Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation Reveal Wu Miao Pill's Therapeutic Effects on Acute Gouty Arthritis Through P2X7R Regulation

  • Biochem Genet. 2025 Dec 6. doi: 10.1007/s10528-025-11291-0.
Wei-Qin Gao  1 ,  Xue-Zhong Gong  2 ,  Cen Chang  2 ,  Li Li  3 ,  Yang-Yi Gu  3 ,  Dong-Yi He  4
Affiliations
  • 1. Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Guanghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1474 West Yan'an Road, Changning District, Shanghai, 200052, China.
  • 2. Department of Nephrology, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200071, China.
  • 3. Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200052, China.
  • 4. Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Guanghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1474 West Yan'an Road, Changning District, Shanghai, 200052, China. [email protected].
PMID: 41351812 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-025-11291-0
Abstract

Acute gouty arthritis (AGA) is a common inflammatory joint disease with limited therapeutic options and notable side effects from conventional treatments. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects and underlying mechanisms of the traditional Chinese herbal formula Wu Miao Pill (WMP) in a rat model of AGA induced by monosodium urate crystals. WMP administration markedly alleviated joint inflammation and swelling, improved synovial histopathology, and reduced the expression of P2X7 Receptor (P2X7R) and pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α. P2X7R inhibition and knockdown experiments confirmed its central role in the therapeutic effect of WMP. Network pharmacology further revealed multiple active compounds targeting inflammatory pathways, notably IL-17 and NF-κB signaling. Overall, WMP exhibits significant anti-inflammatory efficacy through modulation of P2X7R and related pathways, providing experimental and mechanistic evidence for its potential as a novel therapeutic agent for AGA.

Keywords
Acute gouty arthritis; Anti-inflammatory; P2X7 receptor; Pro-inflammatory cytokines; Rat model; Wu Miao Pill.
Products