Mechanism of pachymic acid in the treatment of gastric cancer based on network pharmacology and experimental verification

BACKGROUND Pachymic acid(PA)is derived from Poria cocos.PA has a variety of pharmacological and inhibitory effects on various tumors.However,the mechanism of action of PA in gastric cancer(GC)remains unclear.AIM To investigate the mechanism of PA in treating GC via the combination of network pharmacology and experimental verification.METHODS The GeneCards and OMIM databases were used to derive the GC targets,while the Pharm Mapper database provided the PA targets.Utilizing the STRING database,a protein-protein interaction network was constructed and core targets were screened.The analyses of Gene Ontology,Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG),and gene set enrichment analysis were conducted,and molecular docking and clinical correlation analyses were performed on the core targets.Ultimately,the network pharmacology findings were validated through in vitro cell assays,encompassing assessments of cell viability,apoptosis,cell cycle,cloning,and western blot analysis.RESULTS According to network pharmacology analysis,the core targets were screened,and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is likely to be the mechanism by which PA effectively treats GC,according to KEGG enrichment analysis.The experimental findings showed that PA could control PI3K/AKT signaling to prevent GC cell proliferation,induce apoptosis,and pause the cell cycle.CONCLUSION Network pharmacology demonstrated that PA could treat GC by controlling a variety of signaling pathways and acting on a variety of targets.This has also been supported by in vitro cell studies,which serve as benchmarks for further research.

Unraveling the therapeutic mechanisms of myristic acid and luteolin 7-rutinoside in oral cancer: insights from network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis

Background:The compound Luteolin-7-rutinoside(L7R)is a flavone derivative of luteolin,predominantly identified in plant species belonging to the families Asteraceae.Conversely,Myristic acid is characterized by its structure as a 14-carbon,unsaturated fatty acid.In this investigation,we endeavor to elucidate the putative mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Myristic Acid and Luteolin 7-rutinoside in the context of oral cancer treatment,employing network pharmacology coupled with molecular docking methodologies.Methods:The protein targets of Myristic Acid and Luteolin 7-rutinoside were identified through a search on the Swiss Target Database.Subsequently,a compound-target network was constructed using Cytoscape 3.9.1.Targets associated with OC were retrieved from the OMIM and GeneCards databases.The overlap between compound targets and OC-related targets was determined,and the resulting shared targets were subjected to protein-protein interaction(PPI)network analysis using the STRING database.Additionally,gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment analyses were conducted on the identified targets.Molecular docking were performed to investigate the interactions between the core target and the active compound.Results:The component target network comprises 103 nodes and 102 edges.Among the proteins in the protein-protein interaction(PPI)network,those with higher degrees are TNF,PPARG,and TP53.Analysis through Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathways indicates that the treatment of OC with Myristic Acid and Luteolin 7-rutinoside primarily involves the regulation of miRNA transcription and inflammatory response.The identified signaling pathways include Pathways in cancer,PPAR signaling pathway,EGFR signaling pathway,and TNF signaling pathway.Molecular docking studies reveal that Luteolin 7-rutinoside and Myristic acid exhibit higher affinity towards TNF,PPARG,TP53,and EGFR.Conclusion:This study reveals the potential molecular mechanism of Myristic Acid and Luteolin 7-rutinoside in the treatment of oral cancer,and provides a reference for subsequent basic research.

Boswellic acids: a review on its pharmacological properties, molecular mechanism and bioavailability

Boswellic acids is a general term for a series of pentacyclic triterpenoid compounds that are isolated from the oleogin resin of the Boswellia genus and serve as the main active ingredient.It exhibits a wide range of biological activities,such as anti-inflammatory,anti-cancer,antibacterial,antiviral,hepatoprotective,neuroprotective,anti-diabetic,and anti-thrombotic properties.As a result,it has gained significant recognition among practitioners of traditional Chinese and Indian medicine.These biological effects may be associated with multiple molecular targets and signal transduction pathways.However,the poor pharmacokinetic properties of the substance lead to lower bioavailability,which affects its effectiveness.To address this issue,scientists have proposed a number of strategies,such as solid dispersions,phytosome®technologies,and novel drug delivery systems.This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview for boswellic acids on the phytochemistry,molecular mechanisms,potential therapeutic applications,and strategies to improve bioavailability.

Exploring the targets and molecular mechanism of glycyrrhetinic acid against diabetic nephropathy based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

BACKGROUND Diabetic nephropathy(DN)stands as the most prevalent chronic microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus.Approximately 50%of DN patients progress to end-stage renal disease,posing a substantial health burden.AIM To employ network pharmacology and molecular docking methods to predict the mechanism by which glycyrrhetinic acid(GA)treats DN,subsequently validating these predictions through experimental means.METHODS The study initially identified GA targets using Pharm Mapper and the TCMSP database.Targets relevant to DN were obtained from the Genecards,OMIM,and TTD databases.The Venny database facilitated the acquisition of intersecting targets between GA and DN.The String database was used to construct a protein interaction network,while DAVID database was used to conducted Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway analysis and Gene Ontology(GO)analysis.Molecular docking experiments were performed using Autodock software with selected proteins.Experimental validation was conducted using renal proximal tubular cells(HK-2)as the study subjects.A hyperglycemic environment was simulated using glucose solution,and the effect of GA on cell viability was assessed through the cell counting kit-8 method.Flow cytometry was employed to detect cell cycle and apoptosis,and protein immunoblot(western blot)was used to measure the expression of proteins of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(AKT)signaling pathway and insulin resistance pathway,including insulin receptor(INSR),PI3K,p-PI3K,AKT,p-AKT,and glycogen synthase kinase-3(GSK3).RESULTS A total of 186 intersecting targets between GA and DN were identified,which were associated with 144 KEGGrelated enrichment pathways,375 GO biological process entries,45 GO cellular component entries,and 112 GO cellular function entries.Molecular docking demonstrated strong binding of GA to mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)-1,SRC,PIK3R1,HSP90AA1,CASPASE9,HARS,KRAS,and MAPK14.In vitro experiments revealed that GA inhibited HK-2 cell viability,induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase,and reduced apoptosis with increasing drug concentration.Western blot analysis showed that GA differentially up-regulated GSK3 protein expression,up-regulated AKT/p-AKT expression,down-regulated INSR,AKT,p-AKT,PI3K,and p-PI3K protein expression,and reduced p-PI3K/PI3K levels under high glucose conditions.CONCLUSION GA may protect renal intrinsic cells by modulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway,thereby inhibiting HK-2 cell viability,reducing HK-2 cell apoptosis,and inducing cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase.

Clinical mycophenolic acid monitoring in liver transplant recipients

In liver transplantation, the efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil(MMF) has been confirmed in clinical trials and studies. However, therapeutic drug monitoring for mycophenolic acid(MPA) has not been fully accepted in liver transplantation as no long-term prospective study of concentration controlled vs fixed-dose prescribing of MMF has been done. This review addressed MPA measurement, pharmacokinetic variability and reasons of this variation, exposure related to acute rejection and MMF-associated side effects in liver transplant recipients. Limited sampling strategies to predict MPA area under the concentration-time curve have also been described, and the value of clinical use needs to be investigated in future. The published data suggested that a fixed-dosage MMF regimen might not be suitable and monitoring of MPA exposure seems helpful in various clinical settings of liver transplantation.

Determination of the mitigating effect of colon-specific bioreversible codrugs of mycophenolic acid and aminosugars in an experimental colitis model in Wistar rats

AIM To design colon-targeted codrugs of mycophenolic acid(MPA) and aminosugars as a safer option to mycophenolate mofetil(MMF) in the management of inflammatory bowel disease. METHODS Codrugs were synthesized by coupling MPA with aminosugars(D-glucosamine and D-galactosamine) using EDCI coupling. The structures were confirmed by infrared radiation, nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The release profile of codrugs was extensively studied in aqueous buffers, upper gastrointestinal homogenates, faecal matter and caecal homogenates(in vitro) and rat blood(in vitro). Anti-colitic activity was assessed in 2,4,6-trinitrobezenesulfonic acid-induced colitis in Wistar rats by the estimation of various demarcating parameters. Statistical evaluation was performed by applying one-way and two-way ANOVA when compared with the disease control.RESULTS The prodrugs resisted activation in HCl buffer(pH 1.2) and stomach homogenates of rats with negligible hydrolysis in phosphate buffer(p H 7.4) and intestinal homogenates. Incubation with colon homogenates(in vitro) produced 76% to 89% release of MPA emphasizing colon-specific activation of codrugs and the release of MPA and aminosugars at the site of action. In the in vitro studies, the prodrug of MPA with D-glucosamine(MGLS) was selected which resulted in 68% release of MPA in blood. in vitro studies on MGLS revealed its colon-specific activation after a lag time of 8 h which could be ascribed to the hydrolytic action of N-acyl amidases found in the colon. The synthesized codrugs markedly diminished disease activity score and revived the disrupted architecture of the colon that was comparable to MMF but superior to MPA. CONCLUSION The significant attenuating effect of prodrugs and individual aminosugars on colonic inflammation proved that the rationale of the codrug approach is valid.

Determination of mycophenolic acid in human plasma by ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

A simple, sensitive and high throughput ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method has been developed for the determination of mycophenolic acid in human plasma. The method involved simple protein precipitation of MPA along with its deuterated analog as an internal standard （IS） from 50 mL of human plasma. The chromatographic analysis was done on Acquity UPLC C18 （100mm×2.1mm,1.7μm） column under isocratic conditions using acetonitrile and 10 mM ammonium formate, pH 3.00 （75：25, v/v） as the mobile phase. A triple quadrupole mass spectrometer operating in the positive ionization mode was used for quantitation. In-source conversion of mycophenolic glucuronide metabolite to the parent drug was selectively controlled by suitable optimization of cone voltage, cone gas flow and desolvation temperature. The method was validated over a wide concentration range of 15-15000 ng/mL. The mean extraction recovery for the analyte and IS was 〉95%. Matrix effect expressed as matrix factors ranged from 0.97 to 1.02. The method was successfully applied to support a bioequivalence study of 500 mg mycophenolate mofetil tablet in 72 healthy subjects.

Pharmacokinetics of mycophenolic acid in Chinese kidney transplant patients

To assess the influence of cyclosporin A (CsA) and tacrolimus (FK506) on mycophenolic acid (MPA) and correlation analysis of the pharmacokinetic parameters and patient characteristics, clinical outcome in Chinese kidney transplant recipients, the pharmacokinetics of 1000 mg mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) twice daily was measured by high-performance liquid chro- matography (HPLC). PKS (Pharmaceutical Kinetics Software) 1.0.2 software package was used for the calculation of pharma- cokinetic parameters. The mean Cmax, tmax, and AUC(0?12)were (21.88±10.52) μg/ml, (1.20±0.95) h, and (52.546±13.215) μg·h/ml, respectively. The level of AUC(0?12) in the FK506 group was significantly higher than that in the CsA group. MPA appeared not to be affected by renal function. MPA AUC(0?12) showed statistically significant difference according to the patient’s gender.

Purification Process,Content Determination,Pharmacological Activity and Molecular Mechanism of Neogambogic Acid

Neogambogic acid is characterized by broad antitumor spectrum,good antitumor effect and low toxicity and side effects.This paper reviews the purification process,content determination and pharmacologic activity of neogambogic acid,in order to provide a theoretical reference for the research and application of neogambogic acid.

Research advances in phytochemistry,pharmacology and toxicology of oleanolic acid

Oleanolic acid(OA)is a pentacyclic triterpenoid chemical component that exists in natural plants with a molecular formula of C30H48O3 and a molecular weight at 456.71 g·mol-1.OA is widespread in traditional Chinese herbal medicine(Ligustri Lucidi Fructus,Achyranthis Bidentate Radix,Red Sage)and berries(blueberries,grapes).In recent years,because of the extensive pharmacological effects of OA,its advantages in disease treatment have become increasingly prominent and gradually attracted the attention of pharmaceutical researchers.OA has effective therapeutic effects on a series of chronic diseases such as inflammation,cancer,diabetes,and cardiovascular diseases through multiple signaling pathways and various targets.Especially in cancers,such as colorectal cancer,liver cancer,gastric cancer,lung cancer,breast cancer and other malignancies,OA presents substantial efficacy.However,its poor aqueous solubility,needy bioavailability,and unsatisfactory pharmacological activity excessively restrict its clinical application.More importantly,the improper utilization of OA can cause adverse reactions,toxic effects and even damage to organs in some specific situations.With the discovery of various pharmacological effects,the complex action mechanisms of OA,the continuous progress in structural modification of OA,as well as the synthesis of OA derivatives,its application is expanding gradually.Among numerous studies,there is a clear indication that OA and its derivatives,if fully developed,may provide an alternative and cheaper treatment for a variety of chronic diseases.However,the specific molecular mechanisms of OA and its derivatives as an alternative therapy and supplementary therapy for cancer,diabetes,cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases remain to be clarified.Therefore,it is necessary to further study the pharmacokinetics,pharmacological activity,specific targets and related mechanisms of OA to lay a solid foundation for drug development and the application of OA in clinical settings.

Effects of Mycophenolic Acid on High Glucose-induced Expression of TGF-β and CTGF in Mesangial Cells

The effects of mycophenolic acid （MPA） on high glucose-induced expression of transforming growth factor-β （TGF-β） and connective tissue growth factor （CTGF） in mesangial cells （MC） were investigated. Rat MC were cultured in the presence of different concentrations of MPA （1.0 and 10.0 μmol/L） or MPA plus high glucose for 72 h. The expression of TGF-β and CTGF was detected by Western blot. The results showed that high glucose could induce the expression of TGF-β and CTGF in MC, but MPA could inhibit this effects. MPA did not influence the expression of TGF-β and CTGF in normal glucose. It was concluded that MPA might prevent the progression of diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting the expression of TGF-β and CTGF in MC.

Mycophenolic Acid Absorption Profiles in Patients with Kidney or Combined Pancreas-Kidney Transplantation

Background: Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF) is widely used in organ transplant patients to avoid calcineurine inhibittor-associated side effects. Therapeutic monitoring of MMF is up to now perform by using trough level measurements (measurements before drug administration). The present study was designed to characterize potential differences in MMF absorption kinetics between patients with allogenic kidney transplantation [kidney Tx] and simultaneous pancreas kidney transplantation [PK Tx], which might for example occur due to diabetic gastrointestinal atony. Methods: A total of 64 pharmacokinetic profiles were prospectively studied in 44 adult kidney Tx and 20 PK Tx patients. To calculate AUC by the trapezoidal rule, mycophenolic acid (MPA) levels were measured in EDTA-plasma by an EMIT assay at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4 6, and 12h after oral MMF administration between postoperative day 14 to 28 instable patients. Results: Substantial differences between kidney Tx and PK Tx patients were evident concerning: donor age, recipient age, number of mismatches, and kidney function (serum creatinine). Despite these dissimilarities pharmacokinetic absorption profiles did not significantly differ between patient groups as measured by AUC, C2, maximum MPA concentration (Cmax), and time until maximum absorption (Tmax). Astonishingly, concomitant cyclosporine and tacrolimus medication did not influence adsorption profiles. Only MPA concentrations 6h post administration correlated closely with AUC in both patient groups, whereas trough levels failed to be predictive for AUC. Conclusions: In our study population, MMF absorption kinetics did not differ between kidney and PK Tx patients and did not seem influenced by concomitant immunosuppressive medication. Therefore, MPA measurements during the absorption phase could be useful to better estimate AUC in patients with kidney Tx and PK Tx.

Influence of organic anion transporting potypeptide(SLCO1B1 and SLCO1B3)genetic polymorphisms on mycophenolic acid in Chinese kidney transplantation patients

Objective To analyze the relationship between genetic polymorphisms of organic anion transporting polypeptide ( SLCO1B1 and SLCO1B3) and mycophenolic acid ( MPA) pharmacokinetics in Chinese kidney transplant recipients. Methods Gene mutations ( SLCO1B3 T334G,SLCO1B1 A338G) were detected in 68 recipi-

Pharmacologic inducers of the uric acid exporter ABCG2 as potential drugs for treatment of gouty arthritis

Uric acid is the end product of purine catabolism and its plasma levels are maintained below its maximum solubility in water(6–7 mg/dl).The plasma levels are tightly regulated as the balance between the rate of production and the rate of excretion,the latter occurring in urine(kidney),bile(liver)and feces(intestinal tract).Reabsorption in kidney is also an important component of this process.Both excretion and reabsorption are mediated by specific transporters.Disruption of the balance between production and excretion leads to hyperuricemia,which increases the risk of uric acid crystallization as monosodium urate with subsequent deposition of the crystals in joints causing gouty arthritis.Loss-of-function mutations in the transporters that mediate uric acid excretion are associated with gout.The ATP-Binding Cassette exporter ABCG2 is important in uric acid excretion at all three sites:kidney(urine),liver(bile),and intestine(feces).Mutations in this transporter cause gout and these mutations occur at significant prevalence in general population.However,mutations that are most prevalent result only in partial loss of transport function.Therefore,if the expression of these partially defective transporters could be induced,the increased number of the transporter molecules would compensate for the mutation-associated decrease in transport function and hence increase uric acid excretion.As such,pharmacologic agents with ability to induce the expression of ABCG2 represent potentially a novel class of drugs for treatment of gouty arthritis.

The effect of mycophenolate acid on hepatitis B virus replication in vitro

OBJECTIVE: To use 2.2.15 cell line to determine the effects of mycophenolate acid (MPA) on hepatitisB virus (HBV) replication and viral protein synthesis in vitro.METHODS: The 2.2.15 cells were treated with different concentration of MPA (1-50 μg/ml) for 12days. HBsAg and HBeAg were detected in the supernatant fluid by ELISA and intracellular HBV DNAwas analyzed quantitatively by slot blot hybridization.RESULTS: MPA could suppress the expression of HBsAg and HBeAg, and the higher concentration ofMPA induced lower expression of HBsAg and HBeAg. The suppression rates of MPA for HBsAg andHBeAg at a concentration of 50 μg/ml were 34.2% and 24.1% respectively. The expression of HBVDNA was only 49% as compared with controls when treated with MPA at a concentration of 50 μg/ml.CONCLUSIONS: Mycophenolate acid can suppress the expression of HBsAg and HBeAg as well as thereplication of HBV DNA in the 2.2.15 cell. The suppressive degree is dose-dependent.

Pharmacological research progress of ursolic acid for the treatment of liver diseases

Ursolic acid is a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid with various pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory,hepatoprotective,antitumor,and hypoglycemic activity.This natural product is widely present in many common Chinese herbal medicines such as Hedyotis diffusa and Prunella vulgaris.The present review highlights the pharmacological research progress of ursolic acid in liver disease,with a focus on providing directions for future research and clinical practice of ursolic acid.Modern studies have demonstrated that ursolic acid can adjust the activities of enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and NADPH oxidase to balance oxidative stress,reduce inflammation,as well as to repair damaged liver.Research also showed that ursolic acid targeted lipid metabolic genes,activating autophagy and reducing lipid deposition in hepatocytes,further preventing the progress of fatty liver.Besides,the combination of ursolic acid with caspase-3 was able to prevent apoptosis and relieve liver injury.Furthermore,ursolic acid was showed to target the intestine by alleviating mucosal injury and restoring the balance of the intestinal microecology and protect liver through the enterohepatic axis.In terms of antitumor activity,ursolic acid targeted several tumor suppressor genes including gene of phosphate and tension homology deleted on chromsome ten and p53,and affected the expression of cyclin and apoptosis-related proteins involving Bax,Bcl-2,and Bcl-x,which acted on signal transduction pathways including phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B,extracellular regulated protein kinases and proteina fosforilata 21 wide-type actiated factorlp 1.The same compound interacted with caspases,resulting in inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis.In addition,ursolic acid also exerted anticancer activity through inhibiting angiogenesis,tumor invasion and metastasis,and improving immunity.Other studies have noted the importance of nano-preparations of ursolic acid for its clinical applications.This review provides essential information on the role of ursolic acid in liver protection.Further research on the mechanisms of action of ursolic acid would be useful for its pharmaceutical development and clinical application.

Study on the effect of Danbei Yifei formula on pulmonary fibrosis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology

Objective:To determine the pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism of Danbei Yifei formula on pulmonary fibrosis.Methods:Starting with the clear absorbed components of Danbei Yifei formula or the potential effective components in line with the five rules of Ribinsky,the network pharmacology method and technology of traditional Chinese medicine were used to predict and analyze the action targets of Danbei Yifei formula in vivo,such as Salvia miltiorrhiza,PINBEI,Taoren,etc.On the basis of enrichment analysis,the core pathway of Danbei Yifei formula in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis was identified,and the binding energy of drug ligand and protein target was determined through molecular docking technology simulation and verification,and its affinity and stability were evaluated.To clarify the material basis and mechanism of Danbei Yifei formula in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.Result:The results of network pharmacology prediction of traditional Chinese medicine showed that Danbei Yifei formula contained 72 potential pharmacodynamic components and 26 corresponding targets,including CHRM1、MAPK14、CCL2、ADRB1、PTGS1、PPARG、ALOX5、Pde3a、CHRM2、Adrb2、TNF、JUN、Adora2a、LTA4H、CYP1A2、OPRD1、CHRM3、DRD2、OPRM1、ARG1、EDNRA、Il6st、TACR1、MMP1、MMP8、Ptgs2,which were related to pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary fibrosis Lung related diseases are highly correlated.There were 26 Go items(P<0.05)in go functional enrichment analysis,including 22 biological process(BP),9 cellular component(CC)and 3 molecular function(MF)categories.The results of network pharmacology showed that many components,such as protocatechuic acid and aminosuccinic acid,had direct effects on known targets of pulmonary fibrosis.Conclusion:Danbei Yifei formula contains many effective components which have inhibitory effect on pulmonary fibrosis,and it may play its role through the mechanism of multi-component and multi-target synergistic effect.

Evaluation of Angelicae sinensis radix as a promising treatmentoption for hyperlipidemia based on network pharmacology

Background: Angelicae sinensis radix has been widely applied in traditional Chinese medicine while little isexplored in its potential mechanism. This study aims to elucidate the effective components and defattingmechanism based on network pharmacology. Methods: Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems PharmacologyDatabase and Analysis Platform was screened to collect the possible active ingredients and their CAS and SMILESwas searched in Pubchem, which further used for reverse molecular docking in Swiss Target Prediction database toobtain potential targets. Hyperlipidemia-related molecules were obtained from GeneCards database, and thepredicted targets of Angelicae sinensis radix for hyperlipidemia treatment were selected by Wayne diagram. Formechanism analysis, the protein-protein interactions were constructed with String, the Gene Oncology enrichmentanalysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis were conducted in DAVID. Results: Usingnetwork-based systems biology analysis, we predicted that 5 active ingredients in Angelicae sinensis radix hasantilipemic effects with 71 potential targets. Through Gene Oncology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes andGenomes analysis, we found that the related signaling pathways mainly involved in arachidonic acid metabolism,and regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes. The related genes are ALOX5, CYP2C19, EPHX2, PTGS1, PTGS2,ADRB1, and ADRB3. Conclusion: Angelicae sinensis radix may alleviate hyperlipidemia through arachidonic acidmetabolism, and regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes. ALOX5, CYP2C19, EPHX2, PTGS1, PTGS2, ADRB1, andADRB3 may be new targets for treatment.

Investigating mechanism of Jiang-zhi-dai-pao-cha for treatment of hyperlipidemia by network pharmacology

Objective:To collect the main components and targets of Jiang-zhi-dai-pao-cha(JZDPC)and investigate the mechanism of JZDPC for the treatment of hyperlipidemia by network pharmacology.Methods:The components and targets of JZDPC were searched from ETCM databases,the targets related to hyperlipidemia were searched from DisGeNET and GeneCards databases,and then the intersection targets and corresponding key components were obtained.Cytoscape 3.8.2 software was used to construct and analyze networks,and then Metascape online database was applied for gene ontology(GO)enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analysis of core putative targets.Results:There were 99 overlapping targets between JZDPC and hyperlipidemia,among which NR3C1,ESR1,NR1I2,NFKB1,ESR2,ALOX5,PTGS1,PPARA,RXRA,LPL,PLA2G1B,PYGM,CYP2C9 were the core putative targets,and many members of nuclear receptor 1(NR1)subfamily were included.The core components of JZDPC,such as Ursolic Acid,β-Sitosterol,Resveratrol,Arirubic Acid,Alisol A,Oleanolic Acid,Rhein,Chrysophanol and Emodin,can regulate blood lipid by regulating a series of signaling pathways including the above core potential targets,such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)signaling pathway,pathways in cancer,arachidonic acid(AA)metabolism signaling pathway and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor(PPAR)signaling pathway,Starch and sucrose metabolism signaling pathway,etc.They play many roles in the treatment of hyperlipidemia by participating in lipid synthesis and metabolism,anti inflammation,anti oxidative stress,regulating hormone levels and carbohydrate metabolism.Conclusion:Network pharmacology provides a theoretical basis for investigating the mechanism of action of JZDPC,and the NAFLD signaling pathway is one of the most valuable pathways.

Mechanism of Wumei Pill in the Treatment of Non-Erosive reflux disease from the Perspective of Network Pharmacology and Molecular docking

Objective:Based on network pharmacology and molecular docking to explore the mechanism of Wumei Pill in the treatment of non-erosive reflux disease(NERD).Method:We collected the active ingredients and targets of Wumei Pill by Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP),and collected NERD related targets through Genecards,PharmGKB,Drugbank,DisGeNET,OMIM,CTD and TTD databases.Intersection targets of Wumei Pill targets and NERD related targets were the potential targets of Wumei Pill in the treatment of NERD.We imported the intersection targets into the STRING database to obtain the PPI network,and obtained the hub targets.The network diagram of"Drugs-Potential active ingredients-Potential targets"was constructed by Cytoscape 3.7.2 software.We used R software to perform Gene Ontology function enrichment analysis(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis(KEGG)on hub targets,and then performed molecular docking verification.Results:There were 129 active ingredients and 213 drug targets of Wumei Pill of which 114 were the intersection targets.1587 GO enrichment items were identified(P<0.05),including 1,491 biological processes,11 cell components,and 85 molecular functions.143 KEGG pathways(P<0.05),mainly related to Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus infection,IL-17 signaling pathway,the TNF signaling pathway,MAPK signaling pathway.Results of molecular docking showed that the potential active ingredients in Wumei Pill had relatively stable binding activity to the key targets.Conclusion:Wumei pill for the treatment of non-erosive reflux disease are main active ingredients quercetin,kaempferol,beta sitosterol,Isocorypalmine,Stigmasterol,rutaecarpine,etc,the main targets is JUN,TP53,AKT1,may inhibit excessive inflammation,antioxidant therapy effect into full play.This provided a certain theoretical basis for clinical application.