Background:Atherosclerosis (AS) is a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases,
characterized by lipid accumulation in arterial walls. The enzyme Ephx2 (soluble epoxide hydrolase,
sEH) is implicated in AS development, but its precise mechanisms and therapeutic potential
are not fully understood.Objectives:This study aimed to analyze gene expression data from low-density lipoprotein receptor
knockout (LDLR⁸/⁸) and LDLR⁸/⁸sEH⁸/⁸ mice to identify significant genes associated with
AS.Methods:A directed compound-protein interaction network was constructed based on these
genes and related pathways from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database.
In the end, through resistance distance (RD) between any two nodes in this network, the
Independent Cascade (IC) model was applied to explore Ephx2 mechanisms in AS, such as important
Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs).Results:Several AOPs were identified as critical in AS treatment via Ephx2. The key AOPs included
inflammatory response and cytokine release, cholesterol deposition and oxidation, disruption
of plaque stability, smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration, and platelet activation
and coagulation. Within the top AOPs of inflammatory response and cytokine release, potential
target genes were identified, such as Mapk3, PiK3cd, Gnai2, Mapk10, Arnt, and RhoA.
Critical paths from Ephx2 to these target genes were established, suggesting mechanisms by
which Ephx2 may influence AS pathogenesis.Conclusion:By defining the AS network and corresponding RD, this study elucidated potential
mechanisms by which Ephx2 affects AS through specific KEGG pathways, AOPs, and target
genes. These findings enhanced the understanding of AS pathogenesis and highlighted potential
targets like Mapk3 for developing therapeutic strategies in AS prevention and treatment.