Network pharmacology explores the mechanisms of Eucommia ulmoides cortex against postmenopausal osteoporosis

Abstract

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) has become one of most frequent chronic disease worldwide with aging population. Eucommia ulmoides cortex (EU), a traditional Chinese medicine, has long since been used to treat PMOP. The aim of this study is to explore pharmacological mechanisms of EU against PMOP through using network pharmacology approach.The active ingredients of EU were obtained from Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology database, and target fishing was performed on these ingredients in UniProt database for identification of their relative targets. Then, we screened the targets of PMOP using GeneCards database and DisGeNET database. The overlapping genes between PMOP and EU were obtained to performed protein-protein interaction, Gene Ontology analysis, Kyoto encyclopedia of genes, and genomes analysis.Twenty-eight active ingredients were identified in EU, and corresponded to 207 targets. Also, 292 targets were closely associated with PMOP, and 50 of them matched with the targets of EU were considered as therapeutically relevant. Gene ontology enrichment analysis suggested that EU exerted anti-PMOP effects via modulating multiple biological processes including cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and inflammatory response. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analysis revealed several pathways, such as PI3K-AKT pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, hypoxia-inducible factors-1 pathway, tumor necrosis factor pathway, and interleukin-17 pathway that might be involved in regulating the above biological processes.Through the method of network pharmacology, we systematically investigated the mechanisms of EU against PMOP. The multitargets and multi-pathways identified here could provide new insights for further determination of more exact mechanisms of EU.

Consequences of Aging on Bone

“…Moreover, traditional Chinese medicine has a vital role in preventing osteoporosis. Eumoides [403], Epimedium [404], and Liuwei Dihuang pill [405], a classic formula for invigorating kidneys, have been widely used in the treatment of postmenopausal OP for a long time. Qing'e-decoction has also been confirmed to regulate bone metabolism, improve bone quality and delay bone aging, which may be achieved by increasing sex hormones, serum leptin receptor, and leptin receptor [406].…”

Network pharmacology-based pharmacological mechanism prediction of Lycii Fructus against postmenopausal osteoporosis

“…[21,22] With the aid of database information and network construction of "Medicine-Targetspathways-Disease," network pharmacology can effectively predict the potential mechanisms of Chinese herbs in treating various diseases. [23][24][25] In the present study, we investigated the pharmacological mechanisms of Lycii Fructus against PMOP by using network pharmacology. The targets related to Lycii Fructus and PMOP were screened out through several databases.…”

“…[ 21 , 22 ] With the aid of database information and network construction of “Medicine-Targets-pathways-Disease,” network pharmacology can effectively predict the potential mechanisms of Chinese herbs in treating various diseases. [ 23 – 25 ]…”

Dual effect of aucubin on promoting VEGFR2 mediated angiogenesis and reducing RANKL-induced bone resorption

“…Eucommia ulmoides , as recorded in ancient books of Chinese medicine, was recommended for the treatment of osteoporosis for a long time [ 9 ]. Previous studies suggested that the anti-osteoporosis effects of E. ulmoides involved in angiogenesis, cell proliferation and inflammatory response via mediating various biological processes [ 10 ]. Aucubin, an iridoid glycoside primarily derived from E. ulmoides , displays potential effect to decelerate the development of osteoporosis through inhibiting osteoclast activity and enhancing bone formation in different osteoporosis models [ 11 ].…”