Fire acupuncture for plaque psoriasis case series.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy of fire acupuncture (FA) on plaque psoriasis (PP), exploring its suitable syndrome types, in order to achieve better therapeutic effects, accelerate the possibility of psoriasis skin lesion recovery, and provide assistance for clinical treatment. METHODS: A total of 8 patients with PP aged between 18 and 60 years were recruited and treated with FA once a week, and the lesion area and severity index (PASI), visual analog scale and pruritus were measured before, 2, 4 and 8 weeks after treatment and at the follow-up period (week 12), respectively. Visual analog scale, and dermoscopy were used for assessment. RESULTS: All patients showed improvement in pruritus after 1 FA treatment, and lesions were reduced to varying degrees after 2 weeks. Except for patients 5 and 8, who only achieved effective results due to severe disease, all other patients with psoriasis achieved significant results at 8 weeks after treatment. CONCLUSION: FA can significantly control the development of lesions, reduce the symptoms of PP lesions and pruritus, and help prevent psoriasis recurrence.

[Identification and visual analysis of ginsenosides in multi-steamed roots of Panax quinquefolium based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and MALDI-MSI].

This study aims to investigate the component variations and spatial distribution of ginsenosides in Panax quinquefolium roots during repeated steaming and drying. Ultra performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was employed to identify the ginsenosides in the root extract. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging(MALDI-MSI) was employed to visualize the spatial distribution and spatiotemporal changes of prototype ginsenosides and metabolites in P. quinquefolium roots. The UPLC results showed that 90 ginsenosides were identified during the steaming process of the roots, and polar ginsenosides were converted into low polar or non-polar ginsenosides. The content of prototype ginsenosides decreased, while that of rare ginsenosides increased, which included 20(S/R)-ginsenoside Rg_3, 20(S/R)-ginsenoside Rh_2, and ginsenosides Rk_1, Rg_5, Rs_5, and Rs_4. MALDI-MSI results showed that ginsenosides were mainly distributed in the epidermis and phloem. As the steaming times increased, ginsenosides were transported to the xylem and medulla. This study provides fundamental information for revealing the changes of biological activity and pharmacological effect of P. quinquefolium roots that are caused by repeated steaming and drying and gives a reference for expanding the application scope of this herbal medicine.

Literature review Analysis of the Current State of Targeted Therapy for Gastrointestinal Cancers.

Globally, more than one million new cases of gastric cancer are anticipated by 2024, representing a significant unmet clinical need. It is the fourth most prevalent cancer in men and the seventh most prevalent cancer in women. The pathogens Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) have been linked to a significant number of cases of gastric cancer. On the other hand, the recorded results were not particularly impressive because the gastrointestinal tract (GI) is frequently diagnosed at a very advanced stage, traditional treatments are not very effective, and they have several adverse side effects. In the pursuit of improved systemic therapy, the use of targeted medications has greatly benefited GI care. Immunotherapies, vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 obstruct the programmed death receptor 1/programmed death-ligand 1 pathway. Advanced gastrointestinal tract (GI) malignancies are increasingly treated at the molecular level. Extended gene RAS and BRAF testing were required to predict the efficacy of trastuzumab (HER2-targeted therapy) and pembrolizumab (anti-PD-1 therapy) for metastatic gastroesophageal (GEJ) malignancies. For metastatic colorectal malignancies, extensive RAS and BRAF testing is required to predict the efficacy of EGFR-targeted therapies. Mismatch repair (MMR) or microsatellite instability (MSI) testing must be performed on all advanced gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies to determine if pembrolizumab or nivolumab with or without ipilimumab will be effective. These advanced tumors are treated with targeted drugs for GI malignancies, and it is now common knowledge that patients must be identified through routine molecular profiling. This article provided a clinical summary of the most recent advances in targeted treatment for GEC and the supporting clinical data, such as their efficacy and safety profiles.

Acupuncture for generalized anxiety disorder: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

During the COVID-19 outbreak, there was a sharp increase in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Acupuncture therapy has the advantages of accurate clinical efficacy, safety and reliability, few adverse reactions, and no dependence, and is gradually becoming one of the emerging therapies for treating GAD. We present a study protocol for a randomized clinical trial with the aim of exploring the mechanism of brain plasticity in patients with GAD and evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of acupuncture treatment. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) will be used to assess cortical excitability in GAD patients and healthy people. Sixty-six GAD patients meeting the inclusion criteria will be randomly divided into two groups: TA group, (treatment with acupuncture and basic western medicine treatment) and SA group (sham acupuncture and basic western medicine treatment). Twenty healthy people will be recruited as the control group (HC). The parameters that will be evaluated are amplitude of motor evoked potentials (MEPs), cortical resting period (CSP), resting motor threshold (RMT), and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) score. Secondary results will include blood analysis of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate (Glu), glutamine (Gln), serotonin (5-HT), and brain-derived nerve growth factor (BDNF). Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after the intervention (week 8). This study protocol is the first clinical trial designed to detect differences in cerebral cortical excitability between healthy subjects and patients with GAD, and the comparison of clinical efficacy and reliability before and after acupuncture intervention is also one of the main contents of the protocol. We hope to find a suitable non-pharmacological alternative treatment for patients with GAD.

Hydroxy-Safflower Yellow A Mitigates Vascular Remodeling in Rat Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

Purpose: The underlying causes of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) often remain obscure. Addressing PAH with effective treatments presents a formidable challenge. Studies have shown that Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) has a potential role in PAH, While the mechanism underlies its protective role is still unclear. The study was conducted to investigate the potential mechanisms of the protective effects of HSYA. Methods: Using databases such as PharmMapper and GeneCards, we identified active components of HSYA and associated PAH targets, pinpointed intersecting genes, and constructed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Core targets were singled out using Cytoscape for the development of a model illustrating drug-component-target-disease interactions. Intersection targets underwent analysis for Gene Ontology (GO) functions and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment. Selected components were then modeled for target interaction using Autodock and Pymol. In vivo validation in a monocrotaline-induced PAH (MCT-PAH) animal model was utilized to substantiate the predictions made by network pharmacology. Results: We associated HSYA with 113 targets, and PAH with 1737 targets, identifying 34 mutual targets for treatment by HSYA. HSYA predominantly affects 9 core targets. Molecular docking unveiled hydrogen bond interactions between HSYA and several PAH-related proteins such as ANXA5, EGFR, SRC, PPARG, PGR, and ESR1. Conclusion: Utilizing network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches, we investigated potential targets and relevant human disease pathways implicating HSYA in PAH therapy, such as the chemical carcinogenesis receptor activation pathway and the cancer pathway. Our findings were corroborated by the efficacious use of HSYA in an MCT-induced rat PAH model, confirming its therapeutic potential.

Aspertaichamide a, a novel cytotoxic prenylated indole alkaloid possessing a bicyclo[2.2.2]diazaoctane framework from a marine algal-derived endophytic fungus aspergillus taichungensis 299.

Filamentous fungi belonging to the genus Aspergillus are prodigious producers of alkaloids, particularly prenylated indole alkaloids, that often exhibit structurally diversified skeletons and potent biological activities. In this study, five prenylated indole alkaloids possessing a bicyclo[2.2.2]diazaoctane core ring system, including a novel derivative, namely aspertaichamide A (1), as well as four known compounds, (+)-stephacidin A (2), sclerotiamide (3), (-)-versicolamide B (4), and (+)-versicolamide B (5), were isolated and identified from A. taichungensis 299, an endophytic fungus obtained from the marine red alga Gelidium amansii. The chemical structures of the compounds were elucidated by comprehensive NMR and HRESIMS spectroscopic analyses. In addition to the previously reported prenylated indole alkaloids, aspertaichamide A (1) was characterized as having an unusual ring structure with the fusion of a 3-pyrrolidone dimethylbenzopyran to the bicyclo[2.2.2]diazaoctane moiety, which was rare in these kinds of compounds. The absolute configuration of 1 was determined by TDDFT-ECD calculations. In vitro cytotoxic assays revealed that the novel compound 1 possessed selective cytotoxic activity against five human tumor cell lines (A549, HeLa, HepG2, HCT-116, and AGS), with IC50 values of 1.7-48.5 µM. Most importantly, compound 1 decreased the viability of AGS cells in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 1.7 µM. Further studies indicated that 1 may induce AGS cells programmed cell death via the apoptotic pathway.

Tongxinluo capsule in combination with conventional therapies for stable angina pectoris: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of Tongxinluo capsule (TXLC) in combination with conventional therapies for treating stable angina pectoris (SAP) through a comprehensive meta-analysis and systematic review. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL databases for randomized controlled trials investigating the use of TXLC as adjuvant therapy for SAP published up to June 2023. The Cochrane Handbook was used to evaluate the risk of bias. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4.1, and publication bias was assessed using Begg test and Egger test in the Stata SE 12.0 software. GRADEpro was used to assess the quality of the evidence. RESULTS: This meta-analysis included 26 randomized controlled trials with a total of 2352 patients. TXLC co-administration demonstrated significant reduction in angina attack frequency (mean difference (MD) -0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.97 to -0.84, P < .00001) and duration (MD -1.71, 95% CI -2.24 to -1.19, P < .00001), decreased use of nitroglycerin tablets (MD -6.28, 95% CI -7.16 to -5.41, P < .00001), lowered C-reactive protein (MD -1.19, 95% CI -1.35 to -1.03, P < .00001) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (MD -0.68, 95% CI -0.86 to -0.51, P < .00001). TXLC co-administration did not increase gastrointestinal reactions (RR 1.17, 95% CI 0.38 to 3.57, P = .78). The Begg test and Egger test results indicated no publication bias. The evidence quality was rated as very low for frequency of angina attack, duration of angina attack, and nitroglycerin usage, and low for C-reactive protein, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and gastrointestinal reaction events. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis supports TXLC as a beneficial adjunct treatment for SAP.

Mechanistic exploration of Yiqi Liangxue Shengji prescription on restenosis after balloon injury by integrating metabolomics with network pharmacology.

CONTEXT: Yiqi Liangxue Shengji prescription (YQLXSJ) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula that has long been used for treatment after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). OBJECTIVE: To investigate the putative pharmacological mechanism of YQLXSJ on restenosis through an integrated approach utilizing metabolomics and network pharmacology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into sham, model, YQLXSJ, and positive groups. YQLXSJ group received the treatment of YQLXSJ (6 g/kg/d, i.g.) and the positive group was treated with atorvastatin (2 mg/kg/d, i.g.). After 4 weeks, the improvement in intimal hyperplasia was evaluated by ultrasound, H&E staining, and immunofluorescence. UPLC-MS/MS technology was utilized to screen the differential metabolites. Network pharmacology was conducted using TCMSP, GeneCards, and Metascape, etc., in combination with metabolomics. Eventually, the core targets were acquired and validated. RESULTS: Compared to models, YQLXSJ exhibited decreased intima-media thickness on ultrasound (0.23 ± 0.02 mm vs. 0.20 ± 0.01 mm, p < 0.01) and reduced intima thickness by H&E (30.12 ± 6.05 µm vs. 14.32 ± 1.37 µm, p < 0.01). We identified 18 differential metabolites and 5 core targets such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3), vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGFA), ornithine decarboxylase-1 (ODC1) and group IIA secretory phospholipase A2 (PLA2G2A). These targets were further confirmed by molecular docking and ELISA. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the effects of YQLXSJ on restenosis and reveals some biomarkers. TCM has great potential in the prevention and treatment of restenosis by improving metabolic disorders.

[Chemical constituents in Dolomiaea plants and their pharmacological activities: a review].

Dolomiaea plants are perennial herbs in the Asteraceae family with a long medicinal history. They are rich in chemical constituents, mainly including sesquiterpenes, phenylpropanoids, triterpenes, and steroids. The extracts and chemical constituents of Dolomiaea plants have various pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antitumor, anti-gastric ulcer, hepatoprotective and choleretic effects. However, there are few reports on Dolomiaea plants. This study systematically reviewed the research progress on the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Dolomiaea plants to provide references for the further development and research of Dolomiaea plants.

[Effect of Shugan Tiaoshen acupuncture combined with western medication on depression-insomnia comorbidity due to COVID-19 quarantine: a multi-central randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Shugan Tiaoshen acupuncture (acupuncture for soothing the liver and regulating the mentality) combined with western medication on depression and sleep quality in the patients with depression-insomnia comorbidity due to COVID-19 quarantine, and investigate the potential mechanism from the perspective of cortical excitability. METHODS: Sixty patients with depression-insomnia comorbidity due to COVID-19 quarantine were randomly divided into an acupuncture group and a sham-acupuncture group, 30 cases in each one. The patients of both groups were treated with oral administration of sertraline hydrochloride tablets. In the acupuncture group, Shugan Tiaoshen acupuncture was supplemented. Body acupuncture was applied to Yintang (GV 24+), Baihui (GV 20), Hegu (LI 4), Zhaohai (KI 6), Qihai (CV 6), etc. The intradermal needling was used at Xin (CO15), Gan (CO12) and Shen (CO10). In the sham-acupuncture group, the sham-acupuncture was given at the same points as the acupuncture group. The compensatory treatment was provided at the end of follow-up for the patients in the sham-acupuncture group. In both groups, the treatment was given once every two days, 3 times a week, for consecutive 8 weeks. The self-rating depression scale (SDS) and insomnia severity index (ISI) scores were compared between the two groups before and after treatment and 1 month after the end of treatment (follow-up) separately. The cortical excitability indexes (resting motor threshold [rMT], motor evoked potential amplitude [MEP-A], cortical resting period [CSP]) and the level of serum 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were measured before and after treatment in the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment and in follow-up, SDS and ISI scores were decreased in both groups compared with those before treatment (P<0.05), and the scores in the acupuncture group were lower than those in the sham-acupuncture group (P<0.05), and the decrease range in the acupuncture group after treatment was larger than that in the sham-acupuncture group (P<0.05). After treatment, rMT was reduced (P<0.05), while MEP-A and CSP were increased (P<0.05) in the acupuncture group compared with that before treatment. The levels of serum 5-HT in both groups were increased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05). The rMT in the acupuncture group was lower than that in the sham-acupuncture group, while MEP-A and CSP, as well as the level of serum 5-HT were higher in the acupuncture group in comparison with the sham-acupuncture group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Shugan Tiaoshen acupuncture combined with western medication can relieve depression and improve sleep quality in the patients with depression-insomnia comorbidity due to COVID-19 quarantine, which is probably related to rectifying the imbalanced excitatory and inhibitory neuronal functions.

Chemical constituents in Dolomiaea plants and their pharmacological activities: a review / 中国中药杂志

Dolomiaea plants are perennial herbs in the Asteraceae family with a long medicinal history. They are rich in chemical constituents, mainly including sesquiterpenes, phenylpropanoids, triterpenes, and steroids. The extracts and chemical constituents of Dolomiaea plants have various pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antitumor, anti-gastric ulcer, hepatoprotective and choleretic effects. However, there are few reports on Dolomiaea plants. This study systematically reviewed the research progress on the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Dolomiaea plants to provide references for the further development and research of Dolomiaea plants.

Therapeutic effects of total saikosaponins from Radix bupleuri against Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by memory loss and cognitive dysfunction in the elderly, with amyloid-beta (Aß) deposition and hyperphosphorylation of tau protein as the main pathological feature. Nuclear factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that primarily exists in the cytosol of hippocampal neurons, and it is considered as an important regulator of autophagy, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Total saikosaponins (TS) is the main bioactive component of Radix bupleuri (Chaihu). In this study, it was found that TS could ameliorate cognitive dysfunction in APP/PS1 transgenic mice and reduce Aß generation and senile plaque deposition via activating Nrf2 and downregulating the expression of ß-secretase 1 (BACE1). In addition, TS can enhance autophagy by promoting the expression of Beclin-1 and LC3-II, increasing the degradation of p62 and NDP52 and the clearance of phosphorylated tau (p-tau), and reducing the expression of p-tau. It can also downregulate the expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) to inhibit the activation of glial cells and reduce the release of inflammatory factors. In vitro experiments using PC12 cells induced by Aß, TS could significantly inhibit the aggregation of Aß and reduce cytotoxicity. It was found that Nrf2 knock-out weakened the inhibitory effect of TS on BACE1 and NF-κB transcription in PC12 cells. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of TS on BACE1 transcription was achieved by promoting the binding of Nrf2 and the promoter of BACE1 ARE1. Results showed that TS downregulated the expression of BACE1 and NF-κB through Nrf2, thereby reducing the generation of Aß and inhibiting neuroinflammation. Furthermore, TS can ameliorate synaptic loss and alleviate oxidative stress. In gut microbiota analysis, dysbiosis was demonstrated in APP/PS1 transgenic mice, indicating a potential link between gut microbiota and AD. Furthermore, TS treatment reverses the gut microbiota disorder in APP/PS1 mice, suggesting a therapeutic strategy by remodeling the gut microbe. Collectively, these data shows that TS may serve as a potential approach for AD treatment. Further investigation is needed to clarify the detailed mechanisms underlying TS regulating gut microbiota and oxidative stress.

[Application of metabonomics in study of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome:a review].

Syndrome is a nonlinear "internal-excess external-deficiency", "dynamic spatial-temporal" and "multi-dimensional" complex system and thus only by using a versatile method can the connotation be expounded. Metabonomics, which is dynamic, holistic, and systematic, is consistent with the overall mode of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)(holistic view and syndrome differentiation and treatment). Therefore, metabonomics is very important for the research on the differentiation, material basis, and metabolic pathways of syndromes, and efficacy on syndromes. This study reviewed the application of metabonomics in the study of TCM syndromes in recent years, which is expected to objectify the research on TCM syndromes.

Two new physalins from Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino.

Two new physalins, 7α-hydroxy-5-deoxy-4-dehydrophysalin IX (1) and 5-deoxy-4-dehydrophysalin IX (2), together with six known compounds, luteolin (3), luteolin-7-O-glucoside (4), neoechinulin A (5), 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-N-(4-methylphenyl)-2-propenamide (6), physalin D (7) and blumenol A (8) were isolated from Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino. Their structures were elucidated by NMR spectroscopic analysis, HR-ESI-MS, X-ray crystallographic data analysis and comparison with the known compounds. Among them, compounds 5 and 6 were isolated from the genus Physalis for the first time. Compound 1 exhibited weak NAD(P)H: quinone reductase (QR) inducing activity.

Application of metabonomics in study of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome:a review / 中国中药杂志

Syndrome is a nonlinear "internal-excess external-deficiency", "dynamic spatial-temporal" and "multi-dimensional" complex system and thus only by using a versatile method can the connotation be expounded. Metabonomics, which is dynamic, holistic, and systematic, is consistent with the overall mode of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)(holistic view and syndrome differentiation and treatment). Therefore, metabonomics is very important for the research on the differentiation, material basis, and metabolic pathways of syndromes, and efficacy on syndromes. This study reviewed the application of metabonomics in the study of TCM syndromes in recent years, which is expected to objectify the research on TCM syndromes.

[Research Progress on the Application of Artificial Intelligence in Rehabilitation Medicine in China].

The development of science and technology and the increasing demand of rehabilitation have driven the integration between artificial intelligence and rehabilitation medicine.In this study,statistical methods,document visualization tools,and other analysis methods were used in the Citespace software to analyze China's research status of artificial intelligence in the field of rehabilitation medicine with the key words of co-occurrence,emergence,and clustering.The relevant research hot spots were then classified and expounded.The results demonstrated that the current hot spots of artificial intelligence related to rehabilitation medicine included robots,brain-computer interfaces,human-computer interaction,and motor imagery.According to the clustering of key words and literature analysis,the five themes of artificial intelligence in rehabilitation medicine were determined as robot,brain-computer interface,intelligent rehabilitation training system,human-computer interaction,and assisted diagnosis and remote rehabilitation.Robotics and human-computer interaction would still be the research hot spots in the long future,and brain-computer interfaces,motor imagery,and remote rehabilitation would be new ones.This study analyzed the current hot spots,predicted the development trends,discussed the limitations,and proposed suggestions,aiming to provide reference for other scholars focusing on the application of artificial intelligence in rehabilitation medicine.

[Study on potential effective components and mechanism of Zhishe Tongluo Capsules in treatment of ischemic stroke].

To explore the potential effective components and mechanism of Zhishe Tongluo Capsules in the treatment of ischemic stroke via network pharmacology, molecular docking and cellular experiment. The chemical constituents of Zhishe Tongluo Capsules were found by TCMSP, BATMAN-TCM and literatures. The constituents-target network was predicted by BATMAN-TCM database. Key words such as cerebral stroke, ischemic stroke and cerebral ischemic stroke were used to search ischemic stroke related targets, and then Venny Map was constructed based on the targets of traditional Chinese medicine and the targets of ischemic stroke. The overlapping targets were imported into STRING database to establish the interaction network. Furthermore, the core targets were screened out by Cytoscape software. Go and KEGG enrichment analysis were performed through DVIAD database. The results showed a total of 193 potential chemical constituents, 985 drug targets and 6 035 disease targets. There were 631 potential targets, 44 core targets and 55 potential active components for treating ischemic stroke through Venny mapping. GO enrichment analysis mainly involved response to hypoxia and positive regulation of ERK1/ERK2. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis mainly involved cholinergic synapse, cAMP signaling pathway, and calcium signaling pathway. Molecular docking data revealed that TP53, EGFR, IL6, INS, TNF and SRC had a good capability to bind with their corresponding active components. To ensure the protective effect Zhishe Tongluo Capsules on the inflammation reaction, an in vitro model of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells was built. The contents of IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α in the supernatant were significantly decreased by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The findings suggested that Zhishe Tongluo Capsules could prevent the injury of ischemic stroke by inhibiting the inflammation.

Integration of network pharmacology and molecular docking technology reveals the mechanism of the herbal pairing of Codonopsis Pilosula (Franch.) Nannf and Astragalus Membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge on chronic heart failure.

BACKGROUND: The herbal pairing of Dangshen (DS) [Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf.] and Huangqi (HQ) [Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge.] (DHP) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that is frequently used to treat chronic heart failure (CHF) in China. However, the pharmacological mechanism of DHP has not been fully elucidated. This is the first study aimed to reveal the active mechanism of DHP in the treatment of CHF by using network pharmacology methods. METHODS: The active ingredients of DHP were obtained from the TCMSP database, and the potential targets of DHP were predicted using the SwissTargetPrediction database. CHF-related targets were searched by the DisGeNET and GeneCards databases. The common targets between the disease and herbs were obtained using a Venn diagram. The STRING database was utilized to obtain the protein-protein interaction data. Next, we used Cytoscape 3.7.2 software to construct and analyze the herb-ingredient-potential targets-disease network. Topology analysis was used to identify the key ingredients and hub genes. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the Metascape database to reveal the mechanism. Furthermore, molecular docking simulation was performed using AutoDock Vina software to assess the affinity of the key ingredients and hub genes. RESULTS: Five key ingredients and six hub genes were screened. The six hub genes were closely related to PI3K /AKT or ERK1/2 pathways. The KEGG pathways mainly involved the TNF signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway, and cancer-related pathways. The GO enrichment analysis results showed that DHP might act on biological processes including positive regulation of kinase activity and cellular response to nitrogen compound via the three above-mentioned pathways in the treatment of CHF. Finally, the molecular docking results showed that the five key ingredients exhibited strong affinities to the six hub genes. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed the molecular mechanism that the flavonoids in DHP may alleviate endothelial dysfunction and cardiac hypertrophy via regulation of the TNF pathway and its downstream PI3K/Akt or ERK1/2 signaling pathways, or improve excitation-contraction coupling by regulating calcium signaling pathway, thereby improving CHF. These results provide insights for further experimentation on its pharmacological effects.

[Research advance in multi-component pharmacokinetics of Chinese herbal extracts in recent five years].

The multi-component pharmacokinetic study of Chinese herbal extracts elaborates the in vivo processes,including absorption,distribution,metabolism,and excretion,of multiple bioactive components,which is of significance in revealing pharmacodynamic material basis of Chinese herbal medicine. In recent years,with the innovation in ideas,and development of techniques and methods on traditional Chinese medicine( TCM) research,the pharmacokinetic studies of Chinese herbal extracts were extensively performed,and notable progress has been made. This paper reviewed the advancement of multi-component pharmacokinetics of Chinese herbal extracts in recent five years from analysis technology of biological sample,the pharmacokinetic characteristics of Chinese herbal medicine with complex system,and the impacts of processing and pathological state on pharmacokinetics of Chinese herbal extracts,aiming to provide a reference for quality control,product development and rational medication of Chinese herbal extracts.