Effects of Sijunzi decoction and Yupingfeng powder on expression of janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription signal pathway in the brain of spleen-deficiency model rats

Effects of Yu-Ping-Feng polysaccharides on animal growth performance and immune function: a review

Yu-Ping-Feng polysaccharides (YPF-P) is the primary component of Yu-Ping-Feng San (YPF-S) medicine prescription, which consists of three polysaccharides from Astragalus Membranaceus polysaccharide (AM-P), Atractylodes Macrocephala polysaccharide (AM-P), and Saposhnikovia Divaricata polysaccharide (SD-P). The use of Yu-Ping-Feng polysaccharides dates back to the Yuan Dynasty when Yilin Wei first utilized it. The remedy is included in "Effective Formulae Handed Down for Generations" and "The Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China." Yu-Ping-Feng polysaccharides is known to promote growth and enhance the body's immune function in animals. As such, it has promising application prospects in animal husbandry. This review mainly introduces the main components and characteristics of Yu-Ping-Feng polysaccharides, its effects on animal production, and its impact on animal immune function. Additionally, this paper offers a preliminary discussion on the development and utilization of Yu-Ping-Feng polysaccharides, laying the foundation for further research and application. This review may also provide insight and reference for the development of the farming industry, reducing production costs and improving productivity.

Exploring the Potential Molecular Mechanism of Sijunzi Decoction in the Treatment of Non-Segmental Vitiligo Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

Background

Non-segmental vitiligo is a common decolorized skin disease. The purpose of this study was to reveal the active components of Sijunzi decoction (SJZD) and the target genes for the treatment of non-segmental vitiligo.

Methods

Based on TCMSP and GEO databases, effective components and targets of SJZD in the treatment of non-segmental vitiligo were revealed by network pharmacology. GO and KEGG were used to analyze the biological functions of SJZD targets. The Cytoscape-cytoHubba plugin was used to identify hub target genes. SsGSEA method was used to analyze the infiltration level of immune cells in non-segmental vitiligo. Molecular docking was performed to predict the interaction between active compounds and hub target genes. Finally, real-time PCR detection was also performed.

Results

It was found that 104 active compounds may be effective ingredients in the treatment of non-segmental vitiligo. These 104 compounds acted on 42 differentially expressed target genes. KEGG analysis showed that target genes were significantly enriched in immune-related pathways such as MAPK and TNF signaling pathways. A total of 6 hub target genes (AKT1, CASP3, PPARG, SIRT1, TNF and TP53) were identified using the Cytoscape-cytoHubba plugin. Molecular docking showed that active compounds quercetin, kaempferol, formononetin and naringenin had good binding to hub target genes. We also found that Type 2 T helper cells, CD56bright natural killer cell and CD56dim natural killer cell infiltration levels were abnormal in non-segmental vitiligo and correlated with AKT1.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that quercetin, kaempferol, formononetin and naringenin in SJZD may play an important role in the treatment of non-segmental vitiligo by acting on AKT1, CASP3, PPARG, SIRT1, TNF and TP53 to regulate immune cell infiltration and multiple signaling pathways.

Advances in the chemical constituents, pharmacological properties and clinical applications of TCM formula Yupingfeng San

Yupingfeng San (YPFS) is a famous and commonly used traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, respiratory tract infections, and pneumonia in China. It is composed of three Chinese herbs, including Astragali Radix, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma and Saposhnikoviae Radix. In this review, the relevant references on YPFS were searched in the Web of Science, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and other databases. Literatures published from 2000 to 2022 were screened and summarized. The constituents in YPFS could be classified into nine groups according to their structures, including flavonoids, saponins, essential oils, coumarins, lactones, amino acids, organic acids, saccharides, chromones and others. The importance of chemical constituents in YPFS were demonstrated for specific pathological processes including immunoregulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and pulmonary diseases. This article systematically reviewed the up-to-date information on its chemical compositions, pharmacology and safety, that could be used as essential data and reference for clinical applications of YPFS.

Perspectives of herbs and their natural compounds, and herb formulas on treating diverse diseases through regulating complicated JAK/STAT signaling

JAK/STAT signaling pathways are closely associated with multiple biological processes involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation, differentiation, immune response, and epigenetics. Abnormal activation of the STAT pathway can contribute to disease progressions under various conditions. Moreover, tofacitinib and baricitinib as the JAK/STAT inhibitors have been recently approved by the FDA for rheumatology disease treatment. Therefore, influences on the STAT signaling pathway have potential and perspective approaches for diverse diseases. Chinese herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which are widespread throughout China, are the gold resources of China and have been extensively used for treating multiple diseases for thousands of years. However, Chinese herbs and herb formulas are characterized by complicated components, resulting in various targets and pathways in treating diseases, which limits their approval and applications. With the development of chemistry and pharmacology, active ingredients of TCM and herbs and underlying mechanisms have been further identified and confirmed by pharmacists and chemists, which improved, to some extent, awkward limitations, approval, and applications regarding TCM and herbs. In this review, we summarized various herbs, herb formulas, natural compounds, and phytochemicals isolated from herbs that have the potential for regulating multiple biological processes via modulation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway based on the published work. Our study will provide support for revealing TCM, their active compounds that treat diseases, and the underlying mechanism, further improving the rapid spread of TCM to the world.

The current novel therapeutic regimens for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) and the potentials of Traditional Chinese Medicine in treatment of CDI

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is featured as the dysbiosis of gut microbiota and consequent mild diarrhoea or severe pseudomembranous colitis. However, the frequent recurrence of CDI following treatment course challenged the antibiotic therapy. Currently, to address the relapse of CDI, several novel therapeutic approaches have emerged, including Bezlotoxumab, SYN-004 (Ribaxamase), RBX2660, and faecal microbial transplant. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an old medical system accumulated for thousands of years. Orientated by syndrome-based treatment, TCM functions in a multicomponent and multitarget mode. This old medical system showed superiority over conventional medical treatment, particularly in the treatment of complex disorders, including CDI. In the present review, we will elaborate the TCM intervention in the management of CDI and others disorders via restoring the gut microbiota dysbiosis. We hope that this review will deepen our understanding of TCM as an alternative to CDI treatment. However, more rigorously designed basic researches and randomised controlled trials need to conduct to appraise the function mechanisms and effects of TCM. Finally, it is concluded that the combined therapeutic potentials of TCM and western medicine could be harness to resolve the recurrence and improve the outcome of CDI.

Transmembrane and Ubiquitin-Like Domain Containing 1 Protein (TMUB1) Negatively Regulates Hepatocellular Carcinoma Proliferation via Regulating Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 1 (STAT1)

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy, but the pathogenesis of HCC is unclear. TMUB1 has an inhibitory effect on normal hepatocytes, but its role in HCC has not been reported.

Material/Methods

We used immunohistochemistry to observe the expression of transmembrane and ubiquitin-like domain containing 1 protein (TMUB1) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) in 132 HCC tissue specimens. The expression of TMUB1, STAT1, and CCND1 in HCC cells were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blotting. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays were used for detecting HCC cells proliferation, and Transwell assays were used for observing the invasion and migration of HCC cells.

Results

TMUB1 was negatively correlated with HCC pathological malignancy; low expression of TMUB1 indicated poor prognosis. TMUB1 inhibited proliferation but not metastasis in HCC cells. TMUB1 expression was positively correlated with STAT1 in 132 HCC tissues, TMUB1 promoted the expression of STAT1, and suppressed the expression of CCND1 in HCC cells.

Conclusions

TMUB1 negatively regulates hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation via regulating STAT1.

Efficacy and safety of Sijunzi Decoction for chronic fatigue syndrome with spleen deficiency pattern: study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), which is characterized by severe and disabling fatigue, has become an extensively concerned medical disorder in clinical practice. Due to the unclear etiology, current treatments are symptomatic or need assistance from psychology and kinesiology. Under the immature conditions in China, many patients would seek help from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), in which Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is one of the main interventions. Sijunzi Decoction (SJZD) is a classical formula and has been utilized in improving fatigue symptoms for a long time. However, lack of rigorously-designed randomized controlled trial limits its application and generalization in CFS management. Hence, we design this clinical trial to assess the effectiveness and safety of SJZD for CFS.

Methods

This is a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Two hundred and twelve patients with CFS will be recruited from public and equally allocated to SJZD group and placebo group. Based on the general education, these two groups will receive corresponding drugs twice a day for consecutive 2 months. The follow-up period will be 1 month. The primary outcome will be the change of Chalder fatigue scoring after treatment. Secondary outcomes include the short form-36 physical function subscale (SF36-PF), spleen deficiency rating scale, quality of life and self-rated clinical global impression (CGI) scales.

Discussion

The four ingredients of SJZD are Renshen (Radix Ginseng), Baizhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae), Fulin (Poria) and Zhigancao (Radix Glycyrrhizae Preparata), which show potential to alleviate CFS on the foundation of available studies. The results of this trial will provide high-quality clinical evidence for the application of SJZD, and hope to further support a new TCM choice in CFS treatment.

Trial registration

ISRCTN23930966 (ISRCTN registry, registered on 28th May, 2019).

Meta-Analysis of Efficacy of Sijunzi Decoction Combined with Enteral Nutrition for the Treatment of Gastric Cancer

Objective: Whether to conduct Sijunzi decoction combined with enteral nutrition (SJZD/EN) in patients with gastric cancer (GC) remains controversial. This study was aimed to systematically analyze the efficacy and safety of SJZD/EN in patients with gastric cancer.Methods: We performed searches in PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), Wanfang database, and Chinese Biomedicine Literature Database (SinoMed) to identify relevant literature comparing SJZD/EN with conventional EN for GC patients. The analysis was carried out with RevMan 5.3.Results: A total of 10 randomized controlled trials (688 patients) were included. Meta-analysis showed a significantly shorter time to flatus (t/h) (MD, -9.45; 95% CI, -10.76 to -8.13; p < 0.00001), a shorter length of hospital stay (t/d) (MD, -5.22; 95% CI, -7.46 to -2.99; p < 0.00001), and a lower incidence of postoperative complications (%) (OR, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.03-0.64; p = 0.01) in the SJZD/EN group than the EN group. Compared with the EN, the SJZD/EN group had a higher level of albumin(g/L) (MD, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.90-3.28; p <  0.00001), prealbumin (mg/L) (MD, 36.81; 95% CI, 13.41-60.20; p = 0.002), transferrin (g/L) (MD, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.10-0.28; p < 0.0001), immunoglobulin G (g/L) (MD, 2.61; 95% CI, 2.12-3.09; p < 0.00001), immunoglobulin A (g/L) (MD, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.31-0.45, p < 0.00001), immunoglobulin M (g/L) (MD, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.22-0.41; p < 0.00001), CD3⁺ (%) (MD, 6.73; 95% CI, 3.48-9.98; p < 0.0001), CD4⁺ (%) (MD, 4.32; 95% CI, 3.30-5.33; p < 0.00001), and CD4⁺/CD8⁺ (MD, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.11-0.28; p < 0.00001).Conclusions: Sijunzi decoction combined with enteral nutrition appears to have efficacy and safety for gastric cancer.

Integrative metabolic and microbial profiling on patients with Spleen-yang-deficiency syndrome

Gut microbiota is recognized as an indispensable "metabolic organ" that plays crucial roles in maintaining human health or initiating diseases. Spleen-yang-deficiency syndrome (SYDS) is a common syndrome of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinic. It is a complex phenotype reflecting the overall changes of metabolism which are mainly caused by digestive disorders. However, little is known about the changes of gut microbiota and metabolism in patients with SYDS, as well as the crosstalk between gut microbiota and host metabolism. In the current study, an integrative metabolic and microbial profiling was performed on plasma, urine and feces from recruited SYDS and healthy individuals by using a LC-QTOFMS-based metabolomic and 16 s rRNA sequencing approaches. Our results showed a potentially significant contribution of gut dysbiosis to the metabolic disorders in SYDS. By integrating the differential gut bacteria with the metabolites, the results revealed some active bacterium of norank_f_CFT112H7, f_lachnospiraceae and bacteroides were closely involved in host mucosal integrity, bile acid metabolism and polysaccharides decomposition. Therefore, our results indicated the probable involvement of gut microbiota in mediating the metabolic changes, which warrants a further investigation on the role of gut microbiota in modulating the pathogenesis of SYDS.

Comparison of Bran-Processed and Crude Atractylodes Lancea Effects on Spleen Deficiency Syndrome in Rats

Background:

The rhizome of Atractylodes lancea (AL) is usually used for the treatment of various diseases such as spleen deficiency syndrome (SDS). Both bran-processed and crude AL is included in Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The different efficacies of bran-processed and crude AL on SDS are largely unknown, and the mechanisms of AL effects have not been fully elucidated.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to compare the effects of bran-processed and crude AL and then assess the mechanisms of treating SDS.

Materials and Methods:

The model of SDS in rats was established using excessive exertion, combined with an irregular diet and intragastric administration of the extract of Sennae Folium, and different doses of bran-processed and crude AL were gavaged. The serum was analyzed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and small intestinal tissues were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Results:

The injury of SDS was alleviated by the treatment of bran-processed and crude AL. Compared to model group, the indexes of trypsin (TRY), amylase (AMS), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), somatostatin (SS), gastrin (GAS), substance P (SP), Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase, and succinic dehydrogenase in serum of each administration group were increased by ELISA, and the mRNA expressions of VIP, SS, GAS, and SP in small intestinal tissues were increased by RT-PCR. Furthermore, in a dose-dependent manner, the bran-processed and crude AL increased the levels of TRY, AMS, VIP, and GAS and the mRNA expression levels of VIP. Compared with the crude AL, the bran-processed AL was more effective in treating SDS.

Conclusion:

Through the mechanisms of treating SDS by AL, both bran-processed and crude AL has alleviated the symptoms of SDS.

SUMMARY

Both bran-processed and crude Atractylodes lancea (AL) alleviated symptoms of spleen deficiency syndrome (SDS)

Comparing with crude AL, bran. processed AL was more effective in treating SDS

The efficacy of AL could be partly attributed to digestive enzyme activity, gastrointestinal hormone levels, membrane protein activity, and changes in mitochondrial activity.

Abbreviations used: AL: Atractylodes lancea; TRY: Trypsin; AMS: Amylase; VIP: Vasoactive intestinal peptide; SS: Somatostatin; GAS: Gastrin; SP: Substance P; ELISA: The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; mRNA: Messenger ribonucleic acid; SDH: Succinic dehydrogenase; RT-PCR: Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction; TCM: Traditional Chinese medicine; SDS: Spleen deficiency syndrome.

Influence of excessive exercise on immunity, metabolism, and gut microbial diversity in an overtraining mice model

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the negative influence of excessive exercise on immunity, substance and energy metabolism as well as gut microbiota in mice. Firstly, an overtraining model of Male Kunming mice was established by high-intensity swimming exercise for 4 weeks. Then, a series of evaluation indicators, including the routine blood analysis, immune organ coefficient, digestive enzymes, and aquaporins expression levels of small intestine and colon tissue, histological examinations of liver, spleen, small intestine, and colon, were determined based on this model. Furthermore, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was also employed to measure the microbial composition in gut. The results found that immune parameters, substance and energy metabolism of all mice was altered and disturbed after high-intensity swimming for 4 weeks, led to an atrophy of thymus and spleen as well as abnormal structural changes in liver when compared to non-swimming mice. Besides, excessive swimming mice had lower microbial diversity compared to non-swimming mice. However, there was no significant difference in gut microbial taxa between the two groups. The data indicated that excessive exercise exhibits negative impacts on immunity, substance and energy metabolism as well as gut microbial diversity.

Preliminary Characterization of a Homogeneous Polysaccharide with Anticomplement Activity from Sijunzi Decoction

Sijunzi decoction (SJZD) is a classical herbal prescription in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used for enhancing the function of immune system. In previous studies, a polysaccharide fraction S-3 was screened from SJZD by assessment of immune system regulation, intestinal microbiota, and SCFA in order to explore the immune active ingredients in SJZD. In the present study, S-3 was further purified, and a homogeneous polysaccharide S-3-1 with a molecular mass of 13.5 × 104 Da was obtained after further fractionation by Sephadex G-150 size-exclusion chromatography. The immunological activities of S-3-1 were assayed in vitro for the first time. The determination of the anticomplement activity showed that S-3-1 displayed inhibitory effects on classical pathway of the complement system, with CH50 values of 530 μg/mL. The FT-IR analysis showed that S-3-1 had absorptive peaks characteristic of polysaccharides. The methylation and GC-MS analysis showed that it is comprised of Rha, Ara, Xyl, Man, Gal, and Glc in a relative molar ratio of 0.35 : 0.37 : 1.4 : 0.31 : 3 : 0.8 and that it mainly contained 1,4-linked-Glc and 1,6-linked-Gal glycosidic bonds. The morphology of S-3-1 was observed by atomic force microscope (AFM). These results provided evidences for tracking the material basis of SJZD immune activity.

Chinese Classical Formula Sijunzi Decoction and Chronic Atrophic Gastritis: Evidence for Treatment Approach?

Objective

This aim is to evaluate the effect of Sijunzi decoction (SJZD) treating chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG).

Methods

We performed searches in seven databases. The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing SJZD with standard medical care or inactive intervention for CAG were enrolled. Combined therapy of SJZD plus conventional therapies compared with conventional therapies alone was also retrieved. The primary outcome included the incidence of gastric cancer and the improvement of atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, and dysplasia based on the gastroscopy and pathology. The secondary outcomes were Helicobacter pylori clearance rate, quality of life, and adverse event/adverse drug reaction.

Results

Six RCTs met the inclusion criteria. The research quality was low in the trials. For the overall effect rate, pooled analysis from 4 trials showed that modified SJZD plus conventional medications exhibited a significant improvement (OR = 4.86; 95% CI: 2.80 to 8.44; P < 0.00001) and without significant heterogeneity compared with the conventional medications alone. None reported the adverse effect.

Conclusions

Modified SJZD combined with conventional western medicines appears to have benefits for CAG. Due to the limited number and methodological flaw, the beneficial and harmful effects of SJZD for CAG could not be identified. More high-quality clinical trials are needed to confirm the results.

Analysis of the restorative effect of Bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang in the spleen-qi deficiency rat model using (1)H-NMR-based metabonomics

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang (BT) is a classical formula for the treatment of spleen-qi descending, visceroptosis with hyposplenic qi, uterine prolapse, and rectal prolapse due to chronic diarrhea in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has been identified as an effective drug for the treatment of TCM spleen-qi deficiency in clinical practice. The present study aimed to investigate the restorative effect and the potential mechanisms of Bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang in a rat spleen-qi deficiency model using (1)H-NMR-based metabonomics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The rat spleen-qi deficiency model was established as follows: oral administration of Radix Rhei extract (equivalent to 10g/kg body weight of the crude drug), loaded swimming, and starvation for 24h. Each of these treatments was administered consecutively every three days. Sixty male SD rats were randomly divided into five groups, and three of the groups received a different oral dose of the aqueous extract of Bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang during the last seven days of the three-week experimental period. The body weight and motor behavior of the rats were measured and recorded once a week. The endogenous metabolites in the plasma were analyzed using NMR in conjunction with multivariate and statistical techniques. In addition, the liver and spleen were removed and weighed.

RESULTS

All of the rats in the spleen-qi deficiency group presented pasty loose stools, inactiveness, grouping, a decrease in swimming endurance, and lackluster, loose, and disorderly behavior in addition to a significant decrease in body weight, spleen weight, and liver weight. In contrast, the abovementioned demonstrations were reversed to a certain extent in the rats treated with Bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang compared with the model group (p<0.05, p<0.01). A significant separation was determined between the control and model groups in the PCA score plot, which indicates that the spleen-qi deficiency model was successfully duplicated. The changes in the levels of endogenous metabolites in the plasma included lower levels of valine, leucine, and O-acetyl-glycoprotein and a higher concentration of lactate in the spleen-qi deficiency group compared with the control group. Treatment with Bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang at least partially returned the levels of these metabolites to the normal levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The restorative effects of Bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang in rats with spleen-qi deficiency were confirmed, and four endogenous metabolites were identified as potential biomarkers of the symptoms of spleen-qi deficiency and most likely play roles in the changes observed in certain metabolic pathways, such as the energy, protein, and glycolytic metabolisms.