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

Asthma, a chronic inflammatory airway disease with a high global prevalence, has a complex pathogenesis, in which airway remodeling plays a key role in the chronicity of the disease. Airway remodeling involves a series of pathophysiological changes, including airway epithelial damage, proliferation of mucous glands and goblet cells, subepithelial fibrosis, proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. These complex pathological changes significantly increase airway resistance and responsiveness, forming an important pathological basis for refractory asthma. Currently, the regulatory mechanisms of airway remodeling focus on signaling pathways and regulatory targets. The signaling pathways include phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt), nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB), transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)/Smads, and mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK). The regulatory targets include microRNAs(miRNAs), competing endogenous RNAs(ceRNAs), long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs), and circular RNAs(circRNAs). Key proteins involved in these processes include TGF-β1, silencing information regulator 2-related enzyme 1(SIRT1), chitinase 3-like protein 1(YKL-40), and adenosine deaminase-metalloproteinase 33(ADAM33). In recent years, the potential of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of asthma has become increasingly evident. Its active ingredients, extracts, and complexes can inhibit airway remodeling in asthma through multiple pathways, demonstrating a variety of effects, including anti-inflammatory actions, inhibition of smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration, regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, attenuation of fibrosis and basement membrane thickening, reduction of mucus secretion, inhibition of vascular remodeling, modulation of immune imbalance, and antioxidative stress. This paper aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the pathogenesis and therapeutic targets of asthma, offering theoretical support and innovative strategies for clinical research and drug development in the treatment of asthma.
Asthma/pathology* ; Humans ; Airway Remodeling/drug effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Animals ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pill (STDP) in treating stable angina patients with phlegm-heat and blood-stasis syndrome by exercise duration and metabolic equivalents. METHODS: This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial enrolled stable angina patients with phlegm-heat and blood-stasis syndrome from 22 hospitals. They were randomized 1:1 to STDP (35 mg/pill, 6 pills per day) or placebo for 56 days. The primary outcome was the exercise duration and metabolic equivalents (METs) assessed by the standard Bruce exercise treadmill test after 56 days of treatment. The secondary outcomes included the total angina symptom score, Chinese medicine (CM) symptom scores, Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) scores, changes in ST-T on electrocardiogram and adverse events (AEs). RESULTS: This trial enrolled 309 patients, including 155 and 154 in the STDP and placebo groups, respectively. STDP significantly prolonged exercise duration with an increase of 51.0 s, compared to a decrease of 12.0 s with placebo (change rate: -11.1% vs. 3.2%, P<0.01). The increase in METs was significantly greater in the STDP group than in the placebo group (change: -0.4 vs. 0.0, change rate: -5.0% vs. 0.0%, P<0.01). The improvement of total angina symptom scores (25.0% vs. 0.0%), CM symptom scores (38.7% vs. 11.8%), reduction of nitroglycerin consumption (100.0% vs. 11.3%), and all domains of SAQ, were significantly greater with STDP than placebo (all P<0.01). The changes in Q-T intervals at 28 and 56 days from baseline were similar between the two groups (both P>0.05). Twenty-five participants (16.3%) with STDP and 16 (10.5%) with placebo experienced AEs (P=0.131), with no serious AEs observed. CONCLUSION STDP could improve exercise tolerance in patients with stable angina and phlegm-heat and blood stasis syndrome, with a favorable safety profile. (Registration No. ChiCTR-IPR-15006020).
Humans ; Double-Blind Method ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Angina, Stable/physiopathology* ; Aged ; Syndrome ; Treatment Outcome ; Placebos ; Tablets

Objective To study the antioxidant activity and organ protection of different components of Panax notoginseng polysaccharide(PNPS)in D-galactose-induced oxidative damage aging model mice.Methods KM mice were randomly divided into normal group,model group,vitamin C(VC)group(given 200 mg·kg-1 VC),crude polysaccharide from Panax notoginseng(CPPN)group,neutral polysaccharide from Panax notoginseng(NPPN)group and acidic polysaccharide from Panax notoginseng(APPN-Ⅰ,APPN-Ⅱ,APPN-Ⅲ)group(given 400 mg·kg-1 CPPN,NPPN,APPN-Ⅰ,APPN-Ⅱ,APPN-Ⅲ,respectively).Except for the normal group,oxidative injury aging mouse models were established by intraperitoneal injection of 1 g·kg-1 D-galactose.The mice were sacrificed after continuous administration for 42 days,and serum and liver homogenate were prepared.Malondialdehyde(MDA)was determined by thiobarbituric acid method;superoxide dismutase(SOD)was determined by tetrazole salt method;glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)was determined by double antibody sandwich method.Results Serum SOD in the normal group,model group,VC group,CPPN group,NPPN group and APPN-Ⅰ,APPN-Ⅱ,APPN-Ⅲ groups were(15.07±0.69),(12.79±1.51),(15.56±1.01),(13.69±0.96),(14.27±0.64),(14.31±0.99),(14.18±0.79)and(15.85±0.89)U·mL-1;serum GSH-Px were(105.35±4.97),(90.36±4.31),(111.51±7.00),(113.03±8.06),(118.77±5.19),(123.60±8.08),(131.65±3.60)and(149.22±13.32)ng·L-1;serum MDA were(1.72±0.26),(4.16±0.92),(2.26±0.59),(2.82±0.47),(2.46±0.50),(1.98±0.41),(2.39±0.39)and(2.07±0.24)nmol·mL-1;the liver SOD were(234.22±3.84),(205.04±7.28),(234.63±6.37),(214.99±17.66),(234.13±3.63),(234.63±3.44),(233.87±5.63)and(235.42±2.33)U·mgprot-1;liver GSH-Px were(274.27±23.72),(207.00±15.22),(257.68±16.39),(249.79±18.78),(252.62±10.92),(256.25±21.83),(261.20±17.52)and(263.16±17.98)ng·L-1;liver MDA were(35.70±3.52),(49.65±6.32),(36.15±2.48),(39.17±4.29),(37.40±6.19),(35.34±4.06)and(35.90±5.36),(33.31±7.64)nmol·mgprot-1.Compared with the normal group,SOD,GSH-Px in serum and liver of mice in the model group were significantly reduced,and the content of MDA was significantly increased(all P＜0.01).After treatment with different components of Panax notoginseng polysaccharide,the oxidative indicators in mice were significantly improved,among which APPN-Ⅲ have the best antioxidant activity,which could significantly increase the activities of SOD,GSH-Px in serum and liver,and reduce the content of MDA(all P＜0.01).Conclusion Different components of Panax notoginseng polysaccharide have antioxidant activity and organ protection in vivo,among which APPN-Ⅲ has the best antioxidant activity and has a good organ protection effect.

The dental operative microscope has been widely employed in the field of dentistry, particularly in endodontics and operative dentistry, resulting in significant advancements in the effectiveness of root canal therapy, endodontic surgery, and dental restoration. However, the improper use of this microscope continues to be common in clinical settings, primarily due to operators' insufficient understanding and proficiency in both the features and established operating procedures of this equipment. In October 2019, Professor Jingping Liang, Vice Chairman of the Society of Cariology and Endodontology, Chinese Stomatological Association, organized a consensus meeting with Chinese experts in endodontics and operative dentistry. The objective of this meeting was to establish a standard operation procedure for the dental operative microscope. Subsequently, a consensus was reached and officially issued. Over the span of about four years, the content of this consensus has been further developed and improved through practical experience.
Humans ; Dentistry, Operative ; Consensus ; Endodontics ; Root Canal Therapy ; Dental Care

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infections caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) continue to pose a significant global public health challenge. Currently, the approved treatments for CHB are limited to interferon and nucleos(t)ide analogs, both of which have their limitations, and achieving a complete cure remains an elusive goal. Therefore, the identification of new therapeutic targets and the development of novel antiviral strategies are of utmost importance. Natural products (NPs) constitute a class of substances known for their diverse chemical structures, wide-ranging biological activities, and low toxicity profiles. They have shown promise as potential candidates for combating various diseases, with a substantial number demonstrating anti-HBV properties. This comprehensive review focuses on the current applications of NPs in the fight against HBV and provides a summary of their antiviral mechanisms, considering their impact on the viral life cycle and host hepatocytes. By offering insights into the world of anti-HBV NPs, this review aims to furnish valuable information to support the future development of antiviral drugs.
Humans ; Hepatitis B virus ; Hepatitis B, Chronic/drug therapy* ; Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use* ; Biological Products/therapeutic use* ; Hepatocytes

Objective To design an ultra-fast thermal cycle fluorescent quantitative PCR system for on-site detection of pathogenic nucleic acids and evaluate its performances.Methods An ultra-fast thermal cycle fluorescent quantitative PCR system was developed with the components of a flat reaction cup,an ultra-fast thermal cycle module,a fluorescence detection module with fixed optical path and a data processing module based on the smartphone platform.The ultra-fast thermal cycle module was composed of a heating unit and a cooling unit,of which the heating unit was made of ceramic sheet and Ag/Pb alloy and the cooling unit consisted of a high-speed magnetic levitation cooling fan and a double-curved throat;the fluorescence detection module with fixed optical path was prepared with injection molding process,and made up of a light source excitation unit and a light detector unit;the data processing module based on the smartphone platform included a Bluetooth serial port adapter unit and a smartphone App,which used C2540F256 chip from TI company for developing the Bluetooth serial port adapter and Android Studio for the App.The ultra-fast thermal cycle fluorescent quantitative PCR system was used to detect influenza A/B virus and SARS-CoV-2 to verify its performances.Results The ultra-fast thermal cycle fluorescent quantitative PCR system realized rapid nucleic acid detection of influenza A/B virus and SARS-CoV-2,and the detection results were in high agreement with those by conventional real-time quantitative PCR.Conclusion The ultra-fast thermal cycle fluorescence quantitative PCR system gains advantages in small size and light weight,and can be used for rapid on-site detection of pathogen nucleic acids.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2023,44(11):15-20]

Objective: To analyze the occurrence of recompensation conditions in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus-related decompensated cirrhosis after entecavir antiviral therapy. Methods: Patients with hepatitis B virus-related decompensated cirrhosis with ascites as the initial manifestation were prospectively enrolled. Patients who received entecavir treatment for 120 weeks and were followed up every 24 weeks (including clinical endpoint events, hematological and imaging indicators, and others) were calculated for recompensation rates according to the Baveno VII criteria. Measurement data were compared using the Student t-test or Mann-Whitney U test between groups. Categorical data were compared by the χ (2) test or Fisher's exact probability method between groups. Results: 283 of the 320 enrolled cases completed the 120-week follow-up, and 92.2% (261/283) achieved a virological response (HBV DNA 20 IU/ml). Child-Pugh and MELD scores were significantly improved after treatment (8.33 ± 1.90 vs. 5.77 ± 1.37, t = 12.70, P < 0.001; 13.37 ± 4.44 vs. 10.45 ± 4.58, t = 5.963, P < 0.001). During the 120-week follow-up period, 14 cases died, two received liver transplants, 19 developed hepatocellular cancer, 11 developed gastroesophageal variceal bleeding, and four developed hepatic encephalopathy. 60.4% (171/283) (no decompensation events occurred for 12 months) and 56.2% (159/283) (no decompensation events occurred for 12 months and improved liver function) of the patients had achieved clinical recompensation within 120 weeks. Patients with baseline MELD scores > 15 after active antiviral therapy achieved higher recompensation than patients with baseline MELD scores ≤15 [50/74 (67.6%) vs. 109/209 (52.2%), χ (2) = 5.275, P = 0.029]. Conclusion: Antiviral therapy can significantly improve the prognosis of patients with hepatitis B virus-related decompensated cirrhosis. The majority of patients (56.2%) had achieved recompensation. Patients with severe disease did not have a lower probability of recompensation at baseline than other patients.
Humans ; Hepatitis B virus/genetics* ; Hepatitis B, Chronic/drug therapy* ; Antiviral Agents/adverse effects* ; Esophageal and Gastric Varices/complications* ; Liver Cirrhosis/complications* ; Treatment Outcome ; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage/complications* ; Hepatitis B/drug therapy*

Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether cytokine profiles and virological markers might add value in monitoring the effects of peginterferon (PEG-IFN) therapy for hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg) positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Methods: HBeAg positive patients with CHB were treated with PEG-IFN for 48 weeks. Clinical biochemical, and HBV serological indexes, as well as cytokines, were detected at baseline and every 12 weeks. Results: A total of 116 patients with CHB were enrolled in this study; 100 patients completed the 48-week treatment and follow-up, of whom 38 achieved serum HBeAg disappearance, 25 achieved HBeAg seroconversion, 37 showed HBsAg decreases ≥ 1 log ₁₀ IU/mL, 9 showed HBsAg disappearance, and 8 became HBsAb positive. The cytokine levels at baseline and during treatment were similar between the HBeAg disappearance group and non-disappearance group. The disappearance of HBeAg was independently associated with HBeAg levels at weeks 12 and 24, and with the HBeAg decline at week 24 ( P < 0.05). The HBsAg response was independently associated with HBsAg, the HBsAg decline, HBeAg, the HBeAg decline at week 12, and HBsAg at week 24 ( P< 0.05). Conclusion There was no significant correlation between the response to interferon (IFN) and cytokines during PEG-IFN treatment. The changes in virological markers predicted the response to IFN after 48 weeks.
Biomarkers ; Cytokines ; DNA, Viral ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; Hepatitis B e Antigens ; Hepatitis B, Chronic/drug therapy* ; Humans ; Interferon-alpha/therapeutic use* ; Polyethylene Glycols/therapeutic use*

Objective: Hippocampal neuron apoptosis contributes to autism, while METTL3 has been documented to possess great potentials in neuron apoptosis. Our study probed into the role of METTL3 in neuron apoptosis in autism and to determine the underlying mechanism. Methods: Bioinformatics analysis was used to analyze expressed genes in autism samples. Institute of Cancer Research mice were treated with valproic acid to develop autism models. The function of METTL3 in autism-like symptoms in mice was analyzed with behavioral tests and histological examination of their hippocampal tissues. Primary mouse hippocampal neurons were extracted for in vitro studies. Downstream factors of METTL3 were explored and validated. Results: METTL3, MALAT1, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling were downregulated, while SFRP2 was upregulated in the hippocampal tissues of a mouse model of autism. METTL3 stabilized MALAT1 expression by promoting m6A modification of MALAT1. MALAT1 promoted SFRP2 methylation and led to reduced SFRP2 expression by recruiting DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B to the promoter region of SFRP2. Furthermore, SFRP2 facilitated activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling. By this mechanism, METTL3 suppressed autism-like symptoms and hippocampal neuron apoptosis. Conclusion This research suggests that METTL3 can reduce autism-like symptoms and hippocampal neuron apoptosis by regulating the MALAT1/SFRP2/Wnt/β-catenin axis.