ObjectiveTo investigate the quality markers of Xiaoqinglong granules（XQLG） for treating bronchial asthma using the analytic hierarchy process（AHP）-entropy weight method（EWM）， network pharmacology and high performance liquid chromatography（HPLC） content determination. MethodsEffectiveness， testability and peculiarity component data of XQLG in treating bronchial asthma were constructed through database retrieval， literature review， and network pharmacology. Subsequently， AHP-EWM was used to quantitatively identify and weight the control layer and element layer， the relevant compounds were selected as candidate quality markers based on comprehensive scores. Further comparison of reference substances and establishment of HPLC content determination method were used to determine the potential quality markers of XQLG， which were verified by molecular docking with disease targets. ResultsA total of 13 components， including glycyrrhizic acid， paeoniflorin， schisandrol A， isoliquiritigenin， 6-gingerol， ephedrine， liquiritin， albiflorin， liquiritigenin， 6-shogaol， pseudoephedrine， cinnamic acid and cinnamaldehyde， were identified as potential quality markers of XQLG by AHP-EWM. Quantitative analysis indicated that all aforementioned quality markers could be detected in 13 batches of XQLG， indicating that it had stable testability as a quality marker. Among these 13 batches of samples， ephedrine and paeoniflorin exhibited good consistency in content， while pseudoephedrine and cinnamaldehyde showed poor consistency. Molecular docking analysis revealed that the 13 compounds exhibited binding energies with the core targets -2.11 kcal·mol^-1， indicating that the 13 compounds could spontaneously bind to the disease targets， which may be the material basis for the treatment of bronchial asthma with XQLG. ConclusionIn this study， 13 compounds were screened by AHP-EWM combined with network pharmacology and HPLC as quality markers for the treatment of bronchial asthma by XQLG， laying the foundation for enhancing the quality standards of this preparation.

Background: Viral hepatitis causes annual deaths of 1.4 million people. Antiviral therapy rarely cures the disease, and patients are usually required to maintain lifelong medication, leading to cumulative drug toxicity. Schisandrae Fructus (SF) is efficacious in the treatment of viral hepatitis. Objective: The systematic review and meta-analysis aim to examine the efficacy and safety of SF alone or in combination with specific and nonspecific treatments for treating viral hepatitis by analyzing the clinical trials performed up to date. Methods: An extensive literature was searched in 7 databases from inception to May 2023. Final outcomes were divided into the primary outcomes containing the total effective rate and virological responses, as well as the secondary outcomes containing liver biochemical functions and frequencies of adverse events. RevMan 5.3 and GRADE pro 3.6 software were used for meta-analysis and assessment of evidence quality. Subgroup analysis was conducted to explore the source of the heterogeneity. Results: Twenty-nine randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. SF treatment was comparable with western medicines or other traditional Chinese treatments in terms of primary and secondary outcomes. In combination with specific treatments with antiviral medicines, SF group reduced 18.45 U/L of alanine aminotransferase levels [weighted mean difference: 18.45, 95% confidence interval (CI): (16.12, 20.78), p < 0.000 01] and 8.37 U/L of aspartate aminotransferase levels [weighted mean difference: 8.37, 95% CI: (1.25, 15.48), p = 0.02], and it decreased the levels of hyaluronic acid (HA) [standard mean difference (SMD): 0.92, 95% CI: (0.58, 1.27), p < 0.000 01], laminin (LN) [SMD: 0.64, 95% CI: (0.38, 0.90), p < 0.000 01], and procollagen type III [SMD: 0.48, 95% CI: (0.28, 0.67), p < 0.000 01], while increasing the total effective rate by 24% [risk ratio: 1.24, 95% CI: (1.15, 1.32), p < 0.000 01]. There were no severe adverse events during treatment. Conclusions: SF was a potential adjuvant for antiviral therapy in restoring liver function. However, the poor quality of the included randomized controlled trials limited the recommendations. More long-term, randomized, and double-blind studies should be performed to assess the efficacy and safety of combination therapy.

Background: Viral hepatitis causes annual deaths of 1.4 million people. Antiviral therapy rarely cures the disease, and patients are usually required to maintain lifelong medication, leading to cumulative drug toxicity. Schisandrae Fructus (SF) is efficacious in the treatment of viral hepatitis. Objective: The systematic review and meta-analysis aim to examine the efficacy and safety of SF alone or in combination with specific and nonspecific treatments for treating viral hepatitis by analyzing the clinical trials performed up to date. Methods: An extensive literature was searched in 7 databases from inception to May 2023. Final outcomes were divided into the primary outcomes containing the total effective rate and virological responses, as well as the secondary outcomes containing liver biochemical functions and frequencies of adverse events. RevMan 5.3 and GRADE pro 3.6 software were used for meta-analysis and assessment of evidence quality. Subgroup analysis was conducted to explore the source of the heterogeneity. Results: Twenty-nine randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. SF treatment was comparable with western medicines or other traditional Chinese treatments in terms of primary and secondary outcomes. In combination with specific treatments with antiviral medicines, SF group reduced 18.45 U/L of alanine aminotransferase levels [weighted mean difference: 18.45, 95% confidence interval (CI): (16.12, 20.78), p < 0.000 01] and 8.37 U/L of aspartate aminotransferase levels [weighted mean difference: 8.37, 95% CI: (1.25, 15.48), p = 0.02], and it decreased the levels of hyaluronic acid (HA) [standard mean difference (SMD): 0.92, 95% CI: (0.58, 1.27), p < 0.000 01], laminin (LN) [SMD: 0.64, 95% CI: (0.38, 0.90), p < 0.000 01], and procollagen type III [SMD: 0.48, 95% CI: (0.28, 0.67), p < 0.000 01], while increasing the total effective rate by 24% [risk ratio: 1.24, 95% CI: (1.15, 1.32), p < 0.000 01]. There were no severe adverse events during treatment. Conclusions: SF was a potential adjuvant for antiviral therapy in restoring liver function. However, the poor quality of the included randomized controlled trials limited the recommendations. More long-term, randomized, and double-blind studies should be performed to assess the efficacy and safety of combination therapy.

Background: Viral hepatitis causes annual deaths of 1.4 million people. Antiviral therapy rarely cures the disease, and patients are usually required to maintain lifelong medication, leading to cumulative drug toxicity. Schisandrae Fructus (SF) is efficacious in the treatment of viral hepatitis. Objective: The systematic review and meta-analysis aim to examine the efficacy and safety of SF alone or in combination with specific and nonspecific treatments for treating viral hepatitis by analyzing the clinical trials performed up to date. Methods: An extensive literature was searched in 7 databases from inception to May 2023. Final outcomes were divided into the primary outcomes containing the total effective rate and virological responses, as well as the secondary outcomes containing liver biochemical functions and frequencies of adverse events. RevMan 5.3 and GRADE pro 3.6 software were used for meta-analysis and assessment of evidence quality. Subgroup analysis was conducted to explore the source of the heterogeneity. Results: Twenty-nine randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. SF treatment was comparable with western medicines or other traditional Chinese treatments in terms of primary and secondary outcomes. In combination with specific treatments with antiviral medicines, SF group reduced 18.45 U/L of alanine aminotransferase levels [weighted mean difference: 18.45, 95% confidence interval (CI): (16.12, 20.78), p < 0.000 01] and 8.37 U/L of aspartate aminotransferase levels [weighted mean difference: 8.37, 95% CI: (1.25, 15.48), p = 0.02], and it decreased the levels of hyaluronic acid (HA) [standard mean difference (SMD): 0.92, 95% CI: (0.58, 1.27), p < 0.000 01], laminin (LN) [SMD: 0.64, 95% CI: (0.38, 0.90), p < 0.000 01], and procollagen type III [SMD: 0.48, 95% CI: (0.28, 0.67), p < 0.000 01], while increasing the total effective rate by 24% [risk ratio: 1.24, 95% CI: (1.15, 1.32), p < 0.000 01]. There were no severe adverse events during treatment. Conclusions: SF was a potential adjuvant for antiviral therapy in restoring liver function. However, the poor quality of the included randomized controlled trials limited the recommendations. More long-term, randomized, and double-blind studies should be performed to assess the efficacy and safety of combination therapy.

Various dynasties of herbs and prescription books recorded the specifications, processing, and clinical application of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus. The clinical application of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus mainly focuses on astringency, tonifying qi and generating fluids, nourishing the kidneys and calming the heart. There have been few reports on the exploration on textual study on other functions and usage precautions of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus; at present, the classic prescriptions containing Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus do not clearly indicate their specific specifications and processing in the prescription composition. Textual study has found that different processed products of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus have different clinical therapeutic effects. For raw use, it is more suitable to use light agents to bring adversely risen qi downward, steam to produce light agents to increase transparency, honey to produce leveling agents is better for moistening the lungs and nourishing yin, wine honey to produce leveling agents can supplement deficiency and promote blood circulation, wine to produce heavy agents can strengthen acid absorption. It is suggested further in-depth research on steamed products, honey products, and honey wine products to broaden clinical application options and improve the accuracy of clinical medication. The clinical application of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus has different emphases and evolution in different dynasties. In the Tang Dynasty, Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus could reduce the qi of the upper, middle, and lower energizers, and eliminate deficiency heat; during the Five Dynasties period, Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus could nourish qi, improve eyesight, warm the middle, and bring adversely risen qi downward; During the Jin and Yuan dynasties, Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus was used to warm water and treat cholera, as well as to improve muscle function; in the Ming Dynasty, Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus was proposed to reduce qi and strengthen yin, treating the critical condition of yin and yang deficiency; during the Qing Dynasty, Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus could prevent summer heat, and external application to sores could astringent and invigorate the muscles. Schisandrae Sphenantherae Fructus has records of dispersing phlegm and fire, and dispelling wind pathogens. This article reviewed the relevant records of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus in traditional Chinese herbs and prescriptions throughout history, summarized the efficacy characteristics of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus under different processing methods, clinical applications under historical evolution, and main contraindications for use, proposed recommendations for the application of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus in classic and commonly used prescriptions, which can provide scientific basis for the precise selection of different specifications and processed products of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus and Schisandrae Sphenantherae Fructus, as well as scientific guidance for their rational application in drug development.

Objective:To explore the protective effects and mechanisms of an indole-3-acetaldehyde (I3A)-loaded inulin-based hydrogel against radiation-induced intestinal injury.Methods:The gelation properties and injectability of the I3A-loaded inulin-based hydrogel were detected using a rheometer, and its biocompatibility was assessed via a CCK-8 assay. Eighteen C57BL/6 mice (aged: 6-8 weeks) were stratified by body weight and randomly assigned into three groups with 6 mice in each group: blank control, irradiation-only, and irradiation+ hydrogel protection. Abdominal irradiation was administered using 137Cs γ-rays at 17 Gy. The irradiation+ hydrogel protection group received 200 μl/day of I3A-loaded inulin-based hydrogel for two days before and 2-3 days after irradiation. Meanwhile, the irradiation-only group was treated with an equivalent volume of sterile water via gavage. The mice were euthanized four days post-irradiation, and their intestinal tissues were harvested. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Ki67 immunohistochemistry, and TUNEL immunofluorescence were performed to assess histopathological damage, epithelial cell proliferation, and apoptosis, respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was employed to measure mRNA levels of inflammatory and antioxidant factors. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed via 16S rRNA sequencing. Results:The test results of the rheometer confirmed successful hydrogel formation. CCK-8 assays demonstrated excellent biocompatibility. Compared with the irradiation-only group, the irradiation+ hydrogel protection group exhibited preserved intestinal histoarchitecture, a 1.5-fold increase in intestinal cell proliferation ( t = 8.35, P < 0.05), and a 2-fold reduction in radiation-induced apoptosis ( t = 7.94, P < 0.05). Moreover, the hydrogel group showed significantly elevated expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and antioxidant factors NRF-2 and HO-1 ( t = 3.16, 24.83, 5.92, P < 0.05), alongside reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α ( t = 5.15, 3.82, 3.83, P < 0.05). Gut microbiota analysis revealed significant modulation in microbial composition and abundance in the hydrogel group. Conclusions:The I3A-loaded inulin-based hydrogel can significantly promote intestinal cell proliferation, reduce radiation-induced apoptosis, and enhance both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant responses. In addition, it regulates gut microbiota composition and abundance, protecting against radiation-induced intestinal injury.

Objective To investigate the expression changes of serum circRNA membrane bound O-acyltransferase 2(circRNA MBOAT2)and circRNA recombinant actinin 4(circRNA ACTN4)in patients with cholangiocarcinoma and their relationship with prognosis.Methods 96 patients with cholangiocarcinoma treated at the First Hospital of Handan City from January 2020 to January 2022 in Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery were regarded as as the cholangiocarcinoma group.Additionally,85 patients with intraductal stones and 90 healthy volunteers were collected as the stone group and control group,respectively.Quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR(qRT-PCR)was applied to detect the expression levels of circRNA MBOAT2 and circRNA ACTN4.χ2 test was applied to analyze the relationship between circRNA MBOAT2 and circRNA ACTN4 and clinical pathological features.Pearson was applied to analyze the correlation between circRNA MBOAT2 and circRNA ACTN4 in patients with cholangiocarcinoma.ROC was applied to analyze the diagnostic value of circRNA MBOAT2 and circRNA ACTN4 in the occurrence of cholangiocarcinoma.COX was applied to analyze the influencing factors of poor prognosis in patients with cholangiocarcinoma.Kaplan-Meier method was applied for survival analysis.Results circRNA MBOAT2(1.24±0.38)and circRNA ACTN4(1.27±0.42)in cholangiocarcinoma group were higher than those in stone group(1.02±0.31,1.05±0.34)and control group(0.83±0.24,0.78±0.21),and the stone group was higher than that in control group,with statistically significance(t=5.016～14.025,all P<0.05).There was a positive correlation between circRNA MBOAT2 and circRNA ACTN4 in patients with cholangiocarcinoma group(r=0.428,P<0.05).Combined diagnosis of MBOAT2 and ACTN4 was better than single diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma(Z=4.063,4.004,all P<0.05);circRNA MBOAT2 and circRNA ACTN4 were correlated with clinical staging and lymph node status(t=5.091～5.984,all P<0.05).Positive lymph node status and elevated levels of circRNA MBOAT2 and circRNA ACTN4 were independent risk factors for mortality(HR=1.527,1.582,1.727,all P<0.05).The cumulative survival rate of patients with high expression of circRNA MBOAT2(23.40%vs 46.94%)and circRNA ACTN4(24.00%vs 47.83%)was lower than that of patients with low expression(χ2=5.809,5.946,all P<0.05).Conclusion The serum levels of circRNA MBOAT2 and circRNA ACTN4 increase with the progression of the disease,and the combination of the two has certain value in diagnosing the occurrence of cholangiocarcinoma.

Objective:To explore the protective effects and mechanisms of an indole-3-acetaldehyde (I3A)-loaded inulin-based hydrogel against radiation-induced intestinal injury.Methods:The gelation properties and injectability of the I3A-loaded inulin-based hydrogel were detected using a rheometer, and its biocompatibility was assessed via a CCK-8 assay. Eighteen C57BL/6 mice (aged: 6-8 weeks) were stratified by body weight and randomly assigned into three groups with 6 mice in each group: blank control, irradiation-only, and irradiation+ hydrogel protection. Abdominal irradiation was administered using 137Cs γ-rays at 17 Gy. The irradiation+ hydrogel protection group received 200 μl/day of I3A-loaded inulin-based hydrogel for two days before and 2-3 days after irradiation. Meanwhile, the irradiation-only group was treated with an equivalent volume of sterile water via gavage. The mice were euthanized four days post-irradiation, and their intestinal tissues were harvested. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Ki67 immunohistochemistry, and TUNEL immunofluorescence were performed to assess histopathological damage, epithelial cell proliferation, and apoptosis, respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was employed to measure mRNA levels of inflammatory and antioxidant factors. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed via 16S rRNA sequencing. Results:The test results of the rheometer confirmed successful hydrogel formation. CCK-8 assays demonstrated excellent biocompatibility. Compared with the irradiation-only group, the irradiation+ hydrogel protection group exhibited preserved intestinal histoarchitecture, a 1.5-fold increase in intestinal cell proliferation ( t = 8.35, P < 0.05), and a 2-fold reduction in radiation-induced apoptosis ( t = 7.94, P < 0.05). Moreover, the hydrogel group showed significantly elevated expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and antioxidant factors NRF-2 and HO-1 ( t = 3.16, 24.83, 5.92, P < 0.05), alongside reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α ( t = 5.15, 3.82, 3.83, P < 0.05). Gut microbiota analysis revealed significant modulation in microbial composition and abundance in the hydrogel group. Conclusions:The I3A-loaded inulin-based hydrogel can significantly promote intestinal cell proliferation, reduce radiation-induced apoptosis, and enhance both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant responses. In addition, it regulates gut microbiota composition and abundance, protecting against radiation-induced intestinal injury.

Objective To investigate the expression changes of serum circRNA membrane bound O-acyltransferase 2(circRNA MBOAT2)and circRNA recombinant actinin 4(circRNA ACTN4)in patients with cholangiocarcinoma and their relationship with prognosis.Methods 96 patients with cholangiocarcinoma treated at the First Hospital of Handan City from January 2020 to January 2022 in Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery were regarded as as the cholangiocarcinoma group.Additionally,85 patients with intraductal stones and 90 healthy volunteers were collected as the stone group and control group,respectively.Quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR(qRT-PCR)was applied to detect the expression levels of circRNA MBOAT2 and circRNA ACTN4.χ2 test was applied to analyze the relationship between circRNA MBOAT2 and circRNA ACTN4 and clinical pathological features.Pearson was applied to analyze the correlation between circRNA MBOAT2 and circRNA ACTN4 in patients with cholangiocarcinoma.ROC was applied to analyze the diagnostic value of circRNA MBOAT2 and circRNA ACTN4 in the occurrence of cholangiocarcinoma.COX was applied to analyze the influencing factors of poor prognosis in patients with cholangiocarcinoma.Kaplan-Meier method was applied for survival analysis.Results circRNA MBOAT2(1.24±0.38)and circRNA ACTN4(1.27±0.42)in cholangiocarcinoma group were higher than those in stone group(1.02±0.31,1.05±0.34)and control group(0.83±0.24,0.78±0.21),and the stone group was higher than that in control group,with statistically significance(t=5.016～14.025,all P<0.05).There was a positive correlation between circRNA MBOAT2 and circRNA ACTN4 in patients with cholangiocarcinoma group(r=0.428,P<0.05).Combined diagnosis of MBOAT2 and ACTN4 was better than single diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma(Z=4.063,4.004,all P<0.05);circRNA MBOAT2 and circRNA ACTN4 were correlated with clinical staging and lymph node status(t=5.091～5.984,all P<0.05).Positive lymph node status and elevated levels of circRNA MBOAT2 and circRNA ACTN4 were independent risk factors for mortality(HR=1.527,1.582,1.727,all P<0.05).The cumulative survival rate of patients with high expression of circRNA MBOAT2(23.40%vs 46.94%)and circRNA ACTN4(24.00%vs 47.83%)was lower than that of patients with low expression(χ2=5.809,5.946,all P<0.05).Conclusion The serum levels of circRNA MBOAT2 and circRNA ACTN4 increase with the progression of the disease,and the combination of the two has certain value in diagnosing the occurrence of cholangiocarcinoma.

Objective:To compare the therapeutic effects of 0.05% cyclosporine and 0.1% fluorometholone eye drops in patients with moderate and severe dry eye.Methods:A randomized controlled study was conducted.Fifty-two patients (52 eyes) with moderate to severe dry eye in Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital from August 2021 to December 2022 were enrolled and randomly divided into 0.05% cyclosporine group and 0.1% fluorometholone group by random number table method, with 26 cases (26 eyes) in each group.Patients received 0.05% cyclosporine eye drops (2 times/day) and 0.1% fluorometholone eye drops (2 times/day) combined with calf blood deproteinized extract eye drops (4 times/day) according to the grouping.Before and 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment, clinical symptoms and signs were observed and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) score, Schirmer Ⅰ test (SⅠT), non-invasive first tear film break-up time (NIBUTf), and conjunctival goblet cell (CGC) density were recorded.Before treatment and after 6 months of treatment, changes in corneal nerves and dendritic cells (DC) were observed by in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM).This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Eye Hospital of Tianjin Medical University (No.2021KY-17).Written informed consent was obtained from each subject. Results:Compared with the 0.1% fluorometholone group, CFS score decreased after 1 month of treatment, but SⅠT, NIBUTf and CFS score increased after 3 months of treatment, and OSDI score, SⅠT and CFS score decreased after 6 months of treatment in the 0.05% cyclosporine group, showing statistically significant differences (all at P<0.05).Compared with baseline, in the 0.05% cyclosporine group, NIBUTf increased and CFS score decreased after 1 month of treatment, OSDI score and CFS score decreased, SⅠT and NIBUTf increased after 3 and 6 months of treatment, showing statistically significant differences (all at P<0.05).In the 0.1% fluorometholone group, CFS score decreased after 3 months of treatment, OSDI score and CFS score decreased, SⅠT increased after 6 months of treatment compared to baseline, showing statistically significant differences (all at P<0.05).OSDI score and CFS score decreased, SⅠT increased after 6 months of treatment compared to 3 months of treatment in the 0.05% cyclosporine group, and the differences were statistically significant (all at P<0.05).Baseline and CGC densities after 1, 3 and 6 months of treatment were (147.66±17.29), (195.44±15.46), (210.36±19.15) and (282.09±22.63)cells/mm 2 in the 0.05% cyclosporine group and (138.09±17.29), (95.67±15.46), (117.77±19.15) and (109.13±22.63)cells/mm 2 in the 0.1% fluorometholone group, respectively, with a statistically significant overall difference ( Fgroup=11.724, P<0.001; Ftime=4.837, P=0.005).Compared with the 0.1% fluorometholone group, CGC density in the 0.05% cyclosporine group increased after 1, 3 and 6 months of treatment, with statistically significant differences (all at P<0.05).Compared with baseline, the CGC density increased in the 0.05% cyclosporine group after 1, 3 and 6 months of treatment, and the differences were statistically significant (all at P<0.05).Compared with the 0.1% fluorometholone group, the corneal nerve fiber density in the 0.05% cyclosporine group increased after 6 months of treatment, and corneal DC density, area and dendrite number decreased, showing statistically significant differences (all at P<0.05). Conclusions:Cyclosporine 0.05% eye drops combined with calf blood deproteinized extract eye drops can improve symptoms and signs in patients with moderate to severe dry eye, and the long-term effect is better than that of 0.1% fluorometholone plus calf blood deproteinized extract eye drops.