Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences最新文献

{"title":"Preclinical anticancer activity of Typhonium flagelliforme (Lodd.) Blume and its potential mechanism: A systematic review","authors":"Kwok Wen Ng ,&nbsp;Suk Fei Tan ,&nbsp;Shu Ying Looi ,&nbsp;Faiza Naimat ,&nbsp;Hazrina Hamid","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcms.2023.09.009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcms.2023.09.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>To assess the potential of <em>Typhonium flagelliforme</em> (Lodd.) Blume (<em>T</em>. <em>flagelliforme</em>, Bian Yan Li Tou Jian), a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, as an anticancer agent in a systematic review of preclinical research.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Seven databases, namely, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, LILACS, EBSCO Medline, and Mendeley were thoroughly searched from their inception up until September 8, 2023. Peer-reviewed English language studies that conducted <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in vivo</em> investigations of <em>T</em>. <em>flagelliforme</em> extracts, fractions, or isolated compounds were included. Clinical trials and non-original peer-reviewed reports were excluded. The effectiveness of <em>T</em>. <em>flagelliforme</em> on various cancer cells, tumor sizes, and mechanisms was qualitatively assessed. The quality of evidence was assessed using the ToxRTool by three independent raters, and their consistency was verified.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The search included 27 studies: 22 <em>in vitro</em>, four <em>in vivo</em>, and one involving both. <em>T</em>. <em>flagelliforme</em> extracts were shown to be effective against leukemic, breast, colorectal, and lung cancers. Most studies had “Reliable with Restrictions” scores. <em>T</em>. <em>flagelliforme</em> induced apoptosis by halting the cell cycle, activating caspase-3/-9, cleaving PARP, fragmenting DNA, reducing survivin, decreasing ROS, suppressing COX-2 and HSP70, and inhibiting the NF-κB pathway. When combined with interferon, <em>T</em>. <em>flagelliforme</em> exerts antiangiogenic effects.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Although <em>T</em>. <em>flagelliforme</em> shows promising activity against cancer, its efficacy as a standalone anticancer treatment remains uncertain. It appears to be better suited as complementary or combined therapy. The lack of conclusive evidence could be attributed to suboptimal study design, incomplete reporting, and inadequate inclusion of proper positive controls and statistical analyses across multiple articles.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36624,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences","volume":"10 4","pages":"Pages 403-414"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"71783623","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Systematic review of randomized controlled trials on Gong Liu Ning as a complimentary therapy in the treatment of uterine fibroids","authors":"Lu Fan ,&nbsp;Jiahui Hu ,&nbsp;Mei Han ,&nbsp;Guoyan Yang ,&nbsp;Shibo Cong ,&nbsp;Min Xiong ,&nbsp;Ruiting Wang ,&nbsp;Gansheng Zhong","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcms.2023.09.008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcms.2023.09.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Gong Liu Ning as a complimentary therapy in treatment for uterine fibroids.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Randomized controlled trials on Gong Liu Ning for uterine fibroids from China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, China Science and Technology Journal Database, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, and <span>ClinicalTrials.gov</span><svg><path></path></svg> were retrieved from inception to March 20, 2023. The risk of bias tool was used to evaluate the quality of the selected studies after they met inclusion and exclusion criteria. The GRADE tool was used to evaluate the quality of evidence, and the RevMan5.3 software was used for data analysis.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Twenty studies with 1907 patients were analyzed. The meta-analysis results of 15 studies showed that Gong Liu Ning combined with mifepristone was more efficacious than those observed in controls taking only Western medicine (risk ratio [RR] = 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.11, 1.33], <em>P</em> &lt; .001). Owing to the large heterogeneity, a random-effects model was used to merge the included studies. Gong Liu Ning combined with mifepristone was better in reducing the volume of uterine fibroids (mean difference [MD] = −4.09 cm³, 95%CI [−5.16, −3.02], <em>P</em> &lt; .001), uterine volume (MD = −23.22 cm³, 95%CI [−29.10, −17.33], <em>P</em> &lt; .001), and the levels of female hormones, including progesterone, estrogen, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone (all <em>P</em> &lt; .001). Ten studies reported adverse events. The methodological quality of the included studies was not high, and a moderate risk of bias was observed.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Compared with conventional Western medicine alone, the combined use of Gong Liu Ning has certain advantages in improving efficacy. It shows a certain advanced tendency to reduce the volume of uterine fibroids, uterine volume, and female hormones; however, more high-quality and rigorously designed studies are required for validation.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36624,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences","volume":"10 4","pages":"Pages 415-426"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"71783624","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Scalp mechanical stimulation alleviates cerebral hypoperfusion in rats with 2-VO by controlling cerebral edema","authors":"Yan Tan ,&nbsp;Huawei Zhang ,&nbsp;Ce Zhang ,&nbsp;Weihang Chen ,&nbsp;Tiantian Peng ,&nbsp;Zhaoheng Liu ,&nbsp;Xu Wang ,&nbsp;Ping Zhang ,&nbsp;Louis Lei Jin ,&nbsp;Qian Hua","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcms.2023.09.001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcms.2023.09.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>To illustrate the cerebral protective effect of scalp mechanical stimulation (SMS), similar to scalp acupuncture in basic mechanism, on cerebral edema in rats with cerebral hypoperfusion.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>First, we screened the strength of SMS by measuring skin temperature and blood perfusion using laser speckle contrast imaging. Next, we observed the cerebral protective effects on cerebral blood perfusion, cerebral edema, and pathological changes in rats with modified two-vessel carotid artery occlusion (2-VO). Furthermore, the apoptosis-related proteins (caspase-3, cleaved-caspase-3) and cerebral edema related proteins [antiglial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and antiaquaporin-4 (AQP4)] were measured via immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. Additionally, the correlation between neural apoptosis and AQP4 protein levels was analyzed.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>We found that 0.5 N was the best SMS intensity suitable for our study. Compared with the control group, 0.5, 1, and 2 N maintained the scalp temperature and improved scalp blood flow (all <em>P</em> &lt; .05). SMS intervention significantly increased cerebral blood flow and reduced the brain water content in rats with 2-VO (<em>P</em> &lt; .001 and <em>P</em> = .0449, respectively). Compared to the rats with 2-VO, SMS treatment significantly reduced the number of caspase-3-positive cells (<em>P</em> = .0086) and cleaved caspase-3-positive cells (<em>P</em> = .036) in the hippocampal CA1, which was similar to the protein level of caspase-3 (<em>P</em> = .019). Compared to the sham group, the expression of GFAP and AQP4 was higher in the 2-VO group (<em>P</em> = .0369 and <em>P</em> = .0142), which was significantly decreased by SMS (<em>P</em> = .0484 and <em>P</em> = .0229). The expression of AQP4 was positively correlated with the expression of caspase-3 or cleaved caspase-3 (R² = 0.6071/R² = 0.8500).</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>This study demonstrated the optimum SMS intensity for ameliorating cerebral hypoperfusion and its possible mechanism of action. Therefore, SMS is a promising and straightforward method for preventing ischemic stroke and cognitive impairment.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36624,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences","volume":"10 4","pages":"Pages 440-447"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"71782986","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Screening of active constituents in traditional Chinese medicines as potential Salmonella Typhimurium virulence inhibitors targeting Salmonella pathogenicity island III","authors":"Mengdi Cui ,&nbsp;Ou Tao ,&nbsp;Yuanyuan Wang ,&nbsp;Yulei Yang ,&nbsp;Sufen Miao ,&nbsp;Junling Hou ,&nbsp;Xiaopeng Deng ,&nbsp;Meng Shen ,&nbsp;Shanshan Jia ,&nbsp;Mei Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcms.2023.09.004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcms.2023.09.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>To screen active constituents of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) as potential virulence inhibitors of <em>Salmonella</em> pathogenicity island III (SPI-3).</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>The potential binding of TCM constituents to the MgtC protein of SPI-3 was clarified using molecular docking. The β-galactosidase assay was used to evaluate the effect of the TCM constituents on <em>mgtC</em> transcription. Finally, the effect of the drug on bacterial growth was investigated by assessing the growth curves and transcription levels of the key metabolic genes.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>All 27 candidate TCM constituents showed that they could potentially bind to MgtC. The addition of ferulic acid, <em>p</em>-hydroxycinnamic acid, arctiin, and palmatine resulted in a more than 15% reduction in the transcriptional activity of <em>mgtC</em>. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of those four constituents on <em>mgtC</em> transcription were as follows: ferulic acid, 16 μM; <em>p</em>-hydroxycinnamic acid, 40 μM; arctiin, 80 μM; and palmatine, 160 μM. Additionally, we confirmed that none of these four constituents inhibited bacterial growth.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>In this study, we established a screening method for <em>Salmonella</em> virulence inhibitors based on the β-galactosidase assay, targeting SPI-3. Twenty-seven TCM constituents were screened, and four were found to have potentially potent inhibitory effects on <em>Salmonella</em> virulence. This provides lead compounds from herbal medicines for the development of novel antibiotics in the future. This method can also be used to screen for the virulence inhibitors of other pathogenic bacteria.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36624,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences","volume":"10 4","pages":"Pages 493-501"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"71782988","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy and safety of the Tibetan medicine Baimai ointment for patients with lumbar disc herniation: Protocol for a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial","authors":"Chen Shen ,&nbsp;Xu Wei ,&nbsp;Shangquan Wang ,&nbsp;Puwei Yuan ,&nbsp;Yusong Jia ,&nbsp;Yanguo Wang ,&nbsp;Zhenhua Li ,&nbsp;Shaofeng Yang ,&nbsp;Jianhua Zhang ,&nbsp;Wei Wang ,&nbsp;Guoyan Yang ,&nbsp;Liguo Zhu ,&nbsp;Jianping Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcms.2023.09.007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcms.2023.09.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Baimai ointment in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH).</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>This study presents a prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trial protocol. A total of 194 cases will be employed, with a 1:1 allocation ratio for each group. Patients will receive either Baimai ointment or placebo over a 14-day treatment period, which will be followed by a 1-week follow-up period. Visual analogue scale scores will be used for the level of pain, the Japanese Orthopedic Association score will be measured primarily to determine the functional status, the Likert scale will be graded for the level of numbness, and rescue therapy use and compliance with health education will be recorded. Laboratory tests and adverse event records will also be applied for safety assessments.</p></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><p>In summary, this trial will assess the clinical efficacy and safety of Baimai ointment for LDH for the first time. The use of a placebo has the advantage of precluding anticipatory biases resulting from inadequate blinding. Outcome assessors, data managers, statisticians, and all related study staff will be blinded to avoid any bias caused by subjective factors in the study subjects and investigators. Valuable information for clinical LDH treatment and future research on Baimai ointment will be generated from the findings.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36624,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences","volume":"10 4","pages":"Pages 395-402"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"71783622","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The analgesic mechanism of Xi Shao Formula research on neuropathic pain based on metabolomics","authors":"Xinyi Li ,&nbsp;Sheng Lin ,&nbsp;Yi Lin ,&nbsp;Youxiang Su ,&nbsp;Chao Wang ,&nbsp;Liangqing Huang ,&nbsp;Jing Zhao ,&nbsp;Guihua Tian","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcms.2023.09.006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcms.2023.09.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>To explore the mechanism of Xi Shao Formula (XSF) in treating neuropathic pain (NP) through metabolomics and network pharmacology.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>A chronic compression injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve model was established to simulate NP; following CCI induction, animals were gavaged with normal saline, XSF, or the positive control drug pregabalin for 21 days. Serum metabolomics methods and enrichment analysis were employed to identify significant serum metabolites and metabolic pathways influenced by XSF. Through network pharmacology and liquid chromatograph with mass spectrometer analyses, the active compounds and targets of XSF for treating NP were analyzed. Additionally, the serum metabolomics and network pharmacology analysis results were integrated, drawing network diagrams illustrating the relationships between “target, metabolic pathway, and metabolite” using Cytoscape 3.9.1. The findings were further validated through molecular docking.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Based on metabolomics, 11 differential endogenous metabolites were identified as potential biomarkers related to XSF for treating NP; functional enrichment analysis revealed eight metabolic pathways in XSF for treating NP. Based on integrated metabolomics and network pharmacology, the “monoamine oxidase A (MAOA)/MAOB/tyrosinase (TYR)–tyrosine metabolism pathway–gentisic acid” emerged as a significant network pathway in XSF for treating NP. The molecular docking results revealed high affinity and stable interaction between the active components of XSF and their respective target, namely MAOA, MAOB, and TYR (binding energy &lt; −5 kcal/mol).</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Our findings supported and enhanced our current understanding of the therapeutic effects of XSF on NP, providing a scientific basis for the clinical application and mechanism research of XSF.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36624,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences","volume":"10 4","pages":"Pages 448-460"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"71782984","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tang Shenwei, Scholar of Materia Medica","authors":"Yongxuan Liang,&nbsp;Yinghua Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcms.2023.10.002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcms.2023.10.002","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":36624,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences","volume":"10 4","pages":"Pages 381-382"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"71782987","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Plasma metabolomics and network pharmacology analyses combined identify the action of Xiongzhi Dilong decoction in migraine treatment","authors":"Meisi Liu ,&nbsp;Qing Wang ,&nbsp;Zihan Lu ,&nbsp;Liwei Wang ,&nbsp;Shibo Zhao ,&nbsp;Selinda Shi ,&nbsp;Yonglie Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcms.2023.09.005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcms.2023.09.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>To elucidate the mechanism of action of Xiongzhi Dilong decoction (XZDLD) in calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-induced migraine using network pharmacology and plasma metabolomic analyses.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-linear trap quadrupole orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS) was used to identify the chemical components of XZDLD. A rat model of migraine was established by injecting a calcitonin gene-related peptide into the dura mater cannula. Migraine-like behavior was observed. Mechanical and thermal pain thresholds were measured to evaluate the efficacy of XZDLD in treating migraine. Crucial XZDLD targets in migraine were identified using network pharmacology and plasma metabolomics. Relevant proteins were validated using western blotting and immunohistochemistry.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS was used to identify 38 compounds. Compared with the model rats, XZDLD significantly improved behavior at the first 30 min (all <em>P</em> &lt; .05) and increased mechanical pain thresholds on day 19–22 (all <em>P</em> &lt; .05) and thermal pain thresholds on day 20–22 (all <em>P</em> &lt; .05). Moreover, network pharmacology identified 128 potential targets of XZDLD related to migraine. The metabolomic results suggested 17 differential endogenous metabolites, mainly involved in tryptophan and tyrosine metabolic pathways, in the control, model, and XZDLD groups. Six key targets were identified and used for molecular validation: MAOA, MAOB, CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP1B1, and ADH1C. Compared with the model group, XZDLD significantly decreased the expression of MAOA, MAOB, and CYP1B1 proteins (<em>P</em> = .024, <em>P</em> = .004, <em>P</em> = .039, respectively) and elevated the expression of CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and ADH1C (<em>P</em> = .033, <em>P</em> = .045, <em>P</em> = .027, respectively).</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>XZDLD can improve behavior and increase pain threshold. Moreover, XZDLD exerts anti-migraine effects primarily by modulating tryptophan and tyrosine metabolic pathways, providing a novel perspective on migraine research that is beneficial for its clinical application.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36624,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences","volume":"10 4","pages":"Pages 427-439"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"71782985","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploratory correlation analysis of ear morphological features and traditional Chinese medicine constitutions based on inspection diagnosis","authors":"Haotian Xie ,&nbsp;Xiuyan Wu ,&nbsp;Ning Li ,&nbsp;Pengpeng Han ,&nbsp;Yemeng Chen ,&nbsp;Hongpeng Lv ,&nbsp;Jieying Liao ,&nbsp;Yingying Yang ,&nbsp;Yuwen Che ,&nbsp;Tianfang Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcms.2023.09.003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcms.2023.09.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>To explore the value of ear morphological inspection in identifying the nine constitutions of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) by analyzing the correlation between these two research objects.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>A cross-sectional research design was employed. The participants' ear morphology was determined using the Ear Morphology Inspection Information Evaluation Form, while constitution was assessed using the Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire. Data were statistically analyzed, and one-way and multi-factor logistic regression analyses were conducted.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Among 888 participants, 270 (30.41%) had a balanced constitution, and 618 (69.59%) had different biased constitution types. The analysis revealed that thick auricles (<em>P</em> &lt; .05) and a moderately sized left earlobe (<em>P</em> = .010) were protective factors, while obtuse earlobes (<em>P</em> &lt; .05) were risk factor for balanced constitution. Auricles close to the temple (<em>P</em> &lt; .05) was a protective factor, while no Frank's sign in earlobes (<em>P</em> &lt; .05) and obtuse earlobes (<em>P</em> &lt; .05) were risk factors for qi-deficiency constitution. Clear structure of the helix (<em>P</em> &lt; .05), no Frank's sign (<em>P</em> &lt; .05), and a visible half left helix (<em>P</em> = .024) were risk factors, while auricles close to the temple (<em>P</em> &lt; .05) and a triangular right ear apex (<em>P</em> = .029) were protective factors for phlegm-dampness constitution. No Frank's sign (<em>P</em> &lt; .05) and moderate tragus shape (<em>P</em> &lt; .05) were risk factors for qi stagnation constitution. Triangular ear apexes (<em>P</em> &lt; .05), a left auricle close to the temple (<em>P</em> = .002), and moderate position of auricles (upper edge of the auricle levels with the top of eyebrows, <em>P</em> &lt; .05) were protective factors for qi stagnation constitution.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>A correlation between ear morphology and TCM constitutions may exist. Ear morphology may be used as reference values for the identification of TCM constitutions.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36624,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences","volume":"10 4","pages":"Pages 470-483"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"71782978","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the effect of Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodou decoction on NLRP3 cell pyroptosis in an atopic dermatitis-like mouse model","authors":"Huimin Yuan ,&nbsp;Xue Pian ,&nbsp;Jian Cui ,&nbsp;Shujing Zhang ,&nbsp;Yanru Yu ,&nbsp;Aorou Li ,&nbsp;Shuxin Yan ,&nbsp;Fengjie Zheng","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcms.2023.09.010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcms.2023.09.010","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>To investigate the efficacy and mechanism of Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodou decoction (MLCD) in intervening in the “internal and external crosstalk” between skin barrier dysfunction and immune inflammation in an atopic dermatitis-like (AD-like) mouse model via the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) pyroptosis pathway.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>AD-like model mice were induced with 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene and treated with MLCD or mometasone furoate gel (MF, positive control) for 7 days. Pathological changes in skin tissue were examined using Masson or methamphetamine blue staining. A smart skin analyzer, flow cytometry, fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and western blotting were used to observe and evaluate skin barrier dysfunction, immune inflammatory responses, and skin cell pyroptosis in AD-like mice.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>MLCD and MF improved skin damage and reduced pathological tissue damage and mast cell infiltration in AD-like mice to varying degrees. MLCD significantly reduced skin pigmentation and inflammatory status (<em>P</em> = .005 and <em>P</em> = .038, respectively), increased the percentage of splenic CD4⁺CD3⁺ T cells (<em>P</em> = .022), decreased the CD8⁺CD3⁺ T cell percentage (<em>P</em> = .044), decreased the CD8⁺CD3⁺/CD3⁺ ratio (<em>P</em> = .031) and increased the CD4⁺CD3⁺/CD8⁺CD3⁺ ratio (<em>P</em> = .027). MLCD also significantly decreased the mRNA expression levels of cell scorch-related factors NLRP3, casp-1, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18 (<em>P</em> = .027, <em>P</em> &lt; .001, <em>P</em> = .012, and <em>P</em> = .039, respectively), as well as the protein expression of NLRP3, casp-1, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD, and IL-1β (<em>P</em> = .002, <em>P</em> = .006, <em>P</em> = .004, and <em>P</em> = .035, respectively).</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>MLCD achieved efficacy in the treatment of AD-like mice by interfering with the “internal and external crosstalk” mechanisms of skin barrier dysfunction and immune inflammation mediated by NLRP3 pyroptosis.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36624,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences","volume":"10 4","pages":"Pages 461-469"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"71782979","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}