Endodontic Radiopacifying Application of Barium Titanate Prepared through a Combination of Mechanical Milling and Heat Treatment.

Mineral trioxide aggregates (MTA) are commonly used as endodontic filling materials but suffer from a long setting time and tooth discoloration. In the present study, the feasibility of using barium titanate (BTO) for discoloration and a calcium chloride (CaCl2) solution to shorten the setting time was investigated. BTO powder was prepared using high-energy ball milling for 3 h, followed by sintering at 700-1300 °C for 2 h. X-ray diffraction was used to examine the crystallinity and crystalline size of the as-milled and heat-treated powders. MTA-like cements were then prepared using 20-40 wt.% BTO as a radiopacifier and solidified using a 0-30% CaCl2 solution. The corresponding radiopacity, diametral tensile strength (DTS), initial and final setting times, and discoloration performance were examined. The experimental results showed that for the BTO powder prepared using a combination of mechanical milling and heat treatment, the crystallinity and crystalline size increased with the increasing sintering temperature. The BTO sintered at 1300 °C (i.e., BTO-13) exhibited the best radiopacity and DTS. The MTA-like cement supplemented with 30% BTO-13 and solidified with a 10% CaCl2 solution exhibited a radiopacity of 3.68 ± 0.24 mmAl and a DTS of 2.54 ± 0.28 MPa, respectively. In the accelerated discoloration examination using UV irradiation, the color difference was less than 1.6 and significantly lower than the clinically perceptible level (3.7). This novel MTA exhibiting a superior color stability, shortened setting time, and excellent biocompatibility has potential for use in endodontic applications.

Baicalin attenuated metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation via the p62-Keap1-Nrf2 signalling pathway in db/db mice.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the main cause of chronic liver disease. Baicalin (Bai), a bioactive molecule found in Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, possesses antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. These activities suggest Bai could be a promising therapeutic agent against NAFLD; however, its specific effects and underlying mechanism are still not clear. This study aims to explore the effect of Bai to attenuate MAFLD and associated molecular mechanisms. Bai (50, 100 or 200 mg/kg) was orally administered to db/db mice with MAFLD for 4 weeks or db/m mice as the normal control. Bai markedly attenuated lipid accumulation, cirrhosis and hepatocytes apoptosis in the liver tissues of MAFLD mice, suggesting strong ability to attenuate MAFLD. Bai significantly reduced proinflammatory biomarkers and enhanced antioxidant enzymes, which appeared to be modulated by the upregulated p62-Keap1-Nrf2 signalling cascade; furthermore, cotreatment of Bai and all-trans-retinoic acid (Nrf2 inhibitor) demonstrated markedly weakened liver protective effects by Bai and its induced antioxidant and antiinflammatory responses. The present study supported the use of Bai in attenuating MAFLD as a promising therapeutic agent, and its strong mechanism of action in association with the upregulating the p62-keap1-Nrf2 pathway.

Applying latent tree analysis to classify Traditional Chinese Medicine syndromes (Zheng) in patients with psoriasis vulgari.

OBJECTIVE: To treat patients with psoriasis vulgaris using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), one must stratify patients into subtypes (known as TCM syndromes or Zheng) and apply appropriate TCM treatments to different subtypes. However, no unified symptom-based classification scheme of subtypes (Zheng) exists for psoriasis vulgaris. The present paper aims to classify patients with psoriasis vulgaris into different subtypes via the analysis of clinical TCM symptom and sign data. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in Beijing from 2005-2008, collecting clinical TCM symptom and sign data from 2764 patients with psoriasis vulgaris. Roughly 108 symptoms and signs were initially analyzed using latent tree analysis, with a selection of the resulting latent variables then used as features to cluster patients into subtypes. RESULTS: The initial latent tree analysis yielded a model with 43 latent variables. The second phase of the analysis divided patients into three subtype groups with clear TCM Zheng connotations: 'blood deficiency and wind dryness'; 'blood heat'; and 'blood stasis'. CONCLUSIONS: Via two-phase analysis of clinic symptom and sign data, three different Zheng subtypes were identified for psoriasis vulgaris. Statistical characteristics of the three subtypes are presented. This constitutes an evidence-based solution to the syndromedifferentiation problem that exists with psoriasis vulgaris.

Polysaccharide extracts of Astragalus membranaceus and Atractylodes macrocephala promote intestinal epithelial cell migration by activating the polyamine-mediated K+ channel.

Astragalus membranaceus (Radix Astragali, RA) and Atractylodes macrocephala (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, RAM) are often used to treat gastrointestinal diseases. In the present study, we determined the effects of polysaccharides extracts from these two herbs on IEC-6 cell migration and explored the potential underlying mechanisms. A migration model with IEC-6 cells was induced using a single-edged razor blade along the diameter of cell layers in six-well polystyrene plates. The cells were grown in control media or media containing spermidine (5 µmol·L-1, SPD), alpha-difluoromethylornithine (2.5 mmol·L-1, DFMO), 4-Aminopyridine (40 µmol·L-1, 4-AP), the polysaccharide extracts of RA or RAM (50, 100, or 200 mg·L-1), DFMO plus SPD, or DFMO plus polysaccharide extracts of RA or RAM for 12 or 24 h. Next, cytosolic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]cyt) was measured using laser confocal microscopy, and cellular polyamine content was quantified with HPLC. Kv1.1 mRNA expression was assessed using RT-qPCR and Kv1.1 and RhoA protein expressions were measured with Western blotting analysis. A cell migration assay was carried out using Image-Pro Plus software. In addition, GC-MS was introduced to analyze the monosaccharide composition of both polysaccharide extracts. The resutls showed that treatment with polysaccharide extracts of RA or RAM significantly increased cellular polyamine content, elevated [Ca2+]cyt and accelerated migration of IEC-6 cells, compared with the controls (P < 0.01). Polysaccharide extracts not only reversed the inhibitory effects of DFMO on cellular polyamine content and [Ca2+]cyt, but also restored IEC-6 cell migration to control level (P < 0.01 or < 0.05). Kv1.1 mRNA and protein expressions were increased (P < 0.05) after polysaccharide extract treatment in polyamine-deficient IEC-6 cells and RhoA protein expression was increased. Molar ratios of D-ribose, D-arabinose, L-rhamnose, D-mannose, D-glucose, and D-galactose was 1.0 : 14.1 : 0.3 : 19.9 : 181.3 : 6.3 in RA and 1.0 : 4.3 : 0.1 : 5.7 : 2.8 : 2.2 in RAM. In conclusion, treatment with RA and RAM polysaccharide extracts stimulated migration of intestinal epithelial cells via a polyamine-Kv1.1 channel activated signaling pathway, which facilitated intestinal injury healing.

An investigation of fungal contamination on the surface of medicinal herbs in China.

BACKGROUND: The dried parts of medicinal herbs are susceptible to the infection of fungi during pre- or post-harvest procedure. This study aimed to investigate the presence of fungi and their metabolites mycotoxins on the surface of medicinal herbs collected from China. METHODS: Forty-five retail samples of 15 different medicinal herbs were collected from 3 different regions in China. Then the potential fungi were immediately washed off from the surface of each sample with 0.1% Tween-20 followed by incubation of the rinse on petri-dish with potato dextrose agar containing chloramphenicol at 28 °C. The obtained fungi were isolated as single colonies and then characterized by morphology and molecular identification using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing with extracted DNA. Meanwhile, the mycotoxin-producing potential of the isolates was studied by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). RESULTS: A total of 126 fungi were identified from the surface of samples by morphology and ITS sequencing, with Aspergillus and Penicillium genera as the predominant contaminants. The mycotoxin-producing potential analysis showed that 6 of 8 A. versicolor isolates could produce sterigmatocystin. All 3 A. aculeatus isolates produced ochratoxin A, but only 1 of 3 A. flavus strains produced aflatoxins B1 and B2 without G1 and G2. Although the sample contamination ratios were high (≥95.6%), there was no significant difference (χ2 = 1.05, P = 1.0) among the samples from 3 regions, which demonstrates the prevalent fungal contamination in the herbal medicines. CONCLUSION: The prevalent contamination phenomenon of fungi and high potential risk of sterigmatocystin and ochratoxin A were observed in 45 medicinal herbs collected from China.

Serum MicroRNA Profiling and Bioinformatics of Patients with Spleen-Deficiency Syndrome.

To investigate serum microRNA (miRNA) profile and bioinformatics of patients with spleen-deficiency syndrome (SDS) and explore pathogenesis of SDS patients from miRNA levels, 10 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), within which 5 patients were with SDS and the remaining were with blood stasis syndrome (BSS), and 5 healthy volunteers were recruited. Serum miRNA profiles of SDS patients were identified by quantitative PCR array. Target prediction and functional annotation for miRNAs were performed by miRSystem database. The present study identified 11 candidate serum miRNAs for SDS patients, and their targets were significantly enriched in 18 KEGG pathways and 7 GO molecular functions. Those enriched KEGG pathways included (1) metabolisms of carbohydrate, protein, amino acid, and fatty acid, (2) signaling pathways of insulin, ErbB, chemokine, calcium, and type II diabetes mellitus, (3) invasions of bacterium, Escherichia coli, and Shigella (Shigellosis), and (4) endocytosis and phagocytosis. Those enriched GO molecular functions were mainly involved in transcription regulation and regulation of metabolism. Our findings might elucidate the pathogenesis of SDS patients with disorders of substance metabolism and hypoimmunity from miRNA levels, as well as providing some miRNA biomarkers for clinical syndrome differentiation of SDS.

Specific polyunsaturated fatty acids modulate lipid delivery and oocyte development in C. elegans revealed by molecular-selective label-free imaging.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) exhibit critical functions in biological systems and their importance during animal oocyte maturation has been increasingly recognized. However, the detailed mechanism of lipid transportation for oocyte development remains largely unknown. In this study, the transportation of yolk lipoprotein (lipid carrier) and the rate of lipid delivery into oocytes in live C. elegans were examined for the first time by using coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy. The accumulation of secreted yolk lipoprotein in the pseudocoelom of live C. elegans can be detected by CARS microscopy at both protein (~1665 cm(-1)) and lipid (~2845 cm(-1)) Raman bands. In addition, an image analysis protocol was established to quantitatively measure the levels of secreted yolk lipoprotein aberrantly accumulated in PUFA-deficient fat mutants (fat-1, fat-2, fat-3, fat-4) and PUFA-supplemented fat-2 worms (the PUFA add-back experiments). Our results revealed that the omega-6 PUFAs, not omega-3 PUFAs, play a critical role in modulating lipid/yolk level in the oocytes and regulating reproductive efficiency of C. elegans. This work demonstrates the value of using CARS microscopy as a molecular-selective label-free imaging technique for the study of PUFA regulation and oocyte development in C. elegans.

[Effects of Methanol Extracts from Atractylodes macrocephalae Rhizoma on Small Intestinal Epi- thelial Cell Proliferation and Migration, and Expression of Phospholipase C-γl].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of methanol extracts from Atractylodes macro- cephalae Rhizoma (AMR) on the proliferation and migration of IEC-6 cell (small intestinal epithelial cells) and the expression of phospholipase C-γ1 (PLC-γ1) , and to explore the mechanism of AMR (a Chinese herb capable of invigorating Pi replenishing qi) for promoting repair of gastrointestinal mucosal injury. METHODS: IEC-6 cells were divided into the blank group, the positive control (spermidine, SPD; 5 µmol/L) group, AMR extracts groups (50, 100, and 200 mg/L). The alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO, polyamines synthesis inhibitor) group, the SPD +DFMO group, AMR extracts (50, 100, and 200 mg/L) +DF- MO groups were set up in stress test. IEC-6 cells were cultured by adherence for 24 h,and then treated with AMR extracts for appropriate periods of time. Effects of IEC-6 cell proliferation after action of AMR extracts were detected by Real-time Cell Analyzer (RTCA). The effect of AMR extracts on IEC-6 cell migration number was detected using scratch method. mRNA and protein expressions of PLC-γ1 levels were detected by fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction ( RT-qPCR) and Western blot respectively. RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, AMR extracts showed no obvious effect on IEC-6 cell proliferation (P >0. 05). But SPD and AMR extracts (100 and 200 mg/L) not only promoted IEC-6 cell migration (P <0. 01), but also improved mRNA and protein expressions of PLC-γl in the process of cell migration (P <0. 01). Compared with the DFMO group, SPD and AMR extracts (100 and 200 mg/L) could reverse inhibitory effects of DFMO on cell migration, and mRNA and protein expressions of PLC-γl (all P <0. 01). CONCLUSION: AMR extracts played roles in repairing gastrointestinal mucosal injury possibly by promoting polyamine mediated intestinal epithelial cell migration, and its effect on intestinal epithelial cell proliferation was not main potentcy.

[Effect of citric acid stimulation on salivary alpha-amylase, total protein, salivary flow rate and pH value in Pi deficiency children].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of citric acid stimulation on salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), total protein (TP), salivary flow rate, and pH value between Pi deficiency (PD) children and healthy children, thereby providing evidence for Pi controlling saliva theory. METHODS: Twenty PD children were recruited, and 29 healthy children were also recruited at the same time. Saliva samples from all subjects were collected before and after citric acid stimulation. The sAA activity and amount, TP contents, salivary flow rate, and pH value were determined and compared. RESULTS: (1) Citric acid stimulation was able to significantly increase salivary flow rate, pH value, sAA activities, sAA specific activity and sAA amount (including glycosylated and non-glycosylated sAA amount) in healthy children (P<0.05), while it could markedly increase salivary flow rate, pH value, and glycosylated sAA levels in PD children (P<0.05); (2) Although there was no statistical difference in determined salivary indices between the two groups (P>0.05), salivary indices except salivary flow rate and glycosylated sAA levels decreased more in PD children. There was statistical difference in sAA activity ratio, sAA specific activity ratio, and the ratio of glycosylated sAA levels between PD children and healthy children (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: PD children had decreased response to citric acid stimulation.

[Comparative Study on Effects of Anti-contusion Injury, Analgesia and Anti-inflammation of Root and Stem of Zanthoxylum nitidum].

OBJECTIVE: To provide the scientific evidence for expansion of medicinal parts of Zanthoxylum nitidum by comparing the effects of anti-contusion injury, analgesia and anti-inflammation of its root and stem. METHODS: The pharmacological effects between root and stem of Zanthoxylum nitidum were compared by observing the anti-injury effect in rats with injury struck by hammer. The analgesic effect in mice was evaluated by writhing test and hot plate test, and the anti-inflammatory effect on paw edema induced by carrageenan and granuloma induced by cotton pellet were investigated in rats. RESULTS: Both root and stem of Zanthoxylum nitidum relieved the exterior and histological symptoms of rats' injury legs struck by hammer, decreased the numbers of mice's writhing, enhanced pain threshold of mice on heat plate, inhibited the edema of rats induced by carrageenan, and suppressed the granuloma of rats induced by cotton pellet. CONCLUSION: Stem of Zanthoxylum nitidum has similar effects of anti-contusion injury, analgesia and anti-inflammation with root of Zanthoxylum nitidum.

[GC-MS analysis and cytotoxic activity of the supercritical extracts from roots and stems of Zanthoxylum nitidum].

The volatile components of roots and stems of Zanthoxylum nitidum were investigated by supercritical fluid carbon dioxide extraction (SFE-CO2) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS). Thirty-one and fifty-one compounds were identified in the supercritical extracts from roots and stems of Z. nitidum, respectively, and total twenty-seven compounds were the common constituents. Among them, the major constituents in root and stem supercritical extracts were spathulenol (18.49 and 26.18%), n-hexadecanoic acid (14.24% and 12.79%), ar-tumerone (6.95% and 8.88%), oleic acid (8.39% and 5.71%) and hexanoic acid (4.39% and 7.78%). The in-vitro MTT assay showed that the volatile components of roots and stems of Z. nitidum did not exhibited any cytotoxic activity against human cancer Huh-7 and normal IEC-6 cells. These results indicated the same nature of the volatile constituents in the root and stem of Z. nitidum. This investigation may provide further evidence for expansion of medicinal parts of Z. nitidum.

[A high throughput coupled with high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for determination of aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2 in 10 traditional Chinese medicines].

As the dilution procedure was applied, a simple, rapid and cost-effective high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for determination of aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, and G2 was successfully by performed in a total 83 samples of 10 traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), which were collected from 5 different hospital pharmacies and 5 different medical stores in Guangzhou city. Matrix effects of these 10 TCMs were ranged from 80.23% to 115.5% in low, intermediate and high concentration levels, indicating that the negative effect was overcome in this study. Meanwhile, the analysis method was proved to be stable and reliable during the whole analysis using Semen Armeniacae Amarum spiked 3 concentration levels of standard solution as quality control samples and the RSD < 6.6% was obtained. The contamination levels of 83 investigated samples were 13.89% and 17.02% in hospital pharmacies and medical stores, respectively. The result was presented to provide relevant reference and supplement to those researchers in TCMs analysis and screening.

Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz promotes intestinal epithelial restitution via the polyamine--voltage-gated K+ channel pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (AMK) has been used widely as a digestive and tonic in traditional Chinese medicine. AMK has shown noteworthy promoting effect on intestinal epithelial cell migration, which might represent a promising candidate for the treatment of intestinal mucosa injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of AMK on intestinal mucosal restitution and the underlying mechanisms via IEC-6 cell migration model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A wounding model of IEC-6 cells was induced by a single-edge razor blade along the diameter of six-well polystyrene plates. The cells were grown in control cultures and in cultures containing spermidine (5 µmol/L, SPD, reference drug), alpha-difluoromethylornithine (2.5 mmol/L, DFMO, polyamine inhibitor), AMK (50, 100, and 200 µg/mL), DFMO plus SPD and DFMO plus AMK for 24h. The membrane potential (MP) and cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]cyt) were detected by flow cytometry, and polyamines content was determined via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The expression of Kv1.1 mRNA and protein levels were assessed by RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. Cell migration assay was carried out using the Image-Pro Plus software. All of these indexes were used to evaluate the effectiveness of AMK. RESULTS: (1) Treatment with AMK caused significant increases in cellular polyamines content, membrane hyperpolarization, an elevation of [Ca(2+)]cyt and an acceleration of cell migration in IEC-6 cells, as compared to control group. (2) AMK not only reversed the inhibitory effects of DFMO on the polyamines content, MP, and [Ca(2+)]cyt but also restored IEC-6 cell migration to control levels. (3) The Kv1.1 mRNA and protein expression were significantly increased by AMK treatment in control and polyamine-deficient IEC-6 cells. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our current studies revealed that treatment with AMK significantly stimulates the migration of intestinal epithelial cells through polyamine-Kv1.1 channel signaling pathway, which could promote the healing of intestinal injury. These results suggest the potential usefulness of AMK to cure intestinal disorders characterized by injury and ineffective repair of the intestinal mucosa.

[Separation and molecular identification of fungal contamination on surface of 15 Chinese herbal medicines].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate fungal contamination on the surface of Chinese herbal medicines and explore an appropriate method for fast and efficient identification of contaminant fungi. METHOD: Chinese herbal medicines were first washed and the washing solution was plated onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) to obtain the pure isolates. For molecular identification, two new pairs of specific primers were designed according to ITS region of fungi genome sequences. The strains were identified through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequence analysis. RESULT: Fifty fungal strains were obtained from the surface of 15 Chinese herbal medicines with the percent of contaminated samples of 93.3%. Twenty-seven strains among them were successfully identified. CONCLUSION: Fungal contamination on the surface of Chinese herbal medicines is quite common. Although different fungal species were isolated, the genus Aspergillus was the predominant. The primer pairs developed in this study are compatible and can be used to identify fungal species from the surface of Chinese herbal medicines.

[Determination of aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2 in armeniacae semen amarum by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry].

A simple, rapid and cost-effective high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/ MS) method was established for simultaneous determination of aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2) in Armeniacae Semen Amarum and the application was performance in 11 samples collected from different markets, medical stores and hospitals. The sample was extracted with 84% acetonitrile/water and 250 microL extraction was directly injected into a LC-MS/MS system without further purification procedure after being redissolved with methanol. The LC separation was performed on a C18 column with a linear gradient elution program of 4 mmol x L(-1) NH4 Ac-0.1% formic acid solution and menthol as the mobile phase. Selected reaction monitoring (SRM) was used for selective determination of the four aflatoxins on a triple quadruple mass spectrometer, which was operated in positive ionization modes. All the four aflatoxins showed a good linear relationship with r > 0.999 0, the average recoveries were between 87.88% and 102.9% and the matrix effect was ranged from 90.71% to 99.30% in low, intermediate and high levels. Furthermore, the higher recovery was obtained by the method reported in this study, comparing to the cleanup procedure with the Mycosep 226 purification column. Eleven samples collected were detected and the contamination levels of the AFB1 were between 1.590-2.340 microg x kg(-1) and the AF (B1 + B2 + G1 + G2) was ranged from 2.340 to 3.340 microg x kg(-1). In summary, the developed method was suitable to detect and screen AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2 in Armeniacae Semen Amarum.

[Effect of sijunzi decoction on the intestinal glucose absorption in model rats of Pi-qi deficiency syndrome: an experimental research].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Sijunzi Decoction (SD) on the intestinal absorption of glucose in model rats of Pi-qi deficiency syndrome (PQDS). METHODS: PQDS rat model was established by subcutaneous injection of reserpine from the neck. The body weight and urine D-xylose excretion rates were measured. The glucose uptake rate was measured by jejunum perfusion. The intestinal mucosa was collected. The glucose transporter-2 (GLUT2) protein and mRNA expression levels were detected. RESULTS: Compared with the normal control group, the body weight and D-xylose excretion rates decreased in the model group. Meanwhile, the glucose uptake and GLUT2 protein and mRNA expression levels decreased in the model group. The aforesaid indices were improved in the SD group. CONCLUSION: SD could promote the recovery of glucose uptake in the small intestine of reserpine induced PQDS rats.

[Effects of ginsenoside Re on glucose absorption in Caco-2 cells].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the infection of ginsenoside Re on the absorption of glucose in Caco-2 cells. METHODS: The Ca-co-2 cells were incubated with phloretin and ginsenoside Re. LC-MS/MS was used to detect the absorption of glucose in cells through the stable isotope tracer technique, and to detect the GLUT2 protein and mRNA expression level. RESULTS: Phloretin could inhibit the absorption of glucose significantly. 50 micromol/L ginsenoside Re could improve the glucose absorption inhibited by phloretin,and increase the GLUT2 protein and mRNA expression level. CONCLUSION: Ginsenoside Re can promote the absorption of glucose in Caco-2 cells and reverse the inhibition of phloretin, the mechanism of improving glucose absorption was maybe through regulating GLUT2.

Research on differentially expressed genes related to substance and energy metabolism between healthy volunteers and splenasthenic syndrome patients with chronic superficial gastritis / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the metabolic states of the lipids, protein, carbohydrate, and nucleic acid for chronic superficial gastritis patients of splenasthenic syndrome (SS), and to explore the pathogenesis mechanism of SS based on substance and energy metabolisms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>During June 2004 to March 2005, recruited were four chronic superficial gastritis patients of SS who visited at the First Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine and Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Four healthy volunteers were recruited from Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. Their gastric mucosa was extracted to perform experiments of DNA microarray. The dual-channel DNA microarray data were mined and bioinformatics analyzed by BRB ArrayTools and IPA software.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Fifteen genes were involved in substance and energy metabolisms in 20 differentially expressed genes, accounting for 75%.Among these genes, one gene was up-regulated, 14 genes down-regulated, and 11 genes were enzyme gene. Differentially expressed genes related to lipid metabolism included ACAA2 and CYP20A1, manifested as fatty acid catabolism and cholesterol transformation. Genes related to protein metabolism included ALDH9A1, ASL, ASS1, PCY-OX1L, RPS28, UBE2D2, UBXN1, B3GNT1, GCNT1, and PPP1R3C, manifested as decreased amino acid metabolism that may affect the biologic processes such as autonomic nerve, urea cycle, etc., reduced protein synthesis, increased ubiquitination of fault fold proteins, and decreased post-translated modification of glycosylation and dephosphorylation. Genes related to carbohydrate metabolism included PPP1R3C, B3GNT1, and GCNT1, manifested as decreased glycogen and glycan syntheses. Genes related to nucleic acid metabolism included RMI1, SMARCD3, and PARP1, manifested as degraded DNA duplication and transcription, and increased DNA damage repair.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The metabolisms of the lipids, protein, carbohydrate, and nucleic acid in chronic superficial gastritis patients of SS obviously decreased, manifested mainly as down-regulated enzyme gene expression. We inferred that these might be one of the vital pathogenesis mechanisms for nutrition dysmetabolism of SS.</p>

[Study on HPLC fingerprint chromatograms of cell wall-broken decoction pieces of Notoginseng].

OBJECTIVE: To establish the HPLC fingerprint chromatograms of crude Notoginseng, cell wall-broken powder and cell wall-broken decoction pieces of Notoginseng and provide evidence for quality control of cell wall-broken decoction pieces of Notoginseng. METHODS: The HPLC procedure was performed on the chromatographic column of Hypersil ODS2, and the mobile phase was acetonitrile and water in gradient elution with the flow velocity of 1.0 mL/min. The detection wavelength was 203 nm and the column temperature was 25 degrees C. The chromatograms was analyzed with the software of "similarity evaluation system for chromatographic fingerprint of TCM". RESULTS: Eight common peaks were pinpointed from the chromatograms of different batches of crude Notoginseng, cell-broken powder and cell-broken decoction pieces, the similarities of the chromatograms were all larger than 0.9. CONCLUSION: The method of the HPLC fingerprint chromatogram is of good precision, reproducibility and stability,which is suitable for quality control of cell wall-broken decoction pieces of Notoginseng.

[Effect of polysaccharides from Radix Glycyrrhizae on migration and polyamines contents of IEC-6 cell].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of polysaccharides from Radix Glycyrrhizae on migration and polyamines (putrescine, spermidine and spermine) contents of IEC-6 cell. METHODS: Cell migration model was induced by scratch method in each well,and the polyamines in IEC-6 cell was determined by pre-column derivation high performance liquid chromatography. The polysaccharides inhibited effect on migration and polyamines contents of IEC-6 cells, and on IEC-6 cell migration by DFMO (a polyamines synthesis inhibitor) and the polyamines contents in the cells were observed. RESULTS: The polysaccharides (50 mg/L or 100 mg/L) was able to promote the cell migration, reverse the cell migration inhibition by DFMO, enhance the IEC-6 cell polyamines (putrescine, spermidine and spermine) contents in the process of cell migration and reverse the reduction of polyamines (putrescine, spermidine and spermine) induced by DFMO. CONCLUSION: The effect of Radix Glycyrrhizae on the gastrointestinal mucosal damage repairing may be related to increasing polyamine content in cells and promoting cell migration.