[Effect of Modified Xiaoyao Powder on intestinal barrier and intestinal flora in mice with metabolic associated fatty liver disease based on "gut-liver axis"].

This study explores the effects and mechanisms of Modified Xiaoyao Powder on the intestinal barrier and intestinal flora in mice with metabolic associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD) based on the " gut-liver axis". Sixty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the normal group, model group, bifidobacterium tetrad tablet group(SQ), and Modified Xiaoyao Powder groups with low,medium and high doses(XL, XM, XH), with 10 mice in each group. All the mice were administrated with a high-fat diet to build the MAFLD model except the normal group and then treated with related drugs for 12 weeks. Body mass, liver wet weight, and liver index were detected. Serum aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), total cholesterol(TC), triacylglycerol(TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), and lipopolysaccharide(LPS)levels were detected using the biochemical kits. The contents of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin(IL-6) in the liver were tested simultaneously. The morphological changes of the liver and intestine were observed using hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and oil red O staining. The goblet cells in the ileum were detected by periodic acid Schiff and alcian blue stain(AB-PAS) staining.The expression of zonula occludens-1(ZO-1), recombinant occludin(occludin), and recombinant claudin 1(claudin-1) in ileum and colon were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The changes of intestinal flora in mice were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The results showed that compared with the normal group, body weight, liver wet weight and liver index in the model group increased. The contents of TC, TG, ALT, AST, LDL-C, and LPS in the serum of the model group increased, while HDL-C decreased. Meanwhile, the contents of TNF-α and IL-6 in liver tissue increased and liver lipid accumulation increased, indicating successful model induction. Compared with the model group, body weight, liver wet weight, and liver index were decreased in XM,XH groups and SQ group. Serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, ALT and AST in XM group and SQ group were significantly decreased,and HDL-C levels were increased. The levels of IL-6, TNF-α in liver tissue and serum LPS in the XL, XM groups and SQ group were significantly decreased. The protein expression of claudin-1, occludin and ZO-1 in XL, XM groups and SQ group were increased. The analysis of intestinal flora showed that compared with the model group, Modified Xiaoyao Powder with a medium dose could significantly improve the richness and diversity of intestinal flora in mice. At the phylum level, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes(F/B) ratio decreased; at the genus level, Lactobacillus, Brautella, Bacteroides, and Ackermannia increased, while Prevotella, Desulfovibrio and Turicibacter decreased. The main differential species were Odorbacteraceaeae and Peptostreptococcaceae. In conclusion, Modified Xiaoyao Powder could inhibit inflammation, regulate intestinal flora homeostasis, and promote the repair of the intestinal mucosal barrier in mice with MAFLD.

[Effect of Danzhi Xiaoyao Powder on behavior and mitochondrial morphology and function of anxiety model rats].

Danzhi Xiaoyao Powder is a classical prescription for anxiety. This study aims to analyze the effect of this medicine on mitochondrial morphology and function of anxiety rats and explore the mechanism of it against anxiety. Specifically, uncertain empty bottle drinking water stimulation(21 days) was employed to induce anxiety in rats. The elevated plus-maze test and open field test were respectively performed on the 7 th, the 14 th, and the 21 st days of the stimulation, so as to detect the anxiety-related protein index brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) and evaluate the anxiety level of animals. On this basis, the effect of this prescription on anxiety rats was preliminarily evaluated. After the behavioral test on the 21 st day, rats were killed and the brain tissues were separated for the observation of the mitochondrial morphology and the determination of mitochondrial function-related indicators and the adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK) level. The results showed that Danzhi Xiaoxiao Powder could alleviate the anxiety-like behavior of rats, significantly increase the percentage of time in open arm in elevated plus-maze test and the ration of activity time in the central area of the field, dose-dependently raise the activity levels of respiratory chain complex Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ and Ⅳ and the adenosine triphosphate(ATP) content, and elevate the levels of BDNF and phosphorylated AMPK(p-AMPK). Clear structure and intact morphology of mitochondrial cristae in medial prefrontal cortex cells and amygdala were observed in the Danzhi Xiaoyao Powder group. In summary, Danzhi Xiaoyao Powder exerts therapeutic effect on anxiety, and the mechanism is the likelihood that p-AMPK protects the structure and maintains the function of mitochondria.

[Antidepressant mechanism of Shugan Lipi recipe in regulating tryptophan metabolism and its common pharmacodynamic substances].

This article is to explore the antidepressant mechanism of Shugan Lipi recipe in regulating tryptophan metabolism,and to find out their common pharmacodynamic substances. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technology was used to establish fingerprints of Shugan Lipi recipe,and 124 components were identified. The depressed mouse model was replicated by triple-one multiple stress method. Chaihu Shugan Powder,Sini Powder and Xiaoyao Powder were administered in groups to observe the changes in body weight and behavior of the mice. The results showed that compared with the model group,the body weight,sucrose preference percentage and autonomous activity behavior of each administration group were improved. Among them,the effect of Chaihu Shugan Powder was better than that of Sini Powder and Xiaoyao Powder. LC-MS/MS method was used to determine the contents of 5-hydroxytryptamine( 5-HT),kynurenine( KYN) and tryptophan( TPP) in blood,liver,brain,colon and other tissues,as well as TDO enzyme activity in liver. Western blot and RT-PCR were used to detect the protein and gene expression of TDO enzyme,respectively. It was found that the three prescriptions increased the ratio of 5-HT/KYN in different degrees,decreased the ratio of KYN/TRP in liver,colon and brain,and decreased the expression level and activity of TDO enzyme in liver. The order of their ability to regulate tryptophan metabolism was Chaihu Shugan Powder>Sini Powder>Xiaoyao Powder. In addition,the correlation between the chromatographic peaks in the fingerprints of Shugan Lipi recipes and the pharmacodynamic indexes of tryptophan metabolism was analyzed by the grey relation analysis. The grey relation analysis found that the chemical components with the highest correlation with tryptophan metabolism were mainly from Paeoniae Radix Alba,Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium,Aurantii Fructus Immaturus and Aurantii Fructus. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was used to analyze the migration components in the plasma of mice after administration of Shugan Lipi recipe,and to verify the common pharmacodynamic substances of Shugan Lipi recipe. The migration of these detected components in plasma was studied,and a total of 18 prototype components and 36 metabolites were identified. Therefore,it was believed that Chaihu Shugan Powder,Sini Powder and Xiaoyao Powder could play an antidepressant role by reducing the expression of TDO enzyme in the liver and regulating the metabolism of tryptophan.The components contained in Paeoniae Radix Alba,Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium,Aurantii Fructus Immaturus and Aurantii Fructus were the common pharmacodynamic substances of Shugan Lipi recipe,which played an important role in regulating tryptophan metabolism.

[Exploration on mechanisms of Xiaoyao Powder in treating atherosclerosis and depressive disorder with concept of "treating different diseases with same method" based on network pharmacology].

The aim of this paper was to explore the mechanism of Xiaoyao Powder in treating atherosclerosis and depressive disorder with concept of "treating different diseases with same method" based on network pharmacology. TCMSP(Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform) and SymMap databases were used to search all the chemical components and targets related to Xiaoyao Powder. After preliminary screening, the network of "herbs-compounds-targets" was constructed. Through DisGeNET, CTD(Comparative Toxicogenomics Database) and TTD(Therapeutic Target Database), the targets of atherosclerosis and depressive disorder were obtained. The common targets were obtained by intersecting the herbal targets and disease targets. In order to screen the key common targets, STRING and Cytoscape were used to analyze the protein-protein interaction of common targets. BioGPS was used to obtain their distribution information in organs and tissues. Gene ontology(GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG) analysis were conducted through Metascape. About 1 355 compounds of Xiaoyao Powder were found by TCMSP and Symmap database; 161 active compounds were screened out according to standard of oral bioavailability≥30% and drug like index≥0.18; 274 herbal targets were obtained and the "herbs-compounds-targets" network was constructed. About 1 004 atherosclerosis targets and 578 depressive disorder targets were obtained, and 37 common targets were obtained after intersection with herbal targets. By using STRING and Cytoscape for protein-protein interaction analysis, 18 key targets were screened. BioGPS showed that the key common targets were mainly distributed in heart, amygdala, pineal, liver and smooth muscle. Metascape was used for GO enrichment analysis and the results showed that there were 929 biological processes, 25 cell components and 23 molecular functions. Enrichment ana-lysis of KEGG showed that there were 108 signal pathways such as AGE-RAGE, HIF-1, FoxO, Th17 cell differentiation and IL-17 signal pathways, which were mainly related to neuroendocrine system, metabolism, immune inflammation and oxidative stress. In conclusion, the main mechanism of Xiaoyao Powder in treating atherosclerosis and depressive disorder with concept of "treating different diseases with same method" was related to neuroendocrine system, metabolism, immune inflammation and oxidative stress-related signal pathway, providing reference for further experimental verification, potential pharmacological mechanism and clinical application.

UPLC-MS/MS Method for the Determination of 14 Compounds in Rat Plasma and Its Application in a Pharmacokinetic Study of Orally Administered Xiaoyao Powder.

Xiaoyao Powder (XYP), a common Chinese medicine, comprises eight traditional Chinese herbs and has been widely used clinically to treat liver damage and mental disorders. An ultra-performance liquid chromatography⁻tandem mass spectrometry method was developed to investigate the pharmacokinetics of 14 compounds (albiflorin, paeoniflorin, ferulic acid, senkyunolide I, quercetin, isoliquiritigenin, atractylenolide III, ligustilide, atractylenolide II, liquiritin, liquiritigenin, saikosaponin c, glycyrrhizic acid, and saikosaponin a) in XYP. Naringenin was used as the internal standard. The compounds were separated using an ACQUITY UPLCTM BEH C18 column (1.7 µm, 50 × 2.1 mm) with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid in water at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. Detection was performed on a triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer using multiple reaction monitoring and an electrospray ionization source in both positive and negative ionization modes. All calibration curves exhibited good linearity (r² > 0.9974) over the measured ranges. The intra- and inter-day precisions were within 12%, and the accuracy ranged from 89.93% to 106.64%. Extraction recovery and matrix effect results were satisfactory. The method was successfully applied in a pharmacokinetic study of the 14 compounds in rat plasma after the oral administration of XYP.

Screening active components of modified Xiaoyao powder as NRF2 agonists.

Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2) regulates antioxidant enzymes and phase II detoxifying enzymes, such as NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). Modified Xiaoyao powder (MXP) is most frequently used in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer in China. This study aimed to screen active components of MXP for antioxidant stress and chemoprevention, which depend on NRF2-NQO1 signalling pathway. A total of 25 monomeric compounds contained in MXP were screened using an antioxidant response element-luciferase reporter. The most potent antioxidant response element-luciferase inducers were chosen to further examine their effects on NRF2 and NQO1 in MCF-7 cells. These results were then confirmed by determining the oxidative stress levels and chemopreventive effect on inhibiting carcinogenesis transformation in NRF2 knockdown (NRF2KD ) and NRF2 wild-type MCF-10A cells. We found that quercetin, kaempferol, and atractylenolide II in MXP were potent NRF2 inducers, which could up-regulate the expression of NRF2 and its downstream enzymes NQO1. In addition, these components could decrease reduced oxidative stress and inhibit carcinogenesis transformation, which depended on NRF2-NQO1 pathway. In conclusion, NRF2-NQO1 pathway plays an essential role in mediating the activity of MXP and its active components, at least in part; some beneficial effects of MXP may be applicable to breast cancer chemoprevention. Our study firstly found MXP active components including quercetin, kaempferol, and atractylenolide II. Our results firstly demonstrate that NRF2-NQO1 pathway plays an essential role in mediating the activity of MXP and its active components in breast cancer chemoprevention. Our study firstly found that atractylenolide II is a novel NRF2 inducer.

Modified Danzhi Xiaoyao Powder (MDXP) improves the corneal damage in dry eye disease (DED) mice through phagocytosis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Modified Danzhi Xiaoyao Powder (MDXP) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula remedy for treating Dry Eye Disease (DED). It showed the function of dispersing stagnated liver Qi for relieving Qi stagnation and clearing heat, which can be effective in treating conditions such as Dry Eye Disease (DED) and irregular menstruation due to liver depression and fire transformation. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study investigated the mechanism of the effect of MDXP in mice with DED. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A DED model was induced in mice using chronic painful stimulation (tail clamping) in combination with Benzalkonium Chloride Solution drops administered in a dry box for 28 days. After modeling, the MDXP groups were given Chinese medicine with different dosages by gavage for 14 days. The following parameters were recorded in each group: body mass, anal temperature, tear secretion, tear film rupture time, and corneal fluorescein staining. Behavioral changes were evaluated by elevating cross-maze and open-field experiments. The levels of inflammatory factors serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), fcγR-mediated phagocytosis pathway cell division control protein 42 homolog (CDC42), actin-related protein 2/3 complex subunit 2 (ARPC2), and actin-related protein 3 (ACTR3) were measured by using Enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA), immunohistochemical staining, and real-time fluorescent qualitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). RESULTS: MDXP increased body mass and lowered body temperature, prolonged tear film break-up time, promoted tear secretion, repaired corneal damage, decreased horizontal and vertical scores, elevated percentage of open arm times and boom opening time percentage, and reduced the expression levels of inflammatory factors of TNF-α, IL-1ß and pathway-related proteins CDC42, ARPC2, and ACTR3 in mice. MDXP also reduced the expression levels of inflammatory factors of TNF-α and IL-1ß in human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs), mouse mononuclear macrophage cells (RAW264.7), and human myeloid leukemia mononuclear cells (THP-1). CONCLUSIONS: MDXP can relieve tension and anxiety, inhibit apoptosis, reduce phagocytosis, reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory factors, repair corneal damage, and improve the symptoms in DED mice. The mechanism of action may be through the fcγR-mediated phagocytosis pathway.

Research on Xiaoyao Powder in the treatment of depression based on epigenetics and quality markers.

Depression has become one of the most common public health issues around the world, and the incidence has been increasing in recent years. A large amount of clinical investigations have proven that the treatment of depression is difficult. The prognosis is poor, and the fatality rate is high. At present, western medicine is the preferred treatment for depression, but it often causes adverse clinical reactions such as dry mouth, blurred vision, and memory loss, etc. The herbal compound Xiaoyao Powder is a traditional medicine for soothing the liver and relieving depression, strengthening the spleen, and nourishing the blood. It can reduce adverse reactions. It is effective in treating depression. In this study, we elucidate the function of Xiaoyao Powder in anti-depression from the perspective of clinical application and pharmacological mechanisms such as regulating epigenetic and chemical quality markers to provide empirical and experimental theoretical results that contribute to developing future depression therapy with Xiaoyao Powder.

Xiaoyao powder alleviates the hippocampal neuron damage in chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression model rats in hippocampus via connexin 43Cx43/glucocorticoid receptor/brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling pathway.

Xiaoyao Powder (XYP) has been widely applied in China to treat stress-related illnesses, such as migraine, depression, Parkinson's disease, insomnia, and hypertension. Herein, this study aims to explore the effect of XYP on chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression and its underlying mechanisms. CUMS-induced depression rat models were established, they were subsequently randomly divided and treated with various conditions. Results of this study indicated that supplementation of XYP observably abolished CUMS-induced hippocampal damage and serum corticosterone (CORT) elevation. In mechanism, we discovered that CUMS induction could cause a prominent downregulation in glucocorticoid receptor (GR), phosphorylated-GR (p-GR), connexin 43 (Cx43), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a remarkable upregulation in c-Src. While the introduction of XYP could reverse the changes in all of these indicators mediated by CUMS. Furthermore, we proved that Cx43 could interact with GR, and the protective effect of XYP on hippocampal neurons is realized by up-regulating GR. Summarized, this study indicated that XYP could ameliorate hippocampal neuron damage in CUMS-induced depression model rats through acting on Cx43/GR/BDNF axis.

Metabolomic characteristics of spontaneously hypertensive rats under chronic stress and the treatment effect of Danzhi Xiaoyao Powder, a traditional Chinese medicine formula.

OBJECTIVE: Numerous studies have demonstrated the close relationship between chronic stress and blood pressure (BP). Hypertensive subjects exhibit exaggerated reactions to stress, especially higher BP. The mechanisms by which stress affects pre-existing hypertension still need to be explored. Danzhi Xiaoyao Powder (DP), a historical traditional Chinese medicine formula, is a promising treatment for BP control in hypertensive patients under stress. The present study investigated the metabolomic disruption caused by chronic stress and the treatment effect and mechanism of DP. METHODS: Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were subjected to chronic restraint stress (CRS) for 4 weeks. BP was measured via the tail-cuff method, and anxiety-like behavior was quantified using the elevated-plus-maze test. Meanwhile, DP was administered intragastrically, and its effects were observed. Global metabolomic analysis was performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, followed by multivariate statistical analysis to detect differential metabolites and pathways. RESULTS: DP alleviated the CRS-induced increase in BP and anxiety-like behavior. Systematic metabolic differences were found among the three study groups. A total of 29 differential plasma metabolites were identified in both positive- and negative-ion modes. These metabolites were involved in triglyceride metabolism, amino acid (phenylalanine, tryptophan, and glycine) metabolism, and steroid hormone pathways. CONCLUSION: These findings expose the metabolomic disturbances induced by chronic stress in SHRs and suggest an innovative treatment for this disorder.

Xiaoyao powder improves endometrial receptivity via VEGFR-2-mediated angiogenesis through the activation of the JNK and P38 signaling pathways.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Xiaoyao powder (XYP) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula which has wide scope of indications related to liver stagnation, reconcile qi and blood in TCM syndrome. Infertility can induce similar symptoms and signs to the clinical features of liver stagnation syndrome, the treatment of infertility by soothing the liver is obvious. XYP can increase the clinical pregnancy rate, follicle development, oocyte quality and improve endometrial receptivity. However, its underlying pharmacological mechanism of improving endometrial receptivity is unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of XYP on pregnancy rates and endometrial angiogenesis, to determine the potent mechanism in association with the pro-angiogenic behavior which closely related to improving endometrial receptivity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We established an animal model exhibiting decreasing endometrial receptivity by controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and a human endometrial microvascular endothelial cell (HEMEC) model. Endometrial morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and Scanning electron microscopy. Western blot and qRT-PCR analysis were used to detect expression of PCNA, Cyclin D1, MMP9 and MAPK signaling pathway. Scratch-wound assay and tube formation assay were used to observe HEMEC migration and tubulogenesis. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that XYP pretreatment could improve endometrial receptivity, which leads to high pregnancy rates. In the endometrium, XYP facilitated angiogenesis by promoting tube formation. XYP could enhance HEMEC proliferation and migration induced by VEGF, which were observed by the microscope and Scratch-wound assays. XYP promoted HEMEC proliferation and migration via the p38 and JNK MAPK signaling pathways. CONCLUSION: XYP promotes HEMEC proliferation and migration via the P38 and the JNK MAPK signaling pathways, which contribute to the endometrial angiogenesis mediated by VEGFR-2 that is favorable for endometrial receptivity. We firstly elucidated the molecular mechanisms by which XYP improved endometrial receptivity by promoting angiogenesis.

Xiaoyao Powder in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of liver disease worldwide with alarming prevalence. Due to its complex pathogeneses and considerable individual heterogeneity in disease, there is no specific medication to NAFLD safely and effectively. Therefore, there is a great need to explore complementary and alternative therapies. Xiaoyao Powder (XYP), a classic Chinese formula, has been tremendously applied to gastrointestinal diseases, especially non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, the efficacy and safety of XYP have not been fully assessed. AIM OF THE STUDY: To assess the effectiveness and safety of XYP for NAFLD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The assigned registration number on the PROSPERO platform of this meta-analysis is CRD42020192154, and we strictly followed the protocol. We searched eight primary databases from their inception to June 2020. Two authors independently identified random controlled trials (RCTs) of XYP for NAFLD and evaluated the quality of the retrieved articles by Cochrane accessing risk bias tool. At least one of the following indices was thoroughly documented for outcome measurement: total effective rate, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), body mass index (BMI), and adiponectin. We calculated risk ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD) for dichotomous data and continuous variables with a 95% confidence interval (CI). R 4.0.5 software was employed for data synthesis. RESULTS: Consequently, we identified 12 studies with 1012 participants. XYP, whether individually or combined with essential treatment, ameliorated NAFLD regardless of the course of the disease or curative duration. This benefit was mainly driven by regulating levels of serum markers, involving TC, TG, ALT, AST, GGT, and adiponectin. Three studies where statins were concerned about drug safety reported several adverse events with clinical symptoms, varying from flatulence, constipation, and diarrhea to rash, whereas others did not. CONCLUSION: Our findings provided evidence that XYP is a therapeutic option to treat NAFLD effectively and safely. Notwithstanding, a precise and comprehensive conclusion calls for RCTs on a larger scale with more rigorous designs considering the inferior methodological quality and limited retrieved articles.

Metabolomics analysis of the antidepressant prescription Danzhi Xiaoyao Powder in a rat model of Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress (CUMS).

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Danzhi Xiaoyao Powder (DZXY) is a classical prescription, that has been extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine (TMC) to treat depression for many years. However, the mechanism of DZXY is still unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim was to investigate the mechanism of the antidepressant effect of DZXY on a rat model of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty male SD (Sprague-Dawley) rats with similar open field test (OFT) results were randomLy divided into a control group (n = 10) and an experimental group (n = 30). A depression model was established in the experimental group using the CUMS method. After the CUMS model was established successfully, the rats were randomLy divided into a depression model group and a DZXY group. The DZXY group was fed DZXY, while the depression model group and control group were given an equal amount of 0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose suspension. Intragastric administration was performed once daily for 14 consecutive days. Animal weight, the sugar preference test, the open field test and the forced swimming test were used to evaluate the modeling effect and the antidepressant effect of DZXY. After the experiment, the plasma of rats was collected and the changes in plasma metabolites were analyzed by UPLC/Q-TOF-MS. The UPLC/Q-TOF-MS spectra data were evaluated by pattern recognition analysis to determine the changes in endogenous metabolites in the rat plasma samples. RESULTS: The results of the behavioral investigation showed that the rat model of depression was successfully replicated and that DZXY had an antidepressant effect. Using the UPLC-MS/MS metabolomics platform, partial least squares (PLS) and orthogonal partial least squares (OPLS), metabolic profile models (R2 and Q2 ≥ 0.5) of rat plasma were successfully constructed. The model could distinguish among the control group, the depression model group and the DZXY group. Finally, 38 differential metabolites were identified in the plasma. According to KEGG (http://www.kegg.jp) pathway analysis, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, purine metabolism, the prolactin signaling pathway and bile secretion were enriched and represented the main metabolic pathways influenced in the plasma. CONCLUSIONS: This study successfully established a CUMS depression model. A total of 38 differential metabolites associated with depression were identified in the plasma of rats, 24 of which were modulated by DZXY. These results suggest that DZXY can improve excitability and play an antidepressant role by regulating phenylalanine metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, porphyrin metabolism, D-arginine and D-ornithine metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis and steroid biosynthesis.

[Clinical study of Jiawei Xiaoyao Powder(JWXYP) on preventing delirium in elderly patients with hip fracture after operation].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of soothing liver, relieving depression, invigorating spleen and reinforcing blood on reducing delirium in elderly patients with hip fracture. METHODS: From December 2014 to June 2018, 180 elderly patients with hip fracture admitted were divided into treatment group and placebo group according to the order of admission:90 patients in treatment group were treated with Jiawei Xiaoyao Powder(JWXYP), including 32 males and 58 females, with an average age of(72.12±4.92), involving 67 cases of femoral trochanter fractures and 23 cases of femoral neck fractures; 35 cases underwent dynamic hip screw fixation, 31 cases underwent intramedullary fixation and 24 cases underwent artificial hip replacement. In the placebo group, 90 patients were treated with placebo, including 37 males and 53 females, with an average age of(72.91±5.43) years old, involving 69 cases of femoral trochanteric fractures and 21 cases of femoral neck fractures, including 37 cases underwent dynamic hip screw fixation, 30 cases underwent intramedullary fixation and 23 cases underwent artificial hip replacement. The age, sex, injury site, intraoperative bleeding volume, postoperative drainage, operation time, anesthesia time, post-operative pain score, post-operative hemoglobin, post-operative CRP, delirium severity(DRS) score and delirium occurrence were observed and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: All patients were followed up until delirium returned to normal, postoperative delirium was found in 12 cases (13.33%) in the treatment group and in 39 cases(43.33%) in the placebo group, the treatment group was significantly better than the placebo group. The monitoring indexes of the two groups were compared:post-operative pain score(P=0.002), post-operative hemoglobin(P=0.012), post-operative CRP(P=0.042). CONCLUSIONS: JWXYP can relieve liver depression, invigorate spleen and invigorate blood circulation, reduce pain, inflammatory stimulation and supplement blood volume after operation, and significantly reduce the incidence of delirium after operation.

Effects of Modified Xiaoyao Powder （逍遥散） on the Programmed Cell Death of Hypothalamic Dopaminergic Neurons in Rat Model of Hyperprolactinemia with Liver Depression and Spleen Deficiency / 中医杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanisms of modified Xiaoyao Powder （逍遥散） in the treatment of hyperprolactinemia （HPRL） with liver constraint and spleen deficiency. MethodsNinety-six female SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group （n=16） and a modeling group （n=80）. In the modeling group， rats were subjected to chronic unpredictable stress combined with intraperitoneal injection of metoclopramide to establish a rat model of HPRL with liver constraint and spleen deficiency. The 80 successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group， a high， medium， and low-dose group of modified Xiaoyao Powder， and a bromocriptine group， with 16 rats in each group. The high， medium， and low-dose groups of modified Xiaoyao Powder were orally administered doses of 60， 30， and 15 g/（kg·d） respectively， the bromocriptine group was orally administered bromocriptine tablets at a dose of 1 mg/（kg·d）， and the normal group and model group were orally administered 10 ml/（kg·d） of normal saline for 14 consecutive days. ELISA was used to detect serum prolactin （PRL） level； immunohistochemistry was used to determine the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha （TNF-α） and tyrosine hydroxylase （TH） in the hypothalamus； Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 （TNFR1） in the hypothalamus； Real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of receptor interacting protein kinase 3 （RIP3） in the hypothalamus； immunofluorescence was used to detect the co-expression of RIP3 and dopamine neurons in the hypothalamus. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the serum PRL levels were increased in the model group， and the expression of hypothalamic TNF-α， TNFR1， RIP3 mRNA， and the co-expression of RIP3 with dopamine neurons were significantly increased， while TH expression was decreased （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with the model group， the expression of hypothalamic TNF-α was decreased in the bromocriptine group and low-dose group of modified Xiaoyao Powder， and the expression of TH was significantly increased in the medium and high-dose groups of modified Xiaoyao Powder and the bromocriptine group. The serum PRL levels， hypothalamic TNFR1 and RIP3 mRNA expression， and the co-expression of RIP3 with dopamine neurons were significantly decreased in all dose groups of modified Xiaoyao Powder and the bromocriptine group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with the bromocriptine group， the serum PRL level were significantly increased in the high and low-dose groups of modified Xiaoyao Powder， TH expression was significantly increased in the medium-dose group of modified Xiaoyao Powder， hypothalamic RIP3 mRNA expression was decreased in the low-dose group of modified Xiaoyao Powder， and the co-expression of RIP3 with dopamine neurons was significantly increased in the high-dose group of modified Xiaoyao Powder （P＜0.01）. ConclusionModified Xiaoyao Powder can regulate the programmed cell death of hypothalamic dopamine neurons， affect DA expression， and regulate PRL levels， which may be one of its mechanisms in the treatment of HPRL with liver constraint and spleen deficiency.

Metabolomic characteristics of spontaneously hypertensive rats under chronic stress and the treatment effect of Danzhi Xiaoyao Powder, a traditional Chinese medicine formula / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#Numerous studies have demonstrated the close relationship between chronic stress and blood pressure (BP). Hypertensive subjects exhibit exaggerated reactions to stress, especially higher BP. The mechanisms by which stress affects pre-existing hypertension still need to be explored. Danzhi Xiaoyao Powder (DP), a historical traditional Chinese medicine formula, is a promising treatment for BP control in hypertensive patients under stress. The present study investigated the metabolomic disruption caused by chronic stress and the treatment effect and mechanism of DP.@*METHODS@#Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were subjected to chronic restraint stress (CRS) for 4 weeks. BP was measured via the tail-cuff method, and anxiety-like behavior was quantified using the elevated-plus-maze test. Meanwhile, DP was administered intragastrically, and its effects were observed. Global metabolomic analysis was performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, followed by multivariate statistical analysis to detect differential metabolites and pathways.@*RESULTS@#DP alleviated the CRS-induced increase in BP and anxiety-like behavior. Systematic metabolic differences were found among the three study groups. A total of 29 differential plasma metabolites were identified in both positive- and negative-ion modes. These metabolites were involved in triglyceride metabolism, amino acid (phenylalanine, tryptophan, and glycine) metabolism, and steroid hormone pathways.@*CONCLUSION@#These findings expose the metabolomic disturbances induced by chronic stress in SHRs and suggest an innovative treatment for this disorder.

Mechanism research of the modified Xiaoyao Powder on inflammatory response of rats with syndrome of stagnation of liver qi and spleen deficiency of experimental autoimmune thyroiditis based on mirRNA326 regulating Th17 cells / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To explore the mechanism of modified Xiaoyao Powder on inflammatory response of rats with syndrome of stagnation of liver qi and spleen deficiency of experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT) from the perspective of differentiation of microrna 326 (miR326) regulating Th17 cell.Methods:48 rats were randomly divided into normal group (12 rats) and model group (36 rats) respectively and they were immunized twice a week with high iodine water combined with subcutaneous injection of thyroglobulin. From the fifth to eighth weeks, 36 rats were immunized once a week. From the fifth week, the model group with liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome of Traditional Chinese Medicine was reproduced with chronic restraint stress, excessive fatigue and eating incoherence methods. The modelrats were randomly divided into model group, Xiaoyao Powder group and Jinshuibao group. Rats in Xiaoyao Powder group were gavaged with 13.63 g/(kg·d) Xiaoyao Powder modified granule suspension, and rats in Jinshuibao group were gavaged with 477 mg/(kg·d) Jinshuibao suspension, twice a day, for 8 weeks.The levels of serum FT3, FT4, TSH, TGAb and TPOAb were detected by ELISA; the expression of miR326, IL-17 mRNA, IL-4 mRNA and IFN-γ mRNA were detected by PCR. The expression of Ets-1 protein in thyroid tissue was detected by Wes method, and the proportion of CD4 + IFNγ + T cells, CD4 + IL-4 + T cells and CD4 + IL-17 + T cells were detected by flow cytometry, HE staining was used to detect the pathological manifestations of thyroid tissue in each group. Results:Compared with the model group, the serum TSH [(3 328.88±724.45) pg/ml vs. (1 900.25±203.91) pg/ml] in Xiaoyao Powder group increased ( P<0.01), TGAb [(63.60±9.01) IU/ml vs. (96.19±10.74) IU/ml] and TPOAb [(6.84±1.45) IU/ml vs. (11.62±2.06) IU/ml] decreased ( P<0.01), and the expression of miR326 (3.57±0.57 vs. 7.63±0.90),IL-17 mRNA (6.71±0.97 vs. 13.02±1.18) significantly decreased ( P<0.01), the expression of Ets-1 (0.71±0.40 vs. 0.39±0.02) significantly increased ( P<0.01), the ratio of CD4 +IFN-γ + T cell [(13.10±2.23)% vs. (20.7±2.07)%], CD4 +IL-17 + T cell ratio [(18.90±1.31)% vs. (25.1±1.03)%] significantly decreased ( P<0.01), and thyroid histopathology changed significantly. Conclusion:Modified Xiaoyao Powder could regulate the expression of target protein Ets-1 upward, inhibit the differentiation of Th17 cells and further reduce the expression of IL-17 mRNA by regulating the expression of mir-326 downward in the thyroid tissue of EAT rats, so as to improve the inflammatory response of rats with liver depression and spleen deficiency.

Antidepressant mechanism of Shugan Lipi recipe in regulating tryptophan metabolism and its common pharmacodynamic substances / 中国中药杂志

This article is to explore the antidepressant mechanism of Shugan Lipi recipe in regulating tryptophan metabolism,and to find out their common pharmacodynamic substances. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technology was used to establish fingerprints of Shugan Lipi recipe,and 124 components were identified. The depressed mouse model was replicated by triple-one multiple stress method. Chaihu Shugan Powder,Sini Powder and Xiaoyao Powder were administered in groups to observe the changes in body weight and behavior of the mice. The results showed that compared with the model group,the body weight,sucrose preference percentage and autonomous activity behavior of each administration group were improved. Among them,the effect of Chaihu Shugan Powder was better than that of Sini Powder and Xiaoyao Powder. LC-MS/MS method was used to determine the contents of 5-hydroxytryptamine( 5-HT),kynurenine( KYN) and tryptophan( TPP) in blood,liver,brain,colon and other tissues,as well as TDO enzyme activity in liver. Western blot and RT-PCR were used to detect the protein and gene expression of TDO enzyme,respectively. It was found that the three prescriptions increased the ratio of 5-HT/KYN in different degrees,decreased the ratio of KYN/TRP in liver,colon and brain,and decreased the expression level and activity of TDO enzyme in liver. The order of their ability to regulate tryptophan metabolism was Chaihu Shugan Powder>Sini Powder>Xiaoyao Powder. In addition,the correlation between the chromatographic peaks in the fingerprints of Shugan Lipi recipes and the pharmacodynamic indexes of tryptophan metabolism was analyzed by the grey relation analysis. The grey relation analysis found that the chemical components with the highest correlation with tryptophan metabolism were mainly from Paeoniae Radix Alba,Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium,Aurantii Fructus Immaturus and Aurantii Fructus. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was used to analyze the migration components in the plasma of mice after administration of Shugan Lipi recipe,and to verify the common pharmacodynamic substances of Shugan Lipi recipe. The migration of these detected components in plasma was studied,and a total of 18 prototype components and 36 metabolites were identified. Therefore,it was believed that Chaihu Shugan Powder,Sini Powder and Xiaoyao Powder could play an antidepressant role by reducing the expression of TDO enzyme in the liver and regulating the metabolism of tryptophan.The components contained in Paeoniae Radix Alba,Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium,Aurantii Fructus Immaturus and Aurantii Fructus were the common pharmacodynamic substances of Shugan Lipi recipe,which played an important role in regulating tryptophan metabolism.

Study on compatibility of Xiaoyao Powder in improving depressive behaviors of rats based on analysis strategy of composition drug groups and rough set theory / 中草药

Objective: To study the effects of Xiaoyao Powder (XYP) and its composition drug groups (Shugan group and Jianpi group) on the behavior medicinal effects of depressed rats. In addition, the rough set theory and the model of decision rules were used to analyze the interaction between composition drug groups and their effects on the anti-depression of XYP. This study will provide the research method and theoretical basis for the scientific explanation of the compatibility rule of anti-depression of XYP. Methods: The depression rats model was constructed by Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress (CUMS). The effects of XYP and its composition drug groups on CUMS rats were investigated in open field test, sucrose preference rate and forced swimming. Afterwards, Rosetta software was used to construct the decision rules model of rough set. The interactions among XYP, Shugan, and Jianpi groups were analyzed according to the decision rules. Results: XYP and its composition drug groups significantly improved the depressive behaviors of CUMS rats. Compared with the model group, XYP and its composition drug groups significantly increased the number of crossings and rearing of the rats in the open field test (P Jianpi group > Shugan group. The order of improving the behaviors in the open field test was Shugan group > Jianpi group > XYP. The order of decreasing the time of forced swimming index was XYP = Shugan group > Jianpi group. The results of decision rules showed that, Shugan and Jianpi groups exhibited certain antidepressant effects when used alone, but they were weaker than that of XYP. Of note, Shugan and Jianpi groups exhibited synergetic effect in a dose-dependent manner: The higher the dose was, the greater the antidepressant effect was. In order to further verify the mutual relationship between Shugan and Jianpi groups on the anti-depression efficacy, according to the decision table of XYP and its individual herbs, attribute reduction of eight herbs in XYP was conducted, obtaining the representative drugs of Shugan and Jianpi groups: Bupleuri Radix and Paeoniae Radix Alba. The results of decision rules were consistent with that of composition drug groups. Conclusions XYP and its composition drug groups can not only improve the core symptoms of depression, including index in open field test, sucrose preference rate and forced swimming index, showing remarkable antidepressant effects. The effects of XYP on these indexes were stronger than that of its composition drug groups, indicating that the composition of the XYP prescription is well-suited and scientifically reasonable. The decision rules based on rough set theory could be used as an approach to scientifically interpret the compatibility laws of TCM prescriptions.

Antidepressant-like effects of the petroleum ether fraction of Xiaoyaosan in the CUMS rat model of depression / 药学学报

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the petroleum ether fraction of Xiaoyaosan (XY-A) in a rat depression model with consideration of an underlying mechanism based on gut microbiota and metabolomics. All procedures involving animal treatment were approved according to the Committee on the Ethics of Animal Experiments of Shanxi University. A rat model was established using the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) procedure and XY-A and venlafaxine (positive control) were used as intervention drugs. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene combined with LC-MS metabolomics was used to investigate the effects of XY-A on gut microbiota and metabolites in CUMS-induced depression, and Pearson correlation analysis was carried out on gut microbiota and metabolites. The results showed that XY-A significantly improved the depression-like behavior of CUMS rats and restored the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus. Gut microbiota analysis revealed that XY-A can increase the diversity of microbial species in CUMS rats and significantly restored the relative abundance of intestinal Rothia [Prevotella], with effects on intestinal inflammation and the production of short-chain fatty acids. Cecal content metabolomics identified twenty biomarkers that were altered by depression, whereas administration of XY-A ameliorated the changes in seventeen metabolites, with the most strongly affected metabolic pathways being linoleic acid metabolism, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, primary bile acid biosynthesis, and arginine and proline metabolism. Correlation analysis further showed that there was a strong relationship between the gut microbiota and the cecal content metabolites. In summary, XY-A may exert antidepressant effects by regulating the composition of the gut microbiota and the metabolites and pathways of the cecum. The results provide a reference for the potential molecular mechanism of antidepressant action of XY-A.