Efficacy of Lushi Runzao decoction(路氏润燥汤)on ameliorating Sjogren's syndrome:a network pharmacology and experimental verification-based study

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the possible mechanism underlying the effect of the Lushi Runzao decoction(路氏润燥汤)on Sjogren's syndrome using network pharmacology and to verify the mechanisms via animal experiments.METHODS:Available biological data on each drug in the Lushi Runzao decoction were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform,and the target proteins of Sjogren's syndrome were retrieved from the GeneCards database.Information regarding Sjogren's syndrome and the targets of the drugs were compared to obtain overlapping elements.This information was imported into the STRING platform to obtain a proteinprotein interaction network diagram,following which a“component-target”network diagram was constructed using screened drug components and target information via Cytoscape software.The database for annotation,visualization,and integrated discovery was used for Gene Ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways analyses.Pathway information predicted by network pharmacology was verified using animal experiments.RESULTS:The Lushi Runzao decoction ameliorated Sjogren's syndrome mainly by influencing tumor necrosis factor as well as certain cytokines and chemokines.The decoction also influenced the interleukin-17 and advanced glycosylation end products(AGE)-receptor for AGE signaling pathways.CONCLUSION:The Lushi Runzao decoction ameliorates Sjogren's syndrome via multiple targets and multiple signaling pathways.Network pharmacology is useful for making a comprehensive prediction regarding the efficacy of the Lushi Runzao decoction,and this information may be helpful in clinical research.