Mechanism of Paeoniae Rubra Radix in Ischemic Stroke Based on Network Pharmacology Analysis and Experimental Investigation

YU Xiaowei; GUO Wenshi

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2096-305X.2025.04.008

Abstract：Objective To explore the molecular mechanism of Paeoniae Rubra Radix(PRR)in the treatment of ischemic stroke(IS).Methods After obtaining the chemical components of PRR from the TCMSP database,potential active ingredients were screened.The potential targets of the chemical components of PRR were predicted using the PharmMapper and SwissTargetPrediction databases.The relevant targets of ischemic stroke were obtained through the Drgbank,TTD and Genecards databases.The chemical components of PRR and the common targets of ischemic stroke were obtained by using the online platform Venny 2.1.0.The protein-protein interactions(PPI)network was established through the STRING database.The PPI network was visualized by Cytoscape 3.8.2.The GO function and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were completed through the DAVID database."Component-Target-Pathway"was constructed by Cytoscape 3.8.2 software.After the rat model was successfully established(thread plug method),PRR intervention was given,and the neurological deficits of rats in each group were evaluated by Longa score.The brain tissues of rats in each group were taken for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)kit detection.qRT-PCR was used to verify the anti-apoptotic effect of PRR.The injury of cerebral cortical neurons in each group of rats was investigated by Hematoxylin and Eosin Staining Kit(HE)and Nissl staining technique.Results Through network pharmacological analysis and screening,20 potential active components of PRR were obtained,among which 13 were potential therapeutic targets for ischemic stroke.Five core targets,namely TNF,SERPINE1,ESR1,FGF2,andF3,were screened out based on the degree value.KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that PRR exerts therapeutic effects on ischemic stroke through signal pathways such as complement and coagulation cascade reactions.The Longa score and brain water content results indicated that the neurological function of rats in the PRR group recovered significantly,and tissue edema was significantly reduced.The ELISA results indicated that PRR significantly inhibited the inflammatory response in the model rats.The results of HE and Nissl staining tests showed that compared with the model group,the number of Nissl body positive cells in the PRR administration group was significantly increased,and tissue damage was significantly alleviated.Conclusion PRR may target and regulate factors such as TNF and SERPINE1 through its active ingredients(such as paeoniflorin),affecting the complement and coagulation cascade pathway,thereby alleviating ischemic stroke injury.