Network Pharmacology Analysis of the Effects of Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix Plus Semen Vaccariae on Migraine-Induced Erectile Dysfunction

Abstract

Background and aim: Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix plus Semen Vaccariae are traditional Chinese medicines, which have been widely applied in the treatment of migraine and erectile dysfunction (ED) for many years. The aim of this study is to verify the effect of Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix plus Semen Vaccariae in improving migraine-induced ED and explore its potential mechanism. Methods: Key targets and signaling pathways of Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix plus Semen Vaccariae in migraine-induced erectile dysfunction treatment were predicted by network pharmacology. A rat model of migraine was established by nitroglycerin injection. Apomorphine was injected into rats to screen the migraine-induced erectile dysfunction model, Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix-Semen Vaccariae granule suspension administered, and erectile function evaluated. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to compare the histological structure of the penile tissue, while RT-qPCR and Western blotting were used to determine mRNA and protein levels, respectively. Results: Screening allowed us to identify common targets for migraine and ED; the signaling pathway exhibiting the greatest change the Myosin light chain kinase- Calcium (MLCK-CaM) signal pathway. From Western blotting and RT-qPCR, we found that the levels of MLCK mRNA and protein in rats from Group B rats were significantly higher (P<0.05) than those in Groups A and C. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein levels of CaM were significantly higher in Group B (P<0.05) than in Groups A and C. Conclusion: Data indicate that the regulatory effects of Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix plus Semen Vaccariae on migraine-induced ED in a rat model are mediated by the MLCK-CaM signaling pathway.