Based on network pharmacology method to discovered the targets and therapeutic mechanism of Paederia scandens against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in chicken

The aim of the study is to determine the target of Paeteria scandens in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The Chinese herbal medicine pharmacology data and analysis platform were used to search and screen for the effective components of the Paeteria scandens compounds and to analyze the possible therapeutic targets based on network topology. In addition, various known disease target databases were enrolled, the therapeutic target proteins in NAFLD were screened, and a protein–protein interaction network was constructed. Enrichment analysis was performed on key nodes. Finally, the inhibitory effect of Paeteria scandens on NAFLD was verified by experiments. We identified 33 major candidate targets of Paeteria scandens and successfully constructed a "drug-compound-target-disease" network. Abovementioned targets revealed by gene enrichment analysis have played a significant role in the cell cycle, apoptosis, and related signal pathways. We demonstrated that Paeteria scandens downregulated serum triglyceride and lipopolysaccharides levels in NAFLD chickens by feeding with a high-capacity diet and endotoxin of Salmonella enteritidis was given by gavage. Paeteria scandens may regulate the hepatic cell cycle and apoptosis through the Salmonella infection pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, and apoptosis pathway. For NAFLD, Paeteria scandens may be a promising, long-lasting treatment strategy.