Integrating Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation to Elucidate the Mechanism of Jiegeng Decoction in Improving Allergic Asthma.

Abstract

Allergic asthma is a prevalent form of asthma that is characterized primarily by airway inflammation. Jiegeng decoction (JGT) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula known for its anti-inflammatory properties and has been used to treat respiratory diseases for centuries. This study aimed to investigate the biological effects and mechanisms of action of JGT in improving allergic asthma. An experimental allergic asthma mouse model was established using ovalbumin. The results showed that JGT significantly improved inflammation cell infiltration in the lung tissue of allergic asthmatic mice and the inflammatory environment of Th2 cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid while also reducing serum IgE levels. Subsequently, 38 components of JGT were identified through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Network pharmacology revealed that regulating inflammation and immune responses is the primary biological process by which JGT improves allergic asthma, with Th2 cell differentiation and the JAK-STAT signaling pathway being the key mechanisms of action. Finally, qPCR, flow cytometry, and Western blotting were used to validate that JGT inhibited Th2 cell differentiation by blocking the JAK1-STAT6 signaling pathway in CD4+ T cells, ultimately improving allergic asthma. This study provides a novel perspective on the therapeutic potential of JGT in the treatment of allergic asthma.