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Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Jan 2024Hyperlipidaemia is described as "excessive phlegm" and "blood stasis" in the classic theory of traditional Chinese medicine. Exocarpium Citri Grandis has the effect of...
Selection and evaluation of quality markers for the regulation of PXR-CYP3A4/FXR-LXRα by Exocarpium Citri Grandis for the treatment of hyperlipidaemia with dispelling blood stasis and removing phlegm.
Hyperlipidaemia is described as "excessive phlegm" and "blood stasis" in the classic theory of traditional Chinese medicine. Exocarpium Citri Grandis has the effect of dispelling blood stasis and removing phlegm, which can better meet the treatment needs of this disease. However, there is still a lack of focus and depth in the study of the chemical composition of this medicine, and the correlation between the study of relevant medicinal substances and the efficacy of dispelling stasis and removing phlegm is insufficient. To address this issue, this study was carried out to validate the overall efficacy and identify and determine the chemical composition of Exocarpium Citri Grandis. The regulatory mechanism of the PXR-CYP3A4/FXR-LXRα pathway and its active ingredients were screened, and a pharmacokinetic study of active ingredients was performed. The obtained multidimensional data were statistically analysed and comprehensively evaluated. The quality marker of Exocarpium Citri Grandis in the treatment of hyperlipidaemia based on the PXR-CYP3A4/FXR-LXRα mechanism to exert the efficacy of dispelling blood stasis and removing phlegm was finally determined. Based on the above experiments, we identified 27 compounds from the ethanol extract of Exocarpium Citri Grandis. Among them, naringenin, meranzin hydrate, apigenin, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, anacardiin, hesperidin and naringin can significantly regulate all or part of the targets in the PXR-CYP3A4/FXR-LXRα pathway. It also has suitable content and pharmacokinetic characteristics in vivo. In conclusion, this study established quality markers to characterize the efficacy of Exocarpium Citri Grandis in dispelling blood stasis and removing phlegm, which provides a scientific basis for the targeted evaluation of the hypolipidaemic activity of this medicinal plant.
Topics: Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A; Hyperlipidemias; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Plants, Medicinal; Hesperidin; Medicine, Chinese Traditional
PubMed: 38157640
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116089 -
Alternative Therapies in Health and... Aug 2023The identification of a patient's constitution in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) allows physicians to understand his or her risk for different diseases, forecast the...
CONTEXT
The identification of a patient's constitution in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) allows physicians to understand his or her risk for different diseases, forecast the mechanism of disease development, and direct treatment strategies, such as herbs and/or acupuncture. However, very few large-scale clinical trials have occurred on the relationships of the TCM constitution to lifestyles and diseases.
OBJECTIVE
The study intended investigate the complex and systematic relationship between the TCM constitution and lifestyles to provide solutions for adjusting unbalanced constitutions and maintaining a balanced constitution and health state among people of various lifestyles in Jilin, China.
DESIGN
The research team conducted a randomized cross-sectional survey.
SETTING
The study took place in Jilin Province in China.
PARTICIPANTS
Participants were 1755 residents of Jilin Province in China, 794 men and 961 women, between September 2006 and February 2013.
OUTCOME MEASURES
The research team: (1) collected participants' data using a basic informational and lifestyle questionnaire and the Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire (CCMQ); (2) used descriptive analysis to illustrate demographic characteristics and the distribution of TCM constitutions; (3) conducted multivariate logistic regressions to explore potential factors influencing the Deficiency, Excess, Gentleness, and Special-diathesis constitutions.
RESULTS
Approximately one-half of participants in Jilin, China had an unbalanced constitution and one-third had Deficiency constitutions. Lifestyles and disease histories were significant influencing factors for the unbalanced constitutions. Of the 1755 participants, 757 had the Gentleness constitution (43.1%); the remaining participants had unbalanced constitutions, including 501 with a Deficiency constitution (28.6%), 423 with an Excess constitution (24.1%), and 74 with a Special-Diathesis constitution (4.2%). Regarding the influencing factors, the Deficiency constitutions were significantly related to lifestyle factors-especially gender, age, exercise, and diet: (21) the Qi-deficiency constitution was significantly related to excessive exercise and chronic bronchia; (2) the Yang-deficiency constitution was significantly related to female gender and prefer to hot food; and (3) the Yin-deficiency constitution was significantly related to age, from 46 to ≥66, and the barbecue diet. The Excess constitutions were related to medical histories: (1) the Phlegm-dampness and Blood-stasis constitutions were both significantly related to cardio-cerebrovascular disease and hyperlipidemia; (2) the Dampness-heat constitution was significantly related to liver disease and osteoporosis; (3) the Qi-depression constitution was significantly related to liver disease and chronic bronchia. The Gentleness constitution was significantly related to a greasy diet, and the Special-diathesis constitution was significantly related to allergies.
CONCLUSIONS
The identification of TCM constitutions would be beneficial to early identification of potential risk factors and could contribute to the creation of more comprehensive guidelines for health organizations. Controlling the factors influencing the TCM constitutions and using health management plans based on the TCM constitution could help people with unbalanced constitutions to adjust their lifestyles and improve their health.
PubMed: 37573585
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of Ovarian Research Jul 2023Cangfu Daotan Wan (CFDTW) has been widely used for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients in the type of stagnation of phlegm and dampness. In this study, we aimed to...
BACKGROUND/AIM
Cangfu Daotan Wan (CFDTW) has been widely used for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients in the type of stagnation of phlegm and dampness. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of CFDTW on PCOS with phlegm-dampness syndrome (PDS).
METHODS
In silico analysis was adopted to identify CFDTW potential targets and the downstream pathways in the treatment of PCOS. Expression of PKP3 was examined in the ovarian granulosa cells from PCOS patients with PDS and rat PCOS models induced by dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). PKP3/ERCC1 was overexpressed or underexpressed or combined with CFDTW treatment in ovarian granulosa cells to assay the effect of CFDTW on ovarian granulosa cell functions via the PKP3/MAPK/ERCC1 axis.
RESULTS
Clinical samples and ovarian granulosa cells of rat models were characterized by hypomethylated PKP3 promoter and upregulated PKP3 expression. CFDTW reduced PKP3 expression by enhancing the methylation of PKP3 promoter, leading to proliferation of ovarian granulosa cells, increasing S and G2/M phase-arrested cells, and arresting their apoptosis. PKP3 augmented ERCC1 expression by activating the MAPK pathway. In addition, CFDTW facilitated the proliferation of ovarian granulosa cells and repressed their apoptosis by regulating PKP3/MAPK/ERCC1 axis.
CONCLUSION
Taken together, this study illuminates how CFDTW confers therapeutic effects on PCOS patients with PDS, which may offer a novel theranostic marker in PCOS.
Topics: Animals; Female; Humans; Rats; Apoptosis; DNA-Binding Proteins; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Endonucleases; Granulosa Cells; Plakophilins; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
PubMed: 37420272
DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01200-7 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Jan 2024Inulae Herba (IH) is known as Jinfeicao recorded in Chinese Pharmacopoeia with effects of lowering qi and eliminating phlegm, and used for the treatment of pulmonary...
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Inulae Herba (IH) is known as Jinfeicao recorded in Chinese Pharmacopoeia with effects of lowering qi and eliminating phlegm, and used for the treatment of pulmonary diseases. However, its protective mechanism on pulmonary diseases, especially acute lung injury (ALI), is still undefined.
AIM OF THE STUDY
This study aimed to explore anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation effects of IH and its underlying mechanism for treating ALI.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We constructed a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-ALI mouse model to reveal the therapeutical effect of IH. Western blot, real-time quantitative PCR, flow cytometry, small RNA interference, immunohistochemical staining, and the dual-luciferase experiment were performed to study the mechanism of IH for treating ALI.
RESULTS
IH attenuated LPS-mediated pathological changes (e.g. pneumonedema and pulmonary congestion) through inactivation of macrophages in an ALI mouse model. The result of flow cytometry demonstrated that IH regulated the homeostasis of M1 (CD80CD206) and M2 (CD80CD206) phenotype macrophages. Furthermore, IH suppressed mRNA expressions of M1 phenotype markers, such as iNOS and IL-6, whereas promoted mRNA expressions of M2 phenotype markers, such as ARG1 and RETNLA in LPS-mediated mice. Notably, IH targeted Keap1 to activate the Nrf2 receptor, exerting its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation effects proved by using immunohistochemical staining, dual-luciferase, and Keap1 knockdown technologies.
CONCLUSION
These findings suggested that targeting Keap1 with IH alleviated LPS-mediated ALI, and it could serve as a herbal agent for developing anti-ALI drugs.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1; Lipopolysaccharides; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Acute Lung Injury; Disease Models, Animal; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Luciferases; RNA, Messenger
PubMed: 37890806
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117358 -
Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi = Zhongguo... Aug 2023According to the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) theory, coronary heart disease(CHD) is mainly caused by heart vessel obstruction due to Qi stagnation, blood stasis,... (Review)
Review
According to the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) theory, coronary heart disease(CHD) is mainly caused by heart vessel obstruction due to Qi stagnation, blood stasis, and phlegm turbidity. Chest impediment with combined phlegm and stasis is a common syndrome of CHD, with the manifestations of chest tightness, chest pain, and asthma. Lymphatic system is one of the important immune systems in the human body and has a close relationship with the Qi and blood movement in TCM. The dysfunction of the lymphatic system may lead to metabolism disorders, the generation of dampness pathogen which turns into sticky and difficult-to-dissolve phlegm turbidity. Moreover, it can affect blood circulation and coagulation, causing slow blood flow, increased blood viscosity, and microcirculation disorders. Alterations in lymphatic hydrodynamics may affect the interaction between blood circulation and the lymphatic system. A variety of small molecule drugs and TCM can treat cardiovascular diseases by targeting the lymphatic system. This review discusses the role of the lymphatic system in CHD based on the theory of combined phlegm and stasis, involving the influences of mechanical factors on lymphatic function and the effects and pharmacological mechanisms of TCM and chemicals that target lymphocyte function and lymphatic circulation. By expounding the development process of combined phlegm and stasis in CHD from the lymphatic system, this paper aims to provide new ideas for deciphering pharmacological mechanisms of TCM for resolving phlegm and stasis.
Topics: Humans; Coronary Disease; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Mucus; Lymphatic System; Heart
PubMed: 37802774
DOI: 10.19540/j.cnki.cjcmm.20230427.601 -
Phytomedicine : International Journal... Jul 2023Erchen decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine formula, can reduce the level of oxidative stress for the treatment of dyslipidemia phlegm-dampness retention syndrome...
Erchen decoction to reduce oxidative stress in dyslipidemia phlegm-dampness retention syndrome mice: In vivo mechanism revealed by metabolomics (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry).
OBJECTIVE
Erchen decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine formula, can reduce the level of oxidative stress for the treatment of dyslipidemia phlegm-dampness retention syndrome (DPDRS); however, studies have not elucidated the mechanism underlying its metabolic action. Here, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomic techniques were utilized to characterize the in vivo effects of Erchen decoction in achieving reduction of oxidative stress levels and understand the potential metabolic mechanisms of action.
METHODS
We constructed a DPDRS animal model using a multifactorial composite modeling approach, and Erchen decoction was administered by gavage. We employed LC-MS-based metabolomic techniques in combination with serum-associated factors, gene transcription, methylation detection, and hematoxylin and eosin staining.
RESULTS
In this study, the constructed animal model of DPDRS had satisfactory quality. Erchen decoction treatment reduced the levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, t total cholesterol and riglyceride; it improved the endothelial structure, increased levels of serum β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate and glutathione concentrations, increased aortic phosphoserine aminotransferase and phosphoserine phosphatase gene expression levels, and decreased aortic phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase methylation level. A total of 64 differential metabolites were obtained using LC-MS assay, and 34 differential metabolic pathways were obtained after enrichment.
CONCLUSIONS
Erchen decoction treatment of DPDRS mice reversed lipid indexes, improved vascular endothelial structure, increased serum and aortic anti-oxidative stress factor concentration and expression levels, and decreased methylation levels, thereby reducing oxidative stress and protecting vascular endothelium. Tricarboxylic acid cycle and metabolic pathways of serum glutamine, serine, tryptophan, pyrimidine, and pyruvate were the most relevant metabolic pathways involved in reducing oxidative stress levels by Erchen decoction during DPDRS treatment; especially, mitochondrial redox homeostasis maintenance in endothelial cells may be crucial. In this work, the therapeutic potential of Erchen decoction for reducing the oxidative stress level in DPDRS was demonstrated; however, its in-depth mechanism is worth further exploration.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Endothelial Cells; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Metabolomics; Chromatography, Liquid; Mass Spectrometry; Cholesterol, LDL; Dyslipidemias; Oxidative Stress
PubMed: 37087794
DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154808 -
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine... Oct 2023To investigate the influence and possible targets of Dangua Fang on tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and respiratory chain to enrich the prescription's mechanism of...
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the influence and possible targets of Dangua Fang on tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and respiratory chain to enrich the prescription's mechanism of effective intervention on glycolipid metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes.
METHODS
After interventional rats were fed with high glucose and high fat diet ad libitum for 4 weeks, intraperitoneally injected streptozotocin to induce diabetic model. According to blood glucose level,28 diabetic rats were selected and continued to be fed with high glucose and high fat diet, were stratified by body weight, and divided randomly by blood glucose into Model group (was given sterile water by gastric perfusion and injected aquae pro injection intraperitoneally), Dangua group [Dangua liquor 20.5 g·kg·d by perfusion and aquae pro injection intraperitoneally], Inhibitor group [sterile water by perfusion and nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase (Nampt) specific blocker GEN-617 1.25 mg/kg intraperitoneally], DanInhit group (Dangua liquor and GEN-617 synchronously). Control group were continuously fed with ordinary diet. The intervention was last for 10 weeks. Body weight (BW), liver index (LI), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), TC, TG, free fatty acids (FFA), creatinine (Cr), and A-ketoglutarate (α-KG), Iso-citric acid (ICA), oxaloacetic acid (OAA) were tested. The cytochrome C oxidase (COX) and Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) were evaluated by Colorimetry; Nampt protein, Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase (ATPs), Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)and its reduced (NADH) in liver were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The expressions of Nampt and mitochondrialnadhdehydrogenase-1 (mt-ND1) gene in liver was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Hepatic tissue staining was also completed.
RESULTS
The levels of BW, ICA, α-KG and Nampt-mRNA in the Model group are lower than that in the Normal group ( 0.05), conversely, liver weight, LI, TC, HbA1c, SDH and ATPs, mt-ND1-mRNA, and Nampt protein in the Model group are higher ( 0.01, 0.05). Compared with Model group, the levels of ICA, Nampt-mRNA and Nampt in Dangua group are significantly increased, and FFA obviously raised ( 0.01 and 0.05); liver weight, BW, SDH are obviously lower, and HbA1c decreased significantly ( 0.01, 0.05). TG, FFA and Nampt protein increased in the DanInhit group, TC, TG, BW obviously increased in the Inhibitor group, but SDH is decreased in both the two groups ( 0.05, 0.01). Compared with Dangua group, DanInhib group has the lower levels of ICA, mt-ND1-mRNA, Nampt-mRNA, and the higher level of BW, LI and HbA1c. In the Inhibitor group, ICA and Nampt protein decreased, BW and LI, HbA1c and TG increased ( 0.01 or 0.05). Tissue staining display that, in the model group there is obvious pathologic changes ie: fibrosis, steatosis and inflammatory cell infiltration. Lesions in the Dangua group are mild, and those of Inhibitor group are more obvious than the Model group, and DanInhit group is intermediately affected compared to Dangua group and Inhibitor group.
CONCLUSION
Dangua Fang increases the metabolic flux of TCA cycle and optimizes respiratory chain function by up-regulating Nampt expression.
Topics: Rats; Animals; Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Blood Glucose; Citric Acid Cycle; Electron Transport; Glycated Hemoglobin; RNA, Messenger; Water; Body Weight
PubMed: 37946477
DOI: 10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.20230904.002 -
Zhongguo Zhen Jiu = Chinese Acupuncture... Aug 2023Starting from the perspective of meridian theory, this article briefly analyzes the meridian pathophysiology of snoring and the relationship between snoring and meridian...
Starting from the perspective of meridian theory, this article briefly analyzes the meridian pathophysiology of snoring and the relationship between snoring and meridian theory. It proposes that acupuncture treatment for snoring should focus on regulating from the meridians, harmonizing the spirit by the governor vessel, resolving phlegm through the three meridians, and harmonizing and blood from the meridians. Additionally, attention is placed on both the root cause and the symptoms, the theory of "four seas". The ultimate goal is to promote the flow of meridian and -blood, improve symptoms such as nighttime snoring, poor sleep quality, and daytime sleepiness, and achieve the desired outcome of stopping snoring and ensuring restful sleep.
Topics: Humans; Meridians; Snoring; Acupuncture Therapy; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders; Mucus; Acupuncture Points
PubMed: 37984924
DOI: 10.13703/j.0255-2930.20230327-0006 -
Journal of Public Health Research Oct 2023The aim of this review was to assess the association between occupational exposure to silicon dioxide and chronic respiratory symptoms among workers in the cement... (Review)
Review
The aim of this review was to assess the association between occupational exposure to silicon dioxide and chronic respiratory symptoms among workers in the cement manufacturing industries. Approximately 60 articles published from 2010 to 2021 were found and four independent reviewers extracted the data from each eligible study using PubMed, Google scholar etc. The following terms were used: exposure to cement dust, exposure to silicon dioxide etc. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were considered while searching for the studies. In this review, a total of 14 articles were included in this study. Chronic cough was the most prevalence exposure symptoms (OR 1.90; CI 9.90, 0.78), with wheezing reported to be the least experienced symptom (OR 1.34; CI 11.5, 0.50). Two studies reported exposure concentration ranging from 0.026 to 0.044 mg/m, and 0.27 mg/m was also reported in one study. The FEV1 and FVC was lower in exposed workers when compared to the control group. Studies reported the crystalline silica quartz to be 21.5% in limestone, 22.5% in bauxite, 21.22% in clinker, and 21.22% in raw cement. Chronic cough, phlegm, wheezing, and shortness of breath or dyspnea was found to be significantly prevalence among workers, particularly cleaning personnel, in the cement manufacturing industries.
PubMed: 37822998
DOI: 10.1177/22799036231204316 -
Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi = Zhongguo... Oct 2023Depression syndromes(anxiety and depression), as typical psychological disorders, often coexist with and mutually influence coronary heart disease(CHD). They constitute...
[Syndrome differentiation and treatment of coronary heart disease combined with anxiety and depression from stages of phlegm, blood stasis, and toxic pathogen based on theory of "coexistence of diseases and depression syndromes"].
Depression syndromes(anxiety and depression), as typical psychological disorders, often coexist with and mutually influence coronary heart disease(CHD). They constitute a psycho-cardiology disease involving both the blood vessels of the heart and the spirit of the heart. Based on the theory of "coexistence of diseases and depression syndromes", it was proposed that CHD and depression syndromes coexisted independently and were causally related. The factors of depression syndromes go through the entire course of CHD and have different causal relationships at different stages, leading to a pathogenic process of "depression causing disease" or "disease causing depression". In the chronic latent period, phlegm predominates, with depression leading to the production of phlegm. Phlegm accumulation and Qi stagnation initiate a mutual damage process of psycho-cardiology, marking the onset of the disease. In the pathological development period, blood stasis becomes predominant. Depression leads to blood stasis, which further obstructs Qi circulation, accelerating disease progression. In the acute attack period, toxicity becomes crucial. Depression transforms into toxicity, damaging Qi and blood, disturbing the balance of the mind, and inducing a sudden and severe exacerbation of the disease. Based on this, the approach of treating phlegm and depression together, treating blood stasis and depression together, and treating toxicity and depression together by stages was established. Research has found that this approach can simultaneously improve organic damage and emotional disorders, and also has a regulating effect on micro-level syndrome indicators, achieving harmonization of psycho-cardiology in the treatment.
Topics: Humans; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Depression; Coronary Disease; Mucus; Syndrome; Anxiety
PubMed: 38114161
DOI: 10.19540/j.cnki.cjcmm.20230627.501