Anti-inflammatory effect of external use of escin on cutaneous inflammation: possible involvement of glucocorticoids receptor / 中国天然药物

Escin, as an internally applied anti-inflammatory agent, has been widely used in the treatment of inflammation and edema resulting from trauma or operation in the clinic. However, the effect of its external use on cutaneous inflammation and edema remains unexplored. In the present study, the anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effects of external use of escin were studied in carrageenan-induced paw edema and histamine-induced capillary permeability in rats, paraxylene-induced ear swelling in mice, and cotton pellet-induced granuloma in rats. Effects of external use of escin gel on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were determined by ELISA. The anti-inflammatory mechanism was explored by detecting the expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) with Western blotting and Real-time PCR analyses, with further exploration of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (P38MAPK) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) expressions. We demonstrated that external use of escin showed significant anti-inflammatory effects on acute and chronic inflammation in different animal models and its anti-inflammatory effects might be related to down-regulation of PGE2, TNF-α, and IL-1β. The results also showed that escin exerted its anti-inflammatory effects by promoting the expression of GR, with the possible mechanism being inhibition of the expressions of GR-related signaling molecules such as NF-κB and AP-1.

Chemical profiles and metabolite study of raw and processed Polygoni Multiflori Radix in rats by UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS spectrometry / 中国天然药物

The raw and processed roots of Plygonum multiflorum Thunb (PM) are used to treat different diseases in clinical practice. In order to clarify the influence of processing, a comparative study of chemical substance analysis was carried out. As the xenobiotics with a high enough exposure in target organs being considered as the potential effective or toxicity components, an in vivo study was also implemented to characterize the constitutes and metabolites, and meanwhile, the factor of compatibility with black bean were also considered. As a result, a total of 148 compounds were detected in PM extracts and more than 40 compounds were only detected in the processed products, which were probably new components produced during the steaming process. In in vivo study, 7 prototype components and 66 metabolites were detected or tentatively identified, 24 of which were reported for the first time. Our results indicated that processing greatly changed the chemical composition of PM and influenced the disposition of the compounds in vivo. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first global comparative study of raw and processed PM. These results expanded our knowledge about the influence of processing of PM and provided the essential data for further efficacy or toxicity studies.

Anti-inflammatory effect of external use of escin on cutaneous inflammation: possible involvement of glucocorticoids receptor / 中国天然药物

Escin, as an internally applied anti-inflammatory agent, has been widely used in the treatment of inflammation and edema resulting from trauma or operation in the clinic. However, the effect of its external use on cutaneous inflammation and edema remains unexplored. In the present study, the anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effects of external use of escin were studied in carrageenan-induced paw edema and histamine-induced capillary permeability in rats, paraxylene-induced ear swelling in mice, and cotton pellet-induced granuloma in rats. Effects of external use of escin gel on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were determined by ELISA. The anti-inflammatory mechanism was explored by detecting the expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) with Western blotting and Real-time PCR analyses, with further exploration of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (P38MAPK) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) expressions. We demonstrated that external use of escin showed significant anti-inflammatory effects on acute and chronic inflammation in different animal models and its anti-inflammatory effects might be related to down-regulation of PGE2, TNF-α, and IL-1β. The results also showed that escin exerted its anti-inflammatory effects by promoting the expression of GR, with the possible mechanism being inhibition of the expressions of GR-related signaling molecules such as NF-κB and AP-1.

Chemical profiles and metabolite study of raw and processed Polygoni Multiflori Radix in rats by UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS spectrometry / 中国天然药物

The raw and processed roots of Plygonum multiflorum Thunb (PM) are used to treat different diseases in clinical practice. In order to clarify the influence of processing, a comparative study of chemical substance analysis was carried out. As the xenobiotics with a high enough exposure in target organs being considered as the potential effective or toxicity components, an in vivo study was also implemented to characterize the constitutes and metabolites, and meanwhile, the factor of compatibility with black bean were also considered. As a result, a total of 148 compounds were detected in PM extracts and more than 40 compounds were only detected in the processed products, which were probably new components produced during the steaming process. In in vivo study, 7 prototype components and 66 metabolites were detected or tentatively identified, 24 of which were reported for the first time. Our results indicated that processing greatly changed the chemical composition of PM and influenced the disposition of the compounds in vivo. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first global comparative study of raw and processed PM. These results expanded our knowledge about the influence of processing of PM and provided the essential data for further efficacy or toxicity studies.

Effect of Jiawei Naotaifang on Activation of Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase 1/2 and c-Jun N-terminal Kinase in Ovariectomized Rats after Cerebral Ischemia / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective To investigate the effect of Jiawei Naotaifang on neuronal apoptosis and the mechanism in ovariectomized rats with cerebral ischemia. Methods Female Sprague-Dawley rats(n=40)were randomly divided into sham group(n=10),model group(n=10),es-trogen group(n=10)and Jiawei Naotaifang group(n=10).The model group,estrogen group and Jiawei Naotai-fang group were ovariectomized.Eleven days after ovariectomy,the estrogen group and Jiawei Naotaifang group were given estrogen and Jiawei Naotaifang respectively intragastrically for three days.14 days after ovariecto-my,the model group,estrogen group and Jiawei Naotaifang group were modeled cerebral ischemia with Langa's method.24 hours after modeling,the apoptosis rate of neurons was detected with TUNEL,and the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2(ERK1/2)and c-Jun N-terminal kinase(p-JNK)in hippocampus were de-tected with Western blotting. Results Compared with the model group, the apoptosis rates decreased in Jiawei Naotaifang group and the estrogen group(P<0.001),with more activation of ERK1/2(P<0.01)and less activation of JNK(P<0.01). Conclusion Jiawei Naotaifang can protect neuron from apoptosis by promoting the activation of ERK1/2 and inhibiting the activation of p-JNK.

Effects of Naotai formula on expression of Nrf2, HO-1 andhephaestin in hippocampus of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion rats / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the effects of Naotai formula extract(NTE)on the expression of heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) and hephaestin(Heph) in hippocampus of rats after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion by Keap1-Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway.Methods Eighty rats were randomly divided into five groups as follows: sham operation group(Sham), cerebral ischemia/reperfusion group(I/R), low dose group of NTE(4.5 g·kg-1), middle dose group of NTE (9 g·kg-1) and high dose group of NTE(18 g·kg-1).Rats were pretreated by intragastric administration for three consecutive days, and then subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) 2 hours before reperfusion.The rats were administered with intragastric administration for two days.After cerebral ischemia reperfusion 72 hours, the behavioral activity of rats was recorded by Zea Longa neurological score, and the infarct volume was measured by TTC staining.The expressions of Nrf2, HO-1 and Heph in hippocampus of cerebral ischemia reperfusion rats were observed by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot, respectively.Results Compared with model group, the neurobehavioral scores significantly decreased in NTE high-dose and middle-dose groups (P<0.01);the infarct volume of NTE groups markedly decreased (P<0.01);the expression of HO-1 mRNA apparently increased (P<0.05) in NTE groups;the expression of Heph mRNA significantly increased in NTE middle-dose and high-dose groups (P<0.05);the expression of Nrf2 and Heph protein evidently increased in the NTE middle and high dose groups (P<0.05, P<0.01);and the expression of HO-1 protein also increased in NTE groups(P<0.01).Conclusions Naotai formula can relieve cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.The mechanism might be associated with activating Keap1-Nrf2/ARE signaling pathways, promoting HO-1 generation, advancing the expression of Heph, and then reducing brain iron deposition, to achieve the protection of neurons after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion.

Electroacupuncture for chronic pain in a model of knee arthritis / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Acupuncture has been found to be effective for alleviating low back pain and acute pain due to knee arthritis, but its effect on chronic pain is under discussion. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanism underlying electroacupuncture (EA) alleviating chronic pain in a New Zealand rabbit model of knee arthritis. METHODS:(1) Thirty-two New Zealand rabbits were selected, and the knee osteoarthritis model was established by injecting 4% papain into the knee articular cavity of rabbit's bilateral hind limbs. The model rabbits were randomly divided into four groups (n=8 per group): normal saline plus EA, normal saline plus sham EA, nor-Binaltorphimine (nor-BNI) plus EA, and nor-BNI plus sham EA groups. The dosage of nor-BNI was 1 mg/kg, once daily, for consecutive 3 days. 30-minute EA was given at 2 hours after administration, once daily, until the day the rabbits were killed. Sham EA indicated no given electric current. The behaviors of the lower limbs were evaluated by Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan scores. The rabbits were respectively killed at 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after administration, the spinal cord was separated, and then fixed with formaldehyde. The expression levels of interleukin-17, interleukin-17 receptor A and NR1 in the spinal cord tissues were detected by immunofluorescence. (2) The other 24 New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into model and control groups (n=12 per group), and the knee osteoarthritis model was established in the former group. Afterwards, the two groups were randomized into two subgroups, followed by given the intrathecal administration of normal saline, or 2 μg interleukin-17 antibody serum dissolvedin 10 μL normal saline, once daily, for consecutive 3 days. The behaviors of the lower limbs were evaluated by Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan scores, and the expression levels of p-NR1 and interleukin-17 receptor were detected by western blot assy. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan scores in the nor-BNI plus EA group were significantly increased, while the expression levels of interleukin-17, interleukin-17 receptor A and NR1 in the spinal cord tissues were significantly decreased (P 0.05). After administration of interleukin-17 antibody serum, the Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan scores in the model group was significantly increased, and the expression levels of interleukin-17 and NR1 in the spinal cord tissues were significantly decreased, but still significantly higher than those in the control subgroups (P< 0.05). These results suggest that chronic pain in knee arthritis is the result of an increase in the expression level of NRI induced by interleukin-17. EA can remarkably improve the pain in the model rabbits of knee arthritis by downregulating interleukin-17 in the spinal cord tissues, rather than interleukin-17 receptor.

Fungal endophytes of Alpinia officinarum rhizomes: insights on diversity and variation across growth years, growth sites, and the inner active chemical concentration.

In the present study, the terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) technique, combined with the use of a clone library, was applied to assess the baseline diversity of fungal endophyte communities associated with rhizomes of Alpinia officinarum Hance, a medicinal plant with a long history of use. A total of 46 distinct T-RFLP fragment peaks were detected using HhaI or MspI mono-digestion-targeted, amplified fungal rDNA ITS sequences from A. officinarum rhizomes. Cloning and sequencing of representative sequences resulted in the detection of members of 10 fungal genera: Pestalotiopsis, Sebacina, Penicillium, Marasmius, Fusarium, Exserohilum, Mycoleptodiscus, Colletotrichum, Meyerozyma, and Scopulariopsis. The T-RFLP profiles revealed an influence of growth year of the host plant on fungal endophyte communities in rhizomes of this plant species; whereas, the geographic location where A. officinarum was grown contributed to only limited variation in the fungal endophyte communities of the host tissue. Furthermore, non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis across all of the rhizome samples showed that the fungal endophyte community assemblages in the rhizome samples could be grouped according to the presence of two types of active indicator chemicals: total volatile oils and galangin. Our present results, for the first time, address a diverse fungal endophyte community is able to internally colonize the rhizome tissue of A. officinarum. The diversity of the fungal endophytes found in the A. officinarum rhizome appeared to be closely correlated with the accumulation of active chemicals in the host plant tissue. The present study also provides the first systematic overview of the fungal endophyte communities in plant rhizome tissue using a culture-independent method.

Effects of jingjin acupuncture on fine activity of hemiplegic hand in recovery period of stroke / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe improved effects of Jingjin acupuncture on fine activity of hemiplegic hand in recovery period of stroke.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty cases were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 25 cases in each one. Regular western medicine treatment, rehabilitation training and regular acupuncture (in which Shuigou (GV 26), Baihui (GV 20), Neiguan (PC 6), etc. were selected) were applied in both groups. Additionally, muscles in palm side of affected hand, dorsal metacarpophalangeal joints and proximal interphalangeal joints were treated with acupuncture in the observation group, once every other day and electroacupuncture was applied when arrival of qi was acquired. Baxie (EX-UE 9) in the affected hand were needled in the control group, and electroacupuncture was added when arrival of qi was acquired. Ten days of treatment was considered a treatment course, and after two courses Lindmark score, Brunnstrom movement function grade, joint range of hand and Barthel index (BI) were observed in two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared before the treatment, the Lindmark score in two groups were both improved after the treatment (both P < 0.01). Compared with the control group, the motor coordination ability, sensory function and total score of Lindmark in observation group were obviously improved (differences before and after treatment: 8.24 +/- 3.07 vs 6.84 +/- 2.43, 3.52 +/- 2.33 vs 2.16 +/- 2.12, 11.76 +/- 3.55 vs 9.00 +/- 3.62, all P < 0.05). The Brunnstrom movement function grade was significantly improved in both groups after treatment (both P < 0.01), which was more obvious in the observation group (P < 0.05). The joint range of hemiplegic hand was improved in both groups after treatment (both P < 0.01), which was more obvious in the observation group [differences before and after treatment: (25.35 +/- 10.91) degrees vs (18.65 +/- 7.86) degrees, p < 0.05]. The score of BI was also significantly improved after treatment in two groups (both P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The Jingjin acupuncture could effectively improve fine activity of hemiplegic hand in recovery period of stroke prove daily life ability.</p>

Diversity and tissue distribution of fungal endophytes in Alpinia officinarum: an important south-China medicinal plant / 中国中药杂志

In the present study, terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) technique was applied to assess the diversity and tissue distribution of the fungal endophyte communities of Alpinia officinarum collected from Longtang town in Xuwen county, Guangdong province, China, at which the pharmacological effect of the medicine plant is traditional considered to be the significantly higher than that in any other growth areas in China. A total of 28 distinct Terminal-Restriction Fragment (T-RFs) were detected with HhaI Mono-digestion targeted amplified fungal nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region sequences (rDNA ITS) from the root, rhizome, stem, and leaf internal tissues of A. officinarum plant, indicating that at least 28 distinct fungal species were able to colonize the internal tissue of the host plant. The rDNA ITS-T-RFLP profiles obtained from different tissues of the host plant were obvious distinct. And the numbers of total T-RFs, and the dominant T-RFs detected from various tissues were significantly different. Based on the obtained T-RFLP profiles, Shannon's diversity index and the Shannon's evenness index were calculated, which were significantly different among tissues (P < 0.05). Furthermore, two types of active chemicals, total volatile oils by water vapor distillation method and galangin by methanol extraction-HPLC method, were examined in the each tissue of the tested plant. Both of tested components were detected in all of the four tissues of the medicine plant with varying contents. And the highest was in rhizome tissue. Correlation analysis revealed there were significant negative correlations between both of the tested active components contents and calculated Shannon's diversity index, as well as the Shannon's evenness index of the fungal endophyte communities of the host plant (P = 0, Pearson correlation coefficient ≤ -0.962), and significant positive correlations between both of the tested active components contents and 325 bp dominant T-RF linkage to Pestalotiopsis (P = 0, Pearson correlation coefficient ≥ 0.975). In conclusion, A. officinarum is colonized by diverse fungal endophytes communities. The diversity of the fungal endophytes was found in the A. officinarum varied with differences of the tissue types of the host plants and was closely correlated with the accumulation of main active components, total volatile oils and galangin contents in the host plant tissue.

Intestinal absorption characteristics of gastrodigenin in rats / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the intestinal absorption characteristics of gastrodigenin.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>In vitro everted gut sac model and in situ rat single-pass intestinal perfusion model were used to evaluate the absorption characteristics of gastrodigenin in the different intestinal segments. The concentrations of gastrodigenin in the samples were determined by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) method, and the relevant absorption parameters were calculated.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>In the everted gut sac tests, no significant difference of absorption among the four segments was observed. A positive correlation was found between drug concentration and the accumulated absorption amount (Q). At the concentration of 400 mg x L(-1), the Q of gastrodigenin in the duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon were 224.33, 225.81, 233.18 and 189.25 microg, respectively. The in situ rat single-pass intestinal perfusion tests showed that there was also no significant difference of absorption among the four segments. The absorption rates (A) of gastrodigenin in the duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon were 45.8%, 48.39%, 47.00%, 54.35%, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Gastrodigenin can be well absorbed via passive diffusion in the intestine. The absorption rates of gastrodigenin in the different intestinal segments show no regioselectivity.</p>

Synthesis, anticancer activities, interaction with DNA and mitochondria of manganese complexes.

Two new complexes [(Etdpa)MnCl(2)] and [(Adpa)Mn(Cl)(H(2)O)] (Etdpa = ethyl bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amino-2-propionate; Adpa = bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amino-2-propionic acid) were synthesized and characterized by spectral methods. The crystal structure of [(Etdpa)MnCl(2)] shows that the Mn(II) atom is coordinated by three N atoms (N1, N2, N3), one oxygen atom (O1) of the ligand (Etdpa) and two chloride atoms (Cl1, Cl2), forming a distorted octahedral geometry. The binding interaction between ct-DNA and the synthesized complexes was relatively weak, but they can inhibit the induced swelling of Ca(2+)-loaded mitochondria in a dose-dependent manner. The [(Adpa)Mn(Cl)(H(2)O)] can cause the obvious decrease of mitochondria membrane potential. The MTT (3-[4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenpyltetra-zolium bromide) assay shows that the two Mn(II) complexes are more active against cancer cells. Especially [(Adpa)Mn(Cl)(H(2)O)] can inhibit the proliferation of glioma cells with IC(50) 9.5 µM. Experimental results indicate that the [(Adpa)Mn(Cl)(H(2)O)] could be a new potential antitumor complex to target the mitochondria.

Protective effect of Oviductus Ranae capsules on the reproductive organs of aged mice / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the protective effect of Oviductus Ranae (OR) capsules on the reproductive organs in an aged mouse model established by D-galactose injection.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-eight female Kunming mice were randomly divided into 4 equal groups, namely the high- and low-dose OR groups, diethylstilbestrol (DT) group, and model group. The mice received subcutaneous injection of D-galactose for 6 weeks to establish aging models. Another 12 mice were injected daily with normal saline (NS) to serve as the normal control group. From the third week of the experiment, the mice were given oral OR at low or high doses (in the OR groups) or vegetable oil (in the model or control groups) till the sixth week. In the last two weeks, the vaginal smears were obtained from the mice for evaluating the changes of the vaginal keratinocytes and counting the days of estrus. After completion of drug administration, all the mice were sacrificed and the serum content of estradiol (E(2)) was detected by radioimmunoassay, with the ovarian and uterine indices determined. The ovarian and uterine pathologies were observed using HE staining, and SOD and MDA activities in the ovary and uterus were also assessed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>OR obviously increased E(2) level and the ovarian and uterine indices in the aged mice, also alleviating the pathological change of the ovary and uterus. OR substantially depressed MDA content and enhanced SOD activity in the ovary and uterus.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>OR has definite antioxidative effects and ameliorates the degenerative changes of the reproductive organs in mouse models of aging.</p>

Analysis on quality of articles published in Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion from 2000 to 2006 / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To understand the quality of the papers issued in Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion in past 7 years, so as to provide reference for its development.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Analyze information quality of the papers based on the treatises issued in Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion between 2000-2006.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) Most of the authors come from medical schools and their affiliated hospitals (including scientific research units), accounting for 61. 0%; (2) Authors of each paper mainly range between 2-3 persons, accounting for 40.0%; (3) There are 405 papers with support of funds (mainly from provincial and ministerial funds) in the 7 years, accounting for 26. 2% of the total number of the papers; (4) Publication delay shortens annually, averaging 255. 3 days in the past 7 years and 210.5 days in 2006; (5) RCT papers of clinical researches account for 30.4% and show a raising tendency year by year.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion has considerable advantages in the above-mentioned four aspects, showing the high quality of "key periodical", but the proportion of RCT papers still needs to be further increased.</p>

Analysis on quotations in the articles issued in Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion from 2000 to 2006 / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the quoted regular patterns for the quotations and informative absorbing capability of the Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion, and analyze the characteristics of literature requirement of scientific researcher and clinical workers in the acupuncture and moxibustion field, so as to offer suggestion on literature utilization and provide references to development of the Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Bibliometrical Citation analysis was used to analyze the references cited from 2000 to 2006 according to the time sequence of publishing.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The citation rate was 76.6%, and citations per article was 4.3. Most of the citations were mainly cited from journals (82.0%) and books (17.2%). The Price Index was 43.7%, and the self-citation rates for author and periodical were 16.3% and 9.1% respectively. The citations from the high-ranked 10 journals were accounted for 31.4% of all citations.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion is a highly authorized academic periodical in the field of acupuncture and moxibustion. The citations are mainly cited from periodicals written in Chinese and English. They are of good novelty and quality, but the citation rate should be further raised.</p>

Major constituent proteins in donkey hide and their interaction / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the constituent proteins in donkey hide, the key ingredient for Ejiao, an important traditional Chinese medicine for the blood-related conditions, in hope to eventually decipher the biochemical mechanism behind Ejiao's prominent medicinal efficacy.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Two methods were employed to extract proteins in donkey skin. One used TriPure isolation reagent to extract the total proteins in donkey skin. Another used 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) to heat the sample at 100 degrees C overnight. And then sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and capillary HPLC were used to analyze the component of proteins.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>There are not only collagen alpha1 (I) and collagen alpha2 (I), but also serum albumin in donkey skin. The content is over 25% in total proteins with the method of TriPure isolation reagent. The content of donkey serum albumin is up to 20% with the method of 1% SDS heating. And two bands, molecular weight are nearly 200 kDa,were found on 7.5% SDS-PAGE. Extracted these proteins to analyze with capillary HPLC, they were found to be the complex products of collagen and serum albumin of donkey.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Donkey serum albumin is a main protein component in the hide, which is a clue to expose is the effect of Ejiao on blood.</p>

Pattern of abnormal skeletal development in girls with idiopathic precocious puberty and therapeutic effect of Chinese herbs for nourishing yin and purging fire / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the pattern of abnormal skeletal development in girls with idiopathic precocious puberty (IPP) and the therapeutic effect of Chinese herbs for nourishing yin and purging fire (CH).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Measurement of bone age, bone mineral content (BMC) and bone density (BD) were performed and levels of serum gla-protein (BGP), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) were determined in girls with IPP at various stages of pubertal development. Data were compared with those collected from matched girls, and the correlativity between various parameters and the extent of the disease were analyzed to explore the pattern. Thirty-eight girls out of them were treated with CH and the therapeutic effect was observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The bone age of the IPP girls was ahead of time obviously (P < 0.05), levels of BMC, BD and serum BGP, IGF-1 were significantly higher than the levels in the healthy girls of matched age (P < 0.05). And the degree of these changes were markedly positive correlated with the severity of disease (P < 0.05). After being remitted with CH treatment, the advanced bone age was apparently alleviated, and above-mentioned abnormal criteria were lowered significantly (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The skeletal development of the girls with IPP was accelerated and the skeletal maturity were ahead of time, the more serious the condition of disease, the more obvious the acceleration and the advanced bone age. CH could decelerate skeletal development and delay the skeletal maturity of IPP patients.</p>

Preliminary exploration on effect of yiqi wenyang huoxue lishui treatment on neuroendocrine system in patients with congestive heart failure / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of Yiqi Wenyang Huoxue Lishui principle (YWHL, a therapeutic principle with Chinese medicine for reinforcing Qi warming Yang, activating blood circulation and promoting urination) on some neuroendocrine factors in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-nine patients of CHF with heart function of grade III-IV were randomly divided into 2 groups. The 29 cases in the treated group were treated with YWHL and the 20 cases in the control group treated with captopril. Changes of angiotensin II (AT II), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), endothelin (ET), nitric oxide (NO) and alpha-granule membrance protein -140 (GMP-140) were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After treatment, plasma level of AT II, ANP, ET, and NO lowered in both groups with insignificant difference, but the GMP-140 reduced more significantly in the treated group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>YWHL showed a regulatory effect of neuroendicrine system partially similar to that of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, it possibly can improve the ventricular remodeling and would be beneficial to prevent the thrombus formation and improve heart failure by means of inhibiting platelet activity.</p>