1.Mechanism of Shenmai Injection to Improve Cisplatin Resistance in NSCLC Based on Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Through PERK/ATF4/CHOP Signaling Pathway
Shengnan GUO ; Hao CAO ; Dan WANG ; Wenjun LIU ; Jianguang WANG ; Jialu LYU ; Chun WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):70-78
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Shenmai injection in improving cisplatin resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) based on the endoplasmic reticulum stress through protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)/activated transcription factor 4 (ATF4)/C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) signaling pathway. MethodsBALB/c nude mice bearing cisplatin-resistant human lung cancer cell line (A549/cisplatin) were randomly divided into four groups: Blank control group (0.9% sodium chloride), cisplatin group (5 µg·g-1cisplatin), Shenmai injection group (5.2 mg·g-1 Shenmai injection), and combination therapy group (5.2 mg·g-1 Shenmai injection +5 µg·g-1cisplatin). The drug intervention lasted for 4 weeks, and the changes in body weight and tumor volume were monitored. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe tumor tissue pathology. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to assess the morphology of the endoplasmic reticulum. Immunohistochemical assay was conducted to measure the positive expressions of PERK, ATF4, and CHOP in tumor tissues. Western blot quantified the protein expression of immunoglobulin heavy chain binding protein (BIP), PERK, phosphorylated PERK (p-PERK), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α), phosphorylated eIF2α (p-eIF2α), ATF4, CHOP, B-cell lymphoma -2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2 Associated X protein (Bax). A549/cis cells were divided into blank group: Blank control group (normal culture medium), cisplatin group (23.3 µmol·L-1 cisplatin), Shenmai Injection group (20 g·L-1 Shenmai injection), and combination therapy group (20 g·L-1 Shenmai injection+23.3 µmol·L-1 cisplatin). Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method was used to detect cell viability, TEM was used to observe the morphology of endoplasmic reticulum, and Western blot was used to detect endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis-related proteins. ResultsCompared with the cisplatin group, the combination therapy group showed increased body weight (P<0.05), decreased tumor volume (P<0.05), and expanded endoplasmic reticulum in tumor cells. The positive expressions of PERK, ATF4, and CHOP increased (P<0.05). Western blot revealed elevated protein expression levels of BIP, p-PERK/PERK, p-eIF2α/eIF2α, ATF4, CHOP, and Bax (P<0.05), while Bcl-2 expression decreased (P<0.05). As shown in the in vitro experiment, compared with the cisplatin group, the combination therapy group exhibited a reduced cell survival rate (P<0.05). TEM revealed increased endoplasmic reticulum dilation and vesicular degeneration. Western blotting showed increased protein levels of BIP, p-PERK/PERK, p-eIF2α/eIF2α, ATF4, CHOP and Bax (P<0.05), with decreased Bcl-2 expression (P<0.05). ConclusionShenmai injection combined with cisplatin has a synergistic antitumor effect in NSCLC, which may be attributed to the activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress response mediated by the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP signaling pathway and the induction of tumor cell apoptosis.
2.Epidemic trends and prevention and control effectiveness of notifiable infectious diseases in Yichang City based on interrupted time series
Qian WU ; Hao ZHANG ; Zhongcheng YANG ; Ling ZHOU ; Yi LIANG ; Yajun CAO
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(1):88-92
Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of statutory infectious diseases in Yichang City from 2015 to 2023 and evaluate the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) in infectious disease prevention and control, and to provide a basis for formulating prevention and control strategies. Methods Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze annual incidence rates. SARIMA and SARIMA intervention models were constructed to predict the incidence rates of infectious diseases. Interrupted time series analysis (ITS) was applied to assess the control effectiveness. Results The average annual incidence rate from 2015 to 2023 was 787.47/100 000, with the top five diseases being influenza, hand-foot-and-mouth disease, hepatitis B, tuberculosis, and diarrheal diseases. The average incidence rate from 2015 to 2019 (654.31/100 000) was significantly higher than that from 2020 to 2022 (489.01/100 000) (χ2= 3 499.6, P < 0.05). The total incidence rate in 2023 (2 396.51/100 000) was significantly higher than the average annual incidence rates from 2015-2019 (χ2= 108 186.1, P < 0.05) and 2020-2022 (χ2= 112 869.4, P < 0.05). SARIMA model results indicated that the actual incidence rate from 2020 to 2022 decreased by 73.49% compared to the predicted rate without intervention, with the highest decline observed in respiratory infectious diseases (79.57%). The SARIMA-intervention model showed a 55.48% relative decrease in the total incidence rate for 2023, with the largest reduction in respiratory infectious diseases (63.28%) and a slight increase in intestinal infectious diseases (5.48%). Conclusion NPIs effectively reduce the incidence of statutory infectious diseases in the short term, especially for acute respiratory and intestinal infectious diseases. However, long-term effectiveness faces challenges, necessitating the development of differentiated prevention and control strategies.
3.Effect of Wei's Huoxue Tongluo Formula(韦氏活血通络方)on Visual Function and Fundus Blood Flow in Treating Atrophic-Stage Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy with Qi Deficiency and Blood Stasis
Yan WANG ; Linlin CAO ; Meiling HAO ; Xiaoding SHUI ; Simin SONG ; Kun DING ; Rilong ZHOU ; Yu LUO ; Yize HUANG ; Xiaoyu LIANG ; Liang LIAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(10):1062-1070
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and possible mechanism of Wei's Huoxue Tongluo Formula (韦氏活血通络方,WHTF) in treating atrophic-stage non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) with qi deficiency and blood stasis. MethodsA total of 82 atrophic-stage NAION patients with qi deficiency and blood stasis were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, with 41 cases in each group. The treatment group was given oral administration of WHTF twice a day plus acupoint injection of distilled water 2 ml at Taiyang (EX-HN5) once daily, while the control group received injection of compound anisodine injection 2 ml at Taiyang (EX-HN5) once daily and oral administration of WHTF placebo twice a day. Both groups received treatment for a course of 14 days. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), optic disc perfusion density (PD), flux index (FI), macular superficial PD, vascular density (VD), and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores were compared between groups before treatment and on day 7 and day 14 of treatment. Additionally, mean defect (MD) and mean sensitivity (MS) of visual fields were measured before treatment and on day 14, along with safety evaluation. ResultsAfter treatment, both groups showed significant improvement in BCVA, visual field MD and MS, and TCM syndrome scores (P<0.05 or P<0.01). On day 14 of treatment, the TCM syndrome score in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant improvement in optic disc PD and FI, and macular superficial PD and VD after treatment in either group (P>0.05) except that on day 7 the macular superficial foveal PD in the control group was significantly better than that in the treatment group (P<0.05). During the treatment period, no serious adverse events occurred in either group. ConclusionWHTF can improve the visual function indicators including visual acuity and visual field, as well as TCM syndrome scores in atrophic-stage NAION patients with qi deficiency and blood stasis. It shows clinical safety, although it does not appear to have a significant effect on optic disc or macular blood flow.
4.Disease burden and changing trends of bladder cancer in China and globally in 1992 - 2021
Zhengnan LI ; Zhuang LI ; Yuanyuan LUO ; Bo YU ; Hao SU ; GuangYong CAO ; Kai YIN ; Dongbo YUAN ; Jianguo ZHU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(3):8-13
Objective To analyze the disease burden and trends of bladder cancer in China and globally from 1992 to 2021. Methods Using the GBD 2021 database, the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rates of bladder cancer in China and globally from 1992–2021 were analyzed. Average annual percentage change (AAPC) was calculated using Joinpoint regression. Subgroup analyses by sex and age were conducted, and a Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) model was used to predict trends in age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) for the next 15 years. Results In 2021, China reported 106 000 new cases (ASIR: 5.14/100 000), 571 000 prevalent cases (age-standardized prevalence rate, ASPR: 26.61/100 000), 43 000 deaths (ASMR: 2.34/100 000), and a DALY rate of 45.31/100 000. From 1992–2021, China showed upward trends in ASIR and ASPR but declines in ASMR and DALYs, while global ASIR, ASMR, and DALYs decreased overall with slow ASPR growth. The peak cases in China and globally were both concentrated in the 65-79 age group, with a significantly higher burden on males than females. In China, smoking-related ASMR and ASDR exceeded global averages and rose, whereas high glucose-related indexes were lower and declined. Projections for 2021–2036 indicated that the global incidence and mortality rates would be rising, but ASIR/ASPR would be declining, while in China, the incidence rate would continue to rise, and the mortality rate will stabilize, with a significant increase in ASIR and a gradual decrease in ASPR. Conclusion From 1992 to 2021, the incidence of bladder cancer in China has shown a continuous upward trend and is projected to persist in the future, with significant gender and age differences. Particular attention should be given to elderly males aged 85-89. The disease burden of bladder cancer attributable to smoking continues to rise, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen tobacco control policies.
5.Relationship between intestinal flora imbalance and pulmonary function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Lei CAO ; Fang GAO ; Jing HAO ; Lei GUO ; Yingjuan LIU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(3):123-127
Objective To explore the relationship between intestinal flora imbalance and pulmonary function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and to analyze the related influencing factors. Methods A total of 310 patients with COPD who were admitted to Air Force Military Medical University Tangdu Hospital from June 2022 to December 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Based on intestinal flora status, the enrolled patients were classified into imbalance group (n=83) and non-imbalance group (n=227). Logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze the independent related factors of intestinal flora imbalance in COPD patients. Based on the above factors, a prediction model was constructed, and ROC curve analysis model was applied to analyze the predictive value of the model on intestinal flora imbalance. Results Logistic regression analysis revealed that age, IL-6, albumin, pulmonary function, long-term bed rest and long-term use of antibiotics were related to intestinal flora imbalance in COPD patients (all P<0.05). ROC results of the Logistic prediction model showed that the area under the curve, sensitivity, specificity and 95%CI were 0.961, 0.880, 0.996 and 0.932-0.989 respectively. Conclusion The intestinal flora imbalance in patients with COPD is closely related to lung function, age, inflammatory status, nutritional indicators, activity ability and antibiotic use.
6.Tianxiang Pills Alleviates Myocardial Cell Pyroptosis in Rat Model of Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress via ROS/Caspase-1/GSDMD Signaling Pathway
Fei ZENG ; Hao HUANG ; Yu CAO ; Yaoming XI ; Jing LUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):143-150
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Tianxiang pills (TXP) alleviates myocardial cell pyroptosis in the rat model of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury through modulating the reactive oxygen species (ROS)/cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 (Caspase-1)/gasdermin D (GSDMD) signaling pathway. MethodsA total of 54 SPF-grade adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into six groups (n=9): sham (thoracotomy only without ligation), I/R (left anterior descending coronary artery ligation for 30 min followed by reperfusion), NAC (positive control, N-acetylcysteine, 150 mg·kg-1, by gavage), low-dose Tianxiang pills (TXP-L, 2.5 g·kg-1, by gavage)], medium-dose Tianxiang pills (TXP-M, 5 g·kg-1, by gavage), and high-dose Tianxiang pills (TXP-H, 10 g·kg-1, by gavage). The fluorescent probe method was employed to measure the ROS level. Biochemical assay kits were employed to determine the Caspase-1 activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity. Myocardial infarct size was assessed by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Western blot analysis was performed to evaluate the expression levels of proteins in the ROS/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway, including GSDMD, cleaved Caspase-1/Caspase-1 ratio, the N-terminal domain of GSDMD (GSDMD-N), and the p22-phox subunit of the reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase complex. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was utilized to determine the concentration of interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to observe mitochondrial structure and to score the degree of mitochondrial swelling. ResultsCompared with the Sham group, the I/R group exhibited elevated the levels of ROS, Caspase-1 activity, GSDMD expression, IL-1β concentration, MDA content, infarct area, mitochondrial swelling score, cleaved Caspase-1/Caspase-1, GSDMD-N, and p22phox and decreased activities of SOD and GSH-Px (P<0.05). Compared with the I/R group, NAC and different doses of TXP significantly reduced the ROS level, Caspase-1 activity, GSDMD expression, IL-1β concentration, MDA content, infarct area, and mitochondrial swelling score. Moreover, they downregulated the expression of cleaved Caspase-1/Caspase-1, GSDMD-N, and p22phox and increased the activities of SOD and GSH-Px (P<0.05). Furthermore, TXP exerted effects on ROS, MDA, SOD, GSH-Px, Caspase-1 activity, GSDMD expression, IL-1β concentration, cleaved Caspase-1/Caspase-1, GSDMD-N, p22phox, infarct area, and mitochondrial swelling score in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). ConclusionTianxiang pills alleviates myocardial I/R injury by mitigating oxidative stress and cell pyroptosis through the inhibition of the ROS/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway.
7.Examination and systematic optimization of medical insurance payment policies for organ transplantation from the perspective of equity and accessibility
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(5):827-837
Medical insurance payment policies are important institutional factors affecting the accessibility of organ transplantation technology and health equity. Through a systematic sorting and comparative analysis of medical insurance payment policies for organ transplantation in 19 provinces across China, this study reveals the structural dilemmas in the current payment system, including ambiguous priority of protection, insufficient depth of protection, regional welfare barriers, and the separation of services and protection. The formation of the above problems is closely related to the institutional tension between the high-cost nature of organ transplantation technology and the long-standing principle of "ensuring basic needs" adhered to by basic medical insurance. Based on this, on the premise of adhering to the framework of "ensuring basic needs" for medical insurance and the sustainability of insurance funds, this paper proposes to optimize the current system from four aspects: first, reconstruct the institutional calibration mechanism for the priority of organ transplantation protection under the framework of "ensuring basic needs"; second, improve the medical security system covering the whole cycle of organ transplantation through the coordination of multi-level systems, and enhance the risk-sharing function within the affordable scope of insurance funds; third, strengthen national leadership and overall coordination, and promote the bottom-line equity of medical security for organ transplantation by unifying the minimum protection standards and payment rules; fourth, take the pilot implementation of regional integration as a breakthrough point to alleviate the predicament of cross-regional medical security for organ transplantation.
8.Mechanism of proanthocyanidins ameliorating cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetic rats by inhibiting NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway
Wuyun LU ; Yaodan CAO ; Jinqi HAO ; Hongxia BIAN ; Yanqin YU ; Limin ZHENG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(9):1611-1618
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of proanthocyanidins (PC) on rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) complicated with cognitive impairment (CI) and to explore its potential mechanism by inhibiting the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3)/cysteine-aspartic acid protease-1 (Caspase-1) pathway. MethodsA T2DM rat model was established by high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal streptozotocin (STZ) injection. Thirty-six diabetic rats complicated with CI were screened by Morris water maze test and randomly divided into model group, PC low-dose (50 mg/kg) group, PC medium-dose (100 mg/kg) group, and PC high-dose (200 mg/kg) group. Another 9 normal rats served as the normal control group. Each group was administered with the corresponding doses of PC or an equal volume of distilled water by gavage for 8 weeks. After the intervention, spatial learning and memory abilities were evaluated using the Morris water maze test. Fasting blood glucose, body weight, and organ coefficients were measured. Pathological changes in the hippocampus were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, as well as levels of inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in hippocampal tissue, were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 in the hippocampus were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal control group, the model group exhibited significantly increased blood glucose and decreased body weight (P<0.05). In the Morris water maze test, the model group showed prolonged escape latency, fewer platform crossings, and lower percentages of time and path length in the target quadrant (P<0.05). Disordered arrangement and pyknotic nuclei were observed in hippocampal neurons. ROS and the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were elevated, and the protein expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 were upregulated (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, all PC-treated groups, especially the high-dose group, presented dose-dependent improvements in the above indicators, including reduced blood glucose (P<0.05), improved spatial memory performance in the Morris water maze (P<0.01), alleviated hippocampal pathological damage, decreased ROS and inflammatory cytokine levels (P<0.05), and significantly downregulated expression of NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway-related proteins (P<0.05). ConclusionProanthocyanidins can ameliorate glycolipid metabolic disorder, visceral organ injury as well as cognitive dysfunction in T2DM rats. The underlying mechanism may be associated with reduced hippocampal ROS levels, inhibition of the NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway, and attenuated neuroinflammation in the hippocampus, with the optimal effect observed at a dose of 200 mg/kg.
9.Investigation of radon concentration and assessment of occupational exposure dose in the metro environment
HAO Xiaoji ; YU Shunfei ; GUO Jiadi ; LAI Zhongjun ; CAO Yiyao ; WANG Donghang ; XUAN Zhiqiang
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(5):483-487
Objective:
To investigate the radon concentration and occupational radon exposure doses in Hangzhou Metro Line 1 and Line 5, so as to provide a basis for assessing potential health risks of radon exposure and protecting the occupational health of metro workers.
Methods:
From March 2022 to March 2023, radon concentration monitoring was conducted at 53 stations on Hangzhou Metro Lines 1 and 5. Four sampling points were set up at each station: train control room, customer service center, security checkpoint area, and platform. Continuous monitoring was conducted for one year at the train control room, while continuous monitoring at the other sampling points lasted for one quarter. CR-39 cumulative radon detection cups were used to measure radon concentrations, while RAD7 radon detectors were used to measure instantaneous radon concentrations. The annual effective dose to workers from radon and its progeny was estimated. Radon concentrations across different lines, sampling points, and seasons were analyzed.
Results:
The median radon concentration was 26.8 (interquartile range, 11.2) Bq/m3 in Line 1, and the median instantaneous radon concentration was 4.7 (interquartile range, 8.5) Bq/m3. In Line 5, the radon concentration was (26.1±6.1) Bq/m3, and the median instantaneous radon concentration was 4.7 (interquartile range, 7.4) Bq/m3. No significant differences were found between the two lines in either radon or instantaneous radon concentrations (both P>0.05). The control rooms in both lines showed relatively high radon levels, with a median of 42.5 (interquartile ranges, 24.3) Bq/m3 in Line 1 and a median of 26.8 (interquartile ranges, 6.1) Bq/m3 in Line 5. In the Line 1 control room, the median radon concentrations across four quarters were 37.7 (interquartile range, 27.5), 42.5 (interquartile range, 24.4), 46.8 (interquartile range, 26.0), and 34.9 (interquartile range, 29.0) Bq/m3, respectively. No significant seasonal variation was observed (P>0.05). In the Line 5 control room, the values were 24.8±6.7, 26.6 (5.9), 33.8±7.9, and 22.8 (8.7) Bq/m3, respectively. A significant seasonal difference was found (P<0.05), with the third quarter showing higher radon levels than the first and fourth quarters (both P<0.05). The annual effective doses to workers from radon and its progeny were relatively high in the Line 1 control room (0.305 2 mSv) and the Line 5 platform (0.255 9 mSv).
Conclusions
The radon concentrations in Hangzhou Metro Lines 1 and 5 were within the low-dose radiation range and met the national standard limits. No significant health risks were identified. However, attention should be paid to radon levels in control rooms and during the third quarter. Enhanced monitoring and ventilation management are recommended.
10.Action Mechanism of Resolving Dampness and Phlegm of Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum Based on Interconnection Between Lung and Large Intestine
Xingbao TAO ; Chentao ZHAO ; Xiaofu ZHU ; Hao WU ; Jun HE ; Weiguo CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):122-131
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum (PRP) on lung tissue, gut microbiota, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolism in a model of mice with cold fluid retention in the lung and explore its mechanism of action in resolving dampness and phlegm based on the interconnection between the lung and large intestine. MethodsFifty female ICR mice were randomly divided into a normal group, model group, positive control group (Xiaoqinglong granules, 6.5 g·kg-1), and high-dose and low-dose PRP decoction groups (3.0, 1.5 g·kg-1), with 10 mice in each group. A model of mice with cold fluid retention in the lung was established using ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization combined with cold-water immersion. Drug interventions were conducted from day 18 to day 33 for 15 consecutive days. The airway resistance value of the mice was measured using a non-invasive pulmonary function analyzer. Phlegm-resolving effects were evaluated via a microplate reader. Eosinophil and neutrophil counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were analyzed using an automated hematology analyzer. Serum levels of total immunoglobulin E (IgE), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and BALF levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Lung histopathology was assessed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to detect mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) and aquaporin 5 (AQP5) protein expression in lung tissue. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed via agarose gel electrophoresis, and fecal SCFA levels were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited significantly increased airway resistance value (RI) (P<0.05), elevated eosinophil and neutrophil counts and IL-6 and IL-8 levels in BALF (P<0.05), increased serum IgE and IL-4 levels (P<0.05), with reduced IFN-γ levels (P<0.05). It also showed thickened bronchial walls, widened alveolar septa, narrowed lumens, and mucus plugs in lung tissue, upregulated MUC5AC protein expression and downregulated AQP5 protein expression (P<0.05), decreased relative abundance of beneficial gut microbiota (Firmicutes, Clostridia, Clostridiales, Lactobacillaceae, and Lactobacillus), and increased abundance of harmful microbiota (Bacteroidetes, Bacteroidia, Bacteroidales, Muribaculaceae, and Muribaculum). In addition, the model group presented reduced fecal SCFA levels (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) (P<0.05). After the intervention of PRP decoction, compared to the model group, all drug administration groups showed decreased RI (P<0.05), increased phenol red excretion, declined eosinophil and neutrophil counts and IL-6, IL-8, IgE, and IL-4 levels (P<0.05), and improved IFN-γ levels (P<0.05) and lung pathology improved. The MUC5AC protein expression decreased (P<0.05), and the AQP5 protein expression increased (P<0.05). The disorder of gut microbiota was improved, and the diversity of gut microbiota was restored, with a significantly increased relative abundance ratio of beneficial microbiota (P<0.05) and a significantly reduced relative abundance ratio of harmful microbiota (P<0.05). The SCFA levels (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) increased (P<0.05). The efficacy indicators of serum inflammatory factors (IgE, IL-4, and IFN-γ), phlegm-resolving effect, airway resistance, total pathological score, and the protein expression of MUC5AC and AQP5 were correlated with gut microbiota and SCFAs. ConclusionPRP decoction alleviates cold-phlegm syndrome by modulating the gut-lung axis, promoting beneficial gut microbiota, enhancing SCFA production, restoring the balance of gut microbiota, and suppressing respiratory inflammation. This study provides novel insights into the TCM theory of interconnection between the lung and large intestine.


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