Efficacy and potential toxicity of Duhuo Qinjiao Decoction in osteoarthritis via the NF-κB pathway.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the bioactivity, primary targets, and putative pharmacological processes of Duhuo Qinjiao Decoction (DHQJD) against osteoarthritis (OA), a network pharmacology and experimental validation strategy was employed. METHODS: Biological activity, potential DHQJD targets, and OA-related targets were gathered from public databases. The key bioactive ingredients, potential targets, and signaling pathways were found using bioinformatics study, which included Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, Gene Ontology (GO), and protein-protein interaction (PPI). Molecular docking was then used to anticipate how active medications will attach to important targets. RESULTS: A total of 337 DHQJD active components and 94 DHQJD-related OA targets were assessed. Bioinformatics study indicated TNF, TP53, CASP3, and PTGS2 as potential therapeutic targets, while wogonin, myricanone, and beta-sitosterol were found as potential pharmacological possibilities. In mice with OA caused by destabilized medial meniscus (DMM), DHQJD was shown to be able to suppress the levels of inflammatory factors and the NF-kB signaling pathway. This further suggested that DHQJD's anti-OA actions could be mediated through the NF-kB signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: The findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the molecular processes, possible targets, and biological actions of DHQJD against OA. Additionally, it was demonstrated that DHQJD reduces inflammatory responses by inhibiting the activity of apoptotic effector caspase and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. There may be a need for novel herbs having anti-inflammatory and joint-protective qualities to help individuals with osteoarthritis. Key Points • DHQJD was widely prescribed in China during the Ming Dynasty for the treatment of osteoarthritic diseases. • With a history of nearly 1000 years, the formula has been centered on dispelling wind-dampness and clearing deficiency heat, and relieving paralyzing joint pain through the synergistic action of multiple herbs. • Recent studies in modern toxicology have found that there may be potential toxicity, but it may be minimal compared to the treatment of the disease, but the strength of the toxicity and the organs affected are still unknown.