Network Pharmacology and Multi-omics Investigation of Yiqi Huoxue Formula's Molecular Mechanisms in Treating...

Endometriosis (EMs), a prevalent disorder characterized by pelvic pain and infertility, affects numerous bodily systems and markedly diminishes life quality. Yiqi Huoxue formula (YQHXF) has demonstrated promising therapeutic efficacy. However, its active substances and underlying mechanisms remain ambiguous.

An innovative methodological framework incorporating NP, transcriptomics, proteomics, and molecular biology was utilized to investigate the active components and mechanisms of YQHXF. A network pharmacological analysis was conducted to identify the targets, biological processes, and pathways associated with YQHXF's effects on EMs. Additionally, transcriptomics, proteomics, and molecular biology techniques were applied for further mechanistic exploration at both the gene and protein levels.

The findings suggest that YQHXF prevents EMs by modulating critical cellular processes- proliferation, invasiveness, adhesion, and apoptosis-within ectopic endometrial cells. The integration of network pharmacology, multi-omics, and molecular biology confirmed that this regulation occurs via key targets (EGFR, AKT1, FOS, MAPK3, NFKB1) and associated pathways.

This study employed an integrated approach combining transcriptomics, proteomics, and molecular biology to analyze the effects of YQHXF on EMs. A total of 180 direct targets, 128 indirect targets, and 19 pathways related to YQHXF's anti-EMs effects were preliminarily identified. Based on these findings, it is proposed that YQHXF potentially achieves its remedial outcomes by influencing the proliferation, invasiveness, adhesion, and apoptosis of ectopic endometrial cells through the regulation of EGFR, AKT1, FOS, MAPK3, and NFKB1.

The findings suggest that YQHXF prevents EMs by regulating critical cellular processes, including the proliferation, invasiveness, adhesion, and apoptosis of ectopic endometrial cells.