Effects of active vitamin D analogues on muscle strength and falls in elderly people: an updated meta-analysis.

Background: Elderly people are at high risk of falls due to decreased muscle strength. So far, there is currently no officially approved medication for treating muscle strength loss. The active vitamin D analogues are promising but inconsistent results have been reported in previous studies. The present study was to meta-analyze the effect of active vitamin D analogues on muscle strength and falls in elderly people. Methods: The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (record number: CRD42021266978). We searched two databases including PubMed and Cochrane Library up until August 2023. Risk ratio (RR) and standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were used to assess the effects of active vitamin D analogues on muscle strength or falls. Results: Regarding the effects of calcitriol (n= 1), alfacalcidol (n= 1) and eldecalcitol (n= 1) on falls, all included randomized controlled trials (RCT) recruited 771 participants. Regarding the effects of the effects of calcitriol (n= 4), alfacalcidol (n= 3) and eldecalcitol (n= 3) on muscle strength, all included RCTs recruited 2431 participants. The results showed that in the pooled analysis of three active vitamin D analogues, active vitamin D analogues reduced the risk of fall by 19%. Due to a lack of sufficient data, no separate subgroup analysis was conducted on the effect of each active vitamin D analogue on falls. In the pooled and separate analysis of active vitamin D analogues, no significant effects were found on global muscle, hand grip, and back extensor strength. However, a significant enhancement of quadriceps strength was observed in the pooled analysis and separate analysis of alfacalcidol and eldecalcitol. The separate subgroup analysis on the impact of calcitriol on the quadriceps strength was not performed due to the lack to sufficient data. The results of pooled and separate subgroup analysis of active vitamin D analogues with or without calcium supplementation showed that calcium supplementation did not affect the effect of vitamin D on muscle strength. Conclusions: The use of active vitamin D analogues does not improve global muscle, hand grip, and back extensor strength but improves quadriceps strength and reduces risk of falls in elderly population.

Effect of electroacupuncture on ventricular structure and function in rats with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. / ç”µé’ˆå¯¹å¿ƒè‚Œç¼ºè¡€å†çŒæ³¨æŸä¼¤å¤§é¼ å¿ƒå®¤ç»“æž„å’ŒåŠŸèƒ½çš„å½±å“.

OBJECTIVES: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on changes of ventricular structure and function in rats with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI), so as to explore its potential mechanisms underlying improvement of ventricular remodeling after MIRI. METHODS: Forty male SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups：sham operation group, model group, EA group and medication (sacubactril valsartan, LCZ696) group, with 10 rats in each group. The MIRI model was established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery and reperfusion. EA (2 Hz/100 Hz, 2 mA) was applied to bilateral "Neiguan" (PC6) for 20 min, once every other day for 21 d. Rats of the medication group received gavage of LCZ696 (60 mg·kg-1·d-1). After the intervention, echocardiography was used to detect the ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) of the left ventricle, and the contents of serum tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1(VCAM-1) and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1) were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The pathological changes of myocardial tissue were observed after HE staining. The Masson staining was used to evaluate the myocardial collagen deposition and myocardial fibrosis. The mRNA expression levels of collagen Ⅰ and Ⅲ and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in the myocardial tissue were detected by quantitative real-time PCR, and the expression levels of IL-1ß and IL-18 were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: In contrast to the sham operation group, the EF and FS levels of the left ventricle were ob-viously decreased (P<0.001), while the contents of serum TNF-α, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1, the proportion of myocardial fibrosis area, the mRNA expression levels of myocardial collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ and CTGF, the expression levels of IL-1ß and IL-18 were significantly increased (P<0.001, P<0.000 1, P<0.05, P<0.01) in the model group. Compared with the model group, the EF and FS levels were remarkably increased (P<0.01), whereas the contents of serum TNF-α, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1, the proportion of myocardial fibrosis area, the mRNA expression levels of myocardial collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ and CTGF, and the expression levels of IL-1ß and IL-18 were significantly down-regulated (P<0.001, P<0.01, P<0.05) in both the medication and EA groups. No significant differences were found between the EA and medication groups in all the indexes mentioned above. CONCLUSIONS: EA can improve the left-ventricular fibrosis and function, delay or reverse ventricular remodeling in MIRI rats, which may be related to its functions in down-regulating myocardial inflammatory response and mRNA expression levels of myocardial collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ and CTGF.

Chinese Medicine Combined with Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Improving Myelosuppression in Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) combined with adjuvant chemotherapy on myelosuppression for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients using network meta-analysis (NMA). METHODS: Literature searches in both international (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) and Chinese (China Science and Technology Journal Database, Wanfang Data, China National Knowledge Infrastructure) databases for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were conducted from inception until October 10, 2022. We included RCTs of patients who received CHM combined with chemotherapy, including FOLFOX, XELOX, FOLFIRI, and other relevant regimens in the CHM treatment group. The outcomes included the incidence of myelosuppression, leukopenia, hemoglobin reduction, and thrombocytopenia. Two reviewers independently screened the databases, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias and credibility of evidence. RevMan 5.4.1 software and STATA 14.0 were used to perform the NMA. RESULTS: A total of 31 RCTs were included, published from 2008 to 2021 in Chinese. Among these, 2,314 participants comparing the following 9 CHMs were identified: Shengbai Recipe (SBR), Bazhen Decoction (BZD), Jianpi Jiedu Recipe (JJR), Jianpi Recipe (JR), Compound Cantharis Capsule (CCC), Zaofan Pill (ZFP), Guilu Erxian Gel (GL), Buzhong Tiaogan Decoction (BZ), and Qiamagu Capsule (QM). The results of NMA found an indirect comparison. Based on the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA), the ZFP+ chemotherapy group had the lowest incidence of myelosuppression, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.08 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.01, 0.76], whereas the GL+ chemotherapy group had the lowest incidence of leukopenia, hemoglobin reduction, and thrombocytopenia, with an OR of 5.25 (95% CI: 2.41, 11.43), 4.66 (95% CI: 2.23, 9.72), and 0.27 (95% CI: 0.13, 0.54), respectively. Moreover, BZD + chemotherapy could alleviate leukopenia, hemoglobin reduction, and thrombocytopenia (P<0.01). Pairwise comparison showed that there was no difference in the efficacy among the 8 CHMs+ chemotherapy group. The comparison and adjustment funnel plot indicated that small-study effect had no impact on these outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This NMA provided evidence to support that patients with CRC benefit from receiving different combination of CHM chemotherapies. Among these, GL plus chemotherapy and BZD plus chemotherapy were the more effective for myelosuppression in patients; however, as the qualtiy of evidence is insufficient, further research is needed. (PROSPERO, No. CRD42022369025).

Electroacupuncture preconditioning protects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by modulating dynamic inflammatory response.

Background: The protective effects of electroacupuncture (EA) preconditioning against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) have been reported. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Recent research has indicated that the dynamic inflammatory response following MIRI plays an essential role in the progression of myocardial injury. This study aimed to investigate the myocardial protective effects of EA preconditioning on MIRI in rats and to explore the relevant mechanism from the perspective of dynamic inflammatory response. Methods: A MIRI model was employed, and the rats were subjected to EA on Neiguan for four days prior to modeling. The myocardial protective effect of EA preconditioning was evaluated by echocardiography, Evans blue and triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. Real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, hematoxylin & eosin staining, and immunohistochemistry were utilized to detect the content of mitochondrial DNA, NOD receptor family protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation, neutrophil recruitment and macrophage infiltration in blood samples and myocardium below the ligation. Results: We found that EA preconditioning could accelerate the recovery of left ventricle function after MIRI and reduce the myocardial infarction area, thereby protecting the myocardium against MIRI. Furthermore, EA preconditioning was observed to ameliorate mitochondrial impairment, reduce the level of plasma mitochondrial DNA, modulate NLRP3 inflammasome activation, attenuate neutrophil infiltration, and promote the polarization of M1 macrophages towards M2 macrophages in the myocardium after MIRI. Conclusion: EA preconditioning could reduce plasma mtDNA, suppress overactivation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, facilitate the transition from the acute pro-inflammatory phase to the anti-inflammatory reparative phase after MIRI, and ultimately confer cardioprotective benefits.

Tongguanteng injection reverses paclitaxel resistance via upregulation of TAB1 expression in ovarian cancer in vitro and in vivo.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Tongguanteng injection (TGT), the water extract from the stem of the Traditional Chinese hebal medicine of Marsdenia tenacissima (Roxb.) Wight et Arn. has been used as anticancer remedy for decades. TGT was not only used in the treatment of many malignant cancers extensively, but also an adjuvant anticancer drug with chemotherapeutics clinically. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the effects of TGT on reversing paclitaxel (PTX) resistance and investigate the potential mechanism related to TAB1 in ovarian cancer (OC) in vitro and in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The synergistic effect and reversal ratio were determined by CCK8 assay and median-effect principle after the combination of TGT and PTX in OC A2780 and its PTX-resistant (A2780/T) cells. The biological functions in cell apoptosis, migration and invasion of A2780/T cells treated by PTX 4 µM with TGT 20, 40, 80 mg⋅mL-1 for 24 h were evaluated by colony formation, flow cytometry, wound healing and transwell assays. Proteomics technique and bioinformatic analysis were used to indentify the change of TAB1 expression in A2780/T cells induced by TGT. The association between TAB1 expression and human OC was analyzed by gene expression databases. In A2780/T cells, western blotting and colony formation assays were used to investigate the relationship between TAB1 expression and PTX resistance after TAB1 overexpression by TAB1 plasmids. The mechanism of TGT and PTX regulating TAB1 and its related proteins were explored by western blotting and flow cytometry assays after TAB1 knock-down using siTAB1. Moreover, TUNEL staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and histopathology were used to observe the antitumor effects, TAB1 and p-p38 expression and the tissues impairments in nude mice xenograft model established by A2780/T cells after the co-treatment with TGT and PTX by in vivo. RESULTS: TGT combined with PTX showed the synergistic effect (CI<1), which could reverse the IC50 values of PTX in OC A2780 and A2780/T cells about 23.50 and 6.44 times, respectively. Besides, TGT combined with PTX could significantly inhibit the migration, invasion and promote apoptosis of A2780/T cells. We identified that TGT could induce TAB1 expression in A2780/T cells by proteomics analysis. TAB1 downregulation was significantly associated with tumorigenesis and poor prognosis in OC patients and PTX resistance in A2780/T cells. Furthermore, TGT could activate TAB1/TAK1/p38 MAPK signaling pathway targeting TAB1 and regulate the expression of Bax, Bcl-2 proteins to improve the sensitivity of A2780/T cells to PTX. TGT combined with PTX also showed a greater inhibition in tumor growth than PTX monotherapy in vivo. These promising results show the efficacy of TGT in reversing PTX resistance and provide a potential strategy that targeting TAB1/TAK1/p38 MAPK signaling pathway may improve the chemotherapy sensitivity in OC. CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed that Tongguanteng injection could reverse paclitaxel resistance and the potential mechanism might be associated with the activation of TAB1/TAK1/p38 MAPK signaling pathway in OC in vitro and in vivo. TAB1 might be a pivotal target for reversing PTX resistance. This study will provide a theoretical basis for the combination of Tongguanteng injection and paclitaxel in clinic.

[Overview of Meta-analysis of Lianhua Qingwen preparations in treatment of viral diseases].

This study aims to obtain higher-level evidence by overviewing the Meta-analysis of Lianhua Qingwen preparations in the treatment of viral diseases including influenza, coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19), and hand, foot and mouth disease(HFMD). CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, China Clinical Trial Registry(ChiCTR), PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched for the Meta-analysis about the treatment of viral diseases with Lianhua Qingwen preparations from the database establishment to April 1, 2022. After literature screening and data extraction, AMSTAR2 and the grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluations(GRADE) system were used to assess the methodological quality and evidence quality, respectively, and then the efficacy and safety outcomes of Lianhua Qingwen preparations in the treatment of viral diseases were summarized. Thirteen Meta-analysis were finally included, three of which were rated as low grade by AMSTAR2 and ten as very low grade. A total of 75 outcome indicators were obtained, involving influenza, COVID-19, and HFMD. According to the GRADE scoring results, the 75 outcome indicators included 5(6.7%) high-level indicators, 18(24.0%) mediate-level indicators, 25(33.3%) low-level evidence indicators, and 27(36.0%) very low-level indicators.(1)In the treatment of influenza, Lianhua Qingwen preparations exhibited better clinical efficacy than other Chinese patent medicines and Ribavirin and had similar clinical efficacy compared with Oseltamivir. Lianhua Qingwen preparations were superior to other Chinese patent medicines, Oseltamivir, and Ribavirin in alleviating clinical symptoms. They showed no significant differences from Oseltamivir or conventional anti-influenza treatment in terms of the time to and rate of negative result of viral nucleic acid test.(2)In the treatment of COVID-19, Lianhua Qingwen preparation alone or combined with conventional treatment was superior to conventional treatment in terms of total effective rate, main symptom subsidence rate and time, fever clearance rate, duration of fever, time to fever clearance, cough subsidence rate, time to cough subsidence, fatigue subsidence rate, time to fatigue subsidence, myalgia subsidence rate, expectoration subsidence rate, chest tightness subsidence rate, etc. Lianhua Qingwen preparations no difference from conventional treatment in terms of subsiding sore throat, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, headache, and dyspnea. In terms of chest CT improvement rate, rate of progression to severe case, cure time, and hospitalization time, Lianhua Qingwen alone or in combination with conventional treatment was superior to conventional treatment.(3)In the treatment of HFMD, Lianhua Qingwen Granules was superior to conventional treatment in terms of total effective rate, average fever clearance time, time to herpes subsidence, and time to negative result of viral nucleic acid test.(4)In terms of safety, Lianhua Qingwen preparations led to low incidence of adverse reactions, all of which were mild and disappeared after drug withdrawal. The available evidence suggests that in the treatment of influenza, COVID-19, and HFMD, Lianhua Qingwen preparations can relieve the clinical symptoms, shorten the hospitalization time, and improve the chest CT. They have therapeutic effect and good safety in the treatment of viral diseases. However, due to the low quality of available studies, more high-quality clinical trials are needed to support the above conclusions.

Xiaoaiping injection enhances paclitaxel efficacy in ovarian cancer via pregnane X receptor and its downstream molecules.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Xiaoaiping injection, a traditional Chinese medical injection extracted from root of Marsdenia tenacissima (Roxb.) Moon, has been exclusively used on curing malignant tumor in China and as adjuvant therapeutic agent for chemotherapeutics, including paclitaxel. AIM OF THE STUDY: The goal of this study was to investigate the synergistic inhibitory efficacy of Xiaoaiping injection and paclitaxel on ovarian cancer. The mechanism may be associated with nuclear receptor pregnane X receptor (PXR) regulating its downstream molecules. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro, MTT assay, flow cytometry and Hoechst dyeing were used to evaluate the SK-OV-3 cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle respectively. The mRNA and protein expression of PXR and its downstream CYP450 enzymes, transporters and Bcl-2 families were measured by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Rhodamine 123 efflux experiment was conducted to detect the P-gp efflux ability. PXR plasmid and PXR siRNA were transiently transfected into SK-OV-3 cells respectively to establish PXR-overexpressed or PXR-interfered cells. In vivo, xenograft tumor mice model was established by SK-OV-3 cells to estimate the antitumor effect of Xiaoaiping injection combined with paclitaxel. The expressions of PXR and its downstream molecules in tumor tissues were determined to further clarify the potential mechanism. RESULTS: Xiaoaiping injection significantly enhanced the anti-proliferation, pro-apoptosis effect of paclitaxel on SK-OV-3 cells. The synergetic effect was displayed by Xiaoaiping injection inhibiting paclitaxel-induced PXR and CAR expression, which subsequently inhibited CYP450 enzymes CYP2C8 and CYP3A4, transporter P-gp and anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl in SK-OV-3 cells. In PXR-overexpressed cells, Xiaoaiping injection down-regulated the expression of PXR and its downstream molecules. The result of xenograft tumor model showed that Xiaoaiping injection combined with paclitaxel enhanced anti-tumor effect on ovarian cancer in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: Xiaoaiping injection enhances anti-tumor effect of paclitaxel by inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis process. The mechanism may be associated with Xiaoaiping injection inhibiting PXR and its downstream metabolic enzymes CYP2C8, CYP3A4, transporter P-gp and anti-apoptosis protein Bcl-2.

[Effect of electroacupuncture on myocardial infarct size and expression of inflammatory cytokines and sympathetic-active substances in the myocardial ischemic tissue of rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the expression of interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), ß3-adrenergic receptor (ß3AR), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in myocardial tissue in ischemic myocardial injury rats, so as to reveal its underlying mechanisms in myocardial protection via anti-inflammation and sympathetic nerve remodeling. METHODS: A total of 48 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham-operation (sham, n＝9), sham ＋EA (n＝9), model (n＝15) and EA (n＝15) groups. The myocardial ischemia (MI) model was established by ligation of the left anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery. EA (2 Hz/15 Hz，1.5－2 mA) was applied to bilateral "Neiguan" (PC6) for 30 min, once daily for 4 days. The myocardial infarct size was detected by 2, 3, 5 triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, myocardial histopathological changes and inflammatory infiltration were assessed by H．E. staining, and the expression of IL-8, IL-10, TH, ß3AR, and eNOS in the myocardium was determined by using Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the sham group, a marked myocardial infarction was found in the left ventricle tissue, accompanied with disordered arrangement of myocardial fibers and higher degree of inflammatory cell infiltration, and increased expression of IL-8, TH, ß3AR and eNOS in the myocardium in the model group (P<0.01), but without significant change in the expression of IL-10 (P>0.05). After EA intervention and in comparison with the model group, the myocardial infarct size was significantly reduced (P<0.01), the severity of inflammatory cell infiltration and disordered arrangement of myocardial fibers were relieved, and the expression of IL-10 and eNOS proteins were significantly up-regulated (P<0.05), and the markedly up-regulated expression of IL-8, TH, and ß3AR were significantly suppressed in the EA group (P<0.01)．. CONCLUSION: EA intervention can reduce the myocardial infarct size (protective effect) in MI rats possibly by reducing inflammatory reaction and sympathetic nerve remodeling.

Effects of dietary isomaltooligosaccharide and Bacillus spp. supplementation during perinatal period on lactational performance, blood metabolites, and milk composition of sows.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we evaluated the effects of isomaltooligosaccharide (IMO) and Bacillus spp. in perinatal diets on lactational performance, blood metabolites, and milk composition of sows. Multiparous gestating sows (N = 130) with similar body conditions were fed diets without containing IMO (control, CON group), IMO (IMO group), IMO and Bacillus subtilis (IMO + S group), IMO and Bacillus licheniformis (IMO + L group), and IMO and both B. subtilis and B. licheniformis (IMO + S + L group). RESULTS: The average daily feed intake of lactating sows in the IMO + S group (P < 0.05) and the average litter gain and total milk yield in the IMO + S + L group (P < 0.01) were significantly higher than those of the sows in the other treatment groups. In addition, the serum alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase concentrations in all treatment groups were lower than those in the CON group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the highest proportion of fat in colostrum (0.05 < P < 0.1) and lowest proportion of lactose in milk were observed in the IMO + L group (P < 0.05). The concentrations of growth hormone and immunoglobulins A and G in milk were higher in sows supplemented with IMO, IMO + S, IMO + L, or IMO + S + L (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: IMO and Bacillus spp. supplementation during the perinatal period improved the sows' lactational performance by affecting their metabolism and milk quality. Sows in the IMO + S and IMO + S + L treatment groups exhibited the best performance. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

[Effects of carbon supplementary modes on phosphorus bioaccumulation/phosphorus harvesting process in a tidal flow constructed wetland.] / 碳源补å 方式对潮汐流人工湿地生物蓄磷/磷移除的影响.

We explored the effects of carbon supplementary modes on operational performance in a tidal flow constructed wetland (TFCW) utilizing phosphorus bioaccumulation/phosphorus harvesting (PB-PH) process. Three different carbon supplementary modes were adopted during the periodical phosphorus harvesting process. The results showed that the carbon supplementary mode significantly affected the performances of phosphorus bioaccumulation and phosphorus harvesting throughout the experiment. The optimization of carbon supplementary mode would facilitate the maintenance of abundance and activities of polyphosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs). Subsequently, the amounts of phosphorus release and PHB synthesis in PAOs, as well as the utilization rate of supplementary carbon, could be effectively enhanced during the phosphorus harvesting process. The efficient and stable phosphorus removal effects of the TFCW could be ensured during the phosphorus bioaccumulation process. When the PB-PH cycle length was 30 d and using the continuous circulation carbon supplementary mode, the amount of phosphorus retained in the bed and the mean phosphorus harvesting efficiency of the TFCW were 26994.88 mg and 70.8%, respectively. Regarding a typical PB-PH cycle, the mean phosphorus removal efficiency of the TFCW could achieve (91.4±2.1)% during the phosphorus bioaccumulation process. The amounts of phosphorus release and PHB synthesis in PAOs, and the utilization rate of supplementary carbon in the system could reach up to (1563.72±127.84) mg, (4.52±0.39) mmol C·g-1 VSS, and (97.3±1.6)%, respectively.

[Effect of Electroacupuncture on Adenosine Receptor Expression in White Adipose Tissue of Diet-induced Obese Mice].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on the expression of adenosine receptor (AR) in the white adipose tissue (WAT) of diet-induced obese (DIO) mice, so as to reveal a peripheral mechanism of EA underlying improvement of body weight. METHODS: Forty three-week-old C 57 BL/6 male mice were divided into normal diet group (n=12) and high fat diet group (n=28) randomly, and fed by normal diet and high fat diet for 12 weeks, respectively. In the high fat diet group, mice with body weight over 20% heavier than that of the normal diet group were considered as obese mice. The normal diet mice and the obese mice were divided into normal group (CD, n=5) and normal plus EA group (CD+EA, n=7), or obese group (HFD, n=6) and obese plus EA group (HFD+EA, n=12). The CD+EA group and the HFD+EA group were treated with EA at "Zusanli"(ST 36) and "Neiting"(ST 44, 2 Hz/15 Hz, 0.6-1.0 mA) for 20 min, 6 times a week for 4 weeks. Body weight, ratio of WAT/body weight were calculated, qPCR and Western blot were applied to detect mRNA and protein levels of adenosine receptors in the epididymal adipose tissue (Epi-WAT), respectively. RESULTS: Compared with the normal diet group, high fat diet significantly increased body weight in C 57 BL/6 mice after feeding for 12 weeks (P<0.01); 18 out of 28 mice in the high fat diet group were classified as obesity. After treatment, the body weight and the ratio of Epi-WAT/body weight of the HFD group were increased than those in the CD group (P<0.05), the change of body weight in the HFD group was bigger than that in the CD group (P<0.01). Compared with the HFD group, the body weight and the ratio of Epi-WAT/body weight of the HFD+EA group were decreased after EA (P<0.05), the change of body weight was also significantly increased (P<0.01). No significant differences were found among the four groups in the expression level of A1R mRNA (P>0.05). The expression of A3R mRNA in the HFD group was lower than that in the CD group (P<0.01), while the expressions of A2A R and A2BR proteins were decreased in the HFD group than in the CD group (P<0.01). In comparison with the HFD group, the expression levels of A2AR and A2BR mRNAs and proteins were significantly up-regulated in the HFD+EA group, respectively (P<0.05, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: EA intervention is able to reduce the body weight of DIO mice, which Feb be associated with its effects in regulating the expression of A2AR and A2BR in WAT, suggesting a new mechanism of EA in accelerating peripheral WAT metabolism.

Monodisperse Au-Fe2C Janus Nanoparticles: An Attractive Multifunctional Material for Triple-Modal Imaging-Guided Tumor Photothermal Therapy.

Imaging-guided photothermal therapy (PTT) by combination of imaging and PTT has been emerging as a promising therapeutic method for precision therapy. However, the development of multicomponent nanoplatforms with stable structures for both PTT and multiple-model imaging remains a great challenge. Herein, we synthesized monodisperse Au-Fe2C Janus nanoparticles (JNPs) of 12 nm, which are multifunctional entities for cancer theranostics. Due to the broad absorption in the near-infrared range, Au-Fe2C JNPs showed a significant photothermal effect with a 30.2% calculated photothermal transduction efficiency under 808 nm laser irradiation in vitro. Owing to their excellent optical and magnetic properties, Au-Fe2C JNPs were demonstrated to be advantageous agents for triple-modal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/multispectral photoacoustic tomography (MSOT)/computed tomography (CT) both in vitro and in vivo. We found that Au-Fe2C JNPs conjugated with the affibody (Au-Fe2C-ZHER2:342) have more accumulation and deeper penetration in tumor sites than nontargeting JNPs (Au-Fe2C-PEG) in vivo. Meanwhile, our results verified that Au-Fe2C-ZHER2:342 JNPs can selectively target tumor cells with low cytotoxicity and ablate tumor tissues effectively in a mouse model. In summary, monodisperse Au-Fe2C JNPs, used as a multifunctional nanoplatform, allow the combination of multiple-model imaging techniques and high therapeutic efficacy and have great potential for precision theranostic nanomedicines.

Silibinin: a potential old drug for cancer therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Silibinin is mixture of flavonolignans extracted from milk thistle and often has been used in the treatment of acute and chronic liver disorders caused by toxins, drug, alcohol and hepatitis and gall bladder disorders for its antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. Areas covered: However, increasing evidence suggest that silibinin is not solely limited in the treatment of these diseases. Further research suggests that silymarin may function diversely and may serve as a novel therapy for cancer therapy, such as lung cancer, prostatic cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, bladder cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating cancer cells growth, proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and many other mechanism. Expert commentary: In this review, in order to provide potential new treatment for these cancer, we summarize the recent anti-cancer findings of silibinin in these cancer and clarify the mechanisms of this effect.

Anti-inflammatory Hydrolyzable Tannins from Myricaria bracteata.

Twelve hydrolyzable tannins were obtained from the twigs of Myricaria bracteata, including two new hellinoyl-type dimers, bracteatinins D1 (1) and D2 (2); a new hellinoyl-type trimer, bracteatinin T1 (3); two known monomers, nilotinin M4 (4) and 1,3-di-O-galloyl-4,6-O-(aS)-hexahydroxydiphenoyl-ß-d-glucose (5); six known dimers, tamarixinin A (6), nilotinin D8 (7), hirtellins A (10), B (9), and E (8), and isohirtellin C (11); and a known trimer, hirtellin T3 (12). The structures of the tannins were elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis and comparisons to known tannins. All compounds were evaluated as free radical scavengers using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and hydroxy radicals and compared to the activity of BHT and Trolox. Compound 6 showed a significant anti-inflammatory effect on croton oil-induced ear edema in mice (200 mg/kg, inhibition rate 69.8%) and on collagen-induced arthritis in DBA/1 mice (20 mg/kg, inhibition rate 46.0% at day 57).

Graphene-palladium nanowires based electrochemical sensor using ZnFe2O4-graphene quantum dots as an effective peroxidase mimic.

We proposed an electrochemical DNA sensor by using peroxidase-like magnetic ZnFe2O4-graphene quantum dots (ZnFe2O4/GQDs) nanohybrid as a mimic enzymatic label. Aminated graphene and Pd nanowires were successively modified on glassy carbon electrode, which improved the electronic transfer rate as well as increased the amount of immobilized capture ssDNA (S1). The nanohybrid ZnFe2O4/GQDs was prepared by assembling the GQDs on the surface of ZnFe2O4 through a photo-Fenton reaction, which was not only used as a mimic enzyme but also as a carrier to label complementary ssDNA (S3). By synergistically integrating highly catalytically activity of nano-sized GQDs and ZnFe2O4, the nanohybrid possessed highly-efficient peroxidase-like catalytic activity which could produce a large current toward the reduction of H2O2 for signal amplification. Thionine was used as an excellent electron mediator. Compared with traditional enzyme labels, the mimic enzyme ZnFe2O4/GQDs exhibited many advantages such as environment friendly and better stability. Under the optimal conditions, the approach provided a wide linear range from 10(-16) to 5×10(-9) M and low detection limit of 6.2×10(-17) M. The remarkable high catalytic capability could allow the nanohybrid to replace conventional peroxidase-based assay systems. The new, robust and convenient assay systems can be widely utilized for the identification of other target molecules.

[Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis arthralgia by xiaoyan zhitong paste: a clinical observation].

OBJECTIVE: To formulate a comprehensive treatment program for rheumatoid arthritis arthralgia by clinical observing the efficacy of Xiaoyan Zhitong Paste (XZP). METHODS: Adopted was stratified, block randomized, double-blinded, placebo parallel controlled method. Subjects were assigned to the treatment group and the placebo group. Those in the treatment group were treated by external application of XZP, one to two pastes each time, covering the painful area, exchange once per 24 h, with one-day interval during a 7-day consecutive medication, two 7-days of treatment consisting of one therapeutic course. XZP placebos were applied for those in the placebo group in the same medication way. Joint pain and VAS were taken as main indices for observing the clinical efficacy of XZP. RESULTS: The improvement of the analgesic effect and the Chinese medical syndrome efficacy of XZP were superior to that of the placebo. CONCLUSION: XZP showed obvious effect in treating rheumatoid arthritis arthralgia with no obvious adverse reaction.

Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis arthralgia by xiaoyan zhitong paste: a clinical observation / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To formulate a comprehensive treatment program for rheumatoid arthritis arthralgia by clinical observing the efficacy of Xiaoyan Zhitong Paste (XZP).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Adopted was stratified, block randomized, double-blinded, placebo parallel controlled method. Subjects were assigned to the treatment group and the placebo group. Those in the treatment group were treated by external application of XZP, one to two pastes each time, covering the painful area, exchange once per 24 h, with one-day interval during a 7-day consecutive medication, two 7-days of treatment consisting of one therapeutic course. XZP placebos were applied for those in the placebo group in the same medication way. Joint pain and VAS were taken as main indices for observing the clinical efficacy of XZP.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The improvement of the analgesic effect and the Chinese medical syndrome efficacy of XZP were superior to that of the placebo.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>XZP showed obvious effect in treating rheumatoid arthritis arthralgia with no obvious adverse reaction.</p>

[Comparative observation on acupuncture-moxibustion and western medication for treatment of sudden deafness].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic effect on sudden deafness between acupuncture and moxibustion therapy of excitation-focus transfer and routine medication. METHODS: Eighty cases of sudden deafness were randomly divided into two groups, 40 cases in each one. Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy of excitation-focus transfer was adopted in observation group on Yongquan (KI 1) (with reducing and slightly heavy manipulation), Tinggong (SI 19), Tinghui (GB 2) and Ermen (TE 21), and associated with suspending moxibustion for thermal sensitization on Yongquan (KI 1). In control group, the routine medications were given. The therapeutic effects of two groups were compared with each other. RESULTS: After three sessions of treatment, dB value of hearing loss in two groups decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), but the improvement of hearing in observation group was superior to that in control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 80.0% (32/40) in observation group, which was better than that 55.0% (22/40) in control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy of excitation-focus transfer presents superior therapeutic effect on sudden deafness as compared with the routine western therapy.

[Clinical study on active rheumatoid arthritis treated with simiao xiaobi decoction].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Simiao Xiaobi Decoction (SXD) in treating active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) of humid pyretic toxic Bi-Zheng (HPTB) syndrome type. METHODS: One hundred and twenty RA patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups, 60 in the treatment group receiving SXD, and 60 in the control group receiving methotrexate, all were treated for 12 weeks. Clinical efficacy in patients was evaluated, referring to the criteria recommended by European League Against Rheumatoism (EULAR), in terms of effective rate, main symptoms, signs, scoring on symptom/sign by Chinese medicine scale and DAS28, physical and chemical indices, long-term outcome of patients and the average therapeutic effect initiating time. Meantime, the adverse reaction was recorded. RESULTS: The study was completed in 103 patients, 52 in the treated group and 51 in the control group. According to a per-protocol analysis, the effective rate was better in the treatment group than in the control group with marked difference in terms of Chinese and Western medicine respectively (92.3% vs 70.6% and 86.5% vs 62.7%, P<0.05). Superiorities in the treatment group were also seen in the improvements of main symptoms and signs, symptom/sign scores, DAS28 scores, and long-term outcome. Moreover, the average therapeutic effect initiating time was shorter (5.31 +/- 0.36 weeks vs 8.28 +/- 0.45 weeks), while the incidence of adverse reaction was less in the treatment group than in the control group (6.7% vs 43.3%, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: SXD can improve the joint symptoms and general condition of RA patients of HPTB type with shorter initiating time and less adverse reaction.

Clinical study on active rheumatoid arthritis treated with simiao xiaobi decoction / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Simiao Xiaobi Decoction (SXD) in treating active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) of humid pyretic toxic Bi-Zheng (HPTB) syndrome type.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and twenty RA patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups, 60 in the treatment group receiving SXD, and 60 in the control group receiving methotrexate, all were treated for 12 weeks. Clinical efficacy in patients was evaluated, referring to the criteria recommended by European League Against Rheumatoism (EULAR), in terms of effective rate, main symptoms, signs, scoring on symptom/sign by Chinese medicine scale and DAS28, physical and chemical indices, long-term outcome of patients and the average therapeutic effect initiating time. Meantime, the adverse reaction was recorded.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The study was completed in 103 patients, 52 in the treated group and 51 in the control group. According to a per-protocol analysis, the effective rate was better in the treatment group than in the control group with marked difference in terms of Chinese and Western medicine respectively (92.3% vs 70.6% and 86.5% vs 62.7%, P<0.05). Superiorities in the treatment group were also seen in the improvements of main symptoms and signs, symptom/sign scores, DAS28 scores, and long-term outcome. Moreover, the average therapeutic effect initiating time was shorter (5.31 +/- 0.36 weeks vs 8.28 +/- 0.45 weeks), while the incidence of adverse reaction was less in the treatment group than in the control group (6.7% vs 43.3%, P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>SXD can improve the joint symptoms and general condition of RA patients of HPTB type with shorter initiating time and less adverse reaction.</p>