Efficacy of aqueous extract of flower of Edgeworthia gardneri (Wall.) Meisn on glucose and lipid metabolism in KK/Upj-Ay/J mice.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of the flower of Edgeworthia gardneri (Wall.) Meisn (EWM) on glucose and lipid metabolism in KK/upj-Ay/J (KKAy) mice and investigate the possible mechanism of EWM in the liver of KKAy mice by transcriptome analysis. METHODS: Forty KKAy mice were fed a high-sugar and high-fat diet for 3 weeks to establish the animal model of metabolic syndrome. After 5 weeks of continuous administration of EWM, serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and free fatty acids (FFA) were detected by radioimmunoassay. Serum fasting insulin (Fins) and adiponectin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Liver tissue fixed with paraformaldehyde was stained with hematoxylin-eosin and oil red O. Transcriptome analysis was used to evaluate the liver tissue. The expressions of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ), adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), and fatty acid synthase (Fas) mRNA and protein in liver tissue were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. RESULTS: EWM slightly reduced FBG and Fins in KKAy mice. Furthermore, EWM was able to downregulate serum LDL, TG, TC, and FFA and upregulate the expression of serum HDL and adiponectin. Transcriptome analysis revealed the following differential pathways: the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway and the AMPK signaling pathway. RT-PCR and western blot analysis detected the associated genes and proteins. In addition, EWM was able to upregulate the expression of AMPK and downregulate the expression of PPARγ, SREBP1c, and Fas mRNA and protein and upregulate the expression of LPL mRNA. CONCLUSIONS: EWM can alleviate lipid metabolism disorders and to some extent improve glucose metabolism disorders in KKAy mice. These effects may be related to regulating PPARγ/LPL and activating the AMPK/SREBP1c/Fas pathway.

Clinical studies on the treatment of Type Ⅱ Diabetic Foot Ulcer treated by Traditional Chinese Medicine compound Tangnaikang combined with conventional western medicine treatment / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To observe the clinical effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Tangnaikang granules, supplementing to conventional treatment methods, on type 2 diabetic foot ulcer.Methods:A total of 67 patients, from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine subsidiary Dongfang Hospital, Tuanjie Lake Community Health Service Center, Qingta Community Health Service Center between August, 2019 and November, 2020 were assigned to treatment group (37 patients) and control group (30 patients) using sealed envelope randomization method. The control group underwent conventional treatment methods that manage blood sugar and treat infections. The treatment group received, in addition to the conventional treatment methods administered to the control group, Tangnaikang granules. Both groups were continuously treated for 90 days. The TCM symptom scores, granulation tissue scores, visual analogue scale (VAS), itching scores and Generic Quality of Life Inventory-74 (GQOL-74) score, wound area were observed pre- and post-treatment. The ELISA kits were used to detect the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF), fasting blood glucose level, glycated hemoglobin test (HbA1c), fasting insulin level, postprandial 2 hour insulin level, insulin resistance index. And all possible adverse events were noted. The overall clinical treatment effects and TCM symptom treatment effects were assessed.Results:Total effective rate for the treatment group 89.2% (33/37), was significantly different from that of the control group 70.0% (21/30) with χ2=3.90 and P<0.01. The TCM symptom effective rate was 86.5% (32/37) for the treatment group and 63.3% (19/30) for the control group. The difference was statistically different with χ2=4.88 and P<0.01. After treatment, whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, fibrinogen and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of the treatment group were significantly improved than those of the control group ( t=-23.38, -8.01, 18.10, -18.93,all Ps<0.01). The ulcer closure area (5.43±1.65 cm 2vs. 4.65±1.14 cm 2, t=2.20) and ulcer closure area percentage (59.14%±3.37% vs. 42.42%±3.21%， t=20.63) were statistically different of both groups ( P<0.05 or P<0.01). The VEGF, EGF, and bFGF at 90 day of the treatment group were significantly higher than those of the control group ( t=3.19, 40.59, 28.53, all Ps<0.01). The post-treatment fasting blood glucose level, insulin resistance index of the treatment group were significantly lower than those of the control group ( t=-8.55, -21.38, all Ps<0.01). TCM symptoms of thirsty, feverish sensation in chest, palms and soles in the treatment group were significantly improved than the control group ( χ2=4.38, 4.48, all Ps<0.01). Conclusion:TCM compound Tangnaikang granules can relieve diabetic foot ulcer, reduce wound healing time and improve overall treatment outcome, when it was combined of the conventional treatment.

Gene cloning, heterologous expression and activity identification of latroeggtoxin-Ⅵ / 生物工程学报

One of the distinct characters of Latrodectus tredecimguttatus is that its toxic components exist not only in the venomous glands, but also in the tissues outside the venomous glands and even in the eggs. Investigation on the toxins outside the venomous glands can deepen our understanding of spider toxins and discover new lead molecules with important application prospects. In order to explore the low-abundance proteinaceous toxins in the L. tredecimguttatus eggs, we used bioinformatic strategies to mine a gene sequence encoding a peptide toxin from the transcriptome of L. tredecimguttatus eggs, and then heterologously expressed the gene successfully with a 3'-RACE combined with nest PCR strategy. Biological activity analyses indicated that the expressed peptide toxin, named latroeggtoxin-Ⅵ (LETX-Ⅵ), could inhibit Na⁺ channel currents in ND7/23 cells and promote dopamine release from PC12 cells, without obvious toxicity against Periplaneta americana and bacteria as well as fungi including Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, demonstrating that LETX-Ⅵ is a mammal-specific neurotoxin with a potential application prospect in development of the tool reagents for neurobiological study and the drugs for treating related diseases.

Neuroprotective effects of tianmagouteng decoction on retinal ganglion cells in optic nerve crush model / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective To investigate the neuroprotective effect and antioxidation mechanism of tianmagouteng decoction on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in optic nerve crush model.Methods Optic nerve crush models were established using optic nerve clamping method in the right eyes of 50 SPF male Wistar rats.The rats were randomized into model group (17 rats),1.2 g/ml tianmagouteng decoction group (16 rats) and 2.4 g/ml tianmagouteng decoction group (17 rats).Ttianmagouteng decoction at the dose of 1.2 g/(ml· d) or 2.4 g/(ml · d) was intragastrically administered 2 hours after onset of optic nerve damage (10 ml/kg),respectively,based on grouping for consecutive 28 days,and equal volume of distilled water was used in the same way in the model group.Fluoro-gold (FG,3 μl,3％) was bilaterally injected into superior colliculus to retrogradely label RGCs 23 days following modeling.The rats were sacrificed at day 28 and retinal flatmounts were prepared to count RGCs.Retinal glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in rat retinas was detected by chemical colorimetric analysis.Results The survival rate of RGCs was (59.67 ± 9.85) ％,(71.33 ± 9.14) ％ and (73.63 ± 8.33) ％ in the model group,1.2 g/ml tianmagouteng decoction group and 2.4 g/ml tianmagouteng decoction group,respectively,showing a significant difference among the three groups (F =5.322,P =0.014),and the survival rate of RGCs was evidently higher in the 1.2 g/ml tianmagouteng decoction group and 2.4 g/ml tianmagouteng decoction group than that in the model group (P =0.023,0.006).The GSH-Px activity was (222.20±76.67),(311.30 ±46.93) and (473.65 ± 117.73)μmol/(s · mg) in the model group,1.2 g/ml tianmagouteng decoction group and 2.4 g/ml tianmagouteng decoction group,respectively,with a significant difference among the three groups (F =20.005,P ＜ 0.001),and the GSH-Px activity in the 2.4 g/ml tianmagouteng decoction group is considerably increased as compared to the model group and 1.2 g/ml tianmagouteng decoction group (P ＜ 0.001;P =0.001).Conclusions Tianmagouteng decoction plays a neuroprotective effect on RGCs after optic nerve damage in rat,which may be achieved by improving the activity of the GSH-Px in retina,suggesting that antioxidation probably be one of the neuroprotective mechanisms of tianmagouteng decoction.

Antinociceptive effects of matrine on neuropathic pain induced by chronic constriction injury.

CONTEXT: Sophora alopecuroides L. (Leguminosae) is a commonly used Chinese herbal drug that possesses antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Among various alkaloids isolated from S. alopecuroides, matrine has been identified as the major bioactive component contributing to a variety of pharmacological effects, and studies have also shown that matrine has an analgesic effect. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antinociceptive effects of matrine on neuropathic pain induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI) in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The von Frey, plantar, cold-plate, locomotor activity and rota-rod test were performed to assess the degree of mechanical, radiant, thermal, spontaneous locomotor activity and motor coordination changes respectively, at different time intervals, i.e., one day before surgery and 7, 8, 10, 12 and 14 days post surgery. Matrine was administered from the 8th day after the surgery for seven days. RESULTS: Our present study shows that matrine at the dose of 30 mg/kg i.p. increased the paw withdrawal threshold (0.88 ± 0.16), paw withdrawal latency (7.01 ± 0.11) and the counts of paw withdrawal (19.7 ± 1.15) from the day 8 for the nerve injured paw compared to the CCI group (0.18 ± 0.04, 4.62 ± 0.18, 44.3 ± 2.99, respectively). Matrine, in a dose-dependent effect, was also found to produce a protective role in both plantar and cold-plate tests. The analysis of the effect supports the hypothesis that matrine is useful in neuropathic pain therapy. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that matrine could be useful in the treatment of different kinds of neuropathic pains as an adjuvant to conventional medicines.

A method for improving acute cumulative death rates in animals by intravenous administration / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

AIM: To improve on the acute cumulative death rates method in animal by intravenous (iv) administration. METHODS: A mathematic model was established to simulate the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic process by the program written by Visual Basic.net. This program evaluated the acute cumulative death rates (ACD method) for use of pharmacokinetics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). RESULTS: The ACD method related on its first dosage, and an unsuitable dosage could lead to a wrong results. It also had been proved that, by adjusting the 2nd dosage it was a more suitable to wider range of dosage. CONCLUSION: By suitable 2nd dosage and enough animal number, ACD method can be used in the pharmacokinetics of TCM.

Identification of a gene associated with astragalus and angelica's renal protective effects by silver staining mRNA differential display / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To identify genes associated with the chronic progression of renal disease and a stragalus and angelica (A&A)'s renal protective effects.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The technique of silver staining mRNA differential display (DD) was used to investigate changes of gene expression in normal, sclerotic and A&A treated sclerotic kidneys. We isolated genes differentially expressed during the progression of renal disease which could be normalized by A&A.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Several genes related to A&A's protective effects were isolated and one of them was confirmed by Northern blot.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Silver staining mRNA differential display is a simple and effective technique for isolating differentially expressed genes. The isolated new gene may be related to the progression of chronic renal disease and contribute to A&A's protective effects.</p>

The effect of kidney-replenishing herb on the Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase of decidual macrophages / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective:To study the effect of Kidney-replenishing herb on the indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase(IDO) of decidual macrophages.Methods:RT-PCR was applied to analyze the IDO mRNA transcription of decidue;Western blot was applied to analyze the expression of IDO protein on decidual macrophages;ELISA was applied to determinate the IL-10 and IFN-? concentration in culture supernates of decidual macrophages and lymphocytes; high-performance liquid chromatography was applied to determinate the kynurenine and tryptophan concentration in cell culture supernates, the ratio of kyn/try was used to determinate IDO activity.Results:The decidual IDO mRNA transcription of normal pregnancy is higher than that of inevitable abortion; the inhibitor of IDO make the balance of Th cytokine depart from Th2; the serum made from herbal medicine improve the expression of IDO protein and IDO activity, and resume the balance of Th cytokine.Conclusion:Appropriate IDO mRNA transcription and IDO activity of decidue is necessary for normal pregnancy;Kidney-replenishing herb improve IDO activity to appropriate value.

A method based on cumulative toxicity for evaluating pharmacokinetics of oral traditional Chinese medicine in animals / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

AIM: To improve the acute cumulative death rates method (ACD method) in animal by oral administration. METHODS: A mathematic model was established to evaluate the dose-toxic effect relationship by twice oral administration and the experimental steps were improved too. The methodological quality was explored using the simulation data from computer program and the real experimental date from the reference paper. RESULTS: The results showed that the experimental data could be fitted to its theoretical data from LD_5/2 to LD_ 95/2. Concentration-time curve after po ordinary powder of Semen Strychni in mice were fitted to a one-compartment with T_ 1/2(ka)= 1.136 h,T_ 1/2(ke)= 7.100 h,and T_ max= 3.576 h. CONCLUSION: The improved ACD method can be used in the pharmacokinetics of TCM by oral administration.

Chinese herbs improve transcription of the gene for albumin in nephrotic syndrome rats / 中华肾脏病杂志

; 3. therapy with A&A (A&A); 4. Astragali alone (A); 5. Astragali polysac-charide Ⅰ (APⅠ); 6. AP Ⅱ ; 7. Astragali glucoside (AG), Results The level of serum albumin,albumin mRNA and albumin gene transcription were measured by biochemistry, Northern blot hybridization, nuclear run-on assay and quantity in laser density screening. The level of serum albumin in N was significantly lower than C. The serum albumin concentration in each therapy group was higher than N group. The transcription of the albumin gene was higher in N than in C and highest in A&A. The alterations of northern blot hybridization were same as the transcription results. But both the level of albumin mRNA and the transcription of albumin gene in A, AP I , AP I and AG were no change compared with N. Conclusion A&A increases albumin mRNA expression at least in part by improving the rate of gene transcription, which participate the protection of the decrease of serum albumin in NS. But the effect of A, AP 1 , AP I and AG may mediated by other unknown mechanisms.

Rescue role of Bu-Shen-Yi-Qi Formula for trophoblast apoptosis induced by TNF-?/IFN-? / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective:To investigate the rescue role of Bu-Shen-Yi-Qi Formula on the apoptosis of first trimester trophoblasts induced by TNF-?/IFN-?.Methods:Cell viability was measured by MTT assay,and cell numbers in sub-G1 phase were determined by FCM.The amount of apoptotic cells was evaluated by TUNEL,caspase-3 enzyme activity was examined by caspase-3 active assay kit.Bcl-2 and XIAP protein expression were detected by Western blot.Results:(1)Cell viability decreased,but apoptotic cells increased and the cells in sub-G1 phase accumulated when cultured with TNF-? and IFN-? for a 24 h and the reaction became more serious following a 48 h culture.However,cells cocultured with drug-containg serum showed enhanced cell viability,less apoptotic cells and low enzyme activity.Also,cells in sub-G1 phase decreased and Bcl-2,XIAP protein expression were enhanced when the drug-containg serum were added.This change showed time and dosage dependent.Cell viability cultured with blank serum had no significant changes.Conclusion:Bu-Shen-Yi-Qi Formula rescue trophoblasts apoptosis induced by TNF-? and IFN-?.

The formula of tonifying kidney of vital essence modulates secretion of IL-4 and IFN-? by CD4 positive T cells of human decidual / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective:To explore whether the Formula of Tonifying Kidney of Vital Essence can modulate secretion of IL-4 and IFN-? by the CD4+T cells from human decidua during first trimester,which will lead to further investigate the anti-abortional effect mechanisms of the Formula of Tonifying Kidney of Vital Essence.Methods:40 female adult SD rats were divided randomly into two groups:one group was gavaged with the Formula of Tonifying Kidney of Vital Essence;another was gavaged with normal saline,twice a day for 3 days.The two groups of rats were gavaged with the same volume of the decoction or saline.Thereafter the blood was collected from carotid artery.Human decidua tissues were collected by artificial abortion at 6-10 weeks of gestation.The CD4+ T cells were separated by MACS.CD4+ T cells were divided into four groups during cell culture.Group A was treated with 10% fetal calf serum,which was the control group.Group B was treated with 10% of the rat serum from the herbal medicine;Group C was treated with 20% of the rat serum from the herbal medicin.Group D was treated with the rat serum of the saline control.The supernatants were harvested at 24,48 and 72 h of the culture,respectively.The amounts of IL-4 and IFN-? in the culture supernatants were measured by ELISA.Results:In both group B and C of the culture the amount of IL-4 was evidently elevated when compared with the control,group A(P