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The enhanced efficacy of vinegar-processed Cyperus rotundus (VCR) in treating primary dysmenorrhea (PD) has been observed. However, the active components and potential mechanisms of synergy are still unclear. The objective of this study was to develop a method that combines bionic technology, plant metabolomics and network pharmacology to discover the active components and potential mechanisms underlying the enhanced therapeutic effects of VCR for PD. Vinegar processing alters the flavor of C. rotundus, leading to changes in its properties. The acidic nature of vinegar enhances the selectivity of the medicine toward the liver, thereby improving its ability to soothe the liver, regulate qi and provide pain relief. Through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and multivariate statistical analysis, 30 key differential components between raw C. rotundus and VCR have been screened and identified. These differential components primarily exert their therapeutic effects in treating PD by modulating targets such as interleukin-6, TNF, TP53 and PTGS2, as well as pathways including the estrogen signaling pathway, ovarian steroidogenesis, the TNF signaling pathway and the HIF-1 signaling pathway. The findings of this study serve as a reference for the application of VCR in compound formulas and clinic practiceal. Furthermore, the methodology employed in this study provides research insights for the processing of other Chinese medicines., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Bone fractures are the most common form of musculoskeletal trauma worldwide. Numerous microRNAs (miRNAs) have been suggested to be participants in regulating bone-related diseases. Recent studies revealed the regulatory role of miR-22-3p in osteogenic differentiation, but its role in fracture healing has not been investigated previously. Here, a rat femoral fracture model was established, Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were isolated to detect the specific function and underlying mechanisms of miR-22-3p. MiR-22-3p and sclerostin domain-containing 1 (SOSTDC1) expression was determined by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry staining. The levels of proteins associated with osteogenic differentiation were assessed by western blotting. Flow cytometry was conducted to identify the isolated rat BMSCs. Alizarin red staining, alkaline phosphatase staining and Oil Red O staining were used to evaluate the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of rat BMSCs. The interaction between miR-22-3p and SOSTDC1 was verified using a luciferase reporter assay. Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining of the bone tissues was performed to analyse the effect of miR-22-3p on histopathological changes in vivo. MiR-22-3p was downregulated in the callus tissues of rat femoral fracture, while the expression of SOSTDC1 was upregulated. The isolated rat BMSCs had the capacity for both osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. The differentiation capacity of BMSCs into osteoblasts was increased by miR-22-3p overexpression. MiR-22-3p activated the PI3K/AKT pathway by targeting SOSTDC1. SOSTDC1 overexpression and PI3K/AKT signalling inhibitor LY294002 abolished the enhancing effect of miR-22-3p overexpression on the osteogenesis of BMSCs. Thus MiR-22-3p facilitated the femoral fracture healing in rats. MiR-22-3p overexpression promoted fracture healing via the activation of PI3K/AKT pathway by targeting SOSTDC1., (© 2023 Company of the International Journal of Experimental Pathology (CIJEP).)