Panax ginseng C.A.Mey.is an important plant species used in traditional Chinese medicine,whose primary active ingredient is a ginsenoside.Ginsenoside biosynthesis is not only regulated by transcription factors but als...Panax ginseng C.A.Mey.is an important plant species used in traditional Chinese medicine,whose primary active ingredient is a ginsenoside.Ginsenoside biosynthesis is not only regulated by transcription factors but also controlled by a variety of structural genes.Nonetheless,the molecular mechanism underlying ginsenoside biosynthesis has always been a topic in the discussion of ginseng secondary metabolites.Squalene epoxidase(SQE)is a key enzyme in the mevalonic acid pathway,which affects the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites such as terpenoid.Using ginseng transcriptome,expression,and ginsenoside content databases,this study employed bioinformatic methods to systematically analyze the genes encoding SQE in ginseng.We first selected six PgSQE candidates that were closely involved in ginsenoside biosynthesis and then identified PgSQE08-01 to be highly associated with ginsenoside biosynthesis.Next,we constructed the overexpression vector pCAMBIA3301-PgSQE08-01 and the RNAi vector pART27-PgSQE08-01 and transformed ginseng adventitious roots using Agrobacterium rhizogenes,to obtain positive hairy-root clones.Thereafter,quantitative reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction and high-performance liquid chromatography were used to determine the expression of relevant genes and ginsenoside content,respectively.Then,we focused on the function of PgSQE08-01 gene,which was noted to be involved in ginsenoside biosynthesis.Thus,these findings not only provided a molecular basis for the identification of important functional genes in ginseng but also enriched genetic resources for the biosynthesis of ginsenosides using synthetic biology.展开更多
Background:Cancer-related fatigue(CRF)is a common and debilitating symptom experienced by patients with advanced-stage cancer,especially those undergoing antitumor therapy.This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and...Background:Cancer-related fatigue(CRF)is a common and debilitating symptom experienced by patients with advanced-stage cancer,especially those undergoing antitumor therapy.This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Renshenguben(RSGB)oral solution,a ginseng-based traditional Chinese medicine,in alleviating CRF in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)receiving antitumor treatment.Methods:In this prospective,open-label,controlled,multicenter study,patients with advanced HCC at BCLC stage C and a brief fatigue inventory(BFI)score of≥4 were enrolled.Participants were assigned to the RSGB group(RSGB,10 mL twice daily)or the control group(with supportive care).Primary and secondary endpoints were the change in multidimensional fatigue inventory(MFI)score,and BFI and functional assessment of cancer therapy-hepatobiliary(FACT-Hep)scores at weeks 4 and 8 after enrollment.Adverse events(AEs)and toxicities were assessed.Results:A total of 409 participants were enrolled,with 206 assigned to the RSGB group.At week 4,there was a trend towards improvement,but the differences were not statistically significant.At week 8,the RSGB group exhibited a significantly lower MFI score(P<0.05)compared to the control group,indicating improved fatigue levels.Additionally,the RSGB group showed significantly greater decrease in BFI and FACT-Hep scores at week 8(P<0.05).Subgroup analyses among patients receiving various antitumor treatments showed similar results.Multivariate linear regression analyses revealed that the RSGB group experienced a significantly substantial decrease in MFI,BFI,and FACT-Hep scores at week 8.No serious drug-related AEs or toxicities were observed.Conclusions:RSGB oral solution effectively reduced CRF in patients with advanced HCC undergoing antitumor therapy over an eight-week period,with no discernible toxicities.These findings support the potential of RSGB oral solution as an adjunctive treatment for managing CRF in this patient population.展开更多
Ginseng(Panax ginseng C.A.Meyer)as a common dietary adjunct is widely applied in Traditional Chinese Medicine due to its health-promoting properties,but the differences between white ginseng and red ginseng was rarely...Ginseng(Panax ginseng C.A.Meyer)as a common dietary adjunct is widely applied in Traditional Chinese Medicine due to its health-promoting properties,but the differences between white ginseng and red ginseng was rarely studied.In the present study,color parameters and scanning electron microscope(SEM)were determined to evaluate the differences of ginseng color and microstructure induced by processing procedure.Quantitative analysis of multi-components by a single-marker(QAMS)method and anti-α-amylase activity test were used to assess variations of chemical ingredients and pharmacological activity between white and red ginseng.Finally,molecular docking studies were carried out to screen out the most effective compound againstα-amylase.Results indicated that processing had a significant impact on the physicochemical properties and pharmacological activity of white and red ginseng.After processing,the color value of L*declined significantly.Red ginseng sample displayed a compact structure and presented of a gel layer on the surface compared to white ginseng.Additionally,the content of ginsenosides and the activity of anti-α-amylase decreased.The contents of total ginsenosides were positively correlated with the anti-α-amylase activities of ginseng,and ginsenoside Rb1 might be the most effective compound to inhibit the activity ofα-amylase.展开更多
Panax ginseng(PG)and Panax notoginseng(PN)are highly valuable Chinese medicines(CM).Although both CMs have similar active constituents,their clinical applications are clearly different.Over the past decade,RNA sequenc...Panax ginseng(PG)and Panax notoginseng(PN)are highly valuable Chinese medicines(CM).Although both CMs have similar active constituents,their clinical applications are clearly different.Over the past decade,RNA sequencing(RNA-seq)analysis has been employed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of extracts or monomers.However,owing to the limited number of samples in standard RNA-seq,few studies have systematically compared the effects of PG and PN spanning multiple conditions at the transcriptomic level.Here,we developed an approach that simultaneously profiles transcriptome changes for multiplexed samples using RNA-seq(TCM-seq),a high-throughput,low-cost workflow to molecularly evaluate CM perturbations.A species-mixing experiment was conducted to illustrate the accuracy of sample multiplexing in TCM-seq.Transcriptomes from repeated samples were used to verify the robustness of TCM-seq.We then focused on the primary active components,Panax notoginseng saponins(PNS)and Panax ginseng saponins(PGS)extracted from PN and PG,respectively.We also characterized the transcriptome changes of 10 cell lines,treated with four different doses of PNS and PGS,using TCM-seq to compare the differences in their perturbing effects on genes,functional pathways,gene modules,and molecular networks.The results of transcriptional data analysis showed that the transcriptional patterns of various cell lines were significantly distinct.PGS exhibited a stronger regulatory effect on genes involved in cardiovascular disease,whereas PNS resulted in a greater coagulation effect on vascular endothelial cells.This study proposes a paradigm to comprehensively explore the differences in mechanisms of action between CMs based on transcriptome readouts.展开更多
[Objectives]To study the potential molecular mechanism of ginseng in treating nephrotic syndrome(NS)by using network pharmacology,molecular docking and experimental verification methods.[Methods]The active components ...[Objectives]To study the potential molecular mechanism of ginseng in treating nephrotic syndrome(NS)by using network pharmacology,molecular docking and experimental verification methods.[Methods]The active components and targets of ginseng were obtained through the network pharmacology database,and the potential targets for the treatment of NS were predicted.The STRING data platform and Cytoscape software were used to construct protein interaction network,and carry out GO and KEGG enrichment analysis.Molecular docking of active components of ginseng and core targets was performed.The in vitro experiment verified the improvement effect of kaempferol,a key active ingredient of ginseng,on podocyte injury.[Results]After screening,17 active components of ginseng and 38 key targets for treating NS were obtained.GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that NF-κB,MAPK and other inflammatory pathways were involved.Molecular docking results show that the core components had good binding activity to key targets.The results of in vitro experiments show that kaempferol can reduce the phosphorylation level of AKT1,down-regulate the expression levels of NF-κB p65 and p-NF-κB p65,play an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB pathway,and improve podocyte injury.[Conclusions]Ginseng may play a role in the treatment of NS by regulating multiple targets and pathways such as inflammatory response,substance metabolism,and signal transduction.展开更多
[Objectives] To investigate the effects of ginseng protein on gut microbiota and BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway in Alzheimer s disease (AD) mice. [Methods] D-galactose/AlCl 3 co-induction was used to establish AD model, ...[Objectives] To investigate the effects of ginseng protein on gut microbiota and BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway in Alzheimer s disease (AD) mice. [Methods] D-galactose/AlCl 3 co-induction was used to establish AD model, and mice were randomly divided into normal group 1, normal group 2, model group 1, model group 2, ginseng protein group, and microbiota transplantation group. Morris water maze experiment was used to evaluate learning and memory ability, and Western blot method was used to detect the expression of APP, p-Tau, BDNF, TrkB, p-TrkB proteins in brain tissue, and 16S rDNA was used to detect diversity of fecal microbiota. [Results] Ginseng protein and microbiota transplantation can shorten the escape latency of mice ( P <0.05), increase the number of crossing platforms ( P <0.05), reduce the expression of APP and p-Tau proteins in brain tissue ( P <0.05, P <0.01), increase the expression of BDNF, p-TrkB, p-TrkB/TrkB proteins ( P <0.05, P <0.01), and reduce the abundance of Alloprevotella, Ruminococcaceae _UCG-014, Prevotellaceae _UCG-001, and Ruminococcus _1 ( P <0.05, P <0.01). [Conclusions] The action mechanism of ginseng protein anti AD may be through regulating gut microbiota diversity and activating the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway.展开更多
This work aimed to evaluate the quality of biscuits incorporated with ginseng powder.This powder was incorporated into wheat flour at levels ranging from 0 to 4%and used in the production of biscuits.The biscuits were...This work aimed to evaluate the quality of biscuits incorporated with ginseng powder.This powder was incorporated into wheat flour at levels ranging from 0 to 4%and used in the production of biscuits.The biscuits were analysed for proximate composition,sensory attributes,phytochemical content,and antioxidant properties.Results revealed that the moisture and fat contents of the biscuits significantly decreased with the incorporation of ginseng powder.Conversely,protein(3.15 to 4.55 g/100 g DM),carbohydrate(27.80 to 31.10 g/100 g DM)and fiber contents(6.21 to 13.74 g/100 g DM)significantly increased with incorporation.The total polyphenols,saponins,and total flavonoid contents increased from 1.67 to 1.99 mgGAE/100 g DM,0 to 0.69 mg,and 0.87 to 1.83 QE/100g DM respectively.Ginseng powder also significantly increased the DPPH scavenging activity,from 42.05%to 52.62%,and FRAP value from 2.25 to 7.71μgGAE/g with increased incorporation.However,the sensory attributes of the biscuits were not affected by the incorporation of ginseng.Ginseng powder can therefore be incorporated in wheat flour at up to 4%level for biscuits production as a functional food for the promotion of human health.展开更多
目的 应用网络药理学的研究方法筛选人参—黄连—三七药串治疗糖尿病肾病的作用靶点及相关信号通路,通过动物实验明确其疗效与作用机制。方法 运用Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(T...目的 应用网络药理学的研究方法筛选人参—黄连—三七药串治疗糖尿病肾病的作用靶点及相关信号通路,通过动物实验明确其疗效与作用机制。方法 运用Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP)数据库检索获取人参—黄连—三七的主要化学成分以及相关作用靶点;使用DisGeNET筛选胰岛素抵抗与糖尿病肾病的相关靶标基因;通过Venn软件筛选出药物与疾病的共同作用靶点;构建出疾病—靶点—成分—药物网络;使用STRING数据库完成蛋白质—蛋白质相互作用网络(protein-protein interaction networks, PPI)的构建;通过基因本体(gene ontology, GO)富集分析和京都基因与基因组百科全书(Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, KEGG)通路富集分析对有效作用靶点进行分析。以db/db小鼠作为动物模型,于给药第4、第8周后留取各组小鼠8小时尿液,检测各组小鼠尿微量白蛋白排泄水平;采用蛋白免疫印迹法法对网络药理学的研究预测的关键通路及靶点进行进一步的实验验证。结果 本研究共筛选得到人参—黄连—三七药串的人参皂苷Rh2、人参皂苷F2、槲皮素、小檗碱等39种有效成分;获得人参—黄连—三七药串治疗糖尿病肾病潜在靶点18个,其中PTEN、CCL2、IL6、TNF、HIF1A等11个与其他靶点相互作用较强,可能在网络中起到关键作用;通过GO分析和KEGG分析分别获得2595个条目和107条信号通路,其中包括磷脂酰肌醇-3-激酶丝氨酸/苏氨酸特异性蛋白激酶(phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B,PI3K/Akt)信号通路、晚期糖基化终末产物—晚期糖基化终末产物受体信号通路、低氧诱导因子-1信号通路、细胞迁移的正调控、细胞因子活性、细胞因子受体结合、血小板α颗粒等。动物实验显示,在给药第4周及第8周后,中药组小鼠尿微量白蛋白排泄水平均较模型组下降(P<0.05)。对于PI3K/Akt信号通路的相关蛋白检测结果表明,中药组小鼠肾脏PI3K、p-Akt表达水平较模型组明显下降(P<0.05),磷酸酶张力蛋白同源物(phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten, PTEN)水平较模型组升高(P<0.05)。结论 人参—黄连—三七药串能够有效改善db/db小鼠糖尿病肾病引起的蛋白尿,其作用机制可能与激活PTEN抑制PI3K/Akt信号通路有关。展开更多
基金This work was supported by an award from the Department of Science and Technology of Jilin Province(20210402043GH and 20210204063YY).
文摘Panax ginseng C.A.Mey.is an important plant species used in traditional Chinese medicine,whose primary active ingredient is a ginsenoside.Ginsenoside biosynthesis is not only regulated by transcription factors but also controlled by a variety of structural genes.Nonetheless,the molecular mechanism underlying ginsenoside biosynthesis has always been a topic in the discussion of ginseng secondary metabolites.Squalene epoxidase(SQE)is a key enzyme in the mevalonic acid pathway,which affects the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites such as terpenoid.Using ginseng transcriptome,expression,and ginsenoside content databases,this study employed bioinformatic methods to systematically analyze the genes encoding SQE in ginseng.We first selected six PgSQE candidates that were closely involved in ginsenoside biosynthesis and then identified PgSQE08-01 to be highly associated with ginsenoside biosynthesis.Next,we constructed the overexpression vector pCAMBIA3301-PgSQE08-01 and the RNAi vector pART27-PgSQE08-01 and transformed ginseng adventitious roots using Agrobacterium rhizogenes,to obtain positive hairy-root clones.Thereafter,quantitative reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction and high-performance liquid chromatography were used to determine the expression of relevant genes and ginsenoside content,respectively.Then,we focused on the function of PgSQE08-01 gene,which was noted to be involved in ginsenoside biosynthesis.Thus,these findings not only provided a molecular basis for the identification of important functional genes in ginseng but also enriched genetic resources for the biosynthesis of ginsenosides using synthetic biology.
基金This study was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81972726,82273074 and 82372813)Dawn Project Foundation of Shanghai(21SG36)+2 种基金Shanghai Health Academic Leader Program(2022XD001)the Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai(22ZR1477900)Adjunct Talent Fund of Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital(2021-YT).
文摘Background:Cancer-related fatigue(CRF)is a common and debilitating symptom experienced by patients with advanced-stage cancer,especially those undergoing antitumor therapy.This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Renshenguben(RSGB)oral solution,a ginseng-based traditional Chinese medicine,in alleviating CRF in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)receiving antitumor treatment.Methods:In this prospective,open-label,controlled,multicenter study,patients with advanced HCC at BCLC stage C and a brief fatigue inventory(BFI)score of≥4 were enrolled.Participants were assigned to the RSGB group(RSGB,10 mL twice daily)or the control group(with supportive care).Primary and secondary endpoints were the change in multidimensional fatigue inventory(MFI)score,and BFI and functional assessment of cancer therapy-hepatobiliary(FACT-Hep)scores at weeks 4 and 8 after enrollment.Adverse events(AEs)and toxicities were assessed.Results:A total of 409 participants were enrolled,with 206 assigned to the RSGB group.At week 4,there was a trend towards improvement,but the differences were not statistically significant.At week 8,the RSGB group exhibited a significantly lower MFI score(P<0.05)compared to the control group,indicating improved fatigue levels.Additionally,the RSGB group showed significantly greater decrease in BFI and FACT-Hep scores at week 8(P<0.05).Subgroup analyses among patients receiving various antitumor treatments showed similar results.Multivariate linear regression analyses revealed that the RSGB group experienced a significantly substantial decrease in MFI,BFI,and FACT-Hep scores at week 8.No serious drug-related AEs or toxicities were observed.Conclusions:RSGB oral solution effectively reduced CRF in patients with advanced HCC undergoing antitumor therapy over an eight-week period,with no discernible toxicities.These findings support the potential of RSGB oral solution as an adjunctive treatment for managing CRF in this patient population.
基金supported by Tianjin Key R&D Plan-Key Projects Supported by Science and Technology (19YFZCSN00010)
文摘Ginseng(Panax ginseng C.A.Meyer)as a common dietary adjunct is widely applied in Traditional Chinese Medicine due to its health-promoting properties,but the differences between white ginseng and red ginseng was rarely studied.In the present study,color parameters and scanning electron microscope(SEM)were determined to evaluate the differences of ginseng color and microstructure induced by processing procedure.Quantitative analysis of multi-components by a single-marker(QAMS)method and anti-α-amylase activity test were used to assess variations of chemical ingredients and pharmacological activity between white and red ginseng.Finally,molecular docking studies were carried out to screen out the most effective compound againstα-amylase.Results indicated that processing had a significant impact on the physicochemical properties and pharmacological activity of white and red ginseng.After processing,the color value of L*declined significantly.Red ginseng sample displayed a compact structure and presented of a gel layer on the surface compared to white ginseng.Additionally,the content of ginsenosides and the activity of anti-α-amylase decreased.The contents of total ginsenosides were positively correlated with the anti-α-amylase activities of ginseng,and ginsenoside Rb1 might be the most effective compound to inhibit the activity ofα-amylase.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.:81973701 and 81903767)the Innovation Team and Talents Cultivation Program of National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine(Grant No.:ZYYCXTD-D-202002)the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province(Grant No.:LZ20H290002).
文摘Panax ginseng(PG)and Panax notoginseng(PN)are highly valuable Chinese medicines(CM).Although both CMs have similar active constituents,their clinical applications are clearly different.Over the past decade,RNA sequencing(RNA-seq)analysis has been employed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of extracts or monomers.However,owing to the limited number of samples in standard RNA-seq,few studies have systematically compared the effects of PG and PN spanning multiple conditions at the transcriptomic level.Here,we developed an approach that simultaneously profiles transcriptome changes for multiplexed samples using RNA-seq(TCM-seq),a high-throughput,low-cost workflow to molecularly evaluate CM perturbations.A species-mixing experiment was conducted to illustrate the accuracy of sample multiplexing in TCM-seq.Transcriptomes from repeated samples were used to verify the robustness of TCM-seq.We then focused on the primary active components,Panax notoginseng saponins(PNS)and Panax ginseng saponins(PGS)extracted from PN and PG,respectively.We also characterized the transcriptome changes of 10 cell lines,treated with four different doses of PNS and PGS,using TCM-seq to compare the differences in their perturbing effects on genes,functional pathways,gene modules,and molecular networks.The results of transcriptional data analysis showed that the transcriptional patterns of various cell lines were significantly distinct.PGS exhibited a stronger regulatory effect on genes involved in cardiovascular disease,whereas PNS resulted in a greater coagulation effect on vascular endothelial cells.This study proposes a paradigm to comprehensively explore the differences in mechanisms of action between CMs based on transcriptome readouts.
基金Supported by College Students'Innovation Entrepreneurship and Training Program of Yantai University(X202211066143)。
文摘[Objectives]To study the potential molecular mechanism of ginseng in treating nephrotic syndrome(NS)by using network pharmacology,molecular docking and experimental verification methods.[Methods]The active components and targets of ginseng were obtained through the network pharmacology database,and the potential targets for the treatment of NS were predicted.The STRING data platform and Cytoscape software were used to construct protein interaction network,and carry out GO and KEGG enrichment analysis.Molecular docking of active components of ginseng and core targets was performed.The in vitro experiment verified the improvement effect of kaempferol,a key active ingredient of ginseng,on podocyte injury.[Results]After screening,17 active components of ginseng and 38 key targets for treating NS were obtained.GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that NF-κB,MAPK and other inflammatory pathways were involved.Molecular docking results show that the core components had good binding activity to key targets.The results of in vitro experiments show that kaempferol can reduce the phosphorylation level of AKT1,down-regulate the expression levels of NF-κB p65 and p-NF-κB p65,play an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB pathway,and improve podocyte injury.[Conclusions]Ginseng may play a role in the treatment of NS by regulating multiple targets and pathways such as inflammatory response,substance metabolism,and signal transduction.
基金Supported by Liaoning Province Science and Technology Department Project(20180530033,2022-MS-281)Liaoning Provincial Department of Education Project(LJKZZ20220105)Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Project(2021LZY042).
文摘[Objectives] To investigate the effects of ginseng protein on gut microbiota and BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway in Alzheimer s disease (AD) mice. [Methods] D-galactose/AlCl 3 co-induction was used to establish AD model, and mice were randomly divided into normal group 1, normal group 2, model group 1, model group 2, ginseng protein group, and microbiota transplantation group. Morris water maze experiment was used to evaluate learning and memory ability, and Western blot method was used to detect the expression of APP, p-Tau, BDNF, TrkB, p-TrkB proteins in brain tissue, and 16S rDNA was used to detect diversity of fecal microbiota. [Results] Ginseng protein and microbiota transplantation can shorten the escape latency of mice ( P <0.05), increase the number of crossing platforms ( P <0.05), reduce the expression of APP and p-Tau proteins in brain tissue ( P <0.05, P <0.01), increase the expression of BDNF, p-TrkB, p-TrkB/TrkB proteins ( P <0.05, P <0.01), and reduce the abundance of Alloprevotella, Ruminococcaceae _UCG-014, Prevotellaceae _UCG-001, and Ruminococcus _1 ( P <0.05, P <0.01). [Conclusions] The action mechanism of ginseng protein anti AD may be through regulating gut microbiota diversity and activating the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway.
文摘This work aimed to evaluate the quality of biscuits incorporated with ginseng powder.This powder was incorporated into wheat flour at levels ranging from 0 to 4%and used in the production of biscuits.The biscuits were analysed for proximate composition,sensory attributes,phytochemical content,and antioxidant properties.Results revealed that the moisture and fat contents of the biscuits significantly decreased with the incorporation of ginseng powder.Conversely,protein(3.15 to 4.55 g/100 g DM),carbohydrate(27.80 to 31.10 g/100 g DM)and fiber contents(6.21 to 13.74 g/100 g DM)significantly increased with incorporation.The total polyphenols,saponins,and total flavonoid contents increased from 1.67 to 1.99 mgGAE/100 g DM,0 to 0.69 mg,and 0.87 to 1.83 QE/100g DM respectively.Ginseng powder also significantly increased the DPPH scavenging activity,from 42.05%to 52.62%,and FRAP value from 2.25 to 7.71μgGAE/g with increased incorporation.However,the sensory attributes of the biscuits were not affected by the incorporation of ginseng.Ginseng powder can therefore be incorporated in wheat flour at up to 4%level for biscuits production as a functional food for the promotion of human health.
文摘目的 应用网络药理学的研究方法筛选人参—黄连—三七药串治疗糖尿病肾病的作用靶点及相关信号通路,通过动物实验明确其疗效与作用机制。方法 运用Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP)数据库检索获取人参—黄连—三七的主要化学成分以及相关作用靶点;使用DisGeNET筛选胰岛素抵抗与糖尿病肾病的相关靶标基因;通过Venn软件筛选出药物与疾病的共同作用靶点;构建出疾病—靶点—成分—药物网络;使用STRING数据库完成蛋白质—蛋白质相互作用网络(protein-protein interaction networks, PPI)的构建;通过基因本体(gene ontology, GO)富集分析和京都基因与基因组百科全书(Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, KEGG)通路富集分析对有效作用靶点进行分析。以db/db小鼠作为动物模型,于给药第4、第8周后留取各组小鼠8小时尿液,检测各组小鼠尿微量白蛋白排泄水平;采用蛋白免疫印迹法法对网络药理学的研究预测的关键通路及靶点进行进一步的实验验证。结果 本研究共筛选得到人参—黄连—三七药串的人参皂苷Rh2、人参皂苷F2、槲皮素、小檗碱等39种有效成分;获得人参—黄连—三七药串治疗糖尿病肾病潜在靶点18个,其中PTEN、CCL2、IL6、TNF、HIF1A等11个与其他靶点相互作用较强,可能在网络中起到关键作用;通过GO分析和KEGG分析分别获得2595个条目和107条信号通路,其中包括磷脂酰肌醇-3-激酶丝氨酸/苏氨酸特异性蛋白激酶(phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B,PI3K/Akt)信号通路、晚期糖基化终末产物—晚期糖基化终末产物受体信号通路、低氧诱导因子-1信号通路、细胞迁移的正调控、细胞因子活性、细胞因子受体结合、血小板α颗粒等。动物实验显示,在给药第4周及第8周后,中药组小鼠尿微量白蛋白排泄水平均较模型组下降(P<0.05)。对于PI3K/Akt信号通路的相关蛋白检测结果表明,中药组小鼠肾脏PI3K、p-Akt表达水平较模型组明显下降(P<0.05),磷酸酶张力蛋白同源物(phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten, PTEN)水平较模型组升高(P<0.05)。结论 人参—黄连—三七药串能够有效改善db/db小鼠糖尿病肾病引起的蛋白尿,其作用机制可能与激活PTEN抑制PI3K/Akt信号通路有关。
