Qingre huazhuo tang regulates IgA nephropathy through immune checkpoints and ferroptosis.

Background: Qingre huazhuo tang (QRHZT) is a traditional Chinese medicine decoction that has been used clinically by traditional Chinese medicine masters for more than 50 years with good results. However, its mechanism is unknown, and further elucidation is necessary. Aim of the study: To verify the mechanism by which QRHZT regulates IgA nephropathy through immune checkpoints and ferroptosis by combining network pharmacology, single-cell sequencing and experimental studies. Materials and methods: The single-cell sequencing data obtained from podocytes of immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy (IgAN) patients were screened, and the QRHZT target information was obtained from the ETCM database. Moreover, the KEGG, GSEA, immune checkpoint and ferroptosis data were analyzed and plotted using R language. Finally, the relevant immune checkpoint and ferroptosis targets were validated experimentally. Results: QRHZT can regulate IgAN through the immune checkpoints FIT, FTH1, AKR1C3, and IL6 and the ferroptosis-related genes PVR and IFNG. Conclusion: QRHZT has the potential to regulate IgAN, and omics strategies combined with network pharmacology is a feasible method for exploring the mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicines.