Reciprocal effects of Guizhi decoction to the Guizhi decoction syndrome by toll-like receptor mRNA expression and cytokines secretion

Research progress on the effect of traditional Chinese medicine on the activation of PRRs-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway to inhibit influenza pneumonia

Influenza pneumonia has challenged public health and social development. One of the hallmarks of severe influenza pneumonia is overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, which result from the continuous activation of intracellular signaling pathways, such as the NF-κB pathway, mediated by the interplay between viruses and host pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). It has been reported that traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) can not only inhibit viral replication and inflammatory responses but also affect the expression of key components of PRRs and NF-κB signaling pathways. However, whether the antiviral and anti-inflammatory roles of TCM are related with its effects on NF-κB signaling pathway activated by PRRs remains unclear. Here, we reviewed the mechanism of PRRs-mediated activation of NF-κB signaling pathway following influenza virus infection and summarized the influence of anti-influenza TCMs on inflammatory responses and the PRRs/NF-κB signaling pathway, so as to provide better understanding of the mode of action of TCMs in the treatment of influenza pneumonia.

To Predict Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Targets of Guizhi Decoction in Treating Asthma Based on Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Experimental Validation

Asthma, characterized by the continuous inflammatory response caused by a variety of immune cells, is one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases worldwide. Relevant clinical trials proved that the traditional Chinese medicine formula Guizhi Decoction (GZD) had multitarget and multichannel functions, which might be an effective drug for asthma. However, the effective ingredients and mechanisms of GZD against asthma are still unclear. Therefore, network pharmacology, molecular docking, and cell experiments were performed to explore the antiasthma effects and potential mechanisms of GZD. First, we applied the TCMSP database and literature to obtain the bioactivated ingredients in GZD. SwissTargetPrediction, TCMSP, GeneCards, OMIM, PharmGkb, TTD, DrugBank, and STRING database were used to get core genes. In addition, the key pathways were analyzed by the DAVID database. Molecular docking was used to predict whether the important components could act on the core target proteins directly. Finally, qPCR was carried out to verify the network pharmacology results and the possible mechanisms of GZD in the treatment of asthma. We collected 134 active ingredients in GZD, 959 drug targets, and 3223 disease targets. 431 intersection genes were screened for subsequent analysis. Through GO and KEGG analyses, enriched pathways related to inflammation and immune regulation were presented. Through the qPCR method to verify the role of essential genes, we found that GZD had an excellent anti-inflammatory effect. Direct or indirect inhibition of MAPK and NF-κB pathways might be one of the crucial mechanisms of GZD against asthma. GZD might be a promising potential drug for the treatment of asthma. This article provided a reference for the clinical application of GZD.

Gui-zhi decoction for allergic rhinitis: A protocol for systematic review and meta analysis

BACKGROUND

The treatment effects and safety of Gui-zhi decoction (GZD) for patients with allergic rhinitis have yet to be clarified.

METHODS

We will search PubMed, EMBASE (Excerpta Medical Database), Cochrane Library, Chinese Cochrane Centre's Controlled Trials Register Platform, Wanfang Chinese Digital Periodical and Conference Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, and VIP Chinese Science and Technique Journals Database to collect randomized controlled trials of Gui-zhi decoction (GZD) for allergic rhinitis. RevMan5.3 software was used to conduct a meta-analysis. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology was applied to evaluate the evidence quality for each outcome. Cochrane Risk Assessment Tool will be used to assess the quality of eligible studies according to the Cochrane handbook.

RESULTS

The results of this systematic review will provide a synthesis of current evidence of GZD and we have a specific opportunity to determine the efficacy and safety of it.

CONCLUSION

This study will explore the efficacy and safety of GZD to treat allergic rhinitis.

OSF REGISTRATION

Identifier: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/CWQNH (https://osf.io/cwqnh/).

Gyeji-tang water extract exerts anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of ERK and NF-κB pathways in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells

Background

Gyeji-tang (GJT, Guizhi Tang in Chinese, Keishi-to in Japanese) is a traditional herbal decoction composed of 5 medicinal herbs. GJT has been used to treat the common cold, headaches, and fever in Asian countries including Korea, China, and Japan. In the present study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of a water extract of GJT on inflammatory response using the murine macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7.

Methods

RAW 264.7 macrophages were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to upregulate inflammatory genes. Cells were pretreated with various concentrations of GJT for 4 h and stimulated with LPS for an additional 20 h. Productions of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Protein expressions of heme oxygenase (HO)-1, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) were analyzed by immunoblotting.

Results

Treatment with the GJT extract enhanced expression of HO-1 in macrophages without cytotoxicity. GJT extract significantly inhibited proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in LPS-stimulated cells. GJT suppressed LPS-induced COX-2 expression, leading to a decrease in COX-2-derived PGE₂ level. In addition, GJT extract prevented phosphorylation of ERK and NF-κB translocalization to the nucleus in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 cells.

Conclusion

These data suggest that GJT has anti-inflammatory possibly through blocking ERK and NF-κB signaling pathways.