Journal of traditional Chinese medicine = Chung i tsa chih ying wen pan最新文献

Objective: To investigate the role of satellite glial cells in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at the Tianshu (ST25) and Shangjuxu (ST37) combination.

Methods: A model for visceral hypersensitivity in IBS was induced through colorectal distension (CRD) stimulation. Clean-grade male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups: a normal group (NG), a model group (MG), an electroacupuncture group (EA), and a glial cell inhibitor group (FCA). Bilateral EA (2/100 Hz, 1 mA, 30 min) was administered at the Tianshu (ST25) and Shangjuxu (ST37) in week 6. Abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scores were used to assess the behavioral response associated with visceral hyperalgesia, while hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to evaluate pathological changes in the colon. The protein and mRNA levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the colon and colon-related dorsal root ganglion (DRG) were analyzed using immun-ofluorescence, immun-ohistochemistry, Western blotting, real-time polymerase chain reaction. The impact of EA on electrophysiological properties of colon-related DRG neurons was observed through whole-cell patch clamp analysis.

Results: EA significantly reduced the visceral pain behavior scores in rats with IBS in response to graded (20, 40, 60, 80 mm Hg) CRD stimulation. Additionally, EA downregulated the protein and mRNA expression levels of GFAP in the colon and colon-related DRG of rats with IBS. EA also regulated the resting membrane potential, rheobase and action potential of colon-related DRG neurons in rats with IBS.

Conclusions: EA can regulate the excitatory properties of colon-related DRG neurons by downregulating the protein and mRNA expression of GFAP in the colon and colon-related DRG, indicating a potential neurobiological mechanism by which EA relieves visceral hypersensitivity in rats with IBS.

Objective: To investigate the role of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/mutant myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway-mediated inflammation in diabetes mellitus with Northwest dryness syndrome.

Methods: Rats were randomly divided into the normal control, type 2 diabetes (T2DM) model, Northwest dryness syndrome + T2DM (Northwest dryness), and simple internal dampness + T2DM (internal dampness) groups. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect biochemical indexes and inflammatory factors. The histopathological observation was performed. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels, respectively.

Results: Compared with the T2DM group, the glycosylated hemoglobin A1c, insulin, glucose tolerance, the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin 1β, interleukin 16, malondialdehyde, blood lipid, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase were significantly elevated in the internal dampness group. Their levels were significantly elevated in the Northwest dryness group than in the T2DM and internal dampness groups. The superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, liver glycogen, and organ-to-weight ratio were significantly declined in the internal dampness group and the Northwest dryness group than in the T2DM group. However, these levels were elevated in the Northwest dryness group than in the internal dampness group. Moreover, the mRNA expression levels of interferon regulatory factor 5 and NF-κB p65, and the protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB were significantly higher in the internal dampness and the Northwest dryness groups than the T2DM group. Additionally, the mRNA and protein levels were significantly higher in the Northwest dryness group than in the internal dampness group.

Conclusion: Northwest dryness syndrome-mediated TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway and chronic inflammation might be associated with the occurrence and development of T2DM.

Objective: To evaluate the protective effect of Zhizi Huangqi Shanzha formula (, ZHSF) on aflatoxin-induced liver injury.

Methods: The protective effect of ZHSF on the aflatoxin-induced liver injury was evaluated by histological observation, blood cell analysis, evaluation of liver function and immunity, and gut microbiota analysis.

Results: ZHSF can significantly up-regulate the percentage of lymphocytes and eosinophils in the blood of Aflatoxin B1-intoxicated mice, down-regulate the levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and malondialdehyde, and recover the liver tissue structure. Aflatoxin poisoning induces a variation of the intestinal flora of mice, and ZHSF may recover the variation of intestinal flora induced by Aflatoxin B1. Cluster analysis showed that the intestinal flora of mice in the intervention group was more similar to that of the control group. Correlation analysis showed that Lachnospiraceae, Desulfovibrio, and Lactobacillus may be the key flora for the pharmacological effects of ZHSF.

Conclusions: ZHSF may protect against aflatoxin-induced liver damage, improve immunity, and inhibit oxidative stress by regulating the composition and relative abundance of intestinal flora, which makes it a promising liver-protective candidate drug.

Objective: To provide an objective experimental basis for the gastric mucosa pathological evolution and the transformation of different Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndromes in helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-related gastric diseases (HPGD) patients, based on the combination of TCM syndrome differentiation, molecular biology and histopathology.

Methods: A total of 203 participants were enrolled in this study. The expressions of miR-499/miR-149 and H. pylori infection in the gastric tissues from all participants were detected. The genotyping for miR-499 rs3746444 and miR-149 rs2292832 was performed.

Results: In H. pylori positive subjects, the proportion of precancerous gastric lesions (PGL) in liver-stomach disharmony syndrome (LSDS) group was higher than in spleen Qi deficiency syndrome (SQDS) group (P <0.001); The proportion of gastric cancer (GC) in SQDS group was higher than in spleen-stomach damp-heat syndrome (SSDHS) group and LSDS group (all P <0.001). We also found C allele of miR-149 rs2292832 was linked to lower risk of gastric atrophy [miR-149 rs2292832 C vs T: adjusted odds ratio = 0.207; 95% confidence interval (0.043-0.989); P = 0.048]. Compared with healthy control (HC) group, the expression of miR-499 was significantly increased in GC group, while the expression of miR-149 was significantly decreased in chronic inflammation group, PGL group and GC group (all P < 0.05). Test for trend showed that GC risk was on a rising trend with the increasing expression of miR-499 and decreasing expression of miR-149 (both P for trend < 0.05).

Conclusion: The C allele of miR-149 rs2292832 may be a protective factor for gastric mucosal atrophy. H. pylori may participate in the evolution of benign to malignant gastric mucosa lesions by inducing the overexpression of miR-499 and down regulation of miR-149. In addition, patients with H. pylori infection combined SQDS or LSDS may have higher risk of gastric mucosal malignant lesions.

Objective: To establish a standardized framework encompassing the precise locations, manipulations, functions and indications of specific acupoints in the field of paediatric Tuina.

Methods: The development of consensus involved three distinct stages. Initially, a list of paediatric Tuina specific acupoints was compiled based on an extensive literature review, which was subsequently supplemented through expert interviews. In the second stage, the Delphi method was employed to assess the significance of acupoint locations, manipulations, functions, and indications. In situations where the questionnaire survey failed to yield agreement or when the experts held reservations, the nominal group approach was utilized during the expert consensus meeting. The final version of the technical standardized material was ultimately determined during an expert consensus conference. After undergoing external peer review and evaluation, the completed draft was prepared for public dissemination RESULTS: The comprehensive list identified a total of 66 specific acupoints. The location and manipulation questionnaire consisted of 156 items based on the literature database, while the function and indication questionnaire contained 116 items. Two rounds of Delphi surveys were conducted for the location and manipulation category, and another two rounds of Delphi surveys were conducted for the function and indication category. During the experts consensus meeting The panel of experts conducted in-depth discussions on 61 questions, resulting in the formulation of technical guidelines for the locations, manipulations, functions, and indications of 64 paediatric Tuina acupoints. Subsequently, the research team compiled and edited the draft of the technical guidelines for acupoints of paediatric Tuina, which was finalized after external review and feedback.

Conclusion: This study successfully established the recognized technical standards for practitioners of paediatric Tuina, thereby standardizing clinical practices and providing a foundation setting the framework for future research. The guidelines offer theoretical insights and recommendations for conducting clinical studies comparing different acupoint sites, as well as modifying or enhancing treatment regimens.

Objective: To explore how Qingfei Zhisou oral liquid (, QFZS) adjusts body temperature bias and the interaction of inflammatory factors levels and metabolomic differences.

Methods: Dry yeast was subcutaneously injected at 10 mL/kg to establish the pyrexia model. We randomly divided 60 Sprague-Dawley rats into five groups: control, model, positive, low dose of QFZS and high dose of QFZS. Inflammatory proteins were evaluated by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. For the examination of the endogenous metabolites, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry were employed.

Results: QFZS significantly reduced rats' body temperature within 6 h after dry yeast injection and reduced the secretion of the arginine vasopressin, cyclic adenosine monophosphate, prostaglandin E-2, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β in serum. Meanwhile, we identified 41 metabolites between the model and QFZS groups, including arachidonic acid and lysophospholipids. QFZS restored normal arachidonic acid levels. Based on the differential metabolite enrichment analysis, QFZS's anti-inflammatory and anti-pyrexia effects might be related to the inflammatory pathway regulated by transient receptor potential. Additionally, QFZS treatment reduced transient receptor potential melastatin 2 ion channel expression and affected TNF-α, heat shock protein 70, and cyclooxygenase-2 expression in the hypothalamus.

Conclusion: QFZS exerts its regulatory effects on fever by regulating the metabolism of lysophospholipids and arachidonic acid and the regulation of inflammation via transient receptor potential ion channels channels.

Objective: To determine the molecular mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of Naochuxue prescription (,NCXP) in rats with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with collagenase to generate ICH models, which were then randomly divided into six groups, including control, sham, model, and three intervention groups. The intervention groups received different doses of NCXP (0.13, 0.26, and 0.52 g/kg) daily for 10 d. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to analyze the chemical characteristics of NCXP. The neurobehavioral outcomes of the rats were evaluated using neurological deficit scores (Zea Longa 5) and the corner turn test. Pathomorphological changes in perihematomal tissues after ICH were observed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the inflammation expression of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). High mobility group box-1 (HMGB1), Beclin1, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta (LC3), and sequestosome 1 (p62) were detected using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting in perihematomal tissues.

Results: HPLC showed that the NCXP had good stability. Rats with ICH had severe neurological function deficits compared to the control group. IHC results showed that NCXP significantly downregulated the expression of the inflammatory proteins IL-6 and TLR4. ICH rats treated with NCXP showed less neurological injury than the model group, accompanied by a significantly decreased expression of HMGB1, Beclin1, and LC3 and an increased expression of p62.

Conclusions: The neuroprotective effect of NCXP alleviated inflammation and autophagy possibly by downregulating HMGB1 expression. However, further research on the signaling pathways is required to verify this hypothesis.

Communication between sympathetic nerves and the immune system is a crucial and active process during myocardial ischemia (MI), as myocardial damage and inflammatory stimuli concurrently occur. Sympathetic nerves undergo structural and functional changes after MI, leading to adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling and heart failure (HF). The complex inflammatory response to MI, including local myocardial anti-inflammatory repair and systemic immune reactions, plays a key role in adverse LV remodeling. Here, we review the progressive structural and electrophysiological remodeling of the LV and the involvement of sympathetic tone in complex and dynamic processes that are susceptible to MI pathological conditions. Acupuncture has been reported to effectively improve cardiac function, eliminate arrhythmia, and mitigate adverse LV remodeling via somatosensory regulation after MI. Moreover, acupuncture has an anti-inflammatory effect on the pathological process of myocardial ischemia. In this Review, we aim to summarize the involvement of sympathetic nerve activation in the neuro-immune modulation of structural and functional cardiac changes after MI. As a noninvasive method for sympathetic regulation, acupuncture is an ideal option because of its anti-ischemic efficacy. A better understanding of the neural circuitry that regulates cardiac function and immune responses following MI could reveal novel targets for acupuncture treatment.

Objective: To evaluate and summarise the evidence from published Meta-analyses/systematic reviews (MAs/SRs) of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the treatment of recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs) and to provide a scientific basis for the clinical treatment of RRTIs with TCM.

Methods: Studies were retrieved from Chinese and English databases including the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database, China Science and Technology Journal Database, SinoMed, PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library and EMbase from their establishment date to March 2023. Involved studies were screened, extracted, and evaluated for quality by two researchers independently. The a measurement tool to assess systematic reviews (AMSTAR) 2 scale was used for methodological quality evaluation, as well as the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement for report quality evaluation, the risk of bias in systematic reviews (ROBIS) tool for risk of bias, and the grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE) quality assessment tool for evidence quality.

Results: Twenty MAs/SRs studies were included, including analyses of 274 original studies involving 38 335 patients with RRTIs. The AMSTAR 2 scale evaluation results showed that 19 studies were of very low quality and one of moderate quality. The ROBIS evaluation results showed that 11 MAs/SRs were at high risk and nine at low risk of bias. The PRISMA 2020 report quality showed the included studies had scores between 23.5 and 35.5, among them one with high quality, 17 with moderate quality and two with low quality. The GRADE system results showed that among 126 outcome indicators, only 17 had moderate quality of evidence, 27 had low quality, 82 had very low quality, and none had high quality.

Conclusions: The MAs/SRs methodological quality of using TCM for treatment RRTIs is generally poor, the quality of reports as well as of evidence is generally low, and the risk of bias is high; therefore we should treat these results with caution.

Objective: To investigate the value of relative exchangeable copper (REC) in diagnosing Wilson's disease (WD) and to determine its significance in the differentiation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome.

Methods: A total of 78 patients with WD were recruited on the same day of the medical visit, and among them, 32 were suffering from non-WD (N-WD) and 37 were heterozygous ATP7B carriers (HC) enrolled as controls. Molecular genetic testing was performed for diagnosing WD and HC. Additionally, REC levels in different TCM syndromes were investigated. The correlation between REC and serum ceruloplasmin (Cp), serum copper oxidase (CO), and 24-h urinary copper was analyzed using the Global Assessment Scale and Unified Wilson's Disease Rating Scale and the significance of REC in WD diagnosis was investigated. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to assess the clinical symptoms of WD and analyze its severity in different TCM syndromes.

Results: REC determination helped in significantly distinguishing patients with N-WD or HC from those with WD with a cut-off of 21.15%. Furthermore, the comparative analysis of REC ratios among different TCM syndromes showed markedly high REC levels in the dampness-heat internal accumulation syndrome group. Additionally, the seed-based functional connectivity value from the putamen to the cerebellum was significantly correlated with TCM syndromes.

Conclusion: REC level is a high-quality biomarker for diagnosing WD that effectively reflects disease severity and plays an essential role in deciding on treatment strategies and prognosis. Furthermore, REC levels are closely related to TCM syndromes in WD; thus, it is a potential objective quantitative indicator for distinguishing TCM syndromes in WD.