ObjectiveTo elucidate the efficacy connotation of Shudi Qiangjin pills （SQP） against liver and kidney deficiency in steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head （SONFH） from the perspective of the "disease-syndrome-formula" association and to clarify the underlying mechanisms based on in vivo and in vitro experiment validation. MethodsThe chemical components and the corresponding putative targets of SQP were collected from the Integrative Pharmacology-based Research Platform of Traditional Chinese Medicine （TCMIP） v2.0， the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine （ETCM） v2.0， and HERB databases. The SONFH-related genes were identified based on the differential expression profiles of peripheral blood of patients with SONFH compared to the healthy volunteers， and the disease phenotype-related targets were collected from the TCMIP v2.0 database. Then， the interaction network of "SONFH-related genes and candidate targets of SQP" was constructed based on "gene-gene interaction information"， and the major network targets were screened by calculating the topological characteristic values of the network followed by the functional mining according to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） database and the SoFDA database. After that， the SONFH rat model was prepared by lipopolysaccharide combined with methylprednisolone injection， and 2.5， 5， 7.5 g·kg^-1 SQP （once per day， equivalent to 1， 2， and 3 times the clinical equivalent dose， respectively） or 7.3×10^-3 g·kg^-1 of alendronate sodium （ALS， once per week， equivalent to the clinical equivalent dose） was given for 8 weeks. The effect characteristics of SQP and ALS in the treatment of SONFH were evaluated by micro-computed tomography scanning， hematoxylin and eosin staining， alkaline phosphatase （ALP） staining， immunohistochemical staining， enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay， and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling（TUNEL）staining， and a comparative efficacy analysis was conducted with ALS. In addition， SONFH cell models were prepared by dexamethasone stimulation of osteoblasts， and the intervention was carried out with the medicated serum of SQP at the aforementioned three doses. Cell counting kit-8， ALP staining， ALP activity assay， alizarin red staining， and flow cytometry were employed to investigate the regulatory effect of SQP on osteoblasts. The expression levels of osteogenesis-related proteins and key factors of the target signaling axis were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. ResultsThe network analysis results demonstrated that the candidate targets of SQP primarily exerted their therapeutic effects through key signaling pathways， including phosphoinositide 3-kinase（PI3K）/protein kinase B（Akt）， lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis， prolactin， chemokines， and neurotrophic factors pathways. These pathways were significantly involved in critical biological processes such as muscle and bone metabolism and the regulation of the "neuro-endocrine-immune" network， thereby addressing both modern medical symptoms （e.g.， delayed skeletal maturation and recurrent fractures） and traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） symptoms （e.g.， fatigue， aversion to cold， cold limbs， and pain in the limbs and joints in patients with SONFH characterized by liver and kidney deficiency syndrome. Among these pathways， the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway exhibited the highest degree of enrichment. The in vivo experimental results demonstrated that starting from the 4^th week after modeling， the modeling group exhibited a significant reduction in body weight compared to the control group （P<0.05）. After six weeks of treatment， all dosage groups of SQP showed significantly higher body weights compared to the model group （P<0.01）. Compared with the normal group， the model group exhibited significant decreases in bone mineral density （BMD）， bone volume fraction （BV/TV）， trabecular number （Tb.N）， osteocalcin （OCN）， alkaline phosphatase （ALP） levels in femoral head tissue， and serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase （BALP） （P<0.01）， along with significant increases in trabecular separation （Tb.Sp）， empty lacunae rate in tissue， and apoptosis rate （P<0.01）. In comparison to the model group， the SQP intervention groups showed significant improvements in BMD， BV/TV and Tb.N （P<0.01）， significant reductions in Tb.Sp， empty lacunae rate and apoptosis rate （P<0.05）， and significant increases in protein levels of OCN and ALP as well as BALP content （P<0.05）. The in vitro experimental results revealed that all dosage groups of SQP medicated serum showed no toxic effects on osteoblast. Compared with the normal group， the model group displayed significant suppression of osteoblast proliferation activity， ALP activity， and calcified nodule formation rate （P<0.01）， significant decreases in mRNA transcription levels of OCN and Runt-related transcription factor 2 （RUNX2） （P<0.01）， significant reductions in protein content of osteopontin （OPN）， typeⅠ collagen （ColⅠ）A1， B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）， PI3K， and phosphorylated （p）-Akt （P<0.01）， and a significant increase in apoptosis rate （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the SQP medicated serum intervention groups exhibited significant increases in proliferation activity， ALP activity， calcified nodule formation rate， mRNA transcription levels of OCN and RUNX2， and protein content of OPN， ColⅠA1， Bcl-2， PI3K， and p-Akt （P<0.05）， along with a significant decrease in apoptosis rate （P<0.01）. ConclusionSQP can effectively reduce the disease severity of SONFH with liver and kidney deficiency syndrome and improve bone microstructure， with the therapeutic effects exhibiting a dose-dependent manner. The mechanism may be related to its regulation of key processes such as muscle and bone metabolism and the correction of imbalances in the "neuro-endocrine-immune" network， thereby promoting osteoblast differentiation and inhibiting osteoblast apoptosis. The PI3K/Akt signaling axis is likely one of the key pathways through which this formula exerts its effects.

Objective:To construct a maintenance model of ophthalmic equipment of hospital based on Delphi method,so as to provide a new idea in management for ophthalmic equipment.Methods:The maintenance evaluation system of ophthalmic equipment was constructed by Delphi method,and the analytic hierarchy process(AHP)was applied to determine weight of evaluation index of equipment so as to standardize the management for ophthalmic equipment.A total of thirty used equipment that related to diagnosis and treatment for eye disease in Eye Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences from January 2022 to January 2023 were selected.According to different management modes,the conventional management mode(15 equipment)and Delphi method management mode(15 devices)were adopted respectively to manage equipment.A self-made questionnaire was adopted to investigate the satisfaction degree of medical staffs of the department of ophthalmology,and staffs of purchasing equipment for clinical configuration and use of ophthalmic equipment.The standardization degree of operation management for ophthalmic equipment,operation quality of equipment and satisfaction of medical staffs for clinical configuration of the two management modes were compared.Results:The scores of standardization degree of operation,disinfection and sterilization,maintenance and fault repair were respectively(92.14±5.36),(90.56±6.23),(91.98±5.65)and(92.16±6.36)after the Delphi method were adopted,which were higher than these of conventional management mode,and the differences of them were statistically significant(t=14.809,14.627,16.126,14.872,P<0.05).The average"power on"rate,operation rate,pass rate of acceptance and growth amplitude of cost-benefit of ophthalmic equipment were respectively(90.23±2.05)%,(96.36±3.98)%and(7.66±1.69)%after management with Delphi method was adopted,all of which were higher than these of conventional management mode,and the differences of them were statistically significant(t=9.649,4.248,8.479,16.867,P<0.05).The satisfaction rates of medical staffs of ophthalmic department and staffs of purchasing equipment for the rationality of clinical allocation process,standardization of system and effectiveness of quality of ophthalmic department of adopting Delphi method management mode were respectively 93.33%,93.33%and 90%,all of which were higher than those of conventional management mode,and the differences were statistically significant(x2=7.952,6.667,7.200,P<0.05).Conclusion:The application of the maintenance model of ophthalmic equipment of hospital based on Delphi method can enhance the qualities of managing and operating equipment,and improve the service level of equipment in management for ophthalmic equipment.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the role and mechanisms of the soluble guanylate cyclase(sGC)stimulator sGC003 in improving high altitude pulmonary edema(HAPE)in mice.METHODS Mice were randomly assigned to a normal control group,model group,model+dexamethasone 4 mg·kg-1 group(before modeling,intragastric administration of saline was performed once daily for 6 d,followed by intragastric administration of dexamethasone 4 mg·kg-1 on days 7 and 8),model+riociguat 10 mg·kg-1 group(before modeling,intragastric administration once a day for 7 d),and model+sGC003 5 and 10 mg·kg-1 groups(before modeling,intragastric administration once a day for 7 d).All groups except the normal control group received intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide at a dose of 4 mg·kg-11 h after drug administration on day 7,followed by placement in a hypoxic environment to establish the HAPE model.After 24 h of modeling,the expiratory time,end-inspiratory pause,enhanced pause,and breathing frequency were measured,Lung tissue morphology was examined using HE staining,and lung tissue edema was assessed by determining the wet to dry weight ratio(W/D).The level of interleukin-1β(IL-1β)was determined using immunofluorescence staining.The phosphorylation level of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein(VASP)in lung tissue was analyzed by Western blotting.Additionally,levels of sGC,hypoxia inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α),cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP),IL-6,and IL-1βin serum were quantified using ELISA.RESULTS Compared with the normal control group,the model group had obvious pulmonary edema,and the lung W/D,IL-1β levels,expiratory time,end-inspiratory pause,enhanced pause,as well as serum levels of IL-1β,HIF-1α and IL-6 were significantly increased.Concurrently,the frequency of breathing and serum levels of sGC and cGMP were significantly decreased.Compared with model group,the expiratory time,end-inspiratory pause,enhanced pause,lung W/D and IL-1β levels,and serum levels of IL-1β,HIF-1α and IL-6 were significantly decreased in the model+sGC003 10 mg·kg-1 group;while the frequency of breathing,serum sGC and cGMP levels,phosphorylation level of VASP in lung tissues were significantly increased.CONCLUSION sGC003 can improve lung function,suppress pulmonary inflammation,and mitigate pulmonary edema in HAPE mice by activating the sGC/cGMP pathway.

BACKGROUND:The repair process of myocardial injury involves complex cellular and molecular mechanisms,especially mitochondrial calcium homeostasis,macrophage autophagy and pyroptosis pathways.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has shown significant clinical efficacy in improving myocardial injury,but its mechanism of action needs to be thoroughly investigated. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the role of mitochondrial calcium homeostasis-mediated macrophage autophagy and pyroptosis pathways in myocardial injury,and to summarize the progress of TCM in this field. METHODS:A computerized search was performed for relevant literature from the database inception to March 2024 in the Web of Science,PubMed and CNKI.The search terms were"mitochondrial calcium homeostasis,macrophage autophagy,macrophage pyroptosis,traditional Chinese medicine,myocardial injury,myocardial injury reperfusion"in Chinese and English.Through literature review,we analyzed the relationship between mitochondrial calcium homeostasis and macrophage autophagy and pyroptosis,explored the mechanism of their roles in myocardial injury,and summarized the pathways of multi-targeted,multi-pathway effects of TCM. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The maintenance of mitochondrial calcium homeostasis has been found to be closely related to the normal function of cardiomyocytes.Macrophages can participate in the repair process of myocardial injury through autophagy and pyroptosis pathways.Autophagy contributes to cell clearance and regulation of inflammatory response,while pyroptosis affects myocardial repair by releasing inflammatory factors.TCM regulates mitochondrial calcium homeostasis and macrophage function through multiple mechanisms.For example,astragalosid regulates calcium homeostasis by lowering mitochondrial membrane potential and inhibiting cytochrome C,and epimedium glycoside plays a role in reducing β-amyloid deposition.In addition,herbal compounds and single drugs promote myocardial repair by activating or inhibiting specific signaling pathways,such as PI3K/AKT and nuclear factor-κB signaling pathways.Future studies should focus on the interactions between mitochondrial calcium homeostasis,autophagy and pyroptosis pathways,as well as how TCM can exert therapeutic effects through these pathways to provide new strategies and drugs for the treatment of myocardial injury.

Objective To understand the current situation and influencing factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in medical staff in Beijing City. Methods A total of 2 687 medical staff were selected as the research subjects using the multi-stage sampling method. The current situation of WMSDs and occupational stress, anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and insomnia symptoms were investigated using the Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire, the Core Occupational Stress Scale, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale, and the Self-Sleep Management Questionnaire. The Max-Min Hill-Climbing algorithm was used to construct a Bayesian network model to analyze the influencing factors and internal relationships of WMSDs and to conduct reasoning and prediction of the model. Results The prevalence of WMSDs among the research subjects was 88.9%. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify age, educational level, personal monthly income, anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, insomnia symptoms, prolonged forward-head desk work, and prolonged static posture work to construct the Bayesian network model. The model consisted of nine nodes and eleven directed edges. Prolonged static posture work, prolonged forward-head desk work, and anxiety symptoms were directly related to WMSDs. Age and educational level were indirectly related to WMSDs through their influence on prolonged forward-head desk work. Depression symptoms were indirectly associated with WMSDs through their influence on anxiety symptoms. The model's prediction accuracy was 90.5%. Conclusion The prevalence of WMSDs among medical staff in Beijing City is relatively high. Prolonged static posture work, prolonged forward-head desk work, and anxiety symptoms may directly increase the risk of developing WMSDs.

Osteoporosis(OP)is a refractory metabolic bone disease,with decreased bone mineral mass,weakened bone strength,and systemic bone pain as typical clinical manifestations.Shenzhen Pingle Guo's Orthopedics,an important branch of the Pingle Guo's Orthopedics,has developed their distinct therapeutic approaches to the prevention and treatment of OP:the fifth-generation inheritor,Mr.Guo Chunyuan,advocated for the simultaneous regulation of qi and blood and formulated Shudi Zhuanggu Formula(composed of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata,Codonopsis Radix,Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma,Poria,Angelicae Sinensis Radix,Paeoniae Radix Alba,Chuanxiong Rhizoma,Dipsaci Radix,and Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix);the sixth-generation inheritor,Professor Yang Zejin,emphasized zang-fu syndrome differentiation and established Yang's Guwei Formula,which simultaneously tonifies the liver,spleen,and kidney,and simultaneously treats deficiency and blood stasis(composed of Astragali Radix,Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata,Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix,Epimedii Folium,Cistanches Herba,Cuscutae Semen,Drynariae Rhizoma,Angelicae Sinensis Radix,Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma,Corydalis Rhizoma,and Paeoniae Radix Alba);the seventh-generation inheritor,Professor Gong Chunzhu,proposed a three-stage clinical treatment strategy and stressed the principle of reinforcing acquired foundation of life(i.e.,reinforcing spleen and stomach),and formulated the modified Shudi Zhuanggu Formula with Lingnan characteristics(composed of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata,Corni Fructus,Dioscoreae Rhizoma,Alismatis Rhizoma,Poria,Moutan Cortex,Astragali Radix,Dipsaci Radix,Cyathulae Radix,Acanthopanacis Cortex,Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma,Codonopsis Radix,and Chaenomelis Fructus).During the evolution,Shenzhen Pingle Orthopedic Hospital has continuously integrated modern medical achievements,passed down and enriched the clinical experience,and then the theoretical framework of traditional Chinese medicine in the prevention and treatment of OP has been developed.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the role and mechanisms of the soluble guanylate cyclase(sGC)stimulator sGC003 in improving high altitude pulmonary edema(HAPE)in mice.METHODS Mice were randomly assigned to a normal control group,model group,model+dexamethasone 4 mg·kg-1 group(before modeling,intragastric administration of saline was performed once daily for 6 d,followed by intragastric administration of dexamethasone 4 mg·kg-1 on days 7 and 8),model+riociguat 10 mg·kg-1 group(before modeling,intragastric administration once a day for 7 d),and model+sGC003 5 and 10 mg·kg-1 groups(before modeling,intragastric administration once a day for 7 d).All groups except the normal control group received intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide at a dose of 4 mg·kg-11 h after drug administration on day 7,followed by placement in a hypoxic environment to establish the HAPE model.After 24 h of modeling,the expiratory time,end-inspiratory pause,enhanced pause,and breathing frequency were measured,Lung tissue morphology was examined using HE staining,and lung tissue edema was assessed by determining the wet to dry weight ratio(W/D).The level of interleukin-1β(IL-1β)was determined using immunofluorescence staining.The phosphorylation level of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein(VASP)in lung tissue was analyzed by Western blotting.Additionally,levels of sGC,hypoxia inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α),cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP),IL-6,and IL-1βin serum were quantified using ELISA.RESULTS Compared with the normal control group,the model group had obvious pulmonary edema,and the lung W/D,IL-1β levels,expiratory time,end-inspiratory pause,enhanced pause,as well as serum levels of IL-1β,HIF-1α and IL-6 were significantly increased.Concurrently,the frequency of breathing and serum levels of sGC and cGMP were significantly decreased.Compared with model group,the expiratory time,end-inspiratory pause,enhanced pause,lung W/D and IL-1β levels,and serum levels of IL-1β,HIF-1α and IL-6 were significantly decreased in the model+sGC003 10 mg·kg-1 group;while the frequency of breathing,serum sGC and cGMP levels,phosphorylation level of VASP in lung tissues were significantly increased.CONCLUSION sGC003 can improve lung function,suppress pulmonary inflammation,and mitigate pulmonary edema in HAPE mice by activating the sGC/cGMP pathway.

BACKGROUND:Estrogen receptor α can act as an upstream protein to regulate the expression and phosphorylation level of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK).Activation of the estrogen receptor α-AMPK signaling pathway promotes osteogenic proliferation and differentiation.OBJECTIVE:To explore the molecular mechanism of estrogen receptor α regulating AMPK and its effect on osteoblast proliferation and differentiation at osteoblast cell line and molecular biology levels.METHODS:(1)The passaged MC3T3-E1 mouse embryonic osteoblasts were divided into three groups:blank control group,mock group(transfected with pCDNA3.1 control plasmid),and estrogen receptor α group(transfected with pCDNA3.1-estrogen receptor α overexpression plasmid),and RT-qPCR and western blot methods were used to detect the hepatic kinase B1,CaMKKβ,and AMPKα1 mRNA,protein and phosphorylation levels.(2)ChIP-qPCR was used to demonstrate that estrogen receptor α interacts with the hepatic kinase B1 promoter.Dual luciferase assay was used to demonstrate that estrogen receptorα interacts with the hepatic kinase B1 promoter region to activate its transcriptional expression.(3)The cells were divided into three groups:mock+shNC group,estrogen receptor α+shNC group,and estrogen receptor α+shLKB1 group.Changes in the expression levels of hepatic kinase B1,phosphorylated hepatic kinase B1,and phosphorylated AMPKα1 proteins in the cells were detected by western blot.(4)The cells were divided into four groups:mock group,estrogen receptor α group,estrogen receptor α+5 μmol/L Compound C(AMPK inhibitor)group,and estrogen receptor α+10 μmol/L Compound C group.The expression of proteins related to the AMPK signaling pathway and related to osteogenesis and osteoinductivity were detected by western blot method.Cells were transfected for 24 hours and then subjected to osteogenic induction for 14 days.Alkaline phosphatase staining was performed and cell viability in each group was detected.Mineralized nodule formation was detected by alizarin red staining at 21 days of osteogenic induction.(5)The cells were transfected and pretreated with different concentrations of AMPK inhibitor in corresponding groups,and cell viability was detected by cell counting kit 8.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Estrogen receptor α activates the AMPK signaling pathway in MC3T3-E1 cells.(2)Estrogen receptor α promotes liver kinase B1 transcription and mediates AMPK signaling pathway activation.(3)Estrogen receptor α promotes the proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells by activating the AMPK signaling pathway,and the expression of AMPKα1,p-AMPKα,osteoprotegerin,osteopontin,and Runx2 proteins was down-regulated under the intervention of AMPK inhibitor,and the viability of osteoblasts was decreased.(4)To conclude,estrogen receptor α activates the AMPK signaling pathway by acting on liver kinase B1 promoter,promotes osteoblast proliferation and osteogenic differentiation,and prevents osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism through which Chaixian Huashen decoction(CXHSD)ameliorates lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced acute lung injury(ALI)in mice.METHODS Component analysis:the components of CXHSD extract were analyzed via ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Exactive HFX).Network pharma-cology analysis was conducted to predict the potential active components and underlying therapeutic targets of CXHSD for ALI treatment.① Animal experiment:mice were randomly divided into the normal control group,model(LPS)group,model+dexamethasone(DEX)4 mg·kg-1 group,model+CXHSD 10 g·kg-1 group,and model+CXHSD 20 g·kg-1 group.Except for the normal control group,ALI was induced in all the mice by intratracheal instillation of LPS.Model+CXHSD groups received daily intra-gastric administration of corresponding treatments for 7 consecutive days.The model+DEX group was administered saline intragastrically for the initial 5 d,followed by DEX for the next 2 d.ALI was induced by intratracheal instillation of LPS 5 mg·kg-1 1 h after the 6th administration of CXHSD/DEX.24 h after modeling,the severity of pulmonary edema was assessed using the wet to dry weight(W/D)ratio,and hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was used to evaluate histopathological damage.The levels of myeloperoxidase(MPO),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-6(IL-6),IL-1β in lung tissue homogenates and serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The total protein concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)was measured by bicinchoninic acid(BCA)assay.Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to assess the expression levels of toll-like receptor 4(TLR4),myeloid differentiation primary response 88(MyD88),zonula occludens-1(ZO-1)and occludin,as well as the phosphorylation level of nuclear factor-kappa B p65(NF-κB p65).② Cell experiment:RAW264.7 cells were divided into the cell control group,LPS 1 mg·L-1 group,LPS 1 mg·L-1+DEX 1 mg·L-1 group,and LPS 1 mg·L-1+CXHSD 50,100 and 200 mg·L-1 groups.After 24 h of culture,the nitric oxide(NO)content was measured with the nitrate reductase method,the levels of TNF-α,IL-1 β and IL-6 in the cell supernatants of each group were detected by ELISA.RESULTS Network pharmacology analysis indicated that CXHSD might alleviate ALI through the NF-κB pathway.① Com-pared with the normal control group,the W/D ratio was elevated,pathological injuries aggravated(such as alveolar wall thickening,inflammatory infiltration,and alveolar congestion),histopathological damage pronounced,MPO activity increased,and total protein concentrations in BALF raised in the model group,in which levels of TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1 β in both lung tissue and serum became higher.Concur-rently,LPS increased the expressions of p-NF-κB p65,TLR4 and MyD88,but reduced the expressions of ZO-1 and occludin.Compared with the model group,model+CXHSD groups had their pulmonary edema and lung pathological injury ameliorated as evidenced by alleviated alveolar wall thickening,inflammatory infiltration and alveolar congestion.The levels of MPO,TNF-α,IL-1 β and IL-6 in both lung tissue and serum,and the total protein concentrations in BALF were significantly decreased in the model+CXHSD groups.Additionally,the expressions of TLR4,MyD88,and p-NF-κB p65 were significantly downregulated,while those of ZO-1 and occludin were prominently upregulated.② Compared with the cell control,the levels of TNF-α,IL-1 β,IL-6 and NO in the supernatant of RAW264.7 cells were signifi-cantly increased in the LPS group.Compared with the LPS group,in the supernatant of RAW264.7 cells treated with LPS+CXHSD at 100 mg·L-1,there was no significant difference in TNF-α levels.However,in the other groups treated with LPS+CXHSD,the levels of TNF-α,IL-1 β,IL-6,and the content of NO were significantly reduced.CONCLUSION CXHSD can alleviate LPS-induced ALI by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway,attenuating inflammation,and preserving pulmonary barrier integrity.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism through which Chaixian Huashen decoction(CXHSD)ameliorates lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced acute lung injury(ALI)in mice.METHODS Component analysis:the components of CXHSD extract were analyzed via ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Exactive HFX).Network pharma-cology analysis was conducted to predict the potential active components and underlying therapeutic targets of CXHSD for ALI treatment.① Animal experiment:mice were randomly divided into the normal control group,model(LPS)group,model+dexamethasone(DEX)4 mg·kg-1 group,model+CXHSD 10 g·kg-1 group,and model+CXHSD 20 g·kg-1 group.Except for the normal control group,ALI was induced in all the mice by intratracheal instillation of LPS.Model+CXHSD groups received daily intra-gastric administration of corresponding treatments for 7 consecutive days.The model+DEX group was administered saline intragastrically for the initial 5 d,followed by DEX for the next 2 d.ALI was induced by intratracheal instillation of LPS 5 mg·kg-1 1 h after the 6th administration of CXHSD/DEX.24 h after modeling,the severity of pulmonary edema was assessed using the wet to dry weight(W/D)ratio,and hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was used to evaluate histopathological damage.The levels of myeloperoxidase(MPO),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-6(IL-6),IL-1β in lung tissue homogenates and serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The total protein concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)was measured by bicinchoninic acid(BCA)assay.Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to assess the expression levels of toll-like receptor 4(TLR4),myeloid differentiation primary response 88(MyD88),zonula occludens-1(ZO-1)and occludin,as well as the phosphorylation level of nuclear factor-kappa B p65(NF-κB p65).② Cell experiment:RAW264.7 cells were divided into the cell control group,LPS 1 mg·L-1 group,LPS 1 mg·L-1+DEX 1 mg·L-1 group,and LPS 1 mg·L-1+CXHSD 50,100 and 200 mg·L-1 groups.After 24 h of culture,the nitric oxide(NO)content was measured with the nitrate reductase method,the levels of TNF-α,IL-1 β and IL-6 in the cell supernatants of each group were detected by ELISA.RESULTS Network pharmacology analysis indicated that CXHSD might alleviate ALI through the NF-κB pathway.① Com-pared with the normal control group,the W/D ratio was elevated,pathological injuries aggravated(such as alveolar wall thickening,inflammatory infiltration,and alveolar congestion),histopathological damage pronounced,MPO activity increased,and total protein concentrations in BALF raised in the model group,in which levels of TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1 β in both lung tissue and serum became higher.Concur-rently,LPS increased the expressions of p-NF-κB p65,TLR4 and MyD88,but reduced the expressions of ZO-1 and occludin.Compared with the model group,model+CXHSD groups had their pulmonary edema and lung pathological injury ameliorated as evidenced by alleviated alveolar wall thickening,inflammatory infiltration and alveolar congestion.The levels of MPO,TNF-α,IL-1 β and IL-6 in both lung tissue and serum,and the total protein concentrations in BALF were significantly decreased in the model+CXHSD groups.Additionally,the expressions of TLR4,MyD88,and p-NF-κB p65 were significantly downregulated,while those of ZO-1 and occludin were prominently upregulated.② Compared with the cell control,the levels of TNF-α,IL-1 β,IL-6 and NO in the supernatant of RAW264.7 cells were signifi-cantly increased in the LPS group.Compared with the LPS group,in the supernatant of RAW264.7 cells treated with LPS+CXHSD at 100 mg·L-1,there was no significant difference in TNF-α levels.However,in the other groups treated with LPS+CXHSD,the levels of TNF-α,IL-1 β,IL-6,and the content of NO were significantly reduced.CONCLUSION CXHSD can alleviate LPS-induced ALI by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway,attenuating inflammation,and preserving pulmonary barrier integrity.