[Applications and approved projectsof general program, young scientist fund and fund for less developedregion of national natural science funds in discipline of Chinese materia medica, NSFC in 2012].

The applications accepted and approved by general program, young scientist fund and fund for less developed region of national natural science funds in the discipline of Chinese materia medica, NSFC in 2012 have been introduced. The research contents of the funded projects in the popular research areas have been summarized and the problems in the applications have been analyzed to give a reference to the scientists in the field of Chinese materia medica.

Rehmannia glutinosa extract activates endothelial progenitor cells in a rat model of myocardial infarction through a SDF-1 α/CXCR4 cascade.

OBJECTIVES: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) can be used to repair tissues after myocardial infarction (MI) but EPC activators have adverse reactions. Rehmannia glutinosa is a herb used in traditional Chinese medicine, which can promote bone-marrow proliferation and protect the ischemic myocardium. We investigated the effects of Rehmannia glutinosa extract (RGE) on EPCs in a rat model of MI. METHODS: A total of 120 male Wistar rats were randomized to 2 groups (n=60 each) for treatment: high-dose RGE (1.5 g·kg(-1)·day(-1) orally) for 8 weeks, then left anterior descending coronary artery ligation, mock surgery or no treatment, then RGE orally for 4 weeks; or normal saline (NS) as the above protocol. The infarct region of the left ventricle was assessed by serial sectioning and morphology. EPCs were evaluated by number and function. Protein and mRNA levels of CD133, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), chemokine C-X-C motif receptor 4 (CXCR4), stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) were measured by immunohistochemistry, Western blot and quantitative PCR analysis. RESULTS: RGE significantly improved left ventricular function, decreased the ischemic area and the apoptotic index in the infarct myocardium, also decreased the concentration of serum cardiac troponin T and brain natriuretic peptide at the chronic stage after MI (from week 2 to week 4). RGE increased EPC number, proliferation, migration and tube-formation capacity. It was able to up-regulate the expression of angiogenesis-associated ligand/receptor, including CD133, VEGFR2 and SDF-1α/CXCR4. In vitro, the effect of RGE on SDF-1α/CXCR4 cascade was reversed by the CXCR4 specific antagonist AMD3100. CONCLUSION: RGE may enhance the mobilization, migration and therapeutic angiogenesis of EPCs after MI by activating the SDF-1α/CXCR4 cascade.

[National Natural Science Foundation of China promotes the development of Chinese medicine in China--an analysis of Chinese medicine project funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China in the last decade].

In recent years, projects funded by the Division V III of Health Sciences of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) increased steadily, which enhanced the process of modernization of Chinese medicine (CM). We analyzed CM projects funded by NSFC during 2003 -2012, which aimed to provide reference to experts in the CM field.

Sulfotanshinone Sodium Injection could decrease fibrinogen level and improve clinical outcomes in patients with unstable angina pectoris.

We randomly divided 100 unstable angina pectoris (UAP) patients into two groups: the trial group received Sulfotanshinone Sodium Injection (SSI) 60 mg combined with a loading dose of 300 mg aspirin and a maintenance dose of 100 mg of aspirin plus baseline therapy, and the control group received the same doses of aspirin and baseline therapy. 94 patients completed treatment. After 4 weeks' medication, the severity of angina pectoris improved in both groups, with a significant improvement in total effective rate in the trial group but no difference in the total effective rate of improvement seen on ECG. Compared with baseline level, FIB level after treatment decreased significantly in both groups but to a greater extent in the trial group. Similar changes in DD levels were observed in both groups. With a background of aspirin and baseline therapy, SSI can significantly attenuate angina pectoris attacks in patients with UAP which may be associated with the decreased level of FIB.

Effects of Bulbus allii macrostemi on clinical outcomes and oxidized low-density lipoprotein and plasminogen in unstable angina/non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients.

Unstable angina (UA)/non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is associated with an increased risk of cardiac death and an efficacious drug with few side effects is necessary. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of Bulbus allii macrostemi (B. macrostemi) on UA/NSTEMI patients as well as to elucidate possible mechanisms. 79 patients were randomly divided into two groups: the trial group received B. macrostemi plus baseline therapy, the control group was given placebo plus baseline therapy. The trial lasted 8 weeks. The evaluation involved main clinical symptoms, changes of electrocardiogram and biochemical examination. After treatment, the trial group showed more significant improvement on clinical manifestation. The plasma oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) level decreased significantly in the trial group (p < 0.01); the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) level decreased in both groups and it decreased more significantly in the trial group (p < 0.01). In contrast, the activity of plasminogen (PLG) increased in both groups and the change was more marked in the trial group (p < 0.01). The results suggested that B. macrostemi combined with baseline therapy could improve clinical symptoms of UA/NSTEMI patients by decreasing the ox-LDL and PAI-1 levels and enhancing the activity of PLG.

Herba Epimedii water extract elevates estrogen level and improves lipid metabolism in postmenopausal women.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can ameliorate lipid metabolism after menopause, but it is not suitable for long-term use because of serious side effects. Herba Epimedii is a widely used herbal medicine in many Asian countries, it potentially treats menopausal syndrome and its complications with few side effects and good curative effects. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of Herba Epimedii water extract on blood lipid and sex hormone levels. Ninety subjects were randomly divided into two groups: a trial group which received Herba Epimedii water extract and a control group which was administered an equal amount of water placebo. At the baseline and after 6 months of medication, serum estradiol (E(2)), progesterone (P), testosterone (T), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations were measured. The results indicated that Herba Epimedii water extract decreased the TC and TG levels (p < 0.01). Furthermore, Herba Epimedii water extract significantly increased the serum level of E(2) (p < 0.01) compared with the pre-treatment level. In conclusion, Herba Epimedii water extract produces its beneficial actions in postmenopausal women.

Effects of rhubarb extract on radiation induced lung toxicity via decreasing transforming growth factor-beta-1 and interleukin-6 in lung cancer patients treated with radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Radiation induced lung toxicity (RILT) is the main adverse effect in the radiation therapy of lung cancer. However, the optimal management of RILT has not been defined. In this paper, we investigated the effects of rhubarb extract on RILT, pulmonary function (PF), transforming growth factor-beta-1 (TGF-beta1), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in lung cancer patients treated with radiotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Eighty consecutive patients were randomly enrolled into two groups: trial group and control group. The trial group received three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) plus rhubarb (at a dose of 20 mg kg(-1) once a day) for 6 weeks. The control group received 3D-CRT plus a placebo containing starch for 6 weeks. Plasma TGF-beta1 and serum IL-6 were measured in all patients before, every 2 weeks during, and at 6 weeks after the completion of the treatment. RILT and PF were evaluated at 6 weeks and 6 months after the end of the treatment, respectively. The differences of TGF-beta1, IL-6, RILT, and PF between the two groups were analysed. RESULTS: The incidence of RILT in the trial group was significantly lower than that in the control group at 6 weeks and 6 months after treatment (32.4% versus 56.7% at week 6, and 27.0% versus 52.8% at month 6, both P<0.05). The plasma TGF-beta1 levels in the trial group were significantly lower than that in the control group during and after the treatment (P<0.05 or 0.01, respectively). The serum IL-6 levels in the trial group were significantly lower than that in the control group during the treatment (all P<0.01). The forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at 1s (FEV1) at 6 weeks and the diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) at 6 months in the trial group were significantly improved compared to the control group (P<0.05 or 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The rhubarb extract significantly attenuated RILT and improved PF, probably by decreasing the level of TGF-beta1 and IL-6. These results may be of value for the prophylaxis of RILT, but the exact mechanisms underlying these prophylactic effects remain to be further explored.

Treatment with rhubarb improves brachial artery endothelial function in patients with atherosclerosis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Rhubarb has been used to decrease plasma cholesterol levels and reduce vascular endothelial cellular damage in recent years. However, it is not known whether reported lipid-lowering effects are associated with the improvement of endothelial function. This work aimed to elucidate the therapeutic effects of rhubarb on serum lipids and brachial artery endothelial function, as well as to investigate the relationship between them. One hundred and three patients with atherosclerosis were randomly divided into two groups: patients in the control and the trial group received a placebo and rhubarb, respectively, in addition to the 6 month baseline therapy. Serum lipids and brachial artery endothelial functions were measured in all patients before and after treatment. A total of 83 patients completed the 6-month follow-up protocol. Serum total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the trial group decreased significantly and LDL-C was significantly lower than that in the control group. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in the trial group was significantly higher after treatment in comparison to the baseline and to the control group. Improvement in FMD correlated with the decreased magnitude of TC and LDL-C levels. The results obtained appeared to confirm that rhubarb significantly improves endothelial function mainly due to lipid-lowering effects in patients with atherosclerosis.

Effects of Quyu Xiaoban capsules on clinical outcomes and platelet activation and aggregation in patients with unstable angina pectoris.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Quyu Xiaoban capsules (QYXB) on clinical outcomes and platelet activation and aggregation in patients with unstable angina pectoris (UAP) and phlegm and blood stasis syndrome. DESIGN: Ninety (90) UAP patients were randomly divided into two groups: the control group received a loading dose of 300 mg aspirin and a maintenance dose of 100 mg of aspirin plus baseline therapy for 4 weeks, and the trial group received the same doses of aspirin and baseline therapy plus QYXB for 4 weeks. The severity of anginal attacks, alterations of TCM symptoms and signs, and electrocardiographic (ECG) changes were observed in all patients before and after treatment. Plasma platelet aggregation (PAG) rate and P-selectin level were measured in all patients at baseline and at the end of the fourth week. RESULTS: After treatment for 4 weeks, both group of patients showed improvement in the severity of angina pectoris and TCM symptoms and signs, and there was a significant difference of the total effective rate in clinical improvement between the two groups, whereas no difference of the total effective rate in ECG improvement between the two groups was found. Compared with the baseline level, PAG rate in both groups decreased significantly at the end of the fourth week (63.74 +/- 11.18% versus 55.69 +/- 10.40 % in the control group, and 63.83 +/- 12.70% versus 50.04 +/- 8.91% in the trial group). Similar changes of P-selectin levels were observed in both groups (9.40 +/- 1.25 ng/mL versus 8.90 +/- 1.34 ng/mL in the control group and 9.56 +/- 1.16 ng/mL versus 7.80 +/- 0.98 ng/mL in the trial group). However, both PAG rate and P-selectin level decreased to a greater extent in the trial group than in the control group after treatment, and the difference between treatment was significant (both p<0.05). Nevertheless, these biochemical changes were too small to explain fully the beneficial clinical outcomes achieved by QYXB capsules. CONCLUSIONS: On the background of baseline and aspirin therapy, QYXB capsules significantly attenuated anginal attacks and improved TCM symptoms and signs in patients with UAP, and the exact mechanisms underlying these therapeutic effects remain to be explored.

Effects of Quyu xiaoban capsules on clinical outcomes and platelet activation and aggregation in patients with unstable angina pectoris.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Quyu Xiaoban capsules (QYXB) on clinical outcomes and platelet activation and aggregation in patients with unstable angina pectoris (UAP) and phlegm and blood stasis syndrome. DESIGN: Ninety patients with UAP were randomly divided into two groups: a control group that received a loading dose of 300 mg aspirin and a maintenance dose of 100 mg of aspirin plus baseline therapy for 4 weeks, and a trial group that received the same doses of aspirin and baseline therapy plus QYXB for 4 weeks. The severity of anginal attacks, alterations of TCM symptoms and signs, and electrocardiographic (ECG) changes were assessed in all patients before and after treatment. The plasma platelet aggregation (PAG) rate and P-selectin level were measured in all patients at baseline and at the end of the fourth week of treatment. RESULTS: After treatment for 4 weeks, both group of patients showed improvement in the severity of angina pectoris and TCM symptoms and signs, but there was a significant difference in the two groups' rates of clinical improvement, whereas the rate of ECG improvement of the two groups showed no difference. As compared with the baseline value, the PAG rate in both groups decreased significantly at the end of the fourth week (63.74 +/- 11.18% vs. 55.69 +/- 10.40% in the control group, and 63.83 +/- 12.70% vs. 50.04 +/- 8.91% in the trial group). Similar changes in P-selectin levels were observed in the two groups (9.40 +/- 1.25 ng/mL vs. 8.90 +/- 1.34 ng/mL in the control group, and 9.56 +/- 1.16 ng/mL vs. 7.80 +/- 0.98 ng/mL in the trial group). However, both the PAG rate and P-selectin level decreased to a greater extent in the trial group than in the control group after treatment, and the difference between the two groups was significant (both p < 0.05). Nevertheless, these biochemical changes were too small to fully explain the beneficial clinical outcomes achieved with QYXB capsules. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison with both the respective baseline values and with aspirin therapy, QYXB capsules significantly attenuated anginal attacks and improved TCM symptoms and signs in patients with UAP. The exact mechanisms underlying these therapeutic effects remain to be explored.

Effects of Quyu Xiaoban Capsule on vascular endothelial function in patients with atherosclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of Quyu Xiaoban Capsule (QYXBC) on endothelial dependent vascular relaxation (EDVR) function in patients with atherosclerosis (AS) with ultrasonic technique. METHODS: Tested were the endothelial function and blood lipids of 42 patients with AS in the treated group and 30 healthy volunteers in the control group. And re-examination of these parameters was carried out on the AS patients after they had been treated with QYXBC for 10 months. RESULTS: Before treatment, the reactive hyperemia induced changes in artery diameter in the treated group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.01), while insignificant difference was found between the two groups in response to nitroglycerin. In the treated group after treatment, with D%-R improved significantly (P < 0.01), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) decreased by 16.3%, 5.6%, 10.2% respectively and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increased by 7.5%. EDVR was correlated negatively with the serum TC, LDL-C concentrations and the baseline brachial diameter (D(0)) (r = -0.41, -0.66, -0.59, respectively, all P < 0.01), but correlated positively with HDL-C (r = 0.62, P < 0.05). The ameliorative extent of EDVR was correlated positively to the decreased magnitude of TC and LDL-C concentrations (r = 0.67, 0.59, both P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: QYXBC can lower the level of blood lipids and improve significantly EDVR function.

[Clinical study of acoustic densitometry technique in detecting atherosclerotic plaque].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Quyu Xiaoban Capsule (QYXB) on the regressive treatment of atherosclerosis (AS) with acoustic densitometry (AD) technique. METHODS: Eighty patients with AS were randomly divided into two groups, trial group was treated with QYXB and conventional medicine, and control group was treated with conventional medicine alone. Normal arterial wall and different types of atherosclerotic plaques were detected with AD technique before treatment and 10 months later. RESULTS: The corrected averages in intimal echo intensity (AIIc%) were elevated in both groups but without significant difference, AIIc% of fatty plaques were increased in both groups and the value after treatment was significantly higher than that of pre-treatment in the trial group (68.12 +/- 5.54 vs 61.43 +/- 5.37, P < 0.05). The increment rate of AIIc% in trial group was significantly higher than that in control group (10.9 +/- 5.1% vs 2.5 +/- 5.5%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: QYXB can stabilize the atherosclerotic plaque by increasing its acoustic density. Acoustic densitometry technique can differentiate the different histological plaques and monitor the histological changes of plaques during treatment.

[Clinical study on effect of quyu xiaoban capsule on regression of atherosclerosis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of Quyu Xiaoban capsule (QXC) on regression and stabilization of atherosclerotic plaque with high-frequency ultrasound technique. METHODS: Eighty patients with atherosclerosis (AS) were randomly divided into the treated group and the control group, level of blood lipids was measured, and intima-media thickness (IMT) and corrected value of image average echo intensity (AIIc%) were determined by ultrasound technique at the beginning of experiment and after being treated for six months. RESULTS: The levels of total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly decreased in the treated group after treatment (68.12 +/- 5.54 vs 61.43 +/- 5.37, P<0.05). The AIIc% of fatty atherosclerotic plaque was significantly increased after treatment (68.12 +/- 5.54 vs 61.43 +/- 5.37), and the change rate of AIIc% in the treated group was significantly different to that in the control group (10.9 +/- 5.1% vs 2.5 +/- 5.5%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: QXC can significantly lower the blood lipids level, delay the progress and enhance the stability of atherosclerotic plaque.