Network Pharmacology-Based Investigation into the Mechanisms of Qibangyishen Formula for the Treatment of Diabetic Kidney Disease

Abstract

Background Diabetic kidney disease is the main microvascular complication of diabetes, and new treatment strategies are needed. We investigated the multi-component, multi-target, and multi-path mechanism of Qibangyishen formula for the treatment of diabetic kidney disease by network pharmacology methods. Methods We collected the active ingredients and targets of Qibangyishen formula and examined diabetic kidney disease-related genes by searching the ETCM, TCMID, and DisGeNet databases. We constructed and analyzed the genetic network through Cytoscape software and used the STRING platform for pathway enrichment analysis. Results We uncovered 421 active ingredients of Qibangyishen formula, corresponding to 748 targets. A network analysis screen revealed 47 hub-node targets, and 13 of these targets were diabetic kidney disease-related disease genes. Further functional analysis identified 26 targets acting on 11 pathways related to the development of diabetic kidney disease, including PI3K-Akt, thyroid hormone, neurotrophin, Wnt, chemokine, and osteoclast differentiation signaling pathways. Conclusions This study suggests that Qibangyishen formula regulates multiple genes and biological processes related to diabetic kidney disease and provides a foundation for further research and clinical applications.