ThermomiR-377-3p-induced suppression of Cirbp expression is required for effective elimination of cancer cells and cancer stem-like cells by hyperthermia.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the development of adjunctive therapeutic hyperthermia for cancer therapy has received considerable attention. However, the mechanisms underlying hyperthermia resistance are still poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the roles of cold­inducible RNA binding protein (Cirbp) in regulating hyperthermia resistance and underlying mechanisms in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). METHODS: CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, tumor sphere formation assay, qRT-PCR, Western blot were employed to examine the effects of hyperthermia (HT), HT + oridonin(Ori) or HT + radiotherapy (RT) on the proliferation and stemness of NPC cells. RNA sequencing was applied to gain differentially expressed genes upon hyperthermia. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments were used to evaluate the effects of RNAi-mediated Cirbp silencing or Cirbp overexpression on the sensitivity or resistance of NPC cells and cancer stem-like cells to hyperthermia by CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, tumorsphere formation assay and apoptosis assay, and in subcutaneous xenograft animal model. miRNA transient transfection and luciferase reporter assay were used to demonstrate that Cirbp is a direct target of miR-377-3p. The phosphorylation levels of key members in ATM-Chk2 and ATR-Chk1 pathways were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Our results firstly revealed that hyperthermia significantly attenuated the stemness of NPC cells, while combination treatment of hyperthermia and oridonin dramatically increased the killing effect on NPC cells and cancer stem cell (CSC)­like population. Moreover, hyperthermia substantially improved the sensitivity of radiation­resistant NPC cells and CSC­like cells to radiotherapy. Hyperthermia noticeably suppressed Cirbp expression in NPC cells and xenograft tumor tissues. Furthermore, Cirbp inhibition remarkably boosted anti­tumor­killing activity of hyperthermia against NPC cells and CSC­like cells, whereas ectopic expression of Cirbp compromised tumor­killing effect of hyperthermia on these cells, indicating that Cirbp overexpression induces hyperthermia resistance. ThermomiR-377-3p improved the sensitivity of NPC cells and CSC­like cells to hyperthermia in vitro by directly suppressing Cirbp expression. More importantly, our results displayed the significantly boosted sensitization of tumor xenografts to hyperthermia by Cirbp silencing in vivo, but ectopic expression of Cirbp almost completely counteracted hyperthermia-mediated tumor cell-killing effect against tumor xenografts in vivo. Mechanistically, Cirbp silencing-induced inhibition of DNA damage repair by inactivating ATM-Chk2 and ATR-Chk1 pathways, decrease in stemness and increase in cell death contributed to hyperthermic sensitization; conversely, Cirbp overexpression-induced promotion of DNA damage repair, increase in stemness and decrease in cell apoptosis contributed to hyperthermia resistance. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these findings reveal a previously unrecognized role for Cirbp in positively regulating hyperthermia resistance and suggest that thermomiR-377-3p and its target gene Cirbp represent promising targets for therapeutic hyperthermia.

Therapeutic potential of dietary flavonoid hyperoside against non-communicable diseases: targeting underlying properties of diseases.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a global epidemic with diverse pathogenesis. Among them, oxidative stress and inflammation are the most fundamental co-morbid features. Therefore, multi-targets and multi-pathways therapies with significant anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities are potential effective measures for preventing and treating NCDs. The flavonol glycoside compound hyperoside (Hyp) is widely found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, beverages, and medicinal plants and has various health benefits, especially excellent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties targeting nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways. In this review, we summarize the pathogenesis associated with oxidative stress and inflammation in NCDs and the biological activity and therapeutic potential of Hyp. Our findings reveal that the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities regulated by Hyp are associated with numerous biological mechanisms, including positive regulation of mitochondrial function, apoptosis, autophagy, and higher-level biological damage activities. Hyp is thought to be beneficial against organ injuries, cancer, depression, diabetes, and osteoporosis, and is a potent anti-NCDs agent. Additionally, the sources, bioavailability, pharmacy, and safety of Hyp have been established, highlighting the potential to develop Hyp into dietary supplements and nutraceuticals.

Can aloin develop to medicines or healthcare products?

In folk medicine, Aloe, a genus of Aloaceae, is constantly developed into laxative drugs or products and skin remedies with tremendous popularity worldwide. However, almost all products of Aloe are in roughly processed form. Therefore, developing related products of the active ingredients derived from Aloe is of great medical value. Aloin is a quality standard compound based on the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (CHP). It has a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-osteoporotic, organ-protective, anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-parasitic, and laxative potentials. Moreover, it regulates blood lipids and glucose and improves neuropathic pain effects, depicting potential to be transformed into promising medicines and healthcare products. In addition to the functional cosmetics and health products of Aloe, the availability, pharmacological activities, pharmacokinetics, formulation studies, and toxicity of aloin were summarized after investigating the literature from PubMed, Google, and other databases. Moreover, significant attention had been paid to the development of aloin-derived medicines and healthcare products. Thus, the present review clarified the possibility of aloin as medicines and healthcare products to develop and utilize Aloe resources.

New insights into the role and mechanisms of ginsenoside Rg1 in the management of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder in the elderly characterized by memory loss and cognitive dysfunction. The pathogenesis of AD is complex. One-targeted anti-AD drugs usually fail to delay AD progression. Traditional Chinese medicine records have documented the use of the roots of Panax ginseng (ginseng roots) and its prescriptions to treat dementia. Ginsenoside Rg1, the main ginsenoside component of ginseng roots, exhibits a certain therapeutic effect in the abovementioned diseases, suggesting its potential in the management of AD. Therefore, we combed the pathogenesis of AD and currently used anti-AD drugs, and reviewed the availability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmaceutic studies of ginsenoside Rg1. This review summarizes the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of ginsenoside Rg1 and its deglycosylated derivatives in AD in vivo and in vitro. The main mechanisms include improvement in Aß and Tau pathologies, regulation of synaptic function and intestinal microflora, and reduction of inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. The underlying mechanisms mainly involve the regulation of PKC, MAPK, PI3K/Akt, CDK5, GSK-3ß, BDNF/TrkB, PKA/CREB, FGF2/Akt, p21WAF1/CIP1, NF-κB, NLRP1, TLR3, and TLR4 signaling pathways. As the effects and underlying mechanisms of ginsenoside Rg1 on AD have not been systematically reviewed, we have provided a comprehensive review and shed light on the future directions in the utilization of ginsenoside Rg1 and ginseng roots as well as the development of anti-AD drugs.

Vasorelaxant Activities and its Underlying Mechanisms of Magnolia Volatile Oil on Rat Thoracic Aorta Based on Network Pharmacology.

Objective: Magnolia volatile oil (MVO) is a mixture mainly containing eudesmol and its isomers. This study was to investigate the vasorelaxant effects and the underlying mechanism of MVO in rat thoracic aortas. Method: The present study combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and network pharmacology analysis with in vitro experiments to clarify the mechanisms of MVO against vessel contraction. A compound-target network, compound-target-disease network, protein-protein interaction network, compound-target-pathway network, gene ontology, and pathway enrichment for hypertension were applied to identify the potential active compounds, drug targets, and pathways. Additionally, the thoracic aortic rings with or without endothelium were prepared to explore the underlying mechanisms. The roles of the PI3K-Akt-NO pathways, neuroreceptors, K+ channels, and Ca2+ channels on the vasorelaxant effects of MVO were evaluated through the rat thoracic aortic rings. Results: A total of 29 compounds were found in MVO, which were identified by GC-MS, of which 21 compounds with a content of more than 0.1% were selected for further analysis. The network pharmacology research predicted that beta-caryophyllene, palmitic acid, and (+)-ß-selinene might act as the effective ingredients of MVO for the treatment of hypertension. Several hot targets, mainly involving TNF, CHRM1, ACE, IL10, PTGS2, REN, and F2, and pivotal pathways, such as the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, the calcium signaling pathway, and the PI3K-Akt signaling, were responsible for the vasorelaxant effect of MVO. As expected, MVO exerted a vasorelaxant effect on the aortic rings pre-contracted by KCl and phenylephrine in an endothelium-dependent and non-endothelium-dependent manner. Importantly, a pre-incubation with indomethacin (Indo), N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, methylene blue, wortmannin, and atropine sulfate as well as 4-aminopyridione diminished MVO-induced vasorelaxation, suggesting that the activation of the PI3K-Akt-NO pathway and KV channel were involved in the vasorelaxant effect of MVO, which was consistent with the results of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and the Genomes. Additionally, MVO could significantly inhibit Ca2+ influx resulting in the contraction of aortic rings, revealing that the inhibition of the calcium signaling pathway exactly participated in the vasorelaxant activity of MVO as predicted by network pharmacology. Conclusion: MVO might be a potent treatment of diseases with vascular dysfunction like hypertension. The underlying mechanisms were related to the PI3K-Akt-NO pathway, KV pathway, as well as Ca2+ channel, which were predicted by the network pharmacology and verified by the experiments in vitro. This study based on network pharmacology provided experimental support for the clinical application of MVO in the treatment of hypertension and afforded a novel research method to explore the activity and mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine.

Consumption of cranberry as adjuvant therapy for urinary tract infections in susceptible populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis.

The efficacy of cranberry (Vaccinium spp.) as adjuvant therapy in preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) remains controversial. This study aims to update and determine cranberry effects as adjuvant therapy on the recurrence rate of UTIs in susceptible groups. According to PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a literature search in Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library from their inception dates to June 2021. We included articles with data on the incidence of UTIs in susceptible populations using cranberry-containing products. We then conducted a trial sequential analysis to control the risk of type I and type II errors. This meta-analysis included 23 trials with 3979 participants. We found that cranberry-based products intake can significantly reduce the incidence of UTIs in susceptible populations (risk ratio (RR) = 0.70; 95% confidence interval(CI): 0.59 ~ 0.83; P<0.01). We identified a relative risk reduction of 32%, 45% and 51% in women with recurrent UTIs (RR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.56 ~ 0.81), children (RR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.31 ~ 0.97) and patients using indwelling catheters (RR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.33 ~ 0.73). Meanwhile, a relative risk reduction of 35% in people who use cranberry juice compared with those who use cranberry capsule or tablet was observed in the subgroup analysis (RR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.54 ~ 0.77). The TSA result for the effects of cranberry intake and the decreased risk of UTIs in susceptible groups indicated that the effects were conclusive. In conclusion, our meta-analysis demonstrates that cranberry supplementation significantly reduced the risk of developing UTIs in susceptible populations. Cranberry can be considered as adjuvant therapy for preventing UTIs in susceptible populations. However, given the limitations of the included studies in this meta-analysis, the conclusion should be interpreted with caution.

Abnormal Thalamic Metabolism in Patients With Lifelong Premature Ejaculation.

BACKGROUND: Although some recent neuroimaging studies have indicated the abnormal brain structure or function in patients with lifelong premature ejaculation (LPE), whether and how the abnormal thalamic function participates in processing sexual behavioral information are still unclear in patients with LPE. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the changes in the thalamus metabolism and structural integrity in patients with LPE. METHODS: We performed a multimodal magnetic resonance approach in a 3.0 T system, including proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS), diffusion tensor imaging, and volumetric analysis to detect the differences in thalamic metabolism and structure between 20 patients with LPE and 15 healthy controls. OUTCOMES: We analyzed and correlated the clinical symptoms of the subjects with significant 1H-MRS-based features. Peak areas of N-acetylaspartate, choline, creatine (Cr), and glutamate/glutamine (Glu) were calculated with the LCModel software. RESULTS: Diffusion tensor imaging and volumetric analysis of thalami showed no differences between the 2 groups. On the contrary, 1H-MRS study disclosed that both Glu concentrations and Glu/Cr ratio values in the thalami of patients with LPE were remarkably increased when compared with healthy controls (P < .01 for both variables). In addition, both the intravaginal ejaculatory latency time score and Chinese Index of Sexual Function for Premature Ejaculation-5 score were negatively related to increased Glu concentrations and Glu/Cr ratio values. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Glutamatergic activity changes of thalamus may be an underlying indicator for evaluating sensory conduction efficiency in patients with LPE. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: The present study first found the abnormal thalamic metabolism in patients with LPE and contributed to a better understanding of the LPE etiology. Limitations include a cross-sectional study design with small samples and no examination of other brain areas. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that the increase in glutamatergic activity of thalamus is related to LPE, suggesting that the increased Glu neurotransmission in the thalamus may contribute to the development of premature ejaculation. Xia J-D, Chen F, Zhang Q-J, et al. Abnormal Thalamic Metabolism in Patients With Lifelong Premature Ejaculation. J Sex Med 2021;18:275-283.

Acupuncture for thyroid nodule treatment: A protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

INTRODUCTION: Thyroid nodules are scattered lesions caused by abnormal local growth of thyroid cells. In recent years, their prevalence rate has been rising gradually, and the probability of cancerations has also been increasing gradually. Therefore, we must pay more attention to them and carry out early intervention. However, at present, most of the intervention measures for patients with thyroid nodules are mainly clinical observation and follow-up, and no clear and effective drug intervention therapy has been proposed. The curative effect of acupuncture on thyroid nodules has been proved clinically. However, as there is no clear mechanism of action, no specific operation methods or Suggestions, it is necessary to make a systematic evaluation of acupuncture therapy, so as to lay a foundation for further research in the future. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The following databases will be searched from their inception to June 2020: Electronic database includes PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Nature, Science online, Chinese Biomedical Database WanFang, VIP medicine information, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). Primary outcomes: Color ultrasound of thyroid and cervical lymph nodes, FT3, FT4, TSH, TGAB, TPOAB, insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR). Data will be extracted by 2 researchers independently, risk of bias of the meta-analysis will be evaluated based on the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. All data analysis will be conducted by data statistics software Review Manager V.5.3. and Stata V.12.0. RESULTS: The results of this study will systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture therapy for patients with thyroid nodule. CONCLUSION: Through the systematic review of this study, the evidence of the treatment of thyroid nodule by acupuncture has been summarized so far, so as to provide guidance for further promoting the application of acupuncture therapy in patients with thyroid nodule. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study is a systematic review, the outcomes are based on the published evidence, so examination and agreement by the ethics committee are not required in this study. We intend to publish the study results in a journal or conference presentations. OPEN SCIENCE FRA NETWORK (OSF) REGISTRATION NUMBER: August 18, 2020. osf.io/uzck4. (https://osf.io/uzck4).

Treatment of microcirculation dysfunction in type 2 diabetic mellitus with Shenqi compound prescription: A protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

INTRODUCTION: Type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease. In 2013, the International Diabetes Federation showed that the total number of diabetic patients aged 20 to 79 years in China was 89 million, and it is expected to increase to 143 million by 2035. The incidence of T2DM and its complications in patients with blood glucose is gradually increasing, and there are low awareness rate, low diagnosis rate and high disability rate, which has become a global public health problem. Microcirculation Dysfunction in Type 2 diabetic mellitus (MDT2DM) plays an important role in the development of diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy and diabetic foot disease. It is 1 of the common etiological mechanisms of diabetic chronic complications. Patients with MDT2DM, serious complications, increase the quality of life of patients with social impact. Diabetic lower extremity microcirculation disease (dlemd) is the main cause of the occurrence, development and difficult healing of diabetic foot. Microvascular disease is microcirculation dysfunction. It has been proved that Shenqi compound prescription can treat T2DM macrovascular disease and microvascular dysfunction. However, due to the lack of evidence and no specific methods or suggestions, it is necessary to conduct a systematic evaluation of Shenqi compound prescription to provide effective evidence for further research. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The following databases will be searched from their inception to August 2020: Electronic database includes PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Nature, Science online, Chinese Biomedical Database WanFang, VIP medicine information, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. PRIMARY OUTCOMES:: superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, C-reactiveprotein, HOMA-IR, advanced glycation end products , FPG, 2hBG, glycosylated hemoglobinA1c, fasting insulin ; ADDITIONAL OUTCOMES:: low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein, triglycerides, total serum cholesterol. Data will be extracted by 2 researchers independently, risk of bias of the meta-analysis will be evaluated based on the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. All data analysis will be conducted by data statistics software Review Manager V.5.3. and Stata V.12.0. RESULTS: The results of this study will systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Shenqi compound prescription in treating patients with MDT2DM CONCLUSION:: The systematic review of this study will summarize the current published evidence of Shenqi compound prescription in the treatment of MDT2DM, and further guide its popularization and application. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study is a systematic review, the outcomes are based on the published evidence, so examination and agreement by the ethics committee are not required in this study. We intend to publish the study results in a journal or conference presentations. OPEN SCIENCE FRA MEWORK (OSF) REGISTRATION NUMBER: August 24, 2020.osf.io/es6z7. (https://osf.io/es6z7).

Simultaneous determination of phenolic acids and flavonoids in Artemisiae Argyi Folium by HPLC-MS/MS and discovery of antioxidant ingredients based on relevance analysis.

A rapid and reliable LC-MS/MS method was developed for the quantitation of major components in Folium Artemisiae Argyi (mugwort), a widely used traditional Chinese herbal medicine. A total of 5 phenolic acids and 17 flavonoids were separated and simultaneously determined by using a Shiseido C18 column (150 × 3.0 mm, 3 µm) and gradient elution of acetonitrile-aqueous formic acid (100:0.1, v/v) at a 0.5 mL min-1 flow rate, via multiple reaction monitor (MRM) in polarity switching mode. The quantitative method was validated in terms of sensitivity, linearity, precision, accuracy and stability, which proved to be sensitive, accurate and reproducible. Then 65 samples collected from different areas were selected for component analysis by LC-MS/MS and assessment of antioxidant activity using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, O2- and OH scavenging assays. Grey relational analysis and partial least square regression were used to evaluate the relevance between chemicals and bioactivities, and the results indicated chlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid B, A, C, eriodictyol, jaceosidin and eupatilin made the key contribution to antioxidant activity. The present study combines chemical analysis and bioassay to identify bioactive markers, which possesses potential value for the activity-oriented quality control of mugwort.

Interventional mechanisms of herbs or herbal extracts on renal interstitial fibrosis.

Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is a common development in chronic renal diseases that can lead to uremia and be life-threatening. The RIF pathology has complicated extracellular and intercellular mechanisms, involving many cells and cytokines, resulting in an incomplete mechanistic understanding of the disease. Finding effective herbs or herbal extracts for prevention and treatment of RIF is crucial because current medical approaches do not reliably slow or reverse RIF. In recent years, many experts have worked to identify herbs or herbal extracts to combat RIF both in vivo and in vitro, with some success. This review attempts to summarize the possible interventional mechanisms of herbs or herbal extracts involved in protecting and reversing RIF. The authors found some herbs and their extracts that may ameliorate renal impairments through anti-inflammation, anti-fibrogenesis and stabilization of extra cellular matrix. Among them, tetramethylpyrazine/ligustrazine, curcumin and polyglucoside of Tripterygium have experimentally shown good potential for improving RIF. However, conclusive evidence is still needed, especially in randomized controlled clinical trials. We expect that herbs or herbal extracts will play an important role in RIF treatment and reversal in the future.

Regulation effects of TZQ-F on adipocyte differentiation and insulin action.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: TZQ has been used in traditional Chineses medicine for treating diabetes. Based on the recipe of traditional anti-diabetic formula TZQ, we have developed TZQ-F which has been in phase 2 clinical trails. To study the mechanisms by which TZQ-F ameliorates diabetes, we examined whether treatment with TZQ-F improves hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia and obesity in type 2 diabetic KKA(y) mice and whether this is associated with an improvement of adipocyte differentiation and insulin action. METHODS: TZQ-F, fenofibrate, rosiglitazone or distilled water was administered to 7-week-old diabetic KKA(y) and nondiabetic C57BL/6J mice for 8 weeks. Insulin resistance index, body weight and levels of serum blood glucose, leptin, insulin and adiponectin were evaluated. The expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in skeletal muscle and liver tissues were determined with real-time PCR and western boltting. The mRNA expressions of insulin receptor (InsR), insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2), glucose transporter-1 (Glut-1) and Phosphoenolpyruvate 3-kinases (PI3K) in skeletal muscle and liver tissues were determined with real-time PCR. Histopathology of liver has been observed. RESULTS: Treatment of TZQ-F for 8 weeks ameliorated hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, hyperleptinemia and hypoadiponectinemia in KKA(y) mice. TZQ-F also up-regulated expression of PPARγ in liver tissue. However, it had no effect on regulation of expression of PPARγ in muscle tissue. In addition, TZQ-F upregulates InsR, IRS-1, IRS-2, Glut-1, and PI3K mRNA expression. Consistent with the in vivo results, histology study demonstrated that TZQ-F alleviated pathologic changes of the liver induced by high-fat diet. CONCLUSIONS: These results first indicate that TZQ-F can be beneficial for reducing hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia and obesity through its potency of regulating adipocyte differentiation and insulin action.

Sesquiterpenoids and triterpenoids from Abies holophylla and their bioactivities.

Six previously unreported and 11 known terpenoids were isolated from Abies holophylla. The structures of the six compounds were established as two unusual bisabolane sesquiterpenoids, three nortriterpenoids, and one 3,4-seco-triterpenoid based on the detailed analysis of their 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data. In addition, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations and molecular orbital (MO) analysis were used to assign the absolute configuration of one bisabolane sesquiterpenoid, abiesesquine A. Abiesesquine A showed the strongest inhibitory effects against LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 macrophages with an IC(50) value of 113.1 µM. Lanosta-7,9(11),24-trien-26-oic acid showed potent cytotoxic activity against COLO-205, LOVO, and QGY-7703 tumor cells with IC(50) values of 0.9, 4.2, and 2.0 µM, respectively. (23R,25R)-3,4-seco-9ßH-Lanosta-4(28),7-dien-26,23-olid-3-oic acid, exhibited a significant antiproliferation effect against A549 cells (IC(50)=14.7 µM).

Phenolic compounds of Abies nephrolepis and their NO production inhibitory activities.

Two new, i.e., 1 and 2, and 69 known phenolics were isolated from the aerial parts of Abies nephrolepis. These chemical constituents included 22 lignans, 30 flavonoids, and 19 other phenols. Their structures were determined mainly by analysis of the 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopic data. All the 71 isolates were evaluated for their inhibitory activities against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Compound 1 exhibited a potent effect with an IC(50) value of 13.7 µg/ml.

Research on frequency of application with modern Chinese herbal medicine / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the relationship between 500 kinds of commonly used Chinese herbal medicine and the classification of their efficacies in Chinese Materia Medica in relation to the common diseases listed in Internal Medicine.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Database retrieval frequency of the quantitative statistical method was adopted. First, the 8 980 kinds of Chinese herbal medicine recorded in Chinese Materia Medica were used as the original search objects, and 4 493 kinds which were cited in more than five articles were picked out and then rechecked for further title citations. Second, as judged based on the Criterion, the numbers of articles which included the medicines in the line of standards were examined. As a result, 500 species of Chinese herbal medicine were singled out based on their retrieval frequency and were then used for compilation of the classification statistics according to their efficacy and the common diseases in Internal Medicine.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>From the classification of Chinese medicines, herbs with wide efficiency and a meek nature had higher frequencies, but those which were not appropriate as decoctions had relatively lower frequencies. However, according to the average frequency, the Chinese herbal medicine for nourishing qi and tonifying blood, at 36,346 times and 34,544 times, respectively, were the most commonly used. Analyzed from the frequency of application of the Chinese medicine in the treatment of common diseases, most of the top 10 kinds of Chinese herbal medicine with the highest frequencies generally coincided with the 500 selected medicines. In addition, the Chinese medicines with clear pharmacological efficiency were easily isolated and purified to be made into injections, although other forms are more commonly used.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The results of the research objectively reflected the current applications of Chinese herbal medicine, and could be used as references in teaching, research, clinical applications, and in compiling and increasing the drugs in textbooks and Pharmacopoeia.</p>

Structure elucidation and NMR spectral assignments of three new lignan glycosides from Akebia trifoliata.

Three new lignan glycosides (1-3) were isolated from the stems of Akebia trifoliata. Their structures were elucidated as (7R,8R,7'R,8'R)3,3',5,5'tetramethoxy-4,4'dihydroxy-7,9':7',9-diepoxylignan-4-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1), (7S,8S,8'R)-4,4',9-trihydroxy-3,3',5,5'-tetramethoxy-7,9'-epoxylignan-7'-one 9-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2), (7R,8R,8'S)-4,4',9-trihydroxy3,3',5,5'-tetramethoxy-7,9'-epoxylignan-7'-one 9-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3) by spectral analyses, primarily NMR, MS and CD. The NMR assignments for the compounds were carried out using 1H, 13C, DEPT, COSY, HSQC, HMBC and ROESY NMR experiments.

Study on acupuncture treatment of diabetic neurogenic bladder / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To probe into a better therapy for diabetic neurogenic bladder.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The patients were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, 35 cases in each group. The control group were treated with intramuscular injection of Methycobal 250 microg, once every other day; the treatment group were treated with intramuscular injection of Methycobal 250 microg, once every other day, and acupuncture at Guanyuan (CV 4), Shenshu (BL 23), Ciliao (BL 32), Huiyang (BL 35), once every day. The residual urine were compared before and after treatment in the two groups; the effective rate for improvement of symptoms were compared between the two groups. The mental and healthy nursing were conducted for the patients.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After treatment, the improving rate for the urgency of urination, frequency of micturition, dribbling urination, urinary incontinence and dysuria in the treatment group was significantly better than that in the control group, but with no significant difference between the two groups in prolongation of urination time. After treatment, the residual urine in the bladder significantly improved in the two groups with more significantly improved in the treatment group than in the control group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Methycobal plus acupuncture has a better result than the simple Methyeobal for treatment of diabetic neurogenic bladder, and strengthening nursing care in the treatment can significantly enhance life quality of the patient.</p>

[In silicon cloning of the human TECTB gene].

The coding sequence of the mouse Tectb and chick Tectb gene were subjected to Blastn searching against the human dbEST and Htgs in NCBI. One BAC clone sequence(GenBank: AL157786) was obtained, which shows high homology to the two genes. We predicted the exons and introns in the homologous region of AL157786 using GENSCAN, MZEF and Blast 2 sequence program, and then assembled the predicted exons into the coding sequence of the human TECTB. The open reading frame of human TECTB gene is 990 bp composed of ten exons, which encodes a protein of 329 amino acids. Human TECTB gene shows 88.1% identity in 990 bp overlap with that of the mouse Tectb gene and the predicted polypeptide shows 94.2% identity in 329 as with the mouse beta-tectorin. The TECTB gene was mapped to human chromosome 10q25 by electronic-PCR.

[Translational frameshift may be occur in p11, an interaction protein of Cx31, in yeast].

Connexin 31 is a member of connexin family. The carboxy-terminal cytosolic domain of connexin 31 contains several potential phosphorylation sites. In this work, a yeast two-hybrid protein interaction screen have been used to identify proteins that bind to the carboxy-terminus of connexin 31, and the p11 protein, an unique member of S100 protein family, and one of the two subunits of the annexin II tetramer was isolated. Interestingly, from yeast two-hybrid AD's coding sequence, three different reading frames of p11 DNA sequence were found,which come from different AD plasmids. By constructing AD plasmids using p11 ORF or 5' UTR, the protein coding by p11 ORF bind to connexin 31, while polypeptides coding by three kinds of 5 UTR did not bind to connexin 31, suggesting a translational frameshift of p11 fusion protein. To construct baits by dividing connexin 31 C-terminus into two domain, the p11 binding domain of connexin 31 was found located between 206-237 codons. The plasmid Cx31CT-pGEX-4T-2 was constructed for expression and purification of GST-Cx31CT; and p11-pQE30 for expression and purification of 6xHis-p11. In vitro binding assay showed that recombinant Cx31 interacted with recombinant p11.