Astragalus Membranaceus: Exploring its Protective Role in Heat Stroke via Integrated Transcriptomic and Molecular Docking Approaches

Objective: This study aims to explore the therapeutic potential of Astrolus Membranaceus in treating heatstroke and its potential therapeutic targets. Method: This study was conducted at the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, and peripheral blood samples were collected from 10 heatstroke patients (HS=10) and 10 healthy individuals (NC=10) for RNA sequencing. Perform RNA differential analysis using the DESeq2 software package. In addition, the active ingredients and targets of Astragalus membranaceus were screened using the TCMSP database. Intersection the target and differential RNA to obtain the cross target. Then perform GO analysis and KEGG analysis on the intersection targets. Build a protein interaction network with cross targets using STRING website and Cytoscape software, and perform molecular docking between core targets and active molecules using AutoDock Tools. Results: RNA sequencing results showed that compared with the NC group, the HS group had a total of 2042 differentially expressed RNAs. After taking the intersection of Astrolus Membranaceus targets and differentially expressed RNA, 23 intersecting targets were obtained. GO analysis found that the enrichment of cellular components of cross genes is mainly in the extracellular region. The molecular functional enrichment of cross genes mainly involves molecular function regulators. The biological processes related to cross factors mainly include regulation of molecular function, regulation of multicellular organic processes, and response to stress. KEGG analysis showed that the enriched pathways in the crossover genes mainly include the MAPK signaling pathway. The key targets TP53, BCL2, and MMP9 in the protein-protein interaction network were identified using cytoHubba. The molecular docking results indicate that quercetin forms hydrogen bonds with TP53, BCL2, and MMP9, with low binding energies. Conclusion: This study reveals the potential molecular mechanism of Astrolus Membranaceus in treating heatstroke, providing a scientific basis for further drug development and clinical application.