Cs4 for Pneumoconiosis Rehabilitation

Participants will receive Cordyceps sinensis mycelium culture extract (Cs4) orally at 1.6 g per day, administered as two 0.4 g capsules twice daily for 24 weeks, followed by 12 weeks of follow-up.

Cordyceps sinensis Mycelium Culture Extract (Cs4) is a fermented mycelial preparation of Cordyceps sinensis, a fungus used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is produced by cultivating and fermenting the mycelium, the vegetative part of the fungus. In this trial, Cs4 is used as a dietary supplement to investigate its effects on lung function and rehabilitation outcomes in adults with pneumoconiosis.

Participants will receive matching placebo orally, administered as two capsules twice daily for 24 weeks, followed by 12 weeks of follow-up. Placebo capsules will contain starch, sucrose, and food-grade colorants and will match Cs4 capsules in size, color, weight, smell, and packaging.

Matching placebo capsules containing starch, sucrose, and food-grade colorants, with no Cs4 extract. The placebo capsules will match the Cs4 capsules in size, color, weight, and smell and will be supplied in identical blister packs to maintain blinding. Participants will take two capsules orally twice daily for 24 weeks.

Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) will be measured by trained, blinded assessors using standardized spirometry according to American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society standards.

Change from baseline in FEV1, measured in liters by spirometry according to American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society standards.

Change from baseline in FVC, measured in liters by spirometry according to American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society standards.

Change from baseline in the total distance walked during the six-minute walk test, measured in meters. A longer distance indicates greater functional exercise capacity.

Change from baseline in SGRQ total score, assessing overall impairment in respiratory health status. Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating worse health status.

Change from baseline in mMRC Dyspnea Scale score, assessing limitations in daily activities caused by breathlessness. Scores range from 0 to 4, with higher scores indicating greater limitation.

Change from baseline in LCQ total score, assessing cough-related quality of life using 19 items across physical, psychological, and social domains. The total score ranges from 3 to 21, with higher scores indicating better quality of life.

Change from baseline in blood high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentration, measured using an immunoturbidimetric assay. Change will be calculated separately at week 24 and week 36 by subtracting the baseline concentration from the concentration at each follow-up visit.

Change from baseline in blood IL-6 concentration, measured using a high-sensitivity enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Change will be calculated separately at week 24 and week 36 by subtracting the baseline concentration from the concentration at each follow-up visit.

Change from baseline in blood MDA level, assessed using a thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay. Change will be calculated separately at week 24 and week 36 by subtracting the baseline value from the value at each follow-up visit.

Change from baseline in blood SOD activity, measured using a colorimetric assay based on nitroblue tetrazolium reduction. Change will be calculated separately at week 24 and week 36 by subtracting the baseline activity from the activity at each follow-up visit.

Change from baseline in blood GPx activity, measured using a coupled enzyme assay based on nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidation. Change will be calculated separately at week 24 and week 36 by subtracting the baseline activity from the activity at each follow-up visit.