Integration of network pharmacology and transcriptomics to reveal the mechanism of Paeoniae Radix Alba Polysaccharide in alleviating hepatic fibrosis

Ethnopharmacological relevance: For centuries, Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (Baishao) has been used to treat liver disorders. Paeoniae Radix Alba Polysaccharide (PRP), the main active ingredient of Baishao, has definite hepatoprotective properties. The exact mechanism by which PRP protects against liver fibrosis remains unknown.

Aim of the study: This study was to explore anti-hepatic fibrosis effect and underlying mechanisms of PRP.

Materials and methods: 40 % carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) olive oil solution induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. Therapeutic effect of PRP in mitigating liver fibrosis was assessed by detecting liver function, liver pathological changes, oxidative stress, inflammatory reaction, Ferroptosis, and liver fibrosis indicators. Network pharmacology and transcriptomics identified PRP's anti-hepatic fibrosis targets and pathways. Subsequently, validation was performed employing.

Results: PRP reduced liver function, inhibited fibrotic tissue proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, modulated inflammation, slowed oxidative stress, inhibited Ferroptosis of model rats. In vitro, PRP also suppressed HSCs proliferation, activation, ECM deposition, and enhanced mitochondrial membrane potential, exerting antifibrotic effects. Meanwhile, PRP inhibited PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and activated SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway-related protein expression. More importantly, PI3K Inhibitor (LY294002) experiments confirmed PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway's importance in inhibiting Ferroptosis by PRP.

Conclusion: These findings reveal PRP attenuates Ferroptosis and liver fibrosis through inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR and activating SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway.

Ferroptosis; Hepatic fibrosis; Network pharmacology; PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway; Paeoniae Radix Alba Polysaccharide; Transcriptomics.