Total alkaloids from the seed embryo of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. improve cognitive impairment in APP/PS1 mice and protect Aß-damaged PC12 cells.

The seed embryo of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. is a famous traditional Chinese medicine and food which is considered conducive to the prevention of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, the effect and mechanism of TASENN (total alkaloids from the seed embryo of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) on AD mice and amyloid-ß (Aß) injured PC12 cells were evaluated. HPLC-UV analysis showed that the extracted TASENN (purity = 95.6%) mainly contains Liensinine, Isoliensinine, and Neferine (purity was 23.01, 28.02, and 44.57%, respectively). In vivo, oral treatment with TASENN (50 mg/kg/day for 28 days) improved the learning and memory functions of APP/PS1 transgenic mice, ameliorated the histopathological changes of cortical and hippocampal neurons, and inhibited neuronal apoptosis. We found that TASENN reduced the phosphorylation of Tau and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in APP/PS1 mouse brain. Moreover, TASENN down-regulated the expression of APP and BACE1, ameliorated Aß deposition, and inhibited microglial proliferation and aggregation. The elevated protein expression of CaM and p-CaMKII in APP/PS1 mouse brain was also reduced by TASENN. In vitro, TASENN inhibited the apoptosis of PC12 cells injured by Aß25-35 and increased the cell viability. Aß25-35-induced increase of cytosolic free Ca2+ level and high expression of CaM, p-CaMKII, and p-Tau were decreased by TASENN. Our findings indicate that TASENN has a potential therapeutic effect on AD mice and a protective effect on PC12 cells. The anti-AD activity of TASENN may be closely related to its negative regulation of the CaM pathway.

[Tongxinluo improves vascular endothelial function in patients with type 2 diabetes].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Tongxinluo on vascular endothelial function in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: A total of 80 patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited and divided into two groups: Tongxinluo therapy group (n = 40) and conventional therapy group (n = 40). Plasma levels of NO, ET, 6-keto-PGF1alpha and TXB2 and diastolic functions of humeral arteries (measured by high-resolution ultrasound) were measured at baseline and 4 weeks later. RESULTS: The flow-mediated dilation was significantly increased from (8.19 +/- 0.71)% to (12.47 +/- 0.98)% (P < 0.05) in Tongxinluo therapy group after 4 weeks therapy compare to baseline level. Their plasma NO was significantly increased [(47.65 +/- 4.38) pg/ml to (52.91 +/- 4.83) pg/ml, P < 0.001] and plasma ET significantly reduced [(31.23 +/- 2.46) pg/ml to (24.34 +/- 2.46) pg/ml, P < 0.001] post 4 week Tongxinluo therapy. Parameters remained unchanged in the placebo group (P > 0.05) at baseline and 4 weeks later. Non-flow-mediated dilation was unaffected by Tongxinluo therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Tongxinluo improved the vascular endothelial dependent diastolic function in patients with type 2 diabetes by regulating the balance of plasma NO/ET.

[Efficacy and safety of Fufang Biejia Ruangan tablet in patients with chronic hepatitis B complicated with hepatic fibrosis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical therapeutic effects and safety of Fufang Biejia Ruangan tablet (FBRt) in patients with chronic hepatitis B complicated with hepatic fibrosis. METHODS: Totally 420 patients were randomly divided into two groups, FBRt group (300 cases) were treated with Fufang Biejia Ruangan tablets and control group (120 cases) were treated with He Luo Shu Gan capsule, the patients in both groups were treated for 6 months. RESULTS: The cure rate and total effective rate of FBRt group were significantly higher than those of control group (55.67 percent and 81.67 percent vs. 15.8 percent and 60.00 percent, P less than 0.01). CONCLUSION: Fufang Biejia Ruangan tablet could alleviate clinical symptoms and hepatic fibrosis. Fufang Biejia Ruangan tablet is effective and safe in treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B complicated with liver fibrosis.