1.Exploring Therapeutic Effects and Network Pharmacology Mechanisms of Poge Jiuxin Decoction on Fluid Resuscitation in Septic Shock Based on Vascular Endothelial Function
Richang CAO ; Xinyue FANG ; Jieying SHAO ; Qiusheng XIAO ; Yi SU ; Kang YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(23):161-168
ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of Poge Jiuxin decoction (PGJXD) on fluid resuscitation in septic shock patients and its effects on vascular endothelial function based on clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and network pharmacology, and to reveal its molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways through network pharmacology. MethodsSeventy-two septic shock patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to either the treatment group or the control group (36 cases each) through a random number table. Both groups received conventional Western medical treatment for sepsis. Additionally, the treatment group received PGJXD (100 mL, twice daily) for 3 consecutive days. The two groups were compared in terms of the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) score, vascular endothelial function indicators [endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF), nitric oxide (NO), and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α (6-keto-PGF1α)], inflammation indicators [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), and procalcitonin (PCT)], perfusion indicators [mean arterial pressure (MAP), lactate (Lac), and 72-hour lactate clearance rate (Lcr)], fluid resuscitation target achievement time, vasopressor use duration, length of hospital stay, and 28-day mortality. Databases including TCMSP, HIT 2.0, and Uniprot were searched for active components of PGJXD and their targets. Gene targets for septic shock were obtained from GeneCards, OMIM, and DrugBank databases. Venny software was used to identify common targets between PGJXD and septic shock. Cytoscape software and the STRING database were utilized to construct a "drug-component-target-disease" network and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, and molecular docking were performed to explore the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways of PGJXD in treating septic shock. ResultsFive patients withdrew from the treatment group and seven from the control group. After treatment, both groups showed decreases (P<0.01) in APACHE Ⅱ score, SOFA score, EDRF, 6-keto-PGF1α, TNF-α, IL-6, NF-κB, PCT, MAP, and Lac, and increases in NO (P<0.01). The treatment group exhibited more significant decreases (P<0.05, P<0.01) in APACHE Ⅱ score, SOFA score, 6-keto-PGF1α, TNF-α, IL-6, NF-κB, MAP, Lac, Lcr, fluid resuscitation target achievement time, and vasopressor use duration than the control group. Differences in EDRF, NO, PCT, length of hospital stay, and 28-day mortality were not statistically significant. No significant adverse reactions were observed in either group during treatment. Network pharmacology identified 189 components and 257 potential targets of PGJXD, and 136 common targets shared by PGJXD and septic shock. GO enrichment analysis primarily involved positive regulation of cell migration, response to peptide, response to inorganic substance, etc. KEGG enrichment analysis mainly implicated signaling pathways such as NF-κB, VEGF, and Relaxin. ConclusionPGJXD can significantly ameliorate the condition of septic shock patients and enhance the efficacy of fluid resuscitation. Its key mechanism may involve protecting vascular endothelial cells by regulating the TNF-α/NF-κB signaling pathway and reducing the inflammatory response.

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