Fraxin Ameliorates Ulcerative Colitis by Modulating Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and TLR4/NF-κB and MAPK Signaling Pathways.

Objective: UC is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder of uncertain etiology. However, effective therapeutic drug options for UC are relatively limited. Fraxin represents a principal active constituent within the traditional Chinese medicinal herb known as Cortex Fraxini or Qinpi. Nevertheless, the impact of Fraxin on UC remains uncharted. This study aims to explore the potential of Fraxin, a key component of Cortex Fraxini, in inhibiting DSS-induced intestinal inflammation in mice and to unravel the underlying mechanisms. Methods: In vitro experiment,the RAW264. 7 cells were induced by LPS as the model.In vivo experiment,the mice were induced by DSS as the animal model for a ten day experiment.The ELISA, western blots, measurement of oxidative stress markers and other relevant methods were used to discuss the effect of Fraxin on LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells and the inhibitory effect of Fraxin on intestinal inflammation induced by DSS in mice and underlying mechanisms. Results: Our findings indicated that Fraxin significantly reduced symptoms of UC, such as body weight loss, colonic length shortening, and histological damage. At the molecular level, it inhibited ROS generation, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, and regulated key pathways including TLR4/NF-κB and MAPK.The findings indicated that Fraxin diminished the expression of p-NF-κB and p-IκB, downregulated iNOS and COX-2 expression, and lessened p38, JNK and ERK phosphorylation. Conclusion: Taken together, Fraxin ameliorates UC by regulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and TLR4/NF-κB and MAPK pathways, and Fraxin may be a new treatment for UC. Our findings suggest that Fraxin could offer a novel therapeutic approach for UC, targeting oxidative stress and key inflammatory pathways.

Research progress in prevention and treatment of radiation-induced intestinal injury by traditional Chinese medicine active components / 中国中药杂志

Radiation-induced intestinal injury(RIII), a common complication of radiotherapy for pelvic malignancies, affects the quality of life and the radiotherapy efficacy for cancer. Currently, the main clinical approaches for the prevention and treatment of RIII include drug therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and surgical treatment. Among these methods, drug therapy is cost-effective. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) containing a variety of active components demonstrates mild side effects and good efficacy in preventing and treating RIII. Studies have proven that TCM active components, such as flavonoids, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, and alkaloids, can protect the intestine against RIII by inhibiting oxidative stress, regulating the expression of inflammatory cytokines, modulating the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, adjusting intestinal flora, and suppressing cell apoptosis. These mechanisms can help alleviate the symptoms of RIII. The paper aims to provide a theoretical reference for the discovery of new drugs for the prevention and treatment of RIII by reviewing the literature on TCM active components in the last 10 years.

Current Situation and Outlook of Mechanization in Production of Rhizome-type Chinese Herbal Medicines in Sichuan Province / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Sichuan province is extremely rich in Chinese herbal medicine resources，and the Chinese herbal medicine industry is an integral part of the "10+3" industrial system of modern agriculture. However，it has been long constrained by factors such as hilly terrain and scattered planting patterns，which hinders the mechanization development of the Chinese herbal medicine planting industry. Committed to promoting the application and development of the whole-process mechanization of Chinese herbal medicine production， the research group investigated the current situation and mechanization application of the Chinese herbal medicine planting industry in Sichuan province，and clarified the core advantages of the industry in Sichuan province and the urgent need for mechanization production. The current situation of mechanization of key links in producing rhizome-type Chinese herbal medicines such as planting，fertilization，pest and weed controlling，harvesting，and primary processing in production areas were analyzed. The key factors and existing problems in the whole-process mechanization development as well as the key future research directions were discussed，and the mechanization development trend of Ophiopogonis Radix，Chuanxiong Rhizoma and other herbal medicines in the Chinese herbal medicine planting areas of Chengdu Plain were forecasted. This paper focused on the bottleneck of the mechanization application in producing Chinese herbal medicines in Sichuan province，and introduced key technologies and equipment for the whole-process mechanization of rhizome-type Chinese herbal medicine production，which is conducive to transforming and upgrading the Chinese herbal medicine production industry，accelerating the application of high-tech information technology，and promoting the mechanization and intelligentization of the planting industry.

Research methods of miRNA in plants and research progress of miRNA in medicinal plants / 药学学报

microRNA (miRNA) is a class of endogenous ~21nt non-coding single-strand small RNAs which play important roles in plant growth and development, signal transduction, stress response, and secondary metabolism. In recent years, a large number of miRNAs have been identified in various medicinal plants, and the regulatory effects of these miRNAs have been preliminarily studied. In medicinal plants, most of the active components are secondary metabolites, so it is of great significance to study the regulatory effects of miRNA on the formation of secondary metabolites. In this paper, the general research methods of plant miRNA and the research progress of medicinal plant miRNA and their regulatory effects on the formation of bioactive metabolites were reviewed, and the future direction of medicinal plant miRNA was prospected, so as to provide reference for the future research of medicinal plants.

Fangchinoline supplementation attenuates inflammatory markers in experimental rheumatoid arthritis-induced rats.

The present study evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of fangchinoline in rheumatoid arthritis-induced rats. Rats were grouped into sham (group I), rheumatoid arthritis (group II, control), fangchinoline (2 µM, group III), and fangchinoline (4 µM, group IV) groups. The serum levels of lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), catalase, reduced glutathione (GSH), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2), nitric oxide (NO), zinc, ceruloplasmin, uric acid, and copper were determined. Chondrocyte cell proliferation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and cellular levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were assessed. Lipid peroxidation, GSH, SOD, catalase, and Gpx levels recovered to near normal levels by fangchinoline treatment. Fangchinoline treatment significantly reduced the TNF-α level by 17.8% and 40.8% in groups III and IV respectively, whereas IL-6 was significantly decreased by 23.2% and 45%, respectively. Fangchinoline treatment significantly decreased the MMP-3 level by 23.1% and 65.1% in groups III and IV respectively, whereas PGE2 was significantly decreased by 31.8% and 63.8%, respectively. Fangchinoline treatment decreased NO, uric acid, ceruloplasmin, and copper levels, whereas the zinc content was increased. Chondrocyte proliferation was significantly reduced to 73.3%, 51.3%, and 42.4% at 2 µM, 4 µM, and 6 µM fangchinoline treatment respectively. Intracellular ROS, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels were significantly reduced in the chondrocytes. Protein expression of TNF-α was significantly decreased by 0.27-, 0.53-, and 0.67-fold at 2 µM, 4 µM, and 6 µM fangchinoline treatment respectively. In conclusion, fangchinoline is effective as an anti-inflammatory agent in rheumatoid arthritis-induced rats.

Ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block combined with acupuncture for the treatment of calcified tendinitis of rotator cuff / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the method and effect of ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block combined with acupuncture in the treatment of calcified tendinitis of rotator cuff.@*METHODS@#From January 2015 to December 2017, total 30 patients with calcified tendinitis, including 23 cases of supraspinatus tendon, 5 cases of infraspinatus tendon and 2 cases of subscapular tendon, were treated with ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block combined with acupuncture. There were 7 males and 23 females, ranging in age from 36 to 71 years old, with an average of 51.6 years old. There were 17 cases on the right and 13 cases on the left. VAS pain score, Constant-murley score, UCLA score and X-ray examination were used to evaluate the clinical results before and after surgery.@*RESULTS@#The mean follow-up was 14.3 months (6 to 30 months). The preoperative VAS score was 3.82±1.13, Constant-Murley score was 36.91±7.95 and UCLA score was 11.35±2.17. The final follow-up scores were 1.32±1.06, 90.61±2.89 and 33.22±1.51, respectively. The final follow-up scores were improved significantly(<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Conservative treatment of calcified rotator cuff tendinitis is ineffective. Suprascapular nerve block guided by ultrasound combined with acupuncture has a good therapeutic effect. It is a minimally invasive, economic, safe and effective method, which is worth promoting.

The research progress of molecular biological mechanism of Chinese medicine for polycystic ovary syndrome / 国际中医中药杂志

The treatment of western medicine can improve the symptoms mainly by reducing androgen, improving insulin resistance. However, the pregnancy rates are still low, and the abortion rates are still high.Recently, several studies have shown beneficial effect of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, electro-acupuncture and catgut embedding therapies for the polycystic ovary syndrome by multi-target. Thus, the paper summarized the research progress.

[Prevention and treatment of age-related macular degeneration by extract of Fructus lycii and its constituents lutein/zeaxanthin: an in vive and in vitro experimental research].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the in vivo inhibition of extract of Fructus lycii (FL) on the expressions of cathepsin B (Cat B) and cystatin C (Cys C) in high-fat diet and hydroquinone (HQ) induced model mice with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and to explore the in vitro effects of lutein and zeaxanthin on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2,) induced expressions of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP-2) on ARPE-19 cells. METHODS: Fifty female 8-month-old C57BL/6 mice were recruited in this research. Ten mice fed with regular diet was taken as the age control group. The rest 40 mice were fed with high fat diet for 6 months, followed by adding HQ (0. 8%) in the drinking water for 3 consecutive months. Then the modeled mice were randomly divided into the model control group (n =10), the high (at the daily dose of 3.75 g/kg), middle (at the daily dose of 2.50 g/kg), and low dose (at the daily dose of 1.25 g/kg) FL groups, 10 in each group. The extract of FL at each dose was respectively administered to mice by gastrogavage for 3 successive months. By the end of the experiment, the mice were killed and their eyeballs were removed. The protein expressions of Cat B and Cys C were observed by immunohistochemical assay. The mRNA and protein expressions of Cat B and Cys C were detected by real-time PCR and Western blot respectively. The drug concentrations of H2O2, lutein, and zeaxanthin were screened and detected using the activity of cell proliferation. The protein expressions of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were detected using Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the age control group, the mRNA and protein expressions of Cat B and Cys C were significantly higher in the in vivo model control group (P <0.05, P <0.01). The mRNA expressions of Cat B and Cys C were weaker in the middle and high dose FL groups than in the model control group (P <0. 05, P <0. 01). In in vitro cells, lutein and zeaxanthin could down-regulate the protein expressions of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in H202 induced ARPE-19 cells (P <0. 05, P <0. 01). CONCLUSIONS: Extract of FL could down-regulate the high protein expressions of Cat B and Cys C in high-fat diet and HQ induced model mice. Lutein and zeaxanthin could down-regulate the protein expressions of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in H202 induced ARPE-19 cells.

Synergistic anti-inflammatory effect of Radix Platycodon in combination with herbs for cleaning-heat and detoxification and its mechanism / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the synergistic anti-inflammatory effect of Radix Platycodon in combination with herbs for cleaning-heat and detoxification and its mechanism for Fel-targeting.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (8 per group): the sham-operated group, model group, Radix Platycodon group, Flos Lonicera and Fructus Forsythia (LF) group, and Radix Platycodon, Flos Lonicera and Fructus Forsythia combination (PLF) group, using a random number table. A rat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) model was established by passive smoking and intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The treatments started from the 15th day of passive smoking for a total duration of 14 days. At the end of the treatment, changes in the following measurements were determined: lung histopathology, inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and interleukin IL-1β (IL-1β) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and mRNA expression of endogenous active substance intestinal trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) in the lung tissue.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Light microscopy showed that compared with the sham-operated group, rats in the COPD model group had disrupted alveolar structure, collapsed local alveoli, significantly widened or even fused alveolar septa, and massive infiltration of inflammatory cells in the alveolar wall and interstitium. In addition, significant bronchial epithelium hyperplasia, partially shed epithelia, and marked inflammatory cell infiltration in the bronchial wall and its surrounding tissues were noticed. Electron microscopy showed that rats in the model group had degeneration of alveolar type II epithelial cell; reduction, breakage or even loss of cell surface microvilli; swollen mitochondria with disappearing cristae and vacuole-like structure; and, increased secondary lysosomes in alveolar macrophages. The TNF-α, TGF-β and IL-1β levels and white blood cell (WBC) count in BALF were significantly increased (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05) and TFF3 mRNA expression in the lung tissue was significantly reduced (P < 0.01). After treatment, the pathological morphology of lung injury was less severe in all three treatment groups. In addition, TGF-β and IL-1β and WBC count in BALF were decreased (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), and TFF3 mRNA expression in the lung tissue was significantly increased in the PLF group (P < 0.01). Compared with the LF group, the IL-1β in BALF was significantly decreased P < 0.05), and TFF3 mRNA expression was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the PLF group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Radix Platycodon synergizes with herbs for cleaning-heat and detoxification in reducing inflammatory injury in a rat model of COPD. The synergistic anti-inflammatory effect is reflected in the improvement in pathological changes and in the reduction of IL-1β levels in BALF. The mechanism of such synergistic action may be related to its effect on maintaining the TFF3 mRNA expression and Fel-targeting function.</p>

[Protection effect of Salvia miltiorrhiza on model of acute lung injury in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of SM on aquaporin-1 (AQP1) expression in rats with acute lung injury (ALI), and study protection against ALI. METHODS: 48 SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, ALI 7-day group, ALI 8-hour group, SM prevention group, SM 7-day treatment group, and SM 8-hour treatment group. At 8 hours and 7 days after treatment, lung wet-to-dry weight ratio, lung pathology, electron microscope, AQP1 immunohistochemistry, and AQP1 Western blot were performed. RESULTS: The model group rats all appeared ALI symptom. Compared with the 7-day ALI group, the degree of lung edema statement alleviated in SM 7-day treatment group. But the expression of AQP-1 was not significant between the two groups (P < 0.05). Compared with the 8-hour ALI group, the degree of lung edema statement alleviated in SM 8-hour treatment group and SM prevention group. The expression of AQP-1 was significantly expression in the group of SM prevention group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: SM may improve the body fluid metabolism and alleviate the degree of the lung edema by regulating the expression of AQP-1. The results suggest SM can regulate the activity of AQP-1 to improve the water metabolism of ALI.

Effects of nutritional and psychological status in gastrointestinal cancer patients on tolerance of treatment.

AIM: To assess the effects of poor nutritional and psychological status on tolerance of cancer treatment and the recovery of physical performance status in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. METHODS: An epidemiological survey with respect to nutritional and psychological status in patients with gastrointestinal cancer was conducted among 182 operated patients in four provincial-level hospitals from December 2005 to June 2006. The food frequency survey method, state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) and depression status inventory (DSI) were used to obtain information about the diet and psychological status in the patients. Nutritional status in the participants was reflected by serum albumin (Alb), hemoglobin (HB) and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: Alb, protein intake and anxiety were associated with the severity of side effects of treatment. The adjusted relative risk (RR) for Alb, protein intake and anxiety was 3.30 (95% CI: 1.08, 10.10, P = 0.03), 3.25 (95% CI: 1.06, 9.90, P = 0.04) and 1.48 (95% CI: 1.29, 1.70, P < 0.0001), respectively. Moreover, calorie intake, HB and depression were associated with the recovery of physical performance status in the patients. Adjusted relative risk was 2.12 (95% CI: 1.09, 4.03, P = 0.028), 2.05 (95% CI: 1.08, 3.88, P = 0.026) and 1.07 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.12, P = 0.007), respectively. CONCLUSION: Both poor nutrition status and psychological status are independent risk factors for severe side effects of cancer treatment, and have impact on the recovery of physical performance status in patients after treatment.

Effect of Danxiongfang and its components on experimental liver injury models induced by CCl4 in mice / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The study investigates the protective effect on liver of Danxionfang and its components.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Mice are injected with CCl4 to establish liver injured model. ALT, AST, serum albumin, globulin in serum and SOD, MDA in liver and liver histological changes were measured to confirm the ability of protecting liver of Danxiongfang.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The results show Danxiongfang can inhibit obviously the abnormal increase of ALT, AST in serum and MDA in liver, enhance SOD activity in liver, total protein, albumin, globulin in serum, and decrease liver pathological changes, which suggests Danxiongfang can protect injured liver induced by CCl4.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Danxiongfang showed powerful protective effect against liver damage induced by CCl4.</p>

Effects of theanine and houpu extract in 7-day chick social separation-stress procedure / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To examine the abilities of theanine and houpu extracts (HE) to reverse behavioral indexes (separation vocalization, stress-induced analgesia and activity).</p><p><b>METHOD</b>7-day-old chicks received IP injection of theanine and HE 30 min before being tested in the presence of three social companions or in isolation for 3-min observation period. Dependent measures were: a) Chicks were placed into an infrared ray device to calculate their spontaneous activities by a computer program b) record the separation vocalizations for every chick. c) In the experiment of stress-induced analgesia, 50 uL of formalin (0.1%) was injected into the plantar of the animal foot to index stress-induced analgesia (i. e. foot-lift frequency, foot-lift duration and peck frequency).</p><p><b>RESULT</b>In the experiments, isolated chicks exhibited more vocalizations (P < 0.01) and fewer pain-related behaviors than non-isolated chicks (P < 0.01). Theanine (12.5, 25, 50 mg x kg(-1)) and HE (25 mg x kg(-1)) decrease separately the tendency (dB) of the principal frequency (P < 0.05, P < 0.01); The stress induced analgesia can be reversed by theanine in 25, 50 mg x kg(-1). Both of the materials do not affect the spontaneous activities in this chick model without causing sedation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>These results suggest that theanine and HE in the dosages may be useful in modulating anxiety states. They are seems no synergism in the chick model.</p>

Effect of banxia xiexin decoction and its components on coefficient of variability of slow wave electrogastric rhythm in rats with electrogastric dysrhythmia / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of Banxia Xiexin Decoction (BD) and its components in the rats with electrogastric dysrhythmia, explore the mechanism of BD' s "relieving distension and fullness, and dissolving lumps" and study BD' s compatibility regularity.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Rat model of electrogastric dysrhythmia was established, the effects of BD and its components on the coefficient of variability of the model' s slow wave electrogastric rhythm were determined.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the model group, BD and all the components groups had better effects on all the aspects (P <0. 05 ), Among which the group containing herbs with pungent and bitter flavour (Rhizoma Pinelliae, Rhizoma Zingiberis, Radix Scutellariae, Radix Berberidis julianae) was the best.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>BD and all the components have the effects of rectifying electrogastric dysrhythmias in various degrees, and the herbs with pungent and bitter flavour are best. This study provides the experimental foundations for further understanding the mechanism of BD' s treating principle-using bitter drugs for purgation and pungent drugs for dispersion, normalizing the functional activities of qi.</p>

Effects of extract from Cornus officinalis on nitric oxide and NF-kappaB in cortex of cerebral infarction rat model / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the change of nitric oxide (NO) and expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) in the cortex of cerebral infarction rat induced by photochemical reaction, and study the effect of extract from Cornus officinalis (whose main ingredient is iridoid glycoside) in the course of disease.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>After rats were fed with experimental drugs for 7 days, the model of cerebral infarction was induced. Spectrophotography and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the change of the content of NO, NOS and the expression of NF-kappaB in the cortex.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Compared with control group, distinct infarction was visible in the model group, and the content of NO, the activity of NOS and the positive cell number of NF-kappaB were increased obviously. Compared with model group, the extract of C. officeinalis decreased the area of infarction, the content of NO, the activity of NOS and the positive cell number of NF-kappaB.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The iridoid glycoside of C. officinalis may have therapeutical effect on cerebral infarction through regulating the content of NO and NF-kappaB.</p>