Combination of UHPLC-QE-MS and Network Pharmacology to Reveal the Mechanism of Fufang-Duzhong-Jiangu Granules for Treating Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract

UHPLC-QE-MS technology and network pharmacology are used to comprehensively analyze and validate the potential mechanism of Fufang-Duzhong-Jiangu granules (FFDZ) in treating knee osteoarthritis (KOA). UHPLC-QE-MS technology and content-weighted construction of databases and screening conditions are used to obtain key component targets. CTD, Gene Cards, and DisGeNET databases are used to define KOA-related targets. Target pathways are selected through GO enrichment analysis and KEGG enrichment analysis. Additionally, a KOA rat model was established using the type II collagenase injection method. The efficacy of FFDZ on type II collagenase-induced KOA rats was evaluated through behavioral, biochemical, and histopathological assessments, and the predicted pathways were confirmed through Western blot. These results show that the rats significantly increased in knee joint diameter, decreased weight-bearing capacity of the right leg, and elevated levels of IL-6 and IL-1β in serum, all with a significance level of p < 0.05. Through CT and HE staining, it was shown that KOA rats exhibit distinct pathological structures. These results show that FFDZ exerts its anti-KOA effects by regulating the RAS pathway. This study found that FFDZ improves KOA in rats by inhibiting the expression of proteins related to the RAS pathway.