Sun W, Chen Y, Li M. Systematic Elaboration of the Pharmacological Targets and Potential Mechanisms of ZhiKe GanCao Decoction for Preventing and Delaying Intervertebral Disc Degeneration.
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2022;
2022:8786052. [PMID:
35497916 DOI:
10.1155/2022/8786052]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background
ZhiKe GanCao Decoction (ZKGCD) is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine in the clinical treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). However, its active ingredients and mechanism of action remain unclear. This study aims to propose the systematic mechanism of ZKGCD action on IDD based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and enrichment analysis.
Methods
Firstly, the common target genes between ZKGCD and IDD were identified through relevant databases. Secondly, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of common genes was constructed and further analyzed to determine the core active ingredients and key genes. Thirdly, gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis of common genes were performed. Finally, the stability of the binding between core active ingredients and key genes was verified by molecular docking analysis.
Results
“Intersecting genes-active components” network consists of 154 active ingredients and 133 common genes. The ten key genes are AKT1, TNF, IL6, TP53, IL1B, JUN, CASP3, STAT3, MMP9, and MAPK3. Meanwhile, quercetin (Mol000098), luteolin (Mol000006), and kaempferol (Mol000422) are the most important core active ingredients. The main signal pathways selected by KEGG enrichment analysis includes AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications (hsa04933), TNF signaling pathway (hsa04668), IL-17 signaling pathway (hsa04657), cellular senescence (hsa04218), apoptosis (hsa04210), and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway (hsa04151), which are mainly involved in inflammation, apoptosis, senescence, and autophagy.
Conclusion
This study provides a basis for further elucidating the mechanism of action of ZKGCD in the treatment of IDD and offers a new perspective on the conversion of the active ingredient in ZKGCD into new drugs for treating IDD.
Collapse