scholarly journals Exploration of the Potential Mechanisms of Wumei Pill for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis by Network Pharmacology

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Jinke Huang ◽  
Yijun Zheng ◽  
Jinxin Ma ◽  
Jing Ma ◽  
Mengxiong Lu ◽  
...  

Background. Wumei pill (WMP) has a long history of colitis treatment in China, but the protective mechanisms have not been elucidated. To uncover the potential mechanisms of WMP against ulcerative colitis (UC), the network pharmacology approach was utilized in this study. Methods. Public databases were utilized to identify the potential targets of WMP and genes related to UC. Based on the identified overlapping common targets, drug-ingredient-target gene network, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis were conducted. Molecular docking was carried out to verify the selected key active ingredients and core targets. Results. 129 active ingredients and 622 target genes were obtained. The drug-ingredient-target gene network revealed 52 active ingredients of WMP acting on 73 targets related to UC. GO analysis revealed that biological processes were mainly associated with oxidative stress, such as, reactive oxygen species metabolic processes, response to oxidative stress, cellular response to oxidative stress, response to reactive oxygen species, and regulation of reactive oxygen species metabolic processes. KEGG analysis revealed that the immune- and inflammation-related pathways, tumor-related signaling pathways, and microbial infection-related signaling pathways were the most significant. PPI network identified 13 core target genes. The molecular docking results indicated the formation of stable bonds between the active ingredients and core target genes. Conclusions. The approach of network pharmacology reveals the key ingredients, potential core targets, and biological process of WMP in the treatment of UC. The mechanisms of action of WMP involve anti-inflammation, antioxidation, and modulation of immunity, which provides evidence for the therapeutic role of WMP in UC.

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (9) ◽  
pp. 2745 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheng Zhang ◽  
Ning Wang ◽  
Yu Xu ◽  
Hor-Yue Tan ◽  
Sha Li ◽  
...  

Oxidative stress, defined as a disequilibrium between pro-oxidants and antioxidants, can result in histopathological lesions with a broad spectrum, ranging from asymptomatic hepatitis to hepatocellular carcinoma in an orchestrated manner. Although cells are equipped with sophisticated strategies to maintain the redox biology under normal conditions, the abundance of redox-sensitive xenobiotics, such as medicinal ingredients originated from herbs or animals, can dramatically invoke oxidative stress. Growing evidence has documented that the hepatotoxicity can be triggered by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) during treating various diseases. Meanwhile, TCM-dependent hepatic disorder represents a strong correlation with oxidative stress, especially the persistent accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species. Of note, since TCM-derived compounds with their modulated targets are greatly diversified among themselves, it is complicated to elaborate the potential pathological mechanism. In this regard, data mining approaches, including network pharmacology and bioinformatics enrichment analysis have been utilized to scientifically disclose the underlying pathogenesis. Herein, top 10 principal TCM-modulated targets for oxidative hepatotoxicity including superoxide dismutases (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Bax, caspase-3, Bcl-2, nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), and nitric oxide (NO) have been identified. Furthermore, hepatic metabolic dysregulation may be the predominant pathological mechanism involved in TCM-induced hepatotoxic impairment.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Hongyan Yao ◽  
Danli Xin ◽  
Zongyi Zhan ◽  
Zijing Li

Background. Compound Xueshuantong capsule (CXC) and Hexuemingmu tablet (HXMMT) are two important Chinese patent medicines (CPMs) frequently used to treat proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), especially when complicated with vitreous hemorrhage (VH). However, a network pharmacology approach to understand the therapeutic mechanisms of these two CPMs in PDR has not been applied. Objective. To identify differences in the active ingredients between CXC and HXMMT and to comparatively predict and further analyze the molecular targets shared by these CPMs and PDR. Materials and methods. The differentially expressed messenger RNAs (mRNAs) between normal retinal tissues in healthy individuals and active fibrovascular membranes in PDR patients were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The active ingredients of CXC and HXMMT and the targets of these ingredients were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database. The intersections of the CPM (CXC and HXMMT) targets and PDR targets were determined. Then, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed, and the ingredient-target networks, protein-protein interaction networks, and KEGG-target (KEGG-T) networks were constructed. Results. CXC contains 4 herbs, and HXMMT contains 19. Radix salviae is the only herb common to both. CXC had 34 potential therapeutic targets in PDR, while HXMMT had these 34 and 10 additional targets. Both CPMs shared the following main processes: response to reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress, regulation of blood vessel diameter and size, vasoconstriction, smooth muscle contraction, hemostasis, and blood coagulation. The shared pathways included the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, TNF signaling pathway, relaxin signaling pathway, and IL-17 signaling pathway. Conclusions. Both CXC and HXMMT include components effective at treating PDR and affect the following main processes: response to reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress, regulation of blood vessels, and blood coagulation. Radix salviae, the only herb common to both CPMs, contains many useful active ingredients. The PDR-CXC and PDR-HXMMT networks shared 34 common genes (RELA, HSPA8, HSP90AA, HSP90AB1, BRCA, EWSR1, CUL7, HNRNPU, MYC, CTNNB1, MDM2, YWHAZ, CDK2, AR, FN1, HUWE1, TP53, TUBB, EP300, GRB2, VCP, MCM2, EEF1A1, NTRK1, TRAF6, EGFR, PRKDC, SRC, HDAC5, APP, ESR1, AKT1, UBC, and COPS5), and the PDR-HXMMT network has 10 additional genes (RNF2, VNL, RPS27, COPS5, XPO1, PARP1, RACK1, YWHAB, and ITGA4). The top 5 pathways with the highest gene ratio in both networks were the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, TNF signaling pathway, relaxin signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, and focal adhesion. Additional pathways such as neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, chemokine signaling pathway, and AMPK signaling pathway were enriched with HXMMT targets. Thus, HXMMT has more therapeutic targets shared by different active ingredients and more abundant gene functions than CXC, which may be two major reasons why HXMMT is more strongly recommended than CXC as an auxiliary treatment for new-onset VH secondary to PDR. However, the underlying mechanisms still need to be further explored.


2004 ◽  
Vol 71 ◽  
pp. 121-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ascan Warnholtz ◽  
Maria Wendt ◽  
Michael August ◽  
Thomas Münzel

Endothelial dysfunction in the setting of cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypercholesterolaemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and chronic smoking, as well as in the setting of heart failure, has been shown to be at least partly dependent on the production of reactive oxygen species in endothelial and/or smooth muscle cells and the adventitia, and the subsequent decrease in vascular bioavailability of NO. Superoxide-producing enzymes involved in increased oxidative stress within vascular tissue include NAD(P)H-oxidase, xanthine oxidase and endothelial nitric oxide synthase in an uncoupled state. Recent studies indicate that endothelial dysfunction of peripheral and coronary resistance and conductance vessels represents a strong and independent risk factor for future cardiovascular events. Ways to reduce endothelial dysfunction include risk-factor modification and treatment with substances that have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and, simultaneously, to stimulate endothelial NO production, such as inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme or the statins. In contrast, in conditions where increased production of reactive oxygen species, such as superoxide, in vascular tissue is established, treatment with NO, e.g. via administration of nitroglycerin, results in a rapid development of endothelial dysfunction, which may worsen the prognosis in patients with established coronary artery disease.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amnah M. Alshangiti ◽  
Eszter Tuboly ◽  
Shane V. Hegarty ◽  
Cathal M. McCarthy ◽  
Aideen M. Sullivan ◽  
...  

Neuroblastoma is an embryonal malignancy that arises from cells of sympathoadrenal lineage during the development of the nervous system. It is the most common pediatric extracranial solid tumor and is responsible for 15% of childhood deaths from cancer. Fifty percent of cases are diagnosed as high-risk metastatic disease with a low overall 5-year survival rate. More than half of patients experience disease recurrence that can be refractory to treatment. Amplification of the MYCN gene is an important prognostic indicator that is associated with rapid disease progression and a poor prognosis, highlighting the need for new therapeutic approaches. In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on identifying anticancer properties of naturally occurring chalcones, which are secondary metabolites with variable phenolic structures. Here, we report that 4-hydroxychalcone is a potent cytotoxin for MYCN-amplified IMR-32 and SK-N-BE (2) neuroblastoma cells, when compared to non-MYCN-amplified SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and to the non-neuroblastoma human embryonic kidney cell line, HEK293t. Moreover, 4-hydroxychalcone treatment significantly decreased cellular levels of the antioxidant glutathione and increased cellular reactive oxygen species. In addition, 4-hydroxychalcone treatment led to impairments in mitochondrial respiratory function, compared to controls. In support of this, the cytotoxic effect of 4-hydroxychalcone was prevented by co-treatment with either the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine, a pharmacological inhibitor of oxidative stress-induced cell death (IM-54) or the mitochondrial reactive oxygen species scavenger, Mito-TEMPO. When combined with the anticancer drugs cisplatin or doxorubicin, 4-hydroxychalcone led to greater reductions in cell viability than was induced by either anti-cancer agent alone. In summary, this study identifies a cytotoxic effect of 4-hydroxychalcone in MYCN-amplified human neuroblastoma cells, which rationalizes its further study in the development of new therapies for pediatric neuroblastoma.


Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (14) ◽  
pp. 4138
Author(s):  
Yeon-Jin Cho ◽  
Sun-Hye Choi ◽  
Ra-Mi Lee ◽  
Han-Sung Cho ◽  
Hyewhon Rhim ◽  
...  

Gintonin is a kind of ginseng-derived glycolipoprotein that acts as an exogenous LPA receptor ligand. Gintonin has in vitro and in vivo neuroprotective effects; however, little is known about the cellular mechanisms underlying the neuroprotection. In the present study, we aimed to clarify how gintonin attenuates iodoacetic acid (IAA)-induced oxidative stress. The mouse hippocampal cell line HT22 was used. Gintonin treatment significantly attenuated IAA-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction, ATP depletion, and cell death. However, treatment with Ki16425, an LPA1/3 receptor antagonist, suppressed the neuroprotective effects of gintonin. Gintonin elicited [Ca2⁺]i transients in HT22 cells. Gintonin-mediated [Ca2⁺]i transients through the LPA1 receptor-PLC-IP3 signaling pathway were coupled to increase both the expression and release of BDNF. The released BDNF activated the TrkB receptor. Induction of TrkB phosphorylation was further linked to Akt activation. Phosphorylated Akt reduced IAA-induced oxidative stress and increased cell survival. Our results indicate that gintonin attenuated IAA-induced oxidative stress in neuronal cells by activating the LPA1 receptor-BDNF-TrkB-Akt signaling pathway. One of the gintonin-mediated neuroprotective effects may be achieved via anti-oxidative stress in nervous systems.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Olszowy-Tomczyk

AbstractOxidative stress, associated with an imbalance between the oxidants (reactive oxygen species) and the antioxidants in the body, contributes to the development of many diseases. The body’s fight against reactive oxygen species is supported by antioxidants. Nowadays, there are too many analytical methods, but there is no one universal technique for assessing antioxidant properties. Moreover, the applied different ways of expressing the results lead to their incompatibility and unreasonable interpretation. The paper is a literature review concerning the most frequent ways of antioxidant activities expression and for an easy and universal method of the obtained results discussion. This paper is an attempt to point out their disadvantages and advantages. The manuscript can support the searching interpretation of the obtained results which will be a good tool for the development of a number of fields, especially medicine what can help in the future detection and treatment of many serious diseases. Graphic abstract


2010 ◽  
Vol 63 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 827-832 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatjana Radosavljevic ◽  
Dusan Mladenovic ◽  
Danijela Vucevic ◽  
Rada Jesic-Vukicevic

Introduction. Paracetamol is an effective analgesic/antipyretic drug when used at therapeutic doses. However, the overdose of paracetamol can cause severe liver injury and liver necrosis. The mechanism of paracetamol-induced liver injury is still not completely understood. Reactive metabolite formation, depletion of glutathione and alkylation of proteins are the triggers of inhibition of mitochondrial respiration, adenosine triphosphate depletion and mitochondrial oxidant stress leading to hepatocellular necrosis. Role of oxidative stress in paracetamol-induced liver injury. The importance of oxidative stress in paracetamol hepatotoxicity is controversial. Paracetamol induced liver injury cause the formation of reactive oxygen species. The potent sources of reactive oxygen are mitochondria, neutrophils, Kupffer cells and the enzyme xatnine oxidase. Free radicals lead to lipid peroxidation, enzymatic inactivation and protein oxidation. Role of mitochondria in paracetamol-induced oxidative stress. The production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species is increased, and the glutathione content is decreased in paracetamol overdose. Oxidative stress in mitochondria leads to mito?chondrial dysfunction with adenosine triphosphate depletion, increase mitochondrial permeability transition, deoxyribonu?cleic acid fragmentation which contribute to the development of hepatocellular necrosis in the liver after paracetamol overdose. Role of Kupffer cells in paracetamol-induced liver injury. Paracetamol activates Kupffer cells, which then release numerous cytokines and signalling molecules, including nitric oxide and superoxide. Kupffer cells are important in peroxynitrite formation. On the other hand, the activated Kupffer cells release anti-inflammatory cytokines. Role of neutrophils in paracetamol-induced liver injury. Paracetamol-induced liver injury leads to the accumulation of neutrophils, which release lysosomal enzymes and generate superoxide anion radicals through the enzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase. Hydrogen peroxide, which is influenced by the neutrophil-derived enzyme myeloperoxidase, generates hypochlorus acid as a potent oxidant. Role of peroxynitrite in paracetamol-induced oxidative stress. Superoxide can react with nitric oxide to form peroxynitrite, as a potent oxidant. Nitrotyrosine is formed by the reaction of tyrosine with peroxynitrite in paracetamol hepatotoxicity. Conclusion. Overdose of paracetamol may produce severe liver injury with hepatocellular necrosis. The most important mechanisms of cell injury are metabolic activation of paracetamol, glutathione depletion, alkylation of proteins, especially mitochondrial proteins, and formation of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species.


2018 ◽  
Vol 314 (3) ◽  
pp. F423-F429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle L. Kirkman ◽  
Bryce J. Muth ◽  
Meghan G. Ramick ◽  
Raymond R. Townsend ◽  
David G. Edwards

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Mitochondrial dysfunction secondary to CKD is a potential source of oxidative stress that may impair vascular function. This study sought to determine if mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen species contribute to microvascular dysfunction in stage 3–5 CKD. Cutaneous vasodilation in response to local heating was assessed in 20 CKD patients [60 ± 13 yr; estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 46 ± 13 ml·kg−1·1.73 m−2] and 11 matched healthy participants (58 ± 2 yr; eGFR >90 ml·kg−1·1.73 m−2). Participants were instrumented with two microdialysis fibers for the delivery of 1) Ringer solution, and 2) the mitochondria- specific superoxide scavenger MitoTempo. Skin blood flow was measured via laser Doppler flowmetry during standardized local heating (42°C). Cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) was calculated as a percentage of the maximum conductance achieved with sodium nitroprusside infusion at 43°C. Urinary isofuran/F2-isoprostane ratios were assessed by gas-chromatography mass spectroscopy. Isofuran-to-F2-isoprostane ratios were increased in CKD patients (3.08 ± 0.32 vs. 1.69 ± 0.12 arbitrary units; P < 0.01) indicative of mitochondria-derived oxidative stress. Cutaneous vasodilation was impaired in CKD compared with healthy controls (87 ± 1 vs. 92 ± 1%CVCmax; P < 0.01). Infusion of MitoTempo significantly increased the plateau phase CVC in CKD patients (CKD Ringer vs. CKD MitoTempo: 87 ± 1 vs. 93 ± 1%CVCmax; P < 0.01) to similar levels observed in healthy controls ( P = 0.9). These data provide in vivo evidence that mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen species contribute to microvascular dysfunction in CKD and suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction may be a potential therapeutic target to improve CKD-related vascular dysfunction.


2021 ◽  
pp. 074823372110110
Author(s):  
Shabnoor Iqbal ◽  
Farhat Jabeen ◽  
Abdul Shakoor Chaudhry ◽  
Muhammad Ajmal Shah ◽  
Gaber El-Saber Batiha

Nickel nanoparticles (Ni-NPs) are widely used for multiple purposes in industries. Ni-NPs exposure is detrimental to ecosystems owing to widespread use, and so their toxicity is important to consider for real-world applications. This review mainly focuses on the notable pathophysiological activities of Ni-NPs in various research models. Ni-NPs are stated to be more toxic than bulk forms because of their larger surface area to volume ratio and are reported to provoke toxicity through reactive oxygen species generation, which leads to the upregulation of nuclear factor-κB and promotes further signaling cascades. Ni-NPs may contribute to provoking oxidative stress and apoptosis. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and mitogen-activated protein kinases pathways are involved in Ni-NPs associated toxicity. Ni-NPs trigger the transcription factors p-p38, p-JNK, p-ERK1/2, interleukin (IL)-3, TNF-α, IL-13, Fas, Cyt c, Bax, Bid protein, caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9. Moreover, Ni-NPs have an occupational vulnerability and were reported to induce lung-related disorders owing to inhalation. Ni-NPs may cause serious effects on reproduction as Ni-NPs induced deleterious effects on reproductive cells (sperm and eggs) in animal models and provoked hormonal alteration. However, recent studies have provided limited knowledge regarding the important checkpoints of signaling pathways and less focused on the toxic limitation of Ni-NPs in humans, which therefore needs to be further investigated.


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