Bioinformatics Analysis Tool For Molecular mechANism Of Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Articles

Research on the Mechanism of Si Xian Decoction in Treating Acute Leukemia Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Technology

Abstract Objective Our objective was to investigate the mechanism of action of the Si Xian Decoction (SXD) in treating acute leukemia (AL) using network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques. Methods The chemical components of the four medicinal herbs of Shengdi (Rehmanniae Radix), Baimaogen (Imperatae Rhizoma), Xiaoji (Cirsii Herba), and Pugongying (Taraxaci Herba) in the SXD were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular mechANism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN-TCM), and Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM). A natural active chemical component dataset for the SXD was established. Human Gene Database (Gencards), Database of Gene-Disease Associations (DisGeNET), Database for Drug and Drug Target Information (DrugBank), and Human Disease Database (MalaCards) were searched to obtain AL-related targets and to establish a disease target database. After obtaining the intersection targets of drugs and diseases, a Venn diagram of the common targets was drawn online. A drug-disease protein interaction network was constructed using the String 11.5 platform, and a “drug-disease-target-signal pathway” network was built using Cytoscape 3.8.2 software to obtain relevant target network topology parameters. Results By searching the TCMSP, BATMAN-TCM, and ETCM databases, 30 active components of the SXD and 677 related targets were obtained. From Gencards, DrugBank, MalaCards, and DisGeNET databases, 12,110 potential AL disease targets were obtained. Using the ClusterProfiler package of the R4.2.2 platform, 1,011 entries of gene ontology information were enriched, including 467 biological process entries, 236 molecular function entries, and 308 cellular component entries. Additionally, 220 enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signaling pathways were obtained, mainly involving chemical carcinogen receptor activation, lipid and atherosclerosis, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, prostate cancer, and the role of the advanced glycation end products-receptor for advanced glycation end products (AGE-RAGE) signaling pathway in diabetic complications. Network topology analysis revealed that the main active components of SXD treating AL include γ-aminobutyric acid, adenosine, quercetin, scopolamine, and taraxasterol. Conclusion The treatment of AL with the SXD is a process of multicomponent, multitarget, and multisignal pathway coordination. Network pharmacology provides a solid research basis for elucidating the mechanism of action of SXD in the treatment of AL.

The potential mechanism of Aidi injection against neuroblastoma-an investigation based on network pharmacology analysis.

Background: Aidi injection, a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, has been used on a broader scale in treating a variety of cancers. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential anti-tumor effects of Aidi injection in the treatment of neuroblastoma (NB) using network pharmacology (NP). Methods: To elucidate the anti-NB mechanism of Aidi injection, an NP-based approach and molecular docking validation were employed. The compounds and target genes were collected from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database and Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular mechANism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN-TCM) database. The protein-protein interaction network was constructed using the STRING database. clusterProfiler (R package) was utilized to annotate the bioinformatics of hub target genes. The gene survival analysis was performed on R2, a web-based genomic analysis application. iGEMDOCK was used for molecular docking validation, and GROMACS was utilized to validate molecular docking results. Furthermore, we investigated the anticancer effects of gomisin B and ginsenoside Rh2 on human NB cells using a cell viability assay. The Western blot assay was used to validate the protein levels of target genes in gomisin B- and ginsenoside Rh2-treated NB cells. Results: A total of 2 critical compounds with 16 hub target genes were identified for treating NB. All 16 hub genes could potentially influence the survival of NB patients. The top three genes (EGFR, ESR1, and MAPK1) were considered the central hub genes from the drug-compound-hub target gene-pathway network. The endocrine resistance and estrogen signaling pathways were identified as the therapeutic pathways using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. Gomisin B and ginsenoside Rh2 showed a good binding ability to the target protein in molecular docking. The results of cell experiments showed the anti-NB effect of gomisin B and ginsenoside Rh2. In addition, the administration of gomisin B over-regulated the expression of ESR1 protein in MYCN-amplified NB cells. Conclusion: In the present study, we investigated the potential pharmacological mechanisms of Aidi against NB and revealed the anti-NB effect of gomisin B, providing clinical evidence of Aidi in treating NB and establishing baselines for further research.

Huoxin Pill Reduces Myocardial Ischemia Reperfusion Injury in Rats via TLR4/NFκB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway.

To explore the protective effect of Huoxin Pill (HXP) on acute myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (MIRI) injury in rats. Seventy-five adult SD rats were divided into the sham-operated group, model group, positive drug group (diltiazem hydrochloride, DH), high dose group (24 mg/kg, HXP-H) and low dose group (12 mg/kg, HXP-L) of Huoxin Pill (n=15 for every group) according to the complete randomization method. After 1 week of intragastric administration, the left anterior descending coronary artery of the rat's heart was ligated for 45 min and reperfused for 3 h. Serum was separated and the levels of creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were measured. Myocardial ischemia rate, myocardial infarction rate and myocardial no-reflow rate were determined by staining with Evans blue and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC). Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular mechANism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN) databases were used to screen for possible active compounds of HXP and their potential therapeutic targets; the results of anti-inflammatory genes associated with MIRI were obtained from GeneCards, Drugbank, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), and Therapeutic Target Datebase (TTD) databases was performed; Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment were used to analyze the intersected targets; molecular docking was performed using AutoDock Tools. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NFκB)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3). Compared with the model group, all doses of HXP significantly reduced the levels of LDH, CK and CK-MB (P<0.05, P<0.01); HXP significantly increased serum activity of SOD (P<0.05, P<0.01); all doses of HXP significantly reduced the levels of hs-CRP and IL-1β (P<0.05, P<0.01) and the myocardial infarction rate and myocardial no-reflow rate (P<0.01). GO enrichment analysis mainly involved positive regulation of gene expression, extracellular space and identical protein binding, KEGG pathway enrichment mainly involved PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and lipid and atherosclerosis. Molecular docking results showed that kaempferol and luteolin had a better affinity with TLR4, NFκB and NLRP3 molecules. The protein expressions of TLR4, NFκB and NLRP3 were reduced in the HXP group (P<0.01). HXP has a significant protective effect on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats, and its effect may be related to the inhibition of redox response and reduction of the inflammatory response by inhibiting the TLR4NFκB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Exploring the active ingredients and potential mechanisms of action of sinomenium acutum in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis based on systems biology and network pharmacology.

Objective: To investigate and predict the targets and signaling pathways of sinomenium acutum (SA) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through systems biology and network pharmacology, and to elucidate its possible mechanisms of action. Methods: We screened the active ingredients and corresponding target proteins of SA in Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), Traditional Chinese Medicines Integrated Database (TCMID) and Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular mechANism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN); and obtained the targets of rheumatoid arthritis diseases in a database of gene-disease associations (DisGeNET), Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database. The two targets were mapped by Venn diagram and the intersection was taken. The intersecting targets were used to construct protein-protein interaction (PPI) network maps in the String database, and Metascape was used for Gene Ontology (GO) functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment. Finally, the molecular docking technique was applied to validate and further clarify the core target of SA for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Results: A total of six active ingredients and 217 potential targets were obtained after screening; 2,752 rheumatoid arthritis-related targets and 66 targets common to RA and SA. GO function and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis yielded 751 GO function entries (652 GO biological processes, 59 GO molecular functions and 40 GO cellular components) and 77 KEGG signaling pathways. It mainly involves pathways related to neural activity ligand-receptor interaction pathways, cancer pathways, calcium signaling channels, Th17 cell differentiation and others, which are mainly classified into four categories, including regulation of immunity, anti-inflammation, regulation of cell growth and apoptosis, and signaling. The molecular docking results showed that the binding energy of PTGS2, CASP3, JUN and PPARG to the key components beta-sitosterol, 16-epi-Isositsirikine, Sinomenine and Stepholidine were ≤ -6.5kcal/mol, suggesting the existence of molecular binding sites. Conclusion: SA acts on key targets such as PTGS2, CASP3, JUN, and PPARG to modulate signaling pathways such as neural activity ligand-receptor interaction, cancer, calcium ion, NF-κB, and Th17 cell differentiation to regulate immunity, anti-inflammation, modulation of cell cycle, bone metabolism, and signaling for the treatment of RA. It was also confirmed that the treatment of RA with SA has multi-component, multi-target, multi-pathway and multi-mechanism characteristics.

Pharmacodynamic mechanism of Tibetan medicine Liurui Capsules on experimental autoimmune uveitis in rats based on network pharmacology and animal experiments

By integrating network pharmacology and animal experiments, we studied the pharmacodynamic mechanism of the Tibetan medicine Liurui Capsules in the treatment of experimental autoimmune uveitis(EAU). The active ingredients and targets of Liurui Capsules were searched against the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine(ETCM), Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine(BATMAN-TCM), and relevant literatures. The EAU-related targets were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO), GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM), and Therapeutic Target Database(TTD). The common targets shared by Liurui Capsules and EAU were identified, and the protein-protein interaction(PPI) network was established via STRING. Gene Ontology(GO) annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were conducted via g: Profiler. The rat model of EAU was induced by interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein(IRBP) and treated with Liurui Capsules. The inflammatory response of anterior segment and the pathological morphology of retina were observed. The mRNA and protein levels of delta-like ligand 4(DLL4), Notch1, interleukin-17(IL-17), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α) were determined by real-time quantitative PCR(q-PCR) and Western blot, respectively. The network pharmacology analysis predicted 51 common targets of Liurui Capsules and EAU, which were mainly involved in IL-17, TNF, and nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB) signaling pathways, as well as liposome receptors and other biological processes. Compared with the control group, the modeling of EAU caused inflammatory changes in the anterior segment and retina and up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of DLL4, Notch1, IL-17, and TNF-α in ocular tissue. Compared with the model group, Liurui Capsules reduced the inflammatory reaction of anterior segment and retina and down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of DLL4, Notch1, IL-17, and TNF-α. Liurui Capsules can down-regulate the expression of the proteins involved in DLL4/Notch1/IL-17 signaling pathway in ocular tissue and alleviate the ocular inflammation, which may be one of the mechanisms of Liurui Capsules in the treatment of EAU.

Analysis of absorbed constituents and network pharmacology research of Xiaoer Fupi Granules

Xiaoer Fupi Granules, a refined version of the classical prescription Shenling Baizhu Powder, has the effect of invigora-ting spleen, replenishing Qi, harmonizing stomach and resolving accumulation and is commonly used to treat Qi deficiency in spleen and stomach, disordered transportation and transformation, and indigestion of children. However, its medicinal constituents and mechanism remain unclear. We studied the main active constituents and action mechanism of Xiaoer Fupi Granules by integrating network pharmacology and prototype constituent analysis in vivo. This study will help to increase the reliability of database analysis results and lay a foundation for precise medication and mining of quality control markers. On the basis of Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine(BATMAN-TCM), the &quot;key chemical constituents-target&quot; network was constructed. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with linear ion trap-orbitrap mass spectrometry(UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS) was employed to analyze the absorbed constituents in rat urine and plasma, so as to validate the network. Further, we used BATMAN-TCM to construct the &quot;absorbed constituents-target-pathway&quot; network and explore the functioning mechanism of Xiaoer Fupi Granules. A total of 86 chemical constituents of Xiaoer Fupi Granules were predicted via BATMAN-TCM, among which only 18.6% were detected in rat plasma and urine. Accor-ding to the &quot;absorbed constituents-target-pathway&quot; network, 8 chemical constituents such as stearic acid and caprylic acid capable of regulating gastric acid and insulin secretion may be the critical constituents of Xiaoer Fupi Granules in invigorating spleen and harmonizing stomach. This study identified the critical active constituents and predicted the action mechanism of Xiaoer Fupi Granules, providing the reference for the research on the material basis of Xiaoer Fupi Granules.

Shunxin decoction improves diastolic function in rats with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction induced by abdominal aorta constriction through cyclic guanosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase Signaling Pathway.

To determine whether Shunxin decoction improves diastolic function in rats with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) by regulating the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase (cGMP-PKG) signaling pathway. Except for control group 8 and sham surgery group 8, the remaining 32 male Sprague-Dawlay rats were developed into HFpEF rat models using the abdominal aorta constriction method. These rats in the HFpEF model were randomly divided into the model group, the Shunxin high-dose group, the Shunxin low-dose group, and the Qiliqiangxin capsule group. The three groups received high-dose Shunxin decoction, low-dose Shunxin decoction, and Qiliqiangxin capsule by gavage, respectively, for 14 d. After the intervention, the diastolic function of each rat was evaluated by testing E/A, heart index, hematoxylin-eosin staining, Masson, myocardial ultrastructure, and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). The Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN-TCM) software was used to predict targets for which Shunxin decoction acts on the cGMP-PKG pathway. Natriuretic peptide receptor A (NPRA) and guanylate cyclase (GC) were detected by immunohistochemistry, and eNOS, phosphodiesterase 5A (PDE5A), and cGMP-dependent protein kinase 1(PKG I) were determined by Western blotting. Compared to the model group, the thickness of the interventricular septum at the end of diastole (IVSd) and the thickness of the posterior wall at the end of diastole (PWd) of the Shunxin decoction high-dose group, Shunxin decoction low-dose group, and Qiliqiangxin capsule group were all significantly reduced ( < 0.01). Furthermore, Shunxin decoction high-dose group E/A value was decreased ( < 0.01). Compared to the model group, the expression of NPRA and GC increased in the Shunxin decoction low-dose group and the Qiliqiangxin capsule group ( < 0.01). Compared to the model group, the expressions of eNOS and PKG I increased ( < 0.05) in the Shunxin decoction high-dose group. The expression of PDE5A expression decreased in the myocardium of the Shunxin decoction high-dose group, Shunxin decoction low-dose group, and Qiliqiangxin capsule group compared to the model group ( < 0.01). Shunxin decoction can improve diastolic function in rats with HFpEF. It increases the expression of NPRA, GC, and eNOS in the myocardial cell cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, upregulates cGMP expression, decreases PDE5A expression to reduce the cGMP degradation. Thus, the cGMP continually stimulates PKG I, reversing myocardial hypertrophy and improving myocardial compliance in HFpEF rats.

Network Pharmacology-Based Prediction and Pharmacological Validation of Effects of Astragali Radix on Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury.

Astragali Radix (AR) has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions for acute and chronic liver injury. However, little is known about the effects of AR on acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury (ALI). In the current study, a network pharmacology–based approach was applied to characterize the action mechanism of AR on ALI. All compounds of AR were obtained from the corresponding databases, and active compounds were selected according to its oral bioavailability and drug-likeness index. The potential genes of AR were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), and the Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN-TCM) and PubChem, whereas the potential genes related to ALI were obtained from Online databases (GeneCards and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man) and Gene Expression Omnibus profiles. The enriched processes, pathways, and target genes of the diseases were analyzed by referring to the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins database. A network constructed through Cytoscape software was used to identify the target proteins that connected the compounds in AR with the differential genes of ALI. Subsequently, the potential underlying action mechanisms of AR on ALI predicted by the network pharmacology analyses were experimentally validated in APAP-induced liver injury in mice and HL7702 cells incubated with APAP. The compound-target network included 181 targets, whereas the potential genes related to ALI were 4,621. A total of 49 AR–ALI crossover proteins, corresponding to 49 genes, were filtered into a protein–protein interaction network complex and designated as the potential targets of AR on ALI. Among the genes, the three highest-scoring genes, MYC, MAPK8, and CXCL8 were highly associated with apoptosis in ALI. Then in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that AR exhibited its prominent therapeutic effects on ALI mainly via regulating hepatocyte apoptosis related to inhibiting the expressions of MYC (c-Myc), MAPK8 (JNK1), and CXCL8 (IL-8). In conclusion, our study suggested that the combination of network pharmacology prediction with experimental validation might offer a useful tool to characterize the molecular mechanism of AR on ALI.

Effect and mechanism of Jingqi Yukui Capsules on gastric ulcer mucosa healing quality: based on network pharmacology and animal experiment

This study aims to identify the active components and the mechanism of Jingqi Yukui Capsules(JQYK) in the treatment of gastric ulcer based on network pharmacology, and verify some key targets and signaling pathways through animal experiment. To be specific, first, the active components and targets of JQYK were retrieved from a Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine(BATMAN-TCM) and Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP), and the targets of gastric ulcer from GeneCards and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM) with the search term &quot;gastric ulcer&quot;. The common targets of the two were the potential targets of the prescription for the treatment of the di-sease. Then, protein-protein interaction(PPI) network of key targets were constructed based on STRING and Cytoscape 3.7.2, followed by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment by matescape database and pathway visualization by Omicshare. For the animal experiment, the improved method of Okabe was used to induce gastric ulcer in rats, and the model rats were classified into the model group, JQYK high-dose(JQYK-H), medium-dose(JQYK-M), and low-dose(JQYK-L) groups, Anweiyang Capsules(WYA) group, and Rabeprazole Sodium Enteric Capsules(RBPZ) group. Normal rats were included in the blank group. Rats in the blank group and model group were given distilled water and those in the administration groups received corresponding drugs. Then gastric ulcer healing in rats was observed. The changes of the gastric histomorphology in rats were evaluated based on hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, and the content of inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) in rat gastric tissue was detected with Coomassie brilliant blue method. The mRNA and protein levels of some proteins in rat gastric tissue were determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR) and Western blot(WB) to further validate some key targets and signaling pathways. A total of 206 active components and 535 targets of JQYK, 1 305 targets of gastric ulcer, and 166 common targets of the disease and the drug were yielded. According to PPI analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, multiple key targets, such as interleukin-6(IL-6), tumor necrosis factor(TNF), mitogen-activated protein kinase 1(MAPK1), MAPK3, and MAPK14, as well as nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB) signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, and leukocyte transendothelial migration in the top 20 key signaling pathways were closely related to inflammation. The key protein p38 MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathway were selected for further verification by animal experiment. The gastric ulcer in the JQYK-H group recovered nearly to the level in the blank group, with significant decrease in the content of iNOS in rat gastric tissue and significant reduction in the mRNA and phosphorylation levels of p38 MAPK and the mRNA and protein levels of NF-κB p65 in rat gastric tissue. The results indicated that JQYK can inhibit the phosphorylation of the key protein p38 MAPK and the expression of NF-κB p65 in the NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby exerting the anti-inflammatory effect and effectively improving the quality of gastric ulcer healing in rats. Thus, the animal experiment result verifies some predictions of network pharmacology.

A network pharmacology approach to explore active compounds and pharmacological mechanisms of a patented Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of endometriosis.

ObjectiveEndometriosis is a common benign disease in women of reproductive age. Qu’s formula (QUF) is a patented Chinese herbal medicine for treating endometriosis that has been proven to be effective in treating and preventing the recurrence of endometriosis. This study is aimed to discover its molecular mechanism and to explore the potential drug targets.MethodsA QUF target and endometriosis-related gene set was identified by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) and Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN-TCM) databases and five disease-gene databases. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed, and a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was established to discover the potential mechanism. MalaCards was searched for targets and signaling pathways related to endometriosis, and the search results were also used to identify the key factors in QUF. Molecular docking was performed to visualize the interactions between the effective molecules and proteins encoded by critical genes. Cell experiments and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to further validate the therapeutic effects of the active compounds in QUF on endometriosis.ResultsA compound-target network with 117 nodes (94 genes and 23 active compounds) and 224 edges was generated. The results of GO and KEGG analyses indicated that QUF could act by regulating the immune response, apoptosis and proliferation, oxidative stress, and angiogenesis. VEGFA, CXCL8, CCL2, IL1B and PTGS2 were selected for molecular docking analysis from two critical subnetworks with high correlation scores in MalaCards, and the active compounds of QUF had binding potential and high affinity for them. The mRNA expression levels of CCL2, IL1B and PTGS2 significantly decreased after treatment with quercetin. MD simulations showed that the combinations of quercetin and these proteins were relatively stable.ConclusionThe network pharmacological strategy integrates molecular docking to unravel the molecular mechanism by which QUF protects against endometriosis. Our findings not only confirm the clinical effectiveness of QUF but also provide a foundation for further experimental study.

Mechanism of Shaofu Zhuyu Decoction in treatment of EMT induced dysmenorrhea based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP) and Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine(BATMAN-TCM) were searched for the effective components and targets of Shaofu Zhuyu Decoction. The relevant targets for endometriosis(EMT) and dysmenorrhea were retrieved from the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database(CTD), Therapeutic Target Database(TTD), GeneCards, and DisGeNET with the terms of &quot;endometriosis&quot; and &quot;dysmenorrhea&quot;. Cytoscape 3.8.0 was employed to construct the drug-active component-therapeutic target network. A protein-protein interaction(PPI) network was established by STRING 11.0. Analyze Network, the plug-in in the Cytoscape 3.8.0, was used to calculate the topological parameters of the nodes and screen out the critical proteins in the network. The potential therapeutic targets were imported into RStudio and subjected to Gene Ontology(GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) enrichment analyses with clusterProfiler package. Finally, the AutoDock Vina(Vina) platform was used for molecular docking to predict the binding degree of the main active components of Shaofu Zhuyu Decoction to key targets. As revealed by the screening results, 136 active components and 380 targets of Shaofu Zhuyu Decoction were obtained. Additionally, there were 1 627 targets related to EMT and 142 targets related to dysmenorrhea with 107 common targets, and 42 potential therapeutic targets of Shaofu Zhuyu Decoction for the treatment of EMT-induced dysmenorrhea. The targets such as interleukin 6(IL6) and prostaglandi-nendoperoxide synthase-2(PTGS2) were pivotal in the biological network of Shaofu Zhuyu Decoction intervention in EMT-induced dysmenorrhea, which involved multiple signaling pathways, including inflammation, hormones, and those promoted cell proliferation [e.g., mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase(PI3 K)-protein kinase B(AKT)]. The results of molecular docking showed that the active components of Shaofu Zhuyu Decoction had good binding capacities to key targets such as IL6 and PTGS2. The findings of this study demonstrated that Shaofu Zhuyu Decoction could treat EMT-induced dysmenorrhea through multiple targets and multiple pathways, which could provide new ideas for investigating the underlying mechanism of Shaofu Zhuyu Decoction in the treatment of EMT-induced dysmenorrhea.

Protective effects of Fufang Ejiao Jiang against aplastic anemia assessed by network pharmacology and metabolomics strategy

ObjectiveTo elucidate the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Fufang Ejiao Jiang (复方阿胶浆, FFEJJ) on aplastic anemia (AA) using integrated network pharmacology and serum metabolomics. MethodsTraditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP), Pubmed, integrative pharmacology-based research platform of traditional Chinese medicine (TCMIP), and Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular mechANism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN-TCM) were used to identify the constituents and putative targets of FFEJJ. GeneCards and DisGeNET databases were used to identify AA-associated targets. We constructed a herb-component-target network and analyzed the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Potential mechanisms were determined using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. In addition, an AA model was established using acetylphenylhydrazine (APH) and cetylphenylhydrazine (CTX). Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS)-based serum metabolomics was applied to screen potential metabolites and the related pathways associated with AA and the potential anti-anemic effects of FFEJJ. ResultsA total of 30 active components of FFEJJ and 24 targets were related to AA. PPI network analysis showed that VEGFA, AKT1, IL-6, CASP3, and ICAM1 were key nodes overlapping with proteins known to be related to AA. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the presumed targets of FFEJJ were mainly associated with pathways linked to the promotion of hematopoiesis and improvement of the hematopoietic microenvironment. A total of 423 metabolite biomarkers were identified between the control and AA models, which are involved in the development of AA. In contrast, FFEJJ reversed the 79 differential metabolites altered by AA. Pathway analysis suggested that the synergistic effects of FFEJJ were mainly enriched in 24 metabolic pathways. Among them, sphingolipid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and arachidonic acid metabolism were related to promoting hematopoiesis and improving the hematopoietic microenvironment, which partially conforms with network pharmacology. The interaction network formed by three key differential metabolites, including hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (HETE), sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), and lysophosphati-dylcholine (lysoPC), and three predicted network targets (VEGFA, CASP3, and ICAM1) may be the potential mechanism underlying the anti-AA action of the multi-component of FFEJJ. ConclusionFFEJJ could be an alternative treatment option for AA. It acts by promoting hematopoiesis and improving the hematopoietic microenvironment. Network pharmacology-integrated metabolomics makes it possible to analyze TCMs from a systems perspective and at the molecular level.

A network pharmacology-based approach to explore the active ingredients and molecular mechanism of Lei-gong-gen formula granule on a spontaneously hypertensive rat model

BackgroundLei-gong-gen formula granule (LFG) is a folk prescription derived from Zhuang nationality, the largest ethnic minority among 56 nationalities in China. It consists of three herbs, namely Eclipta prostrata (L.) L., Smilax glabra Roxb, and Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. It has been widely used as health protection tea for hundreds of years to prevent hypertension in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The purpose of this study is to validate the antihypertensive effect of LFG on the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) model, and to further identify the effective components and anti-hypertension mechanism of LFG.MethodsThe effects of LFG on blood pressure, body weight, and heart rate were investigated in vivo using the SHR model. The levels of NO, ANG II, and ET-1 in the serum were measured, and pathological changes in the heart were examined by H&E staining. The main active components of LFG, their corresponding targets, and hypertension associated pathways were discerned through network pharmacology analysis based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP), Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Database (TCMID), and the Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN-TCM). Then the predicted results were further verified by molecular biology experiments such as RT-qPCR and western blot. Additionally, the potential active compounds were predicted by molecular docking technology, and the chemical constituents of LFG were analyzed and identified by UPLC-QTOF/MS technology. Finally, an in vitro assay was performed to investigate the protective effects of potential active compounds against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induced oxidative damage in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC).ResultsLFG could effectively reduce blood pressure and increase serum NO content in SHR model. Histological results showed that LFG could ameliorate pathological changes such as cardiac hypertrophy and interstitial inflammation. From network pharmacology analysis, 53 candidate active compounds of LFG were collected, which linked to 765 potential targets, and 828 hypertension associated targets were retrieved, from which 12 overlapped targets both related to candidate active compounds from LFG and hypertension were screened and used as the potential targets of LFG on antihypertensive effect. The molecular biology experiments of the 12 overlapped targets showed that LFG could upregulate the mRNA and protein expressions of NOS3 and proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase SRC (SRC) in the thoracic aorta. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway was closely related to the expression of NOS3 and SRC. Moreover, western blot results showed that LFG significantly increased the protein expression levels of PI3K and phosphorylated AKT in SHR model, suggesting that LFG may active the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway to decrease hypertension. Molecular docking study further supported that p-hydroxybenzoic acid, cedar acid, shikimic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinic acid, linalool, and histidine can be well binding with NOS3, SRC, PI3K, and AKT. UPLC-QTOF/MS analysis confirmed that p-hydroxybenzoic acid, shikimic acid, salicylic acid, and nicotinic acid existed in LFG. Pre-treatment of HUVEC with nicotinic acid could alleviate the effect on cell viability induced by H2O2 and increase the NO level in cell supernatants.ConclusionsLFG can reduce the blood pressure in SHR model, which might be attributed to increasing the NO level in serum for promoting vasodilation via upregulating SRC expression level and activating the PI3K-AKT-NOS3 signaling pathway. Nicotinic acid might be the potential compound for LFG antihypertensive effect.

Mechanism of Pingyang Jiangya Formula in treating hypertension based on network pharmacology and in vivo study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to analyze the mechanism of action of the Pingyang Jiangya Formula (平阳降压方, PYJYF) in treating hypertension, based on network pharmacology, and to verify the subsequent predictions through animal experiments. MethodsThe active components and related target genes of PYJYF were screened using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN-TCM), Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM), and DrugBank databases and available literature. The hypertension target genes were screened based on Therapeutic Target Database (TTD), GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), UniProt, and relevant literature. The component-disease-target network intersection target genes were inputted into the STRING database, and the key target genes were selected according to the degree algorithm. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed to explore the multitarget mechanism of action and molecular regulatory network of PYJYF in the treatment of hypertension. To verify this prediction, we used PYJYF to intervene in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and Wistar–Kyoto rats (WKY) as normal control, and the noninvasive tail artery manometry method was used to measure systolic blood pressure (SBP) in the rat tail before PYJYF intervention. After drug intervention, the SBP of each group rats were measured and compared every week. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to test plasma renin, angiotensin II (Ang II), and aldosterone (Ald) levels, and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological damage to the renal vessels in each group of rats. Western blot and reverse transcription real-time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) were used to detect the protein and mRNA expression levels of PI3K, AKT1, BAX, and Bcl-2, respectively. ResultsA total of 4 123 hypertension targets were obtained from related databases. From the TCMSP and chemical databases, 78 active components of PYJYF and the corresponding 401 drug targets were retrieved. Data analysis revealed that 208 drug targets directly interacted with the hypertension targets in PYJYF. The 10 targets most closely related to hypertension target proteins in PYJYF were directly retrieved from relevant databases. GO analysis revealed that 10 direct target proteins were involved in all aspects of the antihypertensive effects of PYJYF, as well as molecular biological processes, such as the regulation of blood pressure, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), angiotensin-mediated ligand reactions, and biological stimulation of cardiomyocyte apoptosis. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that PYJYF directly affected 20 signaling pathways associated with hypertension. In animal experiments, PYJYF reduced the protein and mRNA levels of PI3K, Akt, and Bax and upregulated the expression of the protein and mRNA levels of Bcl-2, reduced plasma renin, Ang II, and Ald levels, improved the hyperactivity of RAAS, and significantly reduced SBP in SHRs. ConclusionPYJYF is effective for hypertension therapy that acts through multiple compounds and targets. The possible underlying molecular mechanism includes regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to suppress RAAS, increasing the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax proteins, and inhibiting apoptosis, thereby mediating the repair of renal and renal vascular damage caused by hypertension. These findings warrant further research for use in clinical settings.

Investigation of the active components and mechanism of Sanao Decoction in treating chronic cough by network pharmacology and molecular docking

ObjectiveTo investigate the active components and mechanism of Sanao Decoction (三拗汤, SAD) in treating chronic cough based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. MethodsActive components and their targets were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems and Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular mechANism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN-TCM) database, and the literature. The component-target regulatory network and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were constructed by Cytoscape 3.7.2, and a bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify the significant pathways and their relevant targets. Molecular docking of the core active components and relevant targets was performed. ResultsA total of 98 active components of SAD and the corresponding 113 drug targets were identified. The component-target regulatory network and PPI network were successfully established. Results of the bioinformatics analysis indicated that 2 281 Gene Ontology (GO) terms were enriched in chronic cough, including 2 062 terms were in biological processes, 77 in cellular components, and 142 in molecular functions, and top 20 significant pathways in Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. Molecular docking study demonstrated that quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and naringenin were in good agreement with the corresponding targets. ConclusionThe active compounds of SAD, such as quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and naringenin, may act on AKT1, MAPK1, RELA, EGFR, and Bcl-2 and regulate the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, and fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis pathway to exert the effects of anti-inflammatory, anti-airway remodeling, anti-oxidant stress effects, and repair airway damage, thus treating chronic cough.

A network pharmacology approach to determine the underlying mechanisms of action of Yishen Tongluo formula for the treatment of oligoasthenozoospermia.

Oligoasthenozoospermia is a complex disease caused by a variety of factors, and its incidence is increasing yearly worldwide. Yishen Tongluo formula (YSTLF), created by Professor Sun Zixue, has been used to treat oligoasthenozoospermia in clinical practice for several decades with a good therapeutic effect. However, the chemical and pharmacological profiles of YSTLF remain unclear and need to be elucidated. In this study, a network pharmacology approach was applied to explore the potential mechanisms of YSTLF in oligoasthenozoospermia treatment. All of the compounds in YSTLF were retrieved from the corresponding databases, and the bioactive ingredients were screened according to their oral bioavailability (OB) and drug-likeness (DL). The potential proteins of YSTLF were obtained from the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology (TCMSP) database and the Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN-TCM) database, while the potential genes of oligoasthenozoospermia were obtained from the GeneCards database and the DisGeNET database. The STRING database was used to construct an interaction network according to the common targets identified by the online tool Venny for YSTLF and oligoasthenozoospermia. The topological characteristics of nodes were visualized and analyzed through Cytoscape. Biological functions and significant pathways were determined and analyzed using the Gene Ontology (GO) knowledgebase, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Metascape. Finally, the disease-formula-compound-target-pathway network was constructed by Cytoscape. A total of 106 bioactive ingredients and 134 potential targets from YSTLF were associated with oligoasthenozoospermia or considered to be therapeutically relevant. Pathway analysis indicated that the PI3K/Akt, MAPK and apoptosis signaling pathways were significant pathways involved in oligoasthenozoospermia. In conclusion, the current study expounded the pharmacological actions and molecular mechanisms of YSTLF in treating oligoasthenozoospermia from a holistic viewpoint. The potential molecular mechanisms were closely related to antioxidative stress, antiapoptosis and anti-inflammation, with TNF, CCND1, ESR1, NFKBIA, NR3C1, MAPK8, and IL6 being possible targets. This network pharmacology prediction may offer a helpful tool to illustrate the molecular mechanisms of the Chinese herbal compound YSTLF in oligoasthenozoospermia treatment.

Network pharmacology research and experimental verification of Huangqi (Astragalus Radix) and Jinyingzi (Rosae Laevigatae Fructus) in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia

ObjectiveThis study aimed to analyze the mechanism of action of Huangqi (Astragalus Radix, HQ) - Jinyingzi (Rosae Laevigatae Fructus, JYZ) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) based on network pharmacology and to verify the prediction through animal experimentation. MethodsBased on the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular mechANism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN-TCM) databases, and literature, the active components and related target genes of HQ and JYZ were screened. The BPH target genes were screened based on the DisGeNET and GeneGards databases, and Excel was used to merge and remove duplicates. The Perl language was used to obtain drug-BPH target genes by intersecting shared target genes. A drug-component-target gene network diagram was constructed using Cytoscape software. The drug-BPH intersection target genes were inputted into the STRING database, and the key target genes were selected according to the degree algorithm. The output formed the basis for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses to determine the potential mechanism of HQ and JYZ in BPH treatment. High, medium, and low doses of HQ and JYZ extract were used to intervene in BPH rats, and then the prostate volume, wet weight, and prostate index of the BPH rats were determined. Changes in prostate histopathology and microvessel density (MVD) were evaluated using immunohistochemistry, and the optimal HQ and JYZ extract dose was confirmed. Finally, the optimal dose was used to intervene in a BPH rat model, and AKT1 and VEGF expressions were examined by immunohistochemistry. ResultsBased on network pharmacology, 33 active components and 772 target genes were identified from HQ and JYZ, along with 817 BPH target genes and 112 drug-BPH common target genes. Among them were 10 key target genes, including AKT1, JUN, MAPK1, IL-6, TNF, ESR1, and VEGFA. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed 135 signaling pathways, including PI3K/AKT, IL-17, TNF, p53, MAPK, VEGF, JAK-STAT, and NF-κB pathways. The animal experiment showed that HQ and JYZ significantly improved prostate volume, wet weight, prostate index, and prostate histopathology of BPH rats, reducing MVD. In addition, HQ and JYZ inhibited the expression of AKT1 and VEGF in the prostate tissue of rats, promoted epithelial cell apoptosis, and inhibited angiogenesis, consistent with the prediction. ConclusionThe combination of HQ and JYZ is effective for BPH therapy through multi-compound and multi-target collaboration. Its possible mechanism in treating BPH includes regulation of AKT1, VEGF protein, PI3K/Akt, and VEGF signaling pathways related to apoptosis, angiogenesis, and inflammation, with potential for clinical use and research.

Exploring the effect of Gupi Xiaoji Prescription on hepatitis B virus-related liver cancer through network pharmacology and in vitro experiments

Aim and objectiveTo study the effect of Gupi Xiaoji Prescription (GXP) on hepatitis B virus(HBV)-related liver cancer through network pharmacology coupled with in vitro experiments and explore their related mechanisms. Materials and methodsGupi Xiaoji Prescription’s chemical constituents and the action targets of its six medicinal components were identified using several databases. These included the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database （TCMSP), the Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular mechANism of TCM (BATMAN-TCM), and the Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Database (TCMID), while GeneCards and OMIM were used to compile relevant liver cancer disease targets. Pathway enrichment of gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), analysis of potential targets, and analysis of the enriched pathways in literature were executed in R. The Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-derived HepG2.2.15 cell line stably expresses and replicates HBV. In vitro experiments with HepG2.2.15 were used to verify GXP’s effects on HBV-related liver cancer, while the human liver cancer cell line HepG2 was used as the control. Results171 active ingredients and 259 potential drug targets were screened from GXP, involving 181 pathways in vitro. These assays identified Polyphyllin I as an effective GXP component. Notably, GXP inhibited cell proliferation and metastasis in a concentration-dependent manner (P < 0.01). In comparison with the vehicle group, the fluorescence intensity of each drug group was significantly weakened (P < 0.01), while the drug group Mitofusins 1(MFN1) and protein expression level of Mitofusins 2 (MFN2) increased significantly. The protein expression level of Mitochondrial fission protein 1 (FIS1) and Optic Atrophy 1 (OPA1) also showed significant decreases (P < 0.01). Molecular docking revealed Fructus saponins I‘s high affinity with FIS1, MFN1, MFN2, and OPA1. ConclusionThe network pharmacology results indicate that Gupi Xiaoji Prescription may treat liver cancer by regulating mitochondrial division and fusion of key genes to disrupt liver cancer cells’ energy metabolism. In vitro experiments also verified that GXP could inhibit the proliferation and migration of HepG2.2.15 cells by up-regulating MFN1 and MFN2, down-regulating the expression of FIS1 and OPA1 in addition to damaging mitochondria. Consistent with network pharmacology and molecular docking results, Polyphyllin I may be the most active compound of the formula’s components. It also shows that Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) plays a significant, targeted role in the treatment of HBV-related liver cancer.

Exploring the mechanism of (-)-Epicatechin on premature ovarian insufficiency based on network pharmacology and experimental evaluation.

Methods: Relevant potential targets for EC were obtained based on Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database (TCMSP), a bioinformatics analysis tool for molecular mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN-TCM) and STITCH databases. The Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) and GeneCards databases were utilized to screen the known POI-related targets, while Cytoscape software was used for network construction and visualization. Then, the Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analysis were carried out by the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) database. Furthermore, KGN cells were performed to validate the predicted results in oxidative stress (OS) model, and antioxidant effect was examined.Results: A total of 70 potential common targets for EC in the treatment of POI were obtained through network pharmacology. Metabolic process, response to stimulus and antioxidant activity occupied a leading position of Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis indicated that PI3K/protein kinase B (AKT), TNF, estrogen, VEGF and MAPK signaling pathways were significantly enriched. In addition, cell experiments showed that EC exhibited antioxidant effects in an H2O2-mediated OS model in ovarian granulosa cells by regulating the expression of PI3K/AKT/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway and multiple downstream antioxidant enzymes.Conclusion: EC could regulate multiple signaling pathways and several biological processes (BPs). EC had the ability to down-regulate elevated OS level through the PI3K/AKT/Nrf2 signaling pathway and represented a potential novel treatment for POI.

A Network Pharmacology to Explore the Mechanism of Calculus Bovis in the Treatment of Ischemic Stroke.

Background Calculus Bovis is a valuable Chinese medicine, which is widely used in the clinical treatment of ischemic stroke. The present study is aimed at investigating its target and the mechanism involved in ischemic stroke treatment by network pharmacology. Methods Effective compounds of Calculus Bovis were collected using methods of network pharmacology and using the Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN-TCM) and the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). Potential compound targets were searched in the TCMSP and SwissTargetPrediction databases. Ischemic stroke-related disease targets were searched in the Drugbank, DisGeNet, OMIM, and TTD databases. These two types of targets were uploaded to the STRING database, and a network of their interaction (PPI) was built with its characteristics calculated, aiming to reveal a number of key targets. Hub genes were selected using a plug-in of the Cytoscape software, and Gene Ontology (GO) biological processes and pathway enrichment analyses of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were conducted using the clusterProfiler package of R language. Results Among 12 compounds, deoxycorticosterone, methyl cholate, and biliverdin were potentially effective components. A total of 344 Calculus Bovis compound targets and 590 ischemic stroke targets were found with 92 overlapping targets, including hub genes such as TP53, AKT, PIK2CA, MAPK3, MMP9, and MMP2. Biological functions of Calculus Bovis are associated with protein hydrolyzation, phosphorylation of serine/threonine residues of protein substrates, peptide bond hydrolyzation of peptides and proteins, hydrolyzation of intracellular second messengers, antioxidation and reduction, RNA transcription, and other biological processes. Conclusion Calculus Bovis may play a role in ischemic stroke by activating PI3K-AKT and MAPK signaling pathways, which are involved in regulating inflammatory response, cell apoptosis, and proliferation.