Xin Liu , Chao-yue Zhang , Xiu-yu Du, Shan-shan Li, Yu-qing Wang, Yi Zheng, Han-zhi Deng, Xiao-qin Fang, Jia-ying Li, Zu-qing Wang, Shi-fen Xu, Yi-qun Mi
{"title":"Acupuncture at Weizhong (BL40) attenuates acetic acid-induced overactive bladder in rats by regulating brain neural activity through the modulation of mast cells and tibial nerves","authors":"Xin Liu , Chao-yue Zhang , Xiu-yu Du, Shan-shan Li, Yu-qing Wang, Yi Zheng, Han-zhi Deng, Xiao-qin Fang, Jia-ying Li, Zu-qing Wang, Shi-fen Xu, Yi-qun Mi","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2024.11.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2024.11.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The present study evaluated the effects of deep acupuncture at Weizhong acupoint (BL40) on bladder function and brain activity in a rat model of overactive bladder (OAB), and investigated the possible mechanisms around the acupuncture area that initiate the effects of acupuncture.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Adult female Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups, comprising a control group, model group, group treated with deep acupuncture at BL40, group treated with shallow acupuncture at BL40, group treated with acupuncture at non-acupoint next to BL40, and group treated with acupuncture at Xuanzhong (GB39). Urodynamic evaluation was used to observe the urination, and functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to observe the brain activation. The mechanism of acupuncture at BL40 in regulating bladder function was explored by toluidine blue staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the mechanism was verified by stabilizing mast cells (MCs) or blocking tibial nerve.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Deep acupuncture at BL40 significantly increased the intercontraction interval in OAB rats and enhanced the mean amplitude of low frequency fluctuation of primary motor cortex (M1), periaquaductal gray matter (PAG), and pontine micturition center (PMC). It also increased the zero-lag functional connectivity between M1 and PAG and between PAG and PMC. Shallow acupuncture at BL40 and acupuncture at non-acupoint or GB39 had no effect on these indexes. Further studies suggested that deep acupuncture at BL40 increased the number and degranulation rate of MCs as well as the contents of 5-hydroxytryptamine, substance P, and histamine in the tissues around BL40. Blocking the tibial nerve by lidocaine injection or inhibiting MC degranulation by sodium cromoglycate injection obstructed the effects of acupuncture on restoring urinary function and modulating brain activation in OAB rats.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Deep acupuncture at BL40 may be more effective for inhibiting OAB by promoting degranulation of MCs around the acupoint and stimulating tibial nerve, thereby regulating the activation of the brain area that controls the lower urinary tract.</div><div>Please cite this article as: Liu X, Zhang CY, Du XY, Li SS, Wang YQ, Zheng Y, Deng HZ, Fang XQ, Li JY, Wang ZQ, Xu SF, Mi YQ. Acupuncture at Weizhong (BL40) attenuates acetic acid-induced overactive bladder in rats by regulating brain neural activity through the modulation of mast cells and tibial nerves. <em>J Integr Med.</em> 2025; 23(1): 46–55.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"23 1","pages":"Pages 46-55"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142899534","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xin-yun Huang , Ou-ping Liao , Shu-yun Jiang , Ji-ming Tao , Yang Li , Xiao-ying Lu , Yi-ying Li , Ci Wang , Jing Li , Xiao-peng Ma
{"title":"Three-dimensional kinematic analysis can improve the efficacy of acupoint selection for post-stroke patients with upper limb spastic paresis: A randomized controlled trial","authors":"Xin-yun Huang , Ou-ping Liao , Shu-yun Jiang , Ji-ming Tao , Yang Li , Xiao-ying Lu , Yi-ying Li , Ci Wang , Jing Li , Xiao-peng Ma","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2024.12.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2024.12.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>China is seeing a growing demand for rehabilitation treatments for post-stroke upper limb spastic paresis (PSSP-UL). Although acupuncture is known to be effective for PSSP-UL, there is room to enhance its efficacy.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study explored a semi-personalized acupuncture approach for PSSP-UL that used three-dimensional kinematic analysis (3DKA) results to select additional acupoints, and investigated the feasibility, efficacy and safety of this approach.</div></div><div><h3>Design, setting, participants and interventions</h3><div>This single-blind, single-center, randomized, controlled trial involved 74 participants who experienced a first-ever ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke with spastic upper limb paresis. The participants were then randomly assigned to the intervention group or the control group in a 1:1 ratio. Both groups received conventional treatments and acupuncture treatment 5 days a week for 4 weeks. The main acupoints in both groups were the same, while participants in the intervention group received additional acupoints selected on the basis of 3DKA results. Follow-up assessments were conducted for 8 weeks after the treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Main outcome measures</h3><div>The primary outcome was the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) response rate (≥ 6-point change) at week 4. Secondary outcomes included changes in motor function (FMA-UE), Brunnstrom recovery stage (BRS), manual muscle test (MMT), spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale, MAS), and activities of daily life (Modified Barthel Index, MBI) at week 4 and week 12.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Sixty-four participants completed the trial and underwent analyses. Compared with control group, the intervention group exhibited a significantly higher FMA-UE response rate at week 4 (χ<sup>2</sup> = 5.479, <em>P</em> = 0.019) and greater improvements in FMA-UE at both week 4 and week 12 (both <em>P</em> < 0.001). The intervention group also showed bigger improvements from baseline in the MMT grades for shoulder adduction and elbow flexion at weeks 4 and 12 as well as thumb adduction at week 4 (<em>P</em> = 0.007, <em>P</em> = 0.049, <em>P</em> = 0.019, <em>P</em> = 0.008, <em>P</em> = 0.029, respectively). The intervention group showed a better change in the MBI at both week 4 and week 12 (<em>P</em> = 0.004 and <em>P</em> = 0.010, respectively). Although the intervention group had a higher BRS for the hand at week 12 (<em>P</em> = 0.041), no intergroup differences were observed at week 4 (all <em>P</em> > 0.05). The two groups showed no differences in MAS grades as well as in BRS for the arm at weeks 4 and 12 (all <em>P</em> > 0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Semi-personalized acupuncture prescription based on 3DKA results significantly improved motor function, muscle strength, and activities of daily living in patients with PSSP-UL.</div></div><div><h3>Trial registration</h3","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"23 1","pages":"Pages 15-24"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142878289","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Meng-ting Zhang , Yi-feng Liang , Qian Dai , He-ren Gao , Hao Wang , Li Chen , Shun Huang , Xi-yang Wang , Guo-ming Shen
{"title":"A spinal neural circuit for electroacupuncture that regulates gastric functional disorders","authors":"Meng-ting Zhang , Yi-feng Liang , Qian Dai , He-ren Gao , Hao Wang , Li Chen , Shun Huang , Xi-yang Wang , Guo-ming Shen","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2024.11.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2024.11.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Acupuncture therapies are known for their effectiveness in treating a variety of gastric diseases, although the mechanisms underlying these effects are not fully understood. This study tested the effectiveness of electroacupuncture (EA) at acupoints Zhongwan (RN12) and Weishu (BL21) for managing gastric motility disorder (GMD) and investigated the underlying mechanisms involved.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A GMD model was used to evaluate the impact of EA on various aspects of gastric function including the amplitude of gastric motility, electrogastrogram, food intake, and the rate of gastric emptying. Immunofluorescence techniques were used to explore the activation of spinal neurons by EA, specifically examining the presence of cholera toxin B subunit (CTB)-positive neurons and fibers emanating from acupoints RN12 and BL21. The stimulation of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic neurons in the spinal dorsal horn, the inhibition of sympathetic preganglionic neurons in the spinal lateral horn, and their collective effects on the activity of sympathetic nerves were examined.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>EA at RN12 and BL21 significantly improved gastric motility compromised by GMD. Notably, EA activated spinal neurons, with CTB-positive neurons and fibers from RN12 and BL21 being detectable in both the dorsal root ganglia and the spinal dorsal horn. Further analysis revealed that EA at these acupoints not only stimulated GABAergic neurons in the spinal dorsal horn but also suppressed sympathetic preganglionic neurons in the spinal lateral horn, effectively reducing excessive activity of sympathetic nerves triggered by GMD.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>EA treatment at RN12 and BL21 effectively enhances gastric motility in a GMD model. The therapeutic efficacy of this approach is attributed to the activation of spinal neurons and the modulation of the spinal GABAergic-sympathetic pathway, providing a neurobiological foundation for the role of acupuncture in treating gastric disorders.</div><div>Please cite this article as: Zhang MT, Liang YF, Dai Q, Gao HR, Wang H, Chen L, Huang S, Wang XY, Shen GM. A spinal neural circuit for electroacupuncture that regulates gastric functional disorders. <em>J Integr Med</em>. 2025; 23(1): 56–65.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"23 1","pages":"Pages 56-65"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142855463","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zhao-tang Gong , Hong-xin Yang , Ben-ben Zhu , Huan-huan Liu , Guleng Siri
{"title":"Clinical efficacy of Xuebijing injection for the treatment of sepsis: A retrospective cohort study","authors":"Zhao-tang Gong , Hong-xin Yang , Ben-ben Zhu , Huan-huan Liu , Guleng Siri","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2024.08.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2024.08.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of treating sepsis patients with Xuebijing injection (XBJI).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a retrospective analysis of 418 patients who experienced severe infections and were treated with XBJI from June 2018 to June 2021. Propensity score matching was used to match the patient cases. The study population included 209 pairs of cases (418 individuals), and the analysis included data from before and after a 14-day course of treatment with carbapenem alone, or carbapenem with XBJI.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>There were no significant differences in the 14-day mortality or length of hospital stay (<em>P</em> > 0.05) between the two groups. The combined treatment group had more patients with C-reactive protein that returned to normal levels (compared to baseline) than the non-combined treatment group (14.4% <em>vs</em> 8.1%; odds ratio [OR]: 0.528; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.282–0.991; <em>P</em> = 0.026). Similarly, the combined treatment group had higher procalcitonin attainment rate (55.0% <em>vs</em> 39.7%; OR: 0.513; 95% CI: 0.346–0.759; <em>P</em> = 0.001) than the non-combined treatment group. Further, more patients in the combined treatment group achieved normal creatinine levels than in the non-combined treatment group (64.1% <em>vs</em> 54.1%; OR: 0.659; 95% CI: 0.445–0.975; <em>P</em> = 0.037).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The combination of XBJI with carbapenem did not reduce the 14-day mortality rate of patients with severe infection, but it was able to reduce the level of inflammatory factors in patients with sepsis, and had a protective effect on liver and kidney function.</div><div><br>Please cite this article as: Gong ZT, Yang HX, Zhu BB, Liu HH, Siri GL. Clinical efficacy of Xuebijing injection for the treatment of sepsis: A retrospective cohort study. <em>J Integr Med.</em> 2024; 22(6): 645–651.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"22 6","pages":"Pages 645-651"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142199263","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xiong-hui Wang , Ya-lan Fu , Yan-nan Xu , Peng-cheng Zhang , Tian-xiao Zheng , Chang-quan Ling , Ying-lu Feng
{"title":"Ginsenoside Rh1 regulates the immune microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma via the glucocorticoid receptor","authors":"Xiong-hui Wang , Ya-lan Fu , Yan-nan Xu , Peng-cheng Zhang , Tian-xiao Zheng , Chang-quan Ling , Ying-lu Feng","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2024.09.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2024.09.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Ginsenoside Rh1 (G-Rh1) has been confirmed to inhibit the growth of breast cancer and colon cancer, but its therapeutic effect on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unclear. This study investigates the therapeutic effect of G-Rh1 on HCC as well as the underlying mechanism.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Bioinformatics methods were used to analyze glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression and the tumor microenvironment in HCC tissues from HCC patients. The effect of G-Rh1 on HCC cells was investigated in vitro using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide method. The therapeutic effect of G-Rh1 was investigated in vivo using subcutaneous transplantation models in C57BL/6J and nude mice. Additionally, the proportion of infiltrating immune cells in tumors was analyzed using flow cytometry, the GR and major histocompatibility complex class-I (MHC-I) expression of HCC cells after G-Rh1 treatment was analyzed using Western blotting, and G-Rh1-treated Hepa1-6 cells were cocultured with bone marrow-derived dendritic cells and B3Z T cells to further analyze the ability of G-Rh1 to induce dendritic cell (DC) maturation and CD8<sup>+</sup> T cell activation.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>GR expression was upregulated in HCC tissues, and high GR expression was associated with a worsened immune microenvironment. In vitro studies showed that G-Rh1 had no significant effect on the proliferation of HCC cells, while in vivo studies showed that G-Rh1 exerted antitumor effects in C57BL/6J mice but not in nude mice. Further research revealed that G-Rh1 ameliorated the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, thereby enhancing the antitumor effects of lenvatinib by increasing the infiltration of CD8<sup>+</sup> T cells, mature DCs, and MHC-I-positive cells. MHC-I was upregulated by G-Rh1 via GR suppression. Moreover, overexpression of GR abolished the G-Rh1-mediated promotion of MHC-I expression in Huh7 cells, as well as the maturation of DCs and the activation of CD8<sup>+</sup> T cells.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>G-Rh1 can regulate the immune microenvironment of HCC by targeting GR, thus increasing the antitumor effect of lenvatinib.</div><div><br>Please cite this article as: Wang XH, Fu YL, Xu YN, Zhang PC, Zheng TX, Ling CQ, Feng YL. Ginsenoside Rh1 regulates the immune microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma via the glucocorticoid receptor. <em>J Integr Med</em>. 2024; 22(6): 710–720.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"22 6","pages":"Pages 709-718"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142510839","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pan Zhai , Xiao-hu Ouyang , Meng-ling Yang , Lan Lin , Jun-yi Li , Yi-ming Li , Xiang Cheng , Rui Zhu , De-sheng Hu
{"title":"Luteolin protects against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury by reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis through the p53 pathway","authors":"Pan Zhai , Xiao-hu Ouyang , Meng-ling Yang , Lan Lin , Jun-yi Li , Yi-ming Li , Xiang Cheng , Rui Zhu , De-sheng Hu","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2024.09.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2024.09.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI) is an obstacle to the success of cardiac reperfusion therapy. This study explores whether luteolin can mitigate MIRI by regulating the p53 signaling pathway.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Model mice were subjected to a temporary surgical ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery, and administered luteolin. The myocardial infarct size, myocardial enzyme levels, and cardiac function were measured. Latent targets and signaling pathways were screened using network pharmacology and molecular docking. Then, proteins related to the p53 signaling pathway, apoptosis and oxidative stress were measured. Hypoxia/reoxygenation (HR)-incubated HL1 cells were used to validate the effects of luteolin in vitro. In addition, a p53 agonist and an inhibitor were used to investigate the mechanism.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Luteolin reduced the myocardial infarcted size and myocardial enzymes, and restored cardiac function in MIRI mice. Network pharmacology identified p53 as a hub target. The bioinformatic analyses showed that luteolin had anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidative properties. Additionally, luteolin halted the activation of p53, and prevented both apoptosis and oxidative stress in myocardial tissue in vivo. Furthermore, luteolin inhibited cell apoptosis, JC-1 monomer formation, and reactive oxygen species elevation in HR-incubated HL1 cells in vitro. Finally, the p53 agonist NSC319726 downregulated the protective attributes of luteolin in the MIRI mouse model, and both luteolin and the p53 inhibitor pifithrin‐α demonstrated a similar therapeutic effect in the MIRI mice.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Luteolin effectively treats MIRI and may ameliorate myocardial damage by regulating apoptosis and oxidative stress through its targeting of the p53 signaling pathway.</div><div>Please cite this article as: Zhai P, Ouyang XH, Yang ML, Lin L, Li JY, Li YM, Cheng X, Zhu R, Hu DS. Luteolin protects against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury by reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis through the p53 pathway. <em>J Integr Med.</em> 2024; 22(6): 652–664.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"22 6","pages":"Pages 652-664"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142356346","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xin-yang Liu , Wei Xie , He-yang Zhou , Hui-qing Zhang , Yong-sheng Jin
{"title":"A comprehensive overview on antiviral effects of baicalein and its glucuronide derivative baicalin","authors":"Xin-yang Liu , Wei Xie , He-yang Zhou , Hui-qing Zhang , Yong-sheng Jin","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2024.09.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2024.09.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Natural product-based antiviral candidates have received significant attention. However, there is a lack of sufficient research in the field of antivirals to effectively combat patterns of drug resistance. Baicalein and its glucuronide derivative baicalin are two main components extracted from <em>Scutellaria baicalensis</em> Georgi. They have proven to be effective against a broad range of viruses by directly killing virus particles, protecting infected cells, and targeting viral antigens on their surface, among other mechanisms. As natural products, they both possess the advantage of lower toxicity, enhanced therapeutic efficacy, and even antagonistic effects against drug-resistant viral strains. Baicalein and baicalin exhibit promising potential as potent pharmacophore scaffolds, demonstrating their antiviral properties. However, to date, no review on the antiviral effects of baicalein and baicalin has been published. This review summarizes the recent research progress on antiviral effects of baicalein and baicalin against various types of viruses both in vitro and in vivo with a focus on the dosages and underlying mechanisms. The aim is to provide a basis for the rational development and utilization of baicalein and baicalin, as well as to promote antiviral drug research.</div><div><br>Please cite this article as: Liu XY, Xie W, Zhou HY, Zhang HQ, Jin YS. A comprehensive overview on antiviral effects of baicalein and its glucuronide derivative baicalin. <em>J Integr Med</em>. 2024; 22(6): 621–636.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"22 6","pages":"Pages 621-636"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142378385","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Jiedu recipe, a compound Chinese herbal medicine, suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis by inhibiting the release of tumor-derived exosomes in a hypoxic microenvironment","authors":"Wen-tao Jia , Shuang Xiang , Jin-bo Zhang , Jia-ying Yuan , Yu-qian Wang , Shu-fang Liang , Wan-fu Lin , Xiao-feng Zhai , Yan Shang , Chang-quan Ling , Bin-bin Cheng","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2024.10.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2024.10.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Tumor-derived exosomes (TDEs) play crucial roles in intercellular communication. Hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment enhances secretion of TDEs and accelerates tumor metastasis. Jiedu recipe (JR), a traditional Chinese medicinal formula, has demonstrated efficacy in preventing the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Animal experiments were performed to investigate the metastasis-preventing effects of JR. Bioinformatics analysis and in vitro assays were conducted to explore the potential targets and active components of JR. TDEs were assessed using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and Western blotting (WB). Exosomes derived from normoxic or hypoxic HCC cells (H-TDEs) were collected to establish premetastatic mouse models. JR was intragastrically administered to evaluate its metastasis-preventive effects. WB and lysosomal staining were performed to investigate the effects of JR on lysosomal function and autophagy. Bioinformatics analysis, WB, NTA, and immunofluorescence staining were used to identify the active components and potential targets of JR.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>JR effectively inhibited subcutaneous-tumor-promoted lung premetastatic niche development and tumor metastasis. It inhibited the release of exosomes from tumor cells under hypoxic condition. JR treatment promoted both lysosomal acidification and suppressed secretory autophagy, which were dysregulated in hypoxic tumor cells. Quercetin was identified as the active component in JR, and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was identified as a potential target. Quercetin inhibited EGFR phosphorylation and promoted the nuclear translocation of transcription factor EB (TFEB). Hypoxia-impaired lysosomal function was restored, and secretory autophagy was alleviated by quercetin treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>JR suppressed HCC metastasis by inhibiting hypoxia-stimulated exosome release, restoring lysosomal function, and suppressing secretory autophagy. Quercetin acted as a key component of JR and regulated TDE release through EGFR-TFEB signaling. Our study provides a potential strategy for retarding tumor metastasis by targeting H-TDE secretion.</div><div>Please cite this article as: Jia WT, Xiang S, Zhang JB, Yuan JY, Wang YQ, Liang SF, Lin WF, Zhai XF, Shang Y, Ling CQ, Cheng BB. Jiedu recipe, a compound Chinese herbal medicine, suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis by inhibiting the release of tumor-derived exosomes in a hypoxic microenvironment through the EGFR-TFEB signaling pathway. <em>J Integr Med</em>. 2024; 22(6): 697–709.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"22 6","pages":"Pages 696-708"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142630447","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zhen Wang , Min Liu , Guang-xing Li , Liu Zhang , Kai-yue Ding , Si-qi Li , Bing-qing Gao , Peng Chen , Hyok-Chol Choe , Lun-yue Xia , Yu-tong Yang , Yi Liu , Xue Sui , Jun-nan Ma , Lin Zhang
{"title":"A herbal pair of Scutellaria barbata D. Don and Scleromitrion diffusum (Willd.) R.J. Wang induced ferroptosis in ovarian cancer A2780 cells via inducing heme catabolism and ferritinophagy","authors":"Zhen Wang , Min Liu , Guang-xing Li , Liu Zhang , Kai-yue Ding , Si-qi Li , Bing-qing Gao , Peng Chen , Hyok-Chol Choe , Lun-yue Xia , Yu-tong Yang , Yi Liu , Xue Sui , Jun-nan Ma , Lin Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2024.10.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2024.10.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Despite the combination of <em>Scutellaria barbata</em> D. Don and <em>Scleromitrion diffusum</em> (Willd.) R.J. Wang (SB-SD) being a recognized Chinese medicinal herbal pair that is commonly used in the treatment of ovarian cancer, there is a poor understanding of their pharmacological mechanisms. This study examines the antitumor properties and potential mechanisms of SB-SD on human ovarian cancer A2780 cells through a multi-omics approach, establishing a pharmacological basis for clinical utilization.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A range of mass ratios and reagents were used in the hot reflux extraction of SB-SD. The inhibitory effect of the SB-SD extracts on A2780 cell proliferation was assessed using the cell-counting kit 8 assay. A zebrafish tumor implantation model was used to evaluate the effects of SB-SD extracts on tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Transcriptomics and proteomics were used to investigate alterations in biological pathways in A2780 cells after treatment with different concentrations of SB-SD extract. Cell cycle, cell apoptosis, intracellular free iron concentration, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration, malondialdehyde (MDA), and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were utilized to investigate the effects of heme catabolism and ferritinophagy on ferroptosis induced by SB-SD extract in A2780 cells.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The 70% ethanol extract of SB-SD (a mass ratio of 4:1) inhibited A2780 cell proliferation significantly with a half maximal inhibitory concentration of 660 μg/mL in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Moreover, it effectively suppressed tumor growth and metastasis in a zebrafish tumor implantation model. SB-SD extract induced the accumulation of free iron, ROS, MDA, and mitochondrial damage in A2780 cells. The mechanisms might involve the upregulated expression of ferritinophagy-related genes microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3, autophagy-related gene 5, and nuclear receptor coactivator 4.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>SB-SD extract effectively inhibited the development of ovarian cancer both in vitro and in vivo. Its mechanism of action involved inducing ferroptosis by facilitating heme catabolism and ferritinophagy. This herbal pair holds promise as a potential therapeutic option for ovarian cancer treatment and may be utilized in combination with routine treatment to improve the treatment outcomes of ovarian cancer patients.</div><div>Please cite this article as: Wang Z, Liu M, Li GX, Zhang L, Ding KY, Li SQ, Gao BQ, Chen P, Choe HC, Xia LY, Yang YT, Liu Y, Sui X, Ma JN, Zhang L. A herbal pair of <em>Scutellaria barbata</em> D. Don and <em>Scleromitrion diffusum</em> (Willd.) R.J. Wang induced ferroptosis in ovarian cancer A2780 cells via inducing heme catabolism and ferritinophagy. <em>J Integr Med<","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"22 6","pages":"Pages 665-682"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142630540","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xuan Yin , Zhu Jin , Feng Li , Li Huang , Yan-mei Hu , Bo-chang Zhu , Zu-qing Wang , Xi-ying Li , Jian-ping Li , Lixing Lao , Yi-qun Mi , Shi-fen Xu
{"title":"Effectiveness and safety of adjunctive non-drug measures in improving respiratory symptoms among patients with severe COVID-19: A multicenter randomized controlled trial","authors":"Xuan Yin , Zhu Jin , Feng Li , Li Huang , Yan-mei Hu , Bo-chang Zhu , Zu-qing Wang , Xi-ying Li , Jian-ping Li , Lixing Lao , Yi-qun Mi , Shi-fen Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2024.09.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2024.09.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection posed a huge threat and burden to public healthcare in late 2022. Non-drug measures of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), such as acupuncture, cupping and moxibustion, are commonly used as adjuncts in China to help in severe cases, but their effects remain unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To observe the clinical effect of TCM non-drug measures in improving respiratory function and symptoms among patients with severe COVID-19.</div></div><div><h3>Design, setting, participants and interventions</h3><div>This study was designed as a multicenter, assessor-blind, randomized controlled trial. Hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were randomly assigned to the treatment or control group. The treatment group received individualized TCM non-drug measures in combination with prone position ventilation, while the control group received prone position ventilation only for 5 consecutive days.</div></div><div><h3>Main outcome measures</h3><div>The primary outcome measures were the percentage of patients with improved oxygen saturation (SpO<sub>2</sub>) at the end of the 5-day intervention, as well as changes of patients’ respiratory rates. The secondary outcome measures included changes in SpO<sub>2</sub> and total score on the self-made respiratory symptom scale. The improvement rate, defined as a 3-day consecutive increase in SpO<sub>2</sub>, the duration of prone positioning, and adverse events were recorded as well.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among the 198 patients included in the intention-to-treat analysis, 159 (80.3%) completed all assessments on day 5, and 39 (19.7%) patients withdrew from the study. At the end of the intervention, 71 (91%) patients in the treatment group had SpO<sub>2</sub> above 93%, while 61 (75.3%) in the control group reached this level. The proportion of participant with improved SpO<sub>2</sub> was significantly greater in the intervention group (mean difference [MD] = 15.7; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.4, 27.1; <em>P</em> = 0.008). Compared to the baseline, with daily treatment there were significant daily decreases in respiratory rates in both groups, but no statistical differences between groups were found (all <em>P</em> ≥ 0.05). Compared to the control group, the respiratory-related symptoms score was lower among patients in the treatment group (MD = −1.7; 95% CI: −2.8, −0.5; <em>P</em> = 0.008) after day 3 of treatment. A gradual decrease in the total scores of both groups was also observed. Thirty-one adverse events occurred during the intervention, and 2 patients were transferred to the intensive care unit due to deterioration of their illness.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>TCM non-drug measures combined with prone positioning can effectively treat patients with severe COVID-19. The combined therapy significantly increased SpO<sub>2</sub> and improved symptom scores compared to prone positionin","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"22 6","pages":"Pages 637-644"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142367073","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}