Objective:

To explore the molecular mechanisms by which Coptis-Cinnamon (HL-RG) exerts anti-gastric cancer effects through the MAPK pathway, which is crucial for cell proliferation and survival in gastric cancer.

Key Findings:

• Identified 16 active components and 499 targets of HL-RG, with 55 common targets from 3,194 GC-related DEGs, indicating a multi-target approach.
• Enrichment analyses indicated involvement in inflammatory responses and the MAPK pathway, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.
• Hub genes identified include PDGFRB, EGFR, MMP2, MMP9, and KIT, which may serve as biomarkers for treatment response.
• Molecular docking confirmed binding affinities between core components (berberine, berberrubine) and hub genes, supporting their role in therapeutic efficacy.
• HL-RG was shown to inhibit GC cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, and suppress migration and invasion via MAPK pathway regulation, highlighting its potential as a treatment.

Interpretation:

HL-RG exerts anti-gastric cancer effects primarily through the regulation of the MAPK pathway and its associated hub genes, emphasizing its potential for clinical application.

Limitations:

• The study primarily relies on in vitro experiments, which may not fully replicate in vivo conditions, potentially limiting the applicability of the results.
• Further clinical studies are needed to validate the findings and assess the therapeutic potential in patients, addressing the gap between laboratory and clinical settings.

Conclusion:

HL-RG demonstrates significant anti-gastric cancer effects by targeting the MAPK pathway, supporting its potential clinical application, and highlighting the need for further research.