Mechanism of YuPingFeng in the Treatment of COPD Based on Network Pharmacology

Abstract

YuPingFeng (YPF) granules are a classic herbal formula extensively used in clinical practice in China for the treatment of COPD. However, the pathological mechanisms of YPF in COPD remain undefined. In the present research, a network pharmacology-based strategy was implemented to elucidate the underlying multicomponent, multitarget, and multipathway modes of action of YPF against COPD. First, we identified putative YPF targets based on TCMSP databases and constructed a network containing interactions between putative YPF targets and known therapeutic targets of COPD. Next, two topological parameters, “degree” and “closeness,” were calculated to identify target genes in the network. The major hubs were imported to the MetaCore database for pathway enrichment analysis. In total, 23 YPF active ingredients and 83 target genes associated with COPD were identified. Through protein interaction network analysis, 26 genes were identified as major hubs due to their topological importance. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis results revealed YPF to be mainly associated with the response to glucocorticoids and steroid hormones, with apoptotic and HIF-1 signalling pathways being dominant and correlative pathways. The promising utility of YPF in the treatment of COPD has been demonstrated by a network pharmacology approach.

Molecular Recognition ofMoringa oleiferaActive Compounds for Stunted Growth Prevention Using Network Pharmacology and Molecular Modeling Approach

“…The main mechanisms of the antihypertensive effects of Uncaria alkaloids have been shown by the authors, and they also recognized a potential application for the potent chemicals in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. YuPingFeng (YPF) granules are a classic herbal formula widely utilized in clinical practice in China against chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD ) , which has been investigated by Yin and co-workers using network pharmacology analysis . This finding suggested that the therapeutic effects of YPF in treating COPD might be contingent on the response to steroid hormones, glucocorticoids, and pathways connected to HIF-1 and apoptotic signaling.…”

“…The implementation of network pharmacology to explore the potency of the natural compound has been performed by a few research teams. − Network pharmacology was used by Sakle and co-workers to look into the possible targets of Caesalpinia pulcherima . The authors suggested that four active compounds from the plant are potential drugs in breast cancer treatment.…”

Investigation of Active Compounds of Brucea Javanica In Treating Hypertension Using A Network Pharmacology‐Based Analysis Combined with Homology Modeling, Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulation

“…In this research, the “network pharmacology” approach coupled with other in‐silico methods was performed to determine the potency of active compounds of Brucea javanica in treating the hypertension [17–20] . Several integrated analytical schemes, including target prediction, protein‐protein interaction (PPI), and gene enrichment analysis, were performed to identify the critical protein corresponding to the increase of blood pressure.…”

Molecular Mechanism of YuPingFeng in the Treatment of Asthma Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Technology

“…The YuPingFeng formula consists of three herbs: Radix Astragali (Huang Qi (HQ)), Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (Bai Zhu (BZ)), and Radix Saposhnikoviae (Fang Feng (FF)). A previous study [ 13 ] found that YPF is effective for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and the researchers explored the potential mechanisms behind the curative effects of the drug based on network pharmacology technology. A recent study has indicated that YPF is beneficial for relieving the relapse of asthma induced by house dust mites [ 14 ].…”