RESUMO
BACKGROUND Previous studies have confirmed that progesterone has a protective effect on traumatic brain injury (TBI). In this paper, network pharmacology and molecular docking technology were used to further explore the potential mechanism of progesterone in the treatment of TBI. MATERIAL AND METHODS Based on network pharmacology, potential targets of progesterone for TBI were obtained. The network diagram of interactions between target proteins was established to screen the key targets of progesterone for TBI. The DAVID database was used to analyze its biological function and enrichment pathway, and to explore and determine the biological pathway of progesterone in treating TBI. Molecular docking technology was used to simulate the interaction between progesterone and key target proteins. RESULTS Progesterone can treat TBI by anti-inflammatory action, repairing damaged cell membranes, stabilizing the structure of the blood-brain barrier, alleviating brain edema, reducing neuronal apoptosis, and improving neurological function. The molecular mechanism involves the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and Ras signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS Progesterone is a potential clinical treatment for TBI. Exploring the potential targets and pathways of TBI therapy through network pharmacology can provide a direction for subsequent research.