Dachengqi Decoction Research Articles

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Da-Cheng-Qi decoction in the liver of rats with severe acute pancreatitis.

AIMTo explore the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Da-Cheng-Qi decoction (DCQD) in the liver of rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) based on an herbal recipe tissue pharmacology hypothesis.METHODSHealthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group (SOG); a model group (MG); and low-, median- and high-dose treatment groups (LDG, MDG, and HDG, respectively). Different dosages (6, 12 and 24 g/kg for the LDG, MDG, and HDG, respectively) of DCQD were administered to the rats with SAP. The tissue concentrations of aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin, chrysophanol, honokiol, rheo chrysophanol, magnolol, hesperidin, naringenin and naringin in the liver of the treated rats were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) in serum, inflammatory mediators in the liver and pathological scores were evaluated.RESULTSThe major components of DCQD were detected in the liver, and their concentrations increased dose-dependently. The high dose of DCQD showed a maximal effect in ameliorating the pathological damages, decreasing the pro-inflammatory mediators tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin (IL)-6 and increasing anti-inflammatory mediators IL-4 and IL-10 in the liver. The pathological scores in the pancreas for the MG were significantly higher than those for the SOG (P < 0.05). DCQD could reduce the pathological scores in the pancreas and liver of the rats with SAP, especially in the HDG. Compared to the SOG, the ALT and AST levels in serum were higher in the MG (P < 0.05), while there was no statistical difference in the MG and HDG.CONCLUSIONDCQD could alleviate liver damage by altering the inflammatory response in rats with SAP based on the liver distribution of its components.

Formula Compatibility Identification of Dachengqi Decoction Based on the Effects of Absorbed Components in Cerulein-Injured Pancreatic AR42J Cells.

Objective. To identify the herbal formula compatibility law based on the effects of the absorbed components from DCQD on the cerulein-injured AR42J cells. Methods. AR42J cells were pretreated for 30 min with or without the different concentrations of the absorbed components from DCQD individually or in combination or DCQD and coincubated with cerulein (10 nM) for a further 24 h. Cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and the levels of apoptosis and necrosis were measured. Results. Compared to DCQD, the individual or combination components partially protected cerulein-injured AR42J cells by increasing cell viability, reducing LDH release, and promoting apoptosis. Rhein, naringin, and honokiol were the main absorbed components from DCQD in cerulein-induced pancreatitis. Moreover, rhein in combination with naringin and honokiol had synergistic effects in protecting cerulein-injured AR42J cells and was better than the individual or the pairwise combination of the three components. Conclusions. The ten effective components from DCQD may elicit similar protective effects as DCQD on cerulein-induced pancreatitis. The principle of the formula compatibility of DCQD may be identified based on the effects of its absorbed components in cerulein-injured AR42J cells.

Comparison on Traditional and Machinery Decoctions for Da-cheng-qi Decoction Based on Chemical Ingredients, Pharmacological Functions, and Clinical Trials

ObjectivePatients and doctors often have questions about the equivalence of traditional and machinery decoctions. In this article, using Da-cheng-qi Decoction (DCQD) as a model of formula, traditional decoction (TD), machinery decoction under high pressure (MDHP), and machinery decoction under normal pressure (MDNP) were compared. MethodsFor chemical components, HPLC fingerprints were established and evaluated using AHP combined with CRITIC weighing method; For animals' effects, the experiments of small intestinal propulsion were conducted; For clinical effects, a randomized clinical trial (RCT) was designed and performed. ResultsAlthough there were some differences between TD and MDNP in chemical ingredients, there was no significant difference in animal experiments and clinical trials (P > 0.05). ConclusionThe traditional and machinery decoctions of DCQD could be used bioequivalently.

Effects of Dachengqi Decoction () on morphological changes in enteric nerve system of rats with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.

To observe the morphological changes in enteric nerve system (ENS) of rats with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) treated by Dachengqi Decoction (, DCQD). Fifty Wistar rats were randomly assigned to the control group, MODS model group and DCQD treated group. The rats in MODS model group and DCQD treated group were injected Escherichia coli (E. coli) suspension into abdominal cavity under sterile condition. The DCQD treated group was gavaged with DCQD 2 days before the E. coli suspension was injected. Twenty-four hours after injection, the proximal segment of intestine was resected and studied by immunohistofluorescence using vesicular acetylcholine transporter, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), substance P (SP) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) antibodies. The whole-mount preparations were observed by laser scanning confocal microscope to detect the changes of quantity and fluorescence integral optical density (IOD) value of intestine enteric nerves. Compared with the control group, the quantity and IOD value of acetylcholine (ACh), VIP, SP and nitric oxide (NO) nerves of intestine in the MODS group were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the network of enteric nerves was remarkably disrupted. Compared with the MODS group, the quantity and fluorescence IOD value of ACh, VIP, SP and NO nerves in the DCQD group were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the network of enteric nerves was remarkably recovered. DCQD can protect and repair damage in the network of ACh, SP, NO and VIP nerves in rats with MODS, which may be one of mechanisms involved in promoting gastrointestinal motility by DCQD.

Mitigation of the damage of intestinal smooth muscle of rats with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome by Dachengqi decoction through mitochondrial pathway

To discuss the mechanism of promotion of gastrointestinal motility during multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) by Dachengqi decoction, by examining the expression of Bcl-2, Bax of mitochondrial pathway, and nuclear factor-ΚB (NF-ΚB) in smooth muscle of the small intestinal in rats. According to the random number table, 100 healthy adult Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control group with 20 rats, model group with 40 rats, and Dachengqi decoction group with 40 rats. Rat model of MODS was reproduced by bacterial peritonitis induced by an injection of 1 mL Escherichia coli suspension (8×10(8) cfu/mL) into peritoneal cavity. The rats in control group were given 1 mL normal saline intraperitoneally. The rats in Dachengqi decoction group were given 10 mL/kg Dachengqi decoction by gavage, twice a day, before inoculation of the bacterial suspension. Twenty-four hours after modelling, rats in all groups were sacrificed by cervical vertebra luxation, and the upper small intestine was harvested to detect the protein expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, and NF-ΚB in smooth muscle tissue using immunohistochemical staining. In the control group, a large amount of Bcl-2 protein was expressed and it was distributed uniformly in small intestinal smooth muscle. On the other hand, a small amount of Bax and NF-ΚB protein was expressed, and they were also distributed uniformly. Compared with the control group, Bcl-2 protein was distributed only sparsely, and it was scattered in intestinal smooth muscle in blocks in the model group. The expression of Bcl-2 protein was obviously down-regulated [integral optical density (A) value: 7 115.3±1 797.2 vs. 22 085.5±4 892.2, P < 0.05], and this phenomenon was more prominent in circular muscle layer. Bax and NF-ΚB were densely distributed, and their expressions were upgraded obviously [Bax (A value): 33 802.6±5 778.0 vs. 7 984.4±1 804.5, NF-ΚB (A value): 2 465.9±664.8 vs. 1 572.6±256.0, both P < 0.05]. This phenomenon was more outstanding in circular muscle layer. Compared with that of the model group, the expression of Bcl-2 protein was stronger obviously in intestinal smooth muscle in Dachengqi decoction group (A value: 12 458.6±2 491.1 vs. 7 115.3±1 797.2, P < 0.05). The expressions of Bax and NF-ΚB were down-regulated obviously [Bax (A value): 12 529.2±2 018.5 vs. 33 802.6±5 778.0, NF-ΚB (A value): 1 843.1±373.6 vs. 2 465.9±664.8, both P < 0.05], and the change was more obvious in circular muscle layer. Dachengqi decoction may promote recovery of gastrointestinal motility through an increase of Bcl-2 expression in nuclear membrane, thus preventing translocation of Bax to mitochondrion, thereby reduces mitochondrial damage in MODS.

Effect of da-cheng-qi decoction on pancreatitis-associated intestinal dysmotility in patients and in rat models.

The impairment of intestinal motility and related infectious complications are the predominant clinical phenomenon in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). We aimed to investigate the effects of Da-Cheng-Qi decoction (DCQD) on the gastrointestinal injury in SAP patients and the potential mechanism involved in rats. DCQD was enema administered to 70 patients for 7 days in West China Hospital. Mortality and organ failure during admission were observed and blood samples for laboratory analysis were collected. We also experimentally examined plasma inflammatory cytokines in rat serum and carried the morphometric studies of the gut. Intestinal propulsion index and serum and tissue vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) were also detected. Though DCQD did not affect the overall incidence of organ failure, it shortened the average time of paralytic intestinal obstruction and decreased the morbidity of infectious complications in patients with SAP. Compared with untreated rats, the DCQD lowered the levels of proinflammatory cytokine and decreased the mean pathological intestinal lesion scores. The VIP level in intestinal tissue or serum in DCQD group was obviously lowered and intestinal propulsion index was significantly improved. In conclusion, DCQD has good effect on pancreatitis-associated intestinal dysmotility in patients and in rat models.

Dachengqi Decoction Attenuates Inflammatory Response via Inhibiting HMGB1 Mediated NF-κB and P38 MAPK Signaling Pathways in Severe Acute Pancreatitis

Background/Aims: Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas. The traditional Chinese medicine formula Dachengqi decoction (DCQD) is proven to be beneficial in the comprehensive treatment for pancreatitis patients in clinical practice. However, the molecular mechanism of DCQD on SAP remains unclear. High mobility group box 1(HMGB1) that functions as a damage-associated molecular pattern molecule (DAMP) has attracted much interest. Methods: In this study, we used lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and cerulein to induce severe acute pancreatitis in C57BL/6 mice with subsequent administration with low, medium and high dose (2.3 g/kg, 7 g/kg and 21 g/kg, respectively) of DCQD. Results: DCQD treatment improved the pathological score and decreased serum amylase and lipase in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, it suppressed the immune cell-induced secretion of HMGB1 and its translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, thus repressing the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α. Further, pretreatment with DCQD decreased responses of TLRs, and suppressed the activation of NF-kB and p38 MAPK pathway. Conclusion: Decreasing the secretion of HMGB1 could reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, which may help cutting down the risks of development from localized pathological changes to a systemic inflammatory response syndrome and even lead to multiple organ failure.

Tissue Pharmacology of Da-Cheng-Qi Decoction in Experimental Acute Pancreatitis in Rats.

Objectives. The Chinese herbal medicine Da-Cheng-Qi Decoction (DCQD) can ameliorate the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP). However, the potential pharmacological mechanism remains unclear. This study explored the potential effective components and the pharmacokinetic characteristics of DCQD in target tissue in experimental acute pancreatitis in rats. Methods. Acute pancreatitis-like symptoms were first induced in rats and then they were given different doses of DCQD (6 g/kg, 12 g/kg, and 24 g/kg body weight) orally. Tissue drug concentration, tissue pathological score, and inflammatory mediators in pancreas, intestine, and lung tissues of rats were examined after 24 hours, respectively. Results. Major components of DCQD could be found in target tissues and their concentrations increased in conjunction with the intake dose of DCQD. The high-dose compounds showed maximal effect on altering levels of anti-inflammatory (interleukin-4 and interleukin-10) and proinflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin-6) and ameliorating the pathological damage in target tissues (P < 0.05). Conclusions. DCQD could alleviate pancreatic, intestinal, and lung injury by altering levels of inflammatory cytokines in AP rats with tissue distribution of its components.

Therapeutic effects of rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells combined with Dachengqi decoction in rats with severe acute pancreatitis

Therapeutic effects of rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells combined with Dachengqi decoction in rats with severe acute pancreatitis

Explore Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescription Compatibility Based on Local Partial Least Squares

Explore Traditional Chinese Medicine prescription based on Local partial least squares (LPLS). Method: mathematical modeling base on LPLS, gain the VIP sorting, loadings Bi plot. Results: seek out the optimized direction of the prescription. Conclusion: the method optimization the compatibility of the dachengqi decoction is feasible and effective.

Research for TCM Prescription Compatibility Chemical Components Dose-Response Relationship Using MSC-PLS

Study traditional Chinese medicine prescription compatibility chemical components Dose-response relationship based on multiplicative signal correction and partial least squares (MSC-PLS). Method: mathematical modeling base on MSC-PLS. Results: study the compatibility chemical components of the dachengqi decoction; mining the regression coefficient and equation, VIP sorting, loadings Bi plot base on the method. Conclusion: the method mining the data information and optimization the compatibility of the dachengqi decoction cure ileus rats is feasible and effective.

Data Mining and Optimize TCM Prescription Compatibility Based on WDS-PLS

Data mining and optimize traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription compatibility based on wavelet denoise spectral and partial least squares (WDS-PLS). Method: First of all, experimental design: with reference to the original formula, the herbal medicines in a prescription designed nine formula based on mixing uniform design; Secondly, obtain experimental data and data standardization; Finally, mathematical modeling, data mining and optimize TCM prescription compatibility base on WDS-PLS.Results: gain the regression coefficient and equation, VIP sorting, loadings Bi plot, and seek out the optimized direction of the prescription. Conclusion: the method data mining and optimize the compatibility of the dachengqi decoction is feasible and effective.

Study TCM Prescription Compatibility Dose-Response Relationship Based on MSC-PLS

Study traditional Chinese medicine prescription compatibility based on multiplicative signal correction and partial least squares (MSC-PLS). Method: mathematical modeling base on MSC-PLS. Results: gain the regression coefficient and equation, VIP sorting, loadings Bi plot, and seek out the optimized direction of the prescription.Conclusion: using multiplicative signal correction and partial least squares method optimize the compatibility of the dachengqi decoction cure ileus rats is feasible and effective.

Da-cheng-qi decoction, a traditional Chinese herbal formula, for intestinal obstruction: systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study was aimed at determining the effects and safety of Da-Cheng-Qi decoction (DCQD) or DCQD combined with conservative therapy in patients with intestinal obstruction. PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and several other databases were searched. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of DCQD or DCQD plus conservative therapy in patients with intestinal obstruction were eligible. Therapeutic effect was estimated by the improvement of clinical manifestations and diagnostic imaging; dichotomous/ordinal data assessment of overall response to therapy, adverse effects; or continuous variable were identified, including time to first bowel movement, time to first flatus, length of hospital stay. Sixty eligible RCTs including 6,095 patients were identified. Response rate: (1) DCQD versus conservative therapy (6 RCTs, 361 patients, RR of respond =1.13; 95% CI 0.97 to 1.31). (2) DCQD plus conservative therapy versus conservative therapy (48 RCTs, 4,916 patients, RR of respond =1.25 which favoured DCQD plus conservative therapy; 95% CI 1.20 to 1.30). Treatment effect remained similar when RCTs at high risk of bias were excluded. Time to first flatus postoperatively: (1) DCQD versus conservative therapy (2 RCTs, 240 patients, SMD=-3.65; 95% CI -8.17 to 0.87). (2) DCQD plus conservative therapy versus conservative therapy (11 RCTs, 1,040 patients, SMD=-2.09 which favoured DCQD plus conservative therapy; 95% CI -3.04 to -1.15). DCQD combined with conservative therapy may increase the success rate of conservative therapy for intestinal obstruction significantly and can shorten the duration of postoperative ileus in patients undergoing abdominal surgery compared with conservative therapy alone.

The Approach for Dose-Effect Relationship of TCM Research Based the Overall Effect of Metabonomics

In this paper, PCA combined with Mass Profiler Professional (MPP) bioinformatics software were used to build the dose-effect relationship of traditional Chinese medicine which based on the overall effect of metabonomics. The dataset from Da Cheng Qi Decoction (DCQD) water extract administrated rats plasma collected by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS and used to demonstrate this method. The approach was confirmed to be an effective and time-saving tool for describing the dose-effect relationship of traditional Chinese medicine.

Chemomic and chemometric approach based on ultra-fast liquid chromatography with ion trap time-of-flight mass spectrometry to reveal the difference in the chemical composition between Da-Cheng-Qi decoction and its three constitutional herbal medicines

Da-Cheng-Qi decoction (DCQT) is a traditional purgative Chinese decoction with a history of 2000 years. To study the effect of interactions between the ingredients on the overall chemical composition of DCQT, a chemomic and chemometric approach based on ultra-fast liquid chromatography with ion trap time-of-flight mass spectrometry was developed and validated. After mixing and decocting all four ingredients to make the DCQT, the concentrations of some chemicals are significantly different from those in single herb decoction and 24 of them were identified and tentatively characterized by comparing their data with those of standard compounds or literature data. No new chemicals were formed during mixing and decoction. Our findings indicated that there are interactions between these natural medicines during the mixing and preparation process. The 24 identified chemicals could be used as chemical markers for optimizing prescription and evaluation of consistent quality, and the strategy in the present study could be applied for other multiherb formulae.

Effect of da-cheng-qi decoction on the repair of the injured enteric nerve-interstitial cells of cajal-smooth muscle cells network in multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.

Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) group, and Da-Cheng-Qi decoction (DCQD) group. The network of enteric nerves-interstitial cells of Cajal- (ICC-) smooth muscle cells (SMC) in small intestine was observed using confocal laser scanning microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the numbers of cholinergic/nitriergic nerves, and the deep muscular plexus of ICC (ICC-DMP) and connexin43 (Cx43) in small intestine with MODS were significantly decreased. The network integrity of enteric nerves-ICC-SMC was disrupted. The ultrastructures of ICC-DMP, enteric nerves, and SMC were severely damaged. After treatment with DCQD, the damages were repaired and the network integrity of enteric nerves ICC-SMC was significantly recovered. In conclusion, the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal motility dysfunction in MODS in part may be due to the damages to enteric nerves-ICC-SMC network and gap junctions. The therapeutic mechanism of DCQD in part may be that it could repair the damages and maintain the integrity of enteric nerves ICC-SMC network.

Study the Relationship between Chemical Components of Complex Prescription and Blood Flow of the Ileus Rats

Explore the relationship between chemical components of complex prescription and blood flow of the ileus rats, and predict the best compatibility. Method: first of all, experimental design. with reference to the original formula, the herbal medicines in a prescription include Rhubarb, Mangnolia officinalis, immature bitter orange, mirabilite designed nine formula based on Mixing uniform design, obtain chemical components of complex prescription and intestinal blood flow data; Secondly, explore important variables and interaction affect the information; The third, mathematical modelling. Finally, the target optimization. Results: there are interactions in the chemical components of complex prescription, and have the best compatibility. Conclusion: conjunctive use correlation analysis, partial correlation analysis, orthogonal partial least square analysis, Partial least-squares Regression, Optimal Method to study the compatibility of the dachengqi decoction is feasible and effective.

Da-Cheng-Qi Decoction (DCQD) protects against pancreatic damage in murine experimental acute pancreatitis (AP)

Da-Cheng-Qi Decoction (DCQD) protects against pancreatic damage in murine experimental acute pancreatitis (AP)

Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Studies of Four Major Phytochemical Components of Da-Cheng-Qi Decoction to Treat Acute Pancreatitis

The medicinal herb formulation Da-Cheng-Qi decoction (DCQD) has been shown to ameliorate the severity of acute pancreatitis by regulating an apoptosis–necrosis switch in cells. The active components responsible for this effect and their detailed mechanism of action remain unclear. Here we determine the pharmacokinetic characteristics of the four most abundant compounds in DCQD using a rat model of severe acute pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis-like symptoms were first induced in rats and then they were given DCQD orally. Rhein was found in rat serum at much higher levels than magnolol, hesperidin, or naringin, even though it was the least abundant of the four compounds in the DCQD. We also examined pharmacodynamics in AR42J cells stimulated with 10−8 M cerulein as a cellular model of acute pancreatitis. After pretreating AR42J cells with individual compounds and then exposing them to cerulein, we determined cell viability, levels of apoptosis and necrosis, and numbers of cells positive for reactive oxygen species (ROS). Pretreatment with any of the four DCQD compounds increased cell viability and the apoptosis index, while also reducing necrosis and ROS generation. The compounds showed maximal effect in AR42J cells around the same time that they showed maximum serum concentration in rats. Although all four components appear to play a role in an apoptosis–necrosis cellular switch in vitro, rhein may be the most bioactive DCQD ingredient.