Qiangli Wuhu mixture alleviates LPS-induced pneumonia by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway: a study based on network pharmacology

Context Qiangli Wuhu (QLWH) mixture is a concoction approved and registered by Ningxia Medical Products Administration. It has therapeutic effects on various types of pneumonia. Objective To clarify the mechanisms of QLWH in treating pneumonia. Materials and methods The potential targets of QLWH in the treatment of pneumonia were predicted by network pharmacology. Male, Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were randomly divided into five groups of 12 mice, control, vehicle, QLWH (10 and 20 mg/kg) and dexamethasone (DXM), and orally treated twice daily with normal saline, QLWH or DXM. The pneumonia model was established by tracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After treatment five days, ELISA, H&E staining and Western blot were used to investigate protective effects of QLWH. Results Nine hundred and ninety-four active ingredients were found through network pharmacology, corresponding to 135 targets for the treatment of pneumonia; compared to the vehicle group, QLWH (10 and 20 mg/kg) significantly decreased the levels of TNF-alpha (14.3% and 28.8%), IL-1 beta (23.9% and 42.8%) and IL-6 (13.2% and 16.1%), increased the levels of IL-10 (134.3% and 172.9%); in terms of mechanism, QLWH down-regulated TLR4/NF-kappa B/NLRP3 axis related proteins in lung tissue of pneumonia model mice (p < 0.05). Discussion and conclusions This study combined network pharmacology and animal experiments, providing effective evidence for the clinical promotion of QLWH. Meanwhile, it is of significance for further development.