Abstract
Introduction“Jiu Wei Zhu Huang San” (JWZHS) is a Chinese patent drug that is effective against respiratory tract infections (RTIs). However, its underlying mechanisms are not clear. The objective of the present study was to identify the potential compounds of JWZHS and their therapeutic targets in the context of RTIs; in addition, we investigated the molecular mechanisms by adopting network pharmacology and molecular docking simulation approaches. MethodsIn the present study, the network pharmacology approach mainly comprised of identification of the compounds and their predicted therapeutic targets, network construction, protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, gene ontology, and pathway enrichment analysis. In addition, molecular docking simulation was adopted to assess the binding potential of selected target-compound pairs. ResultsThe results identified eight potential therapeutic targets of JWZHS in upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) and pneumonia (TNF, IL6, IL1B, IL2, JUN, MAPK1, MAPK8 and EGFR). By clustering the PPI data of compound/disease targets, 2 modules were obtained. Molecular docking simulation revealed good binding affinity of the eight putative targets with the corresponding compounds. Enrichment analysis indicated that the therapeutic effect of JWZHS against URTI and pneumonia was possibly mediated via synergistic regulation of several biological pathways, such as signal transduction, immune system, cell growth, apoptosis, cancer, and other related signaling pathways. ConclusionOur results provide a preliminary explanation of the basic pharmacological effects of JWZHS against RTIs and characterize the potential underlying mechanisms. These findings provide a foundation for experimental research and eventual clinical application.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
