[Natural 5α-reductase inhibitors in treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia].

Benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH) is a common disease of the male urinary system, and its incidence rate in China is increasing. However, the mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of BPH remains unclear. Some studies demonstrated that the incidence of BPH was related to the change in the levels of steroid hormones. Too high content of dihydrotestosterone(DHT) in the body may cause BPH and other related diseases. Testosterone(T) is converted to DHT by 5α-reductase(SRD5A). By inhibiting the activity of this enzyme, the production of DHT can be reduced, and then the incidence of BPH can be lowered. Therefore, it has drawn great attention to screen and discover safer and more effective 5α-reductase inhibitors from natural medicines to treat prostatic hyperplasia without affecting the physiological function of men. This review summarizes the characteristics and tissue distribution of 5α-reductase, the discovery of 5α-reductase inhibitors in traditional Chinese medicine and natural medicines, 5α-reductase inhibitors commonly used in clinical practice and their side effects, as well as the animal models of prostatic hyperplasia and common detection indicators, aiming to provide a reference for more in-depth understanding and research about BPH and development of drugs.

Polypeptide from Moschus Suppresses Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation by Inhibiting NF-κ B-ROS/NLRP3 Pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the anti-inflammatory effects and potential mechanisms of polypeptide from Moschus (PPM) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced THP-1 macrophages and BALB/c mice. METHODS: The polypeptide was extracted from Moschus and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Subsequently, LPS was used to induce inflammation in THP-1 macrophages and BALB/c mice. In LPS-treated or untreated THP-1 macrophages, cell viability was observed by cell counting kit 8 and lactate dehydrogenase release assays; the proinflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and flow cytometry, respectively; and protein and mRNA levels were measured by Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), respectively. In LPS-induced BALB/c mice, the proinflammatory cytokines were measured, and lung histology and cytokines were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, respectively. RESULTS: The SDS-PAGE results suggested that the molecular weight of purified PPM was in the range of 10-26 kD. In vitro, PPM reduced the production of interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), IL-18, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), IL-6 and ROS in LPS-induced THP-1 macrophages (P<0.01). Western blot analysis demonstrated that PPM inhibited LPS-induced nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway and thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP)/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway by reducing protein expression of phospho-NF-κB p65, phospho-inhibitors of NF-κB (Iκ Bs) kinase α/ß (IKKα/ß), TXNIP, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC), and pro-caspase-1 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In addition, qRT-PCR revealed the inhibitory effects of PPM on the mRNA levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Furthermore, in LPS-induced BALB/c mice, PPM reduced TNF-α and IL-6 levels in serum (P<0.05 or P<0.01), decreased IL-1ß and IL-18 levels in the lungs (P<0.01) and alleviated pathological injury to the lungs. CONCLUSION: PPM could attenuate LPS-induced inflammation by inhibiting the NF-κB-ROS/NLRP3 pathway, and may be a novel potential candidate drug for treating inflammation and inflammation-related diseases.

[Mystery of Yiyin decoction theory: rule discovery and evaluation strategy of atypical pharmacological effects of Chinese medicinal prescription].

Yi Yin, a famous medical scientist and culinary master in the late Xia Dynasty and early Shang Dynasty, developed the Chinese medicinal liquids and Chinese medicinal prescriptions emerged after that. Chinese medicinal prescriptions have attracted much attention because of their unique advantages in the treatment of chronic multifactorial diseases, representing an important direction of drug discovery in the future. Yiyin decoction theory is the superior form of personalized combined medication with advanced consciousness. It is different from not only the magic bullet theory of single component action but also the connotation of modern multi-target drugs. The core of Yiyin decoction theory can be summarized as compound compatibility, multiple effects, and moderate regulation. Compound compatibility refers to that the formulation of Chinese medicinal prescriptions involves the complex synergy and interactions between sovereign, minister, assistant, and guide medicinal materials. Multiple effects mean that the prescriptions employ a variety of mechanisms to exert comprehensive pharmacological effects of nonlinear feedback. Moderate regulation reflects that the prescriptions can accurately regulate the multiple points of the disease biological network as a whole. To solve the mystery of Yiyin decoction theory, we should not only simply study the known active substances(components) and their independent target effects in the mixture, but also mine the "dark matter" and "dark effect" of Chinese medicinal prescriptions. That is, we should learn the neglected atypical pharmacological effects of Chinese medicinal prescriptions and the multi-point nesting mechanism that plays a precise regulatory function in the body. Yiyin decoction theory focuses on the overall pharmacological effect to reflect the comprehensive clinical value of Chinese medicinal prescriptions, which is of great significance for the development of a new model for the evaluation and application of new Chinese medicinal prescriptions in line with the theory of traditional Chinese medicine.

Jatavaleridoids A-H, eight new iridoids from the roots and rhizomes of Valeriana jatamansi Jones.

Eight new iridoids, jatavaleridoids A-H (1-8), were isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Valeriana jatamansi. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated based on NMR and HRESIMS spectroscopic data, as well as quantum chemical calculation. Structurally, compounds 1-5 and 8 were rare iridoids with long-chain fatty acid esters at C-10. In addition, compound 7 showed cytotoxicity, while compounds 1 and 2 exhibited inhibition on NO production.

Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Ameliorates FB1-Induced Meiotic Defects in Porcine Oocytes.

Fumonisin B1 (FB1), as the most prevalent and toxic fumonisin, poses a health threat to humans and animals. The cytotoxicity of FB1 is closely related to oxidative stress and apoptosis. The purpose of this study is to explore whether Grape seed proanthocyanidin (GSP), a natural antioxidant, could alleviate the meiotic maturation defects of oocytes caused by FB1 exposure. Porcine cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were treated with 30 µM FB1 alone or cotreated with 100, 200 and 300 µM GSP during in vitro maturation for 44 h. The results show that 200 µM GSP cotreatment observably ameliorated the toxic effects of FB1 exposure, showing to be promoting first polar body extrusion and improving the subsequent cleavage rate and blastocyst development rate. Moreover, 200 µM GSP cotreatment restored cell cycle progression, reduced the proportion of aberrant spindles, improved actin distribution and protected mitochondrial function in FB1-exposed oocytes. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was significantly decreased and the mRNA levels of CAT, SOD2 and GSH-PX were obviously increased in the 200 µM GSP cotreatment group. Notably, the incidence of early apoptosis and autophagy level were also significantly decreased after GSP cotreatment and the mRNA expression levels of BAX, CASPASE3, LC3 and ATG5 were markedly decreased, whereas BCL2 and mTOR were observably increased in the oocytes after GSP cotreatment. Together, these results indicate that GSP could exert significant preventive effects on FB1-induced oocyte defects by ameliorating oxidative stress through repairing mitochondrial dysfunction.

A review for natural polysaccharides with anti-pulmonary fibrosis properties, which may benefit to patients infected by 2019-nCoV.

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a lung disease with highly heterogeneous and mortality rate, but its therapeutic options are now still limited. Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been characterized by WHO as a pandemic, and the global number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has been more than 8.0 million. It is strongly supported for that PF should be one of the major complications in COVID-19 patients by the evidences of epidemiology, viral immunology and current clinical researches. The anti-PF properties of naturally occurring polysaccharides have attracted increasing attention in last two decades, but is still lack of a comprehensively understanding. In present review, the resources, structural features, anti-PF activities, and underlying mechanisms of these polysaccharides are summarized and analyzed, which was expected to provide a scientific evidence supporting the application of polysaccharides for preventing or treating PF in COVID-19 patients.

Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Supplementation Reverses the Declining Quality of Maternally Aged Oocytes.

Advanced maternal age is highly associated with a decline in oocyte quality, but effective approaches to improve it have still not been fully determined. Here, we report that in vivo supplementation of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) efficaciously improves the quality of oocytes from naturally aged mice by recovering nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels. NMN supplementation not only increases ovulation of aged oocytes but also enhances their meiotic competency and fertilization ability by maintaining the normal spindle/chromosome structure and the dynamics of the cortical granule component ovastacin. Moreover, single-cell transcriptome analysis shows that the beneficial effect of NMN on aged oocytes is mediated by restoration of mitochondrial function, eliminating the accumulated ROS to suppress apoptosis. Collectively, our data reveal that NMN supplementation is a feasible approach to protect oocytes from advanced maternal age-related deterioration, contributing to the improvement of reproductive outcome of aged women and assisted reproductive technology.

Advances on hormone-like activity of Panax ginseng and ginsenosides.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been paid much attentions due to the prevention and treatment of steroid hormone disorders. Ginseng, the root of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (Araliaceae), is one of the most valuable herbs in complementary and alternative medicines around the world. A series of dammarane triterpenoid saponins, also known as phytosteroids, were reported as the primary ingredients of Ginseng, and indicated broad spectral pharmacological actions, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammation and anti-fatigue. The skeletons of the dammarane triterpenoid aglycone are structurally similar to the steroid hormones. Both in vitro and in vivo studies showed that Ginseng and its active ingredients have beneficial hormone-like role in hormonal disorders. This review thus summarizes the structural similarities between hormones and dammarane ginsenosides and integrates the analogous effect of Ginseng and ginsenosides on prevention and treatment of hormonal disorders published in recent twenty years (1998-2018). The review may provide convenience for anticipate structure-function relationship between saponins structure and hormone-like effect.

Anthraquinones Extract from Morinda angustifolia Roxb. Root Alleviates Hepatic Injury Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride through Inhibition of Hepatic Oxidative Stress.

In Southwestern China, the root of Morinda angustifolia Roxb. has been employed as a folk medicine for treating various types of hepatitis and jaundice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of anthraquinones extract from M. angustifolia root (AEMA) in carbon tetrachloride- (CCl4-) induced liver injury in mice and identify the main bioactive components. Results indicated that AEMA pretreatment could significantly, in a dose-dependent manner, attenuate the increased levels of ALT and AST in mice serum induced by CCl4. At doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, AEMA exhibited significant suppression of the elevated hepatic levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as marked upregulatory effects on the activities of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in mice exposed to CCl4. However, AEMA treatment had no effect on the antioxidant enzyme catalase (CAT) or the nonenzymatic antioxidant glutathione (GSH). Furthermore, two anthraquinone constituents were isolated from AEMA and identified as soranjidiol and rubiadin-3-methyl ether. Soranjidiol exhibited similar protective effects to those of AEMA on liver damage induced by CCl4. Overall, our research clearly demonstrated the hepatoprotective effects of the AEMA, and anthraquinones, particularly soranjidiol, should be considered as the main hepatoprotective principles of M. angustifolia. In addition, the underlying mechanism may be, at least in part, related to its antioxidant properties.

Advances on hormone-like activity of Panax ginseng and ginsenosides / 中国天然药物

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been paid much attentions due to the prevention and treatment of steroid hormone disorders. Ginseng, the root of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (Araliaceae), is one of the most valuable herbs in complementary and alternative medicines around the world. A series of dammarane triterpenoid saponins, also known as phytosteroids, were reported as the primary ingredients of Ginseng, and indicated broad spectral pharmacological actions, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammation and anti-fatigue. The skeletons of the dammarane triterpenoid aglycone are structurally similar to the steroid hormones. Both in vitro and in vivo studies showed that Ginseng and its active ingredients have beneficial hormone-like role in hormonal disorders. This review thus summarizes the structural similarities between hormones and dammarane ginsenosides and integrates the analogous effect of Ginseng and ginsenosides on prevention and treatment of hormonal disorders published in recent twenty years (1998-2018). The review may provide convenience for anticipate structure-function relationship between saponins structure and hormone-like effect.

A combination of omega-3 and plant sterols regulate glucose and lipid metabolism in individuals with impaired glucose regulation: a randomized and controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Lipid metabolism imbalance has been recognized as one of the major drivers of impaired glucose metabolism in the context of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the rates of which are steadily increasing worldwide. Impaired glucose regulation (IGR) plays a vital role in the prevention and treatment of T2DM. The goal of this study was to further clarify whether the combination of plant sterols (PS) and omega-3 fatty acids yields any synergistic effect that enhances the prevention and treatment of IGR. METHODS: A total of 200 participants were randomized to receive PS and omega-3 fatty acids (n = 50), PS alone (n = 50), omega-3 fatty acids alone (n = 50), or placebo soy bean powder plus placebo capsules (n = 50) for 12 weeks. Patient characteristics including body composition, blood pressure, glucose metabolism (Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FINS), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR)), lipid metabolism (TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C) and inflammatory factors (Hs-CRP, IL-6) were all monitored in these IGR individuals. RESULTS: Compared to the placebo group, the group receiving the combined intervention exhibited significantly decreased TG, HDL-C, FBG, HOMA-IR and HbA1c. Omega-3 fatty acids alone were associated with significant reductions in waistline, TG, FBG, HOMA-IR and Hs-CRP. PS alone was only associated with decreased TG and Hs-CRP. No interventions produced significant changes in body weight, BMI, blood pressure, FINS, body fat percentage, visceral fat rating, TC, LDL-C or IL-6. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, this study has demonstrated for the first time that PS, omega-3 fatty acids or the combination thereof significantly improved inflammation, insulin resistance, as well as glucose and lipid metabolism in IGR individuals. These findings may provide a scientific basis for the development of nutritional products incorporating PS and omega-3 fatty acids, and also for the development of nutritional supplement strategies aimed at preventing the development of disease in the IGR population.

[New method for evaluating pharmacodynamics of traditional Chinese medicine compounds based on its moderate regulation and principle of balanced adjustment of immunity under pan-immunomic].

For the basic research on the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), objective syndrome of traditional Chinese medicine and evaluation criteria of traditional Chinese medicine compounds are hardly to break though. While, the modern immunology points out that the body is a counterbalance state and immune imbalance is the root of sickness. The thinking mode of treating diseases in traditional Chinese medicine is also "balance", considering disease is the result of bias which present the imbalance of "Yin counters Yang", "exterior counters interior", "cold counters heat" and "weak counters strong". The Chinese herbal compound formula preparation was applied on disease therapy based on theory of Chinese medicine, which was confirmed by long period clinical application. It is composed of multi-compounds and has the characteristic of multi-targeting. Integrative medicine has spawned pan-immunomics, and the evaluation of immune function (immune balance) has become an important basis for diagnosis and treatment models of integrative medicine. In addition, balance is the core idea of whole-systemic conception of traditional Chinese medicine. Therefore, we speculate that immune balance under pan-immunomic can bridge the traditional Chinese medicine and modern integrative medicine and is the important basis for objective syndrome of traditional Chinese medicine and evaluation criteria of traditional Chinese medicine compounds. According to the bridging theory, we attempt to utilize informatics and statistical methods to construct an evaluation system for pharmacodynamics of traditional Chinese medicine based on its moderate regulation and the balanced adjustment of immunity under pan-immunomic, which further reveal the scientific essence of the whole-systemic view of traditional Chinese medicine. This research brings out a new valuable strategy and provides a theoretical basis for accelerating the transformation of traditional Chinese medicine, especially the exploitation of Chinese herbal compound formula, and constructing the new drug innovation and review system for traditional Chinese medicine. Besides as a reference for traditional Chinese medicine objective syndrome and pharmacodynamics of traditional Chinese medicine compounds, the evaluation system can screen the immunity of sub-health population also. With the continuous accumulation of clinical sample and data, the evaluation system will be more accurate and intelligent.

New method for evaluating pharmacodynamics of traditional Chinese medicine compounds based on its moderate regulation and principle of balanced adjustment of immunity under pan-immunomic / 中国中药杂志

For the basic research on the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), objective syndrome of traditional Chinese medicine and evaluation criteria of traditional Chinese medicine compounds are hardly to break though. While, the modern immunology points out that the body is a counterbalance state and immune imbalance is the root of sickness. The thinking mode of treating diseases in traditional Chinese medicine is also "balance", considering disease is the result of bias which present the imbalance of "Yin counters Yang", "exterior counters interior", "cold counters heat" and "weak counters strong". The Chinese herbal compound formula preparation was applied on disease therapy based on theory of Chinese medicine, which was confirmed by long period clinical application. It is composed of multi-compounds and has the characteristic of multi-targeting. Integrative medicine has spawned pan-immunomics, and the evaluation of immune function (immune balance) has become an important basis for diagnosis and treatment models of integrative medicine. In addition, balance is the core idea of whole-systemic conception of traditional Chinese medicine. Therefore, we speculate that immune balance under pan-immunomic can bridge the traditional Chinese medicine and modern integrative medicine and is the important basis for objective syndrome of traditional Chinese medicine and evaluation criteria of traditional Chinese medicine compounds. According to the bridging theory, we attempt to utilize informatics and statistical methods to construct an evaluation system for pharmacodynamics of traditional Chinese medicine based on its moderate regulation and the balanced adjustment of immunity under pan-immunomic, which further reveal the scientific essence of the whole-systemic view of traditional Chinese medicine. This research brings out a new valuable strategy and provides a theoretical basis for accelerating the transformation of traditional Chinese medicine, especially the exploitation of Chinese herbal compound formula, and constructing the new drug innovation and review system for traditional Chinese medicine. Besides as a reference for traditional Chinese medicine objective syndrome and pharmacodynamics of traditional Chinese medicine compounds, the evaluation system can screen the immunity of sub-health population also. With the continuous accumulation of clinical sample and data, the evaluation system will be more accurate and intelligent.

Ethyl Acetate Extract Components of Bushen-Yizhi Formula Provides Neuroprotection against Scopolamine-induced Cognitive Impairment.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder and there is no effective cure for this devastating disease to date. Bushen Yizhi Formula (BSYZ-F), a Chinese herbal compound, has proved to be effective for AD. In this study, we further investigate the effective part of BSYZ-F, ethyl acetate extract components of BSYZ-F (BSYZ-E), protects scopolamine (SCOP)-induced cognitive impairment, which shows a similar effect to BSYZ-F. We also find that BSYZ-E could protect against SCOP-induced cholinergic system dysfunction. In neuron function level, BSYZ-E remarkably elevates protein levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BSYZ-E also significantly mitigates SCOP-induced apoptosis, oxidative stress and nitrosative stress. Conclusively, BSYZ-E, the effective part of BSYZ-F, can provide neuroprotection against SCOP-induced cognitive impairment through a multifunctional strategy. These findings suggest that BSYZ-E might be developed as a therapeutic drug for AD by targeting multiple pathways of the pathogenesis.

Sarcandra glabra Extract Reduces the Susceptibility and Severity of Influenza in Restraint-Stressed Mice.

Sarcandra glabra, as a type of "antipyretic-detoxicate drugs", has always been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The Sarcandra glabra extract (SGE) is applied frequently as anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious drug in folk medicine. However, relative experiment data supporting this effective clinical consequence was limited. In order to mimic the physiological conditions of the susceptible population, we employed restraint stress mouse model to investigate the effect of SGE against influenza. Mice were infected with influenza virus three days after restraint, while SGE was orally administrated for 10 consecutive days. Body weight, morbidity, and mortality were recorded daily. Histopathologic changes, susceptibility genes expressions and inflammatory markers in lungs were determined. Our results showed that restraint stress significantly increased susceptibility and severity of influenza virus. However, oral administration of SGE could reduce morbidity, mortality and significantly prolonged survival time. The results further showed that SGE had a crucial effect on improving susceptibility markers levels to recover the balance of host defense system and inhibiting inflammatory cytokines levels through down-regulation of NF-κB protein expression to ameliorate the lung injury. These data showed that SGE reduced the susceptibility and severity of influenza.

[Study on the correlation between Chinese medical syndrome types and ID4 gene promoter methylation in human acute myeloid leukemia].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between Chinese medical syndrome type (CMST) and the ID4 gene promoter methylation state in the bone marrow cells of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, and to discuss the correlation between ID4 gene methylation and the occurrence, development of AML. METHODS: Thirty-five inpatients or outpatients from the Department of Hematology, the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine were recruited as the test group, while 10 healthy volunteers from the health medical center of the Affiliated Hospital, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine were recruited as the control group. The ID4 gene promoter methylation states were detected using methylation specific polymerase chain reaction (MS-PCR) in the two groups. Inter-group comparison was performed and CMSTs were compared to analyze the correlation between CMSTs and the gene promoter methylation. RESULTS: Twenty-seven AML patients (77.1%) had methylation of ID4 gene, showing statistical difference when compared with the control group (P < 0.01). The ID4 methylation positive rate of ID4 gene promoter methylation was sequenced from low to high as qi and yin deficiency syndrome < inter-accumulation of blood stasis and phlegm syndrome < toxic heat inflaming syndrome, showing statistical difference when compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The peripheral white blood cells and the bone marrow blast cells were higher in ID4 methylation positive patients than in the ID4 methylation negative control patients with statistical difference (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients of inter-accumulation of blood stasis and phlegm syndrome and toxic heat inflaming syndrome were more likely to have ID4 gene methylation. The ID4 methylation positive expression has verified the essence of evil domination in the early AML at the molecular level. It can also reflect the degree of malignancy of AML to some extent.

Study on the correlation between Chinese medical syndrome types and ID4 gene promoter methylation in human acute myeloid leukemia / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the correlation between Chinese medical syndrome type (CMST) and the ID4 gene promoter methylation state in the bone marrow cells of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, and to discuss the correlation between ID4 gene methylation and the occurrence, development of AML.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-five inpatients or outpatients from the Department of Hematology, the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine were recruited as the test group, while 10 healthy volunteers from the health medical center of the Affiliated Hospital, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine were recruited as the control group. The ID4 gene promoter methylation states were detected using methylation specific polymerase chain reaction (MS-PCR) in the two groups. Inter-group comparison was performed and CMSTs were compared to analyze the correlation between CMSTs and the gene promoter methylation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Twenty-seven AML patients (77.1%) had methylation of ID4 gene, showing statistical difference when compared with the control group (P < 0.01). The ID4 methylation positive rate of ID4 gene promoter methylation was sequenced from low to high as qi and yin deficiency syndrome < inter-accumulation of blood stasis and phlegm syndrome < toxic heat inflaming syndrome, showing statistical difference when compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The peripheral white blood cells and the bone marrow blast cells were higher in ID4 methylation positive patients than in the ID4 methylation negative control patients with statistical difference (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Patients of inter-accumulation of blood stasis and phlegm syndrome and toxic heat inflaming syndrome were more likely to have ID4 gene methylation. The ID4 methylation positive expression has verified the essence of evil domination in the early AML at the molecular level. It can also reflect the degree of malignancy of AML to some extent.</p>

[Study on the effect of Yiqi Yangyin Recipe and its different assembling on expressions of Flt3 and N-ras in acute myeloid leukemic cells].

OBJECTIVE: To study the action mechanism of Yiqi Yangyin Recipe (YYR) in treating leukemia by observing the effects of YYR and its different assembling, energy supporting part (P1) and evil dispelling part (P2) on expressions of Flt3 and N-ras gene in acute myeloid leukemic (AML) cells. METHODS: The mononuclear cells collected from bone marrow of 60 AML patients were assigned to four groups: the blank was untreated for control and the three tested groups were treated with YYR, P1 and P2, respectively. The effects on Flt3 and N-ras gene expressions and FLT3 protein expression were observed by RT-PCR and Western bloting. RESULTS: RT-PCR test showed the expression of Flt3 in the control, YYR, P1 and P2, group was 90.78% +/- 6.92%, 38.18% +/- 4.50%, 65.57% +/- 5.55% and 61.35% +/- 6.39%, respectively; and that of N-ras in them 93.28% +/- 5.54%, 34.38% +/- 6.69%, 59.42% +/- 7.35% and 65.28% +/- 7.64%, respectively, both showed significant difference as compared the data in the tested groups with those in the control group (P < 0.05). Western bloting test showed the FLT3 protein gray value in the four groups was 0.8127 +/- 0.0284, 0.4265 +/- 0.0353, 0.5396 +/- 0.0274 and 0.5473 +/- 0.0282, respectively, also showed significant difference between the control and the tested groups (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: YYR can inhibit the colonic proliferation of AML cells, decrease the expressions of FLT3 and N-ras in cells, therefore shows a therapeutic effect on AML.

[Influences of Panax notoginsenosid on spontaneous contraction of small intestine smooth muscle of rabbits in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the influences of Panax notoginsenosid(a compound of Chinese Traditional Medicine) on the spontaneous contraction of small intestine smooth muscle of rabbits in vitro and explore the mechanism. METHODS: The influences of Panax notoginsenosid on the spontaneous contraction of small intestine in intacted rabbits(male or female) after the isothermal perfuse of small intestine in vitro were observed. Bay K8644 and nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME) were added to the normal Tyrode's solution respectively before Panax notoginsenosid. In the Ca2+ free Tyrode's solution, rynodine was added before Panax notoginsenosid. The mechanism of Panax notoginsenosid was studied. RESULTS: Panax notoginsenosid reduced the amplitude of contraction of small intestine smooth muscle in rabbits in a does-depended manner. Bay K8644 and L-NAME could completely block the inhibition of Panax notoginsenosid on the contraction of small intestine smooth muscle. Panax notoginsenosid inhibited significantly the intracellular calcium-depended contraction induced by rynodine in the Ca2+ free Tyrode's solution. CONCLUSION: Panax notoginsenosid inhibits significantly the contraction of small intestine smooth muscle of rabbits in vitro. The mechanism may be related to increase NO concentration in small intestine smooth muscle so that inhibit extracellular Ca2+ inflowing via cell membrane and intracellular Ca2+ releasing via sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Study on the effect of Yiqi Yangyin Recipe and its different assembling on expressions of Flt3 and N-ras in acute myeloid leukemic cells / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the action mechanism of Yiqi Yangyin Recipe (YYR) in treating leukemia by observing the effects of YYR and its different assembling, energy supporting part (P1) and evil dispelling part (P2) on expressions of Flt3 and N-ras gene in acute myeloid leukemic (AML) cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The mononuclear cells collected from bone marrow of 60 AML patients were assigned to four groups: the blank was untreated for control and the three tested groups were treated with YYR, P1 and P2, respectively. The effects on Flt3 and N-ras gene expressions and FLT3 protein expression were observed by RT-PCR and Western bloting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>RT-PCR test showed the expression of Flt3 in the control, YYR, P1 and P2, group was 90.78% +/- 6.92%, 38.18% +/- 4.50%, 65.57% +/- 5.55% and 61.35% +/- 6.39%, respectively; and that of N-ras in them 93.28% +/- 5.54%, 34.38% +/- 6.69%, 59.42% +/- 7.35% and 65.28% +/- 7.64%, respectively, both showed significant difference as compared the data in the tested groups with those in the control group (P < 0.05). Western bloting test showed the FLT3 protein gray value in the four groups was 0.8127 +/- 0.0284, 0.4265 +/- 0.0353, 0.5396 +/- 0.0274 and 0.5473 +/- 0.0282, respectively, also showed significant difference between the control and the tested groups (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>YYR can inhibit the colonic proliferation of AML cells, decrease the expressions of FLT3 and N-ras in cells, therefore shows a therapeutic effect on AML.</p>