Exploring the Mechanism of Action of Xuebijing Injection in Treating Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Based on Network Pharmacology and Animal Experiments

Objective: To explore the mechanism of Xuebijing injection (XBJ) in treating acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) using network pharmacology and animal experiments. Methods: Active ingredients of XBJ were analyzed via TCMSP, and ARDS-related targets were identified through DisGENET and Genecard. Intersection targets were obtained using PubChem and Venn diagrams. Protein interaction networks, GO, and KEGG enrichment analyses were conducted. An ARDS rat model was established using lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and rats were divided into control, LPS, and XBJ-treated groups (low, medium, high doses, n=10). Lung wet/dry (W/D) ratio, inflammatory cytokines (IL-17, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α), MPO levels, lung pathology, and protein expression of ICAM-1 and HIF-1α were assessed via ELISA, HE staining, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot. Results: A total of 204 ARDS targets were identified, with 46 intersection targets, mainly TNF-α, MPO, HIF-1α, and ICAM-1. XBJ affected ARDS through IL-17, HIF-1, and TNF signaling pathways. In vivo, LPS-induced lung injury showed alveolar destruction, edema, and inflammation, with increased W/D ratio, cytokines, MPO, and protein expression of HIF-1α and ICAM-1 (P<0.05). XBJ treatment alleviated lung damage, reduced inflammation, and improved pathology in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Conclusion: XBJ alleviates ARDS by regulating immune function, oxidative stress, and inflammation through IL-17, HIF-1, and TNF pathways.