Study on the Anti-Tumor Mechanism and Target of Triptolide based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

BACKGROUND

According to the special physiological and pharmacological activities of natural compounds, many drugs with special therapeutic effects have been developed. The triptolide (TP) is a kind of natural anti-tumor drug with a world patent, but its target and mechanism are yet not known.

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to explore and predict the target and mechanism of TP on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), pancreatic cancer (PC) and colorectal cancer (CC) through network pharmacology technology.

METHODS

We screened the core targets of TP with NSCLC, PC and CC, respectively, and carried out network analysis, enrichment analysis and ligand-receptor docking to clarify its potential pharmacological mechanism.

RESULTS

By screening the core genes between TP with NSCLC, PC and CC, respectively, it was found that PTGS2 was the common target gene in the three cancers. NSCLC, CCL2, IL6, HMOX1 and COL1A1 are the specific target genes, while MMP2, JUN, and CXCL8 are the specific target genes in PC. In CC, the specific target genes includeERBB2, VEGFA, STAT1 andMAPK8. In enrichment analysis, it was found that the NF- κB, toll-like receptors and IL-17 signaling pathway were mainly involved in TP for these cancers. The binding energy of TP to the core target is less than that of cyclophosphamide.

CONCLUSIONS

This study preliminarily revealed that TP may prevent and treat cancers\ through multiple targets and pathways. The possible mechanisms of TP include regulating immune and inflammatory responses, promoting apoptosis and inhibiting tumor development. It shows that TP may have a potential in treating kinds of tumors.

Pharmacokinetic and Toxicological Characteristics of Tripterigium Glycosides and Their Derivatives

BACKGROUND

Tripterigium wilfordii glycosides (TWG) demonstrate paramount bioactive effectiveness in the management of many autoimmune diseases. However, its side effects on the hepatic, nephrotic, reproductive, and cardiovascular systems have limited its immense therapeutic potentials. Triptolide (TP) and Celastrol (CL), the leading bioactive as well as toxic constituents of TWG, have been widely studied. This review aims to summarize the key mechanisms that TWG trigger the toxic reactions and the precautionary measures that could prevent and reduce such reactions.

METHOD

We undertook a systemic search of bibliographic databases for peer-reviewed research literature about the toxic mechanisms and pharmacokinetic profiles of TWG. The key points of screened papers were described and combined together to make up whole.

RESULTS

Totally 125 papers were referred in this paper, the majority were from Chinese academic associations. It has been reported that reactive oxygen species generation, mitochondrial respiratory chain inhibition, and metabolizing enzyme inhibition are the leading factors of the toxic reactions. The bioactive effects and toxicities of TWG are closely related to its metabolic profiles. It has been confirmed that TP and CL inhibit CYP450 and the transporters. This paper reviews and summarizes the pharmacokinetic parameters of TWG. Antioxidants, polymeric micelle and topical nanoparticle formulations have exhibited potentials in toxicity circumvention.

CONCLUSION

A thorough understanding of the pharmacokinetic and toxicological characteristics of TWG combined with further in-depth study will enhance the efficacy and safety in using TWG, which would augment and improve its clinical application in the future.