Under the guidance of condensed matter theory, calcium salt cross-linking is used to prepare moisture-resistant intermediates of Yuzhu (Polygonatum odoratum) polysaccharide, reduce its hygroscopicity, improve moisture resistance and provide new methods for moisture-proofing of traditional Chinese medicine extracts.

Single-factor experiment investigated the effects of cross-linking agent type and dosage, polysaccharide concentration, stirring time, stirring speed and stirring temperature on moisture absorption rate of moisture-resistant intermediates, and used the response surface method to optimize the prescription and process. The equilibrium moisture absorption rate and critical relative humidity of moisture-proof intermediates were measured, and the glass transition temperature T_g was measured by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), the microscopic morphology was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the rheometer was used to measure the apparent viscosity and viscoelasticity.

The type and dosage of cross-linking agent, polysaccharide concentration and stirring temperature all had significant effects on the moisture absorption rate of the intermediate. The optimal prescription and process were 5.0% calcium hydrogen phosphate, polysaccharide concentration 0.6 g/mL and stirring temperature 50 ℃. The evaluation results of moisture-resistant intermediates showed that the equilibrium moisture absorption rates of polysaccharides, polysaccharides+CaHPO₄ and moisture-resistant intermediates were 22.87%, 18.44% and 15.04%, respectively, with critical relative humidity of 51.97%, 56.53% and 66.32%, respectively, and the values of T_g were 63.5 ℃, 68.5 ℃ and 80.0 ℃, respectively. SEM showed that moisture-resistant intermediates of Polygonatum odoratum polysaccharide had a large particle size and adhesions between the particles. The rheological analysis has found that the apparent viscosity of moisture-resistant intermediates of Yuzhu (Polygonatum odoratum) polysaccharide and the elasticity increased.

Traditional Chinese medicine extracts with polymers as the active ingredient can change their condensed state structure through cross-linking, thereby reducing hygroscopicity and improving moisture resistance.

This study is based on intestinal flora-host metabolism and deeply explores the mechanism of Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus) polysaccharides in type 2 diabetes.

A type 2 diabetes model was established by high sugar and high fat feed combined with a small dose of intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin (STZ). The pharmacoefficiency index of the rats in each group was detected, and the intestinal microbial structure of the rats in each group was detected by 16S rDNA sequencing technology, and the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) was measured in combination with GC-MS technology. The Western Blot method was used to detect the protein levels of G-protein coupled receptor 43 (GPR43), G-protein coupled receptor 41 (GPR41) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in liver tissues. Small molecule metabolomics study was performed on animal feces in each group using UPLC-MS/MS technology, and the correlation analysis was conducted on intestinal microbiota and differential metabolites.

The results of the drug efficacy index test showed that Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus) polysaccharides could significantly reduce the blood sugar, blood lipids and inflammatory factors in the rats with type 2 diabetes. The results of intestinal flora sequencing showed that Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus) polysaccharides significantly improved the bacterial diversity of type 2 diabetes rats. At the level of phylum, the abundance of Firmicutes, Bacteroides, Varves and Actinomycetes all had different degrees of correction, and the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroides increased significantly (P<0.05). At the level of genus, Lactobacillus, Akermans, Bacteroides and Muribaculaceae increased. The results of SCFAs and key metabolic pathways showed that the content of SCFAs in the feces of type 2 diabetes rats had significantly decreased (P<0.01), the protein expressions of GPR43, GPR41 and GLP-1 were significantly reduced (P<0.01), and after the intervention of Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus) polysaccharides, the SCFAs content was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the protein expressions of GPR41, GPR43 and GLP-1 were significantly increased (P<0.01). Metabolomics screened differential metabolites with significant changes (P<0.05) among 46 model and control groups, mainly enriched 19 metabolic pathways such as sphingolipid metabolism and steroid biosynthesis. The results of the joint analysis showed that intestinal flora had a significant regulatory effect on differential metabolites such as sphingolipid metabolism and steroid biosynthesis, involving metabolic pathways such as sphingolipid metabolism and steroid biosynthesis.

Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus) polysaccharides can affect the levels of metabolites such as SCFAs and sphingosine by regulating the intestinal microbiota structure, and then regulate the metabolism pathways such as short-chain fatty acid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism and steroid biosynthesis, improve the protein expressions of GPR43, GPR41 and GLP-1, regulate the blood sugar and blood lipid levels of the rats, thereby regulating glycolipid metabolism and intestinal disorders, inhibiting the body's inflammatory response, reducing insulin resistance and playing a role in treating type 2 diabetes.

To investigate the effects of different concentrations of Yinyanghuo (Epimedii Folium) extract on osteogenic differentiation of the rats adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs).

Five healthy, nulliparous SPF-grade female SD rats were used to isolate and culture the ADSCs. The obtained third-generation ADSCs were stained with Alizarin Red and Oil Red O to evaluate their osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation abilities after being cultured with 1, 10, 50, 100 μmol/L Yinyanghuo (Epimedii Folium) extract. Then, the third-generation ADSCs were divided into a blank group, a resveratrol group (100 μmol/L) and Yinyanghuo (Epimedii Folium) extract groups. According to the different concentrations of Yinyanghuo (Epimedii Folium) extract, four subgroups were created, namely Ⅰ～Ⅳ groups (1, 10, 50, 100 μmol/L). After 7 days of culture, qRT-PCR and Western blotting were performed to detect the expression levels of LIM domain-containing protein Ajuba (Ajuba), Runx-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the ADSCs.

The resveratrol group and Yinyanghuo (Epimedii Folium) extract I to IV groups all upregulated the expression levels of Runx2 gene and protein, as well as ALP gene, with the best effect observed in the 100 μmol/L Yinyanghuo (Epimedii Folium) extract group (P<0.01). As for the expression levels of ALP protein, the resveratrol group exhibited a stronger promoting effect than the Yinyanghuo (Epimedii Folium) extract I to IV groups (P<0.01). The resveratrol group and Yinyanghuo (Epimedii Folium) extract groups I to IV all downregulated the expression levels of Ajuba gene and protein (P<0.01, P<0.05), with the resveratrol group showing a stronger gene inhibitory effect at the same concentration.

Both Yinyanghuo (Epimedii Folium) extract and resveratrol can promote the osteogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells, but the promoting effect of Yinyanghuo (Epimedii Folium) extract is more significant and effective. Both can also inhibit adipogenic differentiation, with Yinyanghuo (Epimedii Folium) extract exhibiting weaker inhibition than resveratrol in the short term. With the extension of intervention time, further research is needed to investigate the trend in the future.

To investigate the effect and mechanism of water extract of Buyang Huanwu Decoction (补阳还五汤, BHD) on H₂O₂-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells based on the JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway.

An oxidative stress cell model was established by treating PC12 cells with H₂O₂ at an optimal concentration of 200 μmol/L. The experiment was divided into a normal group, a model group, low-, middle-and high-dose BHD groups, and an SP600125 group. PC12 cells were treated with SP600125 and different concentrations of BHD medium. The cell proliferation was detected using a real-time cell analysis (RTCA) system and the CCK-8 method. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and apoptosis were measured by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. The protein expression levels of Bax, Caspase-3, Bcl-2, c-Jun, p-c-Jun, p-JNK and JNK were detected by Western blotting.

Compared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased ROS levels, apoptosis rate, protein expressions of Bax and Caspase-3 and ratios of p-JNK/JNK and p-c-Jun/c-Jun, while the expression of Bcl-2 protein was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, high-dose BHD intervention significantly reduced ROS levels, apoptosis rate, protein expressions of Bax and Caspase-3 and ratios of p-JNK/JNK and p-c-Jun/c-Jun (P<0.01), while significantly increasing the expression of Bcl-2 protein (P<0.01).

The water extract of Buyang Huanwu Decoction can inhibit oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis in PC12 cells through the JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway, revealing a potential mechanism by which Buyang Huanwu Decoction may improve refractory erectile dysfunction by promoting nerve injury repair.

Based on the theory of the “gut-osteoporosis” axis and 16S rDNA technology, to explore the effect and mechanism of Modified Huoluo Xiaoling Dan (加味活络效灵丹) on the repair of bone tissue in the rats with steroid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head (SANFH), as well as its influence on the structure of the gut microbiota.

Using the random number table method, 24 SPF-grade male SD rats were divided into a normal group (n=8), a model group (n=8) and a treatment group (n=8). In the model group and the treatment group, the method of alternately injecting methylprednisolone sodium succinate into the gluteal muscles was used to establish the model, and the treatment group was given intragastric administration of Modified Huoluo Xiaoling Dan (preparation liquid). For the femoral samples of the rats, HE staining was performed and the empty bone lacuna rate was calculated. Three-dimensional reconstruction by Micro-CT was used to analyze and measure the bone histological parameters such as the bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb. N), trabecular thickness (Tb. Th) and trabecular separation (Tb. Sp) in the measurement area. Immunohistochemistry method was used to detect the expressions of bone tissue repair markers BMP, OPG and Runx2. For the fecal samples, 16S rDNA technology was used for gut microbiota sequencing and ASV analysis. The α-diversity and β-diversity were used to analyze the species diversity of the gut microbiota, and LEfSe analysis was used to detect the changes in the species differences of the gut microbiota at the family level and genus level.

Modified Huoluo Xiaoling Dan could significantly improve the empty bone lacuna rate of the femoral head (P<0.05) and bone histological parameters such as BV/TV, Tb. N, Tb. Th and Tb. Sp (P<0.01) in the rats with SANFH, and significantly up-regulate the expression levels of bone tissue repair markers BMP, OPG and Runx2 (P<0.01). The results of gut microbiota sequencing showed that α-diversity analysis indicated that there were obvious differences in the species diversity and richness of the gut microbiota structures of the rats in the three groups; β-diversity analysis showed that the flora structure of the treatment group was significantly separated from that of the model group, and was similar to that of the blank group. The difference among groups was greater than that within groups, and the difference was obvious. LEfSe analysis has found that at the family level and genus level, the gut microbiota of the rats in the model group showed significant “pro-inflammatory” characteristics, while the gut microbiota of the rats in the treatment group showed “anti-inflammatory-promoting repair” characteristics.

The effect of Modified Huoluo Xiaoling Dan on the repair of bone tissue in the rats with SANFH is closely related to its regulation of the gut microbiota. The intervention drug effectively reshapes the intestinal microecology disturbed by hormones, further confirming that the reshaping of the flora has a bidirectional regulatory effect on the “gut-osteoporosis” axis, playing a role in preventing and treating SANFH.

To investigate the protective effect of Dahuang Xuanming Powder Granules (大黄玄明粉) on intestinal barrier injury induced by pancreatitis through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB).

By injection of 0.2 mL of a 5% (w/v, 50 mg/mL) sodium taurocholate solution to induce a Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat model with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). The experiment was divided into sham operation group, SAP-induced intestinal barrier injury group (model group) and Dahuang Xuanming Powder Granules group. Intestinal barrier injury was assessed by scanning electron microscopy, hematoxylin and eosin staining and pathological scoring. The levels of pancreatitis biomarkers (amylase and lipase), oxidative stress markers [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidases (GPx) and malondialdehyde (MDA)] and inflammatory markers [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and IL-10] in serum or intestinal tissue were measured. The expressions of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway-related proteins were detected by Western blotting. 16 S rRNA sequencing was used to measure the composition of gut microbiota in feces.

The activity of serum amylase and lipase in the model group was higher than that in the control group. The activity of serum amylase and lipase in Dahuang Xuanming Powder Granules group was lower than that in the model group. Compared with that in the control group, the number of intestinal villi in the model group decreased. The activity of serum amylase and lipase in the model group was higher than that in the control group. The activity of serum amylase and lipase in Dahuang Xuanming Powder Granules group was lower than that in the model group. Compared with that of the control group, the number of intestinal villi in the model group decreased and was damaged, while the treatment of Dahuang Xuanming Powder Granules prevented the reduction of the number of intestinal villi. In addition, Dahuang Xuanming Powder Granules increased the activity of the levels of serum SOD, CAT and GSPx, and decreased the serum MDA levels. Compared with the model group, Dahuang Xuanming Powder Granules reduced the protein levels of Toll like receptor 4 (TRL4), p-PI3K, p-AKT and p-NF-κB. Compared with the model group, Dahuang Xuanming Powder Granules reduced the levels of serum TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, but significantly increased serum IL-10 levels. In addition, Dahuang Xuanming Powder Granules increased the proportion of Lactobacillus and Prevotella in the model group, and reduced the proportion of Helicobacter pylori and Escherichia-Shigella.

By inactivating oxidants and inflammatory signals and improving intestinal microbiota, Dahuang Xuanming Powder Granules ultimately improve SAP-induced intestinal barrier injury in the rats.

To investigate the effect of total flavonoids of Sangbaipi (Mori Cortex), a traditional Chinese medicine monomer, on the regulation of inflammatory response in the rats with otitis media through the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/signal transducer and activator of transcription3 (STAT3)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway.

Forty SPF grade SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a low-dose group of total flavonoids of Sangbaipi (Mori Cortex) and a high-dose group of total flavonoids of Sangbaipi (Mori Cortex), each with 10 rats. Normal group and model group were given the equal doses of 0.9% sodium chloride solution by gavage. The low and high-dose groups of total flavonoids of Sangbaipi (Mori Cortex) were given the corresponding doses (10, 30 mg/kg) once a day. The rats in each group were orally administered continuously for 14 days. The histopathological changes of hematoxylin-eosin (HE) stained tissues in each group were observed. The pathological scores of the tympanic membrane, auditory function, thickness of the middle ear mucosa and the protein expression levels of inflammatory factors and TGF-β1, STAT3 and NF-κB among different groups were compared.

In the model group, low-dose group and high-dose group, the pathological scores of the tympanic membrane, Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) response threshold, middle ear mucosal thickness, serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and TGF-β1, as well as the grayscale values of STAT3 and NF-κB proteins were higher than those in the normal group (P<0.05). The pathological scores of the tympanic membrane, ABR response threshold, middle ear mucosal thickness, serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TGF-β1, as well as the grayscale values of STAT3 and NF-κB proteins in the low-dose and high-dose groups were lower than those of the model group (P<0.05). The pathological score of the tympanic membrane, Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) response threshold, thickness of the middle ear mucosa, serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TGF-β1, as well as the gray values of STAT3 and NF-κB proteins in the high-dose group lower than those in the low-dose group (P<0.05).

The total flavonoids of Sangbaipi (Mori Cortex), a traditional Chinese medicine monomer, can alleviate the inflammatory response in the rats with otitis media, and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of TGF-β1/STAT3/NF-κB signaling pathway expression.

To observe the role of Cyt-c/Apaf-1/Caspase-9/3 apoptosis signaling pathway in lupus nephritis (LN) and explore the mechanism of Sanqi Injection (三七注射液) in the treatment of LN.

Fifteen female MRL-faslpr mice were randomly divided into model group, Apaf-1 inhibitor group and Sanqi Injection group, with 5 mice in each group. Five C57BL/6 mice of the same age were set as the normal control group. The expressions apoptosome and related proteins in renal tissue were detected by immunofluorescence and western blot.

In the model group, the renal structure of the mice was severely damaged, and the infiltration of inflammatory cells was significant. In the Apaf-1 inhibitor group and the Sanqi Injection group, the renal injury was mitigated and the infiltration of inflammatory cells was reduced. Immunofluorescence analysis of kidney tissue apoptosome revealed that the expression levels of Cyt-c, Apaf-1 and Caspase-9 in the model group were higher than those in the normal group (P<0.01). The expression levels of Cyt-c, Apaf-1 and Cleaved-Caspase-9 in the Apaf-1 inhibitor group and Sanqi Injection group were lower than those in the model group (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of Cyt-c, Apaf-1, Cleaved-Caspase-9 and the expression levels of the apoptotic proteins Cleaved-Caspase-3 and Bax in the model group were higher than those in the normal group (P<0.01), while the expression level of Bcl-2 protein was lower than that in the normal group (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of Cyt-c, Apaf-1, Cleaved-Caspase-9, and the expression levels of apoptotic proteins Cleaved-Caspase-3 and Bax in the Apaf-1 inhibitor group and Sanqi Injection group were lower than those in the model group (P<0.01), while the expression level of Bcl-2 protein was higher than that in the model group (P<0.01).

Once the Cyt-c/Apaf-1/Caspase-9/3 apoptotic signaling pathway is activated, it promotes cell apoptosis and exacerbates the disease severity of LN. Sanqi Injection may alleviate LN by inhibiting the Cyt-c/Apaf-1/Caspase-9/3 apoptotic signaling pathway and reducing apoptosis of renal tissue cells.

To investigate the effect of Modified Erchen Decoction (二陈汤加减) assisting mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy in rectal cancer and its effect on immune function.

Eighty rectal cancer patients admitted to Hangzhou First People's Hospital from June 2021 to March 2024 were divided into two groups, namely control group and treatment group, 40 cases in each. The control group received mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy. The treatment group received Modified Erchen Decoction combined with mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy. The therapeutic effects, TCM symptom scores, serum tumor marker levels, immune function indicators, angiogenic factors and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.

The total treatment response rate in the treatment group was 85.00% (34/40), higher than that [52.50% (25/40)] in the control group (P<0.05). The TCM symptom scores of the treatment group were lower than those of the control group after 12 treatment courses (P<0.05). The treatment group received 12 courses of treatment, and the levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 199 (CA199), CD8⁺ and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were lower than those in the control group, while the levels of CD4⁺ and CD4⁺/CD8⁺ were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). The incidence of nausea, vomiting and bone marrow suppression in the treatment group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in liver or kidney damage and hair loss between the two groups (P>0.05).

Modified Erchen Decoction assisting mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy in the treatment of rectal cancer patients has a good effect, which can alleviate traditional Chinese medicine symptoms, down-regulate serum tumor marker levels, reduce the impact on immune function and regulate vascular growth factor levels, reducing the occurrence of adverse reactions.

To explore the clinical efficacy of Modified Sini Decoction (四逆汤加减) in the treatment of Yang deficiency and cold coagulation type of lumbar spinal stenosis.

Ninety-seven patients with lumbar spinal stenosis of Yang deficiency and cold coagulation type in the hospital were selected from April 2021 to April 2024, and were randomly divided into traditional Chinese medicine group (49 cases) and control group (48 cases). The control group was treated with western medicine, while the traditional Chinese medicine group was given Modified Sini Decoction on the basis of the control group. During treatment, 8 patients in the traditional Chinese medicine group and 6 patients in the control group fell off. The efficacy was evaluated, and the traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores, Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) lumbar function scale, Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI), oxidative stress indicators, inflammatory factors and adverse reactions were statistically analyzed before and after treatment.

The total effective rate in the traditional Chinese medicine group was 95.12% and that in the control group was 80.95%, and the total effective rate in traditional Chinese medicine group was higher (P<0.05). After treatment, the traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores and ODI scores in both groups was decreased while the JOA score was increased (P<0.05), and serum superoxide dismutase level was risen while the levels of serum advanced oxidation protein products and malondialdehyde were reduced (P<0.05), and the levels of serum interleukin-1α, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α were declined (P<0.05), and the improvements in traditional Chinese medicine group were greater (P<0.05). There were no obvious differences in the incidence rates of adverse reactions between control group and traditional Chinese medicine group (P>0.05).

Modified Sini Decoction has significant efficacy in treating sedentariness-induced lumbar spinal stenosis (Yang deficiency and cold coagulation type). It has obvious advantages in improving lumbar function and relieving oxidative stress and inflammatory response, and has good safety.

To investigate the effects of Xuanfei Tongluo Pingchuan Decoction (宣肺通络平喘汤) combined with Seretide on clinical symptoms and blood immunoglobulin E (IgE) and eosinophil (EOS) counts in the patients with chest tightness variant asthma (CTVA).

One hundred and fifty-two patients with CTVA who attended the respiratory department of the hospital from July 2022 to June 2024 were selected and randomly divided into the single-drug group (76 cases) and the combination group (76 cases). The single-drug group was given seretide inhalation treatment, and the combined group added Xuanfei Tongluo Pingchuan Decoction on the basis of the single-drug group. The efficacy, revised asthma control questionnaire (r-ACQ) score, clinical symptom scores, pulmonary function indexes, blood IgE and EOS counts and adverse reactions were observed in the two groups.

The total clinical effectiveness rate in the combination group was 94.74% (72/76), higher than that [82.89% (63/76)] in the single-drug group (χ²=5.365, P<0.05). After treatment, r-ACQ scores and clinical symptom scores such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, cough and sputum were reduced in both groups (P<0.05), and the scores of the combination group were lower than those of the single-drug group (P<0.05). The levels of percentage of estimated forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1%) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were increased in both groups (P<0.05), and the levels of the combination group were higher than those of the single-drug group (P<0.05). IgE levels and EOS counts were reduced in both groups after treatment, and the results of the combination group were lower than those of the single-drug group (P<0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions of two groups had no statistical difference (P>0.05).

The combination of Xuanfei Tongluo Pingchuan Decoction and seretide can significantly improve the clinical efficacy of the CTVA patients, improve the clinical symptoms and lung function and reduce the blood IgE and EOS counts, with a good safety profile.

To investigate the mechanism of eye acupuncture in acute ischemic stroke based on transcriptome sequencing.

Thirty-two patients with acute ischemic stroke who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled and divided into a control group and an eye acupuncture group. The neurological function scores before and after the intervention were observed. Peripheral venous blood of the patients after treatment was collected and subjected to transcriptome sequencing. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained through comparison, and Gene Ontology (GO) functional annotation, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis were carried out.

Based on standardized internal medical treatment, the administration of eye acupuncture treatment could significantly improve the neurological deficit symptoms of the patients. Comparison of the transcriptome sequencing results revealed 501 differentially expressed genes, among which 175 genes were upregulated and 326 genes were downregulated in the eye acupuncture group. GO analysis showed that the functions of the differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in aspects such as the production of molecular mediators to mediate the immune response, the cellular response to interleukin-1, the generation of fever, the response to chemokines and the cellular response to chemokines. KEGG analysis indicated that the differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in the signaling pathways involving inflammation, immunity and apoptosis. PPI analysis revealed that tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin 1A (IL1A) and chemokine 2 (CCL2) could serve as key genes.

The regulation of the inflammatory immune response and apoptosis may be a crucial mechanism for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke by eye acupuncture.

To observe the therapeutic effect of Huashi Runmu Decoction (化湿润目汤) in the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) associated with evaporative dry eye (EDE) and its influence on interferon regulatory factors in tears.

From January 2022 to January 2024, 102 patients with MGD associated with EDE were selected and randomly divided into two groups: western medicine group (treated with ofloxacin eye drops and sodium hyaluronate eye drops) and comprehensive group (treated with ofloxacin eye drops, sodium hyaluronate eye drops and Huashi Runmu Decoction), with 51 cases in each. The syndrome scores, the levels of interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF-4) in tears, tear film break-up time (BUT), and tear secretion volume were compared before and after treatment, as well as the grading of meibomian gland function, treatment effect and adverse reactions between the two groups.

After treatment, the total syndrome scores and the levels of IRF-4 in tears were lower than those before treatment in both groups (P<0.05), with the comprehensive group being lower than the western medicine group (P<0.05). The BUT of both groups were longer after treatment (P<0.05), with the comprehensive group being longer than the western medicine group (P<0.05). The tear secretion volume increased after treatment in both groups, with the comprehensive group being higher than the western medicine group (P<0.05). The proportion of grade 1 meibomian gland function was higher in the comprehensive group (P<0.05), and the proportion of grade 3 was lower than in the Western medicine group (P<0.05). The overall treatment effectiveness rate was higher in the comprehensive group (P<0.05). There were no significant adverse reactions in the Western medicine group, while the comprehensive group had one case of mild diarrhea, which improved without treatment.

Huashi Runmu Decoction can improve the syndrome scores, BUT, tear secretion volume, meibomian gland function and treatment effect in the patients with MGD associated with EDE, reduce the levels of IRF-4 in tears, and does not increase adverse reactions.

To identify the potential anti-inflammatory active components in Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma) that inhibit nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) using three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR), molecular docking and cell experiments.

Discovery Studio software was employed to construct an optimal 3D-QSAR model based on NF-κB for virtual screening of potential active ingredients in Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma) and to predict their pharmacokinetic (ADMET) properties. Subsequently, AutoDock Vina software was utilized for molecular docking to evaluate the binding affinity of the potential active ingredients with NF-κB pathway targets. A BEAS-2B cell model was established, and in vitro enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to verify the anti-inflammatory effects of the selected components.

The 3D-QSAR model and ADMET prediction collectively identified five active compounds, including asarinin and sesamin from Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma). Molecular docking results demonstrated that these active compounds exhibited good binding affinity with the NF-κB protein. In vitro cell experiments confirmed that asarinin and sesamin possessed significant anti-inflammatory effects.

The integration of 3D-QSAR modeling, molecular docking and in vitro experimental techniques effectively facilitates the discovery of NF-κB inhibitory components in Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma) and elucidates their pharmacodynamic material basis.

To observe the differences in antidepressant effects and mechanisms between the crude and wine products of Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus), evaluating the assistance of tonifying kidney efficacy in potentiating the antidepressant effect of Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus) after processing.

The commonly used classic chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mouse depression model was used to evaluate the antidepressant effect of water extract of Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus) through routine behavioral testing indicators such as sugar water preference and immobility time. Further, under the guidance of the traditional Chinese medicine theory of “kidney connected to brain”, the antidepressant mechanism was explored by detecting and analyzing oxidative/antioxidant related indicators in mice.

The water extract of crude and wine products of Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus) (150 mg/kg) administered orally for 35 days, significantly improved depression-like behaviors induced by CUMS in mice, such as reduced sugar water preference and prolonged forced swimming and tail suspension time (P<0.01), and the effect of Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus) wine products was significantly better than that of crude products (P<0.01). Crude and wine products of Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus) significantly improved the increase of CUMS-induced lipid peroxidation malondialdehyde and ferrous ions, as well as the decrease of total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels (P<0.01) in hippocampus and kidney, while crude products of Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus) were far inferior to its wine products in this regard (P<0.01).

The tonifying kidney efficacy enhances the antidepressant effect of wine products of Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus) compared to its crude products, and the mechanism may involved enhancing the antioxidant defense ability and inhibiting lipid peroxidation damage in the kidneys and brain to improve the theory of “kidney connected to brain”.

To explore the effects of Aescuven forte in the treatment of acute traumatic knee synovitis and influence on serum levels of osteoprotegerin (OPG), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and interleukin 6 (IL-6).

A total of 100 patients with acute traumatic knee synovitis induced were selected and divided into the control group (50 cases) and the observation group (50 cases) by random number table method. The control group received routine treatment, and the observation group received oral treatment with Aescuven forte on the basis of the control group, the course of treatment was 14 days. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) score, knee Lysholm score, synovial thickness, effusion depth, depth of fluid accumulation and difference of knee diameter, and the levels of serum OPG, TGF-β1 and IL-6 were compared.

There was no significant difference in VAS score, WOMAC score, Lysholm score, synovial thickness, effusion depth or peri-diameter difference of knee joint between the observation group and the control group (P>0.05). After treatment, VAS scores, WOMAC scores, synovial thickness, effusion depth and peri-diameter difference of knee joint decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05). The results of the observation group were lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). The Lysholm scores in two groups were higher than those before treatment (P<0.05), and the score of the observation group was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the levels of serum OPG, TGF-β1 or IL-6 between the two groups before treatment (P>0.05). The levels of serum OPG and TGF-β1 elevated after treatment compared with those before treatment (P<0.05). The serum IL-6 levels decreased after treatment compared with those before treatment (P<0.05) and the level of the observation group was lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). The therapeutic effect of the observation group was better than that of the control group (P<0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in the control group and the observation group was 14.00% and 18.00%, respectively, with no statistical significance (P>0.05).

Aescuven forte in the treatment of acute traumatic knee synovitis can improve the therapeutic effect, the levels of OPG, TGF-β1 and IL-6. Its effect may be related to improving knee bone metabolism, promoting wound repair and alleviating inflammatory response.

To study the inhibitory effect of emodin on SARS-CoV-2 RNA polymerase (RdRp) and main protease (Mpro) and predict the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of anthraquinone compounds.

A cell-level SARS-CoV-2 RNA polymerase catalytic reaction system was used to detect the inhibitory activity of emodin against RdRp. An in vitro fluorescence polarization model was used to test the inhibitory activity of emodin against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Molecular docking technology was used to study the binding mode of anthraquinone compounds at the active site of RdRp.

The experiment showed that emodin inhibited RdRp with inhibition rates of 42.01%±3.43%, 47.28%±11.20% and 84.28%±4.34% at concentrations of 10, 25, 50 μmol/L, respectively. It did not show significant inhibitory activity against Mpro at drug concentrations of 25, 50, 100 μmol/L. Anthraquinone compounds can occupy the NTPs channel of the target enzyme, thereby hindering the entry of substrate molecules.

This experiment confirmed that emodin has a significant inhibitory effect on SARS-CoV-2 RNA polymerase. The small molecule anthraquinone compounds in this paper should have strong anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity.

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Compound Jinqiancao Granules (复方金钱草颗粒) in the treatment of ureteral calculi.

A total of 200 patients with ureteral calculi treated at the hospital from May 2023 to May 2025 were randomly divided into two groups using a random number table. The control group (100 cases) received standard basic therapy, while the observation group (100 cases) was additionally treated with Compound Jinqiancao Granules. The treatment efficacy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores, stone expulsion rate, expulsion time, pain level and adverse events were compared between the two groups.

The overall effective rate in the observation group was 95.0% (95/100), significantly higher than that (85.0%, 85/100) in the control group (P<0.05). Post-treatment, TCM symptom scores, stone expulsion time and pain scores were significantly lower in the observation group (P<0.05). The stone expulsion rate was 85.0% (85/100) in the observation group and 69.0% (69/100) in the control group (P<0.05). After 3 months, the recurrence rate was 2.0% (2/100) in the observation group, lower than that (11.0%, 11/100) in the control group (P<0.05).

Compound Jinqiancao Granules can effectively shorten the time to stone expulsion, improve the expulsion rate, alleviate the symptoms and pain and demonstrate good safety, indicating high clinical value in the treatment of ureteral calculi.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Lingnan scalp acupuncture on serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), creatine kinase-BB (CK-BB) and motor function in paediatric cerebral palsy patients.

A total of 120 paediatric patients with cerebral palsy were randomly assigned to either the Lingnan scalp acupuncture group or the conventional acupuncture group. The researchers compared the levels of VEGF and CK-BB in two groups before and after treatment. Furthermore, the changes in the wee-functional independence measure scale (Wee-FIM) and the gross motor function measure-88 scale (GMFM-88) were observed in both groups prior to and following the administration of the respective treatments. Finally, they compared the clinical effectiveness of the two treatments.

(1) Following treatment, the levels of VEGF and CK-BB were significantly lower in the Lingnan scalp acupuncture group compared to the conventional acupuncture group (P<0.05). (2) Following treatment, the GMFM-88 score for the Lingnan scalp acupuncture group were all higher than those for the conventional acupuncture group (P<0.05). Additionally, the self-care ability score, transfer score, walking score and total score of wee-functional independence measure scale (Wee-FIM) for the Lingnan scalp acupuncture group were all higher than those for the conventional acupuncture group (P<0.05). (3) The overall efficacy of the Lingnan scalp acupuncture group was 88.14%, which was superior to that of the conventional acupuncture group (P<0.05).

The results of this study demonstrate that Lingnan scalp acupuncture is an effective treatment for paediatric cerebral palsy. This approach has the potential to reduce the serum levels of VEGF and CK-BB and significantly improve the motor function and quality of life of children with cerebral palsy. These findings have important clinical and social implications.

To investigate the effect of Kangxian Decoction (抗纤汤) combined with anti-infective therapy on clinical symptoms and pulmonary fibrosis in the patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and infection.

A total of 117 IPF patients with infection who admitted to the hospital between January 2022 and January 2024 and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled, and assigned into two groups using the random number table method. The control group (58 cases) was given conventional anti-infection treatment, and the observation group (59 cases) was given Kangxian Decoction combined with anti-infective therapy. Then the comparison was conducted between two groups in clinical efficacy, TCM syndrome scores, pulmonary fibrosis indexes [laminin (LN), hyaluronidase (HA), type IV collagen (CIV), type Ⅲ procollagen (PC-Ⅲ)], pulmonary function indices [forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC], inflammatory factors [interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)] and adverse reactions.

The observation group reported a higher clinical efficacy rate compared to the control group [94.92% (56/59) vs 82.76% (48/58), P<0.05]. After treatment, the observation group scored lower on TCM syndromes including chest tightness, shortness of breath, cough, mental weariness, yellowish purulent sputum, spontaneous perspiration and aversion to cold compared to the control group (P<0.05). The levels of LN, HA, Ⅳ-C and PC-Ⅲ were notably decreased in the observation group compared to those in the control group after treatment (P<0.05). The levels of FEV1, PEF, FVC and FEV1/FVC were remarkably increase in the observation group compared to those of the control group after treatment (P<0.05). The observation group detected a lower levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α than the control group (P<0.05). No significant adverse effects occurred in either group.

Kangxian Decoction combined with anti-infective therapy for IPF patients with infection can effectively ameliorate the clinical symptoms, inhibit pulmonary fibrosis, improve lung function and alleviate inflammation, which has a good safety profile and is worthy of promoting.

To explore the clinical effect of Modified Huagnqi Jianzhong Decoction (黄芪建中汤加减) combined with acupuncture on Helicobacter pylori (Hp)-positive chronic atrophic gastritis.

A total of 60 patients with Hp-positive chronic atrophic gastritis admitted to the gastroenterology department of the hospital (admitted from January 2021 to January 2023) were divided into Western medicine treatment group and combined Chinese medicine group by random number table method, with 30 patients in each group. All patients in the Western medicine treatment group were treated with conventional western medicine therapy. The combined Chinese medicine was treated with Huangqi Jianzhong Decoction combined with acupuncture treatment on the basis of Western medicine treatment group. The Hp eradication rate and clinical therapeutic effect after treatment, as well as the changes of TCM syndrome scores such as continuous stomach pain, watery vomiting, warm hands and feet, fatigue and loose stool of the two groups before and after treatment, as well as the levels of inflammatory factors such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), the level changes of serum somatostatin, gastrin and motilin, adverse reactions and disease recurrence rate 1 year after treatment were compared between the two groups.

The eradication rate of Hp in the combined Chinese medicine group (96.67%) was significantly higher than that in the western medicine group (76.67%) (P<0.05). The total effective rate of the combined Chinese medicine group (93.33%) was significantly higher than that of Western medicine group (73.33%) (P<0.05). Traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores, inflammatory factor levels (IL-1β and IL-6), serum levels of somatostatin, gastrin and motilin were not significant before treatment in two groups (all P>0.05). After treatment, the scores of TCM symptoms such as continuous stomachache, watery vomiting, lukewarm hands and feet, fatigue and loose stool, as well as the levels of inflammatory factors (IL-1β and IL-6) were decreased in both groups, and the levels of serum somatostatin, gastrin and motilin were increased in both groups, and all indexes in the combined Chinese medicine group were better than those in the Western treatment group (P<0.05). The adverse reaction rate (3.33%) in the combined Chinese medicine group was lower than that in the western medicine treatment group (26.67%), and the recurrence rate one year after treatment (0.00%) was lower than that in the Western medicine treatment group (13.33%) (all P<0.05).

Huagnqi Jianzhong Decoction combined with acupuncture has good clinical effect in the treatment of Hp-positive chronic atrophic gastritis, which can better relieve the symptoms, inhibit the inflammatory response of the body, improve the gastrointestinal function of the patients, with less adverse drug reactions and low disease recurrence rate one year after treatment, which is relatively safe and reliable.

The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanism of Qingre Jiedu Formula (清热解毒方) against human papillomavirus (HPV), specifically investigating its immunomodulatory effects at the molecular and cellular levels.

At the molecular level, macromolecular interaction analysis was employed to investigate the binding capacity between Qingre Jiedu Formula and HPV virus. The experimental groups were designed as follows. (1) Blank control group: The equal volume of complete medium was added. (2) Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) positive control group (LPS group): The final concentration was 1 μg/mL. (3) Qingre Jiedu Formula groups: There were four concentration gradients (20, 100, 500, 1000 μg/L). At the cellular level, Raw 264.7 and Jurkat cell lines were used, and the expression levels of cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in cell supernatants were measured by RT-PCR.

Qingre Jiedu Formula could bind HPV at the molecular level. The purgative formula had the effect of activating macrophages, enhancing their ability to phagocytose neutrophilic red and promoting the secretion of nitric oxide (NO), TNF-α, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interferon-beta (IFN-β) in macrophages.

Qingre Jiedu Formula exerts anti-HPV effects through two mechanisms, directly binding to the HPV and enhancement of immune cell activity.

To investigate the clinical effect and safety of Modified Qianjin Weijian Decoction (千金苇茎汤加减) combined with azithromycin in the treatment of mycoplasma pneumonia in children with phlegm-heat blocking lung syndrome.

A total of 58 children with mycoplasma pneumonia with phlegm-heat blocking lung syndrome (admitted from August 2021 to February 2024) were included in the study. All the children received conventional treatment, and were divided into azithromycin single-drug group (29 cases) and azithromycin combined Chinese medicine group (29 cases) by random number table method. The therapeutic effect, adverse reactions, time for symptoms and signs to disappear, TCM syndrome scores before and after treatment and serum levels of procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC and other lung function indicators, and T lymphocyte subsets were compared between the two groups.

The total effective rate of the azithromycin combined Chinese medicine group was higher than that of azithromycin single-drug group (P<0.05). The adverse reaction rate of azithromycin singledrug group and azithromycin combined Chinese medicine group was lower (P>0.05). The disappearance time of symptoms and signs in the azithromycin combined Chinese medicine group was shorter than that in the single medicine group (P<0.05). The levels of TCM syndrome scores, inflammatory factors (PCT, IL-6, CRP), lung function indexes (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC) and T lymphocyte subsets were compared between the two groups before treatment (P>0.05). After treatment, TCM syndrome scores, inflammatory factors (PCT, IL-6, CRP), lung function indexes (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC) and T lymphocyte subsets of children in both groups were improved. The levels of TCM syndrome scores, inflammatory factors (PCT, IL-6, CRP), lung function indexes (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC) and T lymphocyte subsets in the azithromycin combined Chinese medicine group after treatment were better than those in the monotherapy group (P<0.05).

Modified Qianjin Weijian Decoction combined with azithromycin has good clinical effect on mycoplasma pneumonia in children with phlegm-heat blocking lung syndrome, and is safe and reliable.

This study centered on cannabinoid receptors (CNRs) and aimed to screen small molecular compounds associated with flavonoids and phenolic acids derived from Tianma (Gastrodiae Rhizoma) and Fuzi (Aconiti Radix Lateralis Praeparata) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through molecular docking and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) techniques. Based on the obtained results, the differences in the binding affinities of these compounds to CNR1 or CNR2 were compared.

Three flavonoids and phenolic acids, namely daidzin, daidzein and curcumin, were identified from Tianma (Gastrodiae Rhizoma) and Fuzi (Aconiti Radix Lateralis Praeparata) using a nontargeted UPLCMS metabolomics approach, which were confirmed as small molecular ligands. Subsequently, the molecular docking was employed to predict the binding modes between these compounds and CNRs. Their pharmacokinetic properties, toxicity profiles and drug-likeness were further predicted using relevant bioinformatics methods. The differences in the binding stabilities of these compounds to CNR1 or CNR2 were evaluated through molecular dynamics simulations. Finally, the stabilities of the complexes formed between the three flavonoids and phenolic acids and CNR1 (or CNR2) were verified by SPR.

The findings from molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated that the stabilities of the daidzin-CNR2, daidzein-CNR2 and curcumin-CNR2 complexes were higher than those of the daidzin-CNR1, daidzein-CNR1 and curcumin-CNR1 complexes, respectively. Further SPR results indicated that the dissociation constant value of the daidzin-CNR2 complex (10.19 μmol) was lower than that of the daidzin-CNR1 complex (19.67 μmol), suggesting a higher affinity of the daidzin-CNR2 complex compared to the daidzin-CNR1 complex.

The compound daidzin from Tianma (Gastrodiae Rhizoma) and Fuzi (Aconiti Radix Lateralis Praeparata), which was stably bound to CNR2, was reconfirmed via high-throughput biological informatic approach and SPR experiment. These results offer new perspectives for the application of Tianma (Gastrodiae Rhizoma) and Fuzi (Aconiti Radix Lateralis Praeparata) in the treatment of RA.

To explore the effect of classical prescription Modified Zhenwu Decoction (真武汤加减) combined with acupoint application in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis complicated with osteoporosis of spleen and kidney Yang deficiency type.

The research subjects were 82 patients with rheumatoid arthritis complicated with osteoporosis of spleen and kidney Yang deficiency type who were treated in the hospital from January 2020 to January 2024. They were divided into two groups by the random number table method, with 41 cases in the control group and the observation group respectively. Both groups took celecoxib capsules. On this basis, the control group was combined with acupoint application, and the observation group took Modified Zhenwu Decoction on the basis of the control group. The clinical efficacy of the two groups was compared, and the morning stiffness time, the numbers of tender joints and swollen joints, inflammatory level, hemorheology indexes, traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores and bone metabolism indexes before and after treatment were compared.

The total effective rate of treatment in the observation group was higher than that in the control group. The morning stiffness time, the numbers of tender joints and swollen joints, inflammatory level and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores after treatment were lower than those in the control group. The hemorheology and bone metabolism were significantly improved, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05).

Modified Zhenwu Decoction combined with acupoint application in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis complicated with osteoporosis of spleen and kidney Yang deficiency type helps to improve the clinical efficacy and the joint symptoms and bone metabolism of the patients.