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A network pharmacology approach to predict potential targets and mechanisms of Gui Zhi-Shao Yao herb pair in treating chronic pain with comorbid anxiety and depression

Pan, Hao-Tian1; Xi, Zi-Qi1; Wei, Xu-Qiang1; Wang, Ke1

Published Mar 10, 2021 on Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.18931zcws

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Abstract

Background: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulations have proven to possess multiple bioactive properties. “Gui Zhi-Shao Yao” herb pair is widely used to treat chronic pain (CP), as well as anxiety and depression. However, its correlative targets and underlying mechanisms have not been completely deciphered.

Methods: In this study, the network pharmacology method was used to explore the bioactive components and targets of “Gui Zhi-Shao Yao” herb pair and further elucidate its potential biological mechanisms of action in the treatment of CP with comorbid anxiety disorder (AD) and mental depression (MD).

Results: Followed by a series of analyses, we have identified 15 active compounds, hit by 130 potential targets. After taking the intersection among the targets of this herb pair and CP, AD and MD, and sorted by the value of Degree, 9 targets were regarded as the vital ones: Akt1, IL6, TNF, PTGS2, JUN, CASP3, MAPK8, PPARγ and NOS3. GO and KEGG analysis results demonstrate that 11 pathways primarily participate in the pathologic process, such as AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, and the like.

Conclusion: This study preliminarily predicted and verified the pharmacological and molecular mechanism of “Gui Zhi-Shao Yao” herb pair against CP with comorbid AD and MD from a holistic perspective. In vivo and in vitro experiments will be required to deeply investigate the mechanisms.