Network pharmacology and experimental validation of inflammation inhibition by ChuanKeZhi Injection in treating asthma

Background

Chuankezhi injection (CKZ), derived from the traditional Chinese herbs Ying-Yang-Huo (Epimedium brevicornu Maxim) and Ba-Ji-Tian (Morinda officinalis F.C. How), has demonstrated remarkable clinical effects in the treatment of asthma. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

Purpose

This study aims to explore the mechanisms and molecular targets of CKZ in the treatment of asthma, utilizing network pharmacology and molecular biology experiments.

Study Design

A combination of network pharmacology and experimental validation was used to identify the specific targets and pathways through which CKZ exerts its effects on asthma. In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to further verify the findings.

Methods

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry were employed to identify the components of CKZ. GeneCards was used to gather asthma-related targets, and the STRING online database was utilized to construct protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Hub genes were identified from the PPI network and analyzed through Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to validate the network pharmacology predictions.

Results

LC/MS and MALDI-TOF analysis revealed that CKZ is rich in flavonoid compounds. Network pharmacological analysis identified TNF, AKT1, IL-6, GAPDH, and SRC as the top five hub genes. GO and KEGG pathway analyses suggested that CKZ’s effect on asthma is closely associated with mitochondrial function and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. In vivo and in vitro experiments showed that CKZ treatment alleviated airway inflammation and collagen deposition in asthma mouse models, as demonstrated by HE, PAS, and Masson staining. CKZ also reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and TNF-α) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum. Furthermore, CKZ improved mitochondrial damage and inhibited the activation of the MAPK signaling pathway, as confirmed by Western blotting analysis.

Conclusion

CKZ effectively alleviates airway inflammation and improves airway damage in asthma by inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway. These findings suggest that CKZ is a promising therapeutic option for asthma treatment.