Title:Integrating Network Pharmacology and Transcriptomic Strategies to Explore the Pharmacological Mechanism of Paeoniflorin Exerts Antidepressant Effects
Volume: 21
Issue: 15
Author(s): Lili Su, Zixian Wang, Pengli Guo, Zhongmei He, Jianming Li, Yan Zhao, Ying Zong, Weijia Chen*Rui Du*
Affiliation:
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
- Jilin Provincial
Engineering Research Center for Efficient Breeding and Product Development of Sika Deer, Changchun, 130118, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Production and Product Quality and Security, Ministry of Education, Ministry of National
Education, Changchun, 130118, China
Keywords:
Paeoniflorin, depression, network pharmacology, transcriptomics, molecular docking, HIF-1α-VEGFA.
Abstract:
Background: Paeoniflorin has been proven to have neuroprotective and antidepressant
effects in several studies. However, there is currently no comprehensive elaboration of its antidepressant
effects through network pharmacology combined with transcriptomics analysis. The purpose of
this study is to explore the potential mechanisms by which paeoniflorin exerts its antidepressant effects
using network pharmacology and transcriptomics sequencing approaches.
Methods: We utilized metascape to enrich the intersecting targets for paeoniflorin and depression for
enrichment analyses. Additionally, we employed Cytoscape software to construct target pathway
networks. For the screening of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) altered by paeoniflorin, we
sequenced mRNA from the hippocampal tissue of CUMS model mice using the BMKCloud platform.
We further enriched their biological functions and signaling pathways by using the Omishare
database. The study utilized a combination of network pharmacology and transcriptomics analysis to
evaluate the interactions between paeoniflorin and key targets. The results were then verified through
a molecular docking process and a subsequent Western blot experiment.
Results: According to a comprehensive analysis, paeoniflorin has 19 key targets that are closely
related to its therapeutic effect. Molecular docking revealed that paeoniflorin has a high affinity for
HIF-1α, VEGFA, and other targets. Furthermore, protein expression and immunofluorescence staining
analysis showed that paeoniflorin significantly increased the expression level of HIF-1α and
VEGFA in the hippocampus of depression model mice.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that paeoniflorin may have therapeutic potential in depression
through the activation of the HIF-1α-VEGFA pathway.
