[Metabolomics study of Berberidis Radix in intervening ulcerative colitis based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS].

The effect of Tujia medicine Berberidis Radix on endogenous metabolites in the serum and feces of mice with ulcerative colitis(UC) induced by dextran sulfate sodium(DSS) was analyzed by metabolomics technology to explore the metabolic pathway and underlying mechanism of Berberidis Radix in the intervention of UC. The UC model was induced in mice by DSS. Body weight, disease activity index(DAI), and colon length were recorded. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-10(IL-10) in colon tissues were determined by ELISA. The levels of endogenous metabolites in the serum and feces were detected by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). Principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) were employed to characterize and screen differential metabolites. The potential metabolic pathways were analyzed by MetaboAnalyst 5.0. The results showed that Berberidis Radix could significantly improve the symptoms of UC mice and increase the level of the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10. A total of 56 and 43 differential metabolites were identified in the serum and feces, respectively, belonging to lipids, amino acids, fatty acids, etc. After the intervention by Berberidis Radix, the metabolic disorder gradually recovered. The involved metabolic pathways included biosynthesis of phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan, linoleic acid metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Berberidis Radix can alleviate the symptoms of mice with DSS-induced UC, and the mechanism may be closely related to the re-gulation of lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and energy metabolism.

Bupi Yichang Pill alleviates dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis in mice by regulating the homeostasis of follicular helper T cells.

BACKGROUND: Follicular helper T (Tfh) cells-based therapy represents a new treatment option for inflammatory bowel disease. Bupi Yichang Pill (BPYCP), a traditional Chinese formula for the treatment of dysentery and diarrhea, exhibits potential anti-inflammatory activities in treating various kinds of inflammation. However, its anti-inflammatory effect on colitis and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. PURPOSE: To explore the protective role and underlying immunomodulatory effects of BPYCP in the treatment of UC. METHODS: The dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) free-drinking method induced UC in C57BL/6 mice, and BPYCP was orally administrated at a dosage of 1.5, 3.0, or 6.0 g/kg/day. Throughout the experimental period, the effects of BPYCP on DSS-induced clinical symptoms and disease activity index (DAI) were monitored and analyzed. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the histopathological injury of the colon. Flow cytometry was used to detect the levels of Tfh cells, Tfh cell subpopulations, and memory Tfh cells. ELISA, Western blot, and qRT-PCR were used to detect the expression of inflammatory cytokines and Tfh cell-related biomarkers. RESULTS: Medium and high dosages of BPYCP effectively alleviated DSS-induced experimental colitis with increased body weight, survival rate and colonic length, and decreased DAI, colonic weight, and colonic index, as well as less ulcer formation and inflammatory cell infiltration, increased anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-17A, IL-6, and TNF-ɑ. Moreover, BPYCP administration significantly decreased the percentage of Tfh cells and the expression of Tfh markers ICOS, PD-1 and Bcl-6 in the mesenteric lymph nodes of colitis mice. In addition, BPYCP treatment obviously decreased the percentages of Tfh1, Tfh17 and Tem-Tfh cells and upregulated Tfr cells in colitis mice. However, there were no significant regulatory effects of BPYCP on Tfh cell response in normal mice. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these results demonstrated a protective effect of BPYCP against DSS-induced experimental colitis by regulating Tfh cell homeostasis.

Curcumin regulates the homeostasis of Th17/Treg and improves the composition of gut microbiota in type 2 diabetic mice with colitis.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common complications in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Curcumin has a wide range of bioactive and pharmacological properties and is commonly used as an adjunct to the treatment of UC and DM. However, the role of curcumin in UC complicated by DM has not been elucidated. Therefore, this study was conducted to construct a model of UC complicating diabetes by inducing UC in DB mice (spontaneously diabetic) with dextran sodium sulfate. In this study, curcumin (100 mg/kg/day) significantly improved the symptoms of diabetes complicated by UC, with a lower insulin level, heavier weight, longer and lighter colons, fewer mucosal ulcers and less inflammatory cell infiltration. Moreover, compared to untreated DB mice with colitis, curcumin-treated mice showed weaker Th17 responses and stronger Treg responses. In addition, curcumin regulated the diversity and relative abundance of intestinal microbiota in mice with UC complicated by DM at the phylum, class, order, family and genus levels. Collectively, curcumin effectively alleviated colitis in mice with type 2 diabetes mellitus by restoring the homeostasis of Th17/Treg and improving the composition of the intestinal microbiota.

Tea and tea drinking: China's outstanding contributions to the mankind.

BACKGROUND: Tea trees originated in southwest China 60 million or 70 million years ago. Written records show that Chinese ancestors had begun drinking tea over 3000 years ago. Nowadays, with the aging of populations worldwide and more people suffering from non-communicable diseases or poor health, tea beverages have become an inexpensive and fine complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy. At present, there are 3 billion people who like to drink tea in the world, but few of them actually understand tea, especially on its development process and the spiritual and cultural connotations. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, CNKI, and other relevant platforms with the key word "tea", and reviewed and analyzed tea-related literatures and pictures in the past 40 years about tea's history, culture, customs, experimental studies, and markets. RESULTS: China is the hometown of tea, tea trees, tea drinking, and tea culture. China has the oldest wild and planted tea trees in the world, fossil of a tea leaf from 35,400,000 years ago, and abundant tea-related literatures and art works. Moreover, tea may be the first Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) used by Chinese people in ancient times. Tea drinking has many benefits to our physical health via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immuno-regulatory, anticancer, cardiovascular-protective, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity activities. At the moment, COVID-19 is wreaking havoc across the globe and causing severe damages to people's health and lives. Tea has anti-COVID-19 functions via the enhancement of the innate immune response and inhibition of viral growth. Besides, drinking tea can allow people to acquire a peaceful, relaxed, refreshed and cheerful enjoyment, and even longevity. According to the meridian theory of traditional Chinese medicine, different kinds of tea can activate different meridian systems in the human body. At present, black tea (fermented tea) and green tea (non-fermented tea) are the most popular in the world. Black tea accounts for over 90% of all teas sold in western countries. The world's top-grade black teas include Qi Men black in China, Darjeeling and Assam black tea in India, and Uva black tea in Sri Lanka. However, all top ten famous green teas in the world are produced in China, and Xi Hu Long Jing tea is the most famous among all green teas. More than 700 different kinds of components and 27 mineral elements can be found in tea. Tea polyphenols and theaflavin/thearubigins are considered to be the major bioactive components of black tea and green tea, respectively. Overly strong or overheated tea liquid should be avoided when drinking tea. CONCLUSIONS: Today, CAM provides an array of treatment modalities for the health promotion in both developed and developing countries all over the world. Tea drinking, a simple herb-based CAM therapy, has become a popular man-made non-alcoholic beverage widely consumed worldwide, and it can improve the growth of economy as well. Tea can improve our physical and mental health and promote the harmonious development of society through its chemical and cultural elements.

Curcumin Inhibits T Follicular Helper Cell Differentiation in Mice with Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-Induced Colitis.

Follicular helper T cells (Tfh) regulate the differentiation of germinal center B cells and maintain humoral immunity. Notably, imbalances in Tfh differentiation often lead to the development of autoimmune diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Curcumin, a natural product derived from Curcuma longa, is effective in relieving IBD in humans and animals, and its mechanisms of immune regulation need further elaboration. In this study, dextran sodium sulfate induced ulcerative colitis in BALB/c mice, and curcumin was administered simultaneously for 7 days. Curcumin effectively upregulated the change rate of mouse weight, colonic length, down-regulated colonic weight, index of colonic weight, colonic damage score and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-12, IL-23 and TGF-[Formula: see text]1 in colonic tissues of colitis mice. Importantly, curcumin regulated the differentiation balance of Tfh and their subpopulation in colitis mice; the percentages of Tfh (CD4[Formula: see text]CXCR5[Formula: see text]BCL-6[Formula: see text], CD4[Formula: see text]CXCR5[Formula: see text]PD-1[Formula: see text], CD4[Formula: see text]CXCR5[Formula: see text]PD-L1[Formula: see text], CD4[Formula: see text]CXCR5[Formula: see text]ICOS[Formula: see text], Tfh17 and Tem-Tfh were downregulated significantly, while CD4[Formula: see text]CXCR5[Formula: see text]Blimp-1[Formula: see text], Tfh1, Tfh10, Tfh21, Tfr, Tcm-Tfh and Tem-GC Tfh were upregulated. In addition, curcumin inhibited the expression of Tfh-related transcription factors BCL-6, p-STAT3, Foxp1, Roquin-1, Roquin-2 and SAP, and significantly upregulated the protein levels of Blimp-1 and STAT3 in colon tissue. In conclusion, curcumin may be effective in alleviating dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis by regulating Tfh differentiation.

Curcumin Alleviated Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis by Regulating M1/M2 Macrophage Polarization and TLRs Signaling Pathway.

Curcumin has shown good efficacy in mice with experimental colitis and in patients with ulcerative colitis, but the mechanism of action through the regulation of M1/M2 macrophage polarization has not been elaborated. The ulcerative colitis was modeled by dextran sulfate sodium; colitis mice were orally administrated with curcumin (10 mg/kg/day) or 5-ASA (300 mg/kg/day) for 14 consecutive days. After curcumin treatment, the body weight, colon weight and length, colonic weight index, and histopathological damage in colitis mice were effectively improved. The concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6, and CCL-2 in the colonic tissues of colitis mice decreased significantly, while anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-33 and IL-10 increased significantly. Importantly, macrophage activation was suppressed and M1/M2 macrophage polarization was regulated in colitis mice, and the percentage of CD11b+F4/80+ and CD11b+F4/80+TIM-1+ and CD11b+F4/80+iNOS+ decreased significantly and CD11b+F4/80+CD206+ and CD11b+F4/80+CD163+ increased significantly. Additionally, curcumin significantly downregulated CD11b+F4/80+TLR4+ macrophages and the protein levels of TLR2, TLR4, MyD88, NF-κBp65, p38MAPK, and AP-1 in colitis mice. Our study suggested that curcumin exerted therapeutic effects in colitis mice by regulating the balance of M1/M2 macrophage polarization and TLRs signaling pathway.

Community structure of bacterioplankton and its relationship with environmental factors in the upper reaches of the Heihe River in Qinghai Plateau.

Planktonic microorganisms play a key role in the biogeochemical processes of the aquatic system, and they may be affected by many factors. High-throughput sequencing technology was used in this study to investigate and study the bacterioplankton community of water bodies in the upper reaches of the Heihe River Basin in Qinghai Plateau. Results showed that Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria are the predominant phyla in this river section, while the main genera are Thiomonas, Acidibacillus, Acidocella, Rhodanobacter, Acidithiobacter and Gallionella, which are autochthonous in the acid-mine drainage. Additionally, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, permanganate index and pH are significantly correlated with the bacterioplankton abundance and are the main limiting factors for the spatial distribution of the bacterioplankton. PICRUSt inferred that the mainstream microbial assemblages had a higher abundance of KOs belong to metabolism of terpenoids and polyketides, while the tributary had higher abundance of KOs belong to the immune system. The relationship between bacterioplankton community composition and environmental factors in the Heihe River basin was discussed for the first time in this study, which provides a theoretical basis for the healthy, orderly development of the water environment in the Heihe River Basin.

Sishen Pill Treatment of DSS-Induced Colitis via Regulating Interaction With Inflammatory Dendritic Cells and Gut Microbiota.

Sishen Pill (SSP) is a typical prescription in the pharmacopeia of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and is usually used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is known that inflammatory dendritic cells (DCs) and imbalance of gut microbiota play significant roles in the pathogenesis of IBD. However, it is not clear whether SSP can treat IBD by regulating interaction of DCs and gut microbiota. In the present study, the levels of inflammatory DCs and gut microbiota were analyzed by flow cytometry and 16S rDNA analysis. SSP relieved the pathological damage to the colon of mice with colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). As typical indicators of inflammatory DCs, the levels of CD11c+CD103+E-cadherin+ cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1ß, -4, -9, and -17A] were decreased in mice with colitis treated by SSP for 10 days. Simultaneously, the gut microbiota composition was regulated, and beneficial bacteria were increased and pathogenic bacteria were reduced. The results indicated that SSP regulated the interaction between inflammatory DCs and gut microbiota to treat DSS-induced colitis.

Effect of Sishen Pill on Memory T Cells From Experimental Colitis Induced by Dextran Sulfate Sodium.

Immune memory has a protective effect on the human body, but abnormal immune memory is closely related to the occurrence and development of autoimmune diseases including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Sishen Pill (SSP) is a classic prescription of traditional Chinese medicine, which is often used to treat chronic colitis, but it is not clear whether SSP can alleviate experimental colitis by remodeling immune memory. In the present study, the therapeutic effect of SSP on chronic colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was evaluated by colonic length, colonic weight index, macroscopic and microscopic scores, and pathological observation. The cytokine levels were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); the percentages of central memory T (Tcm) and effector memory T (Tem) cells were analyze\d by flow cytometry; and activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling proteins was measured by western blotting. After 7-days' treatment, SSP alleviated DSS-induced colitis, which was demonstrated by decreased colonic weight index, colonic weight, histopathological injury scores, restored colonic length, gradual recovery of colonic mucosa, and lower levels of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-7, IL-12, and IL-15, while SSP increased IL-10 expression. SSP obviously regulated the quantity and subpopulation of Tcm and Tem cells. Furthermore, SSP markedly inhibited activation of PI3K, Akt, phospho-Akt, Id2, T-bet, forkhead box O3a, Noxa, and C-myc proteins in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and activated Rictor, Raptor, tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)1, TSC2, phospho-AMP-activated kinase (AMPK)-α, AMPK-α, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 2, kinesin family member 2a, and 70-kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase. These results indicate that SSP effectively controls Tem cells in the peripheral blood to relieve experimental colitis induced by DSS, which were potentially related with inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

The crude ethanol extract of Periplaneta americana L. stimulates wound healing in vitro & in vivo.

Periplaneta americana L. is a Traditional Chinese Medicine that has been used in clinic treatment of various diseases for a long history. However, the therapeutic potential and the underlying mechanism of Periplaneta americana L. in the skin wound therapy was not investigated comprehensively yet. This study aims to investigate the influence of the crude ethanol extract of PAL in the different wound stages including: (1) the migration and chemotaxis to skin cells in the first stage; (2) proliferation and cells cycle of skin cells in the second stage; (3) remodeling effect and secretion of growth factors, collagens in the third stage; (4) as well as the influence in the blood vessels regeneration in the late stage. The crude ethanol extract of PAL was shown to (1) promote the keratinocytes proliferation and regulate the cells cycle of fibroblasts significantly; (2) stimulate the migration of keratinocytes and fibroblasts obviously; (3) enhance the EGF and VEGF secretion both in vitro & in vivo; (4) accelerate the wound healing, collagen synthesis and angiogenesis. The crude ethanol extract of KFX was shown a promising therapeutic agent for the wound therapy with great efficacy to accelerate the wound healing with improved quality.

Periplaneta Americana L. as a novel therapeutics accelerates wound repair and regeneration.

Kangfuxin (KFX) is the ethanol extract of Periplaneta Americana L., which has been widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for the treatment of injury in clinic with a long history. However, the biological influence of KFX in the different wound stages was not investigated comprehensively yet. This study aims to investigate the influence of KFX in the various wound healing activities with cellular and animal models, including the influence of KFX in 1) proliferation and cells cycle of kerationcytes and fibroblasts; 2) migration and chemotaxis of these skin cells; 3) secretion of EGF and VEGF; 4) the healing rate; 5) synthesis and deposition of different types of collagen; 6) as well as the pro-angiogenesis effect. KFX was shown to/for 1) promote the kerationcytes proliferation and regulate the cells cycle of skin fibroblasts significantly; 2) obviously stimulate the migration of kerationcytes and chemotaxis of fibroblasts; 3) the trend to promote EGF and VEGF secretion both in vitro & in vivo; 4) accelerate the wound closure, collagen synthesis and angiogenesis. KFX was demonstrated to accelerate wound healing and improve the healing quality by multiple regulation. Results of this study provide the comprehensive evidence for the application of KFX as a novel therapeutics for wound treatment.

Traditional Chinese herbal medicine for vascular dementia.

BACKGROUND: Traditional Chinese herbal medicine (TCHM) is widely used for treating vascular dementia (VaD) in China. Recent studies of a number of TCHMs have demonstrated in vitro biological activity and therapeutic effects in animals, but the published clinical evidence has not been systematically appraised. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of TCHMs listed in either the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (CP) or the Chinese National Essential Drug List (NEDL) that are used to treat VaD. A secondary aim was to identify promising TCHMs for further clinical research. SEARCH METHODS: We searched ALOIS, the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group's Specialised Register (on 14 March 2018) and also several Chinese biomedical databases: the Chinese Biological Medicine Database (January 1979 to May 2015), Wanfang database (January 1998 to May 2015), Chongqing VIP Information Co. Ltd or Weipu (January 1998 to May 2015) and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (January 1979 to May 2015). SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of TCHMs compared to placebo, to Western medicine (WM) or to routine therapy for VaD risk factors. Eligible participants were men and women aged 18 years and above, diagnosed with VaD by any of the following four criteria: (1) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) versions III, III-R, IV, IV-TR; (2) National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS-AIREN); (3) International Classification of Diseases 9 or 10; (4) the Hachinski or the Modified Hachinski Ischaemic Score. We required the use of an imaging technique to differentiate VaD from other dementias. We excluded (1) trials with participants diagnosed with mixed dementia or those that did not use an imaging technique to ascertain VaD; (2) trials of NEDL-listed Gingko biloba or Huperzine A as experimental interventions, to avoid duplication of existing Cochrane Reviews; (3) trials using acupuncture alone as the experimental intervention; (4) trials using another CP- or NEDL-listed TCHM (except for Huperzine A and Gingko which are popular in Western practice) as the control intervention; and (5) trials using purely non-pharmacological interventions as the control intervention unless explicitly described as 'routine therapy for VaD risk factors'. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We assessed the risks of bias using the Cochrane 'Risk of bias' tool and adapted the Outcome Reporting Bias in Trials (ORBIT) classification system for outcome reporting bias. We assessed TCHM effects on five clinically important outcomes: cognition, global performance, safety, activities of daily living and behaviour and summarised the effects using mean differences for continuous outcomes and risk ratios or risk differences for binary outcomes. We stratified the studies into those that estimated the TCHM versus 'no treatment' effect and those that estimated the TCHM versus the WM effect, with further stratification by the specific TCHM tested or by one of the four modes of action. We pooled using a random-effects model. Due to substantial clinical and design heterogeneity, we did not estimate an 'overall TCHM effect'. MAIN RESULTS: We only found studies (47 studies, 3581 participants) for 18 of the 29 eligible TCHMs as defined by our inclusion criteria. All were superiority trials conducted in China between 1997 and 2013, with most employing a two-arm parallel design with sample sizes ranging from 26 to 240 and a median treatment duration of 12 weeks (range: 2 to 24 weeks).We found that reporting and trial methodology were generally poor; in particular, there was a lack of information on randomisation, an absence of blinding of participants and outcome assessors and incomplete reporting of adverse events (AEs). None of the 30 trials published from 2007 onwards adopted the CONSORT recommendations for reporting RCTs of herbal interventions.We found seven TCHMs which each had potentially large benefits in studies estimating the TCHM versus 'no treatment' effect and in studies estimating the TCHM versus the WM effect. Two TCHMs (NaoXinTong and TongXinLuo) were common to both groups. Three of these TCHMs - Nao XinTong, NaoMaiTai and TongXinLuo - had the strongest evidence to justify further research. Two TCHMs (NaoMaiTai and TongXinLuo) had a 5% or more increased risk of AEs compared to the 'no Treatment' control, but the quality of this evidence was poor. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We found moderate- to very low-quality evidence of benefit and harm of TCHMs for VaD. Methodological inadequacies need to be addressed by better conducted and reported trials. We identified NaoMaiTai, NaoXinTong and TongXinLuo as warranting special research priority.

Influences of Chinese herbal compound Qinghuayin on serum IL-10 ,NO , GAS and plasma MTL in animal model of chronic atrophic gastritis in rats / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective To explore the effects of Chinese herbal compound Qinghuayin on the pathological changes of gastric mucosa and interleukin-10 (IL-10) ,nitric oxide (NO) ,gasmn (GAS) and motilin (MTL) in the serum in the animal model of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG ) in rats .Methods We divided 53 Wistar rats randomly into blank control group (n=8) and CAG model group (n=45) ,and the animal model of CAG in rats was replicated by combination of disease and syndrome .After confirming the sampled rat model was successful built , the other 40 CAG rats in CAG model group were divided into model group ,vitacoenzyme tablet group ,low-dosage TMC group ,medium-dosage TMC group ,and high-dosage TMC group (each group n=8) .With the corresponding drug intervention to different rats for 30 days , the rats were executed . Then their blood was drawn from the abdominal aorta and the gastric tissue was taken to analyze the changes of serum IL-10 ,NO ,GAS and MTL concentrations and gastric mucosa pathology . Results Compared with blank control group , model group had various degrees of gastric mucosa atrophy ; decreased concentrations of serum IL-10 and GAS ; increased NO and MTL ( P<0 .01 ) .Compared with model group,Qinghuayin could improve gastric mucosa pathology in different degrees and increase the concentrations of IL-10 and GAS . Decrease the concentrations of NO and MTL( P<0 .05 or P<0 .01 ) . What's more. The curative effect in high-dosage TMC group was better( P<0. 01 ). Conclusion Chinese herbal compound Qinghuayin can effectively regulate the lopsided expressions of serum IL-10 . NO .GAS and MTL and reverse the pathological and histological changes in the gastric mucosa of CAG rats .

Evidence based anti-osteoporosis effects of Periplaneta americana L on osteoblasts, osteoclasts, vascular endothelial cells and bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells.

BACKGROUND: Kangfuxin (KFX) is the ethanol extract of Periplaneta americana L, which has been widely used in the Traditional Chinese Medicine for the repair and regeneration of injured organ and tissues with long history. This study is to investigate the influence of KFX in the various cellular activities and evaluate the anti-osteoporosis potential of KFX. METHODS: The influence of the KFX in the cellular activities, including: 1) migration, osteocalcin secretion of osteoblasts; 2) apoptosis of osteoclasts; 3) migration and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC); and 4) proliferation, cell cycle regulation and migration of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), were investigated systematically. RESULTS: KFX was shown to significantly 1) Promote of the migration of osteoblasts, HUVEC, and BMSCs; 2) Increase the secretion of osteocalcin and mineralization of osteoblasts; 3) Accelerate the apoptosis of osteoclasts; 4) Stimulate the proliferation and regulate the cell cycle of BMSCs. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these results provide the evidence for the osteogenesis, anti-osteoporosis and angiogenesis effects of KFX, with the mechanism of activating the bone formation through stimulating the osteoblasts and HUVECs, as well as inhibiting the bone absorption by inhibiting the osteoclasts activities. The KFX was definitely shown a promising bone turnover agent with great potential for anti-osteoporosis treatment.

L-3-n-butylphthalide Rescues Hippocampal Synaptic Failure and Attenuates Neuropathology in Aged APP/PS1 Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease.

AIMS: Our previous studies showed that L-3-n-butylphthalide (L-NBP), an extract from seeds of Apium graveolens Linn (Chinese celery), improved cognitive ability in animal models of cerebral ischemia, vascular dementia, and Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is well known that cognitive deficit of AD is caused by synaptic dysfunction. In this study, we investigated the effect of L-NBP on hippocampal synaptic function in APP/PS1 AD transgenic mice and related mechanisms. METHODS: Eighteen-month-old APP/PS1 transgenic (Tg) mice were administrated 15 mg/kg L-NBP by oral gavage for 3 months. Synaptic morphology and the thickness of postsynaptic density (PSD) in hippocampal neurons were investigated by electron microscope. The dendritic spines, Aß plaques, and glial activation were detected by staining. The expressions of synapse-related proteins were observed by Western blotting. RESULTS: L-NBP treatment significantly increased the number of synapses and apical dendritic thorns and the thickness of PSD, increased the expression levels of synapse-associated proteins including PSD95, synaptophysin (SYN), ß-catenin, and GSK-3ß, and attenuated Aß plaques and neuroinflammatory responses in aged APP/PS1 Tg mice. CONCLUSION: L-NBP may restore synaptic and spine function in aged APP Tg mice through inhibiting Aß plaques deposition and neuroinflammatory response. Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway may be involved in L-NBP-related restoration of synaptic function.

[Huanglian jiedu decoction active fraction protects ipsilateral thalamus injury in MCAO rats through regulating astrocytes].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the protective effects of the Huanglian Jiedu decoction aqueous extract and its active fraction, which consists of total alkaloids, total flavonoids and total iridoid, on the thalamus of cerebral ischemia in rats. METHOD: The rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was chosen. Male SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group, model group, aqueous extract group (800 mg x kg(-1)), total alkaloids group(44 mg x kg(-1)), total flavonoids group (50 mg x kg(-1)) and the total iridoid group (80 mg x kg(-1)). The rats were administered the appropriate drugs intragastrically once a day, for 7 days after surgery. An equivalent volume of saline was given in the sham surgery and model groups. The HE staining was adopted to observe the pathological changes. Determination of Glu and gamma-GABA in thalamus were detected by HPLC with fluorescence detection. The expression of GAD65 was examined with immunohistochemistry and double staining with uorescent-conjugated antibodies against GFAP and Cx43 was chosen in this study. RESULT: The neurons degenerated in MCAO rats after cerebral ischemia 7 d. The content of Glu, gamma-GABA decreased (P < 0.05), the expression of GAD65 reduced (P < 0.05) and the expression of GFAP and Cx43 increased (P < 0.01) in thalamus of rats compared with sham-operation group. Huanglian Jiedu decoction aqueous extract, total alkaloids, total flavonoids and total iridoid reduced the degeneration of neurons. Total flavonoids could promote the expression of GAD65 (P < 0.05) and decrease the expression of GFAP and Cx43 (P < 0.01) in thalamus compared with model group while it could also increased the content of Glu,gamma-GA BA to normal levels. Compared with model group, Huanglian Jiedu decoction aqueous extract, total alkaloids and total iridoid could raise the expression of Cx43, and Huanglian Jiedu decoction aqueous extract could also increase the expression of GAD65 (P < 0.05). The expression of GFAP in Huanglian Jiedu decoction aqueous extract group, total alkaloids group and total iridoid group were not different compared with model group while the content of gamma-GABA decreased (P < 0.05) compared with sham-operation group. CONCLUSION: The degeneration of nerve cells, the reduction of neurotransmitter amino acids content, the aberrant activation of astrocytes and the abnormal expression of GFAP and Cx43 will appear in thalamus of MCAO rats after ischemia. Huanglian Jiedu decoction total flavonoids could relieve the injury of nerve cell through inhibiting the abnormal activation of astrocytes and regulating the expression of GFAP and GAD65.

[Characteristics of sediment phosphorus in the Jiulong River-Reservoir system and its ecological significance].

Sediment phosphorus (P) content and component ratio from 16 sites along the North Jiulong River-reservoir system were analyzed using the Standard Measurement and Test (SMT) procedure. The spatial pattern and characteristics of sediment P and its ecological significance in the Jiulong River-reservoir system were examined in combination with water measurement and watershed information. Total P content in sediments ranged from 387 to 2092 mg x kg(-1) with an average of 1032 mg x kg(-1). Inorganic phosphorus (IP) dominated P in sediment, accounting for 48%-98% of TP, and Fe/Al-bound phosphorus (Fe/Al-P) took 43%-99% of IP. The spatial pattern of sediment showed that TP and Fe/Al-P were higher in upstream and lower in downstream, corresponding to the spatial variation of surface water P and land-based loads from animal waste, human waste and fertilizer loss. Spatial variation of TP in sediment was controlled by Fe/AI-P along the North Jiulong River. The P-rich sediment with a great release potential due to the high ratio of Fe/ Al-P, the typical spatial pattern, and the lower N/P ratio observed in upstream water (where phytoplankton growth tends to be weakly limited by phosphorus), are likely to explain the fact that algal blooms first appear in the upstream and then spread to downstream reservoirs along the North Jiulong River. Present findings concerning sediment P characteristics indicate an important regulating effect and the ecological significance on the process of algal blooms in the Jiulong River.

Clinical observation on the treatment of chronic urticaria with total glucosides of paeony capsule combined with citirizine.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect and adverse reaction of total glucosides of paeony capsule (TGPC) in combining with citirizine for the treatment of chronic urticaria. METHODS: A total of 120 patients were assigned to two groups by lottery, 65 in the treated group and 55 in the control group. They all were orally treated with citirizine tablet 10 mg per day, but to the treated group, additional 0.2 g TGPC was given three times per day, the therapeutic course for both groups was 4 weeks. The effectiveness of treatment was observed, and the changes of total symptom score, serum levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4), and immunoglobulin E (IgE) were measured before and after treatment. Moreover, a follow-up was carried out one month after ending the treatment. RESULTS: The dropped cases were two in the treated group and seven in the control group; so, the study was accomplished on 63 patients in the treated group and 48 patients in the control group. The total effective rate was assessed at 73.02% (46/63) in the treated group, which was significantly higher than 47.92% (23/48) in the control group (P<0.01). After treatment, the total symptom score decreased in both groups, but the decrement in the treated group was more significant (P<0.05). Serum levels of IL-4 and IgE in the treated group lowered significantly, while the changes in the control group were insignificant, so statistical significant differences were shown between groups (P<0.01). A follow-up study showed that the relapse rate in the treated group was 30.00% (6/20), while that in the control group was 90.00% (9/10), and the former was lower than the latter (P<0.01). Adverse reactions, revealed as drowsiness, dizziness, and weakness, were seen in eight cases and seven cases in the two groups, respectively. Besides, mild diarrhea occurred in two cases of the treated group. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of TGPC combining citirizine shows definite curative effect in treating chronic urticaria, with low relapse rate and without evident adverse reaction. Its therapeutic effect might be realized by means of regulating patients' immune function. Besides, the medication should be continued for a rather long period to achieve the full effect.

[Study on microscopic identification of Dai medicine "ge ga" (Zanthoylum armatum)].

The root, bark, leaf and fruit of Zanthoylum armatum are used as traditional crude drugs by Dai and some other minority nationalities in China, and the Dai drug name is "ge ga". This paper reported microscopic, physical and chemical characters of the bark and leaf The abbreviated and detailed diagrams of the transections of the bark and leaf, and the powder diagram of the bark were drawn in the study. The result showed that there were distinct microscopic characters of the transection and the powder, and these characters could be used as evidence for identification of the ethnomedicine in the exploitation and utilization.