Exploring the mechanism of Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza in the treatment of chronic glomerulonephritis: A network pharmacology approach

doi:10.5246/jcps.2024.07.046

Abstract

Abstract:

To elucidate the mechanism underlying the therapeutic impact of Astragalus-Danshen in chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN), a comprehensive exploration was conducted utilizing network pharmacology. The TCMSP database was employed to aggregate the chemical constituents and targets associated with Astragalus and Danshen. Simultaneously, disease targets specific to CGN were sourced from the Genecards database. The convergence of these datasets yielded a set of intersection genes, representing potential targets for CGN treatment through Astragalus-Danshen formulations. Subsequently, protein interaction networks and "chemical composition-target" networks were meticulously constructed. Core targets were subjected to GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. The investigation revealed a total of 240 targets corresponding to 20 and 65 chemical components of Astragalus and Danshen, respectively. From this pool, 86 potential targets associated with CGN treatment were discerned, ultimately identifying 29 core targets. Noteworthy among these were TNF, JUN, TP53, IL1B, RELA, MMP9, CASP3, IL10, MAPK14, MYC, and TGFB1. KEGG enrichment analysis illuminated pathways pertinent to CGN, encompassing the IL-17 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, and the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications. In summary, Astragalus-Danshen exhibited a potential anti-inflammatory and renoprotective effect on CGN, particularly through modulating the IL-17 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, and AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, involving key regulators such as TNF, JUN, TP53, IL1B, MAPK14, and others.

Key words: Astragalus, Salvia, Chronic nephritis, Drug pairs, Signaling pathway

Supporting:

Nianjing Qi, Mingxun Yang, Shan Mao. Exploring the mechanism of Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza in the treatment of chronic glomerulonephritis: A network pharmacology approach[J]. Journal of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2024, 33(7): 620-630.

Figures/Tables 8

Table 1. Relevant information on active components of Astragalus membranaceus.

Table 2. Relevant information on active components of Salvia miltiorrhiza.

Table 3. Core target genes for the treatment of CGN by Huangqi-Danshen herbal pair.

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