Galli gigeriae endothelium corneum: its intestinal barrier protective activity in vitro and chemical composition

Traditional knowledge of animal-derived medicines used by Gelao community in Northern Guizhou, China

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to document and preserve the traditional medicinal knowledge of the Gelao community in Northern Guizhou, China, providing valuable insights for modern pharmacological research and the development of these traditional remedies.

METHODS

Our methodology encompassed a blend of literature review, community interviews, and participatory observation to delve into the traditional knowledge of animal-derived medicines among the Gelao community. We employed quantitative ethnological and ecological assessment techniques to evaluate the significance of these practices. Informed consent was secured before conducting interviews, with a focus on ascertaining the types of medicines familiar to the informants, including their local names, sources, methods of preparation, application techniques, diseases treated, frequency of use, and safety considerations.

RESULTS

Our research cataloged 55 varieties of animal-derived medicines utilized by the Gelao people. Out of these, 34 originate from wild animals, mainly encompassing small insects, reptiles, and aquatic species; the remaining 21 are derived from domesticated animals, largely involving their tissues, organs, and various physiological or pathological by-products. These medicines are primarily applied in treating pediatric ailments (13 types), internal disorders (11 types), gynecological issues (3 types), dermatological problems (7 types), ENT conditions (3 types), trauma-related injuries (5 types), joint and bone ailments (5 types), infections (2 types), dental issues (2 types), and urolithiasis (1 type), with three types being used for other miscellaneous conditions. Commonly utilized medicines, such as honey, Blaps beetle, chicken gallstones, and snake-based products, are preferred for their availability, edibility, and safety within the Gelao communities.

CONCLUSION

The Gelao community's traditional medicines represent a rich diversity of animal sources, showcasing extensive expertise and knowledge in their processing and clinical applications. This wealth of traditional knowledge offers novel perspectives for the contemporary pharmacological study and development of these remedies. Additionally, our research plays a crucial role in aiding the preservation and continuation of this invaluable cultural heritage.

Integration of gut microbiome and serum metabolome revealed the effect of Qing-Wei-Zhi-Tong Micro-pills on gastric ulcer in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Qing-Wei-Zhi-Tong Micro-pills (QWZT) is herbal compound used in the treatment of GU, whose functions include clearing the stomach and fire, softening the liver and relieving pain. However, its mechanistic profile on host intestinal microbiota and metabolism has not been determined.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study aimed to observe the healing effect of QWZT on acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer in a rat model and to preliminarily elucidate its possible therapeutic mechanism from the perspective of host intestinal microbiota and metabolism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Wistar male rats (7 weeks old; weight 180-200 g) were randomly divided into normal control group (NC), acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer group (GU), and QWZT treatment group (High dose: 1250 mg/kg/day, Middle dose: 625 mg/kg/day, Low dose: 312.5 mg/kg/day) of 6 rats each. An acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer rat model was constructed based on anatomical surgery. QWZT (High dose, Middle dose, and Low dose) was used to treat gastric ulcer rats for 7 days by gavage. At the end of treatment, the body weight, macroscopic condition of gastric tissue ulcers, pathological changes (HE staining), inflammatory factors, oxidative stress factors, and endocrine factors were assessed in each group of rats. Fresh feces and serum from each group of rats were collected for microbiome and metabolome analysis on the machine, respectively. Drug-disease common targets and functional pathways were captured based on network pharmacology. The complex network of Herbs-Targets-Pathways-Metabolites-Microbiota interactions was constructed. Ultimately, Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) evaluated the contribution of gut microbiota in disease.

RESULTS

QWZT increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria (Bacteroides, Alloprevotella, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Lactobacillus, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Parabacteroides, etc.), reduced the abundance of harmful bacteria (Micromonospora, Geobacter, Nocardioides, and Arenimonas, etc.), reduced the levels of inflammatory mediators (12,13-EpOME, 9,10-Epoxyoctadecenoic acid, SM(d18:1/16:0) and Leukotriene A4, etc.), restored host metabolic disorders (Linoleic acid metabolism, Glycerophospholipid metabolism, and Arachidonic acid metabolism), and regulated the level of cytokines (IL-6, TNF-a, SOD, MDA, PEG-2 and NO), ultimately exerting an anti-ulcer effect. Apart from that, FMT improved acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers in rats.

CONCLUSION

QWZT improved acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers in rats by remodeling intestinal microbiota and regulating host metabolism. This work may promote the process of developing and utilizing clinical applications of QWZT.

Gas Chromatographic-Ion Mobility Spectrometry Combined with Chemometrics to Study the Changes in Characteristic Odor Components of Galli gigerii Endothelium Corneum in Different Processing Methods

Galli gigerii endothelium corneum (GGEC) is a traditional Chinese medicine commonly used in clinical practice to treat various conditions such as indigestion, vomiting, spermatorrhea, and enuresis. In this study, the volatile components of different concoctions of GGEC were examined by gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS), and the changes of the components were compared by fingerprinting, combined with principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) to analyze the main volatile components and find out the different markers that can distinguish the different concoctions of GGEC. In the result, the GC-IMS fingerprints of GGEC and its different concoctions showed differences in their volatile components, of which 49 volatiles were clearly characterized, with some components including monomers and dimers. The characteristic volatile components of raw GGEC (SP) were n-nonanal, (E)-2-octenal, beta-ocimene, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, etc. The characteristic volatile components of stir-fried GGEC (QC) are heptanal, 2-octanol, (E)-2-heptenal, etc. The characteristic volatile components of sand ironing GGEC (ST) are isoamyl acetate, decanal, cyclohexanone, 2-ethyl pyrazine, etc. The characteristic volatile components of stir-fried GGEC with vinegar (CZ) are thiazole, linalool, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, etc. The characteristic volatile components of stir-fried GGEC with milk (FH) are 2-methylbutanoic acid, ethyl acetate, ethyl 2-hydroxypropanoate, butyl acetate, etc. By chemometric analysis, components such as n-nonanal, (E)-2-octenal, 2-pentyl-furan, butanal, 1,4-dioxane, and 2-methylpropanoic acid could be used as difference markers to distinguish different concoction products of GGEC. Furthermore, by analyzing different volatile compounds, we can examine the changes in volatile components during processing of GGEC, which can provide experimental data for the identification and establishment of quality standards.

Access, charge and quality of tele-dermatology e-consults in China: A standardized patients study

OBJECTIVE

Direct-to-consumer telemedicine is rapidly changing the way that patients seek medical care. This study provided the first report on access, cost and quality of text- and image-based tele-dermatology e-consults, in China.

METHODS

We adopted the Standardized Patients approach to evaluate the services of tele-dermatology e-consults in two metropolitan cities, that is, Beijing and Hangzhou, in China. We measured quality from four dimensions: service process, diagnosis accuracy, prescription and treatment comprehensiveness, based on China's national clinical guidelines. We performed logistic regressions to investigate factors that were associated with high-quality care.

RESULTS

For 114 physicians eligible for inclusion, we succeeded in 87 (76%) validated visits. The median waiting time was 100 minutes (IQR 19-243 minutes) and the median length of consultation was 636 minutes (about 10 hours, IQR 188-1528 minutes). Per visit costs varied from $0 to $38, with a median of $8 (IQR 4-9). Among all, 15% of visits showed high quality in service process, 84% arrived in the correct diagnosis, 24% provided high-quality prescriptions and 71% provided comprehensive treatment. Providing images was associated with high quality in service process (OR 7.22, 95% CI 1.49-34.88). Visits in metropolitan Beijing and on non-work days had better prescription quality than that in metropolitan Hangzhou (OR 6.05, 95% CI 1.75-20.95) and that on workdays (OR 3.75, 95%CI 1.27-11.04), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Tele-dermatology e-consults seem to be easy to access and less expensive in China. However, great efforts are warranted to ensure that service processes and prescriptions adhere to clinical guidelines.

Effect of CO2 laser for the management of primary otosclerosis: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This study will explore the effect and safety of CO2 laser (COL) for the management of patients with primary otosclerosis (PO).

METHODS

The following electronic databases will be searched from inception to the present: PUBMED, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, VIP, WANGFANG, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. No language limitation will be applied. All relevant randomized controlled trials using COL to treat patients with PO will be included. Two researchers will identify studies, collect data and evaluate the risk of bias of each included study independently. Any different views between 2 researchers will be resolved by a third researcher via discussion. Data analysis will be carried out using RevMan 5.3 software.

RESULTS

This study will evaluate the effect and safety of COL for the treatment of PO through hearing gain, tinnitus severity, incidence of intraoperative, health-related quality of life, other morbidities, and adverse events.

CONCLUSION

This study will provide evidence for the effect and safety of COL in patients with PO.

STUDY REGISTRATION NUMBER

INPLASY202040110.