1.Structure-activity Omics on Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effect of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in Qizhiweitong Granules
Ying MENG ; Ying ZHENG ; Xinpeng QIN ; Sicong LIU ; Tianjiao LI ; Yongrui BAO ; Shuai WANG ; Liang WANG ; Honghong JIANG ; Xiansheng MENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(21):161-168
ObjectiveTo reveal the pharmacodynamic substances for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma by structure-activity omics. MethodOn the basis of the previous study about the screening of active components in vitro, this study explored the effects of flavonoids in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in vivo. The flavonoids in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and their direct targets for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), PharmMapper, Swiss TargetPrediction, DisGeNET, and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM). STRING and Cytoscape 3.7.2 were employed to establish the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of key targets. Molecular docking was performed to simulate the binding of five targets with high degrees to flavonoids in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, on the basis of which the key core targets were selected. The targets were used as a bridge to correlate the structures and effects of one or more classes of chemical components in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. According to the binding affinity between flavonoids with different structures in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and targets, the relationships between compound structures and core targets were discussed. ResultThe flavonoids in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma reduced the content of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the rat model of pain induced by formalin, demonstrating definite anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Sixty active compounds (flavonoids) with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma were obtained. With the total score as the standard, prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) and mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3) were selected as the key core targets of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Except that flavones showed selectivity of binding to MAPK3, the other flavonoids of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma showed strong binding to PTGS2 and MAPK3, and the structures containing glycoside fragments showed stronger binding affinity to the targets. The introduction of chain olefins in the ring of chalcones facilitated the binding to the targets. The isopentenyl fragment in flavonols may cause the difference in binding affinity. The parallel combination of a ring into pyran ring in flavanes was not conducive to the binding to the target. The electric charge, liposolubility, and steric hindrance of the substituent group on the B ring of isoflavones directly affected the binding affinity. ConclusionThis study adopts structure-activity omics to analyze the material basis for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. Structure-activity omics provides new ideas and methods for predicting the pharmacodynamic substances of traditional Chinese medicine.
2.Structure-activity Omics of Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Case Study of Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effect of Qizhi Weitong Granules
Xiansheng MENG ; Ying ZHENG ; Ying MENG ; Bing QI ; Sicong LIU ; Xi LUO ; Xinpeng QIN ; Yongrui BAO ; Shuai WANG ; Tianjiao LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(15):129-135
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.
3.Structure-activity Omics of Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effect of Corydalis Rhizoma in Qizhi Weitong Granules
Xinpeng QIN ; Ying MENG ; Sicong LIU ; Ying ZHENG ; Yongrui BAO ; Shuai WANG ; Tianjiao LI ; Ling HAN ; Wei ZOU ; Xiansheng MENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(15):136-145
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.
4.Structure-activity Omics on Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effect of Bupleuri Radix in Qizhi Weitong Granules
Xi LUO ; Bing QI ; Ying MENG ; Xinpeng QIN ; Yongrui BAO ; Tianjiao LI ; Liang WANG ; Shuai WANG ; Xiansheng MENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(15):146-153
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.
5.Structure-activity Omics on Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effect of Aurantii Fructus in Qizhi Weitong Granules
Sicong LIU ; Xinpeng QIN ; Bing QI ; Xi LUO ; Tianjiao LI ; Yongrui BAO ; Shuai WANG ; Ling HAN ; Xiansheng MENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(15):154-161
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.
6.Neuronal plasticity changes in the central amygdala and prelimbic cortex network in mice with chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression
Dongbo LIU ; Zewen CHEN ; Yun WANG ; Xinpeng LI ; Pengyu ZHAO ; Haoxian ZHENG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(11):2082-2091
Objective To explore the relationship between alterations of neural network plasticity and spatial learning and memory functions in mouse models with depression-like behaviors.Methods C57Thy1-YFP/GAD67-GFP mice were randomized into control group(with no treatment)and chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)group(n=15)subjected to CUMS for 8 weeks.Depression-like behaviors of the mice were assessed using sucrose preference test,open field test,and forced swimming test,and their spatial learning and memory abilities were evaluated using Morris water maze test.The changes in the firing patterns of different neuronal subtypes were detected in the central nucleus of the amygdala(CeA)and the prelimbic cortex(PrL)using whole-cell patch-clamp technique.Results Compared with the control mice,CUMS mice showed significantly decreased sucrose preference,total distance moved,number of grid-crossings,entries into the central area,and time spent in the central area in the open field test(P<0.01).In the forced swimming test,CUMS mice exhibited obviously shortened time of struggling,swimming,and climbing with increased immobility time.In Morris water maze test,CUMS mice showed significantly increased escape latency and path length,decreased percentage of distance and swimming time within the target quadrant,and increased first entry latency into the target zone and swimming time within the opposite quadrant.Exposure to CUMS resulted in significantly enhanced energy barrier and increased absolute refractory period and inter-spike interval of glutamatergic neurons in the CeA and GABAergic neurons in the PrL,while the opposite changes were observed in GABAergic neurons in the CeA and glutamatergic neurons in the PrL.Conclusion CUMS-induced depression may lead to plastic changes in the excitatory and inhibitory neuronal networks within the CeA and PrL to cause impairment of spatial learning and memory abilities in mice.
7.Neuronal plasticity changes in the central amygdala and prelimbic cortex network in mice with chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression
Dongbo LIU ; Zewen CHEN ; Yun WANG ; Xinpeng LI ; Pengyu ZHAO ; Haoxian ZHENG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(11):2082-2091
Objective To explore the relationship between alterations of neural network plasticity and spatial learning and memory functions in mouse models with depression-like behaviors.Methods C57Thy1-YFP/GAD67-GFP mice were randomized into control group(with no treatment)and chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)group(n=15)subjected to CUMS for 8 weeks.Depression-like behaviors of the mice were assessed using sucrose preference test,open field test,and forced swimming test,and their spatial learning and memory abilities were evaluated using Morris water maze test.The changes in the firing patterns of different neuronal subtypes were detected in the central nucleus of the amygdala(CeA)and the prelimbic cortex(PrL)using whole-cell patch-clamp technique.Results Compared with the control mice,CUMS mice showed significantly decreased sucrose preference,total distance moved,number of grid-crossings,entries into the central area,and time spent in the central area in the open field test(P<0.01).In the forced swimming test,CUMS mice exhibited obviously shortened time of struggling,swimming,and climbing with increased immobility time.In Morris water maze test,CUMS mice showed significantly increased escape latency and path length,decreased percentage of distance and swimming time within the target quadrant,and increased first entry latency into the target zone and swimming time within the opposite quadrant.Exposure to CUMS resulted in significantly enhanced energy barrier and increased absolute refractory period and inter-spike interval of glutamatergic neurons in the CeA and GABAergic neurons in the PrL,while the opposite changes were observed in GABAergic neurons in the CeA and glutamatergic neurons in the PrL.Conclusion CUMS-induced depression may lead to plastic changes in the excitatory and inhibitory neuronal networks within the CeA and PrL to cause impairment of spatial learning and memory abilities in mice.
8.Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype K1 induces liver abscess through activating NLRP3 inflammasome
Qiang WANG ; Qian OU ; Weiwei LUO ; Xinpeng MA ; Wenting LI ; Jialing QIU ; Xuejing CHEN ; Jiaqi FANG
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2022;42(10):810-816
Objective:To investigate whether the hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKP) induces liver abscess through activating NLRP3 inflammasome. Methods:K1-hvKP and K35-non-hvKP bacterial suspensions were intraperitoneally injected into C57BL/6 mice to establish the models of liver abscess. Human peripheral blood neutrophils were sorted by immunomagnetic beads with CD45 + and Gr-1 + , and the purity was detected by flow cytometry. The concentrations of capsular polysaccharide of K1-hvKP and K35-non-hvKP were detected by total carbohydrate assay kit. The expression of IL-18 and IL-33 by neutrophils at mRNA and protein levels was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and ELISA, respectively. The activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in neutrophils was detected by Western blot. Neutrophil extracellular trap formation (NETosis) was observed under confocal laser scanning microscope. Results:The C57BL/6 mice with K1-hvKP infection had significantly serious liver abscess as compared with the K35-non-hvKP-infected mice. The purity of human neutrophils was more than 95%. The concentration of capsular polysaccharide in K1-hvKP was significantly higher than that in K35-non-hvKP. Compared with K35-non-hvKP, K1-hvKP significantly promoted the neutrophils to express IL-18 and IL-33 at both mRNA and protein levels, enhanced the activation of NLRP3 and induced NETosis.Conclusions:This study suggested that hvKP could promote NETosis by activating NLRP3 inflammasome to cause liver abscess.
9.Comparison of Muscle Activation and Co-Contraction Patterns for Trunk Muscles During Four-Point Hand-Knee and Hand-Foot Kneeling Positions
Xiaoqian CHANG ; Kuan WANG ; Xinpeng CHEN ; Lejun WANG ; Wenxin NIU
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2022;37(2):E348-E354
Objective To analyze the similarities and differences between four-point hand-knee position and hand-foot kneeling positions in trunk muscle activation and co-contraction, explore the possibility of hand-foot kneeling position as core stabilization exercises, so as to provide suggestions for actual training.Methods Nineteen healthy volunteers randomly performed exercises of four-point hand-knee position (4 motions) and hand-foot kneeling position (3 motions), while surface electromyography (sEMG) signals were collected from bilateral rectus abdominis, external oblique, erector spine, and multifidus muscles. The average sEMG and muscle co-contraction index (CCI) based on the sEMG signals were analyzed and compared.Results Significant differences were found in the sEMG and CCI within and between the two positions. Under four-point hand-knee position with the right hand and left leg lifting, the activation of all muscles was higher than that in the starting position. In four-point hand-knee position with the left leg lifting, the activation of ipsilateral multifidus muscle was significantly higher than that in hand-foot kneeling position. The activation degree of external oblique muscle and rectus abdominis was higher in hand-foot kneeling position with right hand lifting. A total of 28 muscle matching methods were obtained by pair-to-pair matching of 8 muscles. The starting posture in four-point hand-knee position fluctuated the least, indicating that the spine was the most stable, while the index of other exercises fluctuated in a larger range.Conclusions The possibility of hand-foot kneeling position as core stabilization exercises was proved from two aspects, namely, muscle activation and CCI. The hand-foot kneeling position and four-point hand-knee position can be used for strengthening abdominal muscles and back muscles, respectively. The four-point hand-knee position with contralateral upper and lower limbs lift is a more advanced exercise for trunk muscles, but sports injuries should be avoided.
10.The clinical effect of posterior fossa decompression combined with dural reconstruction in the treatment of Chiari malformation-Ⅰ complicated with syringomyelia
Xinchao WANG ; Zengqiang LIU ; Tao JU ; Xinpeng YUE ; Xin LI ; Pengfei LEI ; Qianwei QI
Chinese Journal of Postgraduates of Medicine 2022;45(10):922-926
Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of posterior fossa decompression combined with dural reconstruction in the treatment of Chiari malformation-Ⅰ(CM-Ⅰ) complicated with syringomyelia (SM).Methods:The clinical data of 50 patients with CM-Ⅰ complicated with SM who were treated in Yan′an University Xianyang Hospital from June 2019 to January 2021 were analyzed. They were divided into the study group (27 cases) and the control group (23 cases) according to the surgical methods. The former received posterior fossa decompression combined with dural reconstruction, while the latter received posterior fossa decompression alone. The clinical symptom improvement, neurological function, cerebrospinal fluid dynamics and syringomyelia changes were compared between the two groups before and after the surgery, and postoperative complications were compared.Results:The overall clinical symptom improvement rate between the two groups had no significant difference ( P> 0.05). After the surgery, the scores of pain, sensory disturbance, dyskinesia and ataxia in the study group were higher than those in the control group: (4.56 ± 0.35) points vs. (4.28 ± 0.43) points, (3.61 ± 0.82) points vs. (3.15 ± 0.73) points, (3.81 ± 0.44) points vs. (3.59 ± 0.50) points, (4.43 ± 0.41) points vs. (4.09 ± 0.53) points, there were statistical significant ( P<0.05). After the surgery, the cerebrospinal fluid stroke volume (SV) and mean flow (MF) in the study group were higher than those in the control group: (0.05 ± 0.02) ml vs. (0.04 ± 0.01) ml, (0.05 ± 0.01) ml/s vs. (0.04 ± 0.01) ml/s; the maximum peak flow velocity (V max) of the head and tail in the study group were lower than those in the control group: (3.14 ± 1.05) mm/s vs. (3.87 ± 1.13) mm/s, (5.56 ± 1.38) mm/s vs. (6.43 ± 1.22) mm/s, there were statistical significant ( P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the rate of reduction or disappearance of syringomyelia, the rate of no change and the rate of increase of syringomyelia after the surgery between the two groups ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Posterior fossa decompression combined with dural reconstruction in CM-Ⅰ complicated with SM can better improve cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, and promote the reduction of syringomyelia without increasing postoperative complications.

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