Xiaoqinglong Decoction Research Articles

Anti-Inflammatory and Immunoregulatory Effects of Xiaoqinglong Decoction on a Murine Model of Combined Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Syndrome

Background Xiaoqinglong Decoction (XQLD) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula used for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and asthma, including combined allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome (CARAS), due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-seizure properties. However, the pharmacological activities and the underlying molecular mechanisms of XQLD remain to be elucidated . Hence, we investigated the effects of XQLD against inflammation in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced CARAS model in BALB/c mice. Methods BALB/c mice were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection and aerosol inhalation of OVA. XQLD or dexamethasone was administered by oral gavage prior to OVA challenge for 7 consecutive days. Specific airway resistance (sRAW) was evaluated 24 h after the final challenge with OVA. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the levels of serum inflammatory factors. The nasal mucosa and lung tissue were examined for general morphology and goblet hyperplasia using hematoxylin and eosin or periodic acid Schiff staining. Flow cytometry was employed to analyze the frequencies of helper T lymphocytes in peripheral blood. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the expression of transcription factors in helper T lymphocytes and γδ TCR. Results XQLD significantly ameliorated the symptoms of CARAS model mice, suppressed serum levels of interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-17, while increasing levels of IL-10, transforming growth factor-β. Epithelium impairment, cilia loss, eosinophil infiltration, and goblet cell metaplasia were significantly reduced in the nasal mucosa and lung tissue sections. XQLD restored the balance of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg cell frequency in peripheral blood. Furthermore, XQLD down-modulated the expression of GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA3), retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor γt, and γδ T cell receptor (TCR) in the nasal mucosa, along with GATA3 and γδ TCR in the lung tissue. Conclusions XQLD alleviated OVA-induced CARAS in BALB/c mice through its anti-allergic effects and modulation of the immune system.

Xiaoqinglong decoction mitigates nasal inflammation and modulates gut microbiota in allergic rhinitis mice.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a respiratory immune system disorder characterized by dysregulation of immune responses. Within the context of AR, gut microbiota and its metabolites have been identified as contributors to immune modulation. These microorganisms intricately connect the respiratory and gut immune systems, forming what is commonly referred to as the gut-lung axis. Xiaoqinglong Decoction (XQLD), a traditional Chinese herbal remedy, is widely utilized in traditional Chinese medicine for the clinical treatment of AR. In this study, it is hypothesized that the restoration of symbiotic microbiota balance within the gut-lung axis plays a pivotal role in supporting the superior long-term efficacy of XQLD in AR therapy. Therefore, the primary objective of this research is to investigate the impact of XQLD on the composition and functionality of the gut microbiota in a murine model of AR. An ovalbumin-sensitized mouse model to simulate AR was utilized, the improvement of AR symptoms after medication was investigated, and high-throughput sequencing was employed to analyze the gut microbiota composition. XQLD exhibited substantial therapeutic effects in AR mice, notably characterized by a significant reduction in allergic inflammatory responses, considerable alleviation of nasal symptoms, and the restoration of normal nasal function. Additionally, following XQLD treatment, the disrupted gut microbiota in AR mice displayed a tendency toward restoration, showing significant differences compared to the Western medicine (loratadine) group. This results revealed that XQLD may enhance AR allergic inflammatory responses through the regulation of intestinal microbiota dysbiosis in mice, thus influencing the dynamics of the gut-lung axis. The proposal of this mechanism provides a foundation for future research in this area.

Xiaoqinglong decoction improves allergic rhinitis by inhibiting NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in BALB/C mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceXiaoqinglong decoction (XQLD), first recorded in Shang Han Lun, is a traditional Chinese medicine prescribed for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR). XQLD alleviates the clinical symptoms of AR by inhibiting the occurrence of an inflammatory response, but the specific regulatory mechanism remains unclear. Aim of the studyNLRP3-mediated pyroptosis is closely related to AR pathogenesis. Hence, this study aimed to explore the potential role of NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis pathway in the AR-associated pharmacological mechanism of XQLD. Materials and methodsBALB/C mice models of AR was established by using ovalbumin (OVA) and aluminum hydroxide sensitization. After intragastric administration of different dosages of XQLD, nasal allergic symptoms were observed. The expression of OVA-sIgE and Th2 inflammatory factors (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) in serum was detected by ELISA. The histopathological morphology and expression of inflammatory factors in nasal mucosa along with pyroptosis were investigated. Molecular docking was performed to analyze the binding of representative compounds of XQLD with NLRP3. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome was detected by immunofluorescence and western blotting. ResultsXQLD significantly improved the nasal allergic symptoms of mice, reduced the degree of goblet cell proliferation, mast cell infiltration, and collagen fiber hyperplasia in nasal mucosa. Meanwhile, it could downregulate the expression of Th2 inflammatory factors (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) in serum and nasal mucosa. XQLD significantly reduced the number of GSDMD and TUNEL double-positive cells and IL-1β and IL-18 expression. Molecular docking confirmed that seven representative compounds of XQLD had good binding properties with NLRP3 and were able to inhibit the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. ConclusionsThe representative compounds of XQLD might inhibit pyroptosis in nasal mucosa mediated by the NLRP3 inflammasome to helping the recovery of AR, which provides a new modern pharmacological proof for XQLD to treat AR.

Metabolomics of nasal lavage fluid in patients with allergic rhinitis treated by Xiaoqinglong Decoction

This study used nasal lavage fluid for metabolomics to explore its feasibility, and applied it to the clinical metabolomics study of Xiaoqinglong Decoction in the treatment of allergic rhinitis(AR), aiming to investigate the molecular mechanism of Xiaoqing-long Decoction in the treatment of AR through differential changes in local nasal metabolism. AR patients were selected as the research subjects, and nasal lavage fluid was collected as the sample. Metabolomics analysis using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was performed on normal group, AR group, and Xiaoqinglong Decoction group. The differences in metabolic profiles among the groups were compared using principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis, and differential metabolites were identified and subjected to corresponding metabolic pathway analysis. The results showed that Xiaoqinglong Decoction significantly improved the symptoms of AR patients. The metabolomics analysis revealed 20 differential metabolites between AR group and Xiaoqinglong Decoction group. The core metabolite with a trending return in comparison to normal group was trimethyladipic acid. The metabolites were involved in multiple pathways, including β-alanine metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis. The feasibility of applying nasal lavage fluid in nasal metabolomics was preliminarily demonstrated. Differential metabolites and enriched pathways in the treatment of AR patients with Xiaoqinglong Decoction were identified, indicating that it may improve rhinitis symptoms through the regulation of various metabolites, including antioxidant effects and correction of Th1/Th2 imbalance.

Xiaoqinglong decoction suppresses childhood cough variant asthma and inhibited the body inflammatory response by regulating IL-6/STAT3 signalling pathway.

Xiaoqinglong decoction (XQLD) is widely used clinically in the treatment of childhood cough variant asthma (CVA). However, its potential mechanism is still unknown. In the present study, the authors investigate the biological network and signalling pathway of XQLD in treatment of childhood CVA using network pharmacology-based analysis and experimental validation. By using the Bioinformatics Analysis Tool Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN-TCM) database, the authors confirmed the correlation between XQLD and asthma, and the authors screened 1338 potential target genes of Mahuang and Guizhi, the most active herbs in XQLD. By overlapping "Childhood asthma-related genes" of DisGeNET database, the authors identified 58 intersecting genes of Childhood asthma and 1338 target genes of Mahuang and Guizhi. The intersecting genes were used to construct the protein-to-protein interaction and performed Gene Ontology (GO) functional and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis demonstrated 359 Biological Process terms, 16 Cellular Component terms, and 26 Molecular Function terms. Meantime, 75 terms of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes signalling pathway were involved in enrichment analysis. These candidates showed a significant correlation with inflammatory response and positive regulation of tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT protein. In addition, XQLD treatment significantly upregulated serum interferon-γ expression, and downregulated serum interlukin-6 expression of CVA mice. XQLD treatment significantly inhibited phosphorylation of STAT3 in bronchial-lung tissues. Our data suggest that XQLD effectively alleviated bronchial-lung tissue damage in CVA mice and inhibited the body inflammatory response by regulating interlukin-6/STAT3 signalling pathway.

Exploring the mechanism of Xiaoqinglong decoction in the treatment of infantile asthma based on network pharmacology and molecular docking.

To explore the mechanism of Xiaoqinglong decoction (XQLD) in the treatment of infantile asthma (IA) based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. The active ingredients of fdrugs in XQLD were retrieved from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database and then the targets of drug ingredients were screened. The disease targets of IA were obtained from OMIM and Gencards databases, and the intersection targets of XQLD in the treatment of IA were obtained by Venny 2.1 mapping of ingredient targets and disease targets. Cytoscape software was used to construct active ingredient-intersection target network. The potential targets of XQLD in the treatment of IA were analyzed by protein-protein interaction network using STRING platform, and the Gene Ontology function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis were obtained by R Studio software. AutoDock was used to perform molecular docking for verification. In this study, 150 active ingredients of XQLD were obtained, including quercetin, kaempferol, β-sitosterol, luteolin, stigmasterol, and so on. And 92 intersection targets of drugs and diseases were obtained, including interleukin 6 (IL6), cystatin 3, estrogen receptor 1, hypoxia inducible factor 1A, HSP90AA1, epidermal growth factor receptor and so on. There were 127 items of Gene Ontology enrichment analysis and 125 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment results, showing that apoptosis, IL-17 signaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway, P13K-Akt signaling pathway and other pathways may play a key role in the treatment of IA by XQLD. The results of molecular docking showed that the key active ingredients including quercetin, kaempferol, β-sitosterol, luteolin, stigmasterol, and the core targets including IL6, cystatin 3, estrogen receptor 1, hypoxia inducible factor 1A, HSP90AA1, and epidermal growth factor receptor had good binding activity. Through network pharmacology and molecular docking, the potential targets and modern biological mechanisms of XQLD in the treatment of IA were preliminarily revealed in the study, which will provide reference for subsequent animal experiments and clinical trials.

HDAC Downregulation of Xiaoqinglong Decoction in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis

Introduction: As one of the most common allergic diseases, allergic rhinitis (AR) has attracted wide attention all over the world. More appropriate treatment of AR should be explored thoroughly. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine has attracted more attention in AR treatment. As a classical Chinese medicine prescription, Xiaoqinglong decoction (XQLD) has been commonly used in treating AR. Even though its therapeutic effect on AR has been clinically confirmed, more molecular mechanism remains to be further investigated. Our research aimed to investigate the therapeutic mechanism of XQLD for AR management. Methods: The study was evaluated in an ovalbumin sensitized mouse model and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was adopted to test the stability of XQLD’s effective components. Results: The results confirmed the stability and safety of the effective components of XQLD. XQLD significantly downregulated the expression of HDACs (HDAC1, HDAC3, and HDAC4) and Th2 inflammatory factors (IL4, IL5, and IL13) in AR mice. XQLD and the HDAC inhibitor JNJ-26481585 promoted the expression of epithelial tight junction proteins (claudin-1 and ZO-1) and decreased the expression of mucins (Muc5ac and Muc5b) in the nasal mucosa of AR mice. Conclusions: In conclusion, our findings present the beneficial effects of XQLD on AR and recovery of the nasal epithelium. We also identify the decreased HDAC as a potential target of XQLD for AR treatment. This study provides an important experimental proof for elucidating the therapeutic mechanism of XQLD.

Therapeutic effect and safety of xiaoqinglong decoction and sanziyangqin decoction in children with cough variant asthma: a Meta-analysis

Therapeutic effect and safety of xiaoqinglong decoction and sanziyangqin decoction in children with cough variant asthma: a Meta-analysis

Research Hotspots and Current Status of Xiaoqinglong Decoction—Visualization and Analysis Based on Vosviewer and Citespace

Research Hotspots and Current Status of Xiaoqinglong Decoction—Visualization and Analysis Based on Vosviewer and Citespace

Xiaoqinglong Decoction Enhances Autophagy to Antagonist Airway Inflammation Induced by Cold in Asthmatic Rats.

Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease characterized by wheezing and shortness of breath. Its risk factors include genetic and acquired factors. The acquired factors are closely related to the environment, especially cold conditions. Autophagy plays a regulatory role in asthma. Therefore, we hypothesized that asthma can be controlled by drug intervention at the autophagy level under cold conditions. The Xiaoqinglong decoction (XQLT) was freeze-dried. The compounds in the freeze-dried powder were identified and quantified using reference standards via the high-performance liquid chromatography method. Ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized rats were subjected to cold stimulation. The effect of cold stimulation on autophagy levels was determined, and it was confirmed that cold stimulation affected autophagy. The effects and mechanisms of XQLT in an asthmatic rat model (OVA-sensitized rats stimulated with cold) were explored. The concentrations of paeoniflorin, liquiritin, trans-cinnamic acid, glycyrrhizic acid, 6-gingerol, schisandrol A, and asarinin in XQLT freeze-dried powder were 14.45, 3.85, 1.03, 3.93, 0.59, 0.24, and 0.091 mg/g, respectively. Cold stimulation is an important cause of asthma. The inflammatory factors in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum were increased in the model group, accompanied by a decline in autophagy level. The treatment with XQLT increased the expression of autophagy genes and decreased the expression of inflammatory factors. Histological studies showed that XQLT improved inflammatory infiltration and collagen fiber deposition in the lungs of rats. XQLT intervention increased autophagy in asthmatic rats. Autophagy plays a role in phagocytosis and reduces the accumulation of abnormal metabolites in the body to reduce airway inflammation and promote asthma recovery.

Therapeutic Mechanism of Xiaoqinglong Decoction against COVID-19 Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Technology.

A xiaoqinglong decoction (XQLD) has been proven effective in treating severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases; however, the mechanism remains unclear. In the current study, we used network pharmacology and molecular docking technology to identify the effective components, potential targets, and biological pathways of XQLD against COVID-19. Public databases were searched to determine the putative targets of the active compounds of XQLD and COVID-19-related targets. STRING and Cytoscape were used to establish the protein-protein interaction network and drug component, along with the target-pathway network. The DAVID database was used to enrich the biological functions and signaling pathways. AutoDock Vina was used for virtual docking. We identified 138 active compounds and 259 putative targets of XQLD. Biological network analysis showed that quercetin, beta-sitosterol, kaempferol, stigmasterol, and luteolin may be critical ingredients of XQLD, whereas VEGFA, IL-6, MAPK3, CASP3, STAT3, MAPK1, MAPK8, CASP8, CCL2, and FOS may be candidate drug targets. Enrichment analysis illustrated that XQLD could function by regulating viral defense, inflammatory response, immune response, and apoptosis. Molecular docking results showed a high affinity between the critical ingredients and host cell target proteins. This study uncovered the underlying pharmacological mechanism of XQLD against COVID-19. These findings lay a solid foundation for promoting the development of new drugs against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection and may contribute to the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Pretreatment of Xiaoqinglong Decoction Alleviates Inflammation and Oxidative Damage and Up-Regulates Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Septic Acute Lung Injury Rats.

Xiaoqinglong decoction (XQLD), a classic prescription of Traditional Chinese Medicine, has already been used clinically to cure acute lung injury (ALI), but its mechanism remains unclear. This subject aimed to explore the preventive role of XQLD in septic ALI rats besides its effects on angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)2 and its downstream factors. After, respectively, administrated with different concentrations of XQLD (6.25 g/kg/d, 12.5 g/kg/d, 25 g/kg/d) for 5 days and dexamethasone (DEX, 1 mg/kg) for 0.5 h, the rat models of ALI were established by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 5 mg/kg) for 24 h. All rats were evaluated by lung function test, arterial blood gas analysis, morphological observation, lung wet/dry (W/D) ratio, and the lung injury score. The levels of malonaldehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and angiotensin (Ang) (1–7) in the lung were measured through biochemical and ELISA kits. The expressions of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)2, mitochondrial assembly receptor (MasR), and nuclear factor (NF)-κB in lung tissue were detected by qRT-PCR and western blotting. Positive reaction cells of MasR were observed by immunohistochemistry. The results show that XQLD significantly ameliorated septic lung injury including edema and hemorrhage, as well as improved pulmonary function and arterial blood gas. Furthermore, XQLD markedly decreased the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, MDA, and NF-κB while increased the levels of SOD, Ang (1–7), ACE2, and MasR in septic ALI rats. Pearson correlation showed that the expressions of ACE2 were inversely related to IL-1β, TNF-α, MDA, and NF-κB and positively correlated with SOD contents. Our data indicated that XQLD pretreatment alleviated inflammation and oxidative damage in septic ALI rats, which might be related to the up-regulation of ACE2-Ang (1–7)-MasR axis and inhibition of the NF-κB pathway.

Mechanism of Xiaoqinglong Decoction and Qingqi Huatan Pills in improving pathological airway mucus based on nuclear factor-κB/microRNA-494 signaling regulation of mucin 5AC and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator

To observe the effects of Xiaoqinglong Decoction and Qingqi Huatan Pills on interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-induced mucushypersecretion model of human airway epithelial H292 cellsand related molecules of nuclear factor-κB/microRNA-494(NF-κB/miR-494) signaling pathway, and to explore the mechanism of the two medicines in improving pathological airway mucus. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) colorimetric method was used to detect the effects of different concentrations of Xiaoqinglong Decoction and Qingqi Huatan Pills on the activity of H292 cellsinduced by IL-1β, and the appropriate concentration was selected for subsequent experiments. Cells were randomly divided into blank group, IL-1β model group (5 μg/L IL-1β), NF-κB inhibitor pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (PDTC) group (5 μg/L IL-1β+100 μmol/L PDTC), Xiaoqinglong Decoction (5 μg/L IL-1β+1 000 mg/L Xiaoqinglong Decoction) and Qingqi Huatan Pill group (5 μg/L IL-1β+1 000 mg/L Qingqi Huatan Pills). 5 μg/L IL-1β was used to induce H292 cells for 24 hours to establish a model of airway epithelial mucus hypersecretion. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to detect the levels of mucin 5AC (MUC5AC), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-8 and the synthesis of intracellular MUC5AC and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression levels of MUC5AC mRNA, CFTR mRNA, miR-494. Western blotting was used to detect protein expression of key proteins (p65) and NF-κB inhibitors (IκB) in NF-κB signaling pathway. Xiaoqinglong Decoction and Qingqi Huatan Pills with the concentration of 1 000 mg/L were selected for the follow-up experiment. Compared with the blank group, the levels of MUC5AC, TNF-α and IL-8 were significantly increased in the model group, intracellular MUC5AC protein content and mRNA expression were also significantly increased, intracellular CFTR protein content and mRNA expression were significantly decreased, and intracellular p65 protein expression was significantly up-regulated, the expression of IκB protein was significantly down-regulated, and the expression of miR-494 was significantly increased. Compared with the model group, the levels of MUC5AC, TNF-α and IL-8 were significantly reduced in PDTC group, Xiaoqinglong Decoction group and Qingqi Huatan Pill group, intracellular MUC5AC protein content and mRNA expression were also significantly decreased, and intracellular p65 protein expression was significantly down-regulated, and IκB protein expression was significantly up-regulated, miR-494 expression was significantly reduced. Intracellular CFTR protein content and mRNA expression were significantly increased in both PDTC group and Qingqi Huatan Pill group. Compared with the PDTC group, the level of TNF-α in the Xiaoqinglong Decoction group was significantly increased (ng/L: 22.77±3.14 vs. 11.09±3.37, P < 0.05),the content and mRNA expression of CFTR and IκB protein expression was significantly decreased [CFTR protein (ng/L): 97.38±6.62 vs. 227.04±19.48, CFTR mRNA (2-ΔΔCt): 0.99±0.08 vs. 1.21±0.08, IκB/β-actin: 1.69±0.11 vs. 2.00±0.18, all P < 0.05], the level of TNF-α in Qingqi Huatan Pill group was significantly higher (ng/L: 19.08±3.71 vs. 11.09±3.37, P < 0.05). Compared with Xiaoqinglong Decoction group, the protein content and mRNA expression of CFTR and IκB protein expression in Qingqi Huatan Pill group were significantly increased [CFTR protein (ng/L): 235.01±22.71 vs. 97.38±6.62, CFTR mRNA (2-ΔΔCt): 1.32±0.15 vs. 0.99±0.08, IκB/β-actin: 1.94±0.16 vs. 1.69±0.11, all P < 0.05]. The effect of Xiaoqinglong Decoctionin improving the hypersecretion of mucus in the airway epithelium may be related to the inhibition of NF-κB/miR-494 inflammatory signal-mediated MUC5AC hypersecretion, while the effect of Qingqi Huatan Pills may be related to the inhibition of NF-κB/miR-494 inflammatory signal-mediated MUC5AC hypersecretion and CFTR dysfunction. Therefore, the difference in the mechanism of the two treatments of airway pathological mucus is mainly in the regulation of CFTR mRNA and protein.

Study on the effect of Xiaoqinglong decoction on vascular endothelin inpulmonary hypertension rat based on Jiebiaokuoluo method

To discuss the effect of Xiaoqinglong decoction on vascular endothelin (ET) in rats pulmonary hypertension (PAH) model based on the Jiebiaokuoluo method. Sixty male SD rats were randomly divided into six groups: control group, PAH model group, positive drug group, and Xiaoqinglong decoction in the high-dose, medium-dose and low-dose groups, 10 rats in each group. The control group did not receive any treatment. The remaining groups were kept in low-pressure oxygen tanks, injections of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at 200 μL on day 1 and day 14, respectively. The rats were smoked twice a day from day 2 to day 30 (except day 14) at 4 hours intervals. The rats were placed in a low-temperature environment for 1 hour per day, and were put into cold water to swim (for 2 weeks), while the rats were given a cold diet. After modeling, the control group and the PAH model group were given equal volumes of normal saline; the positive drug group was given bosentan (100 mg/kg); Xiaoqinglong decoction 15, 10 and 5 g/kg was given, respectively, in the high, medium and low dose groups; once daily for 30 days. The mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) and right ventricle systolic pressure (RVSP) were then measured with right heart catheterization and the right ventricle hypertrophy index (RVHI) was assessed; ET-1 and nitric oxide (NO) levels were determined by radioimmunoassay. Compared with the control group, the levels of mPAP, RVSP, RVHI and ET-1 were significantly increased in the PAH model group [mPAP (mmHg, 1 mmHg ≈ 0.133 kPa): 33.20±1.04 vs. 13.20±1.03, RVSP (mmHg): 62.40±1.54 vs. 24.20±1.02, RVHI: 42.90±2.51 vs. 25.40±2.01, ET-1 (ng/L): 100.80±20.34 vs. 81.50±13.84, all P < 0.05], while NO levels were significantly decreased (mmol/L: 23.20±1.81 vs. 31.70±1.49, P < 0.05). Compared with the PAH model group, the levels of mPAP, RVSP, RVHI and ET-1 in the positive drug group and high, medium, low dose groups of Xiaoqinglong decoction were significantly decreased [mPAP (mmHg): 25.50±0.84, 26.90±0.74, 27.10±1.19, 29.10±0.75 vs. 33.20±1.04, RVSP (mmHg): 54.40±5.14, 50.10±1.67, 53.10±1.05, 56.60±1.07 vs. 62.40±1.54, RVHI: 41.10±1.19, 31.20±1.67, 31.30±1.89, 40.30±1.88 vs. 42.90±2.51, ET-1 (ng/L): 70.70±7.89, 69.90±2.92, 71.70±4.32, 73.90±5.19 vs. 100.80±20.34, all P < 0.05], while NO levels were significantly increased (mmol/L: 32.50±2.06, 34.70±1.16, 32.70±1.33, 30.10±1.19 vs. 23.20±1.81, all P < 0.05), and with the increased dose of Xiaoqinglong decoction, the change was more obvious, and the effect was better in the high-dose group. Xiaoqinglong decoction can reduce rats PAH by regulating ET-1 and NO levels in a dose-dependent manner.

Progress of Xiao Qinglong Decoction in the Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Progress of Xiao Qinglong Decoction in the Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Clinical Application of Xiaoqinglong Decoction Combined with Ear Point Embedding Bean Therapy in Children with Bronchial Asthma

Clinical Application of Xiaoqinglong Decoction Combined with Ear Point Embedding Bean Therapy in Children with Bronchial Asthma

Modified Xiaoqinglong decoction alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice by regulating arachidonic acid metabolism and exerting anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Effective therapeutics are not available for acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Modified Xiaoqinglong decoction (M-XQL) is reported to effectively treat pneumonia, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. In this study, the therapeutic effect and mechanism of M-XQL were examined using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI mouse model. The effects of M-XQL on lung injury, inflammatory responses, and cell apoptosis were analyzed. Additionally, high-throughput sequencing was performed to evaluate the therapeutic mechanism of M-XQL. Pretreatment with M-XQL significantly and dose-dependently mitigated the pathological changes and upregulation of pulmonary, nitric oxide content and cell apoptosis and serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha contents in the LPS-induced ALI mouse model. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that the expression of several arachidonic acid metabolism-associated genes in the LPS + high-dose M-XQL group differed from that in the LPS group. In particular, the Cbr2, Cyp4f18, and Cyp2e1 levels were upregulated, whereas the Alox12, Ptges, and Ptges2 levels were downregulated in the LPS + high-dose M-XQL group. These results suggest that M-XQL exerts therapeutic effects in ALI mice by regulating arachidonic acid metabolism and exerting anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, M-XQL is a potential agent for the clinical treatment of ALI.

Dynamic Microbial Shifts and Signatures of Long-Term Remission in Allergic Rhinitis After an Herbal Formula Treatment.

A mixed Chinese herbal formula, Xiao-Qing-Long-Decoction (XQLD), may contribute to sustained remission in allergic rhinitis (AR), but it is unknown which factors determine such long-term effect. Here, we aimed to identify bacterial signatures associated with sustained remission. To this end, samples from AR patients at four different times were analyzed to compare the dynamic bacterial community and structure shifts. Diversity indices Chao1 showed significant difference across different time (p<0.05), and the Kruskal-Wallis test identified that Dialister (OTU_31), Roseburia (OTU_36), Bacteroides (OTU_22), Bacteroides (OTU_2040), and Prevotella_9 (OTU_5) were the significant differential bacterial taxa (p<0.05). These distinctive genera were significantly associated with the change of AR clinical indices and the predicted functional pathways such as PPAR signaling pathway, peroxisome, and citrate cycle (TCA cycle) (p<0.05), indicating that they may be important bacterial signatures involving in the sustained remission in AR (p<0.05). Besides, lower Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio at 6 months follow-up may also contribute to the long-term remission of AR. No seriously adverse events and safety concerns were observed in this study. In conclusion, XQLD is a meaningful, long-term efficient and safe medication for AR treatment. The underlying mechanisms of sustained remission in AR after XQLD treatment may be associated with the dynamic alteration of featured gut bacteria taxa.

In South Africa, a 2-dose Oxford/AZ vaccine did not prevent mild to moderate COVID-19 (cases mainly B.1.351 variant).

Madhi SA, Baillie V, Cutland CL, et al. Efficacy of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Covid-19 vaccine against the B.1.351 variant. N Engl J Med. 2021. [Epub ahead of print.] 33725432.

Traditional Chinese medicine formula Xiaoqinglong decoction for cough caused by COVID-19: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background:Assessing the effectiveness and safety of Traditional Chinese medicine formula Xiaoqinglong decoction for cough caused by COVID-19 is the main purpose of this systematic review protocol.Methods:The following electronic databases will be searched from their respective inception dates to October 1, 2020: PubMed, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, Embase, WorldSciNet, Ovid, the Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, the Web of Science, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Chongqing VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP), the Wanfang Database, and the China Biology Medicine Disc. All published randomized controlled trials in English or Chinese related to Traditional Chinese medicine formula Xiaoqinglong decoction for cough caused by COVID-19 will be included. The primary outcome is the time and rate of appearance of coughing. The secondary outcomes are the length of hospital stay. Two reviewers will conduct the study selection, data extraction, and assessment independently. The assessment of risk of bias and data synthesis will be conducted with RevMan V.5.2.Results:The results will provide a high-quality synthesis of current evidence for researchers in this subject area.Conclusion:The conclusion of our study will provide an evidence to judge whether traditional Chinese medicine formula Xiaoqinglong decoction is an effective intervention for patients with cough caused by COVID-19.Ethics and dissemination:Formal ethical approval is not necessary as the data cannot be individualized. The results of this protocol will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal or presented at relevant conferences.PROSPERO registration number:CRD42020202079.