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01-12-2020 | Traditional Chinese Medicine | Research

Exploring the protective effect of Modified Xiaochaihu Decoction against hepatic steatosis and inflammation by network pharmacology and validation in ageing rats

Authors: Siting Gao, Tongzhuang Wang, XueKuan Huang, Yaqian Jin, Yu Xu, Yumeng Xi, Jun Zhang, Yan Luo, Hongling Xu, Hongli Guo, Dazhi Ke, Jianwei Wang

Published in: Chinese Medicine | Issue 1/2020

Abstract

Background

Based on therapy with syndrome differentiation and clinical studies on Xiaochaihu decoction (XCHD), we hypothesize that Modified Xiaochaihu Decoction (MXD) has an ability to ameliorate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study aims to elucidate the pharmacological efficacy of MXD and its mechanism in the treatment of NAFLD by network pharmacology and experimental validation.

Methods

The active ingredients in MXD and their potential targets were identified using network analysis followed by experimental validation. First, we used data on the ingredients and targets obtained from professional database and related literature to do PPI network analysis, GO functional analysis, and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. Core targets identified by network pharmacology were then tested in natural ageing female rats model. Indexes of lipid and glucose homeostasis were determined enzymatically and/or histologically. Gene expression was analyzed by real-time PCR and/or Western blot (WB).

Results

In total, 4009 NAFLD-related targets and 1953 chemical ingredients of MXD were obtained. In-depth network analysis of 140 common targets indicated that MXD played a critical role in anti-NAFLD via multiple targets and pathways. Based on the data of PPI analysis, GO functional enrichment analysis, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, and literatures on the mechanism of NAFLD, we chose the core targets related to lipid metabolism (SREBP-1c, ChREBP, FASN, PPARα, and ACACA) and inflammation (IL-6 and NF-κB) to do further study. Significantly, in further animal verification experiment we using naturally ageing rats with NAFLD as a model, we found that MXD administration ameliorated age-related NAFLD and mechanistically down-regulated the mRNA/protein expression of core targets in lipid metabolism and inflammation related pathways such as FASN, ACACA, IL-6, and NF-κB. In addition, 12 of 24 potential ingredients acting on verified targets came from BC, and 11 of 24 potential ingredients acting on verified targets were derived from SM, implying that both BC and SM served as the key role in MXD against NAFLD.

Conclusion

The bioinformatics data and in vivo experimental results suggest that the MXD-induced amelioration of NAFLD may be predominantly related to modulation of lipid metabolism and inflammation. Both BC and SM serve as the key role in MXD against NAFLD. These results may provide novel evidence for clinical implication of MXD.

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Title: Exploring the protective effect of Modified Xiaochaihu Decoction against hepatic steatosis and inflammation by network pharmacology and validation in ageing rats
Authors: Siting Gao
Tongzhuang Wang
XueKuan Huang
Yaqian Jin
Yu Xu
Yumeng Xi
Jun Zhang
Yan Luo
Hongling Xu
Hongli Guo
Dazhi Ke
Jianwei Wang
Publication date: 01-12-2020
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Traditional Chinese Medicine
Fatty Liver
Published in: Chinese Medicine / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1749-8546
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13020-020-00378-y

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Exploring the protective effect of Modified Xiaochaihu Decoction against hepatic steatosis and inflammation by network pharmacology and validation in ageing rats

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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