Unraveling the Effective Components and Molecular Mechanisms of Xuanbi Decoction for Treating Gouty Arthritis: An Integrated Approach Using Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology

Abstract

Xuanbi Decoction (XBD) is a classical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) effective in treating different types of arthritis. This study aimed to integrate metabolomics with network pharmacology to identify active metabolic components of XBD, elucidate its therapeutic targets, and reveal the key signaling pathways involved in the treatment of gout. The study systematically analyzed the material basis and potential mechanisms underlying XBD efficacy in gouty arthritis (GA). First, 352 blood metabolites from XBD were screened by extracting the drug-containing serum and utilizing liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Twenty-two key ones were identified through correlation analysis. Two-hundred fifty-five metabolite-related targets and 764 GA-related targets were retrieved from multiple databases. Further analysis of the intersection of targets identified 60 key overlapping targets. PPI network analysis elucidated the interrelationships among the 60 targets. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were conducted on these crossover targets, identifying 25 GO terms and 20 KEGG pathways. Network diagrams were constructed, featuring “22 metabolites–60 targets–25 GO terms” and “22 metabolites–60 targets–20 KEGG pathways.” Additionally, a comprehensive network map was constructed, featuring “9 XBD drugs–22 active metabolic components–60 core targets–25 signaling pathways,” elucidating the multidimensional intervention mechanism of XBD on GA, offering insights into its clinical application in GA treatment.