A Chinese Herb Prescription "Fang-gan Decoction" Protects Against Damage to Lung and Colon Epithelial Cells Caused by the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein by Regulating the TGF-β/Smad2/3 and NF-κB Pathways.

Objective To explore the effects and mechanisms of a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, "Fang-gan Decoction" (FGD), in protecting against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-induced lung and intestinal injuries in vitro and in vivo.Methods Female BALB/c mice and three cell lines pretreated with FGD were stimulated with recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (spike protein). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and pathologic scoring of tissues, cell permeability and viability, and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression in the lung and colon were detected.

Intermittent fasting therapy promotes insulin sensitivity by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome in rat model.

Background: Substantial studies have demonstrated that fasting therapy (FT) can inhibit the inflammatory response and improve insulin resistance (IR); however, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. This study aimed to explore the related mechanisms of intermittent FT for the treatment of IR.

Methods: A rat IR model was established through collaboration of a high-fat diet with streptozotocin (STZ) injection.

Combination of Evodiamine with Berberine Reveals a Regulatory Effect on the Phenotypic Transition of Colon Epithelial Cells Induced by CCD-18Co.

Objective Transdifferentiation exists between stromal cells or between stromal cells and cancer cells. Evodiamine and berberine are predominant pharmacological components of pill, a prescription of Traditional Chinese Medicine, playing crucial functions in remolding of tumor microenvironment. This study aimed to explore the effect of combination of evodiamine with berberine (cBerEvo) on the phenotypic transition of colon epithelial cells induced by tumor-associated fibroblasts, as well as the involved mechanisms.