Abstract:

Bioinformatics methods were used to analyse the association between stromal cells and clinical characteristics of gastric cancer, and to predict the intervention mechanism of Weifuchun capsule. Gastric cancer biopsy data were downloaded from TCGA database, the stromal score (STRS) was calculated based on ESTIMATE, and the median was used as the basis for grouping, and the association between STRS and patients' clinical information was analysed, and the DEGs were screened as the potential intervention targets. Based on the blood components of Weifuchun capsule, we predicted the drug targets, intersected DEGs with drug targets, and screened the core sub-networks and genes through PPI network and MCODE, and analysed the expression of differentially expressed genes in terms of survival prognosis and different stages of the disease. The drug-taste-intake component-target network was constructed to screen the core components, and ADMET prediction and molecular docking validation were performed. The intersecting targets were enriched by GO and KEGG. The results showed that STRS was significantly correlated with survival time and increased significantly with Stage and T stage, and 1 975 DEGs were analysed; 75 components of Weifuchun capsule into the blood, corresponding to 663 targets, and 107 intersecting targets; and 4 core sub-networks, of which VCAM1, SERPINE1, TLR4, FGF1 were the core target, and SERPINE1, PDGFRB expression correlated with survival time was highly significant (P<0.01), and the differences in the expression of VCAM1, NOX4, PDGFRB, ITGAL, etc. in different Stage phases were highly significant (P<0.01); isocryptoxanthin B, geranylgeranyl O, and bluocalyx methylin were the core components, with good ADMET properties and core target protein binding activity. GO was enriched in calcium ion concentration regulation, calcium ion homeostasis and other entries. KEGG is enriched in calcium signalling pathway, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and other pathways. Stromal cells are closely related to survival time and stage, and Weifuchun capsule may inhibit tumour growth, metastasis and delay drug resistance by regulating stromal cells.

Key words: stromal cell score, gastric cancer, clinical features, Weifuchun capsules, network pharmacology