Prevention and Treatment of Age-related Ovarian Hypofunction with Traditional Chinese Medicine： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Age-related ovarian hypofunction includes a decrease in follicle quantity and quality as well as alterations in the ovarian microenvironment，the mechanisms of which are mainly related to mitochondrial dysfunction，free radical and antioxidant systems，telomere and telomerase alterations，and apoptosis，and is one of the major factors contributing to infertility in advanced maternal age （AMA）. Despite the tremendous progress in assisted reproductive technology in recent decades，few breakthroughs have been made in alleviating age-related ovarian hypofunction and improving reproductive outcomes for AMA. In recent years，there has been an increasing number of studies on the multi-level and multi-targeted mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） to improve age-related ovarian hypofunction by modulating mitochondrial homeostasis，alleviating oxidative stress，and inhibiting apoptosis，while more high-quality randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the clinical efficacy of TCM in assisted reproductive technology. Given this，this article presented a systematic review of recent research and randomized controlled trials on the mechanism of Chinese medicine active ingredients，single Chinese medicine， and Chinese medicine compounds in delaying age-related ovarian hypofunction，to clarify the current status and shortcomings of the research. This paper provides medication management of TCM for effectively alleviating age-related ovarian hypofunction and improving reproductive outcomes for AMA.

Mitochondrial Function Reveals Connotation of "Seven-Seven" Theory of Huangdi's Internal Classic and Mechanism of Herbal Intervention for Elderly Women Undergoing IVF-ET / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo study the changes of mitochondrial function of ovarian granulosa cells in women of different ages and the effect of Erzhi-Tiangui prescription on in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer （IVF-ET） outcomes for elderly women， so as to verify the connotation of the "Seven-Seven" theory in the Huangdi's Internal Classic （《黄帝内经》）. MethodA total of 150 infertility patients undergoing IVF-ET at the Reproductive and Genetic Center of Integrative Medicine， Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine were recruited and assigned into "hree-Seven/Four-Seven （30 cases）， Five-Seven （60 cases）， and Six-Seven （60 cases） groups according to the "Seven-Seven" theory. The Five-Seven and Six-Seven groups were further assigned into control and Chinese medicine subgroups using the random number plus envelope method， and the Chinese medicine group was administrated with Erzhi Tiangui prescription from the start day of controlled ovulation stimulation cycle to the trigger day. The IVF outcome was observed， and Western blot was employed to determine the levels of mitofusin 1 （MFN1）， mitofusin 2 （MFN2）， and dynamin-related protein 1 （Drp1） in the ovarian granulosa cells. ResultCompared with the Three-Seven/Four-Seven group， the control subgroups of the Five-Seven and Six-Seven groups showed decreased retrieved oocytes， two pronuclear （2PN） embryos， available embryos， high-quality embryos， clinical pregnancy rate， and live birth rate （P<0.05）. Moreover， the control subgroup of the Six-Seven group showed decreased fresh embryo transfer rate（P<0.05）. Compared with the control subgroup of the Five-Seven group， that of the Six-Seven group showed reduced retrieved oocytes， 2PN embryos， available embryos， high-quality embryos， and clinical pregnancy rate （P<0.05）. The Chinese medicine subgroup had more retrieved oocytes， 2PN oocytes， and available embryos than the control subgroup in the Five-Seven groups （P<0.05）. The Chinese medicine subgroup had more retrieved oocytes， than the control subgroup in the Six-Seven groups （P<0.05）. The control subgroup of the Six-Seven group showed lower expression levels of Mfn1 and Mfn2 and higher level of Drp1 than the control subgroup of the Five-Seven group （P<0.05）， which indicated that the levels of Mfn1 and Mfn2 in ovarian granulosa cells were down-regulated while the expression of Drp1 was up-regulated with aging （P<0.05）. The Chinese medicine subgroup had higher Mfn2 level and lower Drp1 level than the control subgroup in the Five-Seven group （P<0.05）， and the Chinese medicine subgroup had higher Mfn1 and Mfn2 levels and lower Drp1 level than then control subgroup in the Six-Seven group （P<0.05）. ConclusionsThe prognosis of IVF in women after "Five-Seven" became worse with aging， and the mitochondria in ovarian granulosa cells showed decreased fusion ability and increased fission， which verified the connotation of the "Seven-Seven" theory from the mitochondrial function. Erzhi Tiangui prescription can regulate the mitochondrial function of ovarian granulosa cells in elderly women， up-regulate the expression levels of Mfn1 and Mfn2 to promote mitochondrial fusion， and down-regulate the expression of Drp1 to reduce mitochondrial fission， thus alleviating the ovarian hypofunction caused by aging， improve the development potential of oocytes， and improve the IVF outcomes of elderly women. However， this prescription has limited efficacy for the elderly women in the age range of "Six-Seven".

Clinical management of primary hypomagnesemia with secondary hypocalcemia / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Primary hypomagnesemia with secondary hypocalcemia(HSH) is a rare cause of hypoparathyroidism. This article presents a case of a 26-year-old male with recurrent generalized weakness and tetany, and a literature review of diagnosis and treatment of primary HSH. The biochemical tests revealed the patient had severe hypomagnesemia, mild hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, and hypoparathyroidism. Transient receptor potential melastatin-6(TRPM6) gene mutation were detected by gene test, which confirmed the diagnosis of primary HSH. The patient had been treated with long term oral magnesium supplementation, who remained asymptomatic during the follow-up. Primary HSH is a rare autosomal-recessive disorder caused by mutations in the TRPM6 gene which encoding a magnesium permeable channel expressed in the intestine and the kidney. The primary defect is impaired intestinal absorption of magnesium with secondary renal excretion, leading to a series of clinical symptoms. The treatment is mainly through lifelong magnesium supplementation.

Sensitization characteristics of Juniperus chinensis pollen in Beijing area / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the sensitization characteristics of Juniperus chinensis pollen in patients with allergic rhinitis and/or allergic asthma in Beijing area, and to explore the characteristics of Juniper chinensis pollen sensitized population. Methods: Patients with suspected allergic rhinitis and/or asthma from January 2017 to December 2019 in the outpatient department of Allergy Department of Beijing Shijitan Hospital were selected in this study. Skin prick test (SPT) was performed with Juniper chinensis pollen allergen reagent to compare different age and disease allergen distribution, and to observe the sensitization characteristics of its population. All of the analyses were performed using SAS software version 9.4. Results: A total of 8 380 patients were enrolled in the end. The total positive rate of Juniper chinensis pollen SPT reached 49.92% (4 183/8 380). The positive rate of Juniper chinensis pollen SPT was highest in the 10-14 age group, reaching 60.99% (283/464). Compared with other age groups, there was a statistical difference (χ²=266.77, P<0.01). The SPT positive rate of patients aged less than 10 years increased with the increase of age, while the SPT positive rate of patients aged over 40 years decreased with the increase of age. Single Juniper chinensis pollen was less allergenic, accounting for about 25.05% (1 048/4 183), and the patients' age was (35.21±12.39) years. Regardless of single Juniper chinensis pollen or other pollen allergies, allergic rhinitis was the main disease. Among the patients with SPT positive Juniper chinensis pollen combined with other inhaled pollen allergens, willow pollen accounted for the first (74.99%). The positive rate of Juniper chinensis pollen was the highest in patients with single allergic rhinitis, accounting for 52.05% (3 797/7 295), and the rate in patients with single allergic asthma was the lowest, accounting for 17.49% (53/303), with statistically difference (χ²=138.99, P<0.01). Conclusions: Juniper chinensis pollen is highly sensitized in patients with allergic rhinitis and/or allergic asthma in Beijing . The positive rate of SPT is highest among 10-14 age group, most of which showed strong positive reaction, and allergic rhinitis is more common in Juniper chinensis pollen sensitization diseases.

Clinical study on acupuncture treatment of Tiaoshen theory for the patients with functional dyspepsia with depression and liver-stomach disharmony / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of acupuncture treatment based on Tiaoshen theory for the patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) and depression with liver-stomach disharmony syndrome. Methods:A total of 76 FD patients from May 2018 to August 2019 were randomly divided into 2 groups with 38 patients in each group. In the routine group, acupoints were selected routinely, and in Tiaoshen group, acupoints were selected by Tiaoshen theory. Both groups were treated for 28 days. The results were evaluated by Nepean Dyspepsia Index (NDI), TCM Syndrome Score and Hamilton Depression Scale-24 (HAMD-24). Results:The total effective rate of both groups was 94.6% (35/37) in Tiaoshen group and 75.0% (27/36) in routine group. There was significant difference between the two groups ( χ2=6.125, P=0.011). The NDI in Tiaoshen group was significantly lower than that of routine group ( t=3.038, P=0.003). The scores of interference domain, control domain, food and beverage domain and sleep disturbance domain in Tiaoshen group were significantly higher than those in routine group ( t=3.096, 2.460, 2.225, 2.732, P<0.05); the TCM Syndrome Score in Tiaoshen group was significantly lower than that of routine group ( t=3.241, P=0.002), and that of HAMD-24 was significantly lower than that of routine group ( t=2.767, P=0.007). Conclusion:Treatment based on Tiaoshen theory can improve the quality of life of FD patients in the fields of interference, control, food and beverage and sleep disturbance, and reduce the patients’depression.

Effect of electroacupuncture on pyroptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells of rats with acute kidney injury induced by endotoxin / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on pyroptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells of rats with acute kidney injury (AKI) induced by endotoxin.Methods:Twenty-four healthy clean-grade Sprague-Dawley rats of either gender, aged 6-8 weeks, weighing 160-182 g, were divided into 4 groups ( n=6 each) using a random number table method: control group (group C), group AKI, EA plus AKI group (group EA), sham EA at non-acupoint plus AKI group (group SEA). The model of endotoxemia was established by intraperitoneally injecting 10 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide.Bilateral 30 min EA stimulation of Zusanli and Shenyu (according to atlas of animal acupoint) was performed starting from 5 days before establishing the model (once a day) and at 30 min before lipopolysaccharide administration on the day of establishing the model, with disperse-dense waves, frequency of 15 Hz, and the needle was kept until 6 h after injection of LPS in group EA.EA was performed at the points 0.5 cm lateral to the acupoints of Zusanli and Shenyu in group SEA.At 6 h after LPS injection, blood was taken from the heart, and the concentrations of serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) were detected by an automatic biochemical analyzer, and the serum concentrations of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The rats were then sacrificed, and the left renal cortex was obtained for determination of pyroptosis rate of renal tubular epithelial cells (by TUNEL). The right renal cortex was obtained to detect the expression of caspase-1 and IL-1β by Western blot, and the expression of caspase-1 mRNA and IL-1β mRNA was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results:Compared with group C, the concentrations of BUN, Cr, NGAL, KIM-1, TNF-α, and IL-6 were significantly increased, the pyroptosis rate of renal tubular epithelial cells was increased, the expression of caspase-1 and IL-1β protein and mRNA in the renal cortex was up-regulated in group AKI ( P<0.05). Compared with group AKI, the concentrations of BUN, Cr, NGAL, KIM-1, TNF-α, and IL-6 were significantly decreased, the pyroptosis rate of renal tubular epithelial cells was decreased, the expression of caspase-1 and IL-1β protein and mRNA in the renal cortex was down-regulated in group SEA ( P>0.05). Conclusion:The mechanism by which EA reduces AKI may be related to inhibiting pyroptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells of rats.

Research and application of nanometer black phosphorus in phototherapy and drug carrier / 药学学报

The emerging nano-black phosphorus materials have created a new platform for biomedical research. Nano-black phosphorus has the following advantages: black phosphorus can produce singlet oxygen under near-infrared light irradiation, so it can be used as a photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy;black phosphorus has extensive light absorption in the long wavelength region, and this near-infrared photothermal property can be used in photothermal therapy. The high specific surface area and unique fold structure of the black phosphorus nanosheet make it have very high drug loading.This paper mainly reviews the applications of black phosphorus in biological imaging, photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, and as a drug carrier in recent years. Based on the photoelectric properties of black phosphorus nanomaterials combined with intelligent drug delivery platform, the synergistic effects of light/heat/chemistry, light/chemistry/gene, and light/chemistry/immunity can be produced, which has a broad application prospect.

Study Progress of Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine Monomer in Intervening Ovarian Cancer by Regulating PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Ovarian cancer is a kind of malignant tumor in female reproductive system with a high incidence. This disease is insidious at its early stage and the symptoms are not typical. Most of the patients have reached advanced stage by the time of diagnosis， seriously threating women's life and health. Many signaling pathways are involved in the formation and development of ovarian cancer， among which the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase（PI3K）/protein kinase B（Akt） signaling pathway is one of the key regulatory pathways. In recent years， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has obtained wide attention in treatment of tumors due to its advantages of high safety and less adverse reactions， and more and more attention has been paid to the study of TCM monomers. Molecular biology studies have shown that TCM monomers can play a role against tumor by regulating multiple targets. By reviewing the literature and searching several databases， we found that TCM monomer can play an important role in the growth， proliferation， invasion and migration， apoptosis， autophagy and reversal of drug resistance of ovarian cancer cells by regulating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. According to the existing studies， TCM monomers have a certain effect on ovarian cancer， but there are still many problems. Although the mechanisms of some TCM monomers have been clarified in the treatment of ovarian cancer， such TCM monomers are only limited to the tumor-bearing nude mice in vivo and experimental studies on in vitro cells， and further studies are needed in the future. In addition， in the future researches， ovarian cancer syndrome differentiation and targeted therapy can be linked to the TCM flavors， efficacy and indications to further develop the advantages of TCM. Based on the current research situation at home and abroad， this paper summarized the research progress of targeted intervention of TCM monomers in ovarian cancer by regulating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway， in order to provide reference for further research of TCM monomers， and provide important ideas for the development of targeted treatment of ovarian cancer with TCM.

Cognition of Ovarian Cancer Microenvironment in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Perspective of "Yin-Yang Balance" / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Ovarian cancer， one of gynecological malignancies， is often diagnosed at the late stage because of the atypical early symptoms and has become a major killer of women. Research has found that the co-evolution of tumor cells and their surrounding microenvironment is an important cause for the occurrence and development of ovarian cancer. It is believed in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） that Yin and Yang are the roots of everything， and their balance， namely Yin being at peace and Yang being compact （“Yin Ping Yang Mi”） is a sign of good health. The mutual opposition， restriction， and rooting of Yin and Yang as well as their waning and waxing and transformation are the keys to maintaining the balance. In TCM， ovarian cancer falls into the category of abdominal mass， which results from the struggle between healthy Qi and evil Qi. When the healthy Qi is deficient and the evil Qi is excessive， the balance between Yin and Yang will be destroyed， triggering the body and ovarian cancer microenvironment as well as the relevant factors in the inflammatory microenvironment to be mutually opposed， restricted， and transformed， highly consistent with the dynamic development of Yin and Yang. At present， the studies concerning TCM intervention in the inflammatory microenvironment of ovarian cancer mostly focus on the signaling pathways to reveal the advantages of TCM multiple components against cancer cells via multiple targets， but they fail to explain the TCM efficacy from the perspective of Yin-Yang balance. Therefore， guided by the concept of Yin-Yang balance， this paper macroscopically and microscopically explored the effects of the changed factors in inflammatory microenvironment on the occurrence and development of ovarian cancer， and put forward that the prevention and control principles of ovarian cancer should lie in the "adjustment of Yin-Yang balance"， accompanied by healthy Qi reinforcement and pathogen elimination. This paper has laid the foundation for the elucidation of modern research achievements regarding the ovarian cancer microenvironment with TCM theory and provide a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of ovarian cancer with integrated TCM and western medicine.

Effect of thunder-fire moxibustion combined with vibration training on low back pain of primary osteoporosis / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the therapeutic effect of thunder-fire moxibustion combined with vibration training and simple vibration training on low back pain of primary osteoporosis by 's modulus of ultrasonic wave, and seek an objective evaluating method.@*METHODS@#A total of 60 patients were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. The patients in the two groups were treated with vibration training using whole body vibration treatment bed. In the observation group, thunder-fire moxibustion was applied at Yaoyangguan (GV 3), Mingmen (GV 4), Ganshu (BL 18), Shenshu (BL 23) and Dachangshu (BL 25). The treatment was given once every other day, 3 times a week for 4 weeks. The visual analogue score (VAS), real-time shear wave elastography (RTSWE) and medical outcomes study 36-item short-form hearth survey (SF-36) were used to evaluate pain intensity, multifidus muscle tone ('s modulus) and quality of life before treatment, after 4-week treatment and 1 month after treatment.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the VAS scores, 's modulus of multifidus muscle and 5 dimensions of SF-36 (physical condition, body pain, general health, social function and mental health) after 4-week treatment and 1 month after treatment were significantly improved in the two groups (all <0.05), the physiological role in the observation group after 4-week treatment and 1 month after treatment were improved (both <0.05). In the observation group, the VAS scores, 's modulus of multifidus muscle and 3 dimensions of SF-36 (physiological role, body pain and general health) after 4-week treatment and 1 month after treatment were superior to the control group (all <0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The therapeutic effect of thunder-fire moxibustion combined with vibration training is superior to simple vibration training in relieving low back pain intensity and multifidus muscle tone, and improving quality of life for primary osteoporosis. RTSWE technique can be an objective examination method to evaluate pain.

Clinical observation of mild to moderate lumbodorsal fascitis treated with distal acupoints along meridian plus exercising combined with penetration needling on meridians of back / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the therapeutic effect between distal acupoints along meridian plus exercising combined with penetration needling on meridians of back and simple penetration needling on meridians of back for mild to moderate lumbodorsal fascitis.@*METHODS@#A total of 60 patients with mild to moderate lumbodorsal fascitis were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. In the control group, penetration needling on meridians of back was applied at acupoints of the Governor vessel (TL) and the first line of bladder meridian, penetration needling was performed from the top down along the governor vessel and the first line of bladder meridian of the lumbar back pain (from one acupoint down to another acupoint), until there was no pain. In the observation group, distal acupoints along meridian plus exercising were adopted on the base of treatment in the control group. The distal acupoints along meridian plus exercising was applied at Cuanzhu (BL 2) for 30 min, at the same time, lumbar back anteflexion, hypsokinesis and turning sides were used in combination for 10 min. And then penetration needling on meridians of back was performed. The treatments were given once a day, 5 consecutive treatments a week, 1 week as a course and 2 courses were required. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Oswestry disability index (ODI) before treatment, after treatment and 1month in followup were observed in the two groups, and the clinical effects were compared.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the VAS score and ODI were reduced after treatment in the two groups (<0.01). The changes of the VAS score and ODI in the observation group were larger than those in the control group (<0.01, <0.05). In follow-up, the VAS score and ODI in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (<0.05). The total effective rate in the observation group was 90.0% (27/30), which was superior to 83.3% (25/30) in the control group (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Distal acupoints along meridian plus exercising combined with penetration needling on meridians of back have a better therapeutic effect than simple penetration needling on meridians of back in the treatment of mild to moderate lumbodorsal fascitis.

Clinical observation on therapeutic effect of Dachaihu decoction for treating stroke-associated pneumonia in senile patients with excess-heat syndrome / 中国中西医结合急救杂志

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of Dachaihu decoction in treatment of stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) in the elderly patients with excess-heat syndrome and acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Methods One hundred elderly patients with excess-heat syndrome and SAP admitted to the Department of Neurology of Tianjin Nankai Hospital from August 2015 to September 2016 were enrolled, and they were divided into a control group and an observation group according to the random number table, 50 cases in each group. Both groups were given conventional neurological treatment, while the observation group additionally received Dachaihu decoction (the ingredients of the decoction: bupleurum 15 g, scutellariae 10 g, pinellia 10 g, fructus aurantii immaturus 15 g, radix paeoniae alba 10 g, rhubarb 5 g, ginger 10 g, jujube 2), and according to the individual's symptoms and signs, the above ingredients can be added and/or subtracted, 1 dose per day, divided into two parts, 1 part taken in the morning and 1 part in the evening orally, 14 days as a therapeutic course. The body temperature recovery time, the duration of antibiotic treatment, the changes of Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (CPIS) and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score before and after treatment of the two groups were observed and the therapeutic effects in the two groups were evaluated. Results The body temperature recovery time (days: 6.56±2.70 vs. 8.08±3.23) and the duration of antibiotic treatment (days: 8.78±2.80 vs. 10.02±2.90) in the observation group were significantly shorter than those in the control group (both P ＜ 0.05); with the prolongation of treatment, after treatment, the CPIS and NIHSS score were decreased significantly in both groups, reaching the lowest levels on the 14th day, and the degrees of score descent in observation group were more significant than those of the control group (CPIS score: 0.68±0.59 vs. 1.12±0.96, NIHSS score: 6.38±2.31 vs. 7.44±2.74, both P ＜ 0.05); the total effective rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [92% (46/50) vs. 76% (38/50), P ＜ 0.05]. Conclusion The therapeutic effect of Dachaihu decoction used for treatment of SAP in elderly patients with excess-heat syndrome is favorably effective and safe.

Development status of traditional Chinese medicine today in Switzerland / 国际中医中药杂志

Global market shows gaint needs of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) today. Switzerland is the pioneer and has a wide TCM market. The paper anaylses the local diseases, TCM therapies, the difficulties of MediQi TCM clinic and certificates of TCM clinics in Switzerland, in order to get a general image of TCM situation of Swtierzland today. It coucluds that TCM is well accepted in Switzerland and has marketing needs and the better way to push TCM service trade is to respect local economic regulation and cultural capability.

Population-based study on the relationship between folic acid supplementation and the occurrence risk of congenital heart defects / 复旦学报（医学版）

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common congenital malformations.It occurs under the combined effect of genetic and environmental factors.In recent years,the correlation of key nutritional factors,the modifiable environmental factors,with the occurrence risk of CHD has attracted increasing attention.One of the most representative key nutritional factors is folic acid,and many studies suggest that maternal folic acid supplementation during periconceptional period could reduce the risk of CHD occurrence.However,many challenges remain in order to clarify the relationship between folic acid and CHD,which is worthy of further study.

Progress of ameliorating the neurotoxicity of anaesthetics on developing brain / 复旦学报（医学版）

General anesthetics are widely used in pregnant women,gravidas and infants.In the basic studies of rodents,mammals and non-human primate,general anesthetics can cause neurotoxicity,neuroapoptosis and damage neurodevelopment on the developing brain.Therefore,To explore protective measures and mechanism of anesthetic neurotoxicity is of great significance for formulating clinical anesthesia plan,guiding clinical obstetrics and pediatric anesthesia.This article reviewed the progress of ameliorating the neurotoxicity of general anaesthetics on developing brain including anesthetic assistants,hormone drugs,plant extracts,nutritional components and others.

Application and prospect of "couplet medicine" techniques in preservation of Chinese medicinal materials / 中国中药杂志

Chinese medicinal materials (CMMs) are easily to be contaminated by all kinds of molds to produce various mycotoxins due to their internal factors and the external environmental conditions during the growth, harvesting, processing, and especially storage processes. This will not only affect the quality of CMMs, resulting in enormous financial loss, but also influence the safety and effectiveness of CMMs, posing potential threats to human health. With the increase in awareness of "traditional Chinese medicine health" idea, more and more attention has been paid on how to prevent and control these CMMs from being mouldy to guarantee their safety. Some physical and chemical techniques have been restricted for protecting CMMs due to their own disadvantages. As a green, safe and economic strategy for the preservation of CMMs, "couplet medicine" technique based on the principle of "protecting CMM with another CMM" has been developed: two kinds of CMMs are stored together and fight against each other to prevent mildew metamorphism, exhibiting no obvious changes in color, smell and quality. Nowadays, certain application results have been obtained for the "antagonistic storage" method based on the above mode and principle. In this paper, we would review and discuss the mechanism, practical application and the problems of "couplet medicine" technique, and provide scientific evidences for developing safe and effective tools to protect CMMs from being mouldy.

Effect of Acupuncture at Point Neiguan on Myocardial Ultramicrostructure in Myocardial Hypertrophy Mice / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of acupuncture at point Neiguan on mouse myocardial hypertrophy.Methods Thirty-sixty healthy C57BL6 mice were randomized into blank, model and treatment groups, 12 rats each. In the treatment group, an acupuncture needle was inserted into point Neiguan and retained for 15 min, once daily. After nine days of treatment, the ratios of cardiac weight/tibial length were compared between the groups. Left ventricular myocardial tissues were processed by Masson trichrome staining in every group of mice. The differences in myocardial fiber arrangement and collagen fiber distribution between the groups were observed under the ordinary optical microscope in 100 times of field of vision. Sarcomere structure, myofibril arrangement, collagen fibers and mitochondria in injured myocardial tissues were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Results Heart rate increased significantly in the model group and decreased significantly in the acupuncture group compared with the blank group. Cardiac weight and the ratios of cardiac weight/tibial length increased significantly in the model and acupuncture groups compared with the blank group (P<0.01) and decreased significantly in the acupuncture group compared with the model group (P<0.01). In the model group, myocardial tissues had compensatory hypertrophy with incontinuous status, and myocardial transverse striations had severe disorder/disruption, karyopyknosis appeared and cytoplasmic eosinophilic change became obvious in few of the rats. The results were better in the acupuncture group than in the model group. In the model group, part of myofibrils had focal fusion, interstitial collagen fibers proliferated and mitochondria had swelling and compensatory increase. The results were also better in the acupuncture group than in the model group.Conclusions Acupuncture at point Neiguan can reduce the production of collagen fibers and mitochondria, improve the arrangement of sarcomere structure and delay the progression of myocardial hypertrophy.

In Vitro and in Vivo Inhibitory Effects of Glycyrrhetinic Acid in Mice and Human Cytochrome P450 3A4.

Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) has been used clinically in the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis. This study evaluated the effect of GA on the activity of five P450(CYP450) cytochrome enzymes: CYP2A6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4, in human liver microsomes (HLMs) and recombinant cDNA-expressed enzyme systems using a HPLC-MS/MS CYP-specific probe substrate assay. With midazolam as the probe substrate, GA greatly decreased CYP3A4 activity with IC50 values of 8.195 µM in HLMs and 7.498 µM in the recombinant cDNA-expressed CYP3A4 enzyme system, respectively. It significantly decreased CYP3A4 activity in a dose- but not time-dependent manner. Results from Lineweaver-Burk plots showed that GA could inhibit CYP3A4 activity competitively, with a Ki value of 1.57 µM in HLMs. Moreover, CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 could also be inhibited significantly by GA with IC50 of 42.89 and 40.26 µM in HLMs, respectively. Other CYP450 isoforms were not markedly affected by GA. The inhibition was also confirmed by an in vivo study of mice. In addition, it was observed that mRNA expressions of the Cyps2c and 3a family decreased significantly in the livers of mice treated with GA. In conclusion, this study indicates that GA may exert herb-drug interactions by competitively inhibiting CYP3A4.

Effect of strains and parts on amino acids of Dendrobium officinale / 中国中药杂志

The aim of the paper is to reveals the variations of Dendrobium officinale amino acids in different strains and parts for breeding excellent varieties, and providing scientific basis for the expanding of medicinal or edible parts. The contents of 17 amino acids in 11 strains of D. officinale were determined by hydrochloric acid hydrolysis method. The total amino acids content of leaves was from 6.76 to 7.97 g per 100 g, and the stems was from 1.61 to 2.44 g per 100 g. As the content of amino acids in leaves was significantly higher than that of stems, and the composition was close to the ideal protein standard proposed by FAO/WHO. The leaves of D. officinale had the good prospect for the development of functional foods. The 9 x 66 strain which with high yield and polysaccharide content had the highest amino acids content both in stems and leaves, indicated crossbreeding could improve the quality of varieties. Compared the amino acids content of D. officinale in two main harvest periods, the harvest time has a significant impact on amino acids content of D. officinale. This study demonstrates that the harvesting time of D. officinale stems is suitable for leaves as well, which is the period before bolssom.

Review of scientific preservation techniques for traditional Chinese medicine becoming mouldy during storage / 中国中药杂志

All kinds of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) differed from each other with different chemical components and properties. Owing to poor conditions and technologies, and the lack of scientific preservation, most TCMs will easily become mouldy during the processes of growth, harvest, handling, translation and especially storage, which will not only influence the quality, safety and efficacy of TCMs, but also cause serious waste and economic losses, and even do great harm to human health. The process of storage is closely related to the qualities of TCMs with many interference factors. Therefore, scientific preservation of TCM during storage is crucial to prevent them from being mouldy. This review analyzed the important harm of mouldy TCMs, summarized the internal and external factors of resulting in TCMs to become mouldy. Based on the above discussion, together with the characteristics and limitations of current TCM preservation techniques, we prospect novel, scientific and reasonable preservation techniques, expecting to provide references for scientific preservation of TCMs to avoid becoming mouldy and guarantee their qualities.