Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease involving multiple inflammatory cells and cytokines. Its pathogenesis is complex, involving various cells and cytokines. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) theory suggests that the pathogenesis of asthma is closely related to the dysfunction of internal organs such as the lungs, spleen, and kidneys. In contrast, modern immunological studies have revealed the central role of T helper 1(Th1)/T helper 2(Th2) and T helper 17(Th17)/regulatory T(Treg) cellular immune imbalance in the pathogenesis of asthma. Th1/Th2 imbalance is manifested as hyperfunction of Th2 cells, which promotes the synthesis of immunoglobulin E(IgE) and the activation of eosinophil granulocytes, leading to airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation.Meanwhile, Th17/Treg imbalance exacerbates the inflammatory response in the airways, further contributing to asthma pathology.Currently, therapeutic strategies for asthma are actively exploring potential targets for regulating the balance of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg immune responses. These targets include cytokines, transcription factors, key proteins, and non-coding RNAs. Precisely regulating the expression and function of these targets can effectively modulate the activation and differentiation of immune cells. In recent years,traditional Chinese medicine active ingredients have shown unique potential and prospects in the field of asthma treatment. Based on this, the present study systematically summarizes the efficacy and specific mechanisms of TCM active ingredients in treating asthma by regulating Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg immune balance through literature review and analysis. These active ingredients, including flavonoids, terpenoids, polysaccharides, alkaloids, and phenolic acids, exert their effects through various mechanisms, such as inhibiting the activation of inflammatory cells, reducing the release of cytokines, and promoting the normal differentiation of immune cells. This study aims to provide a solid foundation for the widespread application and in-depth development of TCM in asthma treatment and to offer new ideas for clinical research and drug development of asthma.
Asthma/genetics* ; Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Th2 Cells/drug effects* ; Th17 Cells/drug effects* ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/drug effects* ; Th1 Cells/drug effects* ; Animals ; Cytokines/immunology* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the dynamic changes of glucocorticoid (GC) dose and the feasibility of GC discontinuation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients under the background of Chinese medicine (CM). METHODS: This multicenter retrospective cohort study included 1,196 RA patients enrolled in the China Rheumatoid Arthritis Registry of Patients with Chinese Medicine (CERTAIN) from September 1, 2019 to December 4, 2023, who initiated GC therapy. Participants were divided into the Western medicine (WM) and integrative medicine (IM, combination of CM and WM) groups based on medication regimen. Follow-up was performed at least every 3 months to assess dynamic changes in GC dose. Changes in GC dose were analyzed by generalized estimator equation, the probability of GC discontinuation was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curve, and predictors of GC discontinuation were analyzed by Cox regression. Patients with <12 months of follow-up were excluded for the sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: Among 1,196 patients (85.4% female; median age 56.4 years), 880 (73.6%) received IM. Over a median 12-month follow-up, 34.3% (410 cases) discontinued GC, with significantly higher rates in the IM group (40.8% vs. 16.1% in WM; P<0.05). GC dose declined progressively, with IM patients demonstrating faster reductions (median 3.75 mg vs. 5.00 mg in WM at 12 months; P<0.05). Multivariate Cox analysis identified age <60 years [P<0.001, hazard ratios (HR)=2.142, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.523-3.012], IM therapy (P=0.001, HR=2.175, 95% CI: 1.369-3.456), baseline GC dose ⩽7.5 mg (P=0.003, HR=1.637, 95% CI: 1.177-2.275), and absence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use (P=0.001, HR=2.546, 95% CI: 1.432-4.527) as significant predictors of GC discontinuation. Sensitivity analysis (545 cases) confirmed these findings. CONCLUSIONS RA patients receiving CM face difficulties in following guideline-recommended GC discontinuation protocols. IM can promote GC discontinuation and is a promising strategy to reduce GC dependency in RA management. (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT05219214).
Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy* ; Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVE: Ulcerative colitis is closely associated with intestinal stem cell (ISC) loss and impaired intestinal mucus barrier. Sinisan (SNS), a compound Chinese herbal medicine, has a long history in the treatment of intestinal dysfunction, yet whether SNS can relieve acute experimental colitis by modulating ISC proliferation and secretory cell differentiation has not been studied. Our study tested the effect of SNS against acute colitis and focused on the mechanisms involving intestinal barrier recovery. METHODS: Network pharmacology analysis and blood entry component analysis of SNS were used to explore the underlying mechanism by which SNS affects the acute dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced murine colitis model. RNA-sequencing was used to demonstrate the mechanism. Further, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence staining, and alcian blue and periodic acid-Schiff staining were performed in vivo and in the colonic organoids to investigate the cell lineage differentiation-related mechanism of SNS. Furthermore, potential active ingredients from SNS were predicted by network pharmacology analysis. RESULTS: SNS dramatically suppressed DSS-induced acute colonic inflammation in mice. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed downregulation of inflammation and apoptosis-related genes, and upregulation of lipid metabolism and proliferation-related genes, such as Irf7, Pparα, Clspn and Hspa5. Additionally, ISC renewal and intestinal secretory cell lineage commitment were significantly promoted by SNS both in vivo and in vitro in colonic organoids, leading to enhanced mucin expression. Furthermore, potential active ingredients from SNS that mediated inflammation, lipid metabolism, proliferation, apoptosis, stem cells and secretory cells were predicted using a network pharmacology approach. CONCLUSION Our study shed light on the underlying mechanism of SNS in attenuating acute colitis from the perspective of ISC renewal and secretory lineage cell differentiation, suggesting a of novel therapeutic strategy against colitis. Please cite this article as: Cai YJ, Lan JH, Li S, Feng YN, Li FH, Guo MY, et al. Sinisan, a compound Chinese herbal medicine, alleviates acute colitis by facilitating colonic secretory cell lineage commitment and mucin production. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(4): 429-444.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Mice ; Colon/pathology* ; Mucins/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; Male ; Colitis/metabolism* ; Cell Lineage/drug effects* ; Dextran Sulfate ; Stem Cells/drug effects* ; Disease Models, Animal

Evaluate the interventional effect of Lycium barbarum leaves extract on cataract rats and its effects on plasma and liver tissue metabolites. The ultimate goal is to explore the scientific connotation of Lycium barbarum leaves extract on vision improvement. All experiments were approved by the experimental animal ethics committee from Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine (202306A067). D-Galactose (D-gal) induced cataract model in rats was established. The lens opacity, lens and liver tissue pathology, level of oxidative stress and polyol metabolism regulation in the lens, level of oxidative stress in serum and liver tissue, and the content of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in serum and liver tissue were analysed to evaluate the effect of Lycium barbarum leaves extract on cataract. The metabolite profiles of plasma and liver tissue of rats were analyzed by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were used to compare and analyze the metabolic data in control group and cataract group, and screen potential biomarkers. The related metabolic pathways were further constructed by KEGG database analysis. The results showed that lens and liver pathology of cataract rats were improved after being intervened by the leaves extract of Lycium barbarum. The contents of AR and Ca²⁺ were significantly decreased in lens, and the contents of SDH and GSH and the ability of CAT were significantly increased; the content of GSH and the ability of SOD were significantly improved in serum and liver tissue, the content of MDA, the abilities of ALT and AST and the level of inflammatory factors were significantly reduced. The metabolomics results showed that there were 15 different metabolites in plasma and liver tissue of cataract rats, and 9 different biomarkers including retinyl ester, stearic acid, and palmitic acid, were returned by Lycium barbarum leaves extract. As revealed by pathway enrichment in plasma and liver tissue, it was found that the retinol metabolic pathway was mainly regulated by Lycium barbarum leaves extract. In summary, Lycium barbarum leaves can effectively alleviate the pathological changes of cataract, inhibit inflammation and improve antioxidant capacity, which may relate to the retinol metabolic pathway. It provides scientific basis and support for revealing the scientific connotation of the effect of Lycium barbarum leaves on vision improvement.

Objective VATER/VACTERL-like association is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.Genetic evidence of this disorder is sporadic.In this study,we aimed to provide genetic insights to improve the diagnosis of VACTERL. Methods We have described a Chinese family in which four members were affected by renal defects or agenesis,anal atresia,and anovaginal fistula,which is consistent with the diagnosis of a VACTERL-like association.Pedigree and genetic analyses were conducted using genome and exome sequencing. Results Segregation analysis revealed the presence of a recessive X-linked microdeletion in two living affected individuals,harboring a 196-380 kb microdeletion on Xq27.1,which was identified by familial exome sequencing.Genome sequencing was performed on the affected male,confirming a-196 kb microdeletion in Xq27.1,which included a 28%loss of the CDR-1 gene.Four family members were included in the co-segregation analysis,and only VACTERL-like cases with microdeletions were reported in X27.1. Conclusion These results suggest that the 196-380 kb microdeletion in Xq27.1 could be a possible cause of the VATER/VACTERL-like association.However,further genetic and functional analyses are required to confirm or rule out genetic background as the definitive cause of the VACTERL association.

Objective:To evaluate the gene mutation profile and prognostic significance of adult cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia (CN-AML) with CEBPA-bZIP mutation. Methods:Targeted sequencing was implemented on the diagnostic bone marrow DNA samples of 141 adult CN-AML subjects with CEBPA-bZIP mutation. The nomogram model for leukemia-free survival (LFS) rate was generated by combining genetic abnormalities and clinical data. Risk stratification was conducted based on prognostic variables and the effect of risk-adjusted consolidation therapy was investigated by Kaplan-Meier method. Results:Four variables were finally included in our nomogram model after multivariate Cox analysis,and an equation for risk score calculation was obtained,risk score=1.3002×white blood cell (WBC) (≥18.77×109/L)+1.4065×CSF3R mutation positive+2.6489×KMT2A mutation positive+1.0128×DNA methylation-related genes mutation positive. According to the nomogram model,patients were further divided into low-risk group (score=0,n=46) and high-risk group (score>0,n=95). Prognostic analysis showed that the 5-year LFS rate,5-year overall survival (OS) rate,and 5-year cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) of patients who received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in the high-risk group were 93.5％,97.1％,and 3.5％,while those in patients who received maintenance chemotherapy were 32.9％,70.5％,and 63.4％,respectively. The differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Allo-HSCT could significantly improve the prognosis of patients in high-risk group. However,no corresponding benefit was observed in the low-risk group. Conclusion:Adult CN-AML with CEBPA-bZIP mutation has a complex co-mutation pattern. The nomogram model based on mutations of CFS3R,KMT2A and DNA methylation-related genes together with WBC count can further divide this subset of patients into a relatively low-risk group and a relatively high-risk group. For individuals in the high-risk group,allo-HSCT is proposed as post-remission therapy. The above data will benefit the prognosis estimation and treatment decision for adult CN-AML with CEBPA-bZIP mutation.

Objective To systematically evaluate the risk prediction model for central venous catheter-related bloodstream infections and provide references for clinical practice.Methods Databases such as CNKI,Wanfang,CBM,VIP,PubMed,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,etc.were retrieved.The search period is from database establishment to June 2,2023.There are 2 researchers who independently screened and extracted the literature,and evaluated the quality of the literature using bias assessment tools of predictive model risk.Results A total of 9 articles were included,including 9 risk prediction models for catheter-related bloodstream infections.The total sample size was 80～11 901 cases;the number of outcome events was 19～403 cases;the C index of the included model was 0.81～0.93.The area under the curve of the subjects ranged from 0.73～0.90.The predictors that appear more frequently in the model mainly included the history of diabetes,albumin value,the number of days of catheterization,the location of catheterization.The evaluation results of the bias assessment tool of predictive model risk for research show that the overall applicability of the included risk prediction models is good,but the bias risk is high.The reasons are related to the improper source of research sample data,inappropriate processing of continuous variable methods,failure to process missing data,insufficient model performance evaluation,and non-standard evaluation indicators.Conclusion There are still some shortcomings in the risk prediction model for central venous catheter-related bloodstream infections.In the future,the quality of related model research should be further improved,especially in terms of predictive factor analysis,model evaluation indicators,etc.,which should be further standardized.

Objective To investigate the effect of reactive oxygen species(ROS)/silent information regulator 1(SIRT1)on hyperoxia-induced mitochondrial injury in BEAS-2B cells.Methods The experiment was divided into three parts.In the first part,cells were divided into H0,H6,H12,H24,and H48 groups.In the second part,cells were divided into control group,H48 group,H48 hyperoxia+SIRT1 inhibitor group(H48+EX 527 group),and H48 hyperoxia+SIRT1 agonist group(H48+SRT1720 group).In the third part,cells were divided into control group,48-hour hyperoxia+N-acetylcysteine group(H48+NAC group),and H48 group.The ROS kit was used to measure the level of ROS.Western blot and immunofluorescent staining were used to measure the expression levels of SIRT1 and mitochondria-related proteins.Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the morphology of mitochondria.Results Compared with the H0 group,the H6,H12,H24,and H48 groups had a significantly increased fluorescence intensity of ROS(P<0.05),the H48 group had significant reductions in the expression levels of SIRT1 protein and mitochondria-related proteins(P<0.05),and the H24 and H48 groups had a significant reduction in the fluorescence intensity of mitochondria-related proteins(P<0.05).Compared with the H48 group,the H48+SRT1720 group had significant increases in the expression levels of mitochondria-related proteins and the mitochondrial aspect ratio(P<0.05),and the H48+EX 527 group had a significant reduction in the mitochondrial area(P<0.05).Compared with the H48 group,the H48+NAC group had a significantly decreased fluorescence intensity of ROS(P<0.05)and significantly increased levels of SIRT1 protein,mitochondria-related proteins,mitochondrial area,and mitochondrial aspect ratio(P<0.05).Conclusions The ROS/SIRT1 axis is involved in hyperoxia-induced mitochondrial injury in BEAS-2B cells.

Objective:To investigate the interventional effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMMSC) transplantation with different doses of X-ray irradiation induced hepatic injury in mice.Methods:Eighteen female C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 0, 2, and 3 Gy irradiation groups and 0, 2, and 3 Gy transplantation groups. The irradiation group was used as the control and injected with an equal volume of culture medium. The mice in the transplantation group were irradiated with different doses of X-ray irradiation, and BMMSCs were intravenously infused into the bone marrow. The mice were sacrificed for sampling at the end of the 21st day. Mice body weight changes were recorded daily. The changes in the content of peripheral blood lymphocytes, red blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin were detected by an automatic blood tester. The morphological changes in mice liver tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were detected by a biochemical analyzer. The reduced glutathione contents in liver tissue were detected by the microplate method. The malondialdehyde content in liver tissue was detected by thiobarbituric acid. The content of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) in liver tissue was detected by the hydroxylamine method. The expression of the F4/80 protein in liver tissue was detected by the immunohistochemistry method. The protein expression of nuclear transcription factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) in liver tissue was determined by the western blotting method. The mRNA expression of NLRP3, IL-6, and Nrf2 in liver tissue was detected by a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The multiple-group comparisons were analyzed by factorial analysis of variance. The inter-group comparisons were analyzed by the LSD method for statistical analysis.Results:The contents of peripheral blood lymphocytes, erythrocytes, platelets, and hemoglobin were significantly decreased in the 3 Gy irradiation group than the 0 Gy irradiation group ( P<0.05), while the activities of serum ALT and AST were significantly increased ( P<0.05). The malondialdehyde content, F4/80 protein expression level, nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeats, nucleotide oligomerization domain-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), and interleukin 6 mRNA expression levels were significantly increased in liver tissue, while the contents of T-SOD and glutathione, Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression levels, and Nrf2 mRNA expression level in liver tissue were significantly decreased ( P<0.05). The contents of peripheral blood lymphocytes, red blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin were significantly increased in the 3 Gy transplantation group than the 3 Gy irradiation group ( P<0.05), while the activities of serum ALT and AST were significantly decreased ( P<0.05). The malondialdehyde content, F4/80 protein expression level, NLRP3 and interleukin-6 mRNA expression levels in liver tissue were significantly decreased ( P<0.05), while the content of T-SOD and glutathione, Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression levels, and Nrf2 mRNA expression level in liver tissue were significantly increased ( P<0.05). Conclusion:X-ray irradiation at a dose of 3 Gy can induce liver oxidative damage in mice. BMMSC transplantation can improve X-ray irradiation-induced liver oxidative damage in mice, and its mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

OBJECTIVES: To study the application value of transport ventilator in the inter-hospital transport of critically ill children. METHODS: The critically ill children in Hunan Children's Hospital who were transported with or without a transport ventilator were included as the observation group (from January 2019 to January 2020; n=122) and the control group (from January 2018 to January 2019; n=120), respectively. The two groups were compared in terms of general data, the changes in heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood oxygen saturation during transport, the incidence rates of adverse events, and outcomes. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups in sex, age, oxygenation index, pediatric critical illness score, course of disease, primary disease, heart rate, respiratory rate, and transcutaneous oxygen saturation before transport (P>0.05). During transport, there were no significant differences between the two groups in the changes in heart rate, respiratory rate, and transcutaneous oxygen saturation (P>0.05). The incidence rates of tracheal catheter detachment, indwelling needle detachment, and sudden cardiac arrest in the observation group were lower than those in the control group during transport, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Compared with the control group, the observation group had significantly shorter duration of mechanical ventilation and length of stay in the pediatric intensive care unit and significantly higher transport success rate and cure/improvement rate (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The application of transport ventilator in the inter-hospital transport can improve the success rate of inter-hospital transport and the prognosis in critically ill children, and therefore, it holds promise for clinical application in the inter-hospital transport of critically ill children.
Child ; Humans ; Critical Illness ; Respiration, Artificial/adverse effects* ; Intensive Care Units, Pediatric ; Ventilators, Mechanical ; Prognosis