Objective To observe the effects of Qingjin Huatan Decoction on EGFR/MAPK signaling pathway of airway mucus hypersecretion rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods Intratracheal instillation of LPS combined with smudging method was used to establish COPD airway mucus hypersecretion rat models. Experimental rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, Qingjin Huatan Decoction group and clarithromycin group. The blank group was normally fed, while the other three groups were given NS, Qingjin Huatan Decoction, and clarithromycin respectively for gavage, once a day for 30 days. All rats were killed on the 31st day, and pathological changes of lung tissue and mucous glands hyperplasia were observed by HE staining method. The gene expressions of EGFR and MUC5AC in lung tissue were detected by RT-PCR method. The protein expressions of P-EGFR, P-ERK, P-JNK, P-p38 and MUC5AC in pulmonary tissue and airway epithelium were detected by immunohistochemical method. Results Compared with the blank group, mucous glands hyperplasia on airway epithelium, protein expressions of P-EGFR, P-ERK, P-JNK, P-p38 and MUC5AC on airway epithelium significantly increased in the model group (P<0.01); gene expression of MUC5AC of lung tissue increased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, mucous glands hyperplasia on airway epithelium, P-p38, P-ERK and MUC5AC protein expression on airway epithelium in Qingjin Huatan Decoction group significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01); the protein expression of P-JNK increased significantly (P<0.01). EGFR and MUC5AC mRNA in lung tissue in Qingjin Huatan Decoction group decreased significantly (P<0.01). Conclusion Qingjin Huatan Decoction can reduce airway mucus hepersecrection of COPD by inhibiting ERK and p38 signal pathway on EGFR downstream.

Objective To explore the mechanism ofJiedu Qingfei Mixture for airway mucus hypersecretion of rat models with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Methods Airway instilling lipopolysaccharide combining fuming method was used to establish COPD models. Forty clean level Wistar strain rats were randomly divided into blank control group, model group,Jiedu Qingfei group, and clarithromycin group. Model group, Jiedu Qingfei group, and clarithromycin group were given normal saline,Jiedu Qingfei Mixture, and clarithromycin by gavage respectively, while the blank control group was raised normally for 30 d. All rats were killed on the 31st day for taking lung tissue (6 rats from each group were chosen randomly). Pathological changes of lung tissue and mucous glands hyperplasia were observed by HE staining method. NE and MUC5AC mRNA expression on lung tissue were detected by RT-PCR method. Protein expressions of NE and MUC5AC on pulmonary tissue and airway epithelium were detected by immunohistochemical method.Results Compared with blank control group, mucous glands hyperplasia on airway epithelium, mRNA expression of NE and MUC5AC in lung tissue, and protein expressions of NE and MUCA5C on airway epithelium in the model group significantly increased (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with model group, mucous glands hyperplasia on airway epithelium inJiedu Qingfei group significantly decreased (P<0.01), as same as clarithromycin group;Jiedu Qingfei group showed better effects on down-regulating NE and MUC5AC mRNA expression in lung tissue compared with clarithromycin group. MUC5AC protein expression on airway epithelium inJiedu Qingfei group significantly decreased (P<0.05), as same as clarithromycin group.Jiedu Qingfei group and clarithromycin group had no difference on NE protein expression in airway epithelium compared with model group.Conclusion Jiedu Qingfei group Mixture can reduce airway mucus hypersecretion of COPD by down-regulating MUC5AC expression through neutrophil elastase.

Objective: To explore cytokine mechanism of Zhongjiling Tablet therapy to experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG). Methods: Lewis rats were immunized with N2-AChR(from Torpedo's electrical organ)in CFA. ELISA were adopted to determine IFN-?,IL-4,TGF-? levels in serum and surpernatant fluids and anti-N2-AChR total IgG,IgG1,IgG2 titers in serum of EAMG on week 7 post immunization and treatment.Results:In serum and surpernatant fluids:IFN-?,IL-4 level in model group were dramatically higher than CEA group ( P

Objective:To observe the effect of acupuncture on gastric motility, plasma motilin and serum gastrin in patients with diabetic gastroparesis (DGP) and evaluate its clinical efficacy.
Methods:A total of 100 eligible cases were randomly allocated into an acupuncture group (n=50) and a control group (n=50). Patients in the acupuncture group were treated by needling Zhongwan (CV 12), Zusanli (ST 36) and Neiguan (PC 6), whereas patients in the control group were treated with oral administration of Domperidone. The clinical efficacies of the two groups were compared; and changes in gastric motility, plasma motilin and serum gastrin in both groups were observed before and after treatment.
Results:After treatment, the symptom scores, gastric motility and contents of plasma motilin and serum gastrin were significantly improved in both groups (P<0.05). There were between-group statistically significant differences in symptom scores, gastric motility and levels of plasma motilin and serum gastrin after treatment (allP<0.05). The total effective rate was 96% in the treatment group, versus 78% in the control group, showing a statistically significant difference (P<0.05).
Conclusion:Acupuncture is effective for DGP and can reduce the levels of plasma motilin and serum gastrin.

Objective To explore the effects of Sishen Pill and Gegen Qinlian Tablet on cytokines of acute and chronic colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in mice. Methods Mice freely drank 4%DSS dissolved in drinking water for continuous 5 days to establish acute colitis model. Mice circularly drank 3% DSS for 4 times for the establishment of chronic colitis model. In the acute or chronic colitis experiment, mice were randomly divided into control group, acute and chronic model groups, Sishen Pill group, and Gegen Qinlian Tablet group. Acute model group was administrated one day after DSS drinking for 8 days. Chronic model group was administrated after the second time of circular drinking for 16 days. ELISA was used to detect the contents of IFN-γ, IL-17 and IL-22 in cultural supernatant of mouse colon. Results Contents of IFN-γ, IL-17A and IL-22 in cultural supernatant increased significantly in acute models (P<0.01). Gegen Qinlian Tablet can significantly decrease the contents of IFN-γ and IL-17A of acute models (P<0.05). Sishen Pill can significantly decrease the content of IL-17A (P<0.05). IFN-γand IL-17A in cultural supernatant in chronic model mice significantly increased compared with control group (P<0.01). Sishen Pill and Gegen Qinlian Tablet inhibited the contents of IFN-γ and IL-17A. Compared with control group, Sishen Pill significantly increased the content of IL-22 (P<0.05). Conclusion Sishen Pill and Gegen Qinlian Tablet can treat colitis by decreasing the contents of IFN-γ and IL-17A in acute colitis model mice;Sishen Pill can treat chronic colitis by promoting IL-22 to increase.

Objective To explore the effects ofDachengqiDecoction on morphological changes, lung and spleen indexes, and total IgE levels of mice with allergic asthma; To discuss it relevant mechanism of action.MethodsThe method of OVA sensitization and provocation was used to establish allergic asthma mice models. 20 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group, model group,Dachengqi Decoction group and dexamethasone positive group. Each medication group was given relevant medicine for gavage. Lung and spleen indexes in each group were detected. The total IgE levels in serum of mice were detected by ELISA, and HE staining was used to conduct pathological observation.Results Compared with control group, the lung index and level of IgE in model group increased significantly and pulmonary histological results showed abundant inflammatory cells infiltrated in the bronchus; compared with the model group, the lung index as well as the levels of IgE decreased significantly in the Dachengqi Decoction and dexamethasone positive group (P<0.05), and the lung tissue organization form was improved significantly.ConclusionDachengqi Decoction has inhibiting effects on pulmonary inflammation of mice with asthma.

Objective To investigate the effective mechanism of Jiawei Maxing Shigan Tang(JMST, Modified Decoction of Ephedra,Apricot Kernel,Gypsum and Licorice)in treatment of acute exacerbated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD).Methods Wistar rats(n =40)were randomly divided into blank control group,model group,JMST group and clarithromycin group.The blank control group was given normal feeding, and model group, JMST group and clarithromycin group were given airway instillation of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)and smudging for establishing AECOPD model.The model group was given normal saline,JMST group,JMST(8.7 g/kg)and clarithromycin group,clarithromycin suspension(50 mg/kg)continuously for 30 d.The lung function was measured on the 31std.The lung tissue was collected to making pathological sections for observing goblet cells after AB -PAS staining.The expressions of mucoprotein 5AC(MUC5AC)and neutrophil elastase(NE)were detected by using immunohistochemistry technique.Results Compared with blank control group, the ratio of 0.3-second forced expiratory volume to forced vital capacity(FEV0.3/FVC)decreased significantly, and number of goblet cells and expressions of MUC 5AC and NE increased significantly in model group,JMST group and clarithromycin group.Compared with model group, FEV0.3/FVC increased significantly,and number of goblet cells and expressions of MUC 5AC and NE decreased significantly in JMST group.The comparison in FEV0.3/FVC,number of goblet cells and expressions of MUC 5AC and NE had no statistical difference between JMST group and clarithromycin group.Conclusion Jiawei Maxing Shigan Tang can significantly promote FEV0.3/FVC, inhibit proliferation of goblet cells, down-regulate expressions of MUC5AC and NE and relieve airway mucus hypersecretion in AECOPD rats, which may be its one of therapeutic mechanisms in treatment of AECOPD.

Objective To study the different prescriptions of eletcro-acupuncture ( distal-proximal acu-points, proximal acupoints and distal acupoints) on pain-related behaviors and expression of microglia marker OX42 and cyclooxygenase 2 ( COX2 ) in spinal dorsal horn in rat model of transplantation of autol-ogous nucleus pulposus, so as to provide experimental basis for the mechanism of the different prescrip-tions. Methods 54 healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into six groups ( each n=9 )-normal group, model group, sham operation group, distal-proximal acupoint group, proximal acupoint group, distal acupoint group. After modeling, the rats in three acupuncture groups were treated for 20 minutes, once daily for consecutive 7 days. Those in distal-proximal acupoint group were needled at bilateral “L5 Jiajixue” ( Ex-B2 ) ,“Dachangshu” ( BL 25 ) ,“Weizhong” ( BL 40 ) and“Kunlun” ( BL 60 );those in proximal acupoint group were needled at bilateral“L5 Jiajixue” ( Ex-B2 ) and“Dachangshu” ( BL 25 ) ;the rats in distal acupoint group rats were needled at bilateral “Weizhong” ( BL 40 ) and “Kunlun” ( BL 60). Thermal withdrawal latencies were evaluated. The expressions of OX42 and COX2 in the left spinal dorsal horn were detected using immunohistochemical methods. Results Thermal withdrawal latencies and the expression of OX42 and COX2 increased in rat model of transplantation of autologous nucleus pul-posus. After treatment, thermal pain threshold was improved (P<0. 05), and the expression of OX42 and COX2 were inhibited ( P<0 . 05 ) . The inhibitory effects of distal-proximal acupoint group and proxi-mal acupoint group were superior to that in distal acupoint group. Conclusion Each acupuncture pre-scription reduced anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting inflammatory signaling pathways in spinal dorsal horn, with the prescription of distal-proximal acupoints and proximal acupoints superior to distal acu-points.

Objective To explore the effect of Qingjin Huatan Decoction on forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) and retinoid-related orphan nuclear receptor γt (RORγt)in the lung tissue of airway mucus hypersecre-tion rat model with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).Methods Altogether 40 male Wistar rats,SPF grade,were randomly divided into normal group,model group, Qingjin Huatan Decoction group and clarithromycin group.AECOPD rat model was induced by intratra-cheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)with passive smoking.From the first day of the experiment, rats of model group were intragastrically administered saline,and those of Qingjin Huatan Decoction group and clarithromycin group took corresponding medicines at dose of 8.4 g/kg and dose of 50 mg/kg for consecutive 30 days.On day 31,all rats were sacrificed.The thin sections of the rats’resected lungs were made,the expressions of mucin 5AC (Muc5AC),neutrophil elastase (NE),Foxp3 and RORγt in lung tissue were detected by using immunohistochemical method,and the protein expressions of Foxp3 and RORγt were measured by using Western blot.Results Compared with the normal group,Foxp3 protein expression in model group had no significant difference (P >0.05),but expression of RORγt, Muc5AC and NE increased significantly with Foxp3 /RORγt decreased significantly (P <0.01 ).Com-pared with model group,Foxp3 expression in Qingjin Huatan Decoction group had no significant differ-ence (P >0.05),but expression of RORγt,Muc5AC and NE decreased significantly with Foxp3 /RORγt increased significantly (P <0.01 or P <0.05 ).Compared with clarithromycin group,Muc5AC de-creased significantly in Qingjin Huatan Decoction group (P <0.05).Conclusion The potential mecha-nism of Qingjin Huatan Decoction against AECOPD mucus hypersecretion was to downregulate RORγt protein expression in lung tissue and to upregulate Foxp3 /RORγt.

ObjectiveTo study the mechanism of Mahuang Xixin Fuzitang （MXFT） against migraine. MethodTraditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform （TCMSP）， SiwssTargetPrediction and other databases were used to screen the active components and action targets of MXFT as well as migraine-related targets. The potential protein-protein interaction （PPI） network diagram was plotted for the intersection targets of MXFT and migraine using STRING 11.5. Metascape was used for Gene Ontology （GO） and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） enrichment analysis of potential intersection targets. The component-target-pathway network of MXFT was constructed by Cytoscape 3.7.1 to screen core targets with high degree value. Finally， the binding strength between core target and its mapping components was verified by molecular docking， and the core targets with desirable docking results were verified by animal experiments in vivo. Forty eight SD rats were selected， and except the blank group， the other rats were subcutaneously injected with nitroglycerin to prepare the migraine rat model. The modeled rats were randomly divided into model group， positive drug group and MXFT high-， medium- and low-dose groups. The positive drug group was given zolmitriptan tablets， and the MXFT high-， medium- and low-dose groups were given high， medium and low doses of MXFT， respectively. The changes of behavior and pain threshold of rats in each group were observed every other day after modeling. The levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide （CGRP）， extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 （ERK2） and c-fos proto-oncogene （FOS） protein in plasma were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Immunohistochemical technique and Western blot were employed to determine the levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 （ERK1/2， also known as MAPK1/3） and protein kinase B 1 （Akt1）， protein kinase C α （PRKCA） in trigeminal nerve of SD rats. ResultThe network pharmacology showed that the core targets of MXFT in the treatment of migraine were MAPK1， MAPK3， Akt1， PRKCA， etc.， mainly involving neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction signaling pathway， calcium signaling pathway， MAPK signaling pathway， etc. The molecular docking demonstrated that MAPK1， MAPK3， Akt1， PRKCA， PRKCB and PRKCG had good binding ability with their mapping components. The animal experiments indicated that compared with the conditions in the blank group， the number of head scratching in the model group was increased （P<0.01）， and the pain threshold was decreased （P<0.01）. Compared with the conditions in the model group， the number of head scratching in each administration group was reduced （P<0.01）， and the pain threshold was increased （P<0.01）. In addition， the levels of CGRP， ERK2 and FOS proteins in plasma， and Akt1， ERK1/2 and PRKCA proteins in trigeminal ganglion of the model group were higher than those of the blank group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The levels of CGRP， ERK2 and FOS proteins in plasma and Akt1， ERK1/2 and PRKCA proteins in trigeminal ganglion of each administration group were lower than those of the model group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionMXFT had multi-component， multi-target and multi-pathway characteristics in the treatment of migraine， and the mechanism might be related to inhibiting vasodilation， reducing the release of inflammatory factors and inhibiting neuronal hyperactivity.