A LC-MS-based serum pharmacochemistry approach to reveal the compatibility features of mutual promotion/assistance herb pairs in Xijiao Dihuang decoction

Xijiao Dihuang decoction (XDT), a famous formula, was usually used to improve the prognosis of patients with blood-heat and blood-stasis syndrome-related diseases. There were some mutual promotion and mutual assistance herb pairs in XDT. However, the exact functions of these herb pairs in the compatibility of XDT were not elucidated due to the lack of appropriate methodologies. Based on the theory of serum pharmacochemistry, a systematic method was established for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of characteristic components in the extracts and drug-containing plasma samples of XDT and its relational mutual promotion/assistance herb pairs. For qualitative analysis, 85 characteristic components were identified using the liquid chromatography with triple time-of-flight mass/mass spectrometry (LC-Triple QTOF-MS/MS) based on the mass defect filtering, product ion filtering, neutral loss filtering and isotope pattern filtering techniques. For quantitative detection, a relative quantitation assay using an extract ion chromatogram (EIC) of the full scan MS experiment was validated and employed to assess the quantity of the 85 identified compounds in the test samples of single herb, herb pairs and XDT. The results of multivariate statistical analyses indicated that both the assistant and guide herbs could improve the solubilization of active compounds from the sovereign and minister herbs in XDT in vitro, might change the trans-membrane transportation, and regulate metabolism in vivo. The methods used in present study might be also valuable for the investigation of multiple components from other classic TCM formulas for the purpose of compatibility feature study.

Research on the mechanism of regulating spleen-deficient obesity in rats by bawei guben huashi jiangzhi decoction based on multi-omics analysis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE

Bawei Guben Huashi Jiangzhi Decoction (BGHJ), a traditional Chinese compound formula, comprises eight Chinese medicinal herbs: Codonopsis Radix, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, Cassiae Semen, Lysimachiae Herba, Edgeworthiae Gardner Flos, Oryzae Semen cum Monasco, Nelumbinis Folium, and Alismatis Rhizoma. It has the therapeutic effects of improving digestive and absorptive functions of the gastrointestinal tract, reducing cholesterol levels, and helping to lose weight. Therefore, BGHJ is mainly used to treat spleen-deficient obesity (SDO) clinically.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to examine the efficacy and mechanism of BGHJ in a model of SDO in rats, as well as the potentially involved constituents entering the blood and differential metabolites.

METHODS

The SDO rat model was replicated utilizing a high-fat and high-sugar diet in conjunction with exhaustive swimming. Subsequently, the rats were subjected to a six-week intervention comprising varying dosages of BGHJ and a positive control, orlistat. To evaluate the efficacy of BGHJ on SDO model rats, we first measured the rats' body weight, body surface temperature, spleen index, as well as biochemical indicators in the serum and colon, and then assessed the pathological state of the colon and liver. Afterward, we analyzed the 16S rDNA gut microbiota, non-targeted serum metabolomics, and serum pharmacology to study the main active components of BGHJ and its action mechanism against SDO model rats. In addition, we constructed a network diagram for overall visualization and analysis, and experimentally verified the predicted results. Finally, we used quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to detect the gene expression of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) indicators in rat hypothalamic neurons. We quantitatively targeted the detection of neurotransmitters dopamine (DA), acetylcholine (Ach), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and noradrenaline (NA) in rat hypothalamus.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that all dosage regimens of BGHJ exhibited the capacity to moderately modulate parameters including body weight, surface temperature, spleen index, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), cholecystokinin (CCK), 5-HT, interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 17 (IL-17), while concurrently reducing hepatic lipid droplet deposition and restoring intestinal integrity. Subsequent experimental results showed that we successfully identified 27 blood components of BGHJ and identified 52 differential metabolites in SDO model rats. At the same time, the experiment proved that BGHJ could effectively inhibit the metabolic pathway of arachidonic acid. In addition, BGHJ can also restore the intestinal microbiota composition of SDO model rats. Finally, we also found that BGHJ could regulate the expression of hypothalamic neurons and neurotransmitters.

CONCLUSIONS

The research revealed the main active ingredients of BGHJ and its mechanism against SDO model rats through gut microbiota, non-target serum metabolomics, and serum drug chemistry.

Metabolomics and lipidomics combined with serum pharmacochemistry uncover the potential mechanism of Huang-Lian-Jie-Du decoction alleviates atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Atherosclerosis (AS) is one of the main cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) leading to an increase in global mortality, and its key pathological features are lipid accumulation and oxidative stress. Huang-Lian-Jie-Du decoction (HLJDD), a representative formula for clearing heat and detoxifying, has been shown to reduce aortic lipid plaque and improve AS. However, multiple components and multiple targets of HLJDD pose a challenge in comprehending its comprehensive mechanism in the treatment of AS.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was designed to illustrate the anti-AS mechanisms of HLJDD in an apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mouse model from a metabolic perspective.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

ApoE-/- mice were kept on a high-fat diet (HFD) to induce AS. Serum total cholesterol (TC), total triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were determined to evaluate the influence of HLJDD on dyslipidemia. Oil red O was used to stain mouse aortic lipid plaques, and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to assess the pathological changes in the aortic roots. Metabolomics and lipidomics combined with serum pharmacochemistry were performed to research the HLJDD mechanism of alleviating AS.

RESULTS

In this study, HLJDD treatment improved serum biochemical levels and histopathological conditions in AS mice. A total of 6 metabolic pathways (arginine biosynthesis, glycerophospholipid, sphingolipid, arachidonic acid, linoleic acid, and glycerolipid metabolism) related to 25 metabolic biomarkers and 41 lipid biomarkers were clarified, and 22 prototype components migrating to blood were identified after oral administration of HLJDD.

CONCLUSION

HLJDD improved AS induced by HFD in ApoE-/- mice. The effects of HLJDD were mainly attributed to regulating lipid metabolism by regulating the metabolic pathways of glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, arachidonic acid, linoleic acid, and glycerolipids and reducing the levels of oxidative stress by upregulating arginine biosynthesis.

Mechanistic insights into Qiteng Xiaozhuo Granules' regulation of autophagy for chronic glomerulonephritis treatment: Serum pharmacochemistry, network pharmacology, and experimental validation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Qiteng Xiaozhuo Granules (QTXZG), a traditional Chinese medicine prescription, is widely acknowledged for its therapeutic efficacy and lack of discernible toxicity in clinical practice, substantiating its potential in the treatment of chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN). Nevertheless, the specific effectiveness and underlying mechanisms of QTXZG remain insufficiently explored.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanism of the QTXZG in the treatment of CGN via targeting autophagy based on serum pharmacochemistry, network pharmacology, and experimental validation.

METHODS

Serum samples from SD rats orally administered QTXZG were analyzed using UPLC-QE/MS to identify contained compounds. Network and functional enrichment analyses elucidated QTXZG's targets and biological mechanisms. Reliability was ensured through molecular docking, in vivo and in vitro experiments.

RESULTS

After oral administration of QTXZG, 39 enriched compounds in serum samples collected 1 h later were identified as potential active agents, with 508 potential targets recognized as QTXZG-specific targets. Through integration of various databases, intersection analysis of QTXZG targets, CGN-related genes, and autophagy-related targets identified 10 core autophagy-related targets for QTXZG in CGN. GO and KEGG analyses emphasized their roles in autophagy, inflammation, and immune processes, particularly emphasizing the enrichment of the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. Molecular docking results demonstrated strong binding affinities between QTXZG's key compounds and the predicted core targets. In animal experiments, QTXZG was found to ameliorate renal tissue damage in CGN model mice, significantly reducing serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. Importantly, both animal and cell experiments revealed QTXZG's ability to decrease excessive ROS and inflammatory factor release in mesangial cells. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed QTXZG's capacity to upregulate Beclin1 and LC3II/I expression, decrease p62 expression, and induce CGN autophagy through modulation of the AMPK/mTOR pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicated that QTXZG can induce autophagy in CGN by affecting the AMPK/mTOR pathway, and induction of autophagy may be one of the possible mechanisms of QTXZG's anti-CGN.

Integrated serum pharmacochemistry and investigation of the anti-influenza A virus pneumonia effect of Qingjin Huatan decoction

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Qingjin Huatan Decoction (QJHTT) consists of 11 herbal medicines: Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, Gardenia jasminoides J. Ellis, Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A. DC., Ophiopogon japonicus (Thunb.) Ker Gawl., Morus alba L., Fritillaria thunbergii Miq., Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge, Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim., Citrus reticulata Blanco, Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. As a traditional Chinese medicinal formula, QJHTT has been used for more than 400 years in China. It has shown promising results in treating influenza A virus (IAV) pneumonia.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To elusive the specific pharmacological constituents and mechanisms underlying its anti-IAV pneumonia effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The components in QJHTT were analyzed through the use of a serum pharmacology-based ultra high-performance liquid chromatography Q- Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q Exactive Orbitrap-MS) method. Simultaneously, the dynamic changes in IAV-infected mouse lung viral load, lung index, and expression of lung inflammation factors were monitored by qRT-PCR.

RESULTS

We successfully identified 152 chemical components within QJHTT, along with 59 absorbed chemical prototype constituents found in the serum of mice treated with QJHTT. 43.45% of these chemical components and 43.10% of the prototype constituents were derived from the monarch drugs, namely Huangqin and Zhizi, aligning perfectly with traditional Chinese medicine theory. Notably, our analysis led to the discovery of 14 compounds within QJHTT for the first time, three of which were absorbed into the bloodstream. Simultaneously, we observed that QJHTT not only reduced the viral load but also modulated the expression of inflammation factors in the lung tissue including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IFN-γ, and IL17A. A time-effect analysis further revealed that QJHTT intervention effectively suppressed the peak of inflammatory responses, demonstrating a robust anti-IAV pneumonia effect.

CONCLUSIONS

We comprehensively analyzed the pharmacological material basis of QJHTT by a highly sensitive and high-resolution UHPLC-Q Exactive Orbitrap-MS method, and demonstrated its efficacy in combating IAV pneumonia by reducing lung viral load and inflammatory factors. This study has significant importance for elucidating the pharmacological basis and pharmacological mechanism of QJHTT in combating IAV pneumonia.

Exploring the inhibitory impact of Mongolian medicinal He-Zi-3 soup on mammary gland hyperplasia in rats induced by estrogen and progestogen

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Mammary gland hyperplasia, a prevalent benign breast condition, often serves as a precursor to various other breast diseases. He-Zi-3 soup (HZ-3), a traditional Mongolian remedy, is utilized for treating this condition.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the effect and underlying mechanism of HZ-3, a Mongolian medicinal preparation, on mammary gland hyperplasia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study aimed to assess the impact of different doses of HZ-3 in a rat model of mammary hyperplasia. The active components within HZ-3 drug serum were identified and analyzed through network pharmacology and target prediction. To elucidate the underlying mechanism of HZ-3 in addressing mammary hyperplasia, we conducted a series of investigations on estradiol-induced mammary hyperplasia in model rates. Assessments included measurements of papilla width and height, hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson staining, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), Western blot, and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Our investigation revealed the identification of 21 compounds, primarily terpenoids, through serum medicinal chemistry screening. Utilizing network pharmacological analysis, we observed predominant regulation through the estrogen pathway, closely associated with key genes including esr1,esr2, ncoa1, krt 19, ctsd, ebag 9, and bcl-2. Assessments encompassing nipple height and width, histological examination, immunohistochemical analysis, and serum hormone levels via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay demonstrated the inhibitory effect of HZ-3 on mammary hyperplasia in rat models. RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses corroborated these findings, affirming the suppression of mammary hyperplasia by HZ-3 through the activation of estrogen pathway signaling.

Multiple-matrices metabolomics combined with serum pharmacochemistry for discovering the potential targets and active constituents of Qifu decoction against heart failure

Qifu decoction (QFD) is an ancient traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription for the treatment of heart failure. However, the mechanisms and active constituents of QFD are poorly understood. In this study, multi-matrices metabolomics (serum, urine, and myocardial mitochondria) based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOFMS), were employed for exploring the mechanisms of QFD against heart failure in rat model. Twenty-one, seventeen, and fifteen endogenous metabolite biomarkers associated with heart failure were identified from serum, urine, and myocardial mitochondria datasets, respectively. Fourteen, twelve, and ten of the identified serum, urine, and mitochondria biomarkers were significantly reversed by QFD, respectively. QFD-targeted pathways were involved in TCA cycle, branched chain amino acids metabolism, fatty acid β-oxidation, sphingolipid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, purine metabolism. In addition, QFD-derived constituents in serum were fully analyzed by UHPLC-Q-TOFMS and SUS-plot, and 24 QFD-derived components were identified in serum. Then, the correlation analysis between the QFD-reversed serum biomarkers and QFD-derived constituents in serum was employed to dissect the active constituents of QFD. It was found that eight prototypical components and three metabolites were highly correlated with efficacy and could serve as the active constituents of QFD against heart failure. Finally, neoline and calycosin, which highly correlated with branched-chain amino acid metabolism and fatty acid β-oxidation, were selected to validate in Na2S2O4-induced cell model. It was found that neoline and calycosin provided a significant protective effect against Na2S2O4-induced cell death in a low dose-dependent manner and increased the expressions of the pathway-related protein CPT1B and BCAT2 in the cell model. In conclusions, these findings provided light on the mechanisms and active constituents of QFD against heart failure. Neoline and calycosin could be selected as potential quality-markers of QFD against heart failure.

Polyphenol-enriched Penthorum chinense Pursh ameliorates alcohol-related liver injury through Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway: Integrating network pharmacology and experiment validation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Penthorum chinense Pursh (PCP) has acknowledged as an edible herbal medicinal plant for the prevention and treatment of alcoholic liver injury (ALI). However, only few of researches focus on the chemical material basis and potential mechanisms of PCP against ALI.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Herein, we explored the therapeutic effects of PCP extract against ALI based on the integration of network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experiment validation.

METHODS

Based on the standard quality control of PCP herbs by UPLC fingerprint and quantitative determination, 80% ethanol extract fraction of PCP containing more polyphenols, compared to aqueous extract fraction of PCP, were chosen for further experiments. After oral administration of PCP ethanol extract, serum pharmacochemistry based on UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS analysis was implemented to evaluate the potential effective compounds. These absorbed prototypes in PCP were used to construct network pharmacology and predict the potential mechanisms of PCP extract against ALI. Then, the predicted targets and biological mechanisms of PCP extract were validated using animal experiments and molecular docking analysis.

RESULTS

Although totally 19 polyphenol compounds were identified in PCP ethanol extract by UPLC-MS analysis, only 18 absorbed prototypes were found in the serum collected from mice at 1 h post-administration with PCP extract. These candidate active compounds were further screened into 13 compounds to construct network pharmacology and 433 targets were identified as PCP targets. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses indicated that the effects of PCP extract would involve in Ras signaling pathway. The animal experiments on chronic ALI model mice shown that the oral administration of PCP can alleviate ALI by attenuating hepatic oxidative stress, inflammation and down-regulating the target proteins in Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway. Molecular docking analysis revealed the good binding ability between the three polyphenols (i.e. quercetin, apigenin, thonningianin B) in PCP with the top contribution in network pharmacology, and these target proteins (Ras, Raf, MEK1/2, and ERK1/2).

CONCLUSION

Our results clarified that PCP ethanol extract could effectively alleviate ALI by down-regulating Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway promisingly. Quercetin, apigenin, and thonningianin B may be the active compounds of PCP, attributing to the intervention benefits of PCP against ALI.

& Maxim.) Harms on attenuating doxorubicin-induced myocardial injury

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Harms (AS), also known as Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim. or Siberian ginseng, has a rich history of use as an adaptogen, a substance believed to increase the body's resistance to stress, fatigue, and infectious diseases. As a traditional Chinese medicine, AS is popular for its cardioprotective effects which can protect the cardiovascular system from hazardous conditions. Doxorubicin (DOX), on the other hand, is a first-line chemotherapeutic agent against a variety of cancers, including breast cancer, lung cancer, gastric cancer, and leukemia, etc. Despite its effectiveness, the clinical use of DOX is limited by its side effects, the most serious of which is cardiotoxicity. Considering AS could be applied as an adjuvant to anticancer agents, the combination of AS and DOX might exert synergistic effects on certain malignancies with mitigated cardiotoxicity. Given this, it is necessary and meaningful to confirm whether AS would neutralize the DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and its underlying molecular mechanisms.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This paper aims to validate the cardioprotective effects of AS against DOX-induced myocardial injury (MI) while deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying such effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Firstly, the cardioprotective effects of AS against DOX-induced MI were confirmed both in vitro and in vivo. Secondly, serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology were orchestrated to explore the in vivo active compounds of AS and predict their ways of functioning in the treatment of DOX-induced MI. Finally, the predicted mechanisms were validated by Western blot analysis during in vivo experiments.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that AS possessed excellent antioxidative ability, and could alleviate the apoptosis of H9C2 cells and the damage to mitochondria induced by DOX. In vivo experiments indicated that AS could restore the conduction abnormalities and ameliorate histopathological changes according to the electrocardiogram and cardiac morphology. Meanwhile, it markedly downregulated the inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β), decreased plasma ALT, AST, LDH, CK, CK-MB, and MDA levels, as well as increased SOD and GSH levels compared to the model group, which collectively substantiate the effectiveness of AS. Afterward, 14 compounds were identified from different batches of AS-dosed serum and selected for mechanism prediction through HPLC-HRMS analysis and network pharmacology. Consequently, the MAPKs and caspase cascade were confirmed as primary targets among which the interplay between the JNK/Caspase 3 feedback loop and the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 were highlighted.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the integrated approach employed in this paper illuminated the molecular mechanism of AS against DOX-induced MI, whilst providing a valuable strategy to elucidate the therapeutic effects of complicated TCM systems more reliably and efficiently.

Active components and mechanisms of total flavonoids from Rhizoma Drynariae in enhancing cranial bone regeneration: An investigation employing serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology approaches

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Rhizoma Drynariae, as the dried rhizome of Drynaria fortunei (Kunze ex Mett.) J. Sm., is a traditional Chinese medicine for treating the injury and bone broken of falling and beating. Total flavonoids is considered as the major and effective compounds for the therapeutic efficacy of Rhizoma Drynariae.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the effect of total flavonoids from Rhizoma Drynariae (TFRD) on bone regeneration and the underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effect of TFRD in various doses on bone reconstruction in cranial bone defect rats was explored in vivo. The active ingredients in TFRD-medicated serum were characterized by serum pharmacochemistry and integrated by network pharmacology analysis and target prediction. To elucidate the underlying mechanism of TFRD on bone regeneration, experimental validation in vitro was executed to assess the influence of different concentrations of TFRD-medicated serum on osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs).

RESULTS

Micro-CT, histological examination, immunohistochemical analysis, and ELSA demonstrated that administration of TFRD could promote bone reconstruction in a rat cranial defect model. We identified 27 active components of TFRD using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Results from CCK8, ALP, and Alizarin Red S staining revealed that TFRD-medicated serum notably enhanced BMSCs proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. qRT-PCR and Western blot harvested results consistent with those predicted by network pharmacology, providing further evidence that TFRD activated the TGF-β signaling pathway to benefit bone regeneration.

CONCLUSION

The active components of TFRD modulate the TGF-β signaling pathway to facilitate osteogenesis, thereby repairing cranial bone defects.

Based on Serum Pharmacochemistry and Virtual Screening Technique Analysis Used to Explore the Potential Active Ingredients and Possible Anti- Coronary Heart Disease Mechanisms of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify the bioactive compounds and explore the multi-target mechanisms of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SMB) against coronary heart disease (CHD) using an integrated serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chemical constituents of SMB were characterized by UPLC-MS. The absorbed ingredients and metabolites after oral SMB administration were identified in rat serum. Therapeutic targets of SMB against CHD were predicted by intersecting the targets of absorbed compounds from databases and CHD-associated genes. Protein-protein interaction network, pathway analysis, molecular docking, and molecular dynamic simulation were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 61 SMB-derived compounds were identified in rat serum. Network analysis revealed 111 candidate targets highly related to CHD pathways. Further topological analysis identified 10 hub targets and 20 key active compounds, constructing an informative compoundtarget- pathway network. PTGS2 and TNF were predicted as primary targets of SMB against CHD based on molecular dynamic simulation.

CONCLUSION

This integrated approach identified bioactive compounds and multi-target mechanisms of SMB against CHD. The results provide scientific evidence supporting SMB's clinical efficacy and reveal potential anti-CHD targets.

Integrating serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology to reveal the mechanism of chickpea in improving insulin resistance

Although chickpea have great potential in the treatment of obesity and diabetes, the bioactive components and therapeutic targets of chickpea to prevent insulin resistance (IR) are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the chemical and pharmacological characteristics of chickpea on IR through serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology. The results revealed that compared with other polar fractions, the ethyl acetate extract of chickpea (CE) had the definitive performance on enhancing the capacities of glucose consumption and glycogen synthesis. In addition, we analyzed the components of CE in vivo and in vitro based on UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS technology. There were 28 kinds of in vitro chemical components, among which the isoflavones included biochanin A, formononetin, ononin, sissotrin, and astragalin, etc. Concerningly, the chief prototype components of CE absorbed into the blood were biochanin A, formononetin, loliolide, and lenticin, etc. Furthermore, a total of 209 common targets between IR and active components of CE were screened out by network pharmacology, among which the key targets involved PI3K p85, NF-κB p65 and estrogen receptor 1, etc. Specifically, KEGG pathway analysis indicated that PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, and AGE-RAGE signaling pathway may play critical roles in the IR remission by CE. Finally, the in vitro validation experiments disclosed that CE significantly balanced the oxidative stress state of IR-HepG2 cells and inhibited expressions of inflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, the present study will be an important reference for clarifying the pharmacodynamic substance basis and underlying mechanism of chickpea to alleviate IR.

Uncovering the key pharmacodynamic material basis and possible molecular mechanism of extract of Epimedium against liver cancer through a comprehensive investigation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Liver cancer is a worldwide malignant tumor, and currently lacks effective treatments. Clinical studies have shown that epimedium (YYH) has therapeutic effects on liver cancer, and some of its prenylflavonoids have demonstrated anti-liver cancer activity through multiple mechanisms. However, there is still a need for systematic research to uncover the key pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism of YYH.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to screen the anti-cancer material basis of YYH via integrating spectrum-effect analysis with serum pharmacochemistry, and explore the multi-target mechanisms of YYH against liver cancer by combining network pharmacology with metabolomics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anti-cancer effect of the extract of YYH (E-YYH) was first evaluated in mice with xenotransplantation H22 tumor cells burden and cultured hepatic cells. Then, the interaction between E-YYH compounds and the cytotoxic effects was revealed through spectrum-effect relationship analysis. And the cytotoxic effects of screened compounds were verified in hepatic cells. Next, UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS was employed to identify the absorbed components of E-YYH in rat plasma to distinguish anti-cancer components. Subsequently, network pharmacology based on anti-cancer materials and metabolomics were used to discover the potential anti-tumor mechanisms of YYH. Key targets and biomarkers were identified and pathway enrichment analysis was performed.

RESULTS

The anti-cancer effect of E-YYH was verified through in vitro and in vivo experiments. Six anti-cancer compounds in plasma (icariin, baohuoside Ⅰ, epimedin C, 2″-O-rhamnosyl icariside Ⅱ, epimedin B and sagittatoside B) were screened out by spectrum-effect analysis. Forty-five liver-cancer-related targets were connected with these compounds. Among these targets, PTGS2, TNF, NOS3 and PPARG were considered to be the potential key targets preliminarily verified by molecular docking. Meanwhile, PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and arachidonic acid metabolism were found to be associated with E-YYH's efficacy in network pharmacology and metabolomics analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our research revealed the characteristics of multi-component, multi-target and multi-pathway mechanism of E-YYH. This study also provided an experimental basis and scientific evidence for the clinical application and rational development of YYH.

Uncovering mechanisms of Baojin Chenfei formula treatment for silicosis by inhibiting inflammation and fibrosis based on serum pharmacochemistry and network analysis

BACKGROUND

Baojin Chenfei formula (BCF), a Chinese herbal formula, has significant effects on improving the clinical symptoms of patients with silicosis. However, its active compounds and the underlying mechanisms have not yet fully been elucidated.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to explore the underlying mechanisms of BCF in treating silicosis.

METHODS

The rat model of silicosis was developed via a single intratracheal instillation of SiO₂ suspension to examine the therapeutic impacts of BCF on silicosis. Subsequently, the active compounds, targets, and mechanisms of BCF were analyzed based on serum pharmacochemistry and network analysis. Finally, the underlying mechanisms of representative compounds of BCF were validated in vitro experiments.

RESULTS

BCF significantly alleviated SiO₂-induced silicosis in rats, evidenced by improved lung function, decreased pathological injury, and reduced inflammatory response and fibrosis. 19 active compounds were identified from the rat serum samples after BCF gavage. Subsequently, 299 targets for these 19 compounds in BCF and 257 genes related to silicosis were collected. 26 overlapping targets, including AKT1, TNF, IL6, MAPK3, EGFR, and others, were obtained from the intersection of the 299 BCF-related targets and 257 silicosis-associated genes. These overlapping targets mainly corresponded to glycyrrhetic acid and paeoniflorin and were mainly associated with positive regulation of smooth muscle cell proliferation, positive regulation of MAP kinase activity, and inflammatory response. In vitro experiments also demonstrated that the representative compounds of BCF (glycyrrhetic acid and paeoniflorin) could suppress inflammatory response by the MAPK pathway, and also inhibited fibroblast activation by the EGFR-PI3K-AKT pathway.

CONCLUSION

Active compounds of BCF, such as glycyrrhetic acid and paeoniflorin, could suppress inflammatory response by the MAPK pathway and suppress fibroblast activation by the EGFR-PI3K-AKT pathway. These might be the mechanisms of BCF in treating silicosis.

TMT proteomics analysis reveals the mechanism of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis and effects of Ginseng honeysuckle superfine powdered tea

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic and potentially fatal lung disease and disorder. Although the active ingredients of ginseng honeysuckle superfine powdered tea (GHSPT) have been proven to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, the mechanism of GHSPT on PF remains unclear. The present study was to explore the underlying mechanism of GHSPT in treating PF based on proteomics and network pharmacology analysis and to confirm it in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used intratracheal instillation of bleomycin to induce the PF mouse model and GHSPT (640 mg/kg) intragastrically administrated to PF mice for 21 days. The lung tissues were harvested for TMT-based proteomics. The UPLC-Q-Exactive MS/MS analyze the serum migrant compounds of GHSPT in the PF mice. Moreover, components of GHSPT were harvested from the pharmacology database of the TCMSP system. PF-related targets were retrieved using NCBI and GeneCards databases.

RESULTS

Our results showed that GHSPT significantly alleviated PF mice. Proteomics analysis showed that 525 proteins had significantly changed in the lung of untreated PF mice. Among them, 19 differential proteins were back-regulated to normal levels after GHSPT therapy. Moreover, 25 compounds originating from GHSPT were identified in the serum sample. Network analysis showed 159 active ingredients and 92 drug targets against PF. The signaling pathways include apoptosis, ferroptosis, cytokine-cytokine receptor, P53, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

The evidence suggests that GHSPT might play an effective role in the treatment of PF by multi-target interventions against multiple signaling pathways.

Integrated serum pharmacochemistry, network pharmacology and pharmacokinetics to explore bioactive components of Gushudan in the treatment of osteoporosis

Gushudan (GSD), a compound prescription on the basis of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory and clinical practice, has been used in the treatment of osteoporosis (OP) for many years. Although studies have shown that GSD can treat OP, there is a lack of systematic screening method to explore the bioactive components, which are still unclear. Therefore, this study was aimed to establish an integrated method to screen and determine bioactive ingredients of GSD in the treatment of OP by serum pharmacochemistry, network pharmacology and pharmacokinetics. Firstly, 112 components of the GSD extract and 90 serum migrating constituents were identified by the ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS), most of which were derived from flavonoids, tanshinones, coumarins and organic acids. Secondly, based on the network pharmacological analysis of the serum migrating constituents, 37 core targets and 20 main pathways related to both GSD and OP were obtained. More importantly, 7 bioactive ingredients were further screened as the PK markers by the network topology parameters including icariin, icariside II, isopimpinellin, bergapten, imperatorin, osthole and tanshinone IIA. Finally, a sensitive and accurate quantitative method based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was established and validated for simultaneous determination of the 7 bioactive ingredients in the rat plasma after oral administration of GSD extract, which was then applied to pharmacokinetic study. Besides, the overall pharmacokinetic characteristics were further calculated: C_max was 180.52 ± 31.18 ng/mL, T_max was 0.46 ± 0.20 h, t_1/2 was 4.09 ± 0.39 h, AUC_0-∞ was 567.24 ± 65.29 ng·h/mL, which displayed quick absorption and medium elimination in rats after oral administration of GSD extract. This study provided a new and holistic insight for exploring bioactive constituents and main targets to decode the therapeutic material basis of GSD against OP.

An integrated strategy to study the combination mechanisms of Bupleurum chinense DC and Paeonia lactiflora Pall for treating depression based on correlation analysis between serum chemical components profiles and endogenous metabolites profiles

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Bupleurum chinense DC-Paeonia lactiflora Pall (BCD-PLP) is a common clinical herb pair in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions commonly used to treat depression. However, its combination mechanisms with its anti-depressive effects remain highly unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Here, an effective strategy has been developed to study the combination mechanisms of Bupleurum chinense DC (BCD) and Paeonia lactiflora Pall (PLP) by integrating serum pharmacochemistry analysis, metabolomics technology, and molecular docking technology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First, the depression model rats were replicated by the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) procedure, and the difference in the chemical composition in vivo before and after the combination of BCD and PLP was analyzed by integrating background subtraction and multivariate statistical analysis techniques. Then, UPLC/HRMS-based serum metabolomics was performed to analyze the synergistic effect on metabolite regulation before and after the combination of BCD and PLP. Further, the correlation analysis between the differential exogenous chemical components and the differential endogenous metabolites before and after the combination was employed to dissect the combination mechanisms from a global perspective of combining metabolomics and serum pharmacochemistry. Finally, the molecular docking between the differential chemical components and the key metabolic enzymes was applied to verify the regulatory effect of the differential exogenous chemical components on the differential endogenous metabolites.

RESULTS

The serum pharmacochemistry analysis results demonstrated that the combination of BCD and PLP could significantly affect the content of 10 components in BCD (including 5 prototype components were significantly decreased and 5 metabolites were significantly increased) and 8 components in PLP (including 4 prototype components and 3 metabolites were significantly increased, 1 metabolite was significantly decreased), which indicated that the combination could enhance BCD prototype components' metabolism and the absorption of the PLP prototype components. Besides, metabolomics results indicated that the BCD-PLP herb pair group significantly reversed more metabolites (8) than BCD and PLP single herb group (5 & 4) and has a stronger regulatory effect on metabolite disorders caused by CUMS. Furthermore, the correlation analysis results suggested that saikogenin F and saikogenin G were significantly positively correlated with the endogenous metabolite itaconate, an endogenous anti-inflammatory metabolite; and benzoic acid was significantly positively correlated with D-serine, an endogenous metabolite with an antidepressant effect. Finally, the molecular docking results further confirmed that the combination of BCD and PLP could affect the activities of cis-aconitic acid decarboxylase and D-amino acid oxidase by increasing the in vivo concentration of saikogenin F and benzoic acid, which further enhances its anti-inflammatory activity and anti-depressive effect.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, an effective strategy has been developed to study the combination mechanisms of BCD and PLP by integrating serum pharmacochemistry analysis, multivariate statistical analysis, metabolomics technology, and molecular docking technology. Based on this strategy, the present study indicated that the combination of BCD and PLP could affect the activities of cis-aconitic acid decarboxylase and D-amino acid oxidase by increasing the concentration of saikogenin F and benzoic acid in vivo, which further enhances its anti-depressive effect. In short, this strategy will provide a reliable method for elucidating the herb-herb compatibility mechanism of TCM.

Quince extract resists atherosclerosis in rats by down-regulating the EGFR/PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β pathway

We identified the effective components and the underlying mechanisms of Quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill, COM) extract against atherosclerosis. The effective components of COM extract were identified with UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. Network pharmacology was performed. A rat model of atherosclerosis induced by high-fat emulsion combined with vitamin D₃ was established. The anti-atherosclerosis effect of COM extract was evaluated from various aspects such as blood lipid regulation, anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory response, and vascular protection function. We identified 14 serum components of COM extract using UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. Through prediction, 573 targets were obtained, among which 224 targets were atherosclerosis specific targets. The key targets included GSK3β, ESR1, EGFR, and HSP90AA1. The key signaling pathway was PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Pharmacodynamics analysis showed that COM extract reduced the levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C as well as ALT and AST, while increased the level of HDL-C. Mechanistically, COM extract significantly increased serum SOD and GSH-Px activities, but decreased MDA content in atherosclerosis rats, showing antioxidant effects. Meanwhile, COM extract significantly down-regulated the levels of pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and CRP, but up-regulated anti-inflammatory factor IL-10. Additionally, COM extract increased the levels of NO, eNOS, and 6-keto-PGF1α; whereas, decreased the levels of ET-1 and TXB₂. Furthermore, COM extract significantly inhibited the mRNA and protein levels of EGFR, p-PI3K, p-AKT, GSK-3β, Bax, and Caspase-3 as well as the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Conclusively, COM extract exerts hypolipidemic, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic and vascular endothelium protective effects on atherosclerosis rat model, which may be related to the inhibition of EGFR/PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway.

Bupleurum scorzonerifolium: Systematic research through pharmacodynamics and serum pharmacochemistry on screening antidepressant Q-markers for quality control

Bupleurum scorzonerifolium (BS) is one of the sources of Bupleuri Radix, which was first recorded in Shennong's classic of materia medica. It has a medicinal history of 2000 years and is now widely used for the treatment of depression clinically. However, the material basis of antidepressant effects is unclear, and the quality evaluation method is lacking. The paper aims to investigate the antidepressant quality markers (Q-markers) of BS by electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS). Firstly, the rat depression model was established by using chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) combined with the solitary confinement method to evaluate the pharmacodynamics of BS. After verification of the antidepressant effect of BS, UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS was used to analyze BS and the blood components of BS. A total of 34 components were identified in BS, in which 8 components, including saikosaponin a (SSa), saikosaponin c (SSc), saikosaponin d (SSd), saikosaponin b₁ (SSb₁), saikosaponin b₂ (SSb₂), glycyrrhetinic acid, nootkatone and valerenic acid, were detected in serum. SSa, SSc, SSd, SSb₁ and SSb₂ were found as metabolites, and glycyrrhetinic acid, nootkatone and valerenic Acid were identified as the prototypes in the blood. The depression model of zebrafish was established with reserpine to verify the antidepressant effect of the potential eight active components. The results showed that all these components could markedly improve the depressive behavior of zebrafish, increase the content of 5-HT and reduce the cortisol content. Finally, according to the principles of effectiveness, accessibility and measurability for Q-markers, SSa, SSc, and SSd were confirmed as Q-markers of BS, and the contents of 3 Q-markers in 10 batches of BS from different origins were determined to be 0.0728-1.465%. In addition, the total contents of 3 Q-markers in BS produced in Lindian, Heilongjiang Province, were higher than those in other origins. This paper provided a reliable method for the quality evaluation of BS for depression treatment.

Integrated serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology analyses reveal the bioactive metabolites and potential functional mechanism of ground cherry (Physalis pruinosa L.) in treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Different Physalis plants have been widely employed in traditional medicine for management of diabetes mellitus. Previous studies with respect to the in vivo antidiabetic activity of Physalis plants illustrated that they improved glucose and lipid metabolism in streptozotocin (STZ) -induced diabetic rats yet the mechanism of action of bioactive constituents of the different organs of Physalis plants on diabetes remains obscure.

AIM OF STUDY

Our objective is to study the effects of the different organs of ground cherry (P. pruinosa) on diabetes in rat models and elucidate their mechanism of actions through serum pharmacochemistry combined to network pharmacology analyses and in-vivo testing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Characterization of the constituents in the drug-dosed serum samples relative to the blank serum after treatment with different extracts was performed by UPLC -MS/MS technique. The absorbed metabolites where then subjected to network pharmacology analysis to construct an interaction network linking "compound-target-pathway". In vivo verification was implemented to determine a hypothesized mechanism of action on a STZ and high fat diet induced type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) model based on functional and enrichment analyses of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome and Gene Ontology.

RESULTS

Identification of a total of 73 compounds (22 prototypes and 51 metabolites) derived from P. pruinosa extracts was achieved through comparison of the serum samples collected from diabetic control group and extracts treated groups. The identified compounds were found to belong to different classes according to their structural type including withanolides, physalins and flavonoids. The absorbed compounds in the analyzed serum samples were considered as the potential bioactive components. The component-target network was found to have 23 nodes with 17 target genes including MAPK8, CYP1A1 and CYP1B1. Quercetin and withaferin A were found to possess the highest combined score in the C-T network. Integrated serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology analyses revealed the enrichment of leaves extract with the active constituents, which can be utilized in T2DM treatment. In the top KEGG pathways, lipid and atherosclerosis metabolic pathways in addition to T2DM pathways were found to be highly prioritized. The diabetic rats, which received leaves extract exhibited a substantial increment in GLUT2, INSR, IRS-1, PI₃K-p85 and AKT-ser473 proteins by 105%, 142%, 109%, 81% and 73%, respectively relative to the untreated diabetic group. The immunoblotting performed for MAPK and ERK1/2 part of the inflammatory pathway studied in STZ induced diabetic rats revealed that leaves, calyces and stems extracts resulted in a substantial diminish in p38-MAPK, ERK 1/2, NF-κB, and TNF-α. Histopathological examination revealed that the hepatic histoarchitecture was substantially improved in the leaves, stems, and clayces-treated rats in comparison with untreated diabetic rats. Further, pancreatic injuries, which induced by STZ were dramatically altered by the treatment with P. pruinosa leaves, calyces and stems extracts. β-cells in diabetic rats received leaves extract disclosed moderate insulin immunostaining with a notable increase in the mean insulin area%.

CONCLUSIONS

The study in hand offers a comprehensive study to clarify the bioactive metabolites of the different organs of P. pruinosa. The basic pharmacological effects and underlying mechanism of actions in the management of STZ and high fat diet induced T2DM were specifically covered in this paper.

Analysis of the pharmacodynamic difference between Xiaojin Pills taken with Chinese Baijiu and water based on serum pharmacochemistry and pharmacokinetics

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Xiaojin Pills (XJPs), which has the function of dissipating knots and dispersing swelling, removing blood stasis, and relieving pain, is a classic prescription for the treatment of mammary glands hyperplasia. It is also the first choice of Chinese patent medicine for the clinical treatment of mammary glands hyperplasia in contemporary traditional Chinese medicine clinics. Previous studies have shown that the efficacy of XJPs "taken orally after soaked with Chinese Baijiu" in tradition was significantly better than that of taking it orally with water in modern in terms of activating the blood, anti-inflammation, analgesia, anti-mammary gland hyperplasia, anti-breast cancer and its metastasis in vitro and in vivo, especially under low-dose conditions. However, the material basis for the difference in efficacy between XJP&B and XJP&W is still unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To analyze the material basis of the significant difference in efficacy between XJP&B and XJP&W from the perspective of serum pharmacochemistry and pharmacokinetics, and clarified the scientific connotation of XJPs "taken orally after soaked with Chinese Baijiu".

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry combined with a multivariate statistical analysis method were used to screen the differential components in the Chinese Baijiu extract and the water extract of XJPs and the corresponding residues, so as to clarify the differential components between XJP&B and XJP&W in vitro. The migrating components in the blood after XJP&B and XJP&W were characterized by serum pharmacochemical methods, in order to clarify the differential components in rats. The pharmacokinetic parameters of the representative components absorbed into the blood were compared between XJP&B and XJP&W by the pharmacokinetics study method, in order to determine the dynamic changes of the representative components in rats.

RESULTS

The identification results of different components in vitro showed that there were 34 and 12 different compounds between the Chinese Baijiu extract and water extract of XJPs, and the residues after Chinese Baijiu extraction and water extraction, respectively. The content of different components such as arachidonic acid, ursolic acid, 3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid, 2α-hydroxyursolic acid, and oleanolic acid was higher in the Chinese Baijiu extract, which was more than twice the content in the water extract. The results of the serum pharmacochemistry study indicated that 42 prototype components were identified in the serum of rats after XJP&B and XJP&W, including organic acids, alkaloids, steroids, and terpenoids. And XJP&B increased the absorption of the prototype components of organic acids in XJPs into the blood. The pharmacokinetic study results of representative components demonstrated that the mean plasma concentration-time profile and pharmacokinetic parameters of muscone, aconitine, and 3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid were significantly different between XJP&B and XJP&W. Compared with XJP&W, the C_max and AUC_0-t of muscone and aconitine in XJP&B were higher, and the T_1/2 and MRT_0-t of 3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid in XJP&B were relatively longer.

CONCLUSION

This research proved that "taking XJPs orally after being soaked with Chinese Baijiu" can increase the dissolution and absorption of active ingredients in XJPs, increase the plasma concentration and content of representative ingredients, and prolong its action time, thus enhancing the biological activity of XJPs in vitro and in vivo. To a certain extent, this study revealed the material basis of the significantly better efficacy of XJP&B than XJP&W and clarified the scientific connotation of XJPs "taken orally after soaked with Chinese Baijiu", which can provide a theoretical basis for the optimization of XJPs' clinical administration method.

Metabolomics combined with serum pharmacochemistry discovering the potential effective compounds of Fangji Huangqi Tang against nephrotic syndrome

Fangji Huangqi Tang (FHT) was first recorded in "Jin Gui Yao Lue," invented by the archaic Chinese medical doctor Zhongjing Zhang, and is a classic medicine that tonifies qi and expels wind, invigorates spleen for diuresis. A large number of literatures indicated that FHT showed a significant effect on Nephrotic Syndrome (NS). A comprehensive strategy was proposed to discover the potential effective compounds and therapeutic targets of FHT against NS as a case study. Serum metabolomics combined with multivariate statistical analysis was employed to analysis and screen the differential endogenous metabolites in serum samples of the control and model rats induced by Adriamycin. The correlation analysis between the efficacy biomarkers and different compounds absorbed in serum of FHT was conducted to explore the potential effective compounds of FHT against NS. With the help of network pharmacology, the therapeutic targets and the possible molecular mechanisms of FHT against NS were further investigated. Fifteen metabolites, including l-phenylalanine, 3-Hydroxybutyric acid and linolenic acid, were associated with renal damage based on the serum metabolomic results. Metabolic pathway analysis indicated that phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis and linoleic acid metabolism were the key pathways associated with NS. Among them, 6 metabolites were defined as efficacy biomarkers such as uric acid, 2-methylbutyrylcarnitine and 10-HDA. The results of correlation analysis suggested that 14 constituents such as fanGhinoline, cycloastragenol, atractylenolide III, and glycyrrhetinic acid were recognized as potential effective compounds, whose potential protein targets participated in the MAPK signaling pathway, GnRH signaling pathway and aldoaterone-regulated sodium reabsorption. This study has clarified the potential effective compounds and therapeutic targets of FHT against NS. The results provided new evidence for the pharmacological mechanism of FHT on NS.

Quality assessment and Q-markers discovery of Tongsaimai tablet by integrating serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology for anti-atherosclerosis benefit

Background

The limited therapeutic outcomes of atherosclerosis (AS) have allowed, traditional Chinese medicine has been well established as an alternative approach in ameliorating AS and associated clinical syndromes. Clinically, Tongsaimai tablet (TSMT), a commercial Chinese patent medicine approved by CFDA, shows an obvious therapeutic effect on AS treatment. However, its effective mechanism and quality control still need thorough and urgent exploration.

Methods

The mice were orally administered with TSMT and their serum was investigated for the absorbed compounds using serum pharmacochemistry via the UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap/MS analysis was employed to investigate these absorbed compounds in serum of mice orally administrated with TSMT. Based on these absorbed prototype compounds in serum derived from TSMT, a component-target-disease network was constructed using network pharmacology strategy, which elucidated the potential bioactive components, effective targets, and molecular mechanisms of TSMT against AS. Further, the screened compounds from the component-target network were utilized as the quality control (QC) markers, determining multi-component content determination and HPLC fingerprint to assess quality of nine batches of TSMT samples.

Results

A total of 164 individual components were identified in TSMT. Among them, 29 prototype compounds were found in serum of mice administrated with TSMT. Based on these candidate prototype components, 34 protein targets and 151 pathways related to AS were predicted, and they might significantly exhibit potential anti-AS mechanisms via synergistic regulations of lipid regulation, shear stress, and anti-inflammation, etc. Five potentially bioactive ingredients in TSMT, including Ferulic acid, Liquiritin, Senkyunolide I, Luteolin and Glycyrrhizic acid in quantity not less than 1.2798, 0.4716, 0.5419, 0.1349, 4.0386 mg/g, respectively, screened from the component-target-pathway network. Thereby, these indicated that these five compounds of TMST which played vital roles in the attenuation of AS could serve as crucial marker compounds for quality control.

Conclusions

Overall, based on the combination of serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology, the present study firstly provided a useful strategy to establish a quality assessment approach for TSMT by screening out the potential anti-AS mechanisms and chemical quality markers.

Graphical Abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13020-022-00658-9.

Identification of the active compounds and functional mechanisms of Jinshui Huanxian formula in pulmonary fibrosis by integrating serum pharmacochemistry with network pharmacology

BACKGROUND

Jinshui Huanxian formula (JHF), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been demonstrated to attenuate idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The active compounds and underlying mechanisms of JHF, however, are unclear.

PURPOSE

The purpose of This study was to aimed to identify the active compounds and pharmacological mechanism of JHF by integrating serum pharmacochemistry with a network pharmacology strategy.

METHODS

JHF was orally administered to a rat model with bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF). The pharmacodynamic effects and compounds present in the serum were identified. The targets and biological mechanisms of these compounds were revealed using network analysis and validated using in vitro experiments.

RESULTS

JHF could significantly ameliorate BLM-induced PF by preventing extracellular matrix collagen deposition. Twenty-seven compounds that were found to be enriched in the serum samples collected 1 h after oral administration with JHF were identified as the candidate active compounds, and their 423 potential targets were identified as JHF targets. primarily related to the advanced glycation and products-receptor for advanced glycation end products (AGE-RAGE) signaling pathway, phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (PKB or AKT) signaling pathway, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, etc. The 423 targets, 1145 IPF-related genes and their overlapped genes were applied to analyze, respectively. The results showed that these genes were primarily related to the advanced glycation end-products-receptor for advanced glycation end-products (AGE-RAGE) signaling pathway, lipid and atherosclerosis pathology, phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (PKB or AKT) signaling pathway, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance. Furthermore, the affinity between serum JHF compounds and the main proteins in the above important pathways was investigated through molecular docking. As a result, Molecular docking analysis showed that, tangeretin, isosinensetin, and peimine were found to could bind to EGFR and AKT, and their inhibitory effect on EGFR and AKT were validated in fibroblast cell induced by transforming growth factor (TGF)TGF-β. The results indicated that suppression of fibroblast activation by inhibiting the EGFR/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway might be an important mechanism of JHF may to treat PF.

CONCLUSION

JHF may suppress fibroblast activation by inhibiting the EGFR/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to ameliorate PF. Tangeretin, isosinensetin, and peimine may be the active compounds in JHF involved in the treatment of that have therapeutic effects on IPF.

Screening of bioactive ingredients of Tsantan Sumtang in ameliorating H9c2 cells injury

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Tsantan Sumtang (TS), a traditional Tibetan medicine, has been used in the clinic for the treatment of myocardial ischemia (MI) for ages, however, the bioactive ingredients that are responsible for improving MI remain unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study investigated the chemical components of TS and their medicinal efficacies at cell levels, in order to expound the bioactive ingredients in TS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First, a response-surface methodology was employed to determine the optimum ethanol reflux extraction process of polyphenols in TS (PTS) due to their close correlation with MI improvement. Second, a serum pharmacochemistry technique was used to analyze the compounds of PTS absorbed into the blood of rats. Third, hypoxia-, H₂O₂-, and adriamycin (ADM)-induced H9c2 cell injury models were used to investigate the cardioprotective effects of these compounds in vitro. Fourth, protective effects of isovitexin, quercitrin, and isoeugenol on mitochondrial function were further tested.

RESULTS

The optimum extraction conditions for obtaining PTS were an ethanol concentration of 78.22%, an extraction time of 67.4 min, and a material-liquid ratio of 1:72.60 mL/g. Serum pharmacochemistry analysis detected 21 compounds, of which 11 compounds were always present in the blood within 5 h. Cytotoxicity and the protective effect of 11 compounds in hypoxia-, H₂O₂-, and ADM-induced H9c2 cell injury models shown that isovitexin, quercitrin, and isoeugenol had almost no cytotoxicity, and they could elevate the survival rate in injured H9c2 cells. Furthermore, isovitexin, quercitrin, and isoeugenol could decrease mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) releasion, inhibite mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening, ameliorate the change of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) to exert mitochondrial protection effect.

CONCLUSION

Isovitexin, quercitrin, and isoeugenol exhibited cardioprotective effect at cell levles, these three compounds might be the bioactive ingredients in TS. These findings elucidate the pharmacodynamic substances and mechanisms of TS, guiding its clinical use.

by serum pharmacochemistry and bivariate correlation analysis

In this study, the theory of serum pharmacochemistry of traditional Chinese medicine was used to analyze the constituents absorbed into serum after oral administration of Wikstroemia indica (L.) C. A. Mey. by ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS). The micro-liquid dilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration of the serum containing Wikstroemia indica. The bivariate correlation analysis method was used to study the spectral-efficiency relationship between the drug-containing serum and the antibacterial activity, and find the main antibacterial active components in serum containing Wikstroemia indica. A total of 26 serum migration components were identified or speculated in the samples, including 11 prototype components and 15 metabolites. Of which, syringic acid, caffeic acid, dihydrocaffeic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, hippuric acid, 3-hydroxy-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)propanoic acid, triumbelletin, (7R)-3-hydroxy-1-methyl-2-oxo-7-(prop-1-en-2-yl)-2,3,5,6,7,8- hexahydroazulene-4- carbaldehyde and (1S,3aS,8aS)-1,3,5-trihydroxy-1,4-dimethyl-7-(propan-2- ylidene) octahydroazulen-6(1H)-one were bacteriostatic active substances. It is the first time to study the constituents in serum containing Wikstroemia indica and reveal its antibacterial pharmacodyamic material basis. The above works provide scientific reference for the in-depth study of Wikstroemia indica.

Integrated serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacological analysis used to explore possible anti-rheumatoid arthritis mechanisms of the Shentong-Zhuyu decoction

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Shentong-Zhuyu decoction (STZYD) has been recognized by the Chinese National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a classic TCM formula. Use of STZYD has shown a satisfactory clinical therapeutic outcome for rheumatoid arthritis (RA); despite this, its bioactive chemical composition and relevant mechanism(s) of this action have not been clearly elucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the bioactive chemical composition of STZYD used for RA treatment and its possible mechanism(s) of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Serum pharmacochemistry mediated by the UPLC-Q-Exactive MS/MS method was employed to identify the absorbed phytochemical compounds in serum derived from STZYD, which were commonly considered as the potential bioactive compounds. And then, these components were used to construct a compound-target network for RA using a network pharmacology approach, to predict the possible biological targets of STZYD along with potential signaling pathways. Afterwards, we established a Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced RA rat model, and observed the anti-RA effect of STZYD by a series of indexes, including foot swelling, ankle diameter, arthritis score, morphological and radiographic analysis, serum inflammatory factors, and histopathological analysis of synovial tissues. Particularly, the predicted pathway by the combination of serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology was further validated using RT-qPCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemical analyses in animal experiment.

RESULTS

Totally, 38 compounds derived from STZYD have been identified by serum sample analysis. Based on it, 387 genes related to these identified compounds in STZYD and 3807 genes related to RA were collected by network pharmacology. Critically, KEGG analysis indicated that the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was recommended as one of the main pathway related to anti-RA effect of STZYD. Experimentally, STZYD significantly alleviated CFA-induced arthritis without any visible side-effects. Compared to the RA model group without any treatment, the treatment of STZYD significantly reduced the expression of both mRNA and protein targets in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Furthermore, this result was also corroborated by immunohistochemistry analysis. All these studies could effectively corroborate the predicted result as above, suggested that the feasibility of this integrated strategy.

CONCLUSION

This study provided a useful strategy to identify bioactive compounds and the potential mechanisms for TCM formula by integrating serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology.

Systematically explore the potential hepatotoxic material basis and molecular mechanism of Radix Aconiti Lateralis based on the concept of toxicological evidence chain (TEC)

Radix aconiti lateralis (Fuzi) is widely used in China as a traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of asthenia, pain and inflammation. However, its toxic alkaloids often lead to adverse reactions. Currently, most of the toxicity studies on Fuzi are focused on the heart and nervous system, and more comprehensive toxicity studies are needed. In this study, based on the previous reports of Fuzi hepatotoxicity, serum pharmacochemistry and network toxicology were used to screen the potential toxic components of Heishunpian(HSP), a processed product of Fuzi, and to explore the possible mechanism of HSP-induced hepatotoxicity. The results obtained are expressed based on the toxicological evidence chain (TEC). It was found that 22 potential toxic components screened can affect Th17 cell differentiation, Jak-STAT signaling pathway, glutathione metabolism, and other related pathways by regulating AKT1, IL2, F2, GSR, EGFR and other related targets, which induces oxidative stress, metabolic disorders, cell apoptosis, immune response, and excessive release of inflammatory factors, eventually inducing liver damage in rats. This is the first study on HSP-induced hepatotoxicity based on the TEC concept, providing references for further studies on the toxicity mechanism of Fuzi.

The protective effects of Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum extract on 5-Fuorouracil-induced intestinal mucositis in mice

BACKGROUND

Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum as a traditional Chinese medicine is used in prescription for treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. Phytochemical investigations show that there are many anti-ulcer and anti-inflammatory ingredients in A. agallocha methanol extract (AEE). However, scarce data is available about the constituents absorbed into the blood, activity and mechanisms of AEE on intestinal mucositis.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

To analyze the bioactive constituents of AEE absorbed in the blood, and further explore the potential mechanisms of the protection against chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis.

METHODS

The serum pharmacochemistry using UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS was performed to screen the bioactive compounds of AEE absorbed in serum. The intestinal mucositis was induced by 5-Fuorouracil (5-Fu) and treated with AEE. The severity of intestinal mucositis was evaluated based on body weight, food-intake and diarrhea. Furthermore, the mechanism of AEE was investigated involved in the pathogenesis of mucositis on repairing injury of intestinal mucosa, immune functions, and inflammatory response.

RESULTS

Altogether, 11 components were identified or tentatively characterized in dosed plasma. In pharmacodynamics study, intestinal mucositis caused by 5-Fu was effectively attenuated after AEE treatment. AEE treatment improved food-intake and injury of the intestinal mucosa, relieved body weight loss and severe diarrhea through up-regulating expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and inhibiting the levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in ileum segments.

CONCLUSIONS

AEE protected against 5-Fu-induced intestinal mucositis (IM) in mice through mechanisms that involved in promoting the enterocyte proliferative activity, maintaining the integrity of tight junction proteins, inhibiting oxidative stress and ameliorating the inflammatory disturbances. Accordingly, A. agallocha may be a promising therapeutic candidate used for the prevention of IM during cancer chemotherapy.

Novel chinmedomics strategy for discovering effective constituents from ShenQiWan acting on ShenYangXu syndrome

Elucidation of the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is of importance for scientists of modern medicine to understand the value of TCM clinical experience, and it is necessary to have a biological language to scientifically describe the efficacy of TCM. With this background?Chinmedomics has been proposed by our team, which includes integrating serum pharmacochemistry and metabolomics technology, defining theory and research methods for expressing the efficacy of TCMs based on the biomarkers discovery of TCM syndrome and elucidating the efficacy of TCM formulae, discovering effective constituents, and finally elucidating the scientific value of TCM. In the present study, the innovative chinmedomics strategy was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effects of ShenQiWan (SQW) acting on ShenYangXu (kidney-yang deficiency syndrome, KYDS). We analyzed the urine metabolic trajectory between the model and control groups, and identified the biomarkers by the multivariate analysis. We found that SQW caused significant restoration of abnormal metabolism of KYDs. Using the method of metabolomics, 17 potential urine biomarkers were analyzed through 4 repeated tests in our serial studies on SQW and KYDS. Under the premise of therapeutic efficacy, a total of 56 peaks were tentatively characterized in vivo by the use of serum pharmacochemistry. Correlation analysis between marker metabolites and in vivo constituents of SQW showed that 28 compositions had a close relationship with urine biomarkers of therapeutic effects, whichmight play a key role in the therapeutic effect of SQW. These compounds were imported into an online database to predict their targets. Twenty-three important potential targets were identified, which were related to the metabolism of steroid hormone, tryptophan utilization, and thyroid hormone. In conclusion, chinmedomics is a useful strategy for discovery of potentially effective constituents from complex TCM formulae.