Integrating serum pharmacochemistry,network pharmacology and metabolomics analysis to explore the possible mechanism of Qingjiehuagong decoction in the treatment of acute pancreatitis

Background:The Qingjiehuagong decoction(QJHGD),which has been used in clinical trials to treat acute pancreatitis(AP),has demonstrated encouraging results.Methods:In this particular investigation,we used both metabolomics and network pharmacology to investigate the fundamental processes and targets that QJHGFD employs to cure AP.Results:Using a cerulein-induced rat model of AP,we showed that QJHGD effectively improved pancreatic tissue damage and reduced serum levels of AMY,LPS,IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8 and TNF-α.In total,28 blood entry compounds derived from QJHGD were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry technology.The intersecting target genes of 108 genes associated with identified compounds in QJHGD and AP disease genes were identified using a network pharmacology approach.The protein interaction network revealed AKT1,TNF-α,IL-6,VEGFA,and TP53 as important targets.Gene ontology analysis showed that response to stimulus,molecular function regulator and organelle part were the main functions,and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis showed that 20 pathways such as AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications and the IL-17 signaling pathway were the main pathways involved in the anti-AP effects of QJHGD.Thirty-two potential metabolic markers and 13 possible metabolic pathways were identified by metabolomics analysis.Combined network pharmacological analysis revealed that QJHGD affects four metabolic pathways(tryptophan metabolism;glycolysis and gluconeogenesis metabolism;valine,leucine and isoleucine degradation metabolism;the urea cycle and metabolism of arginine,proline,glutamate,aspartate and asparagine),five metabolites(indole-3-acetate,pyruvate,methylmalonate,L-citrulline,N-acetyl-l-glutamate)and four related targets(AKT1,ALDH2,NOS2,NOS3)to combat inflammation.The strong affinity of QJHGD’s interactions with its primary targets was established by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations.Conclusion:This research investigate the critical targets and mechanisms of QJHGFD for treating AP.The results of this investigation provide novel tactics and complementary techniques for the clinical treatment of AP.

Rheum palmatum L. and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. Alleviates Acute Pancreatitis by Regulating Th17 Cell Differentiation: An Integrated Network Pharmacology Analysis, Molecular Dynamics Simulation and Experimental Validation

Objective: To identify the core targets of Rheum palmatum L. and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge.,(Dahuang-Danshen, DH-DS) and the mechanism underlying its therapeutic efficacy in acute pancreatitis(AP)using a network pharmacology approach and validate the findings in animal experiments. Methods: Network pharmacology analysis was used to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of DH-DS in AP. The reliability of the results was verified by molecular docking simulation and molecular dynamics simulation.Finally, the results of network pharmacology enrichment analysis were verified by immunohistochemistry,Western blot analysis and real-time quantitative PCR, respectively. Results: Sixty-seven common targets of DH-DS in AP were identified and mitogen-activated protein kinase 3(MAPK3), Janus kinase 2(JAK2), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), protein c-Fos(FOS) were identified as core targets in the protein interaction(PPI) network analysis. Gene ontology analysis showed that cellular response to organic substance was the main functions of DH-DS in AP, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis showed that the main pathway included Th17 cell differentiation. Molecular docking simulation confirmed that DH-DS binds with strong affinity to MAPK3, STAT3 and FOS. Molecular dynamics simulation revealed that FOS-isotanshinone Ⅱ and STAT3-dan-shexinkum d had good binding capacity. Animal experiments indicated that compared with the AP model group, DH-DS treatment effectively alleviated AP by inhibiting the expression of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, and blocking the activation of Th17 cell differentiation(P<0.01). Conclusion: DH-DS could inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors and protect pancreatic tissues,which would be functioned by regulating Th17 cell differentiation-related m RNA and protein expressions.