Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Anti-inflammatory and polarization-modulating effects of Houttuynia cordata in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages","authors":"Kuo-Liang Huang ,&nbsp;Mei-Chen Yang ,&nbsp;Yao-Kuang Wu ,&nbsp;Meng-Jiun Wei ,&nbsp;Hsiu-Fan Kang ,&nbsp;Guan-Ting Liu ,&nbsp;Chan-Yen Kuo ,&nbsp;I-Shiang Tzeng ,&nbsp;Po-Chun Hsieh ,&nbsp;Chou-Chin Lan","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2025.05.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2025.05.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and aim</h3><div>Inflammation is a fundamental component of the immune response in host defense against pathogens and during tissue repair. <em>Houttuynia cordata</em> (HC), a herbaceous plant used in traditional Asian medicine, has significant anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. However, the underlying mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory effects of HC are not fully understood. In this study, the immunomodulatory potential and macrophage polarization-modulating effects of HC were evaluated with a focus on cell signaling molecule expression, inflammatory cytokine production and macrophage polarization, with the aim of revealing the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects and therapeutic potential of HC.</div></div><div><h3>Experimental procedure</h3><div>We investigated the effects of HC extract on proinflammatory cytokine production, signaling pathway activity, macrophage surface marker expression, morphology, and phagocytic activity under different treatment conditions in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages.</div></div><div><h3>Results and conclusion</h3><div>Compared with LPS alone, HC treatment before LPS stimulation significantly reduced IL-1β, TNF-α, nuclear NF-κB, and pERK levels while increasing TGF-β levels. Compared with HC pretreatment, HC treatment after LPS stimulation further decreased the IL-6, TNF-α, nuclear NF-κB, and pERK levels. LPS resulted in a trend toward increased CD80 expression in macrophages. Both HC pretreatment and HC posttreatment tended to increase CD163 expression in macrophages. Our study demonstrated that HC, particularly when administered after inflammation onset, effectively reduces proinflammatory cytokine levels, modulates key signaling pathways, and polarizes macrophages toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype. These effects suggest that HC has significant therapeutic potential in treating inflammatory diseases by modulating macrophage activity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17449,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine","volume":"16 2","pages":"Pages 200-209"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147365747","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Zhoushi Qiling decoction inhibits neuregulin 1 secreted from cancer-associated fibroblasts to ameliorate enzalutamide resistance in prostate cancer","authors":"Chunyu Wang ,&nbsp;Hongwen Cao ,&nbsp;Peng Sun ,&nbsp;Lei Chen,&nbsp;Yigeng Feng,&nbsp;Renjie Gao","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2025.07.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2025.07.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and aim</h3><div>Zhoushi Qiling decoction (ZQD) has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent for improving outcomes in prostate cancer treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ZQD on enzalutamide-resistant prostate cancer cells and to elucidates the underlying mechanisms.</div></div><div><h3>Experimental procedure</h3><div>A co-culture model consisting of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and enzalutamide-resistant prostate cancer cells was established and treated with ZQD-containing serum. Cell proliferation and viability were assessed using colony formation and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays. The anti-tumor effects of ZQD were further evaluated in an <em>in vivo</em> xenograft model using enzalutamide-resistant PC3-EnzR cells treated with ZQD for 28 days. Expression of relevant biomarkers in cell lines and tumor tissues was analyzed by qRT-PCR and Western blotting.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>ZQD-containing serum inhibited the expression of neuregulin 1 (NRG1) in CAFs. It also reversed CAF-induced enzalutamide resistance and reduced CAF-stimulated proliferation of enzalutamide-resistant prostate cancer cells. In addition, ZQD suppressed NRG1 secretion and phosphorylation of human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (HER3) in these cells. The serum also demonstrated inhibitory effects on matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1 and MMP-9) in enzalutamide-resistant prostate cancer cells. <em>In vivo</em>, ZQD significantly suppressed tumor growth and reduced NRG1 expression.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>ZQD effectively inhibits NRG1 secretion from CAFs and mitigates enzalutamide resistance in prostate cancer. These findings provide a scientific basis for the potential clinical application of ZQD in overcoming enzalutamide resistance in prostate cancer treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17449,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine","volume":"16 2","pages":"Pages 224-231"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147365769","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Qiangjing Tablets modulate oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress through the PI3K/Akt/NRF-2 signaling axis and regulate gut microbiota in ornidazole-induced asthenozoospermia rats","authors":"Guangsen Li,&nbsp;Dawei Gao,&nbsp;Degui Chang,&nbsp;Peihai Zhang,&nbsp;Ziyang Ma,&nbsp;Di'ang Chen,&nbsp;Xiaoqin Gao,&nbsp;Naijing Ye,&nbsp;Xiaopeng Huang,&nbsp;Yaodong You","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2025.03.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2025.03.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and aim</h3><div>Asthenozoospermia (AZS) is a vital factor that causes male infertility. Qiangjing Tablets (QJT) is a Chinese medicine preparation that has good effects on improving kidney function and sperm motility. Although the effect of QJT on the AZS has been confirmed, its mechanism has not been completely elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of QJT on ornidazole (ORN) -induced AZS rats and its mechanism.</div></div><div><h3>Experimental procedure</h3><div>ORN was used to establish an AZS rat's model. QJT and LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor) were supplied to the ORN-induced rats. H&amp;E staining, ELISA, Western blot, and 16S rRNA sequencing were performed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP), PKR-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), and p-PERK levels were enhanced in the ORN-treated rats, which were increased with the LY294002 administration. The opposite results were observed in PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, HO-1, and Nrf-2 levels. QJT treatment improved the pathological manifestations, oxidative stress and ER stress, and enhanced the expressions of PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt, and p-Akt. ORN induced a decrease in the <em>Firmicutes</em>/<em>Bacteroidetes</em> ratio at the phylum level, which were reversed by QJT; while QJT regulates the relative abundance of <em>Spirochaetes</em>, <em>Proteobacteria</em>, <em>Actinobacteria</em>, <em>Lactobacillus</em>, <em>Treponema</em>, <em>etc</em>. QJT also modulates metabolic pathways, including carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and signal transduction.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>QJT modulated oxidative stress and ER stress via the PI3K/Akt/NRF-2 signaling axis and maintained gut microbiota homeostasis in AZS rats. This study will lay a theoretical basis for the treatment of AZS and male fertility.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17449,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine","volume":"16 2","pages":"Pages 178-190"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147365694","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pterostilbene-mediated microbiota shifts: Implications and opportunities","authors":"Yen-Chun Koh ,&nbsp;Min-Hsiung Pan","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2025.11.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2025.11.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pterostilbene, a natural stilbene compound present in blueberries and several medicinal plants, has been increasingly studied for its ability to influence gut microbiota composition across different disease contexts. In a variety of animal and cell-based models, researchers have observed notable shifts in microbial profiles following pterostilbene supplementation. These changes are thought to be, at least in part, responsible for the compound's health-promoting properties, especially in relation to disease prevention and immune regulation. Despite these findings, no in-depth review has yet compiled the specific bacterial taxa most consistently affected by pterostilbene, nor analyzed the broader physiological significance of such changes. In this narrative review, we aim to address that gap by synthesizing current knowledge on the gut microbiota-modulating effects of pterostilbene. Particular focus is placed on beneficial genera that are frequently enriched, such as <em>Akkermansia, Bifidobacterium, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Roseburia</em>, and <em>Lactobacillus</em>. These microbes are often associated with key functions like intestinal barrier support, immune homeostasis, and the production of short-chain fatty acids. By linking microbial alterations to potential host benefits, we hope this review will inform future studies that explore pterostilbene as a microbiota-targeted therapeutic agent. Moreover, considering that this compound is found in many herbal medicines, our discussion may also offer valuable insights for research at the intersection of microbiome science and traditional medicine.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17449,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine","volume":"16 2","pages":"Pages 131-142"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147365745","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Electroacupuncture enhances the effects of escitalopram oxalate on glucocorticoid-inducible genes, inflammation and neurotrophin in depressed patients","authors":"Xinjing Yang ,&nbsp;Bingcong Zhao ,&nbsp;Jing Li ,&nbsp;Chuan Shi ,&nbsp;Xingzhou Gao ,&nbsp;Yangpeng Wang ,&nbsp;Huili Jiang ,&nbsp;Shixing Feng ,&nbsp;Tuya Bao ,&nbsp;Zhangjin Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2025.02.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2025.02.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and aim</h3><div>Evidence proved that electroacupuncture (EA) combined with antidepressants can improve the antidepressant effectiveness for depressed patients. However, the clinical mechanisms of EA remain unclear. This study aimed to observe the mechanism of EA as an adjunct therapy to escitalopram oxalate (EO) on depressed patients.</div></div><div><h3>Experimental procedure</h3><div>This study was designed as a single-blinded, double-dummy randomized controlled trial. 61 participants were diagnosed with mild-to-moderate depression according to the International Classification of Diseases 10th Edition (ICD-10, F32) were randomly allocated to receive EA + EO placebo, EO + sham EA, or EA + EO for six weeks treatment. The clinical assessment including depression severity, quality of life (QOL) and clinical safety. Biological indicators of immune-inflammation, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glucocorticoid inducible genes in peripheral blood of participants were measured by using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and real-time polymerase chain reaction respectively before and after treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Results and conclusion</h3><div>Three interventions improved the depression severity and QOL (P &lt; 0.05), and no inter-group difference was found in the 6th week (P &gt; 0.05). Anxiety psychic and somatic general symptoms in the EA + EO group were improved significantly than those of the other two groups (P &lt; 0.05). After six-week treatment of EA + EO, blood SGK1 mRNA, GILZ mRNA, and BDNF levels were increased significantly (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05), and IL-6 levels were decreased significantly (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05) in depressed patients. IL-6 change levels were positively correlated with the change of HAMD-24 score in patients who received EA + EO treatment (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). EA as an add-on therapy of EO probably enhanced antidepressant effectiveness through regulating multiple targets involved in blood BDNF, IL-6, and glucocorticoid-inducible genes GILZ mRNA and SGK-1 mRNA.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17449,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine","volume":"16 2","pages":"Pages 143-153"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147365750","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dahuang Zhechong pill alleviates pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting apoptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of type II alveolar epithelial cells in vitro and in vivo","authors":"Fang Sun ,&nbsp;Zhaochu Wu ,&nbsp;Song Cai ,&nbsp;Xiaoming Xing ,&nbsp;Jing Wang ,&nbsp;Lishan Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2025.06.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2025.06.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and aim</h3><div>Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a lung disorder with an increasing incidence and poor prognosis. This study aimed to explore the effect of Dahuang Zhechong pill (DHZCP) in pulmonary fibrosis and its underlying mechanisms.</div></div><div><h3>Experimental procedure</h3><div>We assessed the effect of DHZCP on pulmonary fibrosis <em>in vivo</em>. Transcriptomic analyses were performed, and certain targets and mechanisms identified were validated <em>in vivo</em>. Additionally, we employed CoCl₂-and TGF-β1-activated RLE-6TN cells to further investigate the effects and mechanisms of DHZCP <em>in vitro</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Results and conclusion</h3><div>The administration of DHZCP remarkably alleviated BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis, reduced lung inflammation and fibrosis, and improved lung function in rats. The transcriptomic data revealed that DHZCP downregulated important pathways involved in pulmonary fibrosis. <em>In vivo</em>, DHZCP decreased epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and apoptosis in AEC II cells and activated the TGF-β1/Hedgehog and HIF-1 signalling pathways. <em>In vitro</em> findings confirmed that DHZCP alleviated EMT via TGF-β1/Hedgehog signalling pathway inhibition and reduced apoptosis of AEC II cells by inhibiting the HIF-1 signalling pathway. We found that DHZCP reduces pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting EMT and apoptosis in AEC II cells through the inhibition of the TGF-β1/Hedgehog and HIF-1 signalling pathways. This study provides a new perspective and experimental basis for the potential use of DHZCP in the clinical management of pulmonary fibrosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17449,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine","volume":"16 2","pages":"Pages 210-223"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147365761","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of acupuncture at ST-36 (Zusanli) on pain and associated sleep disturbance","authors":"Yi-Jou Wu ,&nbsp;Pei-Lu Yi ,&nbsp;Fang-Chia Chang","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2025.03.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2025.03.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Chronic pain significantly disrupts sleep, leading to a vicious cycle that negatively impacts well-being. Pharmacological treatments for pain and sleep disorders often have adverse effects, highlighting the need for alternative therapies. This study investigates the impact of acupuncture at ST-36 (Zusanli) acupoints on sleep disturbances in rats experiencing chronic inflammatory pain. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to inflammatory pain via subcutaneous injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) into the hind paw. Electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram (EMG) recordings were used to assess the effects of acupuncture on sleep for 72 h post-treatment. Sleep stages, including non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, were scored. The role of the endogenous opioid system was evaluated by microinjecting naloxone into the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS). Acupuncture significantly increased both NREM and REM sleep compared to baseline and improved pain-induced sleep disturbances by increasing total sleep time and reducing wakefulness. Naloxone microinjection into the NTS blocked acupuncture's sleep-promoting and analgesic effects, suggesting involvement of the endogenous opioid system. Additionally, pain thresholds, measured through paw withdrawal tests, were significantly elevated in acupuncture-treated rats, confirming the analgesic effects of acupuncture. In conclusion, acupuncture at ST-36 alleviates pain-induced sleep disturbances by enhancing sleep, potentially via activation of opioid receptors in the NTS. These findings support acupuncture as a promising non-pharmacological intervention for managing pain and associated sleep disturbances, with potential implications for treating insomnia in chronic pain patients.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17449,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine","volume":"16 2","pages":"Pages 191-199"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147365721","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of traditional Korean medicine on suicide prevention in depression: A nationwide 10-year follow-up study","authors":"Chan-Young Kwon ,&nbsp;Sunghun Yun ,&nbsp;Il-Su Park","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2025.12.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2025.12.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and aim</h3><div>South Korea has the highest suicide rate among Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries, with major depressive disorder being a key predictor of suicide risk. Given the country's unique dual medical system integrating Western medicine and traditional Korean medicine (TKM), this study investigated the impact of TKM utilization on suicide rates and depression outcomes in patients with depression.</div></div><div><h3>Experimental procedure</h3><div>We conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, analyzing adults newly diagnosed with depression between 2007 and 2008 and followed for up to 10 years. After propensity score matching, 916 TKM users (&gt;13 visits within 180 days of diagnosis) and 916 non-TKM users were included. Primary outcome was death by suicide; secondary outcomes included worsening depression measured by suicide, inpatient services, or tertiary hospital services. We applied the Fine-Gray model to estimate sub-distribution hazard ratios (SHR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs).</div></div><div><h3>Results and conclusion</h3><div>Over 5 and 10 years, 182 (9.9 %) and 314 (17.1 %) patients showed worsening depression, with small, non-significant reductions in TKM users (5-years SHR 0.962, 95 % CI 0.727–1.27; 10-years SHR 0.869, 95 % CI 0.697–1.08). Suicide incidences were low, with no significant difference (5-years SHR 1.00, 95 % CI 0.25–4.01; 10-years SHR 0.666, 95 % CI 0.236–1.88). TKM utilization was not significantly associated with reduced suicide rates or depression worsening. These findings highlight the need for enhanced mental health training in TKM practices and integrated care approaches.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17449,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine","volume":"16 2","pages":"Pages 232-239"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147365759","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integration proteomics analysis to identify AMPK as key target pathways of TCM formula for high fat diet induced obesity in mice","authors":"Yu-Ju Chen ,&nbsp;De-Shan Ning ,&nbsp;Ching-Chiung Wang ,&nbsp;Hong-Wei Zhao ,&nbsp;Kun-Teng Wang ,&nbsp;Ming-Chung Lee ,&nbsp;Wan Chun Chiu ,&nbsp;Chiu-Li Yeh ,&nbsp;John Louie Jacinto Dela Vega ,&nbsp;Chia-Jung Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2025.02.010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2025.02.010","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Background&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Livsooth Authentic Herbal Formula (LAH) is a novel Chinese herbal medicine that has been previously shown to prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, its efficacy in treating obesity and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study uniquely investigates the therapeutic effects of LAH on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice, focusing on its multi-targeted regulation of metabolic pathways. This research highlights the potential of a multi-component herbal formula in simultaneously activating the AMPK pathway, regulating lipid metabolism, and enhancing antioxidant defenses. By integrating network pharmacology predictions with proteomics analysis, &lt;em&gt;in vivo&lt;/em&gt;, and &lt;em&gt;in vitro&lt;/em&gt; experiments, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of LAH's mode of action.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Materials and methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks, followed by oral treatment with LAH at doses of 615 mg/kg and 2460 mg/kg for 10 weeks. Each treatment group consisted of 6 mice. Body weight, blood biochemistry, and antioxidant enzyme activities were measured. Network pharmacology and proteomics analyses were conducted to identify mechanisms, and &lt;em&gt;in vitro&lt;/em&gt; studies validated molecular pathways.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This study utilized network pharmacology to investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of LAH on obesity. Through relevant databases, 19 major chemical components and 605 potential targets were identified. KEGG pathway analysis identified the AMPK signaling pathway as a key target of LAH. Animal experiments showed that LAH reduced body weight by 16.55 % compared to HFD-induced mice. In addition to weight reduction, LAH significantly improved serum metabolic parameters. Glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels were significantly reduced, and liver function improved, with ALT decreasing from 142.00 ± 32.63 U/L (HFD) to 63.57 ± 33.16 U/L (H-LAH), and AST from 147.20 ± 12.92 U/L (HFD) to 81.71 ± 31.31 U/L (H-LAH). It also enhanced liver antioxidant enzyme activity and reversed oxidative stress. Proteomics analysis revealed that LAH treatment downregulated the expression of FASN, HMGCR, and SREBP1 while upregulating PRKAA1, PRKAA2, ACACA, SOD1, and GSTP1, which are linked to the AMPK pathway and antioxidant mechanisms. &lt;em&gt;In vitro&lt;/em&gt; experiments confirmed that LAH ameliorates hepatic steatosis by activating the AMPK pathway, as evidenced by its regulation of p-ACC, p-AMPK, CPT1A, FAS, and SREBP1 protein expression, identifying it as a critical regulator of obesity and NAFLD.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusion&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;LAH reduces the expression of FAS and SREBP1 proteins &lt;em&gt;via&lt;/em&gt; the AMPK pathway, while enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. These effects promote weight loss and improve hepatic lipid metabolism, supporting its potential as a therapeutic agent for obesity and related metabolic disorders. This provides a theo","PeriodicalId":17449,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine","volume":"16 2","pages":"Pages 165-177"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147365752","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bushen Huoxue Recipe enhances the immune microenvironment at the maternal-fetal interface via the Hippo signaling pathway in mice with recurrent spontaneous abortion","authors":"Lei Xia ,&nbsp;Siqing Huang ,&nbsp;Hongli Huang ,&nbsp;Xue Han ,&nbsp;Li Dong ,&nbsp;Yanqiu Xia","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2025.02.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2025.02.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and aim</h3><div>Bushen Huoxue Recipe (BSHXR) has been proved clinical efficacy in treating recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA), but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of BSHXR in the immune microenvironment of RSA.</div></div><div><h3>Experimental procedure</h3><div>The chemical constituents of BSHXR were detected using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The potential mechanisms were screened through network pharmacology. Female CBA/J mice were cohoused with male DBA/2 mice to establish an RSA model, or with BALB/c mice as the control group. The RSA mice were randomly divided into six groups and given distilled water, BSHXR-L (9.46 g/kg/d), BSHXR-M (18.92 g/kg/d), BSHXR-H (37.84 g/kg/d) or cyclosporin A (4.51 mg/kg/d) for 13 days. The embryo absorption rate was calculated. HE staining was used to evaluate decidual and labyrinthine tissues. Representative immunofluorescence staining, RT‒PCR and Western blotting were used to evaluate the expression of immune factors and proteins related to the Hippo signaling pathway.</div></div><div><h3>Results and conclusion</h3><div>According to network pharmacology, BSHXR may act on the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway and Th17 cell differentiation. BSHXR significantly decreased the embryo absorption rate of RSA mice. The mRNA and protein expression levels of FoxP3 were increased in the BSHXR group, whereas the expression levels of TLR2, TLR4, TLR7 and RORγt were decreased. YAP/TAZ nuclear translocation was inhibited in the BSHXR group, and it might also regulate the Treg/Th17 immune balance by activating the Hippo pathway. Taken together, the findings of this study indicate that BSHXR may reduce pregnancy loss by regulating the immune microenvironment at the maternal-fetal interface, which provides a theoretical basis for its clinical application and future investigations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17449,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine","volume":"16 2","pages":"Pages 154-164"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147365756","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}