Investigating the underlying mechanisms of Wuling powder in the management of hyperuricemia based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the potential targets and mechanisms of Wuling powder in the treatment of hyperuricemia. Methods: Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacy and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) database was used to obtain active compounds and potential targets of Wuling powder. Gene Cards database was searched for hyperuricemia-related targets. Protein interaction networks (PPI) based on intersection targets were created to investigate the relationship between components and disease. Gene ontology (GO), Kyoto gene and genome database (KEGG), and pathway enrichment analysis of intersection targets were performed on the DAVID website to investigate distributed pathways of targets, Using AutoDockTools 1.5.6 software, a molecular docking analysis of core active compounds and core targets was performed to investigate binding status. Results : The study produced 88 active compounds and 598 action targets, including 10 core components and 4 core targets. Targets were mostly enriched in biological processes like apoptosis, protein synthesis, and energy metabolism, all of which were linked to cancer pathways, PI3K-Akt, human cytomegalovirus infection, lipid, atherosclerosis and other signaling pathways. During molecular docking of core components and core targets, favorable binding interactions were observed. Conclusion: The therapeutic potential of Wuling powder against hyperuricemia is achieved by modulating critical biological processes like lipid metabolism, inflammatory responses, and cell apoptosis through a multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway approach. This study provides a foundational framework and novel insight for further in-depth investigation into the role of Wuling powder in hyperuricemia treatment.