Background: The decoction of Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi) and Rhizoma curcumae (Ezhu) has been reported as a potential antitumor agent for colorectal cancer (CRC) in experimental and clinical studies, but its underlying mechanism is still unclear. Methods: The current research aims to explore the potential of Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi) and Rhizoma curcumae (Ezhu) decoction (AR decoction) in the treatment of CRC and explore the underlying mechanism. SW620 cells were transient transfection to overexpress or knock down wnt 5 or β-Catenin. Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi) and Rhizoma curcumae (Ezhu) -containing serum (AR-CS) was used to interfere with SW620 cells. Additional AR-CS, Wnt5 inhibitor (IWP-4), and β-Catenin inhibitor (JW55) were used to intervene in SW620 cells. Furthermore, subcutaneously injection of SW620 cells into the right flank of nude mice replicated xenograft mice, which were treated with AR decoction for 21 days. Results: AR-CS significantly reduced the mRNA and protein expression levels of Wnt5, β-Catenin, ARF6, and N-Cadherin in SW620 cells, while inhibiting the proliferation and migration of SW620 cells. In cells overexpressing Wnt5 or β-Catenin, these effects of AR-CS were significantly suppressed. On the contrary, the inhibitory effect of AR-CS on the mRNA and protein levels of ARF6 and N-Cadherin and cell proliferation and migration of SW620 was enhanced, when Wnt5 or β-Catenin were knocked down or suppressed by the inhibitors. Moreover, in the mouse model of xenograft tumors, AR decoction not only reduced the tumor volume and inhibited the mRNA levels and protein levels of Wnt5, β-Catenin, ARF6, and N-Cadherin in the tumor, but also inhibit the protein levels of LRP5, LRP6, TCF-4, and LEF1.The histopathology of mice also showed increased apoptosis in tumor tissues, and AR decoction treatment did not cause pathological damage to the kidney and liver. Conclusions: Our results provide evidence that AR decoction inhibits Wnt5/β-catenin signaling and inhibits the development of CRC, which is a promising traditional medicine in the clinical treatment of CRC.

At present, iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS) plagues countless people, posing a significant economic and social burden. The progress of current IVCS-related research is slow owing to the limitations of animal models. In this study, we generated a mouse model of iliac vein stenosis (IVS) to monitor the effects of IVCS on venous function, such as increased vascular leakage, the expression of adhesion molecules, and elevated inflammation factors. Diosmin, a widely used clinical bioactive ingredient, was administered to confirm its therapeutic effects on the IVS mouse model. The results revealed that diosmin manifested therapeutic improvement in the IVS mouse model. In addition, we verified that the IVS mouse model is a stable and reproducible animal model for pathophysiological studies. High-purity diosmin can be beneficial to venous dysfunction and hence provides a more effective treatment option for venous diseases.

Phellodendrine, a primary bioactive constituent of Phellodendron chinense Schneid (PCS), is crucial in its pharmacological profile. Phellodendrine exhibits potent anti-nephritic properties and demonstrates a marked inhibitory effect on the cellular immune response. However, the effects of phellodendrine on proteoglycan depletion and cartilage degeneration in gouty arthritis remain insufficiently understood. Therefore, the objective of this study is to elucidate the therapeutic potential and underlying mechanisms of phellodendrine chloride (PC) in the treatment of gouty arthritis. A monosodium urate (MSU)-induced arthritis model in rats, along with a peritonitis model in mice, was developed, in combination with a chondrocyte model. Neutrophil proportions were quantified using flow cytometry. The expression levels of MMP-3, STAT3, and phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3) in chondrocytes were determined by Western blot analysis. Proteoglycan levels in chondrocytes were assessed using toluidine blue staining and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Joint swelling rates were monitored at 0-24 h in rats, and histopathological changes in joint tissues were subsequently analyzed. Phellodendrine chloride mitigated the rise in neutrophil proportions within MSU-induced peritoneal lavage fluid in mice and decreased inflammatory cell infiltration in rat ankle tissues. Treatment with phellodendrine chloride led to a downregulation of MMP-3 protein levels and inhibited IL-1β-induced proteoglycan degradation in chondrocytes. Additionally, results from experiments combining IL-1β with AG490 or IL-6 demonstrated that phellodendrine chloride attenuated IL-1β-induced MMP-3 expression and proteoglycan degradation. Our findings suggest that phellodendrine chloride mitigates gouty arthritis (GA) by modulating the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway.

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