Journal of Shandong University (Health Sciences) ›› 2026, Vol. 64 ›› Issue (7): 11-27.doi: 10.6040/j.issn.1671-7554.0.2025.1148

• Preclinical Medicine • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Network pharmacology of emodin in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease

YIN Dandan1, YAN Mingnan2, HAN Jingjing3, ZHANG Wei4, CUI Xuelei5, LIU Yaping6, SHI Shulong6, JI Zongwen6   

  1. 1. Jining Medical University Clinical Medical College(Affiliated Hospital), Jining 272067, Shandong, China;
    2. Jining NO.1 Peoples Hospital Affiliated to Shandong NO.1 Medical University, Jining 272011, Shandong, China;
    3. Department of Hematology, Jining NO.1 Peoples Hospital, Jining 272011, Shandong, China;
    4. Department of Gastroenterology, Jining NO.1 Peoples Hospital, Jining 272011, Shandong, China;
    5. Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Gaocheng Central Health Center, Gaoqing 256301, Shandong, China;
    6. Department of Endocrinology, Jining NO.1 Peoples Hospital, Jining 272011, Shandong, China
  • Online:2026-07-10 Published:2026-07-21

CLC Number: 

  • R285.5
[1] 张俊清, 苏白海, 张捷, 等. 糖尿病肾脏疾病早期预测与诊断专家共识[J]. 中华内科杂志, 2021, 60(6): 522-532. Zhang Junqing, Su Baihai, Zhang Jie, et al. Expert consensus on early prediction and diagnosis of diabetic kidney disease[J]. Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine, 2021, 60(6): 522-532.
[2] Zhang L X, Long J Y, Jiang W S, et al. Trends in chronic kidney disease in China[J]. N Engl J Med, 2016, 375(9): 905-906.
[3] 杜宇彤, 周佳丽, 栗宇, 等. 大黄有效成分干预糖尿病肾病的机制研究进展[J]. 辽宁中医药大学学报, 2025, 27(10): 182-186. Du Yutong, Zhou Jiali, Li Yu, et al. Research progress on the mechanism of Dahuang(rhei Radix et rhizoma)active components in intervening diabetic nephropathy[J]. Journal of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2025, 27(10): 182-186.
[4] Alicic R Z, Rooney M T, Tuttle KR. Diabetic kidney disease: challenges, progress, and possibilities[J]. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol, 2017, 12(12): 2032-2045.
[5] Tziomalos K, Athyros V G. Diabetic nephropathy: new risk factors and improvements in diagnosis[J]. Rev Diabet Stud, 2015, 12(1/2): 110-118.
[6] Salami M, Salami R, Mafi A, et al. Therapeutic potential of resveratrol in diabetic nephropathy according to molecular signaling[J]. Curr Mol Pharmacol, 2022, 15(5): 716-735.
[7] Zheng X Y, Yang S M, Zhang R, et al. Emodin-induced autophagy against cell apoptosis through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in human hepatocytes[J]. Drug Des Devel Ther, 2019, 13: 3171-3180. DOI:10.2147/DDDT.S204958
[8] Wang S, Huang X F, Zhang P, et al. Chronic Rhein treatment improves recognition memory in high-fat diet-induced obese male mice[J]. J Nutr Biochem, 2016, 36: 42-50. DOI:10.1016/j.jnutbio.2016.07.008.
[9] Xu S Z, Lv Y Y, Zhao J, et al. The inhibitory effect of Rhein on proliferation of high glucose-induced mesangial cell through cell cycle regulation and induction of cell apoptosis[J]. Pharmacogn Mag, 2016, 12(Suppl 2): S257-S263.
[10] Tu Y, Gu L B, Chen D P, et al. Rhein inhibits autophagy in rat renal tubular cells by regulation of AMPK/mTOR signaling[J]. Sci Rep, 2017, 7: 43790. DOI: 10.1038/srep43790
[11] Fu S J, Zhou Y N, Hu C, et al. Network pharmacology and molecular docking technology-based predictive study of the active ingredients and potential targets of rhubarb for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy[J]. BMC Complement Med Ther, 2022, 22(1): 210. DOI: 10.1186/s12906-022-03662-6
[12] 陈宇航, 丁雷, 魏然, 等. 基于网络药理学和生物信息学探讨鼻敏方调节铁死亡治疗变应性鼻炎的作用[J]. 中国中西医结合耳鼻咽喉科杂志, 2025, 33(4): 254-261. Chen Yuhang, Ding Lei, Wei Ran, et al. Differential gene analysis of ferroptosis in the treatmentof allergic rhinitis with Bi-Min-Formul based on GEO using network pharmacology and molecular docking[J]. Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology in Integrative Medicine, 2025, 33(4): 254-261.
[13] 李明波, 黄燕波, 刘俊城, 等. 黄芪桂枝五物汤治疗强直性脊柱炎的网络药理学探讨[J]. 山东大学学报(医学版), 2022, 60(3): 29-38. Li Mingbo, Huang Yanbo, Liu Juncheng, et al. Exploration of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis based on network pharmacology[J]. Journal of Shandong University(Health Sciences), 2022, 60(3): 29-38.
[14] Shayo M J, Samwel B, Shadrack D M, et al. Drug repositioning identifies salvinorin A and deacetylgedunin(DCG)enriched plant extracts as novel inhibitors of Mpro, RBD-ACE2 and TMPRRS2 proteins[J]. RSC Adv, 2024, 14(29): 21203-21212.
[15] 张文顺, 曲超, 石岩, 等. 基于分子对接技术、分子动力学模拟中药复方益糖康防治糖尿病肾病作用机制研究[J]. 辽宁中医药大学学报, 2022, 24(2): 107-114.
[16] 章玉婷,王安慧, 杨晋妮, 等. 非酒精性脂肪性肝病细胞模型中胆固醇代谢紊乱机制[J]. 中国药科大学学报, 2023, 54(4): 490-500. Zhang Yuting, Wang Anhui, Yang Jinni, et al. Mechanism of cholesterol metabolic disorder in a cell model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease[J]. Journal of China Pharmaceutical University, 2023, 54(4): 490-500.
[17] 薛华, 何雨昕, 郭子旭, 等. 基于UHPLC-QTOF-MS探讨高原鼠兔棕色脂肪低氧环境代谢分子机制[J]. 重庆医科大学学报, 2025, 50(2): 267-274. Xue Hua, He Yuxin, Guo Zixu, et al. Molecular mechanism of brown adipose tissue metabolism in the hypoxic environment in plateau pikas: a study based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadruple time-of-flight mass spectrometry[J]. Journal of Chongqing Medical University, 2025, 50(2): 267-274.
[18] Zhao D M, Zhong R, Wang X T, et al. Mitochondrial dysfunction in diabetic nephropathy: insights and therapeutic avenues from traditional Chinese medicine[J]. Front Endocrinol, 2024, 15: 1429420. DOI:10.3389/fendo.2024.1429420
[19] Patti G J, Yanes O, Siuzdak G. Innovation: metabolomics: the apogee of the omics trilogy[J]. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol, 2012, 13(4): 263-269.
[20] 何文秀, 王吉文, 杨联林, 等. 基于网络药理学和代谢组学与分子对接技术预测鱼腥草破壁饮片抗辐射质量标志物[J]. 中成药, 2025, 47(3): 1014-1023.
[21] 张雄宝, 陈佳晖, 傅亚婷, 等. 基于血清代谢组学分析热习服相关代谢产物及通路特征[J]. 海军军医大学学报, 2024, 45(5): 569-577. Zhang Xiongbao, Chen Jiahui, Fu Yating, et al. Analysis of heat acclimatization related metabolites and pathway characteristics based on serum metabonomics[J]. Academic Journal of Naval Medical University, 2024, 45(5): 569-577.
[22] Wu C W, Cao L, Liu M, et al. Exploring the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of the drug pair Rhubarb-Coptis in diabetic nephropathy using network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis[J]. Ann Transl Med, 2022, 10(24):1343. DOI:10.21037/atm-22-5550
[23] 庄延双, 蔡宝昌, 张自力. 网络药理学在中药研究中的应用进展[J]. 南京中医药大学学报, 2021, 37(1): 156-160.
[24] Merecz-Sadowska A, Sadowski A, Zielińska-Bli zniewska H, et al. Network pharmacologyas a tool to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of plant secondary metabolites-a review and perspectives[J]. Int J Mol Sci, 2025, 26(14). DOI:10.3390/ijms26146678
[25] Du B X, Fu Q, Yang Q, et al. Different types of cell death and their interactions in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury[J]. Cell Death Discov, 2025, 11(1): 87-105.
[26] Hu J Q, Gu W J, Ma N, et al. Leonurine alleviates ferroptosis in cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury by activating the Nrf2 signalling pathway[J]. Br J Pharmacol, 2022, 179(15): 3991-4009.
[27] Feng Q, Yang Y, Qiao YJ, et al. Quercetin ameliorates diabetic kidney injury by inhibiting ferroptosis via activating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway[J]. Am J Chin Med, 2023, 51(4): 997-1018.
[28] Xue M J, Tian Y W, Zhang H, et al. Curcumin nanocrystals ameliorate ferroptosis of diabetic nephropathy through glutathione peroxidase 4[J]. Front Pharmacol, 2024, 15: 1508312. DOI:10.3389/fphar.2024.1508312
[29] Chu J Y, Wang K W, Lu L L, et al. Advances of iron and ferroptosis in diabetic kidney disease[J]. Kidney Int Rep, 2024, 9(7): 1972-1985.
[30] 范晓艳, 王元耕, 陈泽涛. 黄芪桂枝五物汤治疗心衰的网络药理学机制[J]. 山东大学学报(医学版), 2022, 60(11): 70-81. Fan Xiaoyan, Wang Yuangeng, Chen Zetao. Network pharmacologic mechanism of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction in treating heart failure[J]. Journal of Shandong University(Health Sciences), 2022, 60(11): 70-81.
[31] Hayes J D, Dinkova-Kostova A T. The Nrf2 regulatory network provides an interface between redox and intermediary metabolism[J]. Trends Biochem Sci, 2014, 39(4): 199-218.
[32] 张钦媛, 陈彦旭, 秦大凯, 等. 中药调控Nrf2信号通路干预糖尿病肾病研究进展[J]. 中国实验方剂学杂志, 2025, 31(18): 277-285.
[33] Wang J, Peng X J, Zhang X Y, et al. Design, synthesis, and evaluation of nitroxide radical derivatives based on Rhein as potential anti-aging agents targeting the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway[J]. Drug Des Devel Ther, 2025, 19: 5153-5167. DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S516209
[34] 李星桥, 夏烨, 刘波. 头手足三联针法基于NrF2/SLC7A11调控铁死亡治疗大鼠缺血性脑卒中机制研究[J]. 辽宁中医药大学学报, 2025, 27(2): 200-205. Li Xingqiao, Xia Ye, Liu Bo. Mechanism of head-hand-foot tripleacupuncture kinesitherapy based on NrF2/SLC7A11 regulating ferroptosis in the treatment of ischemic stroke in rats[J]. Journal of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2025, 27(2): 200-205.
[35] 赵雅, 冯萧, 张存钰, 等. 疮灵液通过Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4信号通路调控铁死亡改善糖尿病足溃疡的作用及机制研究[J]. 南京中医药大学学报, 2025, 41(10): 1344-1355. Zhao Ya, Feng Xiao, Zhang Cunyu, et al. Chuangling Ye ameliorates diabetic foot ulcers by regulating ferroptosis via the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway:mechanisms and therapeutic effects[J]. Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2025, 41(10): 1344-1355.
[36] Shen G, Wen H Y, Li H J, et al. Emodin protects against severe acute pancreatitis-associated acute lung injury by activating Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 signal and inhibiting ferroptosis in vivo and in vitro[J]. BMC Gastroenterol, 2025, 25(1): 57. DOI: 10.1186/s12876-025-03660-1
[37] Li J C, Lu K M, Sun F L, et al. Panaxydol attenuates ferroptosis against LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice by Keap1-Nrf2/HO-1 pathway[J]. J Transl Med, 2021, 19(1): 96. DOI:10.1186/s12967-021-02745-1
[38] Yuan Z N, Wang X Y, Qin B Y, et al. Targeting NQO1 induces ferroptosis and triggers anti-tumor immunity in immunotherapy-resistant KEAP1-deficient cancers[J]. Drug Resist Updat, 2024, 77:101160. DOI:10.1016/j.drup.2024.101160
[39] Chen J Y, Li X P, Ge C D, et al. The multifaceted role of ferroptosis in liver disease[J]. Cell Death Differ, 2022, 29(3): 467-480.
[40] Liu H, Zhang T A, Zhang W Y, et al. Rhein attenuates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury via inhibition of ferroptosis through NRF2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway[J]. Exp Neurol, 2023, 369: 114541. DOI:10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114541
[41] 刘法, 韩丹, 徐梓威, 等. 萝卜硫素对糖尿病视网膜病变大鼠铁死亡途径和铁稳态的影响[J]. 眼科新进展, 2025, 45(11): 870-882. Liu Fa, Han Dan, Xu Ziwei, et al. Effects of sulforaphane on the ferroptosis pathway and iron homeostasis in rats with diabetic retinopathy[J]. Recent Advances in Ophthalmology, 2025, 45(11): 870-882.
[42] 刘友霞, 刘毅, 曹铭锋, 等. 大黄素对高糖环境下系膜细胞收缩功能的影响[J]. 山东大学学报(医学版), 2010, 48(9): 14-18. Liu Youxia, Liu Yi, Cao Mingfeng, et al. Effect of emodin on the systolic function of mesangial cells in high glucose environment[J]. Journal of Shandong University(Health Sciences), 2010, 48(9): 14-18.
[43] 范立荣, 李松林, 李函舟, 等. 基于Nrf2/HO-1信号通路探讨三黄益肾胶囊对糖尿病肾病大鼠氧化应激的影响[J]. 天津中医药, 2025, 42(3): 381-386. Fan Lisong, Li Songlin, Li Hanzhou, et al. Effect of Sanhuang Yishen Capsule on oxidative stress in rats with diabetic nephropathy based on Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway[J]. Tianjin Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2025, 42(3): 381-386.
[44] Zeng P, Wang X M, Ye C Y, et al. Mechanistic insights into the anti-depressant effect of emodin: an integrated systems pharmacology study and experimental validation[J]. Aging, 2021, 13(11):15078-15099.
[45] Li Q Q, Gao J, Pang X H, et al. Molecular mechanisms of action of emodin: as an anti-cardiovascular disease drug[J]. Front Pharmacol, 2020, 11: 559607. DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.559607
[46] 赵进喜, 王世东, 傅强, 等. 吕仁和教授诊治糖尿病与肾病学术思想与传承[J]. 现代中医临床, 2016, 23(3): 1-3. Zhao Jinxi, Wang Shidong, Fu Qiang, et al. Academic idea and inheritance of Professor Lü Renhes experience for treating diabetes and kidney disease[J]. Modern Chinese Clinical Medicine, 2016, 23(3): 1-3.
[47] 李颖娟, 任婉婷, 刘新艳. 铁死亡的相关机制及其对糖尿病肾病影响的研究进展[J]. 中国医药导报, 2024, 21(13): 184-187. Li Yingjuan, Ren Wanting, Liu Xinyan. Research progress on the mechanism of ferroptosiand its effect on diabetic nephropathy[J]. China Medical Herald, 2024, 21(13): 184-187.
[48] Chatgilialoglu C. Biomarkers of oxidative and radical stress[J]. Biomolecules, 2024, 14(2): 194-200.
[49] Gu X Y, Huang Z C, Ying X, et al. Ferroptosis exacerbates hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis by enhancing lipid peroxidation and modulating the immune microenvironment[J]. Cell Death Discov, 2024, 10(1): 242-231.
[50] Jiang X J, Stockwell B R, Conrad M. Ferroptosis: mechanisms, biology and role in disease[J].Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol, 2021, 22(4): 266-282.
[51] Li L, Zhu ZJ. Pharmacological modulation of ferroptosis as a therapeutic target for liver fibrosis[J]. Front Pharmacol, 2022, 13: 1071844.DOI:10.3389/fphar.2022.1071844
[1] . [J]. JOURNAL OF SHANDONG UNIVERSITY (HEALTH SCIENCES), 2014, 52(S2): 3-4.
[2] LIU Xing, LI Xiaohong, WANG Yan, ZOU Congcong. Effect of Cuscuta chinensis Lam medicated serum on rat embryo limb bud cells and expressions of BMP-2 and CollagenⅡ [J]. JOURNAL OF SHANDONG UNIVERSITY (HEALTH SCIENCES), 2014, 52(7): 37-40.
[3] DU Hong-yang1, LI Dong-ning1, FU Hai-yan2, BAO Cui-fen2, QIN Shu-jian1. Effect of rehmannia glutinosa polysaccharide on Notch signal pathway in rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells during differentiation into neuron-like cells in vitro [J]. JOURNAL OF SHANDONG UNIVERSITY (HEALTH SCIENCES), 2013, 51(12): 1-6.
[4] LI Xu-yang, LIU De-shan, LIANG Er-shun, DONG Ling-fen, ZHAO Li, GAO Wei. Effects of the Naoshenkang capsule on memory and expression of  HIF-1α in hippocampus tissue of diabetes mellitus rats [J]. JOURNAL OF SHANDONG UNIVERSITY (HEALTH SCIENCES), 2013, 51(7): 20-24.
[5] YAN Lei1, ZHANG Ji-dong1, HUANG Shan-ying2, WANG Bo1, REN Min1, QIAO Yun1, L Yi-jing1, GUO Xue-feng1. Qin Dan capsule inhibits ventricular hypertrophy in spontaneously hypertensive rats [J]. JOURNAL OF SHANDONG UNIVERSITY (HEALTH SCIENCES), 2013, 51(1): 12-.
[6] TAO Feng1,2, JIN Hui3, YANG Gui-zhong2, ZHANG Yan-lei2, TANG Yan-ping2. Effects of the aqueous extract of Dendrobium nobile Lindl on the
nonenzymatic glycation and oxidative stress in diabetic rat kidney
[J]. JOURNAL OF SHANDONG UNIVERSITY (HEALTH SCIENCES), 2012, 50(10): 11-.
[7] ZHANG Dao-lai1, SUN Tao2, XIE Shan-shan2, WANG Yu-zhuo2, FENG Yu-xin2, XIN Hua2. Role of the PI3K/Akt signal pathway in gypenosides antagonizing glutamate-induced oxidative damage to fetal rats’cerebral cortical neurons [J]. JOURNAL OF SHANDONG UNIVERSITY (HEALTH SCIENCES), 2011, 49(10): 107-112.
[8] WANG Bin1, CHI Hua-Ji2, YUAN Fang-Shu3. Effects of an anti-epileptic compound on learning and  memory ability of epileptic mice [J]. JOURNAL OF SHANDONG UNIVERSITY (HEALTH SCIENCES), 2011, 49(7): 53-56.
[9] REN Min1, L Yi-jing1, ZHANG Ji-dong1, Wang Bo1, LIU Ping2. Inhibitory effect of the Qindan capsule on proliferation and migration of adventitial fibroblasts [J]. JOURNAL OF SHANDONG UNIVERSITY (HEALTH SCIENCES), 2011, 49(6): 71-.
[10] GE Ru-qing1, ZHANG Ji-dong1, HUANG Shan-ying2, WANG Bo1, REN Min1, FENG Li1, GUO Xue-feng1, L Yi-jing1. Effect of Qindan capsule on vascular adventitial remodeling and the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway [J]. JOURNAL OF SHANDONG UNIVERSITY (HEALTH SCIENCES), 2011, 49(4): 7-12.
[11] LIU Gui-lin1, DOU Ying-chun2, LIU Fen-ye3, ZHANG Qing4, REN Min5, ZHANG Ji-dong5. Effect of total panax notoginsenosides on expression of CD40, VCAM-1 induced by oxLDL in human umbilical vein endothelial cells [J]. JOURNAL OF SHANDONG UNIVERSITY (HEALTH SCIENCES), 2010, 48(10): 14-19.
[12] LIU You-xia1, LIU Yi2, CAO Ming-feng1, WAN Qiang1, WANG Qun1, WANG Rong1. Emodin ameliorates high-glucose-induced mesangial cell hypocontractility [J]. JOURNAL OF SHANDONG UNIVERSITY (HEALTH SCIENCES), 2010, 48(9): 14-18.
[13] GUO Xue-feng1, ZHANG Ji-dong1, JIANG Hong2, WANG Bo1, REN Min1, FENG Li1 . Effect of Qindan Capsule on expressions of vascular walll collagenⅠand mRNA in spontaneous hypertensive rats [J]. JOURNAL OF SHANDONG UNIVERSITY (HEALTH SCIENCES), 2010, 48(8): 18-21.
[14] WANG Bin. Intervention effects of Chinese herbal compound on the behavior and growth of mice with epilepsy induced by pentetrazole [J]. JOURNAL OF SHANDONG UNIVERSITY (HEALTH SCIENCES), 2010, 48(8): 70-73.
[15] WEI Xiujuan1, WU Yinan1, JIANG Hong2, MIAO Qing3, WANG Rong2. Effects of astragalus on expression of Apelin/APJ in human umbilical vein endothelial cells exposed to high glucose [J]. JOURNAL OF SHANDONG UNIVERSITY (HEALTH SCIENCES), 2010, 48(4): 10-14.
Viewed
Full text


Abstract

Cited

  Shared   
  Discussed   
No Suggested Reading articles found!