Gou Qi Zi inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis through the PI3K/AKT1 signaling pathway in non-small cell lung cancer

Abstract

BackgroundGou Qi Zi (Lycium barbarum) is a traditional herbal medicine with antioxidative effects. Although Gou Qi Zi has been used to prevent premature aging and in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), its mechanism of action in NSCLC remains unclear. The present study utilized network pharmacology to assess the potential mechanism of action of Gou Qi Zi in the treatment of NSCLC.MethodsThe TCMSP, TCMID, SwissTargetPrediction, DrugBank, DisGeNET, GeneCards, OMIM and TTD databases were searched for the active components of Gou Qi Zi and their potential therapeutic targets in NSCLC. Protein-protein interaction networks were identified and the interactions of target proteins were analyzed. Involved pathways were determined by GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analyses using the Metascape database, and molecular docking technology was used to study the interactions between active compounds and potential targets. These results were verified by cell counting kit-8 assays, BrdU labeling, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and qRT-PCR.ResultsDatabase searches identified 33 active components in Gou Qi Zi, 199 predicted biological targets and 113 NSCLC-related targets. A network of targets of traditional Chinese medicine compounds and potential targets of Gou Qi Zi in NSCLC was constructed. GO enrichment analysis showed that Gou Qi Zi targeting of NSCLC was mainly due to the effect of its associated lipopolysaccharide. KEGG pathway analysis showed that Gou Qi Zi acted mainly through the PI3K/AKT1 signaling pathway in the treatment of NSCLC. Molecular docking experiments showed that the bioactive compounds of Gou Qi Zi could bind to AKT1, C-MYC and TP53. These results were verified by experimental assays.ConclusionGou Qi Zi induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation of NSCLC in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT1 signaling pathway.

Exploration of kiwi root on non-small cell lung cancer based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

“…[33] TCM also acts on Akt1 in the treatment of NSCLC, like Lycium barbarum. [34] Tumor necrosis factor, also known as TNF, is widely expressed in NSCLC, it could be a biomarker in NSCLC. [35] In this study, we also analyzed the BP, MF, CC, and pathways involved in the potential targets of kiwi root against NSCLC, KEGG analysis showed that PI3K-AKT and MAPK signaling pathway may be the central pathways in NSCLC therapy.…”

“…[ 33 ] TCM also acts on Akt1 in the treatment of NSCLC, like Lycium barbarum . [ 34 ] Tumor necrosis factor, also known as TNF, is widely expressed in NSCLC, it could be a biomarker in NSCLC. [ 35 ]…”

Long‑term survival of a patient with advanced lung cancer treated with targeted therapy and anti‑PD‑1 immunotherapy as multi‑line therapy: A case report

“…In a case where single therapy may have little or no effect, holistic integrative medicine may be utilized (32). Furthermore, a combination of multiple therapies, including conventional therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and complementary and alternative medicines, such as TCM (33), are a relatively newer route for the treatment of tumor and metastasis in the last 5 years. Research has showed that Qianjinweijing decoction combined with chemotherapy improves the quality of life of patients, and prolongs the survival time of patients with advanced NSCLC (34).…”

Lycium barbarum polysaccharide remodels colon inflammatory microenvironment and improves gut health

“…L. barbarum has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for its ability to nurture the liver, improve blurred vision, relieve headaches, and alleviate abdominal pain [ 7 ]. Studies have demonstrated that L ycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) possesses multiple preventive and ameliorative effects, including antioxidant, anticancer, lipid-lowering, and lung lesion reduction [ [8] , [9] , [10] ]. Studies have shown that LBP has anti-inflammatory effects.…”