Journal of Guangxi Normal University(Natural Science Edition) ›› 2026, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (6): 195-210.doi: 10.16088/j.issn.1001-6600.2026011302

• Medicinal Resources Research • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Integrating UPLC-QTRAP-MS/MS, network pharmacology, and cellular assays to investigate the molecular mechanism of Tiaoqi Rougan Sanjie Pill in inhibiting angiogenesis and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma

Wu Lichuan1,2,3, Sun Yilin1,2, Xie Yuxin1,2, Qin Jianfeng4,5, Xu Liba4, LongFuli6*, Wei Jinrui3,4*   

  1. 1. School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning Guangxi 530004, China;
    2. Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine (Guangxi University), Nanning Guangxi 530004, China;
    3. Guangxi University Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Clinical Research (Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine), Nanning Guangxi 530024, China;
    4. Institute of Traditional Chinese and Zhuang-Yao Ethnic Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning Guangxi 530200, China;
    5. Guangxi Key Laboratory of Efficacy Study on Chinese Materia Medica (Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine), Nanning Guangxi 530200, China;
    6. The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning Guangxi 530023, China
  • Received:2026-01-13 Revised:2026-03-09 Online:2026-11-05 Published:2026-11-10

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the active components and molecular mechanism of Tiaoqi Rougan Sanjie Pill (TRSP) in inhibiting angiogenesis, migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro. A total of 42 chemical components were identified by UPLC-QTRAP-MS/MS; furthermore, based on network pharmacology, 128 potential targets related to HCC metastasis were screened, and four core targets (HIF-1α, TNF, CASP3, and SRC) were identified by topological analysis, with HIF-1α occupying a central position in the network and being identified as the core target. Molecular docking showed that multiple components in TRSP exhibited good binding activity with HIF-1α, with binding energies all below -20.9 kJ/mol. In vitro experiments confirmed that TRSP dose-dependently inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of hepatoma cells (HepG2 and MHCC-97H), and significantly suppressed the angiogenic ability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Mechanistic studies revealed that TRSP downregulated the protein expression of HIF-1α and its downstream factor VEGFA in hepatoma cells. In conclusion, TRSP may exert anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic effects against HCC by inhibiting the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway, providing experimental evidence for its clinical application.

Key words: Tiaoqi Rougan Sanjie Pills, liver cancer, angiogenesis, migration, invasion, HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway

CLC Number:  R285
[1] Bray F, Laversanne M, Sung H, et al. Global cancer statistics 2022: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries[J]. CA: a Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 2024, 74(3): 229-263. DOI:10.3322/caac.21834.
[2] Zhou J, Sun H C, Wang Z, et al. China liver cancer guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (2024 ed.)[J]. Liver Cancer, 2025, 14(6): 779-835. DOI: 10.1159/000546574.
[3] Zhou J, Sun H C, Wang Z, et al. Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of primary liver cancer (2022 ed.)[J]. Liver Cancer, 2023, 12(5): 405-444. DOI: 10.1159/000530495.
[4] 中华人民共和国国家卫生健康委员会医政司. 原发性肝癌诊疗指南(2024年版)[J]. 协和医学杂志, 2024, 15(3): 532-558. DOI: 10.12290/xhyxzz.2024-0304.
[5] Wang K L, Chen Q, Shao Y Y, et al. Anticancer activities of TCM and their active components against tumor metastasis[J]. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 2021, 133: 111044. DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.111044.
[6] Liu Y M, Li X Q, Zhang X R, et al. Uncovering the key pharmacodynamic material basis and possible molecular mechanism of extract of Epimedium against liver cancer through a comprehensive investigation[J]. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2023, 317: 116765. DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116765.
[7] Tian X C, Liu F, Wang Z J, et al. Modified Biejia Jianwan decoction restrains PD-L1-mediated immune evasion through the HIF-1α/STAT3/NF-κB signaling pathway[J]. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2024, 322: 117577. DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117577.
[8] 于春, 高芬, 郑兰兰, 等. 肝癌相关信号通路的中药调控研究进展[J]. 中国实验方剂学杂志, 2024, 30(15): 232-243. DOI: 10.13422/j.cnki.syfjx.20240128.
[9] 吴黎川, 谈振凯, 覃业浩, 等. 槐定碱衍生物抑制肝癌细胞迁移与侵袭研究[J]. 广西师范大学学报(自然科学版), 2025, 43(2): 207-220. DOI: 10.16088/j.issn.1001-6600.2024061801.
[10]覃业浩, 郭晨静, 吴黎川, 等. 基于UPLC-QTOF-MS、网络药理学和实验验证探讨复方鹿仙草颗粒抗肝癌作用机制[J]. 广西师范大学学报(自然科学版), 2025, 43(2): 221-237. DOI: 10.16088/j.issn.1001-6600.2024080505.
[11]Lin D, Wu J. Hypoxia inducible factor in hepatocellular carcinoma: a therapeutic target[J]. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 2015, 21(42): 12171-12178. DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i42.12171.
[12]Méndez-Blanco C, Fondevila F, García-Palomo A, et al. Sorafenib resistance in hepatocarcinoma: role of hypoxia-inducible factors[J]. Experimental & Molecular Medicine, 2018, 50(10): 1-9. DOI: 10.1038/s12276-018-0159-1.
[13]Pandey P, Lakhanpal S, Mahmood D, et al. Recent update of natural compounds as HIF-1α inhibitors in colorectal carcinoma[J]. Drug Design, Development and Therapy, 2025, 19: 2017-2034. DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S511406.
[14]庞娣, 王德, 林镛, 等. 龙富立调气论治原发性肝癌的经验总结[J]. 中西医结合肝病杂志, 2025, 35(3): 367-369. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1005-0264.2025.03.022.
[15]刘志芳. 柔肝散结丸联合HAIC术治疗气滞血瘀型PLC患者的临床疗效研究[D]. 南宁: 广西中医药大学, 2024.
[16]班少群. 柔肝散结丸治疗气滞血瘀型PLC患者TACE术后的临床研究[D]. 南宁: 广西中医药大学, 2023.
[17]梅梦如. 柔肝散结丸联合仑伐替尼治疗气滞血瘀型原发性肝癌的临床观察[D]. 南宁: 广西中医药大学, 2024.
[18]张天一, 王慧, 何孝忠, 等. 首荟通便胶囊通过调控TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB信号通路抑制幽门螺杆菌诱导的炎症反应[J]. 中草药, 2025, 56(24): 9055-9062. DOI: 10.7501/j.issn.0253-2670.2025.24.017.
[19]郭孝武. 超声提取与常规提取对部分中药碱类成分提出率的比较[J]. 世界科学技术-中药现代化, 2002, 4(5): 59-61. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-3849.2002.05.012.
[20]张晓东, 潘国凤, 吕圭源. 超声提取在中药化学成分提取中的应用研究进展[J]. 时珍国医国药, 2004, 15(12): 861-862. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1008-0805.2004.12.054.
[21]Liu H F, Liu Z T, Xie P T, et al. LRRC1 promotes angiogenesis through regulating AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin/VEGFA signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma[J]. Cells, 2025, 14(23): 1919. DOI: 10.3390/cells14231919.
[22]Magar A G, Morya V K, Noh K C. Molecular crosstalk between RUNX2 and HIF-1α in osteosarcoma: implications for angiogenesis, metastasis, and therapy resistance[J]. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2025, 26(15): 7642. DOI: 10.3390/ijms26157642.
[23]Almanzar G, Alarcon J C, Garzon R, et al. Hypoxia and activation of hypoxia inducible factor alpha as influencers of inflammatory helper T cells in autoimmune disease: a link between cancer and autoimmunity[J]. Frontiers in Immunology, 2025, 16: 1633845. DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2025.1633845.
[24]Yang X M, Chen W C, Sun H T, et al. Baicalin promotes anti-tumor immunity in hepatocellular carcinoma through HIF-1α/Lactate/CXCL9 axis[J]. Biochemical Pharmacology, 2025, 241: 117157. DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2025.117157.
[25]Lluis J M, Buricchi F, Chiarugi P, et al. Dual role of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in hypoxia signaling: activation of nuclear factor-kappaB via c-SRC and oxidant-dependent cell death[J]. Cancer Research, 2007, 67(15): 7368-7377. DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-07-0515.
[26]Cai H X, Hu Q, Song Z Y, et al. Liuwei Dihuang pills suppress hepatocellular carcinoma via PI3K/AKT/TP53 pathway: integrating network pharmacology, metabolomics, and experimental validation[J]. Phytomedicine, 2026, 152: 157780. DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2026.157780.
[27]Zheng Z M, Du Y Z, Jiang H, et al. KAJF alleviated colorectal cancer liver metastasis by reshaping the gut microbiota and inhibiting M2-like macrophage polarization[J]. Phytomedicine, 2025, 142: 156766. DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2025.156766.
[28]Hu S N, Li S M, Xu Y Z, et al. The antitumor effects of herbal medicine Triphala on oral cancer by inactivating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway: based on the network pharmacology, molecular docking, in vitro and in vivo experimental validation[J]. Phytomedicine, 2024, 128: 155488. DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155488.
[29]Zhu X Y, Li Z W, Chen L, et al. Exosomes delivering miR-129-5p combined with sorafenib ameliorate hepatocellular carcinoma progression via the KCTD1/HIF-1α/VEGFpathway[J]. Cellular Oncology, 2025, 48(3): 743-760. DOI: 10.1007/s13402-025-01044-x.
[30]Zhu L Y, Ao L, Guo Z T, et al. Recombinant canstatin inhibits the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by repressing the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway[J]. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 2024, 179: 117423. DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117423.
[31]Albulescu L, Suciu A, Neagu M, et al. Differential biological effects of Trifolium pratense extracts: in vitro studies on breast cancer models[J]. Antioxidants, 2024, 13(12): 1435. DOI: 10.3390/antiox13121435.
[32]Jodynis-Liebert J, Kujawska M. Biphasic dose-response induced by phytochemicals: experimental evidence[J]. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2020, 9(3): 718. DOI: 10.3390/jcm9030718.
[33]Liu X R, Zhang J, Yi T, et al. Decoding tumor angiogenesis: pathways, mechanisms, and future directions in anti-cancer strategies[J]. Biomarker Research, 2025, 13(1): 62. DOI: 10.1186/s40364-025-00779-x.
[34]Magar A G, Morya V K, Kwak M K, et al. A molecular perspective on HIF-1α and angiogenic stimulator networks and their role in solid tumors: anupdate[J]. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024, 25(6): 3313. DOI: 10.3390/ijms25063313.
[35]曾元莲, 于少朋, 胥亦, 等. 中药调控HIF-1α抑制肝癌的研究进展[J]. 中药与临床, 2020, 11(2): 65-70.
[36]Chen J B, Wu C Q, Yu K, et al. Bufalin targets the SRC-3/c-Myc pathway in chemoresistant cells to regulate metastasis induced by chemoresistance in colorectal cancer[J]. Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology, 2025, 151(2): 71. DOI: 10.1007/s00432-025-06124-x.
[37]Feng X, Yu Y, He S J, et al. Dying glioma cells establish a proangiogenic microenvironment through a caspase 3 dependent mechanism[J]. Cancer Letters, 2017, 385: 12-20. DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2016.10.042.
[38]Mei X Y, Ouyang H, Zhang H, et al. Scutellarin suppresses the metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer via targeting TNFα/TNFR2-RUNX1-triggered G-CSF expression in endothelial cells[J]. Biochemical Pharmacology, 2023, 217: 115808. DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115808.
[39]Ma Y, Pan Y, Zhao Q C, et al. Exploring the therapeutic potential and in vitro validation of baicalin for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer[J]. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2025, 16: 1530056. DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2025.1530056.
[40]Yu W J, Peng Z Z, Lü B W, et al. Tanshinone ⅡA attenuates airway inflammation and airway remodeling in bronchial asthma by inhibiting p38/NF-κB and AKT/HIF-1α[J]. Journal of Asthma, 2026, 63(4): 428-438. DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2025.2603318.
[41]Ho I, Xie Y J, Liu Z P, et al. Atlas-based mapping of traditional Chinese medicine effects on tumor microcirculation regulation[J]. Immunity, Inflammation and Disease, 2026, 14(2): e70347. DOI: 10.1002/iid3.70347.
[42]Mei X Y, Zhou L Y, Zhang T Y, et al. Chlorogenic acid attenuates diabetic retinopathy by reducing VEGF expression and inhibiting VEGF-mediated retinal neoangiogenesis[J]. Vascular Pharmacology, 2018, 101: 29-37. DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2017.11.002.
[43]Lee M S, Lee S O, Kim K R, et al. Sphingosine kinase-1 involves the inhibitory action of HIF-1α by chlorogenic acid in hypoxic DU145 cells[J]. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2017, 18(2): 325. DOI: 10.3390/ijms18020325.
[44]Mao X W, Pan C S, Huang P, et al. Levo-tetrahydropalmatine attenuates mouse blood-brain barrier injury induced by focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion: involvement ofSRC kinase[J]. Scientific Reports, 2015, 5: 11155. DOI: 10.1038/srep11155.
[45]邓桂明, 向彪, 肖小芹, 等. 基于网络药理学的乌药主要化学成分药效作用研究[J]. 中草药, 2018, 49(21): 5125-5133. DOI: 10.7501/j.issn.0253-2670.2018.21.025.
[46]Matos R C, Bitencourt A F A, Santana P A L, et al. Phytochemical profile and biological activities of the hydroethanolic extract of Pouteria guianensis: a pharmacological investigation[J]. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2025, 348: 119818. DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2025.119818.
[47]Acuña-Pilarte K, Koh M Y. The HIF axes in cancer: angiogenesis, metabolism, and immune-modulation[J]. Trends in Biochemical Sciences, 2025, 50(8): 677-694. DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2025.06.005.
[48]Liu B X, Xie Y, Zhang J Y, et al. SERPINB5 promotes colorectal cancer invasion and migration by promoting EMT and angiogenesis via the TNF-α/NF-κB pathway[J]. International Immunopharmacology, 2024, 131: 111759. DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111759.
[49]Ramos H, Calheiros J, Almeida J, et al. SLMP53-1 inhibits tumor cell growth through regulation of glucose metabolism and angiogenesis in a P53-dependent manner[J]. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2020, 21(2): 596. DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020596.
[50]Nie C H, Wang B, Wang B Q, et al. Protopine triggers apoptosis via the intrinsic pathway and regulation of ROS/PI3K/Akt signalling pathway in liver carcinoma[J]. Cancer Cell International, 2021, 21(1): 396. DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02105-5.
[1] WU Lichuan, TAN Zhenkai, QIN Yehao, ZHAO Xuqi, XIE Yuxin, HUANG Liyu, WEI Jinrui. Sophoridine Derivative Against Liver Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion [J]. Journal of Guangxi Normal University(Natural Science Edition), 2025, 43(2): 207-220.
[2] QIN Yehao, GUO Chenjing, WU Lichuan, WEI Pengcheng. Exploring the Anti-Liver Cancer Mechanism of Fufang Luxiancao Keli Based on UPLC-QTOF-MS, Network Pharmacology, and Experimental Validation [J]. Journal of Guangxi Normal University(Natural Science Edition), 2025, 43(2): 221-237.
[3] DONG Lei, JIANG Yong, LIANG Shichu, YUAN Lige, LI Feng, YU Weicheng. Effects of Herbivory and Competition on the Invasive Ability of Alien Species Myriophyllum aquaticum [J]. Journal of Guangxi Normal University(Natural Science Edition), 2024, 42(4): 165-171.
[4] XU Wangjun, CAO Jinde, WU Daiyong, SHEN Chuansheng. Stability of a Prey-predator Model with Migration and Allee Effects [J]. Journal of Guangxi Normal University(Natural Science Edition), 2022, 40(2): 103-115.
[5] BAI Jie, GAO Haili, WANG Yongzhong, YANG Laibang, XIANG Xiaohang, LOU Xiongwei. Detection of Students’ Classroom Performance Based on Faster R-CNN and Transfer Learning with Multi-Channel Feature Fusion [J]. Journal of Guangxi Normal University(Natural Science Edition), 2020, 38(5): 1-11.
[6] WU Ranxin, YU Tailin, FENG Changzhang, MA Yujun, ZHANG Gang. Diversity of Migratory Birds in Jiuwan Mountain, Guangxi, China [J]. Journal of Guangxi Normal University(Natural Science Edition), 2020, 38(1): 140-148.
[7] DUAN Lin-lin, LIANG Shi-chu, LI Fu-rong, ZHOU Qiao-jin. Comparison of the Leaf Allelopathic Potential of the Invasive WetlandPlant Spartina alterniflora and Three Native Mangrove Plants [J]. Journal of Guangxi Normal University(Natural Science Edition), 2015, 33(2): 109-114.
[8] WANG Gui-zhi, LÜ Xiao-jun, LU Jin-shuai, LI Jie. Floating Population Migration Satisfaction Based on AHM [J]. Journal of Guangxi Normal University(Natural Science Edition), 2013, 31(2): 7-12.
[9] ZHOU Fei-yan, LU Liu-yan, WEI Jian, QIU Li-gong, HUANG Ming. Preparation of Recombinant Human Fibroblast Growth Factor 8a andits Effect on Chick Embryo Chorioallantoic Membrane Angiogenesis [J]. Journal of Guangxi Normal University(Natural Science Edition), 2010, 28(1): 68-71.
Viewed
Full text


Abstract

Cited

  Shared   
  Discussed   
No Suggested Reading articles found!