Network Pharmacology Analysis of the Effects of Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix Plus Semen Vaccariae on Migraine-Induced Erectile Dysfunction

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jisheng Wang ◽  
Junlong Feng ◽  
Sheng Deng ◽  
Binghao Bao ◽  
Fanchao Meng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Erectile Dysfunction ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Western Blotting ◽  
Rat Model ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
Histological Structure ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Hematoxylin And Eosin ◽  
Regulatory Effects ◽  
Group B

Background and aim: Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix plus Semen Vaccariae are traditional Chinese medicines, which have been widely applied in the treatment of migraine and erectile dysfunction (ED) for many years. The aim of this study is to verify the effect of Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix plus Semen Vaccariae in improving migraine-induced ED and explore its potential mechanism. Methods: Key targets and signaling pathways of Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix plus Semen Vaccariae in migraine-induced erectile dysfunction treatment were predicted by network pharmacology. A rat model of migraine was established by nitroglycerin injection. Apomorphine was injected into rats to screen the migraine-induced erectile dysfunction model, Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix-Semen Vaccariae granule suspension administered, and erectile function evaluated. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to compare the histological structure of the penile tissue, while RT-qPCR and Western blotting were used to determine mRNA and protein levels, respectively. Results: Screening allowed us to identify common targets for migraine and ED; the signaling pathway exhibiting the greatest change the Myosin light chain kinase- Calcium (MLCK-CaM) signal pathway. From Western blotting and RT-qPCR, we found that the levels of MLCK mRNA and protein in rats from Group B rats were significantly higher (P<0.05) than those in Groups A and C. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein levels of CaM were significantly higher in Group B (P<0.05) than in Groups A and C. Conclusion: Data indicate that the regulatory effects of Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix plus Semen Vaccariae on migraine-induced ED in a rat model are mediated by the MLCK-CaM signaling pathway.

scholarly journals Helicid Reverses the Effect of Overexpressing NCALD, Which Blocks the sGC/cGMP/PKG Signaling Pathway in the CUMS-Induced Rat Model

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Xiao-Tong Zhang ◽  
Yuan Zhang ◽  
Yuan-Xiang Zhang ◽  
Zhen-Yi Jiang ◽  
Hui Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Western Blotting ◽  
Rat Model ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Mild Stress ◽  
Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress ◽  
Adeno Associated Virus ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Antidepressant Effects

Background. Increasing evidence has shown that apoptosis in the hippocampus is closely related to depressive-like behavior. We previously reported that helicid had good antidepressant activities, which manifested as the alleviation of depression-like behaviors and the reversal of the high expression of neurocalcin delta (NCALD) in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) rats. The aim of this study was, therefore, to characterize the antidepressant-like effects and underlying mechanism of helicid on CUMS rats by silencing NCALD and using rescue experiments. Methods. We developed the CUMS rat model using CUMS stimulation from week 0 to week 6. The rats were treated with helicid, or NCALD silenced, then we overexpressed NCALD using adeno-associated virus. We also measured the protein levels of sGCα1, sGCβ1, PKG1/2, and cleaved caspase-3 in hippocampal tissues using western blotting and measured cGMP using an ELISA. Results. Treating CUMS rats by silencing NCALD or by the administration of helicid improved the depressive-like behavior. The levels of proteins, including sGC, PKG, cleaved caspase-3, and cGMP, in hippocampus all decreased. NCALD overexpression reversed these decreases and reversed the alleviation of depression-like behaviors in CUMS rats. Limitation. We only detected the antidepressant effects of helicid in the hippocampus; therefore, other parts of brain should also be studied. Conclusions. Inhibition of NCALD, as well as helicid administration, alleviated antidepressant-like behavior by regulating the expressions of apoptotic cytokines and the sGC/cGMP/PKG signaling pathway. Overexpressing NCALD reversed the amelioration effects of silenced NCALD and helicid administration.

scholarly journals Potential mechanisms of Guizhi decoction against hypertension based on network pharmacology and Dahl salt-sensitive rat model

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiye Chen ◽  
Yongjian Zhang ◽  
Yongcheng Wang ◽  
Ping Jiang ◽  
Guofeng Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Rat Model ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
Pathway Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Active Ingredients ◽  
Active Compounds ◽  
Guizhi Decoction

Abstract Background Guizhi decoction (GZD), a classical Chinese herbal formula, has been widely used to treat hypertension, but its underlying mechanisms remain elusive. The present study aimed to explore the potential mechanisms and therapeutic effects of GZD on hypertension by integrating network pharmacology and experimental validation. Methods The active ingredients and corresponding targets were collected from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). The targets related to hypertension were identified from the CTD, GeneCards, OMIM and Drugbank databases. Multiple networks were constructed to identify the key compounds, hub targets, and main biological processes and pathways of GZD against hypertension. The Surflex-Dock software was used to validate the binding affinity between key targets and their corresponding active compounds. The Dahl salt-sensitive rat model was used to evaluate the therapeutic effects of GZD against hypertension. Results A total of 112 active ingredients, 222 targets of GZD and 341 hypertension-related targets were obtained. Furthermore, 56 overlapping targets were identified, five of which were determined as the hub targets for experimental verification, including interleukin 6 (IL-6), C–C motif chemokine 2 (CCL2), IL-1β, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), and MMP-9. Pathway enrichment analysis results indicated that 56 overlapping targets were mainly enriched in several inflammation pathways such as the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Molecular docking confirmed that most active compounds of GZD could bind tightly to the key targets. Experimental studies revealed that the administration of GZD improved blood pressure, reduced the area of cardiac fibrosis, and inhibited the expression of IL-6, CCL2, IL-1β, MMP-2 and MMP-9 in rats. Conclusion The potential mechanisms and therapeutic effects of GZD on hypertension may be attributed to the regulation of cardiac inflammation and fibrosis.

scholarly journals Nox4 Mediates RANKL-induced ER-Phagy and Osteoclastogenesis via Activating ROS/PERK/eIF-2α/ATF4 Pathway

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Sun ◽  
wugui chen ◽  
Songtao Li ◽  
Sizhen Yang ◽  
Ying Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Bone Resorption ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Nuclear Factor Κb ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Unfolded Protein ◽  
Regulatory Effects ◽  
Protein Response

Abstract Background: Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) has been found to induce osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Methods: Osteoclastogenesis was evaluated by number of TRAP-positive multinuclear (≥3) osteoclasts, bone resorption pits and expression levels of related genes. Autophagy activity were evaluated by LC3-II/LC3-I ratio, number of autophagic vacuoles and adenovirus-mRFP-GFP-tagged LC3 reporting system; Inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) was used to verified the role of autophagy in RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis; Via downregulating Nox4 with inhibitor (DPI) and retrovirus-conveyed shRNA, we further explored the importance of Nox4 in RANKL-induced autophagy and osteoclastogenesis, as well as the regulatory effects of Nox4 on nonmitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and PERK/eIF-2α/ATF4 pathway. Intracellular ROS scavenger (NAC), mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant (MitoTEMPO) and inhibitor of PERK (GSK2606414) were also employed to investigate the role of ROS and PERK/eIF-2α/ATF4 pathway in RANKL-induced autophagy and osteoclastogenesis. Results: RANKL markedly increased autophagy, while CQ treatment caused reduction of RANKL-induced autophagy and osteoclastogenesis. Consistent with the increased autophagy, the protein levels of Nox4 were significantly increased, and Nox4 was selectively localized within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) after RANKL stimulation. DPI and shRNA efficiently decreased the protein level and (or) activity of Nox4 in the ER and inhibited RANKL-induced autophagy and osteoclastogenesis. Mechanistically, we found that Nox4 regulates RANKL-induced autophagy activation and osteoclastogenesis by stimulating the production of nonmitochondrial ROS. Additionally, Nox4-derived nonmitochondrial ROS dramatically activate PERK/eIF-2α/ATF4, which is a critical unfolded protein response (UPR)-related signaling pathway during ER stress. Blocking the activation of the PERK/eIF-2α/ATF4 signaling pathway either by Nox4 shRNA, ROS antioxidant or PERK inhibitor (GSK2606414) treatment significantly inhibited endoplasmic reticulum autophagy (ER-phagy) during RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. Conclusions: Our findings provide new insights into the processes of RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and will help the development of new therapeutic strategies for osteoclastogenesis-related diseases.

Abstract P207: Role of (Pro)Renin Receptor in the Pathogenesis of Colon Cancer

Hypertension ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 66 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Akira Nishiyama ◽  
Juan Wang ◽  
Shinichi Yachida ◽  
Genevieve Nguyen ◽  
Takuo Hirose ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colon Cancer ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Western Blotting ◽  
Cell Number ◽  
Ductal Adenocarcinoma ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Colon Cancer Cell Lines ◽  
Cancer Tissues

(Pro)renin receptor ((P)RR) is a component of the Wnt receptor complex (Science, 2010). We have recently demonstrated that (P)RR plays an important role in the tumorigenesis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma via the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway (Shibayama et al. Sci Rep. 2015). Since the patients with colon cancer often show aberrantly activated Wnt/β-catenin-dependent signaling pathway by the mutations of its components, we investigated the possible role of (P)RR and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in carcinogenesis of colon cancer. Real-time PCR was used for measuring mRNA levels of (P)RR. Protein levels of (P)RR was determined by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Activated β-catenin levels were determined by Western blotting. Cell proliferative ability was evaluated by counting the cell number in cultured colon cancer cell lines, HCT116 and DLD-1 cells. As compared to normal colon tissues (n=6), mRNA and protein levels of (P)RR were increased by 2.6- and 2.2-fold, respectively, in colon cancer tissues (n=9), which were associated with increased activated β-catenin levels (by 2.8-fold, P<0.05). However, plasma soluble (P)RR levels were not changed in patients with colon cancer (n=9). (P)RR and activated β-catenin levels were also increased in HCT116 (by 2.2- and 2.7-fold, n=5, respectively) and DLD-1 cells (by 1.9- and 2.8-fold, n=5, respectively). In these cells, inhibiting (P)RR with an siRNA attenuated the activity of β-catenin and reduced the proliferative abilities (n=5, P<0.05, respectively). These data suggest that (P)RR contributes to the tumorigenesis of colon cancer through the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Kir6.1 improves cardiac dysfunction in diabetic cardiomyopathy via the AKT-Foxo1 signaling pathway

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinxin Wang ◽  
Jing Bai ◽  
Peng Duan ◽  
Hao Wang ◽  
Yang Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Function ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Diabetic Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Cardiac Dysfunction ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Inwardly Rectifying Potassium Channel ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Hematoxylin And Eosin ◽  
And Function

Abstract Background: Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) severely impairs the health of diabetic patients. Previous studies have shown that the expression of inwardly rectifying potassium channel 6.1 (Kir6.1) in heart mitochondria is significantly reduced in type 1 diabetes. However, whether its expression and function are changed and what role it plays in type 2 DCM have not been reported. This study investigated the role and mechanism of Kir6.1 in DCM.Methods: The cardiac function in mice was analyzed by echocardiography, ELISA, hematoxylin and eosin staining, TUNEL and transmission electron microscopy. The mitochondrial function in cardiomyocytes was measured by the oxygen consumption rate and the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Kir6.1 expression at the mRNA and protein levels was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting (WB), respectively. The protein expression of t-AKT, p-AKT, t-Foxo1, and p-Foxo1 was analyzed by WB.Results: We found that the cardiac function and the Kir6.1 expression in DCM mice were decreased. Kir6.1 overexpression improved cardiac dysfunction and upregulated the phosphorylation of AKT and Foxo1 in the DCM mouse model. Furthermore, Kir6.1 overexpression also improved cardiomyocyte dysfunction and upregulated the phosphorylation of AKT and Foxo1 in cardiomyocytes with insulin resistance. In contrast, cardiac-specific Kir6.1 knockout aggravated the cardiac dysfunction and downregulated the phosphorylation of AKT and Foxo1 in DCM mice. Furthermore, Foxo1 activation downregulated the expression of Kir6.1 and decreased the ΔΨm in cardiomyocytes. In contrast, Foxo1 inactivation upregulated the expression of Kir6.1 and increased the ΔΨm in cardiomyocytes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that the Kir6.1 promoter region contains a functional Foxo1-binding site .Conclusions: Kir6.1 improves cardiac dysfunction in DCM, probably through the AKT-Foxo1 signaling pathway. Moreover, the crosstalk between Kir6.1 and the AKT-Foxo1 signaling pathway may provide new strategies for reversing the defective signaling in DCM.

scholarly journals Regulatory Effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on TGF-β1 and miR-130b Expression in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Nephropathy in Rats

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuetong Liu ◽  
Ye Yang ◽  
Qin Wang ◽  
Apaer Kahaer ◽  
Jiyun Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Nephropathy ◽  
Western Blotting ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Beta ◽  
Renal Fibrosis ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Peanut Oil ◽  
Kidney Fibrosis ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Hematoxylin And Eosin

Objective. To investigate the role of microRNA-130b in 1,25(OH)2D3 mediated improvement of renal fibrosis via transforming growth factor-beta 1 in a rat model of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Methods. DN was induced in 30 rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. These rats were randomly allocated to the DN group, TGF-β1 overexpression group (in situ injection of TGF-β1 lentivirus to kidney tissues), and TGF-β1 siRNA group (in situ injection of TGF-β1 siRNA lentivirus to kidney tissues). Rats with different expression levels of TGF-β1 were administered 1,25(OH)2D3 (0.03 μg/kg/d) or peanut oil as control. DN rats were treated only with peanut oil. All rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 6 per group): TGF-β1 overexpression + oil, TGF-β1 overexpression + 1,25(OH)2D3, TGF-β1 siRNA + oil, TGF-β1 siRNA + 1,25(OH)2D3, and DN + oil groups. After 37 days, kidney samples were collected and the expression of TGF-β1 and miR-130b was determined by real-time PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson staining were used to evaluate kidney morphological and fibrogenic changes. Differences were determined using ANOVA and Student’s t-test. Results. RT-PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry revealed that interference of TGF-β1 significantly decreased mRNA and protein levels of TGF-β1 in renal tissues of DN rats compared to those in renal tissues of rats overexpressing TGF-β1 (p<0.05). Histological analysis showed that upregulated TGF-β1 led to disorganized kidney structure and severe kidney fibrosis. The expression of miR-130b was significantly lowered upon lentivirus-mediated overexpression of TGF-β1 than upon downregulation of TGF-β1 (p<0.05). Treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 led to a significant reduction of TGF-β1 at the mRNA and protein levels (both p<0.05), improvement of renal structure and fibrosis, and an increase in miR-130b expression (p<0.05). Conclusion. TGF-β1 can decrease the expression of miR-130b in kidney tissues of DN rats. Moreover, miR-130b may be involved in the protective effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on renal fibrosis via TGF-β1.

scholarly journals Expression and potential role of CXCL5 in the pathogenesis of intrauterine adhesions

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 030006052199771
Author(s):  
Zi-Ang Fang ◽  
Yu He ◽  
Chao Sun ◽  
Lei Zhan ◽  
Guiju Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Western Blotting ◽  
Rat Model ◽  
Real Time Pcr ◽  
Connective Tissues ◽  
Intrauterine Adhesions ◽  
Endometrial Cells ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Chemokine Ligand

Objective C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CXCL5), a member of the chemokine family, is associated with remodeling of connective tissues. However, its role in formation of intrauterine adhesions (IUA) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the expression and mechanism underlying the role of CXCL5 in IUA. Methods Expression of CXCL5 in IUA was detected by immunohistochemistry in a rat model of IUA and by real-time PCR and western blotting in patients with IUA. The protein levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and transcription factor p65 in human endometrial cells were assessed by western blotting after CXCL5 overexpression. Results Protein expression of CXCL5 was significantly decreased in the endometria of IUA rats compared with that of control and sham-operated rats. Real-time PCR and western blotting in patients with IUA showed similar results to those from the rat model. After overexpression, CXCL5 significantly upregulated expression of MMP9 and slightly upregulated expression of p65 in human endometrial cells. Conclusions CXCL5 plays an important role in IUA formation after endometrial injury. We propose a molecular mechanism to explain formation of IUA, including downregulation of MMP9 by low CXCL5 expression. These findings provide valuable information for the prevention and targeted therapy of IUA.

scholarly journals Study on the Mechanism of Tiaogan Yunpi Decoction in Treating Diarrhea-Irritable Bowel Syndrome Based on Network Pharmacology

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Yan ◽  
Fei Ge ◽  
Zhi-wei Miao ◽  
Li-na Liu ◽  
Jun Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Irritable Bowel Syndrome ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Rat Model ◽  
Active Sites ◽  
Endocrine Resistance ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
Intestinal Damage ◽  
Immune Inflammation ◽  
Irritable Bowel

Abstract Tiaogan Yunpi Decoction (TGYPD) is a clinical experience commonly used by tutors to treat diarrhea-irritable bowel syndrome (D-IBS); it has been commonly employed to treat ulcerative colitis and chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis. However, the mechanism of TGYPD in D-IBS treatment remains unclear. In the present study, the potential mechanism of TGYPD for irritable bowel syndrome was tested by network pharmacology combined with the IBS rat model. On the whole, 56 active ingredients were screened out, and 238 assessed targets were identified; 1934 known disease targets regarding the occurrence and development of irritable bowel syndrome were successfully searched from the disease database. GO biological processes primarily impact cytokine receptor binding, transcription factor activity, cytokine activity, antioxidant activity, biosynthesis regulation, cell cycle regulation and other cellular active sites of irritable bowel syndrome. Besides, the mentioned processes are involved in AGE- RAGE signaling pathway, TNF and IL-17 signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor (TLRs) signaling pathway, multiple cancer signaling pathways, and viral key signaling pathways of infection, hepatitis and endocrine resistance. As reported by the protein interaction network (PPI), IL-6, CXCL8, VEGFR, JUN, MAPK3 and AKT1 are likely to act as the critical targets for TGYPD to treat IBS. Moreover, in the model of IBS-D rats, TGYPD is capable of significantly reducing stool Bristol type and AWR scores, as well as effectively decreasing TNF-αand IFN-γ. As revealed from colon pathological section, TGYPD can relieve intestinal damage and mitigate intestinal mucosal immune inflammation. As suggested from the results of the Western blotting assay, TGYPD is capable of suppressing the expression of TLR4-MYD88-NF-kB signaling pathway in intestines. In brief, the results achieved in this study suggest that TGYPD can significantly mitigate immune inflammation and protect against intestinal mucosal barrier in the intestines of the IBS-D rat model. This study provides novel insights that can be referenced by other TCM studies.

scholarly journals Huanglian Jiedu Decoction Exerts Antipyretic Effect by Inhibiting MAPK Signaling Pathway

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Xing Li ◽  
Shizhang Wei ◽  
Xiao Ma ◽  
Haotian Li ◽  
Manyi Jing ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Western Blotting ◽  
Mapk Signaling ◽  
Mapk Signaling Pathway ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
Potential Mechanism ◽  
Model Group ◽  
Rat Serum ◽  
Antipyretic Effect ◽  
Tnf Α

Aim. The aim of this study was to explore the antipyretic effect and potential mechanism of Huanglian Jiedu Decoction (HLJDD) on LPS-induced fever in rats. Materials and Methods. The fever rat model was established by LPS. Anal temperature of rats was measured every 1 hour after modeling. TNF-α, IL-6, PGE2, and cAMP in rat serum or hypothalamus tissue were detected by ELISA kit. In order to explore the potential active ingredients and mechanism of antipyretic effect of HLJDD, we predicted the underlying antipyretic mechanism by using network pharmacology and then verified its mechanism by Western Blotting. Results. The results showed that HLJDD can alleviate LPS-induced fever in rats. The expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6, PGE2, and cAMP in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the model group. Western Blotting results showed that the protein expression of p-ERK, p-JNK, and p-P38 was significantly inhibited. Conclusion. The findings suggest that HLJDD has a good antipyretic effect on LPS-induced fever in rats, which may be closely related to the inhibition of MAPK signaling pathway.

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