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Paederus, belonging to the Coleoptera and Staphylinidae, can prevent cell mitosis and inhibit tumors. However, few studies exist on the mechanism of Paederus on inhibiting the growth of tumors. Consequently, the present study used network pharmacology, molecular docking and in vitro experiments explore the anti-Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) mechanism of Paederus. Methods: Network pharmacology was used to predict the potential mechanisms through which Paederus acts against HCC. Therefore, the active compounds of Paederus were retrieved from the CNKI, Wanfang, PubMed and Web of Science databases. The targets for the active compounds were obtained from the Targetnet database, then the common targets and signaling pathways were obtained by Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. Thereafter, the compound-target and target-pathway networks were constructed. Finally, in vitro experiments using the SMMC-7721 HCC cells were used to further verify the predicted anti-HCC mechanism of Paederus. Results: The study screened 40 active compounds from Paederus, and 26 targets related to the anti-HCC mechanism of Paederus were predicted through network pharmacology. These targets were involved in the Nod-like receptor, MAPK, PI3K- Akt, TNF and AMPK signaling pathways. In addition, cell experiments showed that Paederus reduce the proliferation rate of SMMC-7721 HCC cells. Moreover, Paederus could down-regulated the expressions of the HSP90AA1, IRAK-4 and CTSB proteins in the Nod-like receptor signaling pathways in SMMC-7721 HCC cells. Conclusion: The study revealed the potential mechanism through which Paederus acts against HCC by combining network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental verification.

Background: Dendrobium nobile Lindl. (DNL) is effective for the treatment of alcoholic liver disease (ALD), but the underly mechanism is still unclear., Objectives: This research aimed to investigate the effects and mechanism of the aqueous extract of Dendrobium nobile Lindl (AEDNL) in ALD rats based on a metabolomics approach., Materials and Methods: In this study, 18 Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into control, model, and AEDNL groups (n=six). Rats in the AEDNL group were given AEDNL (152 mg/kg) intragastric administration from the first day for 30 consecutive days. From day 15 to day 30, model and AEDNL groups were given 30% ethanol (10 ml/kg) after 4 h of daily administration. Then, serum and liver samples were collected for biochemical analysis, histopathological examination, and Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) determination for metabolomic analysis., Results: Compared with the model group, the liver/body weight index and serum levels of TC, LDL-C, and TBIL in the AEDNL group were significantly decreased. Hepatocyte cord arrangement, hepatocyte balloon, and fat vacuolization were significantly improved in the AEDNL group. Metabolism profiles were changed in the model and AEDNL groups. Seven and two common differential metabolites (Guanosine3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, and Glutaric acid) were found in serum and liver, respectively. In addition, the hepatoprotective effect of AEDNL on ALD was related to steroid hormone biosynthesis, riboflavin metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism., Conclusion: The research could provide novel evidence of the protective effects of AEDNL on ALD., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)