Jianpi Qinghua Sanyu Decoction attenuates insulin-like growth factor 1-induced GES-1 cell proliferation by suppressing the AKT pathway based on network pharmacology analysis

Abstract

Raised erosive gastritis (REG) is a gastric mucosal lesion with characteristic radiological and endoscopic features. Jianpi Qinghua Sanyu Decoction (JPQHSYD) may be effective against REG, but its therapeutic effects and underlying molecular mechanisms have yet to be investigated. A network pharmacology analysis was performed to identify itsJPQHSYD active ingredients, potential targets, and pathways in REG treatment. Following database mining, our current study identified 245 compounds and 320 potential targets, as well as 94 common targets with REG. The construction of a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) comprehensive network (Drug-Ingredients-Gene symbols-Disease network) identified ten potentially active compounds (including Quercetin) and 35 potential targets (including AKT1), as well as enriched signaling pathways (including cell proliferation and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt)). In vitro studies revealed that JPQHSYD significantly inhibits cell growth and viability while also down-regulating p-AKT, Bcl-2, CDK4, and CyclinD1 expression and up-regulating Bax protein levels in insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)-stimulated GES-1 cells. This study provides novel insights into the mechanism of action of JPQHSYD in REG treatment, implying that suppressing the AKT pathway may be one of the essential underlying anti-REG mechanisms of JPQHSYD.