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

Objective: To confirm the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Jingui Shenqi pill (, JGSQP) on cardiorenal syndrome.

Methods: Doxorubicin was used to build heart-kidney coinjury rat model. After the modeling was completed, JGSQP gavage intervention was performed. The cardiac function of rats in each group was evaluated by ultrasound detection. Serum of rats was collected and examined for markers of heart and kidney damage. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay detected serum inflammatory factors interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot detected the changes of related genes and proteins.

Results: JGSQP significantly increased left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) and left ventricular shortening fraction (FS) values, decreased the heart and kidney damage markers and fibrosis levels (P < 0.05). Furthermore, it can reduce IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α inflammatory expression (P < 0.05). Mechanistically, JGSQP significantly inhibited the expression of key genes and proteins of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Jingui Shenqi pill can exert therapeutic effects on cardiorenal syndrome by inhibiting the activation of the MAPK signaling pathway and inflammatory responses.

Objective: To investigate whether Jiegeng (Radix Platycodi, RP) has a Yin-Jing potentiating effect on Jingjie (Herba Schizonepetae Tenuifoliae,ST). We investigated the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of pulegone, the active ingredient in ST volatile oil, in rats to verify the scientific validity of the Yin-Jing doctrine, the basic theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Methods: The volatile oil and aqueous extract of ST were extracted by hydrodistillation. RP's aqueous extract underwent aqueous extraction. After individual and co-administration, we conducted pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution studies on Sprague-Dawley male rats.

Results: Peak concentration (Cmax), mean retention time from 0 to ∞ (MRT0→∞), and area under the curve (AUC0→10), (AUC0→∞) were 1.51, 1.14, 2.34, and 3.86 times higher in the co-administration group than in the individual administration group, respectively (P < 0.05). In addition, half-life (T1/2) was significantly prolonged in the co-administration group (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the clearance and elimination rate constant (Ke) in the co-administration group were significantly lower than those in the individual administration group, just 50% of those in the individual administration group (P < 0.05). After co-administration of the drug, the pulegone content in all tissues of the rats was elevated to varying degrees, especially a significant increase in the drug content in lung tissues (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: After co-administration, the retention of pulegone in the body was prolonged, the elimination of pulegone from the body was delayed, and the accumulation of pulegone in the lungs was facilitated. Therefore, using RP as a Yin-Jing drug concoction has a significant cumulative effect of inducing upward mobilization and targeting lung tissues.

Objective: To investigate the effect and mechanism of Shaoyao Gancao granule (SGG, ) on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and immune imbalance status in stressed alopecia areata (AA) mice, and to provide an objective experimental basis for the clinical application of SGG.

Methods: Seventy female C57BL/6J mice aged 5-7 weeks were randomly divided into two groups: 10 mice in the blank control group and 60 mice in the mock group. The moulding group received topical imiquimod cream in combination with chronic unpredictable mild stress. On day 10, the moulding group was further divided into six groups: Shaoyao Gancao granule low-dose (SGL), Shaoyao Gancao granule medium-dose (SGM), Shaoyao Gancao granule high-dose (SGH), Antalarmin, and compound glycyrrhizin (CG). On day 24, overall and trichoscopic photographs of mice were taken on day 24 of the experiment; behavioral tests were completed; serum corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and cortisol levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; and T helper cell (Th)1/Th2 and Th17/Treg cell differentiation in peripheral blood T lymphocyte subpopulations was detected by flow cytometry.

Results: The dorsal skin lesions of mice in all SGG groups showed faster hair growth, less dilated skin capillaries, and scaly conditions compared with those in the model group. In the open field test, compared with those of the model group, the moving distance and number of uprights and entries into the central area of the mice in the SGM and SGH groups significantly increased (P < 0.05), while in the forced swimming test, compared with the model group, the rest time of the mice in the SGL, SGM, and SGH groups significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results showed that, compared with the model group, the mice in the SGH group had significantly reduced CRH levels (P < 0.05), and the ACTH and cortisol levels in the SGM and SGH groups were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). The flow cytometry results showed that, compared with those in the model group, Th2 levels were significantly higher (P < 0.05), Th17 levels were significantly lower (P < 0.05), the Th1/Th2 ratio was significantly lower (P < 0.05), and the Th17/Treg ratio was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the SGM and SGH groups. The Th1 and Treg cell ratios were reduced in all SGG groups, but the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion: SGG may exert therapeutic effects in AA by modulating the HPA axis and regulating immune imbalance.

Objective: To examine the T helper 17 (Th17)/regulatory T (Treg) immune balance in passive Heymann nephritis (PHN) rats with dampness syndrome (DS).

Methods: Rats were divided into four groups: normal control (NC), PHN model, PHN + DS model, and DS model. The DS model was created by administering lard, a 60% cold sucrose solution, and Chinese Baijiu viagavage. In contrast, PHN was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by injecting anti-Fx1A serum into the tail vein. The general condition of the rats was assessed, while the levels of urine protein, albumin, and serum creatinine were measured using commercially available kits. Pathological renal damage was evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-schiff, and periodic acid-silver methenamine staining, while podocyte damage was assessed through immunohistochemistry. The proportions of Th17 cells and Treg cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were quantified by flow cytometry. Plasma cytokine levels of interleukin 17, transforming growth factor-β1, and interleukin 6 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: This study demonstrated a significant increase in proteinuria and total cholesterol levels in PHN rats with DS, along with more severe histopathological kidney damage. DS exacerbated podocyte damage in PHN rats. Additionally, the number of Treg cells was significantly reduced, while the ratio of Th17/Treg cells was significantly elevated in PHN rats with DS.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the findings of our study indicate that the presence of DS exacerbates renal injury in PHN, a rat model used to simulate experimental membranous nephropathy. This observation may be closely linked to the exacerbation of the Th17/Treg imbalance and podocyte injury in PHN rats induced by DS.

Objective: To determine the mechanism of electro-acupuncture (EA) effect by the wingless-related integration site (Wnt)/β-catenin pathway in the guinea pig myopia model.

Methods: Following myopia induction and EA, guinea pigs were treated with biometry to evaluate refraction and axial length. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to observe that the retina, choroid, and sclera had abnormal morphology. At 4, 6, and 8 weeks, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to identify the expression of matrix metallopeptidase-2 (MMP-2)/MMP-3/tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease-2 (TIMP-2)/TIMP-3/Wnt family member 2B (WNT2B)/WNT3A/ WNT7B/beta-catenin 1 (CTNNB1), and dickkopf wnt signaling pathway inhibitor 1 (DKK-1) mRNAs in the retina, choroid, and sclera. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of WNT7B/2B/3A, CTNNB1 and DKK-1 in retina, choroid and sclera at 4 weeks. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the protein expression of MMP-2/TIMP-2 and MMP-3/TIMP-3 in serum at 4 weeks. Moreover, a DKK-1 inhibitor was injected into the vitreous cavity, and the expression of the above molecules was detected.

Results: EA could reduce the optic axial length and diopter and ameliorate ocular pathology, inhibited the expression of MMP-2/MMP-3 and WNT2B/WNT3A/ WNT7B/CTNNB1, while increased the expression levels of TIMP-2/TIMP-3 and DKK-1. However, the expression levels of WNT2B/WNT3A/WNT7B/CTNNB1 and MMP-2/MMP-3 were significantly increased, and the TIMP-2/TIMP-3 and DKK-1 expression levels were decreased after injected DKK-1 inhibitor.

Conclusion: The mechanism of EA's effects on myopia may involve the downregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and correct MMP-2/MMP-3/TIMP-2/TIMP-3 balance.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Fuzi Lizhong decoction on intestinal flora, serum inflammatory factors, and hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in patients with colorectal cancer associated with spleen and kidney Yang deficiency.

Methods: A total of 100 patients diagnosed with advanced colorectal cancer were randomly divided into two groups: a control group (CON, 50) and a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) group (n = 50). The control group received treatment with the Capecitabine + Oxaliplatin (CAPEOX) regimen, while the TCM group received the same regimen along with Fuzi Lizhong decoction for six weeks. Changes in intestinal flora were assessed before and after six weeks in both groups. Serum markers, including HIF-1α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Adverse reactions, clinical efficacy, and TCM syndrome efficacy were also monitored.

Results: After six weeks, the levels of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium were significantly higher, while the levels of Enterobacter and Enterococcus were significantly lower in the TCM group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Serum levels of HIF-1α, VEGF, IL-6, and TNF-α were also significantly reduced in the TCM group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the incidence of adverse reactions was lower, and the clinical efficacy was higher in the TCM group compared to the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Fuzi Lizhong decoction effectively improves intestinal microbiota composition, reduces inflammatory factors and HIF-1α expression, alleviates chemotherapy-related adverse reactions, enhances clinical efficacy, and may inhibit tumor growth in patients with colorectal cancer.

Objective: To analyze the mechanism of Tongqiao Yizhi decoction (TQYZD, ) in treating vascular dementia (VaD) rats using brain tissue untargeted metabonomics and fecal 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Methods: The chemical composition of TQYZD was analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. The effects of TQYZD on VaD rats were evaluated by water maze test, hematoxylin-eosin staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot. Untargeted metabolomics and 16S rRNA sequencing were utilized to explore the relationship between metabolic profiles and the structure and function of intestinal flora. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was used to validate the role of gut microbiota in VaD. Spearman correlation analysis of differential metabolites and gut microbiota was performed.

Results: The results showed that TQYZD improved cognitive function and neuronal damage in VaD rats, and reduced inflammatory response and repaired the intestinal barrier. In addition, TQYZD had the effect of modulating gut microbes in VaD rats, and FMT further confirmed that gut flora plays an important role in TQYZD treatment of VaD. Untargeted metabolomics revealed that VaD could lead to metabolic disorders in brain tissues, and TQYZD significantly altered the metabolites of brain tissues in Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion rats. The results of spearman correlation analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between intestinal flora and the metabolites of brain tissues.

Conclusion: In this study, we demonstrated that TQYZD can improve metabolic disorders in vascular dementia rats by acting on intestinal flora.

Objective: To investigate the effects of acupuncture combined with upper limb rehabilitation robot on neural remodeling and functional recovery in post-stroke patients.

Methods: There were 50 stroke patients were randomly divided into an experimental group (acupuncture combined with upper limb rehabilitation robot assisted training) and a control group (upper limb rehabilitation robot assisted training). Various assessments were conducted to compare the effects of the two treatments on neural remodeling and functional recovery. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy technology was used to assess the effects of different treatments on neural plasticity and their impact on upper limb function and activities of daily living.

Results: The experimental group showed significantly higher concentrations of oxygenated hemoglobin and total hemoglobin in specific brain regions compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the experimental group had significantly lower concentrations of deoxygenated hemoglobin (P < 0.05). After treatment, both groups showed improvements in various measures, but the experimental group had significantly greater improvements (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Acupuncture combined with upper limb rehabilitation robot can effectively improve upper limb function and neural remodeling in stroke patients. This study supports the integration of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in improving limb dysfunction post-stroke.

Objective: To assess the benefits of Qingre Xiaozheng formula (, QRXZF) as an adjunct to standard Western medical management on renal outcomes in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD).

Methods: This retrospective study included patients with DKD who received the QRXZF between May 2017 and May 2021. A total of 144 patients with DKD, 24 h urinary total protein (24 h-UTP) ≥ 0.5 g, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 30 mL/min per 1.73 m² were divided into the treatment group or the control group based on whether they received QRXZF treatment. The long-term renal outcomes of patients with DKD were analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of the QRXZF. Differences in overall survival (OS) were assessed using Kaplan-Meier curve analysis. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to determine the independent risk factors for renal endpoints.

Results: The mean follow-up period was (28±15) months. Nine (12.5%) patients in the treatment group and 27 (37.5%) patients in the control group met the renal endpoints. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that 24 h-UTP ≥ 3.5 g [hazard ratio (HR) = 4.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.83, 12.05), P = 0.001], combined coronary artery disease [HR = 3.39, 95% CI (1.65, 6.98), P = 0.001], total cholesterol [HR = 1.34, 95% CI (1.05, 1.70), P = 0.019] and low-density lipoprotein [HR = 1.65, 95% CI (1.111, 2.45), P = 0.013] were independent prognostic factors for renal endpoints in patients with DKD. Compared with the treatment group, the risk of renal endpoint events increased 2.68-fold in the control group [HR = 2.68, 95% CI (1.19, 6.02); P = 0.017]. We included 48 patients with 24 h-UTP ≥ 3.5 g in a further stratification analysis of patients with DKD. The independent risk factor for the renal endpoints in patients with 24h-UTP ≥ 3.5 g was smoking history [HR = 5.52, 95% CI (1.131, 26.92), P = 0.035]. Compared with the treatment group, the risk of renal endpoint events increased 3.01-fold in the control group [HR = 3.01, 95% CI (1.05, 8.67); P = 0.041].

Conclusions: The results show that QRXZF treatment improved renal outcomes and reduced proteinuria in patients with DKD. These results indicate that Traditional Chinese Medicine is likely to have a positive therapeutic effect on established and advanced DKD. Further well-designed clinical trials with longer follow-up periods are required.