1.Exploring the Components and Mechanism of Shenbai Jiedu Decoction in Treating CRA Carcinogenesis Based on LC-MS and Network Pharmacology
Li LIU ; Qiuying YAN ; Xiaoxuan FAN ; Minmin FAN ; Liu LI ; Huiping TAO-LI ; Shuchen CHANG ; Haibo CHENG ; Dongdong SUN
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;40(8):771-784
OBJECTIVE To identify the chemical components of Shenbai Jiedu Decoction(SBJDD),a traditional Chinese medi-cine(TCM)prescription clinically used for the treatment of colorectal adenoma(CRA),and explore the potential mechanism of SBJDD preventing and treating CRA carcinogenesis.METHODS An ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-time of flight-mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS)method was established to detect the chemical components in the decoction of SBJDD and the plas-ma samples of rats after administration with SBJDD.Based on the network pharmacological method,SBJDD was screened for the poten-tial active ingredients at different stages of CRA carcinogenesis,and the mechanism of the anti-cancer effect of SBJDD was explored.In vitro experiments were also carried out to verify the mechanism of anti-colorectal cancer(CRC)action of SBJDD.RE-SULTS The detection data of UPLC-Q-TOF-MS showed that 152 components were found from SBJDD water extraction.41 chemical compounds were identified in plasma samples from rats administrated with SBJDD.Network pharmacology analysis indicated that during the CREI stage,the potential active ingredients in SBJDD,including epiberberine,and kushenol H,might affect target proteins such as PIK3CA,MAPK3 and PIK3CB.This,in turn,can influence signaling pathways like PI3K-AKT and Ras signaling pathways,and regulate biological processes like protein phosphorylation,and signal transduction.During the CRA stage,the potential active ingredi-ents from SBJDD,such as 3,7-dihydroxycoumarin,palmatine,and kushenol A,might affect target proteins such as AKT and EGFR.This can regulate the negative regulation of apoptotic process,and positive regulation of cell proliferation,and modify HIF-1,and Rap1 signaling pathways.During the progression of CRA carcinogenesis,potential active ingredients such as 3,7-dihydroxycouma-rin may interact with TP53,and impact the PI3K-AKT,and Thyroid hormone signaling pathways to regulate biological processes,in-cluding positive regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase Ⅱ promoter,and negative regulation of apoptotic process.In the CRC stage,core ingredients like p-coumaric acid may bind with proteins such as PRKCB.This binding may impact the signaling pathways that negatively affect EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance,and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways.Additionally,it may regulate bio-logical processes,including negative regulation of apoptotic process,signal transduction,and protein phosphorylation.In vitro experi-ment results indicated that SBJDD inhibited the proliferation of HT29 cells and suppressed the expression of EGFR and PKC proteins.CONCLUSION The UPLC-Q-TOF-MS method is established to effectively separate the chemical constituents in SBJDD,which are mainly composed of alkaloids,organic acids and flavonoids components.Components from SBJDD dock with different targets during the carcinogenesis process of CRA and regulate cancer-related signaling pathways to exert therapeutic effects.
2.Esaxerenone inhibits lymphangiogenesis and renal interstitial fibrosis in rats with pregnancy aggravated obstructive nephropathy
Jieqi NIU ; Shuchen ZHANG ; Chang XU ; Hongshuang WANG ; Fang FANG ; Lanjun GAO ; Xiangting WANG ; Zheng WANG
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2024;40(9):1700-1710
AIM:To explore the mechanisms behind the inhibition of lymphangiogenesis in pregnant rats with obstructive nephropathy and assess the protective effects on kidney function.METHODS:Forty nulliparous female Wi-star rats were randomly assigned to four groups:sham operation,sham operation+pregnancy,model,and Esaxerenone groups,with 10 rats in each group.Renal injury was induced in the model and Esaxerenone groups via unilateral ureteral obstruction(UUO).The other two groups underwent ureteral dissociation without ligation.Nine weeks post-UUO,female rats in the sham operation+pregnancy,model,and Esaxerenone groups were mated with male rats(2:1 ratio)to establish a rat model of obstructive nephropathy during pregnancy.Starting the day after UUO,rats in the Esaxerenone group re-ceived Esaxerenone at 1 mg·kg-1·d-1.On the 18th day of pregnancy,24-hour urine was collected using metabolic cages.The following day,the rats were sacrificed,serum samples collected,and the contralateral kidney removed.Blood urea ni-trogen(BUN)was measured using standard biochemical methods,and endogenous creatinine clearance rate(Ccr)was calculated.Kidney tissue pathology was assessed using HE,Masson,and Sirius red staining.Serum aldosterone levels were determined via ELISA.Immunohistochemistry,real-time PCR,and Western blot were employed to assess mineralo-corticoid receptor(MR)activation,lymphangiogenesis,signaling pathways,and fibrosis-related markers.RESULTS:Renal function tests revealed increased BUN levels and decreased Ccr in the model group(P<0.01).Pathological exami-nation showed dilated renal tubules,significant collagen deposition,and inflammatory cell infiltration in the model group.ELISA results indicated a significant increase in serum aldosterone levels in the model group(P<0.01).Immunohisto-chemistry showed enhanced nuclear translocation of MR in the kidneys of the model group post-activation.Western blot and real-time PCR demonstrated a marked increase in neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin(NGAL)expression in the model group(P<0.01).Additionally,the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor C(VEGF-C)and its receptor VEGFR3 was significantly elevated in the renal tubulointerstitium of the model group,as shown by both immunohistochem-istry and real-time PCR(P<0.01).The PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was activated in the model group,with significantly increased phosphorylation levels observed primarily in renal tubular epithelial and interstitial cells(P<0.01).Collagen type III(Col III)expression,primarily in the renal tubulointerstitium,was also significantly upregulated in the model group,consistent with real-time PCR results(P<0.01).Esaxerenone treatment improved renal function,reduced patho-logical damage,inhibited aldosterone secretion,and downregulated the expression of MR,NGAL,VEGF-C,VEGFR3,phosphorylated PI3K,phosphorylated Akt,and Col III(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:Esaxerenone mitigates aldosterone-induced MR activation,modulates the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway,reduces lymphangiogenesis in the contralateral kidney of pregnant rats with obstructive nephropathy,decreases collagen deposition,and delays the progression of renal intersti-tial fibrosis.
3.Impact of folic acid and active folate supplementation on red blood cell folate levels in patients with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss and MTHFR 677TT genotype
Yongjie LU ; Shuchen HOU ; Liang CHANG ; Ping LIU
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University(Medical Science) 2024;44(6):741-745
Objective·To study the effects of folic acid and active folate supplementation on red blood cell folate levels in patients with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss(URPL)and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase(MTHFR)677TT genotype.Methods·A total of 45 patients with MTHFR 677TT genotype and URPL in the Center for Reproductive Medicine of Peking University Third Hospital from January to December 2021 were selected.They were divided into three groups according to folic acid supplementation,including 16 cases in Group A(who had not received any form of folic acid supplementation before the study began,but received active folic acid supplementation after the study began),15 cases in Group B(who had received ordinary folic acid supplementation before the study began,and active folic acid supplementation after the study began),and 14 cases in Group C(ordinary folic acid was supplemented before the start of the study,and after the start of the study,ordinary folic acid and active folic acid were supplemented together).The concentration of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate(5-MTHF)in red blood cells was measured and compared at the time of enrollment(first measurement)and after supplementation(second measurement).Results·There was no statistically significant difference in the first measurement of 5-MTHF concentrations in red blood cells between any two groups of patients in the three groups.Compared with the first measurement of 5-MTHF concentrations in red blood cells,the second increased(all P=0.000);the increase in 5-MTHF concentrations in red blood cells in Group B was higher than that in Group A(all P=0.000);the increasing 5-MTHF concentration in Group B was higher than that in Group A(1=2.373,P=0.049),but there was no significant difference between Group B and Group C.Conclusion·Compared with folic acid supplementation,active folate supplementation can better improve red blood cell folate levels in patients with MTHFR 677TT genotype and URPL in a short period.