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

Objective: To investigate the mechanisms of the effect of Actinidia chinensis polysaccharide (ACPS) on the invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer cells.

Methods: BGC-823-Luc gastric cancer cells stably transfected with a luciferase gene were used to establish an insitutransplanted tumor mouse model. A live mouse imaging system was used to observe tumor growth, and hematoxylin and eosin staining was applied to analyze tissue histopathology. Transwell and scratch wound assays were performed to examine the invasive and migratory ability of BGC-823 cells. Immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot assays were used to analyze the expressions of the nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins.

Results: ACPS significantly inhibited the growth of subcutaneously transplanted BGC-823-Luc gastric cancer tumors in nude mice and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in tumor tissues. ACPS inhibited Epidermal Growth Factor-induced invasion, migration, and morphological changes in the cytoskeleton of BGC-823 cells. ACPS inhibited gastric cancer EMT and decreased the expression of matrix metallopeptidase 9, N-cadherin and p-NF-κB p65 in transplanted tumor tissues. ACPS inhibited the expression of matrix metalloproteinases and vascular adhesion factors in BGC-823 cells, promoted p65-NF-κB nuclear translocation, and regulated proteins associated with the NF-κB p65 pathway.

Conclusions: ACPS inhibited gastric cancer invasion and metastasis both in vivo and in vitro, which evidenced the inhibition of gastric cancer EMT viaregulating the NF-κB inflammatory pathway.

Objective: To explore the effects of Weitiao No. 3 (3, WD-3) on anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) immunotherapy in gastric cancer (GC).

Methods: The intestinal microbiota was analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing of fecal samples from three groups: healthy people (Health), GC patients (GC), and WD-3-treated GC patients (WD-3). Next, we established an orthotopic model of GC mice, which were treated with anti-PD-1, WD-3, or an inoculation of intestinal bacteria. Immune markers CD3, CD4, CD8, and forkhead box protein P3 (FOXP3), and the cell proliferation marker Ki67, were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Cell apoptosis in GC tumors was assessed by terminal-deoxynucleotidyl-transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were performed to analyze the serum levels of the following cytokines in GC mice: tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-10, interferon (IFN)-γ, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β.

Results: Sequencing data showed that there were significant differences in the composition of the gut microbial community among the three human groups. The gut bacteria in the three groups mainly comprised the phyla Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria. At the genus level, the relative abundances of Bifidobacterium and Coprococcus showed significant decreases in the GC group, and an obvious increase in the WD-3 group, compared with the Health group. Interestingly, the relative abundance of Saccharopolyspora was only detected in the WD-3 group. The results of in vivo experiments in GC mice showed that WD-3 or anti-PD-1 treatment increased the levels of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells, but decreased the levels of FOXP3+ regulatory T cells. Furthermore, WD-3 or PD-1 antibody treatment inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis of GC tumor cells. ELISA analysis showed that WD-3 or PD-1 antibody treatment facilitated TNF-α, IL-2, and IFN-γ expression, while suppressing IL-6, IL-10, and TGF-β expression. Combination therapy with WD-3 and anti-PD-1 intensified all of these effects.

Conclusion: WD-3 enhanced the immunotherapeutic efficacy of anti-PD-1 by modulating the intestinal microbiota in an orthotopic model of GC mice.

Objective: To evaluate phytochemicals and in vitro biological potential of flowers, leaves and stem extracts of Rosa arvensis.

Methods: Presence of twenty secondary metabolites was confirmed and then phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified spectrophotometrically. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy was conducted to ascertain functional groups and antioxidant potential was examined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity, total antioxidant capacity and total reducing power assays. Human erythrocytes were used to assess anti-hemolytic activity and five bacterial strains were examined to determine antibacterial potential of plant extracts. Radish seeds were used to perform phytotoxic activity and cytotoxic potential was evaluated via brine shrimps and PC3 cell lines.

Results: Highest phenolic contents were detected in the methanolic extract of Rosa arvensis flower (RAFM) [(151.635 ± 0.005) gallic acid equivalent mg/g] and highest flavonoid contents in the chloroform leaf extract (RALC) [(108.228 ± 0.004) quercetin equivalent mg/g]. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed the presence of wide range of functional groups. The antioxidant assays indicated highest DPPH scavenging activity [IC₅₀ (23.5 ± 0.6) μg/mL] in the methanolic stem extract (RASM), highest total antioxidant capacity [(265.1 ± 0.9) μg/mL] in RAFM and highest reducing potential [(209.9 ± 0.6) μg/mL] in leaf extract (RALM). Highest anti-hemolytic activity [(90.0 ± 0.5) μg/mL] was recorded in RAFM and brine shrimp cytotoxicity potential [(52.3 ± 0.3) μg/mL] in RASM. The antimicrobial activity was detected highest [(21.1 ± 0.5) mm inhibition zones] in RALM against Streptococcus aureus. In the end, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity results depicted less than 50 % inhibition in the methanolic extracts. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings will be helpful in designing pharmaceutical regimens and therefore, more studies can be recommended to isolate and characterize compounds associated with the biological activities of Rosa arvensis.

Objective: To explore the mechanism by which Tongqiao Yizhi granule (, TQYZKL) intervenes pyroptosis to treat vascular dementia (VaD) in a rat model.

Methods: The rat model of VaD was established by two-vessel occlusion (2VO). The rats were randomly divided into Sham group, Model group, Nimodipine group, TQYZKL (6.2 g?kg^-1?d^-1), TQYZKL (12.4 g?kg^-1?d^-1), TQYZKL (24.8 g?kg^-1?d^-1). The Morris water maze (MWM) test was carried out to test the learning and memory function; Hematoxylin-eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to observe the pathological damage in the hippocampus; Tunel fluorescence staining to detect neuronal pyroptosis in the hippocampus. The expression levels of pyroptosis-related proteins, namely Golgi peripheral membrane protein p65 (P65), nucleotide oligomerization domain-like receptors 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1 and Gasdermin D (GSDMD), were detected using Western blotting and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Moreover, the serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) were determined through the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: The study revealed that TQYZKL effectively improved the ability of VaD ratsto learn and memorize, relieved the pathological damage in the hippocampus, restored neuronal morphology, and reduced the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins P65, NLRP3, caspase-1, GSDMD-N, IL-18 and IL-1β (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: TQYZKL inhibits neuronal pyroptosis in the hippocampus of VaD rats by regulating nuclear factor kappa-B/NLRP3/caspase-1 signaling pathway, thus exerting a therapeutic effect on VaD in the rats.

Objective: To investigate the protective effect of the Chinese herbal formula of Jiedu Huayu decoction (, JHD) on oral mucosa of rats with oral submucosal fibrosis (OSF) and its potential mechanism of action.

Methods: Sprague-Dawley male OSF model rats were constructed by injection of betaine and topical rubbing and were randomly grouped and administered by gavage for 4 weeks. Mouth opening and buccal mucosa scores interleukin levels and the expression of Axin and β-catenin proteins or genes were measured before and after drug administration.

Results: After treatment with JHD the buccal mucosal lesions of rats were significantly reduced Axin protein and mRNA expression were significantly increased β-catenin protein and mRNA expression were significantly decreased interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 levels were decreased and interleukin-10 levels were increased.

Conclusion: The mechanism of action of JHD can effectively alleviate the pathological damage of buccal mucosa in OSF rats which may be related to the promotion of Axin expression and inhibition of β-catenin expression.

Objective: To investigate the effect of Ganoderma Lucidum Spore Oil (GLSO) on the tumor growth and survival of H22 tumor-bearing mice treated with cyclophosphamide (CTX), and explore the underlying mechanism.

Methods: Allograft H22 hepatocellular carcinoma mouse model was applied to investigate the effect of GLSO on the tumor growth and survival of animals, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to analyze the life span. Plasma biochemical examination was used to determine the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), urea (UREA) and creatinine (CRE). Western blot analysis was performed to detect Programmed Death-1 (PD-1), Programmed Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1), Janus Kinase 2 (JAK2), phosphorylated Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (p-STAT3), and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) expression.

Results: GLSO increased the anti-tumor effect of CTX and prolonged the survival of H22 tumor-bearing mice treated with CTX. Meanwhile, GLSO increased the thymus index and showed no obvious toxicity to liver functions of animals. GLSO also decreased the level of UREA in H22 tumor-bearing mice treated with CTX. Furthermore, GLSO could inhibit the expression of PD-1 in spleen, which was independent of JAK2 expression and STAT3 phosphorylation. However, GLSO did not affect the expression of PD-L1, JAK2, and p-STAT3 in tumor tissue.

Conclusion: GLSO could strengthen the anti-tumor effect of CTX and prolong the life span of H22 tumor-bearing mice, while the underlying mechanism might be relevant to the amelioration effect of thymus function and inhibition of PD-1 expression in spleen. Furthermore, these findings implied the promising role of GLSO in combination with CTX to extend the survival of patients in clinical chemotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Objective: To determine the therapeutic effects of the Zhuangyao Jianshen pill (, ZYJSP) against benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and investigate the underlying mechanism.

Methods: Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups: Control group, BPH model group, finasteride-treated group, ZYJSP low, medium and high dose groups. Except for the control group, 40 rats were castrated and injected with testosterone propionate (TP) for 28 consecutive day to induce BPH. Meanwhile, the corresponding drugs were administered by gavage. The prostate wet weight, prostate index (PI), and the histopathological changes in the prostate were measured as the basis for examining the efficacy of ZYJSP against BPH. Levels of the serum sex hormones, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory markers, renal function markers, growth factors, and Cyclin D1 expression in prostate were measured to characterize the therapeutic mechanism of ZYJSP against BPH.

Results: ZYJSP administration significantly reduced prostate wet weight and PI and ameliorated histological changes of the prostate in TP-treated castrated rats. TP markedly increased the levels of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and growth factors in the serum as well as the expression of the Cyclin D1 in the prostate. Most of these markers were significantly decreased by ZYJSP. ZYJSP significantly restored the dysregulation of testosterone, estradiol, and dihydrotestosterone caused by TP. Furthermore, ZYJSP relieved TP-induced prostate injury and exhibited both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity by decreasing interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and malondialdehyde levels and increasing the activity of superoxide dismutase in the serum.

Conclusion: These findings indicate that ZYJSP can effectively ameliorate BPH induced by TP in castrated rats, and the underlying mechanism might be related to regulating sex hormone balance, reducing oxidative stress, and inhibiting the inflammatory response.

Objective: To investigate the effects of luteolin on chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depressive rats and corticosterone (CORT)-induced depressive primary hippocampal neurons, and to elucidate the mechanism behind the action.

Methods: The antidepressant mechanism of luteolin was studied by using CUMS rat model and primary hippocampal neurons in fetal rats. In vivo, novelty suppressed feeding, open-field and sucrose preference tests as well as Morris water maze were evaluated. The content of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), and dopamine (DA) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mechanisms of luteolin were explored based on neurotrophin and hippocampal neurogenesis, and proliferation. Survival of the septo-temporal axis in hippocampus was assayed using the 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU), the expression of BDNF, neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and nerve growth factor (NGF) in hippocampus dentate gyrus region were measured by Western-blotting. In vitro, BDNF, NT-3, tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), and phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate responsive element binding protein (p-CREB) were detected through the high content analysis (HCA) to investigate neurotrophin and apoptosis.

Results: Induction of CUMS in rats induced depressive symptoms, while luteolin significantly enhanced sucrose consumption, decreased feeding latency, increased locomotor activity, escape latency, distance of target quadrant and regulated the content of depressive-like biomarkers. Histology analysis revealed that luteolin increased the abundance of new born neurons that had been labeled with BrdU, BrdU + neuronal nuclear antigen, and BrdU + doublecortin in septo-temporal axis of S2 (mid-septal) and T3 (mid-temporal). Moreover, expression of BDNF, NT-3, and NGF increased significantly in the septo-temporal axis of S2 and T3. HCA showed increased expression of BDNF, NT-3, TrkB and p-CREB in primary hippocampal neurons.

Conclusion: The results provided direct evidence that luteolin has an antidepressant effect and could effectively promote the regeneration of the septotemporal axis nerve and hippocampal neuronutrition, which suggested that the antidepressant effect of luteolin may be related to hippocampal neurogenesis.

Objective: To investigate the mechanisms behind the effects of acupuncture in Traditional Chinese Medicine, we delved into the adenosine triphosphate/peripheral purinergic P2X receptor 3 (ATP/P2X3) receptor signaling system as an indicator of the body's energy state, commonly referred to as "Qi".

Methods: The tail-flick test was utilized to explore the impact of acupuncture on pain tolerance threshold (PTT) in mice, while also assessing adenosine (ADO) levels and adenylate energy charge (EC) at Zusanli (ST36). The study further investigated the dose-dependent effects of acupuncture on PTT and ADO levels at Zusanli (ST36). To shed light on the underlying mechanisms of acupuncture's effects, the study examined the impact of ATP, a P2X3 receptor antagonist, and adenosine disodium on PTT following acupuncture administration.

Results: Acupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) led to significant improvements in PTT in mice, with the most effective interventions being twirling for 2 min and needle retention for 28 min. These interventions also resulted in significant increases in ATP levels. The effects of acupuncture were further augmented by administration of different doses of ATP at Zusanli (ST36), and pretreatment with a P2X3 receptor antagonist decreased PTT. Adenylate EC peaked at 30 min after intraperitoneal injection of ATP, and pretreatment with various doses of i.p. ATP 30 min prior to acupuncture increased PTT in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, pretreatment with an i.p. or intramuscular injection of adenosine disodium enhanced the effects of acupuncture.

Conclusion: This research provides compelling evidence that ATP is involved in the regulation of PTT through acupuncture, revealing new avenues for achieving enhanced clinical outcomes.

Objective: To determine whether moxibustion had an anti-inflammatory effect on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by regulating Annexin 1 expression and interfering with the phospholipaseA2 signaling pathway.

Methods: Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly categorized into five groups (six rats per group): blank control (CON) group, RA model (RA) group, moxibustion (MOX) group, Annexin 1 lentiviral intervention (RNAi-Anxa1) group, and Annexin 1 lentiviral intervention + moxibustion (RNAi-Anxa1 + MOX) group. The rats in the RNAi-Anxa1 and the RNAi-Anxa1 + MOX groups were injected with the lentiviral vector-mediated RNAi-Anxa1 into the rat foot pad. An experimental RA rat model was established by injecting Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) into the RA, MOX, RNAi-Anxa1, and RNAi-Anxa1 + MOX groups. Rats in the MOX and RNAi-Anxa1 + MOX groups received moxibustion treatment. After modeling, using moxibustion "Shenshu (BL23)" and "Zusanli (ST36)", each point is 5 times, bilateral alternating, once a day, 6 times for a course of treatment, between the courses of rest for a one day. A total of three treatment courses were conducted. Both bilateral pad thicknesses were measured using Vernier calipers on experimental days 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28. The expression of cPLA2α signaling in the synovium of diseased joints was observed using Western blot. The pathology of the rat ankle synovium was observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-10, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: Moxibustion increased the levels of Annexin 1 and decreased the inflammatory response in rats with RA. After increasing the expression of Annexin 1, the phosphorylated expression of cPLA2α was inhibited, the serum levels of IL-1β, PGE2, and LTB4 decreased, and the level of IL-10 increased. In moxibustion treated RA rats after the Annexin 1 lentiviral intervention, the serum levels of IL-1β, PGE2, LTB4, and IL-10 were almost unchanged.

Conclusion: Moxibustion enhanced the negative regulation of the cPLA2α signaling pathway, increased the synovial Annexin 1 expression, inhibited the cPLA2α signaling pathway, indirectly inhibited the expression of downstream inflammatory factors, and played a role in reducing inflammation.