Exploring the Mechanism of Lianqiao Jinbei Decoction Inhibiting HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification.

Purpose: Through network pharmacological prediction and in vitro experimental verification, the mechanism of action of Lianqiao Jinbei Decoction (LJD) in inhibiting HER2-positive breast cancer cells was clarified, providing experimental evidence for its treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer.

Methods: Network pharmacology method was used to construct the potential target network of LJD in the treatment of HER2+ breast cancer. After cell culture in vitro, the proliferation of HER2+ SK-BR3 breast cancer cells was investigated using CCK-8 technique. The apoptotic potential of SK-BR3 cells was detected by flow cytometry, and the migration of SK-BR3 cells was detected by cell scratch assay. The expression of HER2 protein in SK-BR3 breast cancer cells was detected by ELISA.

Results: HER2 was identified as the central gene and quercetin, β-sitosterol, and luteolin were the primary active ingredients using network pharmacology analysis. Serum-containing LJD medication can stop SK-BR3 cells from proliferating (P<0.05). Serum-containing LJD drugs at high, medium, and low concentrations may induce SK-BR3 cell death (P<0.05). LJD serum at high, medium, and low concentrations reduced the migration of SK-BR3 cells (P<0.05). The expression of HER2 protein was decreased by LJD high, medium, and low concentration drug-containing serum (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Regarding treating HER2-positive breast cancer, LJD has a multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway mode of action. The primary target of LJD's activity is the HER2 protein. Serum-containing LJD medication can prevent SK-BR3 cells from proliferating and migrating while encouraging their apoptosis. This effect may be attained by preventing HER2 protein expression.