Maimendong decoction regulates M2 macrophage polarization to suppress pulmonary fibrosis via PI3K/Akt/FOXO3a signalling pathway-mediated fibroblast activation.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: 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. AIM OF THE STUDY: 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. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 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: 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-ß1 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.

Effects of breast massage at different time periods on lactation yield and breastfeeding success rate / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the effects of breast massage at different time periods on lactation yield and breast feeding success rate.Methods:240 pregnant women who gave birth at scheduled time in The First People's Hospital of Wenling from January 2018 to May 2019 were included in this study. They were randomly divided into control group, observation group 1 and observation group 2 ( n = 80/group). The control group was only given routine nursing after delivery without breast massage. The observation group 1 received breast massage at 2 hours postpartum based on routine nursing. The observation group 2 received breast massage at 24 hours postpartum based on routine nursing. Breast comfort rate, the time to lactation, lactation yield at 1 and 3 days after intervention were compared between groups. The number of daily vomiting, crying and fecal empties at 4 days postpartum were compared between groups. The success rate of breastfeeding and the increases in neonatal body mass and height at 42 days postpartum were determined in each group. Results:Breast comfort rate in the control group, observation group 1 and observation group 2 was 71.25% (57/80), 93.75% (75/80) and 83.75% (67/80), respectively. There was significant difference in breast comfort rate among the three groups ( χ2 = 26.466, P < 0.05). The incidence of postpartum breast problem in the control group, observation group 1 and observation group 2 was 27.50% (22/80), 5.00% (4/80) and 15.00% (12/80), respectively. There was significant difference in the incidence of postpartum breast problem among the three groups ( χ2 = 10.478, P < 0.05). The time to lactation in the control group, observation group 1 and observation group 2 was (33.54 ± 7.28) hours, (5.56 ± 2.01) hours and (22.32 ± 4.23) hours, respectively ( F = 27.897, P < 0.05). There was significant difference in the time to lactation between groups ( F = 27.897, P < 0.05). The lactation yield in the observation group 1 and observation group 2 was significantly greater than that in the control group ( F = 6.208, 10.458, both P < 0.05). There were significant differences in the number of daily vomiting, crying and fecal empties at 4 days postpartum among the three groups ( F = 71.54, 9.26 and 10.45, all P < 0.05). The success rate of breastfeeding in the observation group 1 was 93.75% (75/80), which was significantly higher than 85.00% (68/80) in the observation group 2 and 75.00% (60/80) in the control group ( χ2 = 7.841, P < 0.05). There were significant differences in the increases in body weight and height of newborns among the three groups at 42 days postpartum ( F = 10.645, 5.789, both P < 0.05). Conclusion:Breast massage at 2 hours postpartum can greatly increase the comfort rate of maternal breast, effectively reduce the incidence of postpartum breast problem, shorten the time to lactation, increase the amount of postpartum lactation yield, and the success rate of breastfeeding.