1.Mechanisms of Shenqi Wenfei Prescription in Intervening in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Rats Based on ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Di WU ; Mengyao SHI ; Lu ZHANG ; Tong LIU ; Jiabing TONG ; Cheng YANG ; Zegeng LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):78-87
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of Shenqi Wenfei prescription (SQWF) on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MethodsA rat model of COPD with lung Qi deficiency was established using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) combined with cigarette smoke. Forty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose SQWF groups (2.835, 5.67, 11.34 g·kg-1), and a Yupingfeng group (1.35 g·kg-1). Drug administration began on day 29 after modeling and continued for 2 weeks. The general condition of the rats was observed, and the lung function in each group was assessed. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in lung tissue. The proportion of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was measured. Apoptosis in lung tissue was examined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining. The release level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in BALF was detected by a microplate assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in lung tissue were detected using fluorescent probes. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in BALF were measured by biochemical methods. Ultrastructural changes in lung cells were observed via transmission electron microscopy. Double immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in lung tissue. Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression of TXNIP, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-1 (Caspase-1), Caspase-1 p20, gasdermin D (GSDMD), GSDMD N-terminal active fragment (GSDMD-N), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-18 in lung tissue. Serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels were measured by ELISA. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed lassitude, fatigue, tachypnea, and audible phlegm sounds, and lung function significantly declined (P0.01). Pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cell infiltration were obvious. The level of inflammatory cells in BALF increased significantly (P0.05). The number of TUNEL-positive cells increased (P0.01). Levels of LDH, ROS, and MDA in BALF increased significantly (P0.01), while GSH and SOD activities decreased significantly (P0.01). Lung tissue cells showed irregular morphology, swollen mitochondria, disrupted cell membranes, and abundant vesicles, i.e., pyroptotic bodies. Protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung tissue were significantly elevated (P0.01), and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels also increased significantly (P0.01). Compared with the model group, each medication group showed alleviation of qi deficiency symptoms and improved lung function (P0.01). Pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cell infiltration were reduced. Inflammatory cell levels decreased (P0.05). The number of TUNEL-positive cells decreased significantly (P0.01). Levels of LDH, ROS, and MDA decreased significantly (P0.05), while GSH and SOD activities significantly increased (P0.01). Morphological and structural damage in lung tissue was improved to varying degrees. Protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung tissue significantly decreased (P0.01), and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels also decreased significantly (P0.05). ConclusionSQWF can improve lung function and alleviate inflammatory responses in COPD rats. Its mechanism may be related to regulating the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway and inhibiting pyroptosis.
2.Mechanisms of Shenqi Wenfei Prescription in Intervening in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Rats Based on ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Di WU ; Mengyao SHI ; Lu ZHANG ; Tong LIU ; Jiabing TONG ; Cheng YANG ; Zegeng LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):78-87
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of Shenqi Wenfei prescription (SQWF) on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MethodsA rat model of COPD with lung Qi deficiency was established using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) combined with cigarette smoke. Forty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose SQWF groups (2.835, 5.67, 11.34 g·kg-1), and a Yupingfeng group (1.35 g·kg-1). Drug administration began on day 29 after modeling and continued for 2 weeks. The general condition of the rats was observed, and the lung function in each group was assessed. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in lung tissue. The proportion of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was measured. Apoptosis in lung tissue was examined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining. The release level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in BALF was detected by a microplate assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in lung tissue were detected using fluorescent probes. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in BALF were measured by biochemical methods. Ultrastructural changes in lung cells were observed via transmission electron microscopy. Double immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in lung tissue. Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression of TXNIP, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-1 (Caspase-1), Caspase-1 p20, gasdermin D (GSDMD), GSDMD N-terminal active fragment (GSDMD-N), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-18 in lung tissue. Serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels were measured by ELISA. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed lassitude, fatigue, tachypnea, and audible phlegm sounds, and lung function significantly declined (P0.01). Pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cell infiltration were obvious. The level of inflammatory cells in BALF increased significantly (P0.05). The number of TUNEL-positive cells increased (P0.01). Levels of LDH, ROS, and MDA in BALF increased significantly (P0.01), while GSH and SOD activities decreased significantly (P0.01). Lung tissue cells showed irregular morphology, swollen mitochondria, disrupted cell membranes, and abundant vesicles, i.e., pyroptotic bodies. Protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung tissue were significantly elevated (P0.01), and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels also increased significantly (P0.01). Compared with the model group, each medication group showed alleviation of qi deficiency symptoms and improved lung function (P0.01). Pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cell infiltration were reduced. Inflammatory cell levels decreased (P0.05). The number of TUNEL-positive cells decreased significantly (P0.01). Levels of LDH, ROS, and MDA decreased significantly (P0.05), while GSH and SOD activities significantly increased (P0.01). Morphological and structural damage in lung tissue was improved to varying degrees. Protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung tissue significantly decreased (P0.01), and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels also decreased significantly (P0.05). ConclusionSQWF can improve lung function and alleviate inflammatory responses in COPD rats. Its mechanism may be related to regulating the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway and inhibiting pyroptosis.
3.Effect of Qingfei Shenshi Decoction (清肺渗湿汤) Combined with Western Medicine on Clinical Effectiveness and Immune Function for Patients with Bronchial Asthma of Heat Wheezing Syndrome
Ying SUN ; Haibo HU ; Na LIU ; Fengchan WANG ; Jinbao ZONG ; Ping HAN ; Peng LI ; Guojing ZHAO ; Haoran WANG ; Xuechao LU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):38-44
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effectiveness and safety of Qingfei Shenshi Decoction (清肺渗湿汤) combined with western medicine for patients with bronchial asthma of heat wheezing syndrome, and to explore its potential mechanism of action. MethodsEighty-six participants with bronchial asthma of heat wheezing syndrome were randomly divided into treatment group and control group, each group with 43 participants. The control group received conventional western medicine, and the treatment group was additionally administered Qingfei Shenshi Decoction orally on the basis of the control group, 1 dose per day. Both groups were treated for 14 days. The primary outcome measure was clinical effectiveness; secondary outcome measures included traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, asthma control test (ACT) score, pulmonary function indices such as forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), serum inflammatory factor levels including interleukin-4 (IL-4), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and immune function indices including CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+. All outcome measures were evaluated before and after treatment. Vital signs were monitored, and electrocardiography, blood routine, urine routine, liver function, and renal function tests were performed before and after treatment. Adverse events and reactions during the study were recorded. ResultsA total of 80 patients completed the trial with 40 in each group. The total clinical effective rate of the treatment group was 97.5% (39/40), which was significantly higher than that of the control group (85.0%, 34/40, P<0.05). After treatment, both groups showed decreased TCM syndrome scores, IL-4, TNF-α, hs-CRP, and CD8+ levels, as well as increased ACT scores, CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+, FEV1, FVC, and PEF levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, the improvements in these indices were more significant in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). No significant abnormalities in safety indicators were observed in either group, and no adverse events or reactions occurred. ConclusionQingfei Shenshi Decoction combined with conventional western medicine for patients with bronchial asthma of heat wheezing syndrome can effectively improve the clinical symptoms, pulmonary function, and clinical effectiveness, with good safety. Its mechanism may be related to reducing inflammatory factor levels and regulating T lymphocyte subsets to improve immune function.
4.Cost-utility analysis of rezivertinib versus gefitinib as first-line treatment for EGFR mutation-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Xiaowei ZHU ; Tongming ZHU ; Jia YI ; Wenqiang LI ; Piaopiao LU ; Aizong SHEN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):55-60
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of rezivertinib versus gefitinib as first-line treatment for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) from the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system. METHODS A Markov model was constructed based on the REZOR trial data, with a cycle length of 3 weeks and a study duration of 5 years. Both costs and health outcomes were discounted at an annual rate of 5%. A cost-utility analysis was conducted using 3 times China’s 2024 per capita gross domestic product as the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold. The economic differences between the rezivertinib regimen versus the gefitinib regimen were evaluated using the incremental cost- effectiveness ratio (ICER) and incremental net monetary benefit (INMB). Sensitivity and scenario analyses were performed to verify the robustness of the model. RESULTS Compared to the gefitinib regimen, the rezivertinib regimen saved 225 310.47 yuan and gained an additional 0.57 quality- adjusted life years (QALYs), resulting in an ICER of -395 562.80 yuan/QALY, which was much lower than the WTP threshold of this study, indicating that rezivertinib had an absolute economic advantage. The INMB analysis (389 041.26 yuan) further validated this conclusion. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the model. Scenario analysis, incorporating a 15% reduction in drug prices and adjustments to the utility values for progression free survival and progression disease, yielded consistent results with the base case analysis. CONCLUSIONS Compared to gefitinib, rezivertinib as a first-line treatment for EGFR mutation-positive advanced NSCLC has an absolute economic advantage.
5.Herbal Textual Research on Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma, Dioscoreae Spongiosae Rhizoma, Smilacis Chinae Rhizoma and Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma in Famous Classical Formulas
Li LU ; Yichen YANG ; Erhuan WANG ; Hui CHANG ; Li AN ; Shibao WANG ; Cunde MA ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):218-247
This article systematically reviews and verifies the medicinal materials of Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma(DHR), Dioscoreae Spongiosae Rhizoma(DSR), Smilacis Chinae Rhizoma(SCR) and Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma(SGR) from the aspects of name, origin, producing area, quality, harvesting, processing and efficacy by consulting historical literature, in order to provide reference for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing the four medicinal materials. DHR, DSR, SCR and SGR have a long history of application as medicinal materials. However, due to their similar growth environment and medicinal properties, as well as their functions of promoting dampness, dispelling wind and removing numbness, there have been instances of homonymous foreign objects and homonymous synonyms throughout history, resulting in confusion of the origin. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct comparative analysis and systematic research for clarifying the historical development and changes of the four, in order to provide a basis for safe and effective medication. According to research, Bixie was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing and has been historically known as Baizhi, Chijie, Zhumu, and other aliases. From ancient times to the mid-20th century, there has always been a situation where the rhizomes of Dioscorea plants and Smilax plants, and even the rhizomes of Heterosmilax plants, were mixed together to be used as medicinal herbs for Bixie. However, since the Tang dynasty, it has been clearly advocated that the rhizomes of Dioscorea plants have excellent quality and have been the mainstream throughout history. The 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia categorized it into two types of medicinal herbs(DHR and DSR). Among them, the origin of DHR is the dry rhizomes of Dioscorea hypoglauca, and the origins of DSR are the dry rhizomes of D. spongiosa and D. futschauensis. In ancient times, due to different types, the corresponding production areas of DHR and DSR were also different. Nowadays, They are mainly produced in the southern region of the Yangtze River. Since the Tang dynasty, the quality of Bixie has been characterized by its white color and soft nature. In modern times, it has been summarized that those with white color, large and thin pieces, powdery texture, tough and elastic texture, and neat and unbreakable are the best. The harvesting times of DHR and DSR are in spring or autumn, with the best quality harvested in autumn. The mainstream processing methods of them are slicing and then using the raw products or wine-processed products. SCR was first recorded in Mingyi Bielu and has been known as Jinganggen, Tielingjiao, Tieshuazi, and other aliases in history. The mainstream source is the dry rhizomes of Smilax china in the past dynasties, with the best quality being those that are tough and rich in powder. The harvesting time is from the late autumn to the following spring, and the main processing method throughout history has been slicing for raw use. SGR was first recorded under the item of Yuyuliang in Variorum of Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica. It was listed as an independent medicinal material from Bencao Gangmu. In history, there were such aliases as Cao Yuyuliang, Lengfantuan, Xianyiliang, Tubixie, etc. The main source of the past dynasties was dry rhizomes of S. glabra. In history, there have also been instances of multiple plants belonging to the same genus, and even cases of mixing the rhizomes of plants in the genus Heterosmilax. It is mainly produced in Guangdong, Hunan, Hubei, Zhejiang, Sichuan, Anhui and other regions, its quality has been summarized as large in size, powdery in texture, with few veins, and light brown in cross-section since modern times. The harvesting time is in spring or autumn, and the main processing method throughout history has been slicing for raw use. DHR, DSR, SCR and SGR all have the effects of promoting dampness, dispelling wind, relieving rheumatism and detoxifying. However, their detoxification abilities are ranked as follows:SGR>SCR>Bixie(DHR and DSR). Especially for the treatment of limb spasms, arthralgia and myalgia, scrofula, and scabies caused by syphilis and mercury poisoning, SGR has a unique effect. Based on the research results, DHR is recommended to develop the famous classical formulas containing Bixie as the first choice for medicinal herbs. It should be harvested in autumn, sliced thinly while fresh, and processed according to the requirements of the famous classical formulas, without any requirements for raw use. Selecting the rhizomes of S. china, harvested in late autumn, and thinly sliced while fresh. If there are no special processing requirements in the formulas, use it raw. Selecting the rhizomes of S. glabra, it is harvested in autumn and thinly sliced while fresh. If there are no special processing requirements in the formulas, raw products can be used.
6.Effects and mechanism of asperuloside on the pyroptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in rats with ulcerative colitis
Chao XU ; Xiaoping TAN ; Jie LI ; Minghua AI ; Yueyue LU ; Chaoyong LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):166-171
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanism of asperuloside (Asp) on the pyroptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in rats with ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS The male SD rats were randomly divided into Control group, model group (UC group), ASP low-dose and high-dose groups [Asp-L, Asp-H groups, Asp 35, 70 mg/(kg·d)], ASP high-dose group+AMPK inhibitor Compound C group [Asp-H+Compound C group, Asp 70 mg/(kg·d)+Compound C 0.2 mg/(kg·d)], with 12 rats in each group. Except for Control group, the other groups were injected with 50% ethanol (0.25 mL)+5% 2,4, 6- trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid solution (2 mL/kg) into the intestinal cavity to construct UC model. After modeling, the rats in each drug group were given corresponding drug solution by gavage or (and) tail vein injection, once a day, for 14 consecutive days. After the last administration, the weight of rats in each group was measured, and the length of their colons was measured; disease activity index (DAI) score and colonic mucosal damage index (CMDI) score were performed, and the serum levels of inflammatory factors (interleukin-18, -1β, -6) were detected. The pathological changes of the colon tissue were observed. The expressions of pyroptosis-related proteins [caspase-1, gasdermin D (GSDMD)] in colon tissue, and pathway-related proteins such as adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) were all detected. RESULTS Compared with Control group, the colon tissue structure of rats in UC group was damaged, with obvious infiltration of inflammatory cells and edema. Their body weight, colon length and phosphorylation level of AMPK protein were significantly reduced or shortened; DAI and CMDI scores, serum levels of inflammatory factors, and the protein expressions of caspase-1, GSDMD, TXNIP, NLRP3 and ASC in colon tissue were increased or upregulated significantly (P<0.05). Compared with UC group, the pathological damage of colon tissue in rats was relieved in Asp-L and Asp-H groups, and all quantitative indicators were significantly improved (P<0.05); the improvement effect of Asp-H group was more significant (P<0.05). Compound C could significantly reverse the improvement effect of high-dose of Asp on the above indicators in UC rats (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Asp can improve inflammatory damage in colon tissue and inhibit pyroptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in UC rats, which is associated with the activation of AMPK and inhibition of TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
7.Effects of clopidogrel on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ciprofol in rats
Ming LU ; Xiaoyu YIN ; Wenli LI ; Shan LI ; Xiangchen LI ; Zhiqing ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):179-184
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of clopidogrel on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ciprofol in rats. METHODS Eighteen male SD rats were randomly divided into control group, clopidogrel normal-dose group and clopidogrel high-dose group, with 6 rats in each group. Among them, rats in the normal-dose group and high-dose group were given 7.5 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg clopidogrel by gavage, respectively, and rats in the control group were given the same volume of 0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solution, once a day, for 14 consecutive days. Afterward, 2.4 mg/kg ciprofol was injected by tailvein and blood samples were collected from the inner canthus of the eye at 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 30, 45 and 60 min after the end of the administration. During this period, the duration of the loss of righting reflex (LORR) in rats was counted. After the proteins were precipitated by acetonitrile, the rat plasma sample was analyzed by LC-MS/MS using deuterated ciprofol as the internal standard, Symmetry C18 as the chromatographic column, and acetonitrile-0.01% ammonia solution containing 5 mmol/L ammonium acetate (gradient elution) as the mobile phase to detect the concentration of ciprofol in the plasma. The pharmacokinetic parameters in rats were calculated by using DAS 2.0 software. RESULTS Compared with control group, area under the drug concentration-time curve and mean residence time of ciprofol increased or prolonged significantly, while plasma clearance decreased significantly in clopidogrel normal-dose and high-dose groups; the duration of LORR in rats was prolonged by 19.5% and 23.9%, with statistical difference (P<0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the pharmacokinetic parameters or LORR duration of ciprofol between the different dose groups of clopidogrel (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Clopidogrel could inhibit the metabolism of ciprofol in rats and prolong the duration of LORR.
8.Effect of Yigan Fupi Prescription (抑肝扶脾方) on the AKT/mTOR Pathway in the Colon Tissue of Diarrhea-Type Irritable Bowel Syndrome Model Rats with Liver Stagnation and Spleen Deficiency Pattern
Suting JIU ; Huiying LI ; Yueting SUN ; Songxiang CUI ; Xintian XU ; Hao ZHENG ; Weimin LU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(3):290-299
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanism of Yigan Fupi Prescription (抑肝扶脾方, YFP) in treating diarrhea-type irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) by investigating the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. MethodsSixty SD rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, YFP low-, medium-, and high-dose group, and pinaverium bromide group, with 10 rats in each group. All groups but the control group, were subjected to 21 days of tail-clamping stimulation and 14 days of senna leaf gavage to establish a liver stagnation and spleen deficiency-type IBS-D rat model. After successful modeling, the YFP low-, medium-, and high-dose group were administered 0.96, 1.93, and 3.87 g/(kg·d) of the prescription, respectively. The pinaverium bromide group was given 13.5 mg/(kg·d), while the control and model groups were given 10 ml/(kg·d) distilled water. All groups were administered once daily for 14 consecutive days. General conditions of the rats were recorded during the experiment, and after modeling and drug administration, body weight, Bristol stool score, abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) score, and histo pathology of colon tissue were observed under HE staining. ELISA was used to detect serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Immunofluorescence was employed to detect the levels of AKT/mTOR pathway-related proteins including phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT)/AKT and phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR)/mTOR in the colon tissue. Western Blotting was used to detect the levels of autophagy-related proteins, including UNC-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1), Beclin1 and LC3, and tight junction proteins including Occludin and ZO-1 in the colon tissue. ResultsAfter modeling, compared to the control group, the body weight of rats in the other groups decreased, and Bristol stool scores, as well as AWR scores under 20, 40, 60, and 80 mmHg increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). After drug administration, compared to the control group, the model group showed reduced body weight, decreased ULK1, Beclin1, LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ, Occludin, and ZO-1 protein levels in the colon tissue (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and increased Bristol stool scores, AWR scores, serum TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels, as well as p-AKT/AKT and p-mTOR/mTOR protein relative expression levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Pathological results showed a significant reduction in goblet cells in the upper part of the glandular layer of the colon, with mild inflammatory cell infiltration. The submucosal collagen fibers were dissolved, with unclear boundaries, pale staining, and microvascular congestion and dilation. Compared with the model group, the YFP low-, medium-, and high-dose group and the pinaverium bromide group showed increased body weight, Beclin1, Occludin, and LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ protein levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and decreased Bristol stool scores, AWR scores under 40, 60, and 80 mmHg, serum IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α levels, and p-AKT/AKT, p-mTOR/mTOR protein relative expression levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The pathological morphology of the rats in the YFP groups and pinaverium bromide group showed varying degrees of improvement. Compared with the pinaverium bromide group, the YFP low- and medium-dose group showed increased AWR scores under 20, 40, and 60 mmHg (P<0.05). The YFP low-dose group had reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels, and increased p-mTOR/mTOR protein relative expression levels occured in all YFP groups (P<0.05). Compared with the YFP low-dose group, the YFP high-dose group and pinaverium bromide group showed decreased AWR scores under different pressure levels and reduced p-AKT/AKT protein relative expression levels, while the YFP medium- and high-dose group had elevated serum TNF-α, IL-1β levels and reduced p-mTOR/mTOR protein relative expression levels (P<0.05). ConclusionYFP can effectively improve the pathological injury of colon tissue in IBS-D model rats with liver stagnation and spleen deficiency, reduce Bristol stool and AWR scores, and its mechanism may be related to reducing level of inflammatory factors and inhibiting AKT/mTOR pathway-related proteins in colon tissue, thereby enhancing the expression of autophagy-related proteins in the colon tissue.
9.Research progress on the interaction between immunosuppressants and intestinal flora after liver transplantation
Saijuan LU ; Cangsang SONG ; Xingde LI ; Guohui WANG ; Panpan MAO
China Pharmacy 2025;36(3):362-366
Immunosuppressants (including cyclosporine, tacrolimus, mycophenolate esters, glucocorticoids, etc.) are the first choice of drugs to prevent organ rejection after liver transplantation, which can effectively reduce the host immune response to the graft, improve the success rate of transplantation, and prolong the survival of patients. Liver transplantation is associated with intestinal flora, while immunosuppressive agents interact with intestinal flora. Immunosuppressive agents change the abundance, composition and metabolites of intestinal flora, while a series of enzymes and metabolites produced by intestinal flora may chemically alter the absorption and metabolism of immunosuppressants. In addition, the incidence of postoperative infection in liver transplantion patients is relatively high, while gut flora affects inflammatory factors, and immunosuppressants interact with inflammatory factors. To some extent, immunosuppressants can be thought of as acting through intestinal flora in patients after liver transplantation.
10.Research advances on traditional Chinese medicine monomers and compounds intervening in ankylosing spondy-litis-related signaling pathways
Haidong ZHOU ; Yaohong LU ; Liangshen HU ; Li GONG ; Maohua LIN ; Shipeng HAO ; Jianbin YAN ; Weihui CHEN ; Shaoyong FAN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(3):373-378
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic immunoinflammatory disease that mainly affects the spine and the sacroiliac joint, the mechanism of which is closely related to signaling pathways, such as osteoprotegerin (OPG)/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK)/RANK ligand, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Wnt/β-catenin (β-catenin), phosphoinositide 3- kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR). Traditional Chinese medicine has the characteristics of multiple components and targets, and is widely used for the treatment of autoimmune diseases due to its low toxicity, strong specificity, and high efficacy. This review found that monomers and compounds of traditional Chinese medicine can exert anti ankylosing spondylitis effects by intervening in the aforementioned signaling pathways, regulating immune inflammatory responses, and inhibiting biological processes such as bone destruction, ectopic osteogenic differentiation, cell apoptosis, and autophagy.

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