[Meta-analysis of Simotang Oral Liquid in treatment of functional dyspepsia in adults].

This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Simotang Oral Liquid in the treatment of functional dyspepsia in adults. "Simotang Oral Liquid" "Simotang" "Si Mo Tang" "Si Mo Tang Oral Liquid" were used for retrieval of the relevant papers from CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Springer Link, and Web of Science from database inception to June 2021. Randomized controlled trial(RCT) of Simotang Oral Liquid in the treatment of functional dyspepsia in adults was screened out for Meta-analysis which was conducted in RevMan 5.3. A total of 16 RCTs were included. Meta-analysis showed that compared with the control group, Simotang Oral Liquid increased the total response rate and lowered the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores, serum cholecystokinin(CCK), serum nitric oxide(NO), and incidence of adverse reactions. However, the serum substance P(SP) had no statistical difference between the two groups. Simotang Oral Liquid is effective and safe in the treatment of functional dyspepsia in adults. However, this study has evidence and limitations, so the conclusions need to be further verified by large sample and multicenter clinical studies.

Gut microbiome alterations in colitis rats after moxibustion at bilateral Tianshu acupoints.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC) is closely related to the gut microbiota. Moxibustion has been used to improve the inflammation and gastrointestinal dysfunctions in gastrointestinal disorders such as UC. In this study, we investigated whether moxibustion could improve the gut microbial dysbiosis induced by dextran sulphate sodium. METHODS: Twenty-five male rats were randomly assigned into five groups. The UC rat model was established by administering DSS solution. The rats in the moxibustion and normal rats with moxibustion groups were treated with moxibustion at Tianshu (bilateral, ST25) points, and the mesalazine group rats were treated with mesalazine once daily for 7 consecutive days. Disease activity index (DAI) and haematoxylin and eosin staining were used to evaluate the effect of moxibustion. Gut microbiota profiling was conducted by metagenomic high throughput sequencing technology. The gut microbiota composition, diversity and function were analyzed and compared using metagenomics methodologies. RESULTS: The DAI scores and histopathology scores in the moxibustion and mesalazine groups were significantly decreased compared with the UC group (P < 0.01). Moxibustion treatment increased abundance levels of Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Ascomycota, Synergistetes and decreased abundance of Firmicutes, Proteobacteria. At the genus level, the abundance of Bacteroides, Bacteroides_bacterium_M7, Prevotella, Bacteroidales_bacterium_H2, were increased and Bacteroides_bacterium_H3, Parabacteroides, Porphyromonas, Alistipes, Parasutterella were decreased in the UC group in comparsion with those in the NG group. Moxibustion increased the abundance of Bacteroides and Bacteroides_bacterium_H3 and decreased Bacteroides_bacterium_M7, Prevotella, Bacteroidales_bacterium_H2. In UC group, the specie Bacteroides_massiliensis was negatively (P < 0.05) correlated with IL-23, Bacteroides_eggerthii_CAG109 and Bacteroides_eggerthii were negatively (P < 0.05) correlated with TGF-ß. And the species Prevotella_sp_CAG1031 and Bacteroides_bacterium_H2 were significant positively (P < 0.05) correlated with IL-23. In addition, compare with the normal group, genes involved in certain metabolic pathways, such as energy production and conversion, amino acid transport and metabolism, carbohydrate transport and metabolism, were under-represented in the UC group, and these changes in the metabolic pathways could be reversed by moxibustion treatment and mesalazine treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that moxibustion treatment may protect the host from mucosal inflammation by modulating the intestinal microbiota community.

[Spectrum-effect relationship of the blood-activating efficacy of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma].

This study aims to establish the high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) fingerprints of different batches of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma, determine their pharmacodynamic indexes of promoting blood circulation, and explore the spectrum-effect relationship between the chemical components of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma and the efficacy of promoting blood circulation. Firstly, the HPLC fingerprints of different batches of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma were established. Then, the pharmacodynamic indexes were determined after the capillary coagulation experiment and the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats, including capillary coagulation time, percentage of cerebral ischemic area, cerebral water loss rate, and brain-body index. Afterward, the partial least-squares method was used to explore the spectrum-effect relationship between the chemical components of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma and the pharmacodynamic indexes. The results showed that this study successfully established the HPLC fingerprints of different batches of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma, found 23 common peaks, and identified 12 of them, all of which were saponins. The method was proved stable and reliable. Both the capillary coagulation experiment and the middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)-induced cerebral ischemia-reperfusion experiment on rats revealed that there were obvious differences in the pharmacodynamic indexes of different batches of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma. The relationships between 23 common components of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma in different batches and the pharmacodynamic indexes were discussed by means of spectrum-effect correlation analysis, of which 17 components had positive effects while 6 components had negative effects on the pharmacodynamic indexes. This study provides a certain reference basis for the clinical rational use and quality control of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma.

[Spectrum-effect relationship of hemostatic effects of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma with different commodity specifications].

This article aims to establish the fingerprints, determine the hemostatic pharmacodynamic indicators, and explore the spectrum-effect relationship of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma in 12 different specifications. Firstly, HPLC and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS) were employed to establish the fingerprints of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma. The rat plasma recalcification experiment and the rat gastric bleeding experiment were conducted to determine the pharmacodynamic indicators, including plasma recalcification time(PRT), thrombin time(TT), prothrombin time(PT), and activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT). Afterwards, the partial least squares method was employed to explore the spectrum-effect relationship of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma in different specifications. Twenty-six common peaks were detected in the HPLC fingerprints of different specifications of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma, and 11 out of the 26 common peaks represented saponins. The content of dencichine was determined by LC-MS. The rat experiments showed that the pharmacodynamic indicators were significantly different among different specifications of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma. The spectrum-effect relationship was explored between 27 common components and pharmacodynamic indicators. Among them, 16 components had positive effects on the pharmacodynamic indicators of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma, and 11 exerted negative effects. This study provides a basis for the precision medication and quality control of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma.

Anthocyanins in Lycium ruthenicum Murray reduce nicotine withdrawal-induced anxiety and craving in mice.

Lycium ruthenicum Murray is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and is believed to have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-fatigue effects. Anthocyanins are considered to be one of the main active components. The previous work by our research team found that the anthocyanins in Lycium ruthenicum extract (ALRM) produce a stable anti-anxiety effect. The mechanisms of action include reducing the level of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) as well as regulating extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen activation, protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) pathways, and others, all of which are related to the mechanisms of nicotine addiction. To investigate the effects of ALRM on anxiety and craving behavior after nicotine withdrawal, the components of ALRM were analyzed using the UPLC-Orbitrap MS method. The effects of ALRM on anxiety behavior induced by nicotine withdrawal were investigated in mice using the elevated plus maze (EPM) and light-dark box (LDB) tests. The effects of ALRM on craving behavior after nicotine withdrawal were further investigated using the conditional place preference (CPP) test. The EPM and LDB tests demonstrated that ALRM could alleviate the anxiety behavior induced by nicotine withdrawal and reduce nicotine craving in mice. Based on the identified ALRM components, the network pharmacology method was used to predict the mechanism of ALRM alleviating anxiety after nicotine withdrawal in mice. It was speculated that ALRM was involved in the production and transmission of dopamine, choline, and other nervous system functions and exhibited a potential role in treating nicotine addiction.

[Pharmacoeconomic evaluation of Suhuang Zhike Capsules using Markov model for inpatients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

To evaluate the economics of Suhuang Zhike Capsules in the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD) for inpatients. Based on the published clinical research data, cost-utility analysis was used in this study to evaluate the pharmacoeconomics of Suhuang Zhike Capsules in treatment of AECOPD inpatients from the perspective of medical insu-rance. The test group was treated with Suhuang Zhike Capsules combined with conventional Western medicine, and the control group was treated with conventional Western medicine alone. Treeage software was used to construct a pharmacoeconomic model and perform simulation analysis. The results showed that the cost and output of Suhuang Zhike Capsules combined with the conventional Western medicine were 60 010.18 yuan and 1.92 quality adjusted life year(QALYs), respectively in the simulated 3 years of disease treatment. The cost and output of the conventional Western medicine were 96 730.60 yuan and 1.90 QALYs respectively. Suhuang Zhike Capsules combined with conventional Western medicine required lower cost but achieved higher output, showing cost-utility advantages, so this drug combination was a plan with pharmacoeconomic advantages. The sensitivity analysis results showed that the conclusion was relatively stable. Based on the above results, it is believed that as compared with the conventional Western medicine, Suhuang Zhike Capsules combined with conventional Western medicine have lower cost and higher output for the treatment of AECOPD inpatients, and it is a treatment plan with pharmacoeconomic advantages.

[Meta-analysis of efficacy and safety of Shexiang Tongxin Dripping Pills combined with conventional therapy of coronary heart disease].

The aim of the research was to evaluate the efficacy and safety associated with Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pills combined with conventional therapy for patients with coronary heart disease(CHD). We searched 8 electronic databases up to November 2020, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMbase, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP and SinoMed. Eligible studies were clinical trials of Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pills combined with conventional therapy used in the treatment of coronary heart disease(CHD). The Meta-analysis was performed using STATA 15 software. A total of 21 RCTs(n=2 186) were shortlisted for the Meta-analysis. The results of efficacy evaluation showed that the total effective rate of Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pills combined with conventional therapy was higher than that of conventional therapy of coronary heart disease(RR=1.20, 95%CI[1.15, 1.26], Z=8.63, P<0.001). Furthermore, Shexiang Tongxin Dripping Pills combined with conventional therapy had better effect on electrocardiogram efficacy(RR=1.24, 95%CI[1.16, 1.34], Z=5.98, P<0.001) and the number of angina attacks(SMD=-2.30, 95%CI[-3.47,-1.14], Z=3.88, P<0.001), the duration of angina attack(SMD=-2.31, 95%CI[-3.07,-1.55], Z=5.97, P<0.001), with lower levels of LDL-C(SMD=-0.73, 95%CI[-1.32,-0.14], Z=2.42, P=0.016), TC(SMD=-1.16, 95%CI[-1.35,-0.96], Z=11.56, P<0.001) and TG(SMD=-0.87, 95%CI[-1.06,-0.68], Z=8.97, P<0.001), and higher levels of HDL-C(SMD=0.87, 95%CI[0.02, 1.71], Z=2.00, P=0.045). The results of safety evaluation showed that the incidence of adverse reactions of Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pills combined with conventional therapy was lower than that of conventional therapy of coronary heart disease(RR=0.45, 95%CI[0.22, 0.91], Z=2.23, P=0.026). There were significant differences in the above outcome indexes between the two groups. After the Harbord method test, the total effective rate outcome index has publication bias, but the sensitivity analysis of the cut-and-fill method suggested that the result was stable. In general, limited by the quantity and quality of included literature, more high-quality studies are needed to further verify the conclusions of this study.

[Pharmacoeconomic evaluation of Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pills combined with conventional Western medicine treatment for coronary heart disease by Markov model].

This research was to evaluate the economics of Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pills combined with conventional therapy for patients with coronary heart disease(CHD) in Chinese medical environment. From the perspective of medical insurance, a Markov model was established in this study based on the results of Meta-analysis comparing the effectiveness and safety of Shexiang Tongxin Dripping Pills combined with conventional treatment and conventional treatment alone. The experimental group was treated with She-xiang Tongxin Dropping Pills combined with conventional Western medicine treatment, while the control group was treated with conventional Western medicine treatment alone. The cost-utility analysis and sensitivity analysis were performed for the two regimens using Treeage pro. After 30 cycles of model simulation, according to the results of Markov model, the total cost and health output were CNY 237 795.73 and 16.36 QALYs(the quality adjusted life years, QALYs), respectively for Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pills combined with conventional Western medicine treatment, CNY 247 396.55 and 16.36 QALYs respectively for the conventional Western medicine treatment alone. Compared with the conventional treatment alone, the Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pills combined with conventional treatment had lower long-term cost and higher health output, with advantages of cost-utility and pharmacoeconomic advantages. The sensitivity analysis results showed that the conclusion was relatively stable. Based on the above results, it is considered that compared with the conventional Western medicine alone, Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pill combined with conventional Western medicine is a treatment regimen with pharmacoeconomic advantages for the treatment of CHD.

Discovery and proteomics analysis of effective compounds in Valeriana jatamansi jones for the treatment of anxiety.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Zhizhu Xiang (ZZX for short) is the root and rhizome of Valeriana jatamansi Jones, which is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) used to treat various mood disorders for more than 2000 years, especially anxiety. However, there have been few investigations to clarify the compounds in ZZX for the treatment of anxiety. AIM OF THE STUDY: Our previous study has identified five anti-anxiety components, including hesperidin, isochlorogenic acid A, isochlorogenic acid B and isochlorogenic acid C and chlorogenic acid, from extract of ZZX. In order to find the optimal combination and the underlying mechanism of these five components in the treatment of anxiety disorder, researches were designed based on uniform design method and proteomic technology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The samples with different proportion and content of the five active components were arranged by uniform design method. Then a mathematical model was formulated using partial least square method and stepwise regression analysis. Moreover, the empty bottle stress-induced anxiety rat model was established, and the anti-anxiety effect was recorded by the unconditioned reflex elevated maze test and the open field test. In addition, the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) technique, along with the multidimensional liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry were applied in proteomic study. At last, the result of proteomic analysis was further confirmed by Western blot. RESULTS: The optimal combination of the components from the extract of ZZX was 1.153 mg/kg hesperidin, 2.197 mg/kg Isochlorogenic acid A, 0.699 mg/kg Isochlorogenic acid B and 1.249 mg/kg Chlorogenic acid. Total 6818 proteins were identified using proteomic analysis and 80 differentially expressed proteins were used for further bioinformatic analysis. These proteins were involved in the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, protein digestion and absorption, cholesterol metabolism, Chagas disease, and AGE/RAGE signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: The composition and proportion of anti-anxiety components in extract of ZZX was disclosed, and there was an anti-anxiety effect for the combined components of flavonoids and phenolic acids. Through proteomic analysis and Western blot, it was found that the effective components of extract of ZZX can exert synergistic anti-anxiety effects via the regulation of multi-signaling pathways. These findings could provide a preliminary research basis for the development of new low-toxic, efficient, stable and controllable anti-anxiety drugs.

Anxiolytic Effect of Alcohol-Water Extracted Suanzaoren-Wuweizi Herb-Pair by Regulating ECS-BDNF-ERK Signaling Pathway Expression in Acute Restraint Stress Male Rats.

Herb-pairs are the basic units of composition in Chinese herbal formulae, where the bridge linking Chinese medicine and prescription consists of two Chinese medicine herbs. The Suanzaoren-Wuweizi herb-pair (SWHP) is commonly used as a sedative or tranquilizer. SWHP has been demonstrated to exert an antianxiety effect in animal models of anxiety. However, little information about its mechanism is available and the effects of SWHP have not been investigated. This study examined the effects of SWHP on ameliorating anxiety-like behaviors by regulating endocannabinoids system (ECS)-brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) signaling pathway expression, induced by restraint stress (RS) procedures. The antianxiety effects of SWHP on RS rats were then examined through the open-field test (OF) and the elevated plus maze test (EPM). The concentration of BNDF, ERK1/2, p-ERK1/2, cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB), and p-CREB expression in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of the rats was then measured by western blot. The number of positive cells of CB1 and CB2 in the rats' hippocampus CA1 region was measured by immunohistochemistry. These results gave compelling evidence that SWHP could modify anxiety-like behaviors of RS rats through regulation of the ECS-BDNF-ERK signaling pathway. Our study demonstrated that SWHP improved anxiety-like behaviors in RS rat models by regulating the ECS-BDNF-ERK signaling pathway. The findings indicate that SWHP may have a therapeutic application in the RS model of anxiety disorder, which proposes a potential new direction for research into anxiety disorders regarding mechanisms and the development of novel antianxiety drugs.

Effect of mild moxibustion on intestinal microbiota and NLRP6 inflammasome signaling in rats with post-inflammatory irritable bowel syndrome.

BACKGROUND: About one-third of refractory irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) cases are caused by gastrointestinal (GI) infection/inflammation, known as post-infectious/post-inflammatory IBS (PI-IBS). Although it is known that intestinal microbiota and host NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 6 (NLRP6) inflammsome signaling are closely related to PI-IBS and moxibustion has a therapeutic effect on PI-IBS, whether moxibustion regulates the intestinal flora and host NLRP6 events in PI-IBS remains unclear. AIM: To examine the regulatory effect of moxibustion on intestinal microbiota and host NLRP6 inflammatory signaling in PI-IBS. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into a normal control group, a model control group, a mild moxibustion group, and a sham mild moxibustion group. PI-IBS rats in the mild moxibustion group were treated with moxibusiton at bilateral Tianshu (ST 25) and Zusanli (ST36) for 7 consecutive days for 10 min each time. The sham group rats were given the same treatment as the mild moxibustion group except the moxa stick was not ignited. Abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) score was measured to assess the visceral sensitivity, and colon histopathology and ultrastructure, colonic myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level were measured to evaluate low-grade colonic inflammation in rats. The relative abundance of selected intestinal bacteria in rat feces was detected by 16S rDNA PCR and the NLRP6 inflammsome signaling in the colon was detected by immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and Western blot. RESULTS: The AWR score was significantly decreased and the low-grade intestinal inflammation reflected by serum CRP and colonic MPO levels was inhibited in the mild moxibustion group compared with the sham group. Mild moxibustion remarkably increased the relative DNA abundances of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii but decreased that of Escherichia coli in the gut of PI-IBS rats. Additionally, mild moxibustion induced mRNA and protein expression of intestine lectin 1 but inhibited the expression of IL-1ß, IL-18, and resistance-like molecule ß by promoting the NLRP6 and reducing the mRNA and protein expression of apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD (ASC) and cysteinyl-aspartate-specific proteinase 1 (Caspase-1). The relative DNA abundances of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacteria, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and Escherichia coli in each group were correlated with the mRNA and protein expression of NLRP6, ASC, and Caspase-1 in the colon. CONCLUSION: These findings indicated that mild moxibustion can relieve low-grade GI inflammation and alleviate visceral hypersensitivity in PI-IBS by regulating intestinal microbes and controlling NLRP6 inflammasome signaling.

Berberine protects against ischemia-reperfusion injury: A review of evidence from animal models and clinical studies.

Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is accompanied with high morbidity and mortality and has seriously negative social and economic influences. Unfortunately, few effective therapeutic strategies are available to improve its outcome. Berberine is a natural medicine possessing multiple beneficial biological activities. Emerging evidence indicates that berberine has potential protective effects against I/R injury in brain, heart, kidney, liver, intestine and testis. However, up-to-date review focusing on the beneficial role of berberine against I/R injury is not yet available. In this paper, results from animal models and clinical studies are concisely presented and its mechanisms are discussed. We found that berberine ameliorates I/R injury in animal models via its anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, berberine also attenuates I/R injury by suppressing endoplasmic reticulum stress and promoting autophagy. Additionally, regulation of periphery immune system may also contributes to the beneficial effect of berberine against I/R injury. Although clinical evidence is limited, the current studies indicate that berberine may attenuate I/R injury via inhibiting excessive inflammatory response in patients. Collectively, berberine might be used as an alternative therapeutic strategy for the management of I/R injury.

Neuroprotective Effects of Ginsenoside Rg1 against Hyperphosphorylated Tau-Induced Diabetic Retinal Neurodegeneration via Activation of IRS-1/Akt/GSK3ß Signaling.

We have recently demonstrated that tau hyperphosphorylation causes diabetic synaptic neurodegeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which might be the earliest affair during the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Thus, there is a pressing need to seek therapeutic agents possessing neuroprotective effects against tau hyperphosphorylation in RGCs for arresting the progression of DR. Here, using a well-characterized diabetes model of db/db mouse, we discovered that topical ocular application of 10 mg/kg/day of ginsenoside Rg1 (GRg1), one of the major active ingredients extracted from Panax ginseng and Panax notoginseng, ameliorated hyperphosphorylated tau-triggered RGCs synaptic neurodegeneration in diabetic mice. The neuroprotective effects of GRg1 on diabetic retinae were abrogated when retinal IRS-1 or Akt was suppressed by intravitreal injection with si-IRS-1 or topically coadministered with a specific inhibitor of Akt, respectively. However, selective repression of retinal GSK3ß by intravitreal administration of si-GSK3ß rescued the neuroprotective properties of GRg1 when Akt was inactivated. Therefore, the present study showed for the first time that GRg1 can prevent hyperphosphorylated tau-induced synaptic neurodegeneration of RGCs via activation of IRS-1/Akt/GSK3ß signaling in the early phase of DR. Moreover, our data clarify the potential therapeutic significance of GRg1 for neuroprotective intervention strategies of DR.

[Structural identification of related substances in Breviscapine by UPLC-QTOF-MS].

To systematically identify the related substances in the original materials of breviscapine injection, 18 batches of samples collected from different pharmaceutical companies, its ethanol extract and breviscapine mother liquor concentrate were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and their structures were identified by ultra performance liquid chromatography and quadruple/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS). Under the selected chromatographic conditions, scutellarin and related substances have good resolution and 13 related substances were observed. Based on the molecular weight and fragmentation patterns obtained by UPLC-QTOF-MS as well as reference substances, their structures were elucidated as 6-hydroxyapigenin-6-O-glucosyl-7-O-glucuronide (1), 5,7,8,3',4',5'-hexahydroxyflavone-7-O-glucuronide (2), 5,6,7,3',4'-pentahydroxyflavone-7-O-glucuronide（3）and its isomer (4), patuletin-3-O-glucuronide (5), methoxylscutellarin (6), apigenin 7-O-glucuronide (7), isorhamnetin 7-O-glucuronide (8), diosmetin 7-O-glucuronide (9), scutellarein (10), scutellarin methyl ester (11), scutellarin ethyl ester (12), and apigenin (13). This study has clarified related substances in the original materials of breviscapine injection, providing references for the improvement of quality control for breviscapine drug material and its preparations.

[Therapeutic potential of n-butanol extract of Pulsatilla decoction in a murine model of ulcerative colitis induced by DSS combined with Candida albicans colonization].

To investigate the mechanism of n-butanol extract of Pulsatilla decoction (BAEB) against murine ulcerative colitis (UC) model induced by DSS combined with Candida albicans (CA) colonization, mice were randomly divided into normal control group, DSS group, DSS+CA group, BAEB high, medium and low dose group, and positive drug Mesalazine group. The general condition of mice was observed, fungal loads of murine intestinal contents were detected by plate method, colonic pathological change of mice was examined by HE staining. ASCA in serum and IL-6, IL-8, IL-1ß, HBD-2, HBD-3 in colonic mucosa were detected by ELISA. The results showed that, compared with DSS group, the general condition and ASCA in serum had no obvious change for DSS+CA group, but the fungal loads in intestinal contents, the colonic pathological damage, and the levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-1ß, HBD-2, HBD-3 in colonic mucosa were greater than that of DSS group. High dose of BAEB group and Mesalazine group could improve the colonic pathology, decrease IL-6, IL-8, IL-1ß, HBD-2, HBD-3 expression level. In conclusion, BAEB could effectively improve the UC symptoms in mice induced by DSS combined with CA colonization, and inhibit the inflammatory factors such as IL-6, imply that BAEB is of important value for the treatment of intestinal fungal-related colitis.

Moxibustion treatment modulates the gut microbiota and immune function in a dextran sulphate sodium-induced colitis rat model.

AIM: To investigate the effect and mechanism of moxibustion in rats with ulcerative colitis. METHODS: A rat colitis model was established by administering 4% dextran sulphate sodium solution. Seventy male rats were randomly divided into seven groups: Healthy controls (HC), ulcerative colitis model group (UC), UC with 7 d of moxibustion (UC-7), UC with 14 d of moxibustion (UC-14), UC with mesalazine gavage (UC-W), HC with 7 d of moxibustion (HC-7), HC with 14 d of moxibustion (HC-14). Moxibustion was applied to the bilateral Tianshu (ST25). Gut microbiome profiling was conducted by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, and PCR and ELISA determined the expression of inflammatory cytokines in colon mucosa and serum, respectively. RESULTS: Moxibustion treatment restored the colonic mucosa and decreased submucosal inflammatory cell infiltration in colitis rats. Rats treated with moxibustion and mesalazine had significantly lower levels of the dominant phyla Proteobacteria and the genera Saccharibacteria, Sphingomonas and Barnesiella than colitis rats, and they could restore the microbiome to levels similar to those observed in healthy rats. UC rats had reduced alpha diversity, which could be alleviated by moxibustion therapy, and UC-7 had a higher alpha diversity than UC-14. This finding suggests that short-term (7 d) but no longer term (14 d) moxibustion treatment may significantly affect the gut microbiome. The potential bacterial functions affected by moxibustion may be ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, and amino acid metabolism. Compared with HC group, the levels of the cytokines interleukin-12 (IL-12) (P < 0.05) and IL-6, IL-17, IL-23, interferon-γ, lipopolysaccharide, IgA, tumour necrosis factor-α and its receptors 1 (TNFR1) and TNFR2 (P < 0.01) were all increased, whereas anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-2 and IL-10 (P < 0.01) and transforming growth factor-ß (P < 0.05) were decreased in UC rats. These changes were reversed by moxibustion. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that moxibustion exerts its therapeutic effect by repairing mucosal tissue damage and modulating the gut microbiome and intestinal mucosal immunity.

Acupuncture Compared with Intramuscular Injection of Neostigmine for Postpartum Urinary Retention: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture versus intramuscular injection of neostigmine. METHODS: Databases including CNKI, VIP, WanFang, SinoMed, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov database were retrieved for relevant literature, with the retrieval deadline being November 2017. Two reviewers independently screened, selected, and extracted data and validated the results. The methodological quality was evaluated with the "Risk of Bias" tool, and the meta-analysis was performed by using the RevMan 5.3.5 software. RESULTS: Totally 953 patients with postpartum urinary retention from 15 randomized controlled trials entered the meta-analysis. 12 articles compared the clinical cure rate of acupuncture alone versus intramuscular injection of neostigmine and found the cure rate in the acupuncture group was 2 times that in the neostigmine group (RR, 1.91; 95% CI: 1.66-2.19). 15 articles compared the clinical effectiveness rate of acupuncture alone with that of intramuscular injection of neostigmine and found the clinical effectiveness rate was 28% higher in the acupuncture group than in the neostigmine group (RR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.16-1.42). No adverse event was reported in the acupuncture group. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture alone is more effective in treating postpartum urinary retention than intramuscular injection of neostigmine, with good safety profile. Therefore, it is a feasible and valuable technique in clinical settings.

The effect of lithospermic acid, an antioxidant, on development of diabetic retinopathy in spontaneously obese diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: Lithospermic acid B (LAB), an active component isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza radix, has been reported to have antioxidant effects. We examined the effects of LAB on the prevention of diabetic retinopathy in Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats, an animal model of type 2 diabetes. METHODS AND FINDINGS: LAB (10 or 20 mg/kg) or normal saline were given orally once daily to 24-week-old male OLETF rats for 52 weeks. At the end of treatment, fundoscopic findings, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in the eyeball, VEGF levels in the ocular fluid, and any structural abnormalities in the retina were assessed. Glucose metabolism, serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP1), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) and urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels were also measured. Treatment with LAB prevented vascular leakage and basement membrane thickening in retinal capillaries in a dose-dependent manner. Insulin resistance and glucose intolerance were significantly improved by LAB treatment. The levels of serum hsCRP, MCP1, TNFα, and urinary 8-OHdG were lower in the LAB-treated OLETF rats than in the controls. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with LAB had a preventive effect on the development of diabetic retinopathy in this animal model, probably because of its antioxidative effects and anti-inflammatory effects.

Moxibustion inhibits interleukin-12 and tumor necrosis factor alpha and modulates intestinal flora in rat with ulcerative colitis.

AIM: To investigate the effect of moxibustion on intestinal flora and release of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) from the colon in rat with ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS: A rat model of UC was established by local stimulation of the intestine with supernatant from colonic contents harvested from human UC patients. A total of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following groups: normal (sham), model (UC), herb-partition moxibustion (HPM-treated), and positive control sulfasalazine (SA-treated). Rats treated with HPM received HPM at acupuncture points ST25 and RN6, once a day for 15 min, for a total of 8 d. Rats in the SA group were perfused with SA twice a day for 8 d. The colonic histopathology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin. The levels of intestinal flora, including Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Bacteroides fragilis (B. fragilis), were tested by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction to detect bacterial 16S rRNA/DNA in order to determine DNA copy numbers of each specific species. Immunohistochemical assays were used to observe the expression of TNF-α and IL-12 in the rat colons. RESULTS: HPM treatment inhibited immunopathology in colonic tissues of UC rats; the general morphological score and the immunopathological score were significantly decreased in the HPM and SA groups compared with the model group [3.5 (2.0-4.0), 3.0 (1.5-3.5) vs 6.0 (5.5-7.0), P < 0.05 for the general morphological score, and 3.00 (2.00-3.50), 3.00 (2.50-3.50) vs 5.00 (4.50-5.50), P < 0.01 for the immunopathological score]. As measured by DNA copy number, we found that Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, which are associated with a healthy colon, were significantly higher in the HPM and SA groups than in the model group (1.395 ± 1.339, 1.461 ± 1.152 vs 0.045 ± 0.036, P < 0.01 for Bifidobacterium, and 0.395 ± 0.325, 0.851 ± 0.651 vs 0.0015 ± 0.0014, P < 0.01 for Lactobacillus). On the other hand, E. coli and B. fragilis, which are associated with an inflamed colon, were significantly lower in the HPM and SA groups than in the model group (0.244 ± 0.107, 0.628 ± 0.257 vs 1.691 ± 0.683, P < 0.01 for E. coli, and 0.351 ± 0.181, 0.416 ± 0.329 vs 1.285 ± 1.039, P < 0.01 for B. fragilis). The expression of TNF-α and IL-12 was decreased after HPM and SA treatment as compared to UC model alone (4970.81 ± 959.78, 6635.45 ± 1135.16 vs 12333.81 ± 680.79, P < 0.01 for TNF-α, and 5528.75 ± 1245.72, 7477.38 ± 1259.16 vs 12550.29 ± 1973.30, P < 0.01 for IL-12). CONCLUSION: HPM treatment can regulate intestinal flora and inhibit the expression of TNF-α and IL-12 in the colon tissues of UC rats, indicating that HPM can improve colonic immune response.

Structure and antioxidant activity of polysaccharide POJ-U1a extracted by ultrasound from Ophiopogon japonicus.

An ultrasonic technique was employed to extract polysaccharides from Ophiopogon japonicus. The ultrasonic extracted polysaccharides (POJ-U) were purified, and POJ-U1a (a homogeneous fraction) was obtained. The structural characteristics of POJ-U1a were investigated by infrared spectra, gas chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, periodate oxidation, Smith degradation, methylation analysis, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The results indicated that the relative molecular weight of POJ-U1a was 4.02×10(3)Da. POJ-U1a was an α-configuration polysaccharide with a highly branched structure, and consisted of pyranoside and funanside. The backbone of POJ-U1a consisted of 1,6-α-d-glucopyranose and 1,3,6-α-d-glucofuranose in the molar ratio of 7:3, while the branched chains were mainly composed of 1,3-α-d-glucopyranose and 1-α-d-glucopyranose in the molar ratio of 1:3. The branched structure of POJ-U1a was proved intuitively by AFM. Significant antioxidant activity of POJ-U1a has been proved as shown by its DPPH radical scavenging, hydrogen radical scavenging and superoxide anion scavenging activities, which indicated that POJ-U1a showed strong antioxidant activity.