The Modulatory Properties of Li-Ru-Kang Treatment on Hyperplasia of Mammary Glands Using an Integrated Approach

Therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Inonotus hispidus extract and active monomer compounds in a rat mammary gland hyperplasia model

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Inonotus hispidus is the traditional Chinese medicine Sanghuang. Since ancient times, Sanghuang has been documented to be used in the treatment of female breast diseases. However, the pharmacological mechanism of Sanghuang in the treatment of mammary gland hyperplasia (HMG) remains unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The ethyl acetate extract of the aging fruiting body of I. hispidus (IEAE) was used to study the pharmacological mechanism of IEAE in the treatment of HMG using non-targeted metabolomics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The HMG rat model was established, and serum metabolomics was used to study the potential therapeutic mechanism of IEAE for HMG.

RESULTS

IEAE has obvious therapeutic effect on HMG model rats, and no obvious adverse reactions were observed. Non-targeted metabolomics showed that after IEAE intervention, the upstream metabolite D-erythrose 4-phosphate was significantly downregulated, aromatic amino acids such as tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylalanine were downregulated, and the downstream metabolites N-acetyl-L-glutamate and L-proline were significantly upregulated. After an intervention with yakuchinone A, non-targeted metabolomics analyses demonstrated that yakuchinone A restored tetrahydrocorticosterone, cortisol, and etiocholanolone to normal levels, estriol was significantly upregulated, and steroid hormone biosynthesis was significantly activated.

CONCLUSION

IEAE was shown to have a good therapeutic effect on HMG in a rat model without adverse reactions. The mechanism of action was mainly based on the biosynthesis of amino acids. Small molecule metabolites such as D-erythrose 4-phosphate, N-acetyl-L-glutamate, and L-proline may be potential targets for IEAE in the treatment of HMG. Yakuchinone A is one of the main active components of IEAE, and plays a role by promoting the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway. Estriol may be a potential target for the treatment of HMG with yakuchinone A, providing a new concept for clinical treatment of HMG.

Investigation of Ginseng-Ophiopogon Injection on Enhancing Physical Function by Pharmacogenomics and Metabolomics Evaluation

BACKGROUND

Ginseng-ophiopogon injection (GOI) is a clinically commonly used drug for Qi deficiency syndrome characterized by decreased physical function in China. This study aimed to clarify common pharmacological mechanisms of GOI in enhancing physical function.

METHODS

We performed an integrative strategy of weight-loaded swimming tests in cold water (5.5°C), hepatic glycogen and superoxide dismutase (SOD) detections, GC-TOF/MS-based metabolomics, multivariate statistical techniques, network pharmacology of known targets and constituents, and KEGG pathway analysis of GOI.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, GOI showed significant increases in the weightloaded swimming time, hepatic levels of glycogen and SOD. Additionally, 34 significantly differential serum metabolites referred to glycolysis, gluconeogenesis and arginine biosynthesis were affected by GOI. The target collection revealed 98 metabolic targets and 50 experimentreported drug targets of ingredients in GOI involved in enhancing physical function. Further, the PPI network analysis revealed that 8 ingredients of GOI, such as ginsenoside Re, ginsenoside Rf, ginsenoside Rg1, and notoginsenoside R1, were well-associated with 48 hub targets, which had good ability in enhancing physical function. Meanwhile, nine hub proteins, such as SOD, mechanistic target of Rapamycin (mTOR), and nitric oxide synthases, were confirmed to be affected by GOI. Finally, 98 enriched KEGG pathways (P<0.01 and FDR<0.001) of GOI were obtained from 48 hub targets of the PPI network. Among them, pathways in cancer, Chagas disease, lipid and atherosclerosis, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway ranked top four.

CONCLUSION

This study provided an integrative and efficient approach to understand the molecular mechanism of GOI in enhancing physical function.

Alterations in the gut microbiota and serum metabolomics of spontaneous cholestasis caused by loss of FXR signal in mice

Background: Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a key metabolic target of bile acids (BAs) and is also a target for drugs against several liver diseases. However, the contribution of FXR in the pathogenesis of cholestasis is still not fully understood. The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive insight into the metabolic properties of FXR-involved cholestasis in mice. Materials and methods: In this study, an alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced cholestasis mouse model and FXR^-/- mice were established to investigate the effect of FXR on cholestasis. The effect of FXR on liver and ileal pathology was evaluated. Simultaneously, Untargeted metabolomics combined with 16s rRNA gene sequencing analysis was applied to reveal the involvement of FXR in the pathogenesis of cholestasis. Results: The results showed that ANIT (75 mg/kg) induced marked cholestasis in WT and FXR -/- mice. It is noteworthy that FXR^-/- mice developed spontaneous cholestasis. Compared with WT mice, significant liver and ileal tissue damage were found. In addition, 16s rRNA gene sequencing analysis revealed gut microbiota dysbiosis in FXR-/- mice and ANIT-induced cholestasis mice. Differential biomarkers associated with the pathogenesis of cholestasis caused by FXR knockout were screened using untargeted metabolomics. Notably, Lactobacillus_ johnsonii_FI9785 has a high correlation with the differential biomarkers associated with the pathogenesis and progression of cholestasis caused by FXR knockout. Conclusion: Our results implied that the disorder of the intestinal flora caused by FXR knockout can also interfere with the metabolism. This study provides novel insights into the FXR-related mechanisms of cholestasis.

The mechanism of Renshen-Fuzi herb pair for treating heart failure-Integrating a cardiovascular pharmacological assessment with serum metabolomics

Background: Renshen-Fuzi herb pair (RS-FZ) is often used in the clinical treatment of heart failure (HF) and has a remarkable therapeutic effect. However, the mechanism of RS-FZ for treating HF remains unclear. In our study, we explored the mechanism of RS-FZ for treating HF. Methods: Evaluation of RS-FZ efficacy by cardiovascular pharmacology. Moreover, Global metabolomics profiling of the serum was detected by UPLC-QTOF/MS. Multivariate statistics analyzed the specific serum metabolites and corresponding metabolic pathways. Combining serum metabolomics with network pharmacology, animal experiments screened and validated the critical targets of RS-FZ intervention in HF. Results: RS-FZ significantly ameliorated myocardial fibrosis, enhanced cardiac function, and reduced the serum HF marker (brain natriuretic peptide) level in rats with HF. Through topological analysis of the "Metabolite-Target-Component" interaction network, we found that 79 compounds of RS-FZ directly regulated the downstream specific serum metabolites by acting on four critical target proteins (CYP2D6, EPHX2, MAOB, and ENPP2). The immunohistochemistry results showed that RS-FZ observably improved the expression of CYP2D6 and ENPP2 proteins while decreasing the expression of EPHX2 and MAOB proteins dramatically. Conclusion: The integrated cardiovascular pharmacological assessment with serum metabolomics revealed that RS-FZ plays a crucial role in the treatment of HF by intervening in CYP2D6, EPHX2, MAOB, and ENPP2 target proteins. It provides a theoretical basis for RS-FZ for treating HF.

Dose-Dependent Effects of Royal Jelly on Estrogen- and Progesterone-Induced Mammary Gland Hyperplasia in Rats

SCOPE

Royal jelly (RJ) has a wide range of biological functions, its effect on hyperplasia of the mammary gland (HMG) in mammals is unclear. This study aims to investigate the effect of RJ on HMG and the dose-response relationship of RJ in the treatment of HMG.

METHODS AND RESULTS

HMG rats are induced by intramuscular injection of estrogen (E2) and progesterone, and are treated with different doses of RJ (100, 200, 400, and 800 mg kg^-1 d^-1 ). As a result, RJ improves the expansion of acinar and breast tissue ducts, particularly at 100 and 800 mg kg^-1 d^-1 . These two doses also inhibit serum E2 and prolactin (PRL) secretion and increase serum progesterone secretion and the expression of estrogen receptor (ER)-β in the breast tissue. In addition, 800 mg kg^-1 d^-1 decrease and increase the mRNA expression of, respectively, hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and pituitary GnRH receptors (GnRH-R). The lowest dosage (100 mg kg^-1 d^-1 ) increases GnRH-R mRNA expression as well. However, the effects of 200 and 400 mg kg^-1 d^-1 RJ on the reproductive parameters of HMG are not significant, implying a dose-dependent effect.

CONCLUSION

RJ regulates endocrine dyscrasia in HMG rats and improves the breast tissue structure, indicating its potential in the prevention and treatment on HMG.

Liver and urine metabolomics reveal the protective effect of Gandou decoction in copper-laden Hepatolenticular degeneration model rats

Hepatolenticular degeneration (HLD) is an inherited disorder associated with human copper metabolism. Gandou decoction (GDD), a traditional Chinese medicinal formula, has been used as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of HLD in China for decades. Recent pharmacological evaluation in our laboratory has demonstrated that GDD exerts positive and beneficial effects on HLD model rats. However, its underlying therapeutic mechanisms are not yet well understood. To explore the potential therapeutic effects of GDD against HLD, liver and urine metabolomics approach combined with histopathological examination were performed to reveal the underlying mechanisms. Changes in metabolic profiles were estimated by ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) coupled with multivariate statistical analyses. The results indicated that GDD could significantly improve liver pathological variations. Moreover, 19 and 11 significantly altered metabolites were found in the liver and urine between the normal and model groups, respectively. After GDD treatment, the levels of all these disordered metabolites showed different degrees of improvement compared with the model group, including lysoPC(18:2), lysoPE(20:2/0:0), PC(18:1/14:1), alpha-linolenic acid, sphinganine, taurochenodesoxycholic acid, tetracosahexaenoic acid, 13-OxoODE, and 13-L-hydroperoxyl inoleic acid. Metabolic pathway enrichment suggested that lipid and oxidative stress metabolism were the two main pathways that participated in copper-laden rat models with GDD administration. This work indicates that GDD could achieve a therapeutic effect on HLD by ameliorating the associated metabolic disturbances.

Combination of UPLC-Q-TOF/MS and Network Pharmacology to Reveal the Mechanism of Qizhen Decoction in the Treatment of Colon Cancer

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been utilized for the treatment of colon cancer. Qizhen decoction (QZD), a potential compound prescription of TCM, possesses multiple biological activities. It has been proven clinically effective in the treatment of colon cancer. However, the molecular mechanism of anticolon cancer activity is still not clear. This study aimed to identify the chemical composition of QZD. Furthermore, a collaborative analysis strategy of network pharmacology and cell biology was used to further explore the critical signaling pathway of QZD anticancer activity. First, ultraperformance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight/mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) was performed to identify the chemical composition of QZD. Then, the chemical composition database of QZD was constructed based on a systematic literature search and review of chemical constituents. Moreover, the common and indirect targets of chemical components of QZD and colon cancer were searched by multiple databases. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the String database (https://www.string-db.org/). All of the targets were analyzed by Gene Oncology (GO) bioanalysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, and the visual network topology diagram of "Prescription-TCM-Chemical composition-Direct target-Indirect target-Pathway" was constructed by Cytoscape software (v3.7.1). The top molecular pathway ranked by statistical significance was further verified by molecular biology methods. The results of UPLC-Q-TOF/MS showed that QZD had 111 kinds of chemical components, of which 103 were unique components and 8 were common components. Ten pivotal targets of QZD in the treatment of colon cancer were screened by the PPI network. Targets of QZD involve many biological processes, such as the signaling pathway, immune system, gene expression, and so on. QZD may interfere with biological pathways such as cell replication, oxygen-containing compounds, or organic matter by protein binding, regulation of signal receptors or enzyme binding, and affect cytoplasm and membrane-bound organelles. The main antitumor core pathways were the apoptosis metabolic pathway, the PI3K-Akt signal pathway, and so on. Expression of the PI3K-Akt signal pathway was significantly downregulated after the intervention of QZD, which was closely related to the inhibition of proliferation and migration of colon cancer cells by cell biology methods. The present work may facilitate a better understanding of the effective components, therapeutic targets, biological processes, and signaling pathways of QZD in the treatment of colon cancer and provide useful information about the utilization of QZD.

Study of Zuojin Pill in Treating Chronic Atrophic Gastritis by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS Based on Serum and Urine Metabolomics Combined with Network Pharmacology

Zuojin Pill (ZJP) is widely used for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, while its specific mechanism has not been systematically investigated. The aim of this study was to explore the therapeutic effects and potential mechanism of ZJP in chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) through UPLC-Q-TOF/MS-based metabolomics combined with network pharmacology. ZJP and omeprazole significantly reduce contents of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and iNOS and improve pathological characteristics. Metabolomic results indicated that the therapeutic effects of ZJP were mainly related to ten metabolites, namely, choline, L-threonine, hydroxypyruvic acid, creatine, taurine, succinic acid, cis-aconitic acid, citric acid, succinic acid semialdehyde, and uric acid. Pathway analysis showed that the treatment of CAG by ZJP was associated with taurine and hypotaurine metabolism; glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism; glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism; glycerophospholipid metabolism; citrate cycle (TCA cycle), alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism; butanoate metabolism; and purine metabolism. Validation of metabolic markers and key targets of network pharmacology through RT-PCR analysis showed that ZJP significantly downregulated a series of inflammatory markers, such as MAPK1, PKIA, RB1, SCN5A, RXRA, E2F1, PTGS1, IGF2, ADRB1, ADRA1B, PTGS2, and GABRA1. This study was the first to use a combination of metabolomics and network pharmacology to clarify the therapeutic effects of ZJP on CAG and the regulation of multiple metabolic pathways.

Metabolomics coupled with integrated approaches reveal the therapeutic effects of higenamine combined with [6]-gingerol on doxorubicin-induced chronic heart failure in rats

Background

This study was aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and potential mechanism of higenamine combined with [6]-gingerol (HG/[6]-GR) against doxorubicin (DOX)—induced chronic heart failure (CHF) in rats.

Materials and methods

Therapeutic effects of HG/[6]-GR on hemodynamics indices, serum biochemical indicators, histopathology and TUNEL staining of rats were assessed. Moreover, a UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS-based serum metabolic approach was performed to identify the metabolites and possible pathways of HG/[6]-GR on DOX-induced CHF.

Results

HG/[6]-GR had effects on regulating hemodynamic indices, alleviating serum biochemical indicators, improving the pathological characteristics of heart tissue and reducing the apoptosis of myocardial cells. Serum metabolisms analyses indicated that the therapeutic effects of HG and [6]-GR were mainly associated with the regulation of eight metabolites, including acetylphosphate, 3-Carboxy-1-hydroxypropylthiamine diphosphate, coenzyme A, palmitic acid, PE(O-18:1(1Z)/20:4(5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z)), oleic acid, lysoPC(18:1(9Z)), and PC(16:0/16:0). Pathway analysis showed that HG/[6]-GR on CHF treatment was related to twelve pathways, including glycerophospholipid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, citrate cycle (TCA cycle), pyruvate metabolism, and arachidonic acid metabolism. Serum metabolites and metabolic pathways regulated by HG/[6]-GR appear to be related to energy metabolism.

Conclusion

Multivariate statistical analysis has provided new insights for understanding CHF and investigating the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of HG/[6]-GR, which influencing the metabolites and pathways related to energy metabolism pathway.

Mechanism of Paeoniflorin in the Treatment of Bile Duct Ligation-Induced Cholestatic Liver Injury Using Integrated Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology

Paeoniflorin (PF) is the main active component of Paeonia lactiflora Pall., which is used in the treatment of severe cholestatic hepatitis. However, its biological mechanism in regulating bile acid metabolism and cholestatic liver injury has not been fully revealed. Our study aimed to reveal the mechanism of PF in the treatment of cholestatic liver injury in an in vivo metabolic environment using bioinformatics analysis. The serum of rats with bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced cholestatic liver injury treated with PF was analyzed by UHPLC-Q-TOF, and specific metabolites were screened using a metabolomics method. These specific metabolites were further analyzed by network pharmacology to identify the upstream signaling pathways and key protein targets. Finally, the key target proteins were verified by immunohistochemistry using cholestatic rat liver tissue. The serum ALT, AST, TBA, and TBIL levels, as well as the pathological state of the liver tissues, were significantly improved by PF. Twenty-five specific metabolites and 157 corresponding target proteins were screened for the treatment of cholestatic liver injury by PF. The “PF-target-metabolite” interaction network was constructed, and five protein targets (MAP2K1, MAPK1, ILBP, ABCB1, and LTA4H) that may regulate specific metabolites were obtained. The results of immunohistochemistry showed that PF improved the expression of these proteins. The integrated application of multiple bioinformatics methods revealed that PF plays a key role in the treatment of cholestatic liver injury by intervening in important targets related to bile acid metabolism and inflammation.

Metabolomics analysis of multidrug resistance in colorectal cancer cell and multidrug resistance reversal effect of verapamil

Multidrug resistance remains a huge challenge in the chemotherapy of cancer and numerous studies have reported that P-glycoprotein is the most common mechanism of multidrug resistance. Verapamil has been shown to be able to reverse development of multidrug resistance mediated by P-glycoprotein. However, the mechanism of action for verapamil in reversing multidrug resistance at the metabolic level has been rarely reported. In this research, we report the reversal effect of verapamil on multidrug resistance and its mechanisms of action using metabolomics. The results show that the P-glycoprotein-mediated chemotherapy drug resistance was significantly reversed by verapamil in resistant SW620/Ad300 cells. In-depth studies demonstrated that verapamil at reversal concentration had no effect on the P-glycoprotein expression level, but increased intramolecular accumulation of paclitaxel in SW620/Ad300 cells. Metabolomics revealed that the multidrug resistance of SW620/Ad300 cells was related to changes in glycerophospholipid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism and citric acid cycle, and verapamil could antagonize the multidrug resistance by reversing the above-mentioned glycerophospholipid metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism. This research shows the multidrug resistance reversal mechanism of verapamil at the metabolic level, which helps in understanding the exact multidrug resistance mechanism of verapamil and might be potentially useful to find new multidrug resistance reversal agents. The combination of verapamil (VRP) and paclitaxel (PTX) yielded synergistic effects. VRP had no effect on the expression of P-gp, but increased intramolecular accumulation of PTX. VRP antagonized the MDR by regulating glycerophospholipid metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism.

Therapeutic effects of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata combined with Zingiberis Rhizoma on doxorubicin-induced chronic heart failure in rats based on an integrated approach

OBJECTIVES

This study was aimed to explore the mechanism of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (ALRP) and Zingiberis Rhizoma (ZR) on doxorubicin (DOX)-induced chronic heart failure (CHF) in rats by integrated approaches.

METHODS

Effects of ALRP and ZR on cardiac function, serum biochemical indicators and histopathology in rats were analysed. Moreover, UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS was performed to identify the potential metabolites affecting the pathological process of CHF. Metabolomics and network pharmacology analyses were conducted to illustrate the possible pathways and network in CHF treatment. The predicted gene expression levels in heart tissue were verified and assessed by RT-PCR.

KEY FINDINGS

ALRP-ZR demonstrated remarkable promotion of hemodynamic indices and alleviated histological damage of heart tissue. Metabolomics analyses showed that the therapeutic effect of ALRP and ZR is mainly associated with the regulation of eight metabolites and ten pathways, which may be responsible for the therapeutic efficacy of ALRP-ZR. Moreover, the results of RT-PCR showed that ALRP-ZR could substantially increase the expression level of energy metabolism-related genes, including PPARδ, PPARγ, Lpl, Scd, Fasn and Pla2g2e.

CONCLUSIONS

The results highlighted the role of ALRP-ZR in the treatment of CHF by influencing the metabolites related to energy metabolism pathway via metabolomics and network pharmacology analyses.

Metabolomics combined with network pharmacology exploration reveals the modulatory properties of Astragali Radix extract in the treatment of liver fibrosis

Background

Astragali Radix (AR) is widely-used for improving liver fibrosis, but, the mechanism of action has not been systematically explained. This study aims to investigate the mechanism of AR intervention in liver fibrosis based on comprehensive metabolomics combined with network pharmacology approach.

Materials and methods

UPLC–Q-TOF/MS based metabolomics technique was used to explore the specific metabolites and possible pathways of AR affecting the pathological process of liver fibrosis. Network pharmacology analysis was introduced to explore the key targets of AR regarding the mechanisms on liver fibrosis.

Results

AR significantly reduced the levels of ALT, AST and AKP in serum, and improved pathological characteristics. Metabolomics analysis showed that the therapeutic effect of AR was mainly related to the regulation of nine metabolites, including sphingosine, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1a, LysoPC (O-18:0), 3-dehydrosphinganine, 5,6-epoxy-8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid, leukotriene C4, taurochenodesoxycholic acid, LysoPC (18:1 (9Z)) and 2-acetyl-1-alkyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine. Pathway analysis indicated that the treatment of AR on liver fibrosis was related to arachidonic acid metabolism, ether lipid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism and primary bile acid biosynthesis. Validation of the key targets by network pharmacology analysis of potential metabolic markers showed that AR significantly down-regulated the expression of CYP1B1 and up-regulated the expression of CYP1A2 and PCYT1A.

Conclusion

Metabolomics combined with network pharmacology was used for the first time to clarify that the treatment of AR on liver fibrosis, which is related to the regulation of arachidonic acid metabolism and ether lipid metabolism by modulating the expression of CYP1A2, CYP1B1 and PCYT1A. And the integrated approach can provide new strategies and ideas for the study of molecular mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicines in the treatment of liver fibrosis.

Metabolomics profiling in a mouse model reveals protective effect of Sancao granule on Con A-Induced liver injury

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sancao granule (SCG) is a traditional Chinese herb formula, which has been used for autoimmune liver disease for decades. Previous study demonstrated that there was an exactly therapeutic effect of SCG on autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) by improving liver function and alleviating the clinical symptoms. However, studies of the mechanism by which SCG alleviates Con A-induced liver injury (CILI) should be complemented.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An ultraperformance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF/MS)-based metabolomics approach combined with principle component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal projection to latent structures discriminate analysis (OPLS-DA) were integrated applied to obtain metabolites for clarifying mechanisms of disease.

RESULTS

In accordance with previously study, the present study demonstrated that SCG could obviously improve the liver injury in mouse induced by Con A via downregulating serum biochemical indexes, alleviating the histological damage and inhibiting the neutrophil infiltration in liver tissues. Different expression of 9 metabolites related to 8 pathways, including fatty acid biosynthesis, arachidonic acid metabolisms, linoleic acid metabolisms, sphingolipid metabolisms, fatty acid elongation in mitochondria, glycerophospholipid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism were demonstrated responsible for the efficacy of SCG in treating CILI.

CONCLUSION

In sum up, SCG has been indicated favorable therapeutic effect on Con A induced liver injury. And metabolomics could be a promising approach, which provide insights into mechanisms of SCG in treating CILI.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of a TCM Formula Li-Ru-Kang in Rats With Hyperplasia of Mammary Gland and the Underlying Biological Mechanisms

Li-Ru-Kang (LRK), a formula of eight traditional Chinese medicines (TCM), has been used to treat hyperplasia of mammary gland (HMG) in TCM clinics. However, how LRK works in HMG patients is unclear. To explore the possible mechanisms of LRK against HMG, the network pharmacology was used to screen the potential targets and possible pathways that involved in LRK treated HMG. Rat HMG model induced by estrogen and progesterone was used to further verify the effects of the key molecules of LRK selected from the enriched pathways on HMG. Nipple heights and diameters were measured and uterus index was calculated. The histopathological changes of mammary gland tissue were detected by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. Western blot was used to detect the phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and P38. And immunohistochemistry staining was performed to evaluate the levels of estrogen receptor α (ERα), progesterone receptor (PR), nuclear factor-(NF-)κB (p65), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), cyclooxygenases 2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), 8-hydroxy-2′deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and nitrotyrosine (NT). Our results indicate that LRK treatment rescues significantly nipples height and diameter, decreases uterus index and ameliorates HMG. LRK treatment also markedly attenuates the over-expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, COX-2, and iNOS, and suppressed the formation of 8-OHdG and NT. Furthermore, LRK treatment significantly inhibits the phosphorylation of JNK, ERK, and p38 and expression of NF-κB (p65), interestingly, LRK treatment has no effect on the expression of ERα and PR. Our data suggest that the LRK treatment protects the mammary glands from the damage of oxidative stress and inflammation induced by estrogen and progesterone, via suppresses of MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways without affecting on the expression of ERα and PR.