Exploring the Mechanism of Action of Naringenin in the Treatment of Periodontitis Based on Network Pharmacology Methods

Wenliang Fang

doi:10.62051/ijphmr.v5n2.04

Authors

Wenliang Fang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62051/ijphmr.v5n2.04

Keywords:

Naringenin, Periodontitis, Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms of naringenin in treating periodontitis using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and bioinformatics analysis. Methods: Potential targets of naringenin were predicted using databases such as SwissTargetPrediction and TCMSP. Periodontitis-related genes were retrieved from GeneCards, DisGeNET, and OMIM. Common targets were identified via Venn diagrams, and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using STRING. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed with R. Molecular docking was conducted using AutoDock Vina to evaluate binding affinities between naringenin and core targets. Results: A total of 107 potential targets for naringenin were identified, with 49 overlapping with periodontitis-related genes. Key targets included IL1B, CXCL8, CD44, MMP2, EGFR, and ITGAM. Enrichment analysis revealed involvement in pathways such as HIF-1 signaling, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and ferroptosis regulation. Molecular docking showed strong binding affinities. Conclusion: Naringenin exerts anti-periodontitis effects through multi-target interactions, primarily modulating inflammation, oxidative stress, and ferroptosis. This provides a theoretical basis for its clinical application.

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