Roles of Pyroptosis and Necroptosis in Diabetic Kidney Disease and Its Regulation with Traditional Chinese Medicine： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

The increasing incidence of obesity and diabetes has made diabetic kidney disease （DKD） the main cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. Despite current pharmacological interventions for blood glucose control and renin-angiotensin system inhibition， the risk of kidney disease progression and complications remains high. At present， the pathogenesis of DKD has been clarified to be related to chronic inflammatory response， oxidative stress， glucose and lipid metabolism disorders， and hemodynamic abnormalities. According to recent studies， the programmed cell deaths （PCD） of renal intrinsic cells such as pyroptosis and necroptosis play a key role in the occurrence and development of DKD. Pyroptosis and necroptosis， the two newly discovered routes of PCD， can protect the hosts from being invaded by microbial pathogens， but their dysregulation is associated with multiple autoimmunity and autoinflammatory responses. Pyroptosis and necroptosis are closely interlinked and cross-regulated. Different from apoptosis， these two cellular suicide mechanisms cause membrane rupture and release of cell contents through their respective gasdermin D （GSDMD） and mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein （MLKL）， with damage-associated molecular patterns （DAMPs） and inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-1β （IL-1β） involved to trigger inflammation， and chronic inflammatory responses are key factors leading to the progression of DKD. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has long been employed for the prevention and treatment of DKD and the resulting clinical outcomes are remarkable. TCM has been proved to exert a protective effect against DKD by affecting the expression of nucleotide oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3） inflammasome， receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 （RIPK3）， and MLKL. This paper reviewed the relationship of pyroptosis and necroptosis with DKD and its intervention with TCM.

Mechanism of Modified Shengjiangsan in Treatment of IgA Nephropathy Based on Network Pharmacology， Molecular Docking， and Experimental Verification / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo preliminarily predict the active components， targets， and signaling pathways of modified Shengjiangsan in the treatment of immunoglobulin A nephropathy （IgAN） based on network pharmacology， and to explore its underlying mechanism through molecular docking and experimental verification on animals. MethodThe active ingredients and related targets of modified Shengjiangsan were obtained from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform（TCMSP）， UniProt， SwissTargetPrediction， and literature review. IgAN-related targets were obtained from GeneCards and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man （OMIM）. Cytoscape 3.9.0 was used to construct the regulation network of the related targets of Shengjiangsan and IgAN， and the protein-protein interaction （PPI） network was plotted by STRING. The common genes were analyzed for gene ontology （GO） functional annotation and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes（KEGG） pathway enrichment by Metascape. Key targets and main active ingredients were selected for molecular docking by AutoDockTools 1.5.6. The experimental model of IgAN was induced by bovine serum albumin（BSA， ig） combined with lipopolysaccharide （LPS， iv） and the complex of CCl4 and castor oil （sc） in rats. The model rats were treated with modified Shengjiangsan and benazepril hydrochloride for four weeks. The rats were sacrificed after drug administration. The levels of transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1） and interleukin-6 （IL-6） in the serum and kidney tissues were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA）， immunohistochemistry， Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）， and Western blot. ResultA total of 105 active ingredients were obtained according to oral bioavailability（OB）， drug-likeness（DL）， and literature screening. There were 124 common genes and 59 core targets. Neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase 1 （NTRK1）， cullin-3 （CUL3）， tumor protein 53 （TP53）， epidermal growth factor receptor （EGFR）， exportin 1 （XPO1）， and other targets might be closely related to IgAN. As predicted by KEGG enrichment analysis， the treatment of IgAN with modified Shengjiangsan mainly involved the phosphoinositide 3-kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt） signaling pathway， nuclear transcription factor-kappa B （NF-κB） signaling pathway， and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction signaling pathway. As revealed by molecular docking， the main active ingredients in modified Shengjiangsan showed stable binding activities with NTRK1， CUL3， TP53， EGFR， and XPO1 in the core targets， indicating that it presumedly regulated inflammatory responses by affecting NTRK1， CUL3， TP53， EGFR， and XPO1 target proteins. The results of experimental verification on animals showed that the expression levels of cytokines TGF-β1 and IL-6 in the serum and kidney tissues of IgAN rats were significantly decreased by modified Shengjiangsan， suggesting that Shengjiangsan might inhibit excessive fibrosis， and inflammatory and immune responses by regulating signaling pathways such as cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction， PI3K/Akt， and NF-κB. ConclusionModified Shengjiangsan may treat IgAN through multiple targets and pathways. Its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of excessive fibrosis， and inflammatory and immune responses by affecting the expression of NTRK1， CUL3， TP53， EGFR， and XPO1 and the regulation of the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction， PI3K/Akt， NF-κB， and other signaling pathways.

Effects of moxibustion on learning and memory ability and the hippocampal BDNF/TrkB expressions in the rats of vascular dementia / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effects of (resolving stasis, promoting collateral circulation) moxibustion on learning and memory ability and the expressions of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) in the rats of vascular dementia (VD) in the microenvironment of neurovascular niche.@*METHODS@#Using 2-vessel occlusion (2-VO), the VD rat models were duplicated. The neural stem cells (NSCs) labeled with lentiviral vector-mediated enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) were co-cultured with endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) to structure the NSCs + EPCs implant. The implant was transplanted into the lateral ventricle of VD rats and the VD rat models with neurovascular niche were established. In No.1 experiment, the successful-modeled rats were divided into 3 groups, i.e. a NSCs + EPCs moxibustion group, a NSCs + EPCs blank group and a model group, 12 rats in each one. No any treatment was provided in the model group and the NSCs + EPCs blank group. The moxibustion therapy was adopted in the NSCs + EPCs moxibustion group, in which, the suspending moxibustion technique was applied to "Baihui" (GV 20), "Dazhui" (GV 14) and "Shenting" (GV 24), 20 min at each acupoint. The treatment was given once every day and a 14-day treatment was as one course. Totally, 3 courses of treatment were required. At the end of treatment, Morris water maze experiment was adopted to determine the learning and memory ability of the rats in each group. In the No.2 experiment, the model rats were divided into 3 groups, a NSCs + EPCs moxibustion group, a NSCs + EPCs blank group and a model group, 18 rats in each one. In each group, according to the durations of treatment, 3 subgroups were divided and 6 rats in each one. The intervention method was same as the No.1 experiment. Additionally, after corresponding treatment course, using perfusion, the brains were collected in each subgroup and the slices were frozen. BDNF/TrkB expressions were observed in the immunofluorescence test.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, in the NSCs + EPCs moxibustion group, the escape incubation was reduced, the time of the first running-cross platform was shortened and the frequency of running-cross platform increased as compared with the model group and the NSCs + EPCs blank group (<0.01, <0.05). The protein expressions were increased in tendency among the 3 courses of treatment in the NSCs + EPCs moxibustion group, indicating the significant differences (all <0.05), in which, the increase of the protein expressions in the NSCs + EPCs moxibustion group was better than the NSCs + EPCs blank group (<0.05, <0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#The moxibustion therapy is the effective approach to VD in clinical treatment. This therapy up-regulates the BDNF/TrkB protein expressions in the microenvironment of neurovascular niche, co-modulates NSCs-EPCs coupling mechanism, promotes nerve neogenesis and repairs the injured nerve.

Effect of electroacupuncture at Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway on inhibiting cartilage degeneration in rats with knee osteoarthritis / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the action mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) based on Wnt/beta-catenin (Wnt/β-catenin) signaling pathway.@*METHODS@#Ten rats were randomly selected into a sham-operation group among 50 male 2-month-old SD rats, and the KOA model was established in the remaining 40 rats by modified Hulth method. Four weeks after the model establishment, the rats were randomly divided into a model group, an experimental A group, an experimental B group and an experimental C group, 10 rats in each group. The rats in the sham-operation group and model group did not receive any intervention. The rats in the experimental A group were treated with EA at "Neixiyan" (EX-LE 4) and "Dubi"(ST 35) for 15 min. The rats in the experimental B group were treated with EA at "Neixiyan" (EX-LE 4) and "Dubi"(ST 35) for 30 min. The rats in the experimental C group were treated with EA at non-acupoint for 15 min. EA intervention was given once a day, five times a week, and totally 12-week treatment was given. After 12 weeks, the knee cartilage tissues were stained and the morphological changes were observed under light microscopy; the severity of cartilage degeneration was evaluated by modified Mankin's score; the content of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in synovium tissues was detected by ELISA method; the content of Wnt-4, β-catenin and matrix metalloprotein-13 (MMP-13) in cartilage tissues was detected by Western blot method.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the sham-operation group, in the model group the morphology and structure of cartilage were disordered, the number of cells was significantly reduced, the matrix was decontaminated and tidal line was incomplete; the Mankin's score was significantly increased (0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#EA at "Neixiyan" (EX-LE 4) and "Dubi"(ST 35) may reduce the expression of MMP-13 and the production of inflammatory factor IL-1β through Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, thus inhibit the degradation of cartilage matrix and the apoptosis of chondrocyte, and improve the morphology and structure of cartilage.

Research Progress on Amelioration of Hemorrhagic Stroke by Traditional Chinese Medicine / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Cerebral hemorrhage, also known as hemorrhagic stroke, refers to non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage. Cerebral hemorrhage is a common and frequently-occurring disease in middle-aged and elderly people. It has the characteristics of high mortality and high disability rate. Most survivors have serious neurological deficits, which seriously threaten human health and quality of life.The pathological process of cerebral hemorrhage is more complicated, including the formation and expansion of hematoma, elevated intracranial pressure, destruction of blood-brain barrier, brain edema, neuronal apoptosis and neurological dysfunction.At present, the main methods for treating cerebral hemorrhage by western medicine include antiplatelet therapy, blood pressure reduction and hematoma surgery. However, it is usually accompanied by the risk of rebleeding caused by surgery, infection, nerve damage and insufficient effective perfusion pressure. Chinese medicine believes that blood stasis and endogenous fever are the most basic pathogenesis of acute cerebral hemorrhage. The previous studies found that many traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) can improve blood-brain barrier damage, brain edema, neuronal apoptosis and neurological dysfunction related to cerebral hemorrhage to reduce cerebral hemorrhage injury. Main signal transduction pathways regulated by TCM to treat cerebral hemorrhageinclude Aquaporin 4(AQP4)-related, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt), nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB),suppressor protein 53/Bcl-2-associated X protein/Caspase-3(p53/Bax/Caspase-3)molecular pathways, etc.In this paper, based on the current Chinese medicine to improve the brain damage caused by cerebral hemorrhage and the molecular pathway of intervention, it reviews the research progress published in foreign journals in the past ten years, in order to provide clues and reference for the treatment of hemorrhagic stroke diseases and and the further development of new drugs.

Advances in the antitumor activities and mechanisms of action of steroidal saponins / 中国天然药物

The steroidal saponins are one of the saponin types that exist in an unbound state and have various pharmacological activities, such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and nerves-calming properties. Cancer is a growing health problem worldwide. Significant progress has been made to understand the antitumor effects of steroidal saponins in recent years. According to reported findings, steroidal saponins exert various antitumor activities, such as inhibiting proliferation, inducing apoptosis and autophagy, and regulating the tumor microenvironment, through multiple related signaling pathways. This article focuses on the advances in domestic and foreign studies on the antitumor activity and mechanism of actions of steroidal saponins in the last five years to provide a scientific basis and research ideas for further development and clinical application of steroidal saponins.

Clinical analysis of 95 cases with erythroderma / 医学研究生学报

Objective Erythroderma is a very serious disease that affects nearly the entire cutaneous surface and are highly subjected to secondary hypoalbuminemia, infection, cardiovascular diseases, complex causes and high death rates. The article aimed to explore the etiology, comorbidities and complicated infection of erythroderma.Methods Retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data of 95 cases of erythroderma in our department from January 2009 to August 2016. Observations were made on the patients' clinical characteristics, etiology and inducement, lab examination, complications and complicated infection.Results There were 73 first-episode and 22 recurrent patients, among which 14 cases are psoriasis as the basic disease. As to etiological factors, there were 57 cases secondary to other skin diseases (60%) and 25 cases by drug reactions (26%). As to inducing factors, there were 6 cases by upper respiratory tract infection, 38 cases by irrational application of glucocorticoids, and 7 cases by external stimulants (traditional Chinese medicine scrubbing and external medicinal liquor). The main complications were 38 cases of cardiovascular diseases (40%). The complicated infection rates of plasma albumin in patients <35g/L and ≥35g/L were 65.78% and 12.28%(P<0.01). The complicated infection rates of the patients with hypoalbuminemia and electrolyte disturbance were 44.2% and 25% respectively (P<0.05).Conclusion The erythroderma is mainly secondary to previous skin diseases, mostly psoriasis, with cardiovascular diseases as the main comorbidities. In clinical practice, importance should be attached to monitoring decreased plasma albumin level and electrolyte disturbances in order to reduce the risk of infection.

Advances in the antitumor activities and mechanisms of action of steroidal saponins / 中国天然药物

The steroidal saponins are one of the saponin types that exist in an unbound state and have various pharmacological activities, such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and nerves-calming properties. Cancer is a growing health problem worldwide. Significant progress has been made to understand the antitumor effects of steroidal saponins in recent years. According to reported findings, steroidal saponins exert various antitumor activities, such as inhibiting proliferation, inducing apoptosis and autophagy, and regulating the tumor microenvironment, through multiple related signaling pathways. This article focuses on the advances in domestic and foreign studies on the antitumor activity and mechanism of actions of steroidal saponins in the last five years to provide a scientific basis and research ideas for further development and clinical application of steroidal saponins.

Structural Modulation of Gut Microbiota in Rats with Allergic Bronchial Asthma Treated with Recuperating Lung Decoction / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate whether recuperating lung decoction (RLD) can modulate the composition of gut microbiota in rats during asthma treatment.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifteen Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly and equally into control group, model group, dexamethasone (DEX) group, RLD medium-dose group, and RLD high-dose group. The asthma model was established in all groups, except for the control group. The rats in the DEX and RLD groups were treated orally with DEX and RLD, respectively. The rats in the control and model groups were treated orally with 0.9% saline. The intestinal bacterial communities were compared among groups using 16S rRNA gene amplification and 454 pyrosequencing.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The microbial flora differed between the control and model groups, but the flora in the RLD groups was similar to that in the control group. No significant differences were observed between the RLD high-dose and medium-dose groups. RLD treatment resulted in an increase in the level beneficial bacteria in the gut, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium spp.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Oral administration of RLD increased the number of intestinal lactic acid-producing bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, in asthma model rats.</p>

Novel cytotoxic steroidal glycosides from the roots of Liriope muscari / 中国天然药物

The present study was designed to investigate the chemical constituents and bioactivities of the roots of Liriope muscari (Decne.) L.H. Bailey. The compounds were isolated through various chromatography techniques, including silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, and semi-preparative HPLC. The structures were elucidated by infrared (IR), mass spectrometric (MS), 1D- and 2D-NMR analyses in comparison with reference data. In addition, the cytotoxicity of these compounds against human breast cancer MDA-MB-435 cells was evaluated by the MTT assay. Two new steroidal glycosides, 25(R, S)-ruscogenin-1-O-[β-D-fucopyranosyl (1→2)]-[β-D-xylopyranosyl(1→3)]β-D-glucopyranoside (Liriopem I, 1) and 25(R, S)- ruscogenin-1-O-[β-D-fucopyranosyl (1→2)]-[β-D-xylopyranosyl(1→4)]-β-D-fucopyranoside (Liriopem II, 2 and two known compounds LM-S6 (3) and DT-13 (4) were isolated and identified. Liriopem I(1), liriopem II(2) and DT-13 (4) showed remarkable cytotoxicity with IC50 values being (0.58 ± 0.08), (0.05 ± 0.10), and (0.15 ± 0.09) μg·mL(-1), respectively. In summary, compounds 1 and 2 identified in the present study exerted cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells, providing a basis for future development of these compounds as novel anticancer agents.

Study on inhibitory effect of water extract of Polygonum multiflorum on CYP1A2 and CYP2E1 enzymatic activities and mRNA expressions in rat liver / 中国中药杂志

Rats were continuously given different doses of water extract of Polygonum multiflorum (1, 10 g x kg(-1)) for 7 days to prepare liver microsomes. Cocktail in vitro incubation approach and Real-time quantitative PCR technology were used to observe the effect of water extract of P. multiflorum on CYP450 enzymatic activities and mRNA expressions in rat liver. Compared with the blank control group, both 1, 10 g x kg(-1) water extract of P. multiflorum treated groups showed significant inhibitions in CYP2E1 enzymatic activities and mRNA expressions (enzymatic activities of CYP2E1, P < 0.01; mRNA expression of CYP2E1, P < 0.05 in 1 g x kg(-1) group, P < 0.01 in 10 g x kg(-1) group). They revealed a significant increase in the enzymatic activity of CYP3A1 (P < 0.01), but without significant change in mRNA expressions. The 10 g x kg(-1) group showed a significant inhibition in CYP1A2 enzymatic activities and mRNA expressions in rat livers (P < 0.01).

Accurate identification of Psammosilene tunicoides and its confused species by systematic identification method / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To develop an effective identification method for accurately discriminating Psammosilene tunicoides and its confused species by the combined method of microscopic identification and molecular identification, so-called systematic identification of Chinese materia medica (SICMM).</p><p><b>METHOD</b>P. tunicoides and its confused species were accurately discriminated by SICMM method, which was established by comprehensively use of microscopic identification and DNA identification method. The DNA identification included the following analysis: the BLAST alignment, specific bases and N-J phylogenetic tree analysis.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The cluster crystals were not observed in P. tunicoides, but great deals of them were found in Silene viscidula. Further more, big differences of ITS sequence were observed and analyzed between P. tunicoides and its confused specie of S. viscidula.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The system method is a scientific and accurate method for the identification of P. tunicoides and its counterfeit species.</p>

ß,ß-Dimethylacrylshikonin exerts antitumor activity via Notch-1 signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo.

ß,ß-Dimethylacrylshikonin (DA) is a major component of Radix Lithospermum erythrorhizon and has various biological activities. We have investigated the inhibitory effect of DA on the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro and in vivo. Notch signaling plays a critical role in maintaining the balance between cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Hence, perturbed Notch signaling may contribute to tumorigenesis. In the present study, we evaluated whether DA could be an effective inhibitor on cell growth in human gastric cancer cell line, and also the molecular mechanisms. Using multiple cellular and molecular approaches such as MTT assay, colony formation assay, DAPI staining, flow cytometry, real-time PCR and Western blot analysis, we found that DA inhibited cell growth in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Biochemical analysis revealed the involvement of cell cycle regulated proteins in DA-mediated of G0-G1 arrest of SGC-7901 cells. Furthermore, DA treatment led to reduced Notch-1 activation, expression of Jagged-1 and its downstream target Hes-1 in vitro and in vivo. Our data demonstrated that DA is a potent inhibitor of progression of gastric cancer cells, which could be due to attenuation of Notch-1. We also suggest that DA could be further developed as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of gastric cancer.

Observation on therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture at Neiguan (PC 6) on silent myocardial ischemia / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the therapeutic effects of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC 6) on silent myocardial ischemia (SMI).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty patients with SMI were randomly divided into an electroacupuncture group and a medicine group, 20 cases in each group. The Electroacupuncture group was treated with electroacupuncture and Neiguan (PC 6) was selected as the main acupoint, and the other acupoints were selected by syndrome differentiation. The medicine group was treated with oral administration of compound Danshen dripping pill. The total effective rate, heart rate, blood pressure and dynamic electrocardiogram in 24 h were compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total effective rate of 95.0% (19/20) in the electroacupuncture group was better than that of 75.0% (15/20) in the medicine group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the heart rate, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure in the two groups were decreased significantly (P < 0.01, P < 0.05) and the electroacupuncture group was superior to the medicine group (all P < 0.05). The SMI duration and the number of ST segment depression were decreased significantly in both groups after treatment (P < 0.01, P < 0.05) and the electroacupuncture group was superior to the medicine group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupuncture at Neiguan (PC 6) has a good therapeutic effect on SMI. It can decrease the heart rate and blood pressure, reduce the afterload in left ventricular and is superior to that of compound Danshen dripping pill.</p>

Analysis of matrine and oxymatrine in Kushensu injection by UPLC/Q-TOF-MS / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To develop a method for the determination of matrine and oxymatrine in Kushensu injection by ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF-MS).</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The analysis was performed on a Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column (2.1 mm x 100 mm, 1.7 microm) with the gradient elution of 10 mmol x L(-1) amine acetate (pH 8, adjusted by aqueous ammonia) and methanol. The flow rate was set as 0.30 mL x min(-1). The column temperature was maintained at 30 degrees C. The peaks were detected at 210 nm and the injection volume was 2 microL.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The calibration curves showed good linearity within the test ranges of 0.084-3.36 microg for matrine and 0.086-3.44 microg for oxymatrine, respectively. The mean recoveries were 103.2%, 98.7%, and the RSD were 1.5%, 1.2%, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The established method is simple, rapid and sensitive, can be used for the quality control of matrine and oxymatrine in Kushensu injection through the manufacturing process and clinical implement.</p>

Effects of feixianping on serum interleukin-6 and oxygen partial pressure in pulmonary fibrosis rats / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effects of feixianping (FXP) in improving hypoxemia and on serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) in experimental rats with pulmonary fibrosis (PF).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Two hundred and forty healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, 48 in each group, i.e. the normal control group (A), the model group (B), the prednisone group (C) and the two FXP groups of high (21.6 mg x kg(-1)) and low (10.8 mg x kg(-1)) dosage (D and E). PF model rats were established by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin, excepting those in Group A, to which normal saline was administered. The corresponding treatment to various groups started from the 1st day after modeling. Rats were sacrificed in batch at 4 time points, i.e., the 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th day, their arterial blood was collected for determination of blood partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and serum IL-6 content.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Serum IL-6 content in Group B at all the time points was higher than that in other groups at the same time points (P<0.01). In the FXP treated groups (D and E), levels of IL-6 at the 7th, 14th and 28th day showed no significant difference from those in Group A and C. Since the 14th day, FXP showed its effect in improving hypoxemia in experimental rats which could basically keep in accordance with the effect of prednisone.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>FXP can ameliorate hypoxemia and reduce the level of serum IL-6 in experimental PF rats.</p>

Effect of Rhizoma pinelliae on vomiting in minks / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study emetic and anti-emetic effects of Rhizoma pinelliae in minks.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The emetic effect of raw pinellia 2 g kg(-1) (i.g.) was investigated. Three preparations of Rhizoma pinelliae (processed with ginger) were made by ethanol extraction, water extraction and water decoction respectively and their effects on emesis model induced by cisplatin (7.5 mg kg(-1), i.p.) or apomorphine (1.6 mg kg(-1), s.c.) were then studied; the effect of the decoction of ginger-processed Rhizoma pinelliae on rotation-induced emesis model in minks was also observed.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The emesis was induced by raw pinellia in minks (P < 0.01); ginger-processed Rhizoma pinelliae, metoclopramide and ondansetron significantly inhibit the emesis induced by cisplatin and apomorphine (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Ginger-processed Rhizoma pinelliae exhibits a anti-emetic effect in minks, which may be mediated by inhibiting the function of the vomiting center in central nervous system.</p>

Study on the compatibility of composite herbal medicines of the Zishen pill / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the compatibility of composite herbal medicines of the Zishen pill.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>50% ethanol extract test solution of the different combinations of composite herbal medicines of the Zishen pill were prepared. Pharmacologic experiments, such as anti-inflammatory, carbon particle clearance of RES were carried out with the solutions, and the corresponding pharmacological data were obtained. Variance analysis, canonical correlation and stepwise regression analysis were applied to interrelate the amount of each drug and the pharmacological data.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The results confirmed that Huangbo and Zhimu were the basis, while Rougui was the corrigent, which was conformed to the theory of TCM.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This study provides a significant try for studying the compatibility of composite herbal medicines.</p>