Network pharmacology analysis of the therapeutic mechanisms of the traditional Chinese herbal formula Lian Hua Qing Wen in Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19), gives fundamental support to the clinical use of LHQW

Abstract

Background The traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbal formula Lian Hua Qing Wen (LHQW) improves the results of COVID-19 treatment. Three very recent studies analyzed with network pharmacology some working mechanisms of LHQW. However, we used more techniques and also included Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) (a SARS-CoV receptor, possibly the viral entry point in alveolar lung cells) and the immune system, as cytokine storm is essential in the late phase. Purpose Extensive detailed Network Pharmacology analysis of the LHQW- treatment mechanism in COVID-19. Methods TCM-herb-meridian and protein interaction network (PIN) of LHQW, based on LHQW herbs meridian information and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) information of the LHQW-component targets. Hub and topological property analyses to obtain crucial targets and construct the crucial LHQW-PIN. Functional modules determination using MCODE, GO and KEGG pathway analysis of biological processes and pathway enrichment. Intersection calculations between the LHQW-proteins and ACE2 co-expression-proteins. Results LHQW herbs have relationships to Stomach-, Heart-, Liver- and Spleen-systems, but most (10 of the 13 herbs) to the Lung system, indicating specific effects in lung diseases. The crucial LHQW PIN has the scale-free property, contains 2,480 targets, 160,266 PPIs and thirty functional modules. Six modules are enriched in leukocyte-mediated immunity, the interferon-gamma-mediated signaling pathway, immune response regulating signaling pathway, interleukin 23 mediated signaling pathway and Fc gamma receptor-mediated phagocytosis (GO analysis). These 6 are also enriched in cancer, immune system-, and viral infection diseases (KEGG). LHQW shared 189 proteins with ACE2 co-expression proteins. Conclusions Detailed network analysis shows, that LHQW herbal TCM treatment modulates the inflammatory process, exerts antiviral effects and repairs lung injury. Moreover, it also relieves the “cytokine storm” and improves ACE2-expression-disorder-caused symptoms. These innovative findings give a rational pharmacological basis and support for treating COVID-19 and possibly other diseases with LHQW.

Network pharmacology, molecular docking integrated surface plasmon resonance technology reveals the mechanism of Toujie Quwen Granules against coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia

“…But the higher the confidence score, the less data is obtained. Therefore, we selected PPI data with a confidence score of > 0.7 to construct the protein interaction network, which satisfied the accuracy and quantity of PPI ( Zheng et al., 2020 ).…”

Screening and evaluation of anti-SARS-CoV-2 components from Ephedra sinica by ACE2/CMC-HPLC-IT-TOF-MS approach

“…In recent years, TCM has had remarkable curative effects in anti-influenza virus [ 5 ], hepatitis B virus [ 6 ], respiratory syncytial virus [ 7 ], adenovirus [ 8 ], etc., and has made great contributions to national health. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 pneumonia, TCM formulae, such as Qing-Fei-Pai-Du-Tang, have significant effects on the treatment of COVID-19 [ 9 – 11 ].…”

Chinese Medicine in Fighting against Covid-19: Role and Inspiration

“…Mechanisms of the therapeutic effects of CM are related to alleviation of infl ammation and "cytokine storm", immunomodulatory activity, regulation of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), and repair of lung injuries. (23)(24)(25)(26)(27) Concluded from the evidence above, CM might have played a more important role in the containing and treatment of Covid-19 in China than we have realized. Thus, CM could be promising resources for developing drug candidates for the treatment of Covid-19 in a way similar to the development of artemisinin for malaria by TU You-you who has extracted artemisinin from a CM herb and saved millions of lives suffering from malaria.…”