Sanzi Yangqin Decoction Alleviates Allergic Asthma by Modulating Th1/Th2 Balance: Coupling Network Pharmacology with Biochemical Pharmacology

Abstract

This study aimed to verify that Sanzi Yangqin Decoction (SYD) can relieve asthma in mice and explore the effect on TH1/Th2 balance. The targets of SYD and asthma were explored from the public database using various methods. The potential targets and signaling pathways were identified by KEGG enrichment analysis from DAVID database. Mice asthma models were established using OVA and aluminum hydroxide. Lung tissues of mice were stained with HE and Masson. The contents of IFN-γ, IL-4, and TNF-α in BALF and IgE in mouse serum were detected using ELISA. In addition, the changes in Th1 and Th2 cells of the spleen were detected by flow cytometry. Fourteen core targets including IL4, IFNG, and MMP9 were identified for the treatment of asthma by SYD. The content of IL-4 in the lung tissue and BALF was gradually decreased with the increase in SYD concentration, while the IFN-γ was gradually increased. The drug significantly reduced IgE levels in serum and TNF-α in BALF. The number of Th1 cells in the spleen increased, while Th2 cells decreased in a concentration-dependent manner. SYD can alleviate pulmonary inflammation, restore Th1/Th2 balance, and relieve asthma.