Objective To explore the pharmacological effects and regulatory mechanisms of Carthami Flos water extract and its main constituent,hydroxysafflower yellow A(HSYA),on primary dysmenorrhea rats with cold coagulation and blood stasis.Methods Forty-two female specific pathogen-free grade rats aged 6-8 weeks were divided into blank,model,HSYA(0.01 g/kg),ibuprofen(0.04 g/kg),and low(0.06 g/kg),medium(0.20 g/kg),and high(0.40 g/kg)Carthami Flos water extract dose groups using the random number table method,with six rats per group.A rat model was established using ice water bath stimulation combined with estradiol benzoate and oxytocin.Continuous gavage was administered for 6 days from the seventh day of modeling.After the intervention,the writhing reaction test was conducted.The rats,uteri,and ovaries were weighed to calculate the organ index.An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and radioimmunoassay were used to detect the prostaglandin E2(PGE2)and prostaglandin F2α(PGF2α)contents in the uterus,thromboxane B2(TXB2)and 6-keto-prostaglondin F1α(6-keto-PGF1α)in plasma,and estradiol(E2)in the serum.Hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to detect the pathological changes in uterine tissue.Immunohistochemistry was used to determine cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2)expression in uterine tissue,whereas immunofluorescence was used to measure follicle-stimulating hormone receptor(FSH-R)expression in ovarian tissue.Western blotting was used to detect gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor(GnRH-R)and FSH-R expression in uterine tissue.Results Compared with the blank group,the rats in the model group exhibited an increase in uterine and ovarian indices and increased PGE2 and PGF2α in the uterus.TXB2 in the plasma and E2 in the serum were also evaluated.Additionally,6-keto-PGF1α decreased,and COX-2,GnRH-R,and FSH-R expression in the uterus and FSH-R expression in the ovaries also increased(P＜0.05).The morphology of the uterine tissue was disordered.Compared with the model group,the low Carthami Flos water extract dose group showed a decrease in uterine index(P＜0.05).In the medium and high Carthami Flos water extract dose groups,the writhing response decreased,as did the uterine and ovarian indicesand PGE2 and TXB2 contents.The 6-keto-PGF1α content increased,whereas the GnRH-R protein expression in the uterus decreased(P＜0.05).The high Carthami Flos water extract dose group also showed a decrease in PGF2α and FSH-R protein expression in the uterus(P＜0.05).In the HSYA group,the writhing response decreased,the uterine and ovarian indices decreased,the PGE2,PGF2α,and TXB2 contents decreased,and GnRH-R and FSH-R protein expression decreased in the uterus(P＜0.05).The serum E2 levels of the groups that received Carthami Flos water extract at various doses and those of the HSYA group were reduced,and the uterine morphology was improved.COX-2 expression in the uterus and FSH-R protein expression in the ovaries were also reduced(P＜0.05).Conclusion Carthami Flos water extract and HSYA can improve the pathological state of primary dysmenorrhea rats with cold coagulation and blood stasis.Its mechanism may be related to regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis.

Objective To explore the effect and mechanism of Shenqi Jieyu Formula(SQJYF)on depression and anxiety-like behavior in adult offspring rats after maternal separation(MS).This was done by observing the levels of metabolites in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of the Papez circuit through magnetic resonance spectroscopy(MRS).Methods Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats at 16 days of pregnancy were divided into the normal,model,SQJYF,and fluoxetine groups using the random number table method,with six rats per group.MS was performed 4 h a day from the first to the 21st day afterbirth.Starting from the 15th day,the corresponding medications(SQJYF group:12.5 g/kg,fluxetine group:2.33 mg/kg)were administered to mother rats once a day for 7 consecutive days.Normal breastfeeding was performed during the gavage.The offspring rats were weaned on the 22nd day.According to the experimental grouping of mother rats,one male and one female offspring rat of each mother rat were randomly selected using the random number table method,with six rats per group.They were divided into normal,model,SQJYF,and fluoxetine female and male rat groups,respectively.After 8 weeks of feeding,the offspring rats in each group were subjected to forced swimming test(FST),the sucrose water consumption test,and open field tests(OFT),and the elevated plus maze(EPM)test was conducted.The relative values of N-acetyl-aspartate(NAA),choline(Cho),glutamic acid(Glu),myo-inositol(mI),and creatine(Cr)in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex were detected using MRS.Results Compared with that of the normal female and male rat groups,the weight of the rats in the model group was decreased as well as sucrose water consumption and the horizontal and vertical scores of OFT,whereas the immobility time of FST increased.Compared with the normal female and male rat group,the NAA/Cr and Glu/Cr values in the bilateral hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of the female and male rats in the model group decreased(all P＜0.01).The proportion of rats entering the open arm and open arm residence time of the model female rat group in the EPM test decreased,whereas the Cho/Cr value of the right hippocampus of the female rats in the model group increased(P＜0.05).Compared with the model female and male rat group,the weight of the rats in the SQJYF and fluoxetine groups increased,the immobility time of FST decreased,but the sucrose water consumption and the horizontal and vertical OFT scores increased(P＜0.01).The proportion of rats entering the open arm and open arm residence time in the EPM increased in the SQJYF and fluoxetine female rat groups compared to those of the model female rat group(P＜0.01).Compared with the model female rat group,the NAA/Cr and Glu/Cr values in the bilateral hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of female rats in the SQJYF and fluoxetine groups increased.The NAA/Cr and Glu/Cr values in the right hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of male rats in the SQJYF and fluoxetine groups were higher than those in the model group(P＜0.05),whereas the Cho/Cr value in the right hippocampus of female and male rats in the SQJYF and fluoxetine groups decreased(P＜0.05).Conclusion MS in early life can lead to depression and anxiety-like behavior in adult offspring.However,SQJYF may exert antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects by regulating the metabolite levels in related brain regions of the Papez circuit.

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of Jiawei Ditan Decoction on cardiomyocyte ferroptosis in rats with chronic intermittent hypoxia based on the phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)signaling pathway.Methods Thirty 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal control,low-oxygen intervention,and Jiawei Ditan Decoction intervention groups using the random number table method,with 10 rats per group.The low-oxygen and Jiawei Ditan Decoction intervention groups were treated with intermittent hypoxia chamber for modeling,with 8 h of intervention daily.Gavage administration was performed before and after daily intervention.The intervention group received a dosage of 16.38 g/kg Jiawei Ditan Decoction,whereas the other two groups received normal saline.The experimental intervention period was 12 weeks.Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe the morphology of myocardial tissue.Transmission electron microscope was used to observe the mitochondrial ultrastructure in cardiomyocytes.Biochemical detection was used to measure the Fe2+and malondialdehyde(MDA)content in myocardial tissue.Phosphorylated-phosphoinositide 3-kinase(p-PI3K),PI3K,phosphorylated-protein kinase B(p-Akt),Akt,solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11),glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2),and acyl-coenzyme A synthetase long-chain family member 4(ACSL4)protein expression in myocardial tissue were measured using western blotting.The rat cardiomyocyte cell line,H9c2,was cultured in high glucose Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium,and the ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography was used to detect drug components in Jiawei Ditan Decoction.The CCK-8 assay was used to detect the cell survival rate of cells treated with different concentrations of Jiawei Ditan Decoction.The cells were divided into the normoxic,erastin,and erastin+Jiawei Ditan Decoction intervention groups,and p-Akt and GPX4 protein expression was measured using western blotting.p-PI3K and GPX4 protein expression were detected in the normoxic,low-oxygen intervention 12 h,and low-oxygen intervention 12 h+740Y-P groups.The p-PI3K,PI3K,p-Akt,Akt,and GPX4 protein expression was detected in the normoxic,low-oxygen intervention 6 h,low-oxygen intervention 12 h,low-oxygen intervention 12 h+Jiawei Ditan Decoction low-dose,low-oxygen intervention 12 h+Jiawei Ditan Decoction medium-dose,and low-oxygen intervention 12 h+Jiawei Ditan Decoction high-dose groups(drug concentrations of 5,10,and 20 g/L,respectively).Results The myocardial cells in the low-oxygen intervention group were disordered and swollen and the mitochondrial arrangement of myocardial cells was disordered,with increased mitochondrial membrane density,ruptured cristae,and vacudar degeneration compared with those in the normal control group.The myocardial cells in the Jiawei Ditan Decoction intervention group were arranged neater,and the morphology of mitochondria was relatively regular than those in the low-oxygen intervention group,and no apparent swelling was observed.Compared with the normal control group,the low-oxygen intervention group showed an increase in the MDA and Fe2+content,a decrease in the p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt values,decreased SLC7A11,GPX4,and Nrf2 expression,and increased ACSL4 expression(P＜0.05).Compared with the low-oxygen intervention group,the Jiawei Ditan Decoction intervention group showed a decrease in MDA and Fe2+content,an increase in the p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt values,increased SLC7A11,GPX4,and Nrf2 expression,and decreased ACSL4 expression(P＜0.05).Jiawei Ditan Decoction contained DL-stachydrine,D-(+)-malicacid,adenosine,etc.The cell survival rate of the 10.00 g/L group increased(P＜0.05)compared to that of the Jiawei Ditan Decoction 0,1.25,2.50,5.00,and 20.00 g/L groups.Compared with the normoxic group,p-Akt and GPX4 expression decreased in the erastin group(P＜0.05);compared with the erastin group,the erastin+Jiawei Ditan Decoction intervention group showed increased p-Akt and GPX4 expression(P＜0.05).Compared with the normoxic group,p-PI3K and GPX4 expression decreased in the low-oxygen intervention 12 h group(P＜0.01);compared with the low-oxygen intervention 12 h group,the low-oxygen intervention 12 h+740Y-P group showed increased p-PI3K and GPX4 expression(P＜0.05).Compared with the normoxic group,GPX4 expression and the p-Akt/Akt and p-PI3K/PI3K were reduced in the low-oxygen intervention 6 and 12 h groups(P＜0.05);compared with the low-oxygen intervention 6 h and 12 h groups,the p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt values increased in the low-oxygen intervention 12 h+Jiawei Ditan Decoction low,medium,and high-dose groups(P＜0.05).GPX4 expression was also increased(P＜0.05).Conclusion Jiawei Ditan Decoction may improve cardiomyocyte ferroptosis in rats by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway,thereby playing a protective role against chronic intermittent hypoxia-induced cardiac injury in rats.

Objective To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture on the intestinal NIMA-related kinase 7(NEK7)/NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)signaling pathway in mice with Parkinson's disease.Methods According to the randomized number table method,36 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the control group,the model group,and the electroacupuncture group,with 12 mice per group.The Parkinson's disease mouse model was established by gavage of rotenone solution(10 mg/kg)for 28 d.After molding,the electroacupuncture group was stimulated with"Fengfu"(DU17),"Taichong"(LR3),and"Zusanli"(ST36)for 14 d,while the control group and the model group were only treated with immobilization.The motor ability of mice was detected by pole climbing test and hindlimb rating score,the positive expressions of nigral tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)and colon occludin were detected by immunohistochemistry,the histological morphology of colon was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining,and Western blotting was used to detect the protein expressions of NEK7,NLRP3,Caspase-1,and interleukin-1β(IL-1β).Results Compared with the control group,mice in the model group had lower score on the pole climbing test and a higher hindlimb rating score(P＜0.01);the average optical densities of nigral TH and colon occludin were decreased(P＜0.01);significant inflammatory infiltration was observed in the colonic tissue,and the muscularis propria was thinned;and the protein expressions of NEK7,NLRP3,Caspase-1,and IL-1β in the colonic tissue were elevated(P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,mice in the electroacupuncture group had higher score on the pole climbing test and a lower hindlimb rating score(P＜0.01);the average optical densities of nigral TH and colon occludin were increased(P＜0.01);the degree of inflammatory infiltration of colonic tissues decreased,and the muscularis propria was thickened;and the protein expressions of NEK7,NLRP3,Caspase-1,and IL-1β of colonic tissues were decreased(P＜0.01).Conclusion Electroacupuncture at"Fengfu"(DU17),"Taichong"(LR3),and"Zusanli"(ST36)can improve motor functional impairments in mice with Parkinson's disease,and the mechanism may be through the inhibition of intestinal NEK7/NLRP3 pathway,improving the intestinal barrier damage,relieving the intestinal inflammation,and improving the dopaminergic neuron injury.

Objective To explore the mechanism of the therapy of promoting blood circulation and nourishing yin(PBCNY)in improving spermatogenesis in rats with varicocele based on Bcl-2/Bax pathway.Methods Thirty 8-week-old male SD rats were randomly divided into six groups(five rats per group):sham,model,levocarnitine(1.0 g/kg),and PBCNY low-dose(5.2 g/kg),PBCNY medium-dose(10.4 g/kg),and PBCNY high-dose(20.8 g/kg)groups.Apart from the sham group,all the groups were built a varicocele model by the classical Turner method.After 4 weeks,the sham group and model group were gavaged with normal saline,and the remaining groups were given with levocarnitine or different doses of PBCNY decoction once a day for 4 weeks.At the end of gavage,the sperm quality of rats in each group was detected by a computer-assisted sperm analyzer,and HE staining was used to observe the testicular tissue morphology of rats in each group and performed with Johnsen score.TUNEL method was used to detect apoptosis,RT-qPCR was used to detect Bcl-2 and Bax mRNA expression,and immunohistochemical method was used to detect cytochrome C protein expression.Results Compared to the sham group,sperm total count,motility rate and percentage of sperm with grade(a+b)motility were lower in the model group of rats(P<0.05).HE staining showed disturbed arrangement of seminiferous tubules in the testicular tissue with significant changes and decreased Johnsen score(P<0.05).The result of TUNEL assay showed that the apoptosis rate was increased in the model group(P<0.05).Bax mRNA expression was increased in testicular tissue(P<0.05).The result of immunohistochemistry showed that the positive expression of cytochrome C was increased in the model group(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the rat sperm total count in the PBCNY medium-dose group,motility rate in the PBCNY low-and medium-dose groups,and percentage of sperm with grade(a+b)motility in the PBCNY low-dose group increased(P<0.05);the pathological structure of rat testis had different degrees of improvement,and Johnsen score increased in the PBCNY medium-dose group(P<0.05);the apoptosis rate of testicular cells decreased in the levocarnitine group and all doses of PBCNY groups(P<0.05);the expression of Bcl-2 mRNA increased in the PBCNY low-dose and high-dose groups(P<0.05),and the expression of Bax mRNA decreased in the levocarnitine group and the PBCNY medium-dose group(P<0.05);the positive expression of cytochrome C decreased in the PBCNY medium-dose group(P<0.05).Conclusion The therapy of PBCNY can improve sperm quality,repair damaged testicular tissue structure and improve spermatogenic function in rats with varicocele,and its mechanism of action may be related to the activation of Bcl-2/Bax pathway and inhibition of cell apoptosis.

During the Jin dynasty,the two major academic schools of Hejian and Yishui emerged in northern China.At this time,the Song dynasty migrated southward,accompanied by the southward movement of the Han ethnic culture and economic center.The dissemination of medicine also showed a trend of spreading from the north to the south.The late Yuan dynasty was an important period for the academic dissemination of the Yishui school to the south.On the one hand,ZHU Danxi,GE Yinglei,HUA Shou,and other clinicians studied the academic works of LI Dongyuan,comprehended his academic ideas,and further disseminated them through their disciples and Confucian scholars.On the other hand,academic works such as Jisheng Bacui and Weisheng Baojian carrying the study of Yishui were published in the south,playing an essential role in disseminating Yishui's study in the south.The dissemination of Yishui's learning to the south adopted a combination of book learning and mentorship,effectively breaking down the academic barriers between the Hejian and Yishui schools.The network formed by the interaction between medical scholars and Confucian scholars was an essential medium for academic dissemination.The study of Yishui was transmitted to the south and integrated with the original spleen and stomach theory in the south,promoting the further development of traditional Chinese medicine spleen and stomach theory.

Objective To explore the effects of modulating the Hippo-YAP/TAZ pathway using Huashi Runzao Prescription(HRP)on the apoptosis and salivary secretion function of submandibular gland cells in a naive non-obese diabetic(NOD/Ltj)mouse model of Sj?gren's syndrome(SS).Methods Eight-week-old female BALB/c mice were selected as the blank group.Eight-week-old female NOD/Ltj were randomly divided into the model,HRP-L,HRP-M,HRP-H,and hydroxychloroquine sulphate(HCQ)groups.After eight weeks of drug administration,the water consumption and salivary flow rate of each group were recorded.The histopathological damage of the submandibular gland in each group was determined using hematoxylin and eosin staining,the apoptosis rate of the submandibular gland was determined using TUNEL staining,and AQP5,Bax,Bcl-2,beclin-1,YAP,p-YAP,and TAZ expressions in submandibular gland tissues were determined using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.Results Compared with the blank group,the Hippo-YAP/TAZ pathway was inhibited in the submandibular gland tissues of the model group,lymphocyte infiltration increased,water consumption increased,salivary flow rate decreased,AQP5 expression decreased,and submandibular gland cells apoptosis rate increased(P<0.05).Compared with all other administered groups,in the HRP-M group,the Hippo-YAZ/TAZ pathway was significantly activated,lymphocyte infiltration in submandibular gland tissues was reduced,water consumption was reduced,the salivary flow rate and AQP5 expression were increased,and the apoptosis rate of submandibular gland cells was reduced(P<0.05).Conclusion HRP reduced the pathological damage and apoptosis of submandibular gland cells in SS model mice.It improved the overall secretory function of submandibular gland tissues,which may be related to Hippo pathway activation and downregulating YAP/TAZ expression.

Objective This study aimed to observe the effect of Jiang Tang San Hao Formula(JTSHF)on systemic and intestinal inflammation,as well as on the NLRP3 inflammasome in type 2 diabetic mice(T2DM),and to elucidate its anti-diabetic molecular mechanisms.Methods Four-week-old male C57BL/6 N mice were used to establish the T2DM model using a high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin injection.The diabetic mice were randomly divided into the model,metformin,and JTSHF groups.A control group was also set to provide baseline comparisons.Each group of mice was orally administered with the corresponding medication daily.The metformin group was orally administered with 0.20 g/kg metformin,the JTSHF group was orally administered with 4.26 g/kg JTSHF,and the control group and model group were orally administered with an equal amount of sterile water continuously for 8 weeks.After an 8-week drug intervention via gavage,the lipopolysaccharide(LPS),tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α),interleukin 1 beta(IL-1β),and interleukin 6(IL-6)serum and colon levels were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The pathological morphology of the colon was observed using hematoxylin and eosin staining.NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3),apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain(ASC),caspase-1,zonula occludens-1(ZO-1),occludin,and G-protein coupled receptor 43(GPR43)protein expression in the colon were assessed using immunohistochemistry.The mRNA expression levels of NLRP3,ASC,caspase-1,ZO-1,Occludin,and GPR43 in the colon were detected using Real-time PCR.Results The ELISA data revealed significant differences in inflammatory markers among the groups.Compared with the model group,the JTSHF group exhibited notably reduced LPS,TNF-α,IL-1β,and IL-6 levels(P<0.05).Moreover,compared with the model group,JTSHF treatment upregulated ZO-1,occludin,and GPR43 protein and mRNA expression in the colon and downregulated NLRP3,ASC,and Caspase-1 protein and mRNA expression(P<0.05).Conclusion The inflammatory reaction of T2DM mice is apparent.JTSHF effectively alleviates the systemic and intestinal inflammatory response of T2DM mice by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome and repairing the intestinal mucosal barrier,highlighting the potential molecular mechanisms of the anti-diabetes effects of JTSHF.

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of Panax notoginseng saponins(PNS)in inhibiting c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase(JNK)/c-Jun signaling pathway activation to alleviate calcific aortic valve disease(CAVD)in mice.Methods Twenty-one male ApoE-/-mice aged 6 to 8 weeks were randomly divided into the model,PNS high-dose(60 mg/kg),and PNS low-dose(30 mg/kg)groups using the random number table method,with seven mice per group.Nine male C57BL/6 mice aged 6 to 8 weeks were used as the control group.Mice in the control group were fed a normal diet,whereas ApoE-/-mice were fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks.After 12 weeks,three C57BL/6 and three ApoE-/-mice(one ApoE-/-mice from each group)were randomly selected to evaluate the CAVD modeling effect.After confirming successful modeling,the PNS high-and low-dose groups received daily intragastric PNS administration.The control and model groups were administered an equal volume of stroke-physiological saline solution by gavage for 4 consecutive weeks.The valve annulus diameter and peak velocity of the mice in each group were then detected using ultrasound.The degree of aortic valve calcification was evaluated using von Kossa and Alizarin Red S staining.The serum triglycerides(TG),total cholesterol(TC),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)were detected by biochemical method.Inflammatory factor interleukin-4(IL-4),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),and interleukin-10(IL-10)levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The expressions of calcification markers,runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2),and bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP2)were detected using immunohistochemistry.Aortic valve cell apoptosis was evaluated using TUNEL staining,and JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway-related mRNA and mean fluorescence intensity were detected using quantitative real-time PCR and immunofluorescence,respectively.Results Compared with the control group,the mice in the model group showed an increase in serum TC,TG,LDL-C,TNF-α,and IL-1β levels,a decrease in IL-4 and IL-10 levels,a decrease in annulus diameter,an increase in peak flow velocity,and an increase in von Kossa and Alizarin Red S staining-positive areas.Additionally,the model group showed an increase in aortic valve cell apoptosis rate,an increase in BMP2 and RUNX2-positive rates,and an increase in JNK and c-Jun mRNA expression levels and p-JNK/JNK and p-c-Jun/c-Jun(P<0.05).Compared to the model group,the PNS low-dose group showed a decrease in serum TC,LDL-C,and TNF-α levels,an increase in annulus diameter,a decrease in peak flow velocity,and a decrease in positive area in Alizarin Red S staining.Furthermore,the PNS low-dose group showed a decrease in BMP2 and RUNX2-positive rates,JNK and c-Jun mRNA expression levels,and p-JNK/JNK and p-c-Jun/c-Jun(P<0.05).The PNS high-dose group showed an increase in HDL-C,IL-4 and IL-10 levels,a decrease in serum TC,LDL-C,TNF-α,and IL-1β levels,an increase in annulus diameter,a decrease in peak flow velocity,and a decrease in von Kossa and Alizarin Red S staining-positive areas and cell apoptosis rate.The PNS high-dose group also showed a decrease in BMP2 and RUNX2 positive staining rates,JNK and c-Jun mRNA expression levels,and p-JNK/JNK and p-c-Jun/c-Jun(P<0.05).Conclusion PNS may reduce valvular cell apoptosis,alleviate inflammation,and protect against aortic valve calcification in mice by inhibiting the activation of JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway.

Objective This study explored the effects of Epimedium koreanum Nakai(EK)on liver function in normal,kidney yang deficiency(KYANGDS),and kidney yin deficiency(KYINDS)rats based on the theory of"You Gu Wu Yun."The study also investigated the connection between EK-induced liver injury and symptoms.Methods Seventy-two male SD rats were divided into normal,KYANGDS,and KYINDS groups using the random number table method.The KYANGDS model was established through intramuscular injection of 20 mg/kg of hydrocortisone,whereas the KYINDS model was established through daily gavage of 160 mg/kg of thyroid tablet suspension for 14 consecutive days.After successful modeling,the rats were divided into the normal,EK low-dose,EK high-dose,KYANGDS,KYANGDS+EK low-dose,KYANGDS+EK high-dose,KYINDS,KYINDS+EK low-dose,and KYINDS+EK high-dose groups using the random number table method.Animals in the drug groups were administered low(0.26 g/kg)and high(0.77 g/kg)EK extract doses through continuous gavage.The other groups received drinking water once a day for 28 consecutive days.Changes in body mass were monitored during the administration period,and serum alkaline phosphatase(ALP),alanine transaminase(ALT),aspartate transaminase(AST),direct bilirubin,indirect bilirubin(IBil),and total bilirubin(TBil)were measured at the end of administration using biochemical analyzers.The liver weight,visceral body ratio,and visceral brain ratio were measured.Hematoxylin and eosin staining were performed to observe the pathological changes in the liver.Results Compared with the normal group,the EK high-dose group showed a decrease in body weight on the 21st day during the drug administration period and an increase in IBil(P<0.05);the KYANGDS group had lower body weight at each measurement time point from the third to the 28th day,higher ALP,and lower liver weight(P<0.05).Compared with the KYANGDS group,the KYANGDS+EK high-dose group had decreased ALP levels(P<0.05).The pathological damage of liver tissue in each KYANGDS administration group improved,the presence of fat vacuoles were reduced,and pathological scores show a decreasing trend.Compared with the KYINDS group,KYINDS+EK high-dose group exhibited a higher IBil level and a lower visceral brain ratio(P<0.05).Conclusion EK has a small effect on the liver function of rats with KYANGDS within the dose range;however,it has a specific hepatogenic impact on normal and KYINDS rats,and EK-induced liver injury and the symptoms may be associated with each other.