The American journal of Chinese medicine
-
The formation of fibrotic tissue, characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components such as collagen and fibronectin, is a normal and crucial stage of tissue repair in all organs. The over-synthesis, deposition, and remodeling of ECM components lead to organ dysfunction, posing a significant medical burden. Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, is commonly used in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. ⋯ In this review, we systematically introduce the effective role of berberine in fibrosis-related diseases. Specifically, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the therapeutic role of berberine in treating fibrosis in organs such as the heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys. By summarizing its various pathways and mechanisms of action, including the inhibition of the transforming growth factor-[Formula: see text]/Smad signaling pathway, PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, RhoA/ROCK signaling, and mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway, as well as its activation of the Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway, AMPK signaling pathway, phosphorylated Smad 2/3 and Smad 7, and other signaling pathways, this review offers additional evidence to support the treatment of fibrotic diseases.
-
Meta Analysis
Gut Microbiota Regulation by Acupuncture and Moxibustion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
There have been numerous studies investigating the impact of acupuncture and/or moxibustion on the gut microbiota, but the results have been inconclusive. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis that included both preclinical and clinical studies to assess the current evidence regarding the effects of acupuncture on gut microbiota changes. We collected relevant studies from EMBASE and PubMed, collected outcomes including diversity and relative abundance measures of the gut microbiome, and the summarized effect estimates were calculated using the ratio of means (ROM) with 95% confidence intervals. ⋯ Additionally, the pooled results showed an increase in the Firmicutes and a decrease in the Bacteroidetes in the treatment groups, along with increases in the Lactobacillus and Ruminococcus genera. These findings suggest acupuncture treatment can target the modification of specific phyla and genera of gut microbiota. However, it is important to note that the effects of acupuncture on the gut microbiome are heterogeneous across studies, particularly in different disease models.
-
Osteoporosis is the most common bone metabolic disease, and it is becoming increasingly common as the global population ages. Osteoporosis and its complications, such as fractures and pain, negatively affect patient quality of life and easily lead to disability, placing enormous burdens on society. Although several anti-osteoporosis drugs are currently available, many adverse reactions have been observed during the long-term application of these drugs. ⋯ In this article, we review the mechanisms underlying the anti-osteoporosis effects of single herbal extracts and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas that have been elucidated since 2013, providing key evidence and support for future research on the anti-osteoporosis effects of Chinese herbal medicines. In addition, due to the complexity of the ingredients in Chinese herbal medicine, more thorough investigations are needed to determine the specific ingredients that are effective in osteoporosis treatment. Therefore, identifying the effective ingredients of Chinese herbal medicines will be a necessary focus in laboratory research and clinical application.
-
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used for thousands of years and has been proven to be effective at treating many complicated illnesses with minimal side effects. The application and advancement of TCM are, however, constrained by the absence of objective measuring standards due to its relatively abstract diagnostic methods and syndrome differentiation theories. Ongoing developments in machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL), specifically in computer vision (CV) and natural language processing (NLP), offer novel opportunities to modernize TCM by exploring the profound connotations of its theory. ⋯ Furthermore, extensive discussions emphasize the mature integration of ML and DL in TCM, such as tongue diagnosis, pulse diagnosis, and syndrome differentiation treatment, highlighting their early successful application in the TCM field. Finally, this study validates the accomplishments and addresses the problems and challenges posed by the application and development of TCM powered by ML and DL. As ML and DL techniques continue to evolve, modern technology will spark new advances in TCM.
-
Review
Study on the Chemical Constituents, Pharmacological Activities, and Clinical Application of Taxus.
Taxus, a rare and protected genus predominantly distributed across the Northern Hemisphere's temperate regions, has garnered global attention due to its significant potential in medical research and pharmaceutical development, bolstered by advancements in cultivation techniques and medical technology. This review primarily focuses on the chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Taxus, underscoring the progress and potential of these components in clinical applications. Recent studies have revealed that Taxus contains not only taxane active components but also flavonoids and polysaccharides with distinct activities. ⋯ Finally, this review summarizes the pharmacokinetic characteristics of crucial compounds in Taxus, including their absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion patterns in the human body. These pharmacokinetic profiles provide crucial guidance for evaluating the overall dosing regimen of Taxus and its components. The paper concludes with a forward-looking analysis of the potential applications of these compounds in disease treatment, envisioning their role in the future of medical and pharmaceutical advancements.