School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, China.
School of Chinese North China University of Science and Technology, China.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2024 Jan 30;319(Pt 3):117308. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117308. Epub 2023 Oct 20.
Mai Men Dong decoction (MMDD), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, is relevant to ethnopharmacology due to its constituents and therapeutic properties. The formula contains herbs like Ophiopogon japonicus (Thunb.) Ker Gawl., Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Makino, Panax ginseng C.A.Mey, Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch, and Ziziphus jujuba Mill, Oryza sativa L., which have been used for centuries in Chinese medicine. These herbs provide a comprehensive approach to treating respiratory conditions by addressing dryness, cough, and phlegm. Ethnopharmacological studies have explored the scientific basis of these herbs and identified active compounds that contribute to their medicinal effects. The traditional usage of MMDD by different ethnic groups reflects their knowledge and experiences. Examining this formula contributes to the understanding and development of ethnopharmacology.
In the case of pulmonary fibrosis (PF), treating it can be challenging due to the limited treatment options available. This study aimed to assess the potential of MMDD as a treatment for PF by targeting macrophages and the PI3K/Akt/FOXO3a signaling pathway.
In a mouse model of PF, we investigated the effects of MMDD on inflammation, fibrosis, and M2 macrophage infiltration in lung tissue. Additionally, we examined the modulation of pro-fibrotic factors and key proteins in the PI3K/Akt/FOXO3a pathway. In vitro experiments involved inducing M2-type macrophages and assessing the impact of MMDD on fibroblast activation and the PI3K/Akt/FOXO3a pathway.
Results demonstrated that MMDD improved weight, reduced inflammation, and inhibited M2 macrophage infiltration in mouse lung tissue. It downregulated pro-fibrotic factors, such as TGF-β1 and PDGF-RB, as well as markers of fibroblast activation. MMDD also exhibited regulatory effects on key proteins in the PI3K/Akt/FOXO3a signaling pathway.
MMDD inhibited M2 macrophage polarization and released profibrotic factors that inhibited pulmonary fibrosis. As a result, the PI3K/Akt/FOXO3a signaling pathway is suppressed. MMDD is proving to be a successful treatment for PF. However, further research is needed to validate its effectiveness in clinical practice.
麦冬汤（MMDD）是一种中药方剂，由于其成分和治疗特性与民族药理学相关。该配方包含麦冬、半夏、人参、甘草、大枣、水稻等草药，这些草药在中国医学中已经使用了几个世纪。这些草药提供了一种综合的方法来治疗呼吸系统疾病，通过解决干燥、咳嗽和痰等问题。民族药理学研究探索了这些草药的科学基础，并确定了其药用功效的活性化合物。不同民族群体对 MMDD 的传统使用反映了他们的知识和经验。研究这个配方有助于理解和发展民族药理学。
在肺纤维化（PF）的情况下，由于治疗选择有限，治疗它可能具有挑战性。本研究旨在通过靶向巨噬细胞和 PI3K/Akt/FOXO3a 信号通路，评估 MMDD 作为 PF 治疗药物的潜力。
在 PF 小鼠模型中，我们研究了 MMDD 对肺组织炎症、纤维化和 M2 巨噬细胞浸润的影响。此外，我们还研究了 PI3K/Akt/FOXO3a 通路中促纤维化因子和关键蛋白的调节。在体外实验中，我们诱导 M2 型巨噬细胞，并评估 MMDD 对成纤维细胞激活和 PI3K/Akt/FOXO3a 通路的影响。
结果表明，MMDD 改善了体重，减轻了炎症，抑制了小鼠肺组织中的 M2 巨噬细胞浸润。它下调了促纤维化因子，如 TGF-β1 和 PDGF-RB，以及成纤维细胞激活的标志物。MMDD 还对 PI3K/Akt/FOXO3a 信号通路中的关键蛋白表现出调节作用。
MMDD 抑制 M2 巨噬细胞极化并释放抑制肺纤维化的促纤维化因子。因此，抑制了 PI3K/Akt/FOXO3a 信号通路。MMDD 被证明是 PF 的有效治疗方法。然而，还需要进一步的研究来验证其在临床实践中的有效性。
