1.Treatment of Hyperuricemia and Gouty Arthritis by Buyang Huanwu Tongfeng Decoction via Inhibition of PPAR-γ/NF-κB/AGEs/RAGE Pathway Based on Network Pharmacology
Yue CAO ; Wanmei YAO ; Tao YANG ; Man YANG ; Ruimin JIA ; Rongrong LU ; Xue FENG ; Biwang LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):182-192
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the potential molecular biological mechanism of Buyang Huanwu Tongfeng decoction in treating hyperuricemia and gouty arthritis by network pharmacology and molecular docking technology and preliminarily verify the mechanism through animal experiments. MethodsThe active ingredients and targets in the Buyang Huanwu Tongfeng decoction were obtained by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and ETCM databases. The DisGeNET and GeneCards databases were utilized to acquire disease targets associated with hyperuricemia and gouty arthritis. These disease targets were then intersected with drug targets to identify key targets. The R language ClusterProfiler package and Python were employed for conducting gene ontology(GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG) enrichment analysis. The regulatory network diagram of the drug-key target-function-pathway was visualized using Cytoscape 3.9.1 software, and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network for key targets was depicted. Finally, the hub gene was determined through topological analysis. Auto Dock, PyMOL, and other software were used for molecular docking to explore the possible therapeutic mechanism of Buyang Huanwu Tongfeng decoction for hyperuricemia and gouty arthritis. In animal experiments, a composite rat model of hyperuricemia induced by intraperitoneal injection of oteracil potassium combined with gouty arthritis induced by the modified Coderre method was established. Through hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, uric acid test, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), Western blot, and real-time polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR), the molecular mechanism and key targets of Buyang Huanwu Tongfeng decoction for treating hyperuricemia and gouty arthritis were observed. ResultsAfter screening and removing duplicate values, 76 active ingredients and 15 key targets were finally obtained. GO enrichment analysis yielded that the treatment of hyperuricemia and gouty arthritis with Buyang Huanwu Tongfeng decoction was significantly associated with acute inflammatory response, astrocyte activation, regulation of interleukin (IL)-8 production, nuclear receptor activity, and binding of growth factor receptor. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis obtained that the key target genes were significantly associated with the IL-17 signaling pathway, advanced glycosylation end/receptor of advanced glycation endproducts(AGE/RAGE) signaling pathway, anti-inflammatory, and other pathways. PPI network indicated that albumin(ALB), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), IL-6, IL-1β, and C-reactive protein(CRP) were the key protein targets. The molecular docking results showed that ALB had the strongest binding force with beta-carotene (β-carotene). Biochemical results showed that blood uric acid decreased in the Buyang Huanwu Tongfeng decoction groups. HE staining results showed that the low-dose (7.76 g·kg-1·d-1), medium-dose (15.53 g·kg-1·d-1), and high-dose (31.05 g·kg-1·d-1) groups of Buyang Huanwu Tongfeng decoction had different degrees of remission, and the remission of the high-dose group was the most obvious. Fibroblastic tissue hyperplasia in synovial joints accompanied with inflammatory cell infiltration, as well as inflammatory cell infiltration in renal tissue of the high-dose group was significantly reduced, followed by the medium-dose and low-dose groups, and the expression of ALB, PPAR-γ, IL-6, IL-1β, and CRP was down-regulated to different degrees. ConclusionBy regulating the targets such as ALB, PPAR-γ, IL-6, IL-1β, and CRP, inhibiting the PPAR-γ/nuclear transcription factor (NF)-κB pathway, and reducing AGEs/RAGE-mediated inflammation, Buyang Huanwu Tongfeng decoction exerts anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and activates blood circulation and diuresis in the treatment of hyperuricemia and gouty arthritis.
2.Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer
Pei-Yang LI ; Feng-Qi LI ; Xiao-Jun HOU ; Xue-Ren LI ; Xin MU ; Hui-Min LIU ; Shou-Chun PENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):1998-2017
Lung cancer is the most common malignant tumor worldwide, ranking first in both incidence and mortality rates. According to the latest statistics from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), approximately 2.5 million new cases and around 1.8 million deaths from lung cancer occurred in 2022, placing a tremendous burden on global healthcare systems. The high mortality rate of lung cancer is closely linked to its subtle early symptoms, which often lead to diagnosis at advanced stages. This not only complicates treatment but also results in substantial economic losses. Current treatment options for lung cancer include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, and immunotherapy. Among these, immunotherapy has emerged as the most groundbreaking advancement in recent years, owing to its unique antitumor mechanisms and impressive clinical benefits. Unlike traditional therapies such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, immunotherapy activates or enhances the patient’s immune system to recognize and eliminate tumor cells. It offers advantages such as more durable therapeutic effects and relatively fewer toxic side effects. The main approaches to lung cancer immunotherapy include immune checkpoint inhibitors, tumor-specific antigen-targeted therapies, adoptive cell therapies, cancer vaccines, and oncolytic virus therapies. Among these, immune checkpoint inhibitors and tumor-specific antigen-targeted therapies have received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for clinical use in lung cancer, significantly improving outcomes for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Although other immunotherapy strategies are still in clinical trials, they show great potential in improving treatment precision and efficacy. This article systematically reviews the latest research progress in lung cancer immunotherapy, including the development of novel immune checkpoint molecules, optimization of treatment strategies, identification of predictive biomarkers, and findings from recent clinical trials. It also discusses the current challenges in the field and outlines future directions, such as the development of next-generation immunotherapeutic agents, exploration of more effective combination regimens, and the establishment of precise efficacy prediction systems. The aim is to provide a valuable reference for the continued advancement of lung cancer immunotherapy.
3.Serological and molecular biological analysis of a rare Dc- variant individual
Xue TIAN ; Hua XU ; Sha YANG ; Suili LUO ; Qinqin ZUO ; Liangzi ZHANG ; Xiaoyue CHU ; Jin WANG ; Dazhou WU ; Na FENG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(8):1101-1106
Objective: To reveal the molecular biological mechanism of a rare Dc-variant individual using PacBio third-generation sequencing technology. Methods: ABO and Rh blood type identification, DAT, unexpected antibody screening and D antigen enhancement test were conducted by serological testing. The absorption-elution test was used to detect the e antigen. RHCE gene typing was performed by PCR-SSP, and the 1-10 exons of RHCE were sequenced by Sanger sequencing. The full-length sequences of RHCE, RHD and RHAG were detected by PacBio third-generation sequencing technology. Results: Serological findings: Blood type O, Dc-phenotype, DAT negative, unexpected antibody screening negative; enhanced D antigen expression; no detection of e antigen in the absorption-elution test. PCR-SSP genotyping indicated the presence of only the RHCE
c allele. Sanger sequencing results: Exons 5-9 of RHCE were deleted, exon 1 had a heterozygous mutation at c. 48G/C, and exon 2 had five heterozygous mutations at c. 150C/T, c. 178C/A, c. 201A/G, c. 203A/G and c. 307C/T. Third-generation sequencing results: RHCE genotype was RHCE
02N. 08/RHCE-D(5-9)-CE; RHD genotype was RHD
01/RHD
01; RHAG genotype was RHAG
01/RHAG
01 (c. 808G>A and c. 861G>A). Conclusion: This Dc-individual carries the allele RHCE
02N. 08 and the novel allele RHCE-D(5-9)-CE. The findings of this study provide data support and a theoretical basis for elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying RhCE deficiency phenotypes.
4.Regulatory Effect of Huangqin Tang on Metabolic Homeostasis During Colitis-cancer Transformation in Colitis-associated Colorectal Cancer
Xingbo ZUO ; Xue FENG ; Caijuan ZHANG ; Haifan LIU ; Jianyao LIU ; Bin LIU ; Lin ZHU ; Qiyue SUN ; Dunfang WANG ; Weipeng YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):21-28
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Huangqin Tang (HQT) in regulating metabolic reprogramming during the inflammation-cancer transformation in colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC). MethodsCAC mouse model was established using the carcinogen azoxymethane (AOM) combined with the inflammatory agent dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). HQT treatment was adopted. Serum metabolomics analysis was performed at three stages (inflammation, proliferation, and tumor formation) using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) untargeted metabolomics coupled with multivariate statistical analysis to explore the mechanism of HQT intervention in metabolism in CAC. ResultsThe results revealed that HQT significantly reversed the disturbance of key metabolites in CAC mice. A total of 52, 67, and 45 differential metabolites were identified in the model group, compared to the normal group, during inflammation, proliferation, and tumor stages, respectively. Lactate, linoleic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, and betaine were characteristic metabolites persistently enriched throughout colitis-cancer transformation. Pathway enrichment analysis of differential metabolites showed that linoleic acid metabolism and arachidonic acid metabolism were the most significantly disturbed in CAC pathogenesis. The proliferation stage featured expanded amino acid metabolic networks, while the tumor stage uniquely exhibited two new pathways of nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism and phosphoinositide metabolism. HQT exerted stage-specific regulatory effects: targeting arachidonic acid metabolism in the inflammation stage, correcting the dysregulation of choline-carnitine metabolism in the proliferation stage, and rescuing nicotinamide and tryptophan metabolic collapse in the tumor stage. ConclusionHQT exerts regulatory effects on metabolic disorders at various stages of the colitis-cancer transformation process, thereby effectively slowing the progression from colitis to cancer. The study also reveals the dynamic metabolic characteristics of colorectal "inflammation-cancer transformation,"providing new insights for research on the targeted mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in anti-tumor therapy based on metabolic reprogramming.
5.Sishenwan Combined with Tongxie Yaofang Treats Ulcerative Colitis with Spleen-kidney Yang Deficiency and Liver Depression
Yaqing LIU ; Haifan LIU ; Bin LIU ; Xue FENG ; Caijuan ZHANG ; Dunfang WANG ; Lin ZHU ; Weipeng YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(7):40-48
ObjectiveTo induce the rat model of ulcerative colitis (UC) with spleen-kidney Yang deficiency and liver depression, and explore the efficacy and mechanism of Sishenwan combined with Tongxie Yaofang (SSW&TXYF) based on the therapeutic principles of tonifying spleen, soothing liver, warming kidney, and astringing intestine. MethodSixty male SD rats were randomized into normal, model, mesalazine, and high-, medium-, and low-dose SSW&TXYF groups. The rats in other groups except the normal group were administrated with Sennae Folium decoction and hydrocortisone and received tail clamping for 14 days. On day 14, rats received enema with TNBS-ethanol solution to induce UC. The rats were administrated with corresponding drugs from day 15 of modeling, and the body weight and mental state were observed and recorded. The sucrose preference test was performed from day 25. On day 28, the rectal temperature was measured, and the rats were administrated with 3% D-xylose solution at a dose of 10 mL·kg-1 by gavage. Blood was sampled 1 h later, from which the serum was collected for measurement of the D-xylose content. The serum, hippocampus, and colorectum samples of rats were collected on day 29. The levels of gastrin (GAS), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone (CORT), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), interleukin (IL)-4, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interferon (IFN)-γ in the serum and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the hippocampus were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to reveal the colonic lesions. The mRNA and protein levels of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in the colon tissue were determined by Real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. ResultCompared with the normal group, the model group showed decreased body weight, anal temperature, and D-xylose content in the serum and increased GAS content (P<0.01). The modeling led to cAMP/cGMP unbalance and decreased the ACTH and CORT content in the serum (P<0.01), the preference for sucrose water, and the 5-HT content in the hippocampus (P<0.01). Moreover, it shortened the colorectal length and caused massive infiltration of inflammatory cells and severe structural damage in the colon tissue. High, medium, and low doses of SSW&TXYF improved above indicators (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced inflammatory infiltration, and repaired the pathological damage of the tissue. Compared with the normal group, the model group showed lowered IL-4 level (P<0.01) and elevated TNF-α and IFN-γ levels (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the serum, as well as up-regulated expression of p38 MAPK, ERK, and JNK (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, SSW&TXYF elevated the IL-4 level (P<0.01), lowered the TNF-α and IFN-γ levels (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of p38 MAPK, ERK, and JNK (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionA rat model of UC with spleen-kidney Yang deficiency and liver depression was successfully established. SSW&TXYF can significantly mitigate this syndrome by reducing the inflammatory response in the colon and inhibiting the MAPK pathway.
6.Effect of Xiangsha Liu Junzitang Combined with Phlegm-removing and Detoxifying Traditional Chinese Medicine on Immune Escape in Lewis Lung Cancer Mice
Qian YANG ; Shumei WANG ; Shihan FENG ; Xue ZHAN ; Lintao XIA ; Mingxing WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(7):78-86
ObjectiveTo study the effect and mechanism of Xiangsha Liu Junzitang combined with phlegm-removing and detoxifying traditional Chinese medicine on immune escape in Lewis lung cancer mice. MethodA total of 60 specific-pathogen-free (SPF)-grade C57BL/6J male mice were injected subcutaneously with 0.2 mL of Lewis cell suspension (containing 2×106 cells·mL-1) in the right mid-axillary line. After 7 days, the mice that had been successfully modeled were randomly divided into six groups: the model group, the cisplatin group, the Xiangsha Liu Junzitang low-, medium-, and high-dose groups, and the combined group, with 10 mice in each group. The Xiangsha Liu Junzitang low-, medium- and high-dose groups were gavaged with 17.88, 35.75, 71.50 g·kg-1 Xiangsha Liu Junzitang solution once a day, respectively, and the dosage of cisplatin intraperitoneally injected into the mice was converted to 5 mg·kg-1 twice a week, and the tumour volumes of each group were measured every two days. The intervention lasted for 14 consecutive days. At the end of treatment, the tumour mass of mice in each group was weighed and the tumour inhibition rate was calculated. The morphological characteristics of tumours in each group were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Fluorescent quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) assay was used to detect messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) contents of the natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) receptor, ribonucleic acid export-1 (RAE-1), and γ interferon (IFN-γ) in the tumour tissues of each group. NKG2D, RAE-1, and IFN-γ mRNA in tumour tissues of each group. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot were applied to detect the expressions of RAE-1, NKG2D, and IFN-γ in tumour tissues of each group, and Western blot was used to detect the expressions of interleukin-6 (IL-6), Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), p-JAK2, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and p-STAT3 in tumour tissues of each group, as well as the protein levels of NKG2D, and RAE-1 in spleen tissues of each group. ResultCompared with that in the model group, the tumour mass decreased in all dose groups of Xiangsha Liu Junzitang, with no statistically significant difference. The tumour volume was reduced (P<0.05, P <0.01). The pathological morphology was improved. The mRNA contents of NKG2D, RAE-1 and IFN-γ were increased in the medium-dose group (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the protein expressions of NKG2D, RAE-1, and IFN-γ in tumour tissues were elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01), and p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 protein expressions were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). In spleen tissues, the protein expressions of NKG2D and RAE-1 in all dose groups of Xiangsha Liu Junzitang were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Compared with those in the cisplatin group, NKG2D, RAE-1 and IFN-γ mRNA contents were elevated in the middle-dose group of Xiangsha Liu Junzitang, and the difference was not statistically significant. IHC showed that the protein expressions of NKG2D and IFN-γ in the combined group were significantly elevated (P<0.01), and Western blot results showed that the protein expressions of RAE-1, NKG2D and IFN-γ were elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01). p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 protein expressions were decreased in the combined group (P<0.05, P<0.01). NKG2D and RAE-1 protein expressions were significantly increased in spleen tissues of the medium-dose groups and the combined group (P<0.01). ConclusionXiangsha Liu Junzitang combined with phlegm-removing and detoxifying traditional Chinese medicine can inhibit the growth of tumours in Lewis lung cancer mice by up-regulating the expressions of RAE-1/NKG2D, promoting the activation of NK cells, and inhibiting immune escape, the mechanism of which may be related to down-regulation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.
7. Mechanism of EGFR inhibitor AG1478 combined with oxaliplatin in inhibiting PI3K/AKT pathway and promoting autophagy in HI 975 cells
Jin-Qing HUANG ; Yang LI ; Dong-Xue WEI ; Shan JIANG ; Shao-Feng JIANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(2):242-278
Aim To explore the effect of oxaliplatin combined with epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor AG1478 on autophagy in non-small cell lung cancer H1975 cells. Methods H1975 cells were cultured in vitro using gradient concentrations of AG1478 (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 jjimol • IT
8.Modified Fuzheng Yiliu Decoction Combined with XELOX Regimen for the Treatment of Postoperative Patients with Advanced Gastric Cancer of Qiand Yin Deficiency Type:A Randomized Controlled Study
Ting-Ting YANG ; Xiao-Feng ZHU ; Wei WANG ; Yu-Ling XUE ; Yao-Hui PENG ; Wen-Jun XIONG
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(3):598-605
Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of modified Fuzheng Yiliu Decoction(composed of Astragali Radix,Codonopsis Radix,Ligustri Lucidi Fructus,Hedyotis Diffusae Herba,Moutan Cortex,Visci Herba,etc.)combined with XELOX regimen(Oxaliplatin plus Capecitabine)for the treatment of postoperative patients with advanced gastric cancer of qi and yin deficiency type.Methods A total of 80 postoperative patients with advanced gastric cancer of qi and yin deficiency type were randomly divided into the Chinese medicine group and the control group,with 40 cases in each group.Both groups received chemotherapy with XELOX regimen,while the Chinese medicine group was given modified Fuzheng Yiliu Decoction.Three weeks constituted a course of treatment,the medication of Chinese medicine decoction lasted for two weeks or more in each course of treatment,and a total of 8 courses of treatment were performed.The incidence of adverse reactions during chemotherapy was monitored and changes in serum tumor markers of serum carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA),carbohydrate antigen 199(CA199)and alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)were observed in the two groups before and after treatment.Moreover,the patients'quality of life was assessed by the scores of Karnofsky's Performance Status(KPS)and World Health Organization Quality of Life Measurement Scale(WHOQOL-100).Long-term follow-up was carried out for the evaluation of the prognostic indicators such as overall survival and one-year and 2-year overall survival rates.Results(1)Patients in the two groups were all followed up,and the median follow-up time was 27 months(95%CI:23.59-27.86).(2)After treatment,the levels of serum CEA and AFP in the Chinese medicine group were significantly lower than those before treatment(P<0.05 or P<0.01),while serum CA199 tended to decrease compared with those before treatment,but the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05);in the control group,the levels of serum CEA,CA199,and AFP were not significantly decreased after treatment(P>0.05).The intergroup comparison showed that the decrease of serum CEA,CA199 and AFP levels in the Chinese medicine group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).(3)The adverse reactions during chemotherapy in the two groups mainly involved bone marrow suppression,gastrointestinal reactions and liver function abnormalities,etc.The incidences of all adverse reactions in the Chinese medicine group tended to be lower than those in the control group,but the differences were not statistically significant(P>0.05).(4)After treatment,the KPS scores of patients in both groups were improved compared with those before treatment(P<0.01),and the improvement in the Chinese medicine group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.01).(5)After treatment,the scores of the four dimensions of WHOQOL-100 such as health status,mobility,life feelings,and other activities of daily life in the Chinese medicine group were significantly improved compared with the pre-treatment(P<0.05),whereas there was no significant improvement in the control group(P>0.05).The intergroup comparison showed that the improvement of the scores of each dimension of the WHOQOL-100 in the Chinese medicine group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).(6)The median survival in the Chinese medicine group was 29.0 months(95%CI:25.95-31.70)and that in the control group was 22.0 months(95%CI:19.67-25.58),indicating that the median survival was significantly prolonged in Chinese medicine group(P<0.01).The one-year and 2-year postoperative survival rates were 97.5%and 77.5%in the Chinese medicine group and 92.5%and 47.5%in the control group,respectively.The intergroup comparison showed that the one-year and 2-year postoperative survival rates in the Chinese medicine group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.01).Conclusion Modified Fuzheng Yiliu Decoction can effectively alleviate the adverse reactions during adjuvant chemotherapy for postoperative patients with advanced gastric cancer of qi and yin deficiency type,improve the quality of life of patients,and prolong the survival time of patients.
9.Clinical Study on Oral Use of Jiawei Puji Xiaodu Granules Combined with External Application of Xiaozhong Sanjie Ointment in the Treatment of Acute Tonsillitis in Children
You-Wei SHANG ; Jian-Guo MAO ; Qing CHEN ; Xue-Feng NING ; Chun-Yang MAO
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(3):638-645
Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of oral use of Jiawei Puji Xiaodu Granules(mainly composed of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos,Forsythiae Fructus,Taraxaci Herba,Violae Herba,Schizonepetae Herba,Arctii Fructus,Gleditsiae Spina,Paeoniae Radix Rubra,Moutan Cortex,and Phragmitis Rhizoma)combined with external application of Xiaozhong Sanjie Ointment(mainly composed of Scutellariae Radix,Coptidis Rhizoma,Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex,and Gleditsiae Spina,etc.)in the treatment of acute tonsillitis in children,and to observe their effects on the immune function and related inflammatory indexes of the patients.Methods A total of 116 children with acute tonsillitis of heat stagnation in the lung and stomach type were randomly divided into the control group and the observation group,with 58 cases in each group.The control group was treated with Cefixime Dispersible Tablets,while the observation group was treated with Jiawei Puji Xiaodu Granules for oral use and Xiaozhong Sanjie Ointment for external application.Both groups were treated for 14 days and then were followed-up for a period of 6 months.The changes of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores,white blood cell(WBC)count,T lymphocyte subset CD3+,CD4+,CD8+ and CD4+/CD8+ levels,and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α),interleukin 1β(IL-1β),interleukin 6(IL-6)and C-reactive protein(CRP)in the two groups were observed before and after the treatment.Moreover,the clinical efficacy and time for the disappearance of clinical symptoms were compared between the two groups,and the occurrence of adverse reactions and the recurrence of tonsillitis in the two groups were monitored at the same time.Results(1)During the trial,there were 8 cases falling off in the control group but none case falling off in the observation group,and eventually 50 cases in the control group and 58 cases in the observation group completed the full course of treatment.(2)After 14 days of treatment,the total effective rate of the observation group was 98.28%(57/58),while that of the control group was 90.00%(45/50).The intergroup(tested by rank sum test)showed that the clinical efficacy of the observation group was significantly superior to that of the control group(P<0.05).(3)After treatment,the time for the disappearance of sore throat,time for the disappearance of purulent spots,time for subsiding fever and time for the tonsils recovering to normal in the observation group were all significantly shorter than those in the control group(P<0.05).(4)After treatment,the scores of primary and secondary symptoms and the overall symptom scores in the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment(P<0.05),and the reduction of the scores in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.05).(5)After treatment,the levels of T lymphocyte subset CD3+,CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ in the two groups were significantly higher(P<0.05)while the level of CD8 + was significantly lower(P<0.05)than those before treatment,and the increase in the levels of CD3+,CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ and the reduction of the CD8+ level of the observation group were significantly superior to those of the control group(P<0.05).(6)After treatment,the levels of WBC,TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6 and CRP in the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment(P<0.05),and the reduction in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.05).(7)During the treatment period,no skin allergy,nausea,vomiting or other gastrointestinal adverse reactions occurred in the two groups,which showed a high degree of safety.(8)The 6-month follow-up showed that the recurrence rate of tonsillitis in the observation group was 5.17%(3/58),which was significantly lower than that of 24.00%(12/50)in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(χ2 = 8.330,P<0.05).Conclusion The efficacy of Jiawei Puji Xiaodu Granules combined with Xiaozhong Sanjie Ointment exert notable curative effect for children with acute tonsillitis of heat stagnation in the lung and stomach type.The combined therapy can significantly shorten the duration of the disease,improve the clinical symptoms of the children and effectively reduce the recurrence rate of tonsillitis.The therapeutic mechanism may be related to the enhancement of the immune function and the inhibition of inflammatory response.
10.Effect and mechanism of pachymic acid on renal function and fibrosis in rats with chronic renal failure
Bin PENG ; Xue FENG ; Li FENG ; Wei XIONG ; Xi HU ; Shuangyi ZHU ; Yang XIAO ; Fang CHEN ; Zhi GAO
China Pharmacy 2024;35(12):1489-1494
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of pachymic acid (PA) on renal function and fibrosis in chronic renal failure (CRF) rats and its potential mechanism based on the Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA)/Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase (ROCK) signaling pathway. METHODS Using male SD rats as subjects, the CRF model was established by 5/6 nephrectomy; the successfully modeled rats were divided into model group, PA low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups (5, 10, 20 mg/kg PA), high-dose PA+ROCK pathway activator lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) group (20 mg/kg PA+1 mg/kg LPA), with 15 rats in each group. Another 15 rats were selected as the sham operation group with only the kidney exposed but not excised. The rats in each drug group were gavaged and/or injected with the corresponding liquid via the caudal vein, once a day, for 12 consecutive weeks. During the experiment, the general condition of rats was observed in each group. After the last administration, the serum renal function indexes (blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, uric acid) of rats in each group were detected, the renal histopathological changes were observed; the renal tubule injury score and the area of renal fibrosis were quantified. The levels of oxidative stress indexes [malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD)] and inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6), the positive expression rates of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and collagen Ⅰ were detected as well as the expression levels of pathway-related proteins (RhoA, ROCK1) and fibrosis- related proteins (transforming growth factor-β1, bare corneum homologs 2, α-smooth muscle actin) were determined. RESULTS Compared with the sham operation group, the rats in model group had reduced diet, smaller body size, listless spirit and sluggish response, reduced and atrophied glomeruli, dilated renal tubules with chaotic structure, and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated interstitium; the serum levels of renal function indexes, renal tubule injury score, renal fibrosis area proportion, the levels of MDA and inflammatory factors, the positive expression rates of CTGF and collagen Ⅰ, and the expression levels of pathway-related proteins and fibrosis-related proteins in renal tissues were significantly increased, while SOD level was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the general condition and pathological injuries of kidney tissue of rats in PA groups were improved to varying degrees,and the above quantitative indexes were significantly improved in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). LPA could significantly reverse the improvement effect of PA on the above indicators (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS PA can improve renal function and alleviate renal fibrosis in CRF rats, which may be related to inhibiting the activation of RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail