Integrated Bioinformatics, Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking to Explore the Mechanisms of Taohong Siwu Decoction in the Treatment of Tendinopathy

Abstract Objective: This study aims to investigate the potential mechanism of Taohong Siwu Decoction (THSWD) in the treatment of tendinopathy using bioinformatics, network pharmacology, and molecular docking methods. Methods: The human tendinopathy expression microarray dataset was obtained from the GEO database. Bioinformatics methods were employed to screen differentially expressed genes. Disease-associated genes related to tendinopathy were identified using relevant databases. Potential targets of THSWD for treating tendinopathy were identified and subjected to functional and pathway enrichment analysis. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of potential therapeutic targets was constructed, along with a drug components-disease target-signaling pathway network. Results: A total of 867 tendinopathy-related targets were confirmed, while 45 active ingredients of THSWD resulted in retrieval of 216 corresponding tendinopathy targets. THSWD primarily modulates signaling pathways such as IL-17 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway associated with diabetic complications, as well as other signaling pathways for effective treatment of tendinopathy. Molecular docking simulations demonstrated high binding activity between core active compounds and hub genes. Conclusion: The therapeutic effect of THSWD on tendinopathy is achieved through a multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway approach involving primarily the IL-17 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, and AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications.