Yunkang Oral Liquid Promotes Restoration of Mice from Postpartum Kidney Deficiency via TGF-β/Smads Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Yunkang oral liquid on postpartum kidney deficiency in mice. MethodPostpartum mice were randomized into model and low-dose （6 mL·kg-1）， medium-dose （9 mL·kg-1）， and high-dose （12 mL·kg-1） Yunkang oral liquid groups. The mouse model of postpartum kidney deficiency was established by sleep deprivation combined with forced swimming. Another 9 female ICR mice were selected as the normal control group. The mice were administrated with Yunkang oral liquid during the period of modeling. The levels of estradiol （E2）， progesterone （P）， follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）， and luteinizing hormone （LH） in the serum were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The morphological changes of ovaries and uterus were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining， and the expression of transforming growth factor （TGF）-β and Smad2/3 was determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. ResultThe mice in the model group showed prolonged estrous cycle， reduced voluntary activity， dorsal temperature， grip strength， and bone strength， and whitening tongue coating. Compared with the model group， Yunkang oral liquid shortened the estrous cycle， increased the voluntary activity， dorsal temperature， grip strength， and bone strength， and alleviated the whitening of tongue coating. Moreover， it elevated the E2 and P levels and lowered the FSH and LH levels in the serum， decreased ovarian follicular atresia rate， promoted uterine repair， and down-regulated the expression of TGF-β and Smad2/3 in the ovarian and uterine tissues. ConclusionYunkang oral liquid can ameliorate postpartum kidney deficiency in mice by regulating the TGF-β/Smads signaling pathway.

Clinical study of electroacupuncture improving sleep electroencephalogram and event-related potential in patients with somatoform disorders / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To observe the effects of electroacupuncture(EA)on sleep electroencephalogram(EEG)and event-related potential(ERP)in patients with somatoform disorders(SFD). Methods:Seventy-five SFD patients were recruited as an EA group to receive EA at Shenting(GV24)and Baihui(GV20)once daily,30 min each time,with 6 straight days as a treatment course,and 4 courses were conducted at 1-day intervals.Before treatment,patients underwent a survey using a physical symptom checklist on their primary symptoms.Before and after treatment,their sleep EEG was monitored using Quisi,and the ERP mismatch negativity(MMN)and P300 were detected.The Quisi sleep EEG and ERP were also examined among 40 normal volunteers as the normal group data. Results:During the trial,13 cases were removed from the EA group due to incomplete data,and 62 cases were finally included for statistical analyses.Of the 62 SFD patients,the main disturbing symptoms were cognitive impairments,sleep disorders,respiratory symptoms,digestive symptoms,five-sense organ problems,and cardiovascular symptoms in order.Before treatment,the EA group had increased MMN and P300 latencies and decreased amplitudes compared with the normal control group(P<0.01 or P<0.05);according to Quisi,the EA group also had reduced total sleep time(TST),shorter rapid eye movement sleep(REM)latency(RL)and REM time(RT),smaller number of REM period(NRP),extended sleep latency(SL),longer awaking time(AT),lower sleep efficiency(SE),larger percent of non-rapid eye movement sleep(NREM)stage 1(S1)and smaller percent of NREM stage 2(S2),and the percent of slow wave sleep(SWS),i.e.NREM stage 3(S3)plus stage 4(S4),also went down,all presenting significant differences between groups(P<0.01 or P<0.05).After 4 courses of treatment,the MMN and P300 latencies were reduced,and their amplitudes became larger in the EA group compared with the baseline(P<0.05);they had insignificant differences compared with the normal control group(P>0.05).Quisi showed that the TST and RL increased,and the SL and AT decreased in the EA group,and the predominant change in sleep architecture was reduced S1 percent,increased S2,and improved SE,all showing significant intra-group differences(P<0.01 or P<0.05);however,the intra-group difference in the NRP was statistically insignificant(P>0.05).Except the TST,RT,S1 percent,and SWS,there was no statistical significance in comparing the other Quisi parameters(including RL,NRP,SL,AT,SE,and S2 percent)between the two groups(P>0.05). Conclusion:SFD patients have a variety of clinical symptoms,and most of them show abnormal sleep EEG and ERP;EA can correct abnormal sleep EEG parameters and the MMN and P300 of ERP in SFD patients.

Targeting CDT1 inhibit tumor growth and its mechanism in lung adenocarcinoma / 安徽医科大学学报

Objective To explore the clinical significance and mechanisms of chromatin licensing and DNA repli-cation factor 1(CDT1)in lung adenocarcinoma).Methods The gene expression samples of lung adenocarcinoma tissue and normal lung tissue were downloaded from the TCGA database,and perform differential analysis,GO a-nalysis,independent prognosis analysis,and correlation analysis with immunotherapy using R language.CDT1 ex-pression in lung adenocarcinoma and normal tissues was detected by PCR in clinical samples.The changes of cell proliferation and cycle in si-CDT1 knockdown group and si-NC control group were detected by flow cytometry.The invasive ability of each group was detected by Transwell.The expressions of CDT1,TPX2 and p53 in each group were detected by Western blot.Results The TCGA data analysis revealed CDT1 as a differentially expressed gene.GO analysis indicated that CDT1 was closely associated with the cell cycle.The high expression of CDT1 in lung adenocarcinoma tissues was validated in clinical samples.CDT1 could serve as an independent factor for predicting the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma and had predictive value for immunotherapy in lung adenocarcinoma.Knock-down of CDT1 resulted in a significant decrease in cell proliferation ability compared to the control group,and cells were noticeably arrested in the G1 phase.Transwell assay results demonstrated a significant reduction in invasive capacity in the CDT1 knockdown group.Knockdown of CDT1 led to a significant decrease in TPX2 expression and a significant increase in p53 expression,while overexpression of CDT1 yielded the opposite effect.Conclusion Re-sults demonstrate the elevated expression of CDT1 in lung adenocarcinoma,its association with prognostic signifi-cance,and its impact on lung adenocarcinoma's occurrence and development by influencing TPX2 and p53.

Changes of axial length in primary and secondary school students in Yunnan and associated factors / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To explore the pattern of change of axial length/curvatrue radius ratio (AL/CR) and associated factors in primary and secondary school students in Yunnan, so as to provide scientific basis and prospective guidance for early myopia intervention and control.@*Methods@#A total of 685 students from grades 2 to 3 and grade 7 in 2 cities/counties in Yunnan Province were selected by multi stage stratified random cluster sampling method in 2020. All the participants were followed up twice with questionnaire of myopia related factors, uncorrected distance visual acuity, and refractive parameter measurement from October,2021 and March,2023,respectivelty. The distribution and change of AL/CR in different classes and groups were analyzed, and the influencing factos of AL/CR cumulative progression were explored using generalized linear model.@*Results@#AL/CR ratio in primary school students was (2.95±0.09) at baseline, increased to (2.99±0.11) at the first follow up and (3.04±0.12) at the second follow up. AL/CR ratio in middle school students(3.08±0.13) at baseline, increased to (3.12±0.15) at the first follow up and (3.15±0.14) at the second follow up. The generalized linear model showed that after controlling for environmental factors, ethnicity ( β =-0.017) , cumulative progression of the SE ( β =-0.027) influenced the changes of AL/CR ratio among the primary school students, whereas the changes of AL/CR ratio were associated with baseline AL ( β =-0.005), baseline corneal curvatrue radius ( β =0.032) and cumulative progression of SE( β =-0.035) among middle school students ( P <0.05).@*Conclusions@#The AL/CR ratio of primary and secondary school students in Yunnan can be used to judge different refractive status types, but its variation is not only related to SE progression, but also affected by different ethnic groups and baseline ocular biological parameters. so the value of AL/CR application in assessing the progression of myopia needs to be further confirmed.

Effect of geniposide on high glucose-induced proliferation and angiogenesis of human retinal vascular endothelial cells and its mechanism / 眼科新进展

Objective To study the effect of geniposide(Gen)on the proliferation,migration and angiogenesis of human retinal vascular endothelial cells(hRVECs)induced by high glucose and explore its mechanism.Methods The hRVECs were intervened with different concentrations(0,1,5,10,20,40 and 80 mg·L-1)of Gen for 24 h,and Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8)was used to detect the effect of Gen on the proliferation activity of hRVECs.The hRVECs were di-vided into the control group,high glucose(25 mmol·L-1)group,low,middle and high Gen concentration(5,10 and 20 mg·L-1)groups,bevacizumab(BEV,250 μg·L-1)group and high Gen concentration+BEV(250 pg·L-1)group.Cell proliferation activity was detected by CCK-8.The cell migration ability was detected by scratch test.The tube formation ability of cells was detected by the in vitro tube formation assay.The protein expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor-A(VEGF-A),soluble VEGF receptor-1(sFlt-1),matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP-2)and matrix metallo-proteinase 9(MMP-9)in cells were detected by Western blot.Results Compared with 0 mg·L-1 Gen,there was no sta-tistically significant difference in the effect of Gen with concentrations of 1,5,10,20,40 and 80 mg·L-1 on the prolifera-tion activity of hRVECs(all P＞0.05).Compared with the control group,the proliferation activity and migration ability of hRVECs in the high glucose group were significantly enhanced(both P＜0.05),the cell circular structure increased,the protein expression levels of VEGF-A,MMP-2 and MMP-9 significantly increased(all P＜0.05),and the protein expression level of sFlt-1 significantly decreased(P＜0.05).Compared with the high glucose group,the proliferative activity and mi-gration ability of cells in all Gen concentration groups and BEV group significantly decreased(all P＜0.05),the circular structure of cells was reduced,the protein expression levels of VEGF-A,MMP-2 and MMP-9 significantly decreased(all P＜0.05),and the protein expression level of sFlt-1 significantly increased(P＜0.05).Compared with the high Gen concentra-tion group,the high Gen concentration+BEV group showed a significant decrease in cell proliferation activity(P＜0.05),a decrease in cell circular structure,a significant decrease in VEGF-A,MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein expression levels(all P＜0.05),and a significant increase in sFlt-1 protein expression level(P＜0.05).Conclusion Gen can inhibit the high glucose-induced proliferation,migration and angiogenesis of hRVECs,and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of VEGF/sFlt-1 axis balance.

Transsphenoidal surgery for prolactinomas in male patients: a retrospective study / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Male patients with prolactinomas usually present with typical hyperprolactinemia symptoms, including sexual dysfunction and infertility. However, clinical factors related to sexual dysfunction and surgical outcomes in these patients remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of male patients with prolactinomas after transsphenoidal surgery and the risk factors affecting sexual dysfunction. This study was conducted on 58 male patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery for prolactinomas between May 2014 and December 2020 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China. We evaluated the sexual function of patients before and after surgery through International Index of Erectile Function-5 scores, libido, and frequency of morning erection. Of the 58 patients, 48 (82.8%) patients had sexual intercourse preoperatively. Among those 48 patients, 41 (85.4%) patients presented with erectile dysfunction. The preoperative International Index of Erectile Function-5 scores in patients with macroprolactinomas were significantly higher than those in patients with giant prolactinomas (17.63 ± 0.91 vs 13.28 ± 1.43; P = 0.01). Postoperatively, the incidence of erectile dysfunction was 47.9%, which was significantly lower than that preoperatively (85.4%; P = 0.01). Twenty-eight (68.3%) patients demonstrated an improvement in erectile dysfunction. Tumor size and invasiveness were significantly correlated with the improvement of erectile dysfunction. Preoperative testosterone <2.3 ng ml-1 was an independent predictor of improvement in erectile dysfunction. In conclusion, our results indicated that tumor size and invasiveness were important factors affecting the improvement of sexual dysfunction in male patients with prolactinoma. The preoperative testosterone level was an independent predictor related to the improvement of erectile dysfunction.

Effect of Yunkang Oral Solution on pregnant mice with spleen deficiency syndrome / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of Yunkang Oral Solution on the improvement of spleen deficiency and pregnancy outcomes in pregnant mice with spleen deficiency syndrome induced by irregular diet and over consumption of cold and bitter foods. To simulate human irregular diet and over consumption of cold and bitter foods leading to spleen deficiency, the pregnant mice with spleen deficiency syndrome were prepared using an alternate-day fasting and high-fat diet combined with oral administration of Sennae Folium. During the experiment, spleen deficiency-related indicators and diarrhea-related parameters were measured. Gastric and intestinal motility(gastric emptying rate and intestinal propulsion rate) were evaluated. The levels of serum ghrelin, growth hormone(GH), gastrin(Gas), total cholesterol(TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-c), chorionic gonadotropin β(β-CG), progesterone(P), and estradiol(E_2) were measured. Intestinal barrier function in pregnant mice with spleen deficiency syndrome was assessed. Conception rate, ovarian coefficient, litter-bearing uterine coefficient, number of live fetuses, average fetal weight, and fetal length were calculated. The results showed that Yunkang Oral Solution significantly improved spleen deficiency-related indicators and diarrhea in pregnant mice with spleen deficiency syndrome, increased gastric emptying rate and intestinal propulsion rate, elevated the levels of gastrointestinal hormones(ghrelin, GH, and Gas) in the serum, and reduced lipid levels(TC and LDL-c), thereby improving lipid metabolism disorders. It also improved colonic tissue morphology, increased the number of goblet cells, and promoted the mRNA and protein expression of occludin and claudin-1 in colonic tissues, thereby alleviating intestinal barrier damage. Yunkang Oral Solution also regulated the levels of pregnancy hormones(β-CG, P, and E_2) in the serum of pregnant mice with spleen deficiency syndrome. Moreover, it increased the conception rate, ovarian coefficient, litter-bearing uterine coefficient, number of live fetuses, average fetal weight, and fetal length. These findings suggest that Yunkang Oral Solution can improve spleen deficiency-related symptoms in pregnant mice before and during pregnancy, regulate pregnancy-related hormones, and improve pregnancy outcomes.

Effect of superfine powder and aqueous extract of Polygonati Rhizoma on rats with natural perimenopausal syndrome / 中国中药杂志

This study aims to examine the effect of superfine powder and aqueous extract of Polygonati Rhizomaon on natural perimenopausal syndrome in rats and explore the underlying mechanism. To be specific, a total of 60 female SD rats(14-15 months old) with estrous cycle disorder were screened by the vaginal smear and randomized into model control group, β-estradiol 3-benzoate group(0.1 mg·kg~(-1)), superfine powder of Polygonati Rhizoma group(0.25, 0.5 g·kg~(-1)) and aqueous extract of Polygonati Rhizoma group(0.25, 0.5 g·kg~(-1)), and another 10 female SD rats(14-15 months old) were selected as the youth control group. The administration lasted 6 weeks. Then the perimenopausal syndrome-related indexes such as body temperature, microcirculatory blood flow of face and ear, vertigo period, salivary secretion, grip force, and bone strength were determined and open field test was conducted. The immune system-related indexes such as the wet weight and index of thymus and spleen, percentage of T lymphocytes and subgroups in peripheral blood, and hematological indexes were measured. In addition, the ovary-related indexes such as estrous cycle, the wet weight and index of uterus and ovary, ovarian tissue morphology, and cell apoptosis were determined. Moreover, hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis(HPO)-related indexes such as serum sex hormone levels, cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily A member 1(CYP11A1), cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1(CYP19A1), and cytochrome P450 family 17 subfamily A member 1(P450 17A1) in ovarian tissue were measured. The results showed that the superfine powder and aqueous extract of Polygonati Rhizoma significantly decreased body temperature(anal, facial and dorsal temperature), microcirculatory blood flow in the ear, and vertigo period, increased salivary secretion, grip force, bone strength, total distance and total speed in the open field test, wet weight and index of thymus and spleen, lymphocyte ratio, CD3~+ level, and CD4~+/CD8~+ ratio, reduced neutrophil number and ratio, estrous cycle disorder ratio, and number of ovarian apoptotic cells, raised wet weight and index of uterus, wet weight of ovary, levels of inhibin B(INHB), estradiol(E_2), anti-müllerian hormone(AMH), and ovarian CYP11A1 and CYP19A1, decreased follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH) and luteinizing hormone(LH) content, and improved ovarian tissue morphology. It is suggested that the superfine powder and aqueous extract of Polygonati Rhizoma can improve the symptoms associated with natural perimenopausal syndrome in rats and enhance ovarian function and immune function. The mechanism is that they regulate HPO axis function by increasing estrogen synthesis.

Establishment of a nomogram model for predicting the risk of postpartum stress urinary incontinence based on pelvic floor ultrasound and clinical data / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To analyze the risk factors of postpartum stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and to establish a nomogram model. 【Methods】 A total of 278 puerpera who gave birth at our hospital during Dec.2018 and Aug.2020 were selected as the modeling group, and 132 puerpera who gave birth during Sep.2020 and Sep.2021 were involved in the verification group. Factors affecting postpartum SUI were identified with univariate and multivariate logistic regression, and a nomogram prediction model was constructed with R software. The predictive effectiveness and discrimination of the model were assessed, and the decision curve analysis (DCA) was drawn to evaluate the clinical application value of the model. 【Results】 A total of 84 cases (30.22%) in the modeling group developed SUI 2 months after delivery. Fetal weight, delivery method, maternal age, mobility (Δhy) and rotation Angle (Δβ) were factors affecting postpartum SUI (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that increased fetal weight, normal delivery, increased Δhy, and increased Δβ were independent risk factors of postpartum SUI (P<0.05). The constructed nomogram fitted well. The H-L fit curve of the modeling group and verification group were (χ2=7.514, P=0.312) and (χ2=6.157, P=0.267), respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the modeling group and verification group were 0.815 and 0.760, respectively, indicating high specificity and consistency. DCA indicated that when the high-risk threshold probability of the model was between 0.06-0.80, the nomogram model had a high clinical value. 【Conclusion】 Increased fetal weight, normal delivery, increased Δhy and elevated Δβ are independent risk factors that affect postpartum SUI. The nomogram model constructed has good predictive effectiveness and discrimination, and high clinical application value.

Determination of content of matricin extracted from Cichorium glandulosum Boiss et Huet with n-butanol and its protective effect on hepatic fibrosis in rats / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the effects of Cichorium glandulosum N-butanol extraction site (C G E) on hepatic fibrosis (H F) in SD rats and to determine the content of the main effective component matricin. Methods HPLC method was used to determine the content of matricin in CGE. The SD rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, CGE low-dose groups, medium-dose and high-dose, and curcumin group. In addition to control group rats' back subcutaneous injection (s c) normal saline, rats in the other groups were treated with body weight sc 40 % CC1

Mechanisms of Radix Tetrastigma on anti rheumatoid arthritis via regulating the balance of Th17/Treg / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

AIM: To explore the possible mechanism of Radix Tetrastigma (RT) on anti-rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: The rat model of RA was established by intradermal injection of complete Freund]s adjuvant into the right hind foot of SD rats. RT Extract with different dosage was continuous intragastric administration for 3 weeks, then, the degree of foot swelling, arthritis index score, joint heat and grip of each rat was measured respectively. ELISA was used to detect the expression levels of Interleukin (IL) 6, IL-17, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α, and rheumatoid factor. Fully automatic hemorheometer was applied to measure hemorheology indexes. The number of CD4

Preliminary observation on the clinical application of rehabilitation support for lumbar disc herniation based on 3D printing technology / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the important effect of 3D printing personalized lumbar support on lumbar pain and lumbar function in patients with lumbar disc herniation.@*METHODS@#From October 2018 to May 2021, 60 patients initially diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation were selected and divided into an observation group and a control group, with 30 patients in each group. Among them, there were 18 males and 12 females in the observation group;the age ranged from 24 to 56 years old, with an average of (45.23±6.07) years old. The course of disease ranged from 1 to 24 months, with an average of(6.25±0.82) months, and rehabilitation treatment was carried out by wearing 3D printed personalized lumbar support. There were 19 males and 11 females in the control group;the age ranged from 25 to 57 years old, with an average of (42.78±7.58) years old. The course of disease ranged from 1 to 24 months, with an average of (6.72±1.36) months, and rehabilitation treatment is carried out by wearing traditional lumbar protective equipment. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, lumbar Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) were evaluated and compared between the two groups before and 1 course after treatment (3 weeks).@*RESULTS@#There was no statistically significant difference in JOA, ODI, and VAS between two groups before treatment (P>0.05). After one course of treatment (3 weeks), JOA scores of both groups was increased compared to before treatment (P<0.05), while ODI and VAS decreased compared to before treatment (P<0.05). After treatment, JOA score of observation group was higher than that of control group (P<0.05), while ODI and VAS scores were lower than those of control group. No adverse events occurred in both groups.@*CONCLUSION@#The application of 3D printing personalized lumbar support can effectively alleviate the pain of patients with lumbar disc herniation and improve their lumbar function of patients.

Development and Evaluation of Healthcare Food Based on "State Adjustment" Strategy / 中国实验方剂学杂志

With the acceleration of aging and the changes of people's lifestyle and environment， the incidence of chronic non-communicable diseases （chronic diseases） in China is increasing， which has become a major public health problem. The number of sub-health people is even more and rising. The thought of treating disease before its onset emphasizes taking precautions against disease and preventing change after disease onset， which is one of the core contents of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） theory. According to the theory of TCM， health as a dynamic balance of yin and yang and diseases can be prevented and treated by maintaining this balance. The "state adjustment" strategy suggests to treat diseases by adjusting the state of exuberance or decline based on recognizing and distinguishing "state"， which has important guiding significance for developing and evaluating the healthcare food produced with Chinese medicinal materials. Healthcare food plays a vital role in health promotion， chronic disease prevention， and quality of life improvement. At present， the healthcare food produced with Chinese medicinal materials in China generally lacks TCM guidance and fails to fully reflect the advantages of TCM. In this study， the development strategy， functional claims， evaluation methods， and existing problems of healthcare food were discussed. Furthermore， with diabetes as an example， the "state adjustment" strategy was introduced into product development and evaluation to provide ideas for promoting the rapid growth of healthcare food with TCM characteristics.

Development and Evaluation of Healthcare Food Based on "State Adjustment" Strategy / 中国实验方剂学杂志

With the acceleration of aging and the changes of people's lifestyle and environment， the incidence of chronic non-communicable diseases （chronic diseases） in China is increasing， which has become a major public health problem. The number of sub-health people is even more and rising. The thought of treating disease before its onset emphasizes taking precautions against disease and preventing change after disease onset， which is one of the core contents of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） theory. According to the theory of TCM， health as a dynamic balance of yin and yang and diseases can be prevented and treated by maintaining this balance. The "state adjustment" strategy suggests to treat diseases by adjusting the state of exuberance or decline based on recognizing and distinguishing "state"， which has important guiding significance for developing and evaluating the healthcare food produced with Chinese medicinal materials. Healthcare food plays a vital role in health promotion， chronic disease prevention， and quality of life improvement. At present， the healthcare food produced with Chinese medicinal materials in China generally lacks TCM guidance and fails to fully reflect the advantages of TCM. In this study， the development strategy， functional claims， evaluation methods， and existing problems of healthcare food were discussed. Furthermore， with diabetes as an example， the "state adjustment" strategy was introduced into product development and evaluation to provide ideas for promoting the rapid growth of healthcare food with TCM characteristics.

Effects of different extracts of Dendrobium officinale on rats with chronic pharyngitis induced by pepper water combined with ammonia / 中国中药杂志

Dendrobium officinale can serve as Chinese medicinal material effective in nourishing yin, clearing heat, and producing fluid, and is used to treat throat diseases, but its active substances and mechanism are not clear. To clarify the active fraction and underlying mechanism of D. officinale against chronic pharyngitis(CP), the present study induced a CP model in rats by pepper water combined with low-concentration ammonia, and crude polysaccharides of D. officinale(DOP), non-polysaccharides of D. officinale(DON), and total extract of D. officinale(DOT)(0.33 g·kg~(-1), calculated according to the crude drug) were administered by gavage for six weeks. The changes in oral secretions and pharyngeal conditions of rats with CP were observed and rated. The hematological indicators were determined by an automatic hematology analyzer. The serum levels of pro-inflammatory factors, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α), interleukin 1β(IL-1β), and interleukin 6(IL-6), and T-lymphocyte cytokines, including interferon γ(IFN-γ), interleukin 4(IL-4), interleukin 17(IL-17), and transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1) were detected by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The proportions of CD3~+, CD4~+, and CD8~+cells in peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets were determined by the flow cytometry. The histomorphological changes of the pharynx were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The protein expression of nuclear factor-κB P65(NF-κB P65), cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2), F4/80, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1) in the pharynx were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The results showed that DOP and DON could significantly relieve pharyngeal lesions, reduce white blood cells(WBC) and lymphocytes(LYMP), decrease the levels of pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, and inhibit the protein expression of NF-κB P65, COX-2, F4/80, and MCP-1 in the pharynx. DOP was superior in reducing oral secretions and serum IL-17 level and inferior in increasing CD4~+/CD8~+ratio to DON. It is suggested that both polysaccharides and non-polysaccharides of D. officinale have anti-PC effects and the anti-inflammatory mechanism may be related to the regulation of T lymphocyte distribution and inhibition of the inflammatory signaling pathways mediated by NF-κB P65. The anti-inflammatory effect of DOP may be related to the regulation of Th17/Treg balance, while that of DON may be related to the regulation of the Th/Tc ratio.

Value of CD4/CD8 ratio and total B lymphocytes before radiotherapy in predicting radiation pneumonitis in patients with esophageal cancer and lung cancer / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To investigate the value of CD4/CD8 ratio and total B lymphocytes before radiotherapy in predicting the occurrence of radiation pneumonitis (RP) in patients with esophageal cancer and lung cancer.Methods:The clinicopathological data of 28 patients with esophageal and 16 patients with lung cancer undergoing radiotherapy from April 2018 to March 2020 in Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences were retrospectively analyzed, and the patients were divided into RP group ( n=16) and non-RP group ( n=28) according to whether RP occurred during and after treatment. The CD4/CD8 ratio and total B lymphocytes before radiotherapy between the two groups, and the CD4/CD8 ratio and total B lymphocytes before and after radiotherapy in the RP group were compared. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to analyze the value of CD4/CD8 ratio and total B lymphocytes before radiotherapy in predicting RP. Results:The CD4/CD8 ratio before radiotherapy in the RP group was significantly lower than that in the non-RP group (0.993±0.179 vs. 1.708±0.170), with a statistically significant difference ( t=2.706, P=0.009); the total B lymphocytes in the RP group was significantly lower than that in non-RP group [(4.409±0.823)% vs. (8.153±1.017)%], with a statistically significant difference ( t=0.986, P=0.015). The CD4/CD8 ratio in the RP group was lower than that before radiotherapy when RP occurred (0.785±0.167 vs. 0.993±0.179), with no statistically significant difference ( t=1.376, P=0.189). The total B lymphocytes in the RP group was lower than that before radiotherapy when RP occurred [(3.487±1.018)% vs. (4.409±0.823)%], with no statistically significant difference ( t=0.804, P=0.433). The critical values of CD4/CD8 ratio and total B lymphocytes predicted RP were 0.580 and 0.357, respectively. The areas under the curve (AUC) of CD4/CD8 for predicting RP was 0.802 (95% CI: 0.653-0.932), the sensitivity was 89.29%, and the specificity was 68.75%. The AUC of total B lymphocytes for predicting RP was 0.694 (95% CI: 0.483-0.814), the sensitivity was 85.71%, and the specificity was 50.00%. The AUC of the two combined diagnostic method for RP was 0.834 (95% CI: 0.697-0.932), the sensitivity and specificity were 81.25% and 89.29%. AUC of the two combined tests was significantly higher than that of the single test, with statistically significant differences ( Z=1.115, P=0.046; Z=1.992, P=0.026). Conclusion:The CD4/CD8 ratio and total B lymphocytes in the RP group are lower than those in the non-RP group. The CD4/CD8 ratio and total B lymphocytes in the serum are of great significance in predicting the occurrence of RP in patients with malignant tumors receiving chest radiotherapy.

Crotalaria ferruginea extract attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice by inhibiting MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways

Objective: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of Crotalaria ferruginea extract (CFE) and its mechanism. Methods: An intratracheal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) instillation-induced acute lung injury (ALI) model was used to study the anti-inflammatory activity of CFE in vivo. The LPS-induced shock model was used to analyze the effect of CFE on survival. LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cell model was used to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of CFE in vitro and the effects on mitogen-Activated protein kinase (MAPK) or nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways. Results: CFE administration decreased the number of inflammatory cells, reduced the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-A), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interferon-γ, and diminished protein content in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of mice. CFE also reduced lung wet-To-dry weight ratio, myeloperoxidase, and lung tissue pathological injury. CFE pre-Administration improved the survival rate of mice challenged with a lethal dose of LPS. CFE reduced LPS-Activated RAW264.7 cells to produce nitric oxide, TNF-α, MCP-1, and IL-6. Furthermore, CFE inhibited nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of NF-κB P65, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun N-Terminal kinases, and P38 MAPKs. Conclusions: CFE exhibits potent anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-induced ALI mice, LPS-shock mice, and RAW264.7 cells, and its mechanism may be associated with the inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Crotalaria ferruginea may be a useful therapeutic drug for the treatment of ALI and other respiratory inflammations.

Research progress in the role of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in diabetic retinopathy / 中华眼底病杂志

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common and serious diabetic complications, which is the main cause of vision loss in adults. The specific vascular and neuropathology mechanism of DR is not clear. It has been demonstrated that Inflammatory reaction might be take effects in the development and progression of DR. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), as an important chemokine in the inflammatory response process, promotes chemotactic and activating factors, destroys the blood-retinal barrier, causes retinal vascular disease, and activates microglia, which is related to the severity of the disease. With further research on MCP-1, it is possible to use chemokines and their receptors as target cells to control or slow down the progression of DR by reducing or inhibiting the production of MCP-1 in diabetic patients in the early stages of the disease. This study can provide new ideas and new methods about preventing and treating DR.

Effect of Dendrobium officinale superfine powder on stomach Yin deficiency model mice induced by "spicy overeating" / 中国中药杂志

Dendrobium officinale is a traditional Chinese medicine for nourishing Yin and benefiting stomach. Its superfine powder has many advantages, such as good dissolution, high utilization rate, strong integrity and easy to use. However, the researches on effect of D. officinale superfine powder on stomach Yin deficiency model are still not sufficient. In this experiment, we explored the effect of D. officinale superfine powder in mice model with stomach Yin deficiency caused by "spicy overeating", and provided certain reference value for its application in gastrointestinal diseases. Male ICR mice were randomly divided into normal group, model group, Yiweitang group, omeprazole group, and D. officinale superfine powder high, medium and low dose groups. The mixture of wine and pepper liquid was given by gavage administration for 30 d, and the corresponding drug was given for 60 d while the model was conti-nued. The body weight, food intake, water intake, fecal moisture content and particle number, foot temperature of mice were measured. The levels of serum gastrin(Gas), motilin(MTL) and somatostatin(SS) were measured by ELISA. Gastric histomorpho-logy was observed by HE staining. The expression levels of nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB) and cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) were determined by immunohistochemistry. The expression levels of B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2) and Bcl-2 associated X protein(Bax) in gastric tissues were detected by Western blot. The results showed that D. officinale superfine powder could increase the food intake, water intake, fecal moisture content and particle number, reduce the foot temperature, improve the pathological changes of gastric mucosa, reduce the expression of NF-κB, COX-2 protein in gastric tissues, and increase the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2. D. officinale superfine powder can "nourish Yin and benefit the stomach", improve the syndrome of stomach Yin deficiency, such as "hunger but not want to eat, dry mouth but not want to drink, hand and feet hot, constipation", and reduce the damage of gastric mucosa. The mechanism may be related to regulating the secretion of gastrointestinal hormones, inhibiting the inflammation of gastric tissues and promoting the apoptosis of abnormal cells in gastric tissues.

Effect of Dendrobii officinalis superfine powder on overeating greasy-induced metabolic hypertension in rats / 中国中药杂志

Dendrobii officinalis, with a definite effect of nourishing Yin and clearing heat, has been a folk habit for drinking after being mixed with water. Because its superfine powder has the advantages of high dissolution and convenient drinking, we observed the effect of D. officinalis superfine powder on metabolic hypertension model rats and its possible mechanism in this experiment, which can be used as a reference for its clinical application for hypertension. The overeating greasy-induced metabolic hypertension model was established with high-fat, high-sugar and high-purine diet. These rats were orally administered with 400 mg·kg~(-1) and 200 mg·kg~(-1) of D. officinalis superfine powder for 20 consecutive weeks. During this period, blood pressure, blood lipid, blood glucose, insulin and other related indexes of glucose and lipid metabolism were monitored; the levels of lipopolysaccharide(LPS), C-reactive protein(CRP), interleukin 6(IL-6) and other inflammatory mediators were measured; the levels of nitric oxide(NO) and endothelin-1(ET-1) were detected, and the histomorphological and ultrastructural changes of aorta were observed. In addition, the expression of LPS/TLR4 pathway-related molecules in aorta was determined. The results showed that long-term administration of D. officinalis superfine powder significantly reduced the levels of systolic blood pressure(SBP), diastolic blood pressure(DBP) and mean arterial pressure(MBP) in metabolic hypertension model rats, decreased the levels of total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-c), glucose(Glu), and insulin(INS) levels in blood, increased the contents of high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-c),decreased the LPS, CRP, IL-6 and ET-1 levels in blood and increased NO content. Furthermore, it improved the abnormality of aortic histomorphology and endothelial ultrastructure, and inhibited the protein expression of TLR4, myeloid differentiation factor(MyD88), IL-6, interleukin-1 β(IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) as well as mRNA expression of TNF-α and IL-1β in aorta. In conclusion, D. officinalis superfine powder may improve the abnormal function and structure of blood vessels by inhibiting the activation of LPS/TLR4 pathway, thus playing a role against metabolic hypertension.