This study does not refer to ethical approval and consent to participate. The data used in this study was obtained from gene databases.
1. Prediction of disease targets
<ol>
	<li>Access the GeneCards database (https://www.genecards.org) and online Mendelian inheritance in man database (OMIM, https://www.omim.org), utilizing &#34;anus eczema&#34; as the search term for disease targets.</li>
	<li>Download the spreadsheets of the disease targets. Delete the repeated targets to obtain the anus eczema targets.</li>
</ol>
2. Selection of active components
<ol>
	<li>Search the keyword &#34;indigo naturalis, golden cypress, calcined gypsum, calamine, and Chinese Gall&#34; on the Traditional Chinese Medicine system&#39;s pharmacology database (TCMSP;&#160;http://tcmspw.com/tcmsp.php) to obtain the list of the candidate active ingredients and targets of SDG.</li>
	<li>Entrust the component onto the Swiss ADME database (http://www.swissadme.ch/index.php), extracting details of those exhibiting &#34;high&#34; GI absorption, coupled with at least two &#34;Yes&#34; DL values as active elements. 
	NOTE: Normally, only ingredients with drug-like (DL) values &#8805;0.18 in the database are included as active ingredients.</li>
</ol>
3. Construction of the PPI network and screening of the core proteins
<ol>
	<li>In Venny2.1( https://bioinfogp.cnb.csic.es/tools/venny/index.html), enter the targets of SDG and anus eczema into LIST1 and LIST2, respectively. A visual representation of the intersection is generated instantly. Click on the shared area to reveal the common targets in the&#160;Results section.</li>
	<li>Access the STRING database (https://string-db.org/). Enter the targets in the&#160;List of Names field. Then Select Homo sapiens as the Organism and proceed with Search &#62; Continue.</li>
	<li>When the results are available, open Advanced Settings and select the hide disconnected nodes in the network. In the Minimum Required Interaction Score, set the highest confidence (0.900) and then click on Update.</li>
	<li>Click on Exports to download the text of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network in .png and .tsv format.</li>
</ol>
4. Construction of a drug-component-disease-target network
<ol>
	<li>Open Cytoscape 3.9.1 and import the .tsv file mentioned in step 3.4. Click on the Style bar in the control panel to optimize the color, font, and side of the network nodes.</li>
	<li>For network topology analysis, employ the Analyze Network function. To obtain hub genes, use CytoHubba in Cytoscape software. Establish the drug-component-disease-target network.</li>
</ol>
5. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis
<ol>
	<li>Access the Metascape website (https://metascape.org/). Select a file or paste a gene list into the dialog box and click the&#160;Submit button. Then select H. sapiens in both Input as Species and Analysis as Species; after that, enable the Custom Analysis function.</li>
	<li>In the enrichment option, select GO Molecular Functions, GO Biological Processes, GO Cellular Components, and the KEGG Pathway database. Check Pick Selective GO Clusters, then click on the Enrichment Analysis button. Upon completion of the progress bar, initiate an Analysis Report Page click to retrieve the enrichment results.</li>
</ol>
6. GEO gene chip dataset analysis
<ol>
	<li>Search and analyze the GEO gene chip dataset (GDS3806) using the GEO2R tool (https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/geo2r/) to investigate the expression of central genes in different data groups (control group-non-atopic dermatitis; experimental group-atopic dermatitis).</li>
	<li>Enter the GEO database website (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/). Input keyword or GEO Accession, and click on the&#160;Search button. Select the best matching result. Find the Reference Series (GSE26952).</li>
	<li>Enter the GEO2R tool website (https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/geo2r/), enter the reference series in the&#160;GEO Accession box, and click the Set button. Select Atopic Dermatitis as the experimental group, select Nonatopic Control as the control group, and click the Analyze button. After the calculation is completed, the result will appear.</li>
</ol>
7. Molecular docking
<ol>
	<li>Open the TCMSP database and download the 3D structure of the selected ingredients. Use the Chemical Name search box and search the selected ingredient names to download the corresponding 3D structure files in mol2 format.</li>
	<li>Open the RCSB protein database (http://www.pdb.org/) and download the crystal structures of the key targets. In the search box, search the target names and download the corresponding crystal structure files in pdb format.</li>
	<li>Import ingredients and target structure files into the analysis software. Delete water molecules by clicking on Edit &#62; Delete Water. Add hydrogens by clicking on Edit &#62; Hydrogens &#62; Add. Set the ingredients as the ligand, select whole targets as the receptor, and perform blind docking.</li>
	<li>Determine the range of molecular docking.
	<ol>
		<li>Select the receptor and ligand in sequence. Click on Grid &#62; Grid Box to adjust the grid box to include the entire model. Click on File &#62; Close saving current to save the grid box status. Save files in gpf format.</li>
		<li>Click on Run &#62; Run Autogrid4 &#62; Parameter Filename &#62; Browse, select the gpf file, then click the Launch button.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Use AutoDock 4 to perform molecular docking.
	<ol>
		<li>Click on Docking &#62; Macromolecule &#62; Set Rigid Filename to select the receptor. Click on Docking &#62; Ligand &#62; Open/ Choose to select the ligand.</li>
		<li>Click on Docking &#62; Search Parameters to set operation algorithms and Docking &#62; Docking Parameters to set docking parameters. Select the dpf file, then click the Launch button. Save files in the dpf format.</li>
		<li>Click on Analyze &#62; Docking &#62; Open, select the dlg file, click on Analyze &#62; Macromolecule to open the receptor, click on Analyze &#62; Conformations &#62; Play, Ranked by Energy to analyze the results. Click Set Play &#62; Write Complex to save the results in pdbqt format.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Import the docking files into PyMOL software to construct further visualization.
	<ol>
		<li>Select the ligand, and click on Action &#62; Find &#62; Polar Contacts &#62; To Other Atoms in Object to display hydrogen bonds between ligands and the external environment. Click on c to change color.</li>
		<li>Click on Action &#62; Extract Object. Click on Show &#62; Sticks to show the stick structure of the receptor. Identify the residues connected to ligands and show the stick structure.</li>
		<li>Click on Hide &#62; Sticks to hide the stick structure of the receptor. Click on Wizard &#62; Measurement and click on two atoms in sequence. Click on Label &#62; Residue to show the label of the residues. Adjust the background color and transparency if necessary. Click on File &#62; Export Image as to save the picture.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>

Network Pharmacology and GEO Dataset Analysis of SDG in Anus Eczema Treatment

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The authors have nothing to disclose.

Atopic dermatitis is a specific form of eczema that shares underlying mechanisms with eczema. Hub genes believed to be related to this condition are TNF, MAPK14, and CASP3. The therapeutic effects of SDG on anal eczema are mainly attributed to its action on the TNF and MAPK signaling pathways via these three hub genes17.
SDG includes five distinct drugs: indigo naturalis, golden cypress, calcined gypsum, calamine, and Chinese Gall. In traditional Chinese medicine, calci...

Anal eczema is an allergic skin condition that affects the perianal region and mucosa, exhibiting various clinical manifestations1. The characteristic symptoms include anal erythema, papules, blisters, erosion, exudates, and crusting. These symptoms mostly arise due to scratching, thickening, and roughness of the affected area2.
Anal eczema, characterized by a prolonged duration of the disease, recurrent attacks, and challenging treatment, can have adverse effects on patients&#39; physical and mental health3. The pathogenesis of anal eczema is not yet clear, and modern medicine suggests that it may be related to local anal lesions, diet, environment, genetics, and other factors4. In addition to avoiding contact with irritants and potential allergens, the treatment of anal eczema mainly focuses on methods such as inhibiting inflammation, anti-allergy, and relieving itching5.
SDG has been extensively utilized for the treatment of anal eczema and other anal conditions. SDG regulates anal skin exudation, reduces moisture, repairs anal skin, and effectively addresses pruritus6,7,8. Furthermore, SDG has the potential to regulate perianus microbiota, thereby improving anus eczema9,10.
Network pharmacology, a novel and interdisciplinary, cutting-edge bioinformatic approach in the realm of artificial intelligence and big data, provides an in-depth exploration of traditional Chinese medicine. This discipline emphasizes the systemic expounding of molecular correlation rules between drugs and diseases from an ecological network perspective. It has been extensively adopted for various aspects, including identifying key active ingredients in herb extracts, deciphering their global mechanisms of action, formulating drug combinations, and studying prescription compatibility. Traditional Chinese prescriptions exhibit the attributes of multi-component and multi-target, signifying their substantial adaptability to the realm of network pharmacology. Driven by this methodology, fresh perspectives have emerged in the examination of complex traditional Chinese medicine systems, furnishing robust technical support for clinical application rationalization and drug innovation11,12,13,14.
This study aims to explore the mechanism of effectiveness of SDG in the treatment of anal eczema. This investigative effort sought to elucidate the mechanism of topical drug administration using a synergistic integration of network pharmacology and GEO datasets. The findings provide valuable insights into the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of SDG in the management of anus eczema, indicating its potential as an effective therapeutic approach for this condition.The detailed workflow diagram of the study is presented in Figure 1.

<table><tbody><tr><td>AutoDockTools</td><td>AutoDock</td><td>https://autodocksuite.scripps.edu/adt/</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cytoscape 3.9.1&amp;nbsp;</td><td>Cytoscape</td><td>https://cytoscape.org/</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>GeneCards database&amp;nbsp;</td><td>GeneCards</td><td>https://www.genecards.org</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>GEO database</td><td>National Center for Biotechnology Information</td><td>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>GEO2R tool&amp;nbsp;</td><td>National Center for Biotechnology Information</td><td>https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/geo2r/</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Metascape</td><td>Metascape</td><td>https://metascape.org/</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Online Mendelian inheritance in man database</td><td>OMIM</td><td>https://www.omim.org</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>RCSB protein database&amp;nbsp;</td><td>RCSB Protein Data Bank (RCSB PDB)</td><td>http://www.pdb.org/</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>STRING database&amp;nbsp;</td><td>STRING</td><td>https://string-db.org/</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Swiss ADME database&amp;nbsp;</td><td>Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics</td><td>http://www.swissadme.ch/index.php</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Traditional Chinese Medicine system&#039;s pharmacology database (TCMSP)</td><td>Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform</td><td>http://tcmspw.com/tcmsp.php</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Venny2.1</td><td>BioinfoGP</td><td>https://bioinfogp.cnb.csic.es/tools/venny/index.html</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

the efficacy and underlying pathway mechanisms of shidugao treatment for anus eczema based on geo datasets and network pharmacology

Anus eczema is a chronic and recurrent inflammatory skin disease affecting the area around the anus. While the lesions primarily occur in the anal and perianal skin, they can also extend to the perineum or genitalia. ShiDuGao (SDG) has been found to possess significant reparative properties against anal pruritus, exudation control, moisture reduction, and skin repair. However, the genetic targets and pharmacological mechanisms of SDG on anal eczema have yet to be comprehensively elucidated and discussed. Consequently, this study employed a network pharmacological approach and utilized gene expression omnibus (GEO) datasets to investigate gene targets. Additionally, a protein-protein interaction network (PPI) was established, resulting in the identification of 149 targets, of which 59 were deemed hub genes, within the "drug-target-disease" interaction network.
The gene function of SDG in the treatment of perianal eczema was assessed through the utilization of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis. Subsequently, the anti-perianal eczema function and potential pathway of SDG, as identified in network pharmacological analysis, were validated using molecular docking methodology. The biological processes associated with SDG-targeted genes and proteins in the treatment of anus eczema primarily encompass cytokine-mediated responses, inflammatory responses, and responses to lipopolysaccharide, among others. The results of the pathway enrichment and functional annotation analyses suggest that SDG plays a crucial role in preventing and managing anal eczema by regulating the Shigellosis and herpes simplex virus 1 infection pathways. Network pharmacology and GEO database analysis confirms the multi-target nature of SDG in treating anal eczema, specifically by modulating TNF, MAPK14, and CASP3, which are crucial hub targets in the TNF and MAPK signaling pathways. These findings provide a clear direction for further investigation into SDG's therapeutic mechanism for anal eczema while highlighting its potential as an effective treatment approach for this debilitating condition.

Anus eczema-related genes, SDG target genes, and common targets 
A total of 958 potential gene candidates were screened in Genecards and 634 in OMIM databases, while duplicates were excluded. To gain a comprehensive understanding of anal eczema-related genes, the findings from multiple databases were amalgamated, yielding a total of 958 distinct genes. Consequently, a protein-protein interaction network (PPI) specific to anal eczema was meticulously formulated. SDG is composed of five traditional Ch...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about The Efficacy and Underlying Pathway Mechanisms of ShiDuGao Treatment for Anus Eczema Based on GEO Datasets and Network Pharmacology at JoVE.com

Author Spotlight: Exploring ShiDuGao's Multi-Target Approach in Anus Eczema Treatment

This investigative effort sought to elucidate the mechanism of topical drug administration using a synergistic integration of network pharmacology and gene expression omnibus (GEO) datasets. This article evaluated the feasibility, target, and mechanism of ShiDuGao (SDG) in treating anus eczema.

The Efficacy and Underlying Pathway Mechanisms of ShiDuGao Treatment for Anus Eczema Based on GEO Datasets and Network Pharmacology

Anus eczema is a chronic and recurrent inflammatory skin disease affecting the area around the anus. While the lesions primarily occur in the anal and ...

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JoVE Journal

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740 Views.  Tianjin Medical University General Hospital. 1 Dit artikel evalueerde de haalbaarheid, het doel2 en het mechanisme van ShiDuGao bij de behandeling van anuseczeem. 3 Netwerkfarmacologie en GEO-database-analyse 4 bevestigen het multi-target karakter van SDG 5 bij de behandeling van anaal eczeem, 6 specifiek door TNF en APK 14, 7 en de CASP3, 8 te moduleren, die cruciale hub-doelen zijn in de TNF 9- en MAPK-signaleringsroutes. 10 Deze financieringen geven een duidelijke richting 11 voor verder onderzoek...

Video: Auteur in de schijnwerpers: onderzoek naar ShiDuGao's multi-target-benadering bij de behandeling van anus eczeem

The Measurement and Treatment of Suppression in Amblyopia

Amblyopia, a developmental disorder of the visual cortex, is one of the leading causes of visual dysfunction in the working age population. Current estimates put the prevalence of amblyopia at approximately 1-3%1-3, the majority of cases being monocular2. Amblyopia is most frequently caused by ocular misalignment (strabismus), blur induced by unequal refractive error (anisometropia), and in some cases by form deprivation.
Although amblyopia is initially caused by abnormal visual input in infancy, once established, the visual deficit often remains when normal visual input has been restored using surgery and/or refractive correction. This is because amblyopia is the result of abnormal visual cortex development rather than a problem with the amblyopic eye itself4,5 . Amblyopia is characterized by both monocular and binocular deficits6,7 which include impaired visual acuity and poor or absent stereopsis respectively. The visual dysfunction in amblyopia is often associated with a strong suppression of the inputs from the amblyopic eye under binocular viewing conditions8. Recent work has indicated that suppression may play a central role in both the monocular and binocular deficits associated with amblyopia9,10 .
Current clinical tests for suppression tend to verify the presence or absence of suppression rather than giving a quantitative measurement of the degree of suppression. Here we describe a technique for measuring amblyopic suppression with a compact, portable device11,12 . The device consists of a laptop computer connected to a pair of virtual reality goggles. The novelty of the technique lies in the way we present visual stimuli to measure suppression. Stimuli are shown to the amblyopic eye at high contrast while the contrast of the stimuli shown to the non-amblyopic eye are varied. Patients perform a simple signal/noise task that allows for a precise measurement of the strength of excitatory binocular interactions. The contrast offset at which neither eye has a performance advantage is a measure of the "balance point" and is a direct measure of suppression. This technique has been validated psychophysically both in control13,14 and patient6,9,11 populations.
In addition to measuring suppression this technique also forms the basis of a novel form of treatment to decrease suppression over time and improve binocular and often monocular function in adult patients with amblyopia12,15,16 . This new treatment approach can be deployed either on the goggle system described above or on a specially modified iPod touch device15.

Amblyopia is a developmental disorder of the visual cortex that is often accompanied by strong suppression of one eye. We present a new technique for measuring and treating interocular suppression in patients with amblyopia that can be deployed using virtual reality goggles or a portable iPod Touch device.

Amblyopia, a developmental disorder of the visual cortex, is one of the leading causes of visual dysfunction in the working age population. Current ...

The Goeckerman Regimen for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease affecting approximately 2-3% of the population. The Goeckerman regimen consists of exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) light and application of crude coal tar (CCT). Goeckerman therapy is extremely effective and relatively safe for the treatment of psoriasis and for improving a patient's quality of life. In the following article, we present our protocol for the Goeckerman therapy that is utilized specifically at the University of California, San Francisco. This protocol details the preparation of supplies, administration of phototherapy and application of topical tar. This protocol also describes how to assess the patient daily, monitor for adverse effects (including pruritus and burning), and adjust the treatment based on the patient's response. Though it is one of the oldest therapies available for psoriasis, there is an absence of any published videos demonstrating the process in detail. The video is beneficial for healthcare providers who want to administer the therapy, for trainees who want to learn more about the process, and for prospective patients who want to undergo treatment for their cutaneous disease.

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease. The Goeckerman regimen, formulated for the treatment of psoriasis, consists of exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) light and application of crude coal tar (CCT). The following protocol is for the administration of Goeckerman therapy for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a  chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease affecting approximately 2-3%  of the population. The Goeckerman regimen consists of ...

The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test (MSPT): An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool

Precise measurement of neurological and neuropsychological impairment and disability in multiple sclerosis is challenging. We report a new test, the Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test (MSPT), which represents a new approach to quantifying MS related disability. The MSPT takes advantage of advances in computer technology, information technology, biomechanics, and clinical measurement science. The resulting MSPT represents a computer-based platform for precise, valid measurement of MS severity. Based on, but extending the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC), the MSPT provides precise, quantitative data on walking speed, balance, manual dexterity, visual function, and cognitive processing speed. The MSPT was tested by 51 MS patients and 49 healthy controls (HC). MSPT scores were highly reproducible, correlated strongly with technician-administered test scores, discriminated MS from HC and severe from mild MS, and correlated with patient reported outcomes. Measures of reliability, sensitivity, and clinical meaning for MSPT scores were favorable compared with technician-based testing. The MSPT is a potentially transformative approach for collecting MS disability outcome data for patient care and research. Because the testing is computer-based, test performance can be analyzed in traditional or novel ways and data can be directly entered into research or clinical databases. The MSPT could be widely disseminated to clinicians in practice settings who are not connected to clinical trial performance sites or who are practicing in rural settings, drastically improving access to clinical trials for clinicians and patients. The MSPT could be adapted to out of clinic settings, like the patient&#8217;s home, thereby providing more meaningful real world data. The MSPT represents a new paradigm for neuroperformance testing. This method could have the same transformative effect on clinical care and research in MS as standardized computer-adapted testing has had in the education field, with clear potential to accelerate progress in clinical care and research.

The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test MSPT: An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool

Precise measurement of neurological and neuropsychological impairment and disability in multiple sclerosis is challenging. We report methodologic details on a new test, the Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test (MSPT). This new approach to the objective of quantification of MS related disability provides a computer-based platform for precise, valid measurement of MS severity.

Precise measurement of neurological and neuropsychological impairment and disability in multiple sclerosis is challenging. We report a new test, the ...

Network Analysis of the Default Mode Network Using Functional Connectivity MRI in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Functional connectivity MRI (fcMRI) is an fMRI method that examines the connectivity of different brain areas based on the correlation of BOLD signal fluctuations over time. Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE) is the most common type of adult epilepsy and involves multiple brain networks. The default mode network (DMN) is involved in conscious, resting state cognition and is thought to be affected in TLE where seizures cause impairment of consciousness. The DMN in epilepsy was examined using seed based fcMRI. The anterior and posterior hubs of the DMN were used as seeds in this analysis. The results show a disconnection between the anterior and posterior hubs of the DMN in TLE during the basal state. In addition, increased DMN connectivity to other brain regions in left TLE along with decreased connectivity in right TLE is revealed. The analysis demonstrates how seed-based fcMRI can be used to probe cerebral networks in brain disorders such as TLE.

The Default Mode Network (DMN) in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE) is analyzed in the resting state of the brain using seed-based functional connectivity MRI (fcMRI).

Functional connectivity MRI (fcMRI) is an fMRI method that examines the connectivity of different brain areas based on the correlation of BOLD signal ...

A Mouse Ear Model for Allergic Contact Dermatitis Evaluation

Skin is the human body&#39;s first line of defense and one of the most exposed organs to environmental chemicals. Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a common skin disease that manifests as a local rash, redness, and skin lesions. The occurrence and development of ACD are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Although many scholars have constructed a series of models of ACD in recent years, the experimental protocols of these models are all different, which makes it difficult for readers to establish them well. Therefore, a stable and efficient animal model is of great significance to further study the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. In this study, we detail a modeling method using 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNFB) to induce ACD-like symptoms in the ears of mice and describe several methods for assessing the severity of dermatitis during modeling. This experimental protocol has been successfully applied in some experiments and has a certain promotional role in the field of ACD research.

Here, we describe the methods for inducing allergic contact dermatitis in mouse ears by 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNFB) and how to evaluate the severity of allergic contact dermatitis.

Skin is the human body&#39;s first line of defense and one of the most exposed organs to environmental chemicals. Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a ...

Immunology and Infection

Behavioral and Network Pharmacology-Based Analyses for the Traditional Mongolian Medicine Zadi-5 in a Rat Model of Depression

Zadi-5 is a traditional Mongolian medicine that is widely used for the treatment of depression and symptoms of irritation. Although the therapeutic effects of Zadi-5 against depression have been indicated in previously reported clinical studies, the identity and impact of the active pharmaceutical compounds present in the drug have not been fully elucidated.&#160;This study used network pharmacology to predict the drug composition and identify the therapeutically active compounds in Zadi-5 pills. Here, we established a rat model of chronic unpredicted mild stress (CUMS) and conducted an open field test (OFT), Morris water maze (MWM) analysis, and sucrose consumption test (SCT) to investigate the potential therapeutic efficacy of Zadi-5 in depression. This study aimed to demonstrate Zadi-5&#39;s therapeutic effects for depression and predict the critical pathway of the action of Zadi-5 against the disorder. The vertical and horizontal scores (OFT), SCT, and zone crossing numbers of the fluoxetine (positive control) and Zadi-5 groups were significantly higher (P &#60; 0.05) than those of the CUMS group rats without treatment. According to the results of network pharmacology analysis, the PI3K-AKT pathway was found to be essential for the antidepressant effect of Zadi-5.

The present protocol describes a method for the behavioral test validation and bioinformatical prediction of the therapeutic efficacy of Zadi-5, a traditional Mongolian medicine, in depression.

Zadi-5 is a traditional Mongolian medicine that is widely used for the treatment of depression and symptoms of irritation. Although the therapeutic ...

Network Pharmacology Prediction and Experimental Validation of Trichosanthes-Fritillaria thunbergii Action Mechanism Against Lung Adenocarcinoma

We aimed to study the mechanism of Trichosanthes-Fritillaria thunbergii in treating lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) based on network pharmacology and experimental verification. The effective components and potential targets of Trichosanthis and Fritillaria thunbergii were collected by high-throughput experiment and reference-guided (HERB) database of traditional Chinese medicine and a similarity ensemble approach (SEA) database, and the LUAD-related targets were queried by the GeneCards and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) databases. A drug-component-disease-target network was constructed by Cytoscape software. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, gene ontology (GO) function, and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were conducted to obtain core targets and key pathways. An aqueous extract of Trichosanthes-Fritillaria thunbergii and A549 cells were used for the subsequent experimental validation. Through the HERB database and literature search, 31 effective compounds and 157 potential target genes of Trichosanthes-Fritillaria thunbergii were screened, of which 144 were regulatory targets of Trichosanthes-Fritillaria thunbergii in the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma. The GO functional enrichment analysis showed that the mechanism of action of Trichosanthes-Fritillaria thunbergii against lung adenocarcinoma is mainly protein phosphorylation. The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis suggested that the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma by Trichosanthes-Fritillaria thunbergii mainly involves the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. The experimental validation showed that an aqueous extract of Trichosanthes-Fritillaria thunbergii could inhibit the proliferation of A549 cells and the phosphorylation of AKT. Through network pharmacology and experimental validation, it was verified that the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway plays a vital role in the action of Trichosanthes-Fritillaria thunbergii in treating lung adenocarcinoma.

Network Pharmacology Prediction and Experimental Validation of Trichosanthes-Fritillaria thunbergii Action Mechanism Against Lung Adenocarcinoma

This study reveals the mechanism of Trichosanthes-Fritillaria thunbergii in treating lung adenocarcinoma based on network pharmacology and experimental verification. The study also demonstrates that the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway plays a vital role in the action of Trichosanthes-Fritillaria thunbergii in treating lung adenocarcinoma.

We aimed to study the mechanism of Trichosanthes-Fritillaria thunbergii in treating lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) based on network pharmacology and ...

Jiawei Shengjiang San to Address Diabetic Nephropathy Using Network Pharmacology

Antagonistic Effect of Jiawei Shengjiang San on a Rat Model of Diabetic Nephropathy: Related to EGFR/MAPK3/1 Signaling Pathway

We aimed to delve into the mechanisms underpinning Jiawei Shengjiang San's (JWSJS) action in treating diabetic nephropathy and deploying network pharmacology. Employing network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques, we predicted the active components and targets of JWSJS and constructed a meticulous "drug-component-target" network. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were utilized to discern the therapeutic pathways and targets of JWSJS. Autodock Vina 1.2.0 was deployed for molecular docking verification, and a 100-ns molecular dynamics simulation was conducted to affirm the docking results, followed by in vivo animal verification. The findings revealed that JWSJS shared 227 intersecting targets with diabetic nephropathy, constructing a protein-protein interaction network topology. KEGG enrichment analysis denoted that JWSJS mitigates diabetic nephropathy by modulating lipids and atherosclerosis, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, apoptosis, and the HIF-1 signaling pathway, with mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1), MAPK3, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (AKT1) identified as collective targets of multiple pathways. Molecular docking asserted that the core components of JWSJS (quercetin, palmitoleic acid, and luteolin) could stabilize conformation with three pivotal targets (MAPK1, MAPK3, and EGFR) through hydrogen bonding. In vivo examinations indicated notable augmentation in body weight and reductions in glycated serum protein (GSP), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), uridine triphosphate (UTP), and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels due to JWSJS. Electron microscopy coupled with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining highlighted the potential of each treatment group in alleviating kidney damage to diverse extents, exhibiting varied declines in p-EGFR, p-MAPK3/1, and BAX, and increments in BCL-2 expression in the kidney tissues of the treated rats. Conclusively, these insights suggest that the protective efficacy of JWSJS on diabetic nephropathy might be associated with suppressing the activation of the EGFR/MAPK3/1 signaling pathway and alleviating renal cell apoptosis.

Author Spotlight: Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking to Decipher the Action of Jiawei Shengjiang San Against Diabetic Kidney Disease

Here, we present a protocol describing network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques to explore the mechanism of action of Jiawei Shengjiang San (JWSJS) in treating diabetic nephropathy.

We aimed to delve into the mechanisms underpinning Jiawei Shengjiang San's (JWSJS) action in treating diabetic nephropathy and deploying network ...

Assessing the Efficacy of Ginger Moxibustion in Diarrhea Management in COPD

Ginger Moxibustion, A Non-pharmacological Treatment, for Diarrhea in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a common and frequently occurring disease in the elderly population, and it tends to progressively worsen. Diarrhea is a common extrapulmonary complication in patients with COPD. Diarrhea can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, weakness, and a loss of appetite, among other adverse consequences, which seriously affect the quality of life and nutritional status of patients. These consequences are not conducive to improving airway obstruction in COPD patients. At present, modern medicine has poor curative effects, fails to control symptoms fully, causes a relapse after drug withdrawal, has side effects, and increases the medication burden of patients. Ginger moxibustion is a unique non-pharmacological therapy of traditional Chinese medicine, which is safe and effective in controlling diarrhea, has few side effects, and is easy to accept. It is, therefore, an ideal alternative therapy. This article aims to introduce the protocol of ginger moxibustion for treating diarrhea in COPD patients.

Author Spotlight: Exploring Non-Pharmacological Therapies for Chronic Respiratory Diseases &#8212; Linking Intestinal Microbiome Insights to COPD Treatment

Here, we present the method of using ginger moxibustion to treat diarrhea in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a common and frequently occurring disease in the elderly population, and it tends to progressively worsen. ...

Evaluating Salidroside as a Therapeutic Agent for Vascular Calcification Using Network Pharmacology and Experimental Rat Models

Vascular calcification (VC) is a critical pathological condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study employs a hybrid approach of network pharmacology and molecular biology to delineate the therapeutic mechanisms of salidroside (SAL), an active compound from Rhodiola crenulata, against VC. Through database mining and network analysis, 388 SAL targets intersecting with 2871 VC-associated targets were identified, resulting in 208 common targets. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network constructed via the String database and topological analysis in Cytoscape 3.9.1 pinpointed 10 key targets, including IL6, TNF, TP53, IL1B, HIF1A, CASP3, and STAT3, among others. The identified genes were concentrated in the lipid and atherosclerosis pathways, indicating that the improvement of VC by SAL may occur through the regulation of abnormal expression of lipid and inflammatory factors. It was also found that SAL inhibits the abnormal expression of inflammatory factors, thereby activating the JAK2/STAT3 pathway to intervene in the progression of VC. The JAK2/STAT3 pathway is a key molecular mechanism by which SAL prevents further deterioration of VC. Functional enrichment analyses revealed the involvement of these targets in inflammatory responses and lipid metabolism, pivotal pathways in VC. In vivo studies in rats demonstrated SAL's efficacy in mitigating dyslipidemia and vascular inflammation, with improved serum lipid profiles and reduced vascular calcium deposition. The mechanistic exploration, grounded in Western blot analysis, demonstrated salidroside's ability to regulate the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, highlighting its potential as a modulator in this critical molecular mechanism and offering a potential therapeutic target for VC. The strength of this research lies in its methodological rigor, integrating computational predictions with in vivo validations. This comprehensive approach establishes a robust framework for exploring the therapeutic mechanisms of natural compounds in combating VC.

This study establishes a rat model of vascular calcification induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) combined with vitamin D3 (VD3). The model was used to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of salidroside in preventing and treating vascular calcification, providing insights into its potential mechanisms of action through network pharmacology and in vivo experiments.

Vascular calcification (VC) is a critical pathological condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study employs a hybrid approach ...

The Efficacy and Underlying Pathway Mechanisms of ShiDuGao Treatment for Anus Eczema Based on GEO Datasets and Network Pharmacology

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