In Combinatorial chemistry & high throughput screening
BACKGROUND AND AIM : To explore the possible mechanism of Dachaihu Decoction (DCHD) in the treatment of AP, and use in vivo experiments to verify.
METHODS : The targets and active ingredients of DCHD in the treatment of AP were obtained through network pharmacology, and the preliminary verification was carried out by molecular docking. Caerulein was used to develop the AP rat model. H&E staining was performed to observe variations in pancreatic tissue. Western blot and RT-qPCR were conducted to evaluate the associated proteins and mRNA.
RESULTS : The network pharmacology and molecular docking results showed that the key targets (EGFR, TNF, SRC, VEGFA and CTNNB1) and key active components (beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, baicalein, quercetin, and kaempferol) of DCHD in the treatment of AP had good binding. H&E staining revealed that rat pancreatic tissues considerably damaged post caerulein intervention, and it has also been suggested that DCHD ameliorates damage to pancreatic tissue. Simultaneously, EGFR, TNF, SRC, VEGFA protein, and mRNA expression levels were increased in the model group compared to the blank group (P < 0.01), whereas CTNNB1 expression was found to be decreased in the model group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the protein expression levels of EGFR, TNF, SRC, and VEGFA in the treatment group were down-regulated (P < 0.01), and CTNNB1 was up-regulated (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION : DCHD protects pancreatic tissues and improves symptoms in AP rats by upregulating CTNNB1 protein and mRNA while inhibiting EGFR, TNF, SRC, and VEGFA protein and mRNA expression.
Zhang Yan, Li Sujie, Zhang Xiujiang, Wang Pei, Meng Zhe, Pang Yuming, Li Wei
2023-Feb-02
Acute pancreatitis, Dachaihu Decoction, In vivo experiment, Molecular docking, Network pharmacology
