Zhihui Liu, Jiani Shi, Chen Chen, Yuqiong Yuan, Guorun Chen, Qianru Zhou
Center for Reproductive Medicine,Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, HangZhou, China.
Graduate School, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China.
Sci Rep. 2025 Jul 1;15(1):22358. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-02585-9.
This study analyzed transcriptome sequencing data from rat samples, categorized into control (normal), model (chronic endometritis, CE), and test (treated with Penning Formula, PNF) groups, to identify key target genes of PNF in CE treatment and elucidate the specific mechanism of PNF treatment for CE. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the model-control (DEGs1) and model-test (DEGs2) groups were compared, revealing 47 PNF-related genes (PRGs), primarily involved in stress response and prolactin signaling. These PRGs were cross-referenced with 909 target genes (TGs) of 25 active ingredients of PNF obtained from public databases, resulting in the identification of three key target genes: Bhmt, Scn10a, and Esr2. Further analysis, including functional pathway enrichment, chromosomal mapping, expression profiling, gene interactions, regulatory networks, and molecular docking, highlighted their involvement in stress response and prolactin signaling, with distinct chromosomal distributions and differential expression across groups. Additionally, miRNA predictions, such as rno-miR-29a-3p, were made, and significant binding interactions between key genes and active ingredients were observed. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) validation confirmed a marked down-regulation of Bhmt, Scn10a, and Esr2 in the treatment group, corroborating the therapeutic effect of PNF on CE. This study unveils novel targets and offers valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying PNF's therapeutic action for CE.
本研究分析了大鼠样本的转录组测序数据，这些样本分为对照组（正常）、模型组（慢性子宫内膜炎，CE）和试验组（用盆宁方，PNF治疗），以确定PNF在CE治疗中的关键靶基因，并阐明PNF治疗CE的具体机制。比较了模型-对照组（DEGs1）和模型-试验组（DEGs2）之间的差异表达基因（DEG），发现了47个PNF相关基因（PRG），主要参与应激反应和催乳素信号传导。这些PRG与从公共数据库获得的PNF 25种活性成分的909个靶基因（TG）进行交叉参考，从而确定了三个关键靶基因：Bhmt、Scn10a和Esr2。进一步的分析，包括功能途径富集、染色体定位、表达谱分析、基因相互作用、调控网络和分子对接，突出了它们参与应激反应和催乳素信号传导，具有不同的染色体分布和各组间的差异表达。此外，还进行了miRNA预测，如rno-miR-29a-3p，并观察到关键基因与活性成分之间的显著结合相互作用。逆转录定量聚合酶链反应（RT-qPCR）验证证实治疗组中Bhmt、Scn10a和Esr2明显下调，证实了PNF对CE的治疗效果。本研究揭示了新的靶点，并为PNF治疗CE的作用机制提供了有价值的见解。
