Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42601673›Full record

ArticleMedicine2026

Unraveling the therapeutic mechanisms of Huanglian Jiedu Tang in bacterial meningitis: A comprehensive approach integrating network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation.

Yan Xiao, Xiuqing Tong

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Medicine, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

2 authors.

Yan XiaoNeurology Department, Inner Mongolia Medical University Affiliated Hospital, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China.
Xiuqing Tong

Funding

Inner Mongolia Medical University Higher Education Teaching Reform Research Project NYJXGG SJ2025025
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

This study aims to comprehensively elucidate the therapeutic mechanisms of Huanglian Jiedu Tang in bacterial meningitis via an integrated strategy combining network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation. Network pharmacology was utilized to screen for bioactive constituents, pivotal targets, and associated signaling pathways of HLJDT. The potent candidate Obacunone and its target MAPK14 were prioritized for verification. An in vitro bacterial meningitis cell model was established, followed by therapeutic interventions using Obacunone, the MAPK14 inhibitor VX-702, or their combination. Therapeutic effects were assessed using the CCK-8 assay, sodium ion permeability assays, TUNEL staining, RT-PCR, Western blot, and ELISA. Bioinformatics analysis of the GEO dataset GSE40586 identified 495 BM-related genes, 30 of which intersected with HLJDT targets. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses highlighted biological processes including antibiotic and glucocorticoid responses, as well as transcriptional misregulation and HIF-1 signaling pathways. Molecular docking simulations revealed that Obacunone possessed superior binding affinity to MAPK14. In the BM cell model, treatment with Obacunone or VX-702 alone significantly improved cell viability, attenuated the increased sodium ion permeability, inhibited apoptosis, and suppressed inflammatory cytokine levels. Notably, combination therapy exhibited the most potent synergistic effects. In a bacterial meningitis co-culture model, combined treatment with Obacunone and VX-702, as well as MAPK14 silencing, significantly restored the viability and migratory capacity of HMC3 cells while effectively attenuating early apoptosis. This study delineated the pharmacological underpinnings of HLJDT in BM treatment, identifying its active components and targets. Experimental validation confirmed the synergistic action of Obacunone and the MAPK14 inhibitor, providing a robust scientific foundation for future drug development and clinical strategies.

Indexed as

Drugs, Chinese HerbalMeningitis, BacterialNetwork PharmacologyApoptosisCell SurvivalCyclopropanesHumansMolecular Docking SimulationPiperazinesPyrazolesPyrimidinesSignal TransductionCyclopropanesDrugs, Chinese HerbalPiperazinesPyrazolesPyrimidinestozasertibbacterial meningitisHuanglian Jiedu TangMAPK14molecular dockingnetwork pharmacology

Identifiers

PMID42601673
PMCPMC13480861

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.