通讯机构：
[He, Aiwu Ruth] Lombardi Comprehens Canc Ctr, Dept Oncol, 3800 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, DC 20007 USA.;[He, Aiwu Ruth] MedStar Georgetown Univ Hosp, Div Hematol Oncol, 3800 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, DC 20007 USA.
摘要：
Immune cells that infiltrate a tumor may be a prognostic factor for patients who have had surgically resected hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The density of intratumoral total (CD3(+)) and cytotoxic (CD8(+)) T lymphocytes was measured in the tumor interior and in the invasive margin of 65 stage I to IV HCC tissue specimens from a single cohort. Immune cell density in the interior and margin was converted to a binary score (0, low; 1, high), which was correlated with tumor recurrence and relapse-free survival (RFS). In addition, the expression of programmed death 1 (PD-1) and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) was correlated with the density of CD3(+) and CD8(+) cells and clinical outcome. High densities of both CD3(+) and CD8(+) T cells in both the interior and margin, along with corresponding Immunoscores, were significantly associated with a low rate of recurrence (P = 0.007) and a prolonged RFS (P = 0.002). In multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for vascular invasion and cellular differentiation, both CD3(+) and CD8(+) cell densities predicted recurrence, with odds ratios of 5.8 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.6-21.8] for CD3(+) and 3.9 (95% CI, 1.1-14.1) for CD8(+) Positive PD-L1 staining was correlated with high CD3 and CD8 density (P = 0.024 and 0.005, respectively) and predicted a lower rate of recurrence (P = 0.034), as well as prolonged RFS (P = 0.029). Immunoscore and PD-L1 expression, therefore, are useful prognostic markers in patients with HCC who have undergone primary tumor resection. Cancer Immunol Res; 4(5); 419-30. (c)2016 AACR.
期刊：
Journal of ethnopharmacology,2016年192:382-389 ISSN：0378-8741
通讯作者：
Dai, Bing;Xiao, Zizeng
作者机构：
[Wu, Qinxuan; Cao, Luting; Zhang, Jiani] Changsha Medical University, Changsha, Hunan 410219, China;[Dai, Bing] The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shaoshan Road, Changsha, Hunan 410007, China. Electronic address: db0223@163.com;[Yang, Menglin] Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208;[Xiao, Zizeng] Changsha Social Work College, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China. Electronic address: 15570883815@163.com;[Zeng, Chengxi] Changsha Social Work College, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
通讯机构：
[Dai, Bing] The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shaoshan Road, Changsha, Hunan 410007, China. Electronic address:;[Xiao, Zizeng] Changsha Social Work College, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China. Electronic address:
关键词：
Type 2 diabetes mellitus;Liuwei Dihuang decoction;PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
摘要：
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Liuwei Dihaung decoction (LWDHT) is a well-known classic traditional Chinese medicine formula, consists of six herbs including Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch.(family: Scrophulariaceae), Cornus officinalis Sieb.(family: Cornaceae), Dioscorea opposite Thunb.(family: Dioscoreaceae), Alisma orientale(G. Samuelsson) Juz (family: Alismataceae), Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf (family: Polyporaceae) and Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews (family: Paeoniaceae). It has been used in the treatment of many types of diseases with signs of deficiency of Yin in the kidneys in China clinically. This study is aimed at investigating the effect of Liuwei dihuang decoction on PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in liver of T2DM rats with insulin resistance. Materials and methods: T2DM model was induced in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats by high sugar and high fat diets combined with small dose of streptozocin (STZ) injection. The successful T2DM rats were randomly allocated three group-vehicle group, positive control group and Liuwei Dihuang decoction group. After 12-weeks treatment with distilled water, rosiglitazone and LWDHT by intragastric administration respectively, the rats were put to death in batches. The variance of fasting blood glucose (FBG) and fasting insulin (FINS) in serum were determined, the pathological changes of each rats' liver were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, the expression of insulin receptor substrate 2(IRS2), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinas B (Akt) involving the canonical PI3K/Akt signaling pathway were detected by Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RT-PCR), and the expression level of IRS2, PI3K, Akt protein and phosphorylated IRS2, PI3K, Akt protein were evaluated by Western Blot. All the data were analyzed by SPSS 17.0. Results: Four weeks of treatment with LWDHT could significantly decrease the level of FBG and FINS in serum, improve the cellular morphology of liver, kidney, pancreas tissue, and the expression of IRS2, PI31<, Akt mRNA and phosphorylated IRS2, PI3K, Akt protein involved in the canonical PI31</Akt signaling pathway of T2DM rats in liver were significantly up-regulated, while the total IRS2, PI31<, and Akt protein had no obvious changes. Conclusions: The results suggest that Liuwei Dihuang decoction could intervene insulin resistance of T2DM, in part, through regulation of canonical PI3K/Akt signaling pathway of T2DM rats in liver. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
期刊：
JAMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION,2017年317(24):2502-2514 ISSN：0098-7484
通讯作者：
Wu, Xiao-Ke
作者机构：
[Liang, Rui-Ning] Department of Gynecology, Second Hospital, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China;[Legro, Richard S] Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China32Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey;[Hao, Cui-Fang] Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, China;[Yang, Hong-Wei] Department of Infertility, Liwan District Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China;[Wang, Xin] Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital, Liaoning University of Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, China
通讯机构：
[Wu, Xiao-Ke] Heilongjiang Univ Chinese Med, Affiliated Hosp 1, Dept Obstet & Gynecol, Harbin 150040, Peoples R China.
摘要：
Importance: Acupuncture is used to induce ovulation in some women with polycystic ovary syndrome, without supporting clinical evidence. Objective: To assess whether active acupuncture, either alone or combined with clomiphene, increases the likelihood of live births among women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Design, Setting, and Participants: A double-blind (clomiphene vs placebo), single-blind (active vs control acupuncture) factorial trial was conducted at 21 sites (27 hospitals) in mainland China between July 6, 2012, and November 18, 2014, with 10 months of pregnancy follow-up until October 7, 2015. Chinese women with polycystic ovary syndrome were randomized in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to 4 groups. Interventions: Active or control acupuncture administered twice a week for 30 minutes per treatment and clomiphene or placebo administered for 5 days per cycle, for up to 4 cycles. The active acupuncture group received deep needle insertion with combined manual and low-frequency electrical stimulation; the control acupuncture group received superficial needle insertion, no manual stimulation, and mock electricity. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was live birth. Secondary outcomes included adverse events. Results: Among the 1000 randomized women (mean [SD] age, 27.9 [3.3] years; mean [SD] body mass index, 24.2 [4.3]), 250 were randomized to each group; a total of 926 women (92.6%) completed the trial. Live births occurred in 69 of 235 women (29.4%) in the active acupuncture plus clomiphene group, 66 of 236 (28.0%) in the control acupuncture plus clomiphene group, 31 of 223 (13.9%) in the active acupuncture plus placebo group, and 39 of 232 (16.8%) in the control acupuncture plus placebo group. There was no significant interaction between active acupuncture and clomiphene (P = .39), so main effects were evaluated. The live birth rate was significantly higher in the women treated with clomiphene than with placebo (135 of 471 [28.7%] vs 70 of 455 [15.4%], respectively; difference, 13.3%; 95% CI, 8.0% to 18.5%) and not significantly different between women treated with active vs control acupuncture (100 of 458 [21.8%] vs 105 of 468 [22.4%], respectively; difference, -0.6%; 95% CI, -5.9% to 4.7%). Diarrhea and bruising were more common in patients receiving active acupuncture than control acupuncture (diarrhea: 25 of 500 [5.0%] vs 8 of 500 [1.6%], respectively; difference, 3.4%; 95% CI, 1.2% to 5.6%; bruising: 37 of 500 [7.4%] vs 9 of 500 [1.8%], respectively; difference, 5.6%; 95% CI, 3.0% to 8.2%). Conclusions and Relevance: Among Chinese women with polycystic ovary syndrome, the use of acupuncture with or without clomiphene, compared with control acupuncture and placebo, did not increase live births. This finding does not support acupuncture as an infertility treatment in such women. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01573858.
期刊：
Journal of Affective Disorders,2016年224:56-60 ISSN：0165-0327
通讯作者：
Wang, Yuhong
作者机构：
[Meng, Pan] State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Powder and Medicine Innovation in Hunan (incubation), Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, China;[Han, Yuanshan; Yang, Hui] Central Laboratory, the First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410007, China;[Wang, Yuhong] State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Powder and Medicine Innovation in Hunan (incubation), Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, China. Electronic address: washjonyck@163.com
通讯机构：
[Wang, Yuhong] State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Powder and Medicine Innovation in Hunan (incubation), Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, China. Electronic address:
关键词：
Diabetes;Depression;25-hydroxyvitamin D
摘要：
Background: Because of the absence of data on the direct association between vitamin D and depression in patients with diabetes, we examined the association between vitamin D state (assessed by 25-hydroxyvitamin D [ 25(OH) D]) and the prevalence of depression in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM). Method: Cross-sectional data were obtained from 2786 patients with T2DM recruited from a Chinese diabetes registry. Patients' records were reviewed to obtain data pertaining to age, sex, Body Mass Index (BMI), marital status, level of education, smoking status, duration of diabetes mellitus, use of insulin, and presence of additional illnesses. A multiple logistic regression analysis adjusted for potential confounders was used to assess independent associations between serum levels of 25 (OH) D and depression (defined by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9). Results: Using the PHQ-9 cutoff value of >= 10, 5.71% (159/2786; 95% CI: 4.85-6.57%) were considered to have depression. The serum 25(OH) D levels were significantly lower in diabetic patients with depression than those patients without depression [10.2(IQR, 7.6-15.2) ng/ml vs. 14.6(IQR, 10.7-19.8)ng/ml, respectively; P < 0.0001]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis considering traditional risk factors and other biomarkers showed an inverse relationship between serum 25 (OH) D levels and depression when serum 25 (OH) D were used as a continuous variable (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.77-0.90; P < 0.001). Compared with the first quartile of serum 25 (OH) D levels, the second quartile OR for depression was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.75-0.92, P=0.012). For the third and fourth quartiles, it was 0.40 (95% CI, 0.33-0.52, P < 0.001) and 0.15 (95% CI, 0.08-0.22; P < 0.001), respectively. Conclusions: We observed a significant negative association between serum levels of 25 (OH) D and depression in Chinese patients with T2DM.
作者：
Li, Jian;Wu, Q;Wu, Xiao-Ke*;Zhou, Zhong-Ming;Fu, Ping;Chen, Xiu-Hua;Yan, Ying;Wang, Xin;Yang, Zheng-Wang;Li, Wei-Li;Stener-Victorin, Elisabet;Legro, Richard S;Ng, Ernest Hung-Yu;Zhang, Heping;Mol, Ben Willem J;Wang, Chi Chiu
期刊：
Human reproduction (Oxford, England),2018年33(4):617-625 ISSN：0268-1161
通讯作者：
Wu, Xiao-Ke
作者机构：
[Li, Jian; Wu, Xiao-Ke] Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 26 Heping Road, Harbin, China;[Wu, Q; Wang, Chi Chiu] Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong;[Zhou, Zhong-Ming] Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hubei Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China;[Fu, Ping] Department of Gynecology, Hangzhou City Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, China;[Chen, Xiu-Hua] Department of Gynecology, Department of Traditional Technology, Guangdong Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
关键词：
polycystic ovary syndrome;second-hand smoke;sex hormones;metabolic syndrome;pregnancy and obstetric outcomes
摘要：
STUDY QUESTION: Does second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure from husbands have adverse effects on sex hormones, metabolic profiles, clinical phenotypes and fertility outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergoing ovulation induction? SUMMARY ANSWER: SHS exposure is associated with worsened biochemical hyperandrogenism, higher incidence of metabolic syndrome and reduced conception rates in women with PCOS. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Smoking in women impairs fecundity at some stages of the reproductive process including folliculogenesis, embryo transport, endometrial angiogenesis and uterine blood flow. Yet little is known about the hazard of SHS exposure in women with PCOS. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This study was a secondary analysis of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Acupuncture and Clomiphene Trial (PCOSAct), a large randomized controlled trial conducted at 27 hospitals from 2012 to 2015 in mainland China. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Out of 1000 women with PCOS, SHS exposure status were available in 500 women, of whom 271 women were non-exposed and 229 exposed to cigarette smoke (170 women </=10 cigarettes per day as low-SHS exposed and 59 women >10 cigarettes per day as high-SHS exposed). We compared circulating sex steroids, glucose and lipid metabolism, metabolic syndrome and phenotypes, fertility and obstetric outcomes between non-exposed and exposed women. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Women exposed to SHS, compared to non-exposed women, had a higher serum total testosterone (1.7 vs 1.5 nmol/L, P = 0.01), free androgen index (5.7 vs 4.0, P = 0.001) and lower sex hormone binding globulin (30.1 vs 35.6 nmol/L, P = 0.03). Metabolic syndrome, but not other phenotypes, was more frequent in exposed women as compared to non-exposed women (21.8 vs 13.3%, adjusted odds ratio (OR)=1.66; 95% CI, 1.02-2.71, P = 0.04). Ovulation rates between exposed and non-exposed groups were not significantly different (76.9 vs 82.9%, adjusted OR=0.72; 95% CI, 0.45-1.15, P = 0.17). Conception rates were significant lower in the exposed group (26.6 vs 36.9%; adjusted OR=0.61; 95% CI, 0.41-0.91; P = 0.01), while clinical pregnancy and live birth rates showed a similar trend that was not statistically significant. Gestational age, birth weight and other obstetric outcomes were not affected by SHS exposure. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Data on SHS exposure were missing in 50% of the women. We did not assay serum nicotine or cotinine levels to quantify the SHS exposure status. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: These data suggest that smoking partners of infertile women with PCOS who seek treatment should be advised to quit smoking. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): Funding was provided by the National Public Welfare Projects for Chinese Medicine (201107005 and 200807002) and the National Clinical Trial Base in Chinese Medicine Special Projects (JDZX2012036 and 2015B009). There are no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrial.gov number: NCT01573858 and chictr.org.cn number: ChiCTR-TRC-12002081.
摘要：
BACKGROUND: Recent studies have indicated that microRNA-15a (miR-15a) is dysregulated in breast cancer (BC). We aimed to evaluate the expression of miR-15a in BC tissues and corresponding para-carcinoma tissues. We also focused on effects of miR-15a on cellular behavior of MDA-MB-231 and expression of its target gene synuclein-gamma (SNCG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression levels of miR-15a were analysed in BC formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissues by microarray and quantitative real-time PCR. CCK-8 assays, cell cycle and apoptosis assays were used to explore the potential functions of miR-15a in MDA-MB-231 human BC cells. A luciferase reporter assay confirmed direct targets. RESULTS: Downregulation of miR-15a was detected in most primary BCs. Ectopic expression of miR-15a promoted proliferation and suppressed apoptosis in vivo. Further studies indicated that miR-15a may directly interact with the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of SNCG mRNA, downregulating its mRNA and protein expression levels. SNCG expression was negatively correlated with miR-15a expression. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-15a has a critical role in mediating cell cycle arrest and promoting cell apoptosis of BC, probably by directly targeting SNCG. Thus, it may be involved in development and progression of BC.
期刊：
LIFE SCIENCES,2014年117(1):19-23 ISSN：0024-3205
通讯作者：
Wang, Wei
作者机构：
[Guo, Jingjing; Jian, Zijuan] Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China;[Ning, Xingwang] Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, PR China;[Wang, Wei] Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China. Electronic address: weiweiwang1983@163.com
通讯机构：
[Wang, Wei] Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China. Electronic address:
摘要：
Aims: The clinical significance of myeloperoxidase (MPO) has been the focus of investigation because it may contribute to the chronic, non-microbial inflammatory process in various diseases. Here, we determined serum MPO levels in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, and investigated the associations between MPO levels and disease activity indicators in RA. Main methods: The distribution of MPO was determined in serum samples from patients with RA, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS), dermatomyositis (DM), or ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and from healthy controls using commercial ELISA kits. Associations of serum MPO levels with the disease variables of RA patients were evaluated. Key findings: All patient samples analyzed showed higher serum levels of MPO than healthy controls. Furthermore, MPO levels in RA were significantly higher than those in the other diseases with the exception of DM. Higher MPO levels were observed in RA patients with increased C-reactive protein (p = 0.005) or neutrophil percentage (p < 0.001), as well as in those with highly active disease (p < 0.001). Moderate positive correlations between MPO levels and IgM (r = 0.334, p = 0.001),C-reactive protein (r = 0.293, p = 0.003), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (r = 0.240, p = 0.016), or DAS28 (r = 0.350, p < 0.001) were also demonstrated. Significance: The MPO concentration is likely to increase in patients with chronic inflammation. The associations between MPO and the disease variables of RA patients support a role for MPO in the inflammatory process of the disease. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
期刊：
JAMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION,2017年317(24):2493-2501 ISSN：0098-7484
通讯作者：
Liu, Baoyan
作者机构：
[Zhou, Kehua] Daemen Coll, Daemen Coll Phys Therapy Wound Care Clin, Amherst, NY USA.;[He, Liyun; Yan, Shiyan; Ai, Yanke; Li, Hongjiao; Luo, Lin; Liu, Yan] China Acad Chinese Med Sci, Inst Basic Res Clin Med, Beijing, Peoples R China.;[Yue, Zenghui] Hunan Univ Chinese Med, Hengyang Hosp, Hengyang, Peoples R China.;[Xu, Huanfang; Liu, Baoyan; Pang, Ran; Qin, Zongshi; Wang, Yang; Zhou, Jing; Liu, Zhishun; Wu, Jiani] China Acad Chinese Med Sci, Guangan Men Hosp, Beijing, Peoples R China.;[Xu, Huanfang] China Acad Chinese Med Sci, Inst Acupuncture & Moxibust, Beijing, Peoples R China.
通讯机构：
[Liu, Baoyan] China Acad Chinese Med Sci, Dept Acupuncture & Moxibust, Guangan Men Hosp, 5 Beixiange St, Beijing 100053, Peoples R China.
摘要：
Importance: Electroacupuncture involving the lumbosacral region may be effective for women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI), but evidence is limited. Objective: To assess the effect of electroacupuncture vs sham electroacupuncture for women with SUI. Design, Setting, and Participants: Multicenter, randomized clinical trial conducted at 12 hospitals in China and enrolling 504 women with SUI between October 2013 and May 2015, with data collection completed in December 2015. Interventions: Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive 18 sessions (over 6 weeks) of electroacupuncture involving the lumbosacral region (n = 252) or sham electroacupuncture (n = 252) with no skin penetration on sham acupoints. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was change from baseline to week 6 in the amount of urine leakage, measured by the 1-hour pad test. Secondary outcomes included mean 72-hour urinary incontinence episodes measured by a 72-hour bladder diary (72-hour incontinence episodes). Results: Among the 504 randomized participants (mean [SD] age, 55.3 [8.4] years), 482 completed the study. Mean urine leakage at baseline was 18.4 g for the electroacupuncture group and 19.1 g for the sham electroacupuncture group. Mean 72-hour incontinence episodes were 7.9 for the electroacupuncture group and 7.7 for the sham electroacupuncture group. At week 6, the electroacupuncture group had greater decrease in mean urine leakage (-9.9 g) than the sham electroacupuncture group (-2.6 g) with a mean difference of 7.4 g (95% CI, 4.8 to 10.0; P < .001). During some time periods, the change in the mean 72-hour incontinence episodes from baseline was greater with electroacupuncture than sham electroacupuncture with between-group differences of 1.0 episode in weeks 1 to 6 (95% CI, 0.2-1.7; P = .01), 2.0 episodes in weeks 15 to 18 (95% CI, 1.3-2.7; P < .001), and 2.1 episodes in weeks 27 to 30 (95% CI, 1.3-2.8; P < .001). The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was 1.6% in the electroacupuncture group and 2.0% in the sham electroacupuncture group, and all events were classified as mild. Conclusions and Relevance: Among women with stress urinary incontinence, treatment with electroacupuncture involving the lumbosacral region, compared with sham electroacupuncture, resulted in less urine leakage after 6 weeks. Further research is needed to understand long-term efficacy and the mechanism of action of this intervention. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01784172.
摘要：
Interleukin 35 (IL-35) is a newly discovered anti-inflammatory cytokine. Recent studies have indicated that it plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. In humans, IL-35 is predominantly secreted from regulatory T cells. This study aimed to measure serum IL-35 levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and in control individuals, and analyze its association with disease indicators of RA. One hundred patients with RA were recruited, and 50 volunteers were enrolled as healthy controls. Serum IL-35 levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. RA patients showed significantly lower serum levels of IL-35 compared with healthy controls (p < 0.001). RA patients suffering from erosive arthritis (n = 31) had lower IL-35 levels than those with non-erosive arthritis (n = 69, p = 0.022). In addition, serum IL-35 level was significantly lower in 22 patients with elevated percentage (> 75%) of neutrophils (p < 0.001). Correlation analysis indicated a significantly negative association between IL-35 and age, rheumatoid factor (RF), or percentage of neutrophils. In contrast, the serum IL-35 levels were not significantly different between patients with anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies (n = 78) and those without anti-CCP antibodies (n = 22). However, among patients without anti-CCP antibodies, the serum IL-35 levels were lower in patients with erosive arthritis (n = 8) than those patients without erosion (n = 14) (p < 0.001), although no significant difference was detected in patients with anti-CCP antibodies. In conclusion, IL-35 plays a protective role in the pathogenesis of RA.
期刊：
Science China. Life sciences,2013年56(5):460-466 ISSN：1674-7305
通讯作者：
Li ZhongYu
作者机构：
[Wu YiMou; Cao WenJuan; Zhou Zhou; Lu ChunXue; Zhou Hui; Li ZhongYu; Ma KangKang] Univ South China, Pathogen Biol Inst, Hengyang 421001, Peoples R China.;[Zhong GuangMing] Univ Texas Hlth Sci Ctr San Antonio, Dept Microbiol & Immunol, San Antonio, TX 78229 USA.;[Xie XiaoBing; Zhou Hui] Hunan Univ Chinese Med, Hosp 1, Dept Lab Med, Changsha 410007, Hunan, Peoples R China.;[Huang QiuLin] Univ South China, Affiliated Hosp 1, Dept Gen Surg, Hengyang 421001, Peoples R China.
通讯机构：
[Li ZhongYu] Univ South China, Pathogen Biol Inst, Hengyang 421001, Peoples R China.
关键词：
Chlamydia trachomatis;pORF5 plasmid protein;mitogen-activated protein kinase;proinflammatory cytokines;TLR2
摘要：
Infection with Chlamydia trachomatis induces inflammatory pathologies in the urogenital tract that can lead to infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Pathogenesis of infection has been mostly attributed to excessive cytokine production. However, precise mechanisms on how C. trachomatis triggers this production, and which protein(s) stimulate inflammatory cytokines remains unknown. In the present study, the C. trachomatis pORF5 protein induced tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in dose- and time-dependent manners in the THP-1 human monocyte cell line. We found that intracellular p38/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/MAPK signaling pathways were required for the induction of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-8. Blockade of toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) signaling reduced induction levels of TNF-alpha, IL-8 and IL-1 beta. We concluded that the C. trachomatis pORF5 protein might contribute to the inflammatory processes associated with chlamydial infections.
关键词：
Pancreatic cancer;RNA interference (RNAi);X-linked apoptosis inhibiting protein (XIAP);Survivin;Lentivirus;Proliferation;Apoptosis;Chemosensitivity
摘要：
At present, classic therapies provide limited benefits to the survival of patients with pancreatic cancer. However, clinically available gene therapy strategies have not been well established. This study investigates the effect of shRNA-mediated inhibition of XIAP and survivin expression on the proliferation, apoptosis, and chemosensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells. Stable inhibition of XIAP and survivin expression in SW1990 and Panc-1 pancreatic cancer cells was established by lentivirus-carried shRNAs. The mRNA and protein expression of XIAP and survivin were detected by real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. Cell proliferation was measured by MTT assay, and apoptosis was detected by caspase-3/7 activity and Hoechst33342 staining. The lentivirus-carried shRNA significantly inhibited XIAP and survivin expression. Simultaneous inhibition of XIAP and survivin expression in pancreatic cells significantly reduced cell proliferation, increased caspase-3/7 activity, and increased cell sensitization to 5-FU and gemcitabine treatments compared to inhibition of XIAP or survivin expression alone. However, simultaneous silencing of XIAP and survivin showed no significant difference in inducing cell apoptosis compared to silencing of XIAP or survivin expression alone. Simultaneous inhibition of XIAP and survivin expression may be an effective strategy for gene therapy of pancreatic cancer.
作者机构：
[Du, Ke] School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China. Cocoadu006@163.com;[Liu, Chan] School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China. iriniliu@163.com;[Chen, Jian-Xiong] School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China. jchen3@umc.edu;[Chen, Jian-Xiong] Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, School of Medicine, Jackson, MS 39216, USA. jchen3@umc.edu;[Zhu, Neng] Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China. Nzhu0116@126.com
通讯机构：
[Ao, Bao-Xue; Shi, Ya-Ning; Zheng, Xi-Long; Du, Ke; Qin, Li; Chen, Jian-Xiong; Liu, Chan; Liao, Duan-Fang] School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China.;[Zheng, Xi-Long] Molecular Biology, the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada.;[Chen, Jian-Xiong] Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, School of Medicine, Jackson, MS 39216, USA.;[Zhu, Neng] Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China.
摘要：
Lipid disorder and inflammation play critical roles in the development of atherosclerosis. Reverse cholesterol transport is a key event in lipid metabolism. Caveolae and caveolin-1 are in the center stage of cholesterol transportation and inflammation in macrophages. Here, we propose that reverse cholesterol transport and inflammation in atherosclerosis can be integrated by caveolae and caveolin-1.
作者机构：
[Cheng, Lijuan; Tao, Huai; Hu, Mei; Song, Lan] Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, China;[Song, Lan] Division of Stem Cell Regulation and Application, State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Powder and Medicine Innovation in Hunan (Incubation), Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, China;[Song, Lan] University of South China, College of Life Science, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China. Electronic address: songlan311492@163.com;[Xu, Zhaojun] Cardiothoracic Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital, Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 41007, China;[Zhang, Caiping] University of South China, College of Life Science, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
通讯机构：
[Song, Lan] University of South China, College of Life Science, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China. Electronic address:
关键词：
Acute lung injury;Alveolar type II epithelial cells;FoxA1;miR-17;Gene expression
摘要：
Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe pulmonary disease that causes a high number of fatalities worldwide. Studies have shown that FoxA1 expression is upregulated during ALI and may play an important role in ALI by promoting the apoptosis of alveolar type II epithelial cells. However, the mechanism of FoxA1 overexpression in ALI is unclear. In this study, an in vivo murine model of ALI and alveolar type II epithelial cells injury was induced using lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LPS upregulated FoxA1 in the lung tissue of the in vivo ALI model and in LPS-challenged type II epithelial cells. In contrast, miR-17 was significantly downregulated in these models. After miR-17 antagomir injection, the expression of FoxA1 was significantly increased in ALI mice. MiR-17 mimics could significantly inhibit FoxA1 mRNA and protein expression, whereas the miR-17 inhibitor could significantly increase FoxA1 mRNA and protein expression in LPS-induced type II epithelial cells. Thus, our results suggest that the downregulation of miR-17 expression could lead to FoxA1 overexpression in ALI. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
期刊：
Archives of Pharmacal Research,2015年38(2):282-289 ISSN：0253-6269
通讯作者：
Xiao, Xiao-Qin
作者机构：
[Ting Wang; Xiao-Qin Xiao] Hunan Univ Chinese Med, Inst Combinat Chinese Tradit Med & Western Med, Changsha 410208, Hunan, Peoples R China.;[Jian Liu] Hunan Univ Chinese Med, Hosp 1, Dept Emergency, Changsha 410208, Hunan, Peoples R China.;[Xiao-Qin Xiao] Hunan Univ Chinese Med, Inst Combinat Chinese Tradit Med & Western Med, Bachelor Rd, Changsha 410208, Hunan, Peoples R China.
通讯机构：
[Xiao, Xiao-Qin] Hunan Univ Chinese Med, Inst Combinat Chinese Tradit Med & Western Med, Bachelor Rd, Changsha 410208, Hunan, Peoples R China.
摘要：
Cantharidin (CTD), a chemical compound secreted by blister beetles, has been shown with anti-tumor property in many cancer cells. In this study, our data showed that CTD exerts potent anti-angiogenesis activity in a dose-dependent manner. CTD dose dependently suppressed human umbilical vascular endothelial cells proliferation, migration, and tube formation in vitro. Furthermore, CTD concentration dependently inhibited angiogenesis in chick embryo CAM model in vivo. At the molecular level, CTD abrogated VEGF-induced activation of STAT3 and suppressed the phosphorylation of JAK1 and ERK in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, CTD blocked the phosphorylation of AKT in a time-dependent manner. Taken together, these findings clearly demonstrate for the first time that CTD can inhibit angiogenesis and may have applications in the development of new anti-angiogenesis drugs.
作者机构：
[Liu, Zhi-Bin] Shanxi Univ Tradit Chinese Med, Xianyang, Shanxi, Peoples R China.;[Zhu, Bing; Rong, Pei-Jing; Jing, Xiang-Hong] China Acad Chinese Med Sci, Inst Acupuncture & Moxibust, Beijing, Peoples R China.;[Zeng, Fang; Zhou, Si-Yuan; Li, Ying; Zheng, Hui] Chengdu Univ Tradit Chinese Med, Acupuncture & Tuina Coll, Chengdu, Sichuan, Peoples R China.;[Wang, Fu-Chun] Changchun Univ Tradit Chinese Med, Changchun, Jilin, Peoples R China.;[Zhang, Wei] Hunan Univ Tradit Chinese Med, Hosp 1, Changsha, Hunan, Peoples R China.
通讯机构：
[Zhu, Bing] China Acad Chinese Med Sci, Inst Acupuncture & Moxibust, Beijing, Peoples R China.;[Liu, Zhi-Shun] China Acad Chinese Med Sci, Guanganmen Hosp, Beijing, Peoples R China.
摘要：
Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) and functional diarrhea (FD) are highly prevalent, and the effectiveness of acupuncture for managing IBS-D and FD is still unknown.The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of electroacupuncture with loperamide.It was a prospective, randomized, parallel group controlled trial.A total of 448 participants were randomly assigned to He electroacupuncture group (n = 113), Shu-Mu electroacupuncture group (n = 111), He-Shu-Mu electroacupuncture group (n = 112), or loperamide group (n = 112). Participants in the 3 acupuncture groups received 16 sessions of electroacupuncture during a 4-week treatment phase, whereas participants in the loperamide group received oral loperamide 2 mg thrice daily. The primary outcome was the change from baseline in stool frequency at the end of the 4-weeks treatment. The secondary outcomes were the Bristol scale, the MOS 36-item short form health survey (SF-36), the weekly average number of days with normal defecations and the proportion of adverse events.Stool frequency was significantly reduced at the end of the 4-week treatment in the 4 groups (mean change from baseline, 5.35 times/week). No significant difference was found between the 3 electroacupuncture groups and the loperamide group in the primary outcome (He vs. loperamide group [mean difference 0.6, 95% CI, -1.2 to 2.4]; Shu-Mu vs. loperamide group [0.4, 95% CI, -1.4 to 2.3]; He-Shu-Mu vs. loperamide group [0.0, 95% CI, -1.8 to 1.8]). Both electroacupuncture and loperamide significantly improved the mean score of Bristol scale and increased the weekly average number of days with normal defecations and the mean scores of SF-36; they were equivalent in these outcomes. However, the participants in electroacupuncture groups did not report fewer adverse events than those in the loperamide group. Similar results were found in a subgroup analysis of separating patients with IBS-D and FD patients.Electroacupuncture is equivalent to loperamide for reducing stool frequency in IBS-D and FD patients. Further studies on cost effectiveness of acupuncture are warranted.
期刊：
Cancer Medicine,2017年6(3):662-672 ISSN：2045-7634
通讯作者：
Xie, Xiaobing;Zhu, Kuichun
作者机构：
[Liao, Liangying] Department of Scientific Research, First Affiliated Hospital, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, 95 Shaoshan Middle Road, Changsha, 410007, China;[Pang, Guolian; Luo, Xianyong; Zhang, Jiankun] Department of Pathology, First People's Hospital of Qujing, 1 Yuanlin Road, Qujing, 655000, China;[Xie, Xiaobing; Li, Ping] Medical Laboratory Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, 95 Shaoshan Middle Road, Changsha, 410007, China;[Luo, Wan; Zhou, Xin; Han, Lu] Center for Gene Diagnosis, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, China;[Zhu, Kuichun] Labway Clinical Laboratories, Shanghai, 200000, China
通讯机构：
[Xie, Xiaobing] Hunan Univ Chinese Med, First Affiliated Hosp, Med Lab Ctr, 95 Shaoshan Middle Rd, Changsha 410007, Peoples R China.;[Zhu, Kuichun] Labway Clin Labs, Shanghai 200000, Peoples R China.
摘要：
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate many cellular activities, including cancer development, progression, and metastasis. Some miRNAs are involved in breast cancer (BC) migration and invasion, thus affect patients' prognosis. Microarray analysis was performed to compare miRNA expression in BC tissues, and results confirmed by qPCR. BC cell migration and invasion were studied in vitro with MDA-MB-231 cells using microplate transwell assays. miRNA targeting was investigated using luciferase assays, qPCR, and Western blot analysis in cells with overexpression of miRNA mimics. Knockdown of miRNA targets was performed using target siRNA lentiviral infection. Results show that microRNA-141 (miR-141) was downregulated in breast cancer tumor tissues compared with matched surrounding tissues. Downregulation of miR-141 expression correlated with tumor stage, lymph node involvement, and expressions of PCNA, Ki67, and HER2. Overexpression of miR-141 inhibited BC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. ANP32E gene was selected as one putative target for further studies based on results from in silico analysis. Results from a dual-luciferase reporter system suggested ANP32E as a direct target of miR-141. Overexpression of miR-141 downregulated ANP32E expression at both mRNA and protein levels in BC cells. Knockdown of ANP32E inhibited BC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro, mimicking the effect of the overexpression of miR-141. Our study revealed important roles miR-141 plays in BC growth and metastasis. Moreover, for the first time, we identified ANP32E as one of the miR-141 targets, and demonstrated its involvement in the regulation of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.
期刊：
Clinica chimica acta; international journal of clinical chemistry,2016年459:137-146 ISSN：0009-8981
通讯作者：
Qin, Li
作者机构：
[ChanLiu; Xi-LongZheng; Ya-NingShi; Bao-XueAo; Duan-FangLiao; ZhengLiu] School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China;[ChanLiu; Bao-XueAo; ZhengLiu] Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China;[NengZhu] The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China;[Xi-LongZheng] Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada;[Hong-TaoWu] The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
通讯机构：
[Qin, Li] School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China. Electronic address:
摘要：
Steroid receptor RNA activator (SRA) is a type of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) which coordinates the functions of various transcription factors, enhances steroid receptor-dependent gene expression, and also serves as a distinct scaffold. The novel, profound and expanded roles of SRA are emerging in critical aspects of coactivation of nuclear receptors (NRs). As a nuclear receptor coactivator, SRA can coactivate androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptor alpha (ER alpha), ER beta, progesterone receptor (PR), glucocorticoid receptor (GR), thyroid hormone receptor and retinoic acid receptor (RAR). Although SRA is one of the least well-understood molecules, increasing studies have revealed that SRA plays a key role in both biological processes, such as myogenesis and steroidogenesis, and pathological changes, including obesity, cardiomyopathy, and tumorigenesis. Furthermore, the SRA-related signaling pathways, such as the mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), Notch and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) pathways, play critical roles in the pathogenesis of estrogen-dependent breast cancers. In addition, the most recent data demonstrates that SRA expression may serve as a new prognostic marker in patients with ER-positive breast cancer. Thus, elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying SRA-mediated functions is important to develop proper novel strategies to target SRA in the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
作者：
Peng, Tian-Shu;He, Yong-Heng*;Nie, Tian;Hu, Xiang-Dang;Lu, Hai-Yan;Yi, Jian;Shuai, Yun-Fei;Luo, Min
期刊：
Experimental and therapeutic medicine,2014年8(2):430-434 ISSN：1792-0981
通讯作者：
He, Yong-Heng
作者机构：
[Peng, Tian-Shu; He, Yong-Heng; Hu, Xiang-Dang; Lu, Hai-Yan; Luo, Min] Hunan Univ Chinese Med, Dept Anorectal Dis, Affiliated Hosp 2, Changsha 410005, Hunan, Peoples R China.;[He, Yong-Heng] Hunan Univ Chinese Med, Dept Anorectal Dis, Affiliated Hosp 2, 233 Caie North Rd, Changsha 410005, Hunan, Peoples R China.;[Nie, Tian; Yi, Jian; Shuai, Yun-Fei] Hunan Univ Chinese Med, Affiliated Hosp 1, Dept Blood & Oncol, Changsha 410007, Hunan, Peoples R China.
通讯机构：
[He, Yong-Heng] Hunan Univ Chinese Med, Dept Anorectal Dis, Affiliated Hosp 2, 233 Caie North Rd, Changsha 410005, Hunan, Peoples R China.
关键词：
colorectal cancer;PPM1D;prognosis;biomarker
摘要：
Protein phosphatase, Mg2+/Mn2+ dependent, 1D (PPM1D) has been associated with carcinogenesis. The present study investigated PPM1D expression as a potential biomarker in colorectal cancer (CRC). PPM1D expression was assessed using immunohistochemistry in 368 patients with CRC. The correlation between PPM1D expression, clinicopathological features and prognosis was analyzed. PPM1D small interfering (si)RNA-induced PPM1D silencing was performed in CRC cell lines to assess the effect of PPM1D on tumor cell proliferation and invasion in vitro. A total of 68.48% (252/368) of the CRC samples displayed high PPM1D expression. By contrast, only 9.24% (34/368) of the matched non-cancerous tissue samples exhibited high PPM1D expression. High PPM1D expression was correlated with node metastasis (P=0.0024), distant metastasis (P<0.001) and TNM stage (P=0.0016). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that patients with low PPM1D expression had significantly longer survival than those with high PPM1D expression (P=0.012). Moreover, multivariate analyses demonstrated that high PPM1D expression was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (hazard ratio = 0.24; 95% confidence interval, 0.13-0.86; P=0.004). Furthermore, PPM1D gene silencing was found to significantly reduce the proliferation and invasion of CRC cells in vitro. These findings suggest a role for PPM1D as a prognostic marker and potential therapeutic target in CRC.
期刊：
BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL,2014年2014:531979 ISSN：2314-6133
通讯作者：
Fan, Jianmin
作者机构：
[Liu, Qiming] Cardiovascular Medicine Department, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, China;[Fan, Jianmin; Zhang, Wen] The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410007, China
通讯机构：
[Fan, Jianmin] Hunan Univ Tradit Chinese Med, Affiliated Hosp 1, Changsha 410007, Hunan, Peoples R China.
摘要：
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is linked to the development and severity of the cardiovascular disease atherosclerosis; however, there is little known about the promotion of atherosclerosis. miR-US25-1 is one of HCMV-encoded miRNAs and targets cellular genes that are essential for virus growth to control the life cycle of the virus and host cells. The prominent regulation on cell cycle genes of the miR-US25-1 attracts us to explore its role in the atherosclerosis promotion. It was indicated that miR-US25-1 level was upregulated in subjects or in endothelial cells with HCMV infection; and the miR-US25-1 downregulated the expression of BRCC 3 by targeting the 5' UTR of BRCC 3. And a miR-US25-1 mimics transfection could reduce the EAhy926 cell viability but did not induce apoptosis in EAhy926 cells. And what is more, miR-US25-1 mimicis transfection deteriorated the ox-LDL-induced apoptosis and aggravated the upregulation of apoptosis-associated molecules by oxidised low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) in EAhy926 cells. And we have also confirmed the deregulation of BRCC 3 expression by miR-US25-1 by targeting the 5' UTR of it. Given the vital role of BRCC 3 in DNA damage repairing, we speculated that the targeting inhibition of BRCC 3 by miR-US25-1 may contribute to the aggravation of ox-LDL-promoted apoptosis of endothelial EAhy926 cells.
期刊：
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE,2017年12:85-94 ISSN：1178-2005
通讯作者：
Xu, Haiyu;Yang, Hongjun
作者机构：
[Dong, Ling; Yu, Guohua] School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine;[Yu, Guohua; Zhang, Yanqiong; Li, Defeng; Li, Junfang; Zhang, Yi; Xu, Haiyu; Geng, Ya; Yang, Hongjun] Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing;[Ren, Weiqiong] The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha;[Li, Junfang] School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin;[Geng, Ya] School of Basic Medicine, Shandong University of Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
通讯机构：
[Xu, Haiyu; Yang, Hongjun] China Acad Chinese Med Sci, Inst Chinese Mat Med, 16 Nanxiaojie, Beijing 100700, Peoples R China.
关键词：
traditional Chinese medicine;Yin-Huang-Qing-Fei capsule;chronic bronchitis;network pharmacology;asthma pathway
摘要：
For decades in China, the Yin-Huang-Qing-Fei capsule (YHQFC) has been widely used in the treatment of chronic bronchitis, with good curative effects. Owing to the complexity of traditional Chinese herbal formulas, the pharmacological mechanism of YHQFC remains unclear. To address this problem, a network pharmacology-based strategy was proposed in this study. At first, the putative target profile of YHQFC was predicted using MedChem Studio, based on structural and functional similarities of all available YHQFC components to the known drugs obtained from the DrugBank database. Then, an interaction network was constructed using links between putative YHQFC targets and known therapeutic targets of chronic bronchitis. Following the calculation of four topological features (degree, betweenness, closeness, and coreness) of each node in the network, 475 major putative targets of YHQFC and their topological importance were identified. In addition, a pathway enrichment analysis based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway database indicated that the major putative targets of YHQFC are significantly associated with various pathways involved in anti-inflammation processes, immune responses, and pathological changes caused by asthma. More interestingly, eight major putative targets of YHQFC (interleukin [IL]-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, FCER1G, CCL11, and EPX) were demonstrated to be associated with the inflammatory process that occurs during the progression of asthma. Finally, a molecular docking simulation was performed and the results exhibited that 17 pairs of chemical components and candidate YHQFC targets involved in asthma pathway had strong binding efficiencies. In conclusion, this network pharmacology-based investigation revealed that YHQFC may attenuate the inflammatory reaction of chronic bronchitis by regulating its candidate targets, which may be implicated in the major pathological processes of the asthma pathway.
