Integrating network pharmacology and experimental validation to uncover the therapeutic mechanisms of Chaigui decoction in Schistosoma japonicum-induced liver fibrosis.

This study investigated the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of Chaigui decoction (CGD) against hepatic fibrosis induced by Schistosoma japonicum. Utilizing a network pharmacology approach, 113 common targets were identified by intersecting CGD-associated genes with fibrosis-related databases, with subsequent enrichment analyses revealing 435 Gene Ontology terms and 197 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways. In vitro, serum containing CGD significantly attenuated the pro-fibrotic phenotype induced by transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) in hepatic stellate cells. In vivo experiments using an S. japonicum infection model demonstrated that CGD administration ameliorated histopathological abnormalities, reduced fibrosis biomarkers and modulated key inflammatory mediators. Mechanistically, CGD exerted its protective effects primarily by modulating the ratio of CD4⁺ and CD8+ T cells, rather than Forkhead box protein 3-positive (Foxp3⁺) regulatory T cells (Tregs). These findings elucidate a novel immunological mechanism for CGD and support its potential as a therapeutic agent for schistosomiasis-induced liver fibrosis.