Identification of bioactive compounds and molecular targets of Fuke Huahuang formulation to treat vaginitis

Background

Fuke Huahuang formulation (FHF) is widely used in the treatment of vaginitis, with clinical evidence indicating its promising anti-inflammatory properties.

Methods

We explored the bioactive components and potential mechanisms of FHF for treating vaginitis, and reveal its pharmacological activities against vaginitis.

Results

A total of 12 anti-inflammatory components in FHF and 584 pharmacological targets were identified. Furthermore, 1427 vaginitis-associated targets were identified, and 184 intersection targets between FHF and vaginitis were constructed for network analysis. Gene Ontology and pathway analysis revealed that the therapeutical targets of FHF against vaginitis are involved in modulating inflammatory stress, enhancing immunoregulation, reconstructing the microenvironment, and suppressing cell damage. Molecular docking analysis further suggested the possible direct binding of the bioactive compounds of FHF (fumarine) to the core targets, including AKT Serine/Threonine Kinase 1 (AKT1), Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3), and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB). Experimental validation found that FHF-treated vaginitis rats exhibited reduced intracellular AKT1, STAT3, and NF-κB protein expressions.

Conclusion

Overall, we identified the bioactive compounds and pharmacological mechanisms of FHF against vaginitis, thus offering a theoretical fundament for exploring FHF for treating vaginitis in the future.