Integrated network pharmacology and comprehensive bioinformatics identifying the mechanisms and molecular targets of Jieyu Anshen Granules for treating comorbidity with Alzheimer's disease and depression

Abstract

Jieyu Anshen Granules (JY) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula commonly used as an adjuvant treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD) complicated with depression. However, the specific underlying mechanisms and therapeutic targets of JY remain unclear. We used the TCMSP, TCMID, BATMAN-TCM, and other databases to screen the components and assumed targets of JY. Next, the GEO and DisGeNET databases were used to identify the related targets of both AD and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Enrichment analyses of core targets were performed, and the main components and core targets of JY for the comorbidity of AD and MDD were identified via protein–protein interaction (PPI) network construction and machine learning algorithms. Lastly, we verified binding affinity using the AutoDock software and molecular docking was performed. A total of 171 components were identified from JY, and 979 targets were obtained from the screening process. Bioinformatics analysis displayed 397 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were shared by AD and MDD. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment analysis revealed significant enrichment of genes associated with neurotransmitter receptor activity, G protein-coupled amine receptor activity, as well as signaling pathways such as the cAMP signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and cholinergic synapses. Through the PPI network and machine learning, we identified three hub genes (Ataxia telangiectasia-mutated gene [ATM], Colony stimulating factor 1 receptor [CSF1R], EPH receptor B2 [EPHB2]) as potential therapeutic targets. Molecular docking confirmed that the components of JY (Mairin, Hederagenin, 3-Epioleanolic Acid) could effectively bind to multiple key targets. This study revealed the effective components and potential mechanisms associated with JY treatment regarding AD and MDD comorbidities, offering valuable insights into promising therapeutic targets for subsequent studies.