To research the therapeutic effects of Modified Guishen Wan (归肾丸化裁) on rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by regulating Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) /nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, particularly its impact on ovarian function, serum hormone levels and inflammatory factor expression.

Forty 8-week-old SPF female SD rats with normal estrous cycle were randomly divided into four groups (n＝10) : normal group, model group, Modified Guishen Wan group and positive drug group (metformin). Except for the normal group, the other groups were administered letrozole via gavage for 21 consecutive days to establish the PCOS model. The Modified Guishen Wan group and the positive drug group received the corresponding treatments for 21 days. After the experiment, the estrous cycle, ovarian index, serum sex hormone levels, serum inflammatory factor levels, the mRNA levels of inflammation-related genes in ovarian tissue and protein expression were detected to evaluate the efficacy of the Modified Guishen Wan.

The estrous cycle of the normal group was 3-5 days/cycle. After 21 days of modeling, the estrous cycles of the other groups became disordered, with an average of 5-8 days/cycle, mostly in the interphase or prophase, and some lacked a complete estrous cycle, indicating ovarian damage. After 3 weeks of gavage treatment, the estrous cycles of the positive group and the Modified Guishen Wan group recovered. Compared with that of the normal group, the ovarian index of the model group significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with that of the model group, the ovarian index of the rats of the Modified Guishen Wan group and the positive drug group significantly decreased (P<0.01), approaching the normal group levels. The ovarian tissue of the model group showed multiple cystic changes, with reduced or absent corpora lutea. In contrast, the Modified Guishen Wan group and the positive drug group had fewer cystic and atretic follicles, and the granulosa cell layer structure tended to be normal. The levels of testosterone (T) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in the model group were significantly higher (P<0.01, P<0.05), while follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were significantly lower (P<0.05). The Modified Guishen Wan group and the positive drug group could significantly reduce the levels of T and LH (P<0.05), and the Modified Guishen Wan group and the positive drug group could also significantly increase the FSH levels (P<0.05). Compared with those of the normal group, the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1 β (IL-1β) in the model group were significantly elevated (P<0.001). Compared with the model group, both the Modified Guishen Wan and the positive drug could significantly reduce the serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in PCOS rats (P<0.01 and P<0.05). Compared with those of the normal group, the mRNA levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α and TLR4 in the ovarian tissue of the model group were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The Modified Guishen Wan group had significantly lower levels of IL-6, IL-1β and TLR4 mRNA compared to the model group (P<0.05), with a trend toward lower TNF-αmRNA levels (P＝0.188). Compared with the normal group, the protein expression of TLR4 in the ovarian tissue of the model group was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the phosphorylation levels of NF-κB p65 and IκBα were significantly elevated (P<0.05). The Modified Guishen Wan group had significantly lower TLR4 protein levels (P<0.05) and significantly reduced phosphorylation levels of NF-κB p65 and IκBα (P<0.05).

The Modified Guishen Wan may improve reproductive dysfunction and ovarian inflammation in PCOS rats by inhibiting the activation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and reducing the production of inflammatory factors, providing new insights and theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of PCOS.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which have the properties of myofibroblasts, are fibroblasts in tumor tissue that are activated by cancer cells and. CAFs can provide nutritional support and invasion channels for tumor cells, thereby helping tumor cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis. This paper observed the effect of Liujunzi Decoction (六君子汤) on the apoptosis of esophageal cancer-related CAFs and discussed its molecular mechanism, so as to provide experimental basis for the clinical application of Liujunzi Decoction in the treatment of esophageal cancer.

①The effect of TE-1 conditioned medium (TE-1M) on CAFs activity was detected by MTT method. ②The effect of Liujunzi Decoction on CAFs activity was detected by MTT method. ③The effects of Liujunzi Decoction on the secretion of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) from CAFs were measured by ELISA. ④Flow cytometry was performed to detect the effect of Liujunzi Decoction on apoptosis of CAFs. ⑤The effects of Liujunzi Decoction on mRNA expression levels of CAFs apoptosis-related molecules were detected by RT-qPCR.6. The effects of Liujunzi Decoction on apoptosis-related molecular protein expression levels of CAFs were detected by Western Blot.

①The results of MTT showed that compared with the blank group, 50 μg/mL Liujunzi Decoction had no significant effect on the activity inhibition of CAFs, and the other concentration groups had an inhibitory effect on the activity of CAFs (P<0.05). ②The results of MTT showed that compared with the blank group, 10%, 20% and 30% TE-1M had a promoting effect on the proliferation of CAFs, among which 20% TE-1M had the most significant proliferation effect on CAFs (P<0.001), and 40% TE-1M (P<0.05) and 50% TE-1M (P<0.01) had a significant inhibitory effect on the proliferation of CAFs. ③The results of ELISA method showed that compared with the blank group, the content of TGF-β1 secreted by CAFs in the model group decreased (P<0.001), the content of TGF-β1 in the Liujunzi Decoction group was significantly increased (P<0.001), and the content of TGF-β1 in the SB-431542 inhibitor+Liujunzi Decoction group was decreased compared with that in the Liujunzi Decoction group (P<0.001). ④The results of flow cytometry showed that there was no significant difference in the apoptosis rate in the model group compared with that in the blank group. Compared with the model group, the apoptosis rate of the Liujunzi Decoction group was significantly increased (P<0.001), and the apoptosis rate of the SB-431542 inhibitor+Liujunzi Decoction group was significantly decreased compared with the Liujunzi Decoction group (P<0.001). ⑤The results of PCR showed that the expressions of Smad2 and FAP genes in the model group were increased (P<0.01, P<0.001) compared with those in the blank group, and the expressions of Smad2, Caspase-3 and FAP in the Liujunzi Decoction group were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.001) compared with those in the model group. Compared with those of the Liujunzi Decoction group, the expressions of Smad2, Caspase-3 and FAP in the were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.001). ⑥The results of Western blot showed that compared with the blank group, the expression of Smad2 protein in the model group decreased (P<0.01). The expressions of Smad2 and Caspase-3 in the Liujunzi Decoction group were significantly increased (P<0.001) compared with those in the model group and the expression level of FAP protein was increased (P<0.05). Compared with those in the Liujunzi Decoction group, the expressions of Smad2 and Caspase-3 were significantly decreased in the SB-431542 inhibitor+Liujunzi Decoction group (P<0.01), and the expression of FAP protein was decreased (P<0.05).

The proliferation of CAFs was promoted by inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad2 pathway in indirect coculture with esophageal cancer cells. Liujunzi Decoction can induce CAFs apoptosis through TGF-β1/Smad2 pathway, and the induction effect of TGF-β1/Smad2 pathway on apoptosis of CAFs is more obvious in co-culture environment.

To optimize the fresh-cut process of Dahuang (Rheum officinale Baill.) using analytic hierarchy process (AHP) -CRITIC method.

Taking the total amount of water soluble extract, total anthraquinone and free anthraquinone as the chemical composition quality control indicators, AHP-CRITIC analysis was used to comprehensively score and analyze Dahuang (Rheum officinale Baill.) decoction pieces, combined with process parameters such as trait scoring, drying time and energy consumption, prepared by different processes and screen for the best process conditions.

The appearance traits scoring results showed that the S1-S3 sample groups all had the best trait of X3-X6 decoction pieces. Different cutting techniques had a significant impact on the chemical composition of Dahuang (Rheum officinale Baill.) decoction pieces, with the most significant difference being the content of free anthraquinone. According to the comprehensive evaluation results, in the S1 sample group, X3-X7>C, and X3-X7 was a unique group, indicating that there were quality differences among different medicinal herb groups. In group S2, X4-X8>C, with X4-X6 clustered into one group. In group S3, X2-X7>C, with X4-X7 clustered into one group, indicating a quality difference within the group.

Dahuang (Rheum officinale Baill.) with a thickness of 3 cm, dried to a moisture content of 47%-59%, cut 5 mm thick slices, and dried at 60℃. Compared with traditional techniques, the fresh cutting process has the advantages of simple procedures, time-saving and energy-saving, and high content of effective ingredients. This method is the best way to cut while fresh and has feasibility in the production of Dahuang (Rheum officinale Baill.) decoction pieces

To analyze the effects of Qili Qiangxin Capsule (芪苈强心胶囊) combined with Shakubatrivalsartan Sodium Tablets on the levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), fibrinogen (FIB), D-dimer (D-D) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the patients with chronic heart failure complicated with coronary heart disease, as well as the TCM syndromes and prognosis.

A total of 236 patients with chronic heart failure complicated with coronary heart disease admitted to the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January 2022 to March 2024 were divided into the combined group (118 cases) and the control group (118 cases) by simple random sampling. Both groups were treated with routine comprehensive treatment and Shakubatroxobin Sodium Tablets, while the combined group was treated with Qili Qiangxin Capsule. The course of treatment in both groups was 12 weeks. The changes of NT-proBNP, FIB, D-D and VEGF were detected before and after treatment, and the changes of cardiac function, 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) and TCM syndrome integral were evaluated, and the clinical prognosis of the two groups was evaluated after treatment.

After 12 weeks of treatment, the levels of NT-proBNP, FIB and D-D in both groups decreased, and VEGF increased. After 12 weeks of treatment, the levels of NT-proBNP, FIB and D-D in the combined group were lower than those in the control group, and the VEGF was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). After 12 weeks of treatment, the levels of LVEF and CO in both groups increased, while the levels of LVEDD and LVESD decreased. After 12 weeks of treatment, the levels of LVEF and CO in the combined group were higher than those in the control group, and the levels of LVEDD and LVESD were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). After 12 weeks of treatment, the results of 6MWD of both groups was higher than those before treatment, and the TCM syndrome integral was lower than that before treatment. After 12 weeks of treatment, the result of 6MWD of the combined group was higher than that of the control group, and its TCM syndrome score was lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). After 12 weeks of treatment, the total effective rate of the combined group was 87.29% (103/118), which was higher than that of the control group (66.95%, 79/118) (P<0.05).

Combined with Qili Qiangxin Capsule on the basis of Shakubatrivalsartan Sodium Tablets can effectively improve the levels of NT-proBNP, FIB, D-D and VEGF in the patients with chronic heart failure complicated with coronary heart disease, and is beneficial to the improvement of cardiac function, TCM syndrome score and prognosis.

Based on the external morphology and internal quality, the quality grading standards of Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) medicinal materials and decoction pieces were established.

The external morphology and internal quality of Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) medicinal materials and decoction pieces were measured respectively, and the correlation between external morphology and internal quality indexes was analyzed. Then, the medicinal materials and decoction pieces of Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) were graded based on the external morphology, and the internal quality of different grades of medicinal materials and decoction pieces was determined. Through statistical analysis, the quality grading standard of the unity of external form and internal quality was established.

The correlation analysis of the external morphology and internal quality of Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) showed that the length and single weight were significantly positively correlated with the content of volatile oil, the total amount of atractylenolide and the content of atractylone (P<0.05). The grade of Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) was divided by length and single weight. It was found that the volatile oil content of second-class and third-class products was significantly different from that of first-class products (P<0.01), and there was a significant difference in atractylon content among the three grades (P<0.05, P<0.01 or P<0.000 1). Therefore, the contents of volatile oil and atractylon was used as a quantitative index for the classification of medicinal materials. The correlation analysis of the external morphology and internal quality of Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) showed that the length was positively correlated with the content of volatile oil, the total amount of atractylenolide and the content of atractylon. The grade of Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) decoction pieces was divided by length index, and it was found that the contents of volatile oil and atractylon were statistically significant between the two grades (P<0.000 1). Therefore, the content of volatile oil and atractylon was used as a quantitative index for the classification of decoction pieces.

The length, single weight and total amount of atractylenolide in the internal quality index of the appearance shape index were used as the comprehensive evaluation index of the internal and external quality of Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma). The diameter in the appearance shape index and the total amount of atractylenolide in the internal quality index were used as the comprehensive evaluation index of the internal and external quality of Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma). Considering the actual situation of the market, the classification standard of Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) commodity specifications was formulated.

To study the effect of Huatan Huoxue Tongluo Decoction (化痰活血通络汤) on unstable angina pectoris of coronary heart disease and its effect on the serum levels of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP).

From January 2022 to December 2023, 100 patients with unstable angina pectoris of coronary heart disease treated in the hospital were selected and randomly divided into two groups, with 50 cases in each group. The control group was treated with enteric-coated aspirin and isosorbide dinitrate, while the observation group was additionally treated with Huatan Huoxue Tongluo Decoction on the basis of the control group. After 4 weeks of treatment, the TCM syndrome scores, angina attack conditions, cardiac function indicators, the serum levels of cTnI and NT-proBNP and medication safety were compared between the two groups.

After treatment, the TCM syndrome scores for chest tightness and heartache, shortness of breath and wheezing and palpitations with easy sweating significantly decreased in both groups, with the observation group showing greater improvement than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the Seattle Angina Questionnaire scores, the frequency of angina attacks and the duration of attacks decreased in both groups, with the observation group outperforming the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, both groups showed a significant reduction in left ventricular systolic and diastolic diameters and a significant increase in left ventricular ejection fraction, with the observation group outperforming the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of cTnI and NT-proBNP decreased in both groups, with a more significant decrease in the observation group (P<0.05). No serious adverse reactions occurred in either group during the treatment process.

The effect of Huatan Huoxue Tongluo Decoction in the treatment of unstable angina pectoris of coronary heart disease is satisfactory. It can effectively improve the main TCM syndromes of the patients, relieve the angina pectoris, improve the cardiac function and the serum levels of cTnI and NT-proBNP. It is a safe and effective medication plan.

To analyze the effects of Jiawei Huanglian Ejiao Decoction (加味黄连阿胶汤) on TCM syndrome scores, plasma levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and sleep quality in the patients with sleep disorder after stroke.

One hundred and twenty patients with post-stroke sleep disorder admitted to the hospital from March 2021 to May 2023 were randomly divided into the combined group (60 cases) and the control group (60 cases). The two groups were treated with conventional drugs and transcranial magnetic stimulation, and the combined group was treated with Jiawei Huanglian Ejiao Decoction. Both groups were treated for 6 weeks. The TCM syndrome scores, plasma levels of IL-10, TNF-α and NSE and sleep quality of the two groups before and after treatment were compared, and the clinical value of the two treatment schemes was analyzed.

After 6-week treatment, the scores of symptoms such as soreness and weakness of the lower back knee, feverish sensation, dry mouth and throat, hot flashes and night sweats in both groups decreased compared with those before treatment, the scores of TCM syndromes in the combined group were lower than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). After 6 weeks of treatment, the plasma IL-10 levels in the two groups increased, while the levels of TNF-α and NSE decreased, and the plasma IL-10 in the combined group was higher than that in the control group, and the levels of TNF-α and NSE were lower than those in the control group, with statistical significance (P<0.05). After 6 weeks of treatment, the scores of each factor and the total score of Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) scale in both groups decreased compared with those before treatment. The scores of all factors and the total score of PSQI in the combined group were lower than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).

On the basis of routine drug treatment, Jiawei Huanglian Ejiao Decoction can improve the TCM syndrome score of the patients with sleep disorder after stroke, regulate the inflammatory reaction and promote the recovery of neurological function, which has a positive impact on the improvement of sleep quality of patients.