[Chaihu Guizhi Decoction plus or minus formula combined with capecitabine inhibits IL-6/STAT3 signaling to suppress triple-negative breast cancer xenografts in nude mice].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Chaihu Guizhi Decoction (CHGZD) combined with capecitabine on growth and apoptosis of subcutaneous triple-negative breast cancer xenografts in nude mice and explore the possible mechanism. METHODS: Nude mouse models bearing subcutaneous triple-negative breast cancer xenografts were randomized into 6 groups (n=10) for treatment with distilled water (model group), low (10.62 g/kg), medium (21.23 g/kg) and high (42.46 g/kg) doses of CHGZD, capecitabine (0.2 mg/kg), or the combination of CHGZD (42.46 g/kg) and capecitabine (0.2 mg/k) once daily for 21 consecutive days. The general condition of mice was observed, and after 21-day treatments, the tumors were dissected for measurement of tumor volume and weight and histopathological examination with HE staining. Serum IL-6 levels of the mice were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the expression levels of IL-6, STAT3, p-STAT3, Bax, Bcl-2 and cyclin D1 in the tumor tissues were detected using real-time PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: Compared with those in the model group, the tumor-bearing mice receiving treatments with CHGZD showed significantly increased food intake with good general condition, sensitive responses, increased body weight, and lower tumor mass (P < 0.01). Compared with capecitabine treatment alone, treatment with CHGZD alone at the medium and high doses and the combined treatment all resulted in significantly higher tumor inhibition rates (P < 0.01), induced obvious tumor tissue degeneration and reduced the tumor cell density. Treatments with CHGZD, both alone and in combination with capecitabine, significantly decreased serum IL-6 level, lowered the mRNA expression levels of IL-6 and STAT3, the protein expressions of IL-6, STAT3 and P-STAT3 (P < 0.05), and the mRNA and protein expressions of Bcl-2 and cyclin D1 (P < 0.05), and increased the mRNA and protein expressions of Bax in the tumor tissues (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: CHGZD combined with capecitabine can significantly inhibit tumor growth in nude mice bearing triple-negative breast cancer xenografts, the mechanism of which may involve the inhibition of IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway and regulation of Bax, Bcl-2 and cyclin D1 expressions to suppress tumor cell proliferation and differentiation and induce cell apoptosis.

[Clinical analysis of 2 820 cases of drug-induced liver injury].

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics, incidence trend, underlying diseases, causative drug and prognosis of drug-induced liver injury (DILI), so as to provide basis for its prevention and treatment. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 2 820 DILI cases who were admitted to our hospital from January 2002 to December 2015, and their clinical characteristics, incidence trends, underlying related diseases, causative drug, treatment and outcome were analyzed. Results: Among 2 820 DILI cases, the ratio of male to female was 1:1.44, and the age was (44.00±16.32) years old. According to the clinical classification of DILI, there were 2 353 cases (83.43%) of hepatocyte injury, 353 cases (12.51%) of cholestatic type and 114 cases (4.04%) of mixed type. In the three clinical classification of DILI, there was no statistically significant difference in the ratio of male to female (χ(2) = 3.032, P > 0.05). However, the difference in the ratio of male to female between different age groups was statistically significant (χ(2) = 48.367, P < 0.001). Among the patients with liver disease and acute liver disease admitted to our hospital from January 2002 to December 2015, the proportion of DILI and acute DILI showed an overall upward trend. The main underlying related diseases of 2 820 DILI cases were fever (15.14%), skin diseases (11.84%), cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (11.17%). Chinese herbal patent medicines (37.49%), antibiotics (15.85%), antipyretic-analgesics (14.37%), and so on were the main causative drugs involved, and the prognostic differences among the three clinical classifications of DILI in terms of cure, improvement, ineffectiveness, and death were statistically significant (H = 61.300, P < 0.001). Conclusion: In recent years, among the patients with liver disease in our hospital, the proportion of DILI has shown an obvious upward trend, involving a variety of underlying diseases and causative drugs, and thus it needs clinical attention.

Feasibility of modulated electro-hyperthermia in preoperative treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer: Early phase 2 clinical results.

Despite advances in the multimodal approach for rectal cancer, treatment-related side effects remain an important issue. From this perspective, a prospective trial was performed to investigate the feasibility of modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT) as a concomitant boost to preoperative chemoradiation in locally advanced rectal cancer. Seventy-six patients with cT3-4 or cT2N+ rectal cancer were enrolled consecutively. Whole pelvic radiotherapy of 40 Gy was delivered with a 2-Gy daily fraction. mEHT with 13.56 MHz frequency was boosted on a twice-weekly schedule concurrently with intravenous 5-fluorouracil or oral capecitabine. Surgical resection was planned 6-8 weeks after radiotherapy. The primary endpoint was the non-inferior treatment response rate assessed by pathologic downstaging and tumor regression. The secondary endpoint was acceptable toxicity during the preoperative treatment period. Sixty patients completed the planned treatment schedule. T- and N-downstaging was demonstrated in 40 patients (66.7%) and 53 patients (88.3%), respectively. Pathologic complete response was noted in 15.0% (9 patients) and 76.7% (46 patients) for T-stage and N-stage, respectively. Total or near total tumor regression was observed in 20 patients (33.3%). Grade ≥3 toxicity occurred only in hematologic assessment; one case (1.7%) of leukopenia and one case (1.7%) of anemia. Sixteen patients (26.7%) developed thermal toxicity, which was mostly Grade 1 (15 patients, 93.8%). The relatively low dose of 40 Gy radiation showed comparable pathologic treatment outcomes and tolerable toxicity profiles with the addition of mEHT, which may potentially replace part of the radiation dose in neoadjuvant treatment for rectal cancer.

Metabolic bone disease in preterm infants: Relationship between radiologic grading in the wrist and serum biochemical markers.

PURPOSE: To assess the relationship between radiographic findings of metabolic bone disease (MBD) and serum biochemical markers in preterm infants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 159 preterm infants were included in this study. Two readers reviewed the wrist radiography for grading according to MBD severity. We recorded the levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and phosphorous (P) immediately after birth, on the same day of the first wrist radiography (ALP-s, P-s), the highest/lowest ALP/P levels before the first wrist radiography (ALP-hb/P-lb) and during follow-up (ALP-h/P-l). For analysis, the patients were first subdivided into 4 groups according to MBD severity, and were then divided into 2 groups according to MBD presence or absence. RESULTS: Of the 159 patients, 94, 39, 19, and 7 infants were classified into grades 0,1, 2, and 3. Analysis according to severity showed that ALP-s, ALP-hb, and ALP-h differed between grades 0-1 and 2-3 (all P<0.001); P-lb differed between grades 0 and 2 (P=0.001); and P-l differed between grades 0 and 2 or 3 (P<0.001 or P=0.001). Moreover, ALP-s, ALP-hb, ALP-h, P-s, P-lb, and P-l differed according to the presence or absence of MBD (P<0.001). ALP-h showed the largest area under the curve value (0.752, 95% confidence interval=0.676-0.828, P<0.001). The optimal cut-off value of ALP-h was 473.5U/L. The sensitivity and specificity were 81.5% and 47.9%. ALP-h was measured at 6.9±5.3 weeks after birth. CONCLUSION: Taking the wrist radiography with reference to an ALP level measured at around 6.9 weeks after birth could be helpful for screening of MBD in preterm infants, unless a fracture is clinically suspected.

Genetic analysis of a hybrid sterility gene that causes both pollen and embryo sac sterility in hybrids between Oryza sativa L. and Oryza longistaminata.

Oryza longistaminata originates from African wild rice and contains valuable traits conferring tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress. However, interspecific crosses between O. longistaminata and Oryza sativa cultivars are hindered by reproductive barriers. To dissect the mechanism of interspecific hybrid sterility, we developed a near-isogenic line (NIL) using indica variety RD23 as the recipient parent and O. longistaminata as the donor parent. Both pollen and embryo sac semi-sterility were observed in F1 hybrids between RD23 and NIL. Cytological analysis demonstrated that pollen abortion in F1 hybrids occurred at the early bi-nucleate stage due to a failure of the first mitosis in microspores. Partial embryo sacs in the F1 hybrids were defective during the functional megaspore formation stage. Most notably, nearly half of the male or female gametes were aborted in heterozygotes S40iS40l, regardless of their genotypes. Thus, S40 was indicated as a one-locus sporophytic sterility gene controlling both male and female fertility in hybrids between RD23 and O. longistaminata. A population of 16 802 plants derived from the hybrid RD23/NIL-S40 was developed to fine-map S40. Finally, the S40 locus was delimited to an 80-kb region on the short arm of chromosome 1 in terms with reference sequences of cv. 93-11. Eight open reading frames (ORFs) were localized in this region. On the basis of gene expression and genomic sequence analysis, ORF5 and ORF8 were identified as candidate genes for the S40 locus. These results are helpful in cloning the S40 gene and marker-assisted transferring of the corresponding neutral allele in rice breeding programs.

Morphometry of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus in long-term survivors of childhood trauma.

PURPOSE: Chronic pituitary dysfunction is increasingly recognized as a sequela of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Our aim was to rule out any late morphometric changes of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus in survivors of TBI during childhood requiring intensive care. METHODS: We assessed morphometric abnormalities of the sella region and hypothalamus in patients who sustained TBI during childhood. The patients showed no clinical hormonal dysfunction at the acute phase and pituitary hormone levels at the time of our study were within normal limits. From the 18 enrolled patients in the magnetic resonance study, five were removed due to morphological changes or anatomical variations. We studied the MRI of 13 male survivors (mean age 27 years, mean time after trauma 20 years) and compared them to 13 male control subjects who were matched in terms of age (mean age, 26 years), education and ethnicity. Analyses of the pituitary gland and sella on a midsagittal T2- and T1-weighted image were performed. We used voxel-based morphometry (VBM), an unbiased MRI morphometric method to investigate hypothalamic region in this group of patients. RESULTS: There was only a trend towards a reduced pituitary gland width in the patient group compared to controls. However, no significant morphological and morphometric abnormality was seen and VBM showed no hypothalamic grey matter loss. CONCLUSION: In the absence of hormonal dysfunction, no persisting morphometric changes of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus were seen in survivors of childhood TBI requiring intensive care.

High frequency of grossly deleted nef genes in HIV-1 infected long-term slow progressors treated with Korean red ginseng.

To investigate the association between Korean red ginseng (KRG) intake in HIV-1 infected patients and the occurrence of grossly deleted nef genes (gDeltanef), we characterized nef genes in 10 long-term slow progressors (LTSP) infected with HIV-1 subtype B and 34 control patients. LTSP was defined by the annual decrease in CD4 T cells being less than 20/microl over 10 years in the absence of antiretroviral therapy. They were treated with KRG for a prolonged period. Nef genes were amplified from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) using nested PCR and the products were sequenced directly. It was observed that the patients CD4 T cell counts decreased from 444 +/- 207/microl to 294 +/- 177/microl over 136 +/- 23 months of KRG intake. This corresponds to an annual decrease in the level of CD4 T cells of 13.3/microl. A total of 479 nef genes were amplified from 137 PBMC samples. Nine out of the 10 patients, 47 (34.3%) out of the 137 samples, and 90 out of the 479 genes revealed gDeltanef. The deletion extended outside the nef gene in 25 gDeltanef obtained from 6 patients. The proportion of samples with gDeltanef (34.3%) was significantly higher than 4.8% in control patients (P < 0.001). In addition, it significantly increased as the duration of KRG intake prolongs (P < 0.01). These data suggest that the occurrence of gDeltanef might be associated with long-term intake of KRG.

Molecular cloning and expression analysis of the turkey vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a prolactin (PRL)-releasing factor whose activity in avian species is believed to be mediated by a specific VIP receptor (VIP-R). Circulating PRL levels are closely related to hypothalamic VIP immunoreactivity, hypothalamic VIP mRNA content, and hypophysial-portal blood VIP concentrations in turkeys. In the present study, a turkey VIP-R (tVIP-R) cDNA was cloned and its mRNA abundance was quantified in various tissues during different reproductive stages. The 2347-bp tVIP-R cDNA encoded a 457 amino acid protein, with a predicted Mr of 52 kDa. The full-length cDNA shares approximately 55% similarity with the mammalian VIP receptor-1. Northern blot analysis revealed that a major 2.7-kb transcript was expressed in laying hen pituitaries. Furthermore, two minor tVIP-R transcripts of 3.7 and 3.4 kb were observed. Semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed using RNA from various turkey brain and peripheral tissues throughout the reproductive cycle. The steady-state levels of pituitary tVIP-R mRNA changed during the reproductive cycle, whereas mRNA expression in other tissues was not affected. The steady-state levels of tVIP-R mRNA were only affected in the pituitary, whereas mRNA expression in any of the other tissues examined following the immunization of turkeys against VIP were not affected.

Present situation in preventing and treating liver fibrosis with TCM drugs.

Considerable evidences have shown that the mechanism of TCM drugs for preventing and treating liver fibrosis is very complicated. TCM treatment can not only inhibit viral replication, ameliorate inflammation and promote blood circulation in the liver, and enhance regeneration of the hepatic cells, but also inhibit HSC proliferation, intra- and extracellular secretion, decrease the secretion of collagen and promote its degradation and re-absorption. However, most of the animal models are only suitable for studies of acute hepatitis. Establishment of cell lines suitable for studies of fibrosis is still at its initial stage. What we expect is that comprehensive clinical studies in TCM treatment of liver fibrosis will be carried out and evaluation of each datum given, both of which are of importance.

Phosphorus removal characteristics of a combined AS-biofilm process cultured by different COD/TP ratios.

The COD/TP ratio of influent is an important parameter for the phosphorus removal in a biological nutrient removal (BNR) process. In this study, we investigated the phosphorus removal and denitrification characteristics of a combined activated sludge-biofilm process, as cultured by different influent COD/TP ratios ranged from 12 to 120. Experimental results indicated that, when COD/TP ratios exceeded 30, the removal efficiencies of COD, TN and TP were 98%, 76% and 100%, respectively. However, when the COD/TP ratios were less than 30, the COD removal efficiency still surpassed 98%, but the TP removal efficiency decreased to 41% and 31.8% when COD/TP ratios were 20 and 12. Moreover, the weight percentage of phosphorus in the sludge attained a stable value when the COD/TP ratios were below 30. The maximum weight percentage of phosphorus in the sludge was found to be about 6% and, under this condition, the critical COD/TP ratio of influent was 30 of the process under a sludge retention time of 12 days. Although the amount of accumulated PHAs per mg phosphate released (gamma PHA/PO4) remained stable between a COD/TP ratio of 30 to 120, it increased with a decreased of the COD/TP ratio when the COD/TP ratio was less than 30.

Gonad-specific expression of two novel chicken complementary DNA isoforms.

Differential display reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to isolate a novel cDNA clone (C47) that was initially shown to be downregulated in senescent chicken embryo fibroblast cells. In a tissue environment, C47 transcripts were only detected in gonadal tissue. The expression of the larger isoform (C47L) was essentially restricted to the ovary, and the smaller isoform (C47S) was predominately expressed in the testis. Although levels of the C47L mRNA were relatively high in both the small white and the developing larger follicles, there was very low expression in regressed and postovulated follicles. Nucleotide sequence analysis indicated that two different transcripts of the single-copy C47 gene were generated by differential polyadenylation in the 3' untranslated region. As a result of a single nucleotide deletion, the C47L mRNA produced a smaller 48-kDa protein, and the C47S mRNA generated a larger 57-kDa protein when both were translated in vitro. Both protein isoforms were shown to contain conserved C2H2 Zn finger motifs and nuclear localization signals suggestive of being putative transcription factors. These results suggest that the C47L and C47S isoforms might play an important role in the regulation and maintenance of ovarian and testicular functions, respectively, in the chicken.

Molecular cloning and characterization of alternatively spliced transcripts of the turkey pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) increases the release of growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) in mammals. However, the evolutionary and functional relationships of PACAP, GH, and PRL are not clear. To understand how PACAP is regulated in the turkey, a turkey PACAP (tPACAP) cDNA has been cloned by the combination of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and the rapid amplification of cDNA 5'- and 3'-ends. The deduced amino acid sequence of tPACAP-38 and turkey PACAP-related peptide (tPRP) displayed 87-97 and 52-63% similarity when compared to a variety of known PACAP-38 and PRP sequences, respectively. Two major transcripts (1.3 and 3.0 kb) of tPACAP were detected by Northern blot analysis. The highest levels of tPACAP mRNA were shown to be expressed in the hypothalamus, the cerebellum, and the cerebrum. In contrast, most of the other tissues tested expressed relatively low steady-state levels of tPACAP mRNA. Alternative splicing of tPACAP resulted in the expression of two different isoforms. The smaller form of tPACAP was expressed in the hypothalamus during early embryonic development and decreased significantly in later stages.

Three different turkey luteinizing hormone receptor (tLH-R) isoforms I: characterization of alternatively spliced tLH-R isoforms and their regulated expression in diverse tissues.

Using combinations of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and 5'- and 3'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends, three different, alternatively spliced, partial turkey LH receptor (tLH-R) cDNA isoforms were characterized from ovarian mRNA. The first cDNA (tLH-R(intact)) showed 98% and 72-75% similarity with chicken and mammalian LH-R sequences, respectively. The second cloned cDNA isoform (tLH-R(insert)) contained an in-frame TGA stop codon within an 86-base pair insertion that was located in the extracellular domain of the seven-transmembrane region. The tLH-R(insert) isoform could encode a truncated soluble protein isoform that lacked the transmembrane region. The third cDNA isoform truncated the transmembrane region (tLH-R(trunc)) and was derived by the deletion of the last exon by incomplete splicing. Generation of multiple transcripts by alternative splicing was elucidated by partial characterization of tLH-R genomic sequences. The differentially regulated expression of the tLH-R mRNA isoforms in nongonadal tissues and ovarian stromal tissues during various reproductive stages was quantified and analyzed by Northern blot and/or RT-PCR. Alternatively spliced tLH-R isoforms were differentially expressed in a tissue-specific manner in most of the tissues examined. The steady-state levels of tLH-R mRNA isoforms were relatively high in the hypothalamus and optic nerve and relatively low in the cortex, pituitary, and cerebellum when compared to levels in ovarian follicles. In nongonadal reproductive tissues, the steady-state levels of tLH-R mRNA isoforms were relatively high in the uterus and infundibulum and relatively low in the isthmus, oviduct, and magnum. In addition, in the nongonadal peripheral tissues, the steady-state levels of tLH-R isoforms were relatively high in the thyroid gland and relatively low in the spleen, adrenal gland, kidney, skin, bursa, and muscle. The present study suggests that the alternative splicing of LH-R transcripts occurs in a tissue-specific manner and has been evolutionarily conserved (similar results were obtained in chicken and swine). These results raise fundamental questions as to the function of LH-R isoforms in nongonadal tissues.

Transmission of hepatitis C virus in Taiwan: prevalence and risk factors based on a nationwide survey.

A nationwide community-based survey on hepatitis C virus (HCV) was carried out in seven townships in Taiwan. A total of 11,904 men aged 30-64 years were recruited for testing for antibodies against HCV (anti-HCV) by second-generation enzyme immunoassay. A total of 272 seropositive cases and 282 seronegative controls were interviewed to explore risk factors for HCV infection in the study areas. Spouses of 214 seropositive cases were identified to assess the concordance of seropositivity of anti-HCV between spouses; genotypes of HCV were also tested in 26 couples who were both seropositive. A significant geographic variation in seroprevalence of anti-HCV was observed in the study townships (1.6-19.6%). Blood transfusions, medical injections, acupuncture and tattooing were related to an increased anti-HCV seroprevalence showing multivariate-adjusted odds ratios of 8.6, 2.5, 3.1, and 2.2, respectively, with corresponding population attributable risk percentages of 25%, 57%, 16%, and 3%, respectively. The anti-HCV prevalence in spouses of index cases (24%) was significantly higher than that observed in the general population of the study areas (4%). However, a striking interspousal discrepancy in HCV genotypes (20/26 = 77%) was observed among both seropositive couples. Common exposures to medical injections and acupuncture were reported by 15 (58%) of these couples. This study identified some endemic areas of HCV infection in Taiwan. Iatrogenic factors were common vehicles for HCV infection, and a concordance of anti-HCV seropositivity between spouses may primarily be due to extrafamilial iatrogenic infectious sources in study areas.

D1 and D2 dopamine receptor messenger ribonucleic acid in brain and pituitary during the reproductive cycle of the turkey hen.

The regulation of prolactin secretion during the reproductive cycle of seasonal breeding birds appears to be largely under the stimulatory influence of hypothalamic vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). However, the factors influencing VIP secretion, and hence prolactin release, in birds remain largely unexplored. Recent evidence has demonstrated that dopamine and dopamine receptors may affect VIP and prolactin release in birds. The differential expression of dopamine receptors on hypothalamic VIP-releasing neurons may affect the degree of prolactinemia observed during the reproductive cycle of birds. In order to examine this hypothesis, we used reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction to quantitate the levels of D1 and D2 dopamine receptor subtype mRNAs in the brain of the domestic turkey hen during the reproductive cycle. No significant difference in hypothalamic expression of D1 or D2 dopamine receptor subtypes during the reproductive cycle was observed. However, pronounced differences in D1D and D2 mRNAs were detected in cortex and cerebellum. Interestingly, there was a dramatic increase in pituitary D1D receptor mRNA during the reproductive stages of laying and incubation of eggs, which paralleled the hyperprolactinemic state of the turkey reproductive cycle. In addition, pituitary D2 receptor mRNA steadily increased throughout the reproductive cycle. In light of these observations, a modified hypothesis regarding the effects of dopamine on prolactin secretion is discussed.

Molecular characterization and expression of a cDNA encoding copper/zinc superoxide dismutase from cultured cells of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz).

A cDNA, mSOD1, encoding cytosolic copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) was cloned and characterized from cell cultures of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) which produce a high yield of SOD. mSOD1 encodes a 152-amino acid polypeptide with a pI value of 5.84. Southern analysis using an mSOD1-specific probe indicated that a single copy of the mSOD1 gene is present in the cassava genome. The mSOD1 gene is highly expressed in cultured cells, as well as in intact stems and tuberous roots. It is expressed at a low level in leaves and petioles. Transcripts of mSOD1 were not detected in nontuberous roots. Transcriptional level of mSOD1 reaches a high level at stationary phase, and then sharply decreases during further culture. In excised cassava leaves, the mSOD1 gene responded to various stresses in different ways. The stresses tested included changes in temperature and exposure to stress-inducing chemicals. Levels of mSOD1 transcript increased dramatically a few hours after heat stress at 37 degrees C and showed a synergistic effect with wounding stress. Levels decreased in response to chilling stress at 4 degrees C and showed an antagonistic effect with wounding stress. The gene was induced by abscisic acid, ethephon, NaCl, sucrose, and methyl viologen. These results indicate that the mSOD1 gene is involved in the response to oxidative stress induced by environmental change.

A clinical study on bing gan ling oral liquid for treatment of hepatitis C.

Based on the principles of cooling the blood to expel the pathogenic toxins and regulating the function of liver and activating the spleen in traditional Chinese medicine, 60 cases of chronic hepatitis C were treated with Bing Gan Ling (BGL), an oral liquid, which is composed mainly of Shuiniujiao (Cornu Bubali), Huzhang (Rhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati), Chishao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra), and Huangqi (Radix Astragali), etc. The total effective rate was 86.7%, which is considerably better than that of the control group (P < 0.01). The animal experiments and pathological studies suggest that the above-mentioned prescription has marked action of protecting the liver and lowering the activity of enzymes; and that it can ameliorate the acute liver injury induced by D-galactosamine.

[Effects of dachengqi decoction on gut hormones and intestinal movement after cholecystectomy].

In order to elucidate the mechanism of postoperative intestinal dysfunction and the effects of Dachengqui Decoction (DCQD) on it, somatostatin (SS), gastrin (GAS), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), substance P (SP), motilin (MOT) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) were determined, frequency and spectrum of peristaltic sound were simultaneously analyzed in 31 subjects undergoing cholecystectomy, the value of pre-, post-operation and post-medication were compared. Plasma SS and MOT decreased postoperatively (P < 0.05), DCQD elevated SS and MOT to higher level than preoperation, VIP, SP increased for half fold (P < 0.05). Gurgling sound diminished after operation, whereas DCQD normalized it. Peak frequency (Fmax) of gurgling ranging from 234.4 to 468.2 Hz preoperatively, mean frequency (FA) was 341.8 +/- 30.9 Hz postoperatively. FA reduced to 322.3 +/- 79.4, DCQD elevated it to 374.2 +/- 57.1 Hz. The result suggested that intestinal motility was disturbed after cholecystectomy, bowel was in dystonic status, accompanying with decreased plasma MOT, DCQD promoted intestinal peristalsis and enhanced it's tonus. The influence of gut peptides might be one of the important pathway that DCQD works.

[Study on feasibility of Chinese green tea polyphenols (CTP) for preventing dental caries].

This study demonstrated that streptococcus mutans could be inhibited completely after contacted with 0.1% CTP for 5 minutes. There were no drug resistance after repeat cultures in 0.025% CTP. Plaque Index and Gingival Index decreased significantly (P < 0.001) after 0.2% CTP were used to rinse and brush the teeth. Results proved that CTP is an effective agent to prevent dental caries.

[Changes in vasoactive intestinal polypeptide levels in intestinal obstruction and the influence of da cheng qi decoction].

The role of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in small intestine obstructed rabbits and the therapeutic mechanism of Da Cheng Qi Decoction (DCQD) were studied. VIP concentrations of both blood and intestinal tissue were measured by specific radio-immunoassay in a rabbits' mechanical small intestinal obstruction model using fix of ileum to the right low abdominal wall, the influences of duodenal perfusion of DCQD on VIP levels were also investigated. 24 hours after ligating ileum, VIP of arterial plasma was elevated 7 fold, reaching 138.65 +/- 25.58 pmol/L, that of portal vein plasma was 4 times of the arterial value. VIP immunoactivity was detected in peritoneal fluid. VIP content of duodenal tissue in 16 intestine obstructed rabbits was 2 times high as that in 15 controls, whereas that of colonal tissue was inversed. DCQD caused a 50% decrease of elevated plasma VIP in experimental animals and a 65% increase in controls. The present work demonstrates that VIP might be released into the portal and peripheral circulation and mediate local and systemic pathophysiologic alterations accompanying small intestinal obstruction, such as hyperemia and edema of intestinal wall, accumulation of fluid in the lumen. VIP changes might account for the redistribution of blood flow in the obstructed segment of small intestine and the distal site of obstruction. DCQD has a therapeutic effect. The mechanism of dual modulate action of DCQD on VIP concentration is beyond our knowledge.