Potential Targets and Mechanism of Action of Wangwei Powder in Tic Disorder Therapy: Bioinformatics and Network Pharmacology Analyses

Introduction: Tic disorders are neuropsychiatric conditions characterized by involuntary motor or vocal tics; however, the mechanisms underlying these disorders and potential therapeutic targets remain unknown. Therefore, this study investigated the mechanisms underlying tic disorders, particularly focusing on the role of mitochondrial energy metabolism, and identified potential targets of traditional Chinese medicine for these disorders. Methods: Mitochondrial energy metabolism-related genes were retrieved from Gene- Cards and relevant literature. Additionally, Wangwei powder components and their potential targets were obtained from the TCMSP, HERB, and PubChem databases. Bioinformatic analysis was employed to identify key genes and mechanisms involved in tic disorders. Results: Notably, 210 target genes of Wangwei powder, 365 mitochondrial energy metabolism-related genes, and 2020 differentially expressed genes in the tic disorder vs. control groups were identified. Based on the intersections of the differentially expressed genes, mitochondrial energy metabolism-related genes, and target genes, aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (Aldh2), acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase 1 (Acat1), aldehyde dehydrogenase 1a1 (Aldh1a1), and adenylate kinase 2 (Ak2) were identified as key genes in tic disorder pathophysiology. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses showed that the key genes were mainly involved in liver development, cellular detoxification of aldehydes, pyruvate metabolism, and fatty acid degradation pathways. Additionally, immune infiltration analysis highlighted notable discrepancies in immune cell populations between the tic disorder and control groups. Discussion: Aldh2, Acat1, Aldh1a1, and Ak2 demonstrate potential as therapeutic targets for TD in WWS. The role of Acat1 in immune modulation and disease progression highlights its promise for immunotherapy. However, further experimental validation is needed to address study limitations. result: Notably, we identified 210 target genes of Wangwei powder, 365 mitochondrial energy metabolism-related genes, and 2020 differentially expressed genes in the tic disorder vs. control groups. Based on the intersections of the differentially expressed genes, mitochondrial energy metabolism-related genes, and target genes, Aldh2, Acat1, Aldh1a1, and Ak2 were identified as key genes in tic disorder pathophysiology. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses showed that the key genes were mainly involved in liver development, cellular detoxification of aldehydes, pyruvate metabolism, and fatty acid degradation pathways. Additionally, immune infiltration analysis highlighted notable discrepancies in immune cell populations between the tic disorder and control groups. Conclusion: The results indicate that the key genes (Aldh2, Acat1, Aldh1a1, and Ak2) play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of tic disorders through metabolic pathways and immune cell regulation.