Mechanism analysis of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu decoction in regulating nerve injury through vascular endothelial growth factor based on network pharmacology
10.3969/j.issn.1673-9701.2025.21.015
- VernacularTitle:依托网络药理学探析黄芪桂枝五物汤通过VEGF调节神经损伤的机制
- Author:
Yinxiang WEN
1
;
Yujie BI
;
Dujun MA
;
Lixin WANG
;
Yuhao ZHOU
;
Yuxin YANG
Author Information
1. 广州中医药大学第四临床医学院,广东 深圳 518033;深圳市中医院骨伤科,广东 深圳 518033
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Network pharmacology;
Molecular docking;
Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu decoction;
Vascular endothelial growth factor;
Nerve injury
- From:
China Modern Doctor
2025;63(21):64-70
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To investigate the mechanism by which Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu decoction(HQGZWWD)regulates nerve injury(NI)through vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)pathway based on a combination of network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques.Methods Active ingredients and targets of HQGZWWD were identified through the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform.A drug-ingredient-target network was constructed by integrated with data from OMIM,GeneCards,and CTD databases to identify VEGF/NI-related targets.Protein-protein interaction analyses were conducted by using STRING network platform,which were further analyzed by using the DAVID database for Gene Ontology/Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment.A"compound-target-pathway"network was constructed by using Cytoscape.Molecular docking was performed to validate the binding ability of core components with the targets.Results The primary constituents(quercetin,kaempferol)and principal targets[signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3),caspase 3,epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR),etc.]of HQGZWWD were identified.KEGG analysis revealed that the targets were enriched cancer,EGFR inhibitor resistance,and advanced glycation end-products-receptor for advanced glycation end-products etc.signaling pathways.Molecular docking demonstrated binding energy between core components and STAT3,caspace 3,EGFR,etc.,specifically,the core components exhibited strong binding energy such as STAT3(≤-7.37kcal/mol).Conclusion HQGZWWD shows potency in suppressing inflammation,oxidative stress,and apoptosis,while promoting neural repair through VEGF regulation.The integration of network pharmacology and molecular docking offers a foundational framework for mechanistic investigations.