Advances in the treatment of pancreatic cancer with traditional Chinese medicine.

Pancreatic cancer is a common malignancy of the digestive system. With a high degree of malignancy and poor prognosis, it is called the "king of cancers." Currently, Western medicine treats pancreatic cancer mainly by surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. However, the curative effect is not satisfactory. The application of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the treatment of pancreatic cancer has many advantages and is becoming an important facet of comprehensive clinical treatment. In this paper, we review current therapeutic approaches for pancreatic cancer. We also review the protective effects shown by TCM in different models and discuss the potential molecular mechanisms of these.

An Analysis of Environment-, Individual-, and Tumor-Related Factors Impacting Hypovitaminosis D in Patients with Malignant Tumors.

Vitamin D (VD) plays a regulatory role in tumor occurrence and development, although the factors influencing serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) levels in patients with cancer have not been studied. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate circulating levels of 25(OH)D3 and factors influencing the VD status in patients with malignant tumors. Adult patients with malignant tumors who had undergone assessments of serum 25(OH)D3 at Beijing Cancer Hospital from January 2019 to July 2022 were included. A multiple logistic regression model was applied to explore the associations of patient characteristics, environment, and disease characteristics with 25(OH)D3 levels. Among the 1,076 included patients, the median 25(OH)D3 serum concentration was 16.25 ng/mL. VD deficiency and the combined VD insufficiency and sufficiency were observed in 811 (75.37%) and 265 (24.63%) patients, respectively. Latitude, season, sex, body mass index, and type of cancer were associated with VD concentration/status in patients with malignant tumors. 25(OH)D3 concentrations were significantly higher in patients with thyroid cancer and significantly lower in patients receiving tumor-related treatment than in untreated patients. Surprisingly, we observed 25(OH)D3 serum concentration was lower in patients receiving nutritional supplementation than in those receiving no nutritional supplements. Patients with malignant tumors are at high risk of VD deficiency.

Current status and high-risk factors of blood-borne occupational exposure among midwives in China: A cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: To identify the problems and high-risk factors of blood-borne occupational exposure among midwives in China. METHODS: Midwives from the obstetrics department and delivery room of hospitals in institutions. The self-compiled questionnaire on the current status of blood-borne occupational exposure of Chinese midwives was used for data collection. RESULTS: The incidence rate of blood-borne occupational exposure was 46.77%. The independent risk factors were working years ≤5 years (P = .001), unable to take standard prevention at work (P = .000), unaware of human immunodeficiency virus treatment procedures (P = .000), and average daily working hours of 8 hours (P = .002), the high risk of blood-borne occupational exposure at work (P = .000), and contact with patient fluids, blood without gloves (P = .000). DISCUSSION: Midwives are at high risk of blood-borne occupational exposure, and midwives with ≤5 years of service are the focus group. Failure to achieve standard prevention, the length of working hours and the ignorance of the treatment process of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome have a certain impact on the occurrence of blood-borne occupational exposure. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to focus on cultivating high-level midwifery talents to overcome the shortage of midwives and rationally use midwifery resources, as well as to strengthen standard prevention and improve the occupational protection and guarantee system for midwives.

Application of Sandplay Therapy in the Mental Health Education of Vocational College Students.

Objective: To analyze the application and effect of sandplay therapy in higher vocational students' mental health. Method: 350 sophomores of 2019 in a higher vocational college were randomly selected, and 72 subjects of depressed students (SAS ≥ 50) were selected from 350 sophomores and randomly divided into the intervention group and the control group, each group 9, preparing one set of chamber equipment, adopting the same group before and after test experiment design. The intervention group was, respectively, given 8 individual box court game tutoring, once a week for each person. The control group did not intervene. By comparing the intervention group with the control group, the intervention effect of sandplay therapy on anxiety of experimental group members was investigated. Results: Among 350 respondents, 72 had SAS scores ≥ 50, and the incidence of anxiety symptoms was 20.57%. Since there was only 1 case with SAS score ≥ 70, it was incorporated into the group with SAS score ranging from 60 to 59. After treatment, SAS scores of students with mild to moderate anxiety in the intervention group decreased, and the difference was statistically significant. The difference before and after control group was not statistically significant. After sandplay therapy, the differences in SAS scores between the intervention group and the control group were found to be statistically significant for both mild and moderate anxiety. Conclusion: Sandplay therapy in the higher vocational college students' mental health education could promote the mental health of students, and it effectively improves students' psychological quality.

Solar-assisted self-heating Ti3C2Tx-decorated wood aerogel for adsorption and recovery of highly viscous crude oil.

Frequent oil-spill accidents have posed serious threats to ecosystem balance and the efficiency of resources use. Hydrophobic adsorbents that can adsorb and recover oil without causing secondary pollution are ideal candidates for the remediation of oil contamination in water. However, these composites are inefficient for crude oil-spills cleanup because crude oil has low liquidity of at room temperature. Increasing the temperature can effectively enhance the flowability of crude oil. To achieve efficient crude-oil heating and removal in situ, wood aerogels were immersed in Ti3C2Tx suspensions and then coated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to obtain a solar-heated adsorbent (PT-WA). The prepared PT-WA exhibits super-hydrophobicity (water contact angle: 154° ± 2°), mechanical robustness (withstanding 20 loading-unloading cycles under 50% strain without structural damage), strong solar absorption, and favorable photothermal-conversion capability (rising to ~85 °C within 90 s under 1.5 sun). Owing to these advantages, PT-WA is an effective adsorbent for crude oil cleanup. In addition, a 'self-heating crude oil collector' was assembled for the fast adsorption and restoration of crude oil from the water surface. This solar-assisted self-heating sorbent offers a competitive platform for the cleanup and recycling of viscous crude oil spills.

Development of a Novel MR Colonography via Iron-Based Solid Lipid Nanoparticles.

PURPOSE: To develop an iron-based solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) absorbable by the intestinal wall and assess the differential diagnostic value of intestinal lesions in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: SLNs were prepared with the simultaneous loading of trivalent Fe ions (Fe3+), levodopa methyl ester (DM), and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC). We evaluated the particle size, loading rate, encapsulation efficiency, and cytotoxicity of SLNs. The T1 contrast effects of the FeDM-FITC-SLNs and gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) were compared in different mouse models: acute ulcerative colitis (AUC), chronic ulcerative colitis (CUC), colon adenocarcinoma (COAD), and normal control. MRI was performed in the same mouse with intravenous injection of GBCA on day 1 and enema of FeDM-FITC-SLNs on day 2. The signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) were compared using one-way analysis of variance. Tissues were then collected for histology. RESULTS: The average particle size of FeDM-FITC-SLN was 220 nm. The mean FeDM loading rate was 94.3%, and the encapsulation efficiency was 60.3%. The relaxivity was 4.02 mM-1·s-1. After enema with FeDM-FITC-SLNs, MRI showed the following contrast enhancement duration: AUC = COAD > normal > CUC. Confocal fluorescence microscopy confirmed that FeDM-FITC-SLNs were mainly distributed in the intestinal mucosa and tumor capsule. CONCLUSION: Iron-based SLNs are promising alternatives for contrast enhancement at T1-weighted MRI and will help in the differential diagnosis of intestinal bowel diseases (IBDs).

Periplogenin Activates ROS-ER Stress Pathway to Trigger Apoptosis via BIP-eIF2α- CHOP and IRE1α-ASK1-JNK Signaling Routes.

BACKGROUND: Periplogenin (PPG), a natural compound isolated from traditional Chinese herb Cortex Periplocae, has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to investigate the antitumor effects of PPG and the underlying mechanism in human colorectal cancer cells. METHODS: The inhibition of cell growth in vitro was assessed by MTT assay. The induction of apoptosis and the ROS production induced by PPG was investigated by flow cytometry analysis. Western blotting was applied to measure the protein expression. Small interference RNA (siRNA) and a specific pharmacological inhibitor were used to knock down or inhibit the expression of related genes. RESULTS: PPG was able to cause the production of ROS, inhibit the cancer cell growth and induce apoptosis. Nacetylcysteine was able to inhibit ROS production and apoptosis. PPG up-regulated the protein levels of BIP, peIF2α and CHOP as well as IRE1α and p-JNK, and down-regulated the protein level of p-ASK1, all of which were reversed by N-acetylcysteine. Importantly, knockdown of CHOP or JNK protein level attenuated the PPGelicited apoptosis. CONCLUSION: PPG-induced apoptosis was regulated by ROS-mediated BIP/eIF2α/CHOP and BIP/ASK1/JNK signaling pathways in colon cancer cells, suggesting that PPG is a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of human colon cancer.

Antileukemic effect of caffeic acid 3,4-dihydroxyphenetyl ester. Evidences for its mechanisms of action.

BACKGROUND: Caffeic acid 3,4-dihydroxyphenethyl ester (CADPE) is a natural polyphenolic ester isolated as a minor component from a water extract of the Chinese medicine Zhongjiefeng [Sarcandra glabra (Thunb.) Nakai (Chloranthaceae)] and has previously shown to have activity against solid tumors through the modulation of multiple targets or signal pathways. However, the activity and potential mechanism of CADPE against leukemia cells have not yet been characterized. PURPOSE: To investigate whether and how CADPE kills leukemia cells. METHOD: (1) The activity of CADPE inhibiting the growth of different leukemia cell lines was evaluated by MTT assay; (2) Cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induced by CADPE were determined by flow cytometry with FlowJo software for quantification; (3) The protein levels were analyzed by Western blot and ubiquitin-binding c-Myc was acquired by co-immunoprecipitation. RESULTS: CADPE exerted potent activity against different leukemia cell lines with low toxicity in normal cells. In terms of mechanism of action, CADPE promoted ubiquitin-proteasome-dependent degradation of c-Myc through activating glycogen synthase kinase-3ß (GSK3ß) and downregulating deubiquitinating enzyme USP28 to trigger the interaction of c-Myc with ubiquitin ligase Fbw7, resulting in the downregulation of cell cycle regulators and anti-apoptotic proteins and consequently, cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis. CONCLUSION: CADPE is a novel c-Myc inhibitor with high activity and a unique mechanism for killing leukemia cells.

Transcriptome Analysis of the Breast Muscle of Xichuan Black-Bone Chickens Under Tyrosine Supplementation Revealed the Mechanism of Tyrosine-Induced Melanin Deposition.

The Xichuan black-bone chicken, which is a rare local chicken species in China, is an important genetic resource of black-bone chickens. Tyrosine can affect melanin production, but the molecular mechanism underlying tyrosine-induced melanin deposition in Xichuan black-bone chickens is poorly understood. Here, the blackness degree and melanin content of the breast muscle of Xichuan black-bone chickens fed a basic diet with five levels of added tyrosine (i.e., 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0%; these groups were denoted test groups I-V, respectively) were assessed, and the results showed that 0.8% tyrosine was the optimal level of added tyrosine. Moreover, the effects of tyrosine supplementation on the proliferation and tyrosinase content of melanocytes in Xichuan black-bone chickens were evaluated. The results revealed a dose-dependent relationship between tyrosine supplementation and melanocyte proliferation. In addition, 417 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 160 upregulated genes and 257 downregulated genes, were identified in a comparative analysis of the transcriptome profiles constructed using the pooled total RNA from breast muscle tissues of the control group and test group IV, respectively (fold change ≥2.0, P < 0.05). These DEGs were mainly involved in melanogenesis, the calcium signaling pathway, the Wnt signaling pathway, the mTOR signaling pathway, and vascular smooth muscle contraction. The pathway analysis of the DEGs identified some key genes associated with pigmentation, such as DCT and EDNRB2. In summary, the melanin content of breast muscle could be markedly enhanced by adding an appropriate amount of tyrosine to the diet of Xichuan black-bone chickens, and the EDNRB2-mediated molecular regulatory network could play a key role in the biological process of tyrosine-induced melanin deposition. These results have deepened the understanding of the molecular regulatory mechanism of melanin deposition in black-bone chickens and provide a basis for the regulation of nutrition and genetic breeding associated with melanin deposition in Xichuan black-bone chickens.

Vitamin E Encapsulation within Oil-in-Water Emulsions: Impact of Emulsifier Type on Physicochemical Stability and Bioaccessibility.

The influence of plant-based (gum arabic and quillaja saponin) and animal-based (whey protein isolate, WPI) emulsifiers on the production and stability of vitamin E-fortified emulsions was investigated. Their impact on lipid digestibility and vitamin bioaccessibility was also studied utilizing an in vitro gastrointestinal tract. WPI and saponin produced smaller emulsions than gum arabic. All emulsions had good storage stability at room temperature (4 weeks, pH 7). Saponin- and gum arabic-emulsions were resistant to droplet aggregation from pH 2 to 8 because these emulsifiers generated strong electrosteric repulsion. WPI-coated droplets flocculated around pH 5 due to a reduction in charge near their isoelectric point. Lipid digestion was slower in saponin-emulsions, presumably because the high surface activity of saponins inhibited their removal by bile acids and lipase. Vitamin bioaccessibility was higher in WPI- than in saponin- or gum arabic-emulsions. This information may facilitate the design of more efficacious vitamin-fortified delivery systems.

Vitamin E Encapsulation in Plant-Based Nanoemulsions Fabricated Using Dual-Channel Microfluidization: Formation, Stability, and Bioaccessibility.

In this study, vitamin E was encapsulated in oil-in-water nanoemulsions fabricated using a dual-channel microfluidizer. A long chain triacylglycerol (corn oil) was used as a carrier oil and a biosurfactant (quillaja saponin) was used as a natural emulsifier. The impact of vitamin-to-carrier oil ratio on the formation, storage stability, and bioaccessibility of the nanoemulsions was determined. The lipid droplet size formed during homogenization increased with increasing vitamin content, which was attributed to a large increase in lipid phase viscosity. The storage stability of the nanoemulsions decreased as the vitamin content increased because the larger lipid droplets creamed faster. The rate and extent of lipid hydrolysis in the small intestine decreased as the vitamin content increased, probably because the vitamin molecules inhibited the ability of lipase to reach the triacylglycerols inside the lipid droplets. Vitamin bioaccessibility decreased as the vitamin level in the lipid phase increased, which was attributed to the reduced level of mixed micelles available to solubilize the tocopherols. The optimized nanoemulsion-based delivery system led to a relatively high vitamin bioaccessibility (53.9%). This research provides valuable information for optimizing delivery systems to increase the bioaccessibility of oil-soluble vitamins.

[HPLC Fingerprint and Active Components Determination of Polygala tenuifolia Root Bark and Root].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the difference between Polygala tenuifolia root bark and root using HPLC fingerprint analysis and active components determination. METHODS: Three main characteristic components including tenuifolin, polygalaxanthone III, and 3, 6'-disinapoly sucrose in different Polygala tenuifolia samples were determined by HPLC. The fingerprint methods were optimized. Then, the similarity evaluation and multivariate statistical analysis were applied in the post-processing data analysis. RESULTS: There was a high similarity in 15 batches of Polygala tenuifolia samples and its similarity coefficient was greater than 0. 9. The Polygala tenuifolia root bark and root could be clearly separated by the cluster analysis and/or the principal component analysis due to significant differences of the contents of polygalaxanthone III and 3 ,6'-disinapoly sucrose. In addition, the result of scatter plot showed that there was a high variation of tenuifolin content among all samples. The contents range of polygalaxanthone III and 3,6'-disinapoly sucrose in root bark varied relatively slight,while the content range of polygalaxanthone III in roots varied largely. Moreover,the stacked plots suggested that it was not reasonable to evaluate the quality of Polygala tenuifolia only by a single ingredient. Conclusion:The content of 3 ,6'-disinapoly sucrose varies more largely than the other two active components in Polygala tenuifolia root bark and root. Polygala tenuifolia root bark and root should be selected for different clinical treatment to ensure the accuracy of its clinical use.

[Cytological observation and DNA methylation analysis of two new cytoplasmic male sterile lines of maize during microsporogenesis].

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is a widespread phenomenon in higher plants and has been applied in the commercial production of hybrid seeds. Two CMS lines A1 and A2 of maize were obtained previously by a transgenic experiment. In this study, we conducted cytological observation of developmental microspores with CMS line A1, A2 and their maintainer line (18 red) using paraffin section technology. We also analyzed DNA methylation levels at different developmental stages using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Our results showed that the pollen abortion of A1 and A2 mainly happened from the tetrad stage to the middle of mononuclear stage. Another abortive phenomenon found in CMS line A2 occurred at the pollen mother cell stage. The DNA methylation level of leaf increased rapidly from the seedling stage to the shooting stage in 18 red, while it remained constant in A1 and A2. For the tassel, the DNA methylation levels in 18 red increased gradually during the anther development, while a peak of DNA methylation level occurred in A1 and A2 at the tetrad stage, corresponding to the abortion period of microspore. This result suggested that the level of DNA methylation in the tassels is associated with the pollen abortion characteristics in CMS lines. In summary, our results implied a connection between pollen abortion and epigenetic regulation in maize CMS.

Compositions and anti-tumor activity of Pyropolyporus fomentarius petroleum ether fraction in vitro and in vivo.

The chemical compositions and anti-tumor activities of the petroleum ether fraction (PE), from mushroom Pyropolyporus fomentarius, were studied. Upon gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, nine major constituents were identified in the fraction. In vitro, the PE showed cytotoxic activity against murine sarcoma S180 (S180) cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and the cytotoxic effects were associated with apoptosis. The mitochondrial membrane potential loss and the intracellular ROS generation were greatly increased in the Pyropolyporus fomentarius PE treated group, suggesting cell apoptosis, induced by the PE in S180 cells, might be mitochondria dependent and ROS mediated. Consistent with in vitro findings, the in vivo study showed that the Pyropolyporus fomentarius PE was also effective in inhibiting the tumor growth induced by S180 cells and had lower immune organ toxicity. We found that the Pyropolyporus fomentarius PE has significant anti-tumor activity and great potential in screening anti-tumor drugs.

Nrf2 deletion causes "benign" simple steatosis to develop into nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in mice fed a high-fat diet.

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease begins with the aberrant accumulation of triglyceride in the liver. Its spectrum includes the earliest stage of hepatic simple steatosis (SS), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Generally, hepatic SS is often self-limited; however 10%-30% of patients with hepatic SS progress to NASH. The cause(s) of the transition from SS to NASH are unclear. We aimed to test the contribution of nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) on the progression of "benign" SS to NASH in mice fed a high fat diet. In doing so, we discovered the influence of fatty acid in that progression. METHOD: The involvement of Nrf2 in defending against the development of NASH was studied in an experimental model induced by a high-fat diet. Wild-type and Nrf2-null mice were fed the diet. Their specimens were analyzed for pathology as well as for fatty acid content and ratios. RESULT: In feeding the high-fat diet to the Wild-type and the Nrf2-null mice, the Wild-type mice increased hepatic fat deposition without inflammation or fibrosis (i.e., simple steatosis), while the Nrf2-null mice had significantly more hepatic steatosis and substantial inflammation, (i.e., nonalcoholic steatohepatitis). In addition, as a result of the high-fat diet, SFA (C20: 0, C22: 0) and MUFA (C18: 1, C20: 1) content in Nrf2-null mice were significantly higher than in Wild-type mice. In the Nrf2-null mice the PUFA/TFA ratio decreased; conversely, the MUFA/TFA ratio increased. CONCLUSION: The deletion of Nrf2 causes "benign" SS to develop into NASH in mice fed with a high-fat diet, through prompt fatty acid accumulation and disruption of hepatic fatty acid composition in the liver.

Antifungal Metabolites Produced by Chaetomium globosum No.04, an Endophytic Fungus Isolated from Ginkgo biloba.

The fungal endophyte Chaetomium globosum No.04 was isolated from the medicinal plant Ginkgo biloba. The crude extract of the fungus fermentation were active in the agar-diffusion tests against the phytopathogenic fungi Rhizopus stolonifer and Coniothyrium diplodiella. Further bioassay-guided chemical investigation led to the isolation and purification of six alkaloids and three non-targeted compounds from 50 L fermentation of this endophytic fungus and their structures were elucidated as chaetoglobosin A, C, D, E, G, R (1-6), ergosterol, allantoin and uracil, by means of spectroscopic analysis. Compounds 1-6 showed significant growth inhibitory activity against R. stolonifer and C. diplodiella at a concentration of 20 µg/disc. We present here, for the first time, the potent antifungal activity of chaetoglobosins from endophytic fungi against two important phytopathogenic fungi R. stolonifer and C. diplodiella.

Electrophysiological and hemodynamic characteristics associated with obesity in patients with atrial fibrillation.

OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to characterize the left atrial (LA) and pulmonary vein (PV) electrophysiological and hemodynamic features in obese patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). BACKGROUND: Obesity is associated with increased risk for AF. METHODS: A total of 63 consecutive patients with AF who had normal left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction and who underwent catheter ablation were studied. Atrial and PV electrophysiological studies were performed at the time of ablation with hemodynamic assessment by cardiac catheterization, and LA/LV structure and function by echocardiography. Patients were compared on the basis of body mass index (BMI): <25 kg/m(2) (n = 19) and BMI ≥30 kg/m(2) (n = 44). RESULTS: At a 600-ms pacing cycle length, obese patients had shorter effective refractory period (ERP) in the left atrium (251 ± 25 ms vs. 233 ± 32 ms, p = 0.04), and in the proximal (207 ± 33 ms vs. 248 ± 34 ms, p < 0.001) and distal (193 ± 33 ms vs. 248 ± 44 ms, p < 0.001) PV than normal BMI patients. Obese patients had higher mean LA pressure (15 ± 5 mm Hg vs. 10 ± 5 mm Hg, p < 0.001) and LA volume index (28 ± 12 ml/m(2) vs. 21 ± 14 ml/m(2), p = 0.006), and lower LA strain (5.5 ± 3.1% vs. 8.8 ± 2.8%; p < 0.001) than normal BMI patients. CONCLUSIONS: Increased LA pressure and volume, and shortened ERP in the left atrium and PV are potential factors facilitating and perpetuating AF in obese patients with AF.

[Comparison of in vitro anti-oxidative activities among Siwu Decoction Serial Recipes, their composed crude herbs, and main aromatic acids, as well as their dose-effect correlation].

OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare the in vitro anti-oxidative activities among Siwu Decoction Serial Recipes, their composed crude herbs, and main aromatic acids they contained. METHODS: Their anti-oxidative activities (including Siwu Decoction and correlated recipes such as Taohong Siwu Decoction, Xiangfu Siwu Decoction, Shaofu Zhuyu Decoction, and Xiongqiong Decoction, 16 kinds of crude herbs, and main aromatic acids they contained) were determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical clearance method. RESULTS: The selected five decoctions showed obvious activities of scavenging free radicals. Siwu Decoction was better than other decoctions in scavenging free radicals and Xiongqiong Decoction was the least. Among the 16 kinds of crude herbs, red peony root, white peony root, safflower, ligustici chuanxiong, common aucklandia root showed the strongest activities, while peach seed showed the poorest activities. Among aromatic acids, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, and ferulic acid showed obvious anti-oxidative activities in scavenging free radicals, showing obvious dose-effect correlation. p-hydroxybenzoic acid, benzoic acid, and cinnamic acid showed no activities on scavenging free radicals (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Siwu Decoction and aromatic acids contained in correlated decoctions played significant roles in anti-oxidative activities.

Berberine improves glucose metabolism in diabetic rats by inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis.

Berberine (BBR) is a compound originally identified in a Chinese herbal medicine Huanglian (Coptis chinensis French). It improves glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetic patients. The mechanisms involve in activation of adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK) and improvement of insulin sensitivity. However, it is not clear if BBR reduces blood glucose through other mechanism. In this study, we addressed this issue by examining liver response to BBR in diabetic rats, in which hyperglycemia was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by high fat diet. We observed that BBR decreased fasting glucose significantly. Gluconeogenic genes, Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and Glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase), were decreased in liver by BBR. Hepatic steatosis was also reduced by BBR and expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS) was inhibited in liver. Activities of transcription factors including Forkhead transcription factor O1 (FoxO1), sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP1) and carbohydrate responsive element-binding protein (ChREBP) were decreased. Insulin signaling pathway was not altered in the liver. In cultured hepatocytes, BBR inhibited oxygen consumption and reduced intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level. The data suggest that BBR improves fasting blood glucose by direct inhibition of gluconeogenesis in liver. This activity is not dependent on insulin action. The gluconeogenic inhibition is likely a result of mitochondria inhibition by BBR. The observation supports that BBR improves glucose metabolism through an insulin-independent pathway.

[Dose-effect relationship of traditional Chinese medicine formula for promoting blood circulation to remove stasis on ADP-induced platelet aggregation and rabbit plasma thrombin time].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of five traditional Chinese medicine formula for promoting blood circulation to remove stasis (Xuefuzhuyu Tang, Shaofuzhuyu Tang, Gexiazhuyu Tang, ShentongZhuyu Tang, Tongqiaohuoxue Tang) on platelet aggregation and clotting time in a dose-response relationship. METHOD: The platelet aggregation was tested with Born's method and thrombin time (TT) method was established to determine the clotting time. RESULT: The formula for promoting blood circulation to remove stasis showed significant inhibitory effects on the platelet aggregation and prolonged clotting time, the supernate of 80% alcohol solution showed the most potent inhibitory activity among the three kinds of samples from one formula (P < 0.01), especially the supernate of Shaofuzhuyu Tang and Gexiazhuyu Tang were better than other formula on platelet aggregation. About the anticoagulant, the whole formula showed the evidently prolonging the clotting time than other two fractions (P < 0.01) and the precipitation were the worst. CONCLUSION: The formula for promoting blood circulation to remove stasis showed significant effect on platelet aggregation and clotting time, and different samples of the formula had different efficacy. The study established a foundation for further bio-activity evaluation of these formulae and provided evidence for the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.