基于网络药理学探讨“虎杖–萆薢”药对治疗痛风性关节炎的作用机制

Exploring the Mechanism of Action of the “Polygonum cuspidatum-Smilax glabra” Drug Pair in Treating Gouty Arthritis Based on Network Pharmacology

摘要: 目的：通过网络药理学方法探讨“虎杖–萆薢”药对治疗痛风性关节炎(Gouty Arthritis, GA)的可能作用机制。方法：本研究采用TCMSP数据库筛选出“虎杖–萆薢”药对的主要活性成分以及作用靶点，通过GeneCards和OMIM数据库预测痛风性关节炎的疾病相关靶点，获得“虎杖–萆薢”药对与痛风性关节炎的交互作用靶点，并绘制韦恩图。运用Cytoscape 3.10.3软件构建“中药–成分–疾病–靶点”可视化调控网络，借助STRING数据库完成蛋白互作分析。最后，基于DAVID数据库开展GO功能与KEGG通路富集分析，绘制相关结果图并探讨其作用机制。结果：获得药物化合物成分12个，与痛风性关节炎的交集靶基因35个，预测所得主要核心成分为槲皮素、木犀草素、薯蓣皂素，关键靶点有IL-6、IL-1β、TNF、PTGS2、MMP9等。GO富集分析生物过程集中在炎症调控、免疫应答和细胞迁移等方面。KEGG富集分析预测结果显示“虎杖–萆薢”可能通过介导IL-17、TNF等信号通路发挥治疗痛风性关节炎的作用。结论：这一研究结果初步预测了“虎杖–萆薢”药对可能通过多成分、多靶点、多途径的整体调控作用治疗GA。

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the potential mechanism of action of the “Polygonum cuspidatum-Smilax glabra” herbal combination in treating gouty arthritis (GA) using network pharmacology methods. Methods: The primary active components and action targets of the “Polygonum cuspidatum-Smilax glabra” drug pair were screened using the TCMSP database. Disease-related targets for gouty arthritis were predicted via the GeneCards and OMIM databases. The interaction targets between the drug pair and gouty arthritis were identified and visualized using a Venn diagram. Cytoscape 3.10.3 software was used to construct a visual regulatory network linking “traditional Chinese medicine-component-disease-target”. Protein interaction analysis was performed using the STRING database. Finally, GO functional and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were conducted based on the DAVID database, with relevant results visualized to explore the mechanism of action. Results: Twelve medicinal compound components were identified, intersecting with 35 target genes for gouty arthritis. The predicted primary core components were quercetin, luteolin, and diosgenin, with key targets including IL-6, IL-1β, TNF, PTGS2, and MMP9. GO enrichment analysis revealed biological processes concentrated in inflammation regulation, immune response, and cell migration. KEGG enrichment analysis predicted that the “Polygonum cuspidatum-Smilax glabra” combination may exert its therapeutic effect on gouty arthritis by mediating pathways such as the IL-17 signaling pathway and TNF signaling pathway. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the “Polygonum cuspidatum-Smilax glabra” herbal formula may treat GA through a holistic regulatory mechanism involving multiple components, targets, and pathways.