Mechanisms and molecular targets of the Yu-Ping-Feng powder for allergic rhinitis, based on network pharmacology

Abstract

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Yu-Ping-Feng powder (YPFP) has been used to treat allergic rhinitis (AR) for centuries. However, the mechanisms underlying its effects or its molecular targets in AR treatment are yet to be elucidated. Therefore, the active compounds of YPFP and their targets were collected and identified from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database. Moreover, AR-associated targets were acquired from the GeneCards and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man database. Proteins interactions network of YPFP presumed targets and AR-associated targets were examined and merged to reveal the candidate YPFP targets against AR. Cytoscape software and BisoGenet Database were employed to perform the Visualization and Integrated Discovery (Cluster Profiler R package, version: 3.8.1). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and genome pathway analyses. To identify the key target genes, a gene-pathway network has been constructed. We identified 44 effective active compounds and 622 YPFP targets. Also 1324 target genes related to AR were identified. Twenty pathways, including those of AGE-RAGE signaling, fluid shear stress, atherosclerosis, PI3K-Akt signaling, and tumor necrosis factor signaling was enriched significantly. MAPK1 was identified as the core gene, while others including RELA, AKT1, NFKBIA, IL6, and JUN, were also important in the gene-pathway network. Clearly, network pharmacology can be applied in revealing the molecular targets and mechanisms of action of complex herbal preparations. These findings suggested that YPFP could treat AR by regulating immunological functions, diminishing inflammation, and improving immunity through different pathways.

Network pharmacology analysis and experimental verification reveal the mechanism of the traditional Chinese medicine YU-Pingfeng San alleviating allergic rhinitis inflammatory responses

“…HIF-1α inhibitors or antagonists could induce antiallergic effects by decreasing both local and systemic Th2 cytokine (IL-4 and IL-5) production, IgE production, and eosinophil infiltration into the nasal mucosa in an AR model ( Mo et al, 2014 ; Wang et al, 2016 ). MAPK and JAK/STAT signaling pathways play key roles in the proliferation, differentiation, and production of inflammatory cells and are involved in the activation of AR ( Yang et al, 2021 ). After blocking the MAPK or JAK/STAT signaling pathways, the symptoms of rhinitis in AR mice were reduced, and the aggregation of inflammatory cells in the epithelial cells of the nasal mucosa and vascular area was decreased ( Howell et al, 2018 ; Paiva Ferreira et al, 2021 ).…”

“…MAPK1 and AKT1 participate in AR regulation via the MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways, respectively. MAPK1 was also identified as the core gene of YPFS targets in a study by Yang et al based on network pharmacology ( Yang et al, 2021 ). In our study, the elevated expression of MAPK1 and AKT1 were reversed by YPFS treatment in the AR mice.…”

Network pharmacology analysis of Huangqi reveals quercetin as a therapeutic for allergic rhinitis via the RELA-regulated IFNG/IRF1 axis response

“…For example, the possible therapeutic effect of acupuncture for AR treatment has been reported in numerous studies (Sun et al, 2016, Shou et al, 2020. The e ciency of herbal medicines from TCM in the treatment of AR has also been reported, suggesting the importance of developing new TCM drugs for AR (Yang et al, 2021, Qu et al, 2022.…”

Efficacy of Jade Wind-Barrier Powder in adjuvant treatment for children with asthma, and its influence on IFN-γ, immunoglobulin and mucin

“…TCM treatment attaches importance to the overall concept, and holds that the treatment of asthma in remission should focus on supplementing and ventilating lung qi, fortifying the spleen and boosting the kidneys [4]. Jade Wind-Barrier Powder, derived from Danxi's Mastery of Medicine in Yuan Dynasty, is a famous prescription for reinforcing vital energy and consolidating the constitution in traditional Chinese medicine, which has the effect of tonifying the lung, replenishing qi, and consolidating the exterior [5]. The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of Jade Wind-Barrier Powder in children with stable asthma.…”