Abstract

This study explored the key genes of cryptorchidism by using Radix Rehmannia Preparata and goji berry to provide basis for the study of pathogenic genes in cryptorchidism. Differentially expressed genes were identified by Limma analysis from GSE149084 dataset. The genes targeting Radix Rehmannia Preparata and goji berry were obtained from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform. Venn diagram screened the intersection genes of Radix Rehmannia Preparata and goji berry. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyzed the intersecting genes while the protein-protein interactions network screened the key genes. The expression of key gene was analyzed using GSE149084 dataset. 3468 differentially expressed genes were identified, which included 660 upregulating and 2808 down-regulating genes; 2883 differentially expressed genes in GSE149084 dataset. Venn diagram screened 9 intersection genes in differentially expressed genes, Radix Rehmannia Preparata and goji berry. The intersection genes were significantly correlated with response to drug, response to chemical, neuron part and enzyme binding (p<0.05). However, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes was significantly correlated with Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpes virus and human immunodeficiency virus 1 infection, erythroblastic oncogene B signaling pathway, colorectal cancer, longevity regulating pathway, programmed cell death ligand expression and programmed cell death protein pathway in cancer (p<0.05). Radix Rehmannia Preparata and goji berry might be beneficial in the adjuvant therapy of cryptorchidism by targeting the key genes. This study suggests that jun proto-oncogene, activator protein-1 transcription factor subunit, mechanistic target of rapamycin, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma and cytochrome P450 family 3 subfamily A member 4 become the novel key genes for predicted cryptorchidism.