摘要:ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Zuoguiwan on pancreatic islet function in offspring of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) maternal rat model and explore the mechanisms of Zuoguiwan in improving pancreatic islet function based on postpartum pancreatic regeneration.MethodHealthy female SD rats with normal blood glucose levels were paired with male rats in a 2∶1 ratio and housed together. Pregnancy was confirmed based on vaginal plugs or vaginal smears. The pregnant rats were divided into the following groups: normal group, model group, insulin group (insulin Detemir, 20 U·kg-1), low-dose Zuoguiwan group (1.89 g·kg-1), and high-dose Zuoguiwan group (3.78 g·kg-1). The GDM rat model was induced using streptozotocin in rats except for those in the normal group. The model was confirmed by blood glucose testing in the maternal rats. Except for the normal and model groups, the other groups received daily administration of corresponding treatments. At 21 days after birth, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and fasting serum insulin (FINS) levels were measured in 6 offspring from each group. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated, and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed on additional 12 offspring from each group. Blood samples were taken from the abdominal aorta of the offspring at postnatal day 22, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure insulin, glucagon (GC), pancreatic polypeptide (PPY), and somatostatin (SS) levels in the serum. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe pathological changes in the pancreatic tissue of the offspring. Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to observe the area and structure of the pancreatic islets. Western blot was used to detect the expression of key proteins involved in the development and functional expression of pancreatic β-cells, namely pancreatic and duodenal homeobox factor 1 (Pdx1), Nkx6.1, and Glucose transporter 2 (Glut2).ResultCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significant increases in FBG and FINS levels, and HOMA-IR (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the insulin group showed significant decreases in FBG levels and HOMA-IR (P<0.01), the low-dose Zuoguiwan group showed a significant decrease in FBG levels (P<0.05), and the high-dose Zuoguiwan group showed significant decreases in FBG and FINS levels, and HOMA-IR (P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the model group showed significant increases in OGTT 60-min blood glucose levels and AUC index (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the high-dose Zuoguiwan group showed significant decreases in OGTT60-min blood glucose levels and area under the curve(AUC) index (P<0.05, P<0.01). HE staining of pancreatic tissue showed that compared with the normal group, the model group had a reduced number of islets and a loose arrangement of acinar cells. Compared with the model group, the groups with drug treatment showed increased number of islets and a compact arrangement of acinar cells. Compared with the normal group, the model group had significantly increased levels of insulin, GC, PPY, and SS in the serum (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the low-dose and high-dose Zuoguiwan groups and the insulin group showed significantly decreased serum levels of insulin, GC, PPY, and SS (P<0.05, P<0.01). IF results showed that compared with the normal group, the model group had a significantly lower positive rate of insulin (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the low-dose and high-dose Zuoguiwan groups showed a significant increase in the positive rate of insulin (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the positive rate of GC among the groups. In terms of the proportion of insulin and GC in individual islets, compared with the normal group, the model group showed a significant decrease in the proportion of insulin (P<0.01) and a significant increase in the proportion of GC (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the low-dose and high-dose Zuoguiwan groups showed significantly increased proportion of insulin (P<0.01) and significantly decreased proportion of GC (P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly decreased expression levels of Pdx1, Nkx6.1, and Glut2 proteins in the pancreatic tissue of GDM offspring (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the insulin group and the low-dose Zuoguiwan group showed significant increases in the expression levels of Pdx1 and Nkx6.1 proteins in the pancreatic tissue of GDM offspring (P<0.05), and the low-dose and high-dose Zuoguiwan groups showed significant increases in the expression levels of Glut2 protein (P<0.05).ConclusionZuoguiwan can promote pancreatic islet development in offspring of GDM maternal rat model, improve pancreatic islet morphology and function, and alleviate insulin resistance. Its mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of Pdx1, Nkx6.1, and Glut2 protein expression in the pancreatic tissue of offspring.
摘要:ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Xumingtang in Gu Jin Lu Yan (《古今录验》) in regulating cell pyroptosis through the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) pathway in ischemic stroke (IS).MethodSD rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a model group, low- and high-dose Xumingtang groups, and a metformin group, with 20 rats in each group. Oral administration was performed for 3 days, and tissue samples were collected. Differential messenger RNA (mRNA) was screened using high-throughput sequencing, and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed on key differentially expressed genes. The modified neurological severity score (mNSS) and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining were used to evaluate the effect of brain infarction. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used for pathological morphological observation of brain tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to compare the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) in the ischemic cortical region. Double staining immunohistochemistry was used to detect the co-localization of HIF-1α and NLRP3. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect the mRNA expression of NLRP3, HIF-1α, Caspase-1 (CASP-1), and gasdermin D (GSDMD). Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of HIF-1α, NLRP3, CASP-1, and GSDMD.ResultA total of 5 705 differentially expressed genes (2 733 downregulated and 2 972 upregulated) were obtained by mRNA sequencing. After conversion to homologous genes and intersection with the pyroptosis gene set, 95 key differentially expressed pyroptosis genes were obtained. Compared with the sham operation group, the model group showed significantly increased mNSS scores, larger brain infarction areas (P<0.01), diverse neuronal morphology, disordered arrangement, widened cell gaps, significantly increased levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the ischemic cortical region (P<0.01), enhanced co-localization fluorescence intensity, and significantly increased mRNA and protein expression levels of HIF-1α, NLRP3, CASP-1, and GSDMD (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the high-dose Xumingtang group showed the most significant improvement in neurological function scores and brain infarction areas (P<0.01). The neuronal integrity and arrangement were more complete, and the cell gaps were narrower in all groups with drug treatment, with significantly reduced co-localization fluorescence intensity. Xumingtang could reduce the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and the mRNA and protein expression of HIF-1α, NLRP3, CASP-1, and GSDMD (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the high-dose Xumingtang group showing the most significant effect (P<0.01).ConclusionXumingtang in Gu Jin Lu Yan can inhibit cell pyroptosis and promote neurological function recovery after IS, which may be related to the inhibition of the HIF-1α/NLRP3 pathway.
关键词:ischemic stroke;Xumingtang in Gu Jin Lu Yan;pyroptosis;hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3)
摘要:ObjectiveTo investigate the intervention effect of Buzhong Yiqitang (BZYQT) on pulmonary inflammation in mice induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) and preliminarily elucidate its mechanism.MethodForty healthy male C57BL/6 mice aged 6-8 weeks were randomly divided into the following groups: normoxia group, model group (exposed to CIH), and low-, medium-, and high-dose BZYQT groups. The normoxia group was exposed to a normoxic environment, while the model group and the low-, medium-, and high-dose BZYQT groups were exposed to intermittent hypoxia. In the BZYQT groups, the BZYQT (8.1, 16.2, 32.4 g·kg-1·d-1) was administered orally 30 min before placing the mice in the hypoxic chamber, while the model group and the normoxia group received an equivalent volume of normal saline. After five weeks of modeling, pulmonary function of the mice was measured using an EMKA animal lung function analyzer, and lung tissue samples were collected after the pulmonary function tests. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe the histopathological changes in the lung tissue of each group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the serum, as well as angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ) and angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang(1-7)] in lung tissue. Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the protein expression of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), and mitochondrial assembly receptor (Mas).ResultCompared with the normoxia group, the model group showed significant abnormalities in lung function (P<0.05, P<0.01), lung tissue changes, such as thickening of alveolar walls and inflammatory cell infiltration, increased levels of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α in the serum and Ang Ⅱ in lung tissue (P<0.01), decreased level of Ang(1-7) (P<0.01), increased protein expression of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α, and decreased protein expression of ACE2 and Mas (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the BZYQT groups showed improvement in lung function (P<0.05, P<0.01), and HE staining of lung tissue showed approximately normal alveolar wall thickness and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis showed a significant decrease in the expression of inflammatory-related proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01), and a significant increase in ACE2 and Mas protein expression (P<0.05, P<0.01).ConclusionBZYQT can improve lung injury in mice exposed to CIH by regulating the ACE2-Ang(1-7)-Mas axis to inhibit inflammatory responses.
摘要:ObjectiveTo investigate the regulatory effects of Xuanfu Daizhetang on a mouse model of allergic asthma induced by ovalbumin (OVA).MethodSixty female BALB/c mice (6-8 weeks old, SPF) were randomly divided into groups. Ten mice were assigned to the normal group and given 0.2 mL of saline, while the remaining groups received intraperitoneal injections of Al(OH)3 at 5 g·L-1 and OVA at 1 g·L-1. The mice were divided into normal group (10 mL·kg-1 saline), OVA model group (10 mL·kg-1 saline), dexamethasone group (OVA+DEX, 1 mg·kg-1), OVA+ low-dose Xuanfu Daizhetang group (OVA+XL, 7.065 g·kg-1), OVA+ medium-dose Xuanfu Daizhetang group (OVA+XM, 14.13 g·kg-1), and OVA+ high-dose Xuanfu Daizhetang group (OVA+XH, 28.26 g·kg-1). An OVA-induced asthma model was established in mice. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining methods were used to observe bronchial tissue pathological changes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to measure the levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, IL-13, IL-17A, and γ interferon (IFN-γ) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Western blot was used to detect the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) proteins in lung tissue.ResultCompared with the normal group, the OVA model group showed increased inflammatory cell infiltration in mouse alveoli, elevated levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-17A, IFN-γ in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and IgE in serum (P<0.05, P<0.01), and promoted phosphorylation of MAPK signaling pathway-related proteins. Compared with the model group, the OVA+XL, OVA+XM, and OVA+XH groups showed reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in mouse alveoli, decreased levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-17A, IFN-γ in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and IgE in serum (P<0.05, P<0.01), and inhibited phosphorylation of MAPK signaling pathway-related proteins.ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that Xuanfu Daizhetang has potential anti-allergic asthma activity, providing a theoretical basis for its future clinical application.
关键词:Xuanfu Daizhetang;allergic asthma;airway inflammation;mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway
摘要:ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Buyang Huanwutang on ferroptosis in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) mice and explore the protective effect and mechanism of Buyang Huanwutang on the kidneys of DKD mice.MethodSeventy-three C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into model group (63 mice) and normal group (10 mice). After the model group mice were fed with high-sugar and high-fat diets for six weeks, they were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) of 50 mg·kg-1 intraperitoneally for five days for preparing the diabetes model and then fed with high-sugar and high-fat diets for eight weeks. When the mice showed positive urine protein, the DKD model was successfully prepared. DKD mice were randomly divided into model group (n = 10), rosiglitazone (7.05 × 10-4 g·kg-1) group (n = 9), Buyang Huanwutang low-dose (3.21 g·kg-1) group (n = 9), middle-dose (6.41 g·kg-1) group (n = 10), and high-dose (12.82 g·kg-1) group (n = 10) for gavage. The normal group and model group were given the same volume of normal saline once a day for eight weeks. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), 24 h urinary protein (24 h-UTP), and renal weight index (KI) were measured after administration. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Periodic acid Schiff (PAS) staining, and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes in mouse kidneys. Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (ACSL4), member 11 of solute carrier family 7 (SLC7A11), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), ferritin heavy chain (FTH-1), and transferrin receptor 1 (TFR-1) in mouse kidneys. The activities of glutathione (GSH) and contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) were measured. The expression level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mouse kidneys was detected by fluorescence probe labeling.ResultCompared with the normal group, KI, FBG, and 24 h-UTP in the model group increased significantly, and mesangium in the glomerulus proliferated. The basement membrane thickened, and glycogen particles were deposited around the glomerulus. FTH-1 expression decreased, while TFR-1 and ROS expressions increased. MDA and 4-HNE increased, but GSH activity decreased. ACSL4 expression increased, and SLC7A11 and GPX4 expressions decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, in Buyang Huanwutang and rosiglitazone groups, KI and 24 h-UTP decreased, and FBG showed a downward trend, but there was no statistical significance. Pathological damage of kidney tissue was improved to different degrees, FTH-1 expression increased, and TFR-1 and ROS expressions decreased. MDA and 4-HNE contents decreased, and GSH activity increased. ACSL4 expression decreased, and SLC7A11 and GPX4 expressions increased (P<0.05, P<0.01).ConclusionBuyang Huanwutang can alleviate the pathological damage of kidney tissue in DKD mice, and its mechanism is related to the regulation of ferroptosis.
摘要:To conduct textual research on the records of Chrysanthemi Flos in the ancient literature from the aspects of name, origin, species, scientific name, origin, harvesting, processing, quality and so on, and the modern literature was sorted out to clarify the relationship between the ancient and modern times, so as to provide a reference for the development of famous classical formulas containing Chrysanthemi Flos. Chrysanthemi Flos is an ornamental, edible and medicinal plant in China, it has many aliases, but it has been recorded in this materia medica under the name of Juhua, Ganju and Ganjuhua. Before the Tang dynasty, medicinal Chrysanthemi Flos mainly collected wild products, including yellow flowers and white flowers, of which the mainstream of yellow flowers was originally Dendranthema lavandulifolium and D. potentilloides, the mainstream of white flowers is D. vestitum and D. chanetii. The cultivation of medicinal Chrysanthemi Flos began in the Northern Song dynasty, and wild D. lavandulifolium, D. potentilloides, D. vestitum and D. chanetii were selected through long-term interspecies and intraspecies crossbreeding, which gradually formed the current cultivar D. morifolium. After chrysanthemums were introduced abroad, foreign scholars began to name chrysanthemums with Linnaeus's plant classification system. In 1792, Mathier named chrysanthemums as Chrysanthemum morifolium and continued to this day, and all the editions of Chinese Pharmacopoeia adopted this scientific name. In the Song dynasty, many local varieties such as Nanyangju, Dengzhouhuang and Dengzhoubai appeared. By the time of the Republic of China, five famous authentic varieties, namely Huaiju, Boju, Chuju, Gongju and Hangju, had been cultivated for medicinal purposes. Boju has been the best medicinal variety since the late Qing dynasty. Hangbaiju has been famous for its tea use, especially the best quality of Huju. Chuju has its own unique characteristics, and it is of good quality both for medicine and tea. Gongju has always been a good tea chrysanthemum. Chrysanthemums are traditionally harvested in September of the lunar calendar, but some of the new varieties cultivated nowadays are harvested earlier. The embryo chrysanthemum in Hangbaiju is a commodity type that collects unopened buds in advance. In ancient times, chrysanthemums were mainly dried in the shade, in modern times, drying methods include drying in the shade, drying in the oven and drying in the sun after steaming. At present, hot air drying is mostly used. In terms of processing, Chrysanthemi Flos was used raw products in ancient times, in modern times, it is still widely used, sometimes stir fried(including stir-fried charcoal). Due to different varieties, producing areas and processing methods, there are certain differences in the proportion of ingredients contained in chrysanthemum. Therefore, it is suggested that chrysanthemums with different varieties, origins and processing methods should be selected according to clinical indications in the development of famous classical formula preparations containing Chrysanthemi Flos.
摘要:Through reviewing the ancient and modern literature, the name, origin, producing area, quality evaluation, harvesting and processing methods of Trichosanthis Fructus(TF) and Trichosanthis Radix(TR) in famous classical formulas were systematically sorted out following the chronological order. The results showed that there were many nicknames of TF and TR, and Gualou and Tianhuafen have become the mainstream names for its fruit and root, respectively. Both of them took Trichosanthes kirilowii as the mainstream base. TF and TR have been used as medicines in the Han dynasty, and since the North and South dynasties, Leigong Paozhilun had been clear that the effects of peels, seeds, stems, roots were different. TF was used as medicine with intact fruits, harvested after maturity from September to October, hung and dried in the shade, and its quality has been summarized in recent times as being best for those who are mature, large, thick and pliable peels, orange-yellow in color, and with sufficient sugary properties. In ancient times, the processing of TR was mostly crushed or shredded with the peels and seeds, or processing for pancakes and creams. TR was used as medicine with the roots, it is harvested from November to December, peeled and dried in the sun, and its quality was best when it was deep in the soil, large, white, powdery, firm and delicate with few muscles and veins, and it was considered to be toxic when it was born in briney land. Processing method of TR was to do powder into the medicine in the Tang dynasty, and gradually evolved into direct slicing use in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Since the modern era, the authentic producing areas of TF and TR were in the vicinity of Lingbao, Henan province, known as Anyang Huafen, and in modern times, there are well-known production areas such as Anguo, which produces Qihuafen, and Jinan, which produces Changqing Gualou. In the Song dynasty, there was a habit of substituting Trichosanthis Semen for the whole herb, which was later corrected by the materia medica in Ming dynasty. Based on the results, It is suggested that T. kirilowii be selected as the basal plant for the development of famous classical formulas involving TR and TF. In Qingjin Huatantang, Trichosanthis Semen is processed by stir-frying method, while TR and TF in other five formulas from the Catalogue of Ancient Famous Classical Formulas(The First Batch) were all used in raw form.
关键词:famous classical formulas;Trichosanthis Fructus;Trichosanthis Radix;herbal textual research;origin;producing area;quality evaluation;processing of traditional Chinese medicine
摘要:By reviewing the ancient and modern literature, the name, origin, medicinal parts and other aspects of Linderae Radix in famous classical formulas were systematically sorted out, so as to provide a basis for development of famous classical formulas containing this herb. Linderae Radix was first recorded in Bencao Shiyi in the Tang dynasty under name of Pangqi, and since Rihuazi Bencao of the Five dynasties, all generations of materia medica have used Wuyao as its proper name of the herb. The mainstream source of Linderae Radix used in the past dynasties is dried tuberous roots of Lindera aggregata contained in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The origins of Linderae Radix recorded in the past dynasties are mainly Guangdong, Guangxi, Hunan, Zhejiang, Anhui and others, since the Song dynasty, Tiantai county in Zhejiang province has been regarded as the authentic producing place, in modern times, it is still the authentic place of origin. At harvesting, in ancient times, the harvesting time of the roots was mostly in August, while in modern times, Linderae Radix is mostly harvested in winter and spring or throughout the year, and is dried directly after harvesting or cut thin slices and dried in the place of production. At processing, Linderae Radix was processed by removing the peel and heart, wine roasting, vinegar roasting and other methods in ancient times, and in modern times, it is mostly used in raw form as medicine. In conclusion, it is suggested that the processing method of fresh slicing and drying in the place of origin in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia should be adopted if Linderae Radix is involved in the development of famous classical formulas.
关键词:famous classical formulas;Linderae Radix;origin;scientific name;medicinal parts;processing of traditional Chinese medicine;herbal textual research
摘要:ObjectiveTo investigate the detoxification mechanism of Chebulae Fructus, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Prepared Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix Cocta, and their effective components ellagic acid, liquiritin and aconitine based on cardiac cytochrome P450 (CYP450) system.MethodIn in vivo experiments, rats were randomly divided into control group, prepared Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix Cocta group (0.25 g·kg-1), Chebulae Fructus group (0.252 g·kg-1), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma group (0.25 g·kg-1) and combination group (0.25 g·kg-1 Chebulae Fructus+0.25 g·kg-1 Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma+0.25 g·kg-1 prepared Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix Cocta, with prepared Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix Cocta as standard). After 8 days of administration, creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in rats were detected to observe the pathological changes of heart tissue. Real-time PCR and Western blot were performed to detect the mRNA and protein expressions of CYP2J3, respectively. In in vitro experiments, control group, aconitine group, ellagic acid group, liquiritin group and combination group (aconitine+ellagic acid+liquiritin) were set, and their effects on cell number, DNA content, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were detected by high content analysis. The changes in the mRNA and protein expressions of CYP2J3 were also observed.ResultIn vivo experiments, compared with the control group, the prepared Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix Cocta group had increased CK and LDH in serum (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the combination group had decreased activities of CK and LDH. Additionally, pathological staining results showed that Chebulae Fructus and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma reduced the cardiac toxicity caused by prepared Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix Cocta. Real-time PCR found that compared with the control group, prepared Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix Cocta down-regulated the mRNA level of CYP2J3 (P<0.05), while up-regulated that expression when used in combination with Chebulae Fructus and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (P<0.01). The protein and mRNA translation levels were basically consistent. In vitro experiments, high content analysis revealed that there was a decrease in the cell number, DNA content and MMP fluorescence value of the aconitine group (P<0.01) and the combination group (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the fluorescence value of the combination group was higher than that of the aconitine group. Moreover, aconitine down-regulated the mRNA level of CYP2J3 (P<0.05), but the down-regulating ability of aconitine was reversed in the combination group (P<0.05).ConclusionThe detoxification mechanism of combined Chebulae Fructus, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and prepared Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix Cocta is mainly that the combination of ellagic acid, liquiritin and aconitine can up-regulate the expression of CYP2J3, and promote the metabolism of arachidonic acid (AA) to produce epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), thus reducing the cardiac toxicity, and this effect may start from the transcriptional link.
摘要:ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the effect of modified Baitouwengtang (MBTWD) on tumor growth and the number of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in tumor tissue of MC38 cell tumor-bearing mice with colorectal cancer and explores whether MBTWD mediates the remodeling of TAM phenotype to play an immunologically antitumor effect.MethodFirstly, The C57BL/6 mouse tumor model grafted subcutaneously was established, and then model mice were classified into a model group, positive control group(3 mg·kg-1), and MBTWD groups with high and low dosages(23.43、46.86 g·kg-1), with 10 mice in each group. In addition, 10 healthy mice were set as the blank group, and the changes in body weight, tumor volume, and survival status of mice in each group were observed. Tumor tissue, spleen, and peripheral blood were collected to calculate the tumor volume change, tumor inhibition rate, and spleen mass. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the morphological changes of tumor tissue, and an immunofluorescence assay was used to detect the expression levels of CD4, CD8, and CD206 in tumor tissues of tumor-bearing mice. The secretion levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, interleukin (IL)-6, and chemokine (C-C Motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) in peripheral serum were measured by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Secondly, a co-culture model induced by IL-4 in vitro of MC38 cells and murine monocytic macrophage RAW264.7 cells was established. Cell proliferation and activity assay (CCK-8) was used to detect the inhibitory effect of MBTWD containing serum on cell proliferation. A transwell experiment was used to detect the effect of IL-4-induced M2 macrophages on the invasion of MC38 cells. Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of CD86 on the membrane of M2 macrophages induced by IL-4 with MBTWD containing serum. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the effect of MBTWD containing serum on the mRNA expression levels of M1 macrophage-related polarization factors CD86, nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and IL-12, as well as M2 macrophage-related polarization factors CD206, CD163, and IL-10 after co-cultivation. Finally, the protein expression levels of colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R), stimulator of interferon genes (STING), and TANK binding kinase 1 (TBK1) in tumor tissues of tumor-bearing mice were detected by Western blot.ResultIn vivo experimental results show that compared with the model group, the MBTWD can significantly inhibit the tumor growth of tumor-bearing mice. Immunofluorescence experiments show that the MBTWD can increase the number of CD8+ T cell infiltration in tumor tissue of tumor-bearing mice, reduce the number of CD206+ TAMs infiltration, and down-regulate the secretion levels of cytokines IL-6, TGF-β, and CCL2 in peripheral blood of tumor-bearing mice. The results of in vitro experiments show that the MBTWD containing serum has no obvious inhibitory effect on cell proliferation, but the cell supernatant after co-cultivation with RAW264.7 cells can inhibit the proliferation activity of MC38 cells, and the invasion ability of MC38 cells is enhanced by IL-4-induced M2 macrophages. However, this effect can be inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by the MBTWD containing serum. At the same time, the results of Real-time PCR show that the MBTWD containing serum can up-regulate the mRNA expression levels of M1 macrophage-related polarization factors CD86, iNOS, and IL-12 and down-regulate those of M2 macrophage-related polarization factors CD206, CD163, and IL-10. Flow cytometry results also confirm that the MBTWD containing serum can increase the number of repolarized CD86+ M1 macrophages, indicating that MBTWD can induce M2 macrophages to repolarized M1 macrophages to play an anti-tumor growth role. Finally, Western blot results show that MBTWD can down-regulate the expression of CSF1R protein and up-regulate that of STING and TBK1 proteins in tumor tissue of tumor-bearing mice.ConclusionMBTWD can down-regulate the infiltration number of CD206+ TAMs and increase the infiltration of CD8+ T cells, thereby playing an immunologically antitumor effect on the growth inhibition of colorectal cancer, which may be related to regulating CSF1R signaling and then activating STING/TBK1 signaling pathway to induce phenotypic remodeling of TAMs.
摘要:ObjectiveTo investigate the effects and molecular mechanism of ursolic acid on the proliferation and apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells.MethodThe proliferation inhibition rate of human colorectal cancer RKO cells treated with different concentrations of ursolic acid (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 μmol·L-1) was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), and the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) at 24 h and 48 h was calculated. According to the IC50 of RKO cells treated with ursolic acid for 24 h, two concentrations were selected for subsequent experiments. The colony formation assay was used to detect the proliferation ability of the cells and flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis rate and cell cycle arrest after treatment of RKO cells with ursolic acid. After treatment of RKO cells with ursolic acid for 24 hours, the expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein (Bax) in RKO cells, Bcl-2 in Raji cells, PMA responsive gene in T lymphocyte (Noxa), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (p21), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (p27), cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), protein kinase B (Akt), phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt), forkhead transcription factor O3a (FoxO3a), and phosphorylated FoxO3a (p-FoxO3a) was determined by Western blot.ResultCompared with the blank group, the ursolic acid groups could inhibit the viability of RKO cells (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the colony formation rates of RKO cells in the ursolic acid groups were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01) in a concentration-dependent manner. The cells in the ursolic acid group (20 μmol·L-1) experienced cell cycle arrest, which increased in the early stage of synthesis, ie, the G0/G1 phase (P<0.05) as compared with the results in the blank group. Compared with the blank group, the ursolic acid groups (15 and 20 μmol·L-1) showed increased protein expression of p21 and p27, decreased expression of CDK4 protein (P<0.05, P<0.01), and increased apoptosis rate, and the ursolic acid group (20 μmol·L-1) showed increased protein expression of Bax and Noxa and decreased expression of Bcl-2 (P<0.05, P<0.01). In terms of mechanism, compared with the blank group, the ursolic acid group (20 μmol·L-1) down-regulated the expression of p-Akt protein and up-regulated the expression of p-FoxO3a (P<0.05, P<0.01), and there was no significant change in the total protein of Akt and FoxO3a.ConclusionUrsolic acid can effectively inhibit the proliferation of colorectal cancer RKO cells and promote cell apoptosis, which may be related to the Akt/FoxO pathway.
关键词:ursolic acid;colorectal cancer;proliferation;apoptosis;protein kinase B (Akt)/forkhead transcription factor O (FoxO) signaling pathway
摘要:ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Shouwuwan on the synaptic plasticity of hippocampal neurons in the rat model of D-galactose-induced aging via the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway.MethodA total of 50 male SPF-grade SD rats were randomized into normal group, model group, vitamin E (0.018 g·kg-1) group, and low- and high-dose (1.08,2.16 g·kg-1, respectively) Shouwuwan groups. Except the normal group, the other four groups were treated with D-galactose (120 mg·kg-1) for the modeling of aging. The rats were simultaneously administrated with corresponding agents by gavage. After six weeks of modeling, Morris water maze test was carried out to examine the behavioral changes. The whole brain and hippocampus samples were collected. The expression of postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95) and synaptophysin (SYN) in the hippocampus was detected by immunohistochemistry. Golgi staining was employed to observe the changes in the morphology and function of neurons. Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were respectively employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels of mTOR, phosphorylated (p)-mTOR, p70 ribosome protein S6 kinase (p70S6K), phosphorylated (p)-p70S6K, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 2 (4EBP2), and phosphorylated (p)-4EBP2 in the hippocampus.ResultCompared with the normal group, the model group showed slow swimming (P<0.01), extended total swimming distance (P<0.05), prolonged latency (P<0.01), and decreased crossing number (P<0.01). The modeling inhibited the expression of PSD-95 and SYN in the CA1 region of the hippocampus (P<0.01), with the weakest staining effect and the smallest region, decreased the intersections of hippocampal neuron dendrites with concentric circles at the concentric distance of 100, 140, 180, and 200 μm from the cell body (P<0.01), and reduced the length and density of dendritic spine (P<0.01). In addition, the modeling up-regulated the mRNA levels of mTOR and p70S6K and the protein levels of p-mTOR and p-p70S6K (P<0.01) and down-regulated the mRNA level of 4EBP2 and the protein levels of 4EBP2 and p-4EBP2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, low- and high-dose Shouwuwan increased the average swimming speed (P<0.01), shortened the latency (P<0.01), increased the crossing number (P<0.01), promoted the expression of PSD-95 and SYN in the hippocampal CA1 region (P<0.01), increased the intersections between hippocampal neuronal dendrites and concentric circles at the concentric distance of 100, 140, 180,200 μm from the cell body (P<0.01), and increased the number, length, and density of dendritic spine (P<0.01). Furthermore, Shouwuwan down-regulated the protein levels of p-mTOR and p-p70S6K (P<0.01), up-regulated the protein levels of 4EBP2 and p-4EBP2 (P<0.05,P<0.01), down-regulated the mRNA levels of mTOR and p70S6K (P<0.01), and up-regulated the mRNA level of 4EBP2 (P<0.01).ConclusionShouwuwan can improve the learning and memory ability of rats exposed to D-galactose, promote the expression of proteins associated with synaptic plasticity, improve the morphology of neurons, repair neural function, reduce neuronal apoptosis, and inhibit mTOR signaling pathway to delay brain aging.
关键词:brain aging;Shouwuwan;mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway;synaptic plasticity
摘要:ObjectiveTo compare the effects of total alkaloids, matrine, and sophoridine extracted from Sophora alopecuroides on the activity of pheochromocytoma cells (PC12 cells).MethodThe effect of S. alopecuroides total alkaloids, matrine, and sophoridine at concentrations of 2, 1, 0.5, 0.25, 0.125, and 0.062 5 g·L-1 on the proliferation of PC12 cells was evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage rate was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Flow cytometry was used to assess cell apoptosis rate, cell cycle distribution, and intracellular Ca2+ levels. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was performed to determine the mRNA transcription levels of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). Protein expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Bcl-2, and Bax were detected by Western blot.ResultCompared to the control group, S. alopecuroides total alkaloids, matrine, and sophoridine inhibited the proliferation of PC12 cells, increased LDH leakage rate, enhanced intracellular Ca2+ fluorescence intensity, and induced cell apoptosis in concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05, P<0.01). Among them, S. alopecuroides total alkaloids had the strongest inhibitory effect on cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis in PC12 cells (P<0.01). After treatment with S. alopecuroides total alkaloids, matrine, and sophoridine, the cell cycle progression of PC12 cells was arrested at G1/G0 in the S. alopecuroides total alkaloids group, and at G1/S in the matrine and sophoridine groups. The expression levels of Bax mRNA were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the expression levels of Bcl-2 mRNA were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). All treatments significantly downregulated the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 (P<0.05, P<0.01) and upregulated the expression of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax, Caspase-3, and Caspase-8 (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the most significant protein expression changes observed in the S. alopecuroides total alkaloids group.ConclusionAmong the S. alopecuroides total alkaloids, matrine, and sophoridine, S. alopecuroides total alkaloids exhibit the strongest inhibitory effect on the activity of PC12 cells, and its mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of anti-apoptotic protein expression, upregulation of pro-apoptotic protein expression, and activation of the mitochondrial Caspase-8 apoptotic pathway.
摘要:ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Flemiphilippinin D on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in rats and explore its mechanism.MethodForty rats were randomly divided into normal group, CIA group, methotrexate (MTX) group (1.35 mg·kg-1), low-dose Flemiphilippinin D group (1.5 mg·kg-1), and high-dose Flemiphilippinin D group (3.0 mg·kg-1), with eight rats in each group. Except for the normal group, the CIA model was induced by type Ⅱ collagen. Each group was given corresponding liquid medicine or normal saline, once a week in the MTX group, and once a day in the Flemiphilippinin D groups for a total of 28 days. The arthritis score and joint swelling degree of rats were experimentally recorded. Pathological changes in the ankle joint of rats were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Serum levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were detected by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA), and the mRNA expression of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), and nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 were detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), and the protein expressions of TLR2, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 were detected by Western blot.ResultCompared with the normal group, the ankle joint of the CIA group was significantly swollen, and the clinical score of arthritis and the degree of joint swelling were significantly increased (P<0.01). The ankle joint tissue structure was significantly damaged, and the levels of inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α in serum were significantly increased (P<0.01). The mRNA levels and protein levels of TLR2, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 were significantly increased(P<0.01). Compared with the CIA group, arthritis clinical score and joint swelling of rats in each administration group were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the pathological changes in the ankle joint were significantly improved. The contents of serum IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA levels and protein levels of TLR2, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 in the ankle joint were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01).ConclusionTo a certain extent, Flemiphilippinin D can reduce the expression of inflammatory factors in rheumatoid arthritis rats and play a good therapeutic effect. It works perhaps by inhibiting the activation of the TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway and thus shows an anti-inflammatory effect.
摘要:ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Chonglian oral liquid on inflammatory and immune markers as well as the clinical outcomes of patients with mild-to-moderate corona virus disease 2019(COVID-19) and comprehensively evaluate its efficacy and safety.MethodA clinical randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted, involving 120 confirmed cases of mild-to-moderate COVID-19. The patients were randomly divided into two groups, with 55 cases in the observation group and 56 cases in the control group. According to the updated diagnosis and treatment protocol, the control group received standard western medical treatment, while the observation group received Chonglian oral liquid in addition to standard western medical treatment. Both groups were treated continuously for 10 days. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, syndrome efficacy, fever abatement time, nucleic acid negative conversion time, inflammatory and immune markers, improvement in imaging findings, clinical outcomes, and occurrence of adverse events were compared between the two groups.ResultBoth groups showed a significant decrease in TCM syndrome scores after treatment (P<0.01). Compared with the control group after treatment, the observation group exhibited a more significant improvement in cough, dry throat, sore throat, fatigue, and muscle pain (P<0.05). The total effective rate in the observation group was 100% (55/55), significantly higher than 98.21% (55/56) in the control group (Z=3.707, P<0.01). The observation group also showed a significantly shorter duration of fever abatement and nucleic acid negative conversion compared with the control group after treatment (P<0.05). Both groups had a significant increase in lymphocyte count (LYM), lymphocyte percentage (LYM%), mature T lymphocytes (CD3+), and helper/inducer T lymphocytes (CD4+) after treatment (P<0.01). Compared with the control group after treatment, the observation group showed greater improvement in these markers (P<0.05). In terms of inflammatory markers, both groups had a significant decrease compared with those before treatment (P<0.01). The observation group exhibited lower levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and procalcitonin (PCT) than the control group after treatment (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in imaging efficacy evaluation and clinical outcomes between the two groups. No adverse events were reported in either group during the treatment period.ConclusionChonglian oral liquid combined with standard western medical treatment significantly improves clinical symptoms, shortens fever abatement and nucleic acid negative conversion time, regulates immune function, and inhibits inflammatory responses in patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19, leading to improved clinical efficacy.
摘要:ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy of Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimutang (GZSYZM) combined with fire needling in the treatment of periarthritis of shoulder with wind-cold-dampness impediment syndrome by stimulating pain points and "shoulder three acupoints".MethodA total of 120 patients with periarthritis of shoulder with wind-cold-dampness impediment syndrome, admitted to Hainan General Hospital from August 2020 to August 2022, were randomly divided into two groups using a random number table. The control group (60 cases) received treatment with GZSYZM for two weeks, while the observation group (60 cases) received treatment with GZSYZM combined with fire needling at pain points and "shoulder three acupoints" for two weeks. The clinical efficacy, adverse reactions, shoulder pain intensity, shoulder joint function, and levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin (IL)-2, and IL-17 before and after treatment were compared between the two groups.ResultThe total effective rate in the observation group was 88.33% (53/60), significantly higher than 68.33% (41/60) of the control group (χ²=7.070, P<0.01). Compared with the results before treatment, both groups showed significant reductions in pain rating index (PRI), visual analog scale (VAS) scores, present pain intensity (PPI), and Simplified McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) total scores, as well as serum levels of CGRP, COX-2, IL-2, and IL-17 after treatment (P<0.01), and improved pain intensity, daily life abilities, joint mobility, muscle strength, and Constant-Murley score (P<0.01). Compared with the control group after treatment, the observation group showed significantly reduced PRI, VAS score, PPI, SF-MPQ total score, as well as serum levels of CGRP, COX-2, IL-2, and IL-17 (P<0.01), and increased pain intensity, daily life abilities, joint mobility, muscle strength, and Constant-Murley score (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups.ConclusionGZSYZM combined with fire needling at pain points and "shoulder three acupoints" can effectively reduce the levels of serum inflammatory factors and pain mediators, alleviate pain, and improve shoulder joint function in patients with periarthritis of shoulder with wind-cold-dampness impediment syndrome.
关键词:periarthritis of shoulder;Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimutang;fire needling;pain points;wind-cold-dampness impediment
摘要:ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical safety of Naoxintong (NXT) capsules after marketing, find out the potential risk factors of the drug as soon as possible, and reveal the incidence, nature, and clinical manifestations of the adverse events (ADE) and adverse reactions (ADR) of NXT capsules, so as to provide a basis for safe use of the drug in clinical practice.MethodA prospective, large-sample, multi-center observational cohort study was conducted to monitor all the 7 345 inpatients and outpatients orally taking NXT in 14 hospitals in China from January to December in 2018, with at least one follow-up. The demographic characteristics, disease type, NXT medication, ADR occurrence, characteristics, and prognosis of the patients were collected. SPSS 23.0 was used for single-factor and multivariate logistic regression to predict the influencing factors of ADR.ResultThe male and female patients accounted for similar proportions. There were 5 081 patients (79.40%) aged ≥60 years and 3 153 patients (49.27%) with body mass index (BMI) exceeding the normal standard. There were 344 (5.38%) patients with a history of allergy to medicines and food, 9 (0.14%) patients with a family history of allergy, and 52 (0.81%) patients with a history of allergic diseases. The ADRs associated with NXT occurred in 22 patients, with the incidence of 0.34%. The clinical manifestations of ADR appeared in 31 cases, involving 10 organs/systems, of which gastrointestinal system damage was the most common (17, 54.84%). All ADRs were mild or moderate. Most ADRs (19, 86.36%) occurred within 4 weeks after administration. The patients with alleviated NXT-associated ADRs accounted for 81.82%. No indicators related to significant increases in ADR risks were found.ConclusionNXT is well tolerated in the general population. The hospital centralized monitoring for the clinical safety of oral Chinese patent drugs based on HIS data and Web tracking and follow-up system is an essential means for the post-market research on the safety of drugs.
摘要:ObjectiveBy exploring the volatile components, polysaccharide composition and changes in the contents of five carbohydrate components of Polygonatum cyrtonema rhizoma before and after processing, and then the effect of yellow rice wine on the odour formation of P. cyrtonema rhizoma was investigated.MethodThe volatile components of P. cyrtonema rhizoma before and after processing were detected by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-GC-MS), and sample data were subjected to principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) using SIMCA 14.1, then the differences between these components of P. cyrtonema rhizoma before and after processing were screened according to the principle of variable importance in the projection(VIP) value>1. Crude carbohydrate components in raw and wine-processed P. cyrtonema rhizoma were subjected to oxime and silylation, the carbohydrate components were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS/MS), and the relative contents of various components were calculated by peak area normalization, then quantitative analysis of four carbohydrate components was also carried out.ResultA total of 23 volatile components were identified from the raw products and the wine-processed products, including 15 components in raw products and 20 components in wine-processed products. Among them, 2-methylbutyraldehyde and isovaleraldehyde had a sweet odor and their contents increased after processing, but the contents of hexanal and caproic acid decreased, new components such as 2-acetylfuran and 5-methylfuranal were produced after processing. PCA and OPLS-DA results showed that there were significant differences between raw products and the wine-processed products, a total of 13 differential compounds were screened out, of which 7 showed an upward trend in relative content and 6 showed a downward trend. A total of 7 carbohydrate components, including 5 monosaccharides and 2 disaccharides, were identified in raw products and the wine-processed products. The results of determination showed that the contents of fructose, glucose, mannose and sucrose in P. cyrtonema rhizoma increased after wine-processing, and their increases were 4.54, 1.51, 2.93, 3.66 times, respectively.ConclusionAfter processing, the increase of aromatic flavor of P. cyrtonema rhizoma may be related to the increase of the contents of aldehydes such as 2-methylbutyraldehyde and isovaleraldehyde, while the decrease of raw flavor may be related to the decrease of the contents of volatile components such as hexanal and hexanoic acid, the increase of sweet flavor may be related to the increase of the contents of monosaccharides and oligosaccharides such as fructose and sucrose.
摘要:The classic formula Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimutang, listed as the 15th formula in the Catalog of Ancient Classic Formulas (First Batch) published in 2018, originated from Synopsis of the Golden Chamber (《金匮要略》) written by ZHANG Zhongjing in the Eastern Han Dynasty. It consists of Cinnamomi Ramulus, Ephedrae Herba, Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, Anemarrhenae Rhizoma, Paeoniae Radix Alba, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, Saposhnikoviae Radix, Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, and is effective in dispelling wind, eliminating dampness, dispersing cold, relieving impediment, nourishing Yin, and clearing heat. It is mainly used to treat diseases characterized by wind, cold, and dampness invading the body, combined with heat damaging Yin, such as joint disorders, rheumatism, gout, and knee osteoarthritis. Based on the call for "inheritance of essence and application of ancient knowledge for modern use", this study conducted a comprehensive analysis of historical evolution, composition, formulation principles, processing, dosage, decocting methods, and indications of Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimutang using textual research on ancient and modern literature. When analyzing modern literature, it has been found that this formula is widely used in the treatment of various diseases. It is mainly applied to rheumatic diseases such as rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, gouty arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis, as well as orthopedic diseases like knee osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, sciatica, and knee joint effusion. It can also be used for diseases in other systems, including the endocrine system, gynecology, respiratory system, and circulatory system. The pathological mechanisms involve the invasion of wind, cold, and dampness accompanied by heat pathogens, reflecting the concept of treating different diseases with the same principles in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Through the analysis of ancient and modern literature on Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimutang using a literature statistical method, the historical evolution and key formula and syndrome information were clarified to provide a theoretical basis for the development and further research of Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimutang in terms of its formulation and subsequent in-depth studies.
关键词:Synopsis of the Golden Chamber (《金匮要略》);classic formula;Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimutang;historical evolution;formula and syndrome information
摘要:The theory of "liver opens at the eyes" was first seen in Yellow Emperor's Internal Canon of Medicine, which is the ancient people's summary of the connection between the liver and the eyes. The theory of "liver opens at the eyes" suggests the characteristic of "co-damage and co-recover of liver and eyes". It has been found in clinical practice that liver diseases and eye diseases often occur together, and "liver and eyes co-recover" is an ideal choice. The key to achieving "liver and eyes co-recover" is to analyze its pharmacological material basis and mechanism. With the development of modern medicine, more and more evidence indicates that the liver and eyes have complex and close relationships in physiological and pathological aspects. In a pathological state, there is a phenomenon of "liver and eyes co-damage", and after the intervention of traditional Chinese medicine, "liver and eyes co-recover" occurs. "Liver and eyes co-damage and co-recover" can be explained through the "co-material basis and co-action mechanism". On this basis, the research group tentatively proposed that the liver and eyes had "four common characteristics" (4CCs), namely "co-damage, co-recover, co-material basis, and co-action mechanism" from the theoretical connotation of traditional Chinese medicine, clinical practice, and molecular biology. Additionally, the group also took the intervention of Prunella vulgaris, traditional Chinese medicine, for removing liver fire and improving eyesight on immune liver injury (ILI) and allergic conjunctivitis (AC) as examples to analyze 4CCs. This project aims to deeply analyze the scientific connotation of the theory of "liver opens at the eyes", reveal the common characteristics and biological essence of liver and eyes, explore a new research paradigm of "liver and eyes co-recover", and provide a reference for the study of common problems of multi-organ associated diseases.
关键词:liver opens at the eyes;liver and eyes co-recover;liver and eyes co-damage;four common characteristics of liver and eyes;immune liver injury;allergic conjunctivitis;Prunella vulgaris
摘要:In the case of cardiac dysfunction, energy metabolism changes and the metabolism of myocardial substrates is reconstructed, as manifested by variation in the selection and utilization of energy substrates such as fatty acids and glucose. Persistent metabolic disorders of substrates will decrease energy supply, thus resulting in the occurrence and development of heart failure. Metabolic remodeling of substrate is resulted from the decline of visceral function and the accumulation of pathological products. Deficient Qi stagnation is the core pathogenesis. Deficient Qi (heart Qi deficiency, insufficient energy) is the root cause, which exists in the whole disease course. Stagnation (phlegm, blood stasis, fluid, lipid toxic products, lactic acid, etc.) is the symptom, which evidences the aggravation of the disease. Deficient Qi and stagnation are intertwined and causal, which form a spiral vicious circle. The typical syndrome is excess resulted from deficiency and deficiency-excess in complexity. The treatment principle is reinforcing healthy Qi and tonifying deficiency, dredging and removing pathogen. At the early stage, the method of reinforcing healthy Qi and tonifying deficiency (benefiting Qi) should be used, and the method of dredging and removing pathogen (activating blood) can be applied according to the conditions of patients. At the middle and late stages, both reinforcing healthy Qi and tonifying deficiency (benefiting Qi and warming Yang) and dredging and removing pathogen (activating blood, resolving stasis, and excreting water) should be emphasized. Chinese medicine can be applied according to the pathogenesis, thereby promoting the utilization of fatty acids, glucose, and other substrates and reducing the accumulation of toxic products derived from metabolic remodeling of substrate. Thus, both the root cause and symptoms can be alleviated, further improving cardiac energy metabolism and heart function.
关键词:heart failure;substrate metabolic remodeling;fatty acid metabolism;glucose metabolism;deficiency Qi stagnation;Chinese medicine
摘要:In recent years, the field of network pharmacology (NP) has developed rapidly, but the flawed and routine workflow has seriously affected the scientificity and reliability of NP analysis results. For complex diseases caused by environmental and genetic factors, symptomatic treatment or drugs targeting a single pathophysiological process cannot prevent or delay the progression of the disease, so the drug development fails or withdraws from the market. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new ideas for NP analysis that combines multiple pathophysiological processes. The key pathophysiological process is an important and complete set of pathological changes in the process of the occurrence, development, and outcome of the disease, which represents the current comprehensive and profound understanding of the nature of the disease. In order to improve the quality of NP research and promote the healthy development of the NP field, this paper proposes a new idea of NP analysis based on key pathophysiological processes. Based on the long-term clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine and the key pathophysiological process of the disease, the method comprehensively analyzes the pharmacological mechanism and active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine compound from the perspective of key pathophysiological process, which increases the scientifically, reliability, and repeatability of the analysis results. This paper takes Alzheimer's disease (AD) as an example to illustrate the necessity, feasibility, main workflow, advantages, and disadvantages of this method, and it is expected to screen disease-modifying drugs that prevent or reverse the course of the disease and promote the clinical transformation of research results.
摘要:Zishenwan, also known as Tongguanwan, is composed of three herbs:Anemarrhenae Rhizoma, Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex, and Cinnamomi Cortex, which thus is thought to be the representative formula to clear heat, purge fire, nourish Yin, and tonify Qi, and it is often used for treating anuresis and renal arthralgia. In recent years, this formula has become a commonly used combination of herbs and is used to treat diabetes (consumptive thirst disease) diagnosed with "lower consumption" syndrome. This article systematically reviewed the development of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory for Zishenwan. Moreover, based on modern pharmacological research, the previous studies on the components of Zishenwan, the improvement of diabetes-related diseases by Zishenwan, and the relationship between the single herd of Zishenwan and the treatment of diabetes were summarized, and the chemical components and the mechanisms for treating diabetes by the three herbs were discussed. It is found that Zishenwan can alleviate diabetes and diabetic nephropathy by performing anti-inflammation, enhancing insulin sensitivity, and inhibiting pyroptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells. Three herbs in Zishenwan and several components of them, including mangiferin, timosaponins, berberine, jatrorrhizine, cinnamaldehyde, and cinnamic acid can ameliorate diabetes and maintain stable glycometabolism by a variety of mechanisms such as improving insulin resistance in insulin target tissues, suppressing inflammation, anti-oxidation, regulating lipid metabolism, enhancing insulin secretion, and regulating gut microbiota. This review provides a theoretical foundation and reference for subsequent studies on the mechanisms of the anti-diabetic effect of Zishenwan.
摘要:Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the common chronic kidney diseases (CKD) worldwide and a major cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), seriously threatening and affecting the life and health of the global population. Currently, the pathogenesis of DN is considered to be closely related to factors such as glucose metabolism disorders, abnormal lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, activation of inflammatory factors, autophagy, and cell apoptosis in the continuous high-glucose environment of the body. Renal fibrosis is an important pathological feature and ultimate pathological outcome of DN. Timely intervention in renal fibrosis is of significant clinical and practical importance for the prevention and treatment of DN. Due to the limitations of western medicine in treating DN, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) intervention in the process of renal fibrosis in DN has been widely used as a routine and potential treatment method due to its multi-component, multi-effect, and multi-target effects, effectively delaying the progression of the disease. It has been found that the Notch signaling pathway plays an important role in the development and maintenance of homeostasis in the body, and abnormal activation of the Notch signaling pathway is associated with DN. Activation of this signaling pathway plays a key role in the process of renal fibrosis. This article reviewed the regulatory mechanism of the Notch signaling pathway in renal fibrosis in DN, focusing on the relationship between targeting Notch signaling pathway by Chinese medicinal monomers and prescriptions and renal fibrosis in DN in order to provide a theoretical basis for the development of new drugs, basic research, and clinical application of TCM in the prevention and treatment of DN.
关键词:diabetic nephropathy;renal fibrosis;Notch;traditional Chinese medicine;signaling pathway;review
摘要:Renal fibrosis, the final pathological outcome of end-stage chronic kidney diseases, is associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, epithelial-mesenchymal transdifferentiation (EMT), and extracellular matrix deposition. It belongs to the categories of edema, ischuria, anuria and vomiting, and consumptive disease in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with the key pathogenesis of Qi deficiency and blood stasis and the primary treatment principle of replenishing Qi and activating blood. Astragali Radix-Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma mainly contains astragalosides, polysaccharides, calycosin, salvianolic acid, and tanshinone, with the effect of tonifying Qi and activating blood. Studies have shown that this herb pair and its active components can delay the progress of renal fibrosis by regulating multiple signaling pathways. With consideration to the pathogenesis of Qi deficiency and blood stasis, this article reviews the research progress in the mitigation of renal fibrosis by Astragali Radix-Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma from the aspects of protecting glomerular filtration barrier, inhibiting EMT and mesangial cell proliferation, improving renal hemodynamics, and protecting renal function. Furthermore, the mechanisms were summarized. Specifically, Astragali Radix-Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and its effective components can improve mitochondrial function and fatty acid metabolism, alleviate endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy disorders, and inhibit immune inflammation and oxidative stress by regulating nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/PTEN-induced kinase 1 (Pink1), Nrf2/antioxidant response element (ARE), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)/nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB), miR-21/Smad7/transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), Wnt/β-catenin, long non-coding RNA-taurine up-regulated gene 1 (lncRNA-TUG1)/tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 5 (TRAF5), Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1)/cell division cycle protein 42 (CDC42), Ras homolog (Rho)/Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase (ROCK), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt), Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator l alpha (PGC-1α), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK). This review aims to provide references for the relevant research, give play to the role of Astragali Radix-Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, and provide guidance for the clinical treatment of renal fibrosis.
关键词:Astragali Radix-Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma;renal fibrosis;filtration barrier;renal hemodynamics;epithelial-mesenchymal transdifferentiation;mesangial cell proliferation;improvement of kidney function
摘要:With the improvement of people's living standards and the increasing aging population, the incidence of cardiovascular diseases has sharply risen, making it the leading cause of death and a major "killer" for humans. The prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases still face severe challenges. Shenmai injection (SMI), a Chinese medicinal preparation, is widely used in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases because of its individualized advantages in syndrome differentiation and definite efficacy. Meanwhile, its pharmacological effects and related mechanism are becoming increasingly clear. Modern research shows that SMI can exert cardioprotective effects by reducing myocardial inflammatory response, alleviating oxidative stress, inhibiting myocardial cell apoptosis, improving microcirculatory dysfunction after myocardial ischemia-reperfusion, protecting mitochondrial structure and function, inhibiting ventricular remodeling, reducing drug-induced cardiotoxicity, and possessing antiviral properties. Additionally, it can produce cardiovascular protection by relaxing blood vessels, protecting endothelial cells, and promoting angiogenesis. Furthermore, SMI can lower blood viscosity and lipid levels, thus improving blood rheology. In the future, more clinical trials and basic research are needed to clarify its therapeutic efficacy and target mechanism to further confirm the effectiveness and safety of its clinical application.
摘要:Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive chronic neurodegenerative disorder with a complex pathogenesis involving oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and other factors. Currently, the clinical treatment of PD mainly includes levodopa, dopamine receptor agonists, monoamine oxidase B inhibitors, catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitors, and anticholinergic drugs, but there is a lack of disease-modif g therapies that can definitively improve disease progression. According to the understanding of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), PD is characterized by asthenia in origin and sthenia in superficiality. It is primarily caused by liver-kidney Yin deficiency, Qi-blood insufficiency, and closely related to wind, fire, phlegm, and blood stasis. Numerous clinical practices have shown that TCM has significant clinical value in the prevention and treatment of PD, the management of motor and non-motor symptoms, and the neuroprotection of dopaminergic neurons. The underlying mechanisms of TCM include antioxidative stress, anti-neuroinflammation, and regulation of mitochondrial dysfunction. This article categorized and summarized the pathogenesis of PD, systematically elucidated the pharmacological actions and molecular mechanisms of TCM monomer extracts and compounds in the prevention and treatment of PD, and provided the latest clinical research progress, aiming to provide references for the development and clinical use of TCM for PD.
关键词:Parkinson's disease;traditional Chinese medicine prevention and treatment;Chinese medicinal extract;mechanism of action;research progress
摘要:Lung cancer tops the disease list in the world due to the high incidence and mortality, and about 85% of lung cancer cases is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Most NSCLC patients are in the advanced stage at the time of diagnosis, with a low 5-year survival. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) plays a role in the comprehensive treatment of malignant tumors. Oral Chinese patent medicines, as an important part of TCM, have the advantages of stable preparations, mild taste, simple package, and accurate effective ingredients, which are different from decoctions. They have been widely used in the adjuvant treatment of NSCLC. In clinical practice, the combination of oral Chinese patent medicines with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiotherapy, as well as the application of the oral Chinese patent medicines alone, can increase efficiency, reduce toxicity, prolong the survival time of patients, and improve the quality of life. The mechanisms of oral Chinese patent medicines in the treatment of NSCLC mainly include inhibiting the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of lung cancer cells, promoting the apoptosis of lung cancer cells, inhibiting tumor neovascularization, reversing multidrug resistance, and regulating the immune functions, which reflects the multi-pathway and multi-target manner of TCM. The oral Chinese patent medicines commonly used in the clinical treatment of NSCLC include Jinfukang oral liquid, Shenyi capsules, Pingxiao capsules, Xiao'aiping tablets, Kanglaite capsules, compound Cantharis capsules, Huisheng oral liquid, Yangzheng Xiaoji capsules, Xihuang pills, Zilongjin tablets, and Cinobufagin capsules. There are many clinical and basic studies about the treatment of NSCLC with these medicines, while a systematic review remains to be carried out. Therefore, we systematically reviewed the mechanisms and clinical application of commonly used oral Chinese patent medicines in the adjuvant treatment of NSCLC, aiming to provide reference for follow-up research and clinical treatment.
关键词:non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC);oral Chinese patent medicine;mechanism;clinical application;research progress
摘要:Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is a common and intractable disease in the digestive system characterized by the reduction or disappearance of gastric mucosal glands. The intestinal metaplasia or dysplasia in CAG is called precancerous lesion, which greatly increases the risk of cancerization. Dysactivation of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammatory corpuscles can release a large number of inflammatory factors, induce inflammatory cascade reactions, and participate in the process of many diseases. As reported, the dysactivation of NLRP3 inflammatory corpuscles can cause long-term chronic inflammatory infiltration of gastric mucosa and induce the development of CAG. Mitochondrial dysfunction plays an important role in the activation of NLRP3 inflammatory corpuscles. The accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by mitochondrial dysfunction is the key to activating NLRP3 inflammatory corpuscles. Professor LIU Youzhang put forward the theory of "spleen-mitochondrion correlation", which holds that the spleen mainly transports water and grains, generates qi and blood, transports nutrients to the whole body, and supplies energy and materials needed by the body. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generated by mitochondria through the circulation of tricarboxylic acid is the main energy source of the human body. The view that both of them serve as human energy processing plants coincides in terms of physiology. Pathologically, spleen deficiency is associated with mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation dysfunction. Pathological products such as dampness, turbidity, phlegm, and blood stasis due to failure in transportation because of spleen deficiency are consistent with metabolites generated by mitochondrial dysfunction. Based on the theory of "spleen-mitochondrion correlation", this study discussed the pathogenesis of CAG in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), analyzed the relationship between NLRP3 inflammatory corpuscles and the pathogenesis of CAG, and proposed that the activation of NLRP3 inflammatory corpuscles by mitochondrial dysfunction was the modern biological basis of the pathogenesis of spleen deficiency in CAG. The spleen-strengthening method may be related to improving the mitochondrial function and inflammatory response of patients with CAG and alleviating the damage of gastric mucosa, providing a new idea for TCM in the prevention and treatment of CAG.
摘要:Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory syndrome induced by infection and other factors, with the number of patients worldwide exceeding 10 million each year. The pathophysiological mechanism is of this disease complex. Sepsis is often accompanied by endotoxin translocation, gastrointestinal dysfunction, inflammatory cytokine activation, immune dysregulation, coagulation disorder, multiple organ function impairment and many other body imbalances, as well as systemic inflammation, apoptosis, oxidative stress injury and other cell damage mechanisms. This disease causes a heavy medical burden due to the difficult diagnosis and treatment and the poor prognosis. Great progress has been achieved in the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and western medicine. The value of western medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis is limited due to antibiotic resistance, hormone abuse, and high medical costs. Sepsis is classified as a warm disease or typhoid fever in TCM. Da Chengqitang is a classical formula in the Treatise on Typhoid Fever to deal with the excess syndrome of Yang brightness Fu-organ. Modern medicine has proved that Da Chengqitang has the effect of inhibiting oxidative stress, reducing inflammation, and delaying apoptosis by improving gastrointestinal dynamics and regulating intestinal microecology. On the basis of the previous theoretical basis and the rich experience in the medication, medical practitioners have proposed a new therapeutic concept of using Da Chengqitang in combination with western drugs from a holistic view involving both bacteria and toxicity for treating both the symptoms and the root cause, which has a wide range of application. The article reviews the classical research and latest findings of Da Chengqitang in the treatment of sepsis, with a view to clarifying the mechanism and advantages of this formula in the adjuvant treatment of sepsis, exploring its potential efficacy, and providing timely, adequate, and scientific theoretical support for the promotion of this formula in the clinical practice.
关键词:Da Chengqitang;sepsis;research progress;integrated Chinese and western medicine;inflammation;oxidative stress;apoptosis