Research progress and maturity assessment of continuous manufacturing of traditional Chinese medicine / 中国中药杂志

The pharmaceutical manufacturing model is gradually changing from intermittent manufacturing to continuous manufacturing and intelligent manufacturing. This paper briefly reviewed the supervision and research progress in continuous pharmaceutical manufacturing in China and abroad and described the definition and advantages of continuous pharmaceutical manufacturing. The continuous manufacturing of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) at the current stage was summarized in the following three terms: the enhancement of the continuity of intermittent manufacturing operations, the integration of continuous equipment to improve physical continuity between units, and the application of advanced process control strategies to improve process continuity. To achieve continuous manufacturing of TCM, the corresponding key technologies, such as material property characterization, process modeling and simulation, process analysis technology, and system integration, were analyzed from the process and equipment, respectively. It was proposed that the continuous manufacturing equipment system should have the characteristics of high speed, high response, and high reliability, "three high(H~3)" for short. Considering the characteristics and current situation of TCM manufacturing, based on the two dimensions of product quality control and production efficiency, a maturity assessment model for continuous manufacturing of TCM, consisting of operation continuity, equipment continuity, process continuity, and quality control continuity, was proposed to provide references for the application of continuous manufacturing technology for TCM. The implementation of continuous manufacturing or the application of key continuous manufacturing technologies in TCM can help to systematically integrate advanced pharmaceutical technology elements and promote the uniformity of TCM quality and the improvement of production efficiency.

Manufacturing classification system for oral solid dosage forms of traditional Chinese medicines (Ⅱ): classification of tablets disintegration behavior / 中国中药杂志

In this paper, 50 batches of representative traditional Chinese medicine tablets were selected and the disintegration time was examined with the method in Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The disintegration time and disintegration phenomenon were recorded, and the dissolution behaviors of water-soluble and ultraviolet-absorbent components during the disintegration process of tablets were characterized by self-control method. The results revealed that coating type and raw material type influenced the disintegration time of tablets. It was found that only 4% of traditional Chinese medicine tablets had obvious fragmentation during the disintegration process, while 96% of traditional Chinese medicine tablets showed gradual dissolution or dispersion. Furthermore, according to the disintegration speed, disintegration phenomenon, and whether the cumulative dissolution of measured components was > 90% at complete disintegration, a disintegration behavior classification system(DBCS) was created for the regular-release traditional Chinese medicine tablets. As a result, the disintegration behaviors of 50 batches of traditional Chinese medicine tablets were classified into four categories, i.e. ⅠA_2, ⅠB_1, ⅡB_1, and ⅡB_2. traditional Chinese medicine tablets(Class I) with disintegration time ≤ 30 min were defined to be rapid in disintegration, which can be the objective of optimization or improvement of Chinese herbal extract(semi extract) tablets. Different drug release models were used to fit the dissolution curve of traditional Chinese medicine tablets with gradual dissolution or dispersion phenomenon(i.e. Type B tablets). The results showed that the dissolution curves of water-soluble components in the disintegration process conformed to the zero order kinetics and the Ritger-Peppas model. It could be inferred that the disintegration mechanisms of type B tablets were a combination of dissolution controlled and swelling controlled mechanisms. This study contributes to understanding the disintegration behavior of traditional Chinese medicine tablets, and provides a reference for the design and improvement of disintegration performance of traditional Chinese medicine tablets.

Patent application of intelligent quality control technology in traditional Chinese medicine production process: a review / 中国中药杂志

In the new stage for intelligent manufacturing of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) from pilot demonstration to in-depth application and comprehensive promotion, how to raise the degree of intelligence for the process quality control system has become the bottleneck of the development of TCM production process control technology. This article has sorted out 226 TCM intelligent manufacturing projects that have been approved by the national and provincial governments since the implementation of the "Made in China 2025" plan and 145 related pharmaceutical enterprises. Then, the patents applied by these pharmaceutical enterprises were thoroughly retrieved, and 135 patents in terms of intelligent quality control technology in the production process were found. The technical details about intelligent quality control at both the unit levels such as cultivation, processing of crude herbs, preparation pretreatment, pharmaceutical preparations, and the production workshop level were reviewed from three aspects, i.e., intelligent quality sensing, intelligent process cognition, and intelligent process control. The results showed that intelligent quality control technologies have been preliminarily applied to the whole process of TCM production. The intelligence control of the extraction and concentration processes and the intelligent sensing of critical quality attributes are currently the focus of pharmaceutical enterprises. However, there is a lack of process cognitive patent technology for the TCM manufacturing process, which fails to meet the requirements of closed-loop integration of intelligent sensing and intelligent control technologies. It is suggested that in the future, with the help of artificial intelligence and machine learning methods, the process cognitive bottleneck of TCM production can be overcome, and the holistic quality formation mechanisms of TCM products can be elucidated. Moreover, key technologies for system integration and intelligent equipment are expected to be innovated and accelerated to enhance the quality uniformity and manufacturing reliability of TCM.

Molecular mechanism analysis of Miao medicine Jinwujiangu decoction in treating osteoarthritis based on a network pharmacology approach.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate molecular mechanisms of Jinwujiangu decoction (, JWJG) in treating osteoarthritis (OA) using network pharmacology analysis. METHODS: Principal active compounds of JWJG were screened out via the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and BATMAN-TCM, and potential targets for OA treatment were identified through Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) and GeneCards databases. The JWJG network diagrams of both principal chemical compound-action targets and OA treatment target-OA disease were constructed applying the Cytoscape 3.7.2 software. The diagram of protein-protein interaction network was plotted for core analysis. Meanwhile, the common targets and relevant signaling pathways involved in both networks were analyzed using the Gene Ontology function analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment. The predicted results were ultimately verified through animal experiments. RESULTS: Effects of JWJG were indicated in acting on key targets interleukin-6, insulin, protein kinase B, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and mitosis-specific MRE11-RAD50-NBS1 associated protein by regulating signaling pathways of phosphoinositide 3-kinase- protein kinase B, mitogen-activated protein kinases, tumor necrosis factor, and colorectal cancer. Meanwhile, it inhibited the over-activation of signaling pathways and the release of inflammatory factors in OA treatment. Following a signaling pathway analysis utilizing network pharmacology technique, it was demonstrated that JWJG could treat OA through the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway verified by animal experiments. CONCLUSIONS: The present study preliminarily analyzed the pharmacological mechanism of JWJG in treating OA on a network pharmacology approach and provided a great theoretical significance for clinical application.

Effect of Intelligent Rehabilitation Training System on Upper Limb and Hand Function of Patients with Stroke / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To explore the effect of intelligent rehabilitation training system on upper limb and hand function in patients with stroke. Methods:From December, 2018 to December, 2019, 68 stroke patients were randomly divided into control group (n = 34) and experimental group (n = 34). Both groups were treated with conventional physical and occupational therapy, and scalp acupuncture, while the experimental group accepted intelligent rehabilitation training in addition, for eight weeks. Before treatment and after one week, four weeks and eight weeks of treatment, both group were evaluated with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), Upper Extermities Functional Test (UEFT) and modified Barthel Index (MBI). Results:Before treatment, there was no significant difference in the scores of FMA-UE, UEFT and MBI between two groups (P > 0.05). After treatment, all scores increased in both groups (F > 11.676, P < 0.001). Four weeks and eight weeks after treatment, all scores were higher in the experimental group than in the control group (t > 2.122, P < 0.05). Conclusion:Intelligent rehabilitation training system could improve the upper limb and hand function and activities of daily living in stroke patients.

Effects of Jinwu Jiangu recipe on IL-17/STAT3 signals in rheumatoid arthritis synoviocytes / 中国中药杂志

This paper aimed to investigate the effects of Jinwu Jiangu recipe total extract on the IL-17/STAT3 signals in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts(RASF). The primary RASFs were cultured by tissue piece method ， and divided into blank control group， Jinwu Jiangu recipe low dose group， Jinwu Jiangu recipe middle dose group， Jinwu Jiangu recipe high dose group， and tripterygium glycosides control group. They were then treated with corresponding serum free medium， different doses of Jinwu Jiangu recipe total extract(0.06， 0.6， 6.0 g·L⁻¹)， and tripterygium glycosides(0.03 g·L⁻¹) respectively for 24 hours. The gene expression levels of RORα， RORγt， and STAT3 mRNA were detected by polymerase chain reaction(PCR)， and the protein activity of IL-17R and pSTAT3 were measured by Western blot assay. The results showed that as compared with blank control group， the expression levels of RORα， RORγt， IL-17R and STAT3 mRNA in RASF were significantly declined(<0.01). As compared with tripterygium glycosides control group， Jinwu Jiangu recipe total extract middle dose group and high dose group can down-regulate the expression levels of RORα， RORγt， IL-17R and STAT3 mRNA(<0.05)， and the effect was more obvious in high dose group(<0.01). As compared with blank control group， the protein expression levels of IL-17R and pSTAT3 in each treatment group were obviously decreased(<0.01). As compared with tripterygium glycosides control group， Jinwu Jiangu recipe high dose group had more obvious effect in down-regulating the protein expression of pSTAT3(<0.01). Therefore， Miao medicine Jinwu Jiangu recipe total extract can down-regulate the expressions of RORα， RORγt， and STAT3 mRNA， and inhibit the protein activity of IL-17R and pSTAT3 in RASF.

Effect of Jinwu Jiangu Recipe on Expressions of NF-kappaB and IL-17 in Collagen Induced Arthritis Model Rats / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of Jinwu Jiangu Recipe (JJR) on the expression of synovial cells' nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and serum interleukin 17 (IL-17) in collagen induced arthritis (CIA) rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 60 Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups, i.e., the blank control group, the model group, high, middle, and low dose JJR treatment groups, and the tripterygium control group, 10 in each group. Except rats in the blank control group, CIA model was established in rats of the rest 5 groups. Then they were treated from the 7th day of modeling. After 4 weeks of medication they were sacrificed, serum collected, and synovium of joints were isolated. The expression of serum IL-17 was detected in synovium of joints by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). And the expression of NF-kappaB/P65, Ikappabetaalpha and NF-KappaB/P50 were detected by Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the blank control group, the serum IL-17 level increased in the model group (P <0. 01). Compared with the model group, the serum IL-17 level obviously decreased in high and middle dose JJR groups and the tripterygium control group (P < 0.01). Results of Western blot showed, when compared with the blank control group, protein activities of NF-kappaB/P65 and NF-kappaB/P50 were significantly enhanced in the model group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, protein activities of NF-kappaB/P65 and NF-kappaB/P50 significantly decreased in high and middle dose JJR groups and the tripterygium control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). All indices mentioned above were higher in the low dose JJR group than in the tripterygium control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>JJR could lower the expression of serum IL-17 in CIA model rats, and inhibit protein activities of NF-kappaB/P65 and NF-kappaB/P50.</p>

Preliminary study on pharmacodynamic evaluation method of Houpo formula particles / 中国中药杂志

To discuss the feasibility of the pharmacodynamic evaluation method for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula particles, with traditional decoction for reference and the intervention of Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex in rats with ulcerative colitis (UC). First of all, the similarity of traditional Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex decoction and formula particles of different manufacturers was defined by using the IR fingerprint. The UC rat model was established and given Houpo formula particles of different doses and manufacturers, with the decoction for reference, in order to observe disease activity index (DAI), colon mucosa damage index (CMDI), pathologic changes, nitric oxide (NO), endothdin (ET), substance P, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). Their intervention effects on UC rats were compared to study the difference between Sanjiu and Tianjiang Houpo formula particles, in order to demonstrate the feasibility of the pharmacodynamic evaluation method for Houpo formula particles. According to the results, Houpo formula particles showed similar pharmacodynamic actions with the traditional decoction. The pharmacodynamic comparison of Houpo formula particles of different manufacturers showed no statistical significance. The experiment showed that on the basis of the TCM compounds, a prescription dismantlement study was conducted to define target points of various drugs. The traditional decoction was selected for reference in the comparison of corresponding formula particles for their pharmacodynamic equivalence. This method could avoid controversies about single or combined boiling of formula particles, and give objective comments on the pharmacodynamic effect of the formula particles. The method is proved to be feasible.

Influence of Fuzheng Huayu Tablet on mental state and social function of patients with post-hepatitis B liver cirrhosis / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the influence of Fuzheng Huayu Tablet on mental state and social activity of patients with post-hepatitis B liver cirrhosis (LC-HB).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Adopting grouped randomized double-blinded control method, 180 LC-HB patients in 3 research centers were distributed to 2 groups, the treated group and the control group, 90 in each group. Patients in the treated group were administered with FZHYT; while those in the control group treated with conventional therapy combined with placebo, the course for all patients were 6 months. Their mental state and social activity were evaluated before treatment, after 3 months' treatment and at terminal of the 6-month therapeutic course by estimating with Zung self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), self-rating depression scale (SDS) and social deficit screening scale (SDSS). Additionally, the basic demographic materials, liver function, cirrhosis index, hepatic and splenic images, blood coagulation function, etc. in the patients were tested and compared as well.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>As compared with before treatment, the normal rate of SAS and SDS scores increased and the social deficit rate decreased in the treated group significantly after treatment, showing statistical significance (P<0.05 or P<0.01); while in the control group, change was only shown in the social deficit (P<0.01), inter-group comparisons after treatment showed significant differences in all the three indexes (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Additionally, after treatment, levels of liver function, cirrhosis, blood coagulation function and splenomegaly in the treated group were all improved significantly P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the improvements were better than those in the control group (P<0.01) in levels of total bilirubin (TBIL), albumin (ALB), type IV collagen (IV-C), prothrombin time (PT), prothrombin activity (PTA).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Most patients of LC-HB have mental disturbance and social activity deficit, which could definitely be improved by intervention with Chinese FZHYT.</p>

Advance in latest studies on pharmacological effects of magnolol / 中国中药杂志

Magnolol is one of main active constituents from Magnolia officinalis, a widely used traditional Chinese medicine. Previous studies have proved its multiple pharmacological effects, such as anti-oxidation, anti-microbial and anti-tumor. In recent years, more and more studies have focused on magnolol both at home and abroad. This essay summarizes the advance in the latest studies on the pharmacological effects of magnolol, and briefs main problems in current studies and future development orientation.

Study on the college students' psychological characteristics of personality of the nine constitutions in traditional Chinese medicine / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the psychological characteristics of personality of the nine constitutions in Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM),so as to enrich and develop the theory related with constitution in TCM.MethodsFrom May 2009 to June 2009,540 college students from two universities in Beijing were investigated by cross-sectional survey.Cluster sampling method was adopted and the constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire(CCMQ) and Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Short Scale for Chinese (EPQ-RSC) was used.Results ①In extraversion-introversion dimension,Gentleness type had the highest score(56.52 ± 8.48) and Qi-depression type had the lowest score (45.88 ± 11.13 ).The scores of seven pathological constitutions (Qi-deficiency type,Yang-deficiency type,Phlegm-wetness type,Wet-heat type,Blood-stasis type,Qi-depression type and Special diathesis type) were significantly lower than the score of Gentleness type(P＜0.01 ).In neuroticism dimension,Qi-de-pression type had the highest score (59.31 ± 9.70) and Gentleness type had the lowest score (44.08 ± 8.55 ).There were significant differences (P ＜ 0.01 )between the score of Gentleness type and the scores of Qi-deficiency type,Yin-deficiency type,Wet-heat type,Blood-stasis type and Qi-depression type.In psychoticism dimension,there were no significant differences between the score of Gentleness type and the scores of eight pathological constitutions.② Gentleness type was used as control,multivariate logistic regression analysis of psychological characteristics of personality of the eight pathological constitutions showed that the extraversion-introversion dimension was the meaningful relation factor of Qi-deficiency type,Yang-deficiency type,Phlegm-wetness type,Wet-heat type,Blood-stasis type,Qi-depression type and Special diathesis type.The neuroticism dimension was the meaningful relation factor of Qi-deficiency type,Yin-deficiency type,Phlegm-wetness type,Wet-heat type,Blood-stasis type,Qidepression type and Special diathesis type.ConclusionPeople with nine different constitutional types in TCM have shown corresponding psychological characteristics of personality.This study illustrates that nine constitutions in TCM are related to psychological characteristics of personality.

Mechanism of huoxiang zhengqi extract for regulating the intestinal motility in rat model of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the regulatory effect of Huoxiang Zhengqi Extract (HZE) on the intestinal mobility in rat model of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (D-IBS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty experimental rats were randomly divided into two parts, forty in each. Rats in one part were used in the carbon powder experiment, while the rest rats were used in the gastrointestinal transit test. Rats in each part were divided into five groups, i.e., the blank control group, the model group, and the high, moderate, and low HZE treated groups, eight in each. Normal rats consisted of the blank control group. Except for the blank control group, D-IBS model was established by gastrogavage of senna at the dose of 0.2 g/mL at 25 degrees C with 2-h restraint stress of extremities for six successive days. After modeling, high (804 mg/kg), moderate (536 mg/kg), and low (268 mg/kg) dose HZE was respectively administered to rats of the three corresponding groups. Effect of HZE on the small intestine propulsion rate and serum levels of nitric oxide (NO), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) as well as chromaffin cells in colonic epithelium (EC) were detected by carbon powder experiment, gastrointestinal transit test, nitrate reductase method, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the model group, HZE could lower the small intestine propulsion rate of D-IBS model rats, attenuate the colon transition, improve serum NO level, lower 5-HT level, and lessen the amount of EC.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>HZE showed regulatory effect on the intestinal function of D-IBS rats.</p>

Effect of Weichang'an pill on intestinal digestion enzymes and the AQP4 concentration in proximal colon in IBS-D rats / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the influence of Weichang'an pill on the treatment of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) in model rats.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Animal model of compound diarrhea was induced by a lactose enriched diet in the Wistar rat, combining with restraint stress. Twenty four female Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group and 60 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) Weichang'an pill group. The rate of weight increase, the incubation period of diarrhea and the diarrhea index were observed. Then 45 female Wistar rats randomly divided into five groups: control group, model group and Weichang'an pill groups of high, medium and low doses (80, 60, 40 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)). The indexes of thymus and spleen were calculated. The activities of LDH, MDH and disaccharidase in intestinal organization were inspected. Serum D-xylose content and the AQP4 concentration in proximal colon were detected.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>After taking Weichang'an pill for 4 days, the rate of weight increase in Weichang'an pill group was higher than the model group's. While the rate of diarrhea was lower significantly. So the best cycle of taking medicine was 4 days. The indexes of thymus and spleen of model group were decreased than that of control group. And the activities of LDH, MDH and disaccharidase in intestinal organization were also decreased. But the AQP4 concentration in proximal colon was increased. Compared with the model group, the indexes of thymus and spleen increased remarkably in the group of medium doses. Meanwhile, the activities of LDH, MDH and disaccharidase increased. But the AQP4 concentration didn't change.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Weichang'an pill has the effect of antidiarrhea. It can adjust the sugar's catabolism through increasing the activity of intestinal digestive ferment.</p>

Effect of Weichang Anwan on NO and 5-HT in blood serum, SP and MC in colon in IBS-D rats / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the influence of Weichang Anwan on the treatment of IBS-D in model rats.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Animal model of compound diarrhea was induced by a lactose enriched diet in the Wistar rat, combining with restraint stress. At first, the best cycle of taking medicine was tested. In order to decide the best cycle of taking medicine, 24 female Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group, model group and 60 mg x kg(1) x d(-1) weichangan group. The rate of weight increase, the rate of diarrhea, the incubation period of diarrhea and the diarrhea index were observed. And then 45 female Wistar rats randomly divided into five groups: normal control group, model group and Weichang Anwan groups of high, medium and low doses( 80, 60, 40 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)). The mast cells in mucous membrane were observed by light microscope. The level of NO in blood serum was checked by the method of nitrate reductase. 5-HT in blood serum was detected by fluorimetry. The level of SP in colon was measured by radioimmunoassay.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>After taking Weichang Anwan for 4 days, the rate of weight increase in Weichangan group was higher than the model group's. And the rate of diarrhea was lower significantly. So the best cycle of taking medicine was 4 days. The levels of NO and 5-HT in blood serum decreased remarkably in the model group than those of the normal control group. At the same time, the amount of the mast cells and the level of SP in colon significantly increased. Compared with the model group, the levels of NO and 5-HT in blood serum increased remarkably in the groups of high doses and medium doses. Meanwhile, the amount of the mast cells and the level of SP in colon decreased significantly.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Weichang Anwan has the effect of antidiarrhea. It can adjust the levels of NO and 5-HT in blood serum and can inhibit the expression of SP in colon which can active the mast cell. Weichangan can also decrease the amount of the mast cells directly.</p>

Protective effect of Pogostemon cablin on membrane fluidity of intestinal epithelia cell in ischemia/ reperfusion rats after ischemia/reperfusion / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth. (PCB), a Chinese aromatic herbal medicine, on serum levels of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and membrane fluidity of intestinal epithelial cells (IMC) in rats undergoing lower limbs ischemic reperfusion (I/R), for exploring its action in protecting intestinal barrier and the possible mechanisms, and to seek a new way, viewing from Chinese medicine, for providing the experimental bases of gastrointestinal protection against trauma or surgical operation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty adult Wistar rats were induced into lower limb I/R model and randomized equally into the model group, the three PCB water extract groups treated respectively with high- (4 g x kg(-1) x d(-10), middle- (3 g x kg(-1) x d(-1)), and low-dose (2 g x kg(-1) x d(-1)) of PCB water extract, and three PCB volatile oil groups treated respectively with high- (4 g x kg(-1) x d(-1)), middle- (3 g x kg(-1) x d(-1)), low-dose (2 g x kg(-1) d(-1) of PCB volatile oil. Besides, 10 healthy rats was allocated in a normal control group. PCB preparation was given via gastric infusion for 5 successive days just before modeling. The serum levels of NO and TNF-alpha were monitored, and the membranous fluidity of IMC at I/R region was determined by fluorescence polarization technique.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the control group, both serum NO and TNF-alpha levels in model rats were significantly higher (P < 0.01), and the fluorescence polarization value (P) of IMC obviously increased at the same time (P < 0.05). As compared with the model group, the serum level of NO and TNF-alpha significantly reduced in all the PCB treated groups (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). As for the membrane fluidity, significant difference was shown between the model group with low-dose of PCB water extract and middle-dose of PCB volatile oil (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PCB could effectively protect the intestinal barrier function by way of maintaining the membrane fluidity of IMC through regulating the level of NO and TNF-alpha in serum.</p>

Experimental Research of Acupuncture at Zusanli(ST 36)for Anti-aging / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To explore the mechanism of anti-aging effect of acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36). Methods: Thirty mice of 28 weeks old were randomly divided into 3 groups: control group, model group and acupuncture group. Sub-acute aging model was established by subcutaneous injection of D-galactose. The activity of Superoxide Dismutase(SOD) and content of serum Malondialdehyde(MDA) were measured. Morphological changes of jejunal mucosa were observed with light microscope. Result: SOD activity in the acupuncture group was highest among the three groups, whereas, MDA content was the lowest. In the model group, the ratio of normal intestinal villus was decreased, the intestinal villus was shrunk, and there were more epithelial cells desquamated. In acupuncture group, there were less abnormal intestinal villus and epithelial cell. Conclusion: Acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) has an effect in resisting aging by increasing the activity of serum SOD, decreasing the MDA contents, and improving the intestinal villus.

Protective effect of renshen yangron decoction on morphology and structure of mitochondria in brain and liver of subacute senile mice / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of Renshen Yangrong decoction (RYD) in protecting morphology and structure of mitochondria in brain and liver of D-galactose induced subacute senile mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty ICR mice were randomly divided into the youth control group, the model group, the high, middle and low-dose RYD groups. The ultra-structure changes of mitochondria were observed by electronic microscope, the specific surface area, body density, numerical density on area, deltammit area and ridge count of mitochondria were quantitatively analyzed with medical image analyzer.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the model group, the numbers of mitochondria decreased, mitochondria swelled and significantly expanded, ridge was fragmented, malformed and dissolved even vanished. Those manifestations were coincided with the morphological changes of mitochondria in senile mice. In the different dose of RYD groups, the numbers of mitochondrion increased, mitochondrion tumid were significantly improved, senile degenerative changes of ridge and intima were obviously alleviated in a dose-dependent manner.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>RYD can anti-age by improving the changes of mitochondria structure of liver and brain accompanied with ageing.</p>

Protective effect of renshen yangrong decoction on membrane fluidity of mitochondrion in brain and liver of subacute senile mice / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of Renshen Yangrong decoction (RYD) in protecting membrane fluidity of mitochondrion in brain and liver of D-galactose induced subacute senile mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty ICR mice were randomly divided into the youth control group, the model group, the high, middle and low-dose RYD groups. The membrane fluidity of mitochondrion in liver and brain cell was measured, and the malondialdehyde (MDA) content of mitochondrion was determined and analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the model group, the membrane fluidity of mitochondrion in hepatic and cerebral cells significantly decreased, and the MDA concentration of mitochondrion increased. RYD could significantly reduce the MDA concentration of mitochondrion, markedly increase the membrane fluidity of mitochondrion in a dose-dependent manner.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>RYD plays a role in anti-aging through protecting the membrane fluidity of mitochondrion in hepatic and cerebral cells and decreasing the MDA concentration of mitochondrion changing with ageing.</p>

Experimental study on protecting intestinal barrier function of Huoxiang Zhengqi soft capsule / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of Huoxiang Zhengqi soft capsule on protecting intestinal barrier.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Lower limb ischemic reperfusion model was induced in Wistar rats. The Chinese medicine groups were administered orally with Huoxiang Zhengqi soft capsule before inoculation respectively. The small intestinal histopathology and ultrastructural of rats were observed with optical microscope and electronic microscope respectively. Mucus was observed under AB-PAS staining, mast cells were studied under toluidine blue staining, and serum NO was determined.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>After Lower limb ischemic reperfusion, the intestinal barrier function was severely damaged. Huoxiang Zhengqi soft capsule could significantly reduce the levels of the serum NO (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Huoxiang Zhengqi soft capsule has apparent protective effect on the intestinal barrier function in lower limb ischemic reperfusion rats.</p>

Experimental research on Chinese herbal prescriptions to treat rheumatoid arthritis and their anti-inflammatory mechanism / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effects of Chinese medicine prescriptions Gancaofuzi-tang and Tongbi-fang on adjusting the dynamic expression of related cytokines and further ameliorating the histopathology of synovitis in rats with Ⅱ collagen induced arthritis(CIA).Methods:The experimental Wistar rat model of CIA was set up successfully.The rats divided into five groups in random: normal(N),Gancaofuzi-tang treatment(GF),Tongbi-fang treatment(TB),Puwei western medicine treatment(PW) and model control(C).The different medicine was affused into stomach 1.5 ml/rat,once daily.The rats were sacrificed after 6 weeks of medicine administration.Foot swelling degrees of the rats were measured every other day,and then calculate swelling rates.Getting blood after 3 weeks of treatment from rat's innercanthus to detect the level of serum Sialic Acid(SA) and the level of serum IL-2 and TNF-? by ELISA.The synovial histopathology was observed with HE staining under optical microscope.Results:Gancaofuzi-tang and Tongbi-fang significantly decreased swelling rate of joints in CIA rats.The pathology of synovisl tissues was markedly ameliorated.After administration for 3 weeks,the levels of serum SA,IL-2 and TNF-? of the rats in GF and TB groups were significantly decreased compared with the control.Continuous administration for 6 weeks,the levels of the targets in GF and TB rats reached to near the normal level.Conclusion:All the results demonstrate that Gancaofuzi-tang and Tongbi-fang play anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory roles in CIA rats through inhibiting activation of some inflammatory mediators,adjusting related cytokines expression,then eliminating the joint swelling and improving synovitis pathology,which might be looked as immune suppression effects similar to NSAID medicine.