Treatment with the herbal formulation Eefooton slows the progression of chronic kidney disease: A case report

Exploration of the possible mechanisms of Ling Gui Zhu Gan decoction in nephrotic syndrome based on network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation

This study aimed to explore the possible mechanisms of Ling Gui Zhu Gan decoction (LGZGD) in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome (NS) using network pharmacology combined with molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. The active ingredients of LGZGD and their targets were retrieved from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Swiss Target Prediction database. The NS targets were retrieved from Genecards, OMIM and Drugbank databases. Next, the intersecting targets of drug and disease were imported into the String database for protein-protein interaction network analysis, and the core targets were identified through topological analysis. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were performed in the Metascape platform. Finally, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were performed for further validation. The network analysis showed that 109 active ingredients of LGZGD were associated with 105 targets in NS. The key active ingredients (quercetin, kaempferol, naringenin, licochalcone A, formononetin, beta-sitosterol) and the core targets (IL6, AKT1, TNF, VEGFA, TP53, JUN, IL1B, CASP3, EGFR, and STAT3) were further identified. Enrichment analysis indicated that multiple biological processes and pathways, including AGE-RAGE, PI3K-Akt, JAK-STAT, and HIF-1 signaling pathways, might be regulated by LGZGD in the treatment of NS. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation results further indicated that the key active ingredients of LGZGD could stably bind to the core targets through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction. This study demonstrates that the active ingredients of LGZGD may regulate multiple targets, biological processes and signaling pathways in NS. Our findings may provide a theoretical basis for further studies on LGZGD in the treatment of NS.

Effect of Chinese Herbs on Serum Biochemical Parameters, Immunity Indices, Antioxidant Capacity and Metabolomics in Early Weaned Yak Calves

Chinese traditional herbs are used widely as feed supplements to improve the immune response and antioxidant capacity of livestock. Twenty early-weaned 4-month-old yak calves (72.3 ± 3.65 kg) were divided randomly into four groups (n = 5 per group); three groups were provided with supplementary 80 mL/kg DMI of the root water extracts of either Angelica sinensis, Codonopsis pilosula or Glycyrrhiza uralensis, and one group (control) was not provided with a supplement. Compared to control calves, calves consuming the three herbal extracts increased serum concentrations of albumin (ALB) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), but decreased serum concentrations of free fatty acids (FFAs) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.05). Calves consuming A. sinensis decreased (p < 0.05) serum concentration of total cholesterol (TC), and increased (p < 0.05) serum concentration of total proteins (TP). Serum FFA concentrations increased (p = 0.004) linearly with time in the control group, but not in the groups consuming herbs. Serum metabolomic data demonstrated that A. sinensis and C. pilosula regulate mainly amino acid metabolism, while G. uralensis regulates mainly carbon and amino acid metabolism. It was concluded that the three herbal root extracts, as dietary supplements, improved energy and nitrogen metabolism, and enhanced the antioxidant capacity of yak calves.

The effects of laparoscopic myomectomy and open surgery on uterine myoma patients' postoperative immuno-inflammatory responses, endocrine statuses, and prognoses: a comparative study

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effects of laparoscopic myomectomy and open surgery on the postoperative inflammatory responses, endocrine statuses, and prognoses of uterine myoma patients.

METHODS

Uterine myoma patients (n=126) admitted to the Department of Gynecology in our hospital were recruited as the study cohort and divided into an observation group (n=63), and a control group (n=63). The patients in the observation group underwent laparoscopic myomectomies, and the patients in the control group underwent open surgery. The completion times, intraoperative blood loss volumes, postoperative hospital stay durations, postoperative exhaust times, preoperative and postoperative immune function, inflammatory factors, sex hormone levels, postoperative complications, and prognoses were observed.

RESULTS

The observation group showed shorter hospital stays, lower intraoperative blood loss volumes, and shorter postoperative exhaust times (P<0.001). After the surgery, CD3⁺%, CD4⁺%, and CD4⁺%/CD8⁺% were decreased, but the CD8⁺% was increased in the two groups (all P<0.01). The observation group had higher CD3⁺%, CD4⁺% and CD4⁺%/CD8⁺%, and lower CD8⁺% than the control group (all P<0.001). The C-reactive protein, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels were higher after the surgery in the two groups (all P<0.05), but the observation group had lower levels (all P<0.001). The follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels were lower, but the estradiol levels were higher in the observation group compared to the levels in the control group (all P<0.001). The total number of complications in the observation group was significantly lower than it was in the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic myomectomy contributes to quick recoveries and short hospital stays, reduces the postoperative inflammatory response and immunosuppression, has little effect on the postoperative sex hormone levels, and has a low incidence of complications. It is worthy of clinical application.

Anticancer Properties of Lobetyolin, an Essential Component of Radix Codonopsis (Dangshen)

Lobetyolin (LBT) is a polyacetylene glycoside found in diverse medicinal plants but mainly isolated from the roots of Codonopsis pilosula, known as Radix Codonopsis or Dangshen. Twelve traditional Chinese medicinal preparations containing Radix Codonopsis were identified; they are generally used to tonify spleen and lung Qi and occasionally to treat cancer. Here we have reviewed the anticancer properties of Codonopsis extracts, LBT and structural analogs. Lobetyolin and lobetyolinin are the mono- and bis-glucosylated forms of the polyacetylenic compound lobetyol. Lobetyol and LBT have shown activities against several types of cancer (notably gastric cancer) and we examined the molecular basis of their activity. A down-regulation of glutamine metabolism by LBT has been evidenced, contributing to drug-induced apoptosis and tumor growth inhibition. LBT markedly reduces both mRNA and protein expression of the amino acid transporter Alanine-Serine-Cysteine Transporter 2 (ASCT2). Other potential targets are proposed here, based on the structural analogy with other anticancer compounds. LBT and related polyacetylene glycosides should be further considered as potential anticancer agents, but more work is needed to evaluate their efficacy, toxicity, and risk-benefit ratio.