Traditional Chinese decoction Si Zhi Wan attenuates ovariectomy (OVX)-induced bone loss by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and promoting apoptosis of mature osteoclasts.

Si Zhi Wan (SZW) is a traditional Chinese decoction used for osteoporosis treatment. Currently, the effect of SZW on ovariectomy (OVX)-induced bone loss and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Herein, we investigated the therapeutic effect of SZW on osteoporosis and explored the underlying mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. An OVX-induced bone loss model was established in vivo. After administration of SZW for 8 weeks, rats were sacrificed, and the uterus was weighted to calculate its index. The femur change was pathologically evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The mineral density of the femur was observed by micro-CT. RAW264.7 cells were activated by receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) in vitro. The effect of SZW on osteoclastogenesis was evaluated using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, Western blotting, and RT-PCR. The pro-apoptosis effect of SZW on mature osteoclasts was examined after induction of osteoclast maturation. Finally, the effect of SZW on the NF-κB pathway was evaluated. Our results demonstrated that SZW ameliorated OVX-induced bone loss in rats. In addition, SZW inhibited osteoclastogenesis and attenuated osteoclast-mediated bone resorption in vitro and in vivo. SZW also promoted apoptosis of mature osteoclasts. Mechanically, SZW exerts its effects by suppressing the NF-κB pathway. Overall, these findings demonstrated that SZW may be a potentially effective alternative treatment for osteoporosis.

Traditional Chinese medicine is a useful and promising alternative strategy for treatment of Sjogren's syndrome: A review.

Primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disease involving exocrine glands. Current studies have found that the occurrence of the disease is closely related to genetic, environmental and neuroendocrine factors, as well as abnormal activation of T and B lymphocytes. The etiology and pathogenesis of pSS is complex, and there is a lack of specific targeted drugs. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have been comprehensively investigated for their treatment effects on pSS. Through a systematic review of the literature, we summarized the TCMs used to treat pSS, and find that there are four major ways that TCMs are used, including upregulation of aquaporin proteins, suppression of cell apoptosis, suppression of the abnormal activation of B lymphocytes and suppression of the abnormal activation of T lymphocytes (balancing T helper type [Th]1/Th2 & Th17/Treg and suppressing follicular helper T [Tfh] cells). However, there are not enough data about the active constituents, quality control, pharmacokinetics, toxicity and modern preparations of these TCMs; therefore, more investigations are needed. This paper highlights the importance of TCMs for treating pSS and provides guidance for future investigations.