Unraveling the Gut Microbiota-mediated Anti-tumor Mechanisms of ShenXia KuanZhong Decoction in Gastric Cancer: a Systems Biology and Dose-weighted Network Pharmacology Approach.

Abstract

Introduction: Gastric cancer (GC) remains a formidable global health issue with limited therapeutic options. ShenXia KuanZhong Decoction (SXKZD), a classical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, is used to manage GC; however, its anti-tumor mechanisms remain poorly understood.

Material and methods: The anti-GC effects of SXKZD were investigated in a GC model using dose-weighted network pharmacology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and pharmacokinetic profiling. Its impacts on tumor metabolism, immunity, and gut microbiota were assessed. A gut microbiota-substrate-metabolite (GM-S-M) network was constructed, and key targets and pathways were analyzed using computational and experimental methods.

Results: SXKZD treatment significantly alleviated tumor progression in GC models. Network analysis revealed upregulated TNF and IL6 expression in GC, which SXKZD reduced, alongside enrichment in IL-17 and TNF signaling pathways. Molecular docking and MD simulations confirmed stable binding of Ginsenoside Rh2 and 3-Indolepropionic acid to TNF, with binding energies of -147.63 kJ/mol and - 98.63 kJ/mol, respectively. Pharmacokinetic profiling showed 3-Indolepropionic acid's high bioavailability, while GM-S-M analysis identified key microbial taxa (e.g., Lactobacillus plantarum, Akkermansia muciniphila) modulated by SXKZD, enhancing anti-tumor immunity and metabolism.To further confirm these computational predictions, in vitro CCK-8 assays revealed that GRh2 and IPA inhibited AGS cell growth in a concentration-dependent manner, with IC₅₀ values of 68.74 ± 1.27 µg/mL and 780.60 ± 24.40 µg/mL at 24 hours, respectively. Western blot analysis demonstrated that GRh2 more effectively suppressed TNFα expression, whereas CETSA showed that IPA provided superior thermal stabilization of TNFα.

Conclusions: SXKZD mitigates GC by modulating gut microbiota and inhibiting TNF signaling, offering a mechanistic basis for its therapeutic potential in GC management.