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

Objective: To investigate the mechanism by which An's anorectal fumigation lotion (AAFL) treats inflammatory mixed hemorrhoids.

Methods: Eighty Sprague-Dawley rats, with an equal number of males and females, were randomly assigned to the following four groups: control, model, AAFL, and positive groups. Following hemorrhoid induction, hemorrhoidal tissues were collected from the rats for analysis. Pathological alterations in these tissues were examined via hematoxylin-eosin staining. Immun-ohistochemistry was used to detect inflammatory markers. The ultrastructural pathological changes in these tissues were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to analyze the gene and protein expression of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) p65, inhibitor of kappa-B (IκB), inhibitor of NF-κB kinase (IκK-β), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α).

Results: Compared with the control group, the rats in each treatment group showed general improvements in hemorrhoidal tissue pathology. The AAFL group showed increased IκB expression and decreased IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, NF-κB, p65, and IκK-β expressions.

Conclusion: AAFL can decrease the production of inflammatory markers by targeting the NF-κB pathway, resulting in improved pathological conditions in mixed hemorrhoids. Our findings will aid in the treatment of mixed hemorrhoids.

Objective: To explore the role and mechanism of Qufeng Jiejing (，QFJJ) formula in the asthma progression.

Methods: The Bagg Albino/c mice treated with Ovalbumin and AL(OH)3, and airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) treated with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB to establish a asthma model in vivo and in vitro. The cell morphology was observed with microscope and immunofluorescence staining. The cell viability was assessed with methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay. The tumor necrosis factor-αlpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), laminin, fibronectin and collagen IV levels in the ASMCs were detected with corresponding enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kits. Transwell and wound healing assays were conducted to test the cell migration. The TGF-β1, Smad2 and Smad3 levels were measured with Western blot.

Results: We found that QFJJ formula treatment dramatically decreased the cell viability, TNF-α, IL-1β, laminin, fibronectin and collagen IV levels in the PDGF-BB stimulated ASMCs. Additionally, the protein levels of TGF-β1, Smad2 and Smad3 in the PDGF-BB stimulated ASMCs were prominently depleted after QFJJ formula treatment. Besides, SRI treatment neutralized the role of QFJJ formula in the PDGF-BB stimulated ASMCs.

Conclusion: QFJJ formula effectively relieved the asthma progression through ameliorate the ASMCs function, which was achieved through suppressing the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway.

Objective: To explore the potential molecular mechanism of Qigu capsule (，QGC) improve the functional performance of skeletal muscle.

Methods: The primary components of QGC were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Muscle dysfunction was established in male C57BL/6 mice treated with dexamethasone (1 mg/kg body weight, i.p., six weeks). Rotarod test, mitochondrial ultrastructure, respiratory chain complex V activity, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were assessed. The mitochondrial biogenesis-related protein expressions were analyzed using Western blot or polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results: QGC treatment enhanced Rotarod test performance. Additionally, QGC significantly alleviated dexamethasone-induced mitochondrial damage, reduced mitochondrial swelling, increased respiratory chain complex enzyme activity, SDH activity, ATP content, and decreased ROS levels. PCR and western blot results revealed that QGC enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis via adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) signaling pathway.

Conclusions: QGC ameliorates dexamethasone-induced skeletal muscle dysfunction by activating AMPK/ PGC-1α, which might be developed as a therapeutic agent for treating age-related muscle weakness.

Objective: To investigate the site specificity and differences of the Hegu (LI4) located on the midpoint of the second metacarpal and the point where the bases of the first and second metacarpal bones on the dorsum was historically used as Hegu (LI4) in Japan, through morphological, biomechanical, and histological analyses.

Methods: We defined distally located Hegu (LI4) as Hegu (LI4)-D and proximally located Hegu (LI4) as Hegu (LI4)-P. The distance from the skin surface to the blood vessels as well as the biomechanical properties of the two Hegu (LI4) samples were measured using an ultrasound device and MyotonPRO (MyotonAS, Tallinn, Estonia), respectively, in 20 healthy adult volunteers. Sympathetic fibers under the two Hegu (LI4) samples were histologically observed using tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunostaining in 10 cadavers.

Results: Hegu (LI4)-D was classified into type 1 with blood vessels < 4 mm away from the skin surface, and type 2 with blood vessels > 10 mm away from the skin surface. In Hegu (LI4)-P, blood vessels were approximately 10 mm away from the surface. Further, Hegu (LI4)-P had significantly higher tone, stiffness, and elasticity than Hegu (LI4)-D (P < 0.0001). TH-positive fibers were present near the artery in Hegu (LI4)-P.

Conclusion: Hegu (LI4)-D and Hegu (LI4)-P differed in terms of hardness and the distance between the skin surface and blood vessels. Furthermore, sympathetic nerve fibers were present near the artery in Hegu (LI4)-P. Taken together, these results suggest that there is site specificity of morphological, biomechanical, and histological differences between the Hegu (LI4)-D and Hegu (LI4)-P.

Objective: To summarize the clinical efficacy characteristics of Suhuang Zhike capsule and evaluate the incidence of adverse reactions in its broad clinical application.

Methods: This was a multicenter, prospective, single-arm, open-label phase IV clinical trial. A total of 1100 patients diagnosed with cough variant asthma (CVA) and the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome of wind evil invading the lung and lung Qi failing to propagate were planned for recruitment. Participants received Suhuang Zhike capsule orally, three capsules per dose, taken three times daily, for a treatment duration of 14 d. The primary outcome was the change in cough symptom scores from baseline to week 2. Cough severity was assessed twice daily. Additional evaluations included the rate and time of cough disappearance or basic disappearance rate, as well as the time of cough relief. TCM symptom scores were recorded at baseline and on days 7 and 14 of treatment. Safety assessments included monitoring for adverse events and conducting laboratory tests.

Results: A total of 1033 patients with CVA from 40 hospitals across China were enrolled in the study. Of these, 1026 patients received the study medication and were included in the safety analysis. Fifty-four patients withdrew from the study, resulting in a drop-out rate of 5.23%. Treatment with Suhuang Zhike capsules significantly reduced cough symptom scores and improved cough-related symptoms in patients with CVA. The overall rate of cough disappearance or basic disappearance increased over the course of treatment, reaching 67.21% after 14 d. The median time of cough relief was 3 d, while the median time to cough disappearance or basic disappearance was 11 d. Additionally, the treatment led to reductions in TCM symptom scores and improvements in accompanying symptoms such as throat itching, expectoration, and shortness of breath. In terms of safety, no serious adverse events were reported. The incidence of related adverse events (AEs) was 2.24% (23 cases, 30 events). The incidence of adverse reactions listed in the drug's instructions was 2.14%. Other related AEs not listed in the drug's instructions occurred in 0.39% of patients and included dizziness (0.19%), headache (0.10%), pruritus (0.10%), and palpitation (0.10%).

Conclusion: Suhuang Zhike capsules demonstrated good efficacy and safety for the treatment of CVA. These findings offer valuable clinical evidence to support their broader application in routine clinical practice.

Objective: To investigate the effect of pestle needle therapy (PNT) on the posterior cervical muscle (PCM) in a rabbit model of cervical spondylosis (CS) and explore the underlying mechanisms.

Methods: Rabbits were divided into control, CS models I and II (CS1 and CS2), electroacupuncture (EA), PNT I and II (PN1 and PN2), activator (AVT), and PNT combined with activator (C-AVT) groups. A long-term neck immobilization technique was used to establish a rabbit model of CS. Following completion of modeling, the EA group received electroacupuncture intervention, whereas the CS1, CS2, and C-AVT groups received PNT intervention. The AVT and C-AVT groups received local 740 Y-P injections into the PCM daily. The inflammatory injury to PCM was evaluated based on pain threshold, morphological changes, and interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels. PCM fibrosis was evaluated by measuring the positive area (PA) of collagen fibrils (CFs) and collagen type 1 alpha 1 (Col1α1) using Masson's and immunohistochemical staining. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling assay and transmission electron microscopy were used to identify apoptotic cells and assess autophagy, respectively. Western blotting was used to determine B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), cysteine aspartate-specific protease (caspase)-3, sequestosome-1 (P62), microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3-I/II), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) levels. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to determine mRNA expression levels of PI3K, AKT, mTOR, autophagy protein (ATG), and ATG7.

Results: PNT alleviated PCM cell degeneration and necrosis, inhibited inflammatory cell infiltration, decreased IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels, and decreased the PA of CFs and Col1α1. In the PN1 group, cell apoptosis in the PCM decreased, autophagy increased, Bcl-2 and LC3-II/I levels increased, Bax, Caspase-3, and P62 levels decreased, and the mRNA expression of ATG5 and ATG7 increased. PNT inhibits protein and mRNA expression of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR. Finally, the trend in the results of the rescue experiment was consistent with previous results.

Conclusion: PNT inhibited apoptosis and promoted autophagy of PCM cells in CS rabbits and alleviated inflammation and fibrosis injury of PCM by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Objective: To investigate the effects of gut microbes regulation of the trimethylamine (TMA)/flavin containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3)/trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) pathway on platelet aggregation in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) rats and the intervention of Huayu Qutan formula.

Methods: The ACS rats with syndrome of phlegm and blood stasis rats were established. Platelet, platelet aggregation, platelet activation markers and TMA/FMO3/ TMAO pathway were detected. Metagenomics technology was employed to analyze the characteristics of the gut microbiota.

Results: Huayu Qutan formula and gut microbes could inhibit high platelet reactivity and regulate the TMA/ FMO3/TMAO pathway. The dominant bacteria in ACS rats including but not limited to the major phyla, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria, also including some low abundance phyla, Fusobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Spirochaetes, and Deferribacteres. The dominant bacteria in the Huayu Qutan formula group were Synergistetes, Deferribacteres, Deferribacteraceae, Faecalibacterium and Mucispirillum. In the Huayu Qutan formula combined with fecal bacteria enema group, the dominant bacteria were Verrucomicrobia, Verrucomicrobiae, Akkermansia and Verrucomicrobium. These gut microbiota were correlated with pathways such as Riboflavin metabolism and Arachidonic acid metabolism.

Conclusion: Huayu Qutan formula may prevent ACS by modulating gut microbes Synergistetes, Faecalibacterium and Allobaculum, regulating the iron metabolism of Deferribacteres, and driving the TMA/FMO3/TMAO pathway to regulate gut microbiota function, and improving platelet aggregation. Akkermansia may serve as a promising probiotic, which could drive TMA/FMO3/ TMAO pathway to regulate Arachidonic acid metabolism to improve platelet aggregation. The findings of this study provide a theoretical basis for the theory of "the heart is connected with the small intestine".

Objective: To evaluate the clinical outcome of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome differentiation combined with hysteroscopic treatment for uterine incision defect after cesarean section [previous cesarean scar defect (PCSD)] after cesarean section.

Methods: This is a single-center retrospective study. A total of 120 PCSD patients were enrolled from February 2022 to February 2023 and divided into two groups according to different treatment methods, the TCM group (n = 60) and the control group (n = 60). The control group was treated with hysteroscopy, and the TCM group combined TCM syndrome differentiation with hysteroscopy. Clinical outcome included menstrual scores, menstrual days, TCM symptom scores and intrauterine pregnancy recurrence rate was analyzed in two groups.

Results: The total response rate of the TCM group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05); after treatment, the menstrual scores, menstrual days and TCM symptoms of the two groups were decreased, and the menstrual scores, menstrual days and TCM symptoms of the TCM group were all lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05); the recurrence rate of the TCM group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Follow-up results showed higher healing of incisional scar diverticulum in the TCM group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The duration of menstruation before and after treatment, and the TCM group was better than the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: TCM syndrome differentiation combined with hysteroscopy presented favorable outcome on the prolonged menstrual period of PCSD, which could significantly improve the recovery of menstruation, relief the symptoms of TCM, reduce the recurrence rate and accelerate wound healing.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Tuomin Zhiti decoction (, TZD) in the short-term treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR).

Methods: This study is a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled, and single-center clinical trial. In April 2021, during the spring pollen season in Beijing, 94 SAR patients aged 19-60 years were randomized (1:1 ratio) to receive two weeks of TZD or placebo. The primary outcomes were the change of Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS) and Total Ocular Symptom Score (TOSS) from baseline to the end of treatment. Secondary outcomes were the changed score of the mini Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ), Rescue Medication Score (RMS), and Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC). All adverse events were recorded and evaluated by two senior physicians.

Results: TZD significantly reduced both the total nasal symptom scores and total ocular symptom scores compared to scores at baseline, while the placebo group showed an increasing trajectory in both symptom scores. Compared to the placebo group, the TZD group also showed a greater improvement in the quality of life, scores of RMS, nasal and eye symptoms scores after TZD treatment (P < 0.001). Most notably, at the end of treatment, the proportion of remission measured by PGIC was significantly higher in the TZD group (82.97%) compared with the placebo group (47.72%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion: This study suggested that two weeks of TZD is an effective and safe treatment for SAR patients and spring pollen allergy, TZD could significantly improve the nasal and eye symptoms and improve the quality of life of patients.