Network pharmacological study of Banxia-Chenpi in the treatment of cough variant asthma in children with phlegm evil accumulation lung syndrome

Objective

To explore the molecular mechanism of Banxia -Chenpi in the treatment of cough variant asthma with phlegm evil accumulation lung syndrome based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology.

Methods

TCMSP database was used to screen the active ingredients and targets of Banxia-Chenpi. GeneCards, OMIM and PharmGKB databases were used to obtain the targets of cough variant asthma. Cytoscape 3.9.1 software was used to construct the “couplet medicines-active ingredients-targets” network and screen key ingredients according to the degree value. The protein–protein interaction data were obtained from the STRING database and core targets were screened by Cytoscape plugin cytoNCA. The core targets conduct GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses in the David database. Molecular docking technology was used to verify the binding energy between key ingredients and core targets.

Results

There were 16 active ingredients and potential 118 targets in Banxia-Chenpi,2429 cough variant asthma targets, and 72 intersection targets. The key ingredients of the Banxia-Chenpi in treating cough variant asthma were nobiletin, baicalein, naringenin, stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol and coniferin. The core targets of the Banxia-Chenpi for CVA treatment were FOS, MMP9, AKT1, CASP3, TP53, JUN and VEGFA. The molecular docking results indicated key ingredients and core targets of the Banxia-Chenpi in CVA treatment had a good binding affinity.

Conclusion

Active ingredients maybe act on MMP9, AKT1, VEGFR and FOS to reduce eosinophils and neutrophils accumulation, dissolve phlegm, alleviate airway inflammation, and reduce airway resistance and hyperresponsiveness for treating CVA. This study provides a reference for clinical medication and subsequent research.