Genome-wide identification, expression profiling, and protein interaction analysis of the CCoAOMT gene family in the tea plant (Camellia sinensis).

BACKGROUND: The caffeoyl-CoA-O methyltransferase (CCoAOMT) family plays a crucial role in the oxidative methylation of phenolic substances and is involved in various plant processes, including growth, development, and stress response. However, there is a limited understanding of the interactions among CCoAOMT protein members in tea plants. RESULTS: In this study, we identified 10 members of the CsCCoAOMT family in the genome of Camellia sinensis (cultivar 'HuangDan'), characterized by conserved gene structures and motifs. These CsCCoAOMT members were located on six different chromosomes (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 14). Based on phylogenetic analysis, CsCCoAOMT can be divided into two groups: I and II. Notably, the CsCCoAOMT members of group Ia are likely to be candidate genes involved in lignin biosynthesis. Moreover, through the yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) assay, we established protein interaction networks for the CsCCoAOMT family, revealing 9 pairs of members with interaction relationships. CONCLUSIONS: We identified the CCoAOMT gene family in Camellia sinensis and conducted a comprehensive analysis of their classifications, phylogenetic and synteny relationships, gene structures, protein interactions, tissue-specific expression patterns, and responses to various stresses. Our findings shed light on the evolution and composition of CsCCoAOMT. Notably, the observed interaction among CCoAOMT proteins suggests the potential formation of the O-methyltransferase (OMT) complex during the methylation modification process, expanding our understanding of the functional roles of this gene family in diverse biological processes.

Genome-wide identification and expression characterization of the GH3 gene family of tea plant (Camellia sinensis).

To comprehensively understand the characteristics of the GH3 gene family in tea plants (Camellia sinensis), we identified 17 CsGH3 genes and analyzed their physicochemical properties, phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, promoters, and expression patterns in different tissues. The study showed that the 17 CsGH3 genes are distributed on 9 chromosomes, and based on evolutionary analysis, the CsGH3 members were divided into three subgroups. Gene duplication analysis revealed that segmental duplications have a significant impact on the amplification of CsGH3 genes. In addition, we identified and classified cis-elements in the CsGH3 gene promoters and detected elements related to plant hormone responses and non-biotic stress responses. Through expression pattern analysis, we observed tissue-specific expression of CsGH3.3 and CsGH3.10 in flower buds and roots. Moreover, based on predictive analysis of upstream regulatory transcription factors of CsGH3, we identified the potential transcriptional regulatory role of gibberellin response factor CsDELLA in CsGH3.14 and CsGH3.15. In this study, we found that CsGH3 genes are involved in a wide range of activities, such as growth and development, stress response, and transcription. This is the first report on CsGH3 genes and their potential roles in tea plants. In conclusion, these results provide a theoretical basis for elucidating the role of GH3 genes in the development of perennial woody plants and offer new insights into the synergistic effects of multiple hormones on plant growth and development in tea plants.

Acalypha australis L. Extract Attenuates DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Mice by Regulating Inflammatory Factor Release and Blocking NF-κB Activation.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic gastroenteric inflammatory disease that may cause life-threatening complications. Currently available therapeutic drugs are not as effective as expected, necessitating the development of new targets and drugs. The etiology and pathogenetic mechanisms of UC are largely unclear; thus, the treatment effects are limited. The aqueous extract of Acalypha australis L. (AAL) has shown good therapeutic efficacy in treating UC. AAL is used in traditional Chinese medicine owing to its hemostasis, detoxification, and heat clearance effects. Although astragalus has such broad-spectrum biological activities closely related to inflammation, its therapeutic efficacy for UC treatment has not been reported, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. We studied the therapeutic effect of AAL on UC in mice and explored its potential mechanism. Mice were treated with AAL aqueous extract for 7 days (20 mg/kg), after which the colon tissue was assessed for damage (colon mucosal damage index [CMDI]), apoptosis (immunohistochemistry), and release of cytokines (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). The concentration of AAL aqueous extract at 20 mg/kg significantly improved the CMDI score and colon injury of UC model. It also reduced the serum levels of IL-2, IL-8, IL-17A, IL-22, IFN-γ, and TNF-α, and decreased apoptosis in the colon. AAL water extract also significantly reduced the expression level of NF-κB pathway-related proteins. In conclusion, AAL can protect against UC mainly by inhibiting the expression level of NF-κB pathway-related proteins and reducing the release of inflammatory factors.

The effect of progesterone supplementation for luteal phase support in natural cycle frozen embryo transfer: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials.

IMPORTANCE: The necessity of progesterone supplementation for luteal phase support (LPS) in natural cycle frozen embryo transfer (NC-FET) cycles warrants further confirmation. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of progesterone supplementation for LPS on the reproductive outcomes of patients undergoing NC-FET cycles. DATA SOURCES: The PubMed, Ovid-Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and CBM were electronically searched. The search time frame was from inception up to September 2022. STUDY SELECTION AND SYNTHESIS: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that used progesterone for LPS in NC-FET cycles, including true NC-FET cycles (tNC-FET) and modified NC-FET cycles (mNC-FET), were included. The counted data were analyzed using relative risk (RR) as the effect-size statistic, and each effect size was assigned its 95% confidence interval (CI). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes were the live birth rate (LBR) and the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), and the secondary outcome was the miscarriage rate. RESULTS: Four RCTs were included, which involved 1116 participants. The results of the meta-analysis showed that progesterone supplementation was associated with increased LBR (RR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.15-1.75; I2 = 0%, moderate-quality evidence) and CPR (RR, 1.30, 95% CI, 1.07-1.57; I2 = 0%, moderate-quality evidence) in patients undergoing NC-FET cycles. Subgroup analysis showed that progesterone supplementation was associated with higher LBR and CPR in tNC-FET cycles. However, no association was found between increased LBR and CPR in mNC-FET cycles. In addition, only one RCT reported that oral dydrogesterone had similar CPR and miscarriage rate compared with vaginal progesterone in mNC-FET cycles. CONCLUSION(S): Overall, moderate-quality evidence suggested that progesterone supplementation for LPS was associated with increased LBR and CPR in NC-FET cycles. Progesterone supplementation was associated with a higher LBR and CPR in tNC-FET cycles. However, the effectiveness of progesterone supplementation in mNC-FET cycles should be further verified by larger RCTs. Low to very low-quality evidence indicated that oral dydrogesterone and vaginal progesterone have similar reproductive outcomes in mNC-FET cycles, which requires further study, especially in tNC-FET cycles. REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42022355550 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=355550) was registered on September 3, 2022.

[Pharmacokinetic interaction of Jiaotai Pills and Fluoxetine in rats with CUMS-induced depression].

A high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS) was developed for simultaneously determining the components(magnoflorine, jatrorrhizine, berberrubine, coptisine, berberine) of Jiaotai Pills and Fluoxetine in plasma of rats with chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)-induced depression to investigate the pharmacokinetic herb-drug interaction of Jiaotai Pills and Fluoxetine in the rats. The six components showed good linear relationship within the corresponding concentration ranges, and the method showed high specificity, accuracy, precision, and stability. Their pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by DAS 3.2.2, and the results showed that the in vivo metabolic processes of the six components accorded with the characteristics of non-compartmental model. When Jiaotai Pills and Fluoxetine were used together, the AUC_(0-t), AUC_(0-∞), C_(max), and C_(av) of magnoflorine all significantly increased(P<0.05), while the pharmacokinetic trend of berberrubine was opposite to that of magnoflorine, as manifested by the decrease in AUC_(0-t), AUC_(0-∞), T_(max), C_(max), and C_(av)(P<0.01, P<0.05). The pharmacokinetic characteristics of jatrorrhizine, coptisine, and berberine followed the trend of berberrubine. There was no significant difference in the pharmacokinetic characteristics of Fluoxetine in the single or combination groups. This study suggests that the enhanced antidepressant efficacy of Jiaotai Pills and Fluo-xetine may be attributed to the pharmacokinetic interaction.

Protective effects of NAMPT or MAPK inhibitors and NaR on Wallerian degeneration of mammalian axons.

Wallerian degeneration (WD) is a conserved axonal self-destruction program implicated in several neurological diseases. WD is driven by the degradation of the NAD+ synthesizing enzyme NMNAT2, the buildup of its substrate NMN, and the activation of the NAD+ degrading SARM1, eventually leading to axonal fragmentation. The regulation and amenability of these events to therapeutic interventions remain unclear. Here we explored pharmacological strategies that modulate NMN and NAD+ metabolism, namely the inhibition of the NMN-synthesizing enzyme NAMPT, activation of the nicotinic acid riboside (NaR) salvage pathway and inhibition of the NMNAT2-degrading DLK MAPK pathway in an axotomy model in vitro. Results show that NAMPT and DLK inhibition cause a significant but time-dependent delay of WD. These time-dependent effects are related to NMNAT2 degradation and changes in NMN and NAD+ levels. Supplementation of NAMPT inhibition with NaR has an enhanced effect that does not depend on timing of intervention and leads to robust protection up to 4 days. Additional DLK inhibition extends this even further to 6 days. Metabolite analyses reveal complex effects indicating that NAMPT and MAPK inhibition act by reducing NMN levels, ameliorating NAD+ loss and suppressing SARM1 activity. Finally, the axonal NAD+/NMN ratio is highly predictive of cADPR levels, extending previous cell-free evidence on the allosteric regulation of SARM1. Our findings establish a window of axon protection extending several hours following injury. Moreover, we show prolonged protection by mixed treatments combining MAPK and NAMPT inhibition that proceed via complex effects on NAD+ metabolism and inhibition of SARM1.

Diet and human reproductive system: Insight of omics approaches.

Nutrition and lifestyle have a great impact on reproduction and infertility in humans, as they are essential for certain processes such as implantation, placental growth, angiogenesis, and the transfer of nutrients from the mother to the fetus. The aim of this review is to provide the interconnection between nutrition and reproductive health through the insight of omics approaches (including metabolomics and nutrigenomics). The effect of various macronutrients, micronutrients, and some food-associated components on male and female reproduction was discussed. Recent research work was collected through database search from 2010 to 2020 to identify eligible studies. Alterations of metabolic pathways in pregnant women were deliberated with an emphasis on different strategies of lifestyle and dietary interventions. Several nutritional methods, which are important for embryonic and child neurological development, nutritional supplements to lactation, and improved gestational length along with birth weight have been emphasized. Considerable advances in omics strategies show potential technological development for improving human reproductive health.

Effects of Cannabidiol on Parkinson's Disease in a Transgenic Mouse Model by Gut-Brain Metabolic Analysis.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease characterized by a disorder of the dopaminergic system in the midbrain, causing classical PD motor symptoms. The therapeutic effect of cannabidiol (CBD) on PD has been a research frontier in recent years. However, the pathogenesis of PD and the therapeutic mechanism of cannabinoid remain unclear. To further study the causes of PD and the effect of CBD on PD, we exposed the PD transgenic mouse model to CBD and then estimated the motorial and postural coordination through a modified swim test. Afterwards, the mechanism was investigated via the histopathology of substantia nigra and the gut-brain metabolic analysis in the approach of UHPLC-TOF-MS. The results showed that CBD significantly improved motor deficits of PD model and protected the substantia nigra area. The metabolic function of fatty acid biosynthesis, arginine biosynthesis/metabolism, butanoate (ketone body) metabolism, ß-alanine metabolism, and pantothenate/CoA biosynthesis was highlighted in the pathological and therapeutic process along the gut-brain axis. In conclusion, CBD could attenuate PD via the neuroprotective effect on the midbrain. The attenuation of the central nervous system in turn improved motor performance of PD, which might be partially induced by the metabolic interaction between the gut-brain. In view of gut-brain metabolomics, the mechanism of PD pathogenesis and the effect of CBD on PD are highly related to the biosynthesis and metabolism of energy and essential substance.

Identification, Characterization and Expression Profiling of the RS Gene Family during the Withering Process of White Tea in the Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis) Reveal the Transcriptional Regulation of CsRS8.

Raffinose synthetase (RS) is a key enzyme in the process of raffinose (Raf) synthesis and is involved in plant development and stress responses through regulating Raf content. As a sweetener, Raf makes an important contribution to the sweet taste of white tea. However, studies on the identification, analysis and transcriptional regulation of CsRSs (Camellia sinensis RS genes) are still lacking. In this study, nine CsRSs were identified from the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) genome database. The CsRSs were classified into five groups in the phylogenetic tree. Expression level analysis showed that the CsRSs varied in different parts of the tea plant. Transcriptome data showed that CsRSs could respond to persistent drought and cold acclimation. Except for CsRS5 and CsRS9, the expression pattern of all CsRSs increased at 12 h and decreased at 30 h during the withering process of white tea, consistent with the change trend of the Raf content. Furthermore, combining yeast one-hybrid assays with expression analysis, we found that CsDBB could potentially regulate the expression of CsRS8. Our results provide a new perspective for further research into the characterization of CsRS genes and the formation of the white tea flavour.

Mechanisms and Advances in Anti-Ovarian Cancer with Natural Plants Component.

Ovarian cancer ranks seventh in the most common malignant tumors among female disease, which seriously threatens female reproductive health. It is characterized by hidden pathogenesis, missed diagnosis, high reoccurrence rate, and poor prognosis. In clinic, the first-line treatment prioritized debulking surgery with paclitaxel-based chemotherapy. The harsh truth is that female patients are prone to relapse due to the dissemination of tumor cells and drug resistance. In these circumstances, the development of new therapy strategies combined with traditional approaches is conductive to improving the quality of treatment. Among numerous drug resources, botanical compounds have unique advantages due to their potentials in multitarget functions, long application history, and wide availability. Previous studies have revealed the therapeutic effects of bioactive plant components in ovarian cancer. These natural ingredients act as part of the initial treatment or an auxiliary option for maintenance therapy, further reducing the tumor and metastatic burden. In this review, we summarized the functions and mechanisms of natural botanical components applied in human ovarian cancer. We focused on the molecular mechanisms of cell apoptosis, autophagy, RNA and DNA lesion, ROS damage, and the multiple-drug resistance. We aim to provide a theoretical reference for in-depth drug research so as to manage ovarian cancer better in clinic.

[Effects of Jiaotai Pills on CUMS-induced depression model in mice based on changes of SIRT1 expression in hippocampus].

The present study investigated the effects and mechanisms of Jiaotai Pills on depressed mice induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS). The CUMS-induced depression model mice were established and the depression behaviors of mice were evaluated by sucrose preference test, open field test, tail suspension test, and forced swimming test. Molecular docking was employed to simulate the interaction of six main active ingredients in Jiaotai Pills with SIRT1. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the level of SIRT1 in the hippocampus of mice. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of SIRT1, p-NF-κB p65, NF-κB p65, and FoxO1 in the hippocampus of mice. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) kits were used to detect the levels of interleukin(IL)-1ß, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) in the hippocampus and serum of mice. Biochemical kits were used to detect superoxide dismutase(SOD) activity and malondialdehyde(MDA) and glutathione(GSH) levels in the hippocampus and serum of mice. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS) was used to detect the levels of dopamine(DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT), and norepinephrine(NE) in the hippocampus and serum of mice. The results showed that the sucrose preference rate, movement distance, and the number of crossing centers were reduced in the model group(P<0.01), and the tail suspension time and swimming immobility time were increased(P<0.01). Molecular docking results indicated good binding of six main active ingredients in Jiaotai Pills to SIRT1. In the hippocampus, the expression level of SIRT1 was reduced(P<0.01), and the levels of p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 and FoxO1 were increased(P<0.01). In the hippocampus and serum, the levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, and MDA were increased(P<0.01), and the activity of SOD and the levels of GSH, DA, 5-HT, NE, and BDNF were reduced(P<0.01). The treatment with high-dose Jiaotai Pills increased the sucrose preference rate, movement distance, and the number of crossing centers(P<0.05), reduced tail suspension time and swimming immobility time(P<0.01), elevated hippocampal SIRT1 expression level(P<0.01), decreased hippocampal and serum IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, and MDA levels(P<0.01), potentiated SOD activity, and up-regulated GSH, DA, 5-HT, NE, and BDNF levels in the hippocampus and serum(P<0.05, P<0.01) in model mice. In conclusion, the results showed that Jiaotai Pills could improve the depression behaviors of model mice with CUMS-induced depression, and the underlying mechanism was related to the up-regulation of SIRT1 in the hippocampus of mice to exert anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress effects.

Gold Nanorods-Based Smart Nanoplatforms for Synergic Thermotherapy and Chemotherapy of Tumor Metastasis.

The combination therapy of photothermal therapy and chemotherapy as a promising strategy has drawn extensive attention by overcoming the limitations of conventional treatments in tumor therapy. Gold nanorods-based nanoplatforms were herein designed by integrating doxorubicin (DOX)- and polydopamine-coated gold nanorods (GNRs@PDA) for tumor metastasis inhibition and multifunctional drug delivery. The GNRs@PDA-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-DOX nanocomplex showed robust stability and excellent near-infrared (NIR) photothermal conversion efficiency under laser irradiation. The release of loaded DOX from GNRs@PDA-PEG-DOX nanocomposites was improved in tumor microenvironments. Furthermore, the PDA-functionalized GNR nanocomposites were expected to be potential photoacoustic imaging agents for imaging-guided tumor therapy. Upon NIR laser irradiation, the efficiency of tumor inhibition of GNRs@PDA-PEG-DOX is greater than that of the other group in vitro and in vivo, which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry staining, demonstrating a promising strategy for suppression of tumor metastasis and low long-term systemic toxicity. These results illustrated a promising strategy of tailor-made GNRs@PDA-PEG-DOX nanoplatforms for ablation of tumor and suppression of tumor metastasis in clinical application.

Cetuximab-modified CuS nanoparticles integrating near-infrared-II-responsive photothermal therapy and anti-vessel treatment.

BACKGROUND: Photothermal therapy (PTT) has received extensive attention owing to its non-invasive nature and highly therapeutic outcomes. PTT agents and near-infrared (NIR) laser are essential elements in PTT. However, most PTT agents are composed of heavy metals, characterized by serious cytotoxicity and side effects, and NIR irradiation often damages normal tissue owing to the high dose, thus limiting the clinical application of PTT. PURPOSE: In this regard, exploring new perspectives enabling more PTT agents to be enriched into the tumor and NIR laser irradiation decay in PTT is vital. METHODS: In this study, cetuximab (Ab), an anti-angiogenic antibody which targets the EGFR, was modified on CuS NPs (CuS-Ab NPs) to improve the aggregation of CuS NPs in the tumor. RESULTS: The cellular uptake data and the biodistribution results showed comparable accumulation of CuS-Ab NPs in tumor, thus decreasing the cytotoxicity and side effects in normal tissues. More importantly, the modification of Ab in CuS-Ab NPs impressively inhibited the formation and progression of tumor vessels, as demonstrated by immunohistochemistry staining. The introduction of anti-vessel treatment requires CuS-Ab NPs to provide weak PTT, which means that a small amount of laser energy is required, inevitably causing negligible damage to normal tissue. CONCLUSION: Therefore, our tailor-made CuS-Ab NPs have promising potential in clinical applications.

Curcumin as a therapeutic agent for blocking NF-κB activation in ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, relapsing, remitting, and inflammatory disorder that afflicts millions of people around the world. It carries a substantial economic burden, reducing the quality of life, ability to work, and increasing disability. Conventional medical treatment of UC includes the use of aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressive drugs. However, these medicines are not always effective due to some serious side effects. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) is a key factor in the inflammatory setting and strongly affects the course of mucosal inflammation in UC. This review aims to describe the complex role of NF-κB in UC and discuss existing pharmacological attempts by curcumin for blocking NF-κB activation to develop new therapeutic strategies in UC. Several studies have shown intriguing pharmacologic effects associated with curcumin, which inhibits NF-κB expression by regulating NF-κB/IkB pathway and down-regulation expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as Interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. The efficacy of curcumin has been confirmed in several experimental models of UC. Furthermore, curcumin significantly induced clinical remission in active mild-to-moderate UC patients and reduced clinical relapse in quiescent UC patients. The inhibitory effects of curcumin on NF-κB and its unrivaled safety profile indicate that it remains effective for the treatment of UC. In addition, curcumin is a nontoxic, inexpensive, and easily available natural polyphenol. In conclusion, curcumin can be used as a potential and safe drug in the management of patients with remission and mild-to-moderate UC.

[Scrapping therapy combined with Qingxin Zishen Decoction for perimenopausal syndrome with pattern of fire excess from yin deficiency].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy difference between scrapping therapy combined with Qingxin Zishen Decoction and the single application of Qingxin Zishen Decoction for perimenopausal syndrome (PMS) with pattern of fire excess from yin deficiency. METHODS: Eighty patients were assinged into an observation group and a control group, 40 cases in each one. Patients in the control group were treated with oral administration of Qingxin Zishen Decoction to clear heart heat and nourish kidney. One dose of the decoction was taken by two times within one day. Based on the treatment of the control group, patients in the observation group were additionally treated with scrapping therapy along the urinary bladder meridian of foot-taiyang, heart meridian of hand-shaoyin and kidney meridian of foot-shaoyin; the scrapping therapy was performed at Back-shu points, Shenmen (HT 7), Yongquan (KI 1), Taixi (KI 3), Zhaohai (KI 6), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Zusanli (ST 36), etc.; the treatment was given once every week. Four weeks of treatment were taken as one course in two groups, and totally 2 courses were given. The modified Kupperman score, menopausal quality of life (MENQOL), level of serum estrogen (E2), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) before and after treatment as well as the clinical efficacy were valuated between the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, each item score and total score of modified Kupperman were reduced apparently in the two groups (P<0.01,P<0.05) except dyspareunia score in the control group. The score of hot flash and sweating, paresthesia, depression, fatigue, arthralgia, palpitation, formication, urinary symptoms and total score in the observation group were superior to those in the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). After treatment, the total score and each dimension score of MENQOL were obviously decreased in the two groups (all P<0.01), and the scores of vasomotor symptoms, psychosocial condition and physical condition in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). There were no significant differences of serum hormone levels before and after treatment between the two groups (all P>0.05), however, after treatment, the serum E2 level had the tendency to raise and serum LH, FSH levels had the tendency to decrease in the observation group. The total effective rate was 97.4% (37/38) in the observation group, which was higher apparently than 81.1% (30/37) in the control group (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The scrapping therapy combined with Qingxin Zishen Decoction or the simple application of Qingxin Zishen Decoction can both improve PMS symptoms and the quality of life, delay the ovary recession; the combination of scrapping therapy and Qingxin Zishen Decoction achieve superior efficacy on PMS syndrome to the simple application of Qingxin Zishen Decoction.

Effect of Eclipta prostrata on lipid metabolism in hyperlipidemic animals.

Eclipta prostrata (Linn.) Linn. is a traditional Chinese medicine and has previously been reported to have hypolipidemic effects. However, its mechanism of action is not well understood. This study was conducted to identify the active fraction of Eclipta, its toxicity, its effect on hyperlipidemia, and its mechanism of action. The ethanol extract (EP) of Eclipta and fractions EPF1-EPF4, obtained by eluting with different concentrations of ethanol from a HPD-450 macroporous resin column chromatography of the EP, were screened in hyperlipidemic mice for lipid-lowering activity, and EPF3 was the most active fraction. The LD50 of EPF3 was undetectable because no mice died with administration of EPF3 at 10.4 g/kg. Then, 48 male hamsters were used and randomly assigned to normal chow diet, high-fat diet, high-fat diet with Xuezhikang (positive control) or EPF3 (75, 150 and 250 mg/kg) groups. We evaluated the effects of EPF3 on body weight gain, liver weight gain, serum lipid concentration, antioxidant enzyme activity, and the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism in hyperlipidemic hamsters. The results showed that EPF3 significantly decreased body-weight gain and liver-weight gain and reduced the serum lipid levels in hyperlipidemic hamsters. EPF3 also increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes; up-regulated the mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), lecithin-cholesterol transferase (LCAT) and scavenger receptor class B type Ι receptor (SR-BI); and down-regulated the mRNA expression of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) in the liver. These results indicate that EPF3 ameliorates hyperlipidemia, in part, by reducing oxidative stress and modulating the transcription of genes involved in lipid metabolism.

IR-780 dye loaded tumor targeting theranostic nanoparticles for NIR imaging and photothermal therapy.

IR-780 iodide is a near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence dye with higher and more stable fluorescence intensity than clinically applied dye indocyanine green (ICG). Meanwhile, IR-780 can be utilized in photothermal therapy with laser irradiation. IR-780 is an important theranostic agent but its lipophilicity limited its application. In this paper, we synthesize multifunctional heparin-folic acid-IR-780 nanoparticles (HF-IR-780 NPs) by self-assembly of the heparin-folic acid conjugate and IR-780 through ultrasonic sound method. The HF-IR-780 NPs exhibit good monodispersity, significant stability, and excellent molecular targeting to folate receptor over-expressing MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, the in vivo biodistribution experiments show that the HF-IR-780 NPs are specifically targeted to the tumor and can be used for tumor imaging. The in vitro cell viability assays and in vivo photothermal therapy experiments indicate that MCF-7 cells or MCF-7 xenograft tumors could be ablated by combining HF-IR-780 NPs with irradiation of an 808 nm laser. The photothermal therapy in vivo with a single-dose treatment has not caused significant adverse effect. The resulted HF-IR-780 NPs are a potential theranostic agent for imaging-guided cancer therapy.

[Feature extraction and recognition of traditional Chinese medicine pulse based on hemodynamic principles].

In this paper, factors contributing to the formation of pulse wave were analyzed based on hemodynamic principles. It is considered that formation of pulse wave was related to its propagation and reflection characteristics. Propagation of the pulse wave was characterized by pulse wave velocity, and reflection of the pulse wave was characterized by reflection coefficient. Pulse wave velocity and reflection coefficient were proposed as the eigenvectors of pulse wave in pulse diagnosis of traditional Chinese medicine, and support vector machine (SVM) was used to recognize slippery pulse, stringy pulse and plain pulse. Pulse wave velocity and reflection coefficient of the slippery, stringy and plain pulses in healthy people were calculated in this study, and SVM with Gaussian radial basis function was used for classifying. Results showed that pulse wave velocity and reflection coefficient with physiological and pathological significance had advantages in distinguishing slippery pulse, stringy pulse and plain pulse, which offered a new idea for recognizing pulse condition.

Treatment with yiqi bushen koufuye combined with chemotherapy for preventing postoperative metastasis of stomach cancer--a clinical observation of 28 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of yiqi bushen koufiuye (oral liquid for invigorating qi and tonifying the kidney) combined with chemotherapy on postoperative metastasis of stomach cancer. METHODS: The 47 cases of postoperative stomach cancer with the syndrome of deficiency of both the spleen and kidney were divided randomly into the treatment group (28 cases), and the control group (19 cases). The control group was treated simply by chemotherapy; while the treatment group, was treated with Yiqi Bushen Koufuye in addition to chemotherapy. The effect was observed 12 months later on local relapse and distal metastasis, the life quality, peripheral hemogram, and immunologic function. RESULTS: The rates of postoperative relapse and metastasis of the treatment group were obviously lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The Karnofasky scores, peripheral hemogram and immunologic function of the treatment group were obviously improved in comparison with the control group (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Yiqi bushen koufuye combined with chemotherapy is effective in preventing postoperative metastasis of stomach cancer, increasing sensitivity and decreasing toxins, and improving the life quality and immunologic function of the patient.

[Randomized controlled trial on haiguiyuyang capsule in the treatment of duodenal ulcer].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of haiguiyuyang capsule in the treatment of duodenal ulcer (also diagnosed as weiwan pain and hanrecuoza syndrome according to the theory of TCM). METHODS: This is a multi-center clinical trial cooperatively conducted from May 2003 to March 2004 in accordance to the principle of informed consent, to the criteria for subject inclusion, exclusion, discontinuation, and to the relevant guidelines for evaluating the therapeutic effects of new TCM drugs. The design of double-blind, double-dummy and randomized controlled trial was adopted. 438 patients were randomized to the Test group (n = 330, treated with haiguiyuyang capsule) and to the Control group (n = 108, treated with ranitidine). The therapeutic course for both groups was 6 weeks. RESULTS: Regarding the efficacy in treating duodenal ulcer, in the Test group, the Marked Efficacy Rate was 66.37% and the Total Efficacy Rate was 82.13%; in the Control group, the Marked Efficacy Rate was 68.61% and the Total Efficacy Rate was 93.34%; there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). Regarding the efficacy in treating the syndrome diagnosed by TCM, in the Test group, the Marked Efficacy Rate was 70.31% and the Total Efficacy Rate was 93.34%; in the control group, the rates were 71.29% and 91.66% respectively; there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). Besides, regarding the abatement of distention and fullness of stomach after treatment, the haiguiyuyang capsule was better than ranitidine (P<0.05). No adverse side-effect was observed. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of haiguiyuyang capsule in treating duodenal ulcer is similar to that of ranitidine. No obvious adverse effect of it was observed in this trial.