Pharmacological mechanisms of Taohe Chengqi decoction in diabetic cardiovascular complications: A systematic review, network pharmacology and molecular docking

Abstract

BackgroundDiabetic cardiovascular complications are the leading cause of diabetes-related deaths. These complications place an enormous and growing burden on global health systems and economies. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review on the therapeutic mechanisms of Taohe Chengqi Decoction (THCQD) in the treatment of diabetic cardiovascular complications. To predict the potential mechanisms of action of THCQD on diabetic cardiovascular complications using network pharmacology, and to validate these predictions through molecular docking analysis. MethodsTo collect relevant animal experiments, we searched a total of 6 databases. Eligibility for the study was determined based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data extraction was then performed on the literature. Methodological quality of animal studies was assessed using SYRCLE criteria. Based on network pharmacology, intersecting genes for THCQD and diabetic cardiovascular complications were obtained using Venny, PPI analysis and topology analysis of intersecting genes were performed; GO and KEGG were used for enrichment analysis and prediction of new targets of action. Molecular docking techniques were employed to model the interactions between drug components and target genes, thereby validating the results of network pharmacology predictions. ResultsA total of 16 studies were finally identified that fit the direction of this review. Included 6 studies of the myocardium, 1 study of the aortic arch, 5 studies of the femoral artery, 4 studies of the thoracic aorta. THCQD exhibited anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic and anti-atherosclerotic effects on cardiovascular complications in diabetic rats. Network pharmacology results showed that C0363 (Resveratrol), C0041 (Emodin), and C1114 (Baicalein) were the key components in the treatment of diabetic cardiovascular complications by THCQD. PPI results showed that INS, AKT1, TNF, ALB, IL6, IL1B as the genes that interact with the top 6. KEGG enrichment analysis identified the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications as the most prominent pathway enriched by THCQD for diabetic cardiovascular complications genes. The results of molecular docking showed that the key active components demonstrated favorable interactions with their corresponding target genes. ConclusionIn conclusion, the results of both basic and web-based pharmacological studies support the beneficial effects of the natural herbal formulation THCQD on diabetic cardiovascular complications. This decoction has anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic properties and is effective in ameliorating diabetic cardiovascular disease. The network pharmacology results further support these ideas and identify the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications as possibly the most relevant pathway for THCQD in the treatment of diabetic cardiovascular complications. The extent of the therapeutic potential of all-natural herbal components in the treatment of diabetic cardiovascular disease merits further investigation.