†These authors contributed equally.
Academic Editor: Michael H. Dahan
Background: Tong-Jing-Yi (TJY) formula consists of Leonurus, fried
Toosendan and processed Cyperus, etc. The therapeutic effect of TJY on
dysmenorrhea has been clinically validated, but the underlying mechanism remains
unclear. The present study aimed to explore the possible molecular targets of TJY
and the potential mechanisms. Methods: The components of TJY formula
were identified by ultra performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole-time of
flight/mass spectrometry. SwissTargetPrediction database was used to predict the
targets of TJY formula, and targets associated with primary dysmenorrhea were
also collected through other databases. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia
of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were conducted.
Results: A total of 91 compounds with identified structures were
screened, including 3 groups of isomers. The results predicted 854 TJY
formula-related targets and 363 disease-related targets. GO and KEGG analysis
showed that the top 5 target genes were PIK3CA, AKT1,
EGFR, AKT2 and CYP19A1. PI3K-Akt signaling, chemokine
signaling, focal adhesion, and Rap1 signaling were ranked in the top 15 pathways.
Conclusion: TJY formula might play roles in the treatment of
dysmenorrhea underlying mechanisms relating to the involvement of TNF-