Proteomics analysis of liver proteins from rats with spleen-deficiency syndrome induced by chronic improper diet consumption and fatigue

Objective:To investigate a proteomics analysis of liver proteins from rats with spleen-deficiency syndrome (SDS) induced by chronic improper diet consumption and fatigue.Methods:This study used a liver proteomic profiling method to identify differentially expressed proteins and altered pathways involved in SDS rats.Specifically,we collected liver samples from a control group and a group with SDS induced by chronic improper diet consumption and fatigue for 4 weeks.The pooled liver proteins in each group were labeled with 8-plex isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation reagents.The labeled control and SDS group samples were pooled together and separated by high-pH reverse-phase liquid chromatography.The differentially expressed proteins from the liver proteomes were analyzed to identify potential biomarkers of SDS.Differentially expressed proteins were selected in conjunction with gene ontology and ingenuity pathway analysis.Results:We identified 2176 protein clusters with more than two peptides in the SDS group,with 141 proteins quantified as differentially expressed proteins.Of these,75 proteins were up-regulated,and 66 were down-regulated.Three activated signaling pathways,the thrombin,CXCR4 and synaptic long term depression signaling pathways,and a large multi-protein complex within the network were revealed in the liver proteomic analysis of SDS rats.Conclusions:This is the first report of a differential liver proteome under SDS conditions.The results suggest that the liver proteome partially reflects the pathological changes involved in SDS.The findings provide important information for comprehensively understanding the mechanisms of dysfunction or injury in the liver at the molecular level as a result of SDS.Furthermore,they provide a novel understanding of the connotation of SDS in the fleld of traditional Chinese Medicine.

Meta-analysis of Tonifying-Kindney and Soothing-Liver traditional Chinese medicine method in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome

Background:To systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy of Tonifying-Kindney and Soothing-Liver method in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS).Methods:The literatures of randomized controlled trials(RCTs)on the treatment of PCOS with traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)published at home and abroad until March 2020 were retrieved,and RCTs on the treatment of PCOS with Tonifying-Kindney and Soothing-Liver method were collected.According to the systematic evaluation method of the Cochrane Collaboration Network,RevMan5.3 software was used to perform quality evaluation and data extraction for meta-analysis of tests that met the inclusion criteria.Results:A total of 30 eligible RCTs were included,including 2244 patients.Meta-analysis results show that the method of tonifying the kidney and Soothing-Liver has certain advantages in the treatment of PCOS.Compared with Western medicine alone group,tonifying the kidney and Soothing-Liver TCM method alone or combined with Western medicine could improve the total effective rate[OR=3.52,95%CI(2.67,4.63),I2=0%,P<0.00001].It is superior to the control group in improving ovulation rate[OR=2.01,95%CI(1.46,2.78),I2=0%,P<0.0001],pregnancy rate[OR=2.82,95%CI(2.28,3.49),I2=0%,P<0.00001],reducing LH[MD=-2.65,95%CI(-3.43,-1.88),I2=92%,P<0.00001]and ovarian stimulating hormone levels[MD=-0.52,95%CI(-0.85,-0.18),I2=94%,P=0.002].There was no statistical difference in reducing serum testosterone levels[SMD=-0.56,95%CI(-1.22,0.09),I2=96%,P=0.09]and improving TCM symptoms[MD=-0.09,95%CI(-4.75,4.56),I2=97%,P=0.97].Conclusion:The method of tonifying the kidney and Soothing-Liver has a certain effect in treating polycystic ovary syndrome,but the evidence is still very limited,and a large sample of high-quality randomized controlled studies is still needed in order to make a more rigorous evaluation.

Gut microbiota and Chinese medicine syndrome: altered fecal microbiotas in spleen(Pi)-deficient patients

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the fecal microbiota changes in patients with spleen(Pi)-deficiency(SPD),a common Chinese medicine syndrome with digestive and absorptive disturbances and to provide insight into the relationship between Chinese medicine syndrome and gut dysbiosis.METHODS:Fecal microbiotas from the stool samples of 53 SPD patients and 35 healthy subjects were analyzed via 16 S r RNA gene polymerase chain reaction(PCR)-denaturation gradient gel electrophoresis(DGGE).SPD-related marker genes from20 SPD patients and 20 healthy subjects were identified through gene sequencing,while some genes were quantified using quantitative PCR(q PCR).Discriminant analysis was conducted using SPSS software,and the canonical discriminant function formula for Pi-deficiency was established.RESULTS:Alterations in microbiota diversity and composition between the SPD and healthy groups were demonstrated via 16 S r RNA gene PCR-DGGE combined with multivariate statistical analysis.Fecal microbiota changes were also observed among different SPD-subtype patients.Eight SPD-related markers were found,and putative species corresponding to these markers were identified through gene sequencing,which may have potential associations with the common digestive dysfunctions in SPD patients.q PCR methods were established for two of these markers,which were significantly altered in the SPD patients.The canonical discriminant function formula was calculated for SPD,and the validity rates of these markers were over 85%.CONCLUSION:Fecal microbiotas are altered in patients with SPD,which may provide insight for further studies on clinically diagnosing and treating SPD.The results may also provide data to gain a better understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine syndrome and gut dysbiosis.