospitals in Beijing, China were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned to the FZQZ or placebo groups and were treated with standard integrated therapy plus FZQZ or placebo (20 mL each time, 3 times/d) for 12 months. Patients received post-trial follow-up until October 2014. The primary outcome was the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)-Slope (mL/min per 1.73 m2 per month) during the in-trial time, which was calculated by the eGFR regression curve estimated from each serum creatinine measurement during the in-trial period. Secondary outcomes were changes in 24-h urine protein excretion (24-h UP) and albumin and hemoglobin levels from baseline during the in-trial period. Time to composite endpoint events (initiation of long-term dialysis, doubling of serum creatinine, or CKD-related death during the in-trial and post-trial phases) was assessed as a secondary outcome. RESULTS A total of 68 patients (43 in the FZQZ group and 25 in the placebo group) completed the in-trial and post-trial phases, with an average follow-up time of 31.6 ± 9.6months. The FZQZ group had amean eGFR-Slope of 0.25 ± 1.44 as compared with -0.72 ± 1.46 (mL/min per 1.73m2 per month) in the placebo group during the in-trial period (P = .003). The FZQZ group showed decreased 24-h UP, with a change from baseline of -0.08 (interquartile range [IQR], -0.33 to 0.01) versus 0.01 (IQR, -0.19 to 0.33) g/24h in the placebo group (P = .049). Decreased risk of composite endpoint events was observed only in the post-trial phase (hazard ratio = 0.42, 95% confidence interval: 0.16-1.11, P = .038). No significant differences in albumin and hemoglobin level changes were observed. CONCLUSION Adding FZQZ oral liquid to standard integrated therapies may aid in attenuating CKD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Li
- Nephrology Department of Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
| | - Xiang-Rong Rao
- Nephrology Department of Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
| | - Xi-Wen Dai
- Nephrology Department of Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
| | - Kun Pei
- Nephrology Department of Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
| | - Lee Wang
- Nephrology Department of Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
| | - Bao-Min Huo
- Nephrology Department of Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
| | - Xiu-Juan Wang
- Nephrology Department of South Area of Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
| | - Ling-Xin Kong
- Nephrology Department of Beijing Fangshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine
| | - Nan-Nan Zhang
- Nephrology Department of Beijing Fangshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine
| | - Feng-Mei Lian
- Drug Clinical Trial Institution of State Food and Drug Administration of Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Pang X, Liu J, Li Y, Zhao J, Zhang X. Emodin Inhibits Homocysteine-Induced C-Reactive Protein Generation in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells by Regulating PPARγ Expression and ROS-ERK1/2/p38 Signal Pathway. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0131295. [PMID: 26131983 PMCID: PMC4488440 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease. As an inflammatory molecule, C-reactive protein (CRP) plays a direct role in atherogenesis. It is known that the elevated plasma homocysteine (Hcy) level is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. We previously reported that Hcy produces a pro-inflammatory effect by inducing CRP expression in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). In the present study, we observed effect of emodin on Hcy-induced CRP expression in rat VSMCs and molecular mechanisms. The in vitro results showed that pretreatment of VSMCs with emodin inhibited Hcy-induced mRNA and protein expression of CRP in a concentration-dependent manner. The in vivo experiments displayed that emodin not only inhibited CRP expression in the vessel walls in mRNA and protein levels, but also reduced the circulating CRP level in hyperhomocysteinemic rats. Further study revealed that emodin diminished Hcy-stimulated generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), attenuated Hcy-activated phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38, and upregulated Hcy-inhibited expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) in VSMCs. These demonstrate that emodin is able to inhibit Hcy-induced CRP generation in VSMCs, which is related to interfering with ROS-ERK1/2/p38 signal pathway and upregulating PPARγ expression. The present study provides new evidence for the anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects of emodin.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/pharmacology
- Aorta, Thoracic/cytology
- Aorta, Thoracic/drug effects
- Aorta, Thoracic/metabolism
- C-Reactive Protein/antagonists & inhibitors
- C-Reactive Protein/genetics
- C-Reactive Protein/metabolism
- Emodin/pharmacology
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Homocysteine/antagonists & inhibitors
- Homocysteine/pharmacology
- Hyperhomocysteinemia/drug therapy
- Hyperhomocysteinemia/genetics
- Hyperhomocysteinemia/metabolism
- Hyperhomocysteinemia/pathology
- Male
- Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1/genetics
- Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1/metabolism
- Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3/antagonists & inhibitors
- Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3/genetics
- Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/cytology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/cytology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/drug effects
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- PPAR gamma/agonists
- PPAR gamma/genetics
- PPAR gamma/metabolism
- Phosphorylation/drug effects
- Primary Cell Culture
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Reactive Oxygen Species/antagonists & inhibitors
- Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors
- p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics
- p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Pang
- Department of Pharmacology, Xi’an Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Xi’an, China
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Central Hospital of Zibo, Zibo, China
| | - Juntian Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Xi’an Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Xi’an, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Yuxia Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Central Hospital of Zibo, Zibo, China
| | - Jingjing Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, Xi’an Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Xi’an, China
| | - Xiaolu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Xi’an Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Xi’an, China
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Shi SH, Cai YP, Cai XJ, Zheng XY, Cao DS, Ye FQ, Xiang Z. A network pharmacology approach to understanding the mechanisms of action of traditional medicine: Bushenhuoxue formula for treatment of chronic kidney disease. PLoS One 2014; 9:e89123. [PMID: 24598793 PMCID: PMC3943740 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 01/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has unique therapeutic effects for complex chronic diseases. However, for the lack of an effective systematic approach, the research progress on the effective substances and pharmacological mechanism of action has been very slow. In this paper, by incorporating network biology, bioinformatics and chemoinformatics methods, an integrated approach was proposed to systematically investigate and explain the pharmacological mechanism of action and effective substances of TCM. This approach includes the following main steps: First, based on the known drug targets, network biology was used to screen out putative drug targets; Second, the molecular docking method was used to calculate whether the molecules from TCM and drug targets related to chronic kidney diseases (CKD) interact or not; Third, according to the result of molecular docking, natural product-target network, main component-target network and compound-target network were constructed; Finally, through analysis of network characteristics and literature mining, potential effective multi-components and their synergistic mechanism were putatively identified and uncovered. Bu-shen-Huo-xue formula (BSHX) which was frequently used for treating CKD, was used as the case to demonstrate reliability of our proposed approach. The results show that BSHX has the therapeutic effect by using multi-channel network regulation, such as regulating the coagulation and fibrinolytic balance, and the expression of inflammatory factors, inhibiting abnormal ECM accumulation. Tanshinone IIA, rhein, curcumin, calycosin and quercetin may be potential effective ingredients of BSHX. This research shows that the integration approach can be an effective means for discovering active substances and revealing their pharmacological mechanisms of TCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-hua Shi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yue-piao Cai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiao-jun Cai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiao-yong Zheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Dong-sheng Cao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fa-qing Ye
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- * E-mail: (FY); (ZX)
| | - Zheng Xiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- * E-mail: (FY); (ZX)
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