Sho-saiko-to is a
well-known traditional Chinese medicine compound
and is considered to have therapeutic effects against many diseases,
including thyroid cancer (TC). However, the mechanisms and therapeutic
targets of Sho-saiko-to against TC remain unclear. In this study,
network pharmacology, molecular docking, and cell experiments were
combined to predict and verify the targets and mechanisms of the active
ingredients of Sho-saiko-to against TC. The results demonstrated that
the main chemical ingredients of Sho-saiko-to could suppress the viability
and proliferation of TC cells, promote apoptosis through the caspase3
pathway, and induce autophagy through the PI3K-AKT pathway. In addition,
Sho-saiko-to could also induce the redifferentiation of anaplastic
thyroid cancer. Our study provides a novel approach for treating differentiated
thyroid cancer (DTC) or radioactive iodine refractory differentiated
thyroid cancer (RAIR-DTC).