Efficacy and Safety of Duloxetine on Osteoarthritis Knee Pain: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of duloxetine for management of osteoarthritis knee (OAK) pain. METHODS: A systematic literature search of articles for management of OAK using duloxetine were performed in PubMed, EBSCO, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, MEDLINE, ClinicalTrials.gov, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from the available date of inception until the latest issue (October 2013). Potentially relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding to comparison of efficacy and safety of duloxetine with placebo for managing OAK pain were included. Also, studies with specific data regarding to pain reductions and response rate, Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I), functional improvement, Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), adverse events (AEs), treatment-emergent AEs (TEAEs), mortality were included and analyzed, and those with confounding conditions were excluded. Studies were assessed for quality using the Jadad five-point score for RCTs. Finally, a meta-analysis of all RCTs eligible for inclusion criteria was performed using Review Manager 5.1 meta-analysis software. RESULTS: Three RCTs that enrolled 1,011 patients were included in our meta-analysis. There were statistically significant differences between patients taking duloxetine and those taking placebo with regard to the reductions in pain intensity (992 patients, mean difference [MD] = -0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.11--0.65, P < 0.0001), a moderate improvement in pain intensity (>= 30% response rate; 989 patients, risk ratio [RR] = 1.49, 95% CI 1.31-1.70, P < 0.0001), a substantial improvement in pain intensity (>=50% response rate; 989 patients, RR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.27-2.25, P = 0.0004). Statistically significant differences in PGI-I (976 patients, MD = -0.47, 95% CI -0.63 to -0.30, P < 0.0001) and WOMAC-physical function subscale (977 patients, MD = -4.25, 95% CI -5.82 to -2.68, P < 0.0001) were observed. Similarly, more AEs, TEAEs, and discontinuations for any reason were associated with the use of duloxetine than with placebo (1,011 patients, RR = 2.15, 95% CI 1.48-3.11, P < 0.0001; 1,011 patients, RR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.16-1.49, P < 0.0001; 1,011 patients, RR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.14-1.78, P = 0.002, respectively). However, differences in serious AEs were not significantly statistically different. Moreover, no deaths occurred during these three studies. CONCLUSION: This analysis suggests duloxetine (60/120 mg quaque die (QD)), compared with placebo control, resulted in a greater reduction in pain, improved function and patient-rated impression of improvement, and acceptable adverse effects for the treatment of OAK pain after approximately 10-13 weeks of treatment.

[Comparison of Chemical Components of Essential Oil from Ocimum basilicum var. pilosum Extracted by Supercritical CO2 Fluid and Steam Distillation].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the chemical components of essential oil prepared by steam distillation extraction (SD) and supercritical CO2 fluid extraction (SFE-CO2) from Ocimum basilicum var. pilosum whole plant. METHODS: The essential oil of Ocimum basilicum var. pilosum were extracted by SD and SFE-CO2. The chemical components of essential oil were separated and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry( GC-MS). Their relative contents were determined by normalization of peak area. RESULTS: 40 and 42 compounds were detected in the essential oil prepared by SD and SFE-CO2 respectively. 25 compounds were common. CONCLUSION: Thereare significant differences of the chemical components between the Ocimum basilicum var. pilosum essential oil prepared by SD and thatby SFE-CO2. Different methods showed different extraction efficiency with a special compound. It might be a good idea to unite several methods in the modern traditional Chinese medicine industry.

[Comparison of the chemical components of essential oil extracted by supercritical CO2 fluid and steam distillation from Pteris multifida].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the chemical components of essential oil extracted by supercritical CO2 fluid extraction (SFE-CO2) and steam distillation extraction (SD) from Pteris multifida. METHODS: The essential oil of Pteris multifida was extracted by SFE-CO2 and SD. The chemical components of essential oil were separated and analyzed by GC-MS. Their relative contents were determined by normalization of peak area. RESULTS: Twenty -seven compounds in the essential oil extracted by SFE-CO2 and 45 compounds in the essential oil extracted by SD were identified respectively. There were 11 common components. CONCLUSION: The chemical components of essential oil extracted by SFE-CO2 are different from that extracted by SD.

Triazine-cored covalent organic framework for ultrasensitive detection of polybrominated diphenyl ethers from real samples: Experimental and DFT study.

Food and environmental safety issues attributable to the polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are gaining increasing attention, and these urge us to establish a high-performance sample-handling technique. In this study, an outstanding adsorption performance with short adsorption time (10 min) was achieved for PBDEs using a novel synthesized dispersive solid-phase extraction adsorbent, a reticulated covalent organic framework with N/O functional groups (i.e., imine linkage, triazine, and methoxy) (TAPT-DMTA-COF). By conducting sufficient experimentation and theoretical simulation on adsorption mechanism, the halogen bond between electronegative N/O atoms of TAPT-DMTA-COF and the electropositive Br atoms of PBDEs were observed to play a more pivotal role than π-π, C-H…π interactions, and hydrophobic effects. Furthermore, the positive linear relation between calculated adsorption energy and Br content directly clarified that enrichment behavior of PBDEs can be attributed to halogen bonding. These data implied that integrated nanostructure (i.e., N/O functional groups and reticulated architecture) effectively enhanced adsorption capacity. In case of PBDE analysis, this approach achieved excellent results with low limits of detection (0.03-0.13 ng L-1). Finally, the promising potential applications of aforementioned method were verified by spiking water, fish, and milk samples with PBDEs; good PBDEs recoveries were obtained.

Dangguishaoyao-San attenuates LPS-induced neuroinflammation via the TLRs/NF-κB signaling pathway.

INTRODUCTION: Dangguishaoyao-San (DSS) is composed of six traditional Chinese medicines, including Angelica sinensis, Paeoniae radix, Rhizoma Ligusticum, Poria cocos, Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, and Rhizoma Alismatis. DSS has been reported to be effective in alleviating the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of action of DSS in vitro using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV-2 microglia cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: BV-2 cells were pretreated with 0.58-1.16 mg/mL of DSS for 2 h and then treated with 1 µg/mL LPS for 24 h. Cell viability was determined by an 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The protein expression levels were measured by Western blots. Inflammatory factors were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). The mRNA levels of inflammatory factors were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: DSS treatment at concentrations of 0.58-1.16 mg/mL resulted in no significant cytotoxicity. DSS attenuated the release of pro-inflammatory factors, such as interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), iNOS and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in LPS-induced BV-2 cells. DSS attenuated the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, TLR2, and TLR4 and decreased TLR4 and TLR protein levels as well as the phosphorylation of IκB in LPS-induced BV-2 cells. DSS also down-regulated the nuclear translocation of p65. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that DSS has a protective effect on neuroinflammation in LPS-induced BV-2 microglia cells through the TLRs/NF-κB signaling pathway.

[The protective effect of Astragalus membranaceus extraction on cryopreserved primary-cultured human fetal hepatocytes].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the influence of Astragalus membranaceus Extraction (AE) on the primary-cultured human fetal hepatocytes stored in liquid nitrogen and explore a new method for the cryopreservation of human hepatocytes with improved function. METHODS: Human fetal hepatocytes were harvested by two-step collagenase perfusion, and then stored in a liquid nitrogen for one month with five different cryoprotectants (I: 10% DMSO, II: 5% DMSO + 2 mg/L AE, III: 5% DMSO + 20 mg/L AE, IV: 5% DMSO + 60 mg/L AE, V: 5% DMSO + 100 mg/L AE). One month later, the cells were thawed rapidly and the viability, morphology and basic function of them were tested. RESULTS: The human fetal hepatocytes in different groups showed various levels of viability, morphological manifestation and cell function respectively. After thawing, the viability rate and flash adhering rate in group IV and V had no significant difference with group I (P > 0.05), but were higher than group II and III (P < 0.05); the cell function analysis in the group IV, the results of ALB and AST level determination, NH4Cl transformation test, were the best among the groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: AE can provide protection for human fetal hepatocytes in cryopreservation, and the best performance concentration level of its is 60 mg/L; the preservation dosage of DMSO can be reduced when combined with AE in the preservation solution, which shows that AE has a synergistic effect with DMSO.

[Effect of Herba Scutellariae Barbatae flavonoids in delaying aging of Caenorhabditis elegans and human umbilical vein endothelial cells in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of Herba Scutellariae Barbatae flavonoids (HF) in delaying aging of Caenorhabditis elegans and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro. METHODS: The effects of 30 or 50 mg/L of HF on nematode life span, reproductive capacity, oxidative stress, and antioxidant enzyme activity of C. elegans were assessed, and the effects of HF on the expressions of the genes encoding antioxidant enzymes and the aging-related genes were analyzed using real-time RT-PCR in both C. elegans and cultured HUVECs. Results Compared with the blank control group, C. elegans with HF treatment showed significantly improved mean and maximum lifespan with a prolonged mean lifespan under acute heat stress at 35 degrees celsius;. HF treatment did not impair the reproductive capacity or cause significant changes in the offspring number of C. elegans. In addition, HF enhanced SOD and CAT activity and up-regulated the expression of daf-16 and sir-2.1 (SIRT1) genes in C. elegans and HUVECs. CONCLUSIONS: HF may delay aging of C. elegans and enhance their resistance to acute heat stress without damaging their reproductive capacity possibly by up-regulating the activity of antioxidant enzymes and expressions of antioxidant genes. HF also may protect endothelial cells against oxidative damage.

[Determination of scopoletin and umbelliferone contents in Saussurea medusa Maxim by high-performance liquid chromatography].

The contents of scopoletin and umbelliferone in Saussurea medusa Maxim were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using Merck Lichrospher100 RP-18e column (250 mm x 4.0 mm, 5 microm) with the mobile phase of methanol-tetrahydrofuran-water solution and the absorbance of the compounds observed at 346 nm. HPLC yielded an average recovery and RSD of 100.07% and 1.42% for scopoletin, and 99.41% and 2.06% for umbelliferone, respectively, suggesting that HPLC is a simple, rapid and accurate method for quality control of Saussurea medusa Maxim.

[Infrared spectrum and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of the alkaloid extract of Gelsemium produced in east Guangdong province].

OBJECTIVE: To identify the structure of the alkaloid extract of Gelsemium from east Guangdong province of China. METHODS: Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) absorption spectrometry, hydrogen and carbon spectra of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and distortionless enhancement by polarization transfer (DEPT) analysis were used for the structural identification of the alkaloid exstract of Gelsemium. RESULTS: The frequency, intensity and shape of the extract's characteristic peaks in infrared absorption spectra (4,000.0-400.0 cm(-1)) and (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR were recognized and compared. The molecular structure of the sample was consistent with the theoretically derived model. CONCLUSION: The extract is structurally identical to koumine, which may provide evidence for its safe clinical application and establishment of Chinese medicine fingerprint database of Gelsemium.

[Therapeutic effects of koumine on psoriasis: an experimental study in mice].

OBJECTIVE: To study the therapeutic effects of koumine on psoriasis in mouse models. METHODS: The effects of koumine on epithelial cell mitosis and epidermal cell differentiation was evaluated by collecting the samples of the vaginal mucous and squamous epidermis at the tail of mice treated with methotrexate or koumine at different doses. The levels of interleukin (IL)-2 were detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: High and intermediate doses of koumine showed remarkable inhibitory effect on mouse vaginal epithelial cell mitosis and promoted the formation of epidermal granular layer in the scales at the mouse tail. Three concentrations at 6, 30, 150 mg/kg of koumine decreased serum IL-2 level in the mice. CONCLUSION: The therapeutic effect of koumine against psoriasis is related to the inhibition of epidermal cell proliferation, promoting the formation of granular cells and decreasing the serum level of IL-2.

[Effect of koumine on proliferation of murine CD4+ T cells purified by magnetic-activated cell sorting in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the separation efficiency of magnetic-activated cell sorting in the purification of CD4+ T cells from murine spleen, and observe the effects of koumine on the proliferation of the separated cells. METHODS: CD4+ T cells were isolated from murine spleen by magnetic-activated cell sorting (MiniMACS). Fluorescence-activated cell sortering was employed to determine the purity of CD4+ T cells before and after the separation procedure followed by evaluation of the cell viability using trypan blue staining. Concanavalin A- (ConA, 5 microg/ml) or phytahematoagglutinin (PHA,1 mg/ml)-induced murine T cells were treated with different concentrations of koumine (10-320 microg/ml), and their proliferation was determined by MTT colorimetry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure IL-2 level in the cell culture supernatant. RESULTS: The purity of CD4+ T cells reached (90.3+/-5.8)% after the purification with a cell viability of (94.9+/-3.6)%. Koumine (20-320 microg/ml) dose-dependently inhibited ConA- or PHA-induced proliferation of murine lymphocytes as compared with the controls (P<0.05). Koumine (20, 100, and 200 microg/ml) significantly decreased the level of IL-2 in comparison with the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CD4+ T cells of high purity can be obtained from murine spleen using MiniMACS without impairing the viability of the cells. Koumine significantly inhibits the proliferation of murine CD4+ T cells due to its immunosuppressive effect and inhibition of IL-2 secretion.

[Association between gene mutation of cytochrome P450 1A1 in exon 7 A4889G locus and susceptibility to endometriosis].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the possible association between gene mutation of cytochrome P450 1A1(CYP1A1) in exon 7 A4889G locus and the susceptibility to endometriosis (EM). METHODS: Allele specific-polymerase chain reaction method was used to analyze gene mutation in exon 7 A4889G locus of CYP1A1 in 76 patients with endometriosis and 80 healthy controls. RESULTS: The frequency of allele G on A4889G locus of CYP1A1 gene showed a significant difference between the study cohort and the control group (Chi2=7.498, P<0.01), with an odds ratio of 1.957. Statistically significant difference in the frequencies of genotypes AA, AG and GG was observed between the two groups (Chi2=6.915, P<0.05). Individuals with homozygotes for G allele were at higher risk of suffering from EM when compared against those with homozygotes for A allele, the odds ratio being 3.437 (Chi2=5.430, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The above results suggest that gene mutation of CYP1A1 in exon 7 A4889G locus might be a genetic susceptible factor of endometriosis. The mutation allele of CYP1A1 gene appears to increase the risk of endometriosis.

[Extraction and separation of koumine from Gelsemium alkaloids].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a method for isolating and identifying koumine. METHODS: Koumine was first extracted from Gelsemium alkaloids by using chloroform, which was further separated and purified by column chromatograph, and identified by thin-layer chromatography. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Koumine crystals were isolated and purified from Gelsemium alkaloids effectively.

[Association between glutathione S-transferase M1 gene deletion and genetic susceptibility to endometriosis].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the possible association of the glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) gene polymorphism with the susceptibility to endometriosis in women of Han nationality in Guangdong Province. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction was used to identify the GSTM1 genotypes in 76 patients with endometriosis and 80 controls (surgical patients for gynecological problems other than endometriosis). RESULTS: The frequencies of the GSTM1 null genotypes in patients with endometriosis and controls were 65.8% and 46.3%, respectively, showing a significant difference between the endometriotic cohort and the control group (X(2)=6.03, P < 0.05). Individuals with GSTM1 null genotype were exposed to risks for endometriosis 2.24 times that of subjects without these genotypes OR=2.24, 95% CI=1.17-4.27 . CONCLUSION: GSTM1 gene deletion might bea risk factor for endometriosis in women of Han nationality who are native residents in Guangdong Province.

[Comparative study of uniform design and orthogonal design in the extraction of Gelsemium alkaloids].

OBJECTIVE: To develop a simple and efficient method for extracting Gelsemium alkaloids. METHODS: Uniform design and orthogonal design were respectively utilized to optimize the 3 factors in the extraction process, namely the type of solvent used, the solid-to-liquid ratio in the extraction system and the reflux time. RESULTS: Both of the design methods adopted trichloromethane as the solvent, with the solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:7.5 and reflux time of 3 h with 3 repetitions for the highest yield of alkaloids. CONCLUSION: Similar results are obtained from the two design methods for extracting Gelsemium alkaloids.

[Changes of neuropeptide Y mRNA expression in the cerebral tissues of rat models of subarachnoid hemorrhage].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes in the expression of neuropeptide Y mRNA in the cerebral tissues of rat models of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), to shed light on the prevention and treatment of cerebral vasospasm induced by SAH. METHODS: SAH rat models, saline and sham-operation control groups were respectively established, in which the relative abundance of neuropeptide Y mRNA in the corpus striatum, cerebral cortex, hypothalamus were subsequently measured and compared by reverse transcriptase PCR at 15 min, 30 min and 1, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 h after corresponding treatment. RESULTS: The abundance of neuropeptide Y mRNA significantly elevated in the cerebral tissues after SAH, and gradually declined with the passage of time, but were still significantly higher than that of saline and sham-operation controls at any of the same time points. CONCLUSIONS: Neuropeptide Y mRNA level in the cerebral tissues significantly elevates after SAH, which may play an important role in inducing cerebral vasospasm.

[Susceptibility to endometriosis in women of Han Nationality in Guangdong Province associated with Msp I polymorphisms of cytochrome P450 1A1 gene].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the possible association of the Msp I polymorphisms of cytochrome P4501A1(CYP1A1) gene with the susceptibility to endometriosis in women of Han Nationality in Guangdong Province. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was employed to analyze the 3 genotypes m1m1, m1m2 and m2m2 in 3'-flanking region of CYP1A1 in 76 patients with endometriosis and 80 healthy controls. RESULTS: The frequencies of genotypes m1m1, m1m2 and m2m2 were 30.3 %, 50.0 % and 19.7 % in patients with endometriosis while 42.5 %, 45.0 % and 12.5 % in the controls, respectively, showing no statistically significant difference in the frequencies of the three genotypes between the 2 groups. The frequencies of two alleles were of no significant difference between the patients and controls, either. CONCLUSION: Msp I polymorphisms of cytochrome P4501A1 in itself might not be associated with the susceptibility to endometriosis in women of Han Nationality in Guangdong Province.

[Observations on the efficacy of Botai ointment in treating dermatosis common among armed forces receiving at-sea training].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy of Botai ointment in the treatment of common dermatosis. METHODS: Botai ointment was the only drug applied for the treatment. The ointment was smeared on the affected area twice daily for 4 weeks. RESULTS: The total efficacy rates were 96% for eczema, 100% for eczematous dermatitis, 97% for contact dermatitis, 92% for folliculitis, 96% for tinea manuum or tinea pedis, 97% for tinea corporis or tinea cruris. CONCLUSION: Botai ointment is effective in the treatment of common dermatosis.

[Content analysis of total polyphenol in the leaves of Jatrophy curcas. L].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a method for analyzing the content of total polyphenols in leaves of Jatropha curcas. L. METHODS: Gallic acid was used as reference substance, the content of total polyphenols was analyzed Folin-Ciocalteu chromatometry. RESULTS: There was a good linearity for gallic acid in the range of 0.002-0.010 g.L(-1). The content of total polyphenols in the leaves of Jatropha curcas. L was approximately 6.74% with RSD 0.75%. The sample solution was stable during 10-90 min with RSD 0.28%. The precision RSD was 0.23% and the average recovery 99.85% (n=5). CONCLUSION: This method is simple, fast and reproducible.

[Sensitivity of Jatropha curcas seeds to (60)Co-gamma radiation and their medial lethal doses in radiation breeding].

OBJECTIVE: To study the sensitivity of Jatropha curcas seeds from three different locations to (60)Co-gamma radiation and to determine the medial lethal doses (LD50) of (60)Co-gamma radiation for these seeds. METHODS: Six different radiation doses (0, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 Gy) were used. Based on the germination rate 50%, LD50 doses of (60)Co-gamma radiation for the seeds were calculated using linear regression equation. RESULTS: LD50 doses of (60)Co-gamma radiation for these seeds were 178 Gy (seeds from Guangdong), 132 Gy (seeds from Hainan) and 198 Gy (seeds from India) respectively. Increasing radiation doses caused more significant changes in leaf shape of the M1 seedlings. CONCLUSION: The results provides an important experimental basis for the radiation breeding of the important herbal and energy plant J. curcas.