Traditional Chinese Medication Research Articles

Evidence-based clinical pharmacology using network analysis of the curcuma-containing traditional Chinese medication Changpu-Yujin: Efficacy in the treatment of insomnia.

Evidence-based clinical pharmacology using network analysis of the curcuma-containing traditional Chinese medication Changpu-Yujin: Efficacy in the treatment of insomnia.

Shenfu injection alleviate gut ischemia/reperfusion injury after severe hemorrhagic shock through improving intestinal microcirculation in rats

BackgroundShenfu (SF) injection, a traditional Chinese medication, would improve microcirculation in cardiogenic shock and infectious shock. This study was aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of the SF injection in gut ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury after severe hemorrhagic shock (SHS) and resuscitation. Furthermore, we also investigated the optimal adm？ inistration timing. MethodsTwenty-four male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups: Sham group (sham, n = 6), Control group (n = 6), SF injection group (SF, n = 6), and Delayed Shenfu injection administration group (SF-delay, n = 6). In SHS and resuscitation model, rats were induced by blood draw to a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 40 ± 5 mmHg within 1 h and then maintained for 40 min; HR, MAP ‘were recorded, microcirculation index [De Backer score, perfused small vessel density (PSVD), total vessel density (TVD), microcirculation flow index score (MFI), flow heterogeneity index (HI)] were analyzed. The blood gas index was detected, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), diamine oxidase (DAO), malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured by ELISA; ZO-1, and claudin-1 were measured by Western blotting. In addition, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and periodic acid schiff (PAS) staining pathological sections of the intestinal mucosal tissues were also performed. ResultsSF injection increased the MAP, relieved the metabolic acidosis degree associated with the hypoperfusion, and improved the intestinal microcirculatory density and perfusion quality after I/R injury. The expression of DAO, MDA in intestinal tissue, and plasma IL-6, TNF-α significantly decreased in the SF injection group compared to the control group. The concentration of ZO-1 and claudin-1 is also higher in the SF injection group. In addition, the HE and PAS staining results also showed that SF injection could decrease mucosal damage and maintain the structure. In the SF-delay group, the degree of intestinal tissue damage was intermediate between that of the control group and SF injection group. ConclusionsSF injection protect the intestine from I/R injury induced by SHS and resuscitation, the mechanism of which might be through improving intestinal microcirculation, reducing the excessive release of inflammatory factors and increasing intestinal mucosal permeability. Furthermore, the protection effect is more pronounced if administration during the initial resuscitation phase.

Research Progress on Anti-Inflammatory Effects and Related Mechanisms of Astragalin.

Chronic inflammation is a significant contributor to the development of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, autoimmune disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and other illnesses. In the academic field, there is a constant demand for effective methods to alleviate inflammation. Astragalin (AST), a type of flavonoid glycoside that is the primary component in several widely used traditional Chinese anti-inflammatory medications in clinical practice, has garnered attention from numerous experts and scholars. This article focuses on the anti-inflammatory effects of AST and conducts research on relevant literature from 2003 to 2023. The findings indicate that AST demonstrates promising anti-inflammatory potential in various models of inflammatory diseases. Specifically, AST is believed to possess inhibitory effects on inflammation-related factors and protein levels in various in vitro cell models, such as macrophages, microglia, and epithelial cells. In vivo studies have shown that AST effectively alleviates neuroinflammation and brain damage while also exhibiting potential for treating moderate diseases such as depression and stroke; it also demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory effects on both large and small intestinal epithelial cells. Animal experiments have further demonstrated that AST exerts therapeutic effects on colitis mice. Molecular biology studies have revealed that AST regulates complex signaling networks, including NF-κB, MAPK, JAK/STAT pathways, etc. In conclusion, this review will provide insights and references for the development of AST as an anti-inflammatory agent as well as for related drug development.

Phytochemical characterization and antifungal activity of Marchantia polymorpha L. against Rhizoctonia solani

IntroductionMarchantia polymorpha L. is a common liverwort in the family Marchantiaceae. It is used in traditional Chinese herbal medications to heal cuts, scalds, snake bites, fractures, burns and open wounds. Chinese people used it to treat jaundice and inflammation also. Polyphenols (bis-bibenzyls and flavonoids), long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and terpenoids have been identified as the primary metabolites in M. polymorpha by phytochemical studies. The present study was aimed to explore the phytochemicals and the fungicidal properties of M. polymorpha extracts against Rhizoctonia solani by Poisoned Food Technique. MethodsThe plant was extracted in four different solvents (Acetone, Methanol, Hexane and Di-ethyl ether) for assessing antifungal activity by Poisoned Food Technique and for phytochemical characterization by GC–MS and LC-MS. The extract with best antifungal activity was further examined for its mode of action using FE-SEM and Fluorescence microscopy. ResultsSignificant fungal growth inhibition was caused by M. polymorpha extracts. The highest inhibition was shown by di-ethyl ether extract (PI= 77.25±0.68). Field Emission Scanning electron microscopy and Fluorescence microscopy depicted the ultrastructural changes in the fungal species induced after treatment with the plant extract. GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds in di –ethyl ether extracts such as n- Hexadecanoic acid, Stigmasterol and Phytol with reported pharmacological properties. LC-MS revealed the presence of three antifungal compounds: Marchantin A, Marchantin B. and Plagiochin E. DiscussionThe antifungal properties of M. polymorpha were equivalent to the standard, Amphotericin, which had significant effects against R. solani, indicating good efficacy of the plant extract. The damaging effect of plant extract was further confirmed by FE-SEM and Confocal microscopy. Thus, the present study potentially introduces a solution to the existing dilemma caused by antifungal agrochemicals.

Integrated network pharmacology, molecular docking, and lipidomics to reveal the regulatory effect of Qingxuan Zhike granules on lipid metabolism in lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury.

Qingxuan Zhike granules (QXZKG), a traditional Chinese patent medication, has shown therapeutic potential against acute lung injury (ALI). However, the precise mechanism underlying its lung-protective effects requires further investigation. In this study, integrated network pharmacology, molecular docking, and lipidomics were used to elucidate QXZKG's regulatory effect on lipid metabolism in lipopolysaccharide-induced ALI. Animal experiments were conducted to substantiate the efficacy of QXZKG in reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and mitigating pulmonary pathology. Network pharmacology analysis identified 145 active compounds that directly targeted 119 primary targets of QXZKG against ALI. Gene Ontology function analysis emphasized the roles of lipid metabolism and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade as crucial biological processes. The MAPK1 protein exhibited promising affinities for naringenin, luteolin, and kaempferol. Lipidomic analysis revealed that 12 lipids showed significant restoration following QXZKG treatment (p < 0.05, FC >1.2 or <0.83). Specifically, DG 38:4, DG 40:7, PC O-40:8, TG 18:1_18:3_22:6, PI 18:2_20:4, FA 16:3, FA 20:3, FA 20:4, FA 22:5, and FA 24:5 were downregulated, while Cer 18:0;2O/24:0 and SM 36:1;2O/34:5 were upregulated in the QXZKG versus model groups. This study enhances our understanding of the active compounds and targets of QXZKG, as well as the potential of lipid metabolism in the treatment of ALI.

Study on the mechanism of action of Wu Mei Pill in inhibiting rheumatoid arthritis through TLR4-NF-κB pathway

BackgroundWu Mei Pills (WMP) is a traditional Chinese medication that exhibits considerable anti-inflammatory effects. While WMP has been documented for its efficacy in treating RA, its mechanism of action on the condition remains unestablished.MethodsThe chemical composition of WMP was analyzed through UPLC-MS. Next, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, cell scratch, Transwell, and Western blotting techniques were used to investigate its intrinsic mechanism. Lastly, the effect of WMP in inhibiting RA was explored by applying it to CIA rats.ResultUPLC-MS analysis detected 181 compounds in WMP. RA-FLS migration and invasion mechanisms were significantly hindered by serum containing WMP (2%, 8%). Moreover, WMP (0.5 g/kg, 2 g/kg) restricted arthritis and immune organ indices in CIA rats with type II collagen-induced rheumatoid arthritis by blocking TLR4-NF-κB inflammatory pathway activation.ConclusionsWMP is valuable in mitigating the course of RA through inhibiting the classical TLR4-NF-κB inflammatory pathway and reducing the secretion of inflammatory factors in the serum of RA-FLS and CIA rats. Moreover, it regulates the dynamic balance of MMP-2/TIMP-2, MMP-9/TIMP-1, modulates the mechanism of RA-FLS invasion, and safeguards articular cartilage tissues in RA.

Concrete Advices For Longevity From Wholistic Medication in The Light of Modern Molecular Chemistry–Physiology–Nutrition

We adopt the spirit of the traditional Chinese medication (including Chinese cuisine) to the effect that the human body is to be viewed as a whole as it is. By invoking a few universally established principles in biochemistry-physiology-nutrition, i.e., using modern medical principles as a touchstone, we revive the ancient Chinese wisdom of the Wu xin principle (five elements) and Five-storied pagoda principle and we deduce a plausible conclusion that the effect of fire is to be weakened by water: Xiangke of fire (oxygen) and water (antioxidant). Then we go on to show that affinity of water and soil, metal and tree explains the nutrition of the human body by vegetable, metal ions, and fruits. Five-storied pagoda principle tell that water is squeezed by soil and fire, which explains the affinity and conflict of these elements. Wind is to be interpreted to mean oil and cosmos to mean the mind.

Preference between Chinese and Western medicines for hypertension treatment: Evidences based on Chinese population aged ≥ 45 years.

Hypertension is one of the chronic diseases that threaten the health of the elderly population. This study aims to explore the treatment and medication preferences in Chinese elderly patients (≥45 years old) with hypertension, and to investigate the relevant influencing factors. A cross-sectional design was adopted. Utilizing the data from the public database CHARLS 2018, the factors influencing the treatment and medication preference among the elderly hypertensive patients were explored with multinomial logistic regression models. A total of 6588 hypertensive patients aged ≥ 45 years were included in this study, of which 5135 (77.94%) received treatment. Besides, 4939 (96.18%) chose oral medication, which was the most preferred treatment for these patients. The proportion of patients who chose "oral medication only" increased with age, but decreased with educational level and self-reported health. Patients with higher educational levels were more likely to choose other modalities of treatment. In particular, patients with better self-reported health were more willing to try traditional Chinese medication (TCM). Lower income group without medical insurance preferred to choose "Chinese medicine only." Patients aged ≥ 75 years, urban residents, and those with 2 or more chronic diseases were more willing to try combined Chinese and Western medicines. Patients' preference for TCM therapy was correlated positively with the provincial economic welfare factor, and negatively with the provincial medical and social welfare factors. During treatment of patients with hypertension, clinicians should pay attention to their preferences and formulate personalized regimens for them, in order to improve their compliance with treatment. Additionally, the government should steadily improve the local medical benefits, thereby facilitating the promotion and application of local TCM services.

Mercury-containing preparations attenuate neutrophil extracellular trap formation in mice and humans through inhibiting the ERK1/2 pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevanceNeutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation plays a crucial role in wound healing disorders, including chronic skin ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Over the years, traditional Chinese topical medications, such as Cinnabar (composed of HgS and soluble mercury salt) and hydrargyria oxydum rubrum (containing HgO and soluble mercury salt), have been utilized for treating these ailments. Nevertheless, the fundamental processes remain mostly ambiguous. Aim of the studyThis study sought to investigate the potential effects of topical mercury-containing preparations on the process of NET formation. Materials and methodsNeutrophils isolated from healthy individuals and mouse models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes were cultured with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), both with and without the mercury-containing preparations (MCP). The formation of NETs was monitored using confocal and scanning electron microscopes. Immunofluorescence and fluorescent probes were employed to assess the levels of citrulline histone H3 (Cit-H3) and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), respectively. The impact of MCP extracts on cytokine expression, peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) was measured through Luminex and ELISA assays. Phagocytosis of human neutrophils was analyzed using Flow Cytometry. Finally, the phosphorylation levels of ERK were detected by western blotting. ResultsTreatment with MCP led to a reduction in PAD4, Cit-H3, and MPO expressions in neutrophils, consequently inhibiting PMA-induced NET formation. MCP treatment also dampened ERK1/2 activation in neutrophils. Furthermore, MCP exhibited inhibitory effects on the secretion of the cytokine IL-8 and ROS production while enhancing neutrophil phagocytosis. ConclusionOur findings suggest that MCP can mitigate the release of NETs, likely by suppressing the ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

Effect of Yupingfeng granules combined with glucocorticoid on eosinophil infiltration and inflammatory factors of lavage fluid in nasal secretion of patients with allergic rhinitis

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Yupingfeng granules, a well-known traditional Chinese medication, combined with glucocorticoids on eosinophil (EOS) number and inflammatory factors in nasal secretions of patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). 76 patients with AR were randomly divided into controls (nasal inhaled corticosteroids alone) and experimental group (combined with Yupingfeng granules orally). The efficacy, symptoms, number of EOS and levels of inflammatory factors in nasal secretions were compared between the two groups after 2 months of treatment. The results showed that in the experimental group (94.73%, 0.48 ± 0.25 points), the effective rate of treatment was obviously higher and the physical sign score was clearly lower compared with controls (81.57%, 0.97 ± 0.36 points); the EOS count in the experimental group was clearly less than that in the controls; the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (0.76 ± 0.44 ng/mL), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (11.83 ± 3.72 pg/mL), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) (17.45 ± 6.53 pg/mL) levels were evidently lower in the experimental group than in the controls (1.48 ± 0.72 ng/mL, 14.62 ± 5.19 pg/mL, 22.86 ± 9.35 pg/mL) (P &lt; 0.05). In summary, compared with nasal inhalation of glucocorticoids alone, combined with oral administration of Yupingfeng granules, it can more significantly improve the symptoms of nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea in AR patients, reduce nasal mucosal edema, reduce the number of EOS in nasal secretions, and reduce the level of inflammatory factors, which is of positive significance for the clinical treatment of AR patients.

Cotransplantation of NSCs and ethyl stearate promotes synaptic plasticity in PD rats by Drd1/ERK/AP-1 signaling pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTraditional Chinese medicine views kidney shortage as a significant contributor to the aetiology of Parkinson's disease (PD), a neurodegenerative condition that is closely linked to aging. In clinical, patients with Parkinson's disease are often treated with Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum (Plastrum Testudinis, PT), a traditional Chinese medication that tonifies the kidney. Previous research has demonstrated that ethyl stearate (PubChem CID: 8122), an active component of Plastrum Testudinis Extracted with ethyl acetate (PTE), may encourage neural stem cells (NSCs) development into dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons. However, the effectiveness and mechanism of cotransplantation of ethyl stearate and NSCs in treating PD model rats still require further investigation. Aim of the studyPD is a neurodegenerative condition marked by the loss and degradation of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of the midbrain. Synaptic damage is also a critical pathology in PD. Because of their self-renewal, minimal immunogenicity, and capacity to differentiate into dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons, NSCs are a prospective treatment option for Parkinson's disease cell transplantation therapy. However, encouraging transplanted NSCs to differentiate into dopaminergic neurons and enhancing synaptic plasticity in vivo remains a significant challenge in improving the efficacy of NSCs transplantation for PD. This investigation seeks to examine the efficacy of cotransplantation of NSCs and ethyl stearate in PD model rats and its mechanism related to synaptic plasticity. Materials and methodsOn 6-hydroxydopamine-induced PD model rats, we performed NSCs transplantation therapy and cotransplantation therapy involving ethyl stearate and NSCs. Rotating behavior induced by apomorphine (APO) and pole climbing tests were used to evaluate behavioral changes. Using a variety of methods, including Western blotting (WB), immunofluorescence analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), we examined the function and potential molecular mechanisms of ethyl stearate in combined NSCs transplantation therapy. ResultsIn the rat PD model, cotransplantation of ethyl stearate with NSCs dramatically reduced motor dysfunction, restored TH protein levels, and boosted dopamine levels in the striatum, according to our findings. Furthermore, the expression levels of SYN1 and PSD95, markers of synaptic plasticity, and BDNF, closely related to synaptic plasticity, were significantly increased. Cotransplantation with ethyl stearate and NSCs also increased the expression levels of Dopamine Receptor D1 (Drd1), an important receptor in the dopamine neural circuit, accompanied by an increase in MMP9 levels, ERK1/2 phosphorylation levels, and c-fos protein levels. ConclusionsAccording to the results of our investigation, cotransplantation of ethyl stearate and NSCs significantly improves the condition of PD model rats. We found that cotransplantation of ethyl stearate and NSCs may promote the expression of MMP9 by regulating the Drd1-ERK-AP-1 pathway, thus improving synaptic plasticity after NSCs transplantation. These findings provide new experimental support for the treatment of PD with the kidney tonifying Chinese medicine Plastrum Testudinis and suggest a potential therapeutic strategy for PD based on cotransplantation therapy.

Investigating the Effects and Mechanism of Rhodiola Rosea Injection on Cardiac Function in Rats with Chronic Heart Failure.

To study the effect of Rhodiola Rosea injection on cardiac function and the reninangiotensin- aldosterone system (RASS) in rats with chronic heart failure. Rhodiola Rosea injection, a traditional Chinese medication for relieving blood stasis and improving blood circulation, is an excellent therapeutic for treating coronary heart disease-angina pectoris. Rhodiola Rosea injection's major component, salidroside, protects the cardiovascular system. But there isn't much first-hand evidence about how injectable Rhodiola Rosea affects heart failure. In this study, a rat model of heart failure was established, and the effect of Rhodiola rosea injection on myocardial cell morphology, cardiac function, and ventricular remodelling in rats with heart failure was investigated. 66 SD male rats were selected; 10 were randomly selected as a blank control group, and 56 were treated intraperitoneally with doxorubicin (4 g/g). After 6 weeks, all animals had LVEF 60%. Established a heart failure model. Each group had 14 rats: model control, low-dose, mediumdose, and high-dose Rhodiola Rosea injection. The 2 mL/kg of Rhodiola Rosea injection was injected into the tail vein once a day for 2 weeks. Both the blank and control groups received normal daily saline. After 2 weeks, the echocardiographic index, RASS-related index, and serum BNP level were assessed in all rats, and myocardial tissue morphology was observed. MiRNA423-5p, miRNA499-5p, and miRNA210-3p were extracted from peripheral blood. Rhodiola rosea injection on its expression was compared to healthy control rats. 6 mL/kg Rhodiola Rosea injection lowered LVEDV and LVESV while increasing LVEF and LVFS. Injections of 6 mL/kg Rhodiola Rosea reduce plasma levels of miR-210-3p, miR-423- 5p, miRNA-499, and BNP in heart failure model rats. The 6 mL/kg Rhodiola Rosea injection can restore the RASS indexes of heart failure rats to the level of the normal group. The present study offers preliminary evidence supporting the use of Rhodiola Rosea injection in the treatment of heart failure and offers a solid foundation for clinical off-label medication use.

Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis of Astragalus and Danshen on the intervention of myofibroblast activation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

BackgroundIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic progressive interstitial lung disease of unknown etiology, is characterized by continuous damage to alveolar epithelial cells, abnormal repair of alveolar tissue, and alveolar wall scar formation. Currently, the recommended treatment for IPF in Western medicine is relatively limited. In contrast, traditional Chinese medicine and compound prescriptions show advantages in the diagnosis and treatment of IPF, which can be attributed to their multi-channel and multi-target characteristics and minimal side-effects. The purpose of this study was to further corroborate the effectiveness and significance of the traditional Chinese medications Astragalus and Danshen in IPF treatment.MethodsWe performed whole-genome methylation analysis on nine rat lung tissue samples to determine the epigenetic variation between IPF and non-fibrotic lungs using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions.ResultsWe identified differentially methylated regions and 105 associated key functional genes in samples related to IPF and Chinese medicine treatment. Based on the methylation levels and gene expression profiles between the Chinese medicine intervention and pulmonary fibrosis model groups, we speculated that Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza (traditionally known as Danshen) act on the Isl1, forkhead box O3, and Sonic hedgehog genes via regulation at transcriptional and epigenetic levels during IPF.ConclusionsThese findings provide novel insights into the epigenetic regulation of IPF, indicate the effectiveness of Astragalus and Danshen in treating IPF, and suggest several promising therapeutic targets for preventing and treating IPF.

Traditional Chinese medication for oral submucous fibrosis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of various drug therapy methods for treating oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) in terms of increasing mouth opening, reducing VAS score, decreasing lesion area, minimizing side effects, and determining effective proportion. A database search was conducted. Only randomized clinical trials were included, and Cochrane checklist was used for assessing the risk of bias. Stata.17 software was employed and effective treatment ranking was used. Thirty-one RCT studies, with a total of 2986 patients, were included in the period of 2010-2022. The combination of oral Chinese herbal medicine formulas (OC) and intralesional Salvia miltiorrhiza (ISM) was found to be the most effective treatment in improving mouth opening. For reducing the burning pain, the combination of intralesional steroids (IS) and oral Salvia miltiorrhiza (OSM) was found to be more effective than the others. In terms of lesion area, IS combined with OC was more effective than the others. IS combined with ISM had the highest effective proportion while having the lowest incidence of side effects which mentioned the incidence of side effects. This study indicates that OC and SM can be employed by clinicians for treating OSF effectively.

Pharmacological targeting of gastric mucosal barrier with traditional Chinese medications for repairing gastric mucosal injury.

Introduction: The gastric mucosa (GM) is the first barrier and vital interface in the stomach that protects the host from hydrochloric acid in gastric juice and defends against exogenous insults to gastric tissues. The use of traditional Chinese medications (TCMs) for the treatment of gastric mucosal injury (GMI) has long-standing history and a good curative effect. Whereas there are poor overall reports on the intrinsic mechanisms of these TCM preparations that pharmacology uses to protect body from GMI, which is crucial to treating this disease. These existing reviews have deficiencies that limit the clinical application and development of both customary prescriptions and new drugs. Methods: Further basic and translational studies must be done to elucidate the intrinsic mechanisms of influence of these TCM preparations. Moreover, well-designed and well-conducted experiences and clinical trials are necessary to ascertain the efficacy and mechanisms of these agents. Therefore, this paper presents a focused overview of currently published literature to assess how TCMs action that facilitates the cures for GMI. It offers a whole train of current state of pharmacological evidence, identifies the pharmacological mechanisms of TCMs on GM, and highlights that remarkable capacity of TCMs to restore GM after damage. Results: These TCMs preparations promote the repair of multicomponent targets such as the gastric mucus, epithelial layer, blood flow (GMBF) and lamina propria barrier. Summary: Overall, this study has summarized the essential regulatory mechanisms and pharmacological efficacy of TCMs on new and productive therapeutic targets. Discussion: This review provides an avenue for studying various drugs with potentially promising effects on mucosal integrity, as well as subsequent pharmacological studies, clinical applications, and new drug development.

Interventional strategies for ischemic stroke based on the modulation of the gut microbiota.

The microbiota-gut-brain axis connects the brain and the gut in a bidirectional manner. The organism's homeostasis is disrupted during an ischemic stroke (IS). Cerebral ischemia affects the intestinal flora and microbiota metabolites. Microbiome dysbiosis, on the other hand, exacerbates the severity of IS outcomes by inducing systemic inflammation. Some studies have recently provided novel insights into the pathogenesis, efficacy, prognosis, and treatment-related adverse events of the gut microbiome in IS. In this review, we discussed the view that the gut microbiome is of clinical value in personalized therapeutic regimens for IS. Based on recent non-clinical and clinical studies on stroke, we discussed new therapeutic strategies that might be developed by modulating gut bacterial flora. These strategies include dietary intervention, fecal microbiota transplantation, probiotics, antibiotics, traditional Chinese medication, and gut-derived stem cell transplantation. Although the gut microbiota-targeted intervention is optimistic, some issues need to be addressed before clinical translation. These issues include a deeper understanding of the potential underlying mechanisms, conducting larger longitudinal cohort studies on the gut microbiome and host responses with multiple layers of data, developing standardized protocols for conducting and reporting clinical analyses, and performing a clinical assessment of multiple large-scale IS cohorts. In this review, we presented certain opportunities and challenges that might be considered for developing effective strategies by manipulating the gut microbiome to improve the treatment and prevention of ischemic stroke.

The Molecular Basis of the Anti-Inflammatory Property of Astragaloside IV for the Treatment of Diabetes and Its Complications.

Astragali Radix is a significant traditional Chinese medication, and has a long history of clinical application in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications. AS-IV is an active saponin isolated from it. Modern pharmacological study shows that AS-IV has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and immunomodulatory activities. The popular inflammatory etiology of diabetes suggests that DM is a natural immune and low-grade inflammatory disease. Pharmacological intervention of the inflammatory response may provide promising and alternative approaches for the prevention and treatment of DM and its complications. Therefore, this article focuses on the potential of AS-IV in the treatment of DM from the perspective of an anti-inflammatory molecular basis. AS-IV plays a role by regulating a variety of anti-inflammatory pathways in multiple organs, tissues and target cells throughout the body. The blockade of the NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway may be the central link of AS-IV's anti-inflammatory effect, resulting in a reduction in the tissue structure and function damage stimulated by inflammatory factors. In addition, AS-IV can delay the onset of DM and its complications by inhibiting inflammation-related oxidative stress, fibrosis and apoptosis signals. In conclusion, AS-IV has therapeutic prospects from the perspective of reducing the inflammation of DM and its complications. An in-depth study on the anti-inflammatory mechanism of AS-IV is of great significance for the effective use of Chinese herbal medicine and the promotion of its status and influence on the world.

Indirubin protects chondrocytes and alleviates OA by inhibiting the MAPK and NF-κB pathways

Indirubin (IR) is a key active ingredient in the traditional Chinese medication QingDai, also called indigo naturalis, which are extensively used in China to treat chronic diseases, such as inflammation and cancer. However, the function of IR in reducing chondrocyte inflammation in osteoarthritis (OA) is still unclear. The aim of this research was to examine how IR inhibits arthritis and to highlight some of its cellular-level processes. Chondrocytes from the knee joint of C57 mice were gathered and grown for in vitro tests and used to determine the toxicity of IR toward chondrocytes using a CCK8 kit. Chondrocytes were treated with IL-1β and IR or with IL-1β alone, and western blotting was used to determine the expression levels of inflammatory mediators. Meanwhile, through the identification and examination of pertinent markers via quantitative PCR. By using PCR assays, western blotting, toluidine blue staining and safranin O staining, the expression of proteoglycan (AGG) and type II collagen (collagen II) was investigated. Furthermore, western blotting was used to detect activation of the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, and immunofluorescence was used to detect p65 nuclear translocation. In an in vivo experiment, C57BL/6 mice were subjected to destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) surgery to produce an OA model, and IR was injected into the articular cavity for 8weeks. Eventually, the mice were killed, and samples of the knee joints were obtained for histological examination and analysis. IR significantly reduced the expression of inflammatory regulators in chondrocytes treated with IL-1β, including iNOS and COX-2. Inhibition of IL-1β induced production of the key catabolic enzymes MMP3, MMP13 and A5. Additionally, an improvement in the downregulation of collagen II and AGG expression was observed. Moreover, IR prevented the aberrant IL-1β-induced activation of the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, which resulted in downregulation of p65 and p38 expression. Compared to the DMM group, the severity of cartilage injury in animals was dramatically lessened and OARSI scores were lower in the treated groups. According to the above findings, IR is quite effective in preventing arthritis both in vivo and in vitro, suggesting that IR may be employed as a possible anti-arthritis drug.

Drosophila model and network pharmacology to explore novel targets and novel active components of chinese traditional medications for treating kidney stones

BackgroundKidney stone disease is a common urological and metabolic disease in the world. Many traditional Chinese medications(TCMs) are considered to be effective in treating kidney stones and are widely used in China as alternative and supplementary methods besides surgery. However, the active compounds and molecular mechanisms of most TCM treatments for this disease are still unclear, which limits their application. Study designSodium oxalate that is fed to Drosophila can cause calculi in the Malpighian tube. The effects of many traditional Chinese drugs were identified through this Drosophila kidney stone model. In this project, we used a network pharmacological approach to analyze a list of traditional Chinese drugs, which showed strong therapeutic effects on the kidney stones in Drosophila. ResultsFour active ingredients were predicted to have effects on treating kidney stones. It is noteworthy that all ingredients were predicted to target the Androgen Receptor (AR). In the end, we used the Drosophila model again to verify the therapeutic effects of luteolin and quercetin and proved that AR was a possible target for the treatment of kidney stones. ConclusionThis approach of combining the Drosophila model in vivo experiments with network pharmacology provides a new paradigm for studying TCM therapeutic mechanisms and discovering active ingredients.

Cancro Gástrico associado ao Trabalho

Introduction/framework/objectives There are oncological pathologies in which it is believed that some occupational exposures can modulate their appearance. The aim of this review was to summarize, in a succinct and practical way, what most relevant and recente data was published on the subject, in the international literature, in relation to Gastric Cancer (GC). Methodology This is a Bibliographic Review, initiated through a search carried out in January 2022 in the databases “CINALH plus with full text, Medline with full text, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Methodology Register, Nursing and Allied Health Collection: comprehensive, MedicLatina and RCAAP”. Contents Gastric Cancer is the fifth most common and the second or third deadliest. Pathogenesis includes a complex interaction between genetic, microbiological, environmental and dietary factors, as well as alcohol, tobacco and socioeconomic status. The possible association with occupational issues is insufficiently investigated; references are found for wood, aromatic amines, pesticides/herbicides, coal, chromium, cadmium, lead, asbestos, solvents, nitrogen oxides, ionizing radiation/rádon and Helicobacter Pylori. The most relevant activities in this context are stone extraction, mining; agriculture, fishing; ceramics, textiles, food, rubber, leather and cosmetics production; traditional Chinese medication; laundry (traditional and dry); as well as stations with dust and/or high temperatures (metallurgy, foundry, boilermakers) and fire departments. Discussion and Conclusions There are some sectors/tasks/agents associated with Gastric Cancer with greater or lesser consensus in the international literature. All Occupational Health and Safety professionals working in these areas and all workers involved must be aware (at least briefly) of the associated conditions, in order to mitigate the risk. It would be interesting to assess their knowledge on this topic and understand, among the most relevant sectors at the national level, which concrete protection measures (collective and individual) are taken and what their respective effectiveness appears to be. KEYWORDS: gastric cancer, stomach cancer, safety at work, occupational health and occupational medicine.