Metabolic mechanism of Prunella vulgaris in treatment of ethanol-induced oxidative stress in rats based on metabonomics / 中国中药杂志

Prunella vulgaris(PV) is an edible and traditional medicinal herb which has a wide range application in fighting inflammation and oxidative stress, and protecting liver. Now it has been used to treat various types of liver diseases and has significant clinical efficacy. This study aims to investigate the effects of PV on ethanol-induced oxidative stress injury in rats and its metabolic mechanism. The rats were divided into control group, model group, PV group, and VC group. The liver protection of PV was identified by measuring pharmacological indexes such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The metabolic mechanism of long-term ethanol exposure and the metabolic regulation mechanism of PV treatment were studied by LS-MS metabonomics. The pharmacological investigation indicated that ethanol could significantly decrease the contents of SOD, GSH-Px, CAT and other antioxidant enzymes in liver and increase the content of MDA. At the same time, PV could significantly reduce the contents of inflammatory factors(TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) and liver function markers(ALT, AST, ALP) in serum. What's more, long-term ethanol exposure could significantly cause liver injury, while PV could protect liver. Metabolomics based on multiple statistical analyses showed that long-term ethanol exposure could cause significant metabolic disorder, and fatty acids, phospholipids, carnitines and sterols were the main biomarkers. Meanwhile, pathway analysis and enrichment analysis showed that the β oxidation of branched fatty acids was the main influencing pathway. Also, PV could improve metabolic disorder of liver injury induced by ethanol, and amino acids, fatty acids, and phospholi-pids were the main biomarkers in PV treatment. Metabolic pathway analysis showed that PV mainly regulated metabolic disorder of ethanol-induced liver injury through phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthetic pathways. This study could provide a new perspective on the hepatoprotective effect of natural medicines, such as PV.

[Establishment of quality control model for high performance liquid chromatography fingerprint based on ultraviolet full-wavelength scanning spectrum: case study on different grades of Scrophulariae Radix].

High performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet(HPLC-UV) fingerprint is one of the most important methods for the quality control of Chinese medicines in Chinese Pharmacopoeia. However, certain subjectivity is present in selection of specific band of UV, and the inherent quality differences of Chinese medicine can't be well characterized by this method. Therefore, with different grades of Scrophulariae Radix were taken as the research object in this study, a new quality control model of HPLC-UV was established in this study based on the ultraviolet full-wavelength scanning spectrum. Firstly, different grades of Scrophulariae Radix samples were collected, and the full-wavelength ultraviolet absorption spectra of all the samples were established at the bands of 200-400 nm. In order to analyze the differences among samples, the analysis model was built following multivariate statistical analysis methods such as principal component analysis(PCA) and partial least squares discrimination analysis(PLS-DA) after the pretreatment of spectral data. The result showed that the ultraviolet band at 251 nm may contribute most to distinguish the quality differences among different grades of samples. Then, the HPLC fingerprints of samples were established with the band at 251 nm. The multivariate statistical analysis showed that there was a more significant classification trend in HPLC fingerprints than that in the original UV fingerprints, which could be used to distinguish different grades of samples, and could better reflect the differences among different grades. The method reported in this study can be of a great guidance and reference for the establishment of specific fingerprints of Chinese medicines as well as for the quality control of Chinese medicine.

Investigation of rice straw and kitchen waste degradation through vermicomposting.

This study investigated the effect of vermicomposting on the degradation of rice straw and kitchen waste. Different ratios of straw and kitchen waste mixtures were used as feedstocks. After vermicomposting the substrates for 45 days under 20-25 °C moisture 60%, the vermicomposting resulted in a significant increase in phosphorous (31.38-55.89%) and potassium (33.40-63.15%), whereas a decrease was seen in TOC (38.24-43.49%) as well as TN (9.01-32.52%). The growth rate of earthworm (Eisenia foetida) was obtained in all feedstocks, the optimal rice straw/kitchen waste ratio for the earthworm growth was 3/2, excessive kitchen waste as negative impacts on the growth of earthworms. The result indicated that vermicomposting rice straw and kitchen waste with Eisenia foetida promoted nutrition content in a short period of time.

Study on MicroRNA-related Mechanism of Acupuncture in Promoting Postoperative Gastrointestinal Motility of Patients with Colorectal Cancer / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To study the microRNA-related mechanism of acupuncture in promoting postoperative gastrointestinal motility of patients with colorectal cancer. Methods Thirty cases of postoperative gastrointestinal motility disorder patients with colorectal cancer were randomly divided into acupuncture group and control group, 15 cases in each group. The control group received conventional symptomatic and supportive therapy, and acupuncture group received acupuncture at bilateral foot triple points of Zusanli,Sanyinjiao,Taichong daily on postoperative day 1-5 on the basis of conventional therapy for the control group. Time for the first anal exsufflation and time for the first defecation after operation were observed for the evaluation of clinical efficacy. Meanwhile, miR-19a expression level in serum and miR-222 expression level in the cancer tissue were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results (1)The total effective rate of acupuncture group was 80.0％,and that of the control group was 46.7％,the difference being significant (P<0.05). (2)Time for the first anal exsufflation and time for the first defecation after operation in acupuncture group were shorter than those in the control group, the difference being significant (P < 0.05). (3) Serum miR-19a expression level in acupuncture group was decreased obviously on postoperative day 5 compared to day 1 (P < 0.05), and the decrease in acupuncture group was superior to that in the control group (P<0.05). (4)The expression of miR-222 in the cancer tissue was positively relevant to time for postoperative first anal exsufflation in both groups (P<0.05),and the expression level in ineffective patients was higher than that in effective patients (P < 0.05). Conclusion Acupuncture can regulate serum miR-19a expression level and promote the recovery in postoperative gastrointestinal motility of patients with colorectal cancer. The recovery of postoperative gastrointestinal motility in patients with colorectal cancer and the acupuncture effect are affected by miR-222 expression in the cancer tissue.

Effects of Electro-Acupuncture at Zusanli, Guanyuan for Sepsis Patients and Its Mechanism through Immune Regulation / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effect of electro-acupuncture on Zusanli (ST 36), Guanyuan (RN 4) in patients with sepsis, and explore its mechanism in term of immune regulation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In this prospective randomized controlled trial, 60 patients with sepsis were randomly assigned to the control group and the intervention group equally by block randomization. Patients in the control group received routine treatment and those in the intervention group received electro-acupuncture at bilateral Zusanli and Guanyuan in addition to routine treatment, respectively. The mortality at 28 days, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE)-II score were compared to evaluate the effect, and the levels of T cell subsets (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+) and monocytes of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR using flow cytometry were compared to explore the mechanism of this combined treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Fifty-eight patients completed the trial with 29 in each group. There was no significant difference of mortality in the 28th day between the two groups, with 5 death of 29 patients in the intervention group (17.2%) and 9 of 29 in the control group (31.0%). After treatment, APACHE-II score of both groups was significantly decreased, however, score of the intervention group was lower than the control group (13.28±7.07 vs. 17.10±5.83; P<0.01). The levels of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and CD4+/CD8+ ratio of the intervention group improved after treatment and were higher than the control group (59.71%±11.94% vs. 52.54%±11.86%; 36.46%±7.60% vs. 31.58%±10.23%; 18.40%±8.82% vs. 23.07%±7.30%; 2.38±1.14 vs. 1.54±0.80, respectively; all P<0.05). The expression of HLA-DR significantly increased after treatment in the intervention group than that in the control group (7.28%±9.26% vs. 1.27%±7.00%; P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Electro-acupuncture at Zusanli and Guanyuan could improve clinical curative effect in patients with sepsis, which might be achieved by regulation of the immune system.</p>

Mangiferin protects rats against chronic bronchitis via regulating NF-kappaB (P65) and IkappaBalpha expression in mononuclear cells / 药学学报

This study is to investigate the protective effect of mangiferin on NF-kappaB (P65) and IkappaBalpha expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) in rats with cigarette smoke induced chronic bronchitis. The rat model with chronic bronchitis was established by cigarette smoke. Real-time fluorescence RT-PCR was executed for evaluating the NF-kappaB (P65) and IKkappaBalpha gene expression in mononuclear cell, and flow cytometry for their protein expression. The serum hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive proteins) and TNF-alpha (tumor necrosis factor-alpha) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The histopathological score was obtained from lung tissue HE staining slides of lung tissue. The results showed that mangiferin could markedly suppress the NF-kappaB (P65) mRNA and protein expression in mononuclear cell, while promote the IkappaBalpha mRNA and protein expression. Furthermore, mangiferin could lower serum hs-CRP and TNF-alpha level, and reduce the chronic inflammatory damage of bronchiole. These results suggested that mangiferin could notably ameliorate chronic bronchiole inflammation induced by cigarette smoke, and this protective effect might be linked to the regulation of NF-kappaB (P65) and IkappaBalpha expression in mononuclear cell.

Catgut implantation at acupoints for allergic rhinitis: a systematic review / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the effectiveness and the possible adverse effects of catgut implantation at acupoints for allergic rhinitis (AR).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This systematic review was carried out in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook version 5.1.0 and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Extensive literature searches were conducted in PubMed, Excerpta Medical Databases, the Cochrane Library, the China National Infrastructure, Wanfang Chinese Digital Periodical and Conference Database, and the Weipu Chinese Science and Technique Journals Database. The Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Center was also searched for ongoing trials up to September 2012. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs were included. Risk of bias assessment was performed using the Cochrane tool for assessing risk of bias.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Five RCTs with 285 participants were found from 49 relevant studies, but there was just one RCT which met the inclusion criteria for this review. The study showed that treatment of catgut implantation at acupoints could lead to a better alleviation of the signs and symptoms of AR than the crude herb moxibustion. No adverse events were reported in this study.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Because of the methodological shortcoming and the risk of bias of the included trial, catgut implantation was proved with only limited evidence for the treatment of AR. Robust RCTs with high quality and larger sample size in this field are hoped to be carried out in the future.</p>

Protective effect of mulberry flavonoids on sciatic nerve in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Mulberry leaves (Morus alba L.) are a traditional Chinese medicine for blood serum glucose reduction. This study evaluated the protective effects of mulberry flavonoids on sciatic nerve in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. In this study, 80 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups: A (control), B (diabetic treated with saline), C-D (diabetic treated with 0.3, 0.1 g/kg mulberry flavonoids once a day for 8 weeks) and E (diabetic treated with 0.3 mg/kg methycobal). The diabetic condition was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 200 mg/kg alloxan dissolved in saline. At the end of the experimental period, blood, and tissue samples were obtained for biochemical and histopathological investigation. Treatment with 0.3 g/kg mulberry flavonoids significantly inhibited the elevated serum glucose (P< 0.01). The increased myelin sheath area (P< 0.01), myelinated fiber cross-sectional area and extramedullary fiber number (P< 0.05) were also reduced in alloxan-induced rats treated with 0.3 g/kg mulberry flavonoids. 0.3 g/kg mulberry flavonoids also markedly decreased onion-bulb type myelin destruction and degenerative changes of mitochondria and Schwann cells. These findings demonstrate that mulberry flavonoids may improve the recovery of a severe peripheral nerve injury in alloxan-induced diabetic rats and is likely to be useful as a potential treatment on peripheral neuropathy (PN) in diabetic rats.

Folhas de amoreira (Morus alba L.) é um medicamento tradicional chinês para a redução da glicose no soro sanguíneo. Avaliaram-se, neste trabalho, os efeitos protetores dos flavonóides de amora no nervo ciático em ratos diabéticos aloxano-induzidos. Dividiram-se 80 ratos Sprague-Dawley em cinco grupos: A (controle), B (diabétidos tratados com solução salina), C-D (diabéticos tratados com 0,3, 0,1 g/kg) e E (diabéticos tratados com 0,3 mg de metilcobal).A diabetes foi induzida por injeção intraperitoneal de 200 mg/kg de aloxana dissolvida em solução salina. No final do período experimental, obtiveram-se amostras de sangue e de tecido para investigação bioquímica e histopatológica. O tratamento com 0,3 g/kg de flavonóides da amoreira inibiu, significativamente, a elevação de glicose no soro (p <0,01). O aumento da área da bainha de mielina (p <0,01), da área de fibra da seção transversal e do número de fibras mielinizadas extramedulares (p <0,05) foi também reduzido em ratos aloxânicos, tratados com 0,3 g/kg flavonóides de amora. Flavonóides da amoreira na dose de 0,3 g/kg também diminuiram, acentuadamente, a destruição da mielina do tipo bulbo de cebola e as alterações degenerativas das células mitocôndrias e das células de Schwann. Estes resultados demonstram que os flavonóides da amoreira podem melhorar a recuperação de uma lesão nervosa periférica grave em ratos com diabetes, induzida por aloxana, e parece ser útil como tratamento potencial para a neuropatia periférica (PN) em ratos diabéticos.

Efficacy controlled observation on acupuncture and western medicine for gastrointestinal dysmotility in liver cirrhosis / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the therapeutic effect of acupuncture on gastrointestinal dysmotility in liver cirrhosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty cases of gastrointestinal dysmotility in liver cirrhosis were randomized into an acupuncture group and a motilium group, 20 cases in each one. In the acupuncture group, on the basis of the conventional treatment, electroacupuncture was applied at Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Taichong (LR 3) for 30 min, once a day. In the motilium group, on the basis of the conventional treatment, motilium was taken orally 30 min before meals, 10 mg each time, three times a day. The treatment was required for 2 weeks in both groups. The changes in the digestive tract symptom score and liver function Child-Pugh score were observed and the efficacy was assessed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total effective rate of digestive tract symptoms was 85.0% (17/20) in the acupuncture group and 70.0% (14/20) in the motilium group. The score improvements in abdominal distention, belching and vomiting in the acupuncture group were superior to those in the motilium group (all P < 0.05). In the acupuncture group, the liver function Child-Pugh total score was 8.40 +/- 0.22 before treatment and reduced to 5.36 +/- 0.17 after treatment, in which the scores for ascites, serum bilirubin and albumin were all reduced (all P < 0.05) and the reducing range was increased in tendency with the improvements in digestive tract symptoms. In the motilium group, Child-Pugh score was not changed obviously as compared with that before treatment. CONCLUSION Acupuncture effectively alleviates digestive tract symptoms and improves liver function for the patients of liver cirrhosis, its efficacy on gastrointestinal dysmotility in liver cirrhosis is superior to motilium.</p>

Comparative study on abdominal acupuncture and western medicine for treatment of menopause depressive disorder / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the therapeutic effects between abdominal acupuncture and Deanxit for treatment of menopause depressive disorder, and to explore the efficacy and safety of abdominal acupuncture.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty cases were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each. The observation group was treated with abdominal acupuncture at Zhongwan (CV 12), Xiawan (CV 10), Qihai (CV 6) and Guanyuan (CV 4), etc. The control group was treated with oral administration of Deanxit. The patients in both groups were treated for 4 weeks and followed up for another 4 weeks, and they were evaluated by Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) every couple weeks.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total HAMD scores of 2 and 4 weeks treatments and 2 and 4 weeks follow-up were all reduced in both groups (all P < 0.01). The total scores of 2 and 4 weeks follow-up in observation group were lower than those in control group, with significant differences in statistical analysis (both P < 0.05). Compared with the clinical therapeutic effect of both groups after 4 weeks treatment, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05), however, after 4 weeks follow-up, the therapeutic effect in observation group was superior to that in control group, with significant difference in statistical analysis (P < 0.05). The safety indexes before and after treatment of both groups were normal, and the adverse reaction rate in observation group was much lower than that in control group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Abdominal acupuncture is an effective and safe method for menopause depressive disorder, it improves the menopause depressive symptoms with persistent action, less symptoms relapse and adverse reactions.</p>

Main sources of dietary calcium in perimenopausal women in Changsha / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To describe and analyze the main food sources of dietary calcium intake in perimenopausal women in Changsha,China.@*METHODS@#Twenty-four hour recall method was used for 3 consecutive days to collect food intake information. Total calcium intake and proportion of each food were calculated.@*RESULTS@#The average calcium intake was (506.61+/-33.94)mg,and calcium intake in only 6.25% women reach standard. The main sources of dietary calcium were vegetable, milk, wheat, meat, and fruits. Thirty-three kinds of food, including 15 vegetables, 3 bean and its products, 4 kinds of milk, 5 kinds of wheat, 3 kinds of eggs, 1 kind of oil and 1 kind of fruit supplied about 90% of the dietary calcium.@*CONCLUSION@#The average calcium intake is low in perimenopausal women in Changsha. To improve the situation, we should increase intake of milk, bean, and its products, with calcium supplementation among these people.

Clinical application of chitosan oral ulcer spray in treatment of recurrent aphthous ulcer / 中国海洋药物

Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of chitosan oral ulcer spray in treatment of recurrent aphthous ulcer(RAU).Methods Sixty patients suffered with RAU were randomly divided into two groups.The test group was treated with chitosan oral ulcer spray,while the control group was given a traditional Chinese medicine named Xileisan.To evaluate the efficacy according to a specialized evaluate standard.Results The disease course of test group was shorter than that of the control group.The test group was more effective in mitigating the pain of RAU than that of the control group.ConclusionThe efficacy of chitosan oral ulcer spray in treatment of RAU is superior to Xileisan.