Work

Quercetin in Shengxian Decoction exhibits anti-ferroptosis protective roles in a myocardial infarction model via targeting DPP4/ HMOX1, based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background Myocardial infarction (MI) is characterized by high morbidity. In this study, we aimed to elucidate potential targets of Shengxian Decoction (SXD) against MI. Methods Pairing of SXD active ingredients and MI targets was conducted using the Chinese Medicine System Pharmacological Database, Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and STRING databases. The effects of SXD on MI were validated in vitro. Molecular docking was verified using cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA). Results A total of 40 active ingredients and 28 MI-related targets were obtained. Cross-analysis on 28 targets and cell death-related genes identified two crucial ferroptosis-related targets, namely, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) and heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1). In cobalt chloride (CoCl2)-induced hypoxic H9c2 cells, SXD could remarkably improve cell viability and inhibit cell death. Meanwhile, SXD treatment significantly affected the ferroptosis-related markers in hypoxic H9c2 cells. Molecular docking and CETSA results showed that quercetin had good binding activity with DPP4 and HMOX1. Conclusion Important active ingredient quercetin in SXD could exert anti-ferroptosis protective roles on MI through targeting ferroptosis-related genes (DPP4/HMOX1), thereby contributing to the protective role of SXD on MI.

Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology

DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2025.1583509

Authors: Yuming Zhai, Jiamei Fu, Jianfei Yang, Yabin Zhou

Institutions: Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Ferroptosis and cancer prognosis

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801