Prediction of the Network Pharmacology‐Based Mechanism for Attenuation of Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E Knockout Mice by Panax notoginseng Saponins

Abstract

This study investigated whether Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) reduced atherosclerotic lesion formation in apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE-KO) mice and illustrated the potential mechanism for a network pharmacology approach. Pharmacodynamics studies on ApoE-KO mice with atherosclerosis (AS) showed that PNS generated an obvious anti-AS action. Then, we explored the possible mechanisms underlying its anti-AS effect using the network pharmacology approach. The main chemical components and their targets of PNS were collected from TCMSP public database and SymMap. The STRING v11.0 was used to establish the protein-protein interactions of PNS. Furthermore, the Gene Ontology (GO) function and KEGG pathways were analyzed using STRING to investigate the possible mechanisms involved in the anti-AS effect of PNS. The predicted results showed that 27 potential targets regulated by DSLHG were related to AS, including ACTA2, AKT1, BCL2, and BDNF. Mechanistically, the anti-AS effect of PNS was exerted by interfering with multiple signaling pathways, such as AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, and TNF signaling pathway. Network analysis showed that PNS could generate the anti-AS action by affecting multiple targets and multiple pathways and provides a novel basis to clarify the mechanisms of anti-AS of PNS.

Metabolomics and network pharmacological analysis to explore the mechanism of ginseng treatment for spleen‐qi deficiency

“…The activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway influences a broad range of biological processes [47]. The interaction of RAGE and its ligand AGE is associated with oxidative stress and inflammatory responses [48]. MAPK signaling pathway regulates many cellular processes.…”

Detection of Herbal Combinations and Pharmacological Mechanisms of Clinical Prescriptions for Coronary Heart Disease Using Data Mining and Network Pharmacology

“…Notoginsenoside R1 exerts cardioprotective effects against diabetic cardiomyopathy through its inhibition of oxidative stress and apoptosis [ 27 , 28 ]. Pharmacodynamics studies showed that Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) generated an obvious antiatherosclerosis action [ 29 ]. The application of core herbal prescription has confirmed that “Tonifying Qi, Nourishing Yin, Activating Blood, and Eliminating Phlegm” are the most commonly used therapeutic methods for patients with CHD [ 23 ].…”

Saponins as therapeutic candidates for atherosclerosis

“…In contrast, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) is regarded as an anti‐atherosclerotic factor due to its key role in reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) from foam cells to the liver, coupled with its anti‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptotic properties (Rye & Barter, 2014). Numerous saponins or saponin‐rich extracts, such as Panax notoginseng (PNS), soybean saponins (SS), jujuboside A, and steroidal saponins in garlic, have demonstrated their effects on serum lipids in experimental studies (Hu et al, 2022; Long et al, 2020; Miao et al, 2020; Xie et al, 2020). It is important to note that a growing body of research has revealed the ability of various saponins to regulate lipid synthesis and reverse transport, thus impeding the progression of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.…”