Ultrasound-Based Drug Delivery System.

Cancer still represents a leading threat to human health worldwide. The effective usage of anti-cancer drugs can reduce patients' clinical symptoms and extend life-span survival time. Current anti-cancer strategies include chemotherapy, traditional Chinese medicine, biopharmaceuticals, and the latest targeted-therapy. However, due to the complexity and heterogeneity of tumor, serious side effects may result from the direct use of anti-cancer drugs. Besides, the current therapeutic strategies failed to effectively alleviate metastasized tumors. Recently, ultrasound-mediated nano-drug delivery system has become an increasingly important treatment strategy. Due to its abilities to enhance the efficacy and reduce toxic and side effects, it has become a research hotspot in the field of biomedicine. In this review, we introduced the latest research progress of the ultrasound-responsive nano-drug delivery systems, and the possible mechanisms of ultrasound acting on the carrier to change the structure or conformation, as well as to realize the controlled release. In addition, the progress in ultrasound responsive nano-drug delivery systems will also be briefly summarized.

[Cupping treatment combined with antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia in children: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy of cupping treatment combined with antibiotics and antibiotics alone for bacterial pneumonia in children. METHODS: A total of 72 children with bacterial pneumonia were randomly divided into an observation group (36 cases, 1 case dropped off) and a control group (36 cases). The children in the control group were treated with intravenous drip of cefodizine sodium [80 mg/(kg•d)] for 7 days. Based on the treatment of the control group, the children in the observation group were treated with cupping treatment on the bladder meridian of the back on the first day and the fourth day of antibiotic treatment; each cupping treatment was given for 5-10 min; the treatment of observation group was given for 7 days. The days for complete fever reduction, TCM syndrome scores and Canadian acute respiratory illness flu scale (CARIFS) scores before and after treatment were observed, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated. RESULTS: The days for complete fever reduction in the observation group were shorter than that in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the TCM syndrome scores and CARIFS scores in the two groups were reduced (P<0.05), and the cough score, expectoration score, lung auscultation score of TCM syndrome and cough score, runny nose score and sore throat score of CARIFS in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The cured rate in the observation group was 97.1% (34/35), which had no significant difference with 91.7% (33/36) in the control group (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Cupping treatment combined with antibiotics has similar efficacy with antibiotics alone for bacterial pneumonia in children, but shows better effect in shortening the duration of fever and improving pulmonary symptoms.

US-guided percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) of submandibular gland: A new minimal invasive and effective treatment for refractory sialorrhea and treatment response evaluation with contrast-enhanced imaging techniques.

A 33 years' old male complained of excessive salivation with frequent swallowing and spitting, which resulted in communication disturbance, reduced quality of life, and social embarrassment for 19 years. He had been diagnosed as sialorrhea and submandibular gland hyperfunction by stomatologist, then had unilateral submandibular gland resection 13 years ago, but the symptom relief was not satisfactory. After that, he had been treated with glycopyrrolate for less than a year, which was withdrawn because of the short duration of symptomatic control after each tablet take-in and intolerable side effects. With the wish to receive a new treatment with long term effectiveness, low re-operation risk and normal preserved saliva secretion function, the patient was subject to MWA for the right submandibular gland. After systematic clinical evaluation, US-guided percutaneous MWA was successfully performed with an uneventful post-operative course. The volume of the right submandibular gland and ablated area were measured precisely by an ablation planning software system with automatic volume measurement function based on three-dimensional reconstruction of the pre-operative and post-operative enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) raw data. Finally, the ablated volume was calculated as 62.2% of the whole right submandibular gland. The patient was discharged 1 day after the operation, with symptoms relieved significantly, the mean value of whole saliva flow rate (SFR) decreased from 11 ml to 7.5 ml per 15 minutes. During the follow up by phone three months after operation, the patient reported that the treatment effect was satisfactory, whereas the SFR value became stable as 7 ml per 15 minutes, drooling frequency and drooling severity (DFDS) score decreased from 6 to 5, drooling impact scale (DIS) score decreased from 43 to 26. US-guided percutaneous MWA of submandibular gland seems to be an alternative, minimal invasive, and effective treatment for refractory sialorrhea.We described a patient with refractory sialorrhea treated successfully with ultrasound (US) guided percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA).

[Prescription and medication regularity of traditional Chinese medicine for treating child pneumonia based on data mining].

To analyze and summarize formulae of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) in the treatment of pediatric pneumonia in CNKI based on the data mining method. CNKI was retrieved for literatures of TCM treatment of pneumonia in children in recent 20 years, which was taken the data source. After screening, a prescription database was established. Frequency analysis, association rules Apriori algorithm and complex system entropy clustering analysis methods integrated in TCMISS(V2.5) were applied in data analysis and mining. Core drugs and their properties and flavors, medication modes and new prescriptions were summarized and studied. A total of 408 prescriptions were screened out, involving 218 drugs, among which Chinese herbal medicines with the highest use frequency included Gancao(Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), Xingren(Armeniacae Semen Amarum), Huangqin(Scutellariae Radix), Mahuang(Ephedrae Herba), Jiegeng(Platycodonis Radix), Banxia(Pinelliae Rhizoma), Sangbaipi(Mori Cortex), Chenpi(Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Fuling(Poria), Jinyinhua(Japonicae Lonicerae Flos). Flavors were mainly bitter, sweet and pungent; and the main medicinal property was cold. Most of these drugs entered lung meridian(LU), stomach meridian(ST) and spleen meridian(SP); and the association rules between drugs were established. Totally 6 new prescriptions were obtained through entropy hierarchical cluster analysis. Our results objectively presented, at present, TCM focuses on phlegm and heat in treating children's pneumonia, which targets at lung and also treats spleen and stomach. The main therapies aim to clear heat and resolve phlegm, ventilate lung and relieve cough and dyspnea, release exterior and dissipate cold, and relieve cough and eliminate phlegm. The results of statistical analysis are basically consistent with the consensus of experts, which can provide theoretical basis for clinical medication and drug development.

[Molecular mechanism of apoptosis of breast cancer SKBR-3 cells induced by cryptanshinone via G protein coupled estrogen receptor( GPER) mediated pathway].

The study aimed to illuminate the role of G protein coupled estrogen receptor( GPER) and its mediated PI3 K/AKT signaling pathway in cryptotanshinone( CPT) induced apoptosis of breast cancer SKBR-3 cells,which is GPER positive and ER negative.The apoptosis rate of SKBR-3 cells was tested by Annexin V-FITC/PI staining and apoptosis effector caspase-3 was determined by Western blot. The key proteins in PI3 K/AKT signaling pathway mediated by GPER were detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence technique. Meanwhile,the agonist G1 and antagonist G15 of GPER and antagonist LY294002 of PI3 K were employed in the test to further clarify the effect of GPER and PI3 K/AKT pathway. The results indicated that the apoptosis rate was increased from 4. 7% to46. 1% and 69. 0% after treatment with 0,5,10 µmol·L~(-1) CPT for 48 h( P<0. 01). The expression of PI3 K,AKT and p-AKT were inhibited( P<0. 05 or P<0. 01),while caspase-3 level increased obviously after treatment with CPT( P<0. 01). Importantly,inhibitory effect of PI3 K/AKT signaling pathway by CPT was further enhanced by G1 and attenuated by G15. LY294002 also induced a further inhibition of expression of AKT and p-AKT. The mean fluorescence intensity of AKT and p-AKT could be decreased by CPT. Furthermore,CPT could downregulate GPER expression in SKBR-3 cells( P<0. 01),which could be inhibited by G1 and enhanced by G15.In conclusion,CPT could induce the apoptosis of ER negative and GPER positive breast cancer SKBR-3 cells and the molecular mechanism is related to its regulatory effect of GPER and its mediated PI3 K/AKT signaling pathway.

Particular internal recirculation frequency scope for enhancing denitrifying phosphorus removal in an oxidation ditch.

This study investigated the influence of the unique internal recirculation characteristics of an oxidation ditch (OD) system, namely, the internal recirculation frequency (IRF) on denitrifying phosphorus removal (DNPR). The ratios of denitrifying polyphosphate-accumulating organisms (DPAOs) to polyphosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs) under different IRF conditions were measured using a batch experiment. On this basis, the variation of nutrient transformations was studied using the IRF changes by the mass balance method. The results showed that, for the OD system that had an anaerobic zone upstream from the circular corridor and set anoxic and aerobic zones along the circular corridor, when the IRF was between 3.4 h-1 and 7.5 h-1, the DPAOs/PAOs ratio reached about 50%. Approximately 20% of the total phosphorus (TP) was removed and over 11% of the total nitrogen (TN) was transformed into nitrogen gas by the DNPR process, and meanwhile the total removal efficiencies of the TP and TN were over 93% and 80%. When the IRF was greater than 11.5 h-1, the TN removal efficiency decreased significantly, and this was not conducive to simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal. The results indicated that the OD process would possess a better DNPR potential if the IRF were controlled within the proper scope.

[Effects of Long-term Poly-P Deficiency on the Metabolic Properties of Accumulibacter in AO-SBR System].

To investigate the changes in microbial community structure and metabolic properties of Accumulibacter under long-term Poly-P deficiency, an activated sludge enriched with Accumulibacter was inoculated into two SBR reactors, where sodium acetate and sodium propionate were used separately as organic carbon sources. The two reactors were operated for 60 days with an influent PO43--P concentration of 2.5 mg·L-1. The phosphorus removal performance, sludge production, and changes in the microbial community structure of the systems were analyzed. The results indicated that both SBR systems showed good performance of phosphorus and organic matter removal. However, microorganisms in both systems showed glycogen-accumulating metabolism properties under long-term Poly-P deficiency. In the unfavorable environment of long-term Poly-P deficiency, Accumulibacter Ⅰ maintained a high abundance (40%±7%) in the propionate SBR system, indicating that Accumulibacter Ⅰ had higher metabolic activity and its metabolic properties could be independent of Poly-P for survival under Poly-P deficiency for a long period. In comparison, propionate is more conducive to Accumulibacter adaptation to lower phosphorus loads, and Accumulibacter Ⅰ is more competitive than Accumulibacter Ⅱ under lower phosphorus loads.

A randomized study on the effect of sequential acupoint stimulation on pulmonary function of patients with spontaneous pneumothorax during VATS perioperative period.

This study aims to explore the effect of sequential acupoint stimulation on the postoperative pulmonary function of patients with spontaneous pneumothorax who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).Using a random number table, the patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: routine nursing group and sequential acupoint stimulation group. Patients in the routine nursing group received standard nursing care of thoracic surgery, while patients in the acupoint group received sequential acupoint stimulation on Shenshu (BL23), Gaohuang (BL43), Feishu (BL13), and Tiantu (CV22). Then, the maximal ventilatory volume (MVV), oxygen saturation (SpO2), postoperative drainage volume, postoperative drainage time, postoperative hospitalization days, and procalcitonin (PCT) were observed on the first, third, fifth and 30th day after VATS operation.On the fifth day after spontaneous pneumothorax was treated with VATS, MVV, and SpO2 of the sequential acupoint stimulation group were significantly higher than those of the routine nursing group (P < .05). On both the third day and fifth day after VATS, PCT of the sequential acupoint stimulation group was significantly lower than that of the routine nursing group (P < .01). Furthermore, the difference in postoperative drainage volume between the 2 groups was not statistically significant (P > .05), while chest tube drainage time (P < .01) and postoperative hospitalization days (P < .05) of the sequential acupoint stimulation group were significantly lower than those of the routine nursing group.In spontaneous pneumothorax patients who underwent VATS, sequential acupoint stimulation nursing was significantly more effective than routine postoperative nursing in promoting postoperative recovery of lung function, alleviating inflammatory response and shortening hospitalization days.

Integration of Waste Valorization for Sustainable Production of Chemicals and Materials via Algal Cultivation.

Managing waste is an increasing problem globally. Microalgae have the potential to help remove contaminants from a range of waste streams and convert them into useful biomass. This article presents a critical review of recent technological developments in the production of chemicals and other materials from microalgae grown using different types of waste. A range of novel approaches are examined for efficiently capturing CO2 in flue gas via photosynthetic microalgal cultivation. Strategies for using microalgae to assimilate nitrogen, organic carbon, phosphorus, and metal ions from wastewater are considered in relation to modes of production. Generally, more economical open cultivation systems such as raceway ponds are better suited for waste conversion than more expensive closed photobioreactor systems, which might have use for higher-value products. The effect of cultivation methods and the properties of the waste streams on the composition the microalgal biomass is discussed relative to its utilization. Possibilities include the production of biodiesel via lipid extraction, biocrude from hydrothermal liquefaction, and bioethanol or biogas from microbial conversion. Microalgal biomass produced from wastes may also find use in higher-value applications including protein feeds or for the production of bioactive compounds such as astaxanthin or omega-3 fatty acids. However, for some waste streams, further consideration of how to manage potential microbial and chemical contaminants is needed for food or health applications. The use of microalgae for waste valorization holds promise. Widespread implementation of the available technologies will likely follow from further improvements to reduce costs, as well as the increasing pressure to effectively manage waste.

Ginsenosides from stems and leaves of ginseng prevent ethanol-induced lipid accumulation in human L02 hepatocytes.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of ginsenosides from stems and leaves of ginseng on ethanol-induced lipid deposition in human L02 hepatocytes. METHODS: L02 cells were exposed to ethanol for 36 h and treated with or without ginsenosides. The viability of L02 cells was evaluated by methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay and the triglyceride (TG) content was detected. Lipid droplets were determined by oil red O staining. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the mitochondrial membrane potential were tested by flow cytometry. The ATP level was measured by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. The expression of cytochrome p450 2E1 (CYP2E1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) was detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. RESULTS: Ethanol exposure resulted in the increase of TG level, lipid accumulation and ROS generation, and the decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP production in the cells. However, ginsenosides significantly reduced TG content (9.69±0.22 µg/mg protein vs. 4.93±0.49 µg/mg protein, P<0.01), and ROS formation (7254.8±385.7 vs. 5825.2±375.9, P<0.01). Meanwhile, improvements in mitochondrial membrane potential (10655.33±331.34 vs. 11129.52±262.35, P<0.05) and ATP level (1.20±0.18 nmol/mg protein vs. 2.53±0.25 nmol/mg protein, P<0.01) were observed by treatment with ginsenosides. Furthermore, ginsenosides could down-regulate CYP2E1 expression (P<0.01) and upregulate PPARα expression (P<0.01) in ethanol-treated cells. CONCLUSIONS: Ginsenosides could prevent ethanol-induced hepatocyte steatosis in vitro related to the inhibition of oxidative stress and the improvement of mitochondrial function. In addition, the modulation of CYP2E1 and PPARα expression may also play an important role in the protective effect of ginsenosides against lipid accumulation.

Glucagon receptor antagonism induces increased cholesterol absorption.

Glucagon and insulin have opposing action in governing glucose homeostasis. In type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), plasma glucagon is characteristically elevated, contributing to increased gluconeogenesis and hyperglycemia. Therefore, glucagon receptor (GCGR) antagonism has been proposed as a pharmacologic approach to treat T2DM. In support of this concept, a potent small-molecule GCGR antagonist (GRA), MK-0893, demonstrated dose-dependent efficacy to reduce hyperglycemia, with an HbA1c reduction of 1.5% at the 80 mg dose for 12 weeks in T2DM. However, GRA treatment was associated with dose-dependent elevation of plasma LDL-cholesterol (LDL-c). The current studies investigated the cause for increased LDL-c. We report findings that link MK-0893 with increased glucagon-like peptide 2 and cholesterol absorption. There was not, however, a GRA-related modulation of cholesterol synthesis. These findings were replicated using structurally diverse GRAs. To examine potential pharmacologic mitigation, coadministration of ezetimibe (a potent inhibitor of cholesterol absorption) in mice abrogated the GRA-associated increase of LDL-c. Although the molecular mechanism is unknown, our results provide a novel finding by which glucagon and, hence, GCGR antagonism govern cholesterol metabolism.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel oxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidines as potent VEGFR-2 inhibitors.

Tumor angiogenesis is mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and other protein kinases. Inhibition of these kinases presents an attractive approach for developing anticancer therapeutics. In this work, a series of 2,5,7-trisubstituted oxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidines were synthesized, and their inhibitory activities were investigated against VEGFR-2 and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in vitro. Compound 9n exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 0.33 and 0.29 µM for VEGFR-2 kinase and HUVEC, respectively. A further kinase selectivity assay revealed that these compounds exhibit good VEGFR and moderate EGFR inhibitory activities. Docking analysis suggested a common mode of interaction at the ATP-binding site of VEGFR-2.

Polymorphisms in luteinizing hormone receptor and hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone genes and their effects on sperm quality traits in Chinese Holstein bulls.

Genes of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis play a key role in male reproductive performance. This study evaluated the polymorphisms of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) and hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) genes and their effects on sperm quality traits including semen volume per ejaculate (VOL), sperm density (SD), fresh sperm motility (FSM), thawed sperm motility (TSM), acrosome integrity rate (AIR), and abnormal sperm rate (ASR) collected from 205 Chinese Hostein bulls. The study bulls consisted of 205 mature Chinese Holstein, 27 Simmental, 28 Charolais, and 14 German yellow cattle. One single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (A883G) in exon 2 of GnRH and two SNPs (A51703G and G51656T) in intron 9 of LHR were identified in 274 bulls. Analysis of variance in 205 Chinese Holstein bulls showed that age had significant effect on both SD and FSM (P < 0.01), and ASR (P < 0.05). With regards to genotype and its interaction with age, only the SNP of G51656T in LHR gene had significant effect on SD (P < 0.05, P < 0.01; respectively). The association result showed that bulls with AG genotype had higher FSM than bulls with AA and GG genotype in LHR at 51,703 locus (P < 0.10), and bulls with GG genotype had higher SD than bulls with TT genotype in LHR at G51656T locus (P < 0.10). Phenotypic correlation among the traits revealed that significant negative correlations were observed between ASR and AIR (r = -0.736, P < 0.01), ASR and AIR (r = -0.500, P < 0.01). There were moderate positive correlations between VOL and SD (r = 0.422, P < 0.01), as well as FSM (r = 0.411, P < 0.01). In conclusion, LHR may be a potential marker for sperm quality of SD and FSM.

Mechanisms mediating the cardioprotective effects of rapamycin in ischaemia-reperfusion injury.

1. In the present study, the temporal and concentration-dependent cardioprotective effects of rapamycin against ischaemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, as well as the underlying mechanisms, were investigated. 2. Rat Langendorff-perfused isolated hearts were exposed to 40 min global ischaemia followed by 120 min reperfusion. Hearts were perfused with different concentrations of rapamycin before and after ischaemia. Myocardial injury was assessed in terms of infarct size and the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK). The phosphorylation of Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was determined at the end of reperfusion. 3. When administered prior to ischaemia, 25, 50 and 100 nmol/L rapamycin significantly reduced infarct size compared with control (40.1 ± 1.5, 26.3 ± 4.1 and 21.2 ± 3.4 vs 52.5 ± 4.5%, respectively) without affecting the recovery of ventricular function. No reduction in infarct size was observed when 50 nmol/L rapamycin was administered 10 or 120 min into the reperfusion period. 4. Rapamycin (50 nmol/L) enhanced the phosphorylation of Akt kinase but did not affect the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 or eNOS at the end of reperfusion. The cardioprotective effect of rapamycin was blocked by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (Akt) inhibitor LY294002 (15 nmol/L). 5. In conclusion, rapamycin mediates cardioprotection prior to ischaemia and after reperfusion. This protection may involve activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway.

[Effects of xuezhikang at different doses on patients suffering from acute coronary syndrome after percutaneous coronary intervention].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects Xuezhikang (XZK) at different doses on inflammatory factors and blood lipids of patients suffering from acute coronary syndrome (ACS) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and to discuss their safety. METHODS: Eighty ACS in patients receiving selective PCI treatment were randomly assigned to two groups, 40 cases in the normal dose group and 40 cases in the large dose XZK group. Besides routine therapy, all patients took XZK at the daily dose of 1.2 and 0. 6 g, twice daily. They started XZK from the very day of PCI operation. The therapeutic course for all was more than 8 weeks. The levels of high sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were detected in the two groups 1 week, 4 and 8 weeks after operation. The levels of TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, changes of liver and renal functions were observed. The correlation between blood lipids and inflammatory factors were analyzed. The adverse reaction was recorded. RESULTS: Compared with before medication, the serum levels of hs-CRP and MMP-9 decreased in the two groups 1 week, 4 and 8 weeks after operation, with statistical difference shown in the levels at the 8th week (P < 0.05). The decrease was more obvious in the large dose XZK group (P < 0.05). The LDL-C level obviously decreased in the two groups 4 and 8 weeks after operation (P < 0.05). The decrease was more obvious in the large dose XZK group at the 8th week (P < 0.05). The levels of hs-CRP and MMP-9 were positively correlated with the decrease degree of LDL-C in the large dose XZK group at the 8th week (r = 0.828, 0.922, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the occurrence of adverse reaction, hepatic or renal functions between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: XZK could lower the serum levels of hs-CRP, MMP-9, and LDL-C. More obvious effects were obtained in the large dose XZK group. The decrease degree of inflammatory factors was correlated with the decrease extent of blood lipids.

Docosahexaenoic acid has influence on action potentials and transient outward potassium currents of ventricular myocytes.

BACKGROUND: There are many reports about the anti-arrhythmic effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, however, the mechanisms are still not completely delineated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of action potentials and transient outward potassium currents (Ito) of Sprague-Dawley rat ventricular myocytes and the effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on action potentials and Ito. METHODS: The calcium-tolerant rat ventricular myocytes were isolated by enzyme digestion. Action potentials and Ito of epicardial, mid-cardial and endocardial ventricular myocytes were recorded by whole-cell patch clamp technique. RESULTS: 1. Action potential durations (APDs) were prolonged from epicardial to endocardial ventricular myocytes (P < 0.05). 2. Ito current densities were decreased from epicardial to endocardial ventricular myocytes, which were 59.50 +/- 15.99 pA/pF, 29.15 +/- 5.53 pA/pF, and 12.29 +/- 3.62 pA/pF, respectively at +70 mV test potential (P < 0.05). 3. APDs were gradually prolonged with the increase of DHA concentrations from 1 micromol/L to 100 micromol/L, however, APDs changes were not significant as DHA concentrations were in the range of 0 micromol/L to 1 micromol/L. 4. Ito currents were gradually reduced with the increase of DHA concentrations from 1 micromol/L to 100 micromol/L, and its half-inhibited concentration was 5.3 micromol/L. The results showed that there were regional differences in the distribution of action potentials and Ito in rat epicardial, mid-cardial and endocardial ventricular myocytes. APDs were prolonged and Ito current densities were gradually reduced with the increase of DHA concentrations. CONCLUSION: The anti-arrhythmia mechanisms of DHA are complex, however, the effects of DHA on action potentials and Ito may be one of the important causes.

Electrophysiological effects of Chinese medicine Shen song Yang xin (SSYX) on Chinese miniature swine heart and isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes.

BACKGROUND: Shen song Yang xin (SSYX) is a compound of Chinese medicine with the effect of increasing heart rate (HR). This study aimed to evaluate its electrophysiological properties at heart and cellular levels. METHODS: The Chinese miniature swines were randomly assigned to two groups, administered with SSYX or placebo for 4 weeks (n = 8 per group). Cardiac electrophysiological study (EPS) was performed before and after drug administration. The guinea pig ventricular myocytes were enzymatically isolated and whole cell voltage-clamp technique was used to evaluate the effect of SSYX on cardiac action potential (AP). RESULTS: SSYX treatment accelerated the HR from (141.8 +/- 36.0) beats per minute to (163.0 +/- 38.0) beats per minute (P = 0.013) without changing the other parameters in surface electrocardiogram. After blockage of the autonomic nervous system with metoprolol and atropin, SSYX had no effect on intrinsic HR (IHR), but decreased corrected sinus node recovery time (CSNRT) and sinus atrium conducting time (SACT). Intra cardiac EPS showed that SSYX significantly decreased the A-H and A-V intervals as well as shortened the atrial (A), atrioventricular node (AVN) and ventricular (V) effective refractory period (ERP). In isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes, the most obvious effect of SSYX on action potential was a shortening of the action potential duration (APD) without change in shape of action potential. The shortening rates of APD(30), APD(50) and APD(90) were 19.5%, 17.8% and 15.3%, respectively. The resting potential (Em) and the interval between the end of APD(30) and APD(90) did not significantly change. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates that SSYX increases the HR and enhances the conducting capacity of the heart in the condition of the intact autonomic nervous system. SSYX homogenously decreases the ERP of the heart and shortens the APD of the myocytes, suggesting its antiarrhythmic effect without proarrhythmia.

[Effects of formula fertilization to yield and content on polysaccharide of Isatis indigotica].

OBJECTIVE: To select the optimum formula fertilization of Isatis indigotica through analyzing the yield and contents of polysaccharide of Radix Isatis for different treatments. METHOD: An orthogonal experiment design on the basis of three factors and four levels was applied for studying the effect of formula fertilization on yield. The contents of polysaccharides were determined with phenol-witriolic colorimetry. RESULT: The optimum formula fertilization of Radix Isatis was carbamide 869.0 kg x hm(-2), superphosphate 1 428.6 kg x hm(-2) and potassium sulfate 0 kg x hm(-2). CONCLUSION: Superphosphate can observably influence the yields of Radix Inditis. while carbamide influence the contents of polysaccharide of Radix Inditis.

[Protective effect of Danzhi-xiaoyao San on rat brain energy or material metabolism (correction of matebolism) dealt with D-galactose].

OBJECTIVE: To research the mechanism of Danzhi-xiaoyao San (DZXYS) for treating Alzheimer's disease model of rats dealt with D-galactose. METHOD: An Alzheimer's disease-like model of rats has been set up with sc. D-galactose 150.0 mg kg-1 D-1 x 49 d. Comparing with Acricept in 0.54 mg kg-1 D-1 dosage as a positive control drug, DZXYS in 12.636 g kg-1 D-1 x 49 d dosage has orally been administrated orally to treat the injury in the Alzheimer's disease-like model of rats. The energy charge in the cerebral tissues had been detested with waters liquid chromatography; the protein content and DNA content in the cerebral tissues had been detested with ultraviolet assay, the relative content of aldose reductase-mRNA is detested with RT-PCR. The difference was analyzed between the control rats without D-galactose, the model rats dealt with D-galactose, the model rats treated with Aricept and the model rats treated with DZXYS, it is significant as P<0.05. RESULT: 1) DZXYS can not affect the energy charge in their cerebral tissues. 2) DZXYS can increase the protein content from 0.3139 +/- 0.019468 to 0.3213 +/- 0.015528 (ni=10, P>0.05) in their cerebral tissues. 3) DZXYS can increase the total DNA content from 1.093 +/- 0.267 to 1.488 +/- 0.341 (ni=10, P<0.01) in their cerebral tissues. 4) DZXYS can increase the content of AR-mRNA in their cerebral tissue from 0.732 +/- 0.159 to 1.418 +/- 0.277 (ni=5, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: It suggests that DZXYS could be effective in human Alzheimer's disease for its stabling gene expression, maintaining protein characteristics, recovering signal transduction in the Alzheimer's disease-like model rats dealt with D-galactose.