[Inhibitory effect of Xiaotan Sanjie Recipe on the microsatellite instability of orthotopic transplantation tumor in MKN-45 human gastric cancer nude mice].

OBJECTIVE: To study the inhibitory effect of Xiaotan Sanjie Recipe (XSR) on the microsatellite instability of orthotopic transplantation tumor in MKN-45 human gastric cancer nude mice. METHODS: The 3rd passage subcutaneous transplantation tumor was taken as the origin of the model by using MKN-45 human gastric cancer cell lines. MKN-45 human gastric cancer nude mouse model was established using OB glue adhesive method. Then 30 nude mice were divided into the model group, the XSR group, and the chemotherapy group. Mice in the XSR group were intragastrically given XSR at the daily dose of 0.4 mL. Mice in the chemotherapy group were intragastrically given Fluorouracil at the daily dose of 0.4 mL. No intervention was given to mice in the model group. After 6 weeks of medication, the tumor weight was measured, and the tumor inhibition rate calculated. The size, the peak height, and the peak area of 5 microsatellite instability sites were detected. RESULTS: The tumor inhibition rate was 40. 84% in the XSR group. The tumor weight was significantly lower in the XSR group than in the model group (P < 0.01), showing no statistical difference when compared with the chemotherapy group (P >0.05). The incidence of high microsatellite instability (MSI-H) in the model group was 70%, and the incidence of low microsatellite instability (MSI-L) was 30%. Microsatellite stable site tended be stable after 6 weeks of XSR treatment. CONCLUSION: XSR showed inhibition on microsatellite instable orthotopic transplantation tumor in MKN-45 human gastric cancer nude mice.

Xiaotan Sanjie decoction normalizes tumor permissive microenvironment in gastric cancer (Review).

Gastric cancer (GC) develops in a complex tissue environment, the tumor microenvironment (TME), which it relies on for persistent proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis. Non­malignant stromal cell types within the TME are regarded as a clinical meaningful target with the lower risk of resistance and tumor relapse. Studies have revealed that the Xiaotan Sanjie decoction, which is formulated on the basis of the theory of phlegm syndrome, a Traditional Chinese Medicine concept, modulates released factors such as transforming growth factor­ß from tumor cells, immune cells, cancer­associated fibroblasts, extracellular matrix, as well as vascular endothelial growth factor involved in the process of angiogenesis within the TME. Clinical studies have also shown that the Xiaotan Sanjie decoction is associated with favorable survival and quality of life. The present review aimed to interpret the hypothesis that Xiaotan Sanjie decoction has the ability to normalize the GC tumor cells by influencing functions of stromal cells within the TME. The possible association between phlegm syndrome and the TME in GC was discussed in the present review. Overall, Xiaotan Sanjie decoction may be suitable to be added to tumor cell­directed agents or emerging immunotherapies becoming a desirable modality in the management of GC and acquire improved outcomes for patients with GC.

A chinese herbal formula to improve general psychological status in posttraumatic stress disorder: a randomized placebo-controlled trial on sichuan earthquake survivors.

Introduction. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is accompanied by poor general psychological status (GPS). In the present study, we investigated the effects of a Chinese herbal formula on GPS in earthquake survivors with PTSD. Methods. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial compared a Chinese herbal formula, Xiao-Tan-Jie-Yu-Fang (XTJYF), to placebo in 2008 Sichuan earthquake survivors with PTSD. Patients were randomized into XTJYF (n = 123) and placebo (n = 122) groups. Baseline-to-end-point score changes in the three global indices of the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) and rates of response in the SCL global severity index (GSI) were the primary endpoints. A subanalysis of the nine SCL factors and the sleep quality score were secondary endpoints. Results and Discussion. Compared to placebo, the XTJYF group was significantly improved in all three SCL global indices (P = 0.001~0.028). More patients in the XTJYF group reported "much improved" than the placebo group (P = 0.001). The XTJYF group performed significantly better than control in five out of nine SCL factors (somatization, obsessive-compulsive behavior, depression, anxiety, and hostility (P = 0.001~0.036)), and in sleep quality score (P < 0.001). XTJYF produced no serious adverse events. These findings suggest that XTJYF may be an effective and safe treatment option for improving GPS in patients with PTSD.

Anti-proliferation and anti-invasion effects of diosgenin on gastric cancer BGC-823 cells with HIF-1α shRNAs.

Drug resistance is a major factor for the limited efficacy of chemotherapy in gastric cancer treatment. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), a central transcriptional factor in hypoxia, is suggested to participate in the resistance. Here, we identified a hypoxia-mimic (cobalt chloride) sensitive gastric cell line BGC-823 to explore whether diosgenin, an aglycone of steroidal saponins, can inhibit cancer cell invasion and survival of solid tumor in a hypoxic mimic microenvironment. We have shown that diosgenin is a potent candidate for decreasing the ability of invasion and survival in cobalt chloride treated BGC-823 cells. In addition, when combined with HIF-1α specific short hairpin RNA (shRNA), diosgenin can inhibit BGC-823 cells more effectively. The anti-invasion role of diosgenin may be related to E-cadherin, integrinα5 and integrin ß6. These results suggest that diosgenin may be a useful compound in controlling gastric cancer cells in hypoxia condition, especially when combined with down-regulated HIF-1α.

[Professor Wei Pin-kang's experience in treating chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting: an analysis of herbal medication].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the herbal medication by Professor WEI Pin-kang's prescriptions in treating chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). METHODS: On the basis of outpatient and inpatients' medical records concerning CINV from case-database (keywords: chemotherapy and vomiting), data of 143 patients and 143 effective prescriptions were collected. The herbs and those category, nature, flavor and meridian distribution were summarized by frequency method using SPSS 13.0 Software. The couple herbs were analyzed by hierarchical cluster analysis. RESULTS: A total of 144 herbs were used (2 353 frequencies). Six groups of herbs [ frequency >5%, cumulative relative frequency (CRF) 58.89%] were used frequently as follow: the herbs for regulating qi (17.81%), resolving phlegm (13.51%), invigorating qi (8.07%), relieving food retention (7.44%), calming Gan to stop endogenous wind (7.05%), and warming the interior (5.01%). The most frequently used herbs ( >20 frequencies, CRF 77.31%) had 31 species as follow: the herbs for regulating qi (6 species), calming Gan to stop endogenous wind (4 species), resolving phlegm (3 species), external application (2 species), invigorating qi (2 species), warming the interior (2 species), activating blood and removing blood stasis (2 species), promoting diuresis and resolving dampness (1 species), purgation (1 species), invigorating blood (1 species), relieving exterior syndrome with pungent-warm property (1 species), relieving exterior syndrome with pungent-cool property (1 species), astringent (1 species), resolving dampness with aromatic property (1 species), calming the mind (1 species), eliminating heat and dampness (1 species), relieving food retention (1 species). Frequency of Rhizoma Pinelliae was 127 including Rhizoma Pinelliae (processed with ginger) 83 (65.35%). Frequency of prepared Radix et Rhizoma Rhei was 85 (95.51% of Prea- praed Rhizoma Rhei). These herbs were mostly of warm nature (43.99%). The total frequency of herb-nature was 3 677 and the pungent (34.76%), bitter (32.06%) and sweet herbs (18.22%) were most frequently used (CRF 85.04%). The total frequency of meridian distribution was 6 627 and these herbs were mostly attributed to Pi, Wei, Gan, and Fei meridians (CRF 71.34%). The most frequently used couple-herbs included Rhizoma Pinelliae and Rhizoma Atisaematis, Fructus Aurantii Immaturus and Submature Bitter Orange, Flos Caryophylli and Calyx Kaki, Rhizoma Coptidis and Os Sepiae, Rumulus Ginnamomi and Radix Paeoniae, Fructus Citri Sarcodactylis and Fructus Citri, aloeswood and toad skin, scorpion and centipede, earth worm and Gekko Swinhoana, bupleurum root and curcumae, fossilia ossis mastodi and oyster, large head atractylodes and poria, and so on. CONCLUSIONS: Professor WEI Pin-kang regarded the therapy of dissolving phlegm and regulating Wei as the fundamental treatment of CINV. He emphasized gastrointestinal metabolic disorders induced by phlegm and stagnation related to chemotherapeutics. He laid equal emphasis on regulating qi, dissolving phlegm, and removing stagnation.

[Effects of xiaotan sanjie recipe on vasculogenic mimicry of human gastric cancer xenografts in nude mice].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of Xiaotan Sanjie Recipe (XTSJD) and its mechanism on vasculogenic mimicry (VM) of human gastric cancer xenografts in nude mice. METHODS: The tumor-bearing mice model was established by subcutaneous inoculating with xenografts of human gastric cancer into the right armpit of 30 BALB/c nude mice. After modeling, the tumor-bearing mice were randomly divided into the normal saline group, the XTSJD group, and the doxycycline hyclate (DH) group, 10 in each. And the mice were administered with corresponding medicine by gastrogavage for 4 weeks. Then all mice were killed by cervical dislocation. The tumor mass were weighed and the tumor inhibition rate calculated. The amount of VM in tumor was counted. Expressions of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) -2 and MMP-9 were tested using immunohistochemical method. RESULTS: Tumor weight in the XTSJD group and the OH group decreased significantly when compared with the NS group (P<0.01). The amount of VM in the XTSJD group (24.50+/-3.03) and the OH group (14.70+/-1.34) was significantly less than that in the NS group (33.10+/-2.64) (P<0.01). The positive expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the XTSJD group and the OH group was significantly lower than that in the NS group (P <0.01). CONCLUSION: XTSJD could inhibit the formation of VM in xenografted tumor of nude mice. The mechanism might be correlated with the down-regulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions.

[Effect of xiaotan sanjie recipe on expressions of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 in nude mice with transplanted human gastric adenocarcinoma cell MKN-45].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the mechanism of Xiaotan Sanjie Recipe (XSR) in inhibiting lymphatic metastasis of gastric carcinoma by observing its effects on the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) and its receptor VEGFR-3 in nude mice with transplanted human gastric adenocarcinoma cell MKN-45. METHODS: Thirty mice were made into MKN-45 tumor model and randomly divided into three groups treated with saline, 5-Fu, and XSR, respectively. Gene and protein expressions of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 in the tumor tissue were detected by RT-PCR, and the lymphatic microvessel density (LMVD) in tumor was measured with immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Compared with the group treated with saline, the mRNA and protein expressions of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 as well as LMVD level were significantly lower (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) in the group treated with XSR. There was no significantly statistic difference between the group of XSR and 5-Fu on the indices mentioned above (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: By down-regulating the mRNA and protein expressions of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 might be one of possible mechanisms for XSR in preventing and curing the lymphatic metastasis of gastric carcinoma.

[Eight therapies of resolving phlegm and dispersing nodules in treatment of gastric cancer: experience from Professor Wei Pin-kang].

Professor Wei Pin-kang developed phlegm theory for gastric cancer. He adopted the therapy of resolving phlegm and dispersing nodules as the fundamental therapy for gastric cancer. As the symptoms may vary due to the changes of etiology and pathogenesis at different stages of gastric cancer, he further formulated eight therapies based on the fundamental therapy, namely, resolving phlegm and regulating stomach, resolving phlegm and removing stagnancy, resolving phlegm and clearing heat toxin, resolving phlegm and relieving qi depression, resolving phlegm and dredging collaterals, resolving phlegm and removing blood stasis, resolving phlegm and promoting diuresis, and resolving phlegm to soften abdominal mass. These therapies showed satisfactory effects following the principle of simultaneous treatment of disease and symptoms.

[The phlegm theory of gastric cancer].

Based on years of ancient literature research and clinical experience, Professor Pin-kang Wei developed the phlegm theory of gastric cancer. In light of the properties of gastric cancer and the method of differentiating syndromes within the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) paradigm, it is believed that gastric cancer is closely related with phlegm. Much ancient literature regarding the relationship between phlegm and gastric cancer was reviewed to explain the rationale and academic inheritance of the phlegm theory. In this theory, gastric cancer is regarded as a form of phlegm stagnation and consists of phlegm core, phlegm collateral and phlegm contamination. In order to explain the mechanism of development, recurrence and metastasis of gastric cancer, phlegm contamination is regarded as the most fundamental cause and pathogenesis of gastric cancer. The therapy of resolving phlegm and dispersing nodules is suggested for the fundamental treatment of gastric cancer.

[Effects of ethanol extract of Rhizome Pinelliae Preparata on intracellular pH value of human gastric adenocarcinoma cells].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of ethanol extract of Rhizome Pinelliae Preparata on the intracellular pH value of human gastric cancer SGC7901 cells. METHODS: After coculturing SGC7901 cells with ethanol extract of Rhizome Pinelliae Preparata (1, 0.5, 0.25 and 0.125 mg/mL), cell viability was evaluated by chromatometry with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) staining. Intracellular pH value of SGC7901 cells was measured in the monolayer by using the pH-sensitive fluorescent probe 2,7-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5-carboxyfluorescein-acetoxymethyl ester. The extracellular pH value of culture medium was measured by a pH211 Calibration Check Microprocessor pH Meter. Half-inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) of ethanol extract culture to SGC7901 cells was decided by the MTT method and expressions of vacuolar-H(+)-ATPase (V-ATPase) and Na(+)/H(+) exchanger isoform 1 (NHE1) mRNAs were examined by the method of fluorescence quantitative-polymerase chain reaction after 72 h of drug treatment. RESULTS: Ethanol extract of Rhizome Pinelliae Preparata at different concentrations significantly inhibited the proliferation of SGC7901 cells, lowered the intracellular pH values and heightened the extracellular pH values. The IC(50) of 72 h culture was 0.5mg/mL and it inhibited the expressions of V-ATPase and NHE1 mRNAs. CONCLUSION: Ethanol extract of Rhizome Pinelliae Preparata can lower down the intracellular pH value of SGC7901 cells. The mechanism may be related to inhibiting the expressions of V-ATPase and NHE1 mRNAs.

Study on the mechanism of xiaotan sanjie recipe for inhibiting proliferation of gastric cancer cells.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of Xiaotan Sanjie Recipe (XtSjR, Recipe for dissolving phlegm to eliminate stagnation) in inhibiting proliferation of gastric cancer cells. METHODS: The nude mouse human gastric cancer MKN-45 in situ transplantation tumor model was established by use of OB glue, and 40 model mice were randomized into 5 groups, model group, low-dose XtSjR group, middle-dose XtSjR group, high-dose XtSjR group, and 5-Fu group, 8 rats in each group. Human gastric cancer MKN-45 telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) protein and mRNA expressions were assayed by immunohistochemical method and real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR, and influences of XtSjR on the expressions of hTERT protein and mRNA were investigated in the nude mouse human gastric cancer MKN-45 in situ tumor transplantation model. RESULTS: 1) There were significant differences in the mean tumor weight between the low-, middle-, high-dose XtSjR groups and the model group (all P < 0.01); 2) There were significant differences in the hTERT positive expression rate between the middle- and high-dose XtSjR groups and the model group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01); 3) There were significant differences in the hTERT mRNA content between the middle- and high-dose XtSjR groups and the model group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: 1) XtSjR has a marked inhibitory effect on the growth of gastric cancer cells; 2) XtSjR inhibits telomerase activity by down-regulating the expressions of hTERT protein and mRNA, shortening the length of cancer cell telomeres gradually, losing the ability to infinitely proliferate, and finally inhibiting the growth and proliferation of tumor cells.

[Discussion of the correlation between phlegm and tumor microenvironment].

An abnormal microenvironment which is not fit for the living of normal cells is induced and maintained due to rapid growth, abnormal energy metabolism and self-regulation of specific proteins of the tumor cells. At the same time, the abnormal microenvironment is the guarantee of the neoplastic transformation, proliferation, invasion and metastasis of tumor cells. The microenvironment mainly consists of interstitial cells and their components. There are correlations between the physiological role of body fluid and the physiological functions of microenvironment. Phlegm is the product of abnormal body fluid metabolism. So to discuss the correlations of them may contribute to clarifying the material base of phlegm and will further give new insight for integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine in cancer research.

[Effects of Xiaotan Jieyu Recipe on behaviors of tumor-bearing rats with chronic mild stress and the mechanism].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of unpredictable chronic mild stress and Xiaotan Jieyu Recipe (XTJYR), a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, on the behaviors of Walker 256 tumor-bearing rats and to explore the mechanism. METHODS: Sixty Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group, stress group, tumor-bearing group, stress plus tumor-bearing group, fluoxetine group and XTJYR group. After treatment, sucrose solution consumption, score of ethology, body weight and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were detected, expressions of Bcl-2 and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) proteins in hippocampus were detected by Western blotting method, and expression of Bcl-2 mRNA was measured by polymerase chain reaction method. RESULTS: Sucrose solution consumption, behavioral scores and body weight of rats were decreased in the stress group and the tumor-bearing group as compared with the control group. There were significant differences in expressions of Bcl-2 mRNA and Bcl-2 and p-ERK1/2 proteins in hippocampus and contents of serum TNF-alpha and IL-6 in the stress group and the tumor-bearing group as compared with those in the control group. XTJYR had the efficacy in improving behavioral scores of stress rats and tumor-bearing rats, down-regulating the contents of serum TNF-alpha and IL-6 and increasing the expressions of proteins of Bcl-2 and p-ERK1/2. CONCLUSION: Tumor-bearing rats are prone to behave depressively after exposure to chronic mild stress and XTJYR can improve the behavioral scores of the rats. The mechanisms of XTJYR may relate to regulating contents of serum TNF-alpha and increasing the protein expressions of Bcl-2 and p-ERK1/2.

Syndrome characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine: summary of a clinical survey in 767 patients with gastric cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The present study is a summary of syndrome types of gastric cancer in order of priority based on clinical practical situations, routine clinical syndrome differentiation and a large-sample clinical survey in 767 patients with gastric cancer. METHODS: Based on the six-type classification of gastric cancer in a previous study, a bedside syndrome differentiation diagnosis was made simultaneously by two attending doctors of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM to avoid possible diagnostic bias. A clinical differentiation survey form designed under the direction of epidemiologists was filled out by patients with gastric cancer in multiple centers, and the results were digitally valued and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The symptoms and signs in each syndrome type of gastric cancer were ranked in order of priority as follows: distended pain, stringy pulse, eructation, mood-related pain, susceptibility to anger, acid regurgitation, hiccup, fullness sensation or distension after eating just a little, dizziness, thin pulse, abdominal enlargement, obstruction sensation after eating, moving pain, and uneven pulse in disharmony between liver and stomach; dark red tongue with little fur or a smooth surface, burning pain, rapid pulse, associated burning heat in anus, dry mouth, fissured tongue, thin pulse, tidal fever in the afternoon, nausea and vomiting, and night sweating in impairment of yin due to stomach heat; slender tongue fur, obstruction after eating, slow pulse, moderate pulse, rapid and irregular pulse, normal mood, abdominal pain, diarrhea, cold extremities, lower-extremity edema, cold intolerance, pale complexion, dizziness, emaciation, hiccup, silence, nausea, uneven pulse, acid regurgitation, fullness sensation or distension after eating just a little, vomiting, and constipation in deficiency-cold in spleen and stomach; uneven pulse, stabbing pain, tortuous sublingual vein, blue or purplish tongue, fixed pain, tarry stool or dark red stool, vomiting of dark red fluid, pale complexion, dry mouth without desire to drink, stringy pulse, white tongue fur, nausea, thin tongue fur, colic pain, hiccup, dizziness, acid regurgitation, bitter taste in mouth, slow pulse, rapid and irregular pulse, thin pulse, and pain relief by pressing in interior retention of toxin stagnation; slippery pulse, greasy and thick tongue fur, dry mouth without desire to drink, vomiting of bilious fluid, nausea, bitter taste in mouth, fullness sensation or distension after eating just a little, colic pain, and hiccup in stagnation of phlegm-dampness; abdominal pain relief by pressing, map-like tongue, thin pulse, weakness, yellowish complexion, dizziness, spontaneous sweating, fissured tongue, epigastric discomfort, night sweating, emaciation, cold intolerance, constipation, nausea, and dry tongue in deficiency of both qi and blood. CONCLUSION: The summarized syndrome types of gastric cancer from this study are consistent with the clinical situations and would prove to be more referential for TCM syndrome differentiation diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer.

[Effects of Xiaotan Sanjie Decoction on expressions of interleukin-8 and its receptors in gastric tumor xenografts and gastric tissue adjacent to the tumor in mice].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanisms of Xiaotan Sanjie Decoction (XTSJD), a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, in inhibiting the tumor growth and preventing recurrence by testing the protein expressions of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and its receptors chemokine receptor 1 (CXCR1) and chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) in gastric tumor xenografts and gastric tissue adjacent to the tumor in mice. METHODS: Fifty Kunming mice were randomly divided into normal group, normal saline (NS) group, Heat-clearing and Detoxicating Decoction (HCDD) group, tegafur (FT-207) group and XTSJD group. Except for mice in the normal group, S180 tumor block was transplanted into the gastric walls of the mice, and the mice were administered with corresponding medicine for 3 weeks. Weight of tumor xenografts was measured and tumor inhibition rate was calculated. IL-8 protein expression was tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expressions of CXCR1 and CXCR2 were tested by immunohistochemical method. RESULTS: The protein expressions of IL-8 and its receptors in tumor xenografts and gastric tissue adjacent to the tumor were markedly higher than those in the gastric tissue in normal mice (P<0.01); compared with HCDD and FT-207, XTSJD could significantly decrease the IL-8 protein expression in tumor xenografts and gastric tissue adjacent to the tumor (P<0.05); compared with FT-207, XTSJD could significantly decrease the CXCR1 protein expression in tumor xenografts (P<0.01), and XTSJD could also significantly decrease the CXCR1 protein expression in gastric tissue adjacent to the tumor as compared with HCDD and FT-207 (P<0.01); compared with HCDD and FT-207, XTSJD could significantly decrease the CXCR2 protein expression in tumor xenografts (P<0.01), and there was no significant difference among the three drug-treated groups in CXCR2 protein expression in gastric tissue adjacent to the tumor (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: XTSJD can decrease the protein expressions of IL-8 and its receptors in tumor xenografts and gastric tissue adjacent to the tumor. It may be one of the mechanisms of XTSJD in inhibiting the tumor growth and preventing recurrence.

[Effects of Xiaotan Sanjie Decoction-containing serum on proliferation and apoptosis of human gastric cancer cells MKN-45].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of serum containing Xiaotan Sanjie Decoction, a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, on proliferation and apoptosis of human gastric cancer cell line MKN-45. METHODS: After coculturing MKN-45 cells with low-, medium- and high-dose Xiaotan Sanjie Decoction-containing serum, inverted microscope was utilized to observe morphological changes and counting chamber was used to count the MKN-45 cells; the proliferation of MKN-45 cells was determined by cell counting kit 8; Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide double label method was used to detect apoptosis rate of MKN-45 cells. RESULTS: Xiaotan Sanjie Decoction-containing serum significantly inhibited the proliferation of MKN-45 cells. The typical morphological changes of apoptotic MKN-45 cells were observed after treating with Xiaotan Sanjie Decoction-containing serum. The cell apoptosis was also observed by flow cytometry and the apoptosis rates of medium- and high-dose Xiaotan Sanjie Decoction-containing serum groups were higher than that of low-dose group. CONCLUSION: Xiaotan Sanjie Decoction-containing serum can inhibit the MKN-45 cell proliferation and induce cell apoptosis, which provides an experimental evidence for its treatment of human gastric cancer.

[Relationship between expressions of estrogen and progesterone receptors and syndrome types of gastric carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between expressions of estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors and syndromes of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in gastric carcinoma and to establish prognostic indicators for gastric carcinoma. METHODS: A total of 72 patients with gastric carcinoma were divided into six groups according to TCM syndrome differentiation. Specimens were collected after operation and ER and PR protein expressions were detected by EnVision immunohistochemical method. RESULTS: The common syndromes in female patients with gastric carcinoma were disharmony between liver and stomach, yin impairment due to stomach heat, and insufficiency of both qi and blood; while in males, interior retention of stagnant toxin, interior retention of phlegm and dampness, and deficiency-cold in spleen and stomach were common. Different TCM syndromes were related with gender (P<0.01), pathology (P<0.01), cell differentiation (P<0.05), infiltration depth (P<0.01), lymphaden metastasis (P<0.05), distant metastasis (P<0.05), and TNM stage (P<0.01). Deficiency and excess syndromes were associated with gender (P<0.05), pathology (P<0.05), tumor location (P<0.01) and TNM stage (P<0.05). The deficiency syndromes were common in female patients. The total positive rates of ER and PR expressions were 8.33% and 37.5% respectively. There was a significant difference in PR expression among different TCM syndromes (P<0.01). PR expression was significantly higher in the syndrome of yin deficiency due to stomach heat than in the other syndromes. The PR expressions in deficiency syndromes were significantly higher than those in excess syndromes (P<0.01). No correlation was found between ER expression and different TCM syndromes. CONCLUSION: There is a correlation between PR expression and different TCM syndromes in gastric carcinoma.

OB glue paste technique for establishing nude mouse human gastric cancer orthotopic transplantation models.

AIM: To establish nude mouse human gastric cancer orthotopic transplantation models using OB glue paste technique. METHODS: Using OB glue paste technique, orthopic transplantation models were established by implanting SGC-7901 and MKN-45 human gastric cancer cell strains into the gastric wall of nude mice. Biological features, growth of the implanted tumors, the success rate of transplantation and the rate of auto-metastasis of the two models were observed. RESULTS: The success rates of orthotopic transplantation of the two models were 94.20% and 96%. The rates of hepatic metastasis, pulmonary metastasis, peritoneal metastasis, lymphocytic metastasis and splenic metastasis were 42.13% and 94.20%, 48.43% and 57.97%, 30.83% and 36.96%, 67.30% and 84.06%, and 59.75% and 10.53%, respectively. The occurrence of ascites was 47.80% and 36.96%. CONCLUSION: OB glue paste technique is easy to follow. The biological behaviors of the nude mouse human gastric cancer orthotopic transplantation models established with this technique are similar to the natural processes of growth and metastasis of human gastric cancer, and, therefore, can be used as an ideal model for experimental research of proliferative metastasis of tumors.

Study on analgesic effect of traditional Chinese medicine.

Chinese medicine has been used in treating pain for a long time. Much progress has been made in studies on the mechanism of the analgesic effect of Chinese medicine in animal experiments. It is found that the analgesic action may be related to the following actions: (1) Reducing the secretion of peripheral algogenic substances and inducing the secretion of pain-sensitive substances; (2) Alleviating the accumulation of local algogenic substances; (3) Increasing the release of endogenous analgesic substances; (4) Regulating c-fos gene and increasing the secretion of such substances in the central nervous system, etc. In this paper, the experimental methods and analgesic effect of Chinese medicines are reviewed.

[Establishment of a fuzzy mathematical model for syndrome differentiation of gastric cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To probe into a method for establishing the fuzzy mathematical model for syndrome differentiation of gastric cancer. METHODS: According to the analysis of 769 cases of gastric cancer, the U-domain, syndrome type set V and the fuzzy relation of symptom and syndrome type were established. The fuzzy set of syndrome type was set up too. The fuzzy model for syndrome differentiation of gastric cancer was constructed by adopting close degree fuzzy set and the biggest attaching principle. RESULTS: The actual coincidence rate in incoordination between liver and stomach was 65.00%; in yin deficiency due to gastric heat was 72.22%; in deficiency-cold of spleen and stomach was 70.00%; in blood stasis accumulating with toxin was 57.14%; in phlegm accumulating with dampness was 53.33%; and in exhaustion of both qi and blood was 72.22%. The overall coincidence rate was 65.71%. CONCLUSION: The model offers a solution for objective research of syndrome differentiation, and has the clinical value.