miR-1322 protects against the myocardial ischemia via LRP8/PI3K/AKT pathway.

INTRODUCTION: Myocardial infarction is a fatal disease that causes millions of deaths worldwide every year. The damage and recovery of cardiomyocytes are closely related to changes in gene expression. miRNA may be a new therapeutic target of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion. METHODS: The differential expression genes were analyzed based on GSE83500, GSE60993 and GSE154733. miRNA expression profile data and clinical data were downloaded from GSE76591. Bioinformatics analysis including limma package, cluster analysis, WGCNA analysis were performed. H9c2 cell hypoxia model and mouse myocardial ischemia model were established. Q-PCR, Western blot and luciferase assay were carried out. RESULTS: miR-1322 was identified as a significantly differentially expressed miRNA in myocardial ischemi. Yin Yang 1(YY1) was significantly highly expressed in cells with hypoxia treatment (P < 0.05), and myocardial ischemia mice (P < 0.01), which was identified as the transcription factor of miR-1322. The protein expression of LRP8 was lower in cells with hypoxia treatment and myocardial ischemia mice (P < 0.05) and LRP8 was the target gene of miR-1322. The overexpression of LRP8 could significantly increase the expression of p-PI3K, p-AKT, and P70 S6K (P < 0.05). LRP8 regulated PI3K/AKT/P70 S6K signaling pathway, eventually resulting in cell apoptosis. CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that miR-1322 can protect against the myocardial ischemia via LRP8/PI3K/AKT pathway.

[Yigong Powder regulates CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling to reduce glutamate release and prevent cognitive decline in mouse model of aging].

This study aims to explore the effect of preventive administration of Yigong Powder on the learning and memory abilities of the mouse model of aging induced by D-galactose and decipher the underlying mechanism, so as to provide a basis for the application of Yigong Powder in the prevention and treatment of cognitive decline. Forty KM mice were randomized into control, model, donepezil(1.5 mg·kg~(-1)), and high-dose(7.5 g·kg~(-1)) and low-dose(3.75 g·kg~(-1)) Yigong Powder groups. The mice in other groups except the control group were injected with D-galactose(200 g·kg~(-1)) at the back of the neck for the modeling of aging. At the same time, the mice were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage for one month. Morris water maze was used to examine the learning and memory abilities of the mice. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the pathological and morphological changes of the hippocampus. The immunofluorescence assay was employed to detect the expression of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1(IBA1), glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP), chemokine C-X-C-motif ligand 12(CXCL12), chemokine C-X-C-motif receptor 4(CXCR4) in the hippocampus and observe the positional relationship between IBA1, GFAP, and CXCR4. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of extracellular regulated kinase(ERK), p-ERK, and tumor necrosis factor receptor 1(TNFR1). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of glutamate and tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α) in the brain tissue and the level of TNF-α in the serum and spleen. Yigong Powder significantly shortened the escape latency, increased the times crossing platforms, and prolonged the cumulative time in quadrants of the aging mice. It alleviated the nerve cell disarrangement, increased intercellular space, and cell degeneration or death in the hippocampus and reduced the pathology score of the damaged nerve. Moreover, Yigong Powder reduced the positive area of IBA1 and GFAP, reduced the levels of TNF-α in the brain tissue, serum, and spleen, and decreased spleen index. Furthermore, Yigong Powder decreased the average fluorescence intensity of CXCL12 and CXCR4, reduced CXCR4-positive astrocytes and microglia, down-regulated the protein levels of p-ERK/ERK and TNFR1, and lowered the level of glutamate in the brain tissue. This study showed that the preventive administration of Yigong Powder can ameliorate the learning and memory decline of the D-galactose-induced aging mice by regulating the immune function of the spleen and the CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling in the brain to reduce glutamate release. However, the mechanism of Yigong San in preventing and treating dementia via regulating spleen and stomach function remains to be studied.

Two new prenylated 2-arylbenzofurans from roots of Artocarpus heterophyllus and their anti-respiratory burst activities / 中国中药杂志

Two prenylated 2-arylbenzofurans were isolated from roots of Artocarpus heterophyllus, with a combination of various chromatographic approaches, including ODS, MCI, Sephadex LH-20, and semipreparative high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). They were identified as 5-[6-hydroxy-4-methoxy-5,7-bis(3-methylbut-2-enyl)benzofuran-2-yl]-1,3-benzenediol(1) and 5-[2H,9H-2,2,9,9-tetramethyl-furo[2,3-f]pyrano[2,3-h][1]benzopyran-6-yl]-1,3-benzenediol(2) with spectroscopic methods, such as HR-ESI-MS, IR, 1D NMR, and 2D NMR, and named artoheterins B(1) and C(2), respectively. The anti-respiratory burst activities of the two compounds were evaluated with rat polymorphonuclear neutrophils(PMNs) stimulated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate(PMA). The results showed that 1 and 2 exhibited significant inhibitory effect on respiratory burst of PMNs with IC_(50) values of 0.27 and 1.53 μmol·L~(-1), respectively.

LOX-1 Regulation in Anti-atherosclerosis of Active Compounds of Herbal Medicine: Current Knowledge and the New Insight / 中国结合医学杂志

Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) have recently been identified to be closely related to the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis (AS). A growing body of evidence has suggested Chinese medicine takes unique advantages in preventing and treating AS. In this review, the related research progress of AS and LOX-1 has been summarized. And the anti-AS effects of 10 active components of herbal medicine through LOX-1 regulation have been further reviewed. As a potential biomarker and target for intervention in AS, LOX-1 targeted therapy might provide a promising and novel approach to atherosclerotic prevention and treatment.

Whole-course management strategies for gastroesophageal reflux disease: an evidence mapping study based on clinical practice guidelines / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common digestive diseases with high incidence, complicated clinical symptoms, difficulties in standard treatment, and heavy medical burden. At present, some GERD-relevant clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have been issued by different countries and academic organizations, but some recommendations were inconsistent, which has caused some problems for the current clinical whole-course management of GERD. To summarize the relevant evidence among the CPGs on GERD and formulate the whole- course management strategies, we included GERD-relevant CPGs published or updated after 2010 by searching websites of guidelines, relevant professional societies, and electronic databases. We extracted the recommendations and summarized the evidence from the aspects of symptoms, epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment, which was presented in the form of evidence mapping. We included 24 CPGs, including three in Chinese and 21 in English. The clinical practice management strategies of GERD were formulated based on the evidence from the aspects of clinical symptoms, diagnostic methods, medical treatment, anti-reflux surgery and endoscopic treatment, psychological treatment, and traditional Chinese medicine treatment.

Chondroprotective Effects of Gubitong Recipe via Inhibiting Excessive Mitophagy of Chondrocytes.

Objective: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative joint disorder and a leading cause of disability. A previous randomized controlled trial has shown that Gubitong (GBT) recipe can improve OA-related symptoms and articular function without noticeable side effects. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to explore the therapeutic mechanisms of the GBT recipe for OA through in vivo and in vitro experiments. Methods: Rats of the OA model were established by Hulth surgery and intervened with the GBT recipe and then were subjected to pathological assessment of the cartilage. Matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13) expression in cartilage tissues was assessed by immunohistochemical staining. Chondrocytes were isolated from sucking rats and stimulated with LPS to establish an in vitro model. After intervened by water extraction of the GBT recipe, the fluorescent signal of Mtphagy Dye and mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) were detected to determine the states of mitophagy and mitochondrial dynamics of chondrocytes in vitro, respectively. Western blot test was used to detect levels of proteins related to catabolism of the cartilage matrix, mitophagy, and PI3K/AKT pathway. Results: In in vivo experiments, the GBT recipe can effectively inhibit the cartilage degeneration of chondrocytes in OA rats, as well as markedly suppress the expression of MMP-13. In vitro experiments on LPS-induced chondrocytes exhibited increase in mitochondrial depolarization and excessive mitophagy, and the GBT recipe can alleviate these changes. LPS-stimulated chondrocytes showed increases in MMP-13, PINK1, and Parkin in cell lysates and LC3II/LC3I ratio in the mitochondrial fraction, and the GBT recipe can inhibit these increases in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the GBT recipe can attenuate the abnormal activation of PI3K/AKT pathway induced by LPS. Conclusion: The GBT recipe exhibits chondroprotective effects through inhibiting excessive mitophagy of chondrocytes, which may be associated with its inhibitory effect on the abnormal activation of PI3K/AKT pathway.

Molecular cloning and characterization of three phenylalanine ammonia-lyase genes from Schisandra chinensis.

Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), which catalyzes the conversion from L-phenylalanine to trans-cinnamic acid, is a well-known key enzyme and a connecting step between primary and secondary metabolisms in the phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway of plants and microbes. Schisandra chinensis, a woody vine plant belonging to the family of Magnoliaceae, is a rich source of dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans exhibiting potent activity. However, the functional role of PAL in the biosynthesis of lignan is relatively limited, compared with those in lignin and flavonoids biosynthesis. Therefore, it is essential to clone and characterize the PAL genes from this valuable medicinal plant. In this study, molecular cloning and characterization of three PAL genes (ScPAL1-3) from S. chinensis was carried out. ScPALs were cloned using RACE PCR. The sequence analysis of the three ScPALs was carried out to give basic characteristics followed by docking analysis. In order to determine their catalytic activity, recombinant protein was obtained by heterologous expression in pCold-TF vector in Escherichia coli (BL21-DE3), followed by Ni-affinity purification. The catalytic product of the purified recombinant proteins was verified using RP-HPLC through comparing with standard compounds. The optimal temperature, pH value and effects of different metal ions were determined. Vmax, Kcat and Km values were determined under the optimal conditions. The expression of three ScPALs in different tissues was also determined. Our work provided essential information for the function of ScPALs.

[A new norsesquiterpenoid from Schisandra chinensis].

This study investigated the chemical components from the leaves and stems of Schisandra chinensis. Three norsesquiterpenoids were isolated from S. chinensis by various column chromatographies(silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, and MCI), reversed-phase medium-pressure preparative, and semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). Their structures were identified based on physicochemical properties, mass spectrometry(MS), nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR), ultraviolet(UV), and electro-nic circular dichroism(ECD) as(3R,4R,5R,6S,7E)-3,4,5,6-tetrahydroxy-7-megastigmen-9-one(1),(3S,5R,6R,7E)-3,5,6-trihydroxy-7-megastigmen-9-one(2), and(3S,4R,9R)-3,4,9-trihydroxymegastigman-5-ene(3). Compound 1 was a new compound, and its absolute configuration was determined by ECD. Compounds 2 and 3 were isolated from the Schisandra plant for the first time.

Analysis and suggestions on the registration path of Traditional Chinese Medicine products in Sweden / 国际中医中药杂志

The existing regulations and systems of the Swedish Medical Products Agency (MPA) have clear provisions on the definition, classification and listed on the market procecure of pharmaceutical products, and the supervision strictly follows the EU standards. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) products belong to the category of Swedish Herbal Medicine Products (HMP) or Traditional Herbal Medicine Products (THMP) and are under the supervision of Swedish Pharmaceutical Products Administration (MPA). This paper analyzes the classification, relevant regulations and registration procecures of TCM products in Sweden. It is suggests that TCM enterprises should fully understand the EU regulations and guidance regulations before listed on the market of TCM products. They should also clarify the product category, and provide sufficient and accurate evidence. In the application process, they should pay attention to strengthening communication with the drug administration units of Sweden.

Influence of umbilical cord milking versus delayed cord clamping on the early prognosis of preterm infants with a gestational age of <34 weeks: a Meta analysis / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To study the influence of umbilical cord milking versus delayed cord clamping on the early prognosis of preterm infants with a gestational age of <34 weeks.@*METHODS@#PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, Weipu Database, and SinoMed were searched for randomized controlled trials on umbilical cord milking versus delayed cord clamping in preterm infants with a gestational age of <34 weeks published up to November 2021. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, two researchers independently performed literature screening, quality evaluation, and data extraction. Review Manger 5.4 was used for Meta analysis.@*RESULTS@#A total of 11 articles were included in the analysis, with 1 621 preterm infants in total, among whom there were 809 infants in the umbilical cord milking group and 812 in the delayed cord clamping group. The Meta analysis showed that compared with delayed cord clamping, umbilical cord milking increased the mean blood pressure after birth (weighted mean difference=3.61, 95%CI: 0.73-6.50, P=0.01), but it also increased the incidence rate of severe intraventricular hemorrhage (RR=1.83, 95%CI: 1.08-3.09, P=0.02). There were no significant differences between the two groups in hemoglobin, hematocrit, blood transfusion rate, proportion of infants undergoing phototherapy, bilirubin peak, and incidence rates of complications such as periventricular leukomalacia and necrotizing enterocolitis (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Compared with delayed cord clamping, umbilical cord milking may increase the risk of severe intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm infants with a gestational age of <34 weeks; however, more high-quality large-sample randomized controlled trials are needed for further confirmation.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antibacterial Potential of Qicao Rukang Powder in Bovine Subclinical Mastitis.

BACKGROUND: Subclinical mastitis is one of the most common reproductive diseases in dairy cows. Qicao Rukang powder is a Chinese herbal compound mixture developed to treat subclinical mastitis in dairy cows by clearing heat, tonifying qi, and improving blood and milk circulation. The study aimed to determine the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial efficacy of Qicao Rukang powder in treating subclinical mastitis in dairy cows at the manufacturer's recommended dose. METHODS: Forty (40) Holstein dairy cows with milk somatic cell count (SCC) ≥ 500,000 cellml-1 were randomly assigned to treatment (n = 20) and control (n = 20) groups. Cows in the treatment group were administered with 150 grams of Qicao Rukang powder orally for five days, while the control group received no treatment. The authors analyzed the milk SCC, milk composition, bacteriological cure rate of the drug, blood serum levels of interleukins (IL-6, IL-1ß, and IL-8), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and interferon gamma (INF-γ) quantified by using ELISA kits on day 0 and day 6. RESULTS: SCC of the treated group reduced very significantly (P < 0.001) compared with the control group. Milk fat, protein, and total solids increased significantly (P < 0.05) after treatment, whereas lactose and milk urea nitrogen levels showed a nonsubstantial rise. The bacteriological cure percentage of Qicao Rukang powder therapy was 77.8% for Aeromonas spp. (14 of 18), 75% for Pseudomonas spp. (6 of 8), and 100% for Acinetobacter spp. and Enterococcus spp. giving 81.8% cured for all isolates (27 of 33). Only 26.7% (8 of 30) of untreated cows recovered spontaneously. Analysis of IL-1ß, IL-6, and INF-γ in the blood serum of the treated group revealed a significant decrease (P < 0.01) with nonsignificant rises in TNF-α and IL-8 levels. CONCLUSIONS: This research demonstrates that Qicao Rukang powder has potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions, supporting its use as an alternative to conventional treatment for subclinical dairy cow mastitis. However, further investigations will be required to explain the role of the active ingredients and the mechanisms involved in the pharmacological activities of the Qicao Rukang powder.

3D printing of four-in-one oral polypill with multiple release profiles for personalized delivery of caffeine and vitamin B analogues.

Personalized supplementation has found recent momentum with an estimated global market size of USD 1.6 billion in 2019 and an expected CAGR of 8.5% between 2020 and 2028. Alongside this rising trend, a simple, accurate, inexpensive and flexible method to produce personalized dosage forms of a wide variety of supplements would be beneficial to both the industry players and individual consumers. Here, we present a 3D printing method to fabricate a four-in-one oral polypill with multiple release profiles for personalized delivery of caffeine and vitamin B analogues. The 3D printable formulations were fabricated and optimized from existing FDA GRAS excipients based on their viscosity, shear thinning properties, recovery of paste and mechanical strength. In the polypill, vitamin B analogues and caffeine were used as the model dietary ingredients. We performed a standard 2 stage USP in vitro dissolution test of the polypill, and demonstrated that vitamin B1, B3 and B6 could be immediately released within 30 min, while caffeine could be slowly released over a period of 4 h. This demonstrated the ability dietary supplement containing different ingredients with varying release profiles, all within a single polypill. Throughout the formulation and 3D printing process, there were no detectable changes to the dietary ingredients nor any interactions with the excipients. This method serves as an intriguing complement to traditional manufacturing of oral tablets, especially when flexibility in design, dose, volume and release profiles of each dietary ingredient is required, as exemplified in personalized supplementation.

Oxymatrine improves blood-brain barrier integrity after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by downregulating CAV1 and MMP9 expression.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic stroke (IS) is a major neurological condition associated with extremely high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Oxymatrine (OMT), a quinolizidine alkaloid extracted from the root of Sophora flavescens, has neuroprotective properties and protects against IS. However, whether its protective effect involves alterations in the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is unknown. PURPOSE: Here, we used in vivo and in vitro models of IS to evaluate the protective effects of OMT and to establish whether its effects are mediated via the modulation of the BBB function. METHODS: We assessed the effects of OMT by using neurological function scores, triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, Nissl staining, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling. RESULTS: OMT significantly prevented cellular damage, improved neurological function, and reduced BBB permeability in a mouse model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. Additionally, OMT protected the function of the tight junctions of bEend.3 cells against the consequences of oxygen-glucose deprivation. Furthermore, intracranial lentivirus injection of short hairpin RNA targeting Cav1 decreased caveolin-1 expression and inhibited the neuroprotective effects of OMT. CONCLUSIONS: OMT attenuated ischemia-reperfusion injury-induced damage to the BBB, and this neuroprotective action was at least partially dependent on the expression levels of CAV1 and MMP9 proteins. Therefore, OMT may offer effective protection against BBB injury induced by ischemia-reperfusion episodes.

Development status and cooperation strategy of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Germany, France, the UK and Netherlands / 国际中医中药杂志

This paper analyzes and compares the development of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Germany, France, the UK and Netherlands, considering the economic and social situation of countries. The SWOT strategic analysis is carried out on the basis of the proposittion of China-Europe cooperation in TCM, which encourage to carry out joint tackling of TCM for common diseases, jointly promoting the legislation with the guidance of the government and the participation of the public, speeding up the registration and listing of Chinese patent medicine with the focus on the Netherlands and the UK, and optimizing the perspective and strength of TCM publicity with the help of new media. In this way, TCM should be promoted in Europe.

Regulatory T Cells: A New Target of Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Atherosclerosis / 中国结合医学杂志

Inflammation and immune disorders are integral to the occurrence and progression of atherosclerosis (AS). With the role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in immune regulation attracting attention, it has been widely accepted that Treg decrease and dysfunction are involved in AS pathogenesis. Chinese medicine (CM) has the advantages of being dual-directional, multi-targeted, and having minimal side effects in immune regulation. The anti-atherosclerosis effects of CM via Treg modulation have been revealed in clinical and animal studies. Therefore, this article reviews existing research on Tregs, the relationship between Tregs and AS, and the progress of CM for treating and prevention of atherosclerotic cardio-cerebrovascular diseases by regulating Tregs. Although the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated, CM treatment targeting Treg cells might provide a promising and novel future approach for prevention and treatment of AS.

Effects of Bunao-Fuyuan decoction serum on proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells in atherosclerotic / 中国天然药物

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease, the main causes of which include abnormal lipid metabolism, endothelial injury, physical and chemical injury, hemodynamic injury, genetic factors and so on. These causes can lead to inflammatory injury of blood vessels and local dysfunction. Bunao-Fuyuan decoction (BNFY) is a traditional Chinese medicine compound that can treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, but its effect on AS is still unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of BNFY in proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) on AS. At first, the expression of α-SMA protein in ox-LDL-induced VSMCs, which was detected by immunofluorescence staining and western blot. CCK-8 technique and cloning technique were used to detect the cell proliferation of ox-LDL-induced VSMCs after adding BNFY. Meanwhile, the expression of proliferating protein Ki67 was detected by immunofluorescence staining. Western blot was also used to detect the expression of proliferation-related proteins CDK2, CyclinE1 and P27. Flow cytometry was used to detect the effect of BNFY on cell cycle. The effects of BNFY on proliferation and migration of cells were detected by cell scratch test and Transwell. Western blot was used to detect the expression of adhesion factors ICAM1, VCAM1, muc1, VE-cadherin and RHOA/ROCK-related proteins in cells. We found that the expression of AS marker α-SMA protein increased significantly and cells shriveled and a few floated on the medium after induction of ox-LDL on VSCMs. The proliferation rate of ox-LDL VSMCs decreased significantly after adding different doses of BNFY, and BNFY can inhibit cell cycle. Meanwhile, we also found that cell invasion and migration rate were significantly inhibited and related cell adhesion factors ICAM1, VCAM1, muc1 and VE-cadherin were inhibited too by BNFY. Finally, we found that BNFY inhibited the expression of RHOA, ROCK1, ROCK2, p-MLC proteins in the RHOA/ROCK signaling pathway. Therefore, we can summarize that BNFY may inhibit the proliferation and migration of atherosclerotic vascular smooth muscle cells by inhibiting the activity of RHOA/ROCK signaling pathway.

Analysis of varieties and standards of Saxifragaceae medicinal plants used in Tibetan medicine / 中国中药杂志

On the basis of literatures and standards relating to Tibetan medicine, the varieties, origin, standards and efficacy of Saxifragaceae plant used in Tibetan medicine were summarized. According to the findings, 75 species(including varieties) in 8 genera of Saxifragaceae plants, involving 21 varieties, are used in Tibetan medicine. Among them, 9 commonly used varieties, namely Songdi, Sedi, Yajima, Aoledansaierbao, Jiansidawu, Saiguo, Katuer, Sangdi, Maoqinghong, are recorded in Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Ministry Standards for Tibetan Medicine, Tibetan Medicine Standards and other local standards, accounting for 42.9% of the total number of varieties. Tibetan names, Tibetan translation of Chinese names, as well as original plant of Tibetan medicine varieties are quite different in relevant Tibetan medicine standards and literatures, which resulted in common phenomena of synonym and homonym. The standards of most varieties only involve characters, and microscopic, physical and chemical identification, with low quality standards. Based on the results of the analysis, this paper suggests strengthening surveys on herbal textual research, resources and current utilization of Saxifragaceae plants used in Tibetan medicine, summarizing the varieties, establishing improved quality standards, and perfor-ming a comparative study on therapeutic material basis and biological activity of different original plants, in order to promote rational use of these medicinal plant resources, and ensuring the accuracy, safety, and effectiveness of clinical medication.

Large- scale prospective clinical study on prophylactic intervention of COVID-19 in community population using Huoxiang Zhengqi Oral Liquid and Jinhao Jiere Granules / 中国中药杂志

To scientifically evaluate the intervention effect of Chinese medicine preventive administration(combined use of Huo-xiang Zhengqi Oral Liquid and Jinhao Jiere Granules) on community population in the case of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19), a large cohort, prospective, randomized, and parallel-controlled clinical study was conducted. Total 22 065 subjects were included and randomly divided into 2 groups. The non-intervention group was given health guidance only, while the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) intervention group was given two coordinated TCM in addition to health guidance. The medical instructions were as follows. Huoxiang Zhengqi Oral Liquid: oral before meals, 10 mL/time, 2 times/day, a course of 5 days. Jinhao Jiere Granules: dissolve in boiling water and take after meals, 8 g/time, 2 times/day, a course of 5 days, followed up for 14 days, respectively. The study found that with the intake of medication, the incidence rate of TCM intervention group was basically maintained at a low and continuous stable level(0.01%-0.02%), while the non-intervention group showed an overall trend of continuous growth(0.02%-0.18%) from 3 to 14 days. No suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case occurred in either group. There were 2 cases of colds in the TCM intervention group and 26 cases in the non-intervention group. The incidence of colds in the TCM intervention group was significantly lower(P<0.05) than that in the non-intervention group. In the population of 16-60 years old, the incidence rate of non-intervention and intervention groups were 0.01% and 0.25%, respectively. The difference of colds incidence between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05). In the population older than 60 years old, they were 0.04% and 0.21%, respectively. The incidence of colds in the non-intervention group was higher than that in the intervention group, but not reaching statistical difference. The protection rate of TCM for the whole population was 91.8%, especially for the population of age 16-60(95.0%). It was suggested that TCM intervention(combined use of Huoxiang Zhengqi Oral Liquid and Jinhao Jiere Granules) could effectively protect community residents against respiratory diseases, such as colds, which was worthy of promotion in the community. In addition, in terms of safety, the incidence of adverse events and adverse reactions in the TCM intervention group was relatively low, which was basically consistent with the drug instructions.

Role of gut microbiota in the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease with traditional Chinese medicine / 药学学报

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a genetic and environmental factor-associated metabolic disease that can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In recent decades the prevalence of NAFLD has increased, but effective pharmacotherapy is limited. Treatment regimens in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have made significant contributions to the control of NAFLD, but underlying mechanisms are far less elucidated. Increasing evidence suggests that gut microbiota play a crucial role in the pathogenesis and development of diseases including NAFLD. The outcomes of such research open a new approach in identifying the molecular mechanisms of TCM. Here we review the evidence that gut microbiota might be a target in the treatment NAFLD using TCM.

Berberine ameliorates dexamethasone-induced metabolic disorder in C57 mice / 药学学报

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects and mechanisms of berberine (BBR) against dexamethasone (Dex)-induced metabolic disorders. 3T3-L1 cells were differentiated by Dex treatment and then treated with BBR (2.5, 5, 10 μmol·L-1). Lipid accumulation was detected using oil-red O staining. After review and approval of the ethics committee of the Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, C57BL/6N mice were randomly divided into three groups. In the BBR treatment group, mice were subcutaneously implanted with an osmotic pump containing Dex and gavaged with BBR (100 mg·kg-1·day-1) for 4 weeks. The model control group was implanted with a Dex osmotic pump with no other treatment. Mice given a saline-filled osmotic pump were used as a negative control. During the study, food intake and body weight were measured weekly. Subcutaneous fat and visceral fat was detected by MRI. At the end of the experiment the plasma levels of total cholesterol (CHO), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), glucose (Glu), and muscle mass were measured. The expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and AMP-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα) in 3T3-L1 cells and epididymal fat of C57BL/6N mice was evaluated through RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. The results showed that BBR inhibited Dex-induced adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes by up to 23% in a dose-dependent manner. In C57BL/6N mice, berberine alleviated hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia and reduced visceral fat accumulation induced by Dex. The results from RT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed that BBR reduced PPARγ expression and increased the phosphorylation of AMPKα in 3T3-L1 cells as well as in adipose tissue. Berberine might alleviate Dex-induced metabolic disorder and visceral fat accumulation by modulating PPARγ and AMPK expression.