Astragalus-Saffron-Rhubarb Mixture Delays the Progress of Diabetic Nephropathy in db/db Mice.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of astragalus-saffron-rhubarb mixture (Bao'shen recipe, BSR) on diabetic nephropathy (DN) in db/db mice and preliminarily explore the possible underlying mechanism. METHODS: A total of 125 8-week-old male db/db mice with DN were randomly divided into five groups: model group, irbesartan group and high-, medium- and low doses of BSR group, while 25 male db/m mice were used as a blank control. At 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 weeks of feeding, the animals were sacrificed and blood as well as urine samples were collected for blood glucose, urea nitrogen, creatinine and urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) measurement via blood glucose meter or corresponding detection kits, respectively. The renal tissues of each mouse underwent hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson, periodic acid Schiff (PAS) staining. Renal homogenate was used to detect IL-6, TNF-α, TNF-1R and TNF-2R by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Additionally, the data obtained was statistically analyzed via one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: BSR could effectively reduce the body weight, blood glucose, UAER, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, relieve the proliferation of mesangial tissue, and lower the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, TNF-1R, and TNF-2R in renal tissue of db/db mice with DN. Of note, the high-dose BSR treatment group has advantages over irbesartan treatment group in improving above-mentioned aspects. CONCLUSION: BSR could effectively delay the progress of DN, partly related to its anti-inflammation effect.

Brain aging and AD-like pathology in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVE: Numerous epidemiological studies have linked diabetes mellitus (DM) with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, whether or not diabetic encephalopathy shows AD-like pathology remains unclear. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Forebrain and hippocampal volumes were measured using stereology in serial coronal sections of the brain in streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced rats. Neurodegeneration in the frontal cortex, hypothalamus, and hippocampus was evaluated using Fluoro-Jade C (FJC). Aß aggregation in the frontal cortex and hippocampus was tested using immunohistochemistry and ELISA. Dendritic spine density in the frontal cortex and hippocampus was measured using Golgi staining, and western blot was conducted to detect the levels of synaptophysin. Cognitive ability was evaluated through the Morris water maze and inhibitory avoidant box. RESULTS: Rats are characterized by insulin deficiency accompanied with polydipsia, polyphagia, polyuria, and weight loss after STZ injection. The number of FJC-positive cells significantly increased in discrete brain regions of the diabetic rats compared with the age-matched control rats. Hippocampal atrophy, Aß aggregation, and synapse loss were observed in the diabetic rats compared with the control rats. The learning and memory of the diabetic rats decreased compared with those of the age-matched control rats. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that aberrant metabolism induced brain aging as characterized by AD-like pathologies.

Efficacy and safety of Abelmoschus manihot for primary glomerular disease: a prospective, multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Abelmoschus manihot, a single medicament of traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used to treat kidney disease. This is the first randomized controlled clinical trial to assess its efficacy and safety in patients with primary glomerular disease. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, open-label, multicenter, randomized, controlled, clinical trial. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: From May 2010 to October 2011, a total of 417 patients with biopsy-proven primary glomerular disease from 26 hospitals participated in the study. INTERVENTIONS: A manihot in the form of a huangkui capsule, 2.5 g, 3 times per day; losartan potassium, 50mg/d; or combined treatment, a huangkui capsule at 2.5 g 3 times per day, was combined with losartan potassium, 50mg/d. The duration of intervention was 24 weeks. OUTCOMES & MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was change in 24-hour proteinuria from baseline after treatment. Change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) from baseline after treatment was a secondary outcome. The 24-hour proteinuria was measured every 4 weeks and eGFR was measured at 0, 4, 12, and 24 weeks. RESULTS: Mean baseline urine protein excretion was 1,045, 1,084, and 1,073 mg/d in the A manihot, losartan, and combined groups, respectively, and mean eGFR was 108, 106, and 106 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. After 24 weeks of treatment, mean changes in proteinuria were protein excretion of -508, -376, and -545 mg/d, respectively (P=0.003 for A manihot vs losartan and P<0.001 for the combined treatment vs losartan). Mean eGFR did not change significantly. The incidence of adverse reactions was not different among the 3 groups (P>0.05), and there were no severe adverse events in any group. LIMITATIONS: Results cannot be generalized to those with nephrotic syndrome or reduced eGFR. CONCLUSIONS: A manihot is a promising therapy for patients with primary kidney disease (chronic kidney disease stages 1-2) with moderate proteinuria.

[Treatment of refractory depression patients of yin deficiency inner heat syndrome by jieyu granule combined paroxetine: an efficacy observation].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the efficacy of jieyu granule (JG) combined Paroxetine in treating refractory depression (RD) patients of yin deficiency inner heat syndrome (YDIHS). METHODS: Seventy RD patients of YDIHS were randomly assigned to the experimental group (JG combined Paroxetine) and the control group (Chinese medical placebo combined Paroxetine), 35 cases in each group. Hamilt Depression Rating Scale and Hamilton Anxiety Scale were used before treatment, and at the weekend of the 2nd, 4th, and 8th week, respectively. RESULTS: In the experimental group, 32 patients completed the trial and 3 patients dropped out. In the control group, 33 patients completed the trial and 2 patients dropped out. At the end of the 8th week of the treatment, the total score of Hamilt Depression Rating Scale was (14.75 +/- 7.85) in the experimental group, lower than that of the control group (19. 06 +/- 8. 31, P <0.05). At the end of the 2nd, 4th, and 8th week of the treatment, the score of Hamilton Anxiety Scale was 17.03 +/- 4.25, 14.50 +/- 5. 13, and 11.03 +/- 4.88, respectively in the experimental group, lower than that of the control group at each corresponding time point (19. 60 +/-3. 96, 17. 12 +/- 4.14, 14.64 +/- 4.47, P <0.05, P <0.01). CONCLUSION: The efficacy of JG combined Paroxetine for treating RD patients of YDIHS was superior to that of using Paroxetine alone.