scholarly journals Pharmacological Mechanisms Underlying the Anti-asthmatic Effects of Modified Guomin Decoction Determined by Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guishu Wang ◽  
Bo Zhou ◽  
Zheyi Wang ◽  
Yufeng Meng ◽  
Yaqian Liu ◽  
...  

BackgroundAsthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by Th2-predominant inflammation and airway remodeling. Modified Guo Min decoction (MGMD) has been an extensive practical strategy for allergic disorders in China. Although its potential anti-asthmatic activity has been reported, the exact mechanism of action of MGMD in asthma remains unexplored.MethodsNetwork pharmacology approach was employed to predict the active components, potential targets, and molecular mechanism of MGMD for asthma treatment, including drug-likeness evaluation, oral bioavailability prediction, protein–protein interaction (PPI) network construction and analysis, Gene Ontology (GO) terms, and Reactome pathway annotation. Molecular docking was carried out to investigate interactions between active compounds and potential targets.ResultsA total of 92 active compounds and 72 anti-asthma targets of MGMD were selected for analysis. The GO enrichment analysis results indicated that the anti-asthmatic targets of MGMD mainly participate in inflammatory and in airway remolding processes. The Reactome pathway analysis showed that MGMD prevents asthma mainly through regulation of the IL-4 and IL-13 signaling and the specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) biosynthesis. Molecular docking results suggest that each bioactive compounds (quercetin, wogonin, luteolin, naringenin, and kaempferol) is capable to bind with STAT3, PTGS2, JUN, VEGFA, EGFR, and ALOX5.ConclusionThis study revealed the active ingredients and potential molecular mechanism by which MGMD treatment is effective against airway inflammation and remodeling in asthma through regulating IL-4 and IL-13 signaling and SPMs biosynthesis.

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 1934578X2110240
Author(s):  
Peng-yu Chen ◽  
Chen Wang ◽  
Ying Zhang ◽  
Chong Yuan ◽  
Bing Yu ◽  
...  

Introduction Angong Niuhuang Pills (AGNH), a Chinese patent medicine recommended in the “Diagnosis and Treatment Plan for COVID-19 (8th Edition),” may be clinically effective in treating COVID-19. The active components and signal pathways of AGNH through network pharmacology have been examined, and its potential mechanisms determined. Methods We screened the components in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) via Drug-like properties (DL) and Oral bioavailability (OB); PharmMapper and GeneCards databases were used to collect components and COVID-19 related targets; KEGG pathway annotation and GO bioinformatics analysis were based on KOBAS3.0 database; “herb-components-targets-pathways” (H-C-T-P) network and protein-protein interaction network (PPI) were constructed by Cytoscape 3.6.1 software and STRING 10.5 database; we utilized virtual molecular docking to predict the binding ability of the active components and key proteins. Results A total of 87 components and 40 targets were screened in AGNH. The molecular docking results showed that the docking scores of the top 3 active components and the targets were all greater than 90. Conclusion Through network pharmacology research, we found that moslosooflavone, oroxylin A, and salvigenin in AGNH can combine with ACE2 and 3CL, and then are involved in the MAPK and JAK-STAT signaling pathways. Finally, it is suggested that AGNH may have a role in the treatment of COVID-19.


Author(s):  
Rong Zhao ◽  
Meng-Meng Zhang ◽  
Dan Wang ◽  
Wei Peng ◽  
Qing Zhang ◽  
...  

Background: Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim., a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has been reported to possess therapeutic effects on diseases induced by oxidative stress (DOS), such as atherosclerosis and diabetes complication. However, the active components and its related mechanisms are still not systematically reported. Objective: The current study was aimed to explore the main active ingredients and its molecular mechanisms of Z. bungeanum for treating DOS using network pharmacology combined with molecular docking simulation. Methods: The active components of Z. bungeanum pericarps, in addition to the interacting targets, were identified from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database. These components were filtered using the parameters of oral bioavailability and drug-likeness, and the targets related to DOS were obtained from the Genecards and OMIM database. Furthermore, the overlapping genes were obtained, and a protein-protein interaction was visualized using the STRING database. Next, the Cytoscape software was employed to build a disease/drug/component/target network, and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed using R software. Finally, the potential active compounds and their related targets were validated using molecular docking technology. Results: A total of 61 active compounds, 280 intersection genes, and 105 signaling pathways were obtained. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that DOS occurs possibly through the regulation of many biological pathways, such as AGERAGE and HIF-1 signaling pathways. Thirty of the identical target genes showed obvious compact relationships with others in the STRING analysis. Three active compounds, quercetin, diosmetin, and beta-sitosterol, interacting with the four key targets, exhibited strong affinities. Conclusion: The findings of this study not only indicate the main mechanisms involving in the oxidative stress-induced diseases, but also provide the basis for further research on the active components of Z. bungeanum for treating DOS.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Yan-yun Liu ◽  
Li-hua Yu ◽  
Juan Zhang ◽  
Dao-jun Xie ◽  
Xin-xiang Zhang ◽  
...  

This study is aimed at exploring the possible mechanism of action of the Suanzaoren decoction (SZRD) in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease with sleep disorder (PDSD) based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) was used to screen the bioactive components and targets of SZRD, and their targets were standardized using the UniProt platform. The disease targets of “Parkinson’s disease (PD)” and “Sleep disorder (SD)” were collected by OMIM, GeneCards, and DisGeNET databases. Thereafter, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING platform and visualized by Cytoscape (3.7.2) software. Then, the DAVID platform was used to analyze the Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway. Cytoscape (3.7.2) software was also used to construct the network of the “herb-component-target-pathway.” The core active ingredients and core action targets of the drug were verified by molecular docking using AutoDock software. A total of 135 Chinese herbal components and 41 corresponding targets were predicted for the treatment of PDSD using SZRD. Fifteen important signaling pathways were screened, such as the cancer pathway, TNF signaling pathway, PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway. The results of molecular docking showed that the main active compounds could bind to the representative targets and exhibit good affinity. This study revealed that SZRD has the characteristics and advantages of “multicomponent, multitarget, and multipathway” in the treatment of PDSD; among these, the combination of the main active components of quercetin and kaempferol with the key targets of AKT1, IL6, MAPK1, TP53, and VEGFA may be one of the important mechanisms. This study provides a theoretical basis for further study of the material basis and molecular mechanism of SZRD in the treatment of PDSD.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Gaoxiang Wang ◽  
Lin Zeng ◽  
Qian Huang ◽  
Zhaoqi Lu ◽  
Ruiqing Sui ◽  
...  

Background. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common and serious complication of diabetes, but without a satisfactory treatment strategy till now. Liuwei Dihuang pills (LDP), an effective Chinese medicinal formula, has been used to treat DN for more than 1000 years. However, its underlying mechanism of action is still vague. Methods. Active compounds and corresponding targets of LDP were predicted from the TCMSP database. DN disease targets were extracted from the OMIM, GeneCards, TTD, DisGeNET, and DrugBank databases. Subsequently, the “herbal-compound-target” network and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were constructed and analyzed via the STRING web platform and Cytoscape software. GO functional and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were carried out on the Metascape web platform. Molecular docking utilized AutoDock Vina and PyMOL software. Results. 41 active components and 186 corresponding targets of LDP were screened out. 131 common targets of LDP and DN were acquired. Quercetin, kaempferol, beta-sitosterol, diosgenin, and stigmasterol could be defined as five crucial compounds. JUN, MAPK8, AKT1, EGF, TP53, VEGFA, MMP9, MAPK1, and TNF might be the nine key targets. The enrichment analysis showed that common targets were mainly associated with inflammation reaction, oxidative stress, immune regulation, and cell apoptosis. AGE-RAGE and IL-17 were the suggested two significant signal pathways. Molecular docking revealed that the nine key targets could closely bind to their corresponding active compounds. Conclusion. The present study fully reveals the multicompound’s and multitarget’s characteristics of LDP in DN treatment. Furthermore, this study provides valuable evidence for further scientific research of the pharmacological mechanisms and broader clinical application.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yankai Dong ◽  
Bo Tao ◽  
Xing Xue ◽  
Caixia Feng ◽  
Yating Ren ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Increasing attention has been paid to the effect of Epimedium on the nervous system, particularly anti-depression function. In the present study, we applied network pharmacology to introduce a testable hypothesis on the multi-target mechanisms of Epicedium against depression. Methods By reconstructing the network of protein–protein interaction and drug–component–target, we predicted the key protein targets of Epicedium for the treatment of depression. Then, through molecular docking, the interaction of the main active components of Epicedium and predicted candidate targets were verified. Results Nineteen active compounds were selected from Epicedium. There were 200 targets associated with Epicedium and 537 targets related to depression. The key targets of Epicedium for treating depression were IL6, VEGFA, AKT1, and EGF. According to gene ontology functional enrichment analysis, 22 items of biological process (BP), 13 items of cell composition (CC) and 9 items of molecular function (MF) were obtained. A total of 56 signaling pathways (P < 0.05) were identified by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis, mainly involving depression-related pathways such as dopaminergic synapse, TNF signaling pathway, and prolactin signaling pathway. The results of molecular docking showed that the most important activity components, including luteoklin, quercetin and kaempferol, were well combined with the key targets. Conclusions Luteoklin, quercetin, kaempferol and other active compounds in Epicedium can regulate multiple signaling pathways and targets such as IL6, AKT1, and EGF, therefore playing therapeutic roles in depression.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 1934578X2110167
Author(s):  
Xing-Pan Wu ◽  
Tian-Shun Wang ◽  
Zi-Xin Yuan ◽  
Yan-Fang Yang ◽  
He-Zhen Wu

Objective To explore the anti-COVID-19 active components and mechanism of Compound Houttuynia mixture by using network pharmacology and molecular docking. Methods First, the main chemical components of Compound Houttuynia mixture were obtained by using the TCMSP database and referring to relevant chemical composition literature. The components were screened for OB ≥30% and DL ≥0.18 as the threshold values. Then Swiss Target Prediction database was used to predict the target of the active components and map the targets of COVID-19 obtained through GeneCards database to obtain the gene pool of the potential target of COVID-19 resistance of the active components of Compound Houttuynia mixture. Next, DAVID database was used for GO enrichment and KEGG pathway annotation of targets function. Cytoscape 3.8.0 software was used to construct a “components-targets-pathways” network. Then String database was used to construct a “protein-protein interaction” network. Finally, the core targets, SARS-COV-2 3 Cl, ACE2 and the core active components of Compound Houttuyna Mixture were imported into the Discovery Studio 2016 Client database for molecular docking verification. Results Eighty-two active compounds, including Xylostosidine, Arctiin, ZINC12153652 and ZINC338038, were screened from Compound Houttuyniae mixture. The key targets involved 128 targets, including MAPK1, MAPK3, MAPK8, MAPK14, TP53, TNF, and IL6. The HIF-1 signaling, VEGF signaling, TNF signaling and another 127 signaling pathways associated with COVID-19 were affected ( P < 0.05). From the results of molecular docking, the binding ability between the selected active components and the core targets was strong. Conclusion Through the combination of network pharmacology and molecular docking technology, this study revealed that the therapeutic effect of Compound Houttuynia mixture on COVID-19 was realized through multiple components, multiple targets and multiple pathways, which provided a certain scientific basis of the clinical application of Compound Houttuynia mixture.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Yang ◽  
Chao-Tao Tang ◽  
Ruiri Jin ◽  
Bixia Liu ◽  
Peng Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract Huanglian jiedu decoction (HLJDD) is a heat-clearing and detoxifying agent composed of four kinds of Chinese herbal medicine. Previous studies have shown that HLJDD can improve the inflammatory response of ulcerative colitis (UC) and maintain intestinal barrier function. However, its molecular mechanism is not completely clear. In this study, we verified the bioactive components (BCI) and potential targets of HLJDD in the treatment of UC by means of network pharmacology and molecular docking, and constructed the pharmacological network and PPI network. Then the core genes were enriched by GO and KEGG. Finally, the bioactive components were docked with the key targets to verify the binding ability between them. A total of 54 active components related to UC were identified. Ten genes are considered to be very important to PPI network. Functional analysis showed that these target genes were mainly involved in the regulation of cell response to different stimuli, IL-17 signal pathway and TNF signal pathway. The results of molecular docking showed that the active components of HLJDD had good affinity with Hub gene. This study systematically elucidates the "multi-component, multi-target, multi-pathway" mechanism of anti-UC with HLJDD for the first time, suggesting that HLJDD or its active components may be candidate drugs for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiting Wang ◽  
Tao Lu

Abstract Due to the severity of the COVID-19 epidemic, to identify a proper treatment for COVID-19 is of great significance. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has shown its great potential in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. One of TCM decoction, Lianhua Qingwen decoction displayed promising treating efficacy. Nevertheless, the underlying molecular mechanism has not been explored for further development and treatment. Through systems pharmacology and network pharmacology approaches, we explored the potential mechanisms of Lianhua Qingwen treating COVID-19 and acting ingredients of Lianhua Qingwen decoction for COVID-19 treatment. Through this way, we generated an ingredients-targets database. We also used molecular docking to screen possible active ingredients. Also, we applied the protein-protein interaction network and detection algorithm to identify relevant protein groupings of Lianhua Qingwen. Totally, 605 ingredients and 1,089 targets were obtained. Molecular Docking analyses revealed that 35 components may be the promising acting ingredients, 7 of which were underlined according to the comprehensive analysis. Our enrichment analysis of the 7 highlighted ingredients showed relevant significant pathways that could be highly related to their potential mechanisms, e.g. oxidative stress response, inflammation, and blood circulation. In summary, this study suggests the promising mechanism of the Lianhua Qingwen decoction for COVID-19 treatment. Further experimental and clinical verifications are still needed.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaojian Wang ◽  
Rui Wang ◽  
Ting Xu ◽  
Hongting Jin ◽  
Peijian Tong ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The lesion of marrow is a crucial factor in orthopedic diseases, which is recognized by orthopedics-traumatology expert from "Zhe-School of Chinese Medicine". The Chinese herbs of regulating marrow has been widely used to treat osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) in China, while the interaction mechanisms were still elucidated. Thus, we conducted this study to explore the underlying mechanism of the five highest-frequency Chinese herbs of regulating marrow(HF-CHRM) in the treatment of ONFH with the aid of network pharmacology(NP) and molecular docking(MD). Methods The active components and potential targets of HF-CHRM were obtained through several online databases, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP), UniProt database. The gene targets related to ONFH were collected with the help of the OMIM and GeneCards disease-related databases. The "drug- component-target-disease" network and protein-protein interaction(PPI) network of the drug and disease intersecting targets were constructed by using Cytoscape software and the STRING database. R software was used for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. The MD of critical components and targets was carried out using Autodock Vina and Pymol to validate the binding affinity. Results A total of 54 active components, 1074 drug targets and 195 gene targets were obtained. There were 1219 ONFH related targets. 39 drug and disease intersection targets(representative genes: IL6, TP53, VEGFA, ESR1, IL1B) were obtained and considered potential therapeutic targets. 1619 items were obtained by the GO enrichment analysis, including 1517 biological processes, 10 cellular components and 92 molecular functions, which is mainly related to angiogenesis, bone and lipid metabolism and inflammatory reaction. The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed 119 pathways, including AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and IL-17 signaling pathway. MD results showed that quercetin, wogonin, and kaempferol active components had good affinity with IL6, TP53, and VEGFA core proteins. Conclusion The HF-CHRM can treat ONFH by multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway comprehensive action.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xi Cen ◽  
Yan Wang ◽  
LeiLei Zhang ◽  
XiaoXiao Xue ◽  
Yan Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is regarded as Pi Dan disease in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Dahuang Huanglian Xiexin Decoction (DHXD), a classical TCM formula, has been used for treating Pi Dan disease in clinic, its pharmacological mechanism has not been elucidated. MethodsThis study used network pharmacological analysis and molecular docking approach to explore the mechanism of DHXD on T2DM. Firstly, the compounds in DHXD were obtained from TCMSP and TCMID databases, the potential targets were determined based on TCMSP and UniProt databases. Next, Genecards, Digenet and UniProt databases were used to identify the targets of T2DM. Then, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was established with overlapping genes of T2DM and compounds, and the core targets in the network were identified and analyzed. Then, the David database was used for GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. Finally, the target genes were selected and the molecular docking was completed by Autodock software to observe the binding level of active components with target genes.ResultsA total of 397 related components and 128 overlapping genes were identified. After enrichment analysis, it was found that HIF-1, TNF, IL-17 and other signaling pathways, as well as DNA transcription, gene expression, apoptosis and other cellular biological processes had the strongest correlation with the treatment of T2DM by DHXD, and most of them occurred in the extracellular space, plasma membrane and other places, which were related to enzyme binding and protein binding. In addition, 42 core genes of DHXD, such as VEGFA, TP53 and MAPK1, were considered as potential therapeutic targets, indicating the potential mechanism of DHXD on T2DM. Finally, the results of molecular docking showed that HIF-1 pathway had strong correlation with the target genes INSR and GLUT4, quercetin and berberine had the strongest binding power with them respectively.ConclusionThis study summarized the main components of DHXD in the treatment of T2DM, identified the core genes and pathways, and systematically analyzed the interaction of related targets, trying to lay the foundation for clarifying the potential mechanism of DHXD on T2DM, so as to carry out further research in the future.


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