To further explore the functional relationship among five formulae, PPI networks were constructed through Metascape, and visual composition carried out by Cytoscape. Firstly, the potential 192 target genes of MXSG were analyzed by PPI network, and the results showed that there were 144 nodes and 510 edges, which represented the interaction between protein and function. The MXSG PPI network function module was confirmed by the MCODE plug-in and a list of the corresponding meaningful modules presented (Fig. 5 A). 3 modules scores were > 2.5. Module 1 (score: 5.769) consisted of 13 nodes and the seed gene was COX7A1; Module 2 (score: 4.429) consisted of 14 nodes and the seed gene was ALDH1A1; module 3 (score: 5.0) consisted of 11 nodes and the seed gene was CNR2. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that MXSG modules were enriched in neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, calcium signaling pathway, inflammatory mediator regulation of TRP channels, et.al.
Fig. 5 KEGG analysis of MCODE modules. MCODE analysis was performed after the construction of the five formulae’ targets PPI; then, KEGG analysis was conducted on the MCODE modules. A: MXSG, B: Others, C: WLS, D: SGMH, E: XCH.