| 摘要 |
[Objectives] To investigate the material basis and underlying mechanisms by which topical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) alleviates odor issues in the vulvar region associated with inflammatory responses. [Methods] The active components and their corresponding targets were identified through screening using the TCMSP database, HIT 2.0 database, and NetInfer. The UniProt database was utilized to standardize the name of the collected targets. Subsequently, an intersection analysis was conducted with targets obtained from the GeneCards database to determine the anti-inflammatory targets of the TCM formulation under investigation. A network diagram illustrating the relationships among TCM, its bioactive components, and their corresponding targets was constructed using Cytoscape software, followed by topological analysis. Additionally, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was developed and analyzed utilizing the STRING database in conjunction with Cytoscape. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of the targets was performed employing the DAVID database. [Results] A total of 76 active compounds were identified from the TCM formulation through screening, corresponding to 662 targets. Subsequent analysis revealed 62 core targets associated with vaginitis and urethritis. Network diagram analysis indicated that the principal Chinese herbs in this formulation were Sophorae Flavescentis Radix, Herba Leonuri, and Eupatorium fortunei. The formulation may exert anti-inflammatory and deodorizing effects via bioactive compounds such as quercetin, apigenin, and genistein, while simultaneously mitigating inflammatory responses by modulating target proteins including ALB, IL6, TNF, IL-1β, and IFNG. [Conclusions] The TCM formulation has the potential to mitigate inflammatory responses and diminish the odor of secretions through multi-component and multi-target mechanisms. Due to their capacity to mask flavors, inhibit bacterial growth, and reduce inflammation, medicinal plants hold significant research and practical value in the domain of odor control. |
