Exploring the Potential Mechanisms of Compound Banmao Capsule Against Ovarian Cancer Through Network Pharmacology and Bioinformatics
The objective of this study was to characterize the potential mechanisms underlying the suppressive effects of Compound Banmao Capsule (CBC) on ovarian cancer (OC) using network pharmacology combined with bioinformatics. CBC-associated targets and OC-related targets were retrieved from public databases, and overlapping targets were identified and analyzed using a PPI network. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed to identify relevant biological functions and signal pathways. Gene expression and clinical associations were further investigated using the GEPIA database. Fourteen overlapping targets were identified: AKR1B1, GJA1, BCL2, ESR1, CCL2, COL3A1, MMP1, DPP4, TNF, IL1B, F3, PTGS2, IL6, and VCAM1. GO enrichment analysis indicated that these targets were associated with multiple biological processes, particularly inflammatory responses, immune regulation, and the regulation of nitric oxide biosynthesis and interleukin-8 production. KEGG enrichment analysis highlighted several cancer-related and immune-associated pathways, including the AGE-RAGE, IL-17, TNF, NF-κB, NOD-like receptor, and C-type lectin receptor signaling pathways. GEPIA analysis further revealed differences in the expression of several candidate targets between OC and normal ovarian tissues and associations between selected genes and clinical characteristics. Taken together, this study provides a systematic overview of the potential targets and signaling pathways associated with CBC in OC, offering bioinformatics-based insights for further investigation of its underlying mechanisms.
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