Huoluo Xiaoling Pellet improves ischemic stroke by regulating metabolic disorders through integrins and ICAM1

Ischemic stroke (IS) is primarily caused by the stenosis or occlusion of cerebral arteries, leading to ischemic injury in brain tissue. Huoluo Xiaoling Pellet (HLXLP) is known for its efficacy in promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis.

This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of HLXLP on IS and elucidate its underlying mechanisms.

Initially, we characterized the components of HLXLP that were absorbed into the bloodstream. Subsequently, potential therapeutic targets and active ingredients were explored through network pharmacology and analysis of GEO transcriptomic datasets. Further validation was conducted via compound similarity comparison, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and in vivo experiments. Finally, metabolomics was utilized to investigate the cerebral metabolic changes influenced by HLXLP.

A total of 39 components of HLXLP were identified in the blood. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that ITGB1, ITGB2, ITGB3, ITGAL, and ICAM1 were identified as potential targets, which were confirmed in in vivo experiments. Metabolomics analysis indicated that HLXLP may alleviate the progression of IS by modulating the TCA cycle, cholesterol biosynthesis, and tryptophan metabolism in the brain.

This study demonstrates that HLXLP exerts its anti-IS effects by acting on targets such as ITGB1, ITGB2, ITGB3, ITGAL, and ICAM1 and modulating the TCA cycle, cholesterol biosynthesis, and tryptophan metabolism.