Multi-layered Network Analysis of Osteoking in the Treatment of Osteoporosis: Unraveling Mechanisms from Gene Expression to Molecular Docking

This study aimed to elucidate the therapeutic mechanisms of Osteoking in the treatment of osteoporosis through a comprehensive analysis of potential targets, active ingredients, and associated pathways. Method The study employed an integrated approach to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying Osteoking’s treatment of osteoporosis. The construction of the protein-protein interaction network involved analyzing data from GENEMANIA and STRING databases. KEGG enrichment analysis was performed to identify enriched pathways, focusing on the cAMP signaling and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways. Active ingredients, disease targets, and osteoporosis-related pathways were integrated into a comprehensive network diagram using Cytoscape. Result The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was employed to identify osteoporosis-related gene targets, revealing 3,578 downregulated and 1,204 upregulated genes. Simultaneously, Osteoking’s active ingredients and potential targets were investigated using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Database (ETCM). A protein-protein interaction network and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were constructed, highlighting potential targets for Osteoking’s therapeutic effects on osteoporosis. The study also conducted molecular docking analysis, revealing the strong binding capacities of Kaempferol with key disease targets. The results suggest that Osteoking, particularly its active component Kaempferol, holds promise as a potential intervention for osteoporosis, providing insights for further exploration and development of osteoporosis treatments Conclusions In conclusion, despite some limitations, this study provides valuable information for the treatment of osteoporosis. Future research should make further progress by continually expanding data sources, conducting in-depth experimental validations, and broadening the scope of targets to better understand and address this common skeletal disorder. Funding This work was supported by the Scientific Foundation of Fuzhou Municipal Health Commission (2021-S-wp3).