摘要:At present, the systematic excavation of the clinical experience and academic thought of the Sichuan school of Chinese medicine vis-à-vis its dominant disease entities remains fragmentary, and replicable paradigms are scarce. Confronted with empirical fragmentation, data heterogeneity and decision-making subjectivity, the standardised distillation, inheritance and clinical translation of these distinctive experiences has become a critical bottleneck constraining the development of the Sichuan school. The integration of artificial-intelligence technologies in data processing, pattern recognition and intelligent decision-making has rendered deep mining of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) clinical knowledge and patterns imperative. Constructing an intelligent modern TCM diagnostic-therapeutic-evaluative system is now the obligatory route for inheritance and innovation in Chinese medicine, and simultaneously provides a technological breakthrough for intelligent decision paradigms in the dominant diseases of the Sichuan school. Accordingly, this study adopts the regional academic school as its point of entry, focuses on the dominant diseases of the Sichuan school, and proposes an innovative pathway of "four-dimensional data-multi-modal fusion-multi-agent decision-making". Specifically, four data dimensions are defined and instantiated: (Ⅰ) knowledge from classical medical literature and historical case records. (Ⅱ) objective four-diagnosis phenotypic data. (Ⅲ) master physicians' prescribing regularities. (Ⅳ) characteristic mechanisms of renowned formulae. Leveraging multi-modal data fusion and generative artificial intelligence, the entire causal chain of Famous Physicians and Renowned Formulas is explicated to reconstruct the diagnostic-therapeutic cognitive logic of the regional school. Finally, a multi-agent collective-decision model is established and refined for the dominant diseases of the Sichuan school, capable of generating precise, individualised treatment regimens and thereby advancing an intelligent diagnostic-therapeutic paradigm that delivers more efficient and accurate clinical decision support.
摘要:Lung cancer, with persistently high incidence and mortality rates, remains a significant global health challenge. By taking the study on the experience in diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer with phlegm-dampness and blood stasis syndrome by distinguished traditional Chinese medicine physicians of the Sichuan School as an example, the diagnosis and treatment system for lung cancer with phlegm-dampness and blood stasis syndrome, which was formed in response to the humid and foggy environment of the Sichuan Basin, possesses unique value. However, traditional inheritance modes face challenges such as fragmentation, lack of standardization, and insufficient quantification, which hinder the promotion and application of this experience. This research focused on how to leverage multimodal data and artificial intelligence-generated content (AIGC) to achieve precise analysis, intelligent inheritance, and clinical innovation of the experience in diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer with phlegm-dampness and blood stasis syndrome by distinguished traditional Chinese medicine physicians of the Sichuan School. By integrating multimodal data (encompassing four diagnostic methods of traditional Chinese medicine, modern medical imaging, clinical laboratory tests, molecular biology, and regional environmental information), a precise diagnosis and treatment system integrating macro and micro perspectives for the "disease, syndrome, and pathogenesis" was constructed. The research yielded the following results: (1) In precise syndrome differentiation, the objective quantification of the phlegm-dampness and blood stasis syndrome was achieved. By constructing a "four diagnostic methods, imaging, and molecule" correlation model, the study revealed intrinsic links between tongue and pulse parameters and the tumor microenvironment, as well as between regional climatic factors and syndrome characteristics, enabling real-time dynamic monitoring of efficacy. (2) In elucidating patterns, the study systematically explored the syndrome differentiation thoughts of Sichuan School physicians, such as the timing of purgation and tonification. A "pathogenesis, syndrome complex, and prescriptions and herb" network model was constructed, which accurately elucidated the synergistic action mechanisms of core herb pairs and quantified the dynamic compatibility patterns of reinforcing healthy Qi and eliminating pathogenic factors. (3) In intelligent empowerment, an auxiliary system integrating intelligent syndrome differentiation, treatment plan generation, and efficacy evaluation was built. This system can fuse regional characteristics with individual data, dynamically generate and optimize personalized prescriptions aligned with the experience of Sichuan School, and predict efficacy trends and potential adverse reactions. The integration of multimodal data and AIGC can effectively facilitate the structured inheritance and clinical translation of distinguished physicians' experience. The established intelligent diagnosis and treatment model integrating traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine demonstrates clear potential in prolonging patients' progression-free survival, alleviating symptoms, and reducing adverse reactions to treatment. This study provides a referential methodological framework for the traditional Chinese medicine experience in diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, especially the empirical inheritance and modernized development of regional academic schools. It contributes to advancing clinical diagnosis and treatment toward greater precision and personalization.
关键词:multimodal data;artificial intelligence-generated content (AIGC);distinguished traditional Chinese medicine physician of Sichuan school;lung cancer;diagnosis and treatment experience
摘要:According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, impaired spleen transportation function disrupts nutrient distribution, causing metabolic accumulation of lipids that transform into pathogenic phlegm-dampness. These pathological factors disseminate through the San Jiao and obstruct meridian pathways, ultimately forming the pathogenesis described as "all disorders involve phlegm". Phlegm and dampness share common pathogenic origins but manifest distinct clinical manifestations. Dampness, as the precursor, may congeal into phlegm, while existing phlegm accumulation can further exacerbate dampness stagnation, thereby establishing a self-perpetuating pathological cycle. Modern medical research has confirmed that the essence of "phlegm-dampness" syndrome is closely associated with energy metabolism disorders, serving as a common pathological basis for metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, and other major chronic diseases. As a crucial vehicle for medical experimental research, disease-syndrome combination animal models serve as an indispensable means to advance the modernization of TCM. Currently, based on classical theories such as "rich and greasy foods produce phlegm" and "physical coldness combined with cold consumption causes external pathogens to invade the skin and hair, thereby generating internal dampness", researchers primarily employ two paradigms to construct animal models of phlegm-turbidity, dampness obstruction, and phlegm-dampness syndromes: the first involves simulating TCM etiological factors (through methods like dietary irregularities, imblanace between work and rest, and combined internal-external dampness exposure), while the second combines disease with syndrome differentiation (inducing pathological changes through physical, chemical, or biological interventions). Through comprehensive evaluation incorporating macroscopic observation and microscopic index detection, model animals undergo systematic biological and pathological assessment, with further syndrome type verification achieved via the "prescription-based syndrome detection" approach. However, existing models still exhibit significant deficiencies in both the standardization of modeling methodologies and the systematization of evaluation criteria. This paper reviews the strategies for constructing "phlegm-dampness" syndrome animal models and their corresponding evaluation indices, focusing on the pathological correlations among different modeling approaches. The aim is to provide methodological guidance for research on TCM syndromes related to "phlegm-dampness" syndrome and to support the development of TCM therapies for resolving phlegm and eliminating dampness. This study not only contributes to advancing the standardization of TCM syndrome research but also provides crucial technical support for the modernization of TCM.
关键词:phlegm-dampness syndrome;animal model;combination of disease and syndrome;evaluation index;syndrome detection by prescription
摘要:High-throughput sequencing-based high-throughput screening (HTS2) technology, as a new advancement in the field of high-throughput biotechnology, is the world's first technology to integrate high-throughput sequencing into large-scale drug screening and target discovery. The artificially designed DNA probes were bound to the undetermined mRNAs of thousands of genes in cell lysates, and then the probes were ligated with ligases. The large-scale simultaneous detection of gene expression changes in thousands of drug-treated cell samples was performed using barcoding, automated operating platforms, and high-throughput sequencers. This technology enables high-throughput identification of drugs that significantly perturb the gene expression profiles characteristic of diseases. It can also take gene expression signature as the readout and exert great high-throughput advantages in the screening of multi-drug, multi-component, and multi-target drugs, as well as the research on complex mechanisms. Therefore, it is particularly suitable for elucidating the multi-target mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine and identifying its multi-effective components. Its main technical advantages include high throughput, automation, and low cost. In recent years, HTS2 technology has yielded important achievements in the elucidation of the mechanism of action of traditional Chinese medicine formulas, the scientific connotation analysis of the regional characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine, the targeted isolation of active compounds of traditional Chinese medicine, and the discovery of novel pharmacological functions of monomeric compounds of traditional Chinese medicine. In the era of artificial intelligence, HTS2 technology will serve as a powerful tool for generating high-quality, original big data of traditional Chinese medicine, providing core data support and promoting AI-driven traditional Chinese medicine research. Ultimately, HTS2 technology offers new strategies and critical data support for deeply analyzing the scientific connotation of traditional Chinese medicine and discovering novel traditional Chinese medicine-based drugs, thereby accelerating the modernization and internationalization of traditional Chinese medicine in China.
摘要:The integration of large language model (LLM) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) promotes the informatization of TCM,and also provides a new direction for the inheritance and innovation of TCM in the new era. Based on the research background of LLM,the development process of LLM based on the Transformer architecture is summarized,and the research progress of LLM in TCM is reviewed. The main process of constructing TCM LLMs and the key techniques used by researchers during model development are summarized. Based on the related literature, the main application scenarios of TCM LLMs and the research explorations conducted by TCM researchers using LLMs are outlined. Meanwhile,the current challenges faced in the development of TCM LLMs are analyzed. Further improvements are urgently needed in the construction of high-quality data,the evaluation methodology of TCM LLMs,the interpretability of the model, multimodal fusion of TCM LLMs, and the development of TCM prescription recommendation models. Looking forward to the future development of LLM in TCM,it is expected to provide a reference for the deeper integration of LLMs and TCM,and facilitate the modernization of TCM.
关键词:large language model;traditional Chinese medicine;artificial intelligence;domain-specific large language model
摘要:The chronicity of infectious diseases is an important field in the collaborative research of traditional Chinese and Western medicine. The warm disease theory of pathogen invading nutrient and blood aspects in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) takes the struggle between healthy Qi and pathogenic Qi and cementation of Yin as the core pathogenesis, providing a unique theoretical framework for explaining the common pathology of infectious chronic diseases. This theory originated from Yin-Yang interaction in the Internal Classic and was enriched with WU Youke's theory of intruding pathogen interacting and lingering in blood vessels and YE Tianshi's theory of long-term illness entering collaterals. Combining the theory with modern medical knowledge, our team has condensed the dynamic pathogenesis model of deficiency (nutrient and blood aspects) and excess (pathogen) interacting in the blood collaterals of Yin aspect, the core feature of which is the four-dimensional interactions of cause (pathogen characteristics), location (three Yin locations of diseases), nature (deficiency and excess), and potential (transmission trend). The common pathology of infectious chronic diseases is reflected in interactions. That is, the interactions between nutrient and blood deficiency (immune exhaustion and metabolic disorder) and pathogen excess (pathogen persistence and fibrous hyperplasia) in the liver collaterals (Jueyin), kidney collaterals (Shaoyin), lung collaterals (Taiyin) and other blood collaterals of Yin aspect form the pathological damage characterized by immune inflammatory response-continuous tissue damage with excessive repair. Taking the inheritance and innovative development of classics as the main line, this paper systematically discusses the scientific connotation of the theory of pathogen invading nutrient and blood aspects and the paths of inheritance and innovation and clarifies the original significance of this theory in the chronic development of infectious diseases. Furthermore, taking clinical diseases as an example, this paper reflects the guiding value of this classical theory in the modern diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine and the application potential of this theory in solving complex medical problems through the construction of the innovative paradigm of precise diagnosis and treatment with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine.
关键词:pathogen invading nutrient and blood aspects;blood collateral of Yin aspect;infectious diseases;inheritance of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) classics;immune inflammatory response;tissue repair;extracellular matrix (ECM) deposit
摘要:Since Li Dongyuan formally proposed the concept of "wind medicinals" (Feng Yao),their clinical application has been highly valued by physicians throughout history. However,influenced by the evolution of the term and connotation of "wind medicinals" in modern times,its conceptual understanding,leading to a decline in clinical utilization. Since the new century,Professor Wang Mingjie has integrated LIU Wanxu's sweat pore (Xuanfu) theory into the reinterpretation of wind medicinals,proposing the "Xuanfu-dredging wind medicinal theory", which has gained widespread recognition in academic circles,revitalizing their clinical application. This study traces the origin of the Xuan-dredging wind medicinals theory and reviews their current functions and clinical applications,finding that the theoretical framework is preliminarily established. Characterized by their pungent and dispersing properties,wind medicines act by opening the Xuanfu throughout the body,exerting therapeutic effects such as dispelling pathogens,resolving stagnation,and enhancing treatments like blood-activation,spleen-fortification,and heat-clearing. They are widely used,showing advantages in treating systemic diseases including ophthalmic and cardiovascular/cerebrovascular disorders. Modern pharmacological research indicates preliminary consensus on hypotheses of cerebral,intestinal,hepatic,and renal Xuanfu. studies on formulas (e.g.,Qufeng Tongqiao Fang),single herbs (e.g.,Mahuang and Gegen),and active constituents (e.g.,tetramethylpyrazine) provide evidence that wind medicines improve key mechanisms like blood-brain barrier function and cerebral microcirculation (material basis of cerebral Xuanfu),supporting their use in brain disorders (e.g.,cerebral ischemia,depression). Despite clinical and pharmacological support,the clinical application system for wind medicines remains incomplete. Future efforts should focus on high-quality clinical research and mechanistic studies to establish personalized application systems,enhance Xuanfu opening practices,and ensure the effectiveness and safety of wind medicines.
摘要:ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Qijia Rougan decoction ameliorates liver fibrosis through amino acid/fatty acid metabolic reprogramming and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway, based on the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network and the interaction between metabolism and signaling pathways.MethodsSprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomized into four groups (n=8): control, model, and low-dose and high-dose (7.0, 28.0 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively) Qijia Rougan decoction. Liver fibrosis was induced by subcutaneous injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). From week 9, drug intervention was implemented for 7 weeks. After the final administration, the pathological changes in the liver were evaluated through hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and picrosirius red (PSR) staining. An automated biochemical analyzer was used to measure the serum levels of biochemical indicators, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bile acid (TBA), albumin (ALB), and cholesterol (TC). High-throughput miRNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs (DemiRs) during liver fibrosis. A miRNA-mRNA interaction network was constructed to identify key targets, which were then subjected to GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. The expression levels of selected DemiRs were validated by Real-time PCR.ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed marked hepatic lobular necrosis, increased collagen deposition, significant fibrosis, elevated serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, and TBA (P<0.01), and declined levels of ALB and TC (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Qijia Rougan decoction treatment reduced hepatic necrosis, collagen accumulation, and fibrosis, lowered the serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, and TBA (P<0.01), and raised the levels of ALB and TC (P<0.01). Integrated miRNA-seq and RNA-seq analysis identified 31 DemiRs (6 upregulated and 25 downregulated) and 498 targets. The expression trends of four selected DemiRs, including rno-miRNA-376b-3p, were consistent with sequencing results (R2=0.93). Functional annotation revealed that top 20 upregulated targets were enriched in amino acid and fatty acid metabolism, while top 20 downregulated targets were significantly associated with the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and cancer progression.ConclusionQijia Rougan decoction alleviates liver fibrosis by reconstructing the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network, promoting metabolic reprogramming, and inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. These findings provide mechanism evidence supporting the multi-targeted antifibrotic effects of traditional Chinese medicine compound formulas.
摘要:ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Guizhi Fulingwan (GFW) against hepatic fibrosis, focusing on elucidating the regulatory effect of GFW on the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 (Caspase-1)/gasdermin D (GSDMD) signaling pathway.MethodsForty-two male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly allocated into six groups (n=7): control, model, low/medium/high-dose (0.14, 0.28, 0.56 g·kg-1·d-1) GFW (GFW-L, GFW-M, GFW-H), and Dahuang Zhechong pills (DZW, 1.8 g·kg-1·d-1). The rat model of hepatic fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride. General conditions of the rats were observed. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured. Liver histopathology and collagen deposition were observed through hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Masson's trichrome staining. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to observe structural alterations and damage of cellular ultrastructures including mitochondria. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP, ΔΨm) was detected by flow cytometry. Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA levels of mtDNA and NLRP3 in the liver tissue were quantified by Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The protein levels of key molecules in the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway in the liver tissue were determined by Western blot.ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited a decrease in body weight (P<0.01), an increase in liver index (P<0.01), elevations in serum ALT and AST levels (P<0.01), and typical fibrotic features such as disorganized hepatocytes, inflammatory infiltration, and increased collagen deposition in the liver tissue. TEM revealed significant karyotheca degeneration, mitochondrial swelling, endoplasmic reticulum expansion, and organelle efflux in the model group. In addition, the model group showed decreased ΔΨm (P<0.01), up-regulated mRNA levels of mtDNA and NLRP3 (P<0.01) and protein levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD (P<0.01) in the liver tissue, and increased serum levels of IL-1β and IL-18 (P<0.01). Compared with that in the model group, the body weight increased in GFW-L, GFW-M, and DZW groups (P<0.05) and markedly increased in the GFW-H group (P<0.01). The liver index decreased in the GFW groups and DZW group (P<0.01). The serum ALT level declined in the GFW-L group (P<0.05), and the serum ALT and AST levels decreased in the GFW-M, GFW-H, and DZW groups (P<0.01). Histopathological damage and fibrosis were alleviated to varying degrees, and TEM revealed mitigated ultrastructural injuries including mitophagy, mitochondrial swelling, and endoplasmic reticulum expansion in the drug intervention groups. The ΔΨm increased in GFW groups without statistical significance. The mRNA level of mtDNA in the liver tissue was down-regulated in the GFW-M (P<0.05), GFW-H (P<0.01), and DZW (P<0.01) groups. The mRNA level of NLRP3 was down-regulated in GFW-M, GFW-H, and DZW groups (P<0.01). Western blot analysis showed significantly down-regulated protein level of NLRP3 in all the GFW groups and the DZW group (P<0.01). The protein level of GSDMD-N was down-regulated in GFW-H and DZW groups (P<0.01). The protein level of cleaved Caspase-1 was down-regulated in GFW-M (P<0.05), GFW-H (P<0.01), and DZW (P<0.01) groups. In addition, the serum levels of IL-1β and IL-18 declined in GFW-H and DZW groups (P<0.01).ConclusionGFW can suppress pyroptosis to ameliorate CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis, potentially through mitigating mitochondrial damage, inhibiting inflammasome assembly and activation, and blocking pro-inflammatory cytokine release.
摘要:Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a malignancy with high mortality, exhibits poor survival rates and prognosis. The profound suppression of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and the abnormal hyperactivity of metabolic reprogramming (MR) are the two primary factors driving HCC progression. Traditional Chinese medicine has demonstrated significant efficacy in HCC treatment. The team proposed that "deficiency of healthy Qi and stasis toxins" was the core pathogenesis of HCC, closely associated with TIME suppression and MR hyperactivity. This paper proposed that a suppressed state of the TIME was the biological manifestation of "deficiency of healthy Qi", where the functional exhaustion of effector T lymphocytes and natural killer cells reflected the decline of "healthy Qi" in eliminating pathogens. Conversely, the expansion and activation of immunosuppressive cells, such as regulatory T cells (Tregs), M2-like tumor-associated macrophages (TAM-M2), and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) , represent the dysfunction of "healthy Qi" in maintaining homeostasis. MR serves as the material basis of "stasis toxins". Stasis toxins exhibit heat stagnation, manifested by abnormal hyperactivity of glycolysis and lipid synthesis. They demonstrate migratory propensity, as toxic metabolites like lactic acid and prostaglandin E2 promote tumor invasion and metastasis. They display a consumptive nature, reflected in the functional suppression of immune cells. The vicious cycle between TIME and MR is the biopathological reflection of "deficiency of healthy Qi intertwined with stasis toxins". Immunosuppression exacerbates MR, while toxic metabolites further impair immune function, establishing a pathogenic chain of "deficiency leading to stasis, and stasis toxins damaging healthy Qi". The primary therapeutic approach is reinforcing healthy Qi, resolving stasis, and removing toxins, which can reinforce and tonify healthy Qi to regulate pathways, such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4/ C-X-C chemokine ligand 12 (CXCR4/CXCL12), and toll-like receptor 4/ nuclear factor-kappa B/ signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (TLR4/NF-κB/STAT3), adjust T lymphocyte ratios, inhibit Tregs/TAM-M2 function, and downregulate immune checkpoints, including programmed death ligand 1/programmed death 1(PD-L1/PD-1), and reshape TIME. It is also involved in resolving stasis and removing toxins to modulate phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) signaling pathways, suppress key enzymes in glycolysis and lipid synthesis, and block toxic metabolite production. Thus, this therapy synergistically regulates the immune and metabolic network, breaks the vicious cycle of "deficiency in healthy Qi and stasis toxins", and offers a novel strategy for integrating traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine in HCC treatment.
关键词:deficiency of healthy Qi and stasis toxin;hepatocellular carcinoma;immune microenvironment;metabolic reprogramming;method of reinforcing healthy Qi, resolving stasis, and removing toxins
摘要:Hepatic fibrosis(HF) is a common pathological link of a variety of chronic hepatic diseases, and its complex pathological mechanism and prolonged clinical course pose a major challenge to modern medicine. Modern conventional therapies for HF cannot reverse the pathological vascular remodeling of the liver, and targeted vascular treatment for HF is a current research hotspot. There is a contradiction between the inhibition of pathological repair and the promotion of physiological regeneration with a single targeted therapy. The dynamic equilibrium concept of "achieving equilibrium of Yin and Yang" of traditional Chinese medicine can provide a new treatment strategy, and multi-target traditional Chinese medicine compounds can achieve two-way regulation of pathological mechanisms. According to the research on the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine, the "collaterals and vascular system" are highly compatible in structure and function, and they can guide the treatment of HF at different stages by identifying their common pathological links in HF. The intrahepatic collaterals are an important component of the hepatic collaterals, and the theory of "hepatic collateral disease" based on this physiology has important guiding significance for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of HF. Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction caused by endothelial dysfunction in the early stage of HF is a pathological manifestation of stagnant nutrient Yin in collateral passages. It can be treated by diffusing Qi to resolve stagnation and promoting circulation to unblock collaterals. Repeated stimulation of angiogenesis by hypoxia and inflammation in the medium stage is the pathological manifestation of lingering stagnation of damp and heat in collateral passages. It can be treated by clearing and draining damp and heat, eliminating turbidity, and unblocking collaterals. Pathological vascular remodeling induced by hemodynamic abnormalities in the later stage is a pathological manifestation of the consumption of collateral passages by pathogenic toxins. At this stage with excessive pathogenic factors and deficient healthy Qi, combined therapy of dredging and nourishing is adopted to eliminate toxins, resolve blood stasis, nourish Yin, and supplement Qi simultaneously. Moreover, the holistic concept of harmony between human and nature in traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the time, place, and treatment based on individual conditions, so the practical application of the theory should consider the specific regional characteristics. This paper aims to discuss the characteristics of pathogenesis, treatment principles, prescriptions, and medicines in different stages of HF based on the correlation between "collaterals and vascular system" as well as the theory of "hepatic collateral disease". It was proposed that Qi deficiency and collateral obstruction were the core pathogenesis of HF, and that hepatic collateral damage was the core pathological basis for the deterioration and prognosis of HF. The scientific connotation and pathogenesis evolution of collateral damage and mass generation in HF were discussed. Sichuan was taken as an example to investigate the treatment of HF according to local conditions, providing new ideas for the treatment of HF.
摘要:ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the differential mechanisms underlying the staged therapeutic effects of Qijia Rougan formula on liver fibrosis using proteomic technology.MethodsThe staged rat model of liver fibrosis was established by subcutaneous injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and olive oil. One hundred and four SD rats were randomized into thirteen groups:a normal group,a two-week model group,a four-week model group,a six-week model group,an eight-week model group,a two-week Qijia Rougan formula group,a four-week Qijia Rougan formula group,a six-week Qijia Rougan formula group,an eight-week Qijia Rougan formula group,a two-week compound Biejia Ruangan tablet group,a four-week Compound Biejia Ruangan Tablet group,a six-week Compound Biejia Ruangan Tablet group,and an eight-week compound Biejia Ruangan tablet group. After two weeks of drug intervention,liver tissue and abdominal aortic blood samples were collected from the rats for testing. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining,Masson staining,and Picro Sirius red staining were used to observe pathological damage and collagen fiber deposition in liver tissues. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to detect the contents of fibrosis markers in liver tissues. The contents of liver function indicators in the serum were measured using a fully automated biochemical analyzer,and the levels of liver fibrosis indicators in the serum were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Liver tissues from the normal group,each model group,and each Qijia Rougan formula group were subjected to label-free quantitative proteomic analysis to identify differential proteins among the groups,with key proteins validated by Western blot. Finally,bioinformatics analysis was performed on the differential proteins.Results(1) The staged rat model of liver fibrosis constructed with CCl4 and olive oil showed pathological results at the 2nd,4th,6th,and 8th weeks of modeling that were consistent with the Metavir standards for the F1,F2,F3,and F4 stages. Compared with those in the normal control group,the protein expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and Collagen Ⅰ were significantly increased in each stage (P<0.05). The levels of liver function indicators in the serum,including alanine aminotransferase (ALT),aspartate aminotransferase (AST),alkaline phosphatase (ALP),direct bilirubin (DBIL),and total bilirubin (TBil) in each model group,were significantly elevated in each stage (P<0.01). The levels of liver fibrosis indicators in the serum,including procollagen Ⅲ peptide (PⅢP),type Ⅳ collagen(Ⅳ-C),hyaluronic acid (HA),and laminin (LN) in each model group,were significantly increased in each stage (P<0.05,P<0.01). This study successfully established a staged rat model of liver fibrosis. (2) Compared with the model groups at each stage,the administration groups showed a reduction in hepatocyte ballooning degeneration,a more orderly arrangement of hepatocytes,and a decrease of inflammatory cell infiltration. The blue-stained collagen fibers became significantly thinner and finer,with reduced and narrowed fibrous septa. The areas of collagen fibers and Picro Sirius red staining were reduced (P<0.05). The positive areas of α-SMA and Collagen Ⅰ expression were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The levels of ALT,AST,ALP,DBIL,and TBil in the rats of the model groups at each stage were significantly reduced (P<0.05,P<0.01). The levels of PⅢP,Ⅳ-C,HA,and LN in the rats of the model groups at each stage were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Among these,the improvements in all indicators were most significant in the F3 stage (P<0.01).(3) The proteomic results show that a total of 165 differential proteins exhibit a callback trend when comparing the model groups at four stages with the normal group,and when comparing the Qijia Rougan formula group with the model group. Western blot analysis reveals that the levels of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1),mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1),arginase 1 (Arg1),and glutathione S-transferase α1 (GSTA1) were consistent with the proteomic results. Bioinformatics results reveal that 165 differentially expressed proteins are enriched in multiple signaling pathways. Notably,signaling pathways such as drug metabolism-cytochrome P450,arginine biosynthesis,and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway were found to be closely associated with liver fibrosis,suggesting that the Qijia Rougan formula may exert its staged regulatory effects on liver fibrosis by regulating these pathways.ConclusionThe Qijia Rougan formula may achieve staged regulation of liver fibrosis by regulating drug metabolism-cytochrome P450,arginine biosynthesis,and the PPAR signaling pathway.
摘要:Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most prevalent forms of liver diseases globally. Its progression can lead to cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease, and there is currently a lack of effective pharmacological treatments. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), as a regulatory hub for maintaining cellular energy homeostasis, can coordinate key cellular processes such as adipogenesis, glucose metabolism, and mitochondrial functions. Its activation exerts metabolic regulatory effects through pathways including inhibiting lipogenesis, enhancing mitochondrial β-oxidation, regulating inflammation and oxidative stress, and promoting autophagy. Accordingly, AMPK emerges as a potential target for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with low toxicity, high accessibility, and multi-component, multi-target synergistic effects, has demonstrated unique value in NAFLD treatment, particularly showing notable advantages in regulating the AMPK signaling pathway. Sichuan is known as the treasure house of TCM, and the active components of its authentic medicinal materials such as Coptidis Rhizoma not only reflect regional characteristics in AMPK signaling regulation but also form a multi-level metabolic regulatory network through crosstalk with pathways such as sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα). They can achieve specific regulation by directly activating AMPK and modulating upstream and downstream targets, exerting prominent effects in ameliorating hepatic steatosis and inflammation. This study systematically reviews the research findings on TCM for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD over the past five years, elaborating the mechanisms by which TCM treats NAFLD through regulating the AMPK signaling pathway. It aims to provide new perspectives and references for clinical diagnosis and treatment, basic research, and drug development.
关键词:adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK);traditional Chinese medicine;non-alcoholic fatty liver disease;mechanism of action;research progress
CUI Jingdong, LI Dingqi, PENG Yichen, DENG Xiaoxiao, ZHENG Zhenglong, XIONG Zilin, HU Haiyang, WU Peijie, WANG Yuelian, HUANG Liang, FENG Quansheng, LI Baixue
摘要:ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome types in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) complicated by metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and explore the correlations between these syndrome types and clinical indicators, as well as ocular manifestation characteristics, thereby providing a reference for syndrome differentiation and treatment strategies in traditional Chinese medicine.MethodsGeneral data, information from the four diagnostic methods of traditional Chinese medicine, clinical indicators, and ocular manifestation data were collected from 506 patients with CHB complicated by MAFLD enrolled at the Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu between June 2024 and December 2024. Cluster analysis, principal component analysis, and complex network models were employed to identify the distribution patterns of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes. Correlations between different syndrome types and clinical indicators, as well as ocular manifestation characteristics, were further analyzed.ResultsThe predominant syndromes identified in patients with CHB complicated by MAFLD were dampness and heat accumulation (51.58%), liver depression with spleen deficiency (31.62%), blood stasis obstructing collaterals (8.89%), and Qi-Yin deficiency (7.91%). No statistically significant differences were found among the four syndrome types in routine blood tests and liver function indicators. However, patients with the dampness and heat accumulation type exhibited significantly higher levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), liver stiffness measurement (LSM), controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), along with lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), compared with those with other syndrome types. Regarding ocular manifestations, the incidence of moon halo signs was significantly higher in patients with the blood stasis obstructing collaterals type than in those with other syndrome types. Additionally, the incidence in scleral zone 3 (corresponding to the large intestine) was higher in patients with the damp and heat accumulation type.ConclusionDampness and heat accumulation is the core syndrome type in patients with CHB complicated by MAFLD, commonly accompanied by spleen deficiency, liver depression, blood stasis, and Yin deficiency. A complex syndrome pattern characterized by a predominance of dampness and heat, along with a mixture of deficiency and excess, is formed. Different traditional Chinese medicine syndrome types are associated with distinct clinical indicators and ocular manifestation characteristics. Among them, patients with the dampness and heat accumulation type exhibit more pronounced metabolic disturbances and liver injury, whereas those with the blood stasis type show a higher incidence of moon halo signs. Abnormalities in scleral zone 3 are also more prevalent in patients with dampness and heat type.
关键词:chronic hepatitis B complicated by metabolic dysfunctional-associated fatty liver disease;traditional Chinese medicine syndrome distribution;clinical indicator;ocular manifestation characteristic;dampness and heat accumulation
摘要:ObjectiveBased on the regulation of macrophage M2 polarization, this study aims to explore the molecular mechanism and action targets of the Qijia Rougan prescription and its key effector ingredients in anti-fibrosis, thereby providing a basis and reference for the development of new drugs for hepatic fibrosis.MethodsA rat model of hepatic fibrosis was established by subcutaneous injection of 40%CCl4, followed by oral administration of Qijia Rougan granules. The volume of collagen fibers was detected using Masson staining, the fibrosis markers Collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA were detected using immunohistochemistry, the proportion of M2 macrophages was detected by flow cytometry. The expression levels of M2 macrophage phenotype markers CD163 and CD206 were detected using immunofluorescence double staining. Western blot was used to detect the levels of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), platelet derived growth factor subunit B (PDGFB), interleukin-10 (IL-10), phosphorylated Janus kinase 1 (p-JAK1), and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (p-STAT6). Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR was used to detect the relative expression levels of JAK1, STAT6, Arginase 1(Arg1), and Fizz1. Based on the theory of serum pharmacology, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and WENN analysis were used to obtain the active ingredients of Qijia Rougan prescription. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were performed to analyze the effector ingredients and their targets. The identified effector ingredients were interfered with IL-4-induced M2 polarization of RAW264.7 macrophage in vitro to validate the targets.ResultsQijia Rougan prescription significantly reduced the content of fibrosis markers α-SMA and Collagen Ⅰ, as well as collagen fiber content (P<0.05). It decreased the proportion of M2 macrophages and the levels of related cytokines IL-10, TGF-β and PDGFB, and up-regulated the levels of p-JAK1 and p-STAT6 (P<0.05). A total of 1 214 compounds were identified from Qijia Rougan prescription, medicated serum and blank serum, and 29 ingredients were finalized by Venn analysis, including 15 blood-entry prototypes and 14 drug metabolites. Molecular docking showed that enoxolone and berberine bound more strongly to JAK1, with binding free energies of -9.6 kcal·mol-1(1 cal≈4.184 J) and -9.1 kcal·mol-1, respectively. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that JAK1-enoxolone and JAK1-berberine exhibited stable simulation trajectories within 100 ns, with essentially identical conformations and high protein overlap before and after simulation. Their binding free energies were -25.18 5.0.81 kcal·mol-1 and -27.39 7.0.85 kcal·mol-1, respectively. The number of hydrogen bonds formed between JAK1 and enoxolone ranges from 0 to 5, and most of the time can be maintained at 2-3. In vitro intervention with enoxolone or berberine significantly reduced p-JAK1 and p-STAT6 levels (P<0.05).ConclusionQijia Rougan prescription inhibits M2 macrophage polarization in hepatic fibrosis. Enoxolone and berberine are the key effector ingredients of Qijia Rougan prescription to inhibit macrophage M2 polarization through targeting JAK1 and modulating the JAK1/STAT6 signaling pathway, thereby ameliorating hepatic fibrosis. This study provides a basis for prescription optimization, clinical application and new drug development, as well as a reference for monolithic anti-hepatic fibrosis research.
摘要:ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Xueshisanjia San against liver fibrosis by regulating PTEN-induced putative kinase (PINK1)/Parkin signaling pathway-mediated mitophagy.MethodsForty specific pathogen free (SPF)-grade male C57BL/6 mice were randomized into the control, model, silibinin (100 mg·kg-1), high-dose (15.16 g·kg-1) Xueshisanjia San, and low-dose (7.58 g·kg-1) Xueshisanjia San groups. The mouse model of liver fibrosis was constructed by intraperitoneal injection of 20% carbon tetrachloride solution. The treatment lasted for 6 weeks. Blood was collected from the abdominal aorta after intraperitoneal anesthesia, and the liver was separated. Liver pathology was examined by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Masson staining, and Sirius Red staining. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to observe the mitochondrial morphology in the liver tissue. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), C-reactive protein (CRP), total bilirubin (TBil), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the serum of mice were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence assay, and Western blot were employed to determine the protein levels of liver fibrosis markers α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen Ⅰ, as well as mitophagy markers microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), p62, Beclin-1, PINK1, Parkin, and translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20 (TOM20).ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited elevated levels of ALT, AST, CRP, TBil, IL-6, TGF-β1, and TNF-α in the serum (P<0.05), pathological changes such destroyed structure of hepatic lobules, disarrangement of hepatic cells, and collagen accumulation, swollen, vacuolated, and fragment mitochondria, down-regulated expression of p62 and TOM20, and up-regulated expression of LC3, Beclin-1, PINK1, and Parkin (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, all the treatment groups exhibited declined levels of ALT, AST, CRP, TBil, IL-6, TGF-β1, and TNF-α in the serum (P<0.05), alleviated pathological damage of liver tissue and mitochondrial damage, up-regulated expression of p62 and TOM20, and down-regulated expression of α-SMA, COL1A1, LC3, Beclin1, PINK1, and Parkin (P<0.05).ConclusionXueshisanjia San may prevent excessive mitophagy and improve mitochondrial quality by inhibiting PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway, thereby alleviating liver fibrosis.
摘要:Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, non-specific intestinal inflammatory disease. Its pathogenesis is complex, involving interactions among genetic, immune, and environmental factors, and remains incompletely elucidated. Mitochondrial damage can trigger the abnormal release of mitochondrial damage-associated molecular patterns (mtDAMPs), activating inflammatory pathways and thereby exacerbating the inflammatory response in UC. Mitophagy, a core mitochondrial quality control mechanism, can clear damaged mitochondria and effectively reduce the abnormal release of mtDAMPs and the accumulation of harmful substances, thereby mitigating inflammatory damage resulting from mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitophagy plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier function and in the prevention and intervention of UC. Notably, the function of the spleen governing transportation and transformation in traditional Chinese medicine shares similarities with the role of mitochondria in energy transformation and substance metabolism. Furthermore, the pathological state of the spleen failing in transportation and transformation may be related to mitochondrial dysfunction, while the pathogenic characteristics of "endogenous turbid pathogen" align with the inflammatory cascade responses triggered by abnormal release of mtDAMPs. Based on this theoretical correlation, this paper aims to explore the correlation between the traditional Chinese medicine theory of "spleen dysfunction in essence distribution leading to endogenous turbid pathogens" and mitophagy. Using the correlation as an entry point, the potential role of mitophagy in the pathogenesis of UC was elucidated. Additionally, by considering the epidemiological characteristics of UC in the Southwest region of China, a new thinking for the treatment of UC from the perspective of turbid pathogens was proposed based on the "fortifying the spleen and resolving turbidity" method to provide theoretical support and research enlightenment for further exploring the prevention and treatment of UC with traditional Chinese medicine.
关键词:ulcerative colitis;mitophagy;spleen dysfunction in essence distribution;endogenous turbid pathogen;traditional Chinese medicine
摘要:ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the efficacy and related actions of Guizhi Fulingwan in intervening in the mice with colitis-associated colon cancer (CAC) based on the immunosuppressive microenvironment associated with myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs).MethodsSixty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to a blank group, a model group, an aspirin group (0.04 g·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose Guizhi Fulingwan groups (4.87, 9.75, and 19.50 g·kg-1), with ten mice per group. The CAC mouse model was established via combined induction of azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulphate sodium (DSS). Drug intervention commenced in week five, with continuous intragastric administration for nine weeks. The food intake, body weight, fecal characteristics, and haematochezia were observed and recorded, and disease activity index (DAI) scores were calculated according to scoring criteria. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the colon tissues of the mice. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine proliferating cell nuclear antigen-67 (Ki67) expression in the colon tissues, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the contents of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the serum of the mice. Flow cytometry was employed to determine the proportion levels of MDSCs, CD4+ T cells, and CD8+ T cells in the spleen tissues of the mice. The mRNA expressions of MDSC-associated effector molecules, including arginase 1 (Arg1) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). After that, an in vitro co-culture model of MDSCs and CD8+ T cells was established, and drug-containing serum of Guizhi Fulingwan was used for intervention. The Flow cytometry was employed to assess the effects of drug-containing serum of Guizhi Fulingwan with different concentrations on the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and iNOS in MDSCs and the proliferation of CD8+ T cells. The levels of granzyme B (GZMB) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in cell supernatant were detected by ELISA.ResultsCompared with those in the control group, the mice in the model group exhibited significantly reduced body weight, elevated DAI scores, shortened colon length (P<0.01), increased number of tumors and Ki67 expression (P<0.01), and significantly elevated contents of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the serum (P<0.01). Significant increases in the number of MDSCs were observed in mouse spleens, alongside marked reductions in the levels of CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells (P<0.01). Furthermore, the mRNA expressions of MDSC function-associated effector molecules Arg1 and iNOS were significantly upregulated (P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, the mice in the middle-dose Guizhi Fulingwan group exhibited increased body weight and significantly decreased DAI scores (P<0.05, P<0.01). The mice in the middle- and high-dose Guizhi Fulingwan groups exhibited significantly improved colon shortening, significantly decreased number of tumors and Ki67 expression (P<0.05, P<0.01), and significantly decreased contents of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the serum (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, administration of Guizhi Fulingwan markedly reduced MDSC infiltration in the spleen of the mice, with different degrees of increase in the levels of both CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells (P<0.05, P<0.01), alongside significant decreases in the mRNA expressions of Arg1 and iNOS (P<0.05, P<0.01). In vitro cell co-culture shows that administration of drug-containing serum of Guizhi Fulingwan significantly decreases the activity levels of ROS and iNOS in MDSCs and promotes the proliferation of CD8+ T cells and the secretion of GZMB and IFN-γ (P<0.05, P<0.01).ConclusionGuizhi Fulingwan can reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion and inhibit tumor proliferation in the colon tissues of CAC mice. Its potential mechanism may involve reducing MDSC infiltration, enhancing effector T cells, particularly CD8+ T cell response, and improving the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment.
摘要:Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is closely related to dysfunction of the spleen-stomach ascent and descent. Due to the influence of modern lifestyle and dietary factors, Qi deficiency in the spleen and stomach has become the pathological basis of SAP. Its pathogenesis is characterized by dampness, heat, pathogenic factors, stasis, stagnation, obstruction, Fu-organs Qi obstruction, pathogenic excess, and healthy Qi deficiency. At different stages of the disease course of SAP, there is a focus on both pathogenic excess and healthy Qi deficiency. It is specifically manifested as Fu-organs stagnation and heat accumulation, as well as pathogenic excess and healthy Qi deficiency, during the systemic inflammatory response phase, intermingling of blood stasis and pathogenic factors, as well as Qi deficiency and blood stasis, during the infection period, and weakness of the spleen and stomach, as well as healthy Qi deficiency and lingering pathogenic factors, during the residual infection period. Based on the theory that "the spleen and stomach are the acquired foundation", a staged treatment method centered on the core principle of "strengthening healthy Qi to eliminate pathogenic factors" was developed. The staged treatment method included "clearing the Fu-organs to expel turbidity, replenishing Qi to harmonize the stomach, activating blood circulation to expel pathogenic factors, replenishing Qi to relieve pain, promoting digestion to stimulate appetite, and replenishing Qi to invigorate the spleen". In clinical practice, Hewei Tongxie mixture, Yikang mixture, and Shiwei Jianpi Xiaoshi powder were selected for staged treatment of SAP. This article systematically summarized the theoretical basis of traditional Chinese medicine, Western medicine foundation, modern pharmacological mechanisms, and clinical application experience of the staged treatment of SAP with "strengthening the healthy Qi to eliminate pathogenic factors", providing new ideas for the treatment of SAP with traditional Chinese medicine.
关键词:severe acute pancreatitis;strengthening healthy Qi to eliminate pathogenic factor;staged treatment;replenishing Qi to clear Fu-organs;replenishing Qi to expel pathogenic factor;replenishing Qi to invigorate spleen
摘要:ObjectiveTo investigate the material basis and mechanism of action of Tuoli Xiaodu San in treating ulcerative colitis (UC) by integrating transcriptomics, network pharmacology, and experimental validation.MethodsNetwork pharmacology was initially employed to screen the active components and potential mechanisms of Tuoli Xiaodu San for treating UC. A UC mouse model was established by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induction. The mice were divided into the following groups: normal, model, high-dose (11.3 g·kg-1) Tuoli Xiaodu San, low-dose (5.7 g·kg-1) Tuoli Xiaodu San, and positive control (mesalazine, 0.4 g·kg-1). Intragastric administration commenced on day 1 of modeling and continued for 7 consecutive days. The disease activity index (DAI) was assessed daily. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe colonic pathological changes. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Transcriptome sequencing was performed on mouse colonic tissues, and the results were integrated with network pharmacology findings for in-depth analysis of Tuoli Xiaodu San's potential mechanisms in treating UC. Finally, the expression of key genes and proteins in the identified signaling pathways were detected using Western blot and Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR).ResultsThe combined analysis of network pharmacology and transcriptomics results showed that the multi-pathway network with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway as its core was the key mechanism of Tuoli Xiaodu San in the treatment of UC. Tuoli Xiaodu San administration significantly ameliorated weight loss, diarrhea, and bloody stools in UC mice, reduced the DAI scores (P<0.05, P<0.01), lowered the colonic histopathological scores (P<0.01), alleviated colon shortening (P<0.01), and downregulated serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Molecular biology experiments confirmed that Tuoli Xiaodu San significantly inhibited the mRNA and protein expression, as well as the phosphorylation levels, of PI3K, Akt, and p65 in colonic tissues (P<0.05, P<0.01).ConclusionTuoli Xiaodu San can regulate the multi-pathway network with PI3K/Akt as its core through multi-component synergy, thereby reducing colonic inflammatory damage and exerting a therapeutic effect on UC.
摘要:ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of modified Huangqi Jianzhong decoction (HQJZ) on gastric precancerous conditions (GPC).MethodsIn the cell experiment, human gastric mucosal epithelial cells underwent malignant transformation induced by N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) for the modeling of GPC (MC cells). The cells were allocated into four groups: control , model, low-dose HQJZ (HQJZ-L), and high-dose HQJZ (HQJZ-H). The control and model groups were cultured with the complete medium, while HQJZ-L and HQJZ-H groups received additional interventions with HQJZ at low (0.5 g·L-1) and high (1.0 g·L-1) doses, respectively. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to evaluate cytotoxicity, Transwell assay to assess cell invasion, Annexin V-FITC/PI staining to detect apoptosis, immunofluorescence assay to analyze reactive oxygen species (ROS) expression and mitochondrial autophagy, and Western blot to verify expression of proteins in key pathways. In the animal experiment, the GPC model was established in healthy BALB/c mice through MNNG induction. Twenty-four mice were allocated into four groups: control, model, HQJZ-L, and HQJZ-H. Control and model groups received normal saline (10 mL·kg-1·d-1) orally, while HQJZ-L and HQJZ-H groups were administrated with low-dose (6.24 g·kg-1·d-1) and high-dose (12.48 g·kg-1·d-1) HQJZ, respectively. After treatment, hematoxylin‑eosin (HE) staining and AB-PAS staining were performed to observe histopathological changes in the gastric tissue. Immunofluorescence assay was used to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) levels in the gastric mucosa, TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining to assess apoptosis rates, and Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to analyze the expression levels of Ki67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and foxhead box O3 (FoxO3).ResultsCell viability assays showed that HQJZ dose-dependently reduced MC cell viability compared with the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Transwell assays revealed that the model group exhibited enhanced cell invasion compared with the control group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, HQJZ treatment attenuated the cell invasion (P<0.05). Gastric mucosal pathology in mice demonstrated that compared with the control group, the model group showed elevated HE and AB-PAS pathological scores (P<0.05), while HQJZ treatment reduced these scores (P<0.05). Transmission electron microscopy revealed increased mitochondrial number and volume in the model group compared with the control group. HQJZ treatment resulted in abnormal mitochondrial structure and significant alterations in rough endoplasmic reticulum morphology and distribution, presenting as dilated and hollow forms. Mitochondrial and apoptosis assessments indicated that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited enhanced Mito Tracker Green fluorescence (P<0.05), no significant change in DCFH-DA fluorescence, Mito Tracker Red CMXRos fluorescence, ROS immunofluorescence, or malondialdehyde (MDA) level, increased GSH level (P<0.05), enhanced LC3 fluorescence (P<0.05), no significant change in apoptosis rate, and elevated ATP content in cells and mouse serum (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, HQJZ treatment reduced Mito Tracker Green fluorescence (P<0.05), increased DCFH-DA fluorescence, Mito Tracker Red fluorescence, MDA level, LC3 fluorescence, and apoptosis rate (P<0.05), and decreased cellular ATP content (P<0.05). The HQJZ-L group showed no significant change in ROS immunofluorescence or GSH level, whereas the HQJZ-H group demonstrated enhanced ROS immunofluorescence and glutathione (GSH) level (P<0.05). Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting revealed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited increased numbers of PCNA- and Ki67-positive cells (P<0.05) and elevated protein levels of FoxO3, sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), and B-cell lymphoma 6 (Bcl-6) (P<0.05). HQJZ treatment reduced the numbers of PCNA- and Ki67-positive cells (P<0.05) and lowered the protein levels of FoxO3, SIRT1, and Bcl-6 (P<0.05).ConclusionHQJZ alleviates the progression of gastric precancerous lesions by regulating mitochondrial function via the FoxO3/ROS pathway and promoting apoptosis of GPC-malignant cells.
摘要:ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Erchentang (ECD) on the body weight of the mouse model of simple obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and decipher the underlying mechanisms.MethodsFirstly, single-cell transcriptomics (Sc-RNAseq) was employed to analyze the transcriptional changes in the ileum tissue of mice in the normal group and model group. Then, a mouse model of simple obesity was established with a high-fat diet. The successfully modeled mice were randomly allocated into the following four groups (n=8): model, low-dose (7.5 g·kg-1) ECD, medium-dose (15 g·kg-1) ECD, and high-dose (30 g·kg-1) ECD. Additionally, 8 mice of the same age were selected as the normal group. The body weight was measured at fixed time points during the 4-week gavage period. The overall efficacy of ECD in alleviating obesity was evaluated through glucose tolerance testing, behavioral analysis, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and biochemical testing. Protein docking was employed to predict the degree of binding between corresponding proteins. Molecular docking was employed to predict the binding degree between key components of ECD and target proteins. Real-time PCR was employed to determine the mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), CD68, CD206, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), and Claudin-5 in the ileum. Immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the expression and distribution of Claudin-5 and ZO-1.ResultsThe Sc-RNAseq results indicated that the differentially expressed genes of immune cells in the model group in comparison with the normal group were primarily enriched in biological functions related to lipid metabolism and inflammatory metabolism. Additionally, these genes were associated with the janus kinases(JAK)/signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway, an inflammation-related pathway. Compared with the normal group, the model group showed increases in body weight (P<0.01) and blood glucose level (P<0.01), a decrease in limb strength (P<0.01), an increase in liver weight (P<0.05), and elevated serum alanine amino-transferase (ALT) and aspartate transferase (AST) levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). Additionally, the model group exhibited increased hepatic fat vacuoles, notably enlarged adipocytes in the epididymal and inguinal white adipose tissue, and increased inflammation. Compared with the model group, ECD groups showed reduced body weights (P<0.01) and blood glucose levels (P<0.01), increased limb strength (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased liver weights (P<0.05, P<0.01), and declined serum ALT and AST levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). Additionally, ECD reduced hepatic fat vacuoles and the adipocyte volume in the epididymal and inguinal white adipose tissue, and alleviated inflammation. Potential interactions existed between CD68 and ZO-1/Claudin-5, as well as between CD206 and ZO-1/Claudin-5. The key components of ECD, nobiletin, diosmetin, and naringenin, all demonstrated strong binding affinity with the target proteins ZO-1 and Claudin-5. Compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited up-regulated mRNA levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, iNOS, IL-1β, and CD68 (P<0.05, P<0.01) and down-regulated mRNA levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine CD206 (P<0.01) and the tight junction proteins Claudin-5 and ZO-1 (P<0.05, P<0.01). In comparison with the model group, the ECD groups showed down-regulated mRNA levels of TNF-α, iNOS, IL-1β, and CD68 (P<0.05, P<0.01) and up-regulated mRNA levels of CD206, Claudin-5, and ZO-1 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited down-regulated expression of tight junction proteins Claudin-5 and ZO-1 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, ECD groups showed up-regulated expression of Claudin-5 and ZO-1 (P<0.05, P<0.01).ConclusionECD can significantly ameliorate HFD-induced obesity and excessive body weight gain in mice by improving the inflammatory microenvironment in the ileum and further restoring the integrity of the impaired ileal barrier.
摘要:ObjectiveTo investigate the pharmacological basis and mechanism of Qinlian Jiangxia decoction (QLJXD) in the treatment of glucose and lipid metabolism disorders.MethodsThe Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM) and the GeneCards database were used to predict the active components and targets of QLJXD in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) combined with dyslipidemia. The key components and core targets were screened following protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses of the targets and then verified by molecular docking. SD rats were used to prepare the QLJXD-medicated serum, and a 3T3-L1 adipocyte model of insulin resistance (IR) was constructed with 1 μmol·L-1 dexamethasone (DEX). After intervention with four sera, cell glucose consumption and lipid metabolism levels were measured to screen the optimal action concentration of the medicated serum. A 3T3-L1 adipocyte model of IR with fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) overexpression was further constructed by plasmid transfection. Western blot and Real-time quantitative PCR (Real-time PCR) were employed to determine the expression of FABP4 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARG) at protein and mRNA levels, respectively, on the basis of which the regulatory effect of QLJXD on the FABP4/PPARG pathway was evaluated.ResultsNetwork pharmacology revealed that the key active components of QLJXD in treating T2DM complicated with dyslipidemia were baicalein, acacetin, and α-linolenic acid, and FABP1, FABP4, and PPARG were the core targets. Molecular docking showed good binding activity between the key components and core targets. QLJXD-medicated serum improved the glucose uptake capacity, increased insulin (INS)-stimulated glucose consumption (P<0.01), and reduced total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and free fatty acid (FFA) levels (P<0.01) in the 3T3-L1 adipocyte model of IR, with the medium-dose-medicated serum demonstrating the most potent effects. Overexpression of FABP4 impaired the glucose uptake capacity in the 3T3-L1 adipocyte model of IR and promoted intracellular accumulation of TC, TG, and FFA (P<0.05). The medium-dose-medicated serum improved glucose uptake capacity and reduced the accumulation of TC, TG, and FFA (P<0.01), while decreasing the protein and mRNA expression levels of FABP4 and concomitantly increasing the protein and mRNA levels of PPARG (P<0.05) in the 3T3-L1 adipocyte model of IR with FABP4 overexpression.ConclusionThe QLJXD-medicated serum has been evidenced to ameliorate glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in the 3T3-L1 adipocyte model of IR through multiple components, with the mechanism related to the FABP4/PPARG signaling pathway.
关键词:fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4);peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG);method of pungent dispersing and bitter descending;Qinlian Jiangxia decoction (QLJXD);glucose and lipid metabolism disorders
摘要:ObjectiveThis paper aims to explore the action and molecular mechanism of modified Tongluo Tangtai Formula(MTLTT) on myelin damage in diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) based on network pharmacology and in vitro experiments.MethodsThe chemical components of the MTLTT were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database and literature, and the component targets were collected from the SwissTargetPrediction database. The targets of DPN were collected from the GeneCards, OMIM, Disgenet, and GEO databases. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed using the Metascape database, and a network diagram was constructed using Cytoscape software. The binding actions of core components with glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK-3β) and β-catenin were analyzed by Autodock Vina. An in vitro DPN model was established by high glucose-induced Schwann cells and dorsal root ganglion cells (SCs/DRGs). The ultrastructural morphological changes of SCs and DRGs were observed by scanning electron microscope(SEM), and the expressions of myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) and myelin basic protein (MBP) were detected by immunofluorescence staining. The mRNA and protein expression levels of MAG, MBP, myelin protein 0 (P0), peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22), and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related protein β-catenin, GSK-3β, Wnt family member 3α (Wnt3α), and Wnt inhibitory factor-1 (Wif-1) were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot.ResultsNetwork pharmacology analysis revealed that MTLTT components may treat DPN via the Wnt signaling pathway, involving key proteins such as GSK-3β, β-catenin and Wif-1. The molecular docking results indicate that atropine, apigenin, baicalein, isoflavanone, and albiflorin have good binding activity with GSK-3β, and that all 13 core components have stable binding activity with β-catenin. Cell experiments showed that compared with the blank group, SCs and DRGs in the model group exhibited severe morphological and structural abnormalities such as disintegration, shrinkage and axonal rupture, while these abnormal changes were improved after MTLTT intervention. Immunofluorescence results indicated that the fluorescence intensity of MAG and MBP was markedly decreased in the model group relative to the blank group(P<0.01), while MTLTT treatment obviously upregulated the expression of MAG and MBP compared with the model group (P<0.01). Real-time PCR and Western blot assays revealed that the expression levels of myelin-related molecules MAG, MBP, P0 and PMP22 were significantly reduced in the model group (P<0.05,P<0.01), and MTLTT remarkably increased their expression levels (P<0.05). In the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, the mRNA levels of GSK-3β, Wif-1 and Wnt3α were elevated and β-catenin mRNA expression was declined in the model group (P<0.01). Meanwhile, the protein expressions of GSK-3β and Wif-1 were upregulated, whereas those of Wnt3α and β-catenin were downregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, MTLTT at different doses reduced the mRNA and protein levels of GSK-3β and Wif-1 to varying degrees (P<0.05), and distinctly enhanced the protein expression of Wnt3α and β-catenin(P<0.01).ConclusionMTLTT can alleviate high glucose-induced myelin damage. Its protective mechanism may promote myelin repair by upregulating the expression of MAG, MBP, P0 and PMP22, and the therapeutic effect is possibly associated with the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
摘要:ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the distribution patterns of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) comorbid with metabolically associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and analyze their correlation with clinical characteristics and the progression of liver fibrosis.MethodsA cross-sectional study method was employed, and 506 patients with CHB comorbid with MAFLD who attended the Hepatology Outpatient Department of Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu from June 2024 to December 2024 were enrolled. General information, traditional Chinese medicine syndromes information, laboratory indicators, and imaging examination results were collected using case report forms (CRF). Tongue images of patients were acquired using a tongue diagnosis instrument, and tongue feature parameters were extracted using computer image processing technology. Frequency analysis, factor analysis, and cluster analysis, and other methods were used to explore syndrome categories and distribution patterns. Non-parametric tests were used to compare the differences in clinical characteristics among different syndromes. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the correlation between traditional Chinese medicine syndromes and the progression of liver fibrosis.ResultsThe main traditional Chinese medicine syndromes in patients with CHB comorbid with MAFLD were mainly dominated by damp-heat accumulation syndrome, liver stagnation and spleen deficiency syndrome, and phlegm-blood stasis syndrome, with damp-heat accumulation syndrome accounting for the highest proportion (41.89%). Compared with those without damp-heat accumulation syndrome, patients with damp-heat accumulation syndrome had significantly lower tongue proper H value, tongue coating H value, and tongue coating a* value (P<0.05), significantly higher tongue coating b* value (P<0.05), significantly increased levels of white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), and glucose (GLU), increased CAP values (P<0.05), a higher proportion of males (P<0.05), and a younger age (P<0.05). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses show that age, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), diabetes, and damp-heat accumulation syndrome are independent risk factors for liver fibrosis (P<0.05), and that damp-heat accumulation syndrome is predominantly distributed in liver fibrosis stage F0-F1.ConclusionDamp-heat accumulation syndrome is a typical syndrome in patients with CHB comorbid with MAFLD, which is significantly associated with enhanced inflammatory response, metabolic disorders, and early liver fibrosis, and is a key link in disease progression. Clinical attention and early intervention are needed.
摘要:ObjectiveThis paper aims to conduct the feature analysis and correlation analysis on the ocular collateral features and differential metabolites in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) complicated by glucose metabolism disorder (GMD),particularly those with the damp-heat syndrome type,by integrating shadowless scleral imaging and metabolomics technologies.MethodsA total of 313 patients were recruited from the Hepatology and Endocrinology Outpatient Departments of Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria,and they were divided into a CHB group and a CHB complicated by GMD groups (damp-heat syndrome group and non-damp-heat syndrome group). All patients underwent high-definition ocular image acquisition and feature extraction using an intelligent analysis system for shadowless scleral imaging to analyze the differences in the counting of morphological feature scores of ocular collaterals among groups. By using a digital sampling method,24 patients from each group were randomly selected,along with 20 healthy volunteers,for untargeted metabolomic analysis of peripheral serum. Differential metabolites were identified,statistically analyzed,and subjected to potential biomarker analysis and pathway enrichment. Spearman method was performed to conduct the correlation analysis on the differential ocular collateral features and differential metabolites,followed by correlation network construction.ResultsCompared with those in the CHB group,patients with CHB complicated by GMD showed significant changes in ocular collateral feature scores such as "hillock","blood vessels",and "pale dusky coloration" (P<0.05). In comparison with those in the healthy group,metabolites including N-acetylglucosamine,acetylhomoserine,and myo-inositol (AUC>0.7) were identified as potential biomarkers for the disease. Compared with those in the CHB complicated by GMD group with non-damp-heat syndrome,patients with damp-heat syndrome exhibited significant changes in feature scores of "plaques","yellow coloration","spleen",and "gallbladder" (P<0.05). In comparison with those in the healthy group,metabolites such as O2′-4a-cyclic tetrahydrobiopterin,theobromine,xanthurenic acid,and L-glutamic acid 5-phosphate (AUC>0.7) were identified as potential biomarkers for the damp-heat syndrome type. The Spearman correlation analysis reveals weak to moderate linear correlations between the differential scleral collateral features and metabolites. By constructing a "disease-syndrome" network of ocular diagnosis and metabolites,"xanthurenic acid-gallbladder" and "theobromine-plaque/yellow coloration" were identified as specific molecular-phenotypic correlated biomarker clusters for CHB complicated by GMD with dampness-heat syndrome.ConclusionPatients with CHB complicated by GMD demonstrate differential ocular diagnostic features and serum metabolites corresponding to disease states and dampness-heat syndrome. These objective biomarkers can guide both clinical syndrome differentiation and medication. The macro-micro integration based on ocular feature clusters and potential metabolic biomarkers offers an innovative approach to a combined traditional Chinese and Western medicine diagnosis and treatment model for this disease.
关键词:chronic hepatitis B complicated by glucose metabolism disorder;damp-heat syndrome;shadowless scleral imaging technology;metabolomics
摘要:ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of Wenyang Xiaoyin Prescription (Linggui Zhugan Tang combined with Tingli Dazao Xiefei Tang) on a doxorubicin-induced mouse model of chronic heart failure (CHF). The multi-targeting action mechanism of the therapy is revealed, based on the arginine vasopressin (AVP)-vasopressin V2 receptor (V2R)-aquaporin 2 (AQP2) signaling pathway and nuclear transcription factor -κB (NF-κB) pathway mediated by the liver X receptor (LXR) in the heart, brain, and kidney tissue.MethodsCHF mouse models were established by using intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin and subsequently divided into a blank control group, a model control group, Wenyang Xiaoyin Prescription groups (Linggui Zhugan decoction combined with Tingli Dazao Xiefei decoction) with various doses, a captopril group, and a combination group receiving both Wenyang Xiaoyin prescription (as before) and captopril. Cardiac function was assessed by using color Doppler echocardiography, while the levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), AVP, and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in the serum were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Pathological changes and ventricular remodeling in ventricular tissues were evaluated through hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson staining, and myocardial cell apoptosis of mice was assessed by using TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) staining. Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were employed to detect the protein and RNA expression levels of LXRα, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the cardiac tissue, LXRβ, AVP in the hypothalamus, and LXRβ, V2R, and AQP2 in the kidneys. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry was used to quantify AQP2-positive collecting ducts in renal tissues.ResultsThe Wenyang Xiaoyin prescription significantly enhanced cardiac function indicators in CHF mice, reducing levels of BNP, AVP, and RAAS in the serum. It also mitigated myocardial cell damage and fibrosis change. The Wenyang Xiaoyin prescription inhibited the expressions of NF-κB and its downstream targets TNF-α and iNOS and improved myocardial inflammatory response, cell apoptosis, and ventricular remodeling by upregulating the expression of LXRα in cardiac tissues. Concurrently, the Wenyang Xiaoyin prescription elevated LXRβ expression in the kidneys and hypothalamus while downregulating the expression levels of AVP, V2R, and AQP2, as well as water permeability in the collecting ducts, thereby alleviating cardiac load.ConclusionThe intervention of Wenyang Xiaoyin prescription demonstrates a significant therapeutic effect on CHF, and its role involves the multi-target effect mechanism of the AVP/V2R/AQP2 and NF-κB pathways mediated by the nuclear receptor LXR in the heart, brain, and kidney tissue.
摘要:ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Qidan Yifei Tongqiao granules (QDYF) alleviate nasal mucosal remodeling in allergic rhinitis (AR) via the interleukin-33 (IL-33)/growth stimulation expressed gene 2 (ST2)/interleukin-1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1RAP) signaling pathway from the perspective of Qi-replenishing and blood-activating therapy.MethodsFirst, according to the previous network pharmacology results, this study predicted the potential mechanisms of QDYF in treating AR by screening key pathways, components, and targets. Molecular docking was performed via AutoDock and PyMOL 2.5.5. Subsequently, a rat model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR was used for validation through in vivo experiments. Forty-eight rats were assigned into 6 groups: Control, model, low-dose QDYF (QDYF-L, 4.04 g·kg-1), medium-dose QDYF (QDYF-M, 8.08 g·kg-1), high-dose QDYF (QDYF-H, 16.16 g·kg-1), and loratadine (0.9 mg·kg-1). After 14 days of intervention, behavioral scores of the rats were observed. The morphological changes of nasal mucosa tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Masson staining was used to observe collagen fiber deposition in the nasal mucosal tissue and to calculate the collagen volume fraction (CVF). The expression of E-cadherin (E-cad) in the nasal mucosa tissue was detected by immunofluorescence. The serum levels of helper T cell 2 (Th2) cytokines interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-5 (IL-5), and interleukin-13 (IL-13) as well as helper T cell 1 (Th1) cytokines interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-γ (INF-γ) were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein levels of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), IL-33, ST2, and IL-1RAP in the nasal mucosa tissue were determined by Western blot.ResultsIL-33, ST2, and IL-1RAP had strong binding ability with the main active ingredients—wogonin, 7-methoxy-2-methylisoflavone, formononetin, naringenin, stigmasterol, and beta-sitosterol of QDYF, with the binding energy < -4.25 kcal⋅mol-1(1 cal≈4.184 J). The results of in vivo experiments showed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited increased behavioral scores (P<0.05), aggravated pathological damage of nasal mucosa, increased collagen fiber deposition and CVF (P<0.05), elevated serum levels of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, up-regulated protein levels of TGF-β1, IL-33, ST2, and IL-1RAP in the nasal mucosa (P<0.05), down-regulated expression of E-cad, and declined serum levels of IL-2, IFN-γ, and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the QDYF groups and loratadine group showed reduced behavioral scores (P<0.05), alleviated pathological damage of nasal mucosa, reduced collagen fiber deposition and CVF (P<0.05), and up-regulated E-cad expression (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the QDYF-H group and the loratadine group showed raised levels of INF-γ and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio (P<0.05), declined serum levels of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, and down-regulated protein levels of TGF-β1, IL-33, ST2, and IL-1RAP in the nasal mucosa (P<0.05). In addition, the QDYF-H group exhibited an elevated serum IL-2 level (P<0.05). The QDYF-M group showed down-regulated protein levels of TGF-β1, IL-33 and IL-1RAP in the nasal mucosa (P<0.05). The QDYF-L group demonstrated a down-regulated protein level of ST2 in the nasal mucosa (P<0.05).ConclusionQDYF may regulate the Th1/Th2 balance through the IL-33/ST2/IL-1RAP signaling pathway, thereby ameliorating nasal mucosal tissue remodeling and alleviating AR.
关键词:Qi-replenishing and blood-activating therapy;allergic rhinitis;interleukin-33 (IL-33)/growth stimulation expressed gene 2 (ST2)/interleukin-1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1RAP) signaling pathway;helper T cell (Th)1/Th2 balance;nasal mucosal remodeling
摘要:ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism through which Banxia Baizhu Tianmatang ameliorates cognitive impairment in epileptic rats induced by lithium chloride-pilocarpine by regulating the neuroinflammatory reaction mediated by NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes.MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomly allocated into blank, model, carbamazepine (0.125 g·kg-1·d-1), Banxia Baizhu Tianmatang (1.04 g·kg-1·d-1), and carbamazepine (0.125 g·kg-1·d-1) + Banxia Baizhu Tianmatang (1.04 g·kg-1·d-1) groups (n=12). After the modeling of epilepsy, rats were administrated with corresponding agents by gavage for 12 weeks. At the 6th and 12th week of the intervention, the rats’ hyper-excited behavior was evaluated by the stylus experiment, and at the 12th week of intervention, the cognitive function was evaluated by Barnes maze. At the same time, the seizure frequency and severity grade (Racine score) were recorded. The serum and hippocampus tissue samples were collected after anesthesia for the following tests. Nissl staining was used to evaluate the degree of neuronal damage in the hippocampal CA1 area. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the hippocampus was determined by the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) method. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunohistochemical method was adopted to detect the expression of apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a card (ASC) in the hippocampus. Western blot was employed to quantitatively analyze the protein levels of NLRP3, cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 (Caspase-1), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus.ResultsThe model group showed increased stylus scores at the 6th and 12th week after modeling, a decreased Barnes maze strategy score at the 12th week, a prolonged incubation period (P<0.05), elevated serum levels of inflammatory factors (P<0.05), decreased neurons with scattered arrangement and large gaps in the hippocampus, increased content of MDA in the hippocampus (P<0.05), an increased positive expression of ASC, and up-regulated protein levels of Caspase-1, NLRP3, and BDNF (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the intervention with Banxia Baizhu Tianmatang for 12 weeks was accompanied by a decreased stylus score, epileptic seizures with a decreased score, a decreased number, and shortened duration, an increased Barnes maze strategy score, shortened escape latency (P<0.01), declined serum levels of inflammatory factors (P<0.05), regular morphology of hippocampal neurons, reduced MDA content in the hippocampus (P<0.05), a decreased positive expression of ASC, and down-regulated protein levels of Caspase-1, NLRP3, and BDNF (P<0.05, P<0.01). In addition, compared with the carbamazepine group, Banxia Baizhu Tianmatang + carbamazepine showed improved performance in controlling the seizure, improved the cognitive behavior score and morphology of hippocampal neurons, alleviated the oxidative stress products, lowered the levels of inflammatory factors, reduced the positive expression of ASC in the hippocampus, and down-regulated the expression of Caspase-1, NLRP3 and BDNF, with no significant differences.ConclusionBanxia Baizhu Tianmatang may reduce neuroinflammation, control epileptic seizures, and ameliorate cognitive impairment by inhibiting the expression of NLRP3 inflammasomes.
关键词:epilepsy;cognitive impairment;NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome;neuroinflammation;Banxia Baizhu Tianmatang;tranquilizing wind and resolving phlegm
摘要:ObjectiveTo investigate whether Bushen Huoxue prescription improves embryo implantation through regulating exosomal miRNA to enhance maternal-fetal interface communication based on Bushen Huoxue therapy.MethodsIn the animal experiment, all the rats (except for the blank group) were administered hydroxyurea (450 mg·kg-1) via gavage for 10 d, as well as epinephrine (0.3 mg·kg-1) and mifepristone (5.5 mg·kg-1) via subcutaneous injection for 7 d to establish an implantation disorder model of kidney deficiency and blood stasis type. The Bushen Huoxue prescription (BSHX) groups were administered the prescription at different doses (7.30 g·kg-1 for the high-dose group, 3.65 g·kg-1 for the medium-dose group, and 1.83 g·kg-1 for the low-dose group) via gavage. The dydrogesterone group was administered the corresponding medicine (2.63 mg·kg-1) via gavage. After intervention for 10 days, uterine histopathological changes were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Mucin (MUC1), forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1), and homeobox A10 (HoxA10) expression levels were detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot. Cell experiment selected primary endometrial epithelial cells (EEC) and trophoblast cells (TC) as research subjects. Exosome-free medicated serum was prepared by ultracentrifugation and cultured in complete medium. Exosomes were isolated from cell supernatants by ultracentrifugation for cross-co-culture. After 48 h, migration and invasion abilities were assessed by scratch and Transwell assays. Sequencing was then performed on EEC-origin exosomal miRNA.ResultsThe model rats exhibited thin endometrium, along with reduced blood vessels, glandules, and pinopode numbers. BSHX improved endometrial morphology and increased pinopode numbers. MUC1, FoxO1, and HoxA10 expressions were downregulated in the model rats, while these parameters were upregulated after BSHX medium- and high-dose intervention. In the cell experiment, after exosome-free medicated serum intervention for 24 h, migration and invasion abilities were enhanced in the BSHX groups (P<0.01). In EEC-origin exosomal miRNA sequencing, gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses revealed enrichment in biological processes (gastrulation, neuronal differentiation, alongside cell development and regeneration), involving the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), FoxO1, Wnt, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathways.ConclusionBSHX promotes embryo implantation by improving endometrial receptivity via regulating exosomal miRNA. These findings provide potential targets for exosomal miRNA-based assisted reproductive strategies and a novel theoretical basis for infertility treatment by traditional Chinese medicine.
摘要:ObjectiveTo reveal the molecular mechanism by which the traditional Chinese medicine compound prescription Qiangjing tablets regulate the aging of the testicular tissue and Leydig cells in rats through the cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4)-early 2 factor (E2F) signaling pathway.MethodsFor the cell experiment, 2-month-old SPF-grade SD male rats were selected and randomly assigned into a blank control group (administrated with an equal volume of 0.9% sodium chloride injection) and a Qiangjing tablets group (20 rats in each group) according to body weight. The Leydig cell model of aging was established by treatment of TM3 cells with 100 μmol·L-1 H2O2, and the modeling performance was evaluated based on the levels of p16 and p21 determined by Western blot. The antioxidant NAC (1 mmol·L-1) was used as the positive control for eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cells were intervened with Qiangjing tablets-containing serum at low (2.5%), medium (5%), and high (10%) concentrations. The testosterone level in the cell supernatant was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the protein levels of CDK4, E2F1, and E2F2 were analyzed by Western blot. In the animal experiment, 19-month-old naturally aging rats were used as the model group, and 2-month-old rats as the young control group. The positive control group was subcutaneously injected with 5.21 mg·kg-1·d-1 testosterone propionate. Qiangjing tablets were administered by gavage at low, medium, and high doses of 0.72, 1.44, 2.88 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively. The general conditions of rats were observed, and the protein levels of CDK4, E2F1, and E2F2 in the testicular tissue were determined by Western blot.ResultsIn the cell experiment, compared with the blank control group, the model group showed upregulated expression of CDK4 and E2F1 (P<0.05) and slightly downregulated expression of E2F2. Compared with that in the model group, the expression of CDK4 was upregulated in the NAC group and the low-dose Qiangjing tablets group (P<0.05), slightly upregulated in the medium-dose Qiangjing tablets group, and downregulated in the high-dose Qiangjing tablets group (P<0.05). The NAC group showed downregulated expression of E2F1 (P<0.05) and E2F2, and the low-, medium-, and high-dose Qiangjing tablets groups showed downregulated expression of both E2F1 and E2F2 (P<0.05). Compared with that in the NAC group, the expression of CDK4 was upregulated in the low-dose Qiangjing tablets group and downregulated in the medium-dose and high dose (P<0.05) groups. The expression of E2F1 was down-regulated in all the three dose groups, with statistically significance in the high dose group (P<0.05), and that of E2F2 were downregulated in all the three dose groups (P<0.05). In the animal experiment, compared with the young control group, the model group exhibited downregulated expression of CDK4 (P<0.05) and slightly upregulated expression of E2F1 and E2F2. Compared with that in the model group, the expression of CDK4 decreased in the testosterone propionate group and the low-dose Qiangjing tablets group (P<0.05) but increased in the medium-dose (P<0.05) and high-dose groups. In addition, the expression of E2F1 decreased (P<0.05), and that of E2F2 was slightly elevated. Compared with that in the NAC group, CDK4 expression was elevated in the Qiangjing tablets groups, with statistical significance in the medium- and high-dose groups (P<0.05). Similarly, the E2F1 expression was also upregulated in the Qiangjing tablets groups, with statistical significance in the medium-dose group (P<0.05). The expression of E2F2 was downregulated in all the Qiangjing tablets groups.ConclusionQiangjing tablets delay the aging process of Leydig cells and testicular tissue by up-regulating the expression of CDK4 and lowering the levels of E2F1 and E2F2.
摘要:Andrological diseases have become an important public health problem threatening men's health worldwide, which significantly affects the quality of life of patients and brings a heavy disease burden. Western medicine often faces the dilemma of obvious side effects and limited efficacy. Traditional Chinese medicine has unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of andrological diseases and has accumulated rich clinical experience. Epimedii Folium, as a traditional Chinese medicine for strengthening kidney and Yang, exerts a key therapeutic effect on andrology diseases through multi-component synergy, multi-target regulation, and multi-pathway intervention. Recent studies have found that the main active components of Epimedii Folium, such as icariin, icariside, and icaritin, are the key material basis for the treatment of andrological diseases. The active components of Epimedii Folium can play a role in common andrological diseases such as erectile dysfunction, male infertility, and prostate cancer by regulating the activity of the nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO/cGMP) pathway, participating in oxidative stress response, regulating the secretion of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis hormones, improving spermatogenic dysfunction, and inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells. However, the systematic action network and molecular mechanisms of the active components of Epimedii Folium have not been fully elucidated, thereby limiting its potential for clinical translation and application. In the future, it is necessary to combine cutting-edge technologies such as metabolomics, single-cell sequencing, and targeted nanoscale drug delivery systems, strengthening the research on the compatibility rules of active components and organ-specific delivery, providing a scientific basis for the development of innovative andrology traditional Chinese medicine formulas with international competitiveness, and promoting the innovation and breakthrough of andrology disease treatment modes.
摘要:ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Qiangjing tablets (QJT) alleviate the spermatogenic function damage caused by varicocele (VC) based on the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway-mediated oxidative stress.MethodsTen Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned into a control group and a model group. Pathological examination confirmed the stability of the model. Thirty-six SD rats were randomized into control, model, low-dose (0.23 g·kg-1) QJT, medium-dose (0.46 g·kg-1) QJT, high-dose (0.92 g·kg-1) QJT, and mazhilin (61.7 mg·kg-1) groups, with 6 rats in each group. A rat model of experimental left varicocele (ELV) was established by partially ligating the left renal vein to simulate the human nutcracker syndrome. The rats were administrated with corresponding agents once a day for 28 consecutive days. The in vitro testicular culture model of rats was established through the Transwell chamber method and intervened with QJT-containing sera (2.3, 4.6, and 9.2 g·kg-1). Microscopic observation was carried out for the morphology of the left kidney. A micrometer was used to measure the diameter of the left spermatic vein (LSV). The body weights of rats were recorded weekly, and the epididymis and testis weights were measured. The pathological changes of the testicular tissue was observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The levels of testosterone (T) in the cell culture supernatant and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the rat testicular tissue were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Flow cytometry was employed to determine the ROS content. Immunohistochemical staining was conducted to analyze Keap1, Nrf2, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-Hsd), GATA-binding protein-4 (Gata-4), and proto-oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase (C-kit). The ultrastructure of the tissue was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining. The expression of Keap1, Nrf2, glutathione S-transferase α2 (Gsta2), glutathione S-transferase μ1 (Gstm1), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), quinone oxidoreductase 1 (Nqo1), and thioredoxin reductase 1 (Txnrd1) was quantified by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) and Western blot.ResultsCompared with the control group, the ROS content and the percentage of apoptotic cells in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01), the T concentration was significantly decreased (P<0.01), the mRNA and protein expressions of Keap1 were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2, Gsta2, Gstm1, HO-1, Nqo1 and Txnrd1 were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the ROS content and the percentage of apoptotic cells in each dose group of the Qiangjing Tablets were significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the mRNA and protein expressions of Keap1 were significantly decreased (P<0.05), while the mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2, Gsta2, Gstm1, HO-1, Nqo1 and Txnrd1 were significantly increased (P<0.05).ConclusionQJT improves sperm motility in the rat model of VC by modulating the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway and reducing oxidative stress injury.
关键词:varicocele;traditional Chinese medicine;oxidative stress injury;Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway;in vitro experimental model
摘要:ObjectiveBased on the multidimensional correlation analysis framework of "disease, syndrome, formula, and medicine", this study aims to systematically elucidate the regulatory effects of effective components in Qiangjing tablet on testosterone synthesis pathways in testicular Leydig cells under oxidative stress, providing a theoretical basis for the treatment of male infertility with traditional Chinese medicine and modern research on compounds.MethodsDisease targets for male infertility were obtained from The Human Gene Database (GeneCards, score ≥20), the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD, score ≥150), DrugBank (score ≥0.2), and DisGeNET (score ≥0.2). Targets related to the syndrome of kidney deficiency and blood stasis were acquired from the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome association database SymMap. Components of Qiangjing tablet were retrieved based on The Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM) database and the Integrative Pharmacology-based Research Platform of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCMIP), and they were screened according to a quantitative estimate of drug-likeness (QED ≥ 0.49) and a target confidence index>0.8. Intersecting targets were taken to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network using the STRING database. The network was visualized with Cytoscape software and subjected to the functional annotation of gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Quality markers (Q-markers) were predicted via the ADMETlab 2.0 platform based on Lipinski's rule, Pfizer's rule, GSK's rule, and the Golden Triangle. For experimental validation, rats' testicular Leydig cells were used. Exosomes were extracted and loaded with active components via the ultrasonic method. Exosome concentration was determined using a BCA protein quantification kit. Morphology was observed using a transmission electron microscope. The particle size was analyzed with a particle size analyzer. The surface marker proteins such as cluster of differentiation 9 (CD9), cluster of differentiation 63 (CD63), and cluster of differentiation 81 (CD81) were identified by Western blot, and drug loading capacity was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). An oxidative stress model was induced by alpha, alpha'-azodiisobutyramidine dihydrochloride (AAPH), and Leydig cells were divided into the following groups: A control group, an AAPH group, a quercetin group (Que group), an exosome group (Exo group), and a QUE-loaded Exo group (Que-Exo group). The cell viability was detected using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) thiazolyl blue assay. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured by flow cytometry. The levels of oxidative indicators, including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), and testosterone (T), were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expressions of steroidogenic enzymes such as cytochrome p450 family 11 subfamily a member 1 (CYP11A1), hydroxy-delta-5-steroid dehydrogenase, 3 beta- and steroid delta-isomerase 1 (HSD3B1), and hydroxysteroid 17-beta dehydrogenase 3 (HSD17B3), regulatory factors such as steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), and miR-145-5p content, were detected by Western blot and real-time polymerse chain reaction (Real-time PCR).ResultsNetwork pharmacology analysis reveals that the main active components of Qiangjing tablet for intervening in male infertility with kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome were Que, luteolin, etc., with the core mechanism involving pathways such as steroid hormone biosynthesis. Experimental results show that compared with the control group, the AAPH group exhibits significantly reduced cell viability (P<0.01), decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.01), significantly elevated levels of ROS, MDA, and miR-145-5p (P<0.01), significantly reduced activities of SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT, as well as reduced testosterone content (P<0.01), and significantly downregulated protein and mRNA expressions of steroidogenic enzymes, SF-1, and StAR (P<0.01). The above indicators were reversed in the Que and Que-Exo groups (P<0.05). Compared with the Que group, the Que-Exo group showed more significant effects in enhancing cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, testosterone level, antioxidant enzyme activities, and expressions of key molecules in the steroidogenic pathway (P<0.05).ConclusionThis study demonstrates that Que, an active component of Qiangjing tablet, inhibits oxidative stress reaction, improves mitochondrial function in Leydig cells, upregulates steroidogenic enzyme expression, and restores testosterone production. As a carrier for Que, Exo enhance its stability, delivery efficiency, and biological effect. Additionally, miR-145-5p may be closely associated with testosterone synthesis, though its precise molecular mechanism requires further exploration. By integrating traditional Chinese medicine compounds with modern scientific technology, this research expands the paths for the modernized research of traditional Chinese medicine and opens a novel therapeutic direction with translational potential for clinical intervention of male infertility.