An analysis of the combination frequencies of constituent medicinal herbs in prescriptions for the treatment of bone and joint disorder in Korean medicine: determination of a group of candidate prescriptions for universal use

Jianpi Yangxue Qufeng compound alleviates atopic dermatitis via TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway

Background

Jianpi Yangxue Qufeng Compound (JPYXQFC) is a Chinese medicine widely used in the clinical treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) and has a significantly therapeutic effect. However, the mechanism of JPYXQFC in AD has been not understood clearly.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the effect of JPYXQFC on AD model cells and rats by regulating TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Methods

The rats (n > 5) were given JPYXQFC decoction orally twice a day for three days, and their abdominal aortic blood was collected. HaCaT cell proliferation rate was tested by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays. We induced AD rat model through 2, 4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB). AD rats were given oral JPYXQFC decoction and cetirizine (positive control). HaCaT cells were pretreated with JPYXQFC drug serum or cetirizine for 0.5 h and then stimulated with TNF-α/IFN-γ for 1 h. The mRNA levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, IL-4, IL-13, MCP1, TNF-α and TSLP were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (Q-RT-PCR), and TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway protein expression was tested by Western blot. The total serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), thymus and activation regulated chemokine/chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 17 (TARC/CCL17) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The epidermal thickness was detected by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The dermatitis area and score were measured by a ruler and a four-point scoring method, respectively.

Results

JPYXQFC significantly inhibited mRNA and protein expression of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway and Histone H3 in TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced HaCaT cells and DNFB-induced rats, decreased the mRNA of IL-4, IL-13, MCP1, CCL22, TSLP and the level of AD-related genes IgE and TAEC/CCL17 of TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced HaCaT cells. Meanwhile, JPYXQFC significantly reduced the dermatitis area and dermatitis score in DNFB-induced rats, inhibited the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, and upregulated FLG, as well as inhibited the levels of IgE and TARC/CCL17 in the serum of AD rats.

Conclusion

JPYXQFC alleviates AD by inhibiting the activation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway.

Criteria for the selection, evaluation and application of traditional knowledge in contemporary health practice, education, research and policy: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) is highly utilised and draws on traditional knowledge (TK) as evidence, raising a need to explore how TK is currently used.

OBJECTIVES

Examine criteria used to select, evaluate and apply TK in contemporary health contexts.

METHODS

Systematic search utilising academic databases (AMED, CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, SSCI, ProQuest Dissertations Theses Global), Trip clinical database and Google search engine. Citations and reference lists of included articles were searched. Reported use of TK in contemporary settings was mapped against a modified 'Exploration-Preparation-Implementation-Sustainment' (EPIS) implementation framework.

RESULTS

From the 54 included articles, EPIS mapping found TK is primarily used in the Exploration phase of implementation (n = 54), with little reporting on Preparation (n = 16), Implementation process (n = 6) or Sustainment (n = 4) of TK implementation. Criteria used in selection, evaluation and application of TK commonly involved validation with other scientific/traditional evidence sources, or assessment of factors influencing knowledge translation.

DISCUSSION

One of the difficulties in validation of TK (as a co-opted treatment) against other evidence sources is comparing like with like as TK often takes a holistic approach. This complicates further planning and evaluation of implementation.

CONCLUSION

This review identifies important criteria for evaluating current and potential contemporary use of TK, identifying gaps in research and practice for finding, appraising and applying relevant TK studies for clinical care.