Potential Molecular Mechanisms of Jiedutongluo Tiaoying Formula in Treating Hyperthyroidism Based on Network Pharmacology and In Vivo Experiments in Mice.

Abstract

Background: "Jiedutongluo Tiaoying Formula" (JDTLTYF) TCM prescriptions can effectively treat hyperthyroidism and effectively improve the condition of patients. Methods: The main active ingredients of JDTLTYF were collected from the TCMSP database and the target was predicted. Genes related to hyperthyroidism were identified using DisGeNET, GeneCards and OMIM databases. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and interaction network of "formula-herb-active ingredient-target genes" was constructed. Mass spectrometry was used to identify the components. The binding of key components to the target was verified by molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. A hyperthyroidism mouse model was established using levothyroxine sodium tablets, and the hormone and expression levels of inflammatory factorswere examined by ELISA and western blot. Results: The key genes of JDTLTYF in the treatment of hyperthyroidism were TNF and AKT1. The results of mass spectrometry also showed that quercetin was one of the main components. The results of molecular docking and MD simulation showed that the binding free energy between AKT1 and quercetin was the lowest and the binding was stable. In vivo experimental results showed that gastric lavage with JDTLTYF could target AKT1 and TNF-α, effectively alleviate the pathological features of hyperthyroidism in mice and reduce inflammation response. Conclusion: This study elucidated the key small molecule compounds and their action targets of JDTLTYF in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. It provides a direction for the development of new drugs for clinical hyperthyroidism.