Mechanisms of Qing-Gan Li-Shui Formulation in Ameliorating Primary Open Angle Glaucoma: An Analysis Based on Network Pharmacology

Abstract

Objective. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of Qing-Gan Li-Shui formulation (QGLSF) in treating primary open glaucoma (POAG) by network pharmacology and in vitro experiments. Methods. The active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) of GLQSF (prepared with Prunella vulgaris, Kudzu root, Plantago asiatica, and Lycium barbarum) were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and Yet Another Traditional Chinese Medicine database (YATCM). The targets of POAG were screened out with GeneCards, OMIM, PharmGKB, Therapeutic Target Database (TTD), and DrugBank databases. The Venny platform was used to summarize the core targets. Topological analysis was performed using Cytoscape3.8.0. A protein-protein interaction network was plotted by STRING online. The key targets were subjected to GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. Finally, the effects of APIs were verified by a model of chloride hexahydrate (CoCl2)-induced retinal ganglion cells-5 (RGC-5). Results. The main APIs were selected as quercetin (Que) by network pharmacology. Nine clusters of QGLSF targets were obtained by the PPI network analysis, including AKT-1, TP53, and JUN. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that these targets were mainly involved in the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway. By in vitro experiments, Que promoted cell proliferation. The secretion of AKT-1, TP53, JUN, AGE, and RAGE in the cell culture supernatant decreased, as shown by ELISA. The mRNA levels of AKT-1, TP53, JUN, and RAGE decreased, as shown by RT-PCR. QGLSF may employ the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway to counter POAG. Conclusion. This study preliminarily elucidates the efficacy and mechanism of QGLSF in the treatment of POAG.

A Case Study from the Past: “The RGC-5 vs. the 661W Cell Line: Similarities, Differences and Contradictions—Are They Really the Same?”

“…In addition, one also cannot transfer results from the RGC-5 experiments to the 661W cell line or photoreceptor properties. Although a few researchers still use these cells [ 28 , 29 ], several journals, including IOVS , Experimental Eye Research and Molecular Vision , stopped publishing articles based on RGC-5-based experiments in the context of ganglion cell research [ 70 , 72 , 73 ]. There are now several successful approaches to culturing RGC, and although this is much more complex, these cells reflect the true phenotype of neuronal cells [ 74 , 75 , 76 ].…”

“…Therefore, not all of these papers are questionable. Furthermore, in some cases, RGC-5 cells are still used for different research questions [ 28 , 29 , 30 ].…”

Hu-Zhang Qing-Mai Formulation anti-oxidative stress alleviates diabetic retinopathy: Network pharmacology analysis and in vitro experiment

“…[3] Oxidative stress has been verified as a critical contributor to the pathogenesis of DR; however, the specific mechanism remains unclear. [4,5] Traditional Chinese medicine possesses great potential in the prevention and treatment of DR. [6][7][8] Hu-Zhang Qing-Mai Formulation (HZQMF) is an empirical formula modified from Si-Miao Yong-An Formulation, a traditional Chinese medical classic for the treatment of vascular illness. HZQMF comprises…”

“…Traditional Chinese medicine possesses great potential in the prevention and treatment of DR. [6–8] Hu-Zhang Qing-Mai Formulation (HZQMF) is an empirical formula modified from Si-Miao Yong-An Formulation, a traditional Chinese medical classic for the treatment of vascular illness. HZQMF comprises Sedi Herba, Hedysarum multijugum Maxim, Polygoni Cuspidati Rhizoma Et Radix, Spatholobus suberectus Dunn, Forsythia fructus, Buddlejae Flos, and Siegesbeckiae Herba.…”