Identification of Critical Biomarkers and Mechanisms of Fructus Ligustri Lucidi on Vitiligo Using Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis

Abstract

Objective

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease of the skin that targets pigment-producing melanocytes and results in patches of depigmentation that are visible as white spots. Recent research studies have yielded a strong mechanistic understanding of this disease. Fructus Ligustri Lucidi (FLL) has been used for premature graying of hair since ancient China and is currently used to treat vitiligo. However, the key biomarkers and mechanisms underlying FLL in vitiligo remain unclear. This study aimed to identify the potential biomarkers and mechanisms of FLL in vitiligo using network pharmacology analysis.

Methods

The expression profiles of GSE65127 and GSE75819 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the vitiligo and healthy samples. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment of DEGs were performed using R analyses. We performed R to further understand the functions of the critical targets. Cytoscape tools have facilitated network topology analysis. Molecular docking was performed using Auto Dock Vina software.

Results

The results showed that 13 DEGs were screened in vitiligo. Based on bioinformatics, network pharmacology and Western blot, we found that the critical targets of melanoma antigen recognized by 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid oxidase (TYRP1) may be related to the mechanism of action of FLL in the treatment of vitiligo.

Conclusion

TYRP1, as a melanocyte molecular biomarker, may be closely related to the underlying mechanism of FLL in the treatment of vitiligo via the inhibition of melanocyte death.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• vitiligo
• bioinformatics
• molecular docking
• biomarkers
• Fructus Ligustri Lucidi

Author Contributions

All authors made substantial contributions to conception and design, acquisition of data, or analysis and interpretation of data; took part in drafting the article or revising it critically for important intellectual content; agreed to submit to the current journal; gave final approval of the version to be published; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare that are relevant to the content of this article.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Construction project of key specialties of traditional Chinese medicine in Guangzhou (Suiweizhongyi[2019], No.5), and Construction project of synergistic therapy of traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on major and difficult problems of diseases in Guangzhou, and Construction Project of three-grade inheritance studio of famous traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in Guangzhou (Suiweizhongyi[2022], No.3), and Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation (2019A1515010633; 2023A1515011701), and Guangzhou Municipal Science and Technology Project (202102020766).