Objective: To investigate whether Tuina alleviates fibrotic symptoms in myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) by regulating transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway, thereby deactivating these points. Methods: This study comprised two experimental phases. In phase 1, 27 specific pathogen-free (SPF) grade female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomized into three groups: control 1, model 1, and Tuina 1 groups. Model 1 and Tuina 1 groups underwent an 8-week MTrPs modeling protocol involving blunt impact and eccentric exercise. After successful modeling, rats in Tuina 1 group received manual pressing on nodules or cord-like taut bands on the medial aspect of the left hindlimb. Pain sensitivity and tissue stiffness were evaluated via pressure pain threshold (PPT) and soft tissue tension (STT). Muscle histopathology and fibrosis were observed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson staining. Inflammatory factors in muscle were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while immunofluorescence (IF) and Western blot (WB) were used to detect the expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen Ⅲ, and TGF-β1. In phase 2, 45 SPF female SD rats were randomized into five groups: control 2, model 2, Tuina 2, TGF-β1 inhibitor (TI), and Tuina + TGF-β1 agonist (Tuina + TA) groups. All groups except control 2 underwent standardized MTrPs modeling. Rats in Tuina 2 group received consistent pressing manipulation. TI group received intraperitoneal injections of oxymatrine, while Tuina + TA group received intraperitoneal injections of SRI-011381 hydrochloride followed by the same pressing protocol as Tuina 2 group. WB was used to detect the expression of collagen I, collagen III, TGF-β1, and phosphorylated-Smad3 (p-Smad3)/Smad3. Results: In phase 1, Tuina significantly improved PPT and STT in MTrPs of rats (P < 0.01), reversed pathological damages including disorganized muscle fiber arrangement, abnormal myocyte morphology, and exacerbated fibrosis. In addition, in MTrPs of rats in model 1 group, expression levels of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and fibrosis markers (α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III) were upregulated, and all exhibited a significant downward trend after Tuina intervention (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). This indicates that the therapeutic effects of Tuina are directly associated with reduced local inflammation and fibrosis in MTrPs. In phase 2, compared with model 2 group, rats in TI and Tuina 2 groups had decreased expression levels of TGF-β1 and p-Smad3/Smad3 in MTrPs, alongside reduced levels of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, NF-κB, and TNF-α) and fibrosis markers (α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III) (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). When co-administered with TGF-β1 agonist, the therapeutic effects of Tuina were significantly attenuated, with rebounded TGF-β1 expression and p-Smad3/Smad3 in local MTrPs, and fibrosis and inflammatory responses were re-exacerbated (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Conclusion Tuina can effectively reduce inflammatory responses and fibrosis in MTrPs tissue, and its mechanism is closely related to the inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway, which plays a critical role in Tuina-mediated regulation of MTrPs fibrosis.

OBJECTIVE: Rhodiolae Crenulatae Radix et Rhizoma (Hongjingtian in Chinese, RCRR), the roots and rhizomes of Rhodiola crenulata and its application in the medicinal market is very chaotic. In this study, DNA barcoding database and identification engine of Rhodiola species were established, decoction pieces from the medicinal market were identified, and the application and challenges of DNA barcoding in the rapid radiation of Rhodiola species were analyzed. This study provides reference for the protection, rational development, and utilization of endangered resources within Rhodiola species. METHODS: A total of 50 original plant samples from 20 species of the genus Rhodiola from Hebei, Xinjiang, Tibet, Jilin, and other major production areas were collected. Theses samples cover the typical distribution area (Qinghai-Tibetan Platea) of Rhodiola species and other scattered alpine regions (Changbai Mountain, Taibai Mountain, Lushan Mountain, etc.), it encompasses all Rhodiola species with thick rhizomes in China. ITS2 and psbA-trnH barcode of Rhodiola database (BORD) were established and an identification engine named Rhodiola-IDE was developed. The stability and accuracy of the standard DNA barcoding database were evaluated using two datasets. Rhodiola-IDE identified 31 decoction pieces of RCRR from the medicinal material market. RESULTS: The BORD containing 1 532 sequences of 88 Rhodiola species has been established, and the identification efficiency results showed good accuracy and stability. According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition), 23 samples (74.2%) were identified as authentic R. crenulata, while the rest of the marketed varieties were R. kirilowii, R. dumulosa, and R. fastigiata. The product label "Larger flower, Hongjingtian" was identified as R. crenulata. Samples labeled as "Smaller flower, Hongjingtian" were identified as R. crenulata, R. kirilowii, and R. fastigiata. CONCLUSION ITS2 and psbA-trnH barcodes can identify monophyletic groups represented by R. crenulata. However, for non-monophyletic species, it is necessary to collect as many samples as possible and combine them with multiple markers for joint identification. This study discussed the application and challenges of DNA barcodes in Rhodiola under rapid radiation conditions, providing a scientific basis for the rational development and utilization of Rhodiola varieties.

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Background/Aims: The association between caffeine intake and constipation remains inconclusive. This study aims to investigate whether caffeine intake is associated with constipation. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 13 941 adults from the 2005-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The weighted logistic regression analyses were exerted to evaluate the association between caffeine intake and constipation. Besides, stratified analyses and interaction tests were conducted to determine the potential modifying factors. Results: After adjusting for confounders, increased caffeine intake by 100 mg was not associated with constipation, as defined by stool frequency (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.94-1.10) or stool consistency (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.98-1.05). Subgroup analyses showed that cholesterol intake modified the relationship between increased caffeine by 100 mg and stool frequency-defined constipation (P for interaction = 0.037). Each 100 mg increase in caffeine intake was associated with a 20% decreased risk of constipation defined by stool frequency in participants who consumed high cholesterol (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.64-1.00), but no association in the other 2 cholesterol level groups. Furthermore, the association between caffeine intake and stool consistency-defined constipation was not found in different cholesterol groups. Conclusions Caffeine consumption is not associated with stool frequency or consistency-defined constipation. Nevertheless, increased caffeine intake may decrease the risk of constipation (defined by stool frequency) among participants in the high-cholesterol intake group.

BACKGROUND:Cannabidiol is effective in ameliorating the body's inflammatory response,but no clear mechanistic studies have been conducted to ameliorate skeletal muscle inflammation induced by exhaustive exercise. OBJECTIVE:To explore the mechanism by which cannabidiol improves skeletal muscle inflammation during exhaustive exercise by using transcriptome sequencing technology. METHODS:Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups:blank control group,exercise coconut oil group,exercise control group,50 mg/kg cannabidiol group,60 mg/kg cannabidiol group,and 70 mg/kg cannabidiol group,with six rats in each group.Except for rats in the blank control group,rats in each group were subjected to swimming exercise for 9 days to produce the exhaustive exercise model.At the end of each swimming exercise,rats in the cannabidiol groups were given 2 mL of fat-soluble cannabidiol at different concentrations(50,60,and 70 mg/kg)by gavage;rats in the exercise coconut oil group were given the same volume of coconut oil by gavage until the end of the exercise on the 9th day;and rats in the blank control group and the exercise control group were not given any special treatment.The levels of inflammatory factors and differentially expressed genes in the skeletal muscle of rats in each group were determined using ELISA and transcriptome sequencing techniques.Differentially expressed genes obtained were subjected to KEGG analysis,and the accuracy of the sequencing data was verified by fluorescence quantitative PCR. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The results of ELISA showed that the contents of interleukin-6(P<0.05),tumor necrosis factor-α(P<0.01),interleukin-10 and other inflammatory factors in the exercise group increased significantly compared with the blank control group and the coconut oil group.After cannabidiol intervention,the mass concentrations of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α showed a sequential decrease with increasing cannabidiol concentration.By comparing GO and KEGG databases,the functional properties of differentially expressed genes were analyzed,and the results showed that the differentially expressed genes were mainly involved in the tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway and the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway.RT-qPCR results showed that the trends of five randomly selected differentially expressed genes were in agreement with the transcriptome sequencing results.To conclude,cannabidiol can improve skeletal muscle inflammation caused by exhaustive exercise.

ObjectiveTo assess the therapeutic effectiveness and safety of the traditional Chinese medicine compound Shenlong decoction in addressing the symptoms of pulmonary deficiency and stasis in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis （IPF）. MethodsSixty eligible patients with lung deficiency and collateral stasis syndrome of IPF were randomly assigned to the observation （30 patients） and control groups （30 patients）. All patients underwent standard Western medical therapy. Additionally，the observation group received Shenlong decoction granules，while the control group received a placebo. Both treatments were packaged in four doses of 10.5 g each，taken twice daily for three months. The indexes of the patients during the treatment cycle were observed，and the main indexes include traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome scores and 6 min walk test （6MWT）. The secondary indexes include pulmonary function test ［actual value/expected value of total lung volume （TLC%），actual value/expected value of vital capacity（FVC%），actual/predicted diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide（DLCO%），actual/predicted forced expiratory volume in one second （FEV₁%），and FEV₁/ forced vital capacity （FVC）］，blood gas analysis ［arterial blood diathesis partial pressure of oxygen （PaO₂），partial pressure of carbon dioxide （PaCO₂），and arterial oxygen saturation （SaO₂）］，serum inflammatory factors ［transforming growth factor-β₁ （TGF-β₁），interleukin-4 （IL-4），interleukin-13 （IL-13），interleukin-12 （IL-12），and gamma-interferon （IFN-γ）］，and quality of survival evaluation ［St George's Respiratory Questionnaire （SGRQ） score］. The patients' clinical manifestations were determined at the end of the treatment， and the occurrence of adverse events was recorded. ResultsA total of 53 patients completed the study，comprising 27 in the control group and 26 in the observation group. Upon completion of the treatment period，the control group achieved a total effective rate of 33.33% （9/27），whereas the observation group demonstrated a total effective rate of 53.85% （14/26），which was statistically superior to the control group （χ²=4.034，P<0.05）. After the treatment，the TCM syndrome scores，6MWT，DLCO%，FEV₁%，PaO₂，PaCO₂，TGF-β₁，IL-4，IL-13，IL-12，and IFN-γ in the two groups were all significantly improved （P<0.01）. Compared with those in the control group after treatment at the same period，the TCM syndrome scores，6MWT，PaO₂，and PaCO₂ were significantly improved in the observation group after 60 days and 90 days of medication （P<0.01）. Three months after the end of medication，the SGRQ score in the observation group showed significant improvement when compared to that in the control group （P<0.05），and no severe adverse events were reported during the follow-up period. ConclusionCompound Shenlong decoction can alleviate clinical symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing in patients with lung deficiency and collateral stasis syndrome of IPF，enhance exercise tolerance，improve the quality of life，and have certain potential advantages in improving pulmonary function.

ObjectiveTo assess the therapeutic effectiveness and safety of the traditional Chinese medicine compound Shenlong decoction in addressing the symptoms of pulmonary deficiency and stasis in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis （IPF）. MethodsSixty eligible patients with lung deficiency and collateral stasis syndrome of IPF were randomly assigned to the observation （30 patients） and control groups （30 patients）. All patients underwent standard Western medical therapy. Additionally，the observation group received Shenlong decoction granules，while the control group received a placebo. Both treatments were packaged in four doses of 10.5 g each，taken twice daily for three months. The indexes of the patients during the treatment cycle were observed，and the main indexes include traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome scores and 6 min walk test （6MWT）. The secondary indexes include pulmonary function test ［actual value/expected value of total lung volume （TLC%），actual value/expected value of vital capacity（FVC%），actual/predicted diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide（DLCO%），actual/predicted forced expiratory volume in one second （FEV₁%），and FEV₁/ forced vital capacity （FVC）］，blood gas analysis ［arterial blood diathesis partial pressure of oxygen （PaO₂），partial pressure of carbon dioxide （PaCO₂），and arterial oxygen saturation （SaO₂）］，serum inflammatory factors ［transforming growth factor-β₁ （TGF-β₁），interleukin-4 （IL-4），interleukin-13 （IL-13），interleukin-12 （IL-12），and gamma-interferon （IFN-γ）］，and quality of survival evaluation ［St George's Respiratory Questionnaire （SGRQ） score］. The patients' clinical manifestations were determined at the end of the treatment， and the occurrence of adverse events was recorded. ResultsA total of 53 patients completed the study，comprising 27 in the control group and 26 in the observation group. Upon completion of the treatment period，the control group achieved a total effective rate of 33.33% （9/27），whereas the observation group demonstrated a total effective rate of 53.85% （14/26），which was statistically superior to the control group （χ²=4.034，P<0.05）. After the treatment，the TCM syndrome scores，6MWT，DLCO%，FEV₁%，PaO₂，PaCO₂，TGF-β₁，IL-4，IL-13，IL-12，and IFN-γ in the two groups were all significantly improved （P<0.01）. Compared with those in the control group after treatment at the same period，the TCM syndrome scores，6MWT，PaO₂，and PaCO₂ were significantly improved in the observation group after 60 days and 90 days of medication （P<0.01）. Three months after the end of medication，the SGRQ score in the observation group showed significant improvement when compared to that in the control group （P<0.05），and no severe adverse events were reported during the follow-up period. ConclusionCompound Shenlong decoction can alleviate clinical symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing in patients with lung deficiency and collateral stasis syndrome of IPF，enhance exercise tolerance，improve the quality of life，and have certain potential advantages in improving pulmonary function.

Background/Aims: The association between caffeine intake and constipation remains inconclusive. This study aims to investigate whether caffeine intake is associated with constipation. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 13 941 adults from the 2005-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The weighted logistic regression analyses were exerted to evaluate the association between caffeine intake and constipation. Besides, stratified analyses and interaction tests were conducted to determine the potential modifying factors. Results: After adjusting for confounders, increased caffeine intake by 100 mg was not associated with constipation, as defined by stool frequency (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.94-1.10) or stool consistency (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.98-1.05). Subgroup analyses showed that cholesterol intake modified the relationship between increased caffeine by 100 mg and stool frequency-defined constipation (P for interaction = 0.037). Each 100 mg increase in caffeine intake was associated with a 20% decreased risk of constipation defined by stool frequency in participants who consumed high cholesterol (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.64-1.00), but no association in the other 2 cholesterol level groups. Furthermore, the association between caffeine intake and stool consistency-defined constipation was not found in different cholesterol groups. Conclusions Caffeine consumption is not associated with stool frequency or consistency-defined constipation. Nevertheless, increased caffeine intake may decrease the risk of constipation (defined by stool frequency) among participants in the high-cholesterol intake group.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis （IPF） can be classified as pulmonary collateral disease，and its pathogenesis is mainly characterized by the loss of Qi meridian nourishment，the loss of Yin meridian nourishment，and the formation of blood stasis in the blood vessels. Qi Yin deficiency is the pathological basis that runs through IPF，and obstruction of meridians and collaterals is a key element in the development of the disease. The dysfunction of "spleen being in charge of the defensive function" is closely related to the formation of the pathological pattern of "lung deficiency and collateral stasis" in IPF. The term "spleen being in charge of the defensive function" originated from the Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon. If the spleen is healthy，the Qi will be filled with vitality. Positive energy is stored inside，evil cannot be dried up. Its concept is quite similar to the immune defense function in modern medicine. If the principle of "spleen being in charge of the defensive function" is lost，the key structure and function of the IPF alveolar epithelial barrier may be abnormal，and it can interact with various innate immune cells to promote inflammation and fibrosis processes. Therefore，this article explains the imbalance of immune homeostasis in IPF alveolar epithelium from two aspects：the barrier function of alveolar epithelial cells（AECs） and their interaction with innate immune cells. And based on the theory of "spleen being in charge of the defensive function"，using traditional Chinese medicine for strengthening the spleen and nourishing Qi to treat IPF from the perspective of the spleen. This not only strengthens the scientific connotation of "spleen being in charge of the defensive function" in the pathogenesis of IPF，but also provides new research directions and ideas for its future clinical prevention and treatment.

Background/Aims: The association between caffeine intake and constipation remains inconclusive. This study aims to investigate whether caffeine intake is associated with constipation. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 13 941 adults from the 2005-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The weighted logistic regression analyses were exerted to evaluate the association between caffeine intake and constipation. Besides, stratified analyses and interaction tests were conducted to determine the potential modifying factors. Results: After adjusting for confounders, increased caffeine intake by 100 mg was not associated with constipation, as defined by stool frequency (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.94-1.10) or stool consistency (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.98-1.05). Subgroup analyses showed that cholesterol intake modified the relationship between increased caffeine by 100 mg and stool frequency-defined constipation (P for interaction = 0.037). Each 100 mg increase in caffeine intake was associated with a 20% decreased risk of constipation defined by stool frequency in participants who consumed high cholesterol (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.64-1.00), but no association in the other 2 cholesterol level groups. Furthermore, the association between caffeine intake and stool consistency-defined constipation was not found in different cholesterol groups. Conclusions Caffeine consumption is not associated with stool frequency or consistency-defined constipation. Nevertheless, increased caffeine intake may decrease the risk of constipation (defined by stool frequency) among participants in the high-cholesterol intake group.