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Wang X, Li N, Zhang J, Wang J, Wei Y, Yang J, Sun D, Liu L, Nian H, Wei R. AS101 regulates the Teff/Treg balance to alleviate rabbit autoimmune dacryoadenitis through modulating NFATc2. Exp Eye Res 2024; 244:109937. [PMID: 38782179 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Sjögren's syndrome (SS) dry eye can cause ocular surface inflammation and lacrimal gland (LG) damage, leading to discomfort and potential vision problems. The existing treatment options for SS dry eye are currently constrained. We investigated the possible therapeutic effect and the underlying mechanism of AS101 in autoimmune dry eye. AS101 was injected subconjunctivally into a rabbit model of autoimmune dacryoadenitis and its therapeutic effects were determined by evaluating clinical and histological scores. The expressions of effector T cells (Teff)/regulatory T cells (Treg)-related transcription factors and cytokines, inflammation mediators, and transcription factor NFATc2 were measured by quantitative real-time PCR and/or Western blot both in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, the role of NFATc2 in the immunomodulatory effects of AS101 on T cells was explored by co-culturing activated peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) transfected with NFATc2 overexpression lentiviral plasmid with AS101. AS101 treatment potently ameliorated the clinical severity and reduced the inflammation of LG. Further investigation revealed that AS101 treatment led to decreased expression of Th1-related genes (T-bet and IFN-γ) and Th17-related genes (RORC, IL-17A, IL-17F, and GM-CSF) and increased expression of Treg-related gene Foxp3 in vivo and in vitro. Meanwhile, AS101 suppressed the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-23, IL-6, MMP-2, and MMP-9. Mechanistically, AS101 downregulated the expression of NFATc2 in inflamed LGs. Overexpression of NFATc2 in activated PBLs partially blunted the effect of AS101 on Teff suppression and Treg promotion. In conclusion, AS101 is a potential regulator of Teff/Treg cell balance and could be an effective treatment agent for SS dry eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin China, China
| | - Na Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin China, China
| | - Jiawen Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin China, China
| | - Jiali Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin China, China
| | - Yankai Wei
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin China, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin China, China
| | - Deming Sun
- Doheny Eye Institute, And Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Lin Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin China, China
| | - Hong Nian
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin China, China.
| | - Ruihua Wei
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin China, China.
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Chen HT, Tung CH, Yu BH, Chang CM, Chen YC. Renal and survival benefits of seventeen prescribed Chinese herbal medicines against oxidative-inflammatory stress in systemic lupus erythematosus patients with chronic kidney disease: a real-world longitudinal study. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1309582. [PMID: 38235107 PMCID: PMC10791791 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1309582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) significantly links to LN, a type of CKD with high mortality despite modern Western treatments. About 70% of SLE patients develop LN, and 30% advance to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Concerns about glucocorticoid side effects and LN worsening due to oxidative stress prompt alternative treatment searches. In Taiwan, over 85% of SLE patients opt for complementary methods, especially Chinese herbal medicine (CHM). We pinpointed seventeen CHMs for SLE (PRCHMSLE) with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties from national health insurance data (2000-2017). Our primary aim was to assess their impact on renal and survival outcomes in SLE patients progressing to CKD (SLE-CKD), with a secondary focus on the risks of hospitalization and hyperkalemia. Methods: We established a propensity-matched cohort of 1,188 patients with SLE-CKD, comprising 594 PRCHMSLE users and 594 nonusers. We employed Cox proportional hazards models and restricted mean survival time (RMST) analyses to assess the renal and survival outcomes of PRCHMSLE users. Moreover, we performed pooling and network analyses, specifically focusing on the renal effects linked to PRCHMSLE. Results: PRCHMSLE use was associated with decreased adjusted hazard ratios for ESRD (0.45; 95% confidence interval, 0.25-0.79, p = 0.006), all-cause mortality (0.56; 0.43-0.75, p < 0.0001), non-cardiovascular mortality (0.56; 0.42-0.75, p < 0.0001), and hospitalization (0.72; 0.52-0.96, p = 0.009). Hyperkalemia risk did not increase. Significant differences in RMST were observed: 0.57 years (95% confidence interval, 0.19-0.95, p = 0.004) for ESRD, 1.22 years (0.63-1.82, p < 0.0001) for all-cause mortality, and 1.21 years (0.62-1.80, p < 0.0001) for non-cardiovascular mortality, favoring PRCHMSLE use. Notably renoprotective PRCHMSLE included Gan-Lu-Ying, Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge [Asparagaceae; Rhizoma Anemarrhenae] (Zhi-Mu), Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) DC. [Orobanchaceae; Radix Rehmanniae] (Sheng-Di-Huang), Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San, and Paeonia suffruticosa Andr. [Paeoniaceae; Cortex Moutan] (Mu-Dan-Pi). Network analysis highlighted primary treatment strategies with central components like Liu-Wei-Di-Huang-Wan, Paeonia suffruticosa Andr. [Paeoniaceae; Cortex Moutan] (Mu-Dan-Pi), Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge [Asparagaceae; Rhizoma Anemarrhenae] (Zhi-Mu), Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) DC. [Orobanchaceae; Radix Rehmanniae] (Sheng-Di-Huang), and Zhi-Bai-Di-Huang-Wan. Conclusion: This work underscores the pronounced renal and survival benefits associated with the seventeen PRCHMSLE in the treatment of SLE-CKD, concurrently mitigating the risks of hospitalization and hyperkalemia. This highlights their potential as alternative treatment options for individuals with this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-Tien Chen
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan City, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hsueh Tung
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Chiayi, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Ben-Hui Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Mao Chang
- Center for Traditional Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chun Chen
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Chiayi, Taiwan
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Hu S, Chen B, Zhou J, Liu F, Mao T, Pathak JL, Watanabe N, Li J. Dental pulp stem cell-derived exosomes revitalize salivary gland epithelial cell function in NOD mice via the GPER-mediated cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway. J Transl Med 2023; 21:361. [PMID: 37268950 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04198-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Restoration of salivary gland function in Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is still a challenge. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) derived exosomes had shown anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, immunomodulatory, and tissue function restorative abilities. However, the salivary gland function restoration potential of DPSCs-derived exosomes (DPSC-Exos) during SS has not been investigated yet. METHODS DPSC-Exos was isolated by ultracentrifugation methods and characterized. Salivary gland epithelial cells (SGEC) were treated with interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) to mimic SS in vitro and cultured with or without DPSC-Exos. SGEC survival and aquaporin 5 (AQP5) expression were analyzed. mRNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were performed in IFN-γ vs. DPSC-Exos+ IFN-γ treated SGEC. Non-obese diabetic (NOD)/ltj female mice (SS model), were intravenously administered with DPSC-Exos, and salivary gland functions and SS pathogenicity were analyzed. Furthermore, the mRNA sequencing and bioinformatics predicted mechanism of the therapeutic effect of DPSC-Exos was further investigated both in vitro and in vivo using RT-qPCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, flowcytometry analysis. RESULTS DPSC-Exos partially rescued IFN-γ triggered SGEC death. IFN-γ inhibited AQP5 expression in SGEC and DPSC-Exos reversed this effect. Transcriptome analysis showed GPER was the upregulated DEG in DPSC-Exos-treated SGEC with a positive correlation with salivary secretion-related DEGs. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs were mainly attributed to estrogen 16 alpha-hydroxylase activity, extracellular exosome function, cAMP signaling, salivary secretion, and estrogen signaling. Intravenous injection of DPSC-Exos in NOD/ltj mice alleviated the SS syndrome as indicated by the increased salivary flow rate, attenuated glandular inflammation, and increased AQP5 expression. GPER was also upregulated in the salivary gland of DPSC-Exos-treated NOD/ltj mice compared with the PBS-treated NOD/ltj mice. IFN-γ+DPSC-Exos-treated SGEC showed higher expression of AQP5, p-PKA, cAMP, and intracellular Ca2+ levels compared with IFN-γ-treated SGEC. These effects were reversed by the inhibition of GPER. CONCLUSIONS Our results showed that DPSC-Exos revitalize salivary gland epithelial cell function during SS via the GPER-mediated cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway suggesting the possible therapeutic potential of DPSC-Exos in SS-treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilin Hu
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, #195 Dongfeng West Road, Guangzhou, 510140, Guangdong, China
| | - Bo Chen
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, #195 Dongfeng West Road, Guangzhou, 510140, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiannan Zhou
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, #195 Dongfeng West Road, Guangzhou, 510140, Guangdong, China
| | - Fangqi Liu
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, #195 Dongfeng West Road, Guangzhou, 510140, Guangdong, China
| | - Tianjiao Mao
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, #195 Dongfeng West Road, Guangzhou, 510140, Guangdong, China
| | - Janak L Pathak
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, #195 Dongfeng West Road, Guangzhou, 510140, Guangdong, China.
| | - Nobumoto Watanabe
- Chemical Biology Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
- Bio-Active Compounds Discovery Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Jiang Li
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, #195 Dongfeng West Road, Guangzhou, 510140, Guangdong, China.
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Chen HY, Wu JH, Lin HC, Su YT, Yen CM, Chang CM. Commentary: Efficacy and safety of acupuncture on symptomatic improvement in primary Sjögren's syndrome: A randomized controlled trial. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 9:1098862. [PMID: 36687408 PMCID: PMC9846212 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1098862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Yuan Chen
- Center for Traditional Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan,School of Post-baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jin-Huang Wu
- Center for Traditional Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Chun Lin
- Center for Traditional Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Su
- Center for Traditional Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ming Yen
- Center for Traditional Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Mao Chang
- Center for Traditional Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan,Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan,Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan,*Correspondence: Ching-Mao Chang ✉
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Zeng Y, Peng X, Wang Y, Hou L, Ma W, Yang P. Therapeutic effect of modified zengye decoction on primary Sjogren’s syndrome and its effect on plasma exosomal proteins. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:930638. [PMID: 36091838 PMCID: PMC9462528 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.930638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Modified Zengye Decoction (MZD), a traditional Chinese medicine, is an effective treatment for patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS). Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of MZD and investigate its effect on plasma exosomal proteins. Methods: Eighteen pSS patients were treated with MZD for 2 weeks. The therapeutic effect was evaluated by observing the changes in clinical symptoms, laboratory parameters, and plasma cytokines before and after treatment. Then, the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the plasma exosomes before and after treatment were identified via label-free proteomics, while Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment were used to analyze the possible biological functions and signaling pathways involved in the exosomal DEPs. Results: MZD can effectively relieve the clinical symptoms of pSS patients, downregulate the plasma IgG and IgM levels, and inhibit plasma cytokine production. Thirteen DEPs were identified via label-free proteomics in the plasma exosomes before and after MZD treatment, of which 12 were downregulated proteins. GO analysis showed that these downregulated proteins were mainly related to the insulin response involved in dryness symptoms and the Gram-negative bacterial defense response and proteoglycan binding involved in infection. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that these downregulated proteins were primarily associated with the porphyrin metabolism involved in oteoarthrosis and the NF-κB and TLR4 pathways involved in infection. Conclusion: MZD can effectively alleviate SS symptoms, while its mechanism may be associated with the reduced protein expression in insulin response, porphyrin metabolism, and the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.
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Integrated Network Pharmacology and Mice Model to Investigate Qing Zao Fang for Treating Sjögren's Syndrome. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:3690016. [PMID: 35341135 PMCID: PMC8941571 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3690016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease, and its conventional treatment has exhibited limited therapeutic efficacy. Qing Zao Fang (QZF), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, is used in the treatment of Sjögren's syndrome, but its chemical composition is complex, and its pharmacological mechanism is not clear. Therefore, this study aims to explore the potential mechanism of QZF in the treatment of Sjögren's syndrome based on network pharmacology and SS mouse model. The main active components and predicted targets of QZF were analyzed by network pharmacology. The SS mouse model was constructed and divided into 6 groups: control, SS, SS + hydroxychloroquine (HCQ)-treated, SS + low-dose QZF-treated, SS + medium-dose QZF-treated, and SS + high-dose QZF-treated group. Immunohistochemical, ELISA, and qRT-PCR assays were performed to detect the expressions of targets associated with SS. TUNEL staining was used to detect apoptosis. Cumulatively, 230 active compounds and 1883 targets of QZF were identified. There were 227 common targets for QZF and SS. The effective active ingredients were stigmasterol, neocryptotanshinone II, neotanshinone C, miltionone I, and beta-pinene. It mainly acts on biological processes such as inflammatory response, chemokine metabolic process, and immune response as well as pathways such as FoxO signaling pathway, Yersinia infection, HIF-1 signaling pathway, and TNF signaling pathway. In SS mice, levels of AKT1, HIF-1α, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-17A were increased, while decreased after QZF treatment. In contrast, IL-10 levels were decreased in SS mice and increased in QZF-treated mice. In addition, QZF reduced apoptosis in the submandibular gland tissue compared to SS mice. It can be concluded that the QZF in treatment of SS is the result of the combined action of multiple components, multiple targets, and multiple pathways. This study improves the understanding of the link between QZF and SS on molecular mechanisms.
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Zeng P, Liu W, Yang X, Zhang S, Du S, Fan Y, Zhao L, Wang A. Qing Zao Fang (QZF) Alleviates the Inflammatory Microenvironment of the Submandibular Gland in Sjögren's Syndrome Based on the PI3K/Akt/HIF-1 α/VEGF Signaling Pathway. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:6153459. [PMID: 35140821 PMCID: PMC8820932 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6153459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Sjögren's syndrome (SS) which could lead to a disorder of our immune system is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by invading exocrine glands such as salivary glands and lacrimal glands and other exocrine glands. Its common symptom is dry mouth and dry eyes, often accompanied by a large number of lymphocyte infiltrations and can involve other organs to cause complex clinical manifestations. In this study, we aimed at investigating the effect of QZF in SS, identifying the molecular mechanism in modulating autoimmune response, and determining the important roles of these factors' function as a modulator in the pathogenesis of SS. The NOD mice were utilized to establish the rats' model of Sjögren's syndrome. After 10 weeks' hydroxychloroquine and QZF in different dose interference, submandibular gland tissue was collected. The therapeutic effect of QZF on SS rats was identified, and the results suggest the comparable potential to hydroxychloroquine. In submandibular gland tissue, interleukin- (IL-) 17 was significantly lower in high-dose QZF than that in SS rats and the focal lymphocytes were highly attenuated. Moreover, we found that PI3K/Akt signals were activated and the downstream HIF-1α/VEGF signals were enhanced in SS rats whose protein expression could be inhibited by QZF treatment. In addition, QZF could modulate autophagy in submandibular gland tissue and then inhibit the inflammation response and therefore facilitate the tissue repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zeng
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381, China
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Wei Liu
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381, China
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Xiaochun Yang
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381, China
| | - Shumin Zhang
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381, China
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Shaopeng Du
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381, China
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yihua Fan
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381, China
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Longmei Zhao
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381, China
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Aihua Wang
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381, China
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
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Chen HH, Lai JN, Yu MC, Chen CY, Hsieh YT, Hsu YF, Wei JCC. Traditional Chinese Medicine in Patients With Primary Sjogren's Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:744194. [PMID: 34651000 PMCID: PMC8505713 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.744194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease mainly characterized by dryness, fatigue, and pain. Current therapies for SS in Western medicine are limited. The purpose of this clinical study was to explore the efficacy and safety of using a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula on patients with primary SS. Methods: We performed a 12-week, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial at Chung Shan Medical University Hospital. We included 42 patients with SS between the ages of 20 and 80 years who met the classification criteria of the American and European Consensus Group (AECG). Patients who had other severe systemic manifestations or diseases were excluded from this trial. After screening, patients were randomly assigned to the TCM treatment group or placebo group (ratio of 2:1). We treated the TCM group with 6 g of Gan-Lu-Yin granules after breakfast and 6 g of Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San combined with 1 g of Suan-Zao-Ren-Tang and 1 g of Ye-Jiao-Teng every night after dinner. Patients in the control group were treated with a placebo with the same appearance and flavor but only one-tenth the dosage of that received by the treatment group. The European League Against Rheumatism Sjogren's Syndrome Patient-Reported Index (ESSPRI) was used as the primary endpoint at week 12. Secondary endpoints were the Sjogren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (SSDAI), physician global assessment (PGA), visual analogue scale (VAS), Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form-36, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Score (PSQI). Adverse events were also recorded. Results: Of the 42 randomized patients, 28 patients were assigned to the TCM treatment group and 14 patients were assigned to the controlled group. During the study period, 5 patients withdrew from the TCM group and 7 withdrew from the control group. At week 12, the ESSPRI scores of both groups had improved. The ESSPRI score of the treatment group decreased by 0.62 (95% CI P = 0.557) and that of the placebo group decreased by 0.91 (P = 0.557). However, no significant difference was observed between the two groups. Sleep duration in the PSQI was -0.61, which exhibited an improvement of more than the -0.21 compared with the placebo group (P = 0.914). Conclusion: At week 12, the ESSPRI scores did not reveal that the use of the TCM formula was efficacious for treating patients with Sjogren's syndrome. However, the PSQI scores indicated that this formula could prolong patient sleep duration. We also found that this formula could decrease the blood pressure of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huang-Hsi Chen
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Chinese Medicine Clinical Trial Center, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jung-Nien Lai
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Min-Chien Yu
- School of Post Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan.,Department of Chinese Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yin Chen
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Chinese Medicine Clinical Trial Center, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ting Hsieh
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Fan Hsu
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Chinese Medicine Clinical Trial Center, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - James Cheng-Chung Wei
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Chinese Medicine Clinical Trial Center, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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9
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Chang CM, Wu PC, Lin JR, Jan Wu YJ, Luo SF, Hsue YT, Lan JL, Pan TL, Wu YT, Yu KH, Wei YH, Chang HH. Herbal Formula SS-1 Increases Tear Secretion for Sjögren's Syndrome. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:645437. [PMID: 34630072 PMCID: PMC8498214 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.645437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease that primarily affects the exocrine glands, leading to glandular dysfunction. The hallmark symptoms of SS are dry eyes and mouth, compromising the quality of life of patients and decreasing their capacity to perform their daily activities. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the herbal formula SS-1 for its potential therapeutic benefits for patients with Sjögren’s syndrome. Materials and Methods: The bioactivity profile of SS-1 was determined using four different SS-1 concentrations across 12 human primary cell systems of the BioMAP profile. After that, a randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled trial was performed including 57 patients treated with SS-1 for 28 weeks. Results: Biologically multiplexed activity profiling in cell-based models indicated that SS-1 exerted anti-proliferative activity in B cells and promoted anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity. In the clinical trial, Schirmer’s test results revealed significant improvements in both eyes, with increases of 3.42 mm (95% CI, 2.44–4.41 mm) and 3.45 mm (95% CI, 2.32–4.59 mm), respectively, and a significant reduction in artificial tear use, which was −1.38 times/day, 95% CI, −1.95 to −0.81 times/day. Moreover, the increases in B-cell activating factor (BAFF) and B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) levels were dampened by 53.20% (295.29 versus 555.02 pg/ml) and 58.33% (99.16 versus 169.99 pg/ml), respectively. Conclusion: SS-1 treatment significantly inhibited B-cell maturation antigen. No serious drug-related adverse effects were observed. Oral SS-1 administration may be a complementary treatment for Sjögren’s syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Mao Chang
- Center for Traditional Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Chang Wu
- Rheumatology and Immunology Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jr-Rung Lin
- Clinical Informatics and Medical Statistics Research Center, Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yeong-Jian Jan Wu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Shue-Fen Luo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yin-Tzu Hsue
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Joung-Liang Lan
- Rheumatology and Immunology Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Long Pan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine and Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Wu
- Center for Mitochondrial Medicine and Free Radical Research, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Hui Yu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yau-Huei Wei
- Center for Mitochondrial Medicine and Free Radical Research, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hen-Hong Chang
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, and Chinese Medicine Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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Effect of the Chinese Herbal Medicine SS-1 on a Sjögren's Syndrome-Like Disease in Mice. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11060530. [PMID: 34200223 PMCID: PMC8229783 DOI: 10.3390/life11060530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease primarily affecting the exocrine glands; it has a major impact on patients’ lives. The Chinese herbal formula SS-1 is composed of Gan Lu Yin, Sang Ju Yin, and Xuefu Zhuyu decoction, which exerts anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antifibrotic effects. Our previous study demonstrated that SS-1 alleviates clinical SS. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and mechanism of the Chinese herbal formula SS-1 for salivary gland protein-induced experimental Sjögren’s syndrome (ESS). These results showed that ESS treatment with the Chinese herbal formula SS-1 (1500 mg/kg) significantly alleviated the severity of ESS. We found that SS-1 substantially improved saliva flow rates in SS mice and ameliorated lymphocytic infiltrations in submandibular glands. In addition, salivary gland protein-induced SS in mice treated with SS-1 significantly lowered proinflammatory cytokines (including IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-17A) in mouse salivary glands and decreased serum anti-M3R autoantibody levels. In addition, we found that CD4+ T cells isolated from SS-1-treated SS mice significantly reduced the percentages of IFN-γ-producing CD4+ T cells (Th1) and IL-17A-producing CD4+ T cells (Th17). Our data show that SS-1 alleviates ESS through anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, which provides new insight into the clinical treatment of SS.
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