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 border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>AutoDockTools</td>
			<td>AutoDock</td>
			<td>https://autodocksuite.scripps.edu/adt/</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cytoscape 3.9.1&#160;</td>
			<td>Cytoscape</td>
			<td>https://cytoscape.org/</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>GeneCards database&#160;</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&#160;</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&#160;</td>
			<td>RCSB Protein Data Bank (RCSB PDB)</td>
			<td>http://www.pdb.org/</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>STRING database&#160;</td>
			<td>STRING</td>
			<td>https://string-db.org/</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Swiss ADME database&#160;</td>
			<td>Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics</td>
			<td>http://www.swissadme.ch/index.php</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Traditional Chinese Medicine system&#39;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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698 Views.  Tianjin Medical University General Hospital. 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. 

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

MRI-guided dmPFC-rTMS as a Treatment for Treatment-resistant Major Depressive Disorder

Here we outline the protocol for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guided repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Technicians used a neuronavigation system to process patient MRIs to generate a 3-dimensional head model. The head model was subsequently used to identify patient-specific stimulatory targets. The dmPFC was stimulated daily for 20 sessions. Stimulation intensity was titrated to address scalp pain associated with rTMS. Weekly assessments were conducted on the patients using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HamD17) and Beck Depression Index II (BDI-II). Treatment-resistant MDD patients achieved significant improvements on both HAMD and BDI-II. Of note, angled, double-cone coil rTMS at 120% resting motor threshold allows for optimal stimulation of deeper midline prefrontal regions, which results in a possible therapeutic application for MDD. One major limitation of the rTMS field is the heterogeneity of treatment parameters across studies, including duty cycle, number of pulses per session and intensity. Further work should be done to clarify the effect of stimulation parameters on outcome. Future dmPFC-rTMS work should include sham-controlled studies to confirm its clinical efficacy in MDD.

Here we outline the procedure for MRI-guided repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex as an experimental treatment for major depressive disorder.

Here we outline the protocol for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guided repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to the dorsal medial ...

Network Analysis of Foramen Ovale Electrode Recordings in Drug-resistant Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Patients

Approximately 30% of epilepsy patients are refractory to antiepileptic drugs. In these cases, surgery is the only alternative to eliminate/control seizures. However, a significant minority of patients continues to exhibit post-operative seizures, even in those cases in which the suspected source of seizures has been correctly localized and resected. The protocol presented here combines a clinical procedure routinely employed during the pre-operative evaluation of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients with a novel technique for network analysis. The method allows for the evaluation of the temporal evolution of mesial network parameters. The bilateral insertion of foramen ovale electrodes (FOE) into the ambient cistern simultaneously records electrocortical activity at several mesial areas in the temporal lobe. Furthermore, network methodology applied to the recorded time series tracks the temporal evolution of the mesial networks both interictally and during the seizures. In this way, the presented protocol offers a unique way to visualize and quantify measures that considers the relationships between several mesial areas instead of a single area.

This protocol describes a procedure to track the evolution of mesial network measures in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients. It is based on the combination of intracranial recordings with a novel numerical technique for data analysis. Specifically, we present a protocol for network analyses of foramen ovale recordings.

Approximately 30% of epilepsy patients are refractory to antiepileptic drugs. In these cases, surgery is the only alternative to eliminate/control ...

Mechanisms Underlying Gut Hormone Secretion Using the Isolated Perfused Rat Small Intestine

The gut is the largest endocrine organ of the body, producing more than 15 different peptide hormones that regulate appetite and food intake, digestion, nutrient absorption and distribution, and post-prandial glucose excursions. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate gut hormone secretion is fundamental for understanding and translating gut hormone physiology. Traditionally, the mechanisms underlying gut hormone secretion are either studied in vivo (in experimental animals or humans) or using gut hormone-secreting primary mucosal cell cultures or cell lines. Here, we introduce an isolated perfused rat small intestine as an alternative method for studying gut hormone secretion. The virtues of this model are that it relies on the intact gut, meaning that it recapitulates most of the physiologically important parameters responsible for the secretion in in vivo studies, including mucosal polarization, paracrine relationships and routes of perfusion/stimulus exposure. In addition, and unlike in vivo studies, the isolated perfused rat small intestine allows for almost complete experimental control and direct assessment of secretion. In contrast to in vitro studies, it is possible to study both the magnitude and the dynamics of secretion and to address important questions, such as what stimuli cause secretion of different gut hormones, from which side of the gut (luminal or vascular) is secretion stimulated, and to analyze in detail molecular sensors underlying the secretory response. In addition, the preparation is a powerful model for the study of intestinal absorption and details regarding the dynamics of intestinal absorption including the responsible transporters.

Here, we present a powerful and physiological model to study the molecular mechanisms underlying gut hormone secretion and intestinal absorption &#8212; the isolated perfused rat small intestine.

The gut is the largest endocrine organ of the body, producing more than 15 different peptide hormones that regulate appetite and food intake, digestion, ...

Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis

Brucellar spondylodiscitis (BS) is the most prevalent and significant osteoarticular presentation of human Brucellosis, which is commonly manifested in pastoral communities. It is difficult to differentially diagnose and usually leads to irreversible neurologic deficits and spinal deformities. The initial diagnosis of BS is based on clinical findings and radiographic assessments, and the confirmed diagnosis should be established by the isolation of Brucella species from the blood and/or the standard tube agglutination test. Differential diagnosis of multifocal BS from either degenerative disc diseases or tuberculosis is especially highlighted. The surgical approach, either endoscopic or open, is demonstrated in detail, accompanied by radiographic evidence of structural compression or severe instability. Further, the crucial surgical steps, including single-stage transforaminal decompression, debridement, interbody fusion, and internal fixation, are explained. Moreover, perioperative care and postoperative rehabilitation are also addressed. Taken together, this clinical algorithm presents a practical guide that has yielded substantially satisfactory outcomes in the past decades, which can also be introduced for large-scale application to manage human BS, especially in endemic regions.

We describe a clinical algorithm, based on decades of front-line experience of diagnosis and surgical treatment of human Brucellar spondylodiscitis in the largest medical center of the China's Xinjiang Pastoral Area.

Brucellar spondylodiscitis (BS) is the most prevalent and significant osteoarticular presentation of human Brucellosis, which is commonly manifested in ...

Laser-Induced Action Potential-Like Measurements of Cardiomyocytes on Microelectrode Arrays for Increased Predictivity of Safety Pharmacology

Life-threatening drug-induced cardiac arrhythmia is often preceded by prolonged cardiac action potentials (AP), commonly accompanied by small proarrhythmic membrane potential fluctuations. The shape and time course of the repolarizing fraction of the AP can be pivotal for the presence or absence of arrhythmia.
Microelectrode arrays (MEA) allow easy access to cardiotoxic compound effects via extracellular field potentials (FP). Although a powerful and well-established tool in research and cardiac safety pharmacology, the FP waveform does not allow to infer the original AP shape due to the extracellular recording principle and the resulting intrinsic alternating current (AC) filtering.
A novel device, described here, can repetitively open the membrane of cardiomyocytes cultivated on top of the MEA electrodes at multiple cultivation time points, using a highly focused nanosecond laser beam. The laser poration results in transforming the electrophysiological signal from FP to intracellular-like APs (laser-induced AP, liAP) and enables the recording of transcellular voltage deflections. This intracellular access allows a better description of the AP shape and a better and more sensitive classification of proarrhythmic potentials than regular MEA recordings. This system is a revolutionary extension to the existing electrophysiological methods, permitting accurate evaluation of cardiotoxic effect with all advantages of MEA-based recordings (easy, acute, and chronic experiments, signal propagation analysis, etc.).

The combination of laser poration and microelectrode arrays (MEA) allows action potential-like recordings of cultivated primary and stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. The waveform shape provides superior insight into test compounds' mode of action than standard recordings. It links patch-clamp and MEA readout to further optimize cardio safety research in the future.

Life-threatening drug-induced cardiac arrhythmia is often preceded by prolonged cardiac action potentials (AP), commonly accompanied by small ...

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 ...

Network Pharmacology Prediction and Metabolomics Validation of the Mechanism of Fructus Phyllanthi against Hyperlipidemia

Hyperlipidemia has become a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and liver injury worldwide. Fructus Phyllanthi (FP) is an effective drug against hyperlipidemia in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Indian Medicine theories, however the potential mechanism requires further exploration. The present research aims to reveal the mechanism of FP against hyperlipidemia based on an integrated strategy combining network pharmacology prediction with metabolomics validation. A high-fat diet (HFD)-induced mice model was established by evaluating the plasma lipid levels, including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Network pharmacology was applied to find out the active ingredients of FP and potential targets against hyperlipidemia. Metabolomics of plasma and liver were performed to identify differential metabolites and their corresponding pathways among the normal group, model group, and intervention group. The relationship between network pharmacology and metabolomics was further constructed to obtain a comprehensive view of the process of FP against hyperlipidemia. The obtained key target proteins were verified by molecular docking. These results reflected that FP improved the plasma lipid levels and liver injury of hyperlipidemia induced by a HFD. Gallic acid, quercetin, and beta-sitosterol in FP were demonstrated as the key active compounds. A total of 16 and six potential differential metabolites in plasma and liver, respectively, were found to be involved in the therapeutic effects of FP against hyperlipidemia by metabolomics. Further, integration analysis indicated that the intervention effects were associated with CYP1A1, AChE, and MGAM, as well as the adjustment of L-kynurenine, corticosterone, acetylcholine, and raffinose, mainly involving tryptophan metabolism pathway. Molecular docking ensured that the above ingredients acting on hyperlipidemia-related protein targets played a key role in lowering lipids. In summary, this research provided a new possibility for preventing and treating hyperlipidemia.

The present protocol describes an integrated strategy for exploring the key targets and mechanisms of Fructus Phyllanthi against hyperlipidemia based on network pharmacology prediction and metabolomics verification.

Hyperlipidemia has become a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and liver injury worldwide. Fructus Phyllanthi (FP) is an effective drug ...

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Viral Encephalitis Treatments

The Adjuvant Efficacy of Angong Niuhuang Pill in the Treatment of Viral Encephalitis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy of Angong Niuhuang Pill (ANP) as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of viral encephalitis. Seven databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, SinoMed, CNKI, VIP and WanFang) were included for literature retrieval from inception to July 2023. Randomized controlled trials comparing ANP plus conventional therapy with conventional therapy alone were eligible. Pooled effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for evaluating efficacy and safety. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias assessments were performed for analyzing the inconclusiveness of findings. 13 studies involving 1045 cases were included for meta-analysis. Adjuvant treatment with ANP increased the probability of the total effective rate by 17% compared with conventional treatment (Risk ratios (RR) = 1.17, 95%CI [1.08, 1.27]). The disappearance time of clinical syndromes and signs was significantly decreased after adjuvant treatment with ANP, including the time of defervescence (weighted mean difference (WMD) = -1.59, 95%CI [-2.09, -1.09]), the time of consciousness recovery (WMD = -1.79, 95%CI [-2.06, -1.51]), the time of headache disappearance (WMD = -1.51, 95%CI [-1.93, -1.08]), the time of tic disappearance (WMD = -1.88, 95%CI [-2.39, -1.36]). The adjuvant efficacy of ANP for treating viral encephalitis (VE) appears to improve the total effective rate and shorten the disappearance time of clinical syndromes. More high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to support our findings.

Author Spotlight: Evaluating the Adjuvant Efficacy and Safety of Angong Niuhuang Pill in Viral Encephalitis Treatment

Here, we present a protocol to analyze the effectiveness and safety of Angong Niuhuang Pill in the treatment of viral encephalitis.

This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy of Angong Niuhuang Pill (ANP) as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of viral encephalitis. Seven ...

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.