Four lathyrane diterpenoids from the seeds of Euphorbia lathyris.

Four new diterpenoids, including three secolathyrane diterpenoids (1-3) and one lathyrane diterpenoid (4), together with seven known diterpenoids, were obtained in the shelled seeds of Euphorbia lathyris. In particular, 1-3 possess a rare split ring structure, and currently only one compound with the same skeleton has been identified in E. lathyris. Compound 4 furnishes an unprecedented oxygen bridge structure. The structures were identified using various spectral techniques, including NMR, HR-ESI-MS, single-crystal X-ray diffraction and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD). The biosynthetic pathway of 1-4 was inferred. Furthermore, the cytotoxic activities of all compounds (1-11) were measured on three human tumor cells. New compounds 2 and 3 showed moderate cytotoxic activities against U937 cells with IC50 values of 22.18 and 25.41 µM, respectively.

Modulating the default mode network: Antidepressant efficacy of transcutaneous electrical cranial-auricular acupoints stimulation targeting the insula.

BACKGROUND: Transcutaneous electrical cranial-auricular acupoint stimulation (TECAS) is a novel non-invasive therapy for major depressive disorder (MDD) that stimulates acupoints innervated by the trigeminal and auricular vagus nerves. However, there are few neuroimaging studies involving the TECAS for the treatment of MDD. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the treatment response and neurological effects of TECAS using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). METHOD: A total of 34 patients with mild-to-moderate MDD and 34 demographically matched healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. After an eight-week treatment the primary outcome was clinical response, defined as a baseline-to-endpoint ≥ 50 % reduction in the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17). The low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) method were used to investigate the brain abnormalities of MDD patients and HCs, and altered brain networks were analyzed between pre- and post-treatment using seed-based functional connectivity (FC) analysis. RESULTS: We found no significant differences in terms of gender, age, and years of education between the two groups. After treatment, the response rate was 58.82 %. Compared to HCs, MDD patients showed lower ALFF values in the left insula(t = -4.298,P < 0.005), the insula-based FC revealed in the right middle frontal gyrus (MFG)/ right superior frontal gyrus, orbital part (ORBsupmed) (t = -5.29,P < 0.005) and the right anterior cingulate gyrus (ACC)were decreased (t = -6.08,P < 0.005). Furthermore, Compared to pre-treatment, abnormal FC values in the ACC /orbital superior frontal gyrus (SFG) (t = 3.42,P < 0.005) and left superior frontal gyrus (SFG)/ supplement motor area (SMA) were enhanced (t = 3.34,P < 0.005). CONCLUSION: TECAS exhibits antidepressant efficacy, particularly influencing the insula-based functional connections within the Default Mode Network (DMN) related to emotion processing in individuals with MDD.

A cyclic brush zwitterionic polymer based pH-responsive nanocarrier-mediated dual drug delivery system with lubrication maintenance for osteoarthritis treatment.

Enhanced joint synergistic lubrication combined with anti-inflammatory therapy is an effective strategy to delay the progression of early osteoarthritis (OA) but has been rarely reported. The hydration lubrication of zwitterions and inherent super-lubrication properties of the cyclic brush, as well as the enhancement of the steric stability of the cyclic topology, can effectively improve the drug loading and utilization; herein we report a pH-responsive cyclic brush zwitterionic polymer (CB) with SBMA and DMAEMA as brushes and a cyclic polymer (c-P(HEMA)) as the core template, possessing a low coefficient of friction (0.017). After loading with hydrophobic curcumin and hydrophilic loxoprofen sodium it demonstrates high drug-loading efficiency. In vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed the triple function of the CB on superlubrication, sequence controlled release and anti-inflammatory effects demonstrated by Micro CT, histological analysis and qRT-PCR. Overall, the CB is a promising long-acting lubricating therapeutic agent, with potential for OA treatment or other diseases.

Guanidinoacetic acid supplementation improves intestinal morphology, mucosal barrier function of broilers subjected to chronic heat stress.

The current study is designed to investigate dietary guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) supplementation on the growth performance, intestinal histomorphology, and jejunum mucosal barrier function of broilers that are subjected to chronic heat stress (HS). A total of 192 male broilers (28-d old) were randomly allocated to four groups. A chronic HS model (at a temperature of 32 °C and 50%-60% relative humidity for 24 h daily) was applied in the experiment. Normal control (NC, ad libitum feeding, 22 °C), HS group (HS, ad libitum feeding, 32 °C), pair-fed group (PF, received food equivalent to that consumed by the HS group on the previous day, 22 °C), guanidinoacetic acid group (HG, ad libitum feeding, supplementing the basal diet with 0.6 g/kg GAA, 32 °C). The experiment lasted from 28 to 35 and 28 to 42 d of age of broilers. Our results showed that broilers subjected to HS had lower average daily feed intake and average daily gain (P < 0.05), higher feed-to-gain ratio and relative length of the small intestine (P < 0.05), as well as lower relative weight and weight per unit length of the small intestine (P < 0.05). HS damaged the small intestinal histomorphology by decreasing the small intestinal VH and the VH/CD (P < 0.05). Compared with the HS group, supplementation with 0.6 g/kg GAA increased jejunal VH and VH/CD (P < 0.05), but decreased relative weight and relative length of the small intestine (P < 0.05). Moreover, in comparison with NC, HS elevated intestinal permeability (D-Lactic acid concentration and diamine oxidase activity) and mRNA expression levels of interleukin-1ß, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (P < 0.05), reduced jejunal mucus thickness, number of goblet cells, IgA + cell density, and mucin2 mRNA expression level of broilers (P < 0.05). Compared with the HS group, dietary GAA elevated jejunal mucus thickness, goblet cell number and IgA+ cell density (P < 0.05), and up-regulated jejunal mRNA expression of interleukin-1ß and tumor necrosis factor-α (P < 0.05). In conclusion, HS impaired growth performance, and the intestinal mucosal barrier function of broilers. Dietary supplementation with 0.6 g/kg GAA alleviated HS-induced histomorphology changes of small intestine and jejunal mucosal barrier dysfunction.

With the global warming getting worse, heat stress (HS) has been a serious problem faced by poultry industry. As one of the main target organs, the intestine is easily affected by HS. Broilers are particularly sensitive to hot temperatures, and HS occurs when temperatures rise above the optimum (16­26 °C). Moreover, ambient humidity below 40% and above 80% also affects broilers adversely. HS can impair intestinal morphology and function of the intestinal barrier. The intestinal mucosal barrier not only plays key roles in nutrient digestion and absorption but also serves as the innate defense barrier fending off noxious substances within the intestinal luminal environment. Therefore, protecting intestinal mucosal barrier from HS is important to animal health. Nutrient regulation is an economical and effective method to alleviate HS of intensively-farmed broiler chickens. The results of current study demonstrated that chronic HS impaired the growth performance and intestinal mucosal barrier function of broilers, while dietary supplementation with 0.6 g/kg guanidinoacetic acid improved intestinal histomorphology and alleviated intestinal barrier dysfunction of broilers subjected to chronic HS, which is beneficial for improving health of broilers.

Mechanism of Hirudo in Treatment of Stroke： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Stroke is one of the most common cerebrovascular diseases， including hemorrhagic stroke and ischemic stroke. From a modern medical perspective， stroke is caused by cerebrovascular damage or embolism leading to impaired blood circulation. From the traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） perspective， the pathogenesis of this disease is mainly due to the disorder of Qi and blood， which ascend to the brain， causing either blood extravasation or blockage of brain collaterals. Stasis is a pathological factor that runs throughout the entire course of stroke， and the method of promoting blood circulation and resolving stasis has been a core treatment for stroke for a long time. Hirudo， as a traditional insect drug， has shown good effects in promoting blood circulation and resolving stasis. Modern pharmacological research has confirmed that Hirudo contains anticoagulant components， which provide significant advantages in dissolving thrombi in ischemic stroke and facilitating hematoma absorption in hemorrhagic stroke. Hirudo and its related preparations have been proven to exert an anti-stroke effect through anticoagulation， anti-thrombosis， and protection of vascular endothelium. As a result， they have been widely used in the treatment of stroke. This article explored the theoretical basis and research status of using Hirudo for treating stroke based on its main active components and hemostatic properties and summarized the current research status of commonly used Hirudo-based formulations and preparations， aiming to provide references for the involvement of Hirudo in stroke treatment.

Progressive pre-disconnection of urethral mucosal flap during transurethral plasmakinetic enucleation of prostate improves postoperative urinary continence / 浙江大学学报·医学版

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the effect of progressive pre-disconnection of urethral mucosal flap during transurethral plasmakinetic enucleation of prostate (TUPEP) on early recovery of urinary continence.@*METHODS@#Clinical data of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) admitted in Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University during February and May 2022 were collected. All the patients underwent TUPEP, and the progressive pre-disconnection of urethral mucosal flap was performed in the procedure. The total operation time, enucleation time, postoperative bladder irrigation time and catheter indwelling time were recorded. Urinary continence was evaluated 24 h, 1 week, and 1, 3, 6 months after the removal of urinary catheter.@*RESULTS@#All surgeries were successfully completed at one time with less intraoperative bleeding, and there were no complications such as rectal injury, bladder injury or perforation of prostate capsule. The total operation time was (62.2±6.5) min, the enucleation time was (42.8±5.2) min, the postoperative hemoglobin decrease by (9.5±4.5) g/L, the postoperative bladder irrigation time was (7.9±1.4) h, and the postoperative catheter indwelling time was 10.0 (9.2, 11.4) h. Only 2 patients (3.6%) had transient urinary incontinence within 24 h after catheter removal. No urinary incontinence occurred at 1 week, and 1, 3, 6 months after operation, and no safety pad was needed. The Qmax at 1 month after operation was 22.3 (20.6, 24.4) mL/s, international prostate symptom scores were 8.0 (7.0, 9.0), 5.0 (4.0, 6.0) and 4.0 (3.0, 4.0) at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery, and quality of life scores at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery were 3.0 (2.0, 3.0), 2.0 (1.0, 2.0) and 1.0 (1.0, 2.0), all of these indicators were better than those before surgery (all P<0.01).@*CONCLUSIONS@#In the treatment of BPH, the application of progressive pre-disconnection of urethral mucosal flap in TUPEP can completely remove the hyperplastic glands and promote early recovery of postoperative urinary continence with less perioperative bleeding and decreased surgical complications.

Chloroplast-inspired Scaffold for Infected Bone Defect Therapy: Towards Stable Photothermal Properties and Self-Defensive Functionality.

Bone implant-associated infections induced by bacteria frequently result in repair failure and threaten the health of patients. Although black phosphorus (BP) material with superior photothermal conversion ability is booming in the treatment of bone disease, the development of BP-based bone scaffolds with excellent photothermal stability and antibacterial properties simultaneously remains a challenge. In nature, chloroplasts cannot only convert light into chemical energy, but also hold a protective and defensive envelope membrane. Inspired by this, a self-defensive bone scaffold with stable photothermal property is developed for infected bone defect therapy. Similar to thylakoid and stroma lamella in chloroplasts, BP is integrated with chitosan and polycaprolactone fiber networks. The mussel-inspired polydopamine multifunctional "envelope membrane" wrapped above not only strengthens the photothermal stability of BP-based scaffolds, but also realizes the in situ anchoring of silver nanoparticles. Bacteria-triggered infection of femur defects in vivo can be commendably inhibited at the early stage via these chloroplast-inspired implants, which then effectively promotes endogenous repair of the defect area under mild hyperthermia induced by near-infrared irradiation. This chloroplast-inspired strategy shows outstanding performance for infected bone defect therapy and provides a reference for the functionality of other biomedical materials.

Sulfonated, oxidized pectin-based double crosslinked bioprosthetic valve leaflets for synergistically enhancing hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility and reducing calcification.

Clinically frequently-used glutaraldehyde (GA)-crosslinked bioprosthetic valve leaflets (BVLs) are still curbed by acute thrombosis, malignant immunoreaction, calcification, and poor durability. In this study, an anticoagulant heparin-like biomacromolecule, sulfonated, oxidized pectin (SAP) with a dialdehyde structure was first obtained by modifying citrus pectin with sulfonation of 3-amino-1-propane sulfonic acid and then oxidating with periodate. Notably, a novel crosslinking approach was established by doubly crosslinking BVLs with SAP and the nature-derived crosslinking agent quercetin (Que), which play a synergistic role in both crosslinking and bioactivity. The double crosslinked BVLs also presented enhanced mechanical properties and enzymatic degradation resistance owing to the double crosslinking networks formed via CN bonds and hydrogen bonds, respectively, and good HUVEC-cytocompatibility. The in vitro and ex vivo assay manifested that the double-crosslinked BVLs had excellent anticoagulant and antithrombotic properties, owing to the introduction of SAP. The subcutaneous implantation also demonstrated that the obtained BVLs showed a reduced inflammatory response and great resistance to calcification, which is attributed to quercetin with multiple physiological activities and depletion of aldehyde groups by hydroxyl aldehyde reaction. With excellent stability, hemocompatibility, anti-inflammatory, anti-calcification, and pro-endothelialization properties, the obtained double-crosslinked BVLs, SAP + Que-PP, would have great potential to substitute the current clinical GA-crosslinked BVLs.

Well-designed two-fold crosslinked biological valve leaflets with heparin-loaded hydrogel coating for enhancing anticoagulation, endothelialization, and anticalcification.

Commercial biological valve leaflets (BVLs) crosslinked with glutaraldehyde (GA) are at risk of accelerating damage and even failure, owing to the high cell toxicity of GA, acute thrombosis, and calcification in clinical applications. In this study, a novel joint strategy of double crosslinking agents (dialdehyde pectin (AP) and carbodiimide) and heparin-loaded hydrogel coating was developed, endowing BVLs with excellent mechanical properties and multiple performances. Herein, AP played two essential roles, the crosslinking agent and the main component of the hydrogel coating. Both experimental and theoretical results indicated that the mechanical properties and stability of double-crosslinked BVLs were comparable to those of GA, and heparin loaded in hydrogel coating could improve the hemocompatibility of AP + EDC/NHS-PP. Further, cytocompatibility and in vivo tests showed that compared with GA-PP, AP + EDC/NHS + CS + Hep-PP has exhibited good endothelialization ability, mild immune response and anti-calcification performance and therefore prompts it to be an extremely valuable candidate for more durable and multifunctional BVLs.

A randomized, parallel control and multicenter clinical trial of evidence-based traditional Chinese medicine massage treatment VS External Diclofenac Diethylamine Emulgel for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Both massage and topically administered NSAIDs are safe and effective treatments for knee osteoarthritis (KOA); however, different massage technique sects in China caused assessment difficulties for the treatment of KOA. In order to standardize the massage techniques and procedures, we organized multi-disciplinary experts in China to acquire an evidence-based traditional Chinese medicine massage treatment of knee osteoarthritis. The purposes of this study will be to provide clinicians a complementary and alternative therapy for patients and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of evidence-based traditional Chinese medicine massage treatment of KOA compared to External Diclofenac Diethylamine Emulgel. METHODS AND DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial in which 300 participants diagnosed with KOA will be recruited and randomly allocated to either the experimental group or the control group in a ratio of 2:1. Two hundred participants will receive evidence-based traditional Chinese medicine massage 2 sessions per week for 10 weeks as the experimental group, and 100 participants will receive External Diclofenac Diethylamine Emulgel 3-4 times per day for 10 weeks as the control group. The patients in the two groups will receive follow-up at two time points at 5 weeks and 10 weeks from the beginning of treatment, respectively. The MRI scans and X-ray will be performed at baseline and at the end of the intervention. The primary outcome will be the changes in the Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Secondary outcomes will be measured by the PRO scale for knee osteoarthritis based on the concept of traditional Chinese medicine (Chinese scale for knee osteoarthritis (CSKO)), X-ray evaluation, and MRI scan evaluation. The data of WOMAC and CSKO will be analyzed at the baseline, 5 weeks, and 10 weeks from the beginning of treatment. The data from MRI scans and X-rays will be analyzed at baseline and at the end of the intervention. The significance level sets as 5%. The safety of interventions will be evaluated after each treatment session. DISCUSSION: This study will provide clinicians with much-needed knowledge for the treatment of KOA through a controlled trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1800014400 . Registered on 10 January 2018.

Molecular Mechanism of Shengxiantang in Treating Myasthenia Gravis： Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo predict the pharmacodynamic basis and core target of Shengxiantang in the treatment of myasthenia gravis （MG） by network pharmacology and molecular docking and to further verify the molecular mechanism through animal experiment. MethodThe active components and potential targets of Shengxiantang were retrieved from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform （TCMSP）， and the disease-related targets from GeneCards and other databases. Then the common targets of the decoction and the disease were screened out， followed by the construction of protein-protein interaction （PPI） network， and Gene Ontology （GO） term enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） pathway enrichment of the common targets based on STRING database and Cytoscape 3.8.2. Afterward， Cytoscape 3.8.2 was employed to construct the disease-active component-target network. AutoDock and PyMOL were used for molecular docking of key components and hub genes. Finally， we used the Rα97-116 peptide to induce experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis （EAMG） in rats and then verified the core target yielded in the docking with the model rats. ResultA total of 655 disease-related targets， 118 active components of the decoction， 21 common targets of the disease and the decoction， and 3 hub genes were screened out. The common targets were mainly involved in the GO terms of regulation of active oxygen metabolism， positive regulation of protein transport， and positive regulation of protein localization， and the KEGG pathways of toll-like receptor signaling pathway， phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt） signaling pathway， hypoxia inducible factor-1 （HIF-1） signaling pathway， and T cell receptor signaling pathway. The results of molecular docking showed that quercetin and Akt1 had the lowest and stable binding energy and interacted with each other through the amino acid residue LYS-30. Western blot demonstrated that Shengxiantang significantly inhibited the expression of p-Akt protein in the spleen of EAMG rats. ConclusionThe pharmacological mechanism of Shengxiantang in the treatment of MG may be that the main chemical components regulate the expression of the core protein Akt， and then may participate in and affect PI3K/Akt signaling pathways， laying a theoretical and experimental basis for further research.

Acupuncture combined with western medication for ocular myasthenia gravis: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical efficacy between acupuncture combined with western medication and simple western medication for ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG), and to explore its possible mechanism.@*METHODS@#A total of 60 patients of ocular myasthenia gravis were randomized into an acupuncture combined with western medication group (30 cases, 1 case dropped off) and a western medication group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off). Oral pyridostigmine bromide tablet and prednisone acetate tablet were given in the western medication group. On the basis of the treatment in the western medication group, Tongdu Tiaoqi acupuncture (acupuncture for unblocking the governor vessel and regulating qi ) was applied at Baihui (GV 20), Fengfu (GV 16), Hegu (LI 4), Zusanli (ST 36), etc. in the acupuncture combined with western medication group, once a day, 6 days a week. The treatment was given 8 weeks in both groups. Before and after treatment, the OMG clinical absolute score was observed, electrophysiological indexes of orbicularis oculi (value of mean jitter, percentage of jitter >55 μs and percentage of blocks) were measured by single-fiber electromyography (SFEMG), serum levels of acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR-Ab), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) were detected by ELISA method.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the OMG clinical absolute scores, values of mean jitter, percentages of jitter >55 μs, percentages of blocks and serum levels of AChR-Ab, IFN-γ and IL-4 were decreased compared before treatment in both groups (P<0.05), and those in the acupuncture combined with western medication group were lower than the western medication group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture combined with western medication can effectively improve ptosis, palpebra superior fatigability, eye movement disorder and neuromuscular junction dysfunction in patients with ocular myasthenia gravis, the therapeutic effect is superior to simple western medication. Its mechanism may be related to down-regulating serum levels of AChR-Ab, IFN-γ and IL-4 and promoting the recovery of orbicularis oculi function.

Dialdehyde pectin-crosslinked and hirudin-loaded decellularized porcine pericardium with improved matrix stability, enhanced anti-calcification and anticoagulant for bioprosthetic heart valves.

To conveniently and effectively cure heart valve diseases or defects, combined with transcatheter valve technology, bioprosthetic heart valves (BHVs) originated from the decellularized porcine pericardium (D-PP) have been broadly used in clinics. Unfortunately, most clinically available BHVs crosslinked with glutaraldehyde (GA) were challenged in their long-term tolerance, degenerative structural changes, and even failure, owing to the synergistic impact of multitudinous elements (cytotoxicity, calcification, immune responses, etc.). In this work, dialdehyde pectin (AP) was prepared by oxidizing the o-dihydroxy of pectin with sodium periodate. Hereafter, the AP-fixed PP model was obtained by crosslinking D-PP with AP with high aldehyde content (6.85 mmol g-1), for acquiring excellent mechanical properties and outstanding biocompatibility. To further improve the hemocompatibility of the AP-fixed PP, a natural and specific inhibitor of thrombin (hirudin) was introduced to achieve surface modification of the AP-fixed PP. The feasibility of crosslinking and functionalizing AP-fixed PP, which was a potential leaflet material of BHVs, was exhaustively and systematically evaluated. In vitro studies found that hirudin-loaded and AP-fixed PP (AP + Hirudin-PP) had synchronously achieved effective fixation of collagen, highly effective anticoagulation, and good HUVECs-cytocompatibility. In vivo results revealed that the AP + Hirudin-PP specimens recruited the minimum immune cells in the implantation experiment, and also presented an excellent anti-calcification effect. Overall, AP + Hirudin-PP was endowed with competitive collagen stability (compared with GA-fixed PP), excellent hemocompatibility, good HUVECs-cytocompatibility, low immunogenicity and outstanding anti-calcification, suggesting that AP + Hirudin-PP might be a promising alternative to GA-fixed PP and exhibited a bright prospect in the clinical applications of BHVs.

Prenatal alcohol exposure induced congenital heart diseases: From bench to bedside.

Alcohol consumption is increasing worldwide. Many child-bearing-aged women consume alcohol during pregnancy, intentionally or unintentionally, thereby increasing the potential risk for severe congenital diseases. Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect worldwide and can result from both hereditary and acquired factors. Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is considered a key factor that leads to teratogenesis in CHD and its specific phenotypes, especially defects of the cardiac septa, cardiac valves, cardiac canals, and great arteries, adjacent to the chambers, both in animal experiments and clinical retrospective studies. The mechanisms underlying CHD and its phenotypes caused by PAE are associated with changes in retinoic acid biosynthesis and its signaling pathway, apoptosis and defective function of cardiac neural crest cells, disturbance of the Wntß-catenin signaling pathway, suppression of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling, and other epigenetic mechanisms. Drug supplements and early diagnosis can help prevent PAE from inducing CHDs.

Research Progress of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Improving Pathogenesis of Depression / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Depression is a kind of psychoaffective disorder，which is mainly characterized by persistent depression and mood disorders. It is related to many factors such as abnormal expression of neurotransmitters，secretion of inflammatory cytokines，changes in neuronal pathways，persistent disorder of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal （HPA） axis，changes of intestinal flora environment，abnormal mitochondria structure，and many other factors，which cause serious damage to human health. At present，western medicine is mainly treated with antidepressant drugs in clinical practice，which can exert short-term efficacy，but long-term use will cause adverse side effects. Traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） emphasizes the holistic view of psychosomatic integration and has rich clinical practice experience，which gives it a certain therapeutic advantages in the prevention and treatment of depression. Moreover，modern research has shown that TCM has played an important role in the prevention and treatment of depression through its multi-target，multi-mechanism and multi-pathway mode of action. In recent years，the study on TCM in treating depression has been deepening，and more and more TCM and TCM compounds have been proved to be able to regulate and improve the pathogenesis of depression and play an antidepressant role. Therefore，this paper systematically sorted out the research literature on TCM in improving the pathogenesis of depression in the past 5 years，and summarized and elaborated these literature according to the following topics：TCM affects the expression of neurotransmitters and their receptors，improves the plasticity of nerve cells and related signaling pathways，regulates the secretion of inflammatory factors and improves the disorder of HPA axis， TCM regulats intestinal flora environment to relieve depression， TCM adjusts the mitochondrial function of TCM to relieve depression. The study found that most of the TCM exert the antidepressant effect mainly by affecting the expression of neurotransmitters and improving neural signaling pathways，while the research on Chinese medicinals regulating and improving the intestinal flora environment and mitochondrial function is relatively rare，which needs further research to provide reference for better exploration of depression in the future.

Experimental research on characteristics of temperature field distribution of mild moxibustion and sparrow-pecking moxibustion / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the temperature field distribution and variation rules during treatment with mild moxibustion and sparrow-pecking moxibustion of TCM.@*METHODS@#Six healthy subjects were selected. Mild moxibustion and sparrow-pecking moxibustion were exerted at Zusanli (ST 36) respectively, for 25 min. Using infrared thermal imaging instrument, the temperature field distribution was measured during moxibustion at Zusanli (ST 36). The simulated thermometer was adopted to measure the temperature field distribution during moxibustion at the imitated cortex. At 20 min of mild moxibustion and sparrow-pecking moxibustion, the temperature field distribution generated by moxibustion was observed at the imitated cortex and Zusanli (ST 36) separately. The temperature values were collected at the sites 0.7, 2.1 and 3.5 cm far from the center of the moxibustion-exerted places successively, and then the characteristics of temperature field distribution and variation rules were compared between different moxibustion methods at the imitated cortex and Zusanli (ST 36).@*RESULTS@#At 20 min of mild moxibustion and sparrow-pecking moxibustion at Zusanli (ST 36), the temperature field distribution focused on the center of moxibustion-exerted site and the temperature was reduced to all directions and illustrated as a curved surface graph, whereas, the temperature field distribution at the imitated cortex was consistent with that at Zusanli (ST 36). With mild moxibustion, the temperature field was distributed uniformly along the longitudinal temperature gradient; whereas, with sparrow-pecking moxibustion, the longitudinal temperature of the temperature field was greatly different, in which, the maximum temperature and the average temperature were higher than those with mild moxibustion respectively and the first time up to the peak value of sparrow-pecking moxibustion was shorter than that with mild moxibustion. The thermal transfer was presented at the non-moxibustion exerted areas during the moxibustion experiment at Zusanli (ST 36).@*CONCLUSION@#A distance feature is presented in the temperature field measured by simulated thermometer and generated under suspension moxibustion at Zusanli (ST 36). The warm stimulation effect of sparrow-pecking moxibustion is much more obvious at the moxibustion-exerted center as compared with mild moxibustion and the area of warm stimulation generated by sparrow-pecking moxibustion is more concentrated as compared with mild moxibustion. The radiation energy produced by suspension moxibustion is scattered and attenuated in skin tissue, resulting in a certain temperature gradient in the temperature field. The warm stimulation generated at skin surface by moxibustion has a warming-dredging effect.

The research progress on the structure pharmaceutics and dosage form structures of traditional Chinese medicines / 药学学报

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparations have made tremendous progresses in modernization, whereas there exist relatively few researches pertaining to preparation structures. As demonstrated by the theory and practice of structure pharmaceutics, the structure properties of dosage forms have significant influences on the quality and efficacy of drugs, which might offer reference for the research and development of TCM dosage forms. With the application of synchrotron radiation X-ray micro-computed tomography (SR-μCT) and other novel technologies in recent years, researches in structure pharmaceutics have made huge advancement, which provide reference and methodology basis for the study of TCM preparations. The article generalized and summarized the recent progresses and methods in the structure researches of pharmaceutics and TCM preparations, and further explored the significance of the researches of structure of TCM preparations. It is expected to provide the basis for the dosage form design, production process improvement, and quality evaluation of TCM and promote the modernization of TCM preparations.

Effect of Gancao Fuzi Decoction on osteoarthritis and proteomics of articular cartilage in rats / 中国中药杂志

The rat osteoarthritis model was replicated by injection of sodium iodoacetate into the knee joint cavity, and the effects of Gancao Fuzi Decoction on rat osteoarthritis and the proteome of articular cartilage were investigated. Sixty SD rats weighing 230-250 g were randomly divided into normal group, model group, glucosamine sulfate group, and Gancao Fuzi Decoction high, medium and low dose groups. Osteoarthritis model was induced by intra-articular injection of sodium iodoacetate(3 mg on each leg) in all groups except the normal group. After modeling, each administration group was given intragastric administration for 1 month. During the administration period, joint pain test and joint width measurement were performed every week to observe the autonomous behavior of rats. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) method was used to detect the contents of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), matrix metalloproteinase-3(MMP-3), and matrix metalloproteinase tissue inhibitor(TIMP-1) in rat joint lavage fluid. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe bone and joint morphology. Nano-LC-LTQ-Orbitrap system was used to detect arti-cular cartilage proteins. The results showed that, compared with the model group, Gancao Fuzi Decoction could significantly improve joint pain and joint swelling in osteoarthritis rats, significantly reduce the contents of TNF-α, IL-1β and MMP-3 in the joint cavity la-vage fluid, increase the content of TIMP-1, and relieve inflammatory diseases such as enlarged joint space, rough cartilage edge, different thickness of cartilage layer, and disordered arrangement of chondrocytes. After comparing the proteins between the groups, 273 differential proteins were screened out. KEGG analysis found that the above differential proteins involved 43 signaling pathways such as systemic lupus erythematosus, among which 11 signaling pathways were related to osteoarthritis. The above results indicated that Gancao Fuzi Decoction had a preventive effect on osteoarthritis, and its mechanism of action may be accomplished by regulating the protein expression of osteoarthritis-related signal pathways.

Effect of electroacupuncture at "Jiaji" (EX-B 2) points on the proliferation and differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells in rats with acute spinal cord injury / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Jiaji" (EX-B 2) points on the proliferation and differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells in rats with acute incomplete spinal cord injury, and to explore the mechanism of EA on improving motor function of spinal cord injury.@*METHODS@#A total of 72 male SPF SD rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a model group, an EA group and a medication group, 18 rats in each group. Each group was further divided into 1-day subgroup, 7-day subgroup and 14-day subgroup, 6 rats in each subgroup. The T acute incomplete spinal cord injury model was established by modified Allen's method in the model group, EA group and medication group. The rats in each group received intraperitoneal injection of 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU, 50 mg/kg), once a day, and each subgroup received continuous injection for 1, 7, 14 times for cell proliferation labeling. The rats in the EA group were treated with EA at "Jiaji" (EX-B 2) points 3-4 mm next the spinous process of the upper and lower segments of the injured spinal cord (T, T) with a frequency of 2 Hz/100 Hz and intensity of 1-2 mA. The muscle twitch at the treatment site was taken as the degree. The treatment was given 20 min each time, once a day. In the medication group, monosialogangliosides (GM1) was injected intraperitoneally (10 mg/kg), once a day. The subgroups of EA group and medication group were treated for 1, 7, 14 times. The score of Basso Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) was used to evaluate the motor function of hind limbs. The co-expression of BrdU/NG2 positive cells was detected by immunofluorescence, and the expression of Olig2 and Sox10 was detected by Western blot.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the sham operation group, the BBB score was decreased 1 day, 7 days and 14 days after operation in the model group (<0.05), the expression of Olig2 and Sox10 was increased (<0.05), and the co-expression of BrdU/NG2 positive cells was increased 7 days and 14 days after operation (<0.05). Seven days and 14 days after operation, the BBB score in the EA group and medication group was higher than that in the model group (<0.05), and the co-expression of BrdU/NG2 in the medication group was higher than that in the model group (<0.05). Fourteen days after operation, the co-expression of BrdU/NG2 in the EA group was higher than that in the model group (<0.05); 1 day, 7 days and 14 days after operation, the expression of Olig2 and Sox10 in the EA group and medication group was higher than that in the model group (<0.05). Compared with the medication group, the co-expression of BrdU/NG2 positive cells in the EA group 14 days after operation was decreased (<0.05); 1 day, 7 days and 14 days after operation, the expression of Olig2 and Sox10 in the EA group was decreased (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#EA at "Jiaji" (EX-B 2) points could promote the expression of Olig2 and Sox10 after spinal cord injury, which has similar effects with GM1. It could promote the proliferation and differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells into oligodendrocytes, so as to promote the recovery of motor function of rats.

Prevention and Treatment Regularity of Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on Pathogenesis of Depression / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Depression is a serious threat to human health. There are grave difficulties in its prevention and treatment. At present, Western medicine has not yet found a definitive and effective therapy for depression. By virtue of its holistic view, rich clinical practice plus less side effects, traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) may have potential advantages in the prevention and treatment of depression. Single-herbal TCM or TCM compound is one of the main methods for TCM to treat depression. The chemical composition of natural medicine is quite complicated, moreover, the composition of TCM compound is more complicated. Therefore, this paper focuses on the role of single-herbal TCM in preventing and treating depression. Many researchers have discovered more TCM with the effect in preventing depression from historical literatures or clinical experience of different doctors. There are four main causes in the pathogenesis of depression: the first is the abnormal expression of monoamine neurotransmitters and their receptors, the second is the depression of nerve cells and relevant signaling pathways, the third is the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis that continuously intensifies to cause dysfunction and depression, and the fourth is the abnormal secretion of cytokines. Which mechanism does TCM work through? The meridian tropism theory is an important guiding principle in the clinical use of TCM. Is there a certain relationship between the different meridian tropisms and different pharmacological mechanisms of TCM? To solve these two basic problems, this paper systematically summarizes all the literatures on the mechanism of TCM in the prevention and treatment of depression, and uses the chi-square test to analyze the relationship between the TCM and the four mechanisms of action. This exploration may contribute to further clinical and experimental research on the prevention and treatment of depression with TCM.