Performance of micro-pressure double-cycle coupled membrane integrated bioreactor for the treatment of urban sewage.

Based on the theory of nitrogen and phosphorus removal and technical requirements, a micro-pressure double-cycle bioreactor coupled with membrane components was used to treat municipal wastewater. The method realized the simultaneous removal of organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus in the same reactor and had the characteristics of membrane bioreactor process. Results showed that the average removal efficiency of COD, NH+4-N, TN, and TP were 93.74%, 95.1%, 71.85%, and 81.03%, respectively. During operation, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were the main dominant bacteria, and they had complete nitrogen and phosphorus metabolic pathways. Owing to the low protein content in the mixture, the design of film placement in the micro-precipitation zone was conducive to alleviating the membrane pollution caused by the accumulation of protein, thereby improving the effluent quality and extending the service life of the membrane components.

Effects of Tai Chi Yunshou on upper-limb function and balance in stroke survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Physical rehabilitation plays an important role in the recovery of motor function after a stroke. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Tai Chi Yunshou (TCY), a form of physical therapy, on upper-limb function and balance in stroke survivors. METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL and five Chinese databases were retrieved from inception to July 1, 2020 (updated on March 31, 2022). Randomized controlled trials of TCY versus no-treatment for stroke were included. The RoB-2 was used to evaluate the quality of included studies. Upper-limb motor impairment, balance, and activities of daily living (ADLs) were measured by Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity Scale (FMA-UE), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Barthel Index (BI), respectively. Data synthesis was performed using RevMan (v5.3), and expressed as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Seven studies with 529 participants were included. Compared with no-treatment, TCY improved FMA-UE (MD = 7.31, 95% CI: 5.86-8.77, minimal clinically important difference [MCID]: 9-10), BBS (MD = 4.68, 95% CI: 0.28-9.07, MCID: 4), and BI (MD = 4.12, 95% CI: 3.28-4.96, MCID: 1.85) in stroke survivors. CONCLUSION: TCY may benefit balance and ADLs in rehabilitation after a stroke, but it may not improve upper-limb function clinically.

Characterization of a novel micro-pressure double-cycle reactor for low temperature municipal wastewater treatment.

To solve the deterioration of effluent caused by low temperature in urban sewage treatment plant in cold areas, a new type of reactor was proposed, the biochemical environmental and low-temperature operating characteristics of the reactor were studied. Through analysis of flow simulation and dissolved oxygen (DO) distribution when the aeration rate was 0.6 m3/h, it showed that there were many different DO environments in the reactor at the same time, which provided favourable conditions for various biochemical reactions. The operation test showed that the average effluent removal rate of COD, TN, NH4+-N and TP was 92.53%, 74.57%, 89.61% and 96.04%, respectively. And there were a variety of functional bacteria related to nitrogen and phosphorus removal in the system, most of them with strong adaptability at low temperatures. Among the dominant microorganisms, Flavobacterium and Rhodobacter were related to denitrification, Aeromonas and Thiothrix were related to phosphorous removal. Denitrifying phosphorus removal was the main way of phosphorus removal. Picrust2 results showed that the reactor operated well at low temperature, and the regional difference distribution of nitrification genes further confirmed the existence of functional zones in the reactor. The results showed that the Micro-pressure Double-cycle reactor worked well at low temperature, which provided a new idea and way for the upgrading of urban sewage treatment plants in cold areas.

Traditional Chinese medicine is a useful and promising alternative strategy for treatment of Sjogren's syndrome: A review.

Primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disease involving exocrine glands. Current studies have found that the occurrence of the disease is closely related to genetic, environmental and neuroendocrine factors, as well as abnormal activation of T and B lymphocytes. The etiology and pathogenesis of pSS is complex, and there is a lack of specific targeted drugs. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have been comprehensively investigated for their treatment effects on pSS. Through a systematic review of the literature, we summarized the TCMs used to treat pSS, and find that there are four major ways that TCMs are used, including upregulation of aquaporin proteins, suppression of cell apoptosis, suppression of the abnormal activation of B lymphocytes and suppression of the abnormal activation of T lymphocytes (balancing T helper type [Th]1/Th2 & Th17/Treg and suppressing follicular helper T [Tfh] cells). However, there are not enough data about the active constituents, quality control, pharmacokinetics, toxicity and modern preparations of these TCMs; therefore, more investigations are needed. This paper highlights the importance of TCMs for treating pSS and provides guidance for future investigations.

Traditional Chinese medicine is a useful and promising alternative strategy for treatment of Sjogren's syndrome: A review / 中西医结合学报

Primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disease involving exocrine glands. Current studies have found that the occurrence of the disease is closely related to genetic, environmental and neuroendocrine factors, as well as abnormal activation of T and B lymphocytes. The etiology and pathogenesis of pSS is complex, and there is a lack of specific targeted drugs. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have been comprehensively investigated for their treatment effects on pSS. Through a systematic review of the literature, we summarized the TCMs used to treat pSS, and find that there are four major ways that TCMs are used, including upregulation of aquaporin proteins, suppression of cell apoptosis, suppression of the abnormal activation of B lymphocytes and suppression of the abnormal activation of T lymphocytes (balancing T helper type [Th]1/Th2 & Th17/Treg and suppressing follicular helper T [Tfh] cells). However, there are not enough data about the active constituents, quality control, pharmacokinetics, toxicity and modern preparations of these TCMs; therefore, more investigations are needed. This paper highlights the importance of TCMs for treating pSS and provides guidance for future investigations.

[Characteristic fingerprint and multi-components quantitative determination for Fuke Qianjin Capsules by HPLC].

To establish an HPLC characteristic fingerprint method of Fuke Qianjin Capsules,and determine the contents of its main components. The analysis was carried out on a Kromasil 100-5-C18 analytical column(4. 6 mm ×250 mm,5 µm) with gradient elution by acetonitrile(A)-0. 1% phosphoric acid aqueous solution(B),a flow rate at 1. 0 m L·min-1 and the detection wavelength of 254 nm.The column temperature was 30 ℃,and the injection volume was 10 µL. The determination method of genistin,jatrorrhizine,andrographolide and 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide index components were studied methodologically. The common mode of the characteristic fingerprint of Fuke Qianjin Capsules was set up with 8 common peaks,which were identified as genistin,jatrorrhizine,palmatine,berberine,andrographolide,14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide,Z-ligustilide,and Z-3-butylidenephthalide,respectively,in comparison with the references. The similarities of 20 batches of Fuke Qianjin Capsules samples were above 0. 95. All of the above-mentioned 4 analytes could be well separated under the optimized chromatographic conditions. RSD of precision and repeatability experiment were both less than 1. 5%,and the sample solution was stable during 72 h. All of the compounds had a good linearity and linear range. The contents of genistin,jatrorrhizine,andrographolide,and 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide in 20 batches of Fuke Qianjin Capsules samples were 28. 66-56. 04,94. 77-197. 92,1 705. 33-4 148. 93 and 462. 16-1 225. 96 µg in each capsule,respectively. The developed HPLC characteristic fingerprint and quantitative analysis methods were reliable,accurate and sensitive,and could be used effectively evaluate the quality of Fuke Qianjin Capsules samples.

[Efficacy of acupuncture combined with hydro-acupuncture for transverse processes syndrome of the third lumbar vertebra].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy differences between acupuncture combined with hydro-acupuncture and acupuncture alone for transverse processes syndrome of the third lumbar vertebra. METHODS: One hundred patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 50 cases in each one. The patients in the control group were treated with regular acupuncture at Weizhong (BL 40), ashi points, Jiaji (L2～L4) and Shenshu (BL 23); the acupuncture was given once a day, six treatments per week for consecutive 2 weeks. Based on the acupuncture treatment in the control group, in the observation group the No.5 injection needle was applied to relieve the tenderness points on the transverse process and articular process of the third lumbar vertebra, followed by hydro-acupuncture with Danshen injection (1 mL per point, 7 days per injection for 2 weeks). The visual analogue scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scale and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were observed before treatment, after treatment and during six-month follow-up visit in the two groups. In addition, the clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients completed treatment and 2 patients dropped off in the observation group, while 47 patients completed treatment and 3 patients dropped off in the control group. The total effective rate was 91.7% (44/48) in the observation group, which was significantly superior to 76.6% (36/47) in the control group (P<0.05). Compared before treatment, the VAS and ODI in the two groups were reduced after treatment and during six-month follow-up visit, while the JOA was increased (all P<0.05); the VAS and ODI in the observation group was lower than that in the control group, while JOA in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture combined with hydro-acupuncture are effective for transverse processes syndrome of the third lumbar vertebra, and could significantly improve lumbar function and relieve the pain symptoms, which is superior to regular acupuncture.

Characteristic fingerprint and multi-components quantitative determination for Fuke Qianjin Capsules by HPLC / 中国中药杂志

To establish an HPLC characteristic fingerprint method of Fuke Qianjin Capsules,and determine the contents of its main components. The analysis was carried out on a Kromasil 100-5-C18 analytical column(4. 6 mm ×250 mm,5 μm) with gradient elution by acetonitrile(A)-0. 1% phosphoric acid aqueous solution(B),a flow rate at 1. 0 m L·min-1 and the detection wavelength of 254 nm.The column temperature was 30 ℃,and the injection volume was 10 μL. The determination method of genistin,jatrorrhizine,andrographolide and 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide index components were studied methodologically. The common mode of the characteristic fingerprint of Fuke Qianjin Capsules was set up with 8 common peaks,which were identified as genistin,jatrorrhizine,palmatine,berberine,andrographolide,14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide,Z-ligustilide,and Z-3-butylidenephthalide,respectively,in comparison with the references. The similarities of 20 batches of Fuke Qianjin Capsules samples were above 0. 95. All of the above-mentioned 4 analytes could be well separated under the optimized chromatographic conditions. RSD of precision and repeatability experiment were both less than 1. 5%,and the sample solution was stable during 72 h. All of the compounds had a good linearity and linear range. The contents of genistin,jatrorrhizine,andrographolide,and 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide in 20 batches of Fuke Qianjin Capsules samples were 28. 66-56. 04,94. 77-197. 92,1 705. 33-4 148. 93 and 462. 16-1 225. 96 μg in each capsule,respectively. The developed HPLC characteristic fingerprint and quantitative analysis methods were reliable,accurate and sensitive,and could be used effectively evaluate the quality of Fuke Qianjin Capsules samples.

Efficacy of acupuncture combined with hydro-acupuncture for transverse processes syndrome of the third lumbar vertebra / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical efficacy differences between acupuncture combined with hydro-acupuncture and acupuncture alone for transverse processes syndrome of the third lumbar vertebra.@*METHODS@#One hundred patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 50 cases in each one. The patients in the control group were treated with regular acupuncture at Weizhong (BL 40), points, Jiaji (L～L) and Shenshu (BL 23); the acupuncture was given once a day, six treatments per week for consecutive 2 weeks. Based on the acupuncture treatment in the control group, in the observation group the No.5 injection needle was applied to relieve the tenderness points on the transverse process and articular process of the third lumbar vertebra, followed by hydro-acupuncture with injection (1 mL per point, 7 days per injection for 2 weeks). The visual analogue scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scale and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were observed before treatment, after treatment and during six-month follow-up visit in the two groups. In addition, the clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#Forty-eight patients completed treatment and 2 patients dropped off in the observation group, while 47 patients completed treatment and 3 patients dropped off in the control group. The total effective rate was 91.7% (44/48) in the observation group, which was significantly superior to 76.6% (36/47) in the control group (<0.05). Compared before treatment, the VAS and ODI in the two groups were reduced after treatment and during six-month follow-up visit, while the JOA was increased (all <0.05); the VAS and ODI in the observation group was lower than that in the control group, while JOA in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (all <0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture combined with hydro-acupuncture are effective for transverse processes syndrome of the third lumbar vertebra, and could significantly improve lumbar function and relieve the pain symptoms, which is superior to regular acupuncture.

[Chemical constituents from Fukeqianjin formula].

Fukeqianjin formula, a traditional Chinese medicine compound, consists of eight Chinese medicinal materials including roots of Moghania macrophylla, roots of Rosa laevigata, aerial parts of Andrographis paniculata, caulis of Mahonia fortunei, roots of Zanthoxylum dissitum, roots of Angelica sinensis, caulis of Spatholobus suberectus, and roots of Codonopsis pilosula. The chemical constituents from Fukeqianjin formula were studied in this paper. The compounds were separated and purified by repeated column chromatographic methods including silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, macroporous adsorptive resin, and reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. And their chemical structures were determined by spectral data analyses. Thirty-eight compounds were obtained and identified as Z-3-butylidenephthalide (1), Z-ligustilide (2), senkyunolide I (3), senkyunolide H (4), vanillin (5), 7-O-methylwogonin (6), wogonin (7), panicolin (8), 19-hydroxy-8(17),13-labdadien-15,16-olide (9), andrograpanin (3,14-dideoxyandrographolide; 10), andrographolide (11), 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide (12), isoandrographolide (13), andrographin (2'-O-methylskullcapflavone, 14), biochanin A (15), 5-hydroxy-7,8,2',5'-tetramethoxyflavone (16), formononetin (17), daidzein (18), genistein (19), benzoic acid (20), vanillic acid (21), trans-ferulic acid (22), salicylic acid (23), daidzin (24), genistein-7-O-ß-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (25), apigenin-7-O-ß-D-glucuronide (26), andrographidin C (27), apigenin-7-O-ß-D-(6"-methyl)glucuronide (28), neoandrographolide (29), genistin (30), andrographiside (31), 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographiside (32), lobetyolin (33), epicatechin (34), catechin (35), palmatine (36), berberine (37), and jatrorrhizine (38), respectively. From the results of an individual medicinal material studies, it can be judged that compounds 17, 19, 24 and 30 as flavonoids came from the roots of M. macrophylla, compounds 36-38 as alkaloids came from the caulis of M. fortunei, compounds 6-8, 14, 16, and 27 as flavonoids as well as 9-13, 29, 31, and 32 as diterpenes came from the aerial parts of A. paniculata, compound 5 as phenols came from the roots of Z. dissitum, compounds 1-4 as phthalides as well as compound 22 as phenylpropanoids came from the roots of A. sinensis, compound 33 as alkynes came from the roots of C. pilosula, compounds 15, 17-19 as flavonoids as well as compound 21 as phenolic acids came from the caulis of S. suberectus. While compounds 34 and 35 as flavanoids could come from both the caulis of S. suberectus and roots of R. laevigata. The chemical composition of traditional Chinese medicine compound can be tracked from the original sources. This work provides a demonstration for the material basis study of traditional Chinese medicine compound. Compounds 25, 26 and 28 have not so far been isolated and identified from the above-mentioned single herb.

Chrysophanol ameliorates high-fat diet-induced obesity and inflammation in neonatal rats.

Chrysophanol is a member of the anthraquinone family abundant in rhubarb, a widely used herb for obesity treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Though several studies have indicated numerous features of chrysophanol, no study has yet reported the effect of chrysophanol on juvenile obesity. In this study, we tried to identify the anti-obesity effects of chrysophanol by using high-fat diet (HFD)-induced rats as in vivo models. In HFD rats, chrysophanol treatment decreased body weight, blood glucose and the blood level of triglyceride (TG), and enhanced the level of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C). In addition, chrysophanol markedly reduced lipid accumulation in HFD rats-derived primary hepatocytes. Moreover, chrysophanol effectively relieved HFD-induced inflammation, as demonstrated by the reduction of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1ß and the elevation of IL-10. Furthermore, chrysophanol markedly increased the levels of lipolytic genes and decreased the expressions of lipogenic genes in HFD rats, which was probably benefited from the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/ Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). Taken together our study has demonstrated that chrysophanol could improve the HFD-induced obesity and provided a molecular basis for chrysophanol potential applications in the treatment of juvenile obesity and other metabolic diseases.

Chemical constituents from Fukeqianjin formula / 中国中药杂志

Fukeqianjin formula, a traditional Chinese medicine compound, consists of eight Chinese medicinal materials including roots of Moghania macrophylla, roots of Rosa laevigata, aerial parts of Andrographis paniculata, caulis of Mahonia fortunei, roots of Zanthoxylum dissitum, roots of Angelica sinensis, caulis of Spatholobus suberectus, and roots of Codonopsis pilosula. The chemical constituents from Fukeqianjin formula were studied in this paper. The compounds were separated and purified by repeated column chromatographic methods including silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, macroporous adsorptive resin, and reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. And their chemical structures were determined by spectral data analyses. Thirty-eight compounds were obtained and identified as Z-3-butylidenephthalide (1), Z-ligustilide (2), senkyunolide I (3), senkyunolide H (4), vanillin (5), 7-O-methylwogonin (6), wogonin (7), panicolin (8), 19-hydroxy-8(17),13-labdadien-15,16-olide (9), andrograpanin (3,14-dideoxyandrographolide; 10), andrographolide (11), 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide (12), isoandrographolide (13), andrographin (2'-O-methylskullcapflavone, 14), biochanin A (15), 5-hydroxy-7,8,2',5'-tetramethoxyflavone (16), formononetin (17), daidzein (18), genistein (19), benzoic acid (20), vanillic acid (21), trans-ferulic acid (22), salicylic acid (23), daidzin (24), genistein-7-O-β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (25), apigenin-7-O-β-D-glucuronide (26), andrographidin C (27), apigenin-7-O-β-D-(6"-methyl)glucuronide (28), neoandrographolide (29), genistin (30), andrographiside (31), 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographiside (32), lobetyolin (33), epicatechin (34), catechin (35), palmatine (36), berberine (37), and jatrorrhizine (38), respectively. From the results of an individual medicinal material studies, it can be judged that compounds 17, 19, 24 and 30 as flavonoids came from the roots of M. macrophylla, compounds 36-38 as alkaloids came from the caulis of M. fortunei, compounds 6-8, 14, 16, and 27 as flavonoids as well as 9-13, 29, 31, and 32 as diterpenes came from the aerial parts of A. paniculata, compound 5 as phenols came from the roots of Z. dissitum, compounds 1-4 as phthalides as well as compound 22 as phenylpropanoids came from the roots of A. sinensis, compound 33 as alkynes came from the roots of C. pilosula, compounds 15, 17-19 as flavonoids as well as compound 21 as phenolic acids came from the caulis of S. suberectus. While compounds 34 and 35 as flavanoids could come from both the caulis of S. suberectus and roots of R. laevigata. The chemical composition of traditional Chinese medicine compound can be tracked from the original sources. This work provides a demonstration for the material basis study of traditional Chinese medicine compound. Compounds 25, 26 and 28 have not so far been isolated and identified from the above-mentioned single herb.

Houttuynoid M, an Anti-HSV Active Houttuynoid from Houttuynia cordata Featuring a Bis-houttuynin Chain Tethered to a Flavonoid Core.

Houttuynoid M (1), a new houttuynoid, and the related known compound houttuynoid A (2) were isolated from Houttuynia cordata. Their structures were defined using NMR data analysis, HR-MSn experiment, and chemical derivatization. Houttuynoid M is the first example of a houttuynoid with a bis-houttuynin chain tethered to a flavonoid core. A putative biosynthetic pathway of houttuynoid M (1) is proposed. The anti-herpes simplex virus (anti-HSV) activities of 1 and 2 (IC50 values of 17.72 and 12.42 µM, respectively) were evaluated using a plaque formation assay with acyclovir as the positive control.

Induction of apoptosis by total flavonoids from Scutellaria barbata D. Don in human hepatocarcinoma MHCC97-H cells via the mitochondrial pathway.

Scutellaria barbata D. Don, a traditional Chinese medicine, reportedly possesses antitumor activity against a variety of tumors. In the present study, we investigated the cytotoxic effect of total flavonoids from S. barbata (TF-SB) on human hepatocarcinoma cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms regarding the effect were explored. TF-SB treatment significantly reduced the cell viability of human HCC MHCC97-H cells in a dose-dependent manner. Further flow cytometric analysis showed that the apoptosis rate of MHCC97-H cells increased and the mitochondrial membrane potential (∆ψm) of MHCC97-H cells decreased after TF-SB treatment. DNA ladder showed that TF-SB induced a significant increase in DNA fragmentation in MHCC97-H cells. Reverse transcription PCR and Western blot analysis revealed that the expression levels of Smac, Apaf-1, Cytochrome c, Caspase-9, and Caspase-3 were upregulated in a dose-dependent manner and after treatment with different concentrations of TF-SB for 48 h. These results suggest that TF-SB induces apoptosis in MHCC97-H cells through the mitochondrial pathway.

Anti-angiogenic effect of the total flavonoids in Scutellaria barbata D. Don.

BACKGROUND: Angiogenesis is closely related to the growth, invasion and metastasis of tumors, also considered as the key target of anticancer therapy. Scutellaria barbata D. Don (S. barbata), a traditional Chinese medicine, is being used to treat various diseases, including cancer. However, the antitumor molecular mechanism of S. barbata was still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of the total flavones in S. barbata (TF-SB) on angiogenesis. METHODS: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with various concentrations of TF-SB. Cell viability was examined using the MTT assay. The scratch assay was used to detect the migration of HUVECs after treatment with TF-SB. The ability of HUVECs to form network structures in vitro was demonstrated using the tube formation assay. The chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane assay was performed to detect the in vivo anti-angiogenic effect. The expression of VEGF was measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent. RESULTS: Results showed that TF-SB inhibited the proliferation and migration of HUVECs in a dose- dependent manner. Simultaneously, TF-SB significantly suppressed HUVEC angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, VEGF was downregulated in both HUVECs and MHCC97-H cells after TF-SB treatment. CONCLUSION: TF-SB could suppress the process of angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. TF-SB potentially suppresses angiogenesis in HUVECs by regulating VEGF. These findings suggested that TF-SB may serve as a potent anti-angiogenic agent.

The effect of RHIZOMA COPTIDIS and COPTIS CHINENSIS aqueous extract on radiation-induced skin injury in a rat model.

BACKGROUND: Radiation-induced skin injury is a common complication of radiotherapy. The RHIZOMA COPTIDIS and COPTIS CHINENSIS aqueous extract (RCE) can ameliorate radiation-induced skin injury in our clinical observation. But, the protective mechanism of RHIZOMA COPTIDIS and COPTIS CHINENSIS in radiation-induced skin injury remains unclear. METHODS: In this experiment, we developed a radiation-induced skin injury rat model to study the mechanism. The animals were randomly divided into control group, treatment group, radiation group, and treatment and radiation group. 5 rats in each group were separately executed on 2 d and 49 d post-radiation. The semi-quantitative skin injury score was used to measure skin reactions by unblinded observers, and hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to evaluate the damage areas by irradiation. The MDA content, SOD activity of skin and serum were measured to detect the oxidative stress. RESULTS: Acute skin reactions were caused by a single dose of 45 Gy of ß-ray irradiation, and the skin injury could be found in all rats receiving irradiation based on the observation of HE staining of skin at different time-points, while RCE could significantly ameliorate those changes. The MDA content in serum and skin of control rats was 4.13±0.12 mmol/ml and 4.95±0.35 mmol/mgprot on 2 d post-radiation. The rats receiving radiation showed an increased content of MDA (5.54±0.21 mmol/ml and 7.10±0.32 mmol/mgprot), while it was 4.57±0.21 mmol/ml and 5.95±0.24 mmol/mgprot after treated with RCE (p<0.05). Similar changes of the MDA content could be seen on 49 d post-radiation. However, the SOD activity of rats receiving radiation decreased compared with control group on both time-points, which was inhibited by RCE (p<0.05). Meanwhile, no valuable changes could be found between control group and treatment group on 2 d and 49 d. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides evidences for the radioprotective role of RCE against radiation-induced skin damage in rats by modulating oxidative stress in skin, which may be a useful therapy for radiation-induced skin injury.

Protective effects of Scutellaria barbata against rat liver tumorigenesis.

Scutellaria barbata D. Don (S. barbata), a traditional Chinese medicine, is used to treat cancers, inflammation, and urinary diseases. This study aimed to determine any protective effects of S. barbata crude extract (CE-SB) against rat liver tumorigenesis induced by diethylnitrosamine (DENA). Liver malfunction indices in serum were measured by biochemical examination. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to examine liver pathology. Contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured in liver homogenates to evaluate oxidative stress. The levels of liver malfunction indices in the CE-SB groups, especially in the CE-SB high dose group, were lower than that of the model group (P<0.05). The results from histological examination indicated that the number of liver nodules in the CE-SB groups decreased compared with the model group (P<0.05). Content of MDA determined in liver was significantly decreased, and level of SOD elevated by CE-SB. CE-SB can inhibit experimental liver tumorigenesis and relieve hepatic injury in rats.

Total flavonoids of Scutellaria barbata inhibit invasion of hepatocarcinoma via MMP/TIMP in vitro.

Metastasis is the major cause of cancer-related deaths. Targeting the process of metastasis has been proposed as a strategy to fight cancer. Scutellaria barbata D. Don (S. barbata), a traditional Chinese medicine, is used for treatment of many diseases, including cancer. This study aimed to determine the anti-metastatic effect of total flavonoids of S. barbata (TF-SB) using the human hepatocarcinoma MHCC97H cell line with high metastatic potential. Our results show that TF-SB could significantly inhibit the proliferation and invasion of MHCC97H cells in a dose-dependent manner. MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression were obviously decreased after TF-SB treatment at both the mRNA and protein level. TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 expression were simultaneously increased. The present study indicates that TF-SB could reduce the metastatic capability of MHCC97H cell, probably through decrease of the MMP expression, and simultaneous increase of the TIMP expression.

Effect of epimedium pubescen flavonoid on bone mineral status and bone turnover in male rats chronically exposed to cigarette smoke.

BACKGROUND: Epimedii herba is one of the most frequently used herbs in formulas that are prescribed for the treatment of osteoporosis in China and its main constituent is Epimedium pubescen flavonoid (EPF). However, it is unclear whether EPF during chronic exposure to cigarette smoke may have a protective influence on the skeleton. The present study investigated the effect of EPF on bone mineral status and bone turnover in a rat model of human relatively high exposure to cigarette smoke. METHODS: Fifty male Wistar rats were randomized into five groups: controls, passive smoking groups and passive smoking rats administered EPF at three dosage levels (75, 150 or 300 mg/kg/day) in drinking water for 4 months. A rat model of passive smoking was prepared by breeding male rats in a cigarette-smoking box. Bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), bone turnover markers, bone histomorphometric parameters and biomechanical properties were examined. RESULTS: Smoke exposure decreased BMC and BMD, increased bone turnover (inhibited bone formation and stimulated its resorption), affected bone histomorphometry (increased trabecular separation and osteoclast surface per bone surface; decreased trabecular bone volume, trabecular thickness, trabecular number, cortical thickness, bone formation rate and osteoblast surface per bone surface), and reduced mechanical properties. EPF supplementation during cigarette smoke exposure prevented smoke-induced changes in bone mineral status and bone turnover. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that EPF can prevent the adverse effects of smoke exposure on bone by stimulating bone formation and inhibiting bone turnover and bone resorption.

Effect of Epimedium pubescen flavonoid on bone mineral density and biomechanical properties of femoral distal end and femoral diaphysis of passively smoking male rats.

BACKGROUND: Based on a rat model of human relatively high exposure to cigarette smoke, this study aimed to estimate whether Epimedium pubescen flavonoid (EPF) may prevent a smoke-induced decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) and weakening of the biomechanical properties of bone. METHODS: Fifty male Wistar rats were randomized into five groups: controls, passively smoking groups and passively smoking rats administered EPF at three dosage levels (75, 150 or 300 mg/kg/day) in drinking water for 4 months. A rat model of passive cigarette smoking was prepared by breeding male rats in a cigarette-smoking box for 4 months. Bone metabolic makers, BMD and biomechanical properties of the femoral distal end and femoral diaphysis were examined. RESULTS: Exposure to cigarette smoke decreased the BMD, affected bone turnover (inhibited bone formation and stimulated its resorption) and weakened the biomechanical properties of the femur at its distal end and diaphysis. EPF supplementation during cigarette smoke exposure prevented the decrease in BMD, accelerated bone turnover and weakened the biomechanical properties of bone. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that EPF supplementation can prevent the adverse effects of smoke exposure on BMD and biomechanical properties by inhibiting bone turnover and preventing bone resorption, and in this way it can decrease the risk of bone fractures.