A Network Pharmacology Approach to Investigate the Mechanism of Erjing Prescription in Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Erjing prescription (EJP) was an ancient formula that was recorded in the General Medical Collection of Royal Benevolence of the Song Dynasty. It has been frequently used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the long history of China. The formula consists of Lycium barbarum L. and Polygonatum sibiricum F. Delaroche with a ratio of 1 : 1. This study aimed to identify the potential effects and mechanisms of EJP treatment T2DM. The target proteins and possible pathways of EJP in T2DM treatment were investigated by the approach of network pharmacology and real-time PCR (RT-PCR). 99 diabetes-related proteins were regulated by 56 bioactive constituents in EJP in 26 signal pathways by Cytoscape determination. According to GO analysis, 606 genes entries have been enriched. The PPI network suggested that AKT1, EGF, EGFR, MAPK1, and GSK3β proteins were core genes. Among the 26 signal pathways, the PI3K-AKT signal pathway was tested by the RT-PCR. The expression level of PI3K p85, AKT1, GSK3β, and Myc mRNA of this pathway was regulated by EJP. The study based on network pharmacology and RT-PCR analysis revealed that the blood sugar level was regulated by EJP via regulating the PI3K-AKT signal pathway. Plenty of new treatment methods for T2DM using EJP were provided by network pharmacology analysis.

Combination of HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, Network Pharmacology, and Molecular Docking to Reveal the Mechanism of Apple Pollen in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

“…Based on a computer prediction method to calculate the identified compounds of apple pollen, this study obtained absorption parameters that could determine whether the chemical compositions could be absorbed. Table 3 showed the specific absorption parameters of all of the components [ 26 ]. The data indicated that there were a total of 18 chemical compositions (Figures 3 and 4 ) that satisfied the principles of drug absorption (GI absorption is high and at least two of the five Druglikeness were yes).…”

Mechanisms of Action of Potentilla discolor Bunge in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification in Drosophila

“…55 The AKT protein is a core downstream factor of insulin/PI3K/AKT signalling, 56,57 is widely expressed in insulin-sensitive tissues, and can regulate glucose metabolism by inducing downstream molecules such as Glut to enhance glucose uptake. 58,59 Cell apoptosis is also an important factor in the development of diabetes, and CASP3, currently the most important executioner protein of the caspase cascade signal pathway, is widely used as a biomarker for apoptosis. 60,61 Drosophila melanogaster is an invaluable model organism, offering insights into glucose and lipid metabolism disorders stemming from IR and T2DM.…”

Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharides (PSP) improve the palmitic acid (PA)-induced inhibition of survival, inflammation, and glucose uptake in skeletal muscle cells

“…Polygonatum sibiricum is a traditional medicinal herb and a functional food in China [ 6 ]. Increasing evidence indicates that P. sibiricum or Chinese medicine compounds containing P. sibiricum can regulate blood sugar levels in animal models [ 7 , 8 ]. P. sibiricum polysaccharides (PSP), important active compounds in PS, are responsible for a broad spectrum of functions, including improved immunity and anti-fatigue, anti-oxidant, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory effects [ 9 ].…”