Potential mechanism of Huatan Qushi decoction on improving phlegm-dampness constitution using microRNA array and RT-qPCR targeting on hsa-miR-1237–3p

Abstract Background Metabolic diseases pose considerable burden on the healthcare system worldwide, indicating the significance of prevention and treatment. In constitution theory of traditional Chinese medicine, phlegm-dampness constitution (PDC) is the common basis of metabolic diseases. In clinical practice, Huatan Qushi (HTQS) decoction targeting on PDC can effectively improve metabolic indicators. However, its underlying biochemical mechanism still remains unclear. Methods Eight PDC participants received HTQS decoction for three months. Their blood was collected at baseline and 1 and 3 months after intervention started. Related biomedical indicators were detected. High-throughput sequencing and RT-qPCR were used for validation. Due to the missing data, repeated measures with missing values in mixed models were used. Results After 3-month treatment, HDL-C level increased (P  Conclusion PDC serves as a common basis for various metabolic diseases. Through adjusting PDC, HTQS decoction can improve biomedical indicators including blood glucose, HbA1c, insulin, and HDL-C. The target pathway is “Pathways in cancer”. Specifically, HTQS decoction acts on targets of CRK and HGF by regulating hsa-miR-1237–3p, and probably exerts effects on their downstream PI3K/AKT pathway.