Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Explore the Mechanism of Mubiezi-Yinyanghuo Herb Pair in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Objective. Our previous studies have shown that the Mubiezi-Yinyanghuo (MBZ-YYH) herb pair inhibits rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cell proliferation and glycolysis, promising results with an obscure mechanism of action. Methods. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the main components of MBZ-YYH and unravel the potential mechanism in RA based on network pharmacology and molecular docking methods. Components and targets of MBZ-YYH were retrieved from the TCMSP. Relevant targets of RA were searched in GeneCards, therapeutic target database (TTD), and DisGeNET databases; the common targets of the MBZ-YYH compounds and RA were obtained by comparison; and a component-target interaction network was established by Cytoscape 3.9.1. Gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed through the David database. Molecular docking was performed by PyMoL2.3.0 and AutoDock Vina1.1.2 software. Results. 7 active ingredients and 58 putatively identified target genes were screened from MBZ, and 16 effective components of YYH and 230 potential targets were identified. There were 29 mutual targets between the two herbs and RA. Through the PPI network, 9 hub targets which contain JUN, CASP3, PPARG, PTGS2, GSK3B, CASP8, HMOX1, ICAM1, and HK2 were screened out. GO term enrichment analysis indicated that positive regulation of the apoptotic process, response to drugs, and response to hypoxia were significantly enriched. Based on KEGG analysis, it was mainly associated with the IL-17 signaling pathway, the TNF signaling pathway, and the p53 signaling pathway. The docking analysis revealed that the effective components showed strong binding activity with the receptors. Conclusion. The effects of the MBZ-YYH herb pair on RA were coordinated by the interaction of diverse components, which may be through the IL-17 signaling pathway and the TNF signaling pathway, which target GSK3B, HK2, caspase 3, and caspase 8, inhibiting the proliferation and glycolysis of rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synovial cells (RA-FLS) and tending towards an increasing efficacy and decreasing toxicity effect on RA.