Christensenella minuta interacts with multiple gut bacteria.

Introduction: Gut microbes form complex networks that significantly influence host health and disease treatment. Interventions with the probiotic bacteria on the gut microbiota have been demonstrated to improve host well-being. As a representative of next-generation probiotics, Christensenella minuta (C. minuta) plays a critical role in regulating energy balance and metabolic homeostasis in human bodies, showing potential in treating metabolic disorders and reducing inflammation. However, interactions of C. minuta with the members of the networked gut microbiota have rarely been explored. Methods: In this study, we investigated the impact of C. minuta on fecal microbiota via metagenomic sequencing, focusing on retrieving bacterial strains and coculture assays of C. minuta with associated microbial partners. Results: Our results showed that C. minuta intervention significantly reduced the diversity of fecal microorganisms, but specifically enhanced some groups of bacteria, such as Lactobacillaceae. C. minuta selectively enriched bacterial pathways that compensated for its metabolic defects on vitamin B1, B12, serine, and glutamate synthesis. Meanwhile, C. minuta cross-feeds Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and other bacteria via the production of arginine, branched-chain amino acids, fumaric acids and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as acetic. Both metagenomic data analysis and culture experiments revealed that C. minuta negatively correlated with Klebsiella pneumoniae and 14 other bacterial taxa, while positively correlated with F. prausnitzii. Our results advance our comprehension of C. minuta's in modulating the gut microbial network. Conclusions: C. minuta disrupts the composition of the fecal microbiota. This disturbance is manifested through cross-feeding, nutritional competition, and supplementation of its own metabolic deficiencies, resulting in the specific enrichment or inhibition of the growth of certain bacteria. This study will shed light on the application of C. minuta as a probiotic for effective interventions on gut microbiomes and improvement of host health.

Comparing verum and sham acupoint catgut embedding for adults with obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Previous clinical trials have reported that acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) is a useful modality for weight loss. However, no study has specifically investigated the effectiveness and safety of comparing verum and sham ACE in adults with obesity. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of comparing verum and sham ACE in obese adults. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the electronic databases of PUBMED, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and China Biomedical Literature Service System from inception to April 1, 2022. Randomized clinical trials that focused on evaluating the effectiveness of comparing verum and sham ACE in adults with obesity were included. The primary outcomes included reduction in body weight, body mass index, hip circumference, and waist circumference. The secondary outcomes consisted of a decrease in body fat percentage and the occurrence rate of adverse events. The methodological quality of the included randomized clinical trials was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk-of-bias tool. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS: Six trials involving 679 adults with obesity were included in this study and entered in the data analysis of systematic review and meta-analysis. Results of the meta-analysis revealed significant reduction in body weight (mean difference [MD] = -1.68, 95% confidence intervals (CI) [-2.34, -1.01], I2 = 51%, P < .001), body mass index (MD = -0.51, 95% CI [-0.81, -0.21], I2 = 74%, P < .001), hip circumference (MD = -1.11, 95% CI [-1.67, -0.55], I2 = 0%, P < .001), waist circumference (MD = -2.42, 95% CI [-3.38, -1.45], I2 = 68%, P < .001), and decrease in body fat percentage (MD = -0.83, 95% CI [-1.30, -0.36], I2 = 16%, P < .001) in comparing verum and sham ACE. However, no significant difference was identified in AEs (odds ratio = 1.53, 95% CI [0.80, 2.95], I2 = 0%, P = .20) between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: ACE is effective in the treatment of obesity in adults with safety profile. Further studies with higher quality and larger sample size are warranted to confirm the current findings.

Research progress on central mechanism of acupuncture treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that lasts for a long time and doesn't alleviate with rest. The number of the cases has been increasing during the era of COVID-19 pandemic. Acupuncture may have some effect on chronic fatigue syndrome, but its mechanism remains unclear. This article was to summarize the specific manifestations of abnormal central mechanism in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome through laboratory tests and neuroimaging. It was found from the laboratory evaluation that there were changes in the structure of the frontal cortex, thalamus and other brain tissues; factors, including IFN-α and IL-10 in cerebrospinal fluid were found abnormal; results of oxidative and nitrosative stress and changes in neurobiochemical substances, e.g. hypothalamus hormone levels and neurotransmitter concentrations, were observed. With magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography, it was shown that the partial brain of persons with chronic fatigue syndrome had morphological changes with diminished grey matter and white; changes in cerebral blood flow velocity caused by decreased perfusion and functional activity with abnormal connectivity in brain were detected. In addition, there was significant decrease in glucose metabolism accompanied with neuroinflammatory response; metabolic disorders of serotonergic, cholinergic, glutamatergic and γ-aminobutyric acid energy neurotransmitters were also discovered. The regulatory effect of acupuncture on the above central neurological abnormalities in chronic fatigue syndrome model animals was elaborated, and the direction for further research was analyzed in order to provide ideas for further research on the central mechanism of acupuncture treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome.

[Mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion in treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome from perspective of intestinal flora].

Intestinal flora dysbiosis may play an important role in the occurrence and development of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), which may induce the inflammatory response and metabolic disturbance of patients with CFS. Acupuncture and moxibustion may achieve anti-fatigue effect by affecting the diversity and quantity of intestinal flora, improving intestinal barrier function, and regulating brain-gut peptides.

Antibiotic pretreatment promotes orally-administered triptolide absorption and aggravates hepatotoxicity and intestinal injury in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Triptolide (TP) exhibits extensive pharmacological activity, but its hepatotoxicity and intestinal injury are significant and limit its clinical use. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the effect of gut microbiota disturbance after antibiotic pretreatment on TP-induced hepatotoxicity, intestinal injury and their mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared the characteristics of TP-induced hepatotoxicity and intestinal injury in mice with or without antibiotic pretreatment. The levels of cytokines in the serum, immunohistochemistry, and the pharmacokinetics of TP were determined. RESULT: Antibiotic pretreatment aggravates TP-induced hepatotoxicity and ileum/colon injury. TP induces hepatotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner after antibiotic pretreatment. Serum IL-1ß and IL-6 levels were increased in mice given oral TP after antibiotic pretreatment. TP can increase the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome in hepatocytes, and Oral TP after antibiotic pretreatment can significantly enhance its expression, but NLRP3 inflammasome no significant change in colon and ileum. The pharmacokinetic characteristics of TP are altered significantly by antibiotic pretreatment, as shown by a 145.87% increase in Cmax, a 155.11% increase in AUC0-t, a 155.1% increase in relative bioavailability, and a 15.44% delay in MRT. Moreover, TP causes hepatotoxicity in a time-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotic pretreatment aggravates triptolide-induced hepatotoxicity and intestinal injury through elevated inflammatory response and promoted triptolide absorption.

Simultaneous determination of eight analytes of Fuzheng Huayu recipe in beagle dog plasma by UHPLC-Q/exactive Orbitrap HRMS and its application to toxicokinetics.

Fuzheng Huayu recipe (FZHY) is a Chinese patent medicine for the treatment of liver fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate the toxicokinetics of FZHY in beagle dogs after oral administration. Blood samples were collected on days 1, 15 and 28 after oral gavage of FZHY dosages of 400 or 1,200 mg/kg body weight once a day. A UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap method was developed and validated to simultaneously determine and quantify eight components of FZHY in beagle dog plasma. The times to peak concentration for eight components were18-120 min. The peak concentrations (Cmax ) of amygdalin, genistein, daidzein and 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde were 1.43-43.50 ng/ml, the areas under the concentration-time curve (AUC(0-t) ) were 2.45-6,098.25 ng min/ml, and the apparent volumes of distribution (Vd ) were 0.05-131.23 × 104 ml/kg. The values of Cmax of prunasin, schisantherin A, schisandrin A and schisandrin were 7.35-1,450.73 ng/ml, the values of AUC(0-t) were 3,642.30-330,388.65 ng min/ml, and the values of Vd were 11.15-1,087.18 × 104 ml/kg. No obvious accumulation of the eight compounds was observed in beagle dogs. The results showed that the method is rapid, accurate and sensitive, and is suitable for detecting the eight analytes of FZHY. This study provides an important basis for the assessment of FZHY safety.

Celastrol attenuates chronic constrictive injury-induced neuropathic pain and inhibits the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in the spinal cord.

Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F. is a well-known but poisonous traditional Chinese medicine used for treating a wide variety of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. Celastrol, a quinone methyl triterpenoid compound and a representative component of T. wilfordii Hook F., shows a variety of pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities. Here, we investigated the antineuropathic pain (NP) effect of celastrol and its potential mechanisms. Rats with chronic constrictive injury (CCI)-induced NP were used to evaluate the analgesic effect of celastrol. Gabapentin was used as a reference compound (positive control). The results showed that gabapentin (100 mg/kg, i.p.) and multiple doses of celastrol (0.5, 1 and 2 mg/kg, i.p.) increased the threshold of mechanical and thermal pain in the rats with NP. Western blot results showed that celastrol significantly inhibited the activation of microglia and astrocytes in the spinal cord of rats with NP. Additionally, the levels of the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 1ß and interleukin 6, detected by ELISA in the spinal cord of the rats with NP, were significantly inhibited by celastrol. Furthermore, celastrol treatment dramatically inhibited the expression of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in the spinal cord. Taken together, our findings suggested that celastrol could attenuate mechanical and thermal pain in CCI-induced NP, and this protection might be attributed to inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and exerting anti-inflammatory effects in the spinal cord.

[Electroacupuncture improves cognitive function by inhibiting NF-κB activity in rats with chronic fatigue syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the expression of NF-κB p65 in hippocampus and the morphology of hippocampus in rats with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), so as to explore its mechanism in improving cognitive dysfunction of CFS. METHODS: Forty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into control, model, EA and inhibitor groups (n=12 in each group). The CFS model was established by multi-factor compound stress stimulation method. Rats of the EA group received EA (50 Hz, 1 mA) at "Baihui" (GV20), Emotional Area I and bilateral Sensory Area for 30 min, once daily for 15 days. For rats in the inhibitor group, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (100 mg·kg-1·d-1) was injected intraperitoneally, once a day for 15 days. Learning and memory ability was evaluated by Morris water maze test. HE staining was used to observe the morphology of hippocampus. Western blot was used to determine the expression level of NF-κB p65 in hippocampus. RESULTS: After mode-ling, the general status score was increased （P<0.01）, the escape latency was prolonged(P<0.01), the times of crossing the platform was decreased(P<0.01), and the expression level of NF-κB p65 in hippocampus tissue was significantly increased (P<0.05) in the model group compared with the control group. Compared with the model group, the general status score was decreased （P<0.01）, the escape latency was shortened(P<0.01), the times of crossing the platform was increased(P<0.01), and the expression level of NF-κB p65 in hippocampus tissue was significantly decreased (P<0.05) in the EA and inhibitor groups. HE staining showed that in the model group, the hippocampal nerve cells were arranged disorderly, the structure was loose, and the number of apoptotic bodies and inflammatory cells was significantly increased. The degree of tissue damage of the EA and inhibitor groups was milder than that of the model group. CONCLUSION: EA can improve the cognitive function in CFS rats, which may be associated with its effect in inhibiting the expression of NF-κB and reducing the inflammation response in hippocampus.

[Research ideas and method on screening active components of traditional Chinese medicine against hepatotoxicity with mitochondria as target].

Liver is the main place of drug metabolism. Mitochondria of hepatocytes are important targets of drug-induced liver injury. Mitochondrial autophagy could maintain the healthy operation of mitochondria in cells and the stable proliferation of cells. Therefore, the use of mitochondrial autophagy to remove damaged mitochondria is an important strategy of anti-drug-induced liver injury. Active ingredients that could enhance mitochondrial autophagy are contained in many traditional Chinese medicines, which could regulate the mitochondrial autophagy to alleviate relevant diseases. However, there are only a few reports on how to accurately and efficiently identify and evaluate such components targeting mitochondria from traditional Chinese medicine. Liquid chromatography-mass spectro-metry(LC-MS) combined with serum pharmacology in vivo can be used to accurately and efficiently find active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine acting on mitochondrial targets. This paper reviewed the research ideas and methods of traditional Chinese medicine ingredients for increasing the hepatotoxicity of mitochondrial autophagy, in order to provide new ideas and methods for the study of active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine targeting mitochondria.

[Investigation on sea of marrow and the application of Naohu (GV 17)].

The theory on four seas is a kind of view to explain the longitudinal and horizontal distribution relationship of meridians and collaterals by ancient scholars. The authors were attempted to explore it by taking the theory on sea of marrow as example in terms of literature analysis. In Lingshu: Hailun (Chapter 33 of Miraculous Pivot), it is recorded that sea of marrow flows into two locations, but they are not the acupoint sites for treatment. Based on the comprehensive literature investigation, it is known that such two sites to which sea of marrow flows refer to a kind of boundaries so that the range of sea of marrow is determined, the function of it explored, and the controversy on "heart dominating mind" and "brain governing spirit" solved. It is defined that the function of sea of marrow is the macro-conception of shen (mind, spirit) that is modulated by vital movement information. Additionally, in association with meridian literature analysis, as well as acupoint textual research, it finally focuses on Naohu (GV 17) that is the critical point in the application of the theory on sea of marrow. In clinical application of such theory, the importance should be attached to the governor vessel, Naohu (GV 17) and their spatial system of bone.

[Textual research of chu, huo, huo, and hua].

Origin of Chinese Characters (Shuowen Jiezi) records a large number of drug names, providing rich materials for the study of the history of pharmacy. But in the aftertime circulating process, errors were inevitable, making the ancient scholars disagree on the relationship between some drug names and their referents. This paper would give a textual research on medication names about chu, huo, huo, and hua. Relevant content was analyzed by using Shuowen Jiezi, Er Ya,Yu Pian and previous annotations of these exegesis books, as well as herbal literature. The relationship between the names and referents, as well as their lexical meanings were clarified by comparing textual content in specialized book about Chinese exegetics and previous herbal literature. Their medicinal efficacy was explained, and the value of herbalism in these exegesis books was explored.

[Textual research of diao,ji,li,tiao,di].

Many medicine names were recorded in Shuowen Jiezi. The later scholars interpreted these names, but they had different standpoints on the relationship between the name and nature of some medicines. In this study, the medicine names of diao, ji, li, tiao, and di with greater different standpoints were verified by textual research. Shuowen Jiezi, Erya, Guangya and previous annotations of these exegesis books were combined with herbal literature to summarize and analyze the relevant content. The herbal content in exegesis books were compared with the records in herbal literature to hackle the relationship between name and nature of medicines, clarify the lexical meaning and illustrate the efficacy of the medicines. Meanwhile, the value of herbalism in these exegesis books was explored.

[Effect of Preconditioning of Catgut Implantation at Acupoints on Changes of Behavior and EEG in Epileptic Rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of preconditioning of catgut implantation on changes of behavior and EEG of rats with epilepsy. METHODS: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control, model, catgut implantation, medication groups (10 rats/group). The catgut implantation was performed at "Yintang" (EX 2) to "Baihui" (GV 20) and "Changqiang" (GV 1) on day 1, 4 and 7. The epileptic model was made by intraperitoneal injection of penicillin sodium on the last day of the treatment. In the medication group, intragastric administration of valproic acid sodium was conducted once a day for consecutive 7 days. Behavior measurement and EEG recording were carried out shortly after the penicillin administration. RESULTS: Compared with the model group, the seizure latency was notably increased in the catgut implantation group and the medication group (P < 0.01), without significant difference between the last two groups (P > 0.05). The degree of the seizure attack was less severe in the catgut implantation group and the medication group (P < 0.01), without significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). Similar to valproic acid sodium, catgut implantation significantly reduced the amplitude and accelerated the frequency of EEG (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Catgut implantation can delay the seizure attack latency, alleviate the severity, regulate the amplitude and frequency of the epileptiform discharges, giving rise to evident antiepileptic effect.

Scutellarin and caffeic acid ester fraction, active components of Dengzhanxixin injection, upregulate neurotrophins synthesis and release in hypoxia/reoxygenation rat astrocytes.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Scutellarin (Scu) and caffeic acid ester fraction (Caf), the extracts from the traditional Chinese herb, Erigeron breviscapus, are known to ameliorate post ischemic neuronal dysfunction. AIM OF THE STUDY: Neurotrophic factors (NTFs) are essential for neuronal growth and survival. We explored the neuroprotective effect of Scu and Caf by synthesis and release of NGF, BDNF and GDNF in rat astrocytes exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation and MACO rats. And the neuroprotection of Scu and Caf was also explored. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The primary rat astrocytes were cultured in vitro. The temporal mRNA and protein expression profile during hypoxia/reoxygenation were analyzed using real-time RT-PCR and ELISA. The expression of p-CREB, p-Akt, p-MAPKs and Bax were analyzed by western blotting. Cell viability of neuro-2A was measured using CCK-8 and cell cytotoxicity was measured with LDH release. RESULTS: During hypoxia/reoxygenation a similar decrease pattern of NTFs (NGF, BDNF and GDNF) was observed in both mRNA and protein; Scu and Caf enhanced the expressions of NGF, BDNF and GDNF mRNA and protein in astrocytes under hypoxia/reoxygenation condition. CREB and Akt, but not MAPKs ( p-JNK, p-ERK1/2 and p-38) may be involved in the expression of NTFs. Concomitantly, conditioned medium from astrocytes which was treated by Scu or Caf after hypo3h/Reox24h significantly reduced neurotoxicity compared with conditioned medium from hypo3h/Reox24h astrocytes alone, and they show the tendency of increased neurons viability accompanied with Bax changes. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the neuroprotective effect of Scu and Caf might be mediated, at least in part, via a stimulation of the production and release of NTFs through p-CREB and p-Akt signaling. Furthermore, Scu and Caf could antagonistic the hypoxia induced toxicity through astrocytes conditioned medium. Those results suggested that Scu and Caf might have therapeutic potential for stroke.

[Analysis on the frequency of urinary iodine in a population-based intervention study].

OBJECTIVE: Through a two-year follow up program, this study was to analyze the urinary iodine frequency of a cohort in the intervention trial, concerning different doses of salt ionization, so as to explore the selection of appropriate concentration of salt ionization. METHODS: A multistage cluster sampling method was used to select three townships in two countries for community intervention with different doses [(15±5) mg/kg, (25±5) mg/kg, (35±5) mg/kg] of salt ionization. RESULTS: After intervention, the median of urinary iodine was reduced among the population. The urinary iodine frequencies of (15±5) mg/kg and (25±5) mg/kg among groups of children were mainly concentrated in 100-200 µg/L and 200-300 µg/L paragraphs in A county. While the 300 µg/L paragraph had an overall decline in B county, the 100 µg/L and 200 µg/L paragraph ratio increased but the trend seemed to be slow. The 100-300 µg/L paragraph of the four treatment groups took a larger proportion and kept smooth in a more ideal state. However, the control group still maintained at above 250 µg/L level. CONCLUSION: The iodine supplementation should be gradually implemented in Chongqing. The doses of salt ionization should be reduced from the current (35±15) mg/kg to (25±5) mg/kg in the economically developed areas. At the same time, we need to continuously follow the changes of the condition.

[Clinical observation on diabetic peripheral neuropathy treated with electroacupuncture and acupoint injection].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the differences in the therapeutic effect on diabetic peripheral neuropathy between the combined therapy of electroacupuncture and acupoint injection and the simple acupoint injection. METHODS: Under the satisfactory control of blood glucose, 60 cases of diabetic peripheral neuropathy were divided randomly into two groups, 30 cases in each one. In electroacupuncture plus acupoint injection group (group A), electroacupuncture and acupoint injection with Methylcobalamin were administered. Penetrating acupuncture was applied from Gongsun (SP 4) to Quanzhong (Extra) and from Yongquan (KI 1) to Taichong (LR 3) mainly. Acupoint injection was administered on Sanyinjiao (SP 6). In acupoint injection group (group B), only acupoint injection with Methylcobalamin was provided on Sanyinjiao (SP 6). After 2 sessions of treatment, the conduction velocity of ulnar nerve and tibial nerve was measured. The scores of Chinese medicine syndrome and diabetic peripheral neuropathy were recorded before and after treatment in two groups. RESULTS: The effective rates were 90.0% (27/30) and 63.3% (19/30) in group A and group B respectively, presenting significant statistical difference (P < 0.05). After treatment, the motor nerve conduction velocity (MCV) and sensory nerve conduction velocity (SCV) of ulnar nerve and tibial nerve in group A were higher than those in group B (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). After treatment, the score of Chinese medicine syndrome in group A was lower than that in group B (14.36 +/- 1.88 vs 26.58 +/- 3.52, P < 0.01), the score of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in group A was lower than that in group B (12.86 +/- 4.28 vs 17.89 +/- 4.35, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture and acupoint injection with Methylcobalamin achieve a significant clinical efficacy on diabetic neuropathy and its efficacy is superior to that of simple acupoint injection with Methylcobalamin. This therapy can effectively increase nerve conduction velocity, control and relieve the symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

[Study of the syndrome name in Zheng Xu Yi Qie Jing Yin Yi].

Zheng Xu Yi Qie Jing Yin Yi is great synthesis writing on pronunciation and meaning of Buddhist Scriptures and it conserves a large number of syndrome names and explanatory notes in ancient books. It is worth studying it for its important reference value for syndrome manifestation, pathogeny, source of the words, title in dialect, the words used contemporaneaously, vernacular, etc. Also explanatory notes of some syndrome names in current dictionaries could also be supplemented and corrected according to the book.