Integrated genomic network analysis revealed potential of a druggable target for hemorrhoid treatment

Abstract

Hemorrhoids are a prevalent medical condition that necessitates effective treatment options. The current options for treatment consist of oral medications, topical applications, or surgery, yet a scarcity of highly effective drugs still exists. Genetic markers provide promising avenues for investigating the treatment of hemorrhoids, as they may reveal intricate biological mechanisms and targeted drug therapies, ultimately enhancing more precise treatment tailored to the patient. This study aims to identify new drug candidates for treating hemorrhoids through a meticulous bioinformatics approach and integrated with genomic network analysis. After extracting 21 druggable target genes using DrugBank from 293 genes connected to hemorrhoids, 87 possible drugs were selected. Three of these drugs (ketamine, methylene blue, and fulvestrant) hold potential in addressing issues associated with hemorrhoids and have been supported by clinical or preclinical studies. Eighty-four compounds present new therapeutic possibilities for managing hemorrhoids. We highlight that our findings indicate that NOX1 and NOS3 genes are promising biomarkers, with NOS3 gaining significance owing to its robust systemic functional annotations. Sapropterin, an existing drug, is closely associated with NOS3, providing a clear target for biomarker-driven interventions. This study illustrates the potential of combining genomic network analysis with bioinformatics to repurpose drugs for treating hemorrhoids. Subsequent research will explore the mechanisms for utilizing NOS3 targeting in the treatment of hemorrhoids.