1.Network pharmacology analysis on Panacis Quinquefolii Radix- Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma for diabetes encephalopathy and experimental verification of its anti-inflammatory mechanism
Lin LIU ; Jiaojiao ZHANG ; Dongxue WANG ; Jingfei KANG ; Kai WANG ; Yang YANG
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(1):56-62
Objective:To predict the mechanism of Panacis Quinquefolii Radix- Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (PQ-AT) in the treatment of diabetes encephalopathy (DE) using network pharmacology combined with molecular docking; To conduct experimental verification.Methods:The active components and targets of PQ and AT were screened by TCMSP database. The GeneCards and Disgenet were used to collect DE related target genes. String database and Cytoscape software were used to structure PPI network and perform visualization analysis. The common targets were imported into Metascape platform for GO annotation and KEGG enrichment analysis. Molecular docking was used to verify the binding ability of active components to core targets. Rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, and a low-dose group of PQ-AT (1.08 g/kg), a high-dose group of PQ-AT (2.16 g/kg), and a metformin group (0.18 g/kg) using a random number table. To establish the rat model of diabetes encephalopathy, intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin was used in addition to the blank group. After a 12-week drug intervention, TNF-α and Cyclooxygenase-2 (PTGS2) protein expression in the cerebral cortex of rats was detected using Western blot.Results:A total of 26 active components in PQ-AT and 107 related targets of DE were obtained, mainly including TNF, JUN, and PTSG2, which were mainly concentrated in TNF signaling pathway, cancer and other signal pathways. Molecular docking showed that the main active components of PQ-AT had relatively stable binding activity with TNF-α and PTGS2. Western blot results shows that compared with the model group, the expressions of PTGS2 and TNF-α significantly decreased in each administration group ( P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion:PQ-AT can act on TNF, CASP3, JUN, STAT3, PTGS2 and other core targets to regulate signal pathways such as TNF, and inhibit inflammatory reaction to achieve the effect of treating DE.
2.Prevention and treatment of high-risk human papilloma virus infection from the perspective of "prevention treatment of disease" based on the theory of "circular flow of Qi"
Qian WANG ; Tian HOU ; Xia LIU ; Xiaopeng ZHAO
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(1):14-18
The occurrence of cervical cancer in women is closely related to high-risk HPV infection, and timely and effective interruption of high-risk HPV infection is of great significance to prevent the occurrence of cervical cancer. Huang Yuanyou's theory of "circular flow of Qi" emphasizes on the harmonization of the overall Qi flow, which can explain the physiopathology of women. The occurrence of high-risk HPV infection is related to the loss of spleen and earth transportation in the middle Jiao, poor circulation of Qi, and the low resistance of the body to evil, resulting in the malfunctioning of clear and turbid. Based on the theory of "circular flow of Qi" combined with the idea of "prevention treatment of disease", the author proposes to "prevent the disease before it occurs, regulate the middle earth to preserve the correct Qi" and "prevent the disease before it occurs". The principles of prevention and treatment of high-risk HPV infection are "prevent before the disease, regulate the middle earth to preserve the righteousness", "promote and descend to dispel the poisonous evil", and "prevent recurrence after the disease, balance yin and yang and harmonize Qi and blood", in order to provide reference for clinical treatment.
3.Mechanism of Fuling Guizhi Baizhu Gancao Decoction (Linggui Zhugan Decoction) against chronic heart failure based on the thought of "Four in One" with the theory of "Qi transformation in triple energizer"
Xin WANG ; Chao WANG ; Xianghe GONG ; Ying DONG ; Gangfeng DUAN ; Jie LEI
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(1):8-13
The "four-in-one" approach is based on the four-dimensional perspective of "property, position, tendency and syndrome", which helps to identify and analyze classical prescriptions in a multi-dimensional and three-dimensional way. The early pathogenesis of chronic heart failure (CHF) is deficiency of heart Qi and heart Yang and disorder in Qi transformation in triple energizer, while in the later stage of the disease, it progresses from deficiency to excess, with simultaneous occurrence of deficiency and excess syndromes. Fuling Guizhi Baizhu Gancao Decoction (Linggui Zhugan Decoction) plays its role in treating chronic heart failure by the four elements of "property, position, tendency and syndrome". Property—Linggui Zhugan Decoction is pungent, sweet, slight sweet and bitter in flavor, but warm in property. The sweet is able to tonify deficiency; the pungent is responsible for dispersing Yang, promoting Qi and draining water retention; the warm nourishes the spleen, raises Yang Qi and resolves phlegm; the bitter could excrete diuresis and dry dampness to guarantee the smooth operation of three energizer. Position-Linggui Zhugan Decoction acts on the heart, spleen and triple energizer. It can stimulate heart Yang, strengthen the spleen, resolve phlegm, and regulate the waterways to promote the Qi transformation in triple energizer. Tendency-The tendency of Linggui Zhugan Decoction is upward and downward in parallel, both internal and external. Warming up and promoting diuresis, raising Yang up and tonifying deficiency, it is conducive to the Yang Qi transformation in triple energizer. Syndrome-Linggui Zhugan Decoction is indicated for the syndrome of heart Yang deficiency and water-fluid retention, which begins with the upper abdomen swelling, Qi rushes against the chest. It is widely used in the treatment of water-vapor impulse heart disease. The disorder of Qi transformation in triple energizer is the main mechanism of recurrent CHF. Linggui Zhugan Decoction can not only warm the fire of Qi transformation in triple energizer, but also smooth the pathway of Qi transformation in triple energizer, which is compatible with the treatment of systemic fluid retention in chronic heart failure. Its pharmacological mechanisms include anti-inflammation, anti-platelet aggregation, regulation of cardiomyocyte cell membrane ion channels, protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury and modulation of vasodilation, etc. Deconstructing Linggui Zhugan Decoction with "four-in-one" approach and discussing its mechanism for treating CHF in combination with the theory of "Qi transformation in triple energizer", have great significance to rejuvenate the vitality of classical prescriptions and to apply them accurately and effectively.
4.Effects of warm acupuncture on post-stroke cognitive impairment based on the theory of intestinal flora
Yaping XIAO ; Xiujuan LI ; Yang WU ; Ziyan MIAO ; Xianglai NIU ; Yu ZHOU
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(1):37-41
Objective:To observe the effects of warm acupuncture on post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) based on the theory of intestinal flora.Methods:A randomized controlled trial was conducted. 60 patients with PSCI in the Department of Acupuncture and Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from October 2020 to June 2022 were selected as the observation objects, and were divided into 2 groups by random number table, with 30 cases in each group. On the basis of cognitive rehabilitation training, the treatment group was given warm acupuncture treatment, and the control group was given routine acupuncture treatment. 2 groups were treated for 4 weeks as 1 course, and a total of 4 courses were treated. Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) was used to assess patients' cognitive function before and after treatment, and mini-mental state examination (MMSE) was used to assess patients' intelligence level. The numbers of bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria in fecal samples were calculated, and plasma gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels were detected by ELISA to evaluate the clinical efficacy.Results:During the study, 1 case was lost in each of the two groups, and finally 29 cases were included in the curative effect statistics. The total effective rate was 79.3% (23/29) in the treatment group and 65.5% (19/29) in the control group, with statistical significance ( χ2=43.39, P<0.05). After treatment, MoCA score [(24.23±1.36) vs. (21.26±1.30), t=3.12] and MMSE score [(25.35±1.24) vs. (21.52±1.22), t=3.25] in the treatment group were higher than those in the control group ( P<0.05); Bifidobacterium [(9.20±1.25) LgCFU/g vs. (7.23±1.21) LgCFU/g, t=2.98], Lactic acid bacteria [(8.24±1.12) LgCFU/g vs. (6.25±1.22) LgCFU/g, t=2.92], and the level of GABA [(283.80±83.54) mmol/L vs. (264.76±61.38) mmol/L, t=10.54] were higher than those in the control group ( P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion:Warm acupuncture and moxibustion can effectively regulate the number of intestinal beneficial bacteria in PSCI patients, increase the level of GABA, promote brain tissue repair and improve cognitive function.
5.Constitution of children with idiopathic central precocious puberty and rapidly progressive early development
Chuwen YANG ; Jun ZHAO ; Xiaoye LU ; Qinli SONG ; Fangyuan ZHOU
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(1):24-29
Objective:Exploratory study on the relationship between TCM syndrome types, TCM constitution and clinical symptoms of idiopathic central precocious puberty children and rapidly progressive early development children in Shanghai, so as to provide a basis for early intervention and syndrome differentiation and treatment.Methods:A cross-sectional study and retrospectively enrolled. Through questionnaire survey, the basic information, clinical symptoms and TCM constitution of children diagnosed with idiopathic central precocious puberty and rapidly progressive early development were collected from the Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic of Affiliated Shuguang Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from July to August 2022, and the correlation between the distribution, differentiation and clinical symptoms of TCM constitution in children with idiopathic central precocious puberty and children with rapidly progressive precocious puberty in Shanghai were explored through data analysis.Results:① Fast progressive early development children with higher BMI and age than idiopathic central precocious puberty were statistically significant ( P<0.05), and no significant difference in the sex composition ratio between the two groups. ② Among children with idiopathic central precocious puberty and children with rapid progressive early development, the proportion of liver depression fire syndrome was the highest, 59.15% (42/71) and 46.51% (60/129) respectively, and the proportion of Qi depression was the highest, 35.21% (25/71) and 36.43% (47/129) respectively. However, there was no significant difference in the TCM syndrome types and physical distribution of the two groups. ③ The TCM syndrome types of 200 precocious children weres correlated with physical distribution, among which Yin deficiency fire flourishing syndrome was significantly associated with Yin deficiency, liver stagnation fire syndrome was significantly correlated with qi depression, and phlegm dampness obstruction syndrome was significantly correlated with phlegm dampness and Yang deficiency ( P<0.01). ④ A total of 200 children with precocious puberty were more female than male, male BMI was higher than female, and the BMI of children with precocious puberty was higher than other syndrome types, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.01). Liver stasis fire syndrome was the highest proportion between boys and girls, but there was no obvious difference in TCM syndrome types between different genders. The highest proportion of breast pain in clinical symptoms was 22.19% (69/311). Conclusion:Children with idiopathic central precocious puberty and rapidly progressive early development children have differences in age and BMI, with no obvious difference in gender composition, TCM syndrome type and physical distribution, but there is a correlation between TCM syndrome type and physical constitution of precocious puberty children.
6.Study on identification of medicinal plant Gentiana scabra Bge. in Liaoning province based on DNA barcode sequences
Jianing XUE ; Rong ZHAO ; Ying YU ; Mingze GAO ; Haibo YIN
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(1):103-107
Objective:To identify and analyze the genuine medicinal plant Gentiana scabra Bge. from 9 regions in Liaoning Province using DNA barcode technology based on the base sequence of internal transcribed spacer. Methods:DNA was extracted from the medicinal parts of 26 Gentiana scabra Bge. samples by using DNA kit extraction method. The ITS sequence was amplified through polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and then two-way sequencing was carried out. Other sources and outgroup sequences of the medicinal plant Gentiana scabra Bge. were downloaded from Genbank. After the sequencing results were spliced by using SeqMan 7.1.0 software, MEGA 7.0 software was used to analyze and compare the data, and calculate the genetic distance of K2P (Kimura 2-parameter). The phylogenetic tree was established by Neighbor-Joining (NJ) method for analysis. Results:According to the results of NJ cluster tree, all Gentiana scabra Bge. samples from different sources were clustered into one large branch, and Gentiana scabra Franch. and Gentiana triflora Pall. were clustered into one branch respectively, with obvious differences; Gentiana scabra and Gentiana manshurica Kitag. were clustered into one branch, and the genetic relationship was relatively close. In combination with the variation site and genetic distance, the base sequences of Gentiana scabra and Gentianamanshurica were very similar, and the interspecific differences were very small. Except for the intraspecific variation of only one sample collected in Liaoning Province, the base sequences of the other samples were the same, and there was no difference between " Gentiana scabra Bge. in Qingyuan" and Gentiana scabra Bge. samples from other regions in Liaoning Province. Conclusion:The DNA barcode technology of ITS sequence can be used to differentiate and identify medicinal plant Gentiana scabra Bge. and its original plants from different sources with a high success rate.
7.Effects of five-element acupuncture on clinical symptoms, brain metabolism and immunoglobulin levels in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome
Huan YANG ; Hui GUO ; Yong MI ; Yimei BAO
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(1):30-36
Objective:To evaluate the effect of five-element acupuncture on clinical symptoms, brain metabolism and immunoglobulin level in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.Methods:It was a randomized controlled trial. A total of 94 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome in our hospital from January 2021 to January 2022 were selected and divided into two groups according to the random number table method, with 47 in each group. The conventional western medicine group was treated with conventional western medicine, and the five-element acupuncture group was treated with five-element acupuncture on the basis of the conventional western medicine group. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. Before and after treatment, the serum levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), corticosterone (CORT), IL-2 and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were detected by ELISA; the levels of natural killer (NK) cells, CD4 +, CD8 +, IgG and IgM were detected by flow cytometry; the whole body superconducting MRI scanner was used to scan T2 Flair, T2WI and TlWI sequences of the hippocampus, and the spectral curves and the areas under the peak of N-acetylaspartic acid (NAA), creatine (Cr) and choline (Cho) were obtained, and the ratios of Cho/Cr and NAA/Cr were calculated. the fatigue Scale-14 (FS-14) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) were used to evaluate the fatigue state of the patients, and the Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were used to evaluate the anxiety state of the patients. Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) and Somatic and Mental Health Report Score (SPHERE) were used to evaluate the quality of life of patients. And the clinical efficacy was evaluated. Results:After treatment, the levels of IgG, CD4 + and NK in the five-element acupuncture group were significantly higher than those in the conventional western medicine group ( t values were 4.76, 3.65, 6.42, respectively, P<0.01), and the level of IgM, CD8 + was significantly lower than that in the conventional western medicine group ( t values were 7.30, 4.79, P<0.01); the levels of IFN-γ, IL-2 and 5-HT in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the conventional western medicine group ( t values were 7.60, 4.05, 2.79, respectively, respectively, P<0.01), and the level of CORT was significantly lower than that in the conventional western medicine group ( t=6.72, P<0.01); the NAA/Cr levels in the left [(1.10±0.04) vs. (1.05±0.03), t=6.86] and right [(1.18±0.02) vs. (1.21±0.03), t=8.23] hippocampus of the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the conventional western medicine group ( P<0.01), and the Cho/Cr levels in the left [(1.08±0.04) vs. (1.03±0.03), t=5.70] and right [(1.17±0.02) vs. (1.20±0.03), t=5.71] hippocampus of the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the conventional western medicine group ( P<0.01). After treatment, the scores of physical fatigue, mental fatigue and FSS in the five-element acupuncture group were significantly lower than those in the conventional western medicine group ( t values were 8.08, 9.08 and 7.07, respectively, P<0.01). The scores of DASS-21, BAI, SCL-90 and SPHERE in the conventional western medicine group were significantly lower than those in the conventional western medicine group ( t values were 3.63, 5.77, 8.74, 5.92, respectively, P<0.01).The total effective rate was 95.74% (45/47) in the five-element acupuncture group and 82.98% (39/47) in the conventional western medicine group, and there was no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2=2.80, P=0.094). Conclusion:Five-elements acupuncture can improve the expression of T lymphocytes, increase the levels of immunoglobulin and NK, reduce the level of CORT, regulate the brain metabolism of NAA in the left and right hippocampus, improve the clinical symptoms and negative emotions, and improve the clinical efficacy and quality of life in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.
8.Study on the quality of Bolbostemmatis Rhizoma standard decoction by HPLC fingerprint combined with quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker
Zhenyu LI ; Xiangyuan ZHOU ; Yifei MA ; Xian QIU ; Minyou HE ; Xiangdong CHEN ; Dongmei SUN
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(1):76-83
Objective:To establish the HPLC fingerprint of Bolbostemmatis Rhizoma standard decoction; To determine the three effective components with similar structure by quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker (QAMS); To evaluate the quality of Bolbostemmatis Rhizoma standard decoction.Methods:HPLC was adopted to establish the fingerprints of 15 batches of Bolbostemmatis Rhizoma standard decoction. The Chromatographic column was Waters XBridge Phenyl (4.6 mm×250 mm, 5 μm). The mobile phase was acetonitrile-0.1% phosphoric acid solution with gradient elution. Cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were conducted based on the relative peak area of common peaks. The same method as the fingerprint was used to establish QAMS of tubeimoside A, B, C on Bolbostemmatis Rhizoma standard decoction.Results:There were 14 common peaks in the fingerprint of Bolbostemmatis Rhizoma standard decoction. It was confirmed that the peak 3 was L-tryptophan, the peak 11 was tubeimoside B, the peak 12 was tubeimoside C, and the peak 13 was tubeimoside A. 15 batches of Bolbostemmatis Rhizoma standard decoction from different origins were divided into 3 categories by HCA and PCA. There was no significant difference between QAMS and the external standard method (ESM) through the system suitability inspection. Conclusion:This method is accurate, reliable and has good specificity, which can effectively evaluate the quality of Bolbostemmatis Rhizoma standard decoction.
9.Discussion on the relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and premature ejaculation from 5-HT and prediction of natural drugs
Zhuozhi GONG ; Qianying WANG ; He YAN ; Tao LIU
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(1):84-89
Objective:To explore the relationship between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and premature ejaculation (PE) from 5-HT; To predict the natural drugs with therapeutic effect.Methods:Targets related to IBS and PE were screened in the GeneCards, DisGeNET, TTD, OMIM, DrugBank databases. After removing duplicates, the two disease targets were intersected and imported into STRING platform, and the protein interaction network between IBS and PE targets related to 5-HT receptor was obtained. GO enrichment analysis was carried out on the intersected targets by R language, and Coremine Medical platform was used for predicting natural drugs.Results:5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C and 5-HT3A were the common targets related to 5-HT in IBS and PE. GO function enrichment yielded 250 gene function related information, mainly enriched in serotonin receptor signaling pathways, cell response to dopamine, and response to dopamine. The prediction of natural drugs obtained 14 kinds of Chinese materia medica, including Nelumbinis Semen, Nelumbinis Rhizomatis Nodus, Nelumbinis Receptaculum, Nelumbinis Stamen, Nelumbinis Folium, Nelumbinis Plumula, Ginkgo Semen, and Ginkgo Folium.Conclusions:Abnormal 5-HT levels can affect gastrointestinal motility, ejaculation latency, and glans sensitivity. Elevated central 5-HT levels are a common pathogenesis of IBS and PE. The interaction between receptors such as 5-HT1A and 5-HT3A and 5-HT can regulate gastrointestinal motility and secretion activities, intestinal nervous system, and reduce intestinal hypersensitivity; increasing the sensitivity of the 5-HT1A receptor can reduce the ejaculation threshold and promote ejaculation, while increasing the sensitivity of the 5-HT2C receptor can increase the ejaculation threshold.
10.Discussion on the molecular mechanism of Shaoteng Decoction in treating Sjogren's syndrome based on network pharmacology and experimental verification
Fengtao PANG ; Kesong LI ; Zengyu CHENG ; Xiaopo TANG
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(1):63-68
Objective:To screen the active components, target genes and signaling pathways of Shaoteng Decoction in the treatment of Sjogren's syndrome by network pharmacology; To conduct relevant experimental verification to explore the mechanism of action of Shaoteng Decoction in the treatment of Sjogren's syndrome.Methods:The active components and targets of Shaoteng Decoction were collected by retrieving TCMSP. The target genes of Sjogren's syndrome were collected through the GeneCards database. The intersection targets of drugs and diseases were obtained by using Venn. The intersection targets were imported into the STRING database to obtain PPI networks, and the "drug-active component -therapeutic target-disease" network was constructed by Cytospace 3.7.2 software. The DAVID database was used for GO function enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway analysis. The 18 NOD mice were divided into model group, TCM group, hydroxychloroquine group, with 6 mice in each group, and 6 Balb/C mice were set as normal control group. TCM group was gavaged with 2.3 g/kg of Shaoteng Decoction, hydroxychloroquine group was gavaged with 60 mg/kg of hydroxychloroquine, and model group and normal control group were gavaged with equal volume of deionized water once a day for 4 consecutive weeks. The daily water intake of mice during the administration period was recorded, the pathological changes of submandibular gland tissue were observed by HE staining, and the levels of serum inflammatory factors IL-17 and TNF-α were determined by ELISA method.Results:39 main active components of Shaoteng Decoction, 1 062 targets of Sjogren's syndrome, and 64 targets of drug and disease intersection were obtained, including TNF, IL6, NCOA1, AKT1, TP53, etc. The treatment targets of Sjogren's syndrome mainly affected biological processes such as response to bacterium and cellular response to lipid, and regulated TNF-α pathway and IL-17 signaling pathway. The experimental results showed that the levels of TNF-α and IL-17 in the TCM group were lower than those in the model group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Shaoteng Decoction can regulate IL-17 and TNF-α signaling pathways, inhibit inflammation, delay submandibular gland disruption, and alleviate the symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail