OBJECTIVE:To explore the protective effects and mechanisms of Asiaticoside (AC) against diabetic kidney disease (DKD) through network pharmacology combined with in vitro and in vivoexperiments. METHODS:Based on network pharmacology and RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analyses, combined with molecular docking, the core targets and signaling pathways of AC in the treatment of DKD were predicted and screened. Subsequently, the therapeutic effect of AC on DKD was validated in db/db mice and SV40-MES-13 cells, and its molecular mechanism was evaluated. RESULTS:Network pharmacology and protein-protein interaction analyses identified 11-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (HSD11B2) as a potential key target for AC treatment of DKD. Molecular docking indicated strong affinity between AC derivative and HSD11B2. RNA-Seq analysis showed that AC significantly regulated steroid metabolism under diabetic conditions. In db/db mice, AC reduced urinary protein excretion, improved renal morphology, and protected renal function. AC also dose-dependently inhibited excessive proliferation of SV40-MES-13 cells in a high-glucose environment. Further validation showed that AC upregulated Hsd11b2 mRNA expression and HSD11B2 protein levels. CONCLUSION:AC may alleviate DKD-related pathological processes by regulating Hsd11b2 gene expression and HSD11B2 protein levels.
OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects and relative mechanisms of Shenling Baizhu powder (, SBP) on ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS:This study investigates the potential of SBP, a traditional Chinese herbal formula, in attenuating inflammation and oxidative stress in UC. Applying both in vivo(rat) and in vitro (human colonic epithelial cells) models, we explored the anti-inflammation and oxidative stress effect of SBP, focusing on the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1-NF-E2-related factor 2/nuclear factor kappa B (KEAP1-NRF2/NF-κB) pathway and mitochondrial homeostasis. RESULTS:Results demonstrated that SBP administration significantly improved the health status of rats, with less intestinal injury, and reduced inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, and interleukin-6) and oxidative stress (myeloperoxidase, malondialdehyde, and reactive oxygen species) both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, SBP restored the inhibited KEAP1-NRF2/NF-κB signaling during inflammatory responses induced by dextran sulfate sodium or lipopolysaccharide, and decreased the expression level of the inflammatory molecule: NF-κB. Besides, SBP also helped to restore the mitochondrial dynamics, as evidenced by the recovery of mitochondrial membrane potential and mitofusin-2 levels. CONCLUSION:These findings suggest that SBP may offer a promising alternative therapy for managing UC, providing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits as key molecular mechanisms.
OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Xiao'er Niuhuang antipyretic plaster in treating fever associated with acute upper respiratory tract infection (AURI) accompanied by wind-heat syndrome in children. METHODS:A total of 464 pediatric patients diagnosed with AURI and wind-heat syndrome were enrolled. Participants were stratified into two age subgroups (1-2 years and 3-5 years) and then randomly assigned in a 3:1 ratio to receive either the Xiao'er Niuhuang antipyretic plaster or an extremely low-dose control plaster. The primary outcome was the time to onset of fever reduction. Safety assessments included monitoring of vital signs, laboratory tests (complete blood count, urinalysis, stool routine, and liver and kidney function), electrocardiogram, and local skin reactions. RESULTS:The median time to onset of antipyretic effect was significantly shorter in the Xiao'er Niuhuang antipyretic plaster group than in the control group (2.53 h vs 3.98 h). The complete antipyretic rates at the 4-h time point were 31.76% for the Xiao'er Niuhuang antipyretic plaster group and 17.70% for the control group; at the 8-h time point, the rates were 49.55% and 33.04%, respectively. No significant difference was observed in the incidence of adverse events between the two groups (P >0.05). No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION:Xiao'er Niuhuang antipyretic plaster is an effective and safe treatment for fever in children with AURI and wind-heat syndrome.
OBJECTIVE:To develop a method for accurate identification and localization of facial acupoints based on geometric and topological relationships (GTRs) among facial key points and organ features. METHODS:A facial acupoint localization framework was constructed using the Google MediaPipe machine learning toolkit to extract 478 facial key points. Geometric and topological relationships between predefined acupoints and key facial landmarks were established. Based on these relationships, a rule-based mapping algorithm was designed to identify and localize facial acupoints. The method was applied to facial images collected from individuals undergoing acupuncture and physical therapy, and its localization performance was evaluated. RESULTS:The proposed method successfully identified and localized facial acupoints based on stable geometric and topological relationships. The approach demonstrated consistent performance across different facial structures, enabling accurate positioning of acupoints without the need for large-scale annotated datasets. The results indicate that the method is feasible and reliable for practical applications. CONCLUSION:The GTR-based approach provides an effective and efficient solution for facial acupoint identification and localization, reducing dependence on manual annotation and improving applicability in clinical and intelligent acupuncture systems.
Zhuzishen (Rhizoma Panacis Majoris) is the dried rhizome and root of Panax japonicus C.A. Meyer. var major (Burk.) C.Y. Wu et K.M. Feng or Panax japonicus Meyer. Var. bipinnatifidus (Seem.) C.Y. Wu et K.M. Feng, which belongs to the Araliaceae family and corresponds to liver, lung and stomach meridians. The main active ingredients of Zhuzishen (Rhizoma Panacis Majoris) are triterpenoid saponins, consisting of pentacyclic triterpenoid saponins and tetracyclic triterpenoid saponins. Saponins from Zhuzishen (Rhizoma Panacis Majoris) exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities, including the protection of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems, central nervous system, and liver, as well as anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects. Current research indicated that the pharmacological mechanism of triterpenoid saponins is closely related to their chemical structure, signaling pathways and expression of related proteins. To further study the pharmacological effects of saponins from Zhuzishen (Rhizoma Panacis Majoris), this review systematically summarizes their chemical structure, quality control, pharmacological effects, and structure-activity relationship of saponins from Zhuzishen (Rhizoma Panacis Majoris), which provide a reference for further research and to promote the extensive application of saponins from Zhuzishen (Rhizoma Panacis Majoris) in the pharmaceutical field.
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the efficacy and mechanistic foundations of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Yueju pill (YJP, ) for treating the complex comorbidity of heart failure and depression. METHODS:C57BL/6 male mice were used to establish a robust congestive heart failure (CHF) model with concomitant depressive manifestations. Echocardiographic assessments were conducted to evaluate cardiac structure and function in the mice. Depression-related behavioral tests and the detection of monoamine neurotransmitters were performed to assess the antidepressant-like effectiveness of YJP. Western blot analysis was conducted to measure the expression levels of key components in the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO1) antioxidant pathway, NRF2/brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) pathway, and ghrelin/growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R)1a pathway in the myocardium and hippocampus. To explore the mechanistic role of the ghrelin/GHS-R1a pathway, the ghrelin receptor antagonist D-Lys3-growth hormone-releasing peptide-6 was introduced to enable the iterative evaluation of the aforementioned parameters. RESULTS:YJP improved cardiac dysfunction and myocardial fibrosis and markedly ameliorated depressive behaviors. It also improved neuron damage, boosted the growth of dendritic spines to enhance synaptic plasticity, and alleviated monoamine neurotransmitter imbalances. Additionally, the NRF2/BDNF, ghrelin/GHS-R1a, and NRF2/HO1 antioxidant pathways were promoted by YJP, with the increased expression of key components of the three pathways. The addition of a GHS-R1a antagonist impaired the antidepressant and cardioprotective effects of YJP. CONCLUSIONS:YJP effectively improved cardiac dysfunction and depressive-like behaviors in mice by activating NRF2 viamediation of the ghrelin/GHS-R1a signaling axis within both the myocardial and hippocampal domains.
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the underlying mechanisms and active components of Wuzhuyu decoction (, WD) in alleviating ethanol-induced acute gastric mucosal injury (GMI) using an integrated approach of network pharmacology and experimental verification. METHODS:Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups: control (Con), model (Mod), bismuth potassium citrate (BPC), WD at low (WD-L), medium (WD-M), and high (WD-H) doses. Following seven days of continuous intragastric administration of the respective treatments, an ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury model was established in all groups except the control group by oral gavage of anhydrous ethanol. The gastric mucosal injury index was evaluated, and pathological changes were assessed viahematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The chemical composition was identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Active compounds were screened using the Swiss-absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion database, and their potential targets were predicted using the Swiss Target Prediction database and bioinformatics annotation database for molecular mechanism. Simultaneously, disease targets related to GMI were retrieved from the online mendelian inheritance in man and GeneCards databases. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and functional enrichment analyses of gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed using the Metascape database. Key predictions from the network pharmacology analysis were subsequently verified through animal experiments. Protein expression levels of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), Cleaved Caspase-3, and Cleaved Caspase-9 were analyzed by Western blot. Finally, molecular docking was performed using AutoDock Vina to investigate the interactions between the active components and core targets. RESULTS:WD treatment significantly reduced the gastric mucosal injury index and the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, MDA, while it increased the activities of SOD and GSH-Px. Histopathological examination revealed marked improvement in gastric tissue morphology. A total of 145 compounds were identified in WD. Network pharmacology analysis identified 440 overlapping targets between WD and GMI. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses highlighted the apoptosis signaling pathway as a key mechanism for WD's protective effect against ethanol-induced GMI. Experimental validation demonstrated that WD treatment reduced the apoptosis of gastric mucosal epithelial cells, promoted the expression of Bcl-2, and inhibited the expression of Bax, Cleaved Caspase-3 and Cleaved Caspase-9. Molecular docking results indicated that dehydroevodiamine, rutaecarpine, evodiamine, hexahydrocurcumin, and isorhamnetin are potential active components in WD that contribute to the inhibition of apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS:WD alleviates ethanol-induced acute GMI, at least in part, by inhibiting the apoptosis. The primary active components responsible for this effect are dehydroevodiamine, rutaecarpine, evodiamine, hexahydrocurcumin, and isorhamnetin.
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of cheek acupuncture therapy combined with Chinese herbal medicine on chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in female patients. METHODS:Female patients with CPP treated with cheek acupuncture (CA) and Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) from January 2018 to March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into an observation group receiving CA combined with CHM and a control group receiving only CHM. Baseline and follow-up assessments were conducted using the visual analogue scale (VAS), the McCormack scale, and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) quality of life assessment questionnaire. Prognostic differences were analyzed by comparing pain recurrence rates during follow-up. Baseline and follow-up assessments were conducted using the VAS, the McCormack scale, and the SF-36 quality of life assessment questionnaire. Prognostic differences were analyzed by comparing pain recurrence rates during follow-up. RESULTS:A total of 255 patients with CPP were included, with 113 assigned to the observation group and 142 to the control group. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups (P > 0.05). After treatment, patients in the observation group showed significantly lower VAS scores and McCormack scale scores, as well as higher SF-36 scores, than the control group. Additionally, the treatment group had a lower recurrence rate during follow-up. CONCLUSION:The combination of CA therapy and CHM shows high safety and efficacy, and a low CPP recurrence rate in women.
OBJECTIVE:To elucidate the molecular targets and physiological mechanisms underlying the therapeutic efficacy of Jianpi Qingre Lishi prescription (, JQLP) in the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). METHODS:This study used 120 Sprague-Dawley rats to establish six groups at random (n = 20): blank control (BC), model, low-dose JQLP (L-JQLP), medium-dose JQLP (M-JQLP), high-dose JQLP (H-JQLP), and positive control (PC) groups. Rats in the BC group received a diet with methionine- and choline-sufficient (MCS), while those in the remaining groups were fed with methionine- and choline-deficient (MCD) diet. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analyses and inflammatory factors determination; while liver tissues were harvested to identify the histological alterations through hematoxylin-eosin staining and oil red O staining. In addition, the levels of miRNA-27 (miR-27) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) were determined utilizing quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. RESULTS:Compared to the BC group, the model group showed no significant changes in fasting blood glucose (FBG), which was substantially reduced after both M-JQLP and H-JQLP treatments. MCD diet induced a series of pathological alterations, such as extensive vacuole-like steatosis, disorganized hepatic plates, and significant inflammatory cell infiltration in liver tissues, which were dose-dependently weakened by JQLP intervention. Rats fed with MCD diet demonstrated increase in total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities, but decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. JQLP treatment effectively normalized these parameters in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, rats with MCD diet were detected with largely secreted tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6); while JQLP intervention decreased TNF-α and IL-6 secretion, but enhanced IL-4 content. Additionally, miR-27 upregulation and PPARγ downregulation were induced in liver tissues of rats with MCD diet, which were counteracted by JQLP treatment. CONCLUSIONS:JQLP can ameliorate NASH progression, potentially through the regulation of miR-27/ PPARγ axis. JQLP may be a promising therapeutic candidate worthy of further clinical investigation for NASH treatment.
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the association between Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitution and fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) in breast cancer survivors. METHODS:A cross-sectional study was conducted among breast cancer patients at Guang'anmen Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China, during the period from April 9, 2023, to July 2, 2024. Data were collected on participants' common sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, scores on the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI), and TCM constitution classification. Statistical analyses employed independent samples t-test, χ 2 test, Fisher's exact test, one-way analysis of variance, Spearman's correlation coefficient, multiple linear regression analysis, and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS:A total of 279 eligible breast cancer patients enrolled in this study. The most prevalent TCM constitutions were 'Qi-depression', 'Peaceful' and 'Yang-deficiency'. All nine TCM constitutions of breast cancer patients exhibited significant correlations with FCR scores. The strongest positive correlation was observed between 'Qi-stagnation' and FCR (r= 0.5576, P < 0.0001), followed by 'Qi-deficiency' (r = 0.4465, P < 0.0001). By contrast, the Peaceful correlation showed a significant negative correlation with FCR (r = －0.363, P < 0.0001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that TCM constitution, lymph node metastasis, and endocrine therapy were influencing factors for FCR in breast cancer patients (P < 0.05). Additionally, multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with TCM constitution in breast cancer patients. After adjusting for potential confounding factors including age, disease stage, pathological type, immunohistochemical status, lymph node metastasis, disease duration, and treatment modality, FCR, disease stage, age, and surgical modality were found to be significantly associated with TCM constitution (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION:This study demonstrates a significant association between TCM constitution and FCR in breast cancer patients, suggesting that FCR can potentially be interpreted within the theoretical framework of TCM. These findings thus provide a theoretical foundation for TCMC-informed management strategies targeting FCR in breast cancer patients.
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the efficacy and safety of electro-thumbtack needles (ETN) compared with sham acupuncture (SA) on symptoms during high-altitude exposure. METHODS:In this pilot, single-blind, randomized, controlled study, we assessed the impact of ETN acupuncture on symptoms associated with high-altitude exposure. Participants were randomized into two groups: an ETN group and a SA group. The intervention involved routine skin disinfection and stimulation of seven acupuncture points: bilateral Neiguan (PC6), bilateral Hegu (LI4), bilateral Taiyang (EX-HN5), and Zhongwan (CV12), with pressure for approximately 1 min on each point. The primary outcome was the Lake Louise Score after intervention. Secondary outcome measures were heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, headache visual analogue scale score, clinical function score, and sleep scale scores after the intervention. RESULTS:We enrolled 125 patients with high-altitude exposure; 59 in the ETN group and 66 in the SA group. AMS was present in 37.90% of the 125 patients. The Lake Louise Score in the ETN group was significantly lower than that in the SA group 6 h postintervention [P =0.05; adjusted mean difference: 0.56; 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.01, 1.11)]. The changes in blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, and Groningen Sleep Quality Survey, Stanford Sleepiness Scale, visual analog scale, and clinical functioning scores 48 h postintervention showed no significant differences between the groups. Decreases in cerebral oxygen saturation postintervention differed significantly between the ETN and SA groups [P< 0.05; t = -1.39; 95% CI (3.50, 0.59)]. CONCLUSIONS:This study assessed the feasibility of ETN to address AMS and was a preliminary evaluation of its efficacy. This study provides a basis for the development of intervention programs and scale implementation. ETN is a possible intervention in AMS for special populations, such as those with drug contraindications or pregnant women. This study may guide future research by presenting novel insights, strategic directions, and foundational evidence.
Acupuncture, as a significant component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has attracted increased attention for its mechanism of controlling the physiological functions of the human body and promoting the recovery of diseases by stimulating specific acupoints. Despite its long history and wide clinical application, the mechanism of action of acupuncture is still not fully understood. More research needs to be done on how acupuncture affects molecular communication and cellular function. Exosomes are nanoscale vesicles that rely on cellular multivesicular bodies (MVBs) fused with cell membranes to be released into the extracellular matrix. They are crucial for information transfer between cells and are currently a hot research topic in the world's cutting-edge life sciences. Previous research has demonstrated that the therapeutic effect of acupuncture may be related to stimulating certain cells to secrete exosomes, that exosomes released may contain "acupuncture information", and that manipulating the back-injection of exosomes to produces "acupuncture-like" effects. These findings suggest that exosomes could serve as a bridge between conventional acupuncture therapy and modern precision medicine. They also offer fresh prospects and difficulties for acupuncture translational medicine research. To better define the relationship between exosomes and acupuncture, we reviewed and systematized the literature on past studies related to exosomes and acupuncture. This paper provides a significant theoretical and experimental foundation for applying exosomes in precision medicine by summarizing and analyzing the relationship between acupuncture stimulation and exosome function. This is expected to promote the combination of traditional acupuncture therapy and modern biotechnology and bring innovation and progress to future medical practice.
OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pattern-based comprehensive therapy on stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and its influence on metabolic profiles. METHODS:In this multicenter trial, 270 participants from nine hospitals were randomly divided into a trial group and a control group at a 1∶2 ratio. The trial group received Tiotropium Bromide Powder for Inhalation (TBPI) plus one of three TCM granules [Shenqi Wenfei formula, Shenqi Buzhong formula, or Shenqi Tiaoshen formula], while the control group got only TBPI. The study had a 24-week treatment and 52-week follow-up. The main outcome was the frequency of acute COPD exacerbations. Secondary outcomes included related rates, scores on COPD assessment test (CAT) and modified medical research council (mMRC) dyspnea scale, 6-min walk test (6MWT) distance, and lung function, measured at weeks 0, 24, and 52. Serum samples for metabolomics were taken from the trial group before/after treatment and from healthy people. RESULTS:A total of 256 out of 270 patients completed the study. The trial group had fewer acute exacerbations than the control group during 52-week follow-up (P <0.05). At 24 weeks, the trial group improved in CAT, mMRC, and 6MWT compared to the control (P <0.05), with mMRC and 6MWT improvements lasting at week 52. Lung function showed no significant group differences. Metabolomics found 32 different metabolites between healthy and pre-treatment patients, 17 reversing post-treatment. Bioinformatics showed pathway changes in pre-treatment patients reversed after treatment. CONCLUSION:TCM pattern-based comprehensive therapy reduces acute exacerbation risk and improves quality of life, respiratory symptoms, and exercise tolerance in stable COPD patients, likely by modulating energy, protein, and amino acid metabolism pathways.
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is a common spinal disorder characterized by deviations in the coronal, sagittal, and axial planes. As AIS progresses with age, it compromises biomechanical function and increasingly impacts pulmonary function and psychological well-being. Bracing and Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises (PSSE) are commonly used conservative treatments for AIS. However, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been gaining increasing attention in conservative AIS management. This study examines the effectiveness of TCM and its integrative therapies in AIS treatment, with particular emphasis on the foundational TCM concept of "preventive treatment of disease". A three-level prevention strategy is proposed, highlighting the importance of early detection, timely treatment, and proactive intervention. This framework aims to promote a scientific understanding of TCM approaches and their synergistic use with other therapies in AIS management, offering new perspectives and potential directions for future.
OBJECTIVE:To test whether acupuncture improves sleep by enhancing gamma-aminobutyric acid-ergic (GABA) neuronal activity in the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN). METHODS:We established an animal model using p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA). We assessed the impact of acupuncture on insomnia through wheel-running activity and sodium pentobarbital-induced sleep tests. Subsequently, the calcium indicator GCaMP6m was injected into the TRN of Vgat-Cre mice, and the activity of GABA neurons in the TRN was analyzed before and after acupuncture using fiber photometry recording. Additionally, cortical electroencephalography (EEG) recordings were compared between groups following chemogenetic inhibition of GABA neurons in the TRN. RESULTS:Following acupuncture, we observed a reduction in sleep latency and an increase in sleep duration in comparison to the PCPA-induced insomnia (P < 0.01). Furthermore, acupuncture positively influenced the diurnal phase of insomnia (P < 0.01). Ca2+ signals in GABA neurons within the TRN increased post-acupuncture (paired t-test, P< 0.01). Acupuncture also reduced the proportion of EEG power in the elevated Beta and Gamma frequencies associated with PCPA injection, while simultaneously increasing the Delta power ratio (P < 0.01). Chemogenetic inhibition of TRN GABA neurons blocked these acupuncture effects: the hM4Di + MA group showed no significant differences from the PCPA group in Beta and Gamma power, but exhibited elevated Beta and Theta activity compared to controls (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:Acupuncture activates GABA neurons in the TRN, thereby regulating the sleep-wake cycle in the context of PCPA-induced insomnia.
OBJECTIVE:To observe the characteristics of acupoint sensitization in patients with essential hypertension, analyze the mechanical pain threshold and tenderness threshold of each acupoint, and summarize the clinical characteristics of high-sensitivity acupoints. METHODS:This study employed a cross-sectional matched case-control design and enrolled a total of 448 volunteer participants, including 224 patients with hypertension and 224 healthy controls. The main outcome measures included measuring the mechanical pain threshold and tenderness threshold of 16 highly sensitive acupoints in both hypertensive subjects and healthy controls. The receiver operating characteristic curve method was used to evaluate the sensitivity of each acupoint. Additionally, the rules of mechanical pain threshold, tenderness threshold sensitization rate, and degree of sensitization of each acupoint in hypertension patients were summarized to identify the optimal highly sensitive acupoints related to hypertension. RESUITS:The mechanical pain threshold and tenderness threshold of hypertensive patients were significantly lower than those of healthy subjects, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001), indicating that the mechanical pain threshold and tenderness threshold of hypertensive patients at various points had a downward trend. Acupoints with high incidence of sensitization in hypertensive patients include Quchi (LI11), Taichong (LR3), Fenglong (ST40), Xingjian (LR2), Taixi (KI3) and Renying (ST9). CONCLUSION:This study successfully achieved the objective of exploring acupoint sensitization in patients with primary hypertension. Hypertensive patients exhibited significantly lower mechanical pain thresholds and pressure pain thresholds compared to healthy subjects. These findings provide clinical evidence for acupoint selection in acupuncture treatment for primary hypertension.
OBJECTIVE:To confirm the efficacy of Yiqi Huoxue formula (, YQHX) on heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), and elucidate its potential effect on calcium homeostasis. METHODS:Cardiac specific calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II delta C isoform (CaMKⅡδC)-overexpression transgenic mice (C-CaMKⅡδC+/- Tg mice) and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II delta B isoform (CaMKⅡδB)-overexpression transgenic mice (C-CaMKⅡδB+/- Tg mice) were established by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 technique, and their genotypes and phenotypes were identified thereafter. C57BL/6 mice and transgenic mice were divided into seven groups in random, each containing eight mice. The groups were Control group, CaMKⅡδB model group, CaMKⅡδB treatment group (B Treated), CaMKⅡδB inhibitor group (B Inhibitor), CaMKⅡδC model group (C Model), CaMKⅡδC treatment group (C Treated), CaMKⅡδC inhibitor group (C Inhibitor). B and C Treated groups were given YQHX once a day for 4 weeks by gavage. The cardiac function and structure were evaluated using echocardiogram. The myocardial cellular status and fibrosis were detected by hematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson staining. Calcium transients and calcium leakage from cardiac ventricular myocytes were detected to reflect calcium homeostasis, and the expressions of CaMKⅡδB, CaMKⅡδC, hypertrophy factors, calcium pathway-related genes, and the level of calcium handling proteins were assessed by western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS:We found CaMKⅡδB and CaMKⅡδC transgenic mice showed HFrEF phenotype. YQHX improved the systolic function of the CaMKⅡδB transgenic mice, reduced the cross-sectional area of cardiomyocytes, inhibited the overexpression of CaMKⅡδB and hypertrophy-related genes (B-type natriuretic peptide, myocyte enhancer factor 2, and atrial natriuretic factor), and increased calcium handling protein sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ adenosine triphosphatase 2a (SERCA2a) and calcium capacity. YQHX improved the cardiac systolic function of CaMKⅡδC transgenic mice, reduced the ventricular diameter and cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area, alleviated myocardial fibrosis, increased SERCA2a expression and calcium capacity, and reduced calcium leakage. CONCLUSION:Our results suggest that YQHX improved HFrEF by inhibiting CaMKIIδB overexpression, which may be related to reduced expression of hypertrophy-related factors, and increased SERCA2a expression to increase calcium reserve. In addition, YQHX improved HFrEF by inhibiting CaMKIIδC overexpression, which may be related to reduce calcium leakage, and increase SERCA2a expression to increase calcium reserve.
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture intervention on behavioral performance, hippocampal structure, and function in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) rats and to explore the underlying mechanisms. METHODS:Specific pathogen free-grade male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated into a control group (Con group, n =12) and a modeling group. The latter underwent a 21-d CFS induction viaan improved chronic multi-factor compound stress stimulation protocol. Successfully modeled CFS rats were then randomly assigned to a model group (Mod group, n =12) and an electroacupuncture group (EA group, n =12). During the 14-d treatment period, both the Mod and EA groups continued to receive chronic stress stimuli. Rats in the EA group received electroacupuncture at Shenting (GV24) through to Baihui (GV20), with additional stimulation on Dazhui (GV14). Each session lasted 15 min, administered twice daily with a 6-h interval between morning and afternoon treatments. After modeling and treatment, the general semi-quantitative score (GSQS) was used to evaluate the rats' general health, while the Morris water maze test (MWMT), open field test (OFT), and exhaustive treadmill test (ETT) were applied to assess their learning/memory, emotional state, and fatigue levels, respectively (n =12 per group). After the treatment phase, cerebral glucose metabolism was assessed by 1;⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) imaging (n =3 per group), while hippocampal cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) morphology was examined using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Nissl staining (n =3 per group). RESULTS:Behavioral assessments demonstrated that electroacupuncture intervention significantly improved rat performance as measured by GSQS, MWMT, OFT, and Exhaustive Treadmill Test. Both HE and Nissl staining results confirmed that, compared with the blank control group, the model group exhibited abnormal cellular morphology, disorganized arrangement, and reduced Nissl bodies in the hippocampal CA1 region. These pathological alterations were ameliorated in the electroacupuncture group relative to the model group. 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging revealed that following treatment, the mean and maximum standardized uptake values (SUV) in the anterior-dorsal and posterior hippocampus were significantly decreased in the Mod group compared to the Con group. In contrast, electroacupuncture treatment significantly increased both SUV-mean and SUV-max in these hippocampal subregions in the EA group relative to the Mod group (all P <0.05). CONCLUSION:Electroacupuncture intervention alleviated cognitive impairment, hippocampal pathological structural changes, and glucose metabolism dysfunction in a rat model of chronic fatigue syndrome induced by an improved chronic multi-factor compound stress stimulation method.
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of Buzhong Yiqi decoction (BZYQ) and its potential mechanism by conducting a comprehensive analysis of intestinal microbiota and metabolomics in autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) rats. METHODS:An AIT model with antibiotic cocktail were established. After 8 weeks of intervention with BZYQ, the levels of anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibodies (TGAb) were measured. Pathological changes were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Changes of gut microbiota and fecal metabolites were analyzed through 16S RNA sequencing and metabolomics analysis. RESULTS:BZYQ intervention improved pathological damage of thyroid gland in AIT rats and significantly reduced the levels of anti-thyroid antibodies. Additionally, it had an ameliorative effect on the pathological damage of the colon. Also, BZYQ increased the abundance of Lactobacillus reuteri, reversing the dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. And BZYQ could regulate tryptophan metabolism of tryptophan to reverse metabolic disorders in HT. The correlation analysis indicated a close relationship between tryptophan metabolism and Lactobacillus reuteri. CONCLUSIONS:BZYQ is a promising therapeutic approach for HT. Its mechanism in treating HT may be associated with the regulation of gut microbiota dysbiosis and the improvement of gut-derived metabolic disorders.
OBJECTIVE:To clarify the therapeutic mechanisms of Jichuan decoction (, JCD) in slow-transit constipation (STC), we focused on its neuromuscular and microbiota-modifying effects. METHODS:An STC mouse model was induced by administering diphenoxylate for 14 consecutive days. The experimental groups included healthy controls (HC), a saline-treated STC model group, a mosapride-treated positive control group (MSP), and JCD-treated groups at different dosages. Gastrointestinal motility was evaluated first by black stool latency and then by colonic 5-hydroxytryptamine and substance P levels. Neural markers were assessed by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and central nervous system specific protein β (S100β) levels were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Histopathological analysis was performed via hematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid-Schiff staining. Microbial profiling was conducted via 16S rRNA sequencing. RESULTS:JCD treatment improved intestinal motility in STC mice, increased colonic neurotransmitter levels, increased mucosal thickness and goblet cell density, upregulated protein gene product 9.5 and GDNF, downregulated neuronal nitric oxide synthase and S100β, and reversed dysbiosis through the enrichment of Akkermansia muciniphila. CONCLUSION:JCD alleviates STC by restoring enteric nervous system function and gut microbiota homeostasis, indicating its potential for STC management.
