Latest ArticlesTo explore the effect of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction(补中益气汤)on abnormal autophagy of hippocampal neurons in autoimmune thyroiditis(AIT)modelmice based on themiR-190b/Pleckstrin homology domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase(PHLPP1)/protein kinase B(AKT)/Forkhead BoxO3a(FOXO3a)pathway.
Fifty female NOD.H-2h4 mice were randomly divided into blank control group(CG group),model group(MG group),low,medium and high dose groups of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction(BG-1,BG-2,BG-3 groups),with 10 mice in each group.The AITmodelwas established through pig thyroglobulin inductionmethod.After successfulmodeling,the BG-1,BG-2 and BG-3 groups were given 2.73,8.19 and 24.57 g/(kg·d)Buzhong Yiqi Decoction by gavage,respectively.The CG and MG groups were given an equal amount of distilled water by gavage,with a rest of1 day every 6 days for 8 consecutive weeks.Morriswatermaze experiment was used to test the spatial learning and memory abilities of mice.Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect the levels of serum triiodothyronine(T3),tetraiodothyronine(T4),thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH)and thyroglobulin antibody(TgAb)in mice.Hematoxylin eosin(HE)stainingmethod was used to observe the morphological changes of mouse thyroid tissue.Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons in mice.Immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the positive expression of LC3 in the hippocampal CA1 region of mouse brain tissue.Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)was used to detect the expressions ofmiR-190b-5p and PHLPP1 mRNA in mouse hippocampal tissue.The Wes fully automated Western blot quantitative analysis system detected the protein levels of Beclin1,LC3,P62,PHLPP1,AKT,p-AKT,FOXO3a and p-FOXO3a inmouse hippocampal tissue.The dual luciferase reporter gene experiment confirmed the targeting relationship bet weenmiR-190b-5p and PHLPP1.
Compared with those of the CG group,the escape latency of MG group was significantly prolonged(P<0.01),and the number of crossing platforms and target quadrant residence time were significantly reduced(P<0.01).The serum TgAb content significantly increased(P<0.01).The size of thyroid follicles varies,and there was a large amount of lymphocyte infiltration in the stroma of follicles and damaged hippocampal neuronal structure with the appearance of autophagosomes.The average fluorescence intensity of LC3 in hippocampal CA1 region increased(P<0.01).The expression levels of Beclin1,LC3,PHLPP1 and FOXO3a proteins in hippocampal tissue increased,while the expression levels of P62,p-AKT/AKT and p-FOXO3a/FOXO3a proteins decreased(P<0.01).ThemiR-190b-5p level in hippocampal tissue decreased,while the PHLPP1mRNA level increased(P<0.01).Compared with the MG group,the BG-1,BG-2 and BG-3 groups significantly shortened the escape latency ofmice(P<0.05,P<0.01),and increased the number of times they crossed the platform and the target quadrant residence time(P<0.01).The structure of thyroid follicular epithelial cells was relatively intact,and the infiltration of lymphocytes significantly improved.The morphology and structure of hippocampalneurons recovered,and autophagosomes decreased.The average fluorescence intensity of LC3 in hippocampal CA1 region decreased(P<0.01).The expression levels of Beclin1,LC3,PHLPP1 and FOXO3a proteins in mouse hippocampal tissue decreased,while the expression levels of P62,p-AKT/AKT and p-FOXO3a/FOXO3a proteins increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).ThemiR-190b-5p level in hippocampal tissue increased,while the PHLPP1 mRNA level significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).The dual luciferase assay confirmed that PHLPP1 was a targeted regulatorymolecule of miR-190b-5p.
Buzhong Yiqi Decoction may improve abnormal autophagy in hippocampal neurons of AITmice by regulating themiR-190b/PHLPP1/AKT/FOXO3a signaling pathway,thereby reducing hippocampal neuronal damage and alleviating cognitive dysfunction.
To investigate the efficacy and safety of Sanhuangtangshenkang(三黄糖肾康)combined with Dapagliflozin in the treatment of Qi deficiency and blood stasis type of early diabetic nephropathy(DN).
A randomized,double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted involving 120 patients from the Endocrinology and Nephrology Departments at Taizhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from June 2021 to June 2023.The participants were allocated into two groups.The experimental group(60 patients)received standard care augmented with Sanhuangtangshenkang and Dapagliflozin,while the control group(60 patients)was treated with standard care plus placebo granules and Dapagliflozin.The duration of treatmentwas 12 weeks.The primary endpoints included the efficacy of treatment,the renal function,the inflammatory markers,the enhancement of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndromes,and the frequency of adverse events.
A total of 117 patients were successfully enrolled,59 in the experimental group and 58 in the control group.The experimental group showed a significantly higher overall effective rate compared to the control group(98.30% versus70.68%,P<0.05).Biochemical indicators such as the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio(UACR),24-hour urinary microalbumin(UMA)and 24-hour urinary protein were significantly improved in the experimental group compared to those in the control group after 12 weeks of treatment(P<0.05).Inflammatory markers including serum amyloid A(SAA),interleukin-6(IL-6),C-reactive protein(CRP)and homocysteine(Hcy)also showed more significant reductions in the experimental group,especially after 12 weeks of treatment(P<0.05).The improvements in renal function and other biochemical indicators,such as glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c),estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)and total cholesterol(TC),were also notably better in the experimental group(P<0.05).TCM symptom scores further confirmed the improvement in various indicators in the experimental group after treatment(P<0.05).Although there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups(P>0.05).The experimental group exhibited a lower rate of adverse reactions(3.38%)compared to the control group(8.62%).
The combination of Sanhuangtangshenkang with Dapagliflozin is highly effective and safe for improving renal function,glycemic control and TCM syndromes in patients with early-stage DN characterized by Qi deficiency and blood stasis,demonstrating both enhanced safety and superior efficacy.
To study the function of expelling water retention with drastic purgation of Jingdaji(Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix,EPR)before and after being processed with vinegar on cancerous ascitesmodel rats.
Seventy-two SD male rats were random ly divided into 9 groups:the normal group,model group,positive group(furosemide),EPR and vinegar product groups at low,medium and high dose.Except the normal group,all other groups had intraperitoneal injection with Walker-256 ratascites cancer cells to replicate cancerous ascitesmodel rats.Positive group and each administration groups were orally administered with the corresponding powder,respectively.Normal group and model group were given the same amount of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose(0.5%)for 7 d.1 hour after the lastadministration,the amount of urine and ascites,and the contents of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system(RAAS)and antidiuretic hormones(ADH)in the serum were measured.Liver and kidney function indicators,oxidative damage indicators and pathological morphological changes in liver,stomach,intestine and kidney tissues were observed.
Compared with the normal group,the model group showed a significant decrease in urine output and a significant increase in ascites volume(P<0.01),which indicated themodelwas successfully set up.The levels of plasma renin activity(PRA),angiotensinⅡ(AngⅡ),aldosterone(ALD),ADH,creatinine(CRE),blood urea nitrogen(BUN)and the activities of aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and malondialdehyde(MDA)in the serum and tissues all significantly increased(P<0.01),while the contents of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and glutathione(GSH)were significantly decreased(P<0.01),also there were obvious tissue damage in liver,stomach,intestine and kidney.Compared with those in themodel group,the urine volume in each administration groups increased,ascites volume,the levels of PRA,AngⅡ,ALD,ADH,CRE and BUN,the activities of AST and ALT and the content of MDA in the serum and tissues decreased,and the contents of SOD and GSH increased.The injury of each administration groups reduced,and there was no significant difference between EPR raw and vinegar-processed product powders.
EPR before and after processing with vinegar have the effects of expelling water retention with drastic purgation,by stimulating the RAAS to eliminate ascites and alleviate oxidative damage of cancerous as cites model rats.
To observe the clinical effect and safety of Chaipo Decoction(柴朴汤)combined with Sulidi in the treatment of bronchial asthma.
A total of 92 patients with bronchial asthma admitted from March 2022 to March 2024 were included in this study.The patients were divided into two groups by random number table method,namely,the Sulidiere group receiving Sulidiere treatment and the Chaipo Decoction group receiving Sulidiere treatment combined with Chaipo Decoction,with 46 cases in each group.The patient data of each group was observed,including the clinical efficacy,adverse reactions and TCM symptom score before and after treatment(sleeping at night and waking up in the morning with severe cough,dry cough with little or no phlegm,rib distension,restlessness and chest tightness,and discomfort in the throat,etc.)and sputum inflammatory factor index changes,pulmonary function index and index of immune function changes,asthma control test(ACT)and Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire(Mini AQLQ).
The total effective rate of the Chaipo Decoction group was higher than that of the Sulidiere group(P<0.05).The adverse reaction rate of patients in Chaipo Decoction group was similar to that in Sulidiere group(P>0.05).Before treatment,the patients in both groups received traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores(sleeping at night and waking up in themorning with severe cough,dry cough with little or no phlegm,rib distension,restlessness and chest tightness,and discomfort in the throat,etc.),interleuin 6(IL-6),interleuin 17(IL-17),tumour necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and other indicators of sputum factors,forced vital capacity(FVC)and forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV1),percentage of forced expiratory volume at the first second to forced vital capacity(FEV1%)and other pulmonary function indicators,CD3+,CD4+,CD8+,CD4+/CD8+and other immune function indicators,ACT and Mini AQLQ scores were not significant(P>0.05).After treatment,TCM syndrome scores(coughing up atnight and in the morning,dry cough with little or no sputum,hypochthmic fullness,upset chest tightness,pharyngeal distress,etc.),sputum inflammatory factor indexes(IL-6,IL-17,TNF-α),lung function indexes(FVC,FEV1,FEV1%),and immune function indexes(CD3+,CD4+,CD8+,CD4+/CD8+)of all patients in each group,ACT and Mini AQLQ scores were improved.After treatment,patients in the Chaipo Decoction group had TCM syndrome scores(sleeping at night and waking up in the morning with severe cough,dry cough with little or no phlegm,rib distension,restlessness and chest tightness,and discomfort in the throat,etc.),sputum inflammatory factor indexes(IL-6,IL-17,TNF-α),lung function indexes(FVC,FEV1,FEV1%)and immune function indexes(CD3+,CD4+,CD8+,CD4+/CD8+),ACT and Mini AQLQ scores were better than those in the Seridial group(P<0.05).
The clinical effect of Chaipo Decoction combined with Sulidi in the treatment of bronchial asthma is good.The inflammation of the patients is significantly improved.The symptoms and lung function are improved.The disease is controlled.The quality of life is improved.The adverse reactions are less.The treatment is relatively safe and reliable.
Syndromes are the cornerstone of the theoretical system of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)and the core of syndrome differentiation and treatment and clinical diagnosis and treatment in TCM.Scientific identification of syndromes is an eternal theme in industry research.Traditional research on TCM syndromes mainly focuses on the macro-phenotype and microphenotype levels of syndromes,forming a complete theoretical system and methodology.With the rapid development ofmedical imaging in the last century,it is comprehensively expanding and enriching the research field and methodology of TCM syndromes.TCM syndrome science and medical imaging are colliding and integrating with each other,and syndrome imaging,a new interdisciplinary research field,has emerged.This article focused on explaining the background significance,research content,research characteristics and future development directions of syndrome imaging.
Atherosclerosis(AS)is a chronic and complex disease that occurs in the arterial wall and underlies a variety of cardiovascular pathologies.Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)is an anti-oxidative stress high-sensitivity transcription factor that interacts with antioxidant response element(ARE)to activate downstream gene transcription and exerts various protective effects such as anti-inflammation,antioxidant and detoxification,thus protecting cellular components such as endothelial cells,macrophages,vascular smooth muscle cells,endothelial progenitor cells and so on in arterial vascular tissue,and plays an important role in the development of AS.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has significant advantages in the treatment of AS due to its multi-targets and multi-pathways,stable efficacy,individualisation and safety.This article summarized the mechanism of Nrf2 regulation by TCM monomers,TCM extracts,TCM combinations and proprietary Chinese medicines in the prevention and treatment of AS,with a view to providing a theoretical basis for clinical research and drug development in the prevention and treatment of AS.
To observe the effect of Yinzhihuang Granules(茵栀黄颗粒)combined with ursodeoxycholic acid on the efficacy and liver function of patients with chronic jaundice hepatitis B.
A totalof132 patientswith chronic jaundice hepatitis B were enrolled in the hospital and random ly divided into observation group and control group according to the random number table method,with 66 cases in each group.The control group was treated with ursodeoxycholic acid,and the observation group was treated with Yinzhihuang Granules combined with ursodeoxycholic acid.The clinical efficacy,liver function,traditional Chinese medicine syndrome score,hepatitis B virus deoxyribonucleic acid(HBV DNA)negative conversion rate and occurrence of adverse reactions were observed in the two groups before and after treatment.
After treatment,the total effective rate of the observation group was 89.39%,which was significantly higher than that of the control group(74.24%)(P<0.05).The liver functions of the two groups were alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),total bilirubin(TBIL),total bile acids(TBA)andγ-glutamyl transferase(GGT)were all lower than those before treatment(P<0.05),while observing the liver function indicators of the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group(P<0.05).The TCM syndrome scores of the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment(P<0.05).At the same time,the TCM syndrome scores of the observation group were significantly lower than those of the controlgroup(P<0.05).The HBV DNA negative conversion rate in the observation group was 56.06%,and that in the control group was 28.79%.The negative conversion rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).The incidence of liver injury in the observation group was 1.52%,which was significantly lower than that(13.64%)in the control group(P<0.05).The incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was 3.03%,which was not significant compared with that(10.61%)in the control group(P>0.05).
Yinzhihuang Granules combined with ursodeoxycholic acid has a significant effect on patientswith chronic jaundice hepatitis B.It can effectively improve the clinical symptoms and liver function of patients,promote the HBV DNA negative conversion rate,and reduce the incidence of adverse reactions.
As a traditional Chinese herbal medicine,Cangzhu(Atractylodis Rhizoma)has the functions of drying dampness and strengthening spleen,dispelling wind and cold,eliminating filth and turbidizing,improving eyesight,promoting gastrointestinal peristalsis,protecting gastric mucosa,anti-inflammatory,diuretic and other pharmacological effects,and Cangzhu(Atractylodis Rhizoma)is often used in clinical use in the form of medicine pair with Baizhu(Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma),Huangbai(Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex),Houpo(Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex)and other drugs.In this paper,the researches aboutCangzhu(Atractylodis Rhizoma)and its pharmacologic effects,clinicalapplications and related network pharmacology in CNKI,Wanfang,TCMSP and PubMed were summarized.In this paper,the research status and progress of Cangzhu(Atractylodis Rhizoma)and its drug pairs were reviewed,and the mechanism of action was discussed,which provided the basis and new ideas for revealing the application law and compatibility theory of Cangzhu(Atractylodis Rhizoma)and its drug pairs.
To study the effect of Wendantang Huacaifang(WDTHCF)on atrial energy metabolic remodeling in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation(PAF)rats based on fatty acid metabolic pathway.
Male SD rats were selected and randomly divided into the normal group,the model group,the WDTHCF low,medium and high dose groups,and the amiodarone hydrochloride group,and the PAF model was induced by using Ach-CaCl2.After the model was successfully established,the WDTHCF low,medium and high dose groups and amiodarone hydrochloride were given by gavage.The duration of atrial fibrillation was monitored using electrocardiography.The formation of atrial lipid droplets was detected by oil-red O staining.The contents of free fatty acid(FFA)and triglyceride(TG)of atrial tissues were detected.RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of aAMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK),acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase(ACC),carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1B(CPT-1B),fatty acid translocase/cluster of differentiation 36(FAT/CD36),fatty acid transport protein(FATP)and fatty acid binding protein 3(FABP3).Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of AMPK,p-AMPK,ACC,p-ACC and CPT-1B and immunohistochemistry method was used to detect myocardial translocation of atrial FAT/CD36.
Compared with the normal group,the rats in themodel group showed increased duration of AF(P<0.05),elevated contents of FFA and TG in the atria(P<0.05),significant lipid droplet formation in the atria,decreased mRNA expressions of AMPK,ACC,CPT-1B,FAT/CD36,FATP and FABP3(P<0.05),and decreased atrial tissue AMPK phosphorylation,ACC phosphorylation and relative protein expression of CPT-1B were significantly reduced(P<0.05),and the membrane translocation of FAT/CD36 in the atria was reduced(P<0.05).After treatment with WDTHCF,PAF duration was shortened(P<0.05),and the contents of FFA and TG in the atria decreased(P<0.05),lipid droplet formation in atria decreased,the mRNA expressions of AMPK,ACC,CPT-1B,FAT/CD36,FATP and FABP3 in atrial tissues were elevated(P<0.05),and the relative protein expressions of AMPK phosphorylation,ACC phosphorylation and CPT-1B in atrial tissues were elevated(P<0.05),and the membrane translocation of FAT/CD36 in atria was increased.
WDTHCF improved atrial energy metabolic remodeling in phlegm-turbid and bloodstasis type of PAF rats through AMPK regulating the ACC/CPT-1Bmediated fatty acid metabolism pathway.
To study the clinical study of Jingu Tongxiao Pill(筋骨痛消丸)combined with arthroscopy in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis(cold coagulation blood stasis syndrome).
A total of 120 patients diagnosed as knee osteoarthritis(cold coagulation and blood stasis syndrome)were selected and divided into two groups according to random number table.The reference group(60 cases)received arthroscopic treatment,and the study group(60 cases)received Jingu Tongxiao Pill and arthroscopic treatment.The clinical efficacy,TCM syndrome score,osteoarthritis index,inflammatory factor level and oxidative stress reaction of the two groupswere observed and compared.
Compared with that(75.00%)of the reference group,the total effective rate of the study group was98.33%,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).After treatment,the TCM syndrome score of the study group was lower than that of the reference group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).After treatment,compared with those of the reference group,the pain,stiffness and difficulty scores of daily activities in the study group were lower,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).After treatment,compared with those of the reference group,the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α),interleukin-1 beta(IL-1β)and matrixmetalloproteinase-3(MMP-3)in the study group were lower,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).
The patients with knee osteoarthritis(cold coagulation blood stasis syndrome)were treated with arthroscopy and Jingu Tongxiao Pill,and the therapeutic effect was good,which could effectively improve the clinical symptoms and promote the recovery of patients,and the clinical application value was high.