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

Objective: To explore the mechanism of action of Tiaogeng decoction (, TG) in alleviating oxidative stress damage in the hippocampus of a mouse model of cognitive impairment.

Methods: Amyloid precursor protein/presenilin-1 (APP/PS1) transgenic female mice were randomly divided into model, estradiol valerate, low-, medium-, and high-dose TG groups, female C57 mice were used as the control group (n = 12/group). After 12 weeks of treatment, the behavior of mice was tested with the Morris water maze, and brain tissue samples were collected, and changes in hippocampal neurons were observed using electron microscopy. The deposition of beta-amyloid protein (Aβ) amyloid plaques in the hippocampus was determined by light microscopy. Aβ1-42 protein levels were detected through immunofluorescence. Oxidative stress indicators in the hippocampus were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The expressions of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), phospho-JNK (p-JNK), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), caspase-9, and cleaved caspase-9 were detected by Western blot. Hippocampal cell apoptosis was detected using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end Labeling.

Results: TG improved the cognitive function of APP/PS1 mice, as judged by improvements in several indices from the Morris water maze test. TG increased Nrf2, superoxide dismutase, and heme oxygenase-1 protein expression and reduced malondialdelyde and reactive oxygen species expression. TG also inhibited the expression of JNK proteins, upregulated the expression of Bcl-2, and downregulated the expression of caspase-9, reducing cell apoptosis. TG decreased the percentage of the hippocampal cornu ammonis 1 area positive for Aβ1-42, reducing mitochondrial damage caused by oxidative stress and Aβ protein deposition.

Conclusions: TG may improve memory ability while reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis. It also reduces Aβ protein deposition in the hippocampus, protecting the central nervous system and improving memory function. TG may reduce the risk of AD.

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine Yishui Shengxue pills (, YSSX) in mouse models of immunosuppression induced by three chemotherapy drugs.

Methods: We determined an optimal intervention dose of YSSX to investigate efficacy. Changes in immune cell subpopulations were detected by flow cytometry, while immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and other molecular biology methods, were used to verify pathway targets. We used PX-478, an inhibitor of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), to validate the mechanism of action.

Results: Analysis showed that YSSX enhanced the immunity of mouse models of immunosuppression. At the cellular level, YSSX reduced the numbers of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and enhanced CD8+ T cell infiltration. At the molecular level, YSSX reduced the expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), general control nonderepressible 2 (GCN2), and eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) in mouse MDSCs, thereby reducing the transcription of HIF-1α, GCN2, and eIF2α mRNA. Collectively, these changes led to the increased secretion of interferon-γ and interleukin 12, concomitant with a reduction in tumor necrosis factor-α level.

Conclusions: YSSX improved MDSC-mediated immunosuppression in a mouse model after chemotherapy by inhibiting the HIF-1α/iNOS-GCN2/eIF2α signaling axis.

Objective: To explore the clinical observation of white eye distribution characteristics of hyperlipidemic patients based on artificial intelligence digital eye diagnosis technology.

Methods: One hundred and fifty subjects were examined in the outpatient and inpatient departments of Guang'anmen Hospital of the China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine from 01 February 2022 to 01 February 2023, including 80 cases in the hyperlipidemic patient (HLP) group and 70 cases in the normal lipid level patient (NC) group. The two groups were collected and extracted by the artificial intelligence visual diagnostic instrument and analyzed by the MyEyeD-10 white eye shadowless imaging health intelligence analysis system. Finally, SPSS 26.0 (Version X; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) was used for statistical processing.

Results: Significant differences were noted in the scores of "spot" and "foggy" features between the two groups. Between groups, the "spot" feature score of the white eye morphology in the HLP group (11.07 ± 3.22) was higher than that in the NC group (7.50 ± 4.11) (P <0.01). Moreover, the "foggy" feature score of the eye morphology in the HLP group (8.37 ± 2.25) was higher than that in the NC group (P <0.01), higher than that of the NC group (5.72 ± 1.21) (P <0.05). There were significant differences in the "A" (stomach), "B", "O" (spleen), and "M" (liver) eye-contact region scores between the two groups, and the "B", "O" (spleen) and "M" (liver) eye-contact region scores were significantly different. The scores of the white eye channel region in the HLP group were significantly higher than those in the control group, with the "A", "B", and "O" regions (P <0.01), "M" region (P <0.01), "A", "B", "O", and "M" region (P <0.01). "M" zone (P <0.05). The scores of "dull red" and "yellow" features were significantly different, and the scores of "dull red" and "yellow" colors of the white eye choroid in the HLP group were significantly higher than those in the HLP group. The scores of "dull red" and "yellow" were significantly higher in the HLP group than in the NC group (P <0.01).

Conclusion: The morphological features of the white eye ocular image, the white eye chakra's color, and the bulbar conjunctiva's vascular zoning are closely related to hyperlipidemia. Importantly, these provide a reference for the objectivity and precision of the identification of Chinese medicine by looking at the eyes.

Objective: To investigate the effect of Shisiwei Jianzhong decoction (, SJD) on non-severe aplastic anemia (NSAA).

Methods: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were isolated from bone marrow samples of 15 NSAA patients and 3 healthy controls. Cells were treated with gradient concentrations of SJD, and a portion was transfected with a vector overexpressing the nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 4 (NFATC4). Cell viability and apoptosis were detected by cell counting kit-8 and flow cytometry, respectively. After adipogenic differentiation induction, lipid droplet formation in BMSCs was examined by Oil Red O staining. The expression of NFATC4, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator (PGC-1α), and acetylated PGC-1α was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction or Western blot.

Results: SJD significantly increased the viability and decreased the apoptosis of NSAA-derived BMSCs. It also dose-dependently inhibited lipid droplet formation and decreased the expression of PPARG and FABP4 in NSAA-derived BMSCs. NFATC4 expression was higher in patients with NSAA than in healthy controls, and SJD downregulated its expression. NFATC4 overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of SJD on adipogenic differentiation. Additionally, SJD promoted the deacetylation of PGC-1α in NSAA-derived BMSCs, which was also partially eliminated by NFATC4 overexpression.

Conclusions: SJD inhibits adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs through downregulating NFATC4, thereby contributing to the remission of NSAA.

It is well known that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has two outstanding academic characteristics: the holistic concept comes from Huang Di Nei Jing, and the syndrome differentiation and treatment comes from Shang Han Lun. These two characteristics denote the two major academic systems of TCM: one is the medical system of Huang Di Nei Jing, also named syndrome differentiation and treatment system of Zang-Fu organs and meridians, focuses on theoretical exploration, which highlights functional connection and emphasizes philosophical thinking. The treatment in this system is based on physiological functions by taking Zang-Fu organs as the main body, Qi, blood, essence, and body fluid as the auxiliary body, and the meridians and collaterals as the connection channels. The other is the syndrome differentiation and treatment system of the six meridians, which emphasizes clinical practice. It encompasses the idea that the six meridians govern various diseases, emphasizes the disease sites and divisional treatment, and pays attention to the precision and appropriateness of prescription-syndrome differentiation. These two academic systems, with mutual influences and relations, are both the essence and pearl of TCM, nevertheless, there are obvious differences between the two in clinical application, so they should be distinguished. This paper will elaborate on the connection and difference between them, and how to organically combine the two systems for better application in clinical practice of TCM.

Objective: To investigate the mechanisms of the effect of Shenji Guben (SJGB) decoction on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods: A murine model of COPD was established through lipopolysaccharide (LPS) nasal drops and passive smoke exposure, followed by evaluation of SJGB decoction efficacy via lung function tests and histological analysis. Non-targeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomics was used to explore the mechanisms of SJGB decoction in COPD.

Results: We found that the SJGB decoction effectively reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in the airways and lungs, and improved lung function in the COPD model mice. LC-MS-based metabolomics identified 86 biomarkers in COPD models. Compared to the model group, SJGB decoction significantly altered 34 metabolites. Prostaglandin E2 and DL-Citrulline were highlighted as two representative differential metabolites. MetaboAnalyst 5.0 highlighted glycerophospholipid and riboflavin metabolisms as key pathways affected by SJGB decoction.

Conclusion: This study evaluated the protective effect of SJGB decoction against COPD and provided insights into its potential mechanisms in COPD treatment.

Objective: To systematically assess the safety and effectiveness of Compound E'jiao Jiang (, CEJ) for treating leukopenia.

Methods: Four English and four Chinese databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on CEJ for treating leukopenia up to July 1, 2024. Two researchers independently screened the studies and extracted necessary data. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Articles eligible for Meta-analysis were analyzed using RevMan.

Results: A total of 28 RCTs involving 2041 participants were included, with 1034 in the experimental group and 1007 in the control group. The Meta-analysis showed a significant effect of CEJ in treating leukopenia caused by tumor and immune diseases (three RCTs) [risk ratio (RR) = 1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.08, 1.27), P= 0.0002, I 2 = 35%]. The combination of CEJ and Western Medicine showed superior results in terms of white blood cell (WBC) counts (fifteen RCTs) [mean difference (MD) = 1.12, 95% CI(0.83, 1.42), P< 0.000 01, I 2 = 88%], Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) levels (seven RCTs) [RR = 1.39, 95% CI(1.25, 1.55), P <0.000 01, I 2 = 36%], and mitigation of bone marrow toxicity (eleven RCTs) [RR = 0.61, 95% CI(0.54, 0.69), P < 0.00001, I 2 = 24%] compared to Western Medicine alone. Adverse events mainly included gastrointestinal and digestive reactions associated with chemotherapy drugs.

Conclusion: CEJ alone or in combination with Western Medicine for treating leukopenia caused by tumor and immune diseases improved WBC counts, clinical efficacy, and quality of life. It also reduced bone marrow toxicity-induced leukopenia, enhanced the efficacy of chemotherapy while reducing its toxicity, and alleviated symptoms. No significant adverse events were reported in the RCTs, indicating favorable efficacy and safety. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation assessment indicated a low level of evidence for CEJ in improving leukocyte elevation efficacy, KPS levels, and myelosuppressive toxicity. Therefore, large-scale, high-quality, rigorous multicenter double-blind controlled trials are recommended to strengthen the evidence level.

Objective: To examine the effects of the Jianpi Yifei Tongluo recipe (, JYTR) on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) within an animal model and to elucidate its anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Methods: In this study, we utilized cigarette smoke (CS) exposure and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced models of COPD in rats to evaluate the effects of the JYTR on airway inflammation. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to various groups: control, model, budesonide, synbiotics, and low, medium, and high JYTR. Pulmonary function was gauged using an animal volumetric tracer. Pathological alterations in lung tissue were examined under a light microscope. To ascertain cytokine production, we conducted enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests, and we employed Western blotting to measure the expression levels of interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4), arginase 1(Arg1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor, alpha (IKB-α), and P65.

Results: Compared to the control group, rats in the COPD model group exhibited significantly compromised pulmonary function and severe inflammatory pathology in the lungs. Treatment with budesonide, synbiotics, and the JYTR markedly improved pulmonary function and diminished the production of inflammatory cytokines transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). These improvements were particularly notable in the budesonide group and the high-dose JYTR group. Additionally, the JYTR increased the expression of IRF4 and upregulated the protein expression of Arg1, while concurrently downregulating the protein expression of iNOS, phosphorylated IKB-α, and phosphorylated P65.

Conclusion: Our current study reveals that JYTR can mitigate inflammatory lung injury, enhance lung function, and lower levels of inflammatory cytokines induced by CS or LPS exposure in COPD model rats. The mechanism behind its anti-inflammatory effect likely involves the regulation of IRF4 expression and M2 polarization through the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells signaling pathway.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the sequential therapy in treating infertility with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and luteal phase defects (LPD) by Yangxin Dianji decoction (, YXDJ-D) and Nuangong Tiaojing decoction (, NGTJ-D).

Methods: This study was undertaken in the Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine. Altogether 90 eligible patients with PCOS and LPD were assigned to exposed group A (Chinese Medicine therapy, YXDJ-D and NGTJ-D), exposed group B (Chinese Medicine plus Western Medicine therapy), control group (Western Medicine therapy). The exposed group A adopted the sequential therapy that YXDJ-D is taken in the postmenstrual period (follicular phase) and NGTJ-D is taken in premenstrual period (luteal phase). Control group took letrozole, dydrogesterone and was given intramuscular injection of human menopausal gonadotropin, human chorionic gonadotropin. The exposed group B was treated with the above-mentioned therapy project of integrated Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine. This study lasted for 2 courses for 6 months. The primary outcomes were pregnancy rate and early abortion rate. The secondary outcomes were the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, estrogen (E₂) and progesterone (P), endometrial volume (EV), vascularity index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI). These outcomes will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention.

Results: The pregnancy rates of the exposed group A and B were higher than the control group (60.00% vs 60.00% vs 53.33%), while early abortion rates of exposed groups A and B were lower than the control group (33.33% vs 16.67% vs 43.75%, P > 0.05). Total efficacy rates in exposed group A and B were better than the control group (93.30% vs 93.30% vs 53.30%, P < 0.01). TCM symptom scores and endometrial receptivity indexes (EV, FI, VFI) were significantly lower in exposed groups compared to the control group (P < 0.05). P increase in exposed group B was superior to the other two groups (P < 0.01). No noticeable abnormalities in safety indicators in the three groups.

Conclusion: The sequential therapy of YXDJ-D and NGTJ-D can effectively increase pregnancy rate, reduce the early abortion rate and alleviate the clinical symptoms of infertility in patients with PCOS and LPD by improving luteal function and promoting the endometrial receptivity.

Objective: To elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms of Baishao (Radix Paeoniae Alba) (APR) and Gancao (Radix Glycyrrhizae) (GR) in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD).

Methods: Based on the network pharmacology strategy, the therapeutic targets of APR-GR for MDD are predicted, differentially expressed genes from the Integrated Gene Expression database for MDD patients. Topological networks are constructed, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways are enriched, their pharmacological potential molecular mechanisms are discussed, and molecular docking analysis is performed to further motivate compositional and target interactions. Finally, the CUMS mouse model is used for validation.

Results: Based on the pharmacological network analysis, 17 candidate genes were identified, including muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M1(CHRM1), muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M2 (CHRM2), β2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2), adrenergic α1A receptor (ADRA1A) and 5-hydroxytryptamine transfer protein (SLC6A4), etc. which are primarily involved in reactive oxygen species metabolism, neural response, oxidative stress response and other biological processes. Further analysis revealed that these targets are closely related to Ca²⁺, cyclic adenosine monophosphate, etc., and exhibit optimal binding sites after molecular docking. Finally, in vivo experiments were performed and it was found that APR-GR significantly improved depression-like behavior and hippocampal impairment in mouse models, increasing brain levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine, dopamine and norepinephrine and decreasing serum levels of corticotropin releasing hormone, corticosterone and adreno cortico tropic hormone, while upregulating the expression of CHRM1, CHRM2 and ADRA1A in the hippocampus and downregulating the expression of SLC6A4 and ADRB2.

Cnclusion: This research sheds light on the potential molecular mechanism of APR-GR to improve MDD.