[Moxibustion combined with western medication for rheumatoid arthritis with blood stasis obstruction and its effect on platelet activation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy and action mechanism of moxibustion combined with western medication for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with blood stasis obstruction. METHODS: Fifty-six patients of RA with blood stasis obstruction were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, with 28 patients in each group. The patients in the control group were treated with oral administration of leflunomide tablets and celecoxib capsules, while the patients in the observation group were treated with moxibustion in addition to the treatment used in the control group. Moxibustion was performed at bilateral Zusanli (ST 36), Shenshu (BL 23), Xuehai (SP 10), and ashi points, once every other day, three times a week. The treatment duration for both groups was 12 weeks. The TCM syndrome score, disease activity score-28 (DAS-28), rheumatoid factor (RF), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), hemorheological indexes (whole blood viscosity high shear, whole blood viscosity low shear, plasma viscosity), serum calcium ion (Ca2+) level, and platelet count (PLT) were observed before and after treatment, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated after treatment in the two groups. RESULTS: Compared with those before treatment, the TCM syndrome scores, DAS-28 scores, RF, hs-CRP, ESR, whole blood viscosity high shear, whole blood viscosity low shear, plasma viscosity, and PLT were decreased after treatment in both groups (P<0.01), with the observation group showing lower values compared with those in the control group (P<0.05). Compared with those before treatment, the serum Ca2+ levels were increased after treatment in both groups (P<0.01), and the observation group showed a higher increase than that in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 85.7% (24/28) in the observation group, which was higher than 67.9% (19/28) in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Moxibustion combined with western medication could alleviate clinical symptoms in patients with RA of blood stasis obstruction, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of platelet activation.

Docosahexaenoic acid supplementation in gestational diabetes mellitus and neonatal metabolic health biomarkers.

Background and objective: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) "programs" an elevated risk of metabolic dysfunctional disorders in the offspring, and has been associated with elevated leptin and decreased adiponectin levels in cord blood. We sought to assess whether docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation in GDM affects neonatal metabolic health biomarkers especially leptin and adiponectin. Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, singleton pregnant women with de novo diagnosis of GDM at 24-28 weeks of gestation were randomized to dietary supplementation of 500 mg DHA per day (intervention, n = 30) until delivery or standard care (control, n = 38). The primary outcomes were cord blood leptin and total adiponectin concentrations. Secondary outcomes included high-molecular-weight (HMW) adiponectin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations in cord blood, maternal glycemic control post-intervention and birth weight (z score). In parallel, 38 euglycemic pregnant women were recruited for comparisons of cord blood biomarkers. Results: There were no significant differences in cord serum leptin, total and HMW adiponectin and IGF-1 concentrations between DHA supplementation and control groups (all p > 0.05). Maternal fasting and 2-h postprandial blood glucose levels at 12-16 weeks post-intervention were similar between the two groups. The newborns in the DHA group had higher birth weight z scores (p = 0.02). Cord blood total and HMW adiponectin concentrations were significantly lower in GDM vs. euglycemic pregnancies. Conclusion: Docosahexaenoic acid supplementation at 500 mg/day in GDM women did not affect neonatal metabolic biomarkers including leptin, adiponectin and IGF-1. The results are reassuring in light of the absence of influence on neonatal adipokines (leptin and adiponectin), and potential benefits to fetal growth and development. Clinical Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03569501.

[Effects of moxibustion on the ultrastructure of synovial cells of knee joint and serum cytokines in adjuvant arthritis rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of moxibustion on the ultrastructure of synovial cells of knee joint and serum cytokines in adjuvant arthritis (AA) rats, and to explore the potential mechanism of moxibustion in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: Forty-five Wistar male rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group and a moxibustion group, with 15 rats in each group. In the model group and the moxibustion group, the AA model was replicated under wind, cold and humid environment and by injection with complete freund's adjuvant. In the moxibustion group, moxibustion at "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Shenshu" (BL 23) was used, 20 min each time, once daily, for consecutive 21 days. In the normal group and the model group, no intervention was processed. The scores of the knee joint swelling degree (JSD) and arthritis index (AI) were compared among groups. The ultrastructure of synovial cells of knee joint were observed under transmission electron microscope (TEM). The levels of serum cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interieukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6 and IL-10 were detected using ELISA method. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, JSD and AI scores, the levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6 were increased (P<0.01), while IL-10 was reduced (P<0.01) in the model group after intervention. JSD and AI scores, and the levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6 were lower (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the level of IL-10 was higher (P<0.01) in the moxibustion group compared with the model group. Compared with the normal group, the ultrastructure of synovial cell was obviously damaged in the model group, and the damage was attenuated in the moxibustion group compared with the model group. CONCLUSION: Moxibustion can reduce the symptoms of arthritis in AA rats, which may be related to the improvement of the ultrastructure of synovial cells and the regulation of cytokines.

[Influence of acupuncture on the clinical manifestations and gastrointestinal symptoms of children with autism spectrum disorder].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of acupuncture therapy based on "gut-brain axis" on clinical manifestations and gastrointestinal symptoms of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS: A total of 66 children with ASD were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 33 cases in each group. The control group was treated by routine rehabilitation training. On the basis of the control group, the observation group was treated with acupuncture based on "gut-brain axis", and the acupoints were Touwei (ST 8), Shenting (GV 24), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), Tianshu (ST 25), Zhongwan (CV 12), Zusanli (ST 36), etc. Both treatments were given once every other day, 3 times a week, 4 weeks as a course of treatment, consecutively for 3 courses. The scores of autism behavior checklist (ABC), TCM symptoms of gastrointestinal disease and childhood autism rating scale (CARS) were compared between the two groups before and after treatment, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated. RESULTS: After treatment, the scores of ABC, CARS and TCM symptoms of gastrointestinal disease in the two groups were lower than before treatment (P<0.05), and those in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate of the observation group was 90.9% (30/33), which was higher than 81.8% (27/33) in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: On the basis of routine rehabilitation training, acupuncture therapy based on "gut-brain axis" is effective in treating ASD, which can relieve the clinical manifestations and gastrointestinal symptoms.

One-pot green preparation of deep-ultraviolet and dual-emission carbon nanodots for dual-channel ratiometric determination of polyphenol in tea sample.

A novel deep-ultraviolet and dual-emission carbon nanodots (DUCDs)-based dual-channel ratiometric probe was prepared by a one-pot environmental-friendly hydrothermal process using guanidine as the only starting material for sensing polyphenol in tea sample (TPPs). Under the exposure to TPPs, the DUCDs not only provided a characteristic colorimetric response to TPPs, but also displayed TPPs-sensitive ratiometric fluorescence quenching. The detection mechanism was proved to be that enrichment-specific hydroxyl sites (e.g., -NH2 and -COOH) of DUCDs can specifically react with phenolic hydroxyl groups of TPPs to generate dynamic amide and carboxylate bonds by dehydration and/or condensation reaction. As a result, a new carbon nanomaterial with decrement of surface passivation groups, inherent light-absorbing, and invalid fluorescence emission was generated. The ratio (FL297nm/FL395nm) of fluorescence intensity at 297 nm and 395 nm of DUCDs excited at 275 nm decreased with increasing TPPs concentration. The linearity range was 5.0 ng/mL to 100 µg/mL with a detection limit (DL) of 3.5 ± 0.04 ng/mL for TPPs (n = 3, 3σ/k). Colorimetry of DUCDs, best measured as absorbance at 320 nm, was increased linearly in the TPP concentration range 200 ng/mL-200 µg/mL with a DL of 94.7 ± 0.04 ng/mL (n = 3, 3σ/k). The probe was successfully applied to the determination of TPPs in real tea samples, showing potential application prospects in food analysis.

Temporal-spatial variation, source forensics of PAHs and their derivatives in sediment from Songhua River, Northeastern China.

The distribution patterns and health risk assessment of nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAHs), hydroxy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OH-PAHs), and regular 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediment from the Songhua River in northeastern China were investigated in this research. During dry seasons, concentrations of 16 USEPA priority PAHs, OH-PAHs, and NPAHs were extremely high, with average values of 1220 ± 288, 317 ± 641, 2.54 ± 3.98, and 12.2 ± 22.1 ng/g (dry weight, dw). The dry period level was confirmed to be 4 times greater than the wet period concentration. Modeling with positive matrix factorization (PMF) and estimation of diagnostic isomeric ratios were applied for identifying sources, according to the positive matrix factorization model: vehicle emissions (38.1%), biomass burning (25%), petroleum source (23.4%), and diesel engines source (13.5%) in wet season as well as wood combustion (44.1%), vehicle source (40.2%), coke oven (10.8%), and biomass burning (4.9%) in the dry season. The greatest seasonal variability was attributed to high molecular weight compounds (HMW PAHs). BaP was confirmed to be 81% carcinogenic in this study, which offers convincing proof of the escalating health issues.

Predictive Role of Executive Function in the Efficacy of Intermittent Theta Burst Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Modalities for Treating Methamphetamine Use Disorder-A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has therapeutic effects on craving in methamphetamine (METH) use disorder (MUD). The chronic abuse of METH causes impairments in executive function, and improving executive function reduces relapse and improves treatment outcomes for drug use disorder. The purpose of this study was to determine whether executive function helped predict patients' responses to rTMS treatment. Methods: This study employed intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) rTMS modalities and observed their therapeutic effects on executive function and craving in MUD patients. MUD patients from an isolated Drug Rehabilitation Institute in China were chosen and randomly allocated to the iTBS group and sham-stimulation group. All participants underwent the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function - Adult Version Scale (BRIEF-A) and Visual Analog Scales (VAS) measurements. Sixty-five healthy adults matched to the general condition of MUD patients were also recruited as healthy controls. Findings: Patients with MUD had significantly worse executive function. iTBS groups had better treatment effects on the MUD group than the sham-stimulation group. Further Spearman rank correlation and stepwise multivariate regression analysis revealed that reduction rates of the total score of the BRIEF-A and subscale scores of the inhibition factor and working memory factor in the iTBS group positively correlated with improvements in craving. ROC curve analysis showed that working memory (AUC = 87.4%; 95% CI = 0.220, 0.631) and GEC (AUC = 0.761%; 95% CI = 0.209, 0.659) had predictive power to iTBS therapeutic efficacy. The cutoff values are 13.393 and 59.804, respectively. Conclusions: The iTBS rTMS had a better therapeutic effect on the executive function of patients with MUD, and the improved executive function had the potential to become a predictor for the efficacy of iTBS modality for MUD treatment. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: ChiCTR2100046954.

Effect of traditional Chinese medicine compounds on rumen fermentation, methanogenesis and microbial flora in vitro.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of traditional Chinese medicine compounds (TCMC) on rumen fermentation, methane emission and populations of ruminal microbes using an in vitro gas production technique. Cablin patchouli herb (CPH), Atractylodes rhizome (AR), Amur Cork-tree (AC) and Cypsum were mixed with the weight ratios of 1:1:1:0.5 and 1:1:1:1 to make up TCMC1 and TCMC2, respectively. Both TCMC were added at level of 25 g/kg of substrate dry matter. In vitro gas production was recorded and methane concentration was determined at 12 and 24 h of incubation. After 24 h, the incubation was terminated and the inoculants were measured for pH, ammonia nitrogen, volatile fatty acids (VFA). Total deoxyribonucleic acid of ruminal microbes was extracted from the inocula, and populations were determined by a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Populations of total rumen methanogens, protozoa, total fungi, Ruminococcus albus, Fibrobacter succinogenes and Ruminococcus flavefaciens were expressed as a proportion of total rumen bacterial 16S ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid. Compared with the control, the 2 TCMC decreased (P ≤ 0.05) total VFA concentration, acetate molar proportion, acetate to propionate ratio, gas and methane productions at 12 and 24 h, hydrogen (H) produced and consumed, and methanogens and total fungi populations, while the 2 TCMC increased (P ≤ 0.05) propionate molar proportion. Traditional Chinese medicine compound 1 also decreased (P ≤ 0.05) R. flavefaciens population. From the present study, it is inferred that there is an effect of the TCMC in suppressing methanogenesis, probably mediated via indirect mode by channeling H2 utilized for methanogenesis to synthesis of propionate and direct action against the rumen microbes involved in methane formation. In addition, the relative methane reduction potential (RMRP) of TCMC2 was superior to that of TCMC1.

Genomewide DNA Methylation Responses in Patients with ß-Thalassemia Treated with Yisui Shengxue Granules ().

OBJECTIVE: To examine the clinical effects of Yisui Shengxue Granules () in the treatment of ß-thalassemia and explore its mechanism on DNA methylation levels. METHODS: A randomized placebo-controlled double-blinded trial was conducted. Forty patients with ß-thalassemia were recruited and distributed randomly by envelope method into an experimental group and a control group, 20 patients in each group. The patients were given Yisui Shengxue Granules in the experimental group and placebo in the control group (12 g/bag three times a day) during a 3-month intervention. Before and after 1, 2, and 3 months of treatment, peripheral intravenous blood was sampled, and blood parameters such as hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBCs), reticulocytes (Ret), and fetal hemoglobin (HbF) were analyzed. Mononuclear cells from 5 patients, who showed an obvious treatment effect, were isolated by density gradient centrifugation. DNA methylation was analyzed using an Affymetrix USA GeneChip Human Promoter 1.0 Array and Input-promoter 1.0. RESULTS: Compared with pre-treatment, there was an obvious increase in Hb and RBCs counts after 1, 2, and 3 months in the experiment group (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Meanwhile, HbF increased from the 2nd to the 3rd month (P<0.05). In the control group, Hb and RBCs showed no obvioas change. After 3-month treatment, DNA methylation results from 5 patients revealed that there were 24 hypomethylated genes and 3,685 hypermethylated genes compared with pre-treatment. Genes of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) and Janus kinase 3 (JAK3) revealed the most relations with other genes (degree: 21) and genes of 1-phosphatidylinositol-4, 5-bisphosphate phosphodiesterase gamma 2 (PLCG2) and mitogen-activated protein kinase 10 (MAPK10) showed a stronger intermediary role (betweenness centrality=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: JAK3 and MAPK10 are two key genes in bone marrow and the lymphatic system, and JAK3 is likely to be related to hematopoietic cytokines in the process of early hematopoiesis. (Registration No. NCT01549080).

Does Cimicifuga racemosa have the effects like estrogen on the sublingual gland in ovariectomized rats?

BACKGROUND: Cimicifuga racemosa is one of the herbs used for the treatment of climacteric syndrome, and it has been cited as an alternative therapy to estrogen. Apart from hectic fevers, dyspareunia and so on, dry mouth also increase significantly after menopause. It has not yet been reported whether C. racemosa has any impact on the sublingual gland, which may relate to dry mouth. In an attempt to determine this, we have compared the effects of estrogen and C. racemosa on the sublingual gland of ovariectomized rats. RESULTS: HE staining showed that the acinar cell area had contracted and that the intercellular spaces were broadened in the OVX (ovariectomized rats) group, while treatment with estradiol (E2) and iCR (isopropanolic extract of C. racemosa) improved these lesions. Transmission electron microscopy showed that rough endoplasmic reticulum expansion in mucous and serous acinar epithelial cells and apoptotic cells was more commonly seen in the OVX group than in the SHAM (sham-operated rats) group. Mitochondria and plasma membrane infolding lesions in the striated ducts were also observed. These lesions were alleviated by both treatments. It is of note that, in the OVX + iCR group, the volume of mitochondria in the striated duct was larger than in other groups. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the ratio of caspase-3 positive cells was significantly increased in the acinar cells of the OVX group compared with the SHAM group (p < 0.05); and the MA (mean absorbance) of caspase-3 in the striated ducts also increased (p < 0.05). Estradiol decreased the ratio of caspase-3 positive cells and the MA of caspase-3 in striated ducts significantly (p < 0.05). ICR also reduced the ratio of caspase-3 positive cells and the MA in the striated ducts (p < 0.05), but the reduction of the MA in striated ducts was inferior to that of the OVX + E2 group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both estradiol and iCR can inhibit subcellular structural damage, and down-regulate the expression of caspase-3 caused by ovariectomy, but their effects were not identical, suggesting that both drugs confer a protective effect on the sublingual gland of ovariectomized rats, but that the specific location and mechanism of action producing these effects were different.

Does Cimicifuga racemosa have the effects like estrogen on the sublingual gland in ovariectomized rats?

BACKGROUND: Cimicifuga racemosa is one of the herbs used for the treatment of climacteric syndrome, and it has been cited as an alternative therapy to estrogen. Apart from hectic fevers, dyspareunia and so on, dry mouth also increase significantly after menopause. It has not yet been reported whether C. racemosa has any impact on the sublingual gland, which may relate to dry mouth. In an attempt to determine this, we have compared the effects of estrogen and C. racemosa on the sublingual gland of ovariectomized rats. RESULTS: HE staining showed that the acinar cell area had contracted and that the intercellular spaces were broadened in the OVX (ovariectomized rats) group, while treatment with estradiol (E2) and iCR (isopropanolic extract of C. racemosa) improved these lesions. Transmission electron microscopy showed that rough endoplasmic reticulum expansion in mucous and serous acinar epithelial cells and apoptotic cells was more commonly seen in the OVX group than in the SHAM (sham-operated rats) group. Mitochondria and plasma membrane infolding lesions in the striated ducts were also observed. These lesions were alleviated by both treatments. It is of note that, in the OVX + iCR group, the volume of mitochondria in the striated duct was larger than in other groups. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the ratio of caspase-3 positive cells was significantly increased in the acinar cells of the OVX group compared with the SHAM group (p < 0.05); and the MA (mean absorbance) of caspase-3 in the striated ducts also increased (p < 0.05). Estradiol decreased the ratio of caspase-3 positive cells and the MA of caspase-3 in striated ducts significantly (p < 0.05). ICR also reduced the ratio of caspase-3 positive cells and the MA in the striated ducts (p < 0.05), but the reduction of the MA in striated ducts was inferior to that of the OVX + E2 group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both estradiol and iCR can inhibit subcellular structural damage, and down-regulate the expression of caspase-3 caused by ovariectomy, but their effects were not identical, suggesting that both drugs confer a protective effect on the sublingual gland of ovariectomized rats, but that the specific location and mechanism of action producing these effects were different.

Clinical Effect and Mechanism of Yisui Shengxue Granules in Thalassemia Patients with Mild, Moderate, or Severe Anemia.

Yisui Shengxue granules, which is a Chinese traditional medicine, can increase hemoglobin, red blood cells, and Ret of thalassemia patients with mild, moderate, and severe anemia and thus relieve clinical anemia symptoms. Studies on mechanism found that Yisui Shengxue granules can increase the proliferation ability of hematopoietic stem cells. Emodin promoted colony forming of hematopoietic stem cells. Yisui Shengxue granules can increase the activity of GSH-PX in bone marrow blood and decreased the severity of inclusion bodies on the cytomembrane of RBCs. YSSXG attenuated anemia symptoms in patients with thalassemia mostly by increasing the proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells and decreasing the hemolysis of RBCs.

The protective mechanism of schisandrin A in d-galactosamine-induced acute liver injury through activation of autophagy.

CONTEXT: The principal bioactive lignan of Schisandra chinensis fructus, commonly used for traditional Chinese medicine, is schisandrin A. Schisandrin A has been widely reported as being very effective for the treatment of liver disease. However, the mechanisms of its protective effects in liver remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: To explore the hepatoprotective mechanisms of schisandrin A. MATERIALS AND METHODS: d-Galactosamine (d-GalN)-induced liver injury in mice was used as a model. Schisandrin A was examined for its protective mechanisms using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blotting and real-time PCR (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Aspartate amino-transferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels in the schisandrin A group were significantly decreased (p < 0.01) compared with those in the d-GalN-treated group. HE results showed that the pathological changes in hepatic tissue seen in the d-GalN-treated were reduced in the schisandrin A/d-GalN-treated group, with the morphological characteristics being close to those of the control (untreated) group. Western blotting results showed that schisandrin A can activate autophagy flux and inhibit progression of apoptosis. The immune function of the schisandrin A-pretreated group was assayed by flow cytometry. It was found that the mechanism may involve activated autophagy flux, inhibited apoptosis, and improved immunity in response to liver damage. CONCLUSION: Our results show that the hepatoprotective mechanisms of schisandrin A may include activation of autophagy flux and inhibition of apoptosis. These results provide pharmacological evidence supporting its future clinical application.

Molecular mechanism of yisui shengxue granule, a complex chinese medicine, on thalassemia patients suffering from hemolysis and anemia of erythrocytes.

The objective of this study was to investigate the therapeutic biological mechanism of Yisui Shengxue Granule (YSSXG), a complex Chinese medicine, on the hemolysis and anemia of erythrocytes from patient with thalassemia disease. Sixteen patients with thalassemia (8 cases of α-thalassemia and 8 cases of ß-thalassemia) disease were collected and treated with YSSXG for 3 months. The improvements of blood parameter demonstrated that YSSXG had a positive clinical effect on patients with thalassemia disease. For patients with α-thalassemia disease, RT-PCR showed that YSSXG upregulated the relative mRNA expression level of α-globin to ß-globin and downregulated DNMT1, DNMT3a, and DNMT3b mRNA compared with pretreatment. Western blotting showed that YSSXG downregulated the expression of DNMT1 and DNMT3a. For patients with ß-thalassemia disease, the relative expression level of (A) γ-globin to α-globin had an increasing trend and the level of BCL11A mRNA expression obviously increased. For all patients, RT-PCR showed that YSSXG upregulated mRNA expression of SPTA1 and SPTB. Activities of SOD and GSH-Px significantly increased and MDA obviously reduced on erythrocyte and blood serum after YSSXG treatment. TEM showed that YSSXG decreased the content of inclusion bodies. Activities of Na(+)K(+)-ATPtase and T-ATPtase of erythrocyte increased significantly after YSSXG treatment. This study provides the basis for mechanisms of YSSXG on thalassemia suffering with hemolysis and anemia of erythrocytes from patient.

Effect of Yisui Shengxue Granule () on the oxidative damage of erythrocytes from patients with hemoglobin H disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Yisui Shengxue Granule (, YSSXG), a complex Chinese medicine, on the oxidative damage of erythrocytes from patients with hemoglobin H (HbH) disease. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with HbH disease and 22 healthy volunteers were observed. YSSXG was given to patients with HbH disease for 3 months. Before and after the 3-month treatment, blood parameters [hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBCs), and reticulocyte percent (Ret)] were examined; inclusion bodies in erythrocytes were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM); activities of antioxidant defense enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (Cat)] and erythrocyte membrane malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were determined. RESULTS: In patients with HbH disease, measured values of RBC and Hb obtained from the first to the third months after treatment with YSSXG were significantly higher than before treatment (P<0.01). Measured values of Ret from the second to the third months after treatment were significantly lower than before treatment (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). Prior to treatment with YSSXG, TEM images of RBCs showed the presence of numerous inclusion bodies. After treatment with YSSXG, the amount and volume of inclusion bodies decreased. Treatment with YSSXG also led to a significant increase in SOD activity (P<0.01), a decrease in Cat activity (P<0.01), and no significant differences in GSHPx activity (P>0.05) or MDA concentration (P>0.05). However, compared with the healthy counterparts, SOD, GSH-Px, and Cat activities presented at high levels (P<0.01) both before and after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: YSSXG could improve the degree of hemolysis and anemia in patients with HbH disease. The mechanism may be related to its antioxidative effects, which could elevate the activity of total SOD in erythrocytes and efficiently inhibit the oxidative precipitation of ß-globin chains.

[A family survey of syndromes of traditional Chinese medicine in patients with beta-thalassemia].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between syndromes of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and genetic background in patients with beta-thalassemia. METHODS: TCM syndromes were surveyed in the selected 78 patients with beta-thalassemia intermedia including 120 parents. The gene mutations were detected separately. The frequency and score of TCM syndromes between the offspring and their parents in different family types were analyzed, and the differences were compared. RESULTS: The 73 families were divided into two family types by hereditary characteristics. Family type one meant that genotypes of one of the parents were normal, while the offspring genotypes were heterozygous and were exactly the same as another parent. In the 22 families of type one, the heterozygous offspring manifested 6 high-frequency symptoms and signs such as spontaneous perspiration, dry mouth and dry throat, pale or sallow complexion, tidal fever and night sweating, lassitude and pale fingernails. The heterozygous parents manifested 5 high-frequency symptoms and signs such as lassitude in loins and knees, dizziness, aversion to cold and cold limbs, tinnitus, dry mouth and dry throat. The normal parents manifested 3 high-frequency symptoms and signs such as lassitude in loins and knees, dizziness, and spontaneous perspiration. TCM syndrome score in the heterozygous offspring was higher than that in the heterozygous and normal parents, but there was no significant difference (P>0.05). Family type two meant that genotypes of both parents were heterozygous, while the offspring genotypes were heterogenic duplex heterozygotes. In the 51 families of type two, the offspring manifested 9 high-frequency symptoms and signs such as pale or sallow complexion, spontaneous perspiration, dry mouth and dry throat, pale fingernails, tidal fever and night sweating, lassitude, frequent attack of common cold, dysphoria with feverish sensation in chest, and yellow discoloration of the skin and sclera. The parents manifested 3 high-frequency symptoms and signs such as lassitude in loins and knees, dizziness, aversion to cold and cold limbs. TCM syndrome score in the offspring was significant higher than that in the parents (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: In the two family types, TCM syndrome in the offspring is of yin-blood deficiency, while the syndrome of the parents is of kidney deficiency. The differences of TCM syndromes between the offspring and the parents may have some relations to the type of mutant genes and genetically modified ingredients. This research provides scientific evidence to TCM syndrome differentiation treatment of thalassemia.

Observations on after-effect duration of kidney-nourishing and marrow-replenishing therapy on 58 cases of Mediterranean anemia.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the after-effect duration of kidney-nourishing and marrow-replenishing therapy on Mediterranean anemia. METHODS: To observe the kidney-nourishing and marrow-replenishing therapy on 58 cases of Mediterranean anemia and the influence of various relative factors on the after-effect duration. RESULTS: The after-effect duration on 58 cases varied from 3-6 months, about 4 months on average, and was not influenced by sex, clinical types, genetic types, types of Mediterranean anemia and other factors. CONCLUSION: Kidney-nourishing and marrow-replenishing therapy used to treat Mediterranean anemia can not only produce good therapeutic effect during treatment but also keep after effect lasting for about 4 months, indicating that the therapy used to treat Mediterranean anemia has good clinical after effect.

[Clinical observation of Yisui Shengxue Granule in treating 25 patients with hemoglobin H disease].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of Yisui Shengxue Granule (YSSXG), a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine for reinforcing kidney and nourishing blood, in treating hemoglobin H (HbH) disease. METHODS: YSSXG was given orally to 25 patients with HbH disease in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (high incidence area for HbH disease in China) for 3 months as one therapeutic course, 3 times a day, 10 g YSSXG was given each time (dose of YSSXG for children should be reduced properly), and blood transfusion was not given to HbH patients during the course of treatment. The levels of hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC), HbH and reticulocyte (Ret) were observed before and after YSSXG treatment, and side effects were observed during the course of treatment. Meanwhile, the genotype was examined, and the clinical efficacy of YSSXG in treating HbH patients with different genotype was evaluated. RESULTS: The levels of Hb, RBC and Ret were obviously increased after YSSXG treatment from the first month to the end of treatment (P<0.01). After YSSXG treatment, the levels of Hb, RBC, Ret in 12 HbH patients with gene deletion were elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the levels of Hb and Ret in 13 HbH patients with gene non-deletion were increased obviously (P<0.05, P<0.01). The total response rate was 84% after 3-month treatment, and there was no statistical difference in clinical efficacy between gene deletion HbH patients and non-deletion HbH patients. No adverse effect was observed during the course of treatment. CONCLUSION: YSSXG is effective and safe for treatment of HbH disease. YSSXG can improve the levels of Hb, RBC and Ret in HbH patients, especially in gene deletion HbH patients.

[Treatment of beta-thalassemia with Bushen Yisui therapy: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of Yisui Shengxue Granule (YSSXG), a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, in treating beta-thalassemia. METHODS: A randomized single-blinded trial was designed. Sixty patients with beta-thalassemia were divided into two groups: 30 patients in YSSXG-treated group and 30 in placebo parallel-control group. The patients in the two groups were assigned to receive either YSSXG or placebo for three months. The patients' symptoms and their blood indexes such as hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC), reticulocytes (Ret) and fetal hemoglobin (HBF) were examined before and after the treatment. Meanwhile, the liver and spleen were examined with B-mode ultrasound. RESULTS: In the YSSXG-treated group, the blood indexes (Hb, RBC, Ret and HBF) and the symptoms of the patients were improved after three-month treatment, with statistical significance compared to those before treatment (P<0.01); hepatauxe and splenomegaly were also relieved (P<0.05) and no adverse reactions were monitored. In the placebo parallel-control group, no significant improvement of the blood indexes and symptoms, as well as the hepatauxe and splenomegaly had been found (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: YSSXG demonstrates obvious clinical efficacy and no adverse reactions in treating beta-thalassemia.

The effects of angelica essential oil in social interaction and hole-board tests.

In our previous studies, we have demonstrated the anxiolytic effects of angelica essential oil in three anxiety models using mice. This study aimed to characterize the similar behavior effects of angelica essential oil in the social interaction test of anxiety and the hole-board test of exploration and locomotor activity in rats. These results indicate that angelica essential oil possessed a wide range of anxiolytic properties. In the social interaction test, angelica essential oil decreased aggressive behaviors at the doses of 21 and 42 mg/kg, while the doses of 21 and 42 mg/kg significantly increased social interaction time of the high light, unfamiliar test condition and 21 mg/kg could also prolong social interaction time of the high light, familiar test condition. In the hole-board test, angelica essential oil at 10.5 mg/kg significantly increased head-dipping counts and duration. Thus, our findings suggest the potential usefulness of angelica essential oil against various types of anxiety-related disorders and social failure.