Low expression of the intestinal metabolite butyric acid and the corresponding memory pattern regulate HDAC4 to promote apoptosis in rat hippocampal neurons.

After intensive research on the gut-brain axis, intestinal dysbiosis is considered to be one of the important pathways of cognitive decline. Microbiota transplantation has long been thought to reverse the behavioral changes in the brain caused by colony dysregulation, but in our study, microbiota transplantation seemed to improve only behavioral brain function, and there was no reasonable explanation for the high level of hippocampal neuron apoptosis that remained. Butyric acid is one of the short-chain fatty acids of intestinal metabolites and is mainly used as an edible flavoring. It is commonly used in butter, cheese and fruit flavorings, and is a natural product of bacterial fermentation of dietary fiber and resistant starch in the colon, acting similarly to the small-molecule HDAC inhibitor TSA. The effect of butyric acid on HDAC levels in hippocampal neurons in the brain remains unclear. Therefore, this study used rats with low bacterial abundance, conditional knockout mice, microbiota transplantation, 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing, and behavioral assays to demonstrate the regulatory mechanism of short-chain fatty acids on the acetylation of hippocampal histones. The results showed that disturbance of short-chain fatty acid metabolism led to high HDAC4 expression in the hippocampus and regulated H4K8ac, H4K12ac, and H4K16ac to promote increased neuronal apoptosis. However, microbiota transplantation did not change the pattern of low butyric acid expression, resulting in maintained high HDAC4 expression in hippocampal neurons with continued neuronal apoptosis. Overall, our study shows that low levels of butyric acid in vivo can promote HDAC4 expression through the gut-brain axis pathway, leading to hippocampal neuronal apoptosis, and demonstrates that butyric acid has great potential value for neuroprotection in the brain. In this regard, we suggest that patients with chronic dysbiosis should pay attention to changes in the levels of SCFAs in their bodies, and if deficiencies occur, they should be promptly supplemented through diet and other means to avoid affecting brain health.

Diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease by hydrocolonic sonography in children.

OBJECTIVES: To compare hydrocolonic sonography with histopathology for diagnosing children with symptoms highly suggestive of Hirschsprung disease (HD). METHODS: In this prospective study, patients presenting refractory constipation highly suggestive of HD underwent hydrocolonic sonography with retrograde infusion of saline into the colon. The dilated segments, narrowed segments, luminal diameter ratio, transition zone (TZ), thickening, and blood perfusion of the upstream bowel were evaluated. The sensitivity and specificity of combined and single parameters were determined in comparison with biopsy. RESULTS: One hundred and three children were included in this study; 49 were confirmed to have HD. The luminal diameter ratio showed superiority over other parameters. An area under the curve (AUC) of 0.969 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.936-1.000) and a cutoff value of 1.51 were established by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of the luminal diameter ratio (sensitivity: 89.8%; specificity: 96.3%). By combining the luminal diameter ratio as the major criterion with two minor criteria, hydrocolonic sonography showed the same sensitivity (91.8%) and better specificity (96.3% vs 87%) than contrast enema, but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.063). Consistency analysis showed a kappa value of 0.825 (p < 0.001), indicating excellent agreement between hydrocolonic sonography and contrast enema. CONCLUSIONS: Hydrocolonic sonography is a valuable diagnostic tool with both high sensitivity and specificity for HD diagnosis, allowing morphological and vascular assessments of the colon, and correlates well with contrast enema. In the appropriate setting, hydrocolonic sonography may be an alternative screening method for HD in a large group of children with constipation. Key Points • Hydrocolonic sonography is a simple, well-tolerated diagnostic tool with both high sensitivity and specificity for HD diagnosis. • Hydrocolonic sonography allows morphological and vascular assessments of the colon, and correlates well with contrast enema. • Hydrocolonic sonography is a possible alternative modality for paediatric patients highly suggestive of HD.

Effects of Home-Based Breathing Exercises in Subjects With COPD.

BACKGROUND: We sought to investigate the effects of home-based breathing exercises on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, exercise capacity, dyspnea, and health-related quality of life in patients with COPD. METHODS: All randomized, controlled trials involving the use of home-based breathing exercises as an intervention in patients with COPD were searched on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, EBSCO, CNKI, and Wangfang Data databases from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2018. Two researchers independently extracted data and assessed the quality of the literature that met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: A total of 13 studies were included, with a total of 998 subjects. The intervention methods consisted of diaphragmatic breathing, yoga breathing, breathing gymnastics, and singing. Meta-analysis showed that, compared with the control group, home-based breathing exercises had significant effects on the percent of predicted FEV1 (mean difference = 3.26, 95% CI 0.52-5.99, P = .02), FEV1/FVC (mean difference = 2.84, 95% CI 1.04-4.64, P = .002), maximum inspiratory pressures (mean difference = 20.20, 95% CI 11.78-28.61, P < .001), maximum expiratory pressures (mean difference = 26.35, 95% CI 12.64 to 40.06, P < .001), 6-min walk distance (mean difference = 36.97, 95% CI 25.06-48.89, P < .001), the modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale (mean difference= -0.80, 95% CI -1.06 to -0.55, P < .001), and the St George Respiratory Questionnaire (mean difference= -8.62, 95% CI -13.09 to -4.16, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: As an alternative method of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation program, breathing exercises can improve pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, exercise capacity, dyspnea, health-related quality of life in patients with COPD.

Evaluation of isokinetic muscle strength of upper limb and the relationship with pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength in stable COPD patients.

Background: Upper limb muscle strength plays an important role in respiratory and pulmonary function, and limited research focuses on the role of strength and endurance of the elbow extensor and flexor. This study was conducted to accurately assess upper limb muscle function and quantified associations with pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, patients with stable COPD treated in Yue-Yang Integrative Medicine Hospital from March 2014 to March 2016 were recruited. All participants underwent a pulmonary function test (forced expiratory volume in first second/forced vital capacity, FEV1/FVC; percentage value of predicted FEV1, FEV1%pred), a respiratory muscle strength test (maximal inspiratory pressure, MIP; maximal expiratory pressure, MEP), and an isokinetic test of dominant upper limb after a 24-hr interval (peak torque, PT; PT/body weight, PT/BW; total work, TW; endurance ratio, ER). Results: A total of 88 patients with stable COPD (age: 65.5±8.7 years) were recruited, of which 73% (64 patients) were male. In the multiple stepwise regression analysis, sex remained as significant impactors in the final model for FEV1%pred (adjusted R2=0.243, P<0.001). Elbow flexor PT/BW and ER, sex, and BMI remained as significant impactors in the final model for FEV1/FVC (adjusted R2=0.255, P<0.01). Elbow flexor TW remained as significant impactors for MIP (adjusted R2=0.112, P=0.001), while elbow extensor PT and PT/BW and sex remained as significant impactors for MEP (adjusted R =0.385, P<0.01). Conclusion: In stable COPD, pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength are associated with upper limb muscle strength. In particular, elbow flexor endurance is likely an important impactor for pulmonary function and inspiratory muscle strength, while elbow extensor strength is of importance for expiratory muscle strength.

Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

As a systemic disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects the respiratory system, inducing restless and exercise dyspnea. It also impacts exercise capacity and forms a vicious circle in which it further aggravates the condition of patients and accelerates disease progression. As a functional holistic exercise, traditional Chinese exercises (TCE) play an important role in the rehabilitation of COPD on the basis of adjusting the breath and performing coordinated movements. This study investigates the effects of prescribed pulmonary exercises (which are modified from TCE) on exercise capacity of upper and lower limbs, endurance exercise capacity, and quality of life in stable COPD patients. The goal is to determine the accessibility of these prescribed exercises in COPD rehabilitation. Participants are randomly divided into a non-exercise control group (CG) or prescribed pulmonary exercise group (PG) at a ratio of 1: 1. The PG receives intervention for 60 min twice per day, 7 days a week, for a total of 3 months. The intensity is measured using the Borg category-ratio 10 scale and with a heart-rate monitor. Then, an exercise capacity test and quality of life questionnaire are scheduled at 1 week before and after the formal intervention. After 3 months of intervention, the 30 s arm curl test, 30 s sit-to-stand test, 6 min walking test, and quality of life show significant improvement in COPD patients (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that prescribed pulmonary exercises can be applied as alternative, convenient, and effective home- and community-based exercises for stable COPD patients.

Effects of home-based prescribed pulmonary exercise by patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) not only affects pulmonary function but also leads to skeletal muscle dysfunction. The various characteristics of different forms of traditional Chinese exercise lead to inconsistent clinical effects in COPD patients. Hence, the present study carefully combined and rearranged liuzijue, wuqinxi, baduanjin, and yijinjing into a pulmonary exercise program targeting COPD patients. METHODS/DESIGN: This study is a single-blind, randomized controlled trial. A random number table will be generated by an independent person. Each number will be placed in a sealed opaque envelop to blind assignment. All outcome assessors will be blinded to group assignment. COPD patients between 40 and 80 years of age, with stable medical treatment and no regular participation in regular exercise in the last 6 months will be included. All participants will be recruited from the Respiratory Medicine Department of Yue-Yang Integrative Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. All participants will continue to follow their medical treatment. They will be randomly assigned to one of four groups in a 1:1:1:1 ratio: (1) usual care (control group, CG), (2) pulmonary exercise group (PG), (3) resistance exercise group (RG), or (4) combined pulmonary exercise and resistance exercise group (PRG). CG participants will receive medical treatment only. PG participants will perform 60 min of exercise twice a day 7 days a week for 3 months, with 1 day's exercise per week at hospital under guidance and supervision. RG participants will perform 60 min of resistance exercise once a day, three times a week for 3 months, with 1 day's exercise per week at hospital under guidance and supervision. PRG participants will perform 60 min of prescribed pulmonary exercise combined with resistance exercise for 3 months. The outcomes include the isokinetic strength of peripheral skeletal muscle, surface electromyography, 6-min walking distance, 30-s arm curl test, pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, dyspnea, body composition, physical activity, quality of life, and Chronic Disease Self-Efficacy Scale. DISCUSSION: The results of this study will compensate for the current inadequate understanding of prescribed pulmonary exercise and may provide a new, simple, convenient, and effective home-based exercise intervention for COPD patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-1800017405 . Registered on 28 July 2018.

Anti-proliferation effects of isorhamnetin on lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.

BACKGROUND: Isorhamnetin (Iso), a novel and essential monomer derived from total flavones of Hippophae rhamnoides that has long been used as a traditional Chinese medicine for angina pectoris and acute myocardial infarction, has also shown a spectrum of antitumor activity. However, little is known about the mechanisms of action Iso on cancer cells. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of Iso on A549 lung cancer cells and underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A549 cells were treated with 10~320 µg/ml Iso. Their morphological and cellular characteristics were assessed by light and electronic microscopy. Growth inhibition was analyzed by MTT, clonogenic and growth curve assays. Apoptotic characteristics of cells were determined by flow cytometry (FCM), DNA fragmentation, single cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay, immunocytochemistry and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase nick end labeling (TUNEL) . Tumor models were setup by transplanting Lewis lung carcinoma cells into C57BL/6 mice, and the weights and sizes of tumors were measured. RESULTS: Iso markedly inhibited the growth of A549 cells with induction of apoptotic changes. Iso at 20 µg/ml, could induce A549 cell apoptosis, up-regulate the expression of apoptosis genes Bax, Caspase-3 and P53, and down-regulate the expression of Bcl-2, cyclinD1 and PCNA protein. The tumors in tumor-bearing mice treated with Iso were significantly smaller than in the control group. The results of apoptosis-related genes, PCNA, cyclinD1 and other protein expression levels of transplanted Lewis cells were the same as those of A549 cells in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: Iso, a natural single compound isolated from total flavones, has antiproliferative activity against lung cancer in vitro and in vivo. Its mechanisms of action may involve apoptosis of cells induced by down-regulation of oncogenes and up-regulation of apoptotic genes.

Tectoridin, an isoflavone glycoside from the flower of Pueraria lobata, prevents acute ethanol-induced liver steatosis in mice.

In traditional Chinese medicine, the flower of Pueraria lobata (Puerariae Flos) has been used in therapy to counteract the problems associated with alcohol drinking and liver injury. In this study, we investigated the hepatoprotective effects and its mechanisms of tectoridin, an isoflavone glycoside from the flower of P. lobata (Willd.) Ohwi. Ethanol (5g/kg) was given orally every 12h for a total of three doses. 1h after the last dose of ethanol, tectoridin (25, 50 and 100mg/kg) was given intragastrically five times in three consecutive days. The mice were sacrificed at 4h after tectoridin treatment. Peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha), sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1c and their target genes were evaluated by biochemical analysis and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Mitochondria were isolated for the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) and membrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)) assay. Acute ethanol exposure resulted in the significant increase of the alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and triglyceride (TG) levels and hepatic mitochondria dysfunction shown as the increase of MPT and the decrease of DeltaPsi(m). However, tectoridin treatment dramatically attenuated these effects. In addition, tectoridin remarkably alleviated the over-production of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance. Furthermore, tectoridin inhibited the decrease of PPARalpha expression and its target genes, including medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD), acyl-CoA oxidase (ACO) and cytochrome P450 4A (CYP 4A) at mRNA and enzyme activity levels. These data showed that tectoridin protected against ethanol-induced liver steatosis mainly through modulating the disturbance of PPARalpha pathway and ameliorating mitochondrial function.

[Effects of Chaiqin Chengqi Decoction on activation of nuclear factor-kappaB in pancreas of rats with acute necrotizing pancreatitis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of Chaiqin Chengqi Decoction (CQCQD) in treatment of rats with acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP). METHODS: Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: sham-operated (SO) group, ANP group and CQCQD-treated group. ANP was induced by retro-pumping 3.5% sodium cholate to common bile duct. Blood sample was collected from abdominal vein for examination and the pancreatic tissue samples were taken for making pathology section 6 hours later. The pancreatic tissue (HE staining) was observed by light microscope. The content of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) was detected with the method of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) in pancreas was detected by immunohistochemical method. RESULTS: Compared with the SO group, there was dramatic increase in the white blood cell (WBC) counts and AMY level in the ANP group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the ANP group, the WBC counts and AMY level in CQCQD-treated group were significantly reduced (P<0.05). The edema, inflammatory infiltration, haemorrhage and necrosis scores and total pathological score in the ANP group were obviously higher than those in the SO group (P<0.01). The edema, haemorrhage and inflammatory infiltration scores and the total pathological score in CQCQD-treated group were decreased (P<0.05). The integral optical density of NF-kappaB p65 positive cells of pancreas in CQCQD-treated group was lower than that in the ANP group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: CQCQD can reduce the content of serum TNF-alpha and IL-6, depress the activation of NF-kappaB, and lessen the pancreatic lesions.

RACK1, a novel hPER1-interacting protein.

PER1, an important component of circadian clock systems, plays a critical role in regulating the period length and maintaining the precision and stability of the period of circadian rhythms. RACK1 (receptor for activated protein kinase C-1), a member of the WD-40 family of proteins, can interact with numerous signaling proteins and is regarded as a scaffolding, anchor, or adaptor protein in multiple intracellular signal transduction pathways. In the present study, we identified and confirmed RACK1 as a novel protein interacting with human clock protein, hPER1, using the yeast two-hybrid system and co-immunoprecipitation experiment. Further study by RT-PCR showed that RACK1 was expressed widely in tissues and there was no obvious expressional rhythmicity. However, RNA interfering plasmid inhibiting hPER1 (pTER/hPER1-II) could not interfere expression of RACK1. These results together suggested that RACK1 might act as a novel signal molecule to mediate or regulate the functions of PER1 through protein interaction.

Cancer chronomics III. Chronomics for cancer, aging, melatonin and experimental therapeutics researchers.

This position paper documents the merit of including for basic and clinical investigations the mapping of circadian and other rhythms and yet broader chronomes, time structures in and around us. Chronobiometry used herein relies on inferential statistical methods and on materials documented earlier. The circadian amplitude of melatonin is shown to relate both to cancer risk and to the presence of overt cancer, when no differences are found in the 24-hour average of melatonin. Optimization of treatment by timing, thoroughly documented along the circadian scale earlier, could be broadened to include optimization along the scale of the week, and eventually beyond. In both cases, reliance on marker rhythmometry is advocated. More generally, the limits of knowledge are expanded by considering already mapped spectral components and their characteristics that can be influenced by the dynamics of heliogeomagnetic signals heretofore unassessed.

[Scientometrics and bibliometrics of chronotherapy].

In order to retrieve Chinese and foreign articles of chronotherapy, we searched Chinese databases of CBM, CMCC and foreign series databases in OVID and hence revealed and assessed the current status, research trend and level of chronotherapy in China and in foreign countries by means of scientometric and bibliometric parameters. ProCite5 software and handsearching were used to manage, check and statistically analyze the searched papers so as to find the parameters which included distributions of databases, years, authors, periodicals, subject headings, organizations and nations. 91 Chinese papers were identified which were distributed in 73 kinds of journals and in subject headings, e.g., Traditional Chinese medicine, cardiovascular diseases, neoplasms, asthma, peptic ulcer, diabetes mellitus, general review of chronotherapy, etc. 480 foreign articles were identified which mainly came from EMBASE and MEDLINE and were distributed in 285 types of journals and 35 nations and regions. There were 14 journals which recorded five or more articles. 12 researchers published more than five articles. Paul Brousse Hospital, University of Texas, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Jichi Medical School and University of Minnesota were the core research institutes. There was no core author or core journal or core institute in China up till now. However, core authors, core journals and core research institutes had come into being in foreign countries; they were mainly from the Euro-American developed countries and had done well in chronotherapy.

[Effect of isorhmnetin on circadian rhythms of DNA synthesis and expression of c-myc gene in Eca-109 cells of human oesophageal cancer].

This study was focused on the circadian rhythms of DNA synthesis and the expression of c-myc gene in untreated and treated Eca-109 cells in human oesophageal cancer with isorhmnetin. The circadian rhythms of 3H-TdR incorporation and expression of c-myc gene in untreated and treated Eca-109 cells were measured by 3H-thymidine uptake assay and flow cytometry. The data collected were analyzed by ANOVA and Cosinor method. DNA synthesis and expression of c-myc gene in untreated group varied according to circadian time with statistical significance, the distribution curves of both DNA synthesis and the expression level of c-myc were fit for cosinor changes. The circadian rhythms of DNA synthesis and circadian parameters of c-myc expression in treated Eca-109 cells changed. The circadian parameters of DNA synthesis and expression level of c-myc varied after treatment by isorhmnetin. The effects of isorhmnetin on cell proliferation and c-myc expression reached the highest level from 20: 00 to 0: 00. The results provide a guidance for instituting the chemotherapy and chronotherapy of human tumors, when isorhmnetin is for use as anti-cancer agent.

In vitro circadian ANP secretion by gene transferring cells encapsulated in polycaprolactone tubes: gene chronotherapy.

A new insofar as chronobiologic therapeutic approach by atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) for hypertension and/or congestive heart failure (CHF) is based on the release of ANP from ANP cDNA transfected Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells encapsulated in polycaprolactone (PCL) tubes. ANP secretion was maintained for at least 6 months. The encapsulated cells remained viable during culturing. Control cells without transferred ANP cDNA were negative. ANP secretion is circadian periodic, peaking around 04:18, shifted to around 07:56 by melatonin treatment. The encapsulation technique, based on principles of chronotherapy, may provide a more efficient gene therapy, applicable for eventual human implantation of gene transferred cells.

100 or 30 years after Janeway or Bartter, Healthwatch helps avoid 'flying blind'.

Longitudinal records of blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) around the clock for days, weeks, months, years, and even decades obtained by manual self-measurements (during waking) and/or automatically by ambulatory monitoring reveal, in addition to well-known large within-day variation, also considerable day-to-day variability in most people, whether normotensive or hypertensive. As a first step, the circadian rhythm is considered along with gender differences and changes as a function of age to derive time-specified reference values (chronodesms), while reference values accumulate to also account for the circaseptan variation. Chronodesms serve for the interpretation of single measurements and of circadian and other rhythm parameters. Refined diagnoses can thus be obtained, namely MESOR-hypertension when the chronome-adjusted mean value (MESOR) of BP is above the upper limit of acceptability, excessive pulse pressure (EPP) when the difference in MESOR between the systolic (S) and diastolic (D) BP is too large, CHAT (circadian hyper-amplitude tension) when the circadian BP amplitude is excessive, DHRV (decreased heart rate variability) when the standard deviation (SD) of HR is below the acceptable range, and/or ecphasia when the overall high values recurring each day occur at an odd time (a condition also contributing to the risk associated with 'non-dipping'). A non-parametric approach consisting of a computer comparison of the subject's profile with the time-varying limits of acceptability further serves as a guide to optimize the efficacy of any needed treatment by timing its administration (chronotherapy) and selecting a treatment schedule best suited to normalize abnormal patterns in BP and/or HR. The merit of the proposed chronobiological approach to BP screening, diagnosis and therapy (chronotheranostics) is assessed in the light of outcome studies. Elevated risk associated with abnormal patterns of BP and/or HR variability, even when most if not all measurements lie within the range of acceptable values, becomes amenable to treatment as a critical step toward prevention (prehabilitation) to reduce the need for rehabilitation (the latter often after costly surgical intervention).

Chronomics: circadian and circaseptan timing of radiotherapy, drugs, calories, perhaps nutriceuticals and beyond.

We suggest a putative benefit from timing nutriceuticals (substances that are both nutrients and pharmaceuticals) such as antioxidants for preventive or curative health care, based on the proven merits of timing nutrients, drugs, and other treatments, as documented, i.a., in India. The necessity of timing melatonin, a major antioxidant, is noted. A protocol to extend the scope of chronoradiotherapy awaits testing. Imaging in time by mapping rhythms and broader time structures, chronomes, for earliest diagnoses, for example detection of vascular disease risk, is recommended. The study of rhythms and broader chronomes leads to a dynamic functional genomics, guided by imaging in time of free radicals and antioxidants, amongst many other variables.

[The inhibitory effect of total flavonoids of hippophae on the activation of NF-kappa B by stretching cultured cardiac myocytes].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of total flavonoids of hippophae (TFH) on the improvement in myocardial hypertrophy. METHODS: Immunohistochemical method was used to assess the inhibitory effect of TFH on the activation of NF-kappa B by stretching cultured cardiac myocytes. RESULTS: It was found that NF-kappa B was activated by stretching cardiac myocytes in 10 hours; that TFH at the concentration of 1:400 partly inhibited the activation of NF-kappa B by stretching in cardiac myocytes; that TFH at the concentration of 1:200 and 1:100 completely inhibited the activation of NF-kappa B by stretching in cardiac myocytes. CONCLUSION: The results supported that the blockade of activation of NF-kappa B might be a potential access to the improvement in myocardial function with the use of TFH for treatment of hypertension and chronic cardiac insufficiency.

Circadian telomerase activity and DNA synthesis for timing peptide administration.

DNA synthesis and telomerase activity were assessed in nude mice transplanted with hepatic carcinoma. Hepatic cancer cells (SMMC-7721) were implanted into both flanks of each of 14 BALB/C mice synchronized in 12 h of light alternating with 12 h of darkness (LD12:12) for 4 weeks. At 7 timepoints, tumor samples were collected for measurement of cellular DNA content by flow cytometry and telomerase activity by PCR-ELISA assay. Cosinor analyses determine a 24-h rhythm for all variables, showing a similar timing for the DNA-synthesis phase and telomerase activity. These results provide a model for exploring optimal timing of chronotherapy with peptides, especially for treatment with telomerase inhibitors.

[The influence on hemodynamics of myocardial ischemic dogs and blood pressure of animals with shenfu injection].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of Shenfu injection on the hemodynamic indexes of myocardial ischemic dogs and blood pressure of dogs and rats. METHOD: Myocardial ischemic model was made and hypotension in the dogs was induced with ligating left front descending limb coronary artery method, and secondary hypertension by narrowing nephridium artery of rats, Shenfu injection was administered with 5, 10 mL.kg-1 to the above dogs and rats separately to investigate the influence of it on the hemodynamic indexes of myocardial ischemic dogs and blood pressure of rats. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: Shenfu injection enhanced the capacity of myocardial work markedly; it augmented the myocardium contractility and cardiac output without raising the oxygen consume, and at the same time it returned normal the blood pressure in myocardial ischemic; but it had no effects on the normal blood pressure and secondary hypertension of rats.