Mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Xiaoyaosan in treating hyperplasia of mammary glands based on network pharmacology.

This study utilized network pharmacology to investigate the effects of Xiaoyaosan (XYS) on the intervention of hyperplasia of mammary glands (HMG) by targeting specific genes and signaling pathways. The active ingredients and targets of XYS, which consisted of 8 traditional Chinese medicines (TCM), were identified using TCMSP. The gene targets associated with HMG were obtained from the GeneCards Database, and the intersection data between the 2 was integrated. Cytoscape 3.8.1 software was used to construct a network diagram illustrating the relationship between compounds, drug active ingredients, target proteins, and the disease. The protein-protein interaction network diagram was generated using STRING, and the core targets were analyzed. A total of 133 active ingredients in XYS and 7662 active ingredient targets were identified. Among them, 6088 targets were related to HMG, and 542 were common targets between the active ingredients and the disease. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) core network contained 15 targets, with 5 key targets playing a crucial role. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses have indicated that XYS has the potential to treat HMG by interfering with the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, the MAPK signaling pathway, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Additionally, molecular docking studies have shown excellent binding properties between the drug components and key targets. Thus, this study provides a theoretical foundation for a better understanding of the pharmacological mechanism and clinical application of XYS in the comprehensive treatment of HMG.

Acupuncture for metabolic syndrome: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is showing an epidemic trend worldwide, and its annual incidence is increasing. Conventional treatment options have limitations and it is necessary to develop new management strategies for MS. METHODS: Eligible randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) were screened by searching multiple Chinese and English databases. References to the included literature, gray literature in OpenGrey, and other relevant literature, such as clinical studies registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, were also manually searched. Relevant data were extracted, and meta-analysis was performed using Reviewer Manager 5.4. RESULTS: This study provides a high-quality review of the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of MS, and provides a basis for the clinical application of acupuncture in the treatment of MS. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence of the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of MS.