Search

• Mental disorders in COVID-19 patients and survivors revealed that the COVID-19 had immune dysfunction. • Analysing the symptoms of COVID-19, TCM syndrome of the depression, anxiety and PTSD was interpreted as internal heat and Yin deficiency. • Depression, anxiety and PTSD pertains the category of "lily disease", "hysteria" and "deficient dysphoria" in TCM. • Lily Bulb and Rehmannia Decoction, Lily Bulb and Anemarrhenae Decoction and Ganmai Dazao Decoction were used to treat the depression. The aim of this study is to explore the possible benefits of traditional Chinese medicine on the pathogenesis of psychological and mental health of COVID-19 survivors. A literature search was conducted to confirm the effects of COVID-19 on psychological and mental health of survivors. In addition to this, on the basis of signs and symptoms, TCM were used on treat mental disorder as per suggested clinical and animal experimental data plus relevant records in classical Chinese medicine books written by Zhang Zhongiing during Han Dynasty. A series of treatment plans were prescribed for COVID-19 survivors with psychological and mental disorders. According to previous extensive studies focusing on effects on mental health of survivors, high incidence was observed in severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) survivors. During investigations of mental health of COVID-19 patients and survivors, it is observed that they also had symptoms of mental disorders and immune dysfunction. Furthermore, it was also proposed that depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were most common mental disorders requiring special attention after the recovery from COVID-19. The symptoms of COVID-19 were analyzed, and the TCM syndrome of the depression, anxiety and PTSD after recovered from COVID19 was interpreted as internal heat and Yin deficiency. These three mental disorders pertains the category of "Lily disease", "hysteria" and "deficient dysphoria" in TCM. Lily Bulb, Rhizoma Anemarrhena Decoction and Ganmai Dazao Decoction were used to treat depression. Suanzaoren Decoction, Huanglian Ejiao Decoction and Zhizi Chi Decoction were suggested for anxiety. Moreover, Lily Bulb, Rehmannia Decoction and Guilu Erxian Decoction were the formula for PTSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurogenic erectile dysfunction (NED) is an inevitable postoperative disease of cavernous nerve injury which will lead to various pathophysiological changes in the corpus cavernosum and dorsal penile nerve caused by radical prostatectomy (RP). Although serval years of clinical application of HJIG I granules (HJIG), an innovative formulation, has demonstrated its reliable clinical efficacy against NED, the mechanism of HJIG remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the neuroprotective effect of HJIG, to repair damaged nerves in a rat model of bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI) in vivo and their effects on neurites of major pelvic ganglia (MPG) regeneration and Schwann cells (SCs) proliferation in vitro. Rats were divided into five groups randomly: normal control (NC), BCNI-induced ED model (M), M + low-dose HJIG (HL), M + medium-dose HJIG (HM), and M + high-dose HJIG (HH). All groups were treated with normal saline or the relevant drug for 28 consecutive days after a standard NED animal model. Our data revealed that administration of HJIG improved NED that was detected by intracavernous pressure (ICP) in a dose-dependent manner. The haematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Immunofluorescence (IF) staining demonstrated that HJIG ameliorate the shape of penis and induced the protein synthesis of GAP43, NF200, S100, and nNOS. NF200 and S100 level were also detected by western blotting. Moreover, HJIG (0.78 mg/mL) markedly increased SCs viability and promoted neurites regeneration of MPG. These findings provide new insights into the NED therapy by HJIG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress is a leading cause to liver injury. Rac2 is a Ras-associated guanosine triphosphatase, an important molecule modulating a large number of cells and involved in the regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). For the study described here, we supposed that Rac2 knockout protects mice against CCl 4 -induced acute liver injury. We found that Rac2 expressed highly in CCl 4 -induced liver tissues. CCl 4 -treated Rac2 knockout (Rac2−/−) mice had reduced CD24 levels and steatosis. In addition, CCl 4 -induced high expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokine were reversed by Rac2 deficiency compared to CCl 4 -treated wild type (WT) mice. We also found that fibrosis-related signals of MMP-9, MMP-2 and TGF-β1 were also down-regulated in Rac2 knockout mice induced by CCl 4 . Significantly, oxidative stress induced by CCl 4 was also suppressed owing to the lack of Rac2, evidenced by enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, superoxide radical, H 2 O 2 , xanthine oxidase (XO), xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) and XO/XDH ratio. Moreover, c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase mitogen-activated protein kinases (JNK MAPK) was activated by CCl 4 , which was reversed in the liver of Rac2−/− mice through western blot and immunohistochemical analysis. In vitro, endotoxin (LPS) was treated to hepatocytes isolated from WT mice and Rac2−/− mice. The data further confirmed the role of Rac2 deficiency suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokine, as well as fibrosis-related signals. Of note, production of ROS induced by LPS was reduced in Rac2−/− cells, accompanied with enhanced SOD1, SOD2 and reduced XO and phosphorylated-JNK expressions. Our results indicated that Rac2 played an essential role in acute liver injury induced by CCl 4 , providing the compelling information of the effects of Rac2 on liver injury, and revealing a novel regulatory mechanism for acute liver injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ellagic acid (EA) is a kind of polyphenol compound extracted from a variety of herbs, such as paeoniae paeoniae, raspberry, Chebule, walnut kernel, myrrh, loquat leaf, pomegranate bark, quisquite, and fairy herb. It has anti-tumor, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutation, anti-bacterial, anti-allergic and multiple pharmacological properties. Studies have shown its anti-tumor effect in gastric cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer and other malignant tumors, mainly through inducing tumor cell apoptosis, inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, inhibiting tumor cell metastasis and invasion, inducing autophagy, affecting tumor metabolic reprogramming and other forms of anti-tumor efficacy. Its molecular mechanism is mainly reflected in inhibiting the proliferation of tumor cells through VEGFR-2 signaling pathway, Notch signaling pathway, PKC signaling pathway and COX-2 signaling pathway. PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, JNK (cJun) signaling pathway, mitochondrial pathway, Bcl-2 / Bax signaling pathway, TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway induced apoptosis of tumor cells and blocked EMT process and MMP SDF1α/CXCR4 signaling pathway inhibits the metastasis and invasion of tumor cells, induces autophagy and affects tumor metabolic reprogramming to produce anti-tumor effects. At present, the analysis of the anti-tumor mechanism of ellagic acid is slightly lacking, so this study comprehensively searched the literature on the anti-tumor mechanism of ellagic acid in various databases, reviewed the research progress of the anti-tumor effect and mechanism of ellagic acid, in order to provide reference and theoretical basis for the further development and application of ellagic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Exendin-4 increases phosphorylation of cofilin and promotes actin cytoskeleton rearrangement. • Exendin-4 protects SH-SY5Y and PC12 cells from Nogo-A-Δ20-mediated spreading inhibition. • Exendin-4 induces SH-SY5Y differentiation and reduces Nogo-A-Δ20-mediated growth cone collapse. • Exendin-4 significantly reduce SH-SY5Y cell migration. • Exendin-4 decreases the expression and activation of RhoA/Rock1 via PI3K signaling pathway. Abstract Exendin-4 is a protein of the GLP-1 family currently used to treat diabetes. Recently, a greater number of biological properties have been associated with the GLP-1 family. Our data shows that exendin-4 treatment significantly increases the cytoskeleton rearrangement, which leads to an increasingly differentiated phenotype and reduced cell migration. We also found that exendin-4 could prevent SH-SY5Y and PC12 cells from Nogo-A-Δ20 mediated spreading inhibition and neurite collapse. Western blot analysis indicated that exendin-4 treatment both reduced the expression and activation of RhoA via the PI3K signaling pathway. These data suggest that exendin-4 may protect nerve regeneration by preventing the inhibition of Nogo-A via down-regulating RhoA expression and activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ischemic stroke is a common issue that severely affects the human health. Between the central nervous system and the enteric system, the " Gut-Brain " axis, the bidirectional connection involved in the neuro-immuno-endocrine network, is crucial for the occurrence and development of ischemic stroke. Ischemic stroke can lead to change in the gut microbiota and gastrointestinal hormones, which will then reversely affect the disease development. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has unique advantages with reference to the treatment for ischemic stroke. The latest research revealed that a significant portion of medicines and prescriptions of TCM exert their therapeutic effects by improving the gut microbiota and regulating the secretion of gastrointestinal hormones. The present review summarized the Chinese medicines that play a therapeutic role in cerebral ischemia through regulating the "Gut-Brain" axis and described the corresponding mechanisms. This study attempts to provide reference for clinical selection of Chinese medicines and helps better understand the relevant mechanisms of action. [Display omitted] • Traditional Chinese medicine treatment can significantly improve the neurological injury of IS through the gut-brain axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many liver disorders, oxidative stress-related inflammation and apoptosis are important pathogenic components, finally resulting in acute liver failure. Erythropoietin and its analogues are well known to influence the interaction between apoptosis and inflammation in brain and kidney. The study is to clarify the effect of curcumin, a natural plant phenolic food additive, on lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced acute liver injury of mice with endotoxemia and associated molecular mechanism from inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress levels. And curcumin, lowered serum cytokines, including Interleukin 1beta (IL-1β), Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and improved liver apoptosis through suppressing phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway and inhibiting Cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB)/Caspase expression, and decreased oxidative stress-associated protein expression, mainly involving 2E1 isoform of cytochrome P450/nuclear factor E2-related factor 2/reactive oxygen species (CYP2E/Nrf2/ROS) signaling pathway, as well as liver nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-induced mice. Moreover, curcumin regulated serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), accelerated liver antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) levels, and inhibited activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases/c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (P38/JNK) cascade in the livers of LPS-induced rats. Thus, curcumin treatment attenuates LPS-induced PI3K/AKT and CYP2E/Nrf2/ROS signaling and liver injury. Strategies to inhibit inflammation and apoptosis signaling may provide alternatives to the current clinical approaches to improve oxidative responses of endotoxemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ischaemic stroke (IS) is a common type of stroke characterised by sudden fainting and communication disorders, alongside a number of other symptoms. It is characterised by high morbidity, disability, and mortality rates. Tongqiao Huoxue Decoction (THD) is effective in the treatment of stroke. As a representative prescription for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, THD has been widely used clinically. This paper systematically introduces clinical and experimental studies of THD in the treatment of IS, summarising its clinical application, pharmacological mechanisms, and active components in the treatment of IS. It also explores its key pathways in the treatment of IS through network pharmacology analyses, thereby speculating on its underlying mechanisms. It is of great significance for the secondary development of this classic prescription as well as for the research and development of new drugs. [Display omitted] • Ischaemic stroke symptoms similar to the manifestations of "stroke" in the TCM classics. • Chemical constituents of six main traditional Chinese medicines in Tongqiao Huoxue Decoction (THD). • THD exerts therapeutic efficacy on the ischemic stroke symptoms. • Pharmacological mechanism and effective substance of THD for treating ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potential mechanisms of Baoyuan Jiedu decoction to improve pre-metastatic niche. Baoyuan Jiedu decoction inhibits the accumulation of MDSC in pre-metastatic niche of lung via TGF-β/CCL9 pathway. • Baoyuan Jiedu decoction reverses the pre-metastatic niche of lung. • Baoyuan Jiedu decoction inhibits the accumulation of MDSC in pre-metastatic niche of lung. • Baoyuan Jiedu decoction downregulates TGF-β/CCL9 pathway activation. Baoyuan Jiedu (BYJD for short) decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine formula, is composed of Astragalus, Ginseng, Aconite root, Honeysuckle, Angelica, Licorice, which has the functions of nourishing qi and blood, enhancing immune function, improving quality of life and prolonging survival time of tumor patients. The present study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of BYJD decoction on reversing the pre-metastatic niche. We showed that BYJD decoction could prolong the survival time of 4T1 tumor-bearing mice. Moreover, we found that the BYJD decoction inhibited the formation of lung pre-metastatic niche and inhibited recruitment of myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the lung. Mechanistically, we showed that the proteins and genes expression of TGF-β, Smad2, Smad3, p-Smad2/3, Smad4, CCL9 in the TGF-β/CCL9 signaling pathway were suppressed by BYJD decoction. In line with the above findings, our results confirm that BYJD decoction inhibits the accumulation of MDSC in pre-metastatic niche of lung via TGF-β/CCL9 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Type 2 Diabetes symptoms similar to the manifestations of "Xiao Ke disease" in the TCM classics. • Six Chinese medicinals for classical formula Liuwei Dihuang pills (LWP). • LWP exerts therapeutic efficacy on the T2DM symptoms. • Pharmacological mechanism and active compounds of LWP for treating T2DM. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is regarded as Xiao Ke disease. Liuwei Dihuang pills (LWP), a classical TCM formula, with the function of nourishing kidney yin, has been used for treating Xiao Ke disease in clinic. In this review, we systematically highlighted recent evidence on LWP and T2DM data from clinical and animal studies, summarized the clinical application, pharmacological mechanism and the active compounds of LWP for the treatment of T2DM. This systematic review will provide an insightful understanding of TCM formulas, pharmacological mechanisms, medicinal-disease interactions, and will lay a foundation for the development of new drug therapy for T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Depression symptoms similar to the manifestations of "lily disease" in the TCM classics. • "Standard decoction" for classical formulas Lily Bulb and Rehmannia Decoction (LBRD). • LBRD exerts therapeutic efficacy on the depressive symptoms. • Pharmacological mechanism and effective substance of LBRD for treating depression. Abstract Depression pertains to the category of "Emotional Diseases" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Its clinical symptoms are similar to the manifestations of "lily disease" from the TCM classics Synopsis of the Golden Chamber written by Zhang Zhongjing in the Han Dynasty. Also in this book, Lily Bulb and Rehmannia Decoction (LBRD) is the formula for the treatment of "lily disease". The classical herbal formula LBRD is composed of two herbs lily bulb and fresh rehmannia juice, with the function of nourishing yin and replenishing heart and lung. It has been clinically applied to treat "lily disease" for two thousand years. In this review, we focused on recent evidence linking LBRD and depression extracting data from animal and clinical studies, summarizing the primitive dosage and producing area of genuine medicinal materials of LBRD, clinical application, pharmacological mechanism and the effective substance basis for the treatment of depression. In conclusion, we discussed existing problems and future perspective. This systematic review will seek to enhance our understanding about pharmacology mechanism, herb-prescribing and recipe-constructing, and the development of novel formula for depression treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]