Mechanistic Insights into the Therapeutic Efficacy of Qi Ling Gui Fu Prescription in Broiler Ascites Syndrome: A Network Pharmacology and Experimental Study

This study delves into the therapeutic potential of Qi Ling Gui Fu Prescription (QLGFP) in broiler ascites syndrome (AS) by investigating its impact on the phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle. Utilizing network pharmacology, we identified 267 active ingredients and 120 core targets o...

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Main Authors: Jie Kang, Ruiqiang Deng, Keyao Wang, Huimin Wang, Yufeng Han, Zhibian Duan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Veterinary Sciences
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2306-7381/12/2/78
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author Jie Kang
Ruiqiang Deng
Keyao Wang
Huimin Wang
Yufeng Han
Zhibian Duan
author_facet Jie Kang
Ruiqiang Deng
Keyao Wang
Huimin Wang
Yufeng Han
Zhibian Duan
author_sort Jie Kang
collection DOAJ
description This study delves into the therapeutic potential of Qi Ling Gui Fu Prescription (QLGFP) in broiler ascites syndrome (AS) by investigating its impact on the phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle. Utilizing network pharmacology, we identified 267 active ingredients and 120 core targets of QLGFP, revealing its multifaceted mechanism of action. Gene enrichment analysis highlighted the pivotal roles of Toll-like receptor, FoxO, and MAPK signaling pathways in QLGFP’s therapeutic effects. Experimental validation in a broiler AS model demonstrated that QLGFP regulated the expression of key markers (SM-22α, OPN, and KLF4) associated with the phenotypic transformation of pulmonary artery vascular smooth muscle (PASMC). Clinical improvements were evident, with a significant reduction in ascites cardiac index (AHI). Furthermore, QLGFP suppressed the protein expression of MAPK1 (ERK1), p-MAPK1, MAPK9 (JNK2), p-MAPK9, MA3.PK14 (P38α), and p-MAPK14, along with downstream factors AP1 and ATF4. These findings suggest that QLGFP effectively prevents and treats AS in broilers by modulating the MAPKs-AP1/ATF4 pathway, thereby inhibiting the phenotypic transformation and proliferation of PASMCs. This study contributes a theoretical foundation for understanding the role of QLGFP in the prevention and treatment of AS in broilers.
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spelling doaj-art-417543d53df547799929f63a38e9e0562025-08-20T03:12:10ZengMDPI AGVeterinary Sciences2306-73812025-01-011227810.3390/vetsci12020078Mechanistic Insights into the Therapeutic Efficacy of Qi Ling Gui Fu Prescription in Broiler Ascites Syndrome: A Network Pharmacology and Experimental StudyJie Kang0Ruiqiang Deng1Keyao Wang2Huimin Wang3Yufeng Han4Zhibian Duan5Science and Technology Center, Fenyang College of Shanxi Medical University, Lüliang 032200, ChinaCollege of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, ChinaCollege of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, ChinaCollege of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, ChinaCollege of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, ChinaCollege of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, ChinaThis study delves into the therapeutic potential of Qi Ling Gui Fu Prescription (QLGFP) in broiler ascites syndrome (AS) by investigating its impact on the phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle. Utilizing network pharmacology, we identified 267 active ingredients and 120 core targets of QLGFP, revealing its multifaceted mechanism of action. Gene enrichment analysis highlighted the pivotal roles of Toll-like receptor, FoxO, and MAPK signaling pathways in QLGFP’s therapeutic effects. Experimental validation in a broiler AS model demonstrated that QLGFP regulated the expression of key markers (SM-22α, OPN, and KLF4) associated with the phenotypic transformation of pulmonary artery vascular smooth muscle (PASMC). Clinical improvements were evident, with a significant reduction in ascites cardiac index (AHI). Furthermore, QLGFP suppressed the protein expression of MAPK1 (ERK1), p-MAPK1, MAPK9 (JNK2), p-MAPK9, MA3.PK14 (P38α), and p-MAPK14, along with downstream factors AP1 and ATF4. These findings suggest that QLGFP effectively prevents and treats AS in broilers by modulating the MAPKs-AP1/ATF4 pathway, thereby inhibiting the phenotypic transformation and proliferation of PASMCs. This study contributes a theoretical foundation for understanding the role of QLGFP in the prevention and treatment of AS in broilers.https://www.mdpi.com/2306-7381/12/2/78network pharmacologyQi Ling Gui Fu prescriptionbroiler ascites syndromeMAPK pathwayphenotypic switching of VSMC
spellingShingle Jie Kang
Ruiqiang Deng
Keyao Wang
Huimin Wang
Yufeng Han
Zhibian Duan
Mechanistic Insights into the Therapeutic Efficacy of Qi Ling Gui Fu Prescription in Broiler Ascites Syndrome: A Network Pharmacology and Experimental Study
Veterinary Sciences
network pharmacology
Qi Ling Gui Fu prescription
broiler ascites syndrome
MAPK pathway
phenotypic switching of VSMC
title Mechanistic Insights into the Therapeutic Efficacy of Qi Ling Gui Fu Prescription in Broiler Ascites Syndrome: A Network Pharmacology and Experimental Study
title_full Mechanistic Insights into the Therapeutic Efficacy of Qi Ling Gui Fu Prescription in Broiler Ascites Syndrome: A Network Pharmacology and Experimental Study
title_fullStr Mechanistic Insights into the Therapeutic Efficacy of Qi Ling Gui Fu Prescription in Broiler Ascites Syndrome: A Network Pharmacology and Experimental Study
title_full_unstemmed Mechanistic Insights into the Therapeutic Efficacy of Qi Ling Gui Fu Prescription in Broiler Ascites Syndrome: A Network Pharmacology and Experimental Study
title_short Mechanistic Insights into the Therapeutic Efficacy of Qi Ling Gui Fu Prescription in Broiler Ascites Syndrome: A Network Pharmacology and Experimental Study
title_sort mechanistic insights into the therapeutic efficacy of qi ling gui fu prescription in broiler ascites syndrome a network pharmacology and experimental study
topic network pharmacology
Qi Ling Gui Fu prescription
broiler ascites syndrome
MAPK pathway
phenotypic switching of VSMC
url https://www.mdpi.com/2306-7381/12/2/78
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