Combination of LC‐Q‐TOF‐MS/MS, network pharmacology, and nanoemulsion approaches identifies active compounds of two Artemisia species responsible for tackling early diabetes‐related metabolic complications in the liver

Abstract

Introduction:The chronicity of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) imparts various damages resulting in metabolic dysfunction and diseases involving inflammation and oxidative stress. The use of plant extracts is of high interest in complementary medicine. Yet, extracts are multicomponent mixtures, and difficult to pinpoint their exact mechanism.Objectives: We hypothesise that network pharmacology and bioinformatics can help experimental findings depict the exact active components and mechanism of action by which they induce their effects. Additionally, the toxicity and variability can be lowered and standardised with proper encapsulation methods.Methodology: Here, we propose the formulation of phytoniosomes encapsulating two Artemisia species (Artemisia dracunculus and Artemisia absinthium) to mitigate AGEs and their induced cell redox dysregulation in the liver. Extracts from different solvents were identified via liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF-MS/MS). Phytoniosomes were explored for their antiglycating effect and modulation of AGE-induced damages in THLE-2 liver cells.Network pharmacology tools were used to identify possible targets and signalling pathways implicated.Results: Data demonstrated that A. absinthium phytoniosomes had a significant anti-AGE effect comparable to reference molecules and higher than A. dracunculus. They were able to restore cell dysfunction through the restoration of tumour necrosis alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), nitric oxide, and total antioxidant capacity. Phytoniosomes were able to protect cells from apoptosis by decreasing caspase 3 activity.Network pharmacology and bioinformatic analysis confirmed the induction of the effect via Akt-PI3K-MAPK and AGE-RAGE signalling pathways through quercetin and luteolin actions.

Astragaloside IV-PESV inhibits prostate cancer tumor growth by restoring gut microbiota and microbial metabolic homeostasis via the AGE-RAGE pathway

“…The prolonged presence of AGEs brings about a variety of damages leading to metabolic dysfunction and diseases involving inflammation and oxidative stress [ 32 ]. These strategies include multifunctional effects such as inhibition of AGEs by polyphenols, blockade of RAGE-ligand interactions, modulation of gut microbiota abundance and diversity and alleviation of gut inflammation to delay or prevent the development of neurodegenerative diseases [ 21 ].…”

Comprehensive profiling of chemical composition of Gleditsiae spina using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry

“…Therefore, it is essential to develop a rapid and effective analytical method for identifying the chemical components of GS systematically and comprehensively. Ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–QTOF–MS/MS) coupled with data mining strategy allows rapid identification of Chinese herbal medicine constituents and detection of potential new compounds 13–18 ; due to these advantages over traditional extraction and separation methods, the technology is widely utilized in the manifestation of TCM ingredients 19–24 …”

“…Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-offlight-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS) coupled with data mining strategy allows rapid identification of Chinese herbal medicine constituents and detection of potential new compounds [13][14][15][16][17][18] ; due to these advantages over traditional extraction and separation methods, the technology is widely utilized in the manifestation of TCM ingredients. [19][20][21][22][23][24] At present, only a few comprehensive profiles of GS chemical composition have been reported.…”