Multi-target Mechanism Research Articles (Page 6)

Although Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) TCCC11824 (CGMCC 8198) has shown antiobesity effects, its active components remained unclear. This study reveals that the L. plantarum TCCC11824 crushed supernatant (LpS) exerts broad antiobesity activities in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. LpS significantly improved blood lipid profiles, reduced hepatic injury, and suppressed inflammation in liver and epididymal fat. It also mitigated ectopic fat accumulation and modulated gut microbiota composition, contributing to improved metabolic health. Mechanistic studies identified that the 3-10 kDa ultrafiltration fraction of LpS strongly inhibited pancreatic cholesterol esterase and lipase in vitro and suppressed HMGCR expression in lipid-disordered cells. Bioinformatics analysis predicted five candidate bioactive peptides (IPR, IEK, PGDR, ETLVK, and QAEQLR) from the full-length protein sequence. Among them, LC-MS/MS confirmed that ETLVK was a key peptide responsible for the lipid-lowering effect. This work uncovers a multitarget mechanism by which L. plantarum TCCC11824 mediates antiobesity activity through microbial-derived peptides, offering new insights into probiotic-based metabolic regulation.

Background/Objectives: Ulcerative colitis (UC) incidence has risen alarmingly worldwide, posing significant clinical challenges due to limitations of therapeutic efficacy and side effects of current drugs. While Polygonatum kingianum polysaccharides (PKPs) exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, their anti-colitis potential remains unexplored. This study aimed to validate the protective effects of PKPs against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and elucidate its mechanisms. Methods: Acute UC was induced in C57BL/6J mice by 3% DSS. PKPs (125 mg/kg) were administered via gavage for 10 days. Integrated approaches included histopathology, tight junction protein (ZO-1/Occludin/Claudin-1) immunohistochemistry, inflammatory/oxidative markers (ELISA), Nrf2 pathway proteins (Western blot), 16S rRNA gut microbiota sequencing, fecal untargeted metabolomics (UHPLC-MS), short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) analysis and combined analysis. Results: PKPs significantly alleviated colitis phenotypes: reduced weight loss, lowered disease activity index (DAI), and attenuated colon shortening. They restored intestinal barrier integrity by upregulating tight junction proteins and reducing plasma Diamine Oxidase (DAO)/D-lactate (D-Lac)/Endotoxin (ET). PKPs suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α/IL-1β/IL-6) while elevating IL-10, activated the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 antioxidant pathway, and reduced oxidative stress (MDA decreased, SOD/GSH increased). Multi-omics revealed PKPs enriched beneficial bacteria (Blautia, Odoribacter, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group), restored SCFAs (acetate/propionate/butyrate), and modulated metabolic pathways (sphingolipid/linoleic acid metabolism). Conclusions: PKPs ameliorate DSS-induced colitis through multi-target mechanisms: (1) preserving intestinal barrier function, (2) suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress via Nrf2 activation, (3) restoring gut microbiota balance and SCFA production, and (4) regulating host-microbiota metabolic interactions. These findings support PKPs as a promising dietary supplement for UC management.

The utilization of plant extracts in combination with various nanomaterials for treating polymicrobial wound infections represents a novel approach in overcoming the problem of antimicrobial resistance through its multi-targeted mechanism of action. The present study investigates the potential of Chromolaena odorata plant extract for the green synthesis of AgZnO bimetallic nanoparticles (BMNPs). The nanoparticles obtained were characterized and the UV-Vis studies demonstrated peaks at 361 and 371 nm which were characteristic of silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles while a size range of 5-15 nm was revealed in the HR TEM studies, and the presence of crystalline ZnO and surface decorated Ag nanoparticles was observed in the diffraction patterns. The BMNPs possessed antimicrobial effect with a MIC of 0.625 mg/mL and significant inhibition of biofilm formation. The MTT assay revealed high cell viability percentage of 99.07% suggesting low cytotoxicity. Additionally, the electrospun PVA fibers incorporated with the BMNPs were visualized in the FE SEM of the fibers and the collagen-coated fibers also showed considerable antibacterial activity, suggesting the potential of the developed scaffold to be used as a wound healing material.

Skin aging is a complex physiological process that is associated with various skin diseases and affects appearance.Vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin synthesized after exposure of the skin to ultraviolet B radiation, has been found to regulate skin aging by modulating the physiological functions of skin cells, regulating the immune system, inducing antioxidative responses, inhibiting DNA damage, and promoting its repair. This article elucidates the multi-target mechanism of vitamin D in delaying skin aging, providing a new theoretical foundation for preventive medicine to retard aging and related diseases through nutritional intervention.

Ultraviolet radiation (UVA/UVB) induces skin photoaging through mechanisms including oxidative stress, extracellular matrix degradation, chronic inflammation, and DNA damage. In contrast, conventional chemical sunscreens carry safety hazards such as dermal penetration toxicity and endocrine disruption. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) active components rely on the characteristics of multi-component and multi-target synergistic intervention; for example, baicalin scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and repairing DNA damage, astragaloside IV promoting collagen synthesis, and asiaticoside enhancing barrier function. This study systematically explores the core mechanism of ultraviolet (UV)- induced skin photoaging, analyzes the multi-target regulatory effects of TCM components, such as baicalin, astragaloside IV, and asiaticoside, and compares them with conventional sunscreen agents to reveal the multi-target advantages in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, collagen protection, and DNA repair pathways. At the same time, it clearly points out that their clinical translation of TCM components faces core bottlenecks. Such as low transdermal delivery efficiency, high batch-to-batch variability, and inadequate clinical sample sizes. In response to these limitations, transformative strategies such as developing novel delivery systems, optimizing strict quality control standards, and conducting large-sample, multi-center randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been proposed from the perspectives of formulation technology, component standardization, and clinical research. These approaches establish a preliminary framework for developing TCM-based anti-photoaging products.

Helicobacter pylori (Hp), as a significant pathogenic factor for gastric cancer, is closely related to chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer and other diseases. Eradicating it is a key strategy to reduce the risk of gastric cancer. At present, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of Hp infection and related diseases. Through a multi-target collaborative mechanism of "inhibiting bacteria - repairing - regulating", it can increase the eradication rate, improve symptoms, alleviate antibiotic resistance and adverse reactions, and maintain the balance of intestinal microecology. However, the research on the anti-Hp effects of TCM still faces several key issues such as the lack of standardization, insufficient mechanism elucidation, and the absence of high-quality clinical evidence. This article systematically reviews the understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of Hp infection in TCM, summarizes the clinical efficacy and potential mechanisms of commonly used Chinese medicines (single herbs and compound formulas), and analyzes their pathological basis from the perspective of gastrointestinal microecology. At the same time, it deeply examines the challenges and limitations present in current research. This study provides innovative ideas for the prevention and treatment of Hp infection and related diseases using TCM, emphasizing the value of multi-target integrated intervention. Future research urgently needs to strengthen the construction of the standardization system for TCM, deepen the analysis of the mechanism of compound drugs (especially by using single-cell sequencing and other technologies), etc., in order to promote the standardized application of TCM in this field and the early intervention of precancerous lesions of gastric cancer.

Gan-Mai-Da-Zao decoction ameliorates depressive-like behaviors in CUMS mice via the microbiota-metabolism-inflammation axis.

From network prediction to experimental validation: Multi-Target mechanisms of Artemisia absinthium L. Essential Oil (AAEO) against depression.

Lonicera japonica Thunb. in acute lung injury: A systematic review of bioactive components and multi-target mechanisms.

Mechanisms and clinical perspectives on imeglimin for insulin resistance in obese patients.

Combination of electroacupuncture and Liqi Yangyin formula treatment alleviates cognitive impairment and constipation in D-gal-induced mice via modulation of the brain-gut axis.

Background Panax ginseng root extract (PGRE), rich in bioactive ginsenosides, has been widely recognized for its potential health benefits. However, its skincare efficacy, particularly in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, remains to be fully elucidated. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the skincare efficacy of PGRE using primary keratinocytes and a 3D human epidermal model (EpiKutis ® ), focusing on its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and barrier repair mechanisms. Methods The cytotoxicity of PGRE was assessed at a concentration of 50 μg/mL, and its anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated by measuring the suppression of IL-1α, PGE2, and NF-κB activation. The antioxidant activity of PGRE was tested under 4-HNE-induced oxidative stress by quantifying reactive oxygen species (ROS) reduction. Additionally, the modulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway was investigated to understand its role in mitigating inflammatory feedback loops. Results PGRE at 50 μg/mL showed no cytotoxicity (>80% cell viability) and demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing IL-1α (34.17%), PGE2 (20.70%), and NF-κB activation (43.65%). Under oxidative stress conditions, PGRE significantly reduced ROS levels by 51.6%, highlighting its strong anti-carbonylation activity. Furthermore, PGRE effectively modulated the NF-κB signaling pathway, mitigating inflammatory feedback loops and underscoring its multitarget mechanism in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Conclusion PGRE exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a promising natural ingredient for anti-aging and anti-inflammatory skincare formulations. These findings suggest that PGRE could play a vital role in barrier repair and inflammation modulation. Further clinical studies are warranted to validate these in vitro results and to explore the role of NF-κB in PGRE's anti-inflammatory and barrier repair mechanisms.

Integrating of serum pharmacochemistry, metabolomics, and experimental validation to explore the mechanism of Erzhi Pill against Triple-negative breast cancer.

Proteomic insights into the multi-target mechanism and therapeutic application of citronellol-loaded carboxymethyl chitosan-based hydrogel for wound infection treatment.

Dioscorea nipponica Makino: Unraveling multi-target mechanisms and clinical potential in autoimmune disease therapy.

Integrative systems biology, transcriptomic profiling, and experimental validation reveal enterolactone as a multi-target inhibitor of metastatic signalling in triple-negative breast cancer.

Alcoholic liver disease: Mechanistic insights and therapeutic potential of traditional Chinese medicine through preclinical and clinical evidence.

Strontium regulating lipid metabolism of bovine hepatocytes via SIRT1/SREBPs pathway.

Exploring the molecular mechanism of Chinese herbal extracts used to improve skin wound healing.

Integrated serum pharmacochemistry, network pharmacology and experimental verification to explore the mechanism of Angelicae Pubescentis Radix in the treatment of NASH.