Network Pharmacological Investigation of Sinomenine Action Against Synovitis

Zhi Li, Jian-Yu Mao, Xiao-Hui Zhou and Zhen-Dong Xu

Background and Objective: Synovitis is characterized as the inflammation of the synovial membrane, which often occurs in osteoarthritis. The incidence of this medical condition may be related to age, immunological responses and other co-morbidities. Therefore, the objective of the study was to elucidate the anti-Synovitis potential of sinomenine. Materials and Methods: The associated targets about sinomenine and synovitis were investigated in Homo sapiens, which was then elucidated by the PPI network construction via STITCH database. Furthermore, Cytoscape and its plugin were used for gene ontology (GO) analysis. Results: The literature survey and the network revealed 25 potential target proteins to be associated with sinomenine, of which many proteins such as OPRD1, CHRM1 and DAMGO were found to be significantly related to the bioactive action of sinomenine in Homo sapiens. Moreover, the GO terms which were associated with the functioning of sinomenine for its anti-Synovitis potential were found to be four, analyzed by the functional annotation gene clusters and abundance values of the target proteins. Conclusion: The results of the study demonstrate the anti-Synovitis potential of sinomenine, where its action is dependent upon the molecular mechanisms that exert its beneficial role against synovitis. The core mechanisms that may be related to its anti-synovitis action may be adenylate cyclase-activating G-protein coupled receptor signalling pathway, regulation of smooth muscle contraction, adenylate cyclase-inhibiting G-protein coupled acetylcholine receptor signalling pathway and positive regulation of nitric oxide metabolic process.

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