Mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Qingfeiyin in treating acute lung injury based on GEO datasets, network pharmacology and molecular docking.

BACKGROUND: Qingfeiyin (QFY) is a common Chinese herbal formula for the treatment of acute lung injury (ALI). However, its mechanisms of action are unclear. In this study, we systematically explored the effects and mechanism of action of QFY in ALI using network pharmacology and molecular docking. METHODS: Active compounds and targets of QFY were obtained from TCMSP and TCMID. ALI-related targets were retrieved from GEO datasets combined with GeneCards, OMIM, and TTD databases. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was built to screen the core targets. DAVID was used for GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. The tissue and organ distribution of targets was evaluated. Interactions between potential targets and active compounds were assessed by molecular docking. A molecular dynamics simulation was conducted for the optimal core protein-compound complexes obtained by molecular docking. RESULTS: In total, 128 active compounds and 121 targets of QFY were identified. A topological analysis of the PPI network revealed 13 core targets. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses indicated that the effects of QFY are mediated by genes related to inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress as well as the MAPK and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations revealed good binding ability between the active compounds and screened targets. CONCLUSIONS: This study successfully predict the effective components and potential targets and pathways involved in the treatment of ALI for QFY. We provided a novel strategy for future research of molecular mechanisms of QFY in ALI treatment. Moreover, the potential active ingredients provide a reliable source for drug screening for ALI.

The traditional Chinese medicine formulation Ruanjian Sanjie Decoction regulates the tumor matrix and improves the anti-tumor efficacy of TP-PEG-LPs

The Ruanjian Sanjie Decoction (RSD) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulation consisting of Spica Prunellae, Pseudobulbus Cremastrae Seu Pleiones, Concha Ostreae and Semen Coicis, and widely used as an adjuvant in anti-cancer therapy. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of RSD on the extracellular matrix (ECM) of tumors, and on the efficacy of anti-cancer nano-formulations in a tumor-bearing mouse model. The mice were treated with triptolide encapsulated in PEG-modified liposomes (TP-PEG-LPs), either alone or in combination with RSD. The combination treatment significantly retarded tumor growth relative to the untreated controls, indicating the potent adjuvant effect of RSD in targeted anti-cancer therapy. In addition, RSD also reduced the amount of total collagen and collagen I and increased that of collagen III in the tumor ECM, along with decreasing the expression of the pro-angiogenic VEGF. Finally, even high doses of RSD did not significantly affect the liver and kidney function or body weight, indicating low toxicity.