Neuroprotective effect of α-mangostin on mitochondrial dysfunction and α-synuclein aggregation in rotenone-induced model of Parkinson's disease in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells.

The study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of α-mangostin and explore its mechanism in an in vitro model of Parkinson's disease (PD) induced by rotenone. SH-SY5Y cells were treated with rotenone and α-mangostin for 24 h. α-Mangostin significantly and concentration-dependently inhibited rotenone-induced cytotoxicity. The rotenone-induced aggregation of α-synuclein and loss of TH were alleviated by α-mangostin. α-Mangostin treatment also reversed the rotenone-induced overproduction of reactive oxygen species, activation of caspases (-8 and -3) and mitochondrial dysfunction, reflected by decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and cellular ATP levels. These findings suggest that α-mangostin has neuroprotective effects against PD-related neuronal injury.

[Developing traditional Chinese medicine injection is the need for curing sickness to save patients].

Safety issues of traditional Chinese medicine injections has been heated debate. There are two diametrically opposed views: it should be used reasonable and developed healthily or be forbidden to use. Some people have many misunderstandings and prejudices about the safety of traditional Chinese medicine injections. Compared with western medicine,traditional Chinese medicine has its own particularity. Traditional Chinese medicine has complex components. Its research and clinical application is different from western medicine. Adverse reactions of traditional Chinese medicine injections are related to many factors,such as a large number of irrational use,blind use of traditional Chinese medicine injections and western medicine injections,counterfeit and substandard drugs,incorrect methods of intravenous infusion,toxicity of supplementary materials,drug ingredients. Developing traditional Chinese medicine injection is the need for curing sickness to save patients. The purposeful, targeted, organized and planned systematic research of traditional Chinese medicine injections should be strengthened,especially the safety of traditional Chinese medicine. Strengthen supervision and control of rational drug use.Strengthen the examination and approval,supervision and management of all aspects to ensure the safety of patients.

[Relationship between law on the protection of wildlife and animal-derived drugs].

In most countries, the protection of wildlife resources is in a negative way, the state do not put emphasis on or even oppose artificial breeding, with the poor results. In our country, the state shall pursue a policy of strengthening the protection of wildlife resources, actively domesticating and breeding the species of wildlife, which has made great achievements. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) is one pillar of medical and health service in China, animal-derived drugs which are effective drugs for the treatment of certain critical cases have been used in clinic for 2 000 years. Prohibition or limited use of animal-derived drugs could affect the curative effect, hindering TCM from healthy development. The state shall encourage the protection and domestication, breeding of wildlife accords with our national conditions, which is not only beneficial to the protection of wildlife, but also favors the development of the cause of TCM.

[Specificity of traditional Chinese medicine's clinical re-evaluation].

Clinical re-evaluation is to verify the drug's safety and effectiveness again,while the drug itself has not been improved. However, due to the complexity of traditional Chinese medicine, ingredients in bulk drugs, prescription, productive processes, quality standards and other aspects need to be enhanced. So improving the quality, safety and effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine by clinical re-evaluation is also very necessary. Therefore, except for achieving those basic requirements of medicine, it should also be improved on itself and pay full attention to the particularity, then traditional Chinese medicine's clinical re-evaluation will play its due role.

Comparison of cardioprotective effects of salvianolic acid B and benazepril on large myocardial infarction in rats.

In the present study, we compared cardioprotective effects of salvianolic acid B (Sal B) and the angiotension-converting enzyme inhibitor, benazepril, in rats with large myocardial infarction (MI). The large MI was produced by coronary artery ligation for 4 weeks in rats. The rats were divided into the following groups: sham operation; MI; MI + Sal B (100 mg/kg by a gavage, once a day for 4 weeks) and MI + benazepril (1 mg/kg by a gavage, once a day for 4 weeks). Echocardiogram, hemodynamic and hemorheological changes, angiogenesis, infarct size and cardiac remodeling, as well as messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) of vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF) were measured. The following similar effects were observed in MI rats treated with Sal B and benazepril: (1) a marked improvement of echocardiographic, hemodynamic and hemorheological parameters, (2) significant reduction of infarct size, (3) significantly attenuated heart hypertrophy, left ventricular (LV) dilatation and fibrosis. The unique effects of Sal B were: angiogenesis and augmented VEGF expression in the border and remote noninfarcted LV area. These results suggest that Sal B and benazepril exerted beneficial cardioprotective effects. However, Sal B enforced some different modality than benazepril, which might improve myocardial microcirculation by augmenting VEGF expression and promoting angiogenesis besides similar effects to benazepril.

[Urgency and necessity of standardisation of chinese medicine with confusions of compound Danshen preparations].

Through analysing the complicated phenomenon of the traditional Chinese medicine product, we propose the standardization for the traditional Chinese medicine. Taking compound Danshen preparation for example, the status of our standardization of the traditional Chinese medicine is connected with the chaos of the raw material, vehicle, production process, quality criteria and clinical application. So we propose the countermeatures to strengthen the construction of standardization for the traditional Chinese medicine.

[Hepatic and renal injury induced by Radix Aristolochiae or Guanxin Suhe Wan for a long-term in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the toxicity of Radix Aristolochiae supplied experimental evidence of rational use of drug in clinic. METHOD: After treatment with small dose Radix Aristolochiae, Guanxin Suhe Wan (with Radix Aristolochiae) and Guanxin Suhe Wan (without Radix Aristolochiae) in different group for a long- term, respectively, the biochemical indicator of PT, ALT, AST, ALB, ALP, Crea and BUN were detected, and the kidney, liver, stomach and urinary bladder were examined by pathologic assaying. RESULT: In Radix Aristolochiae group and Guanxin Suhe Wan (with Radix Aristolochiae) group, all of biochemical indicator were changed significantly, and hepatonecrosis, renal tubular necrosis, gastric carcinoma and bladder carcinoma were discovered. CONCLUSION: Radix Aristolochiae and Guanxin Suhe Wan (with Radix Aristolochiae) can damage kidney and liver, and cause gastric carcinoma and bladder carcinoma by intensive toxicity.

[Effects of guanxin II on cardiac protein expression after acute myocardial ischemia on rats].

OBJECTIVE: Guanxin II is a famous modern formula of traditional Chinese medicine. Guanxin II after myocardial infarction (MI) has been shown to have beneficial effects on cardiac anatomy and function. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Guanxin 1I on cardiac protein expression after MI. METHOD: Rats were randomized into 3 groups, sham, model and treating groups. Model and treating groups were fed with Guanxin II and sham group was fed with water for 10 days before MI. MI operation is to ligate left coronary artery. 24 hours after MI, myocardial protein expression of junctional zone was assessed with 2D gel electrophoresis and mass spectra analysis. RESULT: Guanxin II was found to be able to improve myocardial protein expression, especially 11 proteins. These proteins are mainly involved in suppressing changes of cell shape and structure and energy metabolism. CONCLUSION: Guanxin II after MI affected myocardial protein expression. Further experiments of larger research extent should be done to receive more results.

[Progress on antineoplastic constituents derived from polypore fungi].

Polypore fungi is a cluster of important pharmacological fungi with significant antitumor activity. In recent years, the antineoplastic constituents from polypore fungi have been comprehensively studied. Through investigating the domestic and overseas studied paper, the antitumor active constituents derived from polypore fungi including high molecular weight compounds such as polysaccharides, glycopeptides, glycoproteins, lectins, and lipid soluble low molecular weight compounds such as terpenoids, steroids, phenolics, benzopyranones, were reviewed. In addition, the significance in the exploitation of new drug for antitumor by the application of polypore fungi was discussed at the end of this paper.

[Nephrotoxicity of Radix Aristolochice and it's substitution material Radix Inulae in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the toxicity of Radix Aristolochiae and Radix Inulae, and to supply the toxicity experimental data that Radix Inulae supersedes Radix Aristolochiae in clinic. METHOD: A long dose of Radix Aristolochice and Radix Inulae was given intragastrically to rats for six months, then drug withdrawal for a month. The hematology and biochemical indicators were measured, and the pathologic changes of kidney, liver, stomach and urinary bladder were examined. RESULT: The rats of Radix Aristolochice showed serious toxic responses of renal tubule atrophy and necrosis, meanwhile, the levels of BUN, Cr and NAG were increased obviously. Hepatonecrosis, renal tubular necrosis, gastric carcinoma and bladder carcinoma were discovered with pathologic assaying. But the rats of Radix Inulae did not. CONCLUSION: Radix Aristolochiae could damage kidney and liver, and cause gastric carcinoma and bladder carcinoma by intensive toxicity. Radix Inulae could take the place of Radix Aristolochiae to use in clinic.

[Effects of series of Muskone on heart hemodynamics and myocardial consumption of oxygen in experimental dogs].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of series of Muskone (the muskone includes Slender Dutchmanspipe Root, Inula Root and neither kind of Common Aucklandia Root) on the heart hemodynamics and myocardial consumption of oxygen in experimental dogs, and to explain its pharmacological action on cardiovascular system. METHOD: Arterial blood pressure, coronary blood flow, resistance in coronary artery, total peripheral resistance, work of left artrium and oxygen consumption index of the cardiac muscles were observed in anaesthetic dogs. RESULT: The series of Muskone decreased arterial blood pressure significantly, dilated coronary artery and peripheral arteries significantly, increased coronary blood flow, decreased resistance in coronary artery, improved the work of left artrium, the oxygen availability of cardiac muscles and the complaisance of arteries in cardiac muscles.

Allicin improves cardiac function by protecting against apoptosis in rat model of myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of allicin on cardiac function and underlying mechanism in rat model of myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS: Ninety-four Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 6 groups (n=14-16 per group): sham control group [underwent thoracotomy without left anterior descending (LAD) occlusion and only received an injection of the same amount of citrate buffer], MI control group (subjected to LAD occlusion and only received an injection of same amount of citrate buffer), positive control group (subjected to LAD occlusion and received an injection of diltiazem hydrochloride at the dose of 1.5 mg/kg), and MI + allicin groups (subjected to LAD occlusion and received an injection of allicin at the doses of 1.2, 1.8, and 3.6 mg/kg). All of the drugs were administered intraperitoneally daily for 21 days. The infarct area was measured by myocardial staining. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the pathological changes. Cardiac function parameters were assessed by echocardiography. The myocardial apoptotic index was estimated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling staining. The expression of Bax and Bcl-2 were detected by quantificational real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. RESULTS: Treatment with allicin could attenuate the myocardial infarct area (P<0.05) and relieve the changes of the myocardium. The left ventricular anterior wall diastolic and systolic thicknesses were increased in the allicin-treated groups (P<0.05), while there was no signifificant difference in the left ventricular posterior wall diastolic and systolic thickness (P>0.05). The left ventricular internal diameter in systole, ejection fraction, fractional shortening, and stroke volume were dramatically elevated in allicin-treated rats (P<0.05). Allicin dose-dependently reduced creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase levels (P<0.05). The myocardial apoptotic index was also markedly lowered, and Bax expression was signifificantly decreased, whereas Bcl-2 expression exhibited an opposite trend in allicin-treated rats (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Allicin appears to exert a cardioprotective effect that may be linked to blocking Bcl-2/Bax signaling pathway-denpendent apoptosis, further improving cardiac function.

[Effect of vitexia-rhamnoside (V-R) on vasomotor factors expression of endothelial cell].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the influence of vitexia-rhamnoside (V-R) on vasomotor factor expression of endothelial cell (EC) damaged by hypoxia and reoxygenation. METHOD: The cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUV ECs) were subject to ischemia and reperfusion following hypoxia and reoxygenation. The levels of ET-1, NO and NOS intracellular in culture supertanants were measured by radioimmunity, Griess and immunohistochemistry, respectively. And the gene expressions of ET-1 and NOS intracellular were measured by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. RESULT: V-R at different doses markedly increased the gene expression and activity of NOS, enhanced the level of vaso-dilating factor NO, and significantly decreased the gene expression and production of vaso-constricting factor ET-1 of EC. CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated that V-R had the regulatory effect on the expression of vaso-active substances of EC damaged by hypoxia and reoxygenation in the levels of protein and gene transcription of cytokines.

[Study on therapeutic effects of series of muskone on myocardial infarction canines].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of the series of Muskone (the Muskone includes Slender Dutchmanspipe Root, Tumuxiang, and not Slender Dutchmanspipe Root) on myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction and hematological index in experimental canines, and to explain the pharmacological action and characteristic of its therapeutic effect on ischemic heart disease. METHOD: The range and degree of myocardial ischemia was evaluated by epicardial electrogram mapping, and the range extent of myocardial infarction was determined by quantitate histology (N-BT staining method). Meanwhile, the changes of ET, TXB2, 6-Keto-PGF1alpha were determined to study the effects of the series of Muskone on myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction and hematological index in experimental canines. RESULT: The series of Muskone can improve myocardial ischemia and infarction in experimental canines, and relieve significantly the degree of myocardial ischemia (Sigma-ST) determined by epicardial electrogram mapping, decrease the range of myocardial ischemia (N-ST) determined by epicardial electrogram mapping and decrease infarction zone determined by N-BT staining method. And it has a significant inhibition on activity of ET induced by myocardial ischemia and infarction, and increases 6-Keto-PGF1alpha and 6-Keto-PGF1alpha/TXB2 induced by myocardial ischemia. CONCLUSION: The series of Muskone has significant therapeutic effect on myocardial infarction.

[Study on comparative pharmacology of series of Muskone].

OBJECTIVE: To study the therapeutic effects of the series of Muskone (the Muskone includes Slender Dutchmanspipe Root, Tumuxiang, and not Slender Dutchmanspipe Root) on experimental myocardial infarct and pain in rats. METHOD: Coronary artery ligation was applied for the model of myocardial infarct. Therapeutic effects were evaluated by measuring parameters of histomorphometry, blood plasm of ET, 6- keto-PGF1alpha and TXB2. Intraperitoneal injection acetic was applied for the model of ache, the frequency and eclipse period of writhing were evaluated its effect of resisting pain. RESULT: The Muskone including Radix Aristolociae, the Muskone including Radix Inulae and the Muskone without Radix Aucklandiae all can decrease the area of myocardial infarction in rats, the level of TXB2, ET, and the frequency of writhing significantly. Also it can increase the level 6-keto-PGF1alpha, the ratio of 6-keto-PGF1alpha and TXB2. Single Radix Aristolociae or Radix Inulae only relieved pain. CONCLUSION: The Muskone including Radix Aristolociae, the Muskone including Radix Inulae and the Muskone without Radix Aucklandiae all have significant therapeutic effect on both myocardial infarction and pain, while single Radix Aristolociae or Radix Inulae only can relieve pain.

Effects of Guiyuanfang and autologous transplantation of bone marrow stem cells on rats with liver fibrosis.

AIM: To investigate the therapeutic effects of Guiyuanfang and bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) on rats with liver fibrosis. METHODS: Liver fibrosis model was induced by carbon tetrachloride, ethanol, high lipid and assessed biochemically and histologically. Liver function and hydroxyproline contents of liver tissue were determined. Serum hyaluronic acid (HA) level and procollagen III level were performed by radioimmunoassay. The VG staining was used to evaluate the collagen deposit in the liver. Immunohistochemical SABC methods were used to detect transplanted BMSCs and expression of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA). RESULTS: Serum transaminase level and liver fibrosis in rats were markedly reduced by Guiyuanfang and BMSCs. HA level and procollagen III level were also reduced obviously, compared to model rats (HA: 47.18+/-10.97 ng/mL, 48.96+/-14.79 ng/mL; PCIII: 22.48+/-5.46 ng/mL, 26.90+/-3.35 ng/mL; P<0.05). Hydroxyproline contents of liver tissue in both BMSCs group and Guiyuanfang group were far lower than that of model group (1 227.2+/-43.1 microg/g liver tissue, 1390.8+/-156.3 microg/g liver tissue; P<0.01). After treatment fibrosis scores were also reduced. Both Guiyuanfang and BMSCs could increase the expression of uPA. The transplanted BMSCs could engraft, survive, and proliferate in the liver. CONCLUSION: Guiyuanfang protects against liver fibrosis. Transplanted BMSCs may engraft, survive, and proliferate in the fibrosis livers indefinitely. Guiyuanfang may synergize with BMSCs to improve recovery from liver fibrosis.

[Experimental studies on menopausal syndrome treated by traditional Chinese medicine].

In this paper, literature about experimental researches on female climacteric syndrome (FCS) treated by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) published in recent years were reviewed. This paper reviewed not only experimental researches about the effects of nervous system-endocrine and immune regulating net work, the vegetative nervous function and free radical treated by TCM; but also concerned the experimental approaches of animal selected, model established; and objective indexes of FCS. Taking advantages of FCS by integrative medicine is available for enhancing the clinical efficacy.

[Progress on the research of prevention and treatment of female climacteric syndrome by traditional Chinese medicine].

Perimenopause syndrome, referred also to climacteric syndrome, results from the changing of relationship among hypothalamus, pituitary and ovary during women's aging process. Those changes take place first in overy, then in hypothalmus and pituitary, which are reflected as the functional changes in endocrinological and central nervous system, accompanied with a series of psychological symptoms. 90% of women with perimenopause syndrome show clinical symptoms. The clinical prevention and treatment of female climacteric syndrome by traditional Chinese medicine: traditional Chinese medicine attributes the various symptoms of female climacteric syndrome to a variety of syndromes of Chinese medicine, e. g. gradual consumption of kidney-Qi, emptiness of the Ren and Chong channels, gradual exhaustion of Tienqui, breakdown of Yin-Yang equilibrium in the body, disorders of Zang-Fu, Qi and blood. The treatment based on syndrome differentiation, modification of prescription according to the symptoms, special prescription and simple recipe and acupuncture were employed in treating Yin-deficiency of the kidney, Yang-deficiency of the kidney, Yin and Yang-deficiency of the kidney, breakdown of the normal physiological coordination between the heart and the kidney, deficiency of liver-Yin and kidney-Yin, insufficiency of both the spleen and the kidney, deficiency of Qi and blood in the heart and spleen, stagnation of the liver-Qi and deficiency of the spleen, stagnation of the liver-Qi, phlegm stagnancy and the upward invasion of heat-phlegm. The traditional Chinese medicinal had a satisfactory global regulating effect on the nervous system and immune- regulating network with multifunction and unique advantage, e.g. its regulating effect on FSH, LH, E2, 5-HT, 5-HIAA, free radical and adtonomic nervous system. Experimental studies have also been conducted, e. g. There were also systematic studies of the simple Chinese drugs' pharmacodynamics and drugs forms of prepared drugs. In the health care of female climacteric syndrome the traditional Chinese medicine has also its own features and advantages.

[A preliminary investigation on safety evaluation system for health foods].

OBJECTIVE: In order to guarantee the safety of health foods, a safety evaluation system has been initially proposed. METHOD: Based on both experienced and experimental safe data of health foods, different safety criteria could be divided. RESULT: A safety evaluation system with five criteria has been finally established, ingredients listed in the first three safe criteria were suitable for health foods. CONCLUSION: This system could be applied for the selection of relevant ingredients of health foods at R&D stage, and it would be improved after certain period of implementation.

[Protective effects of San Baoxin on injury induced by myocardical ischemic reperfusion and anti-thrombosis in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of San Baoxin on myocardial injury induced by ischemia-reperfusion (MI/R) and thrombogenesis in rats in vivo and ex vivo. METHOD: The experimental model was established by ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery for 30 min followed by reperfusion for 180 min. The Chandler method was used to produced ex vivo thrombosis and an electrical stimulation of common carotid artery was adopted to form in vivo thrombosis respectively, the effect of antithrombosis induced by San Baoxin was observed. RESULT: San Baoxin significantly decreased the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), obviously elevated the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and increased the amount of NO of the serum simultaneously. The San Baoxin at the dosage of 10 g x kg(-1) could remarkably lengthen the OT ( P < 0.05). All San Baoxin dosages could inhibit the formation of ex vivo thrombosis. CONCLUSION: San Baoxin protects the myocardium from injury of ischemic and reperfusion. The protective effect of San Baoxin may be due to that it can dilate vessels, increase the activity of clearance enzyme of free radical and inhibit lipid peroxidation and the formation of ex vivo and in vivo thrombosis.