Comparative Efficacy and Toxicity of Different Species of Sargassum in Haizao Yuhu Decoction in PTU-Induced Goiter Rats

Ameliorative effect of ferulic acid on thyroid dysfunction against propyl-thiouracil induced hypothyroid rats

PURPOSE

Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disorder characterised by decreased T3, T4 and increased TSH levels. This study aims to examine the potential effects of Ferulic acid (FA) on rats with hypothyroidism induced by propylthiouracil through the estimation of biochemical parameters and histopathological studies.

METHODS

Twenty-five female wistar rats were allocated into five groups: Control group [1% CMC, p.o.], Disease group [PTU-50 mg/kg, p.o.], [Levothyroxine (LT4) group - 20 µg/kg, p.o. + PTU-50 mg/kg, p.o.], [FA -25 mg/kg, p.o. + PTU-50 mg/kg, p.o.] and [FA 50 mg/kg, p.o. + PTU-50 mg/kg, p.o.]. On 15th day blood was collected and serum was separated for estimation of biochemical parameters, liver and kidney homogenate was utilised for the estimation of oxidative stress markers and the thyroid gland was dissected to examine histological features.

RESULTS

PTU administration for 14 days showed a substantial decline in T3 and T4 and increases in TSH levels. PTU-administered rats significantly increased TC, TG and LDL levels, and decreased HDL levels. AST, ALT, urea, creatinine, and IL-6 were determined and these levels were significantly altered in PTU-induced hypothyroid group. In hypothyroid rats MDA, NO, GSH and SOD levels were significantly altered. However, treatment with FA for 14 days attenuated PTU-induced alterations. Furthermore, FA improves the histological changes of the thyroid gland.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, FA treatment showed a protective effect against hypothyroidism by stimulating the thyroid hormones through the activation of thyroid peroxidase enzyme and improving thyroid function. In addition, FA diminished the increase in lipids, liver and kidney markers, oxidative stress and inflammation.

Traditional Chinese medicine treatment for benign thyroid nodules: Literature review

Thyroid nodules (TNs) are pathological changes characterized by abnormal proliferation of thyroid gland tissue. Approximately 19% to 67% of asymptomatic individuals are diagnosed with TNs, with the majority being benign nodules and 4% to 6.5% being thyroid cancer nodules. Western medicine recommends regular examinations and surgery, while traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) provides an alternative choice to maintain thyroid function and reduce the need for surgery. However, in Taiwan, research on TCM treatment for benign TNs is primarily limited to case reports, lacking large-scale and systematic clinical studies. We conducted a search of electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Wanfang Data, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure to collect clinical trials related to TCM treatment for TNs. Our goal is to provide new treatment options, further validate the value of TCM in the treatment of TNs, and lay a foundation for future clinical research.

Haizao Yuhu decoctions including three species of glycyrrhiza protected against propylthiouracil-induced goiter with hypothyroidism in rats via the AMPK/mTOR pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Glycyrrhiza and sargassum are among the 18 incompatible medicaments according to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory. Although it contains glycyrrhiza and sargassum, Haizao Yuhu decoction (HYD) is a classic prescription widely used as TCM to treat goiter. According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, glycyrrhiza is divided into three varieties: Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fish., Glycyrrhiza glabra L., and Glycyrrhiza inflata Bat. Whether the three varieties of glycyrrhiza have different efficacy or toxicity when applied in the HYD is unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore whether the HYDs comprising three varieties of glycyrrhiza have different efficacy or toxicity when used to treat goiter in rats and the underlying mechanisms of these HYDs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For two weeks, the goiter model was replicated by intragastric propylthiouracil (PTU) administration. Samples were divided into the control group, model group, euthyrox group, HYD with glycyrrhiza uralensis (HYD-U) group, HYD with glycyrrhiza glabra (HYD-G) group, and HYD with glycyrrhiza inflata (HYD-I) group. After four weeks of treatment, body weight, rectal temperature, thyroid/liver/kidney coefficient, thyroid/liver/kidney function, thyroid/liver/kidney histomorphology, and thyroid ultrastructure were evaluated. Then, real-time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RTqPCR), Western blot, and immunofluorescence analyses were performed to detect genes and proteins affecting autophagy and apoptosis in thyroid cells in the AMP-activated Protein Kinases (AMPK)/Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway.

RESULTS

All three HYDs increased thyroid hormones (THs) levels, relieved thyroid pathological tissue and ultrastructure, and activated vital proteins and genes in the AMPK/mTOR pathway. Comparisons among the efficacy of the three HYDs indicated that HYD-U restored the THs most effectively; however, no difference in the anti-goiter effect was observed. Moreover, the three HYDs resulted in no toxicity and promoted the recovery of impaired liver and kidney function caused by PTU. Comparisons among the recovery effects of the three HYDs on the liver and kidney were the same.

CONCLUSION

Our experiments demonstrated that the three HYDs had outstanding anti-goiter effects and protected liver and kidney function. Their anti-goiter effects were attributed to AMPK/mTOR pathway-induced autophagy and apoptosis. HYD-U resulted in the best THs recovery. It was further indicated that in our present study, glycyrrhiza and sargassum were compatible in the three HYDs, thereby suggesting their safety of compounding in HYD and providing a basis for the research of the 18 incompatible medicaments.

Investigation of the effect of boron on thyroid functions and biochemical parameters in hypothyroid induced-rats

In the study investigating the effects of boron on thyroid hormones and some biochemical parameters in hypothyroid rats, 49 Wistar Albino male rats were divided into seven groups; (Control (C), Hypothyroidism (H), boron groups (B10, and B20), hypothyroid + boron groups (HB10 and HB20), and Treatment (T). Four groups (H, HB10, HB20, and T) were administered 10 mg/kg (B10 and HB10), 20 mg/kg (B20 and HB20) boron for 3 weeks, respectively after hypothyroidism was induced using Propycil® containing propylthiouracil (PTU). Thyroid hormone analyses and biochemical measurements were made from the serum and thyroid gland tissue was examined histopathologically. According to the findings, the fT3 level increased in the B10 group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). While AST, ALT, and ALP activities were found to be higher in the hypothyroid group than in the control group, AST and ALP activities in the HB10 and HB20 groups decreased to values close to the control group. Total cholesterol levels were found to be lower in boron-given groups compared to control and hypothyroid groups (p < 0.05). Sodium iodide symporter (NIS) immunoreactivity was found to be high in hypothyroid rat groups. As a result, it was observed that the increased AST and ALP activities in rats decreased with boron administration. The serum hormone levels measured in the study are not sufficient to understand the effect of boron on the thyroid gland, and it was concluded that further studies at the molecular level are needed to understand the effects of boron on the thyroid gland.

Comparative Efficacy of Haizao Yuhu Decoction Composed of Different Varieties of Glycyrrhiza in Goiter Rats

In traditional Chinese medicine, Glycyrrhiza and Sargassum are one pair of the “18 incompatible medicaments,” which in theory cannot be used together. However, since ancient times, many reports have described using compounds containing both Glycyrrhiza and Sargassum to treat diseases. Haizao Yuhu Decoction (HYD), which contains both ingredients, is mainly used to treat goiter. Chinese Pharmacopoeia officially recorded three varieties of Glycyrrhiza: Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Glycyrrhiza inflata, and Glycyrrhiza glabra. These three varieties have certain differences in chemical composition and pharmacological effects. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether the HYD containing different varieties of Glycyrrhiza and Sargassum had different therapeutic effects in rats with goiter and to elucidate the underlying mechanism of any difference. In this study, propylthiouracil (PTU) was used to replicate the goiter model, then HYDs containing different varieties of Glycyrrhiza were used for treatment for four weeks, and then the relevant indicators were tested. The results demonstrated that HYD had antigoiter effects, alleviated the pathological changes in the thyroid tissue, and restored the abnormal serum levels of hormones related to thyroid function induced by PTU. HYD containing Glycyrrhiza uralensis had the best therapeutic effect in rats with PTU-induced goiter. The antigoiter effect of HYD may function through the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, inhibit the expression of the Tg and NIS genes, and regulate the synthesis of thyroid hormones, thereby reducing the excessive stimulation of TSH in thyroid cells. In addition, HYD also prevented goiter by promoting thyroid cell apoptosis and inhibiting the ERK/RSK1 pathway of cell proliferation. In conclusion, three types of HYD had different therapeutic effects in rats with goiter, which might be caused by the compatibility of different varieties of Glycyrrhiza and Sargassum.

Investigation of the incompatibility of Knoxiae Radix and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in rats by 1 H NMR and MS-based untargeted metabolomic analysis

Knoxiae Radix (HDJ, usually used after being processed into CHDJ) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that has been recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia for many years. It is said that Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (GC) is incompatible with HDJ, but this is unproven. In this work, nontargeted metabolomics experiments were performed on rats to evaluate the effect of the combination of the two herbals. For this, we conducted a 28-day administration in rats. The plasma, urine and kidney tissues were collected for a metabolomics study based on ¹ H NMR and LC-MS. The OPLS-DA method was used to screen biomarkers. In addition, the KEGG Pathway database and MetaboAnalyst were used to find metabolic pathways. Twenty-two significant metabolites were identified. These metabolites were related to many metabolic pathways such as amino acid metabolism, synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies. Significant changes in urine creatinine levels revealed that CHDJ is nephrotoxic. When the GC-CHDJ mass ratio was 1, the toxicity was strengthened; when the GC-CHDJ' mass ratio was 3, the toxicity was alleviated. This is the first time that a metabolomics approach has been used to investigate the incompatibility of GC-CHDJ.

In vitro effects of peimine on the activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes

Peimine is a major component of Fritillaria ussuriensis, which is a widely used herb in pediatric. It is very common in Chinese traditional medicine to combine with two or more herbs in the clinic. To investigate the effect of peimine on the activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP450) is necessary for the clinical application of peimine.The effects of peimine on eight human liver CYP isoforms (i.e., 1A2, 3A4, 2A6, 2E1, 2D6, 2C9, 2C19 and 2C8) were investigated in vitro in human liver microsomes (HLMs) with the specific inhibitors as positive control and without peimine or inhibitors as negative control. The enzyme kinetic parameters were calculated.It was found that peimine inhibited the activity of CYP3A4, 2E1, and 2D6 in a concentration-dependent manner with the IC₅₀ values of 13.43, 21.93, and 22.46 μM, respectively. The inhibition of CYP3A4 was performed in a non-competitive manner with the Ki value of 6.49 μM, and the inhibition of CYP2E1 and 2D6 was performed in a competitive manner with Ki values of 10.76 and 11.95 μM. Additionally, peimine inhibited the activity of CYP3A4 in a time-dependent manner with the K_I/K_inact value of 6.17/0.049 min^-1μM^-1.Peimine inhibited the activity of CYP3A4, 2E1, and 2D6, which indicated the potential interaction between peimine and drugs metabolized by CYP3A4, 2E1, and 2D6. Further studies are needed to verify the drug-drug interaction and the in vivo effects.

Treatment of hypothyroidism using Korean medicine: 2 case reports

INTRODUCTION

Hypothyroidism, the most common endocrine disease, comprises a deficiency of thyroid hormone, causing coldness, fatigue, and dysmenorrhea. Here, we report the improvement of hypothyroidism symptoms and thyroid hormone level normalization by using Korean herbal medicine and acupuncture therapy.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 30-year-old woman (Case 1) presented at the clinic with continuous seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp, accompanied by dysmenorrhea. A 55-year-old woman (Case 2) presented with symptoms of coldness of the limbs and fatigue.

DIAGNOSIS

Both patients were diagnosed with "Yin deficiency and Yang hyperactivity" and hypothyroidism after serum thyroid function tests.

INTERVENTIONS

Both patients received herbal medicine decoction, acupuncture, and electroacupuncture therapy.

OUTCOMES

Korean medicine improved the symptoms of hypothyroidism and significantly normalized thyroid-stimulating hormone and free-thyroxine levels.

CONCLUSION

These outcomes suggest that Korean medicine may be effective for resolution of hypothyroidism; however, further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Sargassum hystrix as a Source of Functional Food to Improve Blood Biochemistry Profiles of Rats under Stress

This study was conducted to determine the influence of Sargassum hystrix powder (SHP) as an alternative source of functional food for treating in vivo stress by measuring levels of glucose, triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, and cortisol, and liver histopathology. Wistar rats aged 3 months and weighing 150~200 g were divided into 7 groups: normal control, fasting control, negative control (stress without adaptogen), and 4 experimental conditions (stress+0.18 mg/kg diazepam, stress+450 mg/kg pellet, stress+mixture of pellet with SHP 450 mg/kg, and stress+450 mg/kg of SHP). Intake of liquids and and body weight were measured daily. Blood samples were collected on day 0 (baseline), day 5, and day 10 to analyze levels of glucose, triacylglycerol, cholesterol, and cortisol. On day 10, rats were euthanized and livers were collected to observe the severity of inflammation. The results indicated that rats receiving SHP 450 mg/kg and the mixture of pellet with SHP 450 mg/kg showed a similar ability as those receiving diazepam 0.18 mg/kg to cope with stress, indicated by an improvement in all blood biochemistry parameters. Supplementation with SHP 450 mg/kg can be used as an alternative source of functional food for overcoming oxidative stress, as indicated by its ability to improve levels of blood glucose, triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, and cortisol, and to improve liver histology by decreasing severity of liver inflammation.

Do Different Species of Sargassum in Haizao Yuhu Decoction Cause Different Effects in a Rat Goiter Model?

Sargassum species combined with Glycyrrhiza uralensis is a famous herbal pair in traditional Chinese medicine, as one of the so-called “eighteen antagonistic medicaments.” In the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, two different species of Sargassum, Sargassum pallidum and Sargassum fusiforme, are recorded but they are not clearly differentiated in clinical use. In this study, we aimed to determine whether the two species of Sargassum could result in different effects when combined with G. uralensis in Haizao Yuhu Decoction (HYD), which is used for treating thyroid-related diseases, especially goiter. HYD containing S. pallidum or S. fusiforme was administered to rats with propylthiouracil-induced goiter. After 4 weeks, pathological changes in the thyroid tissue and the relative thyroid weight indicated that HYD containing S. pallidum or S. fusiforme protected thyroid tissues from propylthiouracil damage. Neither species increased the propylthiouracil-induced decrease in serum levels of thyroid hormones. However, there were some differences in their actions, and only HYD containing S. fusiforme abated the propylthiouracil-induced elevation of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone levels and activated thyroglobulin mRNA expression.