Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 27, 2025
Author Spotlight: Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking to Decipher the Action of Jiawei Shengjiang San Against Diabetic Kidney Disease
Published on: May 10, 2024
Molecular Mechanism Underlying Effects of Wumeiwan on Steroid-Dependent Asthma: A Network Pharmacology, Molecular
Mingsheng Lyu1, Yahui Wang2, Qiuyi Chen1
1Department of Respiratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
Background:
Steroid-dependent asthma (SDA) is characterized by oral corticosteroid (OCS) resistance and dependence. Wumeiwan (WMW) showed potentials in reducing the dose of OCS of SDA patients based on our previous studies.
Methods:
Network pharmacology was conducted to explore the molecular mechanism of WMW against SDA with the databases of TCMSP, STRING, etcetera. GO annotation and KEGG functional enrichment analysis were conducted by metascape database. Pymol performed the molecular docking. In the experiment, the OVA-induced plus descending dexamethasone intervention chronic asthmatic rat model was conducted. Lung pathological changes were analyzed by H&E, Masson, and IHC staining. Relative expressions of the gene were performed by real-time PCR.
Results:
A total of 102 bioactive ingredients in WMW were identified, as well as 191 common targets were found from 241 predicted targets in WMW and 3539 SDA-related targets. The top five bioactive ingredients were identified as pivotal ingredients, which included quercetin, candletoxin A, palmidin A, kaempferol, and beta-sitosterol. Besides, 35 HUB genes were obtained from the PPI network, namely, TP53, AKT1, MAPK1, JUN, HSP90AA1, TNF, RELA, IL6, CXCL8, EGFR, etcetera. GO biological process analysis indicated that HUB genes were related to bacteria, transferase, cell differentiation, and steroid. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the potential mechanism might be associated with IL-17 and MAPK signaling pathways. Molecular docking results supported these findings. H&E and Masson staining proved that WMW could reduce airway inflammation and remodeling of model rats, which might be related to the downward expression of IL-8 proved by IHC staining and real-time PCR.
Conclusion:
WMW could be a complementary and alternative therapy for SDA by reducing airway inflammation.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
01:19Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:20Antiasthma Drugs: Muscarinic Receptor Antagonists
Antimuscarinic agents compete with ACh for the same binding site on the muscarinic receptors. By binding to these receptors, they inhibit the downstream effects of ACh and block the parasympathetic...
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce...
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include: