Shenqihuatan formula reduces inflammation by inhibiting transforming growth factor-beta-stimulated signaling pathway in airway smooth muscle cells.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects and mechanism of Shenqihuatan formula (, SQHT) of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß)-stimulated cell processes in airway remodeling. METHODS: The current study examined cell viability using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Furthermore, a Transwell assay was conducted to detect the ability of cell migration, and apoptosis was detected via flowcytometry. Western Blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to determine the expression levels of apoptosis or inflammation-related factors, such as TGF-ß, Interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-Associated X (Bax), Ras homolog gene family, member A (RhoA), recombinant rho associated coiled coil containing protein kinase 1/2 (ROCK1/2), extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), Snail, and Slug. Finally, the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP-1) were admeasured by enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that SQHT inhibited the viability and migration, as well as the the F-actin formation and cytoskeletal reorganization of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) stimulated by TGF-ß. By monitoring the changes of critical regulators in the presence of the formula, it was observed that the expression levels of TGF-ß, IL-1ß, Bcl-2, RhoA, ROCK1/2, ERK1/2, Snail, and Slug were markedly suppressed, whereas Bax expression exhibited the opposite effect. Compared with a well-characterized RhoA pathway inhibitor, Fasudil, SQHT generated equivalent or even higher inhibitory effects on these processes in ASMCs. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, these suggested that SQHT can reduce airway inflammation by inhibiting TGF-ß-stimulated signaling pathways in ASMCs. These findings may provide a novel remedy for treating ASMC inflammation, which causes thickening and obstruction of the airway in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Analysis of risk factors for osteoporosis in patients with pemphigus treated with systemic glucocorticoids / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective:To investigate the incidence of and risk factors for osteoporosis in patients with pemphigus treated with systemic glucocorticoids, and to analyze the current status of prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.Methods:Clinical data were collected from 101 inpatients with pemphigus treated in Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College from January 2014 to January 2019, and these patients were divided into osteoporosis group ( n= 21) and non-osteoporosis group ( n= 80) according to their bone mineral density (BMD) values. Correlations of osteoporosis with patients′ general information, treatment duration and cumulative dose of glucocorticoids, application of immunosuppressive agents, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, outdoor activity and other factors were analyzed, and the application status of calcium supplements, vitamin D and bisphosphonates was also analyzed. Enumeration data were compared by using chi-square test, measurement data were compared by using t test, and multiple factors influencing osteoporosis were analyzed by using non-conditional Logistic regression analysis. Results:Logistic regression analysis showed that age ( P= 0.001, OR= 1.08, 95% CI: 1.03- 1.14) and cumulative dose of glucocorticoids ( P<0.001, OR= 1.72, 95% CI: 1.18- 2.52) were risk factors for the occurrence of osteoporosis, while outdoor activity ( P<0.001, OR= 0.04, 95% CI: 0.01- 0.21) was a protective factor. Moreover, 13 (61.9%) patients in the osteoporosis group and 16 (21.6%) patients in the non-osteoporosis group received combination treatment with calcium supplements, vitamin D and bisphosphonates. Conclusions:Pemphigus patients treated with systemic glucocorticoids are prone to develop osteoporosis. Older age, cumulative dose of glucocorticoids may be risk factors for osteoporosis in patients with pemphigus, while outdoor activity may be a protective factor. The prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in pemphigus patients are still not standardized.

Evaluation of Endometrium Receptivity and Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment in ;Endometriosis Infertile Patients / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To evaluate the endometrium receptivity of endometriosis (EMs) infertile patients, and observe the influence of TCM treatment to endometrium receptivity and IVF-ET pregnancy outcome. Methods Fifty EMs infertile patients were randomly divided into two groups. The reatment group (30 cases) kept taking TCM for 3 month continuously before IVF-ET embryo transplantation, and the control group (20 cases) received no treatment, with 30 healthy women as normal control. Using transvaginal color doppler ultrasound to detect and compare the endometrial thickness, endometrium and endometrial blood flow distribution types, and uterine artery blood flow parameters in window transvaginal stage. Results There was no difference in endometrial thickness between the EMs infertility patients and the normal group, and the endometrial thickness also had no obvious changes before and after treatment (P>0.05). RI and PI of EMs infertility patients were significantly increased, compared the with normal control group (P<0.05). In treatment group, the persentage of type Ⅰ blood distribution was 23.33%(7/30), in control group was 25.00%(5/20), and 66.67%(20/30) in the normal group, significantly higher than that of the EMs infertility patients (P<0.01). Uterine artery blood flow parameters RI, PI value were significantly decreased after treatment in treatment group, endometrium and endometrial blood flow type Ⅰ distribution increased to 60.00%(18/30). The rate of normal pregnancy was 46.67% (14/30) in treatment group, and control group was 30.00% (6/20). Conclusion EMs may affect uterine artery hemodynamic status and endometrium receptivity. TCM treatment can improve the endometrium receptivity of EMs infertile patients and improve the success rate of IVF-ET.