scholarly journals Anti-Liver Fibrosis Activity and the Potential Mode of Action of Ruangan Granules: Integrated Network Pharmacology and Metabolomics

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaofei Shang ◽  
Xinghui Yuan ◽  
Lixia Dai ◽  
Yang Liu ◽  
Jian He ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liver Fibrosis ◽  
Inflammatory Response ◽  
Mode Of Action ◽  
Oxidant Stress ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
Mitochondrial Morphology ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Integrated Network ◽  
Potential Mode

Ruangan granules (RGGs) have been used to treat liver fibrosis with good clinical efficacy for many years. However, the potential mechanism of action of RGGs against liver fibrosis is still unclear. In this study, we evaluated the quality and safety of this preparation and aimed to explore the anti-liver fibrosis activity and potential mode of action of RGGs using network pharmacology and metabolomics. The results showed that RGGs contained abundant ferulic acid, salvianolic acid B and paeoniflorin, and at the given contents and doses, RGGs were safe and presented anti-liver fibrosis activity. They presented anti-liver fibrosis activity by improving liver function (ALT and AST, p < 0.01) and pathology and decreasing fibrosis markers in the serum of rats caused by CCl4, including HA, LN, PC III, HYP, CoII-V, and α-SMA, and the oxidant stress and inflammatory response were also alleviated in a dose-dependent manner, especially for high-dose RGGs (p < 0.01). Further studies showed that RGGs inhibited the activation of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway in rats induced by CCl4, regulated pyrimidine metabolism, improved oxidative stress and the inflammatory response by regulating mitochondrial morphology, and alleviated liver fibrosis. Luteolin, quercetin, morin and kaempferol were active compounds and presented the cytotoxicity toward to LX-02 cells. This study provides an overall view of the mechanism underlying the action of RGGs protecting against liver fibrosis.

scholarly journals Combination of subtherapeutic anti-TNF dose with dasatinib restores clinical and molecular arthritogenic profiles better than standard anti-TNF treatment

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lydia Ntari ◽  
Christoforos Nikolaou ◽  
Ksanthi Kranidioti ◽  
Dimitra Papadopoulou ◽  
Eleni Christodoulou-Vafeiadou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Therapeutic Effect ◽  
Expression Analysis ◽  
Mode Of Action ◽  
Gene Expression Analysis ◽  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Combination Therapies ◽  
Number Of Patients

Abstract Background New medications for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) have emerged in the last decades, including Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) and biologics. However, there is no known cure, since a significant proportion of patients remain or become non-responders to current therapies. The development of new mode-of-action treatment schemes involving combination therapies could prove successful for the treatment of a greater number of RA patients. Methods We investigated the effect of the Tyrosine Kinase inhibitors (TKIs) dasatinib and bosutinib, on the human TNF-dependent Tg197 arthritis mouse model. The inhibitors were administered either as a monotherapy or in combination with a subtherapeutic dose of anti-hTNF biologics and their therapeutic effect was assessed clinically, histopathologically as well as via gene expression analysis and was compared to that of an efficient TNF monotherapy. Results Dasatinib and, to a lesser extent, bosutinib inhibited the production of TNF and proinflammatory chemokines from arthritogenic synovial fibroblasts. Dasatinib, but not bosutinib, also ameliorated significantly and in a dose-dependent manner both the clinical and histopathological signs of Tg197 arthritis. Combination of dasatinib with a subtherapeutic dose of anti-hTNF biologic agents, resulted in a synergistic inhibitory effect abolishing all arthritis symptoms. Gene expression analysis of whole joint tissue of Tg197 mice revealed that the combination of dasatinib with a low subtherapeutic dose of Infliximab most efficiently restores the pathogenic gene expression profile to that of the healthy state compared to either treatment administered as a monotherapy. Conclusion Our findings show that dasatinib exhibits a therapeutic effect in TNF-driven arthritis and can act in synergy with a subtherapeutic anti-hTNF dose to effectively treat the clinical and histopathological signs of the pathology. The combination of dasatinib and anti-hTNF exhibits a distinct mode of action in restoring the arthritogenic gene signature to that of a healthy profile. Potential clinical applications of combination therapies with kinase inhibitors and anti-TNF agents may provide an interesting alternative to high-dose anti-hTNF monotherapy and increase the number of patients responding to treatment.

scholarly journals Cannabidiol Modulates Mitochondrial Redox and Dynamics in MCF7 Cancer Cells: A Study Using Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy of NAD(P)H

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rhys Richard Mould ◽  
Stanley W. Botchway ◽  
James R. C. Parkinson ◽  
Elizabeth Louise Thomas ◽  
Geoffrey W Guy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Fluorescence Lifetime ◽  
Mitochondrial Function ◽  
Mode Of Action ◽  
Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy ◽  
Mitochondrial Morphology ◽  
Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Lifetime Imaging ◽  
Dose Dependent

The cannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD), is part of the plant's natural defense system that when given to animals has many useful medicinal properties, including activity against cancer cells, modulation of the immune system, and efficacy in epilepsy. Although there is no consensus on its precise mode of action as it affects many cellular targets, CBD does appear to influence mitochondrial function. This would suggest that there is a cross-kingdom ability to modulate stress resistance systems that enhance homeostasis. As NAD(P)H autofluorescence can be used as both a metabolic sensor and mitochondrial imaging modality, we assessed the potential of this technique to study the in vitro effects of CBD using 2-photon excitation and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (2P-FLIM) of NAD(P)H against more traditional markers of mitochondrial morphology and cellular stress in MCF7 breast cancer cells. 2P-FLIM analysis revealed that the addition of CBD induced a dose-dependent decrease in bound NAD(P)H, with 20 µM treatments significantly decreased the contribution of bound NAD(P)H by 14.6% relative to the control (p < 0.001). CBD also increased mitochondrial concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (160 ± 53 vs. 97.6 ± 4.8%, 20 µM CBD vs. control, respectively, p < 0.001) and Ca2+ (187 ± 78 vs. 105 ± 10%, 20 µM CBD vs. the control, respectively, p < 0.001); this was associated with a significantly decreased mitochondrial branch length and increased fission. These are all suggestive of mitochondrial stress. Our results support the use of NAD(P)H autofluorescence as an investigative tool and provide further evidence that CBD can modulate mitochondrial function and morphology in a dose-dependent manner, with clear evidence of it inducing oxidative stress at higher concentrations. This continues to support emerging data in the literature and may provide further insight into its overall mode of action, not only in cancer, but potentially its function in the plant and why it can act as a medicine.

scholarly journals The protection of LingqiHuangban Granule on human retinal endothelial cells against oxidative stress-induced injury by network pharmacology

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhenzhen Zhang ◽  
Chuandi Zhou ◽  
Deji Draga ◽  
lhamo Thashi ◽  
Zhi Zheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Retinal Endothelial Cells ◽  
Holistic Treatment ◽  
Protein Protein Interaction

Abstract Background: LingqiHuangban Granule(LQHBG) is a famous traditional Chinese medicine formula used to manage retinal diseases, as an effective holistic treatment through warming Yang to exert tonifying effects on kidney and invigorating spleen to remove dampness to nourish essence of effect. The study examined protection of LQHBG on oxidative stress-induced injury in human retinal endothelial cells(HRECs) in vitro, determined the potential molecular targets of LQHBG using network pharmacology.Methods: The potential targets of active ingredients in LQHBG were predicted using pharmmapper. Gene Ontology(GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were carried out using Molecule Annotation System. The protein-protein interaction networks were constructed using Cytoscape. LQHBG was administered to rabbits to prepare medicated serum. The apoptosis of HRECs was evaluated by TUNEL and Flow Cytometry(FCM). MDA, SOD, LDH, GSH-Px, and T-AOC were detected. The mRNA expressions of Nrf2, NF-κB and HO-1 were detected, protein expression levels of Nrf2, Bcl-2, NF-κB, HO-1 and caspase-3 were analyzed.Results: TUNEL demonstrated the numbers of apoptotic cells in low-and high-dose LQHBG groups was obviously less than model group(P<0.05). FCM analysis revealed apoptotic rates of HRECs in low-and high-dose LQHBG groups were obviously reduced in a dose-dependent manner(P<0.05). The potential mechanism of LQHBG was the NF-κB pathway identified using PharmMapper. LQHBG significantly decreased MDA, LDH levels and enhanced SOD, GSH-Px and T-AOC generation. LQHBG inhibited upregulation of NF-κB, caspase-3 and enhanced Bcl-2, Nrf2, and HO-1 expression.Conclusion: LQHBG protected HRECs against oxidative-stress via suppression of apoptosis and elevation of antioxidant ability, which may involve activation of Nrf2/ARE/HO-1 pathway and inhibition of NF-κB pathway.

scholarly journals Dachengqi Decoction Attenuates Inflammatory Response via Inhibiting HMGB1 Mediated NF-κB and P38 MAPK Signaling Pathways in Severe Acute Pancreatitis

2015 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 1379-1389 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhuoan Chen ◽  
Yafeng Chen ◽  
Liyun Pan ◽  
Hongchang Li ◽  
Jiamin Tu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Pancreatitis ◽  
Inflammatory Response ◽  
P38 Mapk ◽  
Severe Acute Pancreatitis ◽  
Mapk Pathway ◽  
Mapk Signaling ◽  
Comprehensive Treatment ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Dachengqi Decoction

Background/Aims: Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas. The traditional Chinese medicine formula Dachengqi decoction (DCQD) is proven to be beneficial in the comprehensive treatment for pancreatitis patients in clinical practice. However, the molecular mechanism of DCQD on SAP remains unclear. High mobility group box 1(HMGB1) that functions as a damage-associated molecular pattern molecule (DAMP) has attracted much interest. Methods: In this study, we used lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and cerulein to induce severe acute pancreatitis in C57BL/6 mice with subsequent administration with low, medium and high dose (2.3 g/kg, 7 g/kg and 21 g/kg, respectively) of DCQD. Results: DCQD treatment improved the pathological score and decreased serum amylase and lipase in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, it suppressed the immune cell-induced secretion of HMGB1 and its translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, thus repressing the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α. Further, pretreatment with DCQD decreased responses of TLRs, and suppressed the activation of NF-kB and p38 MAPK pathway. Conclusion: Decreasing the secretion of HMGB1 could reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, which may help cutting down the risks of development from localized pathological changes to a systemic inflammatory response syndrome and even lead to multiple organ failure.

scholarly journals High-dose Glycerol Monolaurate Up-Regulated Beneficial Indigenous Microbiota without Inducing Metabolic Dysfunction and Systemic Inflammation: New Insights into Its Antimicrobial Potential

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 1981 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiufen Mo ◽  
Aikun Fu ◽  
Lingli Deng ◽  
Minjie Zhao ◽  
Yang Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lipid Metabolism ◽  
Systemic Inflammation ◽  
Body Weight Gain ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Glucose And Lipid Metabolism ◽  
Glycerol Monolaurate ◽  
Indigenous Microbiota ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Dose Dependent

Glycerol monolaurate (GML) has potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. The present study aimed to assess the dose-dependent antimicrobial-effects of GML on the gut microbiota, glucose and lipid metabolism and inflammatory response in C57BL/6 mice. Mice were fed on diets supplemented with GML at dose of 400, 800 and 1600 mg kg−1 for 4 months, respectively. Results showed that supplementation of GML, regardless of the dosages, induced modest body weight gain without affecting epididymal/brown fat pad, lipid profiles and glycemic markers. A high dose of GML (1600 mg kg−1) showed positive impacts on the anti-inflammatory TGF-β1 and IL-22. GML modulated the indigenous microbiota in a dose-dependent manner. It was found that 400 and 800 mg kg−1 GML improved the richness of Barnesiella, whereas a high dosage of GML (1600 mg kg−1) significantly increased the relative abundances of Clostridium XIVa, Oscillibacter and Parasutterella. The present work indicated that GML could upregulate the favorable microbial taxa without inducing systemic inflammation and dysfunction of glucose and lipid metabolism.

scholarly journals In VitroAnalyses of the Effects of Heparin and Parabens on Candida albicans Biofilms and Planktonic Cells

2011 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 148-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marisa H. Miceli ◽  
Stella M. Bernardo ◽  
T. S. Neil Ku ◽  
Carla Walraven ◽  
Samuel A. Lee
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Metabolic Activity ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Planktonic Cells ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Heparin Sodium ◽  
The Individual

ABSTRACTInfections and thromboses are the most common complications associated with central venous catheters. Suggested strategies for prevention and management of these complications include the use of heparin-coated catheters, heparin locks, and antimicrobial lock therapy. However, the effects of heparin onCandida albicansbiofilms and planktonic cells have not been previously studied. Therefore, we sought to determine thein vitroeffect of a heparin sodium preparation (HP) on biofilms and planktonic cells ofC. albicans. Because HP contains two preservatives, methyl paraben (MP) and propyl paraben (PP), these compounds and heparin sodium without preservatives (Pure-H) were also tested individually. The metabolic activity of the mature biofilm after treatment was assessed using XTT [2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide] reduction and microscopy. Pure-H, MP, and PP caused up to 75, 85, and 60% reductions of metabolic activity of the mature preformedC. albicansbiofilms, respectively. Maximal efficacy against the mature biofilm was observed with HP (up to 90%) compared to the individual compounds (P< 0.0001). Pure-H, MP, and PP each inhibitedC. albicansbiofilm formation up to 90%. A complete inhibition of biofilm formation was observed with HP at 5,000 U/ml and higher. When tested against planktonic cells, each compound inhibited growth in a dose-dependent manner. These data indicated that HP, MP, PP, and Pure-H havein vitroantifungal activity againstC. albicansmature biofilms, formation of biofilms, and planktonic cells. Investigation of high-dose heparin-based strategies (e.g., heparin locks) in combination with traditional antifungal agents for the treatment and/or prevention ofC. albicansbiofilms is warranted.

scholarly journals Insights into the molecular mechanisms of Huangqi decoction on liver fibrosis via computational systems pharmacology approaches

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Biting Wang ◽  
Zengrui Wu ◽  
Weihua Li ◽  
Guixia Liu ◽  
Yun Tang
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Docking ◽  
Liver Fibrosis ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Docking Simulation ◽  
Chinese Herbs ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
Bipartite Network ◽  
Metabolomics Data ◽  
Metabolic Products ◽  
Compound Target

Abstract Background The traditional Chinese medicine Huangqi decoction (HQD) consists of Radix Astragali and Radix Glycyrrhizae in a ratio of 6: 1, which has been used for the treatment of liver fibrosis. In this study, we tried to elucidate its action of mechanism (MoA) via a combination of metabolomics data, network pharmacology and molecular docking methods. Methods Firstly, we collected prototype components and metabolic products after administration of HQD from a publication. With known and predicted targets, compound-target interactions were obtained. Then, the global compound-liver fibrosis target bipartite network and the HQD-liver fibrosis protein–protein interaction network were constructed, separately. KEGG pathway analysis was applied to further understand the mechanisms related to the target proteins of HQD. Additionally, molecular docking simulation was performed to determine the binding efficiency of compounds with targets. Finally, considering the concentrations of prototype compounds and metabolites of HQD, the critical compound-liver fibrosis target bipartite network was constructed. Results 68 compounds including 17 prototype components and 51 metabolic products were collected. 540 compound-target interactions were obtained between the 68 compounds and 95 targets. Combining network analysis, molecular docking and concentration of compounds, our final results demonstrated that eight compounds (three prototype compounds and five metabolites) and eight targets (CDK1, MMP9, PPARD, PPARG, PTGS2, SERPINE1, TP53, and HIF1A) might contribute to the effects of HQD on liver fibrosis. These interactions would maintain the balance of ECM, reduce liver damage, inhibit hepatocyte apoptosis, and alleviate liver inflammation through five signaling pathways including p53, PPAR, HIF-1, IL-17, and TNF signaling pathway. Conclusions This study provides a new way to understand the MoA of HQD on liver fibrosis by considering the concentrations of components and metabolites, which might be a model for investigation of MoA of other Chinese herbs.

scholarly journals A 65-Day Fumonisin B Exposure at High Dietary Levels Has Negligible Effects on the Testicular and Spermatological Parameters of Adult Rabbit Bucks

Toxins ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 237
Author(s):  
András Szabó ◽  
Szabolcs Nagy ◽  
Omeralfaroug Ali ◽  
Zsolt Gerencsér ◽  
Miklós Mézes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chromatin Condensation ◽  
Harmful Effect ◽  
Antioxidant Response ◽  
Membrane Lipid ◽  
Male Reproduction ◽  
Adult Rabbit ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Reproduction System ◽  
Testicular Weight

A 65-day study was undertaken to test the effects of two doses (10 and 20 mg/kg) of dietary fumonisin Bs (FB) on the rabbit male reproduction system. Body and testicular weight was not affected by the intoxication, neither the fatty acid composition of the testicular total phospholipids; the testis histological analysis failed to reveal any toxic effect. The FBs increased the testicular concentration and activity of reduced glutathione and glutathione peroxidase and decreased initial phase lipid peroxidation (conjugated dienes and trienes) in a dose dependent manner. Sperm morphology and chromatin condensation were monitored on Feulgen-stained smears. No significant differences were observed between the treatment groups and between sampling time points. The live cell ratio in the sperm (as assessed with flow cytometry) was not different among groups at any of the five sampling timepoints and was also identical within groups. Similarly, the spermatozoa membrane lipid profile was also identical in all three groups after the total intoxication period. In summary, it was demonstrated that FBs in an unrealistic and unjustified high dose still do not exert any drastic harmful effect on the leporine, male reproduction system, meanwhile slightly augmenting testicular antioxidant response.

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