Exploring the Mechanism of Action of Armeniacae Semen Amarum-Platycodonis Radix in the Treatment of Lung Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking and Experimental Validation
Abstract:Objective:To preliminarily predict the main targets and mechanisms of Armeniacae Semen Amarum- Platycodonis Radix in the treatment of lung cancer using network pharmacological methods and molecular docking,and then verify some key targets and pathways through in vitro experiments. Methods: Active ingredients and targets were obtained through the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP),SwissTargetPrediction and GeneCard databases. The targets were standardized using the UniProt database, and the Venn diagram was drawn through online veny2.1. Using STRING database to draw the target PPI network diagram, using Cytascape3.8.2 software to establish the "drug-component-target" and "core protein-protein" network relationship diagram,and using Matescape database to conduct GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. Molecular docking is performed through PyMOL and AutoDockTool 1.5.6 software. Lewis lung cancer cell was cultured with different concentrations of mouse drug- containing serum. Cell activity was detected by CCK8,apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry using Annen V-FITC/PI labeling,and the expression level of SRC protein in Lewis lung cancer cell was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western Blot. Results:A total of 23 effective active components were obtained from Armeniacae Semen Amarum- Platycodonis Radix, with 227 target. The key target was SRC, and the PI3K- Akt signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway with higher KEGG enrichment were found. Molecular docking showed good docking performance. In vitro experiments showed that the Armeniacae Semen Amarum- Platycodonis Radix drug pair could inhibit the proliferation of Lewis lung cancer cell,induce the apoptosis, and down- regulate the expression level of SRC protein. Conclusion: The Armeniacae Semen Amarum- Platycodonis Radix drug pair can inhibit the expression of SRC,possibly by regulating the PD-1 and PD-L1 pathways,Ras signaling pathway,PI3K- Akt signaling pathway,and MAPK signaling pathway to reduce the invasion,migration,proliferation,and differentiation of tumor cells,improve immunity,and thereby treat lung cancer.