Identification of potential molecular targets of rhaponticin in the treatment of periodontitis using bioinformatics tools

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential mechanisms of Rhaponticin (Rha) in the treatment of periodontitis. Network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques were used to identify potential targets of Rha for the treatment of periodontitis and its ability to bind to the targets. Next, in vitro as well as in vivo experiments were conducted to validate Rha's potential role in treating periodontitis. We found in network pharmacology and molecular docking that the HIF-hypoxia signaling pathway is involved in the potential mechanism of Rha treatment of periodontitis and that it can bind stably to HIF1A. In vitro experiments, based on the hypoxia-induced inhibition of proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs, we found that Rha inhibited the expression of HIIF1A, promoted the expression of PCNA, CXCR4, and OCN, and enhanced their proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation. In in vitro experiments, Rha promoted alveolar bone repair and inhibited gingival inflammation in periodontitis rats. Rha is a potential drug for the treatment of periodontitis. Therefore, this study provides new insights into the potential mechanisms of Rha in periodontitis treatment.