Network Pharmacology-driven therapeutic interventions for Interstitial Lung Diseases using Traditional medicines: A Narrative Review
Megh Pravin Vithalkar, K. Sandra, H.B. Bharath, B Krishnaprasad, S. M. Fayaz, B. Sathyanarayana, Yogendra Nayak
Abstract
• Explores network pharmacology in identifying novel therapeutic targets for ILDs, particularly with traditional medicines. • Diverse causes and mechanisms of multiple ILDs, including the roles of environmental exposures, genetics, and immune dysregulation. • Highlights global prevalence, factors, and incidence rates of various ILDs. • Details molecular and cellular pathways in ILD pathogenesis, like TGF-β, Wnt, PI3K/Akt, and JAK-STAT. • Current treatments like glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, antifibrotics, and novel therapeutic phytochemicals. This review explores the progressive domain of network pharmacology and its potential to revolutionize therapeutic approaches for Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILDs), a collective term encompassing Interstitial Pneumonia, Pneumoconiosis, Connective Tissue Disease-related ILDs, and Sarcoidosis. The exploration focuses on the profound legacy of traditional medicines, particularly Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM), and their largely unexplored capacity in ILD treatment. These ancient healing systems, characterized by their holistic methodologies and multifaceted treatment modalities, offer a promising foundation for discovering innovative therapeutic strategies. Moreover, the review underscores the amalgamation of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) methodologies with bioinformatics, creating a computational synergy capable of deciphering the intricate biological networks associated with ILDs. Network pharmacology has tailored the hypothesis from the conventional “one target, one drug” towards a “network target, multi-component therapeutics” approach. The fusion of traditional literature and computational technology can unveil novel drugs, targets, and pathways, augmenting effective therapies and diminishing adverse effects related to current medications. In conclusion, this review provides a comprehensive exposition of how Network Pharmacology tools can leverage the insights of Ayurveda and TCM to craft efficacious therapeutic solutions for ILDs. It sets the stage for future investigations in this captivating interdisciplinary domain, validating the use of traditional medicines worldwide.