Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2021, Vol. 25 ›› Issue (14): 2224-2230.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.3129

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Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction in the treatment of osteoarthritis: analysis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology

Han Jie1, Zhang Xiaoyun1, 2, Chen Rilan1, Zhang Chi1, Liao Zilong1, Chen Yueping1, Chen Feng1, Liao Jianzhao1    

  1. 1Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530011, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China; 2Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, Jiangxi Province, China
  • Received:2020-04-28 Revised:2020-04-30 Accepted:2020-05-30 Online:2021-05-18 Published:2020-12-31
  • Contact: Chen Rilan, Chief physician, Master’s supervisor, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530011, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
  • About author:Han Jie, Associate chief physician, Master’s supervisor, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530011, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
  • Supported by:
    the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 81960908 (to CRL); Guangxi Chinese Medicine/Zhuangyao Pharmaceutical Preparation Improvement Project, No. GZZJ16-07 (to CRL); First-Class Discipline Projects of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, No. 2019XK026 (to CYP) and 2019XK029 

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction can reduce cartilage damage, promote cartilage repair, and delay the disease development by inhibiting angiogenesis, but its mechanism of action is not yet clear.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the molecular mechanism of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction in the treatment of osteoarthritis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology. 
METHODS: The active ingredients of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction were screened by TCMSP database and corresponding targets were collected. The potential targets for treating osteoarthritis were obtained by OMIM, GeneCards, and TTD databases, and the intersected targets of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction for treating osteoarthritis were obtained. The STRING database was used to construct the single drug-active ingredient-acting target network, followed by protein-protein interaction network analysis using Cytoscape software. David database was used for gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Molecular docking of active ingredients and key targets was finally performed using PyMOL software. 
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Sixty-three compounds of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction and 217 related targets were screened, and 130 targets were obtained after the intersection, mainly involving AGE−RAGE signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway, and interleukin-17 signaling pathway. Treatment of osteoarthritis might be achieved by the response to lipopolysaccharide, molecules of bacterial origin, nutrient level, and oxidative stress. ESR1, PRKDC, HSPA8, EP300 and HSP90AA1 were the hub targets in the protein-protein interaction network. A total of five key active ingredients were docked with five key targets. To conclude, Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction plays a role in the treatment of osteoarthritis through multi-component, multi-target and multi-channel regulations.


Key words: osteoarthritis, network pharmacology, target, molecular docking, Radix Astragali, ramulus cinnamomi, protein, factor

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