Mechanism of Jianfu mixture in the treatment of erectile dysfunction based on network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking and in vitro experimental validation
10.12206/j.issn.2097-2024.202407013
- VernacularTitle:基于网络药理学、分子对接技术及体外实验验证探究健复饮治疗勃起功能障碍的作用机制
- Author:
Yantao YANG
1
;
Chao YU
2
;
Zhihang ZHANG
3
;
Yujiong PAN
1
;
Xiaofeng HE
1
;
Min XU
1
Author Information
1. Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China.
2. Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China;Zhou Zhiheng Studio, Shanghai Municipal Designated Traditional Chinese Medicine Physician, Shanghai 200032, China.
3. Department of Urology, Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou 310060, China.
- Publication Type:Originalarticles
- Keywords:
erectile dysfunction;
Jianfu mixture;
network pharmacology;
molecular docking;
In vitro cell experiment
- From:
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service
2026;44(6):296-305
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To explore the molecular mechanism of Jianfu mixture in the treatment of erectile dysfunction （ED） by network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques, and validate its core targets and mechanisms through in vitro experiments. Methods The active components and corresponding molecular targets of Jianfu mixture were searched by searching TCMSP and Batman-TCM databases, and the disease targets of ED were searched by using GeneCards database. Find the intersection of drug ingredient target and disease target. The interaction between intersected targets was described and analyzed by String database, and the analysis results were visualized by Cytoscape software to determine the core target and the corresponding active components. GO functional enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed for intersection targets; the core target within the intersection were found through MCODE plug-in on Cytoscape software and molecular docking was performed with the corresponding active ingredients. An endothelial dysfunction model was established by transfecting HUVECs with si-eNOS. Intervene with different concentrations of the Jianfu mixture for the model cells for 24 h. QPCR was used to detect mRNA expression of core targets （MAPK1, MAPK3, JUN, ESR1, MAPK8）; Western blot was used to analyze protein expression （eNOS, JUN, p-JUN, MAPK, p-MAPK） and phosphorylation levels. Results 144 effective active components and 168 active components target-disease targe intersection of Jianfu mixture were obtained. GO analysis revealed 200 5 biological processes, 151 molecular functions, and 63 cellular components. KEGG analysis yielded 181 pathways. 5 core targets including MAPK1, MAPK3, JUN, ESR1 and MAPK8 were screened out. The active components such as β-sitosterol, kaempferol, astapterocarpan had good binding affinity with the core target. In vitro experiments confirmed successful construction of the endothelial dysfunction model （eNOS expression significantly decreased after si-eNOS transfection）. Jianfu mixture dose-dependently inhibited mRNA expression of MAPK1, MAPK3, JUN, ESR1, and MAPK8. Additionally, it reduced phosphorylation levels of JUN and MAPK, indicating inhibition of the JNK/c-Jun and ERK/MAPK signaling pathways to improve endothelial function. Conclusion Jianfu mixture treats ED by suppressing abnormal activation of multi-target signaling pathways （MAPK/JUN/ESR1）, reducing endothelial apoptosis, and promoting NO synthesis. This mechanism aligns with the traditional Chinese medicine principle of “activating blood circulation, resolving stasis, tonifying Qi, and strengthening cardiovascular function.” The study provided molecular-level evidence for the therapeutic efficacy of Jianfu mixture in ED management.
