Effects of Setaria viridis on heavy metal enrichment tolerance and bacterial community establishment in high-sulfur coal gangue.

Plant enrichment and tolerance to heavy metals are crucial for the phytoremediation of coal gangue mountain. However, understanding of how plants mobilize and tolerate heavy metals in coal gangue is limited. This study conducted potted experiments using Setaria viridis as a pioneer remediation plant to evaluate its tolerance to coal gangue, its mobilization and enrichment of metals, and its impact on the soil environment. Results showed that the addition of 40% gangue enhanced plant metal and oxidative stress resistance, thereby promoting plant growth. However, over 80% of the gangue inhibited the chlorophyll content, photoelectron conduction rate, and biomass of S. viridis, leading to cellular peroxidative stress. An analysis of metal resistance showed that endogenous S in coal gangue promoted the accumulation of glutathione, plant metal chelators, and non-protein thiols, thereby enhancing its resistance to metal stress. Setaria viridis cultivation affected soil properties by decreasing nitrogen, phosphorus, conductivity, and urease and increasing sucrase and acid phosphatase in the rhizosphere soil. In addition, S. viridis planting increased V, Cr, Ni, As, and Zn in the exchangeable and carbonate-bound states within the gangue, effectively enriching Cd, Cr, Fe, S, U, Cu, and V. The increased mobility of Cd and Pb was correlated with a higher abundance of Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria. Heavy metals, such as As, Fe, V, Mn, Ni, and Cu, along with environmental factors, including total nitrogen, total phosphorus, urease, and acid phosphatase, were the primary regulatory factors for Sphingomonas, Gemmatimonas, and Bryobacter. In summary, S. viridis adapted to gangue stress by modulating antioxidant and elemental enrichment systems and regulating the release and uptake of heavy metals through enhanced bacterial abundance and the recruitment of gangue-tolerant bacteria. These findings highlight the potential of S. viridis for plant enrichment in coal gangue areas and will aid the restoration and remediation of these environments.

Transcriptome Sequencing on Treatment of Kidney Deficiency and Blood Stasis-thin Endometrium in Rats with Bushen Huoxue Prescription Through Enema / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Bushen Huoxue enema in treating the rat model of kidney deficiency and blood stasis-thin endometrium （KDBS-TE） by transcriptome sequencing. MethodThe rat model of KDBS-TE was established by administration of tripterygium polyglycosides tablets combined with subcutaneous injection of adrenaline. The pathological changes of rat endometrium in each group were then observed. Three uterine tissue specimens from each of the blank group， model group， and Bushen Huoxue enema group were randomly selected for transcriptome sequencing. The differentially expressed circRNAs， lncRNAs， and miRNAs were screened， and the disease-related specific competitive endogenous RNA （ceRNA） regulatory network was constructed. Furthermore， the gene ontology （GO） functional annotation and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） pathway enrichment were performed for the mRNAs in the network. ResultCompared with the blank group， the model group showed endometrial dysplasia， decreased endometrial thickness and endometrial/total uterine wall thickness ratio （P<0.01）， and differential expression of 18 circRNAs， 410 lncRNAs， and 7 miRNAs. Compared with the model group， the enema and estradiol valerate groups showed improved endometrial morphology and increased endometrial thickness and ratio of endometrial to total uterine wall thickness （P<0.05）. In addition， 21 circRNAs， 518 lncRNAs， and 17 miRNAs were differentially expressed in the enema group. The disease-related specific circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network composed of 629 nodes and 664 edges contained 2 circRNAs， 34 miRNAs， and 593 mRNAs. The lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network composed of 180 nodes and 212 edges contained 5 lncRNAs， 10 miRNAs， and 164 mRNAs. The mNRAs were mainly enriched in Hippo signaling pathway， autophagy-animal， axon guidance， etc. ConclusionBushen Huoxue enema can treat KDBS-TE in rats by regulating specific circRNAs， lncRNAs， and miRNAs in the uterus and the ceRNA network.

Efficacy and safety of Weichang' an pill combined with Western Medicine on gastrointestinal diseases: a systematic review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Weichang'an pill (, WCA) combined with Western Medicine (WM) for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. METHODS: Eight databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, Wanfang Data, China Science and Technology Journal Database, SinoMed, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase, were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of WCA from inception to 30 September 2021. We independently screened the literature, extracted data, and then evaluated the bias risk, effectiveness, safety, and other indicators of the included articles. RESULTS: A total of 33 RCTs were included in this study with 3368 patients. After analysis, it was found that WCA combined with WM could effectively prevent and treat antibiotic-associated gastrointestinal reaction, functional dyspepsia (FD), irritable bowel syndrome, rotavirus diarrhea (RVD), and ulcerative colitis (UC); no serious adverse reactions occurred. Moreover, compared with the control group, the experimental group showed significantly improved symptoms and some biochemical parameters. CONCLUSIONS: WCA combined with WM for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases had better clinical efficacy than the control group, without serious adverse reactions. Notably, in the treatment of FD, RVD, and UC, WCA improved clinical symptoms and biochemical indicator expression. Nevertheless, owing to the restricted quality and quantity of the literature, the results need to be further studied using high-quality RCTs.

Effects of long-term herbaceous plant restoration on microbial communities and metabolic profiles in coal gangue-contaminated soil.

The soil microbial diversity in the gangue accumulation area is severely stressed by a variety of heavy metals, while the influence of long-term recovery of herbaceous plants on the ecological structure of gangue-contaminated soil is to be explored. Therefore, we analysed the differences in physicochemical properties, elemental changes, microbial community structure, metabolites and expression of related pathways in soils in the 10- and 20-year herbaceous remediation areas of coal gangue. Our results showed that phosphatase, soil urease, and sucrase activities of gangue soils significantly increased in the shallow layer after herbaceous remediation. However, in zone T1 (10-year remediation zone), the contents of harmful elements, such as Thorium (Th; 1.08-fold), Arsenic (As; 0.78-fold), lead (Pb; 0.99-fold), and uranium (U; 0.77-fold), increased significantly, whereas the soil microbial abundance and diversity also showed a significant decreasing trend. Conversely, in zone T2 (20-year restoration zone), the soil pH significantly increased by 1.03- to 1.06-fold and soil acidity significantly improved. Moreover, the abundance and diversity of soil microorganisms increased significantly, the expression of carbohydrates in soil was significantly downregulated, and sucrose content was significantly negatively correlated with the abundance of microorganisms, such as Streptomyces. A significant decrease in heavy metals was observed in the soil, such as U (1.01- to 1.09-fold) and Pb (1.13- to 1.25-fold). Additionally, the thiamin synthesis pathway was inhibited in the soil of the T1 zone; the expression level of sulfur (S)-containing histidine derivatives (Ergothioneine) was significantly up-regulated by 0.56-fold in the shallow soil of the T2 zone; and the S content in the soil significantly reduced. Aromatic compounds were significantly up-regulated in the soil after 20 years of herbaceous plant remediation in coal gangue soil, and microorganisms (Sphingomonas) with significant positive correlations with benzene ring-containing metabolites, such as Sulfaphenazole, were identified.

Zuogui and Yougui pills improve perimenopausal syndrome regulation of apoptosis in mice.

OBJECTIVE: To examine, dissect, and understand the molecular mechanisms and combinatorial effects of Zuogui (, ZGP) and Yougui pills (, YGP) in 4-vinyl cyclohexene diepoxide (4-VCD)-induced Perimenopausal syndrome (PMS). METHODS: Using the 4-VCD-induced PMS mouse model, uterine and ovary index were measured, and serum sex steroidal hormone levels were evaluated after treatment with ZGP, YGP, ZGP + YGP, estradiol valerate (EV), and Gengnian An (gengnianan, GNA). Histopathological examinations, ingredient-target network predictions, western blotting, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analyses were performed to ascertain the possible pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of ZYP and YGP. RESULTS: Treatment with ZGP and YGP remarkably improves estrous cyclicity and prevents pathological damage to the uterus. Also, altered sex hormones, including AMH, E2, FSH, LH, P, and T, were restored to normal levels after ZGP and YGP administration. Ingredient-target network analysis showed that the 5 ingredients common to the ZGP and YGP formula modulate 53 targets shared with PMS. Pathway-enrichment analysis further predicted that ZGY and YGP likely regulate of apoptosis and other essential pathways during PMS. In-vivo studies showed that ZGP and YGP suppress PMS modulating apoptosis through decreasing Caspase-3 and Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) levels and increasing B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)/Bax and Bcl-2 levels. Importantly, ZGP + YGP treatment modulation effects were somewhat or significantly better compared to ZGP or YGP alone treatment. CONCLUSION: ZGP and YGP represent novel anti-PMS agents whose effects involve restoring altered hormonal levels, protecting the uterus, and regulating apoptosis.

Chinese herbal medicines for treating ulcerative colitis via regulating gut microbiota-intestinal immunity axis / 中草药·英文版

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is one of types of inflammatory bowel disease with high recurrence. Recent studies have highlighted that microbial dysbiosis as well as abnormal gut immunity are crucial factors that initiate a series of inflammatory responses in the UC. Modulating the gut microbiota-intestinal immunity loop has been suggested as one of key strategies for relieving UC. Many Chinese herbal medicines including some of single herb, herbal formulas and the derived constituents have been reported with protective effect against UC through modulating gut microbiome and intestinal immunity. Some clinical trials have shown promising results. This review thus focused on the current knowledge on using Chinese herbal medicines for treating UC from the mechanism aspects of regulating intestinal homeostasis involving microbiota and gut immunity. The existing clinical trials are also summarized.

Advances in the treatment of diabetic ulcers by Chinese herbal extracts / 药学实践杂志

Skin ulcers are the most prevalent consequence of diabetes mellitus, and people with diabetic ulcers have a substantially greater death risk than those who do not have ulcers. Herbal medications have gained wide concern in recent years due to their multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway synergistic therapeutic effects. Clinical trials have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of herbal treatments in diabetic refractory ulcers. To systematically evaluate the healing effect of herbs on diabetic wounds, a literature search was conducted, the mechanism of action of 15 herbal extracts in promoting diabetic wound healing were reviewed, and the classification based on traditional Chinese medicine theory was discussed, which could provide a reference for the precise treatment and exploitation of herbal medicines for diabetic ulcers.

Bioinformatics analysis and validation of key genes in transformation of idiopathic membranous nephropathy to end-stage renal disease and traditional Chinese medicines for prevention and treatment / 中国中药杂志

This study used bioinformatics analysis to screen out key genes involved in the transformation of idiopathic membranous nephropathy to end-stage renal disease and to predict targeted Chinese herbs and medicines and active ingredients with preventive and curative effects. The GSE108113 microarray of idiopathic membranous nephropathy and GSE37171 microarray of were downloaded from the comprehensive gene expression database, and 8 homozygous differentially expressed genes for the transformation of idiopathic membranous nephropathy into end-stage renal disease of were screened out by R software. GraphPad Prism was used to verify the expression of homozygous differentially expressed genes in GSE115857 microarray of idiopathic membranous nephropathy and GSE66494 microarray of chronic kidney disease, and 7 key genes(FOS, OGT, CLK1, TIA1, TTC14, CHORDC1, and ANKRD36B) were finally obtained. The Gene Ontology(GO) analysis was performed. There were 209 functions of encoded proteins, mainly involved in regulation of RNA splicing, cytoplasmic stress granule, poly(A) binding, etc. Thirteen traditional Chinese medicines with the effect of preventing the transformation of idiopathic membranous nephropathy to end-stage renal disease were screened out from Coremine Medical database, including Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Lycopi Herba, and Gardeniae Fructus, which were included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2020 edition). The active ingredient quercetin mined from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP) had ability to dock with the key gene FOS-encoded protein molecule, which provided targets and research ideas for the development of new traditional Chinese medicines.

Reliability on evaluation of quadriceps femoris muscle quality by ultrasonic echo intensity in patients with knee osteoarthritis / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo evaluate the inter-rater and test-retest reliability of echo intensity of ultrasound image for quality of quadriceps femoris in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). MethodsFrom March to December, 2021, 33 patients with unilateral KOA in Guangdong Provincial Second Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine were included. Ultrasound was used to observe the cross sections of rectus femoris (RF), vastus medialis (VM) and vastus lateralis (VL), and the images were saved. Two independent raters analyzed the average gray value of the picture with the Image J. One of the raters repeated the measurement. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), minimum detectable change (MDC) and coefficient of variation (CV) were calculated and the Bland-Altman charts were drawn. ResultsThe gray value was higher in the RF, VM and VL in the affected side than in the healthy side (t > 2.262, P < 0.05). The inter-rater reliability was excellent, with ICC 0.982 to 0.995, SEM 1.60 to 3.82, CV 1.49% to 5.90%, and MDC value 4.43 to 10.59. The test-retest reliability of the rater was excellent, with ICC 0.969 to 0.990, SEM 2.37 to 5.41, CV 2.22% to 4.84%, and MDC value 6.57 to 15.00. Bland-Altman charts analysis showed that the consistency was good. ConclusionThe quadriceps femoris muscle quality is different between the affected and the healthy sides in patients with unilateral KOA. It is reliable to evaluate muscle echo intensity by Image J.

Iodine nutritional status and intelligence level of children in Nangqian County, Qinghai Province after 9 years of iodine supplemention / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective:To follow up the iodine nutrition and intellectual development of school children aged 8-10 years old in Nangqian County of Qinghai Province after 9 years of the implementation of iodine deficiency disorders intervention measures with iodine supplement as the main measure.Methods:In order to improve the iodine nutritional status of the population in Nangqian County, free iodized salt distribution, health education and other intervention measures for iodine deficiency disorders were implemented for 9 consecutive years since 2013. In May 2012 (before iodine supplementation) and September 2021 (after iodine supplementation), the same 5 townships (towns) were selected, and children aged 8-10 years old (half male and half female, age balanced) born locally in the central primary school of each township (town) were selected as the survey subjects. Household edible salt samples and random urine samples were collected for salt iodine and urinary iodine detection; the second revised version of the Chinese Combined Raven's Test (rural version) was used to assess the intelligence quotient (IQ) of children. The Flynn effect (FE) gain was used to adjust IQ, the corrected IQ = (IQ starting point value - current year's IQ value) - FE gain (calculated by 0.74/year). The differences of salt iodine and urinary iodine related indexes, IQ value and corrected IQ were compared before and after iodine supplementation.Results:After iodine supplementation, the coverage rate of iodized salt reached 100.00% (300/300), and the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt reached95.00% (285/300), the median urinary iodine increased to 157.20 μg/L, and all indexes met the elimination standard of iodine deficiency disorders. The IQ value of children aged 8-10 years old after iodine supplementation was 99.00 ± 14.90, significantly higher than that before iodine supplementation (82.00 ± 13.20, F = 156.82, P < 0.001). The FE gain in 9 years was 6.66, and the actual IQ gain of children aged 8-10 years old after iodine supplementation was 10.34. There were statistically significant differences in IQ value before and after iodine supplementation in male and female children ( F = 78.84, 78.88, P < 0.001). After iodine supplementation, there was a statistically significant difference in IQ value between children in the 8-year-old group and the 10-year-old group ( P = 0.010). There were statistically significant differences in IQ value before and after iodine supplementation in 8, 9 and 10 years old groups ( F = 55.23, 65.79, 36.85, P < 0.001). Conclusion:Intervention measures for iodine deficiency disorders, mainly iodine supplement, can significantly improve the iodine nutrition status of children aged 8-10 years old, and significantly promote the intellectual development of children.

The effect of polyene phosphatidylcholine combined with Shudan decoction on the recovery of gallbladder function after fallbladder-preserving cholecystolithotomy / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of polyene phosphatidylcholine combined with Shudan decoction on the recovery of gallbladder function after gallbladder-preserving cholecystolithotomy.Methods:Sixty patients with gallbladder stone admitted to Shenzhen Hospital (Longgang), Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from June 2018 to July 2021 were selected. All patients were received gallbladder-preserving cholecystolithotomy, and they were divided in two groups by random number table, each group with 30 patients. The control group was treated with polyene phosphatidylcholine capsule after the operation, while the observation group was treated with Shudan decoction on the basis of the control group. After 30 d of continuous treatment, the traditional Chinese medicine symptoms score, gallbladder contraction function and the levels of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamine transferase (GGT), incidence of adverse reactions, clinical efficacy were compared between the two groups.Results:After treatment, the scores of abdominal distension, abdominal pain and anorexia in the observation group were lower than those in the control group ( P<0.05). After treatment, the thickness of the gallbladder wall in the observation group was lower than that in the control group and the the gallbladder contraction rate was higher than that in the control group: (2.62 ± 0.29) mm vs. (3.21 ± 0.32) mm, (74.17 ± 6.49)% vs. (62.03 ± 6.05)%, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of GGT and ALP in the observation group were lower than those in the control group: (132.32 ± 30.09) U/L vs. (150.27 ± 30.33)U/L, (56.12 ± 14.89) U/L vs. (75.07 ± 16.22) U/L, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). The total effective rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group: 96.67%(29/30) vs. 80.00%(24/30), there was statistical difference ( χ2 = 4.04, P<0.05). The adverse reactions in the two groups had no significant differences ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Polyene phosphatidylcholine combined with Shudan decoction has a definite efficacy for patients with cholecystolithiasis after gallbladder-preserving cholecystolithotomy, and can effectively promote the recovery of their gallbladder function and with good safety.

Acupoints compatibility rules of acupuncture for depression disease based on data mining technology / 中国针灸

Based on data mining technology, the acupoints compatibility rules of acupuncture for depression diseases were explored. The randomized controlled trial (RCT) articles regarding acupuncture for depression diseases published from establishment of database to September 2nd, 2022 were searched in CNKI database, Wangfang database, VIP database, SinoMed database, PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library. The use frequency of acupoints, meridian tropism, selection of special acupoints and acupoint association rules for five common depression diseases, including primary depression, post-stroke depression, menopausal syndrome, psychoneurosis and anxiety disorder, were analyzed by Python programming language. Cytoscape software was used to analyze the acupoint association and the disease-acupoint co-occurrence network. As a result, totally 387 articles were included, and 319 acupoints prescriptions for the above five common depression diseases were extracted, involving 159 acupoints. The use frequency of acupoints was 2 574 times in total. The frequently-used acupoints were Baihui (GV 20), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Taichong (LR 3), Neiguan (PC 6), Shenmen (HT 7), Yintang (GV 24+), Zusanli (ST 36), Hegu (LI 4), Sishencong (EX-HN 1) and Taixi (KI 3), etc. The frequently involved meridians were the governor vessel, foot-taiyang bladder meridian, foot-taiyin spleen meridian, and foot-jueyin liver meridian. The frequency of the special acupoints from high to low was crossing points, five-shu points, yuan-primary points, back-shu points, luo-connecting points, and eight confluent points, etc, which were often used in combination with "Baihui (GV 20)-Yintang (GV 24+)" (the highest degree of association). At the same time, the analysis of the co-occurrence network of depression diseases and acupoints showed that the core acupoints group of acupuncture for depression diseases were Baihui (GV 20), Taichong (LR 3), Shenmen (HT 7), Zusanli (ST 36), Neiguan (PC 6) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6). In conclusion, acupuncture treatment for depression diseases has gradually formed a rule of acupoint compatibility, with special acupoint as the main body and "unblocking the governor vessel, and regulating the spirit and qi " as the main therapeutic principle.

Costunolide covalently targets NACHT domain of NLRP3 to inhibit inflammasome activation and alleviate NLRP3-driven inflammatory diseases

The NLRP3 inflammasome's core and most specific protein, NLRP3, has a variety of functions in inflammation-driven diseases. Costunolide (COS) is the major active ingredient of the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Saussurea lappa and has anti-inflammatory activity, but the principal mechanism and molecular target of COS remain unclear. Here, we show that COS covalently binds to cysteine 598 in NACHT domain of NLRP3, altering the ATPase activity and assembly of NLRP3 inflammasome. We declare COS's great anti-inflammasome efficacy in macrophages and disease models of gouty arthritis and ulcerative colitis via inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation. We also reveal that the α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone motif in sesquiterpene lactone is the certain active group in inhibiting NLRP3 activation. Taken together, NLRP3 is identified as a direct target of COS for its anti-inflammasome activity. COS, especially the α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone motif in COS structure, might be used to design and produce novel NLRP3 inhibitors as a lead compound.

Discussion on the relationship between yuan-source points of yang meridians and diseases of fu- organs / 中国针灸

Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor 's Canon of Medicine) establishes the theory that yuan-source points are indicated in zangfu diseases. However, compared with the yuan-source points of yin meridians for the treatment of zang-organ diseases, there is less attention to the indication of yuan-source points of yang meridians for fu-organ diseases, and this statement is even questioned. Collating the early literature and associating with the researches of medical experts, it is found that Nanjing (Classic of Difficult Questions) should be the theoretic origin that yuan-source points of yang meridians are indicated in fu-organ diseases. Regarding the reasons why this theory has not received clinical attention, the three aspects are involved, i.e. the theoretic completion of "he-sea points of three-foot-yang meridians for the diseases of six fu-organs", the limitation of the theory itself, and the lack of literature materials. It is proposed that the exploration on this theory should be deepened in views of the essence of yuan-source points relevant with the characteristic of the wrist-ankle pulse palpation region, acupoint combination, modern technology, etc.

Effects of electroacupuncture pretreatment on GABAA receptor of fastigial nucleus and sympathetic nerve activity in rats with myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) pretreatment on cardiac function, sympathetic nerve activity, indexes of myocardial injury and GABAA receptor in fastigial nucleus in rats with myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury (MIRI), and to explore the neuroregulatory mechanism of EA pretreatment in improving MIRI.@*METHODS@#A total of 60 male SD rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a model group, an EA group, an agonist group and an agonist+EA group, 12 rats in each group. The MIRI model was established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. EA was applied at bilateral "Shenmen" (HT 7) and "Tongli" (HT 5) in the EA group and the agonist+EA group, with continuous wave, in frequency of 2 Hz and intensity of 1 mA, 30 min each time, once a day for 7 consecutive days. After intervention, the MIRI model was established. In the agonist group, the muscone (agonist of GABAA receptor, 1 g/L) was injected in fastigial nucleus for 7 consecutive days before modeling, 150 μL each time, once a day. In the agonist+EA group, the muscone was injected in fastigial nucleus 30 min before EA intervention. The data of electrocardiogram was collected by PowerLab standard Ⅱ lead, and ST segment displacement and heart rate variability (HRV) were analyzed; the serum levels of norepinephrine (NE), creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) were detected by ELISA; the myocardial infarction area was measured by TTC staining; the morphology of myocardial tissue was observed by HE staining; the positive expression and mRNA expression of GABAA receptor in fastigial nucleus were detected by immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the sham operation group, in the model group, ST segment displacement and ratio of low frequency to high frequency (LF/HF) of HRV were increased (P<0.01), HRV frequency domain analysis showed enhanced sympathetic nerve excitability, the serum levels of NE, CK-MB and cTnI were increased (P<0.01), the percentage of myocardial infarction area was increased (P<0.01), myocardial fiber was broken and interstitial edema was serious, the positive expression and mRNA expression of GABAA receptor in fastigial nucleus were increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, in the EA group, ST segment displacement and LF/HF ratio were decreased (P<0.01), HRV frequency domain analysis showed reduced sympathetic nerve excitability, the serum levels of NE, CK-MB and cTnI were decreased (P<0.01), the percentage of myocardial infarction area was decreased (P<0.01), myocardial fiber breakage and interstitial edema were lightened, the positive expression and mRNA expression of GABAA receptor in fastigial nucleus were decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the EA group, in the agonist group and the agonist+EA group, ST segment displacement and LF/HF ratio were increased (P<0.01), HRV frequency domain analysis showed enhanced sympathetic nerve excitability, the serum levels of NE, CK-MB and cTnI were increased (P<0.01), the percentage of myocardial infarction area was increased (P<0.01), myocardial fiber breakage and interstitial edema were aggravated, the positive expression and mRNA expression of GABAA receptor in fastigial nucleus were increased (P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#EA pretreatment can improve the myocardial injury in MIRI rats, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of GABAA receptor expression in fastigial nucleus, thereby down-regulating the excitability of sympathetic nerve.

Huangqi decoction attenuates renal interstitial fibrosis transforming growth factor-ß1/mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways in 5/6 nephrectomy mice.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Huangqi decoction on renal interstitial fibrosis and its association with the transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) / mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. METHODS: 120 C57/BL mice were randomly divided into six groups: sham group, Enalapril (20 mg/kg) group, 5/6 nephrectomy model group, and 5/6 nephrectomy model plus Huangqicoction (0.12, 0.36 and 1.08 g/kg respectively) groups. Detecting 24hours urinary protein, blood pressure, serum creatinine, urea nitrogen content changes. Periodic Acid-Schiff stain (PAS) and Masson's trichrome staining was used to observe the renal tissue pathological changes. Protein expression of TGF-ß1, Phosphorylated P38 mitogen activated protein kinases (P-P38), Phosphorylated c-jun N-terminal kinase (P-JNK), Phosphorylated extracellular regulated proteinhnase (P-ERK), Fibroblast-specific protein-1 (FSP-1), Alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Type III collagen (Collagen III), Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), Bcl-2 Assaciated X protein (Bax) and B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) were measured with western blot and immunohistochemical. RESULTS: Both Huangqi decoction and Enalapril improved the kidney function, 24 h urinary protein and the fibrosis in 5/6 nephrectomy mice, Huangqi decoction downregulated the expressions of TGF-ß1, FSP-1, α-SMA, Collagen III and CTGF in a dose-dependent manner, and it has a significant difference ( 0.01) compared with model group.Huangqi decoction downregulated the expressions of P-P38, P-JNK, P-ERK and Bcl-2 in a dose-dependent manner, while upregulated the expression of Bax. CONCLUSIONS: The protective effect of Huangqi decoction for renal interstitial fibrosis in 5/6 nep-hrectomized mice the inhibition of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transitions and downregulating the TGF-ß1/ MAPK signaling pathway.

Effects of moxibustion at bilateral Feishu (BL13) and Xinshu (BL15) combined with benazepril on myocardial cells apoptosis index and apoptosis-related proteins cytochrome c and apoptosis-inducing factor in rats with chronic heart failure.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of moxibustion at bilateral Feishu (BL13) and Xinshu (BL15) combined with benazepril on myocardial cells apoptosis index, the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins cytochrome c (Cyt-C) and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) in chronic heart failure (CHF) rats. METHODS: Sixty-five rats were randomly divided into normal group () and model-I group (). After modeling, CHF rats in model-I group were divided into model group, moxibustion group, benazepril group, moxibustion plus benazepril group (abbreviated as aibei group, the same below), 10 rats in each group. Echocardiogram index was examined by echocardiography. Hemodynamic indices were measured by rat cardiac function meter. Serum B-type brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Myocardial cells apoptosis index was detected by terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling staining. Pathological changes of myocardial tissues were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The expression levels of Cyt-C and AIF in myocardial tissues were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with normal group, ejection fraction and left ventricular diameter shortening rate in model-Ⅰ group were significantly reduced, myocardial cells of rats in model group exhibited unclear transverse striations, cells swellings and vacuoles, cardiac functions were deteriorated, serum BNP level, myocardial cells apoptosis index, and the expression levels of Cyt-C and AIF were significantly increased. Compared with model group, myocardial cells of rats in moxibustion group, benazepril group, and aibei group were dyed more evenly, muscle fibers were arranged relatively neatly, cardiac functions were improved, serum BNP level, myocardial cells apoptosis index, and the expression levels of Cyt-C and AIF were significantly decreased. Compared with aibei group, cardiac functions were worsened, myocardial cells apoptosis index, and the expression levels of Cyt-C and AIF were increased. CONCLUSION: Moxibustion at bilateral Feishu (BL13) and Xinshu (BL15) combined with benazepril could improve CHF better than moxibustion at bilateral Feishu (BL13) and Xinshu (BL15) or benazepril alone. The mechanisms might be that they can inhibit the expressions of Cyt-C and AIF, and inhibit the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes.

Amphetamine toxicity masked by concomitant γ-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) ingestion.

We report a case of a young male with amphetamine toxicity initially obscured by concomitant use of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), and the sympathomimetic symptoms emerged after GHB's effects receded. A 24-year-old unconscious man presented to emergency department showed the following vital signs upon admission: blood pressure 136/58 mmHg; heart rate 79 bpm; SpO2 87% under ambient air; body temperature 36.1 °C; Glasgow Coma Scale score 3. The pupils were not dilated. Arterial blood gas test revealed respiratory acidosis (pH = 7.229, pCO2 = 64.4 mmHg, pO2 = 42.3 mmHg, HCO3 = 26.3 mmol/L). Intubation was performed and the patient was transferred to intensive care unit. The patient regained consciousness and became agitated in association with sinus tachycardia (heartrate 143 bpm; blood pressure 173/61 mmHg). A few hours later, he experienced abrupt desaturation (SpO2 65%) and profuse, pinkish, frothy sputum. Chest radiography revealed a bat-wing perihilar shadowing, and computed tomography showed bilateral ground-glass opacity and an alveolar pattern from acute pulmonary edema. A high dose of benzodiazepine with a midazolam pump at 50 mg/h was administered to relieve symptoms. The patient's friends confessed to concomitant use of amphetamine and GHB. The urine toxicology result was positive for amphetamine (≧500 ng/mL). The patient improved later and was extubated at 4 days after the mitigation of pneumonia and discharged uneventfully 8 days later. In our patient, amphetamine intoxication was initially masked by concomitant use of GHB but appeared as GHB's effect attenuated. We wish to remind clinicians of variable clinical presentations of polydrug abuse.

Two new terpenes from the aerial parts of Clematis chinensis Osbeck.

Two new acyclic sesquiterpenoids (1-2) and fourteen known monocyclic monoterpenoids (3-16) were isolated from the aerial parts of Clematis chinensis Osbeck. All compounds were isolated from C. chinensis for the first time. The structures of all compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods (1 D, 2 D NMR and HRESIMS). In-vitro cytotoxic activity against two human cancer cell lines (MGC-803 and Ishikawa) of all the compounds were evaluated by CCK-8 assay.

Transcriptome-wide identification and expression pattern analysis for Dof gene family in Panax ginseng from Jilin / 中国中药杂志

Dof(DNA binding with one finger), a unique class of transcription factors in plants, play an important role in seed development, tissue differentiation, and metabolic regulation. To identify the number and function of Dof gene family members in Panax ginseng, this study identified the members of Dof gene family in P. ginseng and systematically analyzed their structures, evolution, functional differentiation, expression patterns, and interactions using bioinformatics methods at the transcriptome level. At the same time, the association analysis of Dof genes from P. ginseng with key enzyme genes for ginsenoside synthesis was carried out to screen the candidate PgDof genes involved in the regulation of ginsenoside biosynthesis. The results showed that there were 54 genes belonging to the Dof gene family in P. ginseng from Jilin. All PgDof genes had Zf-Dof conserved motifs, implying that they were evolutionarily conserved and could be divided into five groups. Expression pattern analysis confirmed that the expression of PgDof gene family members in different tissues, different year-old P. ginseng, and different farm varieties varied significantly. Simultaneously, as revealed by "gene-saponin content" and "gene-gene" linkage analysis, an important candidate PgDof14-1 gene involved in the regulation of ginsenoside biosynthesis was obtained. From the established genetic transformation system of this gene in the hairy roots of P. ginseng, a positive hairy root clone was determined. This study has laid a theoretical foundation for the study of Dof gene family in P. ginseng.