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image of The Potential Mechanism of Quercetin in Treating Diabetic Foot Ulcer Revealed by Network Pharmacology

Abstract

Introduction

To identify the critical genes, biological mechanisms, and signaling pathways involved in the therapeutic effects of quercetin on diabetic foot ulcers using network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches.

Methods

We identified pathological targets of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) from GeneCards, OMIM, and TTD, and pharmacological targets of quercetin from STP, TCMSP, and PharmMapper. Intersection analysis revealed potential therapeutic targets. Core targets were determined GO/KEGG enrichment, PPI network construction, and Cytoscape screening algorithms (Degree, Closeness, Betweenness). Molecular docking and dynamics simulations assessed quercetin-core target interactions and binding affinity.

Results

After screening and intersecting the targets of quercetin and diabetic foot ulcers, 236 genes related to quercetin's anti-diabetic foot ulcer effects were identified, with six key genes emerging as critical: SRC, TP53, MAPK1, JUN, HSP90AA1, and AKT1. Enrichment analysis suggested that quercetin may modulate inflammatory imbalance(HSP90AA1), immunosuppression(JUN), and oxidative stress(SRC, TP53, MAPK1, and AKT1) during diabetic foot ulcer progression.

Discussion

The relationship between these core targets and biological pathways in diabetic foot ulcers requires further experimental validation. Notably, molecular docking and dynamics simulation results confirmed strong binding affinity between quercetin and the core targets, supporting their potential therapeutic relevance.

Conclusion

Quercetin exerts anti-diabetic foot ulcer effects by regulating SRC, TP53, MAPK1, JUN, HSP90AA1, and AKT1. These hub genes may serve as promising candidates for future therapeutic interventions in diabetic foot ulcers.

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2025-09-30
2025-11-05

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The Potential Mechanism of Quercetin in Treating Diabetic Foot Ulcer Revealed by Network Pharmacology
Bentham Science Publishers ; https://doi.org/10.2174/0109298673384857250904065820
/content/journals/cmc/10.2174/0109298673384857250904065820
/content/journals/cmc/10.2174/0109298673384857250904065820
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  • Article Type:     Research Article
Keywords: oxidative stress ; diabetic foot ulcers ; network pharmacology ; therapeutic relevance ; molecular docking ; Quercetin

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