1.Clinical Efficacy and Mechanism of Bupi Qingfei Prescription in Treating Stable Bronchiectasis
Zi YANG ; Guangsen LI ; Bing WANG ; Bo XU ; Jianxin WANG ; Sheng CAO ; Xinyan CHEN ; Xia SHI ; Qing MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):162-169
ObjectiveTo explore the clinical efficacy and mechanism of Bupi Qingfei prescription (BPQF) in treating stable bronchiectasis in the patients with syndromes of lung-spleen Qi deficiency and phlegm-heat accumulation in the lungs. MethodsA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. Patients were randomized into BPQF and placebo control (PC) groups. On the basis of conventional Western medicine treatment, the BPQF granules and placebo were respectively administered at 10 g each time, twice a day, for a course of 24 weeks. The TCM symptom scores, Quality of Life Questionnaire for Bronchiectasis (QOL-B) scores, lung function indicators, T lymphocyte subsets, level of inflammatory factors in the sputum, level of neutrophil elastase (NE) in the sputum, and occurrence of adverse reactions were observed before and after treatment in the two groups. ResultsA total of 64 patients completed the study, encompassing 32 in the BPQF group and 32 in the PC group. After treatment, the BPQF group showed decreased TCM symptom scores (P<0.01), increased QOL-B scores (P<0.01), and declined levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and NE (P<0.05, P<0.01). The PC group showed decreased TCM symptom (except spleen deficiency) scores (P<0.01), increased the QOL-B health cognition and respiratory symptom domain scores (P<0.05, P<0.01), and a declined TNF-α level (P<0.01). Moreover, the BPQF group had lower TCM symptom (except chest tightness) scores (P<0.05, P<0.01), higher QOL-B (except treatment burden) scores (P<0.05, P<0.01), and lower levels of interleukin-6 and TNF-α (P<0.05) than the PC group. Neither group showed serious adverse reactions during the treatment process. ConclusionBPQF can ameliorate the clinical symptoms of stable bronchiectasis patients who have lung-spleen Qi deficiency or phlegm-heat accumulation in the lungs by regulating the immune balance and inhibiting airway inflammatory responses.
2.Comparison of Efficacy and Mechanism in Warming Yang and Dispersing Cold of Aconiti Radix Lateralis Praeparata Processed by ZHANG Zhongjing's Method and Pharmacopoeia Method
Mingjie JIAO ; Qian CHEN ; Shuyu YAN ; Yiyan SONG ; Jia ZHANG ; Fei LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):207-217
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanism of decoctions from four kinds of processed products of Aconiti Radix Lateralis Praeparata(ARLP) in deficiency-cold syndrome. MethodsA total of 36 SD rats were randomly divided into the control group, model group, Shengfupian(SFP) group, Paofuzi(PFZ) group, Heishunpian(HSP) group and Paofupian(PFP) group with 6 rats in each group. Except for the control group, rats in other groups were administered hydrocortisone sodium succinate via intramuscular injection to induce a cold deficiency syndrome model. After 14 consecutive days, each ARLP decoction pieces was administered via continuous gastric lavage at a dose of 12 g·kg-1·d-1 for 7 d, while the control and model groups received an equivalent volume of physiological saline. After the end of administration, body weight, spleen weight and thymus weight were measured for calculating the spleen and thymus indexes. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of adrenal tissue. The fully automatic biochemistry analyzer was used to measure the total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), lactic dehydrogenase(LDH) and lactate(LAC) levels in serum. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was employed to measure the contents of 17-hydroxycorticosteroid(17-OHCS), cortisol(CORT), triiodothyronine(T3), thyroxine(T4), thyrotropin(TSH), immunoglobulin(Ig) M, IgG, cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP). Western blot was used to measure the protein expression levels of protein kinase A(PKA), cAMP response element-binding protein(CREB), silent information regulator 1(Sirt1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α(PGC-1α). And high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was used to determine the content of major alkaloids, followed by Pearson correlation analysis with pharmacodynamic indicators. ResultsAfter modeling, compare with the control group, the model rats exhibited symptoms such as lethargy and loose stools, mild abnormalities were observed in adrenal tissue structure, and both spleen and thymus indices were significantly reduced(P<0.01). Thyroid, adrenal and immune system functions were suppressed, with decreased serum cAMP level and significantly elevated cGMP level(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the adrenal injury by hydrocortisone sodium succinate were repaired and the spleen index were increased significantly in all four ARLP groups(P<0.05, P<0.01). The thymus index in SFP and PFZ groups were increased significantly(P<0.05). The contents of T3, TSH, 17-OHCS and CORT were increased significantly in SFP and PFZ groups(P<0.05). In addition, the content of IgG in SFP, PFZ and PFP groups were increased significantly(P<0.01), while the content of IgM in PFZ and HSP groups were also increased significantly(P<0.05). Regarding the cyclic nucleotide system, PFZ significantly elevated cAMP level while reducing cGMP level(P<0.05), exhibiting the most pronounced effect among the four decoction pieces. For energy metabolism indicators, PFZ significantly improved abnormal markers including TC, TG, LDH, and LAC(P<0.05). HSP showed marked improvement effects on TG, LDH, and LAC(P<0.05). Both PFZ and SFP significantly elevated the expression levels of PKA, CREB, Sirt1, and PGC-1α proteins(P<0.01). Additionally, the diester alkaloids in ARLP showed a strong positive correlation with TG, IgG, and CORT, a strong negative correlation with LAC, a moderate positive correlation with T4, and moderate negative correlations with cAMP and spleen index. Monomeric alkaloids showed strong positive correlations with TG and IgG, strong negative correlations with LAC, moderate positive correlations with CORT and T4, and moderate negative correlations with cAMP and spleen index. However, the content of water-soluble alkaloids showed strong positive correlations with TC, LDH, 17-OHCS, T3, TSH, and thymus index, moderate positive correlations with cAMP, CORT, T4, and spleen index, and moderate negative correlation with cGMP. ConclusionAmong different processed ARLP decoction pieces, PFZ processed according to ZHANG Zhongjing's method exhibits the most potent warming and cold-dispelling effects. Its pharmacological actions are mediated through regulating the thyroid, adrenal, immune, cyclic nucleotide systems, and material-energy metabolism pathways. Among these, water-soluble alkaloids show strong or moderate correlations with more indicators of deficiency-cold syndrome and exhibit the highest content in PFZ. Therefore, PFZ processed according to ZHANG Zhongjing's method may exert its warming and cold-dispelling effects through water-soluble alkaloids.
3.Mechanism of Action of Guishenwan in Treatment of Ovarian Insufficiency Diseases: A Review
Yao CHEN ; Sainan TIAN ; Bin'an WANG ; Shengyu WANG ; Wen'e LIU ; Lei LEI ; Li TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):317-324
Guishenwan (GSW), originating from Jingyue Quanshu (Zhang Jingyue's Complete Works), is a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula with a history of over 400 years. Designed for kidney essence deficiency syndrome, it is clinically applied to treat diseases associated with essence-blood deficiency, such as ovarian insufficiency diseases in women, oligospermia-induced infertility in men, and lumbar disc herniation. Numerous studies have confirmed its significant efficacy and advantages in managing ovarian insufficiency diseases, including diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), and premature ovarian failure (POF). According to recent literature, the therapeutic mechanisms of GSW in treating ovarian insufficiency diseases involve regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis (HPOA) function, ameliorating reproductive endocrine disorders, improving ovarian function, modulating relevant signaling pathways, and exerting immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. A review of GSW in clinical treatment revealed that clinical applications of GSW, particularly in combination with Western medicine, not only alleviate symptoms but also compensate for the limitations of hormone replacement therapy, thereby reducing recurrence, minimizing adverse reactions, and enhancing safety. This review aims to provide a scientific basis for the rational clinical use of GSW in ovarian insufficiency diseases, offer innovative TCM strategies for developing novel ovarian-protective drugs, promote the integration of TCM and Western medicine in reproductive medicine, and ultimately contribute a Chinese approach to global management of ovarian insufficiency diseases.
4.Mechanism of Shaoyaotang in Modulating MDSCs-related Immunosuppressive Microenvironment in Prevention and Treatment of Colitis-associated Carcinogenesis
Xue CHEN ; Chenglei WANG ; Bingwei YANG ; Haoyu ZHAI ; Ying WU ; Weidong LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):10-19
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Shaoyaotang in the prevention and treatment of colitis-associated carcinogenesis (CAC) based on myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs)-related immunosuppressive microenvironment. MethodsA total of 140 six-week-old SPF FVB male mice were randomly divided into seven groups: Blank group, Shaoyaotang without model group (7.12 g·kg-1), model group, sulfasalazine group (0.52 g·kg-1), Shaoyaotang low-dose group (3.56 g·kg-1), Shaoyaotang medium-dose group (7.12 g·kg-1) and Shaoyaotang high-dose group (14.24 g·kg-1), with 20 mice in each group. The blank control group and the Shaoyaotang without model group received a single intraperitoneal injection of physiological saline (10 mg·kg-1), while the other five groups were given a single intraperitoneal injection of azoxymethane (AOM) (10 mg·kg-1). After 1 week, the mice were given drinking water containing 2% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for 1 week, followed by normal drinking water for 2 weeks. This cycle was repeated three times over a total period of 14 weeks to establish the CAC mouse model. Each group was administered gavage once daily for 2 weeks starting on the 14th day of the experiment, followed by three times a week until the end of the experiment. The body weight of the mice was recorded weekly. Mice were sacrificed on the 28th and 98th days of the experiment. After dissection, the colon length, colon weight, spleen weight, tumor size, and tumor number were measured. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to assess the pathological morphology of colon tumor tissue. Flow cytometry was used to detect MDSCs, regulatory T cells (Tregs), CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and the CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio in the spleen. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression levels of programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB (p-NF-κB), and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) in the colon tissue. ResultsOn day 14, compared with the blank group, the body weight of the model group was significantly reduced (P<0.01), reaching its lowest point on day 28 (23.39 ± 0.95 ) g. On days 28 and 98, compared with the blank group, the colon length in the model group was significantly shortened (P<0.01), the colon index significantly increased (P<0.01), the spleen index significantly increased (P<0.01), and the tumor load significantly increased (P<0.01). HE staining showed that in the model group, tumor cells, a large number of inflammatory cell infiltrates, goblet cell disappearance, and crypt loss were observed. In each dose group of Shaoyaotang, the damage to the colonic mucosa, inflammatory cell infiltration, and crypt structure destruction were alleviated. Compared with the model group, the body weight of mice in each dose group of Shaoyaotang increased. On day 98, the colon length was significantly increased (P<0.01), the colon index significantly decreased (P<0.01), the spleen index significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the tumor burden significantly decreased (P<0.01) in each Shaoyaotang dose group. On days 28 and 98, MDSCs and Tregs in the spleen of the medium- and high-dose Shaoyaotang groups were significantly reduced (P<0.01), while CD4+ T cells and the CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio were significantly increased (P<0.01). The proportion of CD8+ T cells in the spleen and the expression levels of PD-1 and PD-L1 in the colon tissues of mice in each Shaoyaotang dose group were significantly increased to varying degrees (P<0.05, P<0.01). On days 28 and 98, the expression of p-AMPK-positive cells in the colon tissue of the medium- and high-dose Shaoyaotang groups was significantly increased (P<0.01), while the expression of p-NF-κB and HIF-1α was significantly reduced (P<0.01). ConclusionShaoyaotang can regulate MDSC recruitment and modulate the immune function of T lymphocyte subsets to inhibit the occurrence and development of AOM/DSS-induced CAC in mice. The mechanism may be related to the activation of the AMPK/NF-κB/HIF-1α pathway.
5.Exploring Multi-target Effect of Erzhiwan on Improving Myocardial Injury in Ovariectomized Mice Based on Non-targeted Metabolomics
Ying YANG ; Jing HU ; Pei LI ; Ruyuan ZHU ; Zhiguo ZHANG ; Haixia LIU ; Yanjing CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):74-84
ObjectiveTo explore the target of Erzhiwan in reducing myocardial injury in ovariectomized mice through non-targeted myocardial metabolomics combined with experimental verification. MethodsOvariectomized mouse model was selected, 40 female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group, estrogen group(estradiol valerate, 1.3×10-4 g·kg-1), Erzhiwan low and high dose groups(3.12, 9.36 g·kg-1), with 8 mice in each group. Each administration group was given the corresponding dose of Erzhiwan by gavage, and the sham operation group and model group were given equal volume of distilled water by gavage for 12 weeks. Echocardiography was used to detect cardiac function, hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe myocardial morphological changes, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the levels of estrogen, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP), hypersensitive troponin T(hs-TnT), total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-18 and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α). The non-targeted metabolomics of mouse myocardium were analyzed by ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbital trap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS), and the differential metabolites and corresponding metabolic pathways were obtained. The mRNA expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K) and protein kinase B(Akt) in mouse myocardial tissues were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR), and the protein expression levels of PI3K, Akt, phosphorylated(p)-Akt were detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the model group showed abnormal cardiac function, increased myocardial fiber space, cardiomyocyte atrophy, sarcoplasmic aggregation, and occasional dissolution or rupture of muscle fiber, the level of estrogen in the serum was decreased, the levels of NT-proBNP, hs-TnT, IL-1β, IL-18, TNF-α, TG, TC and LDL-C were increased, and the level of HDL-C was decreased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Erzhiwan could increase the level of estrogen, improve the abnormal cardiac function, reduce the pathological injury of myocardial tissue, decrease the levels of myocardial injury markers(NT-proBNP, hs-TnT) and inflammatory factors(IL-1β, IL-18, TNF-α), decrease the levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, and increased the level of HDL-C(P<0.01). The results of non-targeted myocardial metabolomics showed that 31 of the 162 differential metabolites between the model group and sham operation group were significantly adjusted after administration of Erzhiwan, which were mainly glycerol phospholipid metabolites. Pathway enrichment results showed that Erzhiwan mainly affected glycerophospholipid metabolic pathway, PI3K-Akt pathway, cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP)-protein kinase G(PKG) pathway and other metabolic pathways. Compared with the sham operation group, the levels of phosphatidylcholine(PC, 11 types) and phosphatidylethanolamine(PE, 5 types) in mouse myocardial tissue of the model group were increased(P<0.05, P<0.01), and the mRNA and protein expressions of PI3K and p-Akt were decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the levels of PC(11 types) and PE(5 types) were decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01) in myocardial tissue of Erzhiwan group, the mRNA and protein expressions of PI3K and p-Akt were elevated(P<0.01). ConclusionErzhiwan can alleviate the pathological injury of myocardium in ovariectomized mice, improve the abnormal cardiac function, improve lipid metabolism disorder, and reduce the levels of myocardial injury markers and inflammatory factors, which involves a number of signaling and metabolic pathways in the heart, among which glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway and PI3K/Akt pathway may have key roles.
6.Effect of Epimedium brevicornu Ethanol Extract on Aging of Castrated Rats by Intervening in Mesenchymal Adipose-derived Stem Cells
Zuyu MENG ; Haiquan LIU ; Shaozi LIN ; Mei WANG ; Yiyao ZHANG ; Fang LIU ; Menghan LI ; Hongling CHEN ; Jiajia QIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):174-181
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which the ethanol extract of Epimedium brevicornu (EEBM) intervenes in mesenchymal adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) to delay aging in castrated rats. MethodsForty-five 3-month-old SPF female SD rats were ovariectomized and randomly divided into model group, ADSCs treatment group, and ADSCs groups treated with low, medium, and high concentrations of EEBM (1, 50, 100 μg·L-1), referred to as the AE low, medium, and high concentration groups, with 9 rats in each group. After tail vein injection of 200 μL of the corresponding stem cell suspension, aging-related indicators including cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (p21), tumor suppressor gene (p53), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), cysteine-aspartic acid protease-3 (Caspase-3), and lipofuscin were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the model group, the IL-6 content in the AE low, medium, and high concentration groups was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Lipofuscin, MDA, and IL-8 levels in the ADSCs treatment group and AE low, medium, and high concentration groups were significantly reduced (P<0.01), while SOD content was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the ADSCs treatment group, lipofuscin and IL-8 levels in the AE low, medium, and high concentration groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). The MDA content was significantly decreased in the AE medium concentration group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, protein levels of p21, p53, Bax, and Caspase-3 in the ADSCs treatment group and AE low, medium, and high concentration groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the Bcl-2 protein level was significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the ADSCs treatment group, protein levels of p21, p53, Bax, and Caspase-3 in the AE low, medium, and high concentration groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the Bcl-2 protein level in the AE low concentration group was significantly increased (P<0.01). ConclusionThe results of this experiment show that EEBM-treated ADSCs or ADSCs may delay aging in castrated rats by inhibiting cell apoptosis, reducing cell cycle inhibitors and pro-inflammatory factors, enhancing antioxidant capacity, and reducing oxidative reactions. Moreover, EEBM-treated ADSCs demonstrate stronger anti-aging effects than ADSCs alone. This study provides experimental evidence supporting the clinical use of EEBM to intervene in ADSCs and delay aging.
7.Expert Consensus on Clinical Diseases Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine: Atopic Dermatitis
Junfeng LIU ; Xiumei MO ; Mei MO ; Hongyi LI ; Ying LIN ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Dacan CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):244-252
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common pruritic and chronic inflammatory dermatosis in clinical practice and is one of the diseases responding specifically to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). With the launch of biological agents and small molecule drugs and the development and implementation of guidelines of diagnosis and treatment, clinical pathways of treatment of moderate to severe AD, and consensus on the whole-process management of AD, the clinical efficacy of moderate to severe AD has been significantly improved. However, there are still many unmet clinical needs that require more effective methods to meet. In response to the Opinions of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council on Facilitating the Inheritance, Innovation, and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the spirit of the National Conference on TCM, the China Association of Chinese Medicine organized more than 20 experts in TCM dermatology, Western medicine dermatology, interdisciplinary fields, and industries to discuss the difficulties and advantages of TCM in the treatment of AD. TCM treatment for AD can not only improve rash and relieve itching but also solve many concomitant syndromes. The abundant external treatment methods of TCM have advantages for different special populations and rash characteristics. The concept of treating disease before its onset in TCM is in line with the chronic disease management mode of prevention and treatment of atopic march and prevention of recurrence. In addition, TCM therapy can reduce the use of topical glucocorticoids and has good safety. Regarding the comorbidity of AD, equal emphasis on TCM and Western medicine and multidisciplinary joint treatment should be advocated to achieve maximum benefit for patients. The exchange of TCM and Western medicine has clarified the positioning and advantages of TCM intervention in AD, providing guidance for clinical and scientific research.
8.Research Progress on Pathogenesis of Osteoporosis and Intervention of Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Xiaoyun ZHANG ; Hao ZENG ; Zhengpeng LI ; Yueping CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):311-320
Osteoporosis (OP) is a metabolic disorder characterized by microstructural deterioration of bone and increased bone fragility due to reduced bone mass, which can cause the development of bone-related diseases. This condition imposes significant economic and psychological burdens on patients. While modern medicine has extensively researched the pathogenesis of OP, it remains incompletely understood. Current clinical management primarily relies on anti-resorptive drugs and synthetic metabolic agents. However, long-term use of some medications may yield suboptimal therapeutic outcomes and lead to severe adverse reactions. Given the necessity for prolonged or lifelong treatment for OP, there is a critical need to identify highly effective, safe, and cost-effective pharmaceutical interventions. In light of evolving disease management paradigms and recent advancements in OP research, traditional Chinese medicine has demonstrated emerging advantages in addressing this condition. Through literature review, this study delves into the pathogenesis of OP from five perspectives: hormonal dysregulation, autophagy, ferroptosis, oxidative stress, and intestinal flora alteration. Furthermore, it summarizes the therapeutic efficacy and specific mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine monomers and compound formulas against OP through regulating hormone levels, interfering with autophagy, inhibiting ferroptosis, counteract oxidative stress,and maintain intestinal flora balance. These multifaceted insights are expected to provide theoretical reference and guide future clinical traditional Chinese medicine approaches for preventing and managing OP.
9.Effect of Wulao Qisun Prescription on Proliferation and Osteogenic Differentiation of AS Fibroblasts by Regulating Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
Juanjuan YANG ; Ping CHEN ; Haidong WANG ; Zhendong WANG ; Haolin LI ; Zhimin ZHANG ; Yuping YANG ; Weigang CHENG ; Jin SU ; Jingjing SONG ; Dongsheng LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):67-73
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of the Wulao Qisun prescription on pathological new bone formation in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). MethodsSynovial fibroblasts were isolated from the hip joints of AS patients and observed under a microscope to assess cell morphology. The cells were identified using immunofluorescence staining. The isolated AS fibroblasts were divided into blank group, low drug-containing serum group, medium drug-containing serum group, high drug-containing serum group, and positive drug group. After drug intervention, cell proliferation was measured using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay to observe fibroblast growth and determine the optimal intervention time. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was measured using the alkaline phosphatase assay. Protein expression of osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN), and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) was detected by Western blot. The mRNA expression levels of Wnt5a, β-catenin, and Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsCompared with the blank group, each drug-containing serum group of Wulao Qisun prescription and the positive drug group inhibited the proliferation of AS fibroblasts and reduced ALP expression (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the low drug-containing serum group of Wulao Qisun prescription downregulated β-catenin mRNA expression (P<0.05). The medium and high drug-containing serum groups and the positive drug group significantly downregulated Wnt5a and β-catenin mRNA expression (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the positive drug group showing the most pronounced effect (P<0.01). The high drug-containing serum group and the positive drug group significantly upregulated DKK-1 mRNA expression (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the low drug-containing serum group of Wulao Qisun prescription inhibited the expression of OPN and Runx2 proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the medium and high drug-containing serum groups and the positive drug group inhibited the expression of OCN, OPN, and Runx2 proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe Wulao Qisun prescription can inhibit the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of AS fibroblasts, thereby delaying the formation of pathological new bone in AS. The possible mechanism involves the regulation of Wnt/β-catenin-related gene expression, further inhibiting the transcription of downstream target genes.
10.Mechanism of Yantiao Prescription in Treating Lipopolysaccharide-induced Acute Lung Injury Based on Arachidonic Acid Metabolic Pathways
Pengcheng LI ; Tianyang CHEN ; Rong FANG ; Anna ZHANG ; Sijia WU ; Wei LIU ; Qian WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):101-110
ObjectiveTo clarify the anti-inflammatory and lung-protective effects of Yantiao prescription on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI), and to explore the impact of Yantiao prescription on the metabolic pathways of arachidonic acid (AA) in vivo. MethodsThirty male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the following groups based on body weight: normal group, model group, dexamethasone group (2 mg·kg-1), low-dose Yantiao prescription group (18 g·kg-1), and high-dose Yantiao prescription group (36 g·kg-1), with 6 mice in each group. The ALI mouse model was established by intraperitoneal injection of LPS. The treatment groups received oral gavage once a day for 7 consecutive days, and serum and lung tissue were collected at the end of the experiment. The content of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in serum was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to assess lung tissue pathology. The wet/dry weight ratio (W/D) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in lung tissue were measured. The content of AA metabolites in serum and lung tissue was measured by liquid chromatography triple quadrupole-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). ResultsCompared with the conditions in the normal group, the content of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the model group was significantly increased (P<0.01). The alveolar structure in mice was severely damaged, with markedly thickened alveolar walls and extensive inflammatory cell infiltration. The W/D ratio and MPO activity in lung tissue were significantly increased (P<0.01). The content of AA metabolites, including prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), 11(S)-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid [11(S)-HETE], and 5-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) in serum and lung tissue was significantly increased (P<0.05), while the content of 11,12-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (11,12-EET) and 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (14,15-EET) in serum was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the results in the model group, the content of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the dexamethasone group, low-dose Yantiao prescription group, and high-dose Yantiao prescription group was significantly reduced (P<0.05). Mild thickening of alveolar walls, scattered inflammatory cell infiltration, and relatively intact tissue structure with improved alveolar architecture were observed. The W/D ratio and MPO activity in lung tissue were significantly reduced (P<0.01). The content of AA metabolites PGD2, PGE2, 11(S)-HETE, and 5-HETE in serum from the dexamethasone group was significantly decreased (P<0.05), while the content of 14,15-EET in serum significantly increased (P<0.01), and the content of 5-HETE in lung tissue significantly decreased (P<0.01). In the low-dose and high-dose Yantiao prescription groups, the content of AA metabolites PGD2, PGE2, 11(S)-HETE, and 5-HETE in serum and lung tissue was significantly decreased (P<0.05), while the content of 11,12-EET in both serum and lung tissue was significantly increased (P<0.05). ConclusionYantiao prescription has significant protective effects against LPS-induced ALI, which are related to its regulation of AA metabolic pathways in vivo.

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