Mechanism of improving skin barrier function in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis using Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodou decoction and its disassembled formula

Objective: To reveal the mechanism of Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodou decoction and its disassembled formula for improving the skin barrier function in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis(AD).Methods: Sixty specific-pathogen free male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into the control group,model group, whole formula group(WF), exterior-releasing formula group(ERF), interior-clearing formula group(ICF), and positive control group(PC). A mouse model of AD was established using the semiantigen 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene induction method. The lesion scores, transepidermal water loss and p H, and skin histopathology of mice in each group were observed. The expressions of filaggrin, loricrin,and involucrin were detected by the streptavidin peroxidase immunohistochemical method and western blotting, and their mRNA expressions were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Results: Mice in the WF, ERF, ICF, and PC groups showed reduced skin lesion performance, improved histopathology, decreased skin lesion score, transepidermal water loss and pH, and upregulated expressions of proteins including filaggrin, loricrin, and involucrin, and their mRNAs. The most obvious regulatory effect was observed in the WF group, followed by the ICF, ERF, and PC groups, accordingly.Conclusions: Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodou decoction and its disassembled formula can improve the skin barrier function in a mouse model of AD by upregulating filaggrin, loricrin, and involucrin, and their mRNA expressions, and the most optimal effect was noted in the WF group, followed by the ICF and ERF groups, which suggests that the effect of clearing heat and resolving dampness in improving the skin barrier function of AD is more obvious and is one of the key treatments for AD.

The Influence of Shanghanlun on Japanese Kampo Medicine

Shanghanlun is a classic work in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),which systematically discusses diagnosis and treatment ideas based on syndrome differentiation and records a large number of highly practical prescriptions.When Shanghanlun was introduced into Japan along with the communication between China and Japan in the Sui and Tang Dynasties,it had a profound influence on the development of Kampo medicine in Japan.By sorting out the works related to Shanghanlun in the medical history literature of Kampo medicine before the Meiji Restoration,this paper discusses the relationship between Shanghanlun and the Koho school of Kampo medicine,as well as the influence of the thought“formula corresponding to pattern identification,”originating from the Koho school,on the development of modern Kampo medicine.The study of Shanghanlun by Kampo medicine nowadays not only attaches great importance to clinical practicality but also has theoretical discussions.It is expected that future medical exchanges between China and Japan will complement each other from the perspectives of both sides and promote the theoretical and clinical development of TCM.