ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xiaoqinglong Decoction （小青龙汤， XD） in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. MethodsForty-five rats were randomly assigned to a control group， a model group， a loratadine group， low-， medium- and high-dose XD groups， and low-， medium- and high-dose Mahuang Decoction and Cang'erzi Powder （麻黄汤合苍耳子散， MDCP） groups. Except for the control group， rats were administered with ovalbumin （OVA） and aluminum hydroxide via intraperitoneal injection for 14 days to establish an allergic rhinitis model. After the 14th-day injection， nasal stimulation was continued with 20 μl of 10% OVA solution to maintain the model. Rats in the control group and the model group received 10 ml/（kg·d） of saline， whereas those in the loratadine group were administered with 0.9 mg/（kg·d） of loratadine. The low-， medium- and high-dose XD groups were administered XD at the dose of 2.7， 5.4， and 10.8 g/（kg·d）， respectively. The low-， medium- and high-dose MDCP groups were administered MDCP at the dose of 2.43， 4.86， and 9.72 g/（kg·d）， respectively. All treatments were administered by gavage once daily for 7 consecutive days. One hour after the final gavage， nasal symptom scores were recorded for all group of rats. The next day， serum levels of immunoglobulin E （IgE）， interleukin-4 （IL-4）， and interleukin-13 （IL-13） were measured. HE staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of the nasal mucosal tissue. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR （RT-qPCR） and Western Blot were performed to assess mRNA and protein expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin （TSLP） and OX40 ligand （OX40L） in the nasal mucosa. ResultsCompared to the control group， total nasal symptom score in the model group significantly increased （P＜0.01）. HE staining revealed disrupted and adhered cilia， thickened basement membranes， and extensive inflammatory cell infiltration in the nasal mucosa. Serum levels of total IgE， IL-4， and IL-13， as well as TSLP and OX40L mRNA and protein expression in the nasal mucosa， were significantly elevated in the model group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared to the model group， the total nasal symptom scores in all drug intervention groups were significantly reduced； the serum total IgE levels in the loratadine group， the low- and medium-dose XD groups， and the low- and high-dose MDCP groups were significantly reduced； and the serum levels of IL-4 and IL-13 in the high-dose XD group and the high-dose MDCP group decreased （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Nasal mucosal structure was improved. Except for the low-dose MDCP group， all other intervention groups showed a significant reduction in TSLP and OX40L mRNA expression in the nasal mucosa （P＜0.01）. All doses of XD and the medium- and high-dose MDCP groups significantly decreased the protein levels of TSLP and OX40L （P＜0.05）. The medium-dose XD group exhibited more improvement of nasal symptom scores and greater suppression of expression of TSLP and OX40L mRNA， and TSLP protein levels compared to the loratadine group （P＜0.05）. ConclusionXD may protect nasal mucosa of rats and alleviate allergic rhinitis by suppressing the TSLP/OX40L pathway， thereby attenuating Th2-mediated immune responses.

ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xiaoqinglong Decoction （小青龙汤， XD） in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. MethodsForty-five rats were randomly assigned to a control group， a model group， a loratadine group， low-， medium- and high-dose XD groups， and low-， medium- and high-dose Mahuang Decoction and Cang'erzi Powder （麻黄汤合苍耳子散， MDCP） groups. Except for the control group， rats were administered with ovalbumin （OVA） and aluminum hydroxide via intraperitoneal injection for 14 days to establish an allergic rhinitis model. After the 14th-day injection， nasal stimulation was continued with 20 μl of 10% OVA solution to maintain the model. Rats in the control group and the model group received 10 ml/（kg·d） of saline， whereas those in the loratadine group were administered with 0.9 mg/（kg·d） of loratadine. The low-， medium- and high-dose XD groups were administered XD at the dose of 2.7， 5.4， and 10.8 g/（kg·d）， respectively. The low-， medium- and high-dose MDCP groups were administered MDCP at the dose of 2.43， 4.86， and 9.72 g/（kg·d）， respectively. All treatments were administered by gavage once daily for 7 consecutive days. One hour after the final gavage， nasal symptom scores were recorded for all group of rats. The next day， serum levels of immunoglobulin E （IgE）， interleukin-4 （IL-4）， and interleukin-13 （IL-13） were measured. HE staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of the nasal mucosal tissue. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR （RT-qPCR） and Western Blot were performed to assess mRNA and protein expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin （TSLP） and OX40 ligand （OX40L） in the nasal mucosa. ResultsCompared to the control group， total nasal symptom score in the model group significantly increased （P＜0.01）. HE staining revealed disrupted and adhered cilia， thickened basement membranes， and extensive inflammatory cell infiltration in the nasal mucosa. Serum levels of total IgE， IL-4， and IL-13， as well as TSLP and OX40L mRNA and protein expression in the nasal mucosa， were significantly elevated in the model group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared to the model group， the total nasal symptom scores in all drug intervention groups were significantly reduced； the serum total IgE levels in the loratadine group， the low- and medium-dose XD groups， and the low- and high-dose MDCP groups were significantly reduced； and the serum levels of IL-4 and IL-13 in the high-dose XD group and the high-dose MDCP group decreased （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Nasal mucosal structure was improved. Except for the low-dose MDCP group， all other intervention groups showed a significant reduction in TSLP and OX40L mRNA expression in the nasal mucosa （P＜0.01）. All doses of XD and the medium- and high-dose MDCP groups significantly decreased the protein levels of TSLP and OX40L （P＜0.05）. The medium-dose XD group exhibited more improvement of nasal symptom scores and greater suppression of expression of TSLP and OX40L mRNA， and TSLP protein levels compared to the loratadine group （P＜0.05）. ConclusionXD may protect nasal mucosa of rats and alleviate allergic rhinitis by suppressing the TSLP/OX40L pathway， thereby attenuating Th2-mediated immune responses.

OBJECTIVE To provide scientific reference for perfecting the record-filing management policy of traditional Chinese medicine preparations formulated via traditional processes for medical applications （hereinafter referred to as “TCM preparations”） in medical institutions， and further promote the sound development of the research and record-filing work of such preparations. METHODS A literature review combined with cross-sectional research was carried out. We collected policy documents and preparation information related to the record-filing of TCM preparations issued by national and provincial drug administration authorities on official websites during 2018-2025. A comparative analysis was conducted on the implementation and revision of core policy documents for the registration management of TCM preparations across provinces， the scope of record-filing dosage forms， conditions for rejection of record-filing， and exemptions for registration materials. Statistical analysis on the quantity and dosage forms of record-filing preparations in each province was conducted by means of data induction and trend chart plotting， and targeted suggestions were put forward to optimize the management pathway of record-filing. RESULTS CONCLUSIONS There was obvious heterogeneity in record-filing policies among provinces. Twelve provinces refined the applicable dosage forms for record-filing， fifteen provinces supplemented conditions for rejection of record-filing （16 items in total）， and nine provinces expanded the scope of material exemptions. The number of recorded preparations presented a striking regional imbalance：Qinghai had the largest quantity of 4 269 varieties， while Hainan only had 14 varieties， with a gap of more than 300 times. The recorded preparations were mainly traditional dosage forms including pills （6 928 varieties） and powders （4 360 varieties）. Only 12 provinces formulated the provincial catalog for TCM preparations allocation. In most regions， preparation circulation was only permitted within medical consortia， leading to a low transformation rate of scientific and technological achievements of preparations. It is recommended to optimize the record-filing management pathway from three aspects： strengthening policy standardization while maintaining flexibility， streamlining record-filing procedures and documentary requirements， and reinforcing technical support and achievement transformation. These measures can reduce regional policy differences， improve work efficiency of record-filing， and advance the standardized development and clinical value transformation of hospital-made TCM preparations.

BackgroundAdverse childhood experiences （ACEs） are strong predictors of psychopathology across the lifespan， exerting extensive adverse effects on physical and mental health during early development. While ACEs increase the risk of childhood psychopathology， sleep quality and impair cognitive function， the early neurobiological mechanisms mediating ACE-induced cognitive impairment remain unclear. ObjectiveTo explore the association between ACEs exposure and the risk of psychopathology， sleep disorders， and cognitive function， and to examine the mediating role of the putamen volume in the relationship between ACEs and cognitive function from a neurodevelopment perspective. MethodsData were obtained from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development （ABCD） study， comprising 10 572 children aged 9 to 10. Participants were categorized into five groups based on the cumulative score of ACEs reported by their parents and the children themselves： no-exposure group （0 types of ACEs）， the one-exposure group， the two-exposure group， the three-exposure group， and the high-risk exposure group （≥ 4 types of ACEs）. Logistic regression analysis was employed to evaluate the association between ACEs and psychopathological symptoms ［T score of the Child Behavior Checklist （CBCL） ≥ 65］. Multiple linear regression analysis was ultilized to analyze the correlations between ACEs and the scores of the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children （SDSC）， the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery （NIHTB-CB）， as well as the multiple structures in the cerebral cortex and subcortex. The Bootstrap method was applied to test the mediating effect of the putamen volume between ACEs and neurocognitive function. ResultsAfter adjusting for confounders， ACEs cumulative score was correlated with children's psychopathological symptoms in a dose-response manner. Compared with the no-exposed group， the high-risk exposure group had a 2.08-fold （OR=2.080， 95% CI： 1.401–3.088） increased risk of internalizing problems and a 3.13-fold （OR=3.132， 95% CI： 1.703–5.760） increased risk of externalizing problems， and the risk of conduct problems was 4.68 times that of the no-exposed group （OR=4.681， 95% CI： 2.528–8.669）. ACEs cumulative score positively predicted the total score of SDSC （β=0.080， 95% CI： 0.059–0.102）， with relatively stronger predictive effects on sleep-wake transition disorder （β=0.086， 95% CI： 0.063–0.109） and sleep onset and maintenance disorder （β=0.066， 95% CI： 0.043–0.089）. In terms of neurocognition and brain structure， ACEs cumulative score negatively predicted the overall cognitive composite score （β=-0.025， 95% CI： -0.050–-0.001）， the crystallized cognitive composite score （β=-0.035， 95% CI： -0.060–-0.010）， the volume of the left putamen nucleus （β=-0.025， 95% CI： -0.046– 0.003）， and the volume of the right putamen nucleus （β=-0.023， 95% CI： -0.044– 0.003）. The total putamen volume played a partial mediating role between ACEs and the overall cognitive composite score， the effect value was -0.002 （95% CI： -0.004–-0.001）， accounting for 7.49% of the total effect. ConclusionACEs exposure may increase the risk of psychopathological and sleep disturbances in children and may impair neurocognitive function. Reduced putamen volume may serve a potential neurobiological pathway underlying the impact of ACEs on childhood cognition. ［Funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China-Young Scientists Program （number， 82401763）； Sichuan University West China Hospital Full-time Postdoctoral Research and Development Fund Project （number， 2023HXBH084）］

OBJECTIVE To provide scientific reference for perfecting the record-filing management policy of traditional Chinese medicine preparations formulated via traditional processes for medical applications （hereinafter referred to as “TCM preparations”） in medical institutions， and further promote the sound development of the research and record-filing work of such preparations. METHODS A literature review combined with cross-sectional research was carried out. We collected policy documents and preparation information related to the record-filing of TCM preparations issued by national and provincial drug administration authorities on official websites during 2018-2025. A comparative analysis was conducted on the implementation and revision of core policy documents for the registration management of TCM preparations across provinces， the scope of record-filing dosage forms， conditions for rejection of record-filing， and exemptions for registration materials. Statistical analysis on the quantity and dosage forms of record-filing preparations in each province was conducted by means of data induction and trend chart plotting， and targeted suggestions were put forward to optimize the management pathway of record-filing. RESULTS CONCLUSIONS There was obvious heterogeneity in record-filing policies among provinces. Twelve provinces refined the applicable dosage forms for record-filing， fifteen provinces supplemented conditions for rejection of record-filing （16 items in total）， and nine provinces expanded the scope of material exemptions. The number of recorded preparations presented a striking regional imbalance：Qinghai had the largest quantity of 4 269 varieties， while Hainan only had 14 varieties， with a gap of more than 300 times. The recorded preparations were mainly traditional dosage forms including pills （6 928 varieties） and powders （4 360 varieties）. Only 12 provinces formulated the provincial catalog for TCM preparations allocation. In most regions， preparation circulation was only permitted within medical consortia， leading to a low transformation rate of scientific and technological achievements of preparations. It is recommended to optimize the record-filing management pathway from three aspects： strengthening policy standardization while maintaining flexibility， streamlining record-filing procedures and documentary requirements， and reinforcing technical support and achievement transformation. These measures can reduce regional policy differences， improve work efficiency of record-filing， and advance the standardized development and clinical value transformation of hospital-made TCM preparations.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the therapeutic mechanism of 2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone (DMQ) for alleviating dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice. METHODS: Eighteen male C57BL/6J mice were equally randomized into control group, DSS group and DMQ treatment group. In DSS and DMQ groups, the mice were treated with DSS in drinking water to induce UC, and received intraperitoneal injections of sterile PBS or DMQ (20 mg/kg) during modeling. The changes in body weight, disease activity index (DAI), colon length, spleen weight, and colon histological scores of the mice were examined, and the percentages of Th17 and IFN-γ⁺ CD8⁺ T cells in the mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen were analyzed using flow cytometry. The expressions of tight junction proteins (Occludin and ZO-1), proteins associated with inflammasome activation (caspase-1 and p20), IL-1β and TNF-α in the colon tissues were detected using Western blotting or ELISA. In the cell experiment, mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) primed with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were treated with DMQ, followed by stmulation with nigericin to activate the classical NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. In cultured human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) treated with either LPS alone or LPS plus nigericin, the effects of DMQ on inflammasome activation, pyroptosis, and cytokine release were evaluated via Western blotting, ELISA, and flow cytometry. RESULTS: In DSS-treated mice, DMQ treatment significantly alleviated DSS-induced body weight loss, colon shortening, spleen enlargement, and colon inflammation. The DMQ-treated mice showed significantly reduced percentages of Th17 cells and IFN-γ⁺ CD8⁺ T cells in the mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen, with increased occludin and ZO-1 expressions and decreased caspase-1 expression in the colon tissue. DMQ obviously inhibited classical NLRP3 inflammasome activation in mouse BMDMs and both the classical and alternative pathways of NLRP3 activation in human PBMCs, causing also suppression of caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis. CONCLUSIONS DMQ ameliorates DSS-induced UC in mice by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
Animals ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Colitis, Ulcerative/metabolism* ; Dextran Sulfate/adverse effects* ; Male ; Inflammasomes/metabolism* ; Mice ; Benzoquinones/therapeutic use* ; Th17 Cells ; Caspase 1/metabolism*

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a significant complication of sepsis, characterized by high morbidity, mortality, and poor prognosis. Neutrophils, as critical intrinsic immune cells in the lung, play a fundamental role in the development and progression of ALI. During ALI, neutrophils generate neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), and excessive NETs can intensify inflammatory injury. Research indicates that Taohe Chengqi decoction (THCQD) can ameliorate sepsis-induced lung inflammation and modulate immune function. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms by which THCQD improves ALI and its relationship with NETs in sepsis patients, seeking to provide novel perspectives and interventions for clinical treatment. The findings demonstrate that THCQD enhanced survival rates and reduced lung injury in the cecum ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced ALI mouse model. Furthermore, THCQD diminished neutrophil and macrophage infiltration, inflammatory responses, and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Notably, subsequent experiments confirmed that THCQD inhibits NET formation both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, THCQD significantly decreased the expression of peptidyl arginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) protein, and molecular docking predicted that certain active compounds in THCQD could bind tightly to PAD4. PAD4 overexpression partially reversed THCQD's inhibitory effects on PAD4. These findings strongly indicate that THCQD mitigates CLP-induced ALI by inhibiting PAD4-mediated NETs.
Extracellular Traps/immunology* ; Acute Lung Injury/immunology* ; Animals ; Sepsis/immunology* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Mice ; Neutrophils/immunology* ; Male ; Protein-Arginine Deiminase Type 4/genetics* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Humans ; Disease Models, Animal ; Cytokines/metabolism*

Bilirubin,as a major endogenous substance in the human body,plays anti-inflammatory,antioxidant,and cytoprotective roles within physiological ranges,serving a critical function in maintaining metabolic balance of endogenous substances.Bilirubin metabolism is a complex physiological process regulated by multiple factors,relying on UGT1A1 enzyme catalysis and transporter protein modulation to sustain substance homeostasis.Based on the theory of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)channel tropism and the principle of visceral syndrome differentiation,liver-channel-tropic herbs can guide medications to specific viscera and meridians,exerting targeted therapeutic effects.These herbs regulate bilirubin metabolic disorders through multi-target mechanisms,including upregulating UGT1A1 enzyme activity to promote bilirubin conjugation,modulating MRP2/OATP expression to enhance bilirubin transport,attenuating oxidative stress to reduce hepatocyte damage,inhibiting inflammatory cytokines to restore metabolic enzyme activity,activating CAR signaling pathways to regulate bile acid homeostasis.This review summarizes the mechanisms by which TCM regulates bilirubin metabolism,focuses on the role of liver meridian-targeting TCM to provide a basis for its rational clinical use,and studies the effects of liver meridian-targeting TCM on bilirubin metabolism from its core mechanisms to guide its rational use and provide new ideas for the research and development of traditional Chinese medicine.This review summarizes the mechanisms by which TCM regulates bilirubin metabolism,focusing on the actions of herbs that enter the liver meridian.Starting from the core mechanisms,it explores how liver meridian-entering herbs significantly impact bilirubin metabolism.Some of these herbs demonstrate dual-directional regulatory effects on bilirubin metabolism.This understanding guides their rational clinical use,provides novel ideas for TCM research and development,and promotes the modernization of TCM studies.

BACKGROUND:Gambogic acid is highly cytotoxic to breast cancer and can effectively kill triple negative breast cancer stem cells,but the underlying mechanism is still unclear.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the lethal effect of gambogic acid on triple negative breast cancer stem cells as well as the possible mechanisms.METHODS:PharmMapper database was used to predict the target protein of gambogic acid.String website was used to construct the protein interaction network of various drug targets.Active ingredient-target network was constructed by Cytoscape software.KEGG signal pathway enrichment analysis was performed on potential targets by R language software.The effect of different concentrations of gambogic acid on the activity of human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 was detected by CCK-8 assay.The appropriate concentration was screened.MDA-MB-231 stem cells were enriched by cell ball culture method and treated with gambogic acid at different concentrations(0,0.5,1.0,and 2.0 μmol/L)for 24 hours.TUNEL fluorescence staining and flow cytometry were used to detect apoptosis of stem cells.qPCR and western blot assay were used to detect protein C receptor expression.The expression levels of p-PI3K,p-AKT,Caspase-3,and cleaved Caspase-3 were detected by western blot assay.Stem cells were cultured in four groups:Blank control group(stem cells were not treated),siRNA-NC group,siRNA-protein C receptor group,and siRNA-protein C receptor+PI3K agonist group.After culture for 36 hours,the expression levels of p-PI3K,p-AKT,Caspase-3,and cleaved Caspase-3 were detected by western blot assay.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Network pharmacology exhibited that the protein C receptor,a marker of triple negative breast cancer stem cells,was one of the targets of gambogic acid.KEGG enrichment analysis involved apoptosis,epithelial growth factor receptor,RAS,and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways.(2)CCK-8 assay results showed that gambogic acid could inhibit the viability of MDA-MB-231 cells,and the median inhibitory concentration IC50 value was(1.18±0.34)μmol/L,so the concentrations of 0.5,1.0,and 2.0 μmol/L were selected for subsequent experiments.(3)TUNEL fluorescence staining and flow cytometry showed that gambogic acid induced apoptosis of triple negative breast cancer stem cells in a dose-dependent manner(P<0.05).qPCR and western blot assay confirmed that gambogic acid down-regulated mRNA and protein expression of protein C receptor,down-regulated Caspase-3,p-PI3K,and p-Akt protein expression,and up-regulated cleaved Caspase-3 protein expression(P<0.05).siRNA-protein C receptor transfection experiments further confirmed that knockdown of protein C receptor expression in triple negative breast cancer stem cells increased cleaved Caspase-3 protein expression(P<0.05),and down-regulated phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway(P<0.05).Application of PI3K agonist 740 Y-P decreased cleaved Caspase-3 protein expression(P<0.05),increased phosphorylation levels of p-PI3K and p-AKT(P<0.05),and improved apoptosis to a certain extent.(4)The results show that gambogic acid may play a role in killing and inducing apoptosis of triple negative breast cancer stem cells by down-regulating protein C receptor,and the further molecular mechanism may be related to the inhibition of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.