[Medicinal Characteristics of Shao Jiu in Compendium of Materia Medica].

Modern Bai Jiu(liquor) was called Shao Jiu in ancient times.By consulting ancient books, it was found that there was a distillation and preparation process of Shao Jiu before the Ming Dynasty, but due to its high toxicity, the scope of application was limited, and there were few records of its medicinal use.However many records of its medicinal use was found in the Compendium of Materia Medica(«¼).By comparing the medical books that recorded Shao Jiu in previous dynasties, it is found that the Compendium of Materia Medica comprehensively records the relevant cognition and application of the medicinal use of Shao Jiu for the first time. The book lists in detail the causes of the toxicity of Shao Jiu and the methods to avoid it, comprehensively expounds its characteristics, efficacy and indications, lists a variety of ways to use it, skillfully uses Shao Jiu to treat syphilis sores, and proposes that high-concentration Shao Jiu can be used as a solvent for medical liquor.The record of Shao Jiu in the Compendium of Materia Medica had a profound impact on the medical liquor of later generations.The use of Shao Jiu in the Qing Dynasty continued to expand, and the types of medicinal liquor were also constantly enriched. The record of Shao Jiu in the Compendium of Materia Medica can also provide a reference for the medicinal use of modern liquor.

Pharmacological activity and clinical progress of Triptolide and its derivatives LLDT-8, PG490-88Na, and Minnelide: a narrative review.

Triptolide, a compound isolated from a Chinese medicinal herb, has potent antitumor, immunosuppressive, and anti-inflammatory properties. Due to its interesting structural features and diverse pharmacological activities, it has attracted great interest by the Society of Organic Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry. However, its clinical potential is greatly hampered by limited aqueous solubility and oral bioavailability, and multi-organ toxicity. In recent years, various derivatives of Triptolide have made varying degrees of progress in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. The most researched and potentially clinically valuable of them were (5R)-5-hydroxytriptolide (LLDT-8), PG490-88Na (F6008), and Minnelide. In this review, we provide an overview of the advancements made in triptolide and several of its derivatives' biological activity, mechanisms of action, and clinical development. We also summarized some prospects for the future development of triptolide and its derivatives. It is hoped to contribute to a better understanding of the progress in this field, make constructive suggestions for further studies of Triptolide, and provide a theoretical reference for the rational development of new drugs.

[The textbooks in the North China Medical College].

The North China Medical College typically represented medical colleges for traditional Chinese medicine in the 1930s when many of them were set up. It was based on the principles of centring on traditional Chinese medicine, following western medicine and integrated medicine in teaching. This led to the emergence of a great number of people with a high level of traditional Chinese medicine and strong belief in it. In terms of the textbooks and handouts for western medicine, compared to similar textbooks in other medical colleges, such as the Medical College of Xie He, at that time, the textbooks in the North China Medical College covered a variety of perspectives and categories. It was found that 20 textbooks for western medicine in the North China Medical College were designed reasonably in content and were simple and applicable in teaching. More importantly, it contained some traditional Chinese medicine in different degrees, with its typical characteristics. The course design and textbook compilation provided references for the teaching in contemporary medical universities.

[Combined anluohuaxianwan and entecavir treatment significantly improve the improvement rate of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection].

Objective: To explore the improvement rate of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection who received entecavir alone or in combination with anluohuaxianwan for 78 weeks. Methods: Patients with chronic HBV infection were randomly treated with entecavir alone or in combination with anluohuaxian for 78 weeks. Ishak fibrosis score was used for blind interpretation of liver biopsy specimens. The improvement in liver fibrosis condition before and after the treatment was compared. Student's t test and non-parametric test (Mann-Whitney U-Test and Kruskal-Wallis test) were used to analyze the measurement data. The categorical variables were analyzed by Chi-square test method and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to test bivariate associations. Results: Liver fibrosis improvement rate after 78 weeks of treatment was 36.53% (80/219) and the progression rate was 23.29% (51/219). The improvement of liver fibrosis was associated to the degree of baseline fibrosis and treatment methods (P < 0.05). The improvement rate of hepatic fibrosis in patients treated with anluohuaxianwan combined with entecavir at baseline F < 3 (54.74%, 52/95) was significantly higher than that in patients treated only with entecavir (33.33%, 16/48), P = 0.016 and the progression rate of hepatic fibrosis (13.68%, 13/95) was lower than that in patients treated alone (18.75%, 9/48), P = 0.466. In patients with baseline F < 3, the proportion of patients with improved and stable liver fibrosis in the combined treatment group (68.1%, 32/47) was higher than that in the treatment group alone (51.7%, 15/29). Conclusion: Combined anluohuaxianwan and entecavir treatment can significantly improve the improvement rate of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Furthermore, it has the tendency to improve the stability rate and reduce the rate of progression of liver fibrosis.

Long noncoding RNA DDX11-AS1 induced by YY1 accelerates colorectal cancer progression through targeting miR-873/CLDN7 axis.

OBJECTIVE: Increasing studies have confirmed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as novel regulators in tumorigenesis. LncRNA DDX11 antisense RNA 1 (DDX11-AS1) has been found to be abnormally expressed in several tumors. In this work, we aimed to evaluate its expressions and functions in colorectal cancer (CRC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets were used for the identification of dysregulated lncRNA in CRC. The levels of DDX11-AS1 were determined in tumor tissues and cell lines by Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). The clinical significance of DDX11-AS1 in CRC patients was analyzed using Chi-square test and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Functional assays for the exploration of DDX11-AS1 and miR-873 were performed using a series of cells experiment. ChIP assay and luciferase reporter assays were used to explore the mechanism of actions of DDX11-AS1 in CRC cells. RESULTS: We identified DDX11-AS1 as a new CRC-related lncRNA whose levels were distinctly up-regulated in CRC specimens and cell lines, partly induced by YY1. Clinical explorations suggested that increased expressions of DDX11-AS1 in CRC were positively associated with lymph nodes metastasis and TNM stage and had a distinct influence on the overall survival. Further multivariate assays indicated that DDX11-AS1 was an independent prognostic parameter implying a poorer clinical outcome for patients with CRC. Functional assays revealed that the knockdown of DDX11-AS1 suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC cells, and stimulate apoptosis. Mechanistic studies showed that the up-regulation of DDX11-AS1 competitively bound to miR-873 prevented CLDN7 from miRNAs-mediated degradations, thus facilitated the CRC progress. Further rescue assays were carried out to achieve confirmation. CONCLUSIONS: Our present findings may enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis of CRC and revealed DDX11-AS11 as a potential therapeutic target for CRC.

Effect of genistein on the gene expressions of androgen generating key enzymes StAR, P450scc and CYP19 in rat ovary.

In this investigation, the effects of genistein (GEN) on the expression of steroidogenic genes such as steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), side-chain cleavage enzymes (P450scc) and cytochrome P450 aromatase (CYP19) were assessed. For this study, forty young female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats at aged 2-3 months (200±20 g) and forty aged female SD rats aged 10-12 months (490±20 g) were selected. Also, based on weight they were divided into a negative control group (NC), three different GEN dose groups, which received GEN of 15, 30, 60 mg/kg, and a positive control group (PC). The experiment lasted 30 days. Concentrations of serum hormones were determined by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Gene and protein expressions of StAR, P450scc and CYP19 were determined by Real-Time PCR and western blot techniques. It was observed that 30-60 mg/kg GEN could increase the expression of androgen generating key enzymes in the young rat ovary. GEN also significantly increased progesterone and E2 levels in the serum of aged rats and reduced the levels of LH and FSH in the serum of both young and aged rats. Compared with young rats, the effect of GEN on the ovary of aged rats was stronger and a lower dose of GEN (15 mg/kg) showed an obvious effect on these indicators. GEN influenced both estrogen level and indicators associated with estrogen and androgen transformation processes, which indicates that GEN can impair the growth and maturation of the ovary.

International Clinical Practice Guidelines for Sarcopenia (ICFSR): Screening, Diagnosis and Management.

OBJECTIVES: Sarcopenia, defined as an age-associated loss of skeletal muscle function and muscle mass, occurs in approximately 6 - 22 % of older adults. This paper presents evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for screening, diagnosis and management of sarcopenia from the task force of the International Conference on Sarcopenia and Frailty Research (ICSFR). METHODS: To develop the guidelines, we drew upon the best available evidence from two systematic reviews paired with consensus statements by international working groups on sarcopenia. Eight topics were selected for the recommendations: (i) defining sarcopenia; (ii) screening and diagnosis; (iii) physical activity prescription; (iv) protein supplementation; (v) vitamin D supplementation; (vi) anabolic hormone prescription; (vii) medications under development; and (viii) research. The ICSFR task force evaluated the evidence behind each topic including the quality of evidence, the benefit-harm balance of treatment, patient preferences/values, and cost-effectiveness. Recommendations were graded as either strong or conditional (weak) as per the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach. Consensus was achieved via one face-to-face workshop and a modified Delphi process. RECOMMENDATIONS: We make a conditional recommendation for the use of an internationally accepted measurement tool for the diagnosis of sarcopenia including the EWGSOP and FNIH definitions, and advocate for rapid screening using gait speed or the SARC-F. To treat sarcopenia, we strongly recommend the prescription of resistance-based physical activity, and conditionally recommend protein supplementation/a protein-rich diet. No recommendation is given for Vitamin D supplementation or for anabolic hormone prescription. There is a lack of robust evidence to assess the strength of other treatment options.

[Textual criticism and discrimination on the naming of"Five-abstention Soup of Medical Professional"from the Han-tomb of the Marquis of Haihun].

A lacquer vessel with the inscription of Yi gong wu jin tang (Five-abstention Soup of Medical Profession) has been unearthed from the Han-tomb of Marquis of Haihun, in which"Five abstentions"is related to the incantations and abstention therapies prevalent in the Qin and Han Dynasties. The"Five-abstention Law"is the five rituals and methods during the process of practicing incantations and abstentions therapies including"keeping one's thinking (cun si)","holding the breath(bi qi)","twirling eyes (nian mu)","stepping after Yu's sample (yu bu)"and"incanting and blessing (zhou zhu)". The"Five-abstention Law"uses the medium"soup"to achieve the purpose of treatment."Soup"refers either to"decoction"or to"magic water". The lacquer vessel with the inscription"Five-abstention Soup of Medical professional"could be an instrument for implementing the process of practising the"Five-abstention Law", reflecting the historical facts that Liu He, the Marquis Haihun did accept the incantations and abstention therapies.

The effect of levodopa benserazide hydrochloride on homocysteinemia levels in patients with Parkinson's disease and treatment of hyperhomocysteinemia.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) resulted from treatment in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and to evaluate the therapeutic outcome of HHcy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety-three newly diagnosed PD patients were divided into Madopar group (treated with Madopar) and non-Madopar group (not treated with Madopar). Plasma Hcy levels were measured. Five months later, 67 patients presenting with HHcy were randomly divided into treatment group (n = 34) (receiving methylcobalamin 500 µg, tid, and folic acid 50 mg, tid, orally) and control group (n = 33).  Madopar dosage was maintained in both groups. MRI examination was performed to detect cerebral ischemia and patients were evaluated by Webster's rating scale. Plasma Hcy levels were measured at 3-month follow-up. Webster's scores and MRI were performed at 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: At the initial visit, Hcy levels of patients of Madopar group were significantly higher than those of non-Madopar group (18.52 ± 6.48 µmol/L) vs. (15.78 ± 3.42), p < 0.05]. At 5-month follow-up, patients of the non-Madopar group presented significantly increased Hcy levels (18.97 ± 7.42 µmol/L) compare with pre-treatment Hcy levels (p < 0.05), whereas Hcy levels were slightly increased in patients of Madopar group (20.61 ± 7.87 µmol/L, p > 0.05). In the treatment group, serum Hcy levels were significantly decreased after 3-month treatment with methylcobalamin and folic acid (p < 0.01). However, serum Hcy levels were not significantly changed in patients of the control group. In addition, in the treatment group, no patient presented ischemic stroke with clinical symptoms and four patients were confirmed with new cerebral ischemic and lacunar lesions by MRI examination. However, in the control group, two ischemic strokes with clinical symptoms and 11 new cerebral ischemic and lacunar lesions were detected. Significant differences were observed between two groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, post-treatment modified Webster scores were significantly decreased than pre-treatment scores for both groups. However, no significant differences were found between groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Oral administration of Levodopa in the treatment of PD can cause HHcy, which can result in increased occurrence of ischemic stroke. Supplementation of methylcobalamin and folic acid can effectively reduce Hcy level and thereby prevent the occurrence of ischemic stroke.

Synergistic effects of beta-aescin and 5-fluorouracil in human hepatocellular carcinoma SMMC-7721 cells.

The effects and mechanisms of action of beta-aescin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), alone and in combination, were studied in human hepatocellular carcinoma SMMC-7721 cells. Growth inhibition, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, Bcl-2 expression and caspase activity were assessed. The Isobole-method/interaction-index analysis was applied to evaluate the synergy, additivity or antagonism of these agents. The results indicate that mixtures of beta-aescin and 5-FU showed a synergistic effect on the 50% inhibitory effect when their ratio was 4:1 when compared with either agent alone. The mechanism of action could be through the synergistic arrest of the cell cycle, induction of apoptosis, activation of caspases-3, 8 and 9, and down-regulation Bcl-2 expression. The results suggest that mixtures of these two agents had a synergistic inhibitory effect on SMMC-7721 cells, an observation which might be useful for the further development of anti-cancer drugs.

Yisheng injection decreases the expression of H60 and RAE-1 genes in ischemic mice liver.

OBJECTIVE: Major histocompatability complex class I chain-related antigen A, B (MICA, B) functions as ligands for human NKG2D receptors, which may play a role in graft rejection and cellular stress. In this study we explored the effect of ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) on the expression of H60 and RAE-1 (MICA, B homologues) in mice to study the protective effect of Yisheng injection (YS), an herbal preparation developed from traditional Chinese medicine. METHODS: Male BALB/c mice were divided into sham, ischemic, and YS-treated groups using 90 minutes of left liver lobe ischemia. Sham control mice underwent the same operation, but without vascular occlusion. In the treated group, YS (20 mg/kg) was given before ischemia and after reperfusion for 7 days. Liver samples collected at 7 days postoperation were used for real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, Western blotting, and immunohistochemical assays. RESULTS: Compared with the sham group, H60 and RAE-1 mRNA levels were increased by sevenfold and 4.5-fold in the ischemic group, respectively. After YS treatment, they were reduced by 76% and 70%, respectively. Western blotting and immunohistochemical assays showed that there was absent or faint H60 and RAE-1 expression in sham liver, but they were apparently increased in ischemic liver; however, the expressions were significantly decreased in the presence of YS. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatic IRI significantly increased H60 and RAE-1 expression in mouse liver. YS treatment effectively reduced this increase, seeming to attenuate NKG2D-ligand-mediated immune responses caused by IRI. This may suggest a new concept to prevent IRI and graft rejection.

The dietary supplement ephedrine induces beta-adrenergic mediated exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus in NZM391 mice.

The dietary supplement and adrenergic receptor agonist ephedrine has been a controversial topic as its safety has been questioned. Beta-adrenergic receptor (beta-AR) activation causes immunomodulation, which may contribute to promotion of autoimmune pathology. This report investigated the ability of ephedrine to exacerbate processes associated with autoimmune disease in a lupus-prone mouse model. To mimic human supplementation, ephedrine was administered to NZM391 (lupus-prone) and BALB/c (nonlupus prone) mice orally twice a day for three months at a dose of 50 and 100 microg/day. Some ephedrine-treated NZM391 mice also were preadministered the beta-AR antagonist propranolol to investigate beta-AR involvement. Mice were bled monthly, and sera were assayed for a variety of lupus manifestations and immunological measurements. In NZM391 males and females, both doses of ephedrine significantly increased lupus manifestations, including IgG production and organ-directed autoantibody titers, and significantly lowered the ratio of IgG2a/IgG1 compared to controls. Ephedrine significantly decreased female lifespan and significantly increased circulating populations of plasma cells (CD38(hi) CD19(lo) cytoplasmic IgG+) and CD40+ B1a cells, while preventing an age-related decrease in the B1a cell population expressing a high level of CD5. While ephedrine induced gender-specific immunomodulation in BALB/c mice, increases in the lupus manifestations of anti-dsDNA titers and serum urea nitrogen were not detected. Preadministration of propranolol decreased lupus manifestations and serum levels of IgG and IgE in ephedrine-treated mice, but did not block the shift towards IgG1 production. These findings indicate that ephedrine via beta-AR can exacerbate lupus symptoms in NZM391 mice and that blockade of the beta-ARs on B cells, and not T cells, apparently was of greater importance as the inhibition of lupus symptoms corresponded to an inhibition of immunoglobulin levels, not a change of Th1/Th2 balance.

Interventions for preventing infection in nephrotic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Infection is one of the most common complications and still remains a significant cause of morbidity and occasionally mortality in patients, especially children with nephrotic syndrome. Many different prophylactic interventions have been used or recommended for reducing the risks of infection in nephrotic syndrome in clinical practice. Whether the existing evidence is scientifically rigorous and which prophylactic intervention can be recommended for routine use based on the current evidence is still unknown. OBJECTIVES: To assess the benefits and harms of any prophylactic interventions for reducing the risk of infection in children and adults with nephrotic syndrome. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Renal Group Specialised Register (January 2003), The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (Cochrane Library Issue 1, 2003), MEDLINE and Pre-MEDLINE (1966 - February 2003), EMBASE (1980 - February 2003), China Biological Medicine Database (CBMdisc, 1979 - December 2002), reference lists of nephrology textbooks, review articles, relevant trials and abstracts from nephrology scientific meetings without language restriction. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs comparing any prophylactic interventions (pharmacological or non-pharmacological) for preventing any infection in children and adults with nephrotic syndrome. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently assessed and extracted information. Information was collected on method, participants, interventions and outcomes ( appearance of infection, mortality, quality of life and adverse events). MAIN RESULTS: Five RCTs conducted in China, including 308 children with nephrotic syndrome were identified. No trials were identified in adults. All trials compared one kind of prophylactic pharmacotherapy (IVIG, thymosin or a compound of Chinese medicinal herbs - TIAOJINING) in addition to baseline treatment with baseline treatment alone. No RCTs were identified comparing antibiotic or non-pharmacological prophylaxis, or pneumococcal vaccination. Three trials showed a significantly better effect of IVIG on preventing nosocomial or unspecified infection in children with nephrotic syndrome (RR 0.39, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.82). Thymosin and TIAOJINING were also effective for reducing the risks of infection in children with nephrotic syndrome with RR 0.50 (95%CI 0.26 to 0.97) and 0.59 (95%CI 0.43 to 0.81) respectively. No serious adverse events were reported. REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS: IVIG, thymosin and TIAOJINING may have positive effects on prevention of nosocomial or unspecified infection with no obvious serious adverse events in children with nephrotic syndrome. However the methodological quality of all trials was poor, the sample sizes small and all studies were from China, and thus there is no strong evidence on the effectiveness of these interventions.

[Identification of Amomum villosum, Amomum villosum var. xanthioides and Amomum longiligulare on ITS-1 sequence].

OBJECTIVE: To identify Amomum villosum Lour. and some their adulterants on molecular biology. METHOD: The DNA of Amomum villosum Lour. and some their adulterants were extracted, and amplified using ITS-1 primer. The amplificed DNA were purified and then sequenced by direct PCR sequencing method. RESULT: The ITS-sequence of all of the samples are 248 bp in size. But there are 7 bases in Amomum villosum Lour var. xanthioides (Wall.ex Bak) T.L. Wu et Senjen and 12 hases in Amomum longiligulare T.L. Wu. differing from Amomum villosum Lour. CONCLUSION: The ITS-1 sequence can be used to identify effectively Amomum villosum Lour. and their adulterants.

Effects of vitamin D receptor inactivation on the expression of calbindins and calcium metabolism.

Hypocalcemia, rickets, and osteomalacia are major phenotypic abnormalities in vitamin D receptor (VDR)-null mice. In an attempt to understand the abnormal regulation of calcium metabolism in these animals, we examined the expression of calbindins (CaBP) as well as calcium handling in the intestine and kidney of VDR null mice. In adult VDR-null mice, intestinal and renal CaBP-D9k expression was reduced by 50 and 90%, respectively, at both the mRNA and protein levels compared with wild-type littermates, whereas renal CaBP-D28k expression was not significantly changed. Intestinal calcium absorption was measured by the rate of (45)Ca disappearance from the intestine after an oral dose of the isotope. (45)Ca absorption was similar in VDR-null and wild-type mice, but the amount of (45)Ca accumulated in the serum and bone was 3-4 times higher in wild-type mice than in VDR-null mice. Despite the hypocalcemia, the urinary excretion of calcium in VDR-null mice was not different from that in wild-type mice. Moreover, 1 wk of a high-calcium diet treatment that normalized the serum ionized calcium level of VDR-null mice increased the urinary calcium level of these mutant mice to twofold higher than that of wild-type mice on the same diet, suggesting impaired renal calcium conservation in VDR-null mice. These data demonstrate that renal CaBP-D9k, but not CaBP-D28k, is highly regulated by the VDR-mediated action of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3). Furthermore, the results also suggest that impaired calcium conservation in the kidney may be the most important factor contributing to the development of hypocalcemia in VDR-null mice, and CaBP-D9k may be an important mediator of calcium reabsorption in the kidney.

Triterpenoid acids from Schisandra propinqua with cytotoxic effect on rat luteal cells and human decidual cells in vitro.

Three triterpenoid acids, nigranoic acid (1), manwuweizic acid (2), schisandronic acid (3), and other four compounds were isolated from the stems of Schisandra propinqua. Compounds 1 and 2 showed significant cytotoxic effect against human decidual cells and rat luteal cells in vitro.

[Identification of a confused species of Euphorbia hirta L. E. indica Lam].

The article reported the morphological and histological identification for Euporbia hirta L. and its confused species E. indica Lam.. It provided evidences for identifying Euphorbia hirta L..

[Introduction of health administrations at the end of the Qing dynasty].

During the new policy and reform of constitutionality from 1901 to 1911 at the end of the Qing dynasty, there were the contents of health administrations. A special independent organization was affiliated to the Ministries of Police and Civil Administration. The central health administration refers to the Health Section of Police, which was promoted to a Department after the Police Ministry changed to Civil Administration, including three sections: health, quarantine and arts of necromancy, astrology, and medicine. The duties of these three sections included checking the establishment of medical schools, testing doctors, administrating cleaning streets and epidemic prevention, examining and approving health rules. A Health Department was set up by the police headquarters of inner and external city in the capital, and health section was set up by police of each province. There was a police head in government of county to charge the health works. It was the first health administration in the bureaucracy system in China, and the beginning of learning from the west and modernization on health administration.