Combined exploration of the mechanism of Sang Xing Decoction in the treatment of smoke-induced acute bronchitis from protein and metabolic levels.

Sang Xing decoction (SXD) is a typical prescription for treating "warm dryness" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which is equivalent to respiratory diseases such as acute bronchitis in modern medicine. However, its mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, the representative components of SXD were characterized using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The key targets, signaling pathways, and metabolic pathways associated with SXD in the treatment of acute bronchitis were identified via network prediction and metabolomics. A rat model of acute bronchitis was also established using mixed smoke, systematic in vivo experiments such as histopathological analyses, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry and western blotting were conducted to evaluate the network prediction results. An in-depth analysis of the targeted quantitative results was performed using the SIMCA software and MetaboAnalyst website. The results revealed that 50 active compounds and 45 key targets were screened and clustered with 20 approved drugs. The NF-κB signaling pathway, oxidative stress, and glutamine metabolism were associated with the therapeutic mechanism of SXD in acute bronchitis. In vivo experiments showed that SXD may maintain the production of inflammatory factors by regulating the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway, improving the metabolism of glutamine and glutamate to reduce oxidative stress, and inhibiting apoptosis. Simultaneously, the possibility of using SXD as an adjuvant drug for COVID-19 treatment was also revealed. This research will lay the foundation for the modern clinical application of SXD and promote the promotion and innovation of TCM.

The use of phytopreparations in the treatment of bronchopulmonary diseases: evidence base and practical experience

Respiratory diseases take the lead in the infectious pathology pattern of various organs and systems and are the most common. Acute bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchi due to a viral infection and is characterized by a persistent cough that can be productive or dry. The authors consider the use of herbal preparations as an effective symptomatic product for the treatment of cough of various origins. Medicinal herbs are widely used in medicine due to many useful properties and do not have any serious side effects. Ivy leaf (Hedera helix) extract preparations are common cough medicines available over the counter that are approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Ivy (Hedera helix) leaves contain various biologically active components, but saponins are the main substance. Saponins are natural compounds that have a variety of biological effects. According to literature data, the action of saponins is determined not only by their bronchodilator and mucolytic properties: among additional therapeutic options of saponins are high anti-inflammatory activity, as well as antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral effects. The article shows the potential for use of ivy saponins as carriers of pharmaceutical substances, which can significantly reduce the effective doses of certain drugs. Preparations containing ivy leaf extract are safe and approved for use even in new-borns. Also, herbal preparations with antiviral, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory potential become the object of study as a new strategy for treating COVID-19. © 2022, Remedium Group Ltd. All rights reserved.