A Review of Bile Acid Metabolism and Signaling in Cognitive Dysfunction-Related Diseases.

Bile acids are commonly known as one of the vital metabolites derived from cholesterol. The role of bile acids in glycolipid metabolism and their mechanisms in liver and cholestatic diseases have been well studied. In addition, bile acids also serve as ligands of signal molecules such as FXR, TGR5, and S1PR2 to regulate some physiological processes in vivo. Recent studies have found that bile acids signaling may also play a critical role in the central nervous system. Evidence showed that some bile acids have exhibited neuroprotective effects in experimental animal models and clinical trials of many cognitive dysfunction-related diseases. Besides, alterations in bile acid metabolisms well as the expression of different bile acid receptors have been discovered as possible biomarkers for prognosis tools in multiple cognitive dysfunction-related diseases. This review summarizes biosynthesis and regulation of bile acids, receptor classification and characteristics, receptor agonists and signaling transduction, and recent findings in cognitive dysfunction-related diseases.

The clinical benefits of Chinese patent medicines against COVID-19 based on current evidence.

The outbreak of emerging infectious pneumonia caused by 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has posed an enormous threat to public health, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have made vast contribution to the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) among Chinese population. As an indispensable part of TCM, Chinese patent medicines (CPMs) are highly valued and critically acclaimed in their campaign to contain and tackle the epidemic, they can achieve considerable effects for both suspected cases under medical observation period, and confirmed individuals with serious underlying diseases or critical conditions. Given this, based on the Guideline on Diagnosis and Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in China, the present review summarized the basic information, clinical evidence and published literatures of recommended CPMs against COVID-19. The details were thoroughly introduced involving compositions, therapeutic effects, clinical indications, medication history of CPMs and the profiles of corresponding research. With regard to infected patients with different stages and syndrome, the preferable potentials and therapeutic mechanism of CPMs were addressed through the comprehensive collection of relevant literatures and on-going clinical trials. This study could provide an insight into clinical application and underlying mechanism of recommended CPMs against COVID-19, with the aim to share the Chinese experience in clinical practice and facilitate scientific development of TCM, especially CPMs in the fierce battle of COVID-19.