ABSTRACT
The complex chemical composition and limited research ideas of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） have led to the unclear material basis and mechanism of the medicinal effects， which is a common problem hindering the modernization of TCM in China. The introduction of computer virtual technology has provided a new perspective for TCM research. In this study， we established the research method of structure-activity omics to study the relationships between the structures and effects of different compounds in TCM based on the chemical structures of TCM components and to analyze and predict the material basis and multitarget synergistic mechanism of TCM. Furthermore， a structure-activity omics study was carried out with the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Qizhi Weitong granules as an example. This study provides support for screening the pharmacodynamic components and analyzing the active ingredients of TCM and gives insights into the research on the material basis and mechanism of compound efficacy and the development of lead compounds of TCM， thus promoting the modern research and the innovative development of TCM.
ABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo explain the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Corydalis Rhizoma by the means of structure-activity omics. MethodOn the basis of the previous in vitro screening study， we studied the in vivo efficacy of the alkaloids in Corydalis Rhizoma. With the targets as a bridge， the structures of chemical components in Corydalis Rhizoma were connected with the efficacy. The molecular docking of the alkaloids in Corydalis Rhizoma with the targets of inflammation and pain was carried out. According to the docking scores and the differences in the structural nucleus of Corydalis Rhizoma alkaloids， a study of structure-activity omics was carried out to summarize the rules of their connection. ResultThe alkaloids in Corydalis Rhizoma had good anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in vivo， involving 53 chemical components and 73 targets. There were 3 074 targets associated with inflammation and pain， and 42 targets of direct action were shared by the chemical components and the disease. The protein-protein interaction （PPI） and molecular docking analysis predicted that the main active components of Corydalis Rhizoma were tetrahydropalmatine and palmatine， and the core targets were prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2 （PTGS2）， glutamate receptor metabotropic 5 （GRM5）， estrogen receptor 1 （ESR1）， solute carrier family 6 member 4 （SLC6A4）， and fusion oncoproteins （FOS）. According to the differences of mother nucleus， the 53 alkaloid components of Corydalis Rhizoma were classified into 8 categories， including protoberberine， berberine， and aporphine， which had high binding affinities with PTGS2， GRM5 and other targets. The relationship between the structures of Corydalis Rhizoma alkaloids and docking scores in each group showed the same law. In protoberberine， appropriate substituents with hydroxyl， alkoxy or methyl groups on the A and D rings of the parent ring were conducive to enhancing the binding activities with the two targets. In berberine， the structure containing a methyl group on position 13 had strong binding affinities with the two targets. It is hypothesized that the methyl fragment changes the binding mode between the component structure and amino acid residues， which greatly improves the binding affinity. ConclusionThis study employs the method of structure-activity omics to analyze the material basis for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of alkaloids in Corydalis Rhizoma， and the structure-activity omics provides new ideas for revealing the pharmacodynamic substances of traditional Chinese medicine.
ABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo identify the pharmacodynamic substances for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Bupleuri Radix by structure-activity omics. MethodA mouse model of pain was established with formaldehyde to examine the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of saikosaponins in vivo. The core targets of the active components in Bupleurum Radix for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects were screened from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform （TCMSP）， Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man （OMIM）， and Search Tool for Recurring Instances of Neighbouring Genes （STRING）. The key core targets with high binding affinity were screened based on the comprehensive score in the molecular docking between different types of saikosaponins and core targets. The structure-activity relationship was discussed and analyzed based on the binding of compounds to pharmacodynamic targets. ResultSaikosaponins alleviated the foot swelling induced by formaldehyde and reduced the content of prostaglandin E2 （PGE2） in the mouse model， showcasing a significant inhibitory effect on the inflammatory pain caused by PGE2. Nine components and 39 targets of saikosaponins， as well as 3 074 targets of anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects were screened out， and 22 common targets shared by saikosaponins and the effects were obtained as the direct targets. The protein-protein interaction （PPI） analysis showed that the main active components of Bupleurum Radix were saikosaponins a， b1， b2， b3， c， d， e， f， and v， and the key targets were fms-related receptor tyrosine kinase 1 （FLT1）， kinase insert domain receptor （KDR）， fibroblast growth factor 2 （FGF2）， vascular endothelial growth factor A （VEGFA）， and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3）. Molecular docking between saikosaponins and the top 5 targets with high degrees in PPI network analysis revealed 25 highly active docks， including 6 docks with scores of 5-6 and 18 docks with scores above 6. ConclusionThis study adopted structural-activity omics to analyze the material basis for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Bupleuri Radix in vivo， providing new ideas and methods for identifying the pharmacodynamic substances in traditional Chinese medicine.
ABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo explain the pharmacodynamic substances of Aurantii Fructus flavonoids that exert anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects using a structure-activity omics approach. MethodOn the basis of the previous in vitro pharmacological screening conducted by the research team， an in vivo pharmacological study of Aurantii Fructus flavonoids was carried out. Core targets of the anti-inflammatory and analgesic active components of flavonoids of Aurantii Fructus were identified using various network databases， including the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform （TCMSP）， the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man （OMIM）， and the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins （STRING）. Computer-aided virtual screening technology was used to dock different types of Aurantii Fructus flavonoids with core targets. The key core targets with high binding activity were selected based on the comprehensive scores of each target and the active structures. Using these targets as bridges， the structures of one or more types of chemical components in Aurantii Fructus were closely linked to pharmacological effects. The structure-activity relationship between the clear pharmacodynamic compounds and their effects was explored through the binding patterns of various structures with pharmacodynamic targets. ResultAurantii Fructus flavonoids demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects on dextran sulfate sodium （DSS）-induced colitis in mice， which could improve symptoms and significantly reduce the levels of inflammatory factors interleukin-6 （IL-6） and interleukin-1β （IL-1β）（P<0.05）. Twelve active components of Aurantii Fructus flavonoids were identified and categorized into nine dihydroflavonoids and three flavonoids based on their structures of the parent nuclei. Through Venn analysis， 167 anti-inflammatory and analgesic targets for Aurantii Fructus were identified. Based on degree value and molecular docking comprehensive scores， prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2（PTGS2） and mitogen-activated protein kinase 3（MAPK3） were selected for further structural analysis. Structural analysis revealed that components containing glycoside structures exhibited higher binding activity with anti-inflammatory and analgesic targets. ConclusionThis study utilized a structure-activity omics approach based on in vivo pharmacodynamic experiments to analyze the material basis of the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Aurantii Fructus flavonoids. The structure-activity omics approach provides new ideas and methods for elucidating the pharmacodynamic substances of Chinese medicine.
ABSTRACT
@#Biomimetic nano formulations of biofilms have low immunogenicity, high targeting, and good biocompatibility, and can avoid being cleared by the endothelial reticular system, thus with in longer blood circulation time in the body.This article mainly reviews the main types as well as advantages and disadvantages of biomimetic nano formulations of biofilms, including tumor cell membranes, red blood cell membranes, platelet membranes, white blood cell membranes, stem cell membranes, extracellular vesicles (exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies), endoplasmic reticulum membranes, and composite biofilms, with also a prospect of the challenges facing biomimetic nano formulations of biofilms and their future development based on their current research status, aiming to provide some insight for further research on biomimetic nano formulations of biofilms.
ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the mechanism of Jiawei Bazhen Yimu Capsule on premature ovarian failure rats from the perspective of metabolomics.Methods Female SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group,model group and Jiawei Bazhen Yimu Capsule low,medium and high dose groups,with 10 rats in each group.The model of premature ovarian failure was replicated by removing bilateral ovaries of rats and administered intragastrically once a day for 21 days.The serum samples of rats in each group were analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS).Combined with multivariate statistical analysis,the effects of Jiawei Bazhen Yimu Capsule on differential metabolites in rats with premature ovarian failure were investigated.The differential metabolites identified by MELIN database or KEGG database were imported into Metaboanalyst 5.0 online platform for metabolic pathway analysis.Results A total of 18 potential differential metabolites were screened and identified.Most of the differential metabolites showed a good callback trend after intragastric administration of Jiawei Bazhen Yimu Capsule.These 18 differential metabolites were enriched into 2 metabolic pathways(Pathway Impact>0.1),which were glycerophospholipid metabolism and arachidonic acid metabolism pathways.Conclusion The therapeutic effect of Jiawei Bazhen Yimu Capsule on premature ovarian failure may be related to improving the level of differential metabolites in serum and restoring normal metabolic activities in rats.
ABSTRACT
Objective To establish a"quality-quantity"double standard control method of Schizonepeta Spike based on the reference material without relying on multiple reference substances.Methods HPLC technology was used to establish the characteristic atlas of Schizonepeta Spike based on the reference traditional Chinese medicinal materials.The chemical constituents of common peaks were identified by Q-TOF-MS technology,and the authenticity of Schizonepeta Spike was determined by the similarity of characteristic peaks of the reference traditional Chinese medicinal materials and the tested traditional Chinese medicinal materials.The relative content of each characteristic peak in different batches of the tested traditional Chinese medicinal materials was calculated by accurate quantition of pulegone.The"Average value-Standard deviation"was taken as the lower limit of the relative content of characteristic peak chemical components relative to pulegone,and the quality of Schizonepeta Spike was determined according to the lower limit of the relative content of characteristic peak.Results The characteristic atlas and content determination method met the requirements of methodology investigation.A total of 11 common chromatographic peaks were determined,and 6 chemical components were identified,which were luteolin,hesperidin,luteolin-7-O-glucuronide,luteolin,geranyl,pulegone.The similarity between the tested traditional Chinese medicinal materials and reference traditional Chinese medicinal materials was greater than 0.90.The lower limit of relative content of chemical components of Schizonepeta Spike characteristic peak was defined.Conclusion The method can identify Schizonepeta Spike clearly and quickly without many reference substances,and provide reference for quality control of Schizonepeta Spike.
ABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Jiawei Bazhen Yimu capsule on serum sex hormones， sexual organs and estrogen signaling pathway in female rats with premature ovarian failure. MethodThe key target proteins of Jiawei Bazhen Yimu capsule in the treatment of premature ovarian failure were screened out by network pharmacology analysis. Female healthy SD rats were selected, and the rat model of premature ovarian failure was established by ovariectomy. Fifty ovariectomized rats were randomly divided into a model group, an estradiol (E2) valerate group, and Jiawei Bazhen Yimu capsule low, medium, and high-dose groups. Another 10 healthy female rats were set as a sham operation group. The sham operation group and the model group were given distilled water by gavage, and other administration groups were given corresponding doses of drugs by gavage. After 21 d, the serum hormone levels of female rats were measured, including E2, progesterone (P), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). Immunofluorescence staining (IF) was used to detect the protein expression levels of estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), estrogen metabolism P4503A4 enzyme (CYP3A4), and P45019A1 enzyme (CYP19A1) in the uterine tissues of female rats. ResultAs compared with the model group, the serum E2 and P levels of female rats in the Jiawei Bazhen Yimu capsule low, medium, and high-dose groups were significantly increased. Jiawei Bazhen Yimu capsule improved the endometrial status of female rats and increased positive expression of ESR1, CYP3A4, and CYP19A1 in the uterine tissues of female rats (P<0.05). ConclusionThe mechanism of Jiawei Bazhenyimu capsule in the treatment of premature ovarian failure may be related to its hormone-like effect and activation of the estrogen signaling pathway.
ABSTRACT
Metabolomics, the systematic analysis of potential metabolites in a biological specimen, has been increasingly applied to discovering biomarkers, identifying perturbed pathways, measuring therapeutic targets, and discovering new drugs. By analyzing and verifying the significant difference in metabolic profiles and changes of metabolite biomarkers, metabolomics enables us to better understand substance metabolic pathways which can clarify the mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM). Corydalis yanhusuo alkaloid (CA) is a major component of Qizhiweitong (QZWT) prescription which has been used for treating gastric ulcer for centuries and its mechanism remains unclear completely. Metabolite profiling was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography combined with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-TOF-MS) and in conjunction with multivariate data analysis and pathway analysis. The statistic software Mass Profiller Prossional (MPP) and statistic method including ANOVA and principal component analysis (PCA) were used for discovering novel potential biomarkers to clarify mechanism of CA in treating acid injected rats with gastric ulcer. The changes in metabolic profiling were restored to their base-line values after CA treatment according to the PCA score plots. Ten different potential biomarkers and seven key metabolic pathways contributing to the treatment of gastric ulcer were discovered and identified. Among the pathways, sphingophospholipid metabolism and fatty acid metabolism related network were acutely perturbed. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis were performed to evaluate the expression of genes related to the two pathways for verifying the above results. The results show that changed biomarkers and pathways may provide evidence to insight into drug action mechanisms and enable us to increase research productivity toward metabolomics drug discovery.
Subject(s)
Alkaloids/therapeutic use , Biomarkers/metabolism , Corydalis/chemistry , Metabolomics , Stomach Ulcer/drug therapy , Acetic Acid/toxicity , Animals , Base Sequence , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid , DNA Primers , Male , Mass Spectrometry , Multivariate Analysis , Rats , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Stomach Ulcer/chemically induced , Stomach Ulcer/metabolismABSTRACT
Aim To investigate the effect of hesperidin on human lung cancer cell A549 and the possible mechanism.Methods The cell apoptosis and necrosis of A549 treated with hesperidin were measured by the Hoechst 33342/PI fluorescent dye based on microfluidic chip technology.Cell cycle and apoptosis rate were evaluated by flow cytometry(FCM).The expressions of the related genes were detected through the real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR technology(RT-PCR) including VEGF, PI3K and PTEN.The protein expressions of Bcl-2, Cyclin B1, PI3K, Akt and PTEN were detected by Western blot after hesperidin intervention.Results The proliferation of A549 cells was significantly inhibited by hesperidin in a dose-dependent manner.FCM results showed that hesperidin could not only influence the G0/G1 phase and S phase, but also promote the apoptosis of lung cancer cells.Meanwhile, the apoptosis and necrosis rate was increased from(6.7±0.6)% to(27.9±1.1)% compared with that of control group(P<0.05).From the level of molecular, the gene expressions of VEGF and PI3K were decreased, while the PTEN was increased after hesperidin stimulation.Western blot results showed that the expression of protein Bcl-2, Cyclin B1 and Akt were decreased, which all showed close relationship with cell apoptosis, cell cycle and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.The expression of PI3K was increased, but the change of PTEN was not statistically significant compared with that of control group.Conclusion Hesperidin induces lung cancer cell apoptosis through PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, which blocks cancer cell division and destroys the balance of related protein expression.
ABSTRACT
Aims To design and fabricate the 3 D cell cultural microfluidic chip for tumor cell culturing, with which to research the compatible conditions for gelatin forming and dissolving with calcium alginate as the scaffolds. To culture SMMC-7721 cells in the chip and to detect the surviving rate. Methods The microfluid-ic chip was fabricated with the software Corel Draw, the technology of soft lithography, molding, and plas-ma bonding. The applicability was tested and cells were cultured on it, on which the cell status was ob-served, their surviving rate was calculated with the help of the software IPP. Results The chip we fabri-cate was calculated is suitable for cell 3D culturing, the tumor cells showed a favorable proliferation ability in 72 h on chip, the surviving rate was ( 96. 1 ± 4. 5)%. The cells were solid and TCS appeared. Con-clusion The microfluidic chip manufactured appeared for tumor cell 3D culture, is suitable for the growth of SMMC-7721 and the cells are indubitable. They show some different status in proliferative and agminated compared with traditional 2D cell culture. With the chip and the condition found, there will be a better way to study the characteristics of tumor cells and is beneficial to the screen of anti-tumor drugs.
ABSTRACT
This article was aimed to study the synergy effect of effective substances group and mechanisms of Qi-Zhi Wei-Tong (QZWT) Granules in promoting gastrointestinal dynamic effect in order to explore its mechanism. Rats were divided into 16 groups. Different component compatibility was given to promote the gastrointestinal dynamic ef-fect. The traditional semi-solid paste carbon propelling analysis method was used to observe gastrointestinal motility changes of rats after medication. After intragastric administration, changes of NO, cGMP and Ca2+content in gastroin-testinal tissues were observed. The results showed that fructus aurantii flavonoids and Cyperi flavonoids had the most prominent effect in promoting gastrointestinal motility in QZWT Granules (P< 0.01), which were followed by Cyperus oil and limonene (P< 0.05). Two-way interactions indicated that the combination of fructus aurantii flavonoids and limonene had prominently promoting action in gastrointestinal motility, which was followed by the combination of fructus aurantii flavonoids and Cyperus oil, Cyperi flavonoids and Cyperus oil, limonene and Cyperus oil. Each effec-tive component can reduce the NO and cGMP content in gastrointestinal tissues, and increase the Ca2+ content. It was concluded that the study defined the correlation and synergy between effective components and promoting effect of gastrointestinal motility. Mechanism of the effective component to promote gastrointestinal dynamic might be relat-ed to the reducing of NO and cGMP content in gastrointestinal tissues and increasing of Ca2+ content. This study also provided a theoretical basis for further research on quality control, compatibility and spectrum-effect correlation of gastrointestinal motility promotion medications.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To set up the fingerprint of HPCE for medicinal material Eupolyphaga Steleophaga.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Separation was performed at 25 degrees C on an Agilent uncoated silica capillary column (40 cm x 75 microm) with 20 mmol x L(-1) borax buffer solution (pH 9.44) as CE buffer. The isolating voltage was 13 KV, and the DAD detection was set at 265 nm.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The characteristic peak of fingerprint of Eupolyphaga Steleophaga was consisted of 6 common peaks.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The method can be used for the quality control of Eupolyphaga Steleophaga.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Female , Electrophoresis, Capillary , Methods , Insecta , Chemistry , Materia Medica , Medicine, Chinese Traditional , Methods , Quality Control , Reference Standards , UracilABSTRACT
Objective To establish a method for the determination of Forsythin in Shenyan Jiere Tablets by HPLC. Methods The separation was performed on shim-pak clc-ODS (4.6 mm?150 mm, 5 ?m) with Accetonitrile-0.025 mol/L H3PO4 (20∶80) as mobile phase. The flow rate was 1 mL/min and UV detector was at 277 nm. Results The method had good average recovery with 97.1% (n=5), RSD=1.6%, good linear relationship within the range of 0.12～0.5 ?g. Conclusion The method is accurate, reliable and can be used for quality control of the production.