Title:Deciphering Multi-target Pharmacological Mechanism of Cucurbita pepo Seeds
against Kidney Stones: Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Approach
Volume: 30
Issue: 4
Author(s): Aqsa Shahzadi, Usman Ali Ashfaq*, Mohsin Khurshid*, Muhammad Atif Nisar, Asad Syed and Ali H. Bahkali
Affiliation:
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
- Institute of
Microbiology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Keywords:
Cucurbita pepo, lithotriptic, urolithiasis, herbal medicine, signaling pathways, gene targets.
Abstract:
Background: Urolithiasis is a prevalent condition with significant morbidity and economic implications.
The economic burden associated with urolithiasis primarily stems from medical expenses. Previous literature
suggests that herbal plants, including Cucurbita pepo, have lithotriptic capabilities. C. pepo is an annual,
herbaceous, widely grown, and monoecious vegetative plant known for its antioxidants, fibers, and fatty acids.
Recent studies on C. pepo seeds have shown therapeutic potential in reducing bladder stones and urodynamic
illnesses, like kidney stones. However, the precise molecular and pharmacological mechanisms are unclear.
Objective: In this research, we employed network pharmacology and molecular docking to examine the active
compounds and biological mechanisms of Cucurbita pepo against kidney stones.
Methods: Active constituents were obtained from previous studies and the IMPPAT database, with their targets
predicted using Swiss target prediction. Kidney stone-associated genes were collected from DisGeNET
and GeneCards. The active constituent-target-pathway network was constructed using Cytoscape, and the target
protein-protein interaction network was generated using the STRING database. Gene enrichment analysis
of C. pepo core targets was conducted using DAVID. Molecular docking was performed to identify potential
kidney stone-fighting agents.
Results: The findings revealed that Cucurbita pepo contains 18 active components and has 192 potential gene
targets, including AR, EGFR, ESR1, AKT1, MAPK3, SRC, and MTOR. Network analysis demonstrated that
C. pepo seeds may prevent kidney stones by influencing disease-related signaling pathways. Molecular docking
indicated that key kidney stone targets (mTOR, EGFR, AR, and ESR1) effectively bind with active constituents
of C. pepo.
Conclusion: These findings provide insight into the anti-kidney stone effects of Cucurbita pepo at a molecular
level. In conclusion, this study contributes to understanding the potential of Cucurbita pepo in combating kidney
stones and lays the foundation for further research.