Feed

This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of San Jie Tong Mai Formula (SJTMF) against atherosclerosis (AS), a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity. Using ApoE^-/- mouse models, we demonstrated that SJTMF significantly inhibits AS plaque progression. Through an integrated network pharmacology and proteomics strategy, five core bioactive components were identified: beta-sitosterol, naringenin, luteolin, isorhamnetin, and 3beta-hydroxy-24-methylene-8-lanostene-21-oic acid. Concurrently, proteomics revealed 129 AS-related proteins that were differentially expressed. Molecular docking confirmed high-affinity binding interactions between these components and the key target Hsd11b1, with their binding energies all below -5 kcal/mol. Mechanistic investigations further revealed that SJTMF may regulate Hsd11b1-mediated glucocorticoid metabolism. This regulation contributes to significant amelioration of both dyslipidemia and vascular inflammation, thereby suppressing AS development. Collectively, this work demonstrates, for the first time, the innovative mechanism by which a traditional Chinese medicine formula exerts anti-AS effects through multi-component synergistic regulation of the Hsd11b1 target, offering new insights for therapeutic intervention.