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Chen J, Ye W. Molecular mechanisms underlying Tao-Hong-Si-Wu decoction treating hyperpigmentation based on network pharmacology, Mendelian randomization analysis, and experimental verification. Pharm Biol 2024; 62:296-313. [PMID: 38555860 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2024.2330609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Hyperpigmentation, a common skin condition marked by excessive melanin production, currently has limited effective treatment options. OBJECTIVE This study explores the effects of Tao-Hong-Si-Wu decoction (THSWD) on hyperpigmentation and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS We employed network pharmacology, Mendelian randomization, and molecular docking to identify THSWD's hub targets and mechanisms against hyperpigmentation. The Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay determined suitable THSWD treatment concentrations for PIG1 cells. These cells were exposed to graded concentrations of THSWD-containing serum (2.5%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%) and treated with α-MSH (100 nM) to induce an in vitro hyperpigmentation model. Assessments included melanin content, tyrosinase activity, and Western blotting. RESULTS ALB, IL6, and MAPK3 emerged as primary targets, while quercetin, apigenin, and luteolin were the core active ingredients. The CCK-8 assay indicated that concentrations between 2.5% and 20% were suitable for PIG1 cells, with a 50% cytotoxicity concentration (CC50) of 32.14%. THSWD treatment significantly reduced melanin content and tyrosinase activity in α-MSH-induced PIG1 cells, along with downregulating MC1R and MITF expression. THSWD increased ALB and p-MAPK3/MAPK3 levels and decreased IL6 expression in the model cells. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION THSWD mitigates hyperpigmentation by targeting ALB, IL6, and MAPK3. This study paves the way for clinical applications of THSWD as a novel treatment for hyperpigmentation and offers new targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Chen
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenyi Ye
- Department of Traditional Chinese Internal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China
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Pan G, Chai L, Chen R, Yuan Q, Song Z, Feng W, Wei J, Yang Z, Zhang Y, Xie G, Yan A, Lv Q, Wang C, Zhao Y, Wang Y. Potential mechanism of Qinggong Shoutao pill alleviating age-associated memory decline based on integration strategy. Pharm Biol 2024; 62:105-119. [PMID: 38145345 PMCID: PMC10763866 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2023.2291689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Qinggong Shoutao Wan (QGSTW) is a pill used as a traditional medicine to treat age-associated memory decline (AAMI). However, its potential mechanisms are unclear. OBJECTIVE This study elucidates the possible mechanisms of QGSTW in treating AAMI. MATERIALS AND METHODS Network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches were utilized to identify the potential pathway by which QGSTW alleviates AAMI. C57BL/6J mice were divided randomly into control, model, and QGSTW groups. A mouse model of AAMI was established by d-galactose, and the pathways that QGSTW acts on to ameliorate AAMI were determined by ELISA, immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting after treatment with d-gal (100 mg/kg) and QGSTW (20 mL/kg) for 12 weeks. RESULTS Network pharmacology demonstrated that the targets of the active components were significantly enriched in the cAMP signaling pathway. AKT1, FOS, GRIN2B, and GRIN1 were the core target proteins. QGSTW treatment increased the discrimination index from -16.92 ± 7.06 to 23.88 ± 15.94% in the novel location test and from -19.54 ± 5.71 to 17.55 ± 6.73% in the novel object recognition test. ELISA showed that QGSTW could increase the levels of cAMP. Western blot analysis revealed that QGSTW could upregulate the expression of PKA, CREB, c-Fos, GluN1, GluA1, CaMKII-α, and SYN. Immunostaining revealed that the expression of SYN was decreased in the CA1 and DG. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS This study not only provides new insights into the mechanism of QGSTW in the treatment of AAMI but also provides important information and new research ideas for the discovery of traditional Chinese medicine compounds that can treat AAMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiyun Pan
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Second Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Lijuan Chai
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Qing Yuan
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhihui Song
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Wanying Feng
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinna Wei
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhihua Yang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuhang Zhang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Guinan Xie
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - An Yan
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Qingbo Lv
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Caijun Wang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yingqiang Zhao
- Second Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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Liu M, Wang C, Zhang H, Guo H, Kang L, Li H, Li K. A systematic review on polysaccharides from Morinda officinalis How: Advances in the preparation, structural characterization and pharmacological activities. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 328:118090. [PMID: 38521432 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Morinda officinalis How is called "Ba-Ji-Tian" in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which belongs to the genus Rubiaceae and is widely used for medicinal purposes in China and other eastern Asian countries. Morinda officinalis How polysaccharides (MOPs) are one of the key bioactive components, and have a variety of biological activities, such as antioxidation, antifatigue, enhanced immunity, antiosteoporosis, ect. AIM OF THE REVIEW This review is aimed at providing comprehensive information of the latest preparation technologies, structural characterization, and pharmacological effects of MOPs. A more in-depth research on the structure and clinical pharmacology of the MOPs was explored. It could lay a foundation for further investigate the pharmacological activities and guide the safe clinical practice of MOPs. MATERIALS AND METHODS The Web of Science, PubMed, Scifinder, Google Scholar, CNKI, Wanfang database, and other online database are used to search and collect the literature on extraction and separation methods, structural characterization, and pharmacological activities of MOPs publisher from 2004 to 2023. The key words are "Morinda officinalis polysaccharides", "extraction", "isolation", "purification" and "pharmacological effects". RESULTS Morinda officinalis has been widely used in tonifying the kidney yang since ancient times, and is famous for one of the "Four Southern Medicines" in China for the treatment of depression, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, infertility, fatigue and Alzheimer's disease. The active ingredients of Morinda officinalis that have been researched on the treatment of depression and osteoporosis are mostly polysaccharides and oligosaccharides. The content of polysaccharides varies with different methods of extraction, separation and purification. MOPs have a wide range of pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, antifatigue, immunomodulatory, antiosteoporosis, and regulation of spermatogenesis activities. These pharmacological properties lay a foundation for the treatment of oxidative stress, osteoporosis, spermatogenic dysfunction, immunodeficiency, inflammation and other diseases with MOPs. CONCLUSIONS At present, MOPs have been applied in the treatment of skeletal muscle atrophy, varicocele, osteoporosis, because of its effects of enhancing immunity, improving reproduction and antioxidant. However, the structure-activity relationship of these effects are still not clear. The more deeply study could be conducted on the MOPs in the future. The toxicology and clinical pharmacology, as well as mechanism of action of MOPs were also needed to deeply studied and clarified. This paper could lay the foundation for the application and safety of MOPs in multifunctional foods and drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyun Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 156 Jinshui East Road, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China; Henan Research Center for Special Processing Technology of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China
| | - Chen Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 156 Jinshui East Road, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China
| | - Hongwei Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 156 Jinshui East Road, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China; Henan Research Center for Special Processing Technology of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China
| | - Hui Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 156 Jinshui East Road, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China; Henan Research Center for Special Processing Technology of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China
| | - Le Kang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 156 Jinshui East Road, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China; Henan Research Center for Special Processing Technology of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China
| | - Hongwei Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 156 Jinshui East Road, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China; Henan Research Center for Special Processing Technology of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China.
| | - Kai Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 156 Jinshui East Road, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China; Henan Research Center for Special Processing Technology of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450046, PR China.
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Sun R, Liang Y, Zhu S, Yin Q, Bian Y, Ma H, Zhao F, Yin G, Tang D. Homotherapy-for-heteropathy of Bupleurum Chinense DC.-Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi in treating depression and colorectal cancer: A network pharmacology and animal model approach. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 328:118038. [PMID: 38479544 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Bupleurum chinense DC.-Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (BS) is a classic drug pair that has good clinical effects on depression and many tumors. However, the concurrent targeting mechanism of how the aforementioned drug pair is valid in the two distinct diseases, has not been clarified yet. AIM OF THE STUDY The components of BS were detected by LC-MS, combined with network pharmacology to explore the active ingredients and common targeting mechanism of its multi-pathway regulation of BS in treating depression and CRC, and to validate the dual effects of BS using the CUMS mice model and orthotopic transplantation tumor mice model of CRC. RESULTS Twenty-nine components were screened, 84 common gene targets were obteined, and the top 5 key targets including STAT3, PIK3R1, PIK3CA, AKT1, IL-6 were identified by PPI network. GO and KEGG analyses revealed that PI3K/AKT and JAK/STAT signaling pathways might play a crucial role of BS in regulating depression and CRC. BS significantly modulated CUMS-induced depressive-like behavior, attenuated neuronal damage, and reduced serum EPI and NE levels in CUMS model mice. BS improved the pathological histological changes of solid tumors and liver tissues and inhibited solid tumors and liver metastases in tumor-bearing mice. BS significantly decreased the proteins' expression of IL-6, p-JAK2, p-STAT3, p-PI3K, p-AKT1 in hippocampal tissues and solid tumors, and regulated the levels of IL-2, IL-6 and IL-10 in serum of two models of mice. CONCLUSION BS can exert dual antidepressant and anti-CRC effects by inhibiting the expression of IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 and PI3K/AKT pathway proteins and regulating the release of inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruolan Sun
- School of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yan Liang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Shijiao Zhu
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qihang Yin
- School of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yong Bian
- Labthatory Animal Center, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Hongyue Ma
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Fan Zhao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Gang Yin
- School of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Decai Tang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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Cao W, Yuan F, Liu T, Yin R. Network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking integrated experimental verification reveal β-sitosterol as the active anti-NSCLC ingredient of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua by suppression of PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α signaling pathway. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 328:117900. [PMID: 38432577 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (Huangjing) is a Chinese herb that is considered by ancient Chinese healers to have the effect of nourishing yin and moisturizing the lungs. It is clinically used to treat diseases of the pulmonary system, including non-small cell lung cancer. However, the precise active components and underlying mechanisms of Huangjing in the context of treating NSCLC remain uncertain. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to explore the active components and mechanisms of Huangjing for the treatment of NSCLC by means of data mining, network pharmacology, and in vitro and vivo experiments. MATERIALS AND METHODS First, the main active compounds and key targets of Huangjing were predicted by network pharmacology. The potential key targets of Huangjing were molecularly docked with the main active compounds using Pymol. In vivo, we verified whether Huangjing and its main active compound have anti-lung cancer effects. Key targets were verified by PCR and immunohistochemistry. In vitro, we verified the effects of Huangjing's main active compound on the proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of A549 cells by CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing assay, and flow cytometry. Key targets and signaling pathway were validated by PCR and Western blot. RESULTS The network pharmacology results suggested that β-sitosterol was the main active substance. TP53, JUN, AKT1, MAPK14, ESR1, RELA, HIF1A, and RXRA were potential targets of Huangjing. Molecular docking results suggested that MAPK14, HIF-1α, and RXRA docked well with β-sitosterol. In vivo tests also confirmed that Huangjing could significantly inhibit the growth of lung cancer tumors, while PCR and immunohistochemistry results suggested that the expression of HIF-1α was significantly decreased. Critically, KEGG analysis indicated that the PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α signaling pathway was recommended as one of the main pathways related to the anti-NSCLC effect of Huangjing. We conducted in vitro experiments to confirm the significant impact of β-sitosterol on the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and colony formation of A549 cells. Furthermore, our findings indicate that a high dosage of β-sitosterol may effectively decrease the expression of HIF-1α, AKT1, JUN and RELA in A549 cells. Similarly, in vitro experiments also revealed that high doses of β-sitosterol could inhibit the PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS We discovered Huangjing and its main active ingredient, β-sitosterol, can reduce HIF-1α, AKT1, JUN and RELA expression and decrease non-small cell lung cancer growth through the PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Cao
- Department of integrated Chinese and Western medicine, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, 21009, Nanjing, PR China; The Third Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 210023, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Fangwei Yuan
- The Fourth Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, 210009, Nanjing, PR China; Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, 21009, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Tongyan Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, 21009, Nanjing, PR China; Department of Science and Technology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, 21009, Nanjing, PR China.
| | - Rong Yin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, 21009, Nanjing, PR China; Department of Science and Technology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, 21009, Nanjing, PR China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211116, Nanjing, PR China; Biobank of Lung Cancer, Jiangsu Biobank of Clinical Resources, 21009, Nanjing, PR China.
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Wang M, Xu XR, Bai QX, Wu LH, Yang XP, Yang DQ, Kuang HX. Dichroa febrifuga Lour.: A review of its botany, traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, toxicology, and progress in reducing toxicity. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 328:118093. [PMID: 38537842 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Dichroa febrifuga Lour., a toxic but extensively used traditional Chinese medicine with a remarkable effect, is commonly called "Changshan" in China. It has been used to treat malaria and many other parasitic diseases. AIM OF THE REVIEW The study aims to provide a current overview of the progress in the research on traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, toxicology, and methods of toxicity reduction of D. febrifuga. Additionally, further research directions and development prospects for the plant were put forward. MATERIALS AND METHODS The article uses "Dichroa febrifuga Lour." "D. febrifuga" as the keyword and all relevant information on D. febrifuga was collected from electronic searches (Elsevier, PubMed, ACS, CNKI, Google Scholar, and Baidu Scholar), doctoral and master's dissertations and classic books about Chinese herbs. RESULTS 30 chemical compounds, including alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids and other kinds, were isolated and identified from D. febrifuga. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that these components have a variety of pharmacological activities, including anti-malarial activities, anti-inflammatory activities, anti-tumor activities, anti-parasitic activities and anti-oomycete activities. Meanwhile, alkaloids, as the material basis of its efficacy, are also the source of its toxicity. It can cause multiple organ damage, including liver, kidney and heart, and cause adverse reactions such as nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. In the current study, the toxicity can be reduced by modifying the structure of the compound, processing and changing the dosage forms. CONCLUSIONS There are few studies on the chemical constituents of D. febrifuga, so the components and their structure characterization contained in it can become the focus of future research. In view of the toxicity of D. febrifuga, there are many methods to reduce it, but the safety and rationality of these methods need further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150000, China.
| | - Xin-Rui Xu
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150000, China.
| | - Qian-Xiang Bai
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150000, China.
| | - Li-Hong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150000, China.
| | - Xin-Peng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150000, China.
| | - De-Qiang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150000, China.
| | - Hai-Xue Kuang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150000, China.
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Li Y, Zhao M, Tang R, Fang K, Zhang H, Kang X, Yang L, Ge W, Du W. Study on the quality of Corydalis Rhizoma in Zhejiang based on multidimensional evaluation method. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 328:118047. [PMID: 38499258 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The quality requirements of Corydalis Rhizoma (CR) in different producing areas are uniform, resulting in uneven efficacy. As a genuine producing area, the effective quality control of CR in Zhejiang Province (ZJ) could provide a theoretical basis for the rational application of medicinal materials. AIM OF THE STUDY The purpose of this study was to effectively distinguish the CR inside and outside ZJ, and provided a theoretical basis for the quality control and material basis research of ZJ CR. MATERIALS AND METHODS The core components of ZJ CR could be identified by HPLC combined with chemometrics screening, and the quality of CR from different producing areas was evaluated by a genetic algorithm-back propagation (GA-BP) neural network. Chromaticity and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy were used to identify CR inside and outside ZJ, and rapid content prediction was realized. The analgesic effect of CR in different regions was compared by a zebrafish analgesic experiment. Analgesic experiments in rats and analysis of the research status of quality components were used to screen the quality control components of ZJ CR. RESULTS The contents of palmatine hydrochloride (YSBMT), dehydrocorydaline (TQZJJ), tetrahydropalmatine (YHSYS), tetrahydroberberine (SQXBJ), corydaline (YHSJS), stylopine (SQHLJ), and isoimperatorin (YOQHS) in ZJ CR were higher than those in CR from outside ZJ, but the content of protopine (YAPJ) and berberine hydrochloride (YSXBJ) was lower than that in CR from outside ZJ. YHSJS and SQHLJ could be used as the core components to identify ZJ CR. The GA-BP neural network showed that the relative importance of ZJ CR was the strongest. Chroma-content correlation analysis and the NIR qualitative model could effectively distinguish CR from inside and outside of ZJ, and the NIR quantitative model could quickly predict the content of CR from inside and outside of ZJ. Zebrafish experiments showed that ZJ, Shaanxi (SX), Henan (HN), and Sichuan (SC) CR had significant analgesic effects, while Hebei (HB) CR had no significant analgesic effect. Overall comparison, the analgesic effect of ZJ CR was better than that of CR outside ZJ. The comprehensive score of the grey correlation degree between YAPJ, YSBMT, YSXBJ, TQZJJ, YHSYS, YHSJS, SQXBJ, and SQHLJ were higher than 0.9, and the research frequency were extremely high. CONCLUSIONS The relative importance of the content and origin of most components of ZJ CR was higher than that of CR outside ZJ. The holistic analgesic effect of ZJ CR was better than that of CR outside ZJ, but slightly lower than that of SX CR. YHSJS and SQHLJ could be used as the core components to identify ZJ CR. YAPJ, YSBMT, YSXBJ, TQZJJ, YHSYS, SQXBJ, YHSJS, and SQHLJ could be used as the quality control components of ZJ CR. The multidimensional evaluation method used in this study provided a reference for the quality control and material basis research of ZJ CR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yafei Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, PR China.
| | - Mingfang Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, PR China
| | - Rui Tang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, PR China
| | - Keer Fang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, PR China
| | - Hairui Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, PR China
| | - Xianjie Kang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, PR China; Research Center of TCM Processing Technology, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311401, PR China; Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Chinese Medicine Yinpian Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, 311401, PR China
| | - Liu Yang
- Research Center of TCM Processing Technology, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311401, PR China; Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Chinese Medicine Yinpian Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, 311401, PR China
| | - Weihong Ge
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, PR China; Research Center of TCM Processing Technology, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311401, PR China; Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Chinese Medicine Yinpian Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, 311401, PR China.
| | - Weifeng Du
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, PR China; Research Center of TCM Processing Technology, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311401, PR China; Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Chinese Medicine Yinpian Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, 311401, PR China.
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Cheung S, Zhong Y, Wu L, Jia X, He MQ, Ai Y, Jiao Q, Liang Q. Mechanism interpretation of Guhan Yangshengjing for protection against Alzheimer's disease by network pharmacology and molecular docking. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 328:117976. [PMID: 38492794 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Guhan Yangshengjing (GHYSJ) is an effective prescription for delaying progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) based on the ancient Chinese medical classics excavated from Mawangdui Han Tomb. Comprising a combination of eleven traditional Chinese herbs, the precise protective mechanism through which GHYSJ acts on AD progression remains unclear and has significant implications for the development of new drugs to treat AD. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the mechanism of GHYSJ in the treatment of AD through network pharmacology and validate the results through in vitro experiments. MATERIALS AND METHODS Chemical composition-target-pathway network and protein-protein interaction network were constructed by network pharmacology to predict the potential targets of GHYSJ for the treatment of AD. The interaction relationship between active ingredients and targets was verified by molecular docking and molecular force. Furthermore, the chemical constituents of GHYSJ were analyzed by LC-MS and HPLC, the effects of GHYSJ on animal tissues were analyzed by H&E staining. An Aβ-induced SH-SY5Y cellular model was established to validate the core pathways and targets predicted by network pharmacology and molecular docking. RESULTS The results of the network pharmacology analysis revealed a total of 155 bioactive compounds capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier and interacting with 677 targets, among which 293 targets specifically associated with AD, which mainly participated in and regulated the amyloid aggregation pathway and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thereby treating AD. In addition, molecular docking analysis revealed a robust binding affinity between the principal bioactive constituents of GHYSJ and crucial targets implicated in AD. Our findings were further substantiated by in vitro experiments, which demonstrated that Liquiritigenin and Ginsenosides Rh4, crucial constituents of GHYSJ, as well as GHYSJ pharmaceutic serum, exhibited a significant down-regulation of BACE1 expression in Aβ-induced damaged SH-SY5Y cells. This study provides valuable data and theoretical underpinning for the potential therapeutic application of GHYSJ in the treatment of AD and secondary development of GHYSJ prescription. CONCLUSION Through network pharmacology, molecular docking, LC-MS, and cellular experiments, GHYSJ was initially confirmed to delay the progression of AD by regulating the expression of BACE1 in Amyloid aggregation pathway. Our observations provided valuable data and theoretical underpinning for the potential therapeutic application of GHYSJ in the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suet Cheung
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, SATCM Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Chemistry, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine-X, Chinese Medicine Modernization Research Center, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | | | - Lei Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, SATCM Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Chemistry, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine-X, Chinese Medicine Modernization Research Center, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xiaomeng Jia
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, SATCM Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Chemistry, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine-X, Chinese Medicine Modernization Research Center, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Meng-Qi He
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, SATCM Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Chemistry, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine-X, Chinese Medicine Modernization Research Center, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yongjian Ai
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, SATCM Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Chemistry, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine-X, Chinese Medicine Modernization Research Center, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | | | - Qionglin Liang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, SATCM Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Chemistry, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine-X, Chinese Medicine Modernization Research Center, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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Li Z, Liu T, Wang S, Chen T, Wang X, Xu X, Liu Q. Yinhuang buccal tablet alters airway microbiota composition and metabolite profile in healthy humans. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 328:118043. [PMID: 38490289 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Perturbations in airway microbiota composition and disruption of microbe-metabolite interactions have been observed in respiratory infectious diseases (RIDs). The Yinhuang (YH) buccal tablet, as an ancient Chinese medicinal formula, has been traditionally employed for the management of upper RIDs. However, there is a lack of evidence for the effects of YH buccal tablets on upper respiratory tract microbiota and circulating metabolites. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in respiratory microbiota composition and circulating metabolite profile after YH buccal tablets administration. MATERIALS AND METHODS Throat swab samples and serum samples were collected from 60 healthy subjects for high-throughput 16S ribosomal RNA gene (16S rRNA) sequencing and non-targeted Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) analysis. RESULTS Airway microbial composition changed significantly after YH administration. The abundance of Actinomyces and Prevotella_7 increased, while the abundance of potentially pathogenic Pseudomonas and Corynebacterium decreased. A total of 168 significant HMDB taxonomic metabolites were identified in serum samples, of which lipid metabolites accounted for the largest proportion. Correlation analysis showed that circulatory metabolites were significantly correlated with changes in airway microbiota composition. CONCLUSIONS YH buccal tablets can inhibit opportunistic pathogens, increase beneficial microorganisms in the upper respiratory tract, and regulate the body's metabolic pathways. These findings provide insights into the mechanism of action of YH buccal tablets in the treatment and prevention of respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenxuan Li
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100010, China; Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100010, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Basic Research with Traditional Chinese Medicine on Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100010, China.
| | - Tengwen Liu
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Basic Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610075, China.
| | - Shuo Wang
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100010, China.
| | - Tengfei Chen
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100010, China.
| | - Xuerui Wang
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100010, China; Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100010, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Basic Research with Traditional Chinese Medicine on Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100010, China.
| | - Xiaolong Xu
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100010, China; Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100010, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Basic Research with Traditional Chinese Medicine on Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100010, China.
| | - Qingquan Liu
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100010, China; Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100010, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Basic Research with Traditional Chinese Medicine on Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100010, China.
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Sun J, Ma M, Zhong X, Li J, Yi J, Zhang R, Liu X, Peng L, Sun X, Feng W, Hu R, Huang Q, Lv M, Fan K, Zhou X. Investigating the molecular mechanism of Qizhu anticancer prescription in inhibiting hepatocellular carcinoma based on high-resolution mass spectrometry and network pharmacology. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 328:117985. [PMID: 38417600 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Of all primary liver cancer cases, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for about 90%. Most patients with HCC receive a diagnosis in the medium-to-late stages or with chronic liver disease, have lost the opportunity for radical treatment, such as surgical resection, and their 5-year survival rate is low. Qizhu Anticancer Prescription (QZACP) is an empirical formula composed of traditional Chinese herbs that can clinically relieve HCC symptoms, inhibit the progression of HCC, reduce recurrence rate, and prolong survival; however, its exact mode of action remains unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY This study's purpose was to investigate the mode of action of QZACP in the prevention and treatment of HCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS Initially, drug components in the QZACP decoction were analyzed using high-resolution mass spectrometry. A subcutaneous tumor xenograft model in nude mice was constructed to further analyze the active components of QZACP that had entered tumor tissues through oral administration. Potential targets of QZACP in the prevention and treatment of HCC were identified and then confirmed in vivo via network pharmacology and molecular docking. In addition, regulatory effects of QZACP on HCC cell proliferation and the cell cycle were detected using a CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry. RESULTS High-resolution mass spectrometry revealed that the QZACP decoction contained deacetyl asperulosidic acid methyl ester (DAAME), paeoniflorin, calycosin-7-glucoside, liquiritin, glycyrrhizic acid, astragaloside IV, saikosaponin A, curdione, and atractylenolide II. In nude mice, QZACP could effectively inhibit the growth of subcutaneous tumors, where DAAME, paeoniflorin, liquiritin, and glycyrrhizic acid could enter liver cancer tissues after oral administration. Among these, DAAME was the most highly expressed in HCC tissues and may be an important active component of QZACP for inhibiting HCC. Utilizing network pharmacology, the targets of action of these four drug components were identified. After verification using western blotting, STAT3, VEGFA, JUN, FGF2, BCL2L1, AR, TERT, MMP7, MMP1, ABCB1, CA9, and ESR2 were identified as targets of QZACP inhibition in HCC. In vitro experiments revealed that QZACP inhibited the proliferation of HCC cells while inducing G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest. In vivo experiments demonstrated that DAAME significantly inhibited HCC growth. After intersection of the 24 DAAME targets predicted using network pharmacology with the 435 HCC disease targets, only CA9 was identified as a DAAME-HCC crossover target. Molecular docking results revealed that the binding site of DAAME and CA9 had good stereo-complementarity with a docking score of -8.1 kcal/mol. Western blotting and immunohistochemical results also confirmed that DAAME significantly decreased CA9 protein expression in HCC. CONCLUSIONS QZACP inhibits HCC by reducing the expression of STAT3, VEGFA, JUN, FGF2, BCL2L1, AR, TERT, MMP7, MMP1, ABCB1, CA9, and ESR2. DAAME may be an important active component of QZACP for the prevention and treatment of HCC, inhibiting it by targeting the expression of CA9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialing Sun
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China; Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China.
| | - Mengqing Ma
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China; Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China.
| | - Xin Zhong
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China; Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China.
| | - Jing Li
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China; Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China; Macau University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Taipa, Macao, China.
| | - Jinyu Yi
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China; Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China; Macau University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Taipa, Macao, China.
| | - Renjie Zhang
- Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China.
| | - Xingning Liu
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China; Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China.
| | - Lanfen Peng
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China; Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China.
| | - Xinfeng Sun
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China; Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China.
| | - Wenxing Feng
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China; Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China.
| | - Rui Hu
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China; Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China; Macau University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Taipa, Macao, China.
| | - Qi Huang
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China; Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China; Macau University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Taipa, Macao, China.
| | - Minling Lv
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China; Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China.
| | - Kongli Fan
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China; Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China.
| | - Xiaozhou Zhou
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China; Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China.
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Wang Y, Yu Z, Cheng M, Hu E, Yan Q, Zheng F, Guo X, Zhang W, Li H, Li Z, Zhu W, Wu Y, Tang T, Li T. Buyang huanwu decoction promotes remyelination via miR-760-3p/GPR17 axis after intracerebral hemorrhage. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 328:118126. [PMID: 38556140 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The repairment of myelin sheaths is crucial for mitigating neurological impairments of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, the current research on remyelination processes in ICH remains limited. A representative traditional Chinese medicine, Buyang Huanwu decoction (BYHWD), shows a promising therapeutic strategy for ICH treatment. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the pro-remyelination effects of BYHWD on ICH and explore the underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS The collagenase-induced mice ICH model was created for investigation. BYHWD's protective effects were assessed by behavioral tests and histological staining. Transmission electron microscopy was used for displaying the structure of myelin sheaths. The remyelination and oligodendrocyte differentiation were evaluated by the expressions of myelin proteolipid protein (PLP), myelin basic protein (MBP), MBP/TAU, Olig2/CC1, and PDGFRα/proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) through RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence. Transcriptomics integrated with disease database analysis and experiments in vivo and in vitro revealed the microRNA-related underlying mechanisms. RESULTS Here, we reported that BYHWD promoted the neurological function of ICH mice and improved remyelination by increasing PLP, MBP, and TAU, as well as restoring myelin structure. Besides, we showed that BYHWD promoted remyelination by boosting the differentiation of PDGFRα+ oligodendrocyte precursor cells into olig2+/CC1+ oligodendrocytes. Additionally, we demonstrated that the remyelination effects of BYHWD worked by inhibiting G protein-coupled receptor 17 (GPR17). miRNA sequencing integrated with miRNA database prediction screened potential miRNAs targeting GPR17. By applying immunofluorescence, RNA in situ hybridization and dual luciferase reporter gene assay, we confirmed that BYHWD suppressed GPR17 and improved remyelination by increasing miR-760-3p. CONCLUSIONS BYHWD improves remyelination and neurological function in ICH mice by targeting miR-760-3p to inhibit GPR17. This study may shed light on the orchestration of remyelination mechanisms after ICH, thus providing novel insights for developing innovative prescriptions with brain-protective properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China; NATCM Key Laboratory of TCM Gan, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China; Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Jiangxi, Nanchang, PR China
| | - Zhe Yu
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China; NATCM Key Laboratory of TCM Gan, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Menghan Cheng
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China; NATCM Key Laboratory of TCM Gan, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - En Hu
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China; NATCM Key Laboratory of TCM Gan, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China; Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Jiangxi, Nanchang, PR China
| | - Qiuju Yan
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China; NATCM Key Laboratory of TCM Gan, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Fei Zheng
- The College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Xiaohang Guo
- School of Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Wei Zhang
- The College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Haigang Li
- Hunan Key Laboratory of the Research and Development of Novel Pharmaceutical Preparations, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Zhilin Li
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China; NATCM Key Laboratory of TCM Gan, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Wenxin Zhu
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China; NATCM Key Laboratory of TCM Gan, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Yao Wu
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China; NATCM Key Laboratory of TCM Gan, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Tao Tang
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China; NATCM Key Laboratory of TCM Gan, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China; Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Jiangxi, Nanchang, PR China
| | - Teng Li
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China; NATCM Key Laboratory of TCM Gan, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China; Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Jiangxi, Nanchang, PR China.
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Jiang H, Li X, Fan Y, Wang J, Xie Y, Yu P. The acute toxic effect of Chinese medicine Fuzi is exacerbated in kidney yang deficiency mice due to metabolic difference. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 328:118036. [PMID: 38460575 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The proper application of toxic medicines is one of the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicines, and the use of traditional Chinese medicines follows the principle of dialectical treatment. It is necessary to combine different "syndrome" or "disease" states with the toxicity of traditional Chinese medicines to form a reliable toxicity evaluation system. Fuzi, the lateral root of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx, is recognized as a panacea for kidney yang deficiency syndrome, however, its toxic effects significantly limit its clinical application. AIM OF THE STUDY Herein, our research aimed to explore the toxic effects of Fuzi on syndrome models, and tried to reveal the underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS Firstly, the mouse model of kidney yang deficiency syndrome was established through intramuscular injection of 25 mg/kg hydrocortisone per day for 10 consecutive days. Then, the acute toxicity of Fuzi in normal mice and kidney yang deficiency model mice was explored. Finally, the plasma metabolite concentrations and liver CYP3A4 enzyme activity were analyzed to reveal the possible mechanisms of the different pharmacological and toxicological effects of Fuzi in individuals with different physical constitutions. RESULTS It was found that the treatment with Fuzi (138 g/kg) had serious toxic effects on kidney yang deficiency mice, leading to the death of 80% of the mice, whereas it showed no lethal toxicity in normal mice. This indicates that Fuzi induced greater toxicity in kidney yang deficiency mice than in normal ones. The liver CYP3A4 enzyme activity in kidney yang deficiency mice was decreased by 20% compared to the controls, resulting in slower metabolism of the toxic diester diterpenoid alkaloids in Fuzi. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our study showed that changes of the metabolic enzyme activity in individuals with different syndromes led to different toxic effects of Chinese medicines, emphasizing the crucial importance of considering individual physical syndromes in the clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine, and the significance of conducting safety evaluations and dose predictions on animal models with specific syndromes for traditional Chinese medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Jiang
- Department of Toxicology, and Department of Medical Oncology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Department of Toxicology, and Department of Medical Oncology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Yang Fan
- Department of Toxicology, and Department of Medical Oncology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Junjie Wang
- Department of Toxicology, and Department of Medical Oncology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Yiyi Xie
- Department of Toxicology, and Department of Medical Oncology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Peilin Yu
- Department of Toxicology, and Department of Medical Oncology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310000, China.
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Pan S, Yu X, Liu M, Liu J, Wang C, Zhang Y, Ge F, Fan A, Zhang D, Chen M. Banxia Xiexin decoction promotes gastric lymphatic pumping by regulating lymphatic smooth muscle cell contraction and energy metabolism in a stress-induced gastric ulceration rat model. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 328:118015. [PMID: 38499261 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula Banxia Xiexin decoction (BXD) has definite therapeutic effect in treating stress-induced gastric ulceration (SIGU) and many other gastrointestinal diseases, but its effect on gastric lymphatic pumping (GLP) remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY Elucidating the role of GLP in SIGU and BXD treatment, and exploring the molecular mechanisms of GLP regulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS In vivo GLP imaging were performed on SIGU rat model, and the lymphatic dynamic parameters were evaluated. Gastric antrum tissues and serum were collected for macroscopic, histopathological and ulcerative parameters analysis. Gastric lymphatic vessel (GLV) tissues were collected for RNA-Seq assays. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened from RNA-Seq result and submitted for transcriptomic analysis. Key DEGs and their derivative proteins were measured by qRT-PCR and WB. RESULTS GLP was significantly suppressed in SIGU rats. BXD could recover GLP, ameliorate stomach lymphostasis, and alleviate the ulcerative damage. Transcriptome analysis of GLV showed the top up-DEGs were concentrated in smooth muscle contraction signaling pathway, while the top the down-DEGs were concentrated in energy metabolism pathways especially fatty acid degradation pathway, which indicated BXD can promote lymphatic smooth muscle contraction, regulate energy metabolism, and reduce fatty acid degradation. The most possible target of these mechanisms was the lymphatic smooth muscle cells (LSMCs) which drove the GLP. This speculation was further validated by the qRT-PCR and WB assessments for the level of key genes and proteins. CONCLUSIONS By activating the smooth muscle contraction signaling pathway, restoring energy supply, modulating energy metabolism program and reducing fatty acid degradation, BXD effectively recovered GLP, mitigated the accumulation of inflammatory cytokines and metabolic wastes in the stomach, which importantly contributes to its efficacy in treating SIGU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shutao Pan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Xue Yu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Mingyu Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Chunguo Wang
- Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Yao Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Fei Ge
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Angran Fan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Dongmei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education and Beijing, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, 101121, China.
| | - Meng Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
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Zheng Y, Ren X, Qi X, Song R, Zhao C, Ma J, Li X, Deng Q, He Y, Kong L, Qian L, Zhang F, Li M, Sun M, Liu W, Liu H, She G. Bao Yuan decoction alleviates fatigue by restraining inflammation and oxidative stress via the AMPK/CRY2/PER1 signaling pathway. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 328:118058. [PMID: 38513778 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Baoyuan Decoction (BYD) was initially recorded in the classic of "Bo Ai Xin Jian" in the Ming dynasty. It is traditionally used for treating weakness and cowardice, and deficiency of vital energy. In researches related to anti-fatigue effects, the reciprocal regulation of AMPK and circadian clocks likely plays an important role in anti-fatigue mechanism, while it has not yet been revealed. Therefore, we elucidated the anti-fatigue mechanism of BYD through AMPK/CRY2/PER1 pathway. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the effect and mechanism of BYD in reducing fatigue, using pharmacodynamics, network pharmacology and transcriptomics through the AMPK/CRY2/PER1 signaling pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS Firstly, the chemical constituents of BYD were qualitatively identified by UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap/MS, establishing a comprehensive strategy with an in-house library, Xcalibur software and Pubchem combined. Secondly, a Na2SO3-induced fatigue model and 2,2'-Azobis (2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced oxidative stress model were developed to evaluate the anti-fatigue and anti-oxidant activities of BYD using AB zebrafish. The anti-inflammatory activity of BYD was evaluated using CuSO4-induced and tail cutting-induced Tg (lyz: dsRed) transgenic zebrafish inflammation models. Then, target screening was performed by Swiss ADME, GeneCards, OMIM and DrugBank databases, the network was constructed using Cytoscape 3.9.0. Transcriptome and network pharmacology technology were used to investigate the related signaling pathways and potential mechanisms after treatment with BYD, which were verified by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). RESULTS In total, 114 compounds from the water extract of BYD were identified as major compounds. Na₂SO₃-induced fatigue model and AAPH-induced oxidative stress model indicated that BYD has significant anti-fatigue and antioxidant effects. Meanwhile, BYD showed significant anti-inflammatory effects on CuSO4-induced and tail cutting-induced zebrafish inflammation models. The KEGG result of network pharmacology showed that the anti-fatigue function of BYD was mainly effected through AMPK signaling pathway. Besides, transcriptome analysis indicated that the circadian rhythm, AMPK and IL-17 signaling pathways were recommended as the main pathways related to the anti-fatigue effect of BYD. The RT-qPCR results showed that compared with a model control group, the treatment of BYD significantly elevated the expression mRNA of AMPK, CRY2 and PER1. CONCLUSION Herein, we identified 114 chemical constituents of BYD, performed zebrafish activity validation, while demonstrated that BYD can relieve fatigue by AMPK/CRY2/PER1 signaling pathway through network pharmacology and transcriptome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zheng
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Xueyang Ren
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Xiaodan Qi
- Dong'e Ejiao Co., Ltd., Liaocheng, 252200, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Gelatine TCM Research and Development, Liaocheng, 252200, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Gelatin-based Traditional Chinese Medicine, Liaocheng, 252200, China; National Engineering Technology Research Center for Gelatin-based Traditional Chinese Medicine, Liaocheng, 252200, China
| | - Ruolan Song
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Chongjun Zhao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Jiamu Ma
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Xianxian Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Qingyue Deng
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Yingyu He
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Lingmei Kong
- Dong'e Ejiao Co., Ltd., Liaocheng, 252200, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Gelatine TCM Research and Development, Liaocheng, 252200, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Gelatin-based Traditional Chinese Medicine, Liaocheng, 252200, China; National Engineering Technology Research Center for Gelatin-based Traditional Chinese Medicine, Liaocheng, 252200, China
| | - Liyan Qian
- Dong'e Ejiao Co., Ltd., Liaocheng, 252200, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Gelatine TCM Research and Development, Liaocheng, 252200, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Gelatin-based Traditional Chinese Medicine, Liaocheng, 252200, China; National Engineering Technology Research Center for Gelatin-based Traditional Chinese Medicine, Liaocheng, 252200, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Mingxia Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Mengyu Sun
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Wei Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Haibin Liu
- Dong'e Ejiao Co., Ltd., Liaocheng, 252200, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Gelatine TCM Research and Development, Liaocheng, 252200, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Gelatin-based Traditional Chinese Medicine, Liaocheng, 252200, China; National Engineering Technology Research Center for Gelatin-based Traditional Chinese Medicine, Liaocheng, 252200, China.
| | - Gaimei She
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
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Liang H, Ren Y, Huang Y, Xie X, Zhang M. Treatment of diabetic retinopathy with herbs for tonifying kidney and activating blood circulation: A review of pharmacological studies. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 328:118078. [PMID: 38513781 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a prevalent microvascular complication of diabetes. Chinese medicine believes that kidney deficiency and blood stasis are significant pathogenesis of DR. A characteristic therapeutic approach for this pathogenesis is the kidney-tonifying and blood-activating method. By literature retrieval from several databases, we methodically summarized the commonly used kidney-tonifying and blood-activating herbs for treating DR, including Lycii Fructus, Rehmanniane Radix Praeparata, and Corni Fructus with the function of nourishing kidney; Salvia Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma with the function of enhancing blood circulation; Rehmanniae Radix with the function of nourishing kidney yin; and Astragali Radix with the function of tonifying qi. It has been demonstrated that these Chinese herbs described above, by tonifying the kidney and activating blood circulation, significantly improve the course of DR. AIM OF THE STUDY Through literature research, to gain a thorough comprehension of the pathogenesis of DR. Simultaneously, through the traditional application analysis, modern pharmacology research and network pharmacology analysis of kidney-tonifying and blood-activating herbs, to review the effectiveness and advantages of kidney-tonifying and blood-activating herbs in treating DR comprehensively. MATERIALS AND METHODS PubMed, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Data were used to filter the most popular herbs for tonifying kidney and activating blood in the treatment of DR. The search terms were "diabetic retinopathy" and "tonifying kidney and activating blood". Mostly from 2000 to 2023. Network pharmacology was applied to examine the key active components and forecast the mechanisms of kidney-tonifying and blood-activating herbs in the treatment of DR. RESULTS Kidney deficiency and blood stasis are the pathogenesis of DR, and the pathogenesis is linked to oxidative stress, inflammation, hypoxia, and hyperglycemia. Scientific data and network pharmacology analysis have demonstrated the benefit of tonifying kidney and activating blood herbs in treating DR through several channels, multiple components, and multiple targets. CONCLUSIONS This review first presents useful information for subsequent research into the material foundation and pharmacodynamics of herbs for tonifying kidney and activating blood, and offers fresh insights into the treatment of DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yuan Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yuxia Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Xuejun Xie
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China.
| | - Mei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
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Tang X, Han JY, Pan C, Li CY, Zhao Y, Yi Y, Zhang YS, Zheng BX, Yue XN, Liang AH. Angelicin: A leading culprit involved in fructus Psoraleae liver injury via inhibition of VKORC1. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 328:117917. [PMID: 38442807 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The adverse effects of Fructus Psoraleae (FP), especially liver injury, have attracted wide attention in recent years. AIM OF THE STUDY To establish a system to explore potential hepatotoxic targets and the chief culprit of liver injury based on clinical experience, network pharmacological method, molecular docking, and in vitro and in vivo experiments. MATERIALS AND METHODS Clinical applications and adverse reactions to FP were obtained from public literatures. Components absorbed in the blood were selected as candidates to search for potential active targets (PATs) of FP. Subsequently, potential pharmacological core targets (PPCTs) were screened through the "drug targets-disease targets" network. Non-drug active targets (NPATs) were obtained by subtracting the PPCTs from the PATs. The potential hepatotoxic targets (PHTs) of FP were the intersection targets obtained from Venn analysis using NPATs, hepatotoxic targets, and adverse drug reaction (ADR) targets provided by the databases. Then, potential hepatotoxic components and targets were obtained using the "NPATS-component" network relationship. Molecular docking and in vitro and in vivo hepatotoxicity experiments were performed to verify the targets and related components. RESULTS Overall, 234 NPATs were acquired from our analysis, and 6 targets were identified as PHTs. Results from molecular docking and in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that angelicin is the leading cause of liver injury in FP, and VKORC1 plays an important role. CONCLUSION The results indicate that six targets, especially VKORC1, are associated with the PHTs of FP, and angelicin is the leading culprit involved in FP liver injury via inhibition of VKORC1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Tang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Jia-Yin Han
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China; Engineering Research Center for Pharmaceutics of Chinese Materia Medica and New Drug Development, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Chen Pan
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Chun-Ying Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Yong Zhao
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Yan Yi
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Yu-Shi Zhang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Bao-Xin Zheng
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Xing-Nan Yue
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Ai-Hua Liang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
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17
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Wei J, Zhao X, Long F, Tian K, Wu L. Lianhua Qingwen exerts anti-liver cancer effects and synergistic efficacy with sorafenib through PI3K/AKT pathway: Integrating network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation. Gene 2024; 912:148383. [PMID: 38493972 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies and sorafenib resistance is the main treatment obstacle for patients with advanced liver cancer. Developing drugs that sensitize liver cancer patients to sorafenib is of great importance. Lianhua Qingwen (LHQW), a sort of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approved by the Chinese Food and Drug Administration (CFDA), is reported to exert synergistic effects with oseltamivir against Influenza virus. However, whether LHQW could exhibit anti-liver cancer effects and enhance the efficacy of sorafenib against liver cancer have not been reported. In the present study, the potential anti-liver cancer effects of LHQW and its synergistic effects with sorafenib were investigated via applying network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro experiments. An "ingredient-compound- target-liver cancer" network was constructed which included 12 ingredients, 164 compounds, and 402 targets. AKT1 was identified as the most hub gene and the PI3K/AKT pathway was revealed as the most enriched pathway. Subsequently, the molecular docking results showed that kaempferol, luteolin, and quercetin were screened as the top 3 compounds which showed the tightest binding to AKT1. Further, the in vitro experiments verified that LHQW significantly inhibited liver cancer cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. Western blot assays confirmed that LHQW could attenuate the PI3K/AKT pathway. Interestingly, LHQW showed a synergistic effect with sorafenib against liver cancer via reducing cell viability, inducing apoptosis, and down- regulating PI3K/AKT pathway. This study broadens the potential application of LHQW and provides insights for liver cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinrui Wei
- Guangxi Scientific Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, Guangxi, China
| | - Xuqi Zhao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, 7 Guangxi 530004, China
| | - Fuli Long
- Department of Hepatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, Guangxi, China
| | - Kunpeng Tian
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, 7 Guangxi 530004, China; Pediatrics Research Institute of Hunan Province, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha 410007, China.
| | - Lichuan Wu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, 7 Guangxi 530004, China.
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18
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Zhao Y, Zhu S, Li Y, Niu X, Shang G, Zhou X, Yin J, Bao B, Cao Y, Cheng F, Li Z, Wang R, Yao W. Integrated component identification, network pharmacology, and experimental verification revealed mechanism of Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo against lung cancer. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2024; 243:116077. [PMID: 38460276 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2024.116077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo (DO), a valuable Chinese herbal medicine, has been reported to exhibit potential effects in the prevention and treatment of lung cancer. However, its material basis and mechanism of action have not been comprehensively analyzed. PURPOSE The objective of this study was to preliminarily elucidate the active components and pharmacological mechanisms of DO in treating lung cancer, according to UPLC-Q/TOF-MS, HPAEC-PAD, network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental verification. METHODS The chemical components of DO were identified via UPLC-Q/TOF-MS, while the monosaccharide composition of Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide (DOP) was determined by HPAEC-PAD. The prospective active constituents of DO as well as their respective targets were predicted in the combined database of Swiss ADME and Swiss Target Prediction. Relevant disease targets for lung cancer were searched in OMIM, TTD, and Genecards databases. Further, the active compounds and potential core targets of DO against lung cancer were found by the C-T-D network and the PPI network, respectively. The core targets were then subjected to enrichment analysis in the Metascape database. The main active compounds were molecularly docked to the core targets and visualized. Finally, the viability of A549 cells and the relative quantity of associated proteins within the major signaling pathway were detected. RESULTS 249 ingredients were identified from DO, including 39 flavonoids, 39 bibenzyls, 50 organic acids, 8 phenanthrenes, 27 phenylpropanoids, 17 alkaloids, 17 amino acids and their derivatives, 7 monosaccharides, and 45 others. Here, 50 main active compounds with high degree values were attained through the C-T-D network, mainly consisting of bibenzyls and monosaccharides. Based on the PPI network analysis, 10 core targets were further predicted, including HSP90AA1, SRC, ESR1, CREBBP, MAPK3, AKT1, PIK3R1, PIK3CA, HIF1A, and HDAC1. The results of the enrichment analysis and molecular docking indicated a close association between the therapeutic mechanism of DO and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. It was confirmed that the bibenzyl extract and erianin could inhibit the multiplication of A549 cells in vitro. Furthermore, erianin was found to down-regulate the relative expressions of p-AKT and p-PI3K proteins within the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS This study predicted that DO could treat lung cancer through various components, multiple targets, and diverse pathways. Bibenzyls from DO might exert anti-lung cancer activity by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and modulating the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. A fundamental reference for further studies and clinical therapy was given by the above data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhao
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Shuaitao Zhu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Yuan Li
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Xuan Niu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Guanxiong Shang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Xiaoqi Zhou
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Jiu Yin
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Beihua Bao
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Yudan Cao
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Fangfang Cheng
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Zhipeng Li
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China.
| | - Ran Wang
- China Tobacco Anhui Industrial Co., Ltd., Hefei, Anhui 210088, China.
| | - Weifeng Yao
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
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Guo J, Zhang Y, Zhou R, Hao Y, Wu X, Li G, Du Q. Deciphering the molecular mechanism of Bu Yang Huan Wu Decoction in interference with diabetic pulmonary fibrosis via regulating oxidative stress and lipid metabolism disorder. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2024; 243:116061. [PMID: 38430615 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2024.116061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus type 2 and pulmonary fibrosis have been found to be closely related in clinical practice. Diabetic pulmonary fibrosis (DPF) is a complication of diabetes mellitus, but its treatment has yet to be thoroughly investigated. Bu Yang Huan Wu Decoction (BYHWD) is a well-known traditional Chinese prescription that has shown great efficacy in treating pulmonary fibrosis with hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects. METHODS The active ingredients of BYHWD and the corresponding targets were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systematic Pharmacology Database (TCMSP) and SymMap2. Disease-related targets were obtained from the GeneCard, OMIM and CTD databases. GO enrichment and KEGG pathway enrichment were carried out using the DAVID database. AutoDock Vina software was employed to perform molecular docking. Molecular dynamics simulations of proteinligand complexes were conducted by Gromacs. Animal experiments were further performed to validate the effects of BYHWD on the selected core targets, markers of oxidative stress, serum lipids, blood glucose and pulmonary fibrosis. RESULTS A total of 84 active ingredients and 830 target genes were screened in BYHWD, among which 56 target genes intersected with DPF-related targets. Network pharmacological analysis revealed that the active ingredients can regulate target genes such as IL-6, TNF-α, VEGFA and CASP3, mainly through AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway and TNF signaling pathway. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations suggested that IL6-astragaloside IV, IL6-baicalein, TNFα-astragaloside IV, and TNFα-baicalein docking complexes could bind stably. Animal experiments showed that BYHWD could reduce the expression of core targets such as VEGFA, CASP3, IL-6 and TNF-α. In addition, BYHWD could reduce blood glucose, lipid, and MDA levels in DPF while increasing the activities of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px. BYHWD attenuated the expression of HYP and collagen I, mitigating pathological damage and collagen deposition within lung tissue. CONCLUSIONS BYHWD modulates lipid metabolism disorders and oxidative stress by targeting the core targets of IL6, TNF-α, VEGFA and CASP3 through the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, making it a potential therapy for DPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfeng Guo
- Endocrinology Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Yuwei Zhang
- Geriatric Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Rui Zhou
- Geriatric Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Yanwei Hao
- Geriatric Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Xuanyu Wu
- Geriatric Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Ganggang Li
- Geriatric Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Quanyu Du
- Endocrinology Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China; TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China.
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Hao Y, Wang B, Feng Y, Xin X, Deng Y, Liu M, Li C, Liu S, Zhang Q. Metabolic profile of Phellodendron amurense Rupr. in vivo of rat and its metabolomic study on intervention in rheumatoid arthritis. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2024; 243:116064. [PMID: 38492509 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2024.116064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
To analyze the metabolites (blood, urine and feces) in normal rats after intragastric administration of the decoction of Phellodendri Amurensis Cortex (PAC) and to map the metabolic profile of PAC in vivo of rat; meanwhile, to evaluate the anti-rheumatoid arthritis (RA) effect of PAC by blood metabolomics technique and to explore its mechanism. Performing on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technology with a Waters ACQUITY UPLC BEH-C18 column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm), the mobile phase was acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid aqueous solution (gradient elution). Prior to and following the administration of the decoction of PAC, the samples of blood, urine, and fecal were collected from the rats, in the positive ion mode, pharmacogenic metabolites in each biological sample were identified according to the accurate mass, fragment ions, retention time, metabolic reaction type, comparison of reference substance and retrieval of Pub Med database; The adjuvant-type arthritis (AA) rat model was established, and blood metabonomics method was used to study the improvement effect of rheumatoid arthritis after drug intervention with PAC, and its mechanism was preliminarily explored through analysis of metabolic pathway. A total of 72 exogenous components were identified, including 17 prototype components and 55 metabolites; 14 biomarkers were screened by blood metabolomics techniques combined with multivariate statistical analysis, and PAC significantly improved symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in rats, and the metabolic pathway analysis mainly involves 5 metabolic pathways. The components in the aqueous decoction of PAC mainly undergo phase I metabolic reactions in rats, such as oxidation, reduction, dehydrogenation, demethylation, and phase II metabolic reactions, such as acetylation, glucuronidation, methylation; PAC has anti-rheumatoid arthritis effects, and its mechanism of action may be related to biosynthesis of aminoacyl-tRNA, metabolism of phenylalanine, metabolism of tryptophan, degradation of valine, leucine and isoleucine and biosynthesis of pantothenic acid and coenzyme A, providing a scientific basis for the study of the pharmacodynamic substances and the action mechanism of PAC against RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Hao
- College of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
| | | | - Yuan Feng
- College of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
| | - Xiaodong Xin
- College of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
| | - Yawei Deng
- College of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
| | - Mingsong Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
| | - Chunhua Li
- College of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China; Hebei Higher Education Institute Applied Technology Research Center on TCM Development and Industrialization, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
| | - Shiqiao Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China.
| | - Qingqing Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China; Hebei Higher Education Institute Applied Technology Research Center on TCM Development and Industrialization, Shijiazhuang 050091, China; International Joint Research Center on Resource Utilization and Quality Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050091, China.
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Fan S, Zhu H, Liu W, Ha J, Liu Y, Mi M, Ren Q, Xu L, Zhang J, Liu W, Feng F, Xu J. Comparing massa medicata fermentata before and after charred in terms of digestive promoting effect via metabolomics and microbiome analysis. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 327:117989. [PMID: 38462026 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Massa Medicata Fermentata, a fermented Chinese medicine, is produced by the fermentation of six traditional Chinese medicines. Liu Shenqu (LSQ) and charred Liu Shenqu (CLSQ) have been used for strengthening the spleen and enhancing digestion for over a thousand years, and CLSQ is commonly used in clinical practice. However, it is unclear whether there is a difference in the spleen strengthening and digestion effects between LSQ and CLSQ, as well as their mechanisms of action. AIM OF STUDY This study aims to compare the effects of LSQ and CLSQ on the digestive function of functional dyspepsia (FD) rats and reveal their mechanisms of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS SPF grade SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: control group, model group, Liu Shenqu decoction low-dosage (LSQ LD) group, Liu Shenqu decoction high-dosage (LSQ HD) group, charred Liu Shenqu decoction low-dosage (CLSQ LD) group, and charred Liu Shenqu decoction high-dosage (CLSQ HD) group. Rats were injected intraperitoneally with reserpine to create an FD model and then treated by intragastric administration. During this period, record the weight and food intake of the animals. After 18 days of treatment, specimens of the gastric antrum, spleen, and duodenum of rats were taken for pathological staining and immunohistochemical detection of Ghrelin protein expression. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the concentration of relevant gastrointestinal hormones in serum. The 16 S rDNA sequencing method was used to evaluate the effect of cecal contents on the structure of the gut microbiota in experimental rats. Plasma metabolomics analysis was performed using ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) to further reveal their mechanism of action. RESULTS LSQ and CLSQ improved the pathological tissue histological structure of FD rats and increased the levels of MTL and GAS hormones in serum and the levels of ghrelin in the gastric antrum, spleen, and duodenum, while reducing VIP, CCK, and SP hormone levels. The above results showed that the therapeutic efficacy of CLSQ is better than that of LSQ. Futhermore, the mechanism of action of LSQ and CLSQ were revealed. The 16 S rDNA sequencing results showed that both LSQ and CLSQ can improve the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota. And metabolomic analysis demonstrated that 20 metabolites changed after LSQ treatment, and 16 metabolites underwent continuous changes after CLSQ treatment. Further analysis revealed that LSQ mainly intervened in the metabolic pathways of glycerol phospholipid metabolism and arginine and proline metabolism, but CLSQ mainly intervened in the metabolic pathways of ether lipid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. CONCLUSIONS Both LSQ and CLSQ can improve functional dyspepsia in FD rats, but CLSQ has a stronger improvement effect on FD. Although their mechanisms of action are all related to regulating gastrointestinal hormone secretion, significantly improving intestinal microbiota disorders, and improving multiple metabolic pathways, but the specific gut microbiota and metabolic pathways they regulate are different.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Fan
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Huangyao Zhu
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Wanqiu Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jingwen Ha
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Ying Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Ma Mi
- Tibetan University of Tibetan Medicine, Lhasa, 850007, China
| | - Qingjia Ren
- Tibetan University of Tibetan Medicine, Lhasa, 850007, China
| | - Lijun Xu
- Tibetan University of Tibetan Medicine, Lhasa, 850007, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Wenyuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Feng Feng
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Jiangsu Food and Pharmaceutical Science College, Huaian, 223003, China; School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Jian Xu
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Tibetan University of Tibetan Medicine, Lhasa, 850007, China.
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22
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Zhou X, Fu Y, Chen J, Liu P. Progress in clinical and basic research of fuzheng Huayu formula for the treatment of liver fibrosis. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 327:118018. [PMID: 38453100 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Traditional Chinese medicine has great potential and advantages in the treatment of liver fibrosis, with Fuzheng Huayu formula (FZHY) serving as a prime example due to its remarkable efficacy in delaying and reversing liver fibrosis while simultaneously improving clinical symptoms for patients. AIM OF THE REVIEW In this paper, we present a comprehensive review of recent studies on the therapeutic potential of FZHY and its components/ingredients in the treatment of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, with the aim of providing insights for future research endeavors. MATERIALS AND METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted on FZHY, TCM319, traditional Chinese medicine 319, liver fibrosis and cirrhosis using multiple internationally recognized databases including PubMed, Embase, Springer, Web of science, SciVerse ScienceDirect, Clinical Trails. Gov, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP. RESULTS FZHY is widely used clinically for liver fibrosis and cirrhosis caused by various chronic liver diseases, with the effects of improving serum liver function, liver pathological histology, serological indices related to liver fibrosis, decreasing liver stiffness values and portal hypertension, as well as reducing the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma and morbidity/mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Numerous in vivo and in vitro experiments have demonstrated that FZHY possesses anti-fibrotic effects by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation, reducing inflammation, protecting hepatocytes, inhibiting hepatic sinusoidal capillarization and angiogenesis, promoting extracellular matrix degradation, and facilitating liver regeneration. In recent years, there has been a growing focus on investigating the primary active components/ingredients of FZHY, and significant strides have been made in comprehending their synergistic mechanisms that enhance efficacy. CONCLUSION FZHY is a safe and effective drug for treating liver fibrosis. Future research on FZHY should focus on its active components/ingredients and their synergistic effects, as well as the development of modern cocktail drugs based on its components/ingredients. This will facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms and targets of FZHY in treating liver fibrosis, thereby further guide clinical applications and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxi Zhou
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yadong Fu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular and Cellular Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiamei Chen
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ping Liu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China; Institute of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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23
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Zhang W, Wang Y, Yu H, Jin Z, Yuan Y, Liu L, Zhou J. Exploring the mechanism of Erteng-Sanjie capsule in treating gastric and colorectal cancers via network pharmacology and in-vivo validation. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 327:117945. [PMID: 38428659 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The Erteng-Sanjie capsule (ETSJC) has therapeutic effects against gastric cancer (GC) and colorectal cancer (CRC). However, its underlying pharmacological mechanism remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY To explore the pharmacological mechanism of ETSJC against GC and CRC via network pharmacology and in-vivo validation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data on the ingredients of ETSJC were obtained from the TCMSP and HERB databases. Further, details on the related targets of the active ingredients were collected from the HERB and SwissTargetPrediction databases. The targets in GC and CRC, which were screened from the OMIM, GeneCards, and TTD databases, were uploaded to STRING for a separate protein-protein interaction network analysis. The common targets shared by ETSJC, GC, and CRC were then screened. Cytoscape and STRING were used to construct the networks of herbs-compounds-targets and PPI. Metascape was utilized to analyze the enrichment of the GO and KEGG pathways. Molecular docking was used to validate the potential binding mode between the core ingredients and targets. Finally, the predicted results were verified with animal experiment. RESULTS Eight core ingredients (resveratrol, quercetin, luteolin, baicalein, delphinidin, kaempferol, pinocembrin, and naringenin) and six core targets (TP53, SRC, PIK3R1, AKT1, MAPK3, and STAT3) were filtered via network analysis. The molecular mechanism mainly involved the positive regulation of various processes such as cell migration, protein phosphorylation, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Molecular docking revealed that the core ingredients could be significantly combined with all core targets. The animal experiment revealed that ETSJC could suppress proliferation and promote apoptosis of both GC and CRC tumor cells by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS Multiple targets (TP53, SRC, AKT1, and STAT3) were important in GC and CRC. ETSJC could act on these targets and engage in different pathways against GC and CRC. Simultaneously, inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was a promising therapeutic mechanism for treating GC and CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wencui Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Shanxi Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China.
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Oncology, Shanxi Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China.
| | - Han Yu
- Department of Oncology, Shanxi Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China.
| | - Zengcai Jin
- Department of Oncology, Shanxi Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China.
| | - Yuyao Yuan
- Department of Oncology, Shanxi Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China.
| | - Likun Liu
- Department of Oncology, Shanxi Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China.
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Shanxi Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China.
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24
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Wei C, Shi M, Wang Z, Lan W, Feng N, Zhang F, Liu J, Lang JY, Lin W, Ma W. Epiberberine inhibits bone metastatic breast cancer-induced osteolysis. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 327:118039. [PMID: 38479545 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The anti-tumor related diseases of Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian) were correlated with its traditional use of removing damp-heat, clearing internal fire, and counteracting toxicity. In the recent years, Coptidis Rhizoma and its components have drawn extensive attention toward their anti-tumor related diseases. Besides, Coptidis Rhizoma is traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory herb. Epiberberine (EPI) is a significant alkaloid isolated from Coptidis Rhizoma, and exhibits multiple pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory. However, the effect of epiberberine on breast cancer and the inflammatory factors of metastatic breast cancer-induced osteolysis has not been demonstrated clearly. AIM OF THE STUDY Bone metastatic breast cancer can lead to osteolysis via inflammatory factors-induced osteoclast differentiation and function. In this study, we try to analyze the effect of epiberberine on breast cancer and the inflammatory factors of metastatic breast cancer-induced osteolysis. METHODS To evaluate whether epiberberine could suppress bone metastatic breast cancer-induced osteolytic damage, healthy female Balb/c mice were intratibially injected with murine triple-negative breast cancer 4T1 cells. Then, we examined the inhibitory effect and underlying mechanism of epiberberine on breast cancer-induced osteoclastogenesis in vitro. Xenograft assay was used to study the effect of epiberberine on breast cancer cells in vivo. Moreover, we also studied the inhibitory effects and underlying mechanisms of epiberberine on RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation and function in vitro. RESULTS The results show that epiberberine displayed potential therapeutic effects on breast cancer-induced osteolytic damage. Besides, our results show that epiberberine inhibited breast cancer cells-induced osteoclast differentiation and function by inhibiting secreted inflammatory cytokines such as IL-8. Importantly, we found that epiberberine directly inhibited RANKL-induced differentiation and function of osteoclast without cytotoxicity. Mechanistically, epiberberine inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclastogensis via Akt/c-Fos signaling pathway. Furthermore, epiberberine combined with docetaxel effectively protected against bone loss induced by metastatic breast cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggested that epiberberine may be a promising natural compound for treating bone metastatic breast cancer-induced osteolytic damage by inhibiting IL-8 and is worthy of further exploration in preclinical and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengming Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, 999078, Macau
| | - Meina Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, 999078, Macau
| | - Zi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, 999078, Macau
| | - Wenjian Lan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Na Feng
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, Guangdong, 529020, China
| | - Fuming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, 999078, Macau
| | - Jiachen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, 999078, Macau
| | - Jing-Yu Lang
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Wanjun Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, 999078, Macau
| | - Wenzhe Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, 999078, Macau.
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Xia TJ, Jin SW, Liu YG, Zhang SS, Wang Z, Liu XM, Pan RL, Jiang N, Liao YH, Yan MZ, Chang Q. Shen Yuan extract exerts a hypnotic effect via the tryptophan/5-hydroxytryptamine/melatonin pathway in mice. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 326:117992. [PMID: 38428654 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Sleep plays a critical role in several physiologic processes, and sleep disorders increase the risk of depression, dementia, stroke, cancer, and other diseases. Stress is one of the main causes of sleep disorders. Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Polygalae Radix have been reported to have effects of calming the mind and intensifying intelligence in Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions composed of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Polygalae Radix (Shen Yuan, SY) are commonly used to treat insomnia, depression, and other psychiatric disorders in clinical practice. Unfortunately, the underlying mechanisms of the SY extract's effect on sleep are still unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to investigate the hypnotic effect of the SY extract in normal mice and mice with chronic restraint stress (CRS)-induced sleep disorders and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS The SY extract (0.5 and 1.0 g/kg) was intragastrically administered to normal mice for 1, 14, and 28 days and to CRS-treated mice for 28 days. The open field test (OFT) and pentobarbital sodium-induced sleep test (PST) were used to evaluate the hypnotic effect of the SY extract. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were utilized to detect the levels of neurotransmitters and hormones. Molecular changes at the mRNA and protein levels were determined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis to identify the mechanisms by which SY improves sleep disorders. RESULTS The SY extract decreased sleep latency and increased sleep duration in normal mice. Similarly, the sleep duration of mice subjected to CRS was increased by administering SY. The SY extract increased the levels of tryptophan (Trp) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and the expression of tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) in the cortex of normal mice. The SY extract increased the Trp level, transcription and expression of estrogen receptor beta and TPH2 in the cortex in mice with sleep disorders by decreasing the serum corticosterone level, which promoted the synthesis of 5-HT. Additionally, the SY extract enhanced the expression of arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase, which increased the melatonin level and upregulated the expressions of melatonin receptor-2 (MT2) and Cryptochrome 1 (Cry1) in the hypothalamus of mice with sleep disorders. CONCLUSIONS The SY extract exerted a hypnotic effect via the Trp/5-HT/melatonin pathway, which augmented the synthesis of 5-HT and melatonin and further increased the expressions of MT2 and Cry1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Ji Xia
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Su-Wei Jin
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Yong-Guang Liu
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Shan-Shan Zhang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Zhi Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Xin-Min Liu
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, PR China
| | - Rui-Le Pan
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Ning Jiang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Yong-Hong Liao
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Ming-Zhu Yan
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, PR China.
| | - Qi Chang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, PR China.
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Lei X, Zhang Y, Wei X, Tang Y, Qu Q, Zhao X, Zhang X, Duan X, Song X. Sambucus williamsii Hance: A comprehensive review of traditional uses, processing specifications, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 326:117940. [PMID: 38401662 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sambucus williamsii Hance, belonging to the Sambucus L. family (Viburnaceae), possesses medicinal properties in its roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits. It is recognized for its ability to facilitate bone reunion, enhance blood circulation, remove stasis, and dispel wind and dampness. This traditional Chinese medicine holds significant potential for development and practical use. Hence, this paper offers an in-depth review of S. williamsii, covering traditional uses, processing guidelines, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics, aiming to serve as a reference for its further development and utilization. MATERIALS AND METHODS Information for this study was gathered from various books, bibliographic databases, and literature sources such as Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Baidu Scholar, VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, and Wanfang Data. RESULTS Phytochemical investigations have identified approximately 238 compounds within the root bark, stem branches, leaves, and fruits of S. williamsii. These compounds encompass flavonoids, sugars, glycosides, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, phenols, phenolic glycosides, and other chemical constituents, with phenylpropanoids being the most prevalent. S. williamsii exhibits a wide range of pharmacological effects, particularly in promoting osteogenesis and fracture healing. CONCLUSION This comprehensive review delves into the traditional uses, processing guidelines, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics of S. williamsii. It provides valuable insights into this plant, which will prove beneficial for future research involving S. williamsii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Lei
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, China
| | - Xuan Wei
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, China
| | - Yingying Tang
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, China
| | - Qiong Qu
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, China
| | - Xiaomei Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, China
| | - Xinbo Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, China
| | - Xi Duan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712000, China
| | - Xiao Song
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, China; Engineering Research Center for Pharmaceutics of Chinese Materia Medica and New Drug Development, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100029, China.
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Chen C, Chen F, Gu L, Jiang Y, Cai Z, Zhao Y, Chen L, Zhu Z, Liu X. Discovery and validation of COX2 as a target of flavonoids in Apocyni Veneti Folium: Implications for the treatment of liver injury. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 326:117919. [PMID: 38364933 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Apocyni Veneti Folium (AVF), a popular traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is known for its effects in soothing the liver and nerves and eliminating heat and water. It is relevant from an ethnopharmacological perspective. Pharmacological research has confirmed its benefits on antihypertension, antihyperlipidemia, antidepression, liver protection, immune system boosting, antiaging, and diabetic vascular lesions. Previous studies have shown that flavonoids, the active ingredients, have a hepatoprotective effect. However, the exact mechanism has not been clarified. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to identify the active flavonoids in AVF and their corresponding targets for liver injury. Multiple methods were introduced to confirm the targets. MATERIAL AND METHODS AVF compounds were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Then, network pharmacology was utilized to screen potential hepatoprotection targets of the compounds. An enzyme activity assay was performed to determine the effect of the compounds on the targets. Biolayer interferometry (BLI) was applied to confirm the direct interaction between the compounds and the targets. RESULTS A total of 71 compounds were identified by LC-MS and 19 compounds and 112 shared targets were screened using network pharmacology. These common targets were primarily involved in the TNF signaling pathway, cancer pathways, hepatitis B, drug responses, and negative regulation of the apoptotic process. Flavonoids were the primary pharmacological substance basis of AVF. The cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) protein was one of the direct targets of flavonoids in AVF. The enzyme activity assay and BLI-based intermolecular interactions demonstrated that the compounds astragalin, isoquercitrin, and hyperoside exhibited stronger inhibition of enzyme activity and a higher affinity with COX2 compared to epigallocatechin, quercetin, and catechin. CONCLUSIONS COX2 was preliminarily identified as a target of flavonoids, and the mechanism of the hepatoprotective effect of AVF might be linked to flavonoids inhibiting the activity of COX2. The findings can establish the foundation for future research on the traditional hepatoprotective effect of AVF on the liver and for clinical studies on liver disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuihua Chen
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine & College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Feiyan Chen
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine & College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Ling Gu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine & College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Yucui Jiang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine & College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Zhichen Cai
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Yunan Zhao
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Lin Chen
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Zhu Zhu
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Xunhong Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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Fan Y, Yin L, Zhong X, He Z, Meng X, Chai F, Kong M, Zhang Q, Xia C, Tong Y, Bi Q. An integrated network pharmacology, molecular docking and experiment validation study to investigate the potential mechanism of Isobavachalcone in the treatment of osteoarthritis. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 326:117827. [PMID: 38310989 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In many different plants, including Dorstenia and Psoralea corylifolia L., Isobavachalcone (IBC) is a naturally occurring flavonoid chemical having a range of biological actions, including anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anti-bacterial. The "Theory of Medicinal Properties" of the Tang Dynasty states that Psoralea corylifolia L. has the ability to alleviate discomfort in the knees and waist. One of the most widespread chronic illnesses, osteoarthritis (OA), is characterized by stiffness and discomfort in the joints. However, there hasn't been much research done on the effectiveness and underlying processes of IBC in the treatment of osteoarthritis. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the potential efficacy and mechanism of IBC in treating osteoarthritis, we adopted an integrated strategy of network pharmacology, molecular docking and experiment assessment. MATERIALS AND METHODS The purpose of this research was to determine the impact of IBC on OA and the underlying mechanisms. IBC and OA possible targets and processes were predicted using network pharmacology, including the relationship between IBC and OA intersection targets, Cytoscape protein-protein interaction (PPI) to obtain key potential targets, and GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis to reveal the probable mechanism of IBC on OA. Following that, in vitro tests were carried out to confirm the expected underlying processes. Finally, in vivo tests clarified IBC's therapeutic efficacy on OA. RESULTS We anticipated and validated that the impact of IBC on osteoarthritis is mostly controlled by the PI3K-AKT-NF-κB signaling pathway by combining the findings of network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking and Experiment Validation. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals the IBC has potential to delay OA development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Fan
- Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Postgraduate Training Base Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325000, China; Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Institute of Sports Medicine and Osteoarthropathy of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China
| | - Li Yin
- Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Postgraduate Training Base Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325000, China; Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Institute of Sports Medicine and Osteoarthropathy of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China
| | - Xugang Zhong
- Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Institute of Sports Medicine and Osteoarthropathy of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China
| | - Zeju He
- Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Institute of Sports Medicine and Osteoarthropathy of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China
| | - Xiang Meng
- Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Institute of Sports Medicine and Osteoarthropathy of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China
| | - Fang Chai
- Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Institute of Sports Medicine and Osteoarthropathy of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China
| | - Mingxiang Kong
- Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Institute of Sports Medicine and Osteoarthropathy of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China
| | - Qiong Zhang
- Department of Nursing, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China
| | - Chen Xia
- Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Institute of Sports Medicine and Osteoarthropathy of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China.
| | - Yu Tong
- Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Institute of Sports Medicine and Osteoarthropathy of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China.
| | - Qing Bi
- Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Postgraduate Training Base Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325000, China; Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China; Institute of Sports Medicine and Osteoarthropathy of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China.
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Zheng H, Zeng J, Bi P, Xu W, Yang Y, Chen H, Jin D. Integrated network analysis and experimental verification of the mechanisms employed by Compound Jixuecao Decoction to improve endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis in chronic renal failure. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 326:117959. [PMID: 38423413 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Compound Jixuecao Decoction (CJD) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine prescribed in China to treat chronic renal failure (CRF). Previous studies have shown that CJD affects cell apoptosis and proliferation. However, the mechanism of its renal protective action has not been characterized. AIM OF THE STUDY To explore the mechanism(s) underlying the effect of CJD on endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and apoptosis in the treatment of CRF using network pharmacology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and in vivo studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS The compounds comprising CJD were extracted from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database. A Swiss target prediction database and similarity integration approach were employed to identify potential targets of these components. The GeneCards and DisGeNET databases were used to identify targets associated with CRF, apoptosis, and ERS. The STRING database was employed to analyze the protein-protein interactions (PPIs) associated with drug-disease crossover. A chemical composition-shared target network was established, and critical pathways were identified through gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses. The Protein Data Bank database was used to search key proteins, while molecular docking and dynamics simulations were performed between the top four CJD active ingredients and proteins involved in apoptosis and ERS in CRF. Subsequent in vivo studies using a 5/6 nephrectomy rat model of CRF were performed to verify the findings. RESULTS The 80 compounds identified in CJD yielded 875 target genes, of which 216 were potentially related to CRF. PPI network analysis revealed key targets via topology filtering. Enrichment analysis, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation results suggested that CJD primarily targets mitofusin-2 (MFN2), B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL2), BAX, protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK), and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) during CRF treatment. In vivo, CJD significantly increased the abundance of MFN2, BCL2, and significantly reduced the abundance of BAX, PERK, CHOP proteins in kidney tissues, indicating that CJD could improve apoptosis and ERS in CRF rats. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence that CJD effectively delays CFR through modulation of the MFN2 and PERK-eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihong Zheng
- Department of Nephrology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 310007, China
| | - Jiali Zeng
- Department of Nephrology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 310007, China
| | - Peng Bi
- Department of Nephrology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 310007, China
| | - Wanyue Xu
- Department of Nephrology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 310007, China
| | - Yazhen Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 310007, China
| | - Hongyu Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 310007, China.
| | - De Jin
- Department of Nephrology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 310007, China.
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Gao Y, Yang Z, Ji T, Zhou P, Geng L, Gao X. Anti-papillary thyroid carcinoma effects of dioscorea bulbifera L. through ferroptosis and the PI3K/AKT pathway based on network pharmacology and experimental validation. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 326:117912. [PMID: 38387682 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the predominant form of thyroid cancer with a rising global incidence. Despite favorable prognoses, a significant recurrence rate persists. Dioscorea bulbifera L. (DBL), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been historically used for thyroid-related disorders. However, its therapeutic effects and mechanisms of action on PTC remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY To explore the potential therapeutic effects, principal active components, and molecular mechanisms of DBL in the treatment of PTC through network pharmacology and molecular docking, with experimental validation conducted to corroborate these findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS The Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database (TCMSP) was utilized as a systematic tool for collecting and screening the phytochemical components of DBL, and for establishing associations between these components and molecular targets. Based on this, network data was visually processed using Cytoscape software (version 3.8.0). Concurrently, precise molecular docking studies of the principal active components of DBL and their corresponding targets were conducted using Autodock software. Additionally, PTC-related genes were selected through the GeneCards and GEO databases. We further employed the DAVID bioinformatics resources to conduct comprehensive Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses on the intersecting genes between DBL and PTC. These analyses aid in predicting the potential therapeutic actions of DBL on PTC and its mechanisms of action. To validate these findings, corresponding in vitro experimental studies were also conducted. RESULTS In this investigation, 14 bioactive compounds of DBL and 195 corresponding molecular targets were identified, with 127 common targets shared between DBL and PTC. Molecular docking revealed strong binding affinities between major bioactive compounds and target proteins. GO enrichment analysis unveiled key processes involved in DBL's action. KEGG analysis highlighted DBL's modulation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Experimental outcomes demonstrated DBL's potential in inhibiting PTC cell proliferation and migration, suppressing PI3K/AKT pathway activation, and promoting ferroptosis. CONCLUSION In conclusion, DBL offers a multifaceted therapeutic approach for PTC, targeting multiple molecular entities and influencing diverse biological pathways. Network pharmacology and molecular docking shed light on DBL's potential utility in PTC treatment, substantiated by experimental validation. This study contributes valuable insights into using DBL as a promising therapeutic agent for PTC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhi Gao
- Department of Central Laboratory, Clinical College of Lianyungang, Bengbu Medical University, Lianyungang, 222002, Jiangsu, China; Department of Central Laboratory, Lianyungang Hospital Affiliated to Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang 222002, Jiangsu, China; Institute of Clinical Oncology, The Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang City (Cancer Hospital of Lianyungang), Lianyungang 222002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhendong Yang
- Department of Ultrasonography, The Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang City (Cancer Hospital of Lianyungang), Lianyungang 222002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tuo Ji
- Department of Central Laboratory, Clinical College of Lianyungang, Bengbu Medical University, Lianyungang, 222002, Jiangsu, China; Department of Central Laboratory, Lianyungang Hospital Affiliated to Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang 222002, Jiangsu, China; Institute of Clinical Oncology, The Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang City (Cancer Hospital of Lianyungang), Lianyungang 222002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Endocrinology Department, The Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang City (Cancer Hospital of Lianyungang), Lianyungang 222002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Geng
- Department of Radiology, The Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang City (Cancer Hospital of Lianyungang), Lianyungang 222002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuzhu Gao
- Department of Central Laboratory, Clinical College of Lianyungang, Bengbu Medical University, Lianyungang, 222002, Jiangsu, China; Department of Central Laboratory, Lianyungang Hospital Affiliated to Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang 222002, Jiangsu, China; Institute of Clinical Oncology, The Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang City (Cancer Hospital of Lianyungang), Lianyungang 222002, Jiangsu, China.
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Wu T, Zhang H, Jin Y, Zhang M, Zhao Q, Li H, Wang S, Lu Y, Chen S, Du H, Liu T, Guo W, Liu W. The active components and potential mechanisms of Wuji Wan in the treatment of ethanol-induced gastric ulcer: An integrated metabolomics, network pharmacology and experimental validation. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 326:117901. [PMID: 38341112 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Wuji Wan (WJW) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula that can be found in the "Prescriptions of Taiping Benevolent Dispensary" that has been employed in treating gastric discomfort, burning epigastric pain, and gastric reflux for hundreds of years and has shown promise for treating gastric ulcers (GUs). However, the active components and mechanism of action against GUs remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this study was to explore the active components of WJW and elucidate the underlying mechanism involved in treating GUs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Initially, cell viability was measured by a cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assay to evaluate the efficacy of WJW-containing serum in vitro. The gastric ulcer index, ulcer inhibition rate, hematoxylin and staining (H&E), and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of WJW in vivo. Subsequently, the levels of inflammatory factors and oxidative stress factors were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) on in vitro and in vivo samples. Additionally, UPLC-Q Exactive Plus Orbitrap HRMS was used to analyze the components that were absorbed into the blood of WJW and its metabolites. Network pharmacology and metabolomics were subsequently used to identify the targets and pathways. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT‒qPCR) and Western blotting were used to verify the mRNA and protein levels of the key targets and pathways. Finally, the active components were identified by molecular docking to verify the binding stability of the components and key targets. RESULTS WJW-containing serum ameliorated ethanol-induced damage in GES-1 cells and promoted cell healing. WJW-containing serum reduced IL-6, TNF-α, MDA, and LDH levels while increasing IL-10, SOD, and T-AOC levels in the cells. Moreover, WJW treatment resulted in decreased IL-6, TNF-α, and MDA levels and increased IL-10, SOD, PGE2, and NO levels in GUs rats. In addition, eight components of WJW were absorbed into the blood. The network pharmacology results revealed 192 common targets for blood entry components and GUs, and KEGG analysis revealed that apoptosis signaling pathways were the main pathways involved in WJW activity against GUs. Metabolomic screening was used to identify 13 differential metabolites. There were 23 common targets for blood entry components, GUs, and differential metabolites, with the key targets TNF (TNF-α), AKT1, PTGS2 (COX2) and MAPK1. WJW significantly inhibited the expression of Bax, Caspase-9, Caspase-3, cleaved Caspase-9, cleaved Caspase-3, TNF-α, COX2, and p-p44/42 MAPK while promoting the expression of Bcl-2 and p-AKT1. Molecular docking revealed that the active components of WJW for the treatment of GUs are berberine, palmatine, coptisine, evodiamine, rutaecarpine, evocarpine, and paeoniflorin. CONCLUSIONS WJW treatment reduces inflammation and oxidative stress injury and inhibits apoptosis signaling pathways. The main active components are berberine, palmatine, coptisine, evodiamine, rutaecarpine, evocarpine, and paeoniflorin. In this paper, we provide a new strategy for exploring the active components of traditional Chinese medicine formulas for the treatment of diseases based on target mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantai Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Yang Jin
- School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China; State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China; Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, 550014, China
| | - Qing Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Herong Li
- School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Shouli Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Yuan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Shuaishuai Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Huakang Du
- School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Ting Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Weiyu Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Wen Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China; School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China.
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Li Z, Yuan J, Dai Y, Xia Y. Integration of serum pharmacochemistry and metabolomics to reveal the underlying mechanism of shaoyao-gancao-fuzi decoction to ameliorate rheumatoid arthritis. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 326:117910. [PMID: 38373664 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE For centuries, Shaoyao-Gancao-Fuzi decoction (SGFD) has been a reliable traditional Chinese medicine for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Despite its long history of use, the specific active components and underlying mechanisms of its therapeutic effects have yet to be fully understood. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this study was to investigate the active ingredients and therapeutic effects of SGFD on RA, and to further understand its underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS The chemical constituents in SGFD extract and in rat serum after oral administration of SGFD were identified and evaluated using ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole-time-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) together with various data-processing methods, respectively. The efficacy of SGFD was assessed by using an adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rat model and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cell. Subsequently, cell metabolomic was conducted to clarify the potential biomarkers and pathways. ELISA, RT-qPCR, and WB were used to verify the anti-arthritis mechanism of SGFD. RESULTS A total of 65 chemical constituents were identified in SGFD. 17 active components were distinguished in rat serum samples, of which 13 may be the main active ingredients for SGFD treatment of RA. The remarkable efficacy of SGFD in reducing the symptoms of RA is evident through its ability to alleviate the redness and swelling of the affected paws, as well as reduce the infiltration of inflammatory cells. Cell experiments revealed that rat serum of SGFD reduced IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α secretion in RAW 264.7 cells. 27 potential biomarkers were identified through cell metabolomics analysis. The arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism signaling pathway was activated in RA, which could be reversed by rat serum of SGFD. SGFD effectively inhibited the expression and transformation of AA by downregulating the expression of key enzymes, including phospholipase A and cyclooxygenase. CONCLUSION SGFD may ameliorate RA symptoms by regulating the AA-PGH2-PGE2/PGF2α pathway. The main active components include songorine, fuziline, neoline, albiflorin, paeoniflorin, liquiritin, benzoylmesaconine, isoformononetin, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, formononetin, glycyrrhizic acid, and glycyrrhetinic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Li
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Yuan
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yue Dai
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinses Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yufeng Xia
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, China.
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Lin Y, Xu L, Lin H, Cui W, Jiao Y, Wang B, Li H, Wang X, Wu J. Network pharmacology and experimental validation to investigate the mechanism of Nao-Ling-Su capsule in the treatment of ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 326:117958. [PMID: 38395179 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Nao-Ling-Su Capsule (NLSC) is a traditional prescription, which is composed of fifteen herbs such as epimedium, Polygala tenuifolia, and Schisandra chinensis. It has the effect of strengthening the brain, calming nerves, and protecting the kidney, which has been used clinically for many years to strengthen the brain and kidney. However, the effect of NLSC in the treatment of acute kidney injury (AKI) is still unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY The present study aims to elucidate the pharmacological actions of NLSC in the treatment of AKI. MATERIALS AND METHODS Molecular targets for NLSC and AKI were obtained from various databases, and then we built networks of interactions between proteins (PPI) by employing string databases. Additionally, we employed the DAVID database to conduct gene ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. Molecular docking was conducted to analyze the interaction between core components and their corresponding core targets. Next, the C57BL male mice model of ischemia/reperfusion damage (IRI) was developed, and the nephridial protective effect of NLSC was evaluated. The accuracy of the expected targets was confirmed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The renal protective effect of NLSC was assessed using an immortalized human kidney tubular (HK-2) cell culture produced by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). RESULTS Network pharmacology analysis identified 199 common targets from NLSC and AKI. STAT3, HSP90AA1, TP53, MAPK3, JUN, JAK2, and VEGFA could serve as potential drug targets and were associated with JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, etc. The molecular docking analysis confirmed significant docking activity between the main bioactive components and core targets, including STAT3 and KIM-1. Moreover, the AKI mice model was successfully established and NLSC pretreatment could improve renal function and alleviate renal damage. NLSC could alleviate renal inflammation and tubular cell apoptosis, and decrease the expression of STAT3 and KIM-1 in AKI mice. In vitro, both NLSC and drug-containing serum may protect HK-2 cells by inhibiting STAT3 signaling, especially STAT3-mediated apoptosis and KIM-1 expression. CONCLUSION NLSC could alleviate renal inflammation and apoptosis, exerting its beneficial effects by targeting the STAT3/KIM-1 pathway. NLSC is a promising candidate for AKI treatment and provides a new idea and method for the treatment of AKI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongqiang Lin
- Shandong Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shandong Engineering Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Standard Innovation and Quality Evaluation, Shangdong Engineering Research Center for Generic Technologies of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granules, Jinan, 250101, Shandong, China
| | - Lili Xu
- Shandong Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shandong Engineering Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Standard Innovation and Quality Evaluation, Shangdong Engineering Research Center for Generic Technologies of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granules, Jinan, 250101, Shandong, China; Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250c55, Shandong, China
| | - Huibin Lin
- Shandong Academy of Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, Shandong, China
| | - Weiliang Cui
- Shandong Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shandong Engineering Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Standard Innovation and Quality Evaluation, Shangdong Engineering Research Center for Generic Technologies of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granules, Jinan, 250101, Shandong, China
| | - Yang Jiao
- Shandong Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shandong Engineering Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Standard Innovation and Quality Evaluation, Shangdong Engineering Research Center for Generic Technologies of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granules, Jinan, 250101, Shandong, China
| | - Bing Wang
- Shandong Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shandong Engineering Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Standard Innovation and Quality Evaluation, Shangdong Engineering Research Center for Generic Technologies of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granules, Jinan, 250101, Shandong, China
| | - Huifen Li
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250c55, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaojie Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
| | - Jichao Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
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Jin X, Dong W, Chang K, Yan Y. Research on the signaling pathways related to the intervention of traditional Chinese medicine in Parkinson's disease:A literature review. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 326:117850. [PMID: 38331124 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting more than 10 million people worldwide and is characterized by the progressive loss of Daergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. It has been reported that signaling pathways play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of PD, while the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have been found to possess a protective effect against PD. TCM has demonstrated significant potential in mitigating oxidative stress (OS), neuroinflammation, and apoptosis of DA neurons via the regulation of signaling pathways associated with PD. AIM OF THE REVIEW This study discussed and analyzed the signaling pathways involved in the occurrence and development of PD and the mechanism of active ingredients of TCM regulating PD via signaling pathways, with the aim of providing a basis for the development and clinical application of therapeutic strategies for TCM in PD. MATERIALS AND METHODS With "Parkinson's disease", "Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease", "Lewy Body Parkinson's Disease", "Parkinson's Disease, Idiopathic", "Parkinson Disease, Idiopathic", "Parkinson's disorders", "Parkinsonism syndrome", "Traditional Chinese medicine", "Chinese herbal medicine", "active ingredients", "medicinal plants" as the main keywords, PubMed, Web of Science and other online search engines were used for literature retrieval. RESULTS PD exhibits a close association with various signaling pathways, including but not limited to MAPKs, NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, Nrf2/ARE, Wnt/β-catenin, TLR/TRIF, NLRP3, Notch. The therapeutic potential of TCM lies in its ability to regulate these signaling pathways. In addition, the active ingredients of TCM have shown significant effects in improving OS, neuroinflammation, and DA neuron apoptosis in PD. CONCLUSION The active ingredients of TCM have unique advantages in regulating PD-related signaling pathways. It is suggested to combine network pharmacology and bioinformatics to study the specific targets of TCM. This not only provides a new way for the prevention and treatment of PD with the active ingredients of TCM, but also provides a scientific basis for the selection and development of TCM preparations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaxia Jin
- National Key Laboratory of Quality Assurance and Sustainable Utilization of Authentic Medicinal Materials, Chinese Medicine Resource Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Wendi Dong
- Foshan Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Kaile Chang
- Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, China
| | - Yongmei Yan
- National Key Laboratory of Quality Assurance and Sustainable Utilization of Authentic Medicinal Materials, Chinese Medicine Resource Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China; Department of Encephalopathy, Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712000, China.
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Sheng MY, Peng DW, Peng HM, Zhang YL, Xiao L, Zhang MR, Wang SY, Zhao CP, Zhu SY, Lu JK, Lin L, Huang R, Nie J, Fang JB. Effective substances and molecular mechanisms guided by network pharmacology: An example study of Scrophulariae Radix treatment of hyperthyroidism and thyroid hormone-induced liver and kidney injuries. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 326:117965. [PMID: 38423410 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Scrophulariae Radix (Xuanshen [XS]) has been used for several years to treat hyperthyroidism. However, its effective substances and pharmacological mechanisms in the treatment of hyperthyroidism and thyroid hormone-induced liver and kidney injuries have not yet been elucidated. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to explore the pharmacological material basis and potential mechanism of XS therapy for hyperthyroidism and thyroid hormone-induced liver and kidney injuries based on network pharmacology prediction and experimental validation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Based on 31 in vivo XS compounds identified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem quadruple exactive orbitrap high-resolution accurate-mass spectrometry (UPLC-QE-HRMS), a network pharmacology approach was used for mechanism prediction. Systematic networks were constructed to identify the potential molecular targets, biological processes (BP), and signaling pathways. A component-target-pathway network was established. Mice were administered levothyroxine sodium through gavage for 30 d and then treated with different doses of XS extract with or without propylthiouracil (PTU) for 30 d. Blood, liver, and kidney samples were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blotting. RESULTS A total of 31 prototypes, 60 Phase I metabolites, and 23 Phase II metabolites were tentatively identified in the plasma of rats following the oral administration of XS extract. Ninety-six potential common targets between the 31 in vivo compounds and the diseases were identified. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed that Bcl-2, BAD, JNK, p38, and ERK1/2 were the top targets. XS extract with or without PTU had the following effects: inhibition of T3/T4/fT3/fT4 caused by levothyroxine; increase of TSH levels in serum; restoration of thyroid structure; improvement of liver and kidney structure and function by elevating the activities of anti-oxidant enzymes catalase (CAT),superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px); activation anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2; inhibition the apoptotic protein p-BAD; downregulation inflammation-related proteins p-ERK1/2, p-JNK, and p-p38; and inhibition of the aggregation of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, as well as immune cells in the liver. CONCLUSION XS can be used to treat hyperthyroidism and liver and kidney injuries caused by thyroid hormones through its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. In addition, serum pharmacochemical analysis revealed that five active compounds, namely 4-methylcatechol, sugiol, eugenol, acetovanillone, and oleic acid, have diverse metabolic pathways in vivo and exhibit potential as effective therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yuan Sheng
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China; School of Pharmacy, Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China; Hubei Institute for Drug Control, Wuhan, 430064, China; Department of Anatomy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - De-Wei Peng
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Hui-Ming Peng
- Department of Anatomy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Ya-Li Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China.
| | - Ling Xiao
- Hubei Institute for Drug Control, Wuhan, 430064, China.
| | - Meng-Ru Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Si-Yu Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Chuan-Peng Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Si-Ying Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Jian-Kang Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Li Lin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Rong Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430061, Hubei, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Theory and Application Research of Liver and Kidney in Traditional Chinese Medicine, China.
| | - Jing Nie
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China; Hubei Institute for Drug Control, Wuhan, 430064, China.
| | - Jin-Bo Fang
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Zhao Y, Xi C, Liu D, Ren X, Fan J, Tangthianchaichana J, Lu Y, Wu H. Chemical components with antibacterial properties found in sanchen powder from traditional Tibetan medicine. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 326:117981. [PMID: 38417599 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Sanchen powder is a traditional Tibetan medicine comprising Bambusae Concretio Silicea, Carthami Flos, and Bovis Calculus Artifactus. Bambusae Concretio Silicea is the dried mass of secreted fluid in the stalks of Gramineae plants such as Bambusa textilis McClure or Schizostachyum chinense Rendle. Carthami Flos is the dried flower of Carthamus tinctorius L. in the Compositae plant. Bovis Calculus Artifactus is made from ox bile powder, cholic acid, hyodeoxycholic acid, taurine, bilirubin, cholesterol, and trace elements. Research has evidenced the antibacterial efficacy of Sanchen powder, albeit its active constituents for this effect are yet to be established. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate effective compounds, potential targets, and molecular mechanism of Sanchen powder for its antibacterial properties by using network pharmacology combined with in vitro validation, with the aims of observing the action of effective compounds in Sanchen powder and exploring new therapeutic strategies for antibacterial. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was utilized to identify the chemical composition in Sanchen powder and its blood-borne chemical ingredients post-oral intake. A network pharmacology analysis was used to establish the chemical compound in the blood following oral administration-target-disease network. The study aimed to identify antibacterial active ingredients, which were then subjected to molecular docking and pharmacodynamic experiments to verify their efficacy. RESULTS The findings demonstrate that following oral administration, the blood contains seven key components of Sanchen powder, including bilirubin, glycochenodeoxycholic acid, glycocholic acid, taurocholic acid, phenylalanine, safflomin A, and tryptophan. Additionally, the network pharmacology and molecular docking study results indicate the potential antibacterial effects of bilirubin, glycocholic acid, and glycochenodeoxycholic acid. In vitro antibacterial experiments revealed that bilirubin, glycocholic acid, and glycochenodeoxycholic acid could restrict the growth of the Staphylococcus aureus cell membrane at a certain concentration. Moreover, they exhibited antibacterial effects on Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Escherichia coli. CONCLUSIONS Bilirubin, glycocholic acid, and glycochenodeoxycholic acid could be effective therapeutic ingredients for the antibacterial effects of Sanchen powder. These results offer a foundation for further clinical application and research on the antibacterial effect of Sanchen powder, a Traditional Tibetan Medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueying Zhao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Cheng Xi
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Donghan Liu
- Beijing Union Pharmaceutical Factory, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaoqiao Ren
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China; Institute of Minority Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Jiayi Fan
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | | | - Yang Lu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Huichao Wu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China; Institute of Minority Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
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Xin L, Ren M, Lou Y, Yin H, Qin F, Xiong Z. Integrated UHPLC-MS untargeted metabolomics and gut microbe metabolism pathway-targeted metabolomics to reveal the prevention mechanism of Gushudan on kidney-yang-deficiency-syndrome rats. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2024; 242:116062. [PMID: 38387127 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2024.116062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Gushudan (GSD) was a traditional Chinese prescription with the remarkable effect of kidney-tonifying and bone-strengthening. However, the potential prevention mechanisms of the GSD on kidney-yang-deficiency-syndrome (KYDS) and its regulation on gut microbe metabolism still need to be further systematically investigated. This study established untargeted urinary metabolomics based on RP/HILIC-UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS and combined with multivariate statistical analysis to discover differential metabolites and key metabolic pathways. And the gut microbe metabolism pathway-targeted metabolomic based on HILIC-UHPLC-MS/MS was developed and validated to simultaneously determine 15 gut microbe-mediated metabolites in urine samples from the control group (CON), KYDS model group (MOD), GSD-treatment group (GSD) and positive group (POS). The results showed that a total of 36 differential metabolites were discovered in untargeted metabolomics. These differential metabolites included proline, cytosine, butyric acid and nicotinic acid, which were primarily involved in the gut microbe metabolism, amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism and nucleotide metabolism. And GSD played a role in preventing KYDS by regulating these metabolic pathways. The targeted metabolomics found that the levels of 10 gut microbe-mediated metabolites had significant differences in different groups. Among them, compared with the CON group, the levels of lysine, tryptophan, phenylacetylglycine and hippuric acid were increased in the MOD group, while the levels of threonine, leucine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, succinic acid and butyric acid were decreased, which verified the disorders of gut microbe metabolism in the KYDS rats and GSD had a significant regulatory effect on this disorder. As well as by comparing analysis, it was found that the experimental results were consistent with previous metabolomics and microbiomics of fecal samples. Therefore, this integrated strategy of untargeted and targeted metabolomics not only elucidated the potential prevention mechanism of GSD on KYDS, but also provided a scientific basis for GSD preventing KYDS via the "gut-kidney" axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Xin
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, Liaoning 117004, P.R. China
| | - Mengxin Ren
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, Liaoning 117004, P.R. China
| | - Yanwei Lou
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, Liaoning 117004, P.R. China
| | - Huawen Yin
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, Liaoning 117004, P.R. China
| | - Feng Qin
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, Liaoning 117004, P.R. China
| | - Zhili Xiong
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, Liaoning 117004, P.R. China.
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Zhang R, Qin X, Liu Y. Exploration of the intestinal flora to reveal the important contribution of Radix Astragali to Huangqi Jianzhong Tang in treating chronic atrophic gastritis rats. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2024; 242:116067. [PMID: 38417324 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2024.116067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Radix Astragali (Huangqi in Chinese, HQ) is a commonly used Chinese herbal medicine for thousands of years. In this study, A classic prescription Huangqi Jianzhong tang (HQJZ) was selected to evaluate the important effect of HQ on rats with chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) from the perspective of intestinal flora in cecal contents samples. Traditional pharmacological indicators, including weight change, pathological examination and biochemical indicators showed that HQ exerted favorable contribution to HQJZ against CAG, where the efficiencies of HQ and HQJZ were better than HY (HQJZ prepared without HQ). An accurate strategy was adopted to screen out the differential metabolites in the metabolomis analysis of intestinal flora in cecal contents samples based on the optimal screening factors, including VIP (importance of variables in projection), FC (fold change), AUROC (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve) and -ln(p-value), which were evaluated based on their interpreting, grouping, and predicting abilities of the performed orthogonal partial least-squares-discriminate analysis (OPLS-DA) models. Ten altered differential metabolites were obtained and associated with the intestinal flora, which HQ exerted the important metabolic contributions to HQJZ. The efficacy on the diversity of intestinal flora and their correlations with the altered metabolites further showed the important role of HQ in HQJZ composition. This work provided valuable approach for looking for potential biomarkers associated with metabolomics research with more accuracy, and provided new insights into the mechanisms to explain the efficacy of HQ contributing to HQJZ formula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruonan Zhang
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, No. 92, Wucheng Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, PR China; Key Laboratory of Effective Substances Research and Utilization in TCM of Shanxi Province, No. 92, Wucheng Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, PR China
| | - Xuemei Qin
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, No. 92, Wucheng Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, PR China; Key Laboratory of Effective Substances Research and Utilization in TCM of Shanxi Province, No. 92, Wucheng Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, PR China.
| | - Yuetao Liu
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, No. 92, Wucheng Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, PR China; Key Laboratory of Effective Substances Research and Utilization in TCM of Shanxi Province, No. 92, Wucheng Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, PR China.
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Jiang Y, Yang L, Chen H, Chen J, Yang L, Wang Z, Yuan X, Shan J, Lin L, Li H, Ye J. Network pharmacology combined with lipidomics to reveal the regulatory effects and mechanisms of Kangzao granules in the hypothalamus of rats with central precocious puberty. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2024; 242:116059. [PMID: 38422672 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2024.116059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Central precocious puberty (CPP) is a prevalent endocrine disorder that primarily affects children, specifically females, and is associated with various physical and psychological complications. Although Kangzao granules (KZG) are efficacious in managing CPP, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the therapeutic mechanisms of KZG using network pharmacology, molecular docking, pharmacodynamics, and pathway validation. A putative compound-target-pathway network was constructed using Cytoscape, before KEGG and Gene Ontology enrichment analyses were conducted. Moreover, molecular docking was performed using AutoDockTools. Quality control of the 10 key components of KZG was carried out using UHPLC-ESI/LTQ-Orbitrap-MS/MS, and hypothalamic lipids were analyzed using UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS/MS. In total, 87 bioactive compounds that targeting 110 core proteins to alleviate CPP were identified in KZG. Lipidomic analysis revealed 18 differential lipids among the CPP, KZG, and control groups, wherein fatty acids were significantly reduced in the model group; however, these changes were effectively counteracted by KZG treatment. Molecular docking analysis revealed a strong binding affinity between flavonoids and RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT) when docked into the crystal structure. Moreover, a substantial disruption in lipid metabolism was observed in the model group; however, treatment with KZG efficiently reversed these alterations. Furthermore, the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT signaling pathway was identified as a pivotal regulator of hypothalamic lipid metabolism regulator. Overall, this study highlights the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary approach that combines network pharmacology, lipidomics, molecular docking, and experimental validation in the elucidation of the therapeutic mechanisms of KZG in CPP treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhua Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatric Respiratory Disease, Institute of Pediatrics, Medical Metabolomics Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; Department of Pediatrics, Shaoxing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shaoxing, China
| | - Lixia Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatric Respiratory Disease, Institute of Pediatrics, Medical Metabolomics Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatric Respiratory Disease, Institute of Pediatrics, Medical Metabolomics Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiabin Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatric Respiratory Disease, Institute of Pediatrics, Medical Metabolomics Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Lingling Yang
- Department of Pediatric, Suzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Zhao Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatric Respiratory Disease, Institute of Pediatrics, Medical Metabolomics Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuejing Yuan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatric Respiratory Disease, Institute of Pediatrics, Medical Metabolomics Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinjun Shan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatric Respiratory Disease, Institute of Pediatrics, Medical Metabolomics Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Lili Lin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatric Respiratory Disease, Institute of Pediatrics, Medical Metabolomics Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Hui Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatric Respiratory Disease, Institute of Pediatrics, Medical Metabolomics Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Jin Ye
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatric Respiratory Disease, Institute of Pediatrics, Medical Metabolomics Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
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Li Y, Li S, Shou Z, Li Y, Li A, Liu W, Zhang X, Zhou C, Xu D, Li L. Integration of network pharmacology with experimental validation to reveal the mechanism of action of Longdan Xiegan Decoction against HSV2 infection and determine its effective components. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 325:117861. [PMID: 38316223 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has made enormous strides recently in the discovery of anti-herpes simplex virus (HSV) drugs under the guidance of TCM theory. Longdan Xiegan Decoction (LXD), a formulation recorded in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, has proved to be effective against HSV infection. However, its effective components and action mechanism remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the effective components and mechanisms of LXD in treating HSV infection based on network pharmacology and experimental validation. MATERIALS AND METHODS The anti-HSV activities of key compounds predicted by network analysis were detected by antiviral tests. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was applied to identify the main components of the LXD aqueous extract. Time-of-addition assay and infectivity inhibition reversibility assay were conducted to identify the potential antiviral mechanisms of licochalcone B (LCB). Additionally, we assessed the antiviral effect of LCB in vivo by use of body weight, viral load, histological analysis, and scoring of genital lesions in an HSV2-infected mouse model. RESULTS Our data demonstrated that some components exhibited significant anti-HSV1/2 activity in vitro, including quercetin, kaempferol, wogonin, formononetin, naringenin, baicalein, isorhamnetin, glabridin, licochalcone A, echinatin, oroxylin A, isoliquiritigenin, pinocembrin, LCB and acacetin. HPLC analysis showed that LCB was the main component of LXD aqueous extract. In vitro experiments revealed that LCB not only inactivated HSV2 particles, but also inhibited HSV2 multiplication through the inhibition of the phosphorylation of Akt and its downstream targets. In vivo experiments confirmed that LCB could significantly reduce viral titer, delay weight loss, and alleviate pathological changes in vaginal tissue in vaginal infection mouse models. CONCLUSION LCB acted as the main component of LXD, with significant anti-HSV2 infection effects both in vivo and in vitro. This study provides additional evidence of the healing efficacy of LXD against HSV infection and presents an efficient analytical method for further investigation of the mechanisms of TCM in prevention and treatment of various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyun Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China; Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Pharmacy Development, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Siyan Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Guangzhou Xinhua University, Guangzhou, 510520, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zeren Shou
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yibin Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Axin Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Wenli Liu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Chengliang Zhou
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Daohua Xu
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Pharmacy Development, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China.
| | - Lin Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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Zhou Y, Chen C, Yuan J, Xue J, Chen H, Liu X, Cai Z, Wu N, Yang W, Cheng J. A study for quality evaluation of Lysimachiae herba from different origins based on fingerprint-activity relationship modeling and multi-component content determination. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 325:117840. [PMID: 38316219 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Lysimachiae Herba (LH), called Jinqiancao in Chinese, is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine in clinical practice. Doctors in the Qing Dynasty recorded that it tastes bitter, sour, and slightly cold, and it belongs to the liver, gallbladder, kidney, and bladder meridians. It has the effects of removing dampness and jaundice, eliminating gallstones, and reducing blood stasis. Because of its potent pharmacological effects, it is extensively utilized in the treatment of hepatobiliary and urinary system stones, jaundice, hepatitis, and cholecystitis. Although LH is included in "Sichuan authentic Chinese herbal medicine records", the quality of it from different origins still lacks reliable evaluation methods, which is difficult to reflect the high quality of LH from Sichuan. AIMS OF THE STUDY This study aimed to establish a fingerprint-activity relationship model between the fingerprint of LH and its protective effect on cholestatic liver injury, and to evaluate the quality of LH from Sichuan and Guizhou by multivariate statistical analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS 20 batches of LH samples were collected from Sichuan and Guizhou. Characteristic fingerprints of samples were established by UHPLC-Triple TOF-MS/MS and the chemical pattern recognition analysis was carried out by HCA. Then, a rat model of cholestatic liver injury was established by intragastric administration of ANIT. Combined with the common peak information of fingerprint and pharmacodynamic index results, GCA and BCA were used to screen the efficacy markers. Finally, based on UHPLC-QTRAP-MS/MS, the content of efficacy markers was simultaneously determined, and the overall quality of LH from two origins was evaluated by PCA and TOPSIS. RESULTS In the fingerprint of 20 batches of LH, 15 common peaks were identified in the negative ion mode, and the similarity was between 0.887 and 0.981. Pharmacological results showed that, compared with the control group, the content of AST, ALT, ALP, TBA, TBIL, and MDA in serum increased, and the content of GSH and SOD activity decreased after 48 h of ANIT administration. In addition, compared to the model group, different doses of LH from the two origins could decrease the serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, TBA, TBIL, and MDA, raise the levels of GSH and SOD activity, reduce the infiltration range of inflammatory cells, and improve the cholestatic liver injury in rats. Among them, the pharmacodynamic indices of the SCHD group were significantly better. GCA and BCA showed that a total of 7 constituents related to the efficacy were screened, which were proanthocyanidin B1, ferulic acid, hyperoside, astragalin, nicotiflorin, afzelin, and kaempferol. Besides, the content of 7 active constituents in samples from Sichuan was higher than that from Guizhou, indicating that the quality of samples from Sichuan may be better, consistent with the result of the pharmacological experiment. CONCLUSION The quality and efficacy of LH from different origins were stable, and all of them had protective effects on cholestatic liver injury in rats. The method established in this study is accurate and reliable, and it can be used to comprehensively evaluate the internal quality of LH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongyi Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Cuihua Chen
- College of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Jiahuan Yuan
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jia Xue
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Haijie Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xunhong Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Classical Prescription, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Zhichen Cai
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Nan Wu
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Wei Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jianming Cheng
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Classical Prescription, Nanjing 210023, China
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Li Y, Ren TT, Liu SS, Zhang L, Yi H, Li C, Chen LM, Gao HM, Yan LH, Liu XQ, Wang ZM. Fingerprint analysis of dang-gui-Si-Ni decoction and its anticoagulant activity in vivo-in vitro. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 325:117890. [PMID: 38336186 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Dang-Gui-Si-Ni (DGSN) decoction is a classic prescription in the clinical practice of traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). DGSN decoction is often used to relieve symptoms of cold coagulation and blood stasis recorded by Treatise on Febrile Diseases (Shang Han Lun) and treat Raynaud's disease, dysmenorrhea, arthritis, migraine in TCM clinic. Accumulated evidences have suggested that this diseases are related to microcirculation disturbance. However, the anticoagulant activity and underlying mechanisms of DGSN decoction responsible for the therapeutic not well understood. AIM OF THE STUDY The fingerprint and anticoagulant activity in vivo-in vitro of DGSN decoction were evaluated to strengthen the quality control and activity study of formulas. MATERIALS AND METHODS The chemical components of DGSN decoction were analyzed by HPLC and its fingerprint similarity were evaluated by "Chinese Medicine Chromatographic Fingerprint Similarity Evaluation Software (2012 Edition)". The anticoagulant activity of DGSN decoction was assessed by measuring four coagulation factors (PT, TT, APTT, FIB) in vitro. Zebrafish thrombosis model induced by punatinib was established to evaluate the activity of improving microvascular hemodynamics in vivo. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) were adopted to compare the changes in the RNA expression levels of coagulation factor II (FII), VII (FVII), IX (FIX) and X (FX) in zebrafish thrombosis model. RESULTS The fingerprint similarity evaluation method of DGSN decoction was established. The results showed that 18 samples had higher similarity (S1-S18 > 0.878). Pharmacodynamic results showed that DGSN decoction could extend PT, TT and APTT, and reduce FIB content in vitro. Meanwhile, it markedly enhanced the cardiac output and blood flow velocity at low dosage (500 μg mL-1) in vivo. q-PCR data demonstrated that DGSN decoction (500 μg mL-1) could downregulate the RNA expression of FII, FVII, FIX and FX. Interestingly, there were a bidirectional regulation of FII, FIX and FX in a certain concentration range. In general, DGSN decoction can significantly improve hemodynamics and downregulate coagulation factors, and the results were consistent both in vitro - in vivo. CONCLUSION The fingerprint study provide a new perspective for improving the quality control of DGSN decoction. DGSN decoction possess anticoagulant activity by regulating multiple coagulation factors simultaneously. Thus, it has the potential to develop into the novel raw material of anticoagulant drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Quality Control Technology of Chinese Herbal Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Teng-Teng Ren
- Shandong Provincial Third Hospital Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 11 Wuyingshan Road, Jinan, 250031, Shandong, China
| | - Shan-Shan Liu
- Institute of Analysis and Testing, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology (Beijing Center for Physical &Chemical Analysis), No.27, North Xisanhuan Road, Beijing, 100089, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Hong Yi
- National Engineering Laboratory for Quality Control Technology of Chinese Herbal Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Chun Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Quality Control Technology of Chinese Herbal Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Liang-Mian Chen
- National Engineering Laboratory for Quality Control Technology of Chinese Herbal Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Hui-Min Gao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Quality Control Technology of Chinese Herbal Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Li-Hua Yan
- National Engineering Laboratory for Quality Control Technology of Chinese Herbal Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Xiao-Qian Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Quality Control Technology of Chinese Herbal Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Zhi-Min Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Quality Control Technology of Chinese Herbal Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
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Cao R, Wang Y, Zhou Y, Zhu J, Zhang K, Liu W, Feng F, Qu W. Advanced researches of traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of medical Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 325:117848. [PMID: 38336181 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Medical Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis consists of Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq.) Miq. ex Havil, Uncaria macrophylla Wall, Uncaria sinensis (Oliv.) Havil, Uncaria hirsuta Havil, and Uncaria sessilifructus Roxb, which belongs to the species widely used in the genus Uncaria. These species resource widely distributed in China and abroad, and the hook-bearing stem is the primary constituent enrichment site. There are many different forms and architectures of chemicals, depending on the extraction site. Traditional remedies employing URCU had been used widely in antiquity and were first compiled in renowned ancient masterpiece 'Mingyi Bielu ()' written by Hongjing Tao. In modern pharmacological studies, both the total extracts and the phytoconstituents isolated from URCU have been shown to have neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, and autophagy-enhancer properties. AIM OF THE STUDY This review concentrates on the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and nanomaterials studies of URCU, with a perspective to assist with further research and advance. MATERIAL AND METHODS The Chinese and English literature studies of this review are based on these database searches including Science Direct, CNKI, Wiley online library, Spring Link, Web of Science, PubMed, Medalink, Google scholar, Elsevier, ACS Publications, iPlant, Missouri Botanical Garden, Plant of the World Online. The pertinent data on URCU was gathered. RESULTS Based on the examination of the genus Uncaria, 107 newly marked chemical compositions have been identified from URCU from 2015 to present, including alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, steroids, and others. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated that URCU has a variety of benefits in diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and migraine, due to its neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. According to metabolic and toxicological studies, the dosage, frequency, and interactions of the drugs that occur in vivo are of great significance for determining whether the organic bodies can perform efficacy or produce toxicity. The research on URCU-mediated nanomaterials is expanding and increasing in order to address the inadequacies of conventional Chinese medicine. The alkaloids in URCU have the capability to self-assemble with other classes of components in addition to being biologically active. CONCLUSION URCU plants are widely distributed, abundant in chemical constituents, and widely used in both traditional and modern medicine for a variety of pharmacological effects. The utilization of herbal medicines can be raised by assessing the pharmacological distinctions among several species within the same genus and may accelerate the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine. Controlling the concentration of drug administration, monitoring metabolic markers, and inventing novel nanotechnologies are effective strategies for synergistic influence and detoxification to alleviate the main obstacles that toxicity, low bioavailability, and poor permeability. This review can assist further research and advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruolian Cao
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Ya Zhou
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhu
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Kexin Zhang
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Wenyuan Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Feng Feng
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Wei Qu
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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Zhang LB, Yan Y, Ma R, Li DX, Yin WF, Tao QW, Xu Y. Integrated phytochemistry and network pharmacology analysis to reveal effective substances and mechanisms of Bushen Quhan Zhiwang decoction in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 325:117897. [PMID: 38336180 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Bushen Quhan Zhiwang decoction (BQZD), a formula in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), effectively delays bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. However, its chemical constituents, absorbed components, and metabolites remain unrevealed, and its mechanism in treating bone destruction in RA needs further investigation. AIM OF THE STUDY Our objective is to identify the chemical constituents, absorbed components, and metabolites of BQZD and explore the potential mechanisms of BQZD in treating bone destruction in RA. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study systematically identified the chemical constituents, absorbed components, and metabolites of BQZD using ultra-performance liquid chromatography with Q-Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry combined with parallel reaction monitoring. The absorbed components and metabolites were subjected to network pharmacology analysis to predict the potential mechanisms of BQZD in treating bone destruction in RA. The in vivo anti-osteoclastogenic and underlying mechanism were further verified in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats. RESULTS A total of 182 compounds were identified in BQZD, 27 of which were absorbed into plasma and organs and 42 metabolites were identified in plasma and organs. The KEGG analysis revealed that MAPK signaling pathway was highly prioritized. BQZD treatment attenuated paw swelling and the arthritis index; suppressed synovial hyperplasia, bone destruction, and osteoclast differentiation; and inhibited the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in CIA rats. Mechanically, BQZD significantly decreased the protein expression levels of TRAF6, NFATc1, p-JNK, and p-p38, which might be related to 9 absorbed components and 1 metabolite. CONCLUSION This study revealed the key active components and metabolites of BQZD. BQZD exhibits bone-protective effects via TRAF6/p38/JNK MAPK pathway, which may be associated with 9 absorbed components and 1 metabolite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu-Bo Zhang
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, PR China
| | - Yu Yan
- Department of TCM Rheumatism, Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, PR China
| | - Ru Ma
- Clinical Pharmacy Department & Xi'an Public Health Center, Xi'an, 710200, PR China
| | - Dong-Xu Li
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Wei-Feng Yin
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, PR China
| | - Qing-Wen Tao
- Department of TCM Rheumatism, Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, PR China.
| | - Yuan Xu
- Department of TCM Rheumatism, Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, PR China.
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Han LY, Yu H, Wang S, Bao YR, Li TJ, Zheng Y, Luo X, Jia MN, Zhang Q, Meng XS. Classical prescription Floris Sophorae Powder treat colorectal cancer by regulating KRAS/MEK-ERK signaling pathway. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 325:117805. [PMID: 38278374 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Colorectal cancer (CRC) belongs to the category of intestinal wind, anal ulcer, abdominal mass and other diseases in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Floris Sophorae Powder (F.S), is a classical prescription is recorded in Puji Benshi Fang for the treatment of intestinal carbuncle. It has been incorporated into the prescriptions for the treatment of intestinal diseases and achieved remarkable results in modern medicine. However, the mechanism of F.S in the treatment of colorectal cancer remains unclear and requires further study. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate F.S in treating CRC and clarify the underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was based on Dextran Sulfate Sodium Salt (DSS) combined with Azoxymethane (AOM) induced CRC mouse model to clarify the pharmacological effects of F.S. The serum metabolomics was used to study the mechanism of action, and the chemical composition of F.S was found by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. The rationality of serm metabolomics results was verified through the clinical target database of network pharmacology, and the upstream and downstream targets of related pathways were found. The mechanism pathway was verified by Western blot to clarify its mechanism of action. RESULTS In vivo pharmacological experiments showed that F.S inhibited tumor growth and improved hematochezia. The vital signs of mice in the high-dose F.S group approached to those in the control group. A total of 43 differential metabolites were found to be significantly changed by serum metabolomics. F.S could modulate and recover most of the differential metabolites, which proved to be closely related to the KRAS/MEK-ERK signaling pathway. A total of 46 compounds in F.S were identified, and the rationality of serm metabolic pathway was verified by network pharmacology. Western blot results also verified that the expression of KRAS, E2F1, p-MEK and p-ERK were significantly decreased after F.S treatment. CONCLUSION Classical prescription Floris Sophorae Powder treat colorectal cancer by regulating KRAS/MEK-ERK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ying Han
- College of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Multi-dimensional Analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine Technical Innovation Center, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Province Modern Chinese Medicine Research Engineering Laboratory, Dalian, 116600, China.
| | - Hao Yu
- College of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Multi-dimensional Analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine Technical Innovation Center, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Province Modern Chinese Medicine Research Engineering Laboratory, Dalian, 116600, China.
| | - Shuai Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Multi-dimensional Analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine Technical Innovation Center, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Province Modern Chinese Medicine Research Engineering Laboratory, Dalian, 116600, China.
| | - Yong-Rui Bao
- College of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Multi-dimensional Analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine Technical Innovation Center, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Province Modern Chinese Medicine Research Engineering Laboratory, Dalian, 116600, China.
| | - Tian-Jiao Li
- College of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Multi-dimensional Analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine Technical Innovation Center, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Province Modern Chinese Medicine Research Engineering Laboratory, Dalian, 116600, China.
| | - Ying Zheng
- College of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Multi-dimensional Analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine Technical Innovation Center, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Province Modern Chinese Medicine Research Engineering Laboratory, Dalian, 116600, China.
| | - Xi Luo
- College of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Multi-dimensional Analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine Technical Innovation Center, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Province Modern Chinese Medicine Research Engineering Laboratory, Dalian, 116600, China.
| | - Meng-Nan Jia
- College of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Multi-dimensional Analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine Technical Innovation Center, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Province Modern Chinese Medicine Research Engineering Laboratory, Dalian, 116600, China.
| | - Qiang Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Multi-dimensional Analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine Technical Innovation Center, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Province Modern Chinese Medicine Research Engineering Laboratory, Dalian, 116600, China.
| | - Xian-Sheng Meng
- College of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Multi-dimensional Analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine Technical Innovation Center, Dalian, 116600, China; Liaoning Province Modern Chinese Medicine Research Engineering Laboratory, Dalian, 116600, China.
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Ding X, Li S, Huang H, Shen J, Ding Y, Chen T, Ma L, Liu J, Lai Y, Chen B, Wang Y, Tan Q. Bioactive triterpenoid compounds of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf in the treatment of diabetic ulcers via regulating the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 325:117812. [PMID: 38301984 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Diabetic ulcers represent a chronic condition characterized by prolonged hyperglycemia and delayed wound healing, accompanied by endocrine disorders, inflammatory responses, and microvascular damage in the epidermal tissue, demanding effective clinical treatment approaches. For thousands of years, ancient Chinese ethnopharmacological studies have documented the use of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf in treating diabetic ulcers. Recent research has substantiated the diverse pharmacological effects of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf, including its potential to alleviate hyperglycemia and exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune regulatory properties, which could effectively mitigate diabetic ulcer symptoms. Furthermore, being a natural medicine, Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf has demonstrated promising therapeutic effects and safety in the management of diabetic ulcers, holding significant clinical value. Despite its potential clinical efficacy and applications in diabetic ulcer treatment, the primary active components and underlying pharmacological mechanisms of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf remains unclear. Further investigations are imperative to establish a solid foundation for drug development in this domain. AIM OF THE STUDY AND MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, we aimed to identify the active compounds and potential targets of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf using UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS and TCMSP databases. Additionally, we attempt to identify targets related to diabetic ulcers. Following enrichment analysis, a network of protein-protein interactions was constructed to identify hub genes based on the common elements between the two datasets. To gain insights into the binding activities of the hub genes and active ingredients, molecular docking analysis was employed. Furthermore, to further validate the therapeutic effect of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf, we exerted in vitro experiments using human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells and human myeloid leukemia monocytes (THP-1). The active ingredient of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf was applied in these experiments. Our investigations included various assays, such as CCK-8, scratch test, immunofluorescence, western blotting, RT-PCR, and flow cytometry, to explore the potential of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf triterpenoid extract (PTE) in treating diabetic ulcers. RESULTS The findings here highlighted PTE as the primary active ingredient in Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf. Utilizing network pharmacology, we identified 74 potential targets associated with diabetic ulcer treatment for Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf, with five hub genes (JUN, MAPK1, STAT3, AKT1, and CTNNB1). Enrichment analysis revealed the involvement of multiple pathways in the therapeutic process, with the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway showing significant enrichment. Through molecular docking, we discovered that relevant targets within this pathway exhibited strong binding with the active components of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf. In vitro experiments unveiled that PTE (10 mg/L) facilitated the migration of human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells (P < 0.05). PTE also increased the expression of CD31 and VEGF mRNA (P < 0.05) while activating the expressions of p-PI3K and p-AKT (P < 0.05). Moreover, PTE demonstrated its potential by reducing the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB mRNA in THP-1 (P < 0.05) and fostering M2 macrophage polarization. These results signify the potential therapeutic effects of PTE in treating diabetic ulcers, with its beneficial actions mediated through the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS PTE is the main active ingredient in Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf that exerts therapeutic effects. Through PI3K-AKT signaling pathway activation and inflammatory response reduction, PTE promotes angiogenesis, thereby healing diabetic ulcers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Ding
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200443, China
| | - Shiyan Li
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, NO. 321, Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Heyan Huang
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Jiayun Shen
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Youjun Ding
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, NO. 321, Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Timson Chen
- Adolph Innovation Laboratory, Guangzhou Degu Personal Care Products Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Ling Ma
- Adolph Innovation Laboratory, Guangzhou Degu Personal Care Products Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Jinfang Liu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Yongxian Lai
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200443, China
| | - Bin Chen
- Institute of Plant Resources and Chemistry, Nanjing Research Institute for Comprehensive Utilization of Wild Plants, Nanjing, 210042, China.
| | - Yiwei Wang
- Jiangsu Provincial Engineering Research Centre of TCM External Medication Development and Application, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Qian Tan
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210008, China.
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Wang F, Mai J, Wang H, Xu Y, Zhou X, Xie Z, Yu B, Liu P, Liu W, Cheng Y. Identification of Erzhu Jiedu Recipe and its molecular mechanism underlying inhibited human hepatoma cells by UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap HRMS and network pharmacology. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 325:117893. [PMID: 38336184 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Erzhu Jiedu Recipe (EZJDR) is a formula of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC). However, its effective components and the mechanism of action remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY To explain how the active compounds of EZJDR suppress the growth of hepatoma cells. METHODS UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap HRMS was used to identify the chemical constituents of EZJDR and their distribution in the serum and liver of mice. Together with experimental investigations, network pharmacology unraveled the molecular mechanism of components of EZJDR underlying the inhibited Hep3B cells. RESULTS A total of 138 compounds which can be divided into 18 kinds of components (such as sesquiterpenoids, diterpenoids, anthraquinones, flavonoids and so on) were found in the aqueous extract of EZJDR. Of these components, the tricyclic-diterpenoids exhibited a highest exposure in the serum (74.5%) and liver (94.7%) of mice. The network pharmacology revealed that multiple components of EZJDR interacted with key node genes involved in apoptosis, proliferation, migration and metabolism through various signaling pathways, including ligand binding and protein phosphorylation. In vitro experiments demonstrated that 6 tricyclic-diterpenoids, 2 anthraquinones and 1 flavonoid inhibited the viability of Hep3B cells, with IC50 values ranging from 3.81 μM to 37.72 μM. Dihydrotanshinone I had the most potent bioactivity, arresting the S phase of cell cycle and inducing apoptosis. This compound changed the expression of proteins, including Bad, Bax, Bcl-2, Bal-x, caspase3 and catalase, which were associated with mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathways. Moreover, dihydrotanshinone I increased the levels of p21 proteins, but decreased the phosphorylated p53, suggesting accumulation of p53 protein prevented cell cycle progression of Hep3B cells with damaged DNA. CONCLUSIONS These results suggested that multiple components of EZJDR-diterpenoid, anthraquinone and flavonoid-could be the effective material for the treatment of HBV-HCC. This research provided valuable insights into the molecular mechanism of action underlying the therapeutic effects of EZJDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jingyin Mai
- Emergency Department, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200071, China
| | - Haoyi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xianglu Zhou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhishen Xie
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Bao Yu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, 402760, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Department of Pharmacy, The SATCM Third Grade Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparations, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Yang Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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Yu X, Wang Y, Wu Z, Jia M, Xu Y, Qu H, Zhao X, Wang S, Jing L, Lou Y, Fan G, Gui Y. Multi-technology integrated network pharmacology-based study on phytochemicals, active metabolites, and molecular mechanism of Psoraleae Fructus to promote melanogenesis. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 325:117755. [PMID: 38218502 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE According to the Compendium of Materia Medica (Shizhen Li, Ming dynasty) and Welfare Pharmacy (Song dynasty), Psoraleae Fructus (PF), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a bitter taste and warm nature, which has the effect of treating spleen and kidney deficiency and skin disease. Although PF has been widely used since ancient times and has shown satisfactory efficacy in treating vitiligo, the active substances and the mechanism of PF in promoting melanogenesis remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY To explore the active substances and action mechanisms of PF in promoting melanogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Firstly, UPLC-UV-Q-TOF/MS was used to characterize the components in PF extract and identify the absorption components and metabolites of PF after oral administration at usual doses in rats. Secondly, the active substances and related targets and pathways were predicted by network pharmacology and molecular docking. Finally, pharmacodynamic and molecular biology experiments were used to verify the prediction results. RESULTS The experimental results showed that 15 compounds were identified in PF extract, and 44 compounds, consisting of 8 prototype components and 36 metabolites (including isomers) were identified in rats' plasma. Promising action targets (MAPK1, MAPK8, MAPK14) and signaling pathways (MAPK signaling pathway) were screened and refined to elucidate the mechanism of PF against vitiligo based on network pharmacology. Bergaptol and xanthotol (the main metabolites of PF), psoralen (prototype drug), and PF extract significantly increased melanin production in zebrafish embryos. Furthermore, bergaptol could promote the pigmentation of zebrafish embryos more than psoralen and PF extract. Bergaptol significantly increased the protein expression levels of p-P38 and decreased ERK phosphorylation in B16F10 cells, which was also supported by the corresponding inhibitor/activator combination study. Moreover, bergaptol increased the mRNA expression levels of the downstream microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and tyrosinase in B16F10 cells. Our data elucidate that bergaptol may promote melanogenesis by regulating the p-P38 and p-ERK signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS This study will lay a foundation for discovering potential new drugs for treating vitiligo and provide feasible ideas for exploring the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Yu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, PR China.
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, PR China; Department of Neurology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, PR China.
| | - Zhenghua Wu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, PR China; School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Building 6-312, Shanghai, 200240, PR China.
| | - Mengqi Jia
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, PR China.
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, PR China.
| | - Han Qu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, PR China; School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Building 6-312, Shanghai, 200240, PR China.
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200434, PR China.
| | - Shuowen Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, PR China.
| | - Lili Jing
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Building 6-312, Shanghai, 200240, PR China.
| | - Yuefen Lou
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200434, PR China.
| | - Guorong Fan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, PR China; School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Building 6-312, Shanghai, 200240, PR China.
| | - Yaxing Gui
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, PR China.
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Chen S, Zeng J, Li R, Zhang Y, Tao Y, Hou Y, Yang L, Zhang Y, Wu J, Meng X. Traditional Chinese medicine in regulating macrophage polarization in immune response of inflammatory diseases. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 325:117838. [PMID: 38310986 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Numerous studies have demonstrated that various traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) exhibit potent anti-inflammatory effects against inflammatory diseases mediated through macrophage polarization and metabolic reprogramming. AIM OF THE STUDY The objective of this review was to assess and consolidate the current understanding regarding the pathogenic mechanisms governing macrophage polarization in the context of regulating inflammatory diseases. We also summarize the mechanism action of various TCMs on the regulation of macrophage polarization, which may contribute to facilitate the development of natural anti-inflammatory drugs based on reshaping macrophage polarization. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a comprehensive review of recently published articles, utilizing keywords such as "macrophage polarization" and "traditional Chinese medicines" in combination with "inflammation," as well as "macrophage polarization" and "inflammation" in conjunction with "natural products," and similar combinations, to search within PubMed and Google Scholar databases. RESULTS A total of 113 kinds of TCMs (including 62 components of TCMs, 27 TCMs as well as various types of extracts of TCMs and 24 Chinese prescriptions) was reported to exert anti-inflammatory effects through the regulation of key pathways of macrophage polarization and metabolic reprogramming. CONCLUSIONS In this review, we have analyzed studies concerning the involvement of macrophage polarization and metabolic reprogramming in inflammation therapy. TCMs has great advantages in regulating macrophage polarization in treating inflammatory diseases due to its multi-pathway and multi-target pharmacological action. This review may contribute to facilitate the development of natural anti-inflammatory drugs based on reshaping macrophage polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China
| | - Jiuseng Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China
| | - Rui Li
- The Affiliated Meishan Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Meishan, 620010, PR China
| | - Yingrui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China
| | - Yiwen Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China
| | - Ya Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China
| | - Lu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China
| | - Yating Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China
| | - Jiasi Wu
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China.
| | - Xianli Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China.
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Gao J, Wang N, Song W, Yuan Y, Teng Y, Liu Z. Mechanisms underlying the synergistic effects of chuanxiong combined with Chishao on treating acute lung injury based on network pharmacology and molecular docking combined with preclinical evaluation. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 325:117862. [PMID: 38342157 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The herb pair of Chuanxiong Rhizome (Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort., Chuanxiong in Chinese, CX) and Paeoniae Radix Rubra (Paeonia lactiflora Pall. Or Paeonia veitchii Lynch, Chishao in Chinese, CS) is a famous blood activating and stasis resolving pair that is often found in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas for the treatment of acute lung injury (ALI). However, the relationship of CX-CS herb pair to ALI and its underlying mechanisms are unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY The study explored the effect and mechanisms of CX-CS herb pair in LPS induced ALI by network pharmacology and molecular docking combined with preclinical evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS The related targets of the active compounds of CX-CS herb pair in regulating ALI were screened by network pharmacology. PPI was constructed and the potential pathways were investigated by GO and KEGG. The contribution of each active ingredient of CX-CS herb pair to ALI were calculated by network-based efficacy. The interactions between potential targets and active ingredients were evaluated by molecular docking. LPS stimulated RAW264.7 cells and mice model experiments were adopted to verify the effect of CX-CS herb pair on ALI. RESULTS A total of 25 compounds and 193 targets were identified in the CX-CS herb pair, of which 19 compounds and 64 targets were associated with ALI, and six compounds including baicalin, ellagic acid, baicalein, beta-sitosterol, paeoniflorin and ferulic acid accounted for 93.12% of the total combination index for ALI prevention. The CX-CS herbal pair against ALI was associated with PI3K/AKT and MAPK signaling pathways by GO and KEGG analysis. The screened active compounds showed good affinity for TNF, MAPK, and AKT by molecular docking. In vitro and in vivo tests showed that CX combined with CS synergistically inhibited LPS-induced ALI at 1:3, suppressed the release of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, inhibited the accumulation of ROS, as well as regulated the content of SOD, MDA and GSH. Meanwhile, the herb pair was effective in inhibiting the expression of p38, ERK, IκBα, p65, caspase 3, PARP, and up-regulating the levels of AKT and Bcl-2/Bax. CONCLUSIONS Our study confirmed the synergistic effect of CX-CS herb pair on the prevention of ALI by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis through MAPK/NF-κB and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junling Gao
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Ning Wang
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Wenjuan Song
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Yajie Yuan
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Yuou Teng
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China.
| | - Zhen Liu
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China.
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