[Mechanism of stress-induced microglial activation in depression and traditional Chinese medicine regulation].

Depression exists with high prevalence and heavy disease burden. Stress events play a key role in the occurrence of depression, but the pathological mechanism has not been fully clarified by reason of the complexity and heterogeneity. In recent years, neuroinflammation as a pathological mechanism of depression has received extensive attention. The activated microglia is regarded as the marker of neuroinflammation, which is an important link of stress-induced depression. Stress might induce microglia activation through pattern recognition receptors(PRR), intestinal flora, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA) axis, and other pathways. Cross-talk between impaired microglia function and neurobiological factors such as inflammatory cytokines, serotonin metabolism, and neuroplasticity may lead to depression. At present, a large number of studies have proved that traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) plays an anti-depressive role by inhibiting microglia activation, which may be potential treatment strategies for depressive disorder. This paper reviewed the research progress of stress-induced microglia activation in depression and summarized the mechanism of TCM against depression with regard to microglia, hoping to provide experimental evidence and consideration for TCM against depression through microglia.

An explanation for fluctuations of icariin content in Epimedium production process.

Epimedium has beneficial effects in nourishing and building up the body and is widely used in practical production of Epimedium preparations. As one of the major active compounds in Epimedium preparations, icariin is be used as a quality control index of industrial manufacture. However, content of icariin was observed to increase to uncertain extent in pharmaceutical production, which might bring difficulties in quality control. The content fluctuation mainly occurred in high-temperature extraction process. The aim of this study is to investigate what happen to flavonol-glycosides in Epimedium under heating treatment. Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Linear Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer was applied to profile the transformation rule of flavonol-glycosides in Epimedium and search for an explanation for the increase in icariin content under heating treatment. 56 compounds were found to have significantly changed and their structures were identified, among which 15 flavonol-glycosides were proposed to play a role in icariin content variation. Further studies were conducted based on 8 flavonol-glycosides standard substances to obtain more credible data. Finally, Baohuoside II, 2"-o-rhamnosylicariside II, Epimedin A1, Epimedin A, Epimedin B, Epimedin C, Baohuoside I and Anhydroicaritin were found to transform into icariin during the heating process. This study provides an evidence for the quality control study of Epimedium preparation, as well as reference for chemical researches in natural pharmacy.

Herbal plants coordinate COVID-19 in multiple dimensions - An insight analysis for clinically applied remedies.

The use of multipronged measures, including traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has greatly increased in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we found the use of TCM and is positively correlated with the regional cure rate in China (R=0.77, P<10-5). We analyzed 185 commonly administered TCM recipes comprised of 210 herbs nationwide to reveal mechanistic insight. Eight out of the 10 most commonly used herbs showed anti-coronavirus potential by intersecting with COVID-19 targets. Intriguingly, 17 compounds from the 5 most commonly used herbs were revealed to have direct anti-SARS-CoV-2 potential by docking with the two core structures [CoV spike (S) glycoprotein (6SVB) and CoV 3CL hydrolase (6LU7)]. Seven reported COVID-19 drugs served as positive controls; among them, retionavir (-7.828 kcal/mol) and remdesivir (-8.738 kcal/mol) performed best with 6VSB and 6LU7, respectively. The top candidate was madreselvin B (6SVB: -8.588 kcal/mol and 6LU7: -9.017 kcal/mol), an appreciable component of Flos Lonicerae. Eighty-six compounds from 22 unlisted herbs were further identified among 2,042 natural compounds, completing our arsenal for TCM formulations. The mechanisms have been implicated as multifactorial, including activation of immunoregulation (Th2, PPAR and IL10), suppression of acute inflammatory responses (IL-6, IL-1α/ß, TNF, COX2/1, etc.), enhancement of antioxidative activity (CAT and SOD1), and modulation of apoptosis (inhibited CASP3). It is of interest to understand the biological mechanisms of TCM recipes. We then analyzed 18 representative remedies based on molecular targets associated with 14 medical conditions over the disease course, e.g., pyrexia, coughing, asthenia, lymphopenia, cytokine storm, etc. The significant level of coherence (SLC) revealed, in part, the potential uses and properties of corresponding TCMs. Thus, herbal plants coordinate to combat COVID-19 in multiple dimensions, casting a light of hope before effective vaccines are developed.

Potential mechanisms of Chinese Herbal Medicine that implicated in the treatment of COVID-19 related renal injury.

Clinical studies have shown that renal injury in Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients has been a real concern, which is associated with high mortality and an inflammation/apoptosis-related causality. Effective target therapy for renal injury has yet been developed. Besides, potential anti-COVID-19 medicines have also been reported to cause adverse side effects to kidney. Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM), however, has rich experience in treating renal injury and has successfully applied in China in the battle of COVID-19. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms of CHM treatment are still unclear. In this study, we searched prescriptions in the treatment of renal injury extensively and the potential mechanisms to treat COVID-19 related renal injury were investigated. The association rules analysis showed that the core herbs includes Huang Qi, Fu Ling, Bai Zhu, Di Huang, Shan Yao. TCM herbs regulate core pathways, such as AGE-RAGE, PI3K-AKT, TNF and apoptosis pathway, etc. The ingredients (quercetin, formononetin, kaempferol, etc.,) from core herbs could modulate targets (PTGS2 (COX2), PTGS1 (COX1), IL6, CASP3, NOS2, and TNF, etc.), and thereby prevent the pharmacological and non-pharmacological renal injury comparable to that from COVID-19 infection. This study provides therapeutic potentials of CHM to combat COVID-19 related renal injury to reduce complications and mortality.

Comparing vegetation indices for remote chlorophyll measurement of white poplar and Chinese elm leaves with different adaxial and abaxial surfaces.

Quick non-destructive assessment of leaf chlorophyll content (LCC) is important for studying phenotypes related to plant growth and stress resistance. This study was undertaken to investigate the quantitative relationship between LCC and different vegetation indices (VIs) on both adaxial and abaxial surfaces of white poplar (Populus alba), which has dense tubular hairs on its abaxial surface, and Chinese elm (Ulmus pumila var. pendula), which does not show obvious superficial differences except for lighter colour on the abaxial surface. Some published and newly developed VIs were tested to relate them to LCC. The results showed that most of the published VIs had strong relationships with LCC on the one-surface dataset, but did not show a clear relationship with LCC when both adaxial and abaxial surface reflectance data were included. Among the reflectance indices tested, the modified Datt index, (R719-R726)/(R719-R743), performed best and is proposed as a new index for remote estimation of chlorophyll content in plants with varying leaf surface structures. It explained 92% of LCC variation in this research, and the root mean square error of the LCC prediction was 5.23 µg/cm(2). This new index is insensitive to the effects of adaxial and abaxial leaf surface structures and is strongly related to the variation in reflectance caused by chlorophyll content.

Complete genome sequence of a haloalkaliphilic heterotrophic bacterium Halomonas salifodinae IM328.

The genome of a halophilic bacterium Halomonas salifodinae IM328 was completely sequenced in order to offer convenience for the research such as the synthesis of compatible solutes. The genome contains a circular chromosome which was sequenced by PacBio system.

The single cell immunogenomic landscape after neoadjuvant immunotherapy combined chemotherapy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Neoadjuvant immunotherapy represents promising strategy in the treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, the mechanisms underlying its impact on treatment sensitivity or resistance remain a subject of controversy. In this study, we conducted single-cell RNA and T/B cell receptor (scTCR/scBCR) sequencing of CD45+ immune cells on samples from 10 patients who received neoadjuvant immunotherapy and chemotherapy. We also validated our findings using multiplexed immunofluorescence and analyzed bulk RNA-seq from other cohorts in public database. By integrating analysis of 87357 CD45+ cells, we found GZMK + effector memory T cells (Tem) were relatively enriched and CXCL13+ exhausted T cells (Tex) and regulator T cells (Treg) decreased among responders, indicating a persistent anti-tumor memory process. Additionally, the enhanced presence of BCR expansion and somatic hypermutation process within TNFRSF13B + memory B cells (Bmem) suggested their roles in antigen presentation. This was further corroborated by the evidence of the T-B co-stimulation pattern and CXCL13-CXCR5 axis. The complexity of myeloid cell heterogeneity was also particularly pronounced. The elevated expression of S100A7 in ESCC, as detected by bulk RNA-seq, was associated with an exhausted and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In summary, this study has unveiled a potential regulatory network among immune cells and the clonal dynamics of their functions, and the mechanisms of exhaustion and memory conversion between GZMK + Tem and TNFRSF13B + Bmem from antigen presentation and co-stimulation perspectives during neoadjuvant PD-1 blockade treatment in ESCC.

Novel construction of multifunctional photo-responsive and nucleic acid-triggered doxorubicin-releasing liposomes for cancer therapy.

All-in-one nano theranostics integrating accurate diagnosis and combined therapy is promising for high-efficacy tumor treatment and receiving significant attention. In this study, we develop photo-controlled release liposomes with nucleic acid-triggered fluorescence and photoactivity for tumor imaging and synergistic antitumor therapy. Copper phthalocyanine as a photothermal agent is fused into lipid layers to prepare liposomes encapsulating cationic zinc phthalocyanine ZnPc(TAP)412+ and doxorubicin, followed by the modification of RGD peptide on the surface to obtain the final product RGD-CuPc:ZnPc(TAP)412+:DOX@LiPOs (RCZDL). RCZDL possesses favorable stability, significant photothermal effect, and photo-controlled release function through the characterization of physicochemical properties. It is shown that the fluorescence and ROS generation could be turned on by intracellular nucleic acid after illumination. RCZDL exhibits synergistic cytotoxicity, increased apoptosis, and significantly promoted cell uptake. Subcellular localization analysis indicates that ZnPc(TAP)412+ tends to be distributed in the mitochondria of HepG2 cells treated with RCZDL after exposure to light. The results of experiments in vivo on H22 tumor-bearing mice demonstrate that RCZDL had excellent tumor targeting, a prominent photothermal effect at the tumor sites, and synergistic antitumor efficiency. More importantly, little RCZDL has been found to be accumulated in the liver, and most were quickly metabolized by the liver. The results confirm that the proposed new intelligent liposomes provide a simple and cost-effective way for tumor imaging and combinatorial anticancer therapy.

The crosstalk signals of Sodium Tanshinone â ¡A Sulfonate in rats with cerebral ischemic stroke: Insights from proteomics.

BACKGROUND: Stroke could cause long-term disability, even mortality around the world. Recently, Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS), identified from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge and was found to have unique efficiency in clinical practice as a potential therapeutic agent for ischemic cerebral infarction. However, systematic investigation about the biological mechanism is still lacking. Herein, we utilized high-throughput proteomics approach to identify the underlying targets for the treatment of STS in stroke. METHODS: We investigated the effect of STS on stroke outcomes on rat model of the Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion and Reperfusion (MCAO/R), assessing by Z-Longa score, infarct volume and HE staining. Pharmacoproteomic profiling of ischemic penumbra in cortical (IPC) was performed using DIA-based label-free liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) technique. Bioinformatics analysis was processed for further investigation. The expression of core proteins was semi-quantified by DIA, and the major protein correlating with stroke was examined using parallel reaction monitoring (PRM). RESULTS: Rats in the MCAO/R group showed neurological function deterioration, which was improved by STS. There were 423 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in IPC being detected and quantified in both the sham group and the MCAO/R group. Meanwhile, 285 proteins were significantly changed in the STS treated group, compared to the MCAO/R model. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, pathway and biological function enrichment were processed for the DEPs across each two groups, the results of which were integrated for analysis. Alb, mTOR, Dync1h1, Stxbp1, Cltc, and Sptan1 were contained as the core proteins. Altered molecules were discovered to be enriched in 18 signal pathways such as phosphatidylinositol signaling system, PI3K/AKT signal pathway and HIF-1 signal pathway. The results also showed the correlation with sleep disturbances and depression post-stroke. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that STS could prevent penumbra from progressively ongoing damage and improve neurological deficits in MCAO/R model rats. The intersected pathways and protein networks predicted by proteomics might provide much more detailed information for the therapeutic mechanisms of STS in the treatment of CIS.

Shuangxinfang Prevents S100A9-Induced Macrophage/Microglial Inflammation to Improve Cardiac Function and Depression-Like Behavior in Rats After Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Background: Depression is a common complication of cardiovascular disease, which deteriorates cardiac function. Shuangxinfang (psycho-cardiology formula, PCF) was reported to alleviate myocardial ischemia injury and improve depression-like behavior. Interestingly, our previous proteomics study predicted that the protein S100A9 appeared as an important target, and macrophage/microglial inflammation might be involved in the process of PCF improving depression induced by acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This study aims to validate the proteomics results. Methods: AMI rat models were established in vivo, followed by the administration of PCF or ABR-215757 (also named paquinimod, inhibiting S100A9 binding to TLR4) for 5 days. Forced swimming test (FST) and open field test (OFT) were applied to record depression-like behavior, and echocardiography was employed to evaluate cardiac function. Morphological changes of cardiomyocytes were assessed by HE staining and TUNEL staining on day 7 after cardiac surgery, as well as Masson trichrome staining on day 21. Hippocampal neurogenesis was determined by Nissl staining, while 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), tryptophan/kynurenine ratio, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus were analyzed as biochemical indicators of depression. We employed RT-qPCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence to detect the expression of pathway-related genes and proteins. Myocardial and hippocampal expression of inflammatory factors were performed by ELISA. The activation of macrophage and microglia was assessed via immunoreaction using CD68 and Iba1, respectively. For in vitro confirmation, BV2 cells were primed with recombinant protein S100A9 and then treated with PCF serum or ferulic acid to determine alterations in microglial inflammation. Results: Rats in the AMI group showed heart function deterioration and depression-like behavior. Coronary ligation not only brought about myocardial inflammation, cell apoptosis, and fibrosis but also reduced the neurogenesis, elevated the tryptophan/kynurenine ratio, and decreased the content of 5-HT. PCF could ameliorate the pathological and phenotypic changes in the heart and brain and inhibit the expression of the S100A9 protein, the activation of the microglial cell, and the secretion of IL-1ß and TNF-α raised by AMI. ABR-215757 showed therapeutic effect and molecular biological mechanisms similar to PCF. Treatment with PCF serum or ferulic acid in vitro was proved to efficiently block the hyperactivation of BV2 cells and increment of cytokine contents induced by recombinant protein S100A9. Conclusion: We identify S100A9 as a novel and potent regulator of inflammation in both the heart and brain. Macrophage/microglia inflammation mediated by S100A9 is considered a pivotal pathogenic in depression after AMI and a major pathway for the treatment of PCF, suggesting that PCF is a promising therapeutic candidate for psycho-cardiology disease.

Bioconversion of vitamin D3 to bioactive calcifediol and calcitriol as high-value compounds.

Biological catalysis is an important approach for the production of high-value-added compounds, especially for products with complex structures. Limited by the complex steps of chemical synthesis and low yields, the bioconversion of vitamin D3 (VD3) to calcifediol and calcitriol, which are natural steroid products with high added value and significantly higher biological activity compared to VD3, is probably the most promising strategy for calcifediol and calcitriol production, and can be used as an alternative method for chemical synthesis. The conversion efficiency of VD3 to calcifediol and calcitriol has continued to rise in the past few decades with the help of several different VD3 hydroxylases, mostly cytochrome P450s (CYPs), and newly isolated strains. The production of calcifediol and calcitriol can be systematically increased in different ways. Specific CYPs and steroid C25 dehydrogenase (S25DH), as VD3 hydroxylases, are capable of converting VD3 to calcifediol and calcitriol. Some isolated actinomycetes have also been exploited for fermentative production of calcifediol and calcitriol, although the VD3 hydroxylases of these strains have not been elucidated. With the rapid development of synthetic biology and enzyme engineering, quite a lot of advances in bioproduction of calcifediol and calcitriol has been achieved in recent years. Therefore, here we review the successful strategies of promoting VD3 hydroxylation and provide some perspective on how to further improve the bioconversion of VD3 to calcifediol and calcitriol.

Recent progress toward developing axial chirality bioactive compounds.

Atropisomers are stereoisomers with axial chirality arising from restricted rotation around a single bond. Lots of representatives of this class of axially chiral compounds exhibit remarkable biological properties for protein targets. This time-dependent chirality shows great potential for drug development. Herein, we comprehensively review axial chirality bioactive compounds, including C-C bonded atropisomers, C-N bonded atropisomers, and N-N bonded atropisomers. Examples of each are provided along with their biological activity. This review highlights the development of various examples of atropisomerism encountered in bioactive compounds, which is beneficial for medicinal chemists to advance atropisomeric drug molecules.

Potential common mechanism of four Chinese patent medicines recommended by diagnosis and treatment protocol for COVID-19 in medical observation period.

The global epidemic has been controlled to some extent, while sporadic outbreaks still occur in some places. It is essential to summarize the successful experience and promote the development of new drugs. This study aimed to explore the common mechanism of action of the four Chinese patent medicine (CPMs) recommended in the Medical Observation Period COVID-19 Diagnostic and Treatment Protocol and to accelerate the new drug development process. Firstly, the active ingredients and targets of the four CPMs were obtained by the Chinese medicine composition database (TCMSP, TCMID) and related literature, and the common action targets of the four TCMs were sorted out. Secondly, the targets of COVID-19 were obtained through the gene-disease database (GeneCards, NCBI). Then the Venn diagram was used to intersect the common drug targets with the disease targets. And GO and KEGG pathway functional enrichment analysis was performed on the intersected targets with the help of the R package. Finally, the results were further validated by molecular docking and molecular dynamics analysis. As a result, a total of 101 common active ingredients and 21 key active ingredients of four CPMs were obtained, including quercetin, luteolin, acacetin, kaempferol, baicalein, naringenin, artemisinin, aloe-emodin, which might be medicinal substances for the treatment of COVID-19. TNF, IL6, IL1B, CXCL8, CCL2, IL2, IL4, ICAM1, IFNG, and IL10 has been predicted as key targets. 397 GO biological functions and 166 KEGG signaling pathways were obtained. The former was mainly enriched in regulating apoptosis, inflammatory response, and T cell activation. The latter, with 92 entries related to COVID-19, was mainly enriched to signaling pathways such as Coronavirus disease-COVID-19, Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, IL-17 signaling pathway, and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway. Molecular docking results showed that 19/21 of key active ingredients exhibited strong binding activity to recognized COVID-19-related targets (3CL of SARS-CoV-2, ACE2, and S protein), even better than one of these four antiviral drugs. Among them, shinflavanone had better affinity to 3CL, ACE2, and S protein of SARS-CoV-2 than these four antiviral drugs. In summary, the four CPMs may play a role in the treatment of COVID-19 by binding flavonoids such as quercetin, luteolin, and acacetin to target proteins such as ACE2, 3CLpro, and S protein and acting on TNF, IL6, IL1B, CXCL8, and other targets to participate in broad-spectrum antiviral, immunomodulatory and inflammatory responses.

Three-dimensional visualization of electroacupuncture-induced activation of brown adipose tissue via sympathetic innervation in PCOS rats.

BACKGROUND: Low-frequency electroacupuncture (EA) has been shown to ameliorate obesity and reproductive dysfunctions in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and further explorations in PCOS-like rats showed that EA could affect white adipose tissue. However, the function and neuromodulation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in PCOS and after EA treatment have remained unknown. The present study focused on the role of BAT in PCOS-like rats and its relationship with EA and characterized the three-dimensional (3D) innervation of BAT associated with activation molecules. METHODS: Female rats (21 days old) were implanted with dihydrotestosterone or fed with a high fat diet to establish PCOS-like and obesity models, respectively, and then EA treatment at "Guilai" (ST 29) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) was carried out for 4 weeks. In the present study, morphological analysis, 3D imaging, molecular biology, and other experimental techniques were used to study the sympathetic nerves and activity of BAT. RESULTS: PCOS-like rats showed both obvious weight gain and reproductive dysfunction, similar to what was seen in obese rats except for the absence of reproductive dysfunction. The body weight gain was mainly caused by an increase in white adipose tissue, and there was an abnormal decrease in BAT. Because both the lipid metabolism and reproductive disorders could be improved with bilateral EA at "Guilai" (ST 29) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6), especially the restoration of BAT, we further investigated the neuromodulation and inflammation in BAT and identified the sympathetic marker tyrosine hydroxylase as one of the key factors of sympathetic nerves. Modified adipo-clearing technology and 3D high-resolution imaging showed that crooked or dispersed sympathetic nerves, but not the twisted vasculature, were reconstructed and associated with the activation of BAT and are likely to be the functional target for EA treatment. CONCLUSION: Our study highlights the significant role of BAT and its sympathetic innervations in PCOS and in EA therapy.

Nardosinone regulates the slc38a2 gene to alleviate Parkinson's symptoms in rats through the GABAergic synaptic and cAMP pathways.

In a rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease (PD) rat model, behavioral investigation, pathological examination, inflammatory factor analysis, and mitochondrial structure and function investigation verified the anti-PD efficacy of nardosinone. A combined transcriptome and proteome analysis proposed that the anti-PD target of nardosinone is the slc38a2 gene and may involve the GABAergic synaptic pathway and cAMP-signaling pathway. Analysis of targeted slc38a2 knockout cells and expression of key enzyme-encoding genes in both pathways verified the target and pathways proposed by the 'omics analysis. This further confirms that nardosinone can regulate the slc38a2 gene, a potential new target for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, and plays an anti-PD role through the GABAergic synaptic and cAMP pathways.

Psycho-cardiology therapeutic effects of Shuangxinfang in rats with depression-behavior post acute myocardial infarction: Focus on protein S100A9 from proteomics.

BACKGROUND: Depressive disorders induced by acute myocardial infarction (AMI) play a pivotal role in the deterioration of cardiac function, and Shuangxinfang (Psycho-cardiology Formula, PCF) was reported to alleviate heart function damage and improve depression-like behavior, but the complex mechanism in such process has not been clarified. METHODS: AMI models were established and PCF was administered in rats. Subjects were then assessed in open field test (OFT) and forced swimming test (FST) recapitulating symptoms of depressive disorder. Afterward, pharmacoproteomic profiling of the hippocampus and peri-infarct border zone (BZ) was performed using a label-free liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) technique, to identify contributing proteins and pathways responsible for myocardial ischemia and behavioral allostasis. Bioinformatics analysis was processed for further investigation, while western blotting was employed for testing dominating proteins to validate proteomic results. RESULTS: Rats in the AMI group showed depression-like behavior in OFT and FST, which was improved by PCF. There were 131 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in BZ and 64 proteins in the hippocampus being detected and quantified shared by the sham group, the AMI group, and the PCF group. Subsequently, pertinent pathways and molecular functions were further identified. Altered molecules were discovered to be enriched in the apoptotic process, innate immune response, and NF-κB transcription factor activity in BZ, as well as chemical synaptic transmission, axon, collagen binding, cell adhesion, response to carbohydrate, laminin binding, and cellular response to nitric oxide in the hippocampus. Groups of signal transducers were also able to select multiple pathways, including innate immunity and arginine biosynthesis in the heart, also integrin signaling in the brain. DEPs were intersected from the myocardium and hippocampus to screen out the protein S100A9, which was up-regulated in the AMI group compared with the sham, and showed a down-regulation trend after treatment with PCF. CONCLUSION: Taken together, we present a comprehensive proteomics analysis of rat models with depression post-AMI. Reviewing the literatures concerned, it's hypothesized that macrophage/microglia inflammation mediated by S100A9 might be the pivotal pathogenic process of psycho-cardiology disease, as well as potential mechanisms for the treatment of PCF.

Study of the Active Components and Molecular Mechanism of Tripterygium wilfordii in the Treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy.

We aimed to explore the active ingredients and molecular mechanism of Tripterygium wilfordii (TW) in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy (DN) through network pharmacology and molecular biology. First, the active ingredients and potential targets of TW were obtained through the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and related literature materials, and Cytoscape 3.7.2 software was used to construct the active ingredient-target network diagram of TW. Second, the target set of DN was obtained through the disease database, and the potential targets of TW in the treatment of DN were screened through a Venn diagram. A protein interaction network diagram (PPI) was constructed with the help of the String platform and Cytoscape 3.7.2. Third, the ClueGO plug-in tool was used to enrich the GO biological process and the KEGG metabolic pathway. Finally, molecular docking experiments and cell pathway analyses were performed. As a result, a total of 52 active ingredients of TW were screened, and 141 predicted targets and 49 target genes related to DN were identified. The biological process of GO is mediated mainly through the regulation of oxygen metabolism, endothelial cell proliferation, acute inflammation, apoptotic signal transduction pathway, fibroblast proliferation, positive regulation of cyclase activity, adipocyte differentiation and other biological processes. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the main pathways involved were AGE-RAGE, vascular endothelial growth factor, HIF-1, IL-17, relaxin signalling pathway, TNF, Fc epsilon RI, insulin resistance and other signaling pathways. It can be concluded that TW may treat DN by reducing inflammation, reducing antioxidative stress, regulating immunity, improving vascular disease, reducing insulin resistance, delaying renal fibrosis, repairing podocytes, and reducing cell apoptosis, among others, with multicomponent, multitarget and multisystem characteristics.

Pharmacological Mechanisms Underlying the Anti-asthmatic Effects of Modified Guomin Decoction Determined by Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by Th2-predominant inflammation and airway remodeling. Modified Guo Min decoction (MGMD) has been an extensive practical strategy for allergic disorders in China. Although its potential anti-asthmatic activity has been reported, the exact mechanism of action of MGMD in asthma remains unexplored. METHODS: Network pharmacology approach was employed to predict the active components, potential targets, and molecular mechanism of MGMD for asthma treatment, including drug-likeness evaluation, oral bioavailability prediction, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction and analysis, Gene Ontology (GO) terms, and Reactome pathway annotation. Molecular docking was carried out to investigate interactions between active compounds and potential targets. RESULTS: A total of 92 active compounds and 72 anti-asthma targets of MGMD were selected for analysis. The GO enrichment analysis results indicated that the anti-asthmatic targets of MGMD mainly participate in inflammatory and in airway remolding processes. The Reactome pathway analysis showed that MGMD prevents asthma mainly through regulation of the IL-4 and IL-13 signaling and the specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) biosynthesis. Molecular docking results suggest that each bioactive compounds (quercetin, wogonin, luteolin, naringenin, and kaempferol) is capable to bind with STAT3, PTGS2, JUN, VEGFA, EGFR, and ALOX5. CONCLUSION: This study revealed the active ingredients and potential molecular mechanism by which MGMD treatment is effective against airway inflammation and remodeling in asthma through regulating IL-4 and IL-13 signaling and SPMs biosynthesis.

The efficacy and safety of Health Qigong for ankylosing spondylitis: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Non-pharmacological treatments (education, exercise, and physical therapy) are remain basic approaches to long-term management of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. As an important part of non-pharmacological treatments, Health Qigong is widely used for AS treatment. We will perform the systematic review to confirm the safety and efficacy of Health Qigong for AS. METHODS: Systematical search of 6 electronic databases will be done, including English and Chinese, until December 2019. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving Health Qigong in combination with conventional therapy for AS will be included. Study selection, data extraction, and validation were performed independently by 2 reviewers. RevMan (V.5.3) will be used for mata-analysis. RESULTS: This systematic review will identify the safety and efficacy of Health Qigong in the treatment of AS and update evidence summaries of Health Qigong. At the end of the treatment, the primary outcome is Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) with a range of 0 to 10,and the secondary outcomes will include functional ability that measured by Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), mobility measured by Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), chest expansion, night spinal pain, adverse reactions, laboratory measures such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C protein response (CRP). CONCLUSION: This study will provide evidence that whether Health Qigong can benefit patients with ankylosing spondylitis by reducing disease activity, alleviating pain to support the application of Health Qigong in the AS treatment. REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42019159126.

External therapy of Chinese medicine for postherpetic neuralgia: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), the most common complication of herpes zoster, brings about a health-care burden at both the individual and societal levels. External therapy of Chinese medicine (ETCM) is an effective treatment of PHN generally available in China, yet there is incomplete evidence to evaluate the efficacy and safety of it. METHODS: This protocol is based on the previous reporting items. We will search 3 English databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library) and 3 Chinese databases (CNKI, CBM, and Wan Fang Database) until January 2020. RCTs to evaluate the efficacy and safety of external therapy of Chinese medicine for postherpetic neuralgia will be included. The primary outcome will be assessed by VAS or NRS. We will use the criteria provided by Cochrane Handbook 5.3.0 for quality evaluation and risk assessment, and use the Revman 5.3 software for meta-analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval is not required for systematic review and meta- analysis. The results of this review will be disseminated in a peer-review journal. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020163511.