1.Optimization Strategy and Practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine Compound and Its Component Compatibility
Zhihao WANG ; Wenjing ZHOU ; Chenghao FEI ; Yunlu LIU ; Yijing ZHANG ; Yue ZHAO ; Lan WANG ; Liang FENG ; Zhiyong LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):299-310
Prescription optimization is a crucial aspect in the study of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compounds. In recent years, the introduction of mathematical methods, data mining techniques, and artificial neural networks has provided new tools for elucidating the compatibility rules of TCM compounds. The study of TCM compounds involves numerous variables, including the proportions of different herbs, the specific extraction parts of each ingredient, and the interactions among multiple components. These factors together create a complex nonlinear dose-effect relationship. In this context, it is essential to identify methods that suit the characteristics of TCM compounds and can leverage their advantages for effective application in new drug development. This paper provided a comprehensive review of the cutting-edge optimization experimental design methods applied in recent studies of TCM compound compatibilities. The key technical issues, such as the optimization of source material selection, dosage optimization of compatible herbs, and multi-objective optimization indicators, were discussed. Furthermore, the evaluation methods for component effects were summarized during the optimization process, so as to provide scientific and practical foundations for innovative research in TCM and the development of new drugs based on TCM compounds.
2.Prevalence and influencing factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders of coal miners in a coal mine group
Xiaolan ZHENG ; Liuquan JIANG ; Ying ZHAO ; Hongxia ZHAO ; Fan YANG ; Qiang LI ; Li LI ; Yingjun CHEN ; Qingsong CHEN ; Gaisheng LIU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(3):278-285
Background The positive rate of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among coal mine workers remains high, which seriously affects the quality of life of the workers. Objective To estimate the prevalence of WMSDs among coal miners in Shanxi Province and analyze their influencing factors. Methods From May to December 2023,
3.Effects of Different Microbial Fertilizers on Physiology and Rhizosphere Soil Environment of Codonopsis pilosula
Xia JIANG ; Junxi ZHAO ; Panpan SHI ; Xiaoxuan WANG ; Chenhui DU ; Shuosheng ZHANG ; Haixian ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):241-251
ObjectiveTo study the effects of applying different microbial fertilizers on the growth and rhizosphere soil environment of Codonopsis pilosula and provide a theoretical basis for ecological cultivation of this medicinal plant. MethodsSeven groups were designed, including CK (no application of microbial fertilizer), T1 (Trichoderma longibrachiatum fertilizer), T2 (Bacillus subtilis fertilizer), T3 (Trichoderma viride fertilizer), T4 (compound microbial fertilizer), T5 (C. pilosula stems and leaves fermented with compound microbial fertilizer), and T6 (Scutellaria baicalensis stems and leaves fermented with T. viride fertilizer). The physiological indicators, yield, and quality of C. pilosula and the physicochemical properties, enzyme activities, and microbial diversity in the rhizosphere soil of different fertilizer treatments were measured. ResultsGroup T1 showed slight decreases in soluble protein content (SPC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Groups T2-T6 showed increases in physiological indicators such as proline (Pro), soluble solids content (SSC), SPC, catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) and a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) in C. pilosula leaves. All the fertilizer treatments increased the yield of C. pilosula and the total polysaccharide content in the roots. T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 increased the total flavonoid content in the roots. Meanwhile, T4 increased the total saponin content in the roots. All the fertilizer treatments reduced the pH and increased the electric conductivity (EC), soil organic matter (SOM), and alkaline nitrogen (AN) in the soil. T2 and T5 increased the available phosphorus (AP), and T3, T4, T5, and T6 increased the available potassium (AK) in the soil. All the fertilizer treatments increased the activities of urease, sucrase, and CAT in the soil. Except that T1 decreased the bacterial diversity in the soil, other fertilizer treatments significantly increased bacterial and fungal diversity in the soil. Different fertilizer treatments significantly affected the composition of bacterial and fungal communities in the soil. At the phylum level, the dominant bacterial phyla included Proteobacteria, Acidobacteriota, and Bacteroideta, and the dominant fungal phyla were Ascomycota, Mortierellomycota, and unclassified_fungi in the rhizosphere soil of C. pilosula after bacterial fertilizer treatment. At the genus level, unclassified Gemmatimonadaceae, Sphingomonas, and unclassified Vicinamibacteraceae were the dominant bacterial genera, while unidentified, unclassified Fungi, and unclassified Sordariomycetes were the dominant fungal genera in the rhizosphere soil. The results of redundancy analysis indicated that the main physicochemical factors affecting changes of microbial communities in the rhizosphere soil of C. pilosula were pH, EC, AK, AN, AP, and soil organic matter (SOM) in the soil. The correlation heatmap showed that Bryobacter had significantly positive correlations with EC, AK, and AN. There was a significantly negative correlation between Fusarium and SOM. In summary, applying an appropriate amount of microbial fertilizer can promote the growth and improve the rhizosphere soil environment of C. pilosula. ConclusionThe compound microbial fertilizer and the C. pilosula stems and leaves fermented with compound microbial fertilizer can improve the soil nutrients, growth, development, yield, and quality of C. pilosula, and thus they can be applied to the artificial cultivation of C. pilosula.
4.Effects of Different Microbial Fertilizers on Physiology and Rhizosphere Soil Environment of Codonopsis pilosula
Xia JIANG ; Junxi ZHAO ; Panpan SHI ; Xiaoxuan WANG ; Chenhui DU ; Shuosheng ZHANG ; Haixian ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):241-251
ObjectiveTo study the effects of applying different microbial fertilizers on the growth and rhizosphere soil environment of Codonopsis pilosula and provide a theoretical basis for ecological cultivation of this medicinal plant. MethodsSeven groups were designed, including CK (no application of microbial fertilizer), T1 (Trichoderma longibrachiatum fertilizer), T2 (Bacillus subtilis fertilizer), T3 (Trichoderma viride fertilizer), T4 (compound microbial fertilizer), T5 (C. pilosula stems and leaves fermented with compound microbial fertilizer), and T6 (Scutellaria baicalensis stems and leaves fermented with T. viride fertilizer). The physiological indicators, yield, and quality of C. pilosula and the physicochemical properties, enzyme activities, and microbial diversity in the rhizosphere soil of different fertilizer treatments were measured. ResultsGroup T1 showed slight decreases in soluble protein content (SPC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Groups T2-T6 showed increases in physiological indicators such as proline (Pro), soluble solids content (SSC), SPC, catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) and a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) in C. pilosula leaves. All the fertilizer treatments increased the yield of C. pilosula and the total polysaccharide content in the roots. T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 increased the total flavonoid content in the roots. Meanwhile, T4 increased the total saponin content in the roots. All the fertilizer treatments reduced the pH and increased the electric conductivity (EC), soil organic matter (SOM), and alkaline nitrogen (AN) in the soil. T2 and T5 increased the available phosphorus (AP), and T3, T4, T5, and T6 increased the available potassium (AK) in the soil. All the fertilizer treatments increased the activities of urease, sucrase, and CAT in the soil. Except that T1 decreased the bacterial diversity in the soil, other fertilizer treatments significantly increased bacterial and fungal diversity in the soil. Different fertilizer treatments significantly affected the composition of bacterial and fungal communities in the soil. At the phylum level, the dominant bacterial phyla included Proteobacteria, Acidobacteriota, and Bacteroideta, and the dominant fungal phyla were Ascomycota, Mortierellomycota, and unclassified_fungi in the rhizosphere soil of C. pilosula after bacterial fertilizer treatment. At the genus level, unclassified Gemmatimonadaceae, Sphingomonas, and unclassified Vicinamibacteraceae were the dominant bacterial genera, while unidentified, unclassified Fungi, and unclassified Sordariomycetes were the dominant fungal genera in the rhizosphere soil. The results of redundancy analysis indicated that the main physicochemical factors affecting changes of microbial communities in the rhizosphere soil of C. pilosula were pH, EC, AK, AN, AP, and soil organic matter (SOM) in the soil. The correlation heatmap showed that Bryobacter had significantly positive correlations with EC, AK, and AN. There was a significantly negative correlation between Fusarium and SOM. In summary, applying an appropriate amount of microbial fertilizer can promote the growth and improve the rhizosphere soil environment of C. pilosula. ConclusionThe compound microbial fertilizer and the C. pilosula stems and leaves fermented with compound microbial fertilizer can improve the soil nutrients, growth, development, yield, and quality of C. pilosula, and thus they can be applied to the artificial cultivation of C. pilosula.
5.Zuoguiwan Regulates Pdx1 Pathway to Improve Pancreas Development in Offspring of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Model Rats
Wanqiu LIANG ; Rang CHEN ; Le ZHAO ; Xiaoyi REN ; Qianhui SU ; Yonghui WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):10-19
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Zuoguiwan improves the pancreas development in the gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) model by observing the effects of Zuoguiwan on the expression of key regulatory factors in different stages of pancreas development. MethodsPregnant Wistar rats were randomly assigned into blank, model, insulin detemir (20 U·kg-1) and Zuoguiwan (1.89 g·kg-1) groups (n=18). GDM was induced by peritoneal injection of streptozotocin on day 6.5 (E6.5d) in the embryonic stage, and the blank group was given an equal volume of sodium citrate buffer. The modeling performance was assessed by measuring the blood glucose of pregnant rats. Except the blank group and model group, pregnant rats in other groups were administrated with corresponding drugs from E9.5d to delivery. The random blood glucose of pregnant rats was monitored, and the embryos and offspring rats were measured for the length and weighed on E12.5d, E18.5d and day 21 after birth (B21d). The Lee's index of rats on B21d was calculated. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure the fasting insulin (FINS) levels of B22d rats and the Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. The serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin (TBIL), total cholesterol (CHO), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) in E18.5d pregnant rats and B22d offspring were determined. The pathological changes in the pancreas of E12.5d, E18.5d and B22d rats were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Western blot was used to determine the protein levels of pancreatic duodenal homeobox 1 (Pdx1), pancreas-specific transcription factor 1a (Ptf1a), and sex-determining region Y-box protein 9 (Sox9) in the pancreas of E12.5d embryos, Pdx1, Nkx2 homeobox 2 (Nkx2.2), and hairy and enhancer of split-1 (Hes1) in the pancreas of E18.5d embryos, and Pdx1, v-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog A (Mafa), and NK transcription factor-related homeobox gene family 6 locus 1 (Nkx6.1) in the pancreas of B22d rats. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed elevated blood glucose levels in pregnant rats on B0d, E9.5d, E12.5d, E15.5d, and E18.5d (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased body weight and body length (P<0.01) and increased Lee's index in the offspring. In addition, the B22d offspring showed rising levels of FBG, FINS, HOMA-IR, AST, and TG (P<0.01), a declined level of HDL (P<0.01), and pancreatic acinous cells with edema and loose arrangement. The pregnant rats on E18.5d exhibited raised levels of ALT, AST, and TG (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the pancreas and a declined level of HDL (P<0.05). The E12.5d embryos showed up-regulated protein levels of Pdx1, Sox9, and Ptf1a in the pancreas (P<0.01) and the E18.5d embryos exhibited down-regulated protein levels of Pdx1, Nkx2.2, and Hes1 in the pancreas (P<0.01). The protein levels of Pdx1, Nkx6.1, and Mafa in the pancreas of B22d offspring were down-regulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the insulin group exhibited lowered blood glucose in pregnant rats on B0d, E15.5d, and E18.5d (P<0.05, P<0.01). The offspring in all treatment groups showcased increased body weight and body length (P<0.01) and decreased Lee's index. The B22d offspring exhibited declined levels of FBG, FINS, and HOMA-IR in the insulin group (P<0.01) and lowered levels of FBG and HOMA-IR in the Zuoguiwan group (P<0.01). The B22d offspring in all the treatment groups showed reduced levels of ALT, AST, TBIL, CHO, TG, and LDL, a raised level of HDL, and alleviated edema of pancreatic acinous cells. The pregnant rats on E18.5d demonstrated declined levels of TG and ALT (P<0.05, P<0.01) and an elevated level of HDL (P<0.05). The pancreas of E12.5d embryos presented down-regulated protein levels of Pdx1 and Sox9 and an up-regulated protein level of Ptf1a in the insulin group (P<0.05). The pancreas of E12.5d embryos in the Zuoguiwan group presented down-regulated protein levels of Pdx1, Sox9, and Ptf1a (P<0.01). All the treatment groups showed up-regulated protein levels of Pdx1, Nkx2.2, and Hes1 in the pancreas of E18.5d embryos (P<0.01) and Pdx1, Nkx6.1, and Mafa in the pancreas of B22d embryos (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionZuoguiwan can promote the growth and development and ameliorate the pathological changes in the pancreas of the offspring of GDM model by regulating the expression of Pdx1 pathway-related regulatory factors in different stages of pancreas development.
6.Regulation of Oxidative Stress by Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Myocardial Ischemia-reperfusion Injury: A Review
Haosen ZHAO ; Weijie REN ; Jiahao LI ; Peili WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):268-276
Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) is a major complication following coronary revascularization. Studies indicate that its pathophysiological mechanisms of MIRI are closely associated with oxidative stress, iron overload, inflammatory responses, and lipid peroxidation. Oxidative stress refers to an imbalance in redox homeostasis under pathological conditions, characterized by the abnormal accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which disrupts the dynamic balance between pro-oxidant systems and antioxidant defense networks. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of MIRI due to its multi-target and multi-pathway antioxidant properties. Research reveals that TCM primarily exerts protective effects against oxidative stress-induced MIRI by regulating signaling pathways such as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3), and protein kinase C beta Ⅱ/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 2/reactive oxygen species (PKCβⅡ/NOX2/ROS). This article reviews recent literature on TCM monomers, compound formulas, and their active components, which alleviate oxidative stress to prevent and treat MIRI by modulating the aforementioned signaling pathways. It summarizes a concise overview of the molecular mechanisms by which oxidative stress-related signaling pathways lead to MIRI, discusses how TCM regulates these pathways to reduce oxidative stress-induced MIRI, and explores clinical application prospects and research challenges, aiming to provide a theoretical reference for the research and clinical management of MIRI.
7.Effects of peripheral blood-derived exosomes intervened by Naozhenning on injury of neuron induced by microglia
Li GAO ; Le ZHAO ; Liya WU ; Weiyi ZHANG ; Nan LI ; Nannan WEI ; Yonghui WANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(19):2393-2398
OBJECTIVE To study the effects of peripheral blood-derived exosomes (Exo) intervened by Naozhenning (NZN) on injury of neuron cells HT22 induced by microglia BV-2 cells. METHODS Wistar rats were selected to prepare peripheral blood- derived Exo intervened by NZN (66.83 g/kg), referred to as NZN-Exo; peripheral blood-derived Exo intervened by normal saline and piracetam (PLXT, 1.62 g/kg) were prepared using the same method, denoted as KB-Exo and PLXT-Exo respectively, and all Exo were subsequently identified. Meanwhile, BV-2 cells were stimulated with 1 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to prepare LPS- stimulated supernatant, and non-LPS-stimulated supernatant was prepared following the same protocol. HT22 cells were divided into four groups: KB-Exo group (treated with non-LPS-stimulated supernatant+KB-Exo), model group (treated with LPS-stimulated supernatant+KB-Exo), PLXT-Exo group (treated with LPS-stimulated supernatant+PLXT-Exo), and NZN-Exo group (treated with LPS-stimulated supernatant+NZN-Exo), with the concentration of the corresponding Exo in all groups being 50 μg/mL. After 24 hours of culture, the proliferation of HT22 cells was detected by the CCK-8 assay and EdU assay; the apoptosis of HT22 cells was detected; the microstructure of HT22 cells was observed; the contents of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-10, nuclear factor-κB (NF- κB), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in HT22 cells were measured, as well as the expression levels of TNF-α, NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1, B-cell lymphoma-2( Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). RESULTS KB-Exo, PLXT-Exo and NZN-Exo were successfully prepared, and all Exo exhibited typical cup-shaped contours and membrane-enclosed characteristics. Compared with KB-Exo group, model group showed significantly decreased cell proliferation rates (detected by CCK-8 and EdU), intracellular IL-10 levels, and Bcl-2 protein expression levels (P<0.05); while the cell apoptosis rate, intracellular levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and NF-κB, as well as the expression levels of NLRP3, TNF-α, Caspase-1, and Bax proteins were significantly increased (P<0.05). Additionally, in the model group, the cells showed volume swelling, incomplete cell membrane, nucleolar rupture, significant swelling and deformation of mitochondria, and severe vacuolization. Compared with model group, the above quantitative indicators in the PLXT-Exo group and NZN-Exo group were significantly reversed (P<0.05), with large and round cell nuclei, intact nuclear membranes, and reduced mitochondrial vacuolization. CONCLUSIONS Peripheral blood-derived Exo intervened by naozhenning can alleviate the injury of neuronal cells HT22 by inhibiting inflammatory responses and cell apoptosis.
8.Mechanism of Naozhenning granules in regulating mitochondrial energy metabolism in multiple cerebral concussion rats
Li GAO ; Le ZHAO ; Nannan WEI ; Liya WU ; Tiantian WANG ; Weiyi ZHANG ; Yonghui WANG
China Pharmacy 2024;35(9):1050-1056
OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of Naozhenning granules in regulating mitochondrial energy metabolism in hippocampal tissue of multiple cerebral concussion (MCC) model rats. METHODS SPF grade Wistar rats were used to prepare MCC models using the “free fall impact method”. The successfully modeled rats were divided into model group, piracetam group, and Naozhenning granule low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups, and a normal group was also set up, with 8 rats in each group. Rats in each treatment group orally administered corresponding drugs at doses of 0.324 g/kg for the piracetam group and 2.25, 4.5 and 9 g/kg for the Naozhenning granule low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups; the normal group and model group were given equal volumes of normal saline; once a day, for 14 consecutive days. The motor exploration ability, learning and memory ability of rats were tested; the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content in the hippocampal tissue of rat was detected; the changes in the mitochondrial structure of hippocampal tissue was observed; the fluorescence intensity of mitochondrial dynamin- related protein 1 (Drp1), mitochondrial fission protein 1 (Fis1), mitochondrial fusion 1 (Mfn1), and optic atrophy protein 1 (Opa1) were detected in the hippocampal tissue of rat; the protein expression levels of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α(PGC-1α), nuclear respiratory factor-1(NRF-1),mitochondrial transcription factor A(TFAM), Wnt-3a,β-catenin in hippocampal tissue of rat were detected. RESULTS Compared with the normal group, the total exercise distance, number of central grid entries, number of upright positions, new object recognition index, mitochondrial ATP content, fluorescence intensity of Mfn1 and Opa1, the protein expression levels of PGC-1α、NRF-1、TFAM、Wnt-3a、 β-catenin in the model group were significantly reduced (P<0.01), while the rest time and fluorescence intensity of Drp1 and Fis1 in hippocampal tissue were significantly increased (P<0.01). The results of transmission electron microscopy showed that the mitochondria in the hippocampal tissue were significantly swollen, with a large number of broken and reduced cristae, and some mitochondria had myeloid changes in the membrane. Compared with the model group, the levels/contents of the above indicators in rats of each administration group showed varying degrees of reversal, and most of the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05 or P<0.01); the degree of mitochondrial swelling in the hippocampal tissue was reduced, with a small amount of broken and reduced cristae, fuzzy fractures appeared in local areas of the rough endoplasmic reticulum. CONCLUSIONS Naozhenning granules can improve the motor exploration, learning and memory abilities of MCC model rats, repair neuronal damage, and exert neuroprotective effects. Its mechanism may be related to activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway,maintaining the balance of mitochondrial division and fusion,and promoting mitochondrial biosynthesis.
9.Study on the Effect of Fuhe Decoction (敷和汤) with Different Doses of Suanzaoren (Ziziphus jujuba) on IgE Levels and Intestinal Flora in Atopic Dermatitis Model Mice
Qianyu QING ; Ziwei ZHAO ; Chuyang JIANG ; Yafei ZHAO ; Yanyan LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(7):728-736
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Fuhe Decoction (敷和汤) with different doses of Suanzaoren (Ziziphus jujuba) for atopic dermatitis (AD). MethodsForty-eight female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into normal group, model group, loratadine group, and Fuhe Decoction groups with high, medium, and low doses of Fuhe Decoction (Fuhe Decoction high-, medium-, and low-dose groups), with eight mice in each group. The AD model was prepared by continuous stimulation with 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) in all groups but the normal group. After modelling, the Fuhe Decoction high-, medium- and low-dose groups were given 24, 18 and 15 g/(kg·d) of Fuhe Decoction, the loratadine group was given 0.001 g/(kg·d) of loratadine dry suspension, and the normal group and the model group were given 10 ml/(kg·d) of normal saline by gavage. All groups were gavaged for 14 days. The number of scratches within 10 min and the score of skin lesions were observed on the 7th and 14th days of modelling and on the 7th and 14th days of drug administration, respectively; serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) was detected by ELISA; the histopathological and morphological changes of the skin were observed by HE staining; and the diversity and abundance of intestinal flora were detected by 16S rRNA sequencing of fecal matter from the colon of the mice. ResultsCompared with the normal group, mice in the model group on the 7th day and the 14th day of modelling and the 7th day, the 14th day of gavage showed increased scratching within 10 min and higher skin lesion scores (P<0.05), with hyperkeratotic or incomplete epidermis, marked thickening of spiny cells, and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated in the mice after gavage; serum levels of IgE elevated (P<0.05), and the abundance of Bacillota decreased, that of the Bacteroidota and bacteria elevated, and relative abundance of Lactobacillus spp. and Prevotella spp. decreased, and relative abundance of Anaplasma spp. and Treponema spp. increased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the number of scratches within 10 min and the skin lesion scores of mice in the loratadine group and the Fuhe Decoction medium- and high-dose groups decreased on the 7th day and the 14th day of gavage (P<0.05), serum IgE reduced, and the bacteria reduced in the loratadine group, the abundance of Bacteroidesmus spp. increased and Bacteriodesmus spp. decreased in the medium-dose group of Fuhe Decoction, the abundance of Bacteriodesmus spp. decreased in the loratadine group, the abundance of Bacteriodesmus spp. decreased, and that of both Lactobacillus spp. and Prevotella spp. increased in Fuhe Decoction medium-dose group (P<0.05). Compared with the loratadine group, the skin lesion scores increased in Fuhe Decoction low-dose group, and the number of scratching increased in the Fuhe Decoction low- and high-dose groups on the 7th day and the 14th day of gavage; the IgE content increased in Fuhe Decoction low-dose group, the Bacillota increased and the Bacteroidota decreased, the Lactobacillus spp. and Prevotella spp. increased in Fuhe Decoction middle-dose group, and Anopheles spp. increased in Fuhe Decoction high-dose group after gavage (P<0.05). ConclusionFuhe Decoction can improve the clinical symptoms of AD, regulate the relative abundance of intestinal flora to correct the disorders of the bacterial flora, among which the effect of Fuhe Decoction medium-dose group is optimal and comparable to that of the loratadine group, and the reduction of serum IgE inflammatory response may be one of its mechanisms of action.
10.Mechanism of Huangwu Ganfu Ointment in Treatment of Peripheral Inflammatory Hyperalgesia of Knee Osteoarthritis Based on TRPV1
Chuyang JIANG ; Zhaonan WANG ; Hongliang JIANG ; Ziwei ZHAO ; Le ZHAO ; Yanmiao MA ; Yanyan LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(14):97-106
ObjectiveTo observe the regulatory effect of Huangwu Ganfu ointment on transient receptor potential anchor protein 1 (TRPV1) receptor expression, macrophage polarization, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) signaling pathway in synovial tissue of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) rats with yang deficiency and cold coagulation syndrome and explore the mechanism of relieving peripheral inflammatory hyperalgesia of KOA. MethodForty-eight male SD rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, high-dose, middle-dose, and low-dose groups of Huangwu Ganfu ointment (9.3, 4.65, 2.325 g·kg-1), and celecoxib group (20.82 mg·kg-1). The KOA rat model of yang deficiency and cold coagulation syndrome was established through climate box and swimming for two weeks combined with an injection of sodium iodoacetate (MIA) in the articular cavity. After continuous administration for four weeks, the general condition of rats in each group was observed, and the pain withdrawal threshold (PWT) and joint diameter induced by mechanical stimulation were recorded. The expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nerve growth factor (NGF), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inflammatory factor were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the histopathological changes of synovial tissue of the knee joint were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of TRPV1, p38 MAPK, and p-p38 MAPK in synovial tissue of the knee joint, and immunofluorescence (IF) was used to evaluate the polarization of M1/M2 macrophages. ResultCompared with that in the blank group, the overall mental state of the model group was worse, and the autonomous activity was decreased. The body mass was lower, and the joint diameter was increased. The X-ray showed that the osteophyte at the edge of the joint proliferated, and the articular surface was obviously rough. The articular cavity was significantly narrowed, and the PWT was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The contents of IL-1β, TNF-α, CGRP, and NGF in serum and synovium Krenn score increased significantly (P<0.01). The protein expression of TRPV1 and p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK increased significantly (P<0.01), and the proportion of M1 macrophages and M1/M2 increased (P<0.01), while the proportion of M2 macrophages decreased (P<0.01). Compared with model group, the body mass in the low, middle, and high dose groups of Huangwu Ganfu ointment increased to different degrees (P<0.05, P<0.01). The diameter of the knee joint in the high dose group of Huangwu Ganfu ointment and celecoxib group decreased (P<0.01). The recovery of PWT in the high and middle dose groups of Huangwu Ganfu ointment groups was more obvious (P<0.05). The contents of IL-1β and CGRP in the serum of rats in each administration group were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the content of serum TNF-α in the celecoxib group and high dose group of Huangwu Ganfu ointment decreased significantly (P<0.05). The content of serum NGF in the middle dose group of Huangwu Ganfu ointment decreased significantly (P<0.05), and the synovium Krenn score decreased in the high dose group of Huangwu Ganfu ointment (P<0.05). In addition, the protein expression of TRPV1 and p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK in synovial tissue decreased significantly in all groups of Huangwu Ganfu ointment (P<0.01). The proportion of M1 macrophages in synovial tissue in the celecoxib group and all groups of Huangwu Ganfu ointment decreased (P<0.01), and the proportion of M2 macrophages in the high dose group of Huangwu Ganfu ointment increased (P<0.05). The M1/M2 in the middle and high dose groups of Huangwu Ganfu ointment decreased (P<0.05). ConclusionHuangwu Ganfu ointment can mediate the polarization of macrophages to reduce the inflammatory reaction of KOA, alleviate the release of inflammatory pain mediators, and lower the protein expression of TRPV1. The mechanism may be related to the p38 MAPK signaling pathway, so as to improve the peripheral hyperalgesia of KOA.

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