Title:Investigating the Mechanism of Action of Frankincense against Drug- Induced Liver Injury Using Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Volume: 18
Issue: 10
Author(s): Yu-cheng Liao, Jing-wen Wang, Qian Yang, Wen-jun Wang, Chao Zhao, Lian Sun, Ai-dong Wen*, Rui-li Li*Yi Ding*
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032,China
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032,China
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032,China
Keywords:
Network pharmacology, frankincense, drug-induced liver injury, compound-target gene network, molecular docking,
traditional Chinese medicine.
Abstract:
Background: Frankincense has been used as a traditional medicine in many countries.
It is an important herb with multiple targets and therapeutic effects, including liver protection.
However, its mechanism of action in drug-induced liver injury (DILI) remains unknown.
Objective: The purpose of this work was to elucidate the active components, core genes, and
molecular mechanism of frankincense in DILI through network pharmacology and molecular
docking approaches.
Methods: The active components of frankincense and its target genes were obtained from the
BATMAN-TCM database, and the DILI target genes were obtained from the GeneCards and Drug-
Bank databases. Cytoscape was used to create the compound-shared gene target network. STRING
and DAVID software were used to analyze key targets and pathway enrichment. Autodock Vina
software was used for molecular docking.
Results: Network analysis identified 16 compounds in frankincense and 103 target genes highly
related to DILI. The core genes in the protein-protein interaction network are INS, IL6, TP53, TNF,
SRC, PTGS2, IL1B, CAT, IL10, and IGF1. Furthermore, GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses
indicated that the effect of frankincense on DILI is related to positive regulation of transcription
from RNA polymerase II promoter and inflammatory response. Core pathways such as the HIF-1,
TNF, FoxO, PI3K-Akt, and the sphingolipid signaling pathway are closely related to DILI.
Conclusion: This study revealed the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of frankincense
and unveiled potential DILI healing targets. This study could provide insights for further
development of drugs that specifically target DILI.