Traditional Chinese Medicine Against Fibrotic Diseases： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Fibrosis can occur in diverse tissue and organs and is the common outcome as multiple chronic diseases progress. It is characterized by over-activation of fibroblasts and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix. Targeting transforming growth factor-β （TGF-β）， a classical signaling molecule in fibrosis， is currently a routine strategy for drug therapy of this disease. The use of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） in the treatment of fibrotic diseases has been supported by mature theories. The theories emphasize that the internally-accumulated pathogens and mixed deficiency-excess underlie the shared pathology of fibrotic diseases. Qi stagnation， blood stasis， phlegm turbidity， and mass accumulation are key pathological factors. "Yin suppression by Yang" is the core thought for treatment with TCM of the disease. Pharmacological investigations reveal the scientific nature of TCM in treating fibrotic diseases， namely multilevelled and multitargeted. In other words， it refers to networked regulation of signaling activities of fibrosis-related molecules such as TGF-β/Drosophila protein homolog （Smad）， phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt）， Hedgehog， Wnt/β-catenin， and inflammatory cytokines， so as to inhibit fibroblast function and provide a promising insight into novel anti-fibrotic drug. This paper summarized the conventional understanding of fibrotic disease treatment with TCM and its mechanism of action by reviewing ancient literature and modern research reports， which offers an idea for follow-up research in this field.

Intervention effect of Chuanxiong-Chishao herb pair on circRNA/lncRNA expression profile in a myocardial infarction-atherosclerosis model / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to explore the intervention effect of Chuanxiong-Chishao herb pair(CX-CS) on a myocardial infarction-atherosclerosis(MI-AS) mouse model and investigate its effect on the expression profile of circular RNAs(circRNAs)/long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs) in ischemic myocardium and aorta. Sixty male ApoE~(-/-) mice were randomly assigned to a model group, high-, medium-, and low-dose CX-CS groups(7.8, 3.9, and 1.95 g·kg~(-1)), and a positive drug group(metoprolol 26 mg·kg~(-1) and simvastatin 5.2 mg·kg~(-1)), with 12 mice in each group. Male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to the sham group. The mice in the model group and the groups with drug intervention were fed on a high-fat diet for 10 weeks, followed by anterior descending coronary artery ligation. After that, the mice were fed on a high-fat diet for another two weeks to induce the MI-AS model. The mice in the sham group received normal feed, followed by sham surgery without coronary artery ligation. Mice in the groups with drug intervention received CX-CS or positive drug by gavage for four weeks from the 9th week of high-fat feeding, and those in the model group and the sham group received an equal volume of normal saline. Whole transcriptome sequencing was performed on the heart and aorta tissues of the medium-dose CX-CS group, the model group, and the sham group after administration. The results showed that the medium-and high-dose CX-CS groups showed improved cardiac function and reduced myocardial fibrosis area, and the medium-dose CX-CS group showed significantly reduced plaque area. CX-CS treatment could reverse the expression of circRNA＿07227 and circRNA＿11464 in the aorta of AS model and circRNA expression(such as circRNA＿11505) in the heart of the MI model. Differentially expressed circRNAs between the CX-CS-treated mice and the model mice were mainly enriched in lipid synthesis, lipid metabolism, lipid transport, inflammation, and angiogenesis in the aorta, and in angiogenesis, blood pressure regulation, and other processes in the heart. CX-CS treatment could reverse the expression of lncRNAs such as ENSMUST00000162209 in the aorta of the AS model and TCONS＿00002123 in the heart of the MI model. Differentially expressed lncRNAs between the CX-CS-treated mice and model mice were mainly enriched in lipid metabolism, angiogenesis, autophagy, apoptosis, and iron death in the aorta, and in angiogenesis, autophagy, and iron death in the heart. In summary, CX-CS can regulate the expression of a variety of circRNAs and lncRNAs, and its intervention mechanism in coronary heart disease may be related to the regulation of angiogenesis and inflammation in ischemic myocardium, as well as lipid metabolism, lipid transport, inflammation, angiogenesis in AS aorta.

Research on Mechanisms of Chinese Medicines in Prevention and Treatment of Postoperative Adhesion / 中国结合医学杂志

Postoperative adhesion (PA) is currently one of the most unpleasant complications following surgical procedures. Researchers have developed several new strategies to alleviate the formation of PA to a great extent, but so far, no single measure or treatment can meet the expectations and requirements of clinical patients needing complete PA prevention. Chinese medicine (CM) has been widely used for thousands of years based on its remarkable efficacy and indispensable advantages CM treatments are gradually being accepted by modern medicine. Therefore, this review summarizes the formating process of PA and the efficacy and action mechanism of CM treatments, including their pharmacological effects, therapeutic mechanisms and advantages in PA prevention. We aim to improve the understanding of clinicians and researchers on CM prevention in the development of PA and promote the in-depth development and industrialization process of related drugs.

Gynostemma pentaphyllum saponins alleviate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in rats by regulating intestinal flora and short-chain fatty acid metabolism / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to explore the effects of Gynostemma pentaphyllum saponins(GPs) on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) induced by high-fat diet in rats and reveal the underlying mechanism. The NAFLD model rats were prepared with high-fat diet. Forty male Sprague Dawley(SD) rats were randomly assigned into the control group, model group, and low-, moderate-, and high-dose GPs(50, 100, and 150 mg·kg~(-1), respectively) groups. After intragastric administration for 8 continuous weeks, we determined the body weight, liver weight, the levels of total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-c), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-c), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) in serum, and the levels of TC, TG, malondialdehyde(MDA), superoxide dismutase(SOD), catalase(CAT), and interleukin 6(IL-6) in the liver. Furthermore, we observed the pathological changes of liver tissue by oil red O staining and hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, sequenced the 16 S rRNA of the intestinal flora in rat feces, and determined the content of short-chain fatty acids in rat feces. The results showed that GPs inhibited the excessive weight gain of high-fat diet-induced NAFLD in rats, reduced the liver weight, lowered the TC, TG, LDL-c, AST, and ALT levels in serum(P<0.05), and rose the HDL-c level in serum(P<0.01). GPs relieved the liver damage caused by high-fat diet, mainly manifested by the lowered levels of TC, TG, MDA, and IL-6 in the liver(P<0.01) and elevated levels of CAT and SOD in the liver. Furthermore, GPs reversed the intestinal flora disorder caused by high-fat diet, restored the diversity of intestinal flora, increased the relative abundance of Bacteroides, and reduced the relative abundance of Firmicutes and the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroides. Moreover, GPs promoted the proliferation of beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia, Bacteroides, and Parabacteroides, and inhibited the growth of harmful bacteria such as Desulfovibrio, Escherichia-Shigella, and Helicobacter. GPs increased the content of short-chain fatty acids(acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid)(P<0.01). These findings indicate that GPs can alleviate the high-fat diet-induced NAFLD in rats via regulating the intestinal flora and short-chain fatty acid metabolism.

Quality Evaluation of Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus from Different Origins Based on HPLC Fingerprint and Chemometrics / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To establish the high performance liquid chromatography （HPLC） fingerprint of Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus， and to search for makers to characterize the quality difference of Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus from different origins coupled with chemometrics. Method:The analysis was performed on a Thermo Hypersil GOLD C₁₈ column （4.6 mm×250 mm， 5 μm） with mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile-0.05% phosphoric acid solution for gradient elution， and the detection wavelength was set at 254 nm. A total of 31 batches of samples were analyzed to establish the HPLC fingerprint of Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus. Similarity evaluation was performed by Traditional Chinese Medicine Chromatographic Fingerprint Similarity Evaluation System （2012 edition） to confirm the common peaks， which were identified by comparison of reference substances. On the basis， chemometrics methods were used to analyze and evaluate the quality of Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus from different origins. At the same time， 3 batches of 5 species of decoction pieces from the genus <italic>Citrus</italic> in the family Rutaceae， including Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus， Aurantii Fructus Immaturus， Aurantii Fructus， Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium， were randomly collected for evaluating the effectiveness and reliability of the established HPLC fingerprint of Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus. Result:HPLC fingerprint of Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus was established and 22 common peaks were identified. And seven common peaks among them were identified as 6，7-dimethoxycoumarin， diosmin， hesperidin， byakangelicin， 5，7-dimethoxycoumarin， bergapten and oxypeucedanin. Except for 2 batches of samples， the similarities of fingerprints between other 29 batches of samples were >0.9. The 31 batches of Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus were basically divided into 3 groups by cluster analysis and principal component analysis， which were consistent with the classification of three different producing areas. Eight differential markers were screened by orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis and four of them （5，7-dimethoxycoumarin， bergapten， 6，7-dimethoxycoumarin and diosmin） were identified by reference substances. Similarity evaluation of 5 species of decoction pieces from genus <italic>Citrus</italic> in the family Rutaceae was carried out by taking the reference fingerprint of Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus as treference chromatogram， similarity of Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus decoction pieces was 0.892-0.977， and the similarities of the other 4 kinds of decoction pieces were 0.215-0.517. Conclusion:The established fingerprint method is reasonable， effective and accurate for quality control of Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus， the characterization information is more comprehensive combined with chemometrics.

Moxibustion on mental disorder in close contacts of coronavirus disease 2019: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of moxibustion combined with @*METHODS@#A total of 240 close contacts of COVID-19 were randomized into an observation group (120 cases, 18 cases dropped off) and a control group (120 cases, 58 cases dropped off). Conventional observation was adopted in the control group. Moxibustion combined with Daiwenjiu plaster was given in the observation group, moxibustion was applied at Zusanli (ST 36), Hegu (LI 4) and Shenque (CV 8), 10 min each acupoint, once a day; @*RESULTS@#In the follow-up, SRQ-20 score was decreased compared before treatment (@*CONCLUSION@#Moxibustion combined with

Surveys on the infrastructure construction of healthcare institutions in public health emergencies: data of Wuhan / 中华医院管理杂志

Objective:To analyze, with Wuhan as an example, the problems found in the infrastructure development of China′s healthcare institutions, and put forward optimization suggestions for future epidemic prevention and control.Methods:From May to June 2020, we surveyed with questionnaires 56 healthcare institutions in Wuhan, covering such aspects as basic information of the institutions, infectious disease infrastructure readiness, and the converted wards for COVID-19. Statistical descriptions were used to analyze data so acquired.Results:The number of beds in the infectious departments of healthcare institutions in Wuhan amounted to 1.64 per 10 000 people, yet the existing 1 873 beds and about 5 000 convertible beds failed to meet the medical needs against the outbreak of COVID-19. After the outbreak, a total of 19 084 convertible beds were set up, of which general hospitals accounted for 88%; the area occupied by each converted bed in traditional Chinese medicine hospitals, hospitals of traditional and Western medicine, and maternal and child hospitals (<30.0m 2) was lower than that in general hospitals and specialist hospitals (>40.0m 2). Conclusions:Healthcare institutions should scientifically allocate " peacetime-wartime adaptive" hospital beds, optimize both the number and efficiency of these beds, and prepare for the worst scenarios, so that the infrastructure can be built and maintained in strict accordance with standards, government departments can rationally arrange infectious disease prevention and control facilities and strengthen their planning in case of emergencies.

Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine Compound in Preventing and Treating Hepatocellular Carcinoma / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is the most common malignancy in the world. Although there is progress in HCC diagnosis and treatment, it is still the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide because it is not easily diagnosed early and the disease progresses quickly. China is a high-risk area for HCC, and the number of cases is high and on the rise. Its prevention and treatment is a pressing problem. At present, western medicine is still unclear about the complex pathogenesis and clinical treatment of HCC. There are still many shortcomings and huge challenges. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has its unique advantages in the treatment of HCC. With an overall concept, it has unique therapeutic effect and fewer side effect on HCC,it can not only inhibit tumor growth, but also alleviate patients' clinical symptoms and improve their quality of life. Therefore, the study of the effect of TCM in treating HCC has attracted the attention from many clinicians and researchers. However, the chemical composition of TCM formula is complex, with many targets and huge network of pharmacodynamic mechanisms, which greatly limits the research on the development of clinical drugs for the Chinese medicine formula. In recent years, there have been achievements in the studies of anti-hepatocarcinoma efficacy and mechanism of action of Chinese medicine compound, which mainly focused on the compound's effect in inhibiting the proliferation of hepatocarcinoma cells, blocking cell cycle and inducing apoptosis and autophagy, inhibiting liver cancer cell invasion and metastasis, regulating the immune function, synergism and attenuation, and reversing the drug resistance. In this paper, domestic and foreign literatures on the above-mentioned pharmacodynamics and mechanism of anti-liver cancer of TCM compound were studied, analyzed, summarized and summarized. This paper briefly reviews the research progress of its anti-hepatocarcinoma mechanism, and provides scientific ideas and evidence for the future study of the anti-hepatocarcinoma mechanism of TCM compound and its rational clinical application.

Advance in studies on pharmacokinetics of baicalin / 中国中药杂志

Scutellariae baicalensis is one of the most important traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, mainly distributed in Shandong and Hebei provinces. It has significant pharmacological effects such as antimicrobial activity, anti-inflammatory and antioxidation. Baicalin is one of its main effective components. However, baicalin's low bioavailability has restricted its clinical application. In recent decades, extensive studies have been carried out on the metabolism of baicalin at home and abroad. In order to provide scientific references for baicalin's further studies, this paper would not only review the advances in pharmacokinetics research of baicalin and Chinese herbal preparations containing baicalin, but also make a summary on research status of baicalin.

Construction of external treatment data mining system for prescriptions of fragrant traditional Chinese medicine covered in ancient books on traditional Chinese medicine / 中华医学图书情报杂志

The effects of prescriptions of fragrant traditional Chinese medicine covered in ancient books on traditional Chinese medicine published in the past dynasties on disease control and treatment were retrieved from the Full-text Database of Ancient Books on Traditional Chinese Medicine developed by Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. A fragrant medicinal subject system with unique characteristics was established by analyzing the characteristics of prescribed fragrant traditional Chi-nese medicine and the prescribing rules of fragrant traditional Chinese medicine according to theirprinciples-methods-formulae-medicinal, clarifying the related factors influencing diseases and the related mechanisms of prescriptions, which can not only promote the theoretical and practical development of external treatment with prescriptions of fragrant traditional Chinese medicine but also provide the reliable philological basis for external diseases and pharmacology of traditional Chinese medical formulae.

Determination of Soluble Heavy Metals in Baizi Yangxin Tablets by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry with Bionic Extraction and Microwave Digestion Technology / 分析化学

Baizi Yangxin tablets are common Chinese medicine used for the treatment of heart palpitations, insomnia and irritable forgetful. To evaluate the total amount of heavy metals evaluation, artificial gastric juice was used as juice samples and the extracted soluble heavy metals were extracted by microwave digestion technology. An analytical method of bionic extraction microwave digestion with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry ( ICP-MS ) was established for the determination of trace metals, such as Co, Cr, Cu, Ba, Cd, Mn, Ni, Pb, Hg, Sr and Zn, in 18 batches of Baizi Yangxin tablets. The correlation coefficient of linear regression equation for different elements ranged from 0. 9989 to 1. 0000, the detection limit was 0. 19-5. 6 μg / L, and the repeatability of the method was less than 6. 2% , the precision of the RSD value was less than 5. 6% , and the recovery rate was 87. 7% -101. 9% . According to “the standard of the heavy metal in the standard of import and export of medicinal plants and preparations”, the contents of Cd, Cu and Pb in the 18 batches were not exceed the standard, but the Hg content (7. 68 mg / kg) exceeded the standard value. The bionic extraction-ICP-MS method provide a reference basis for the safety of the proprietary Chinese medicine's study.

Effect of aqueous extracts of several kinds of herbs on human platelet aggregation and expression of P-selectin in vitro / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of aqueous extract of several kinds of herbs on human platelet aggregation and expression of P-selectin in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Blood was collected from volunteers. Effects of the prepared water extracts of herbs on platelet aggregation were monitored on a Packs-4 aggregometer. The fluorescence intensity of water extracts of Caulis Spatholobi, Flos Carthami and Rhizoma Curcumae on the expression of P-selectin in human platelets of healthy persons was measured with flow cytometry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Out of several herbs investigated, Flos Carthami and Rhizoma Curcumae potently inhibited platelet aggregation after incubation with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for 15 min. Caulis Spatholobi Flos Carthami and Rhizoma Curcumae inhibited adenosine-5'-diphosphate (ADP) or platelet activating factor (PAF)-induced platelet aggregation in PRP in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast to Flos Carthami and Rhizoma Curcumae, Caulis Spatholobi could not inhibit thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. Despite its inability to inhibit thrombin-induced platelet aggregation in PRP, Caulis Spatholobi had a greater anti-aggregating activity in PRP induced by ADP or PAF. Caulis Spatholobi and Flos Carthami showed significant inhibitory effects on the expression of P-selectin.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Caulis Spatholobi, Flos Carthami and Rhizoma Curcumae have potent anti-platelet properties, and their inhibitory actions are mediated via different mechanisms. Caulis Spatholobi inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation but not by thrombin, indicating that its mechanism of action might be independent of the thromboxane pathway. The effect of Caulis Spatholobi and Flos Carthami were associated with suppressing the expression of P-selectin.</p>

Treatment of lack of lactation after parturition with tonifying Qi and blood liver through emulsion method / 重庆医学

Objective To observe the clinical curative effect of ginseng cream stickon in patients suffering from lack of lactation after parturition .Methods Ninety patients suffering from lack of lactation after parturition were divided into three groups :the treatment group (patients with ginseng cream stick by acupoint application ) ,and 2 control groups (control with lactation elixir ,and control with decavitamin) .The treatment last for 5 days for each group .And the breast filling degree ,the lactigenous volume ,the neonatal weight ,artificial feeding times ,the artificial feeding volume and the prolactin level before and after the treatment were all recorded .Results Ginseng cream stick by acupoint application dramatically improved breast filling ,the lactigenous volume ,the neo‐natal weight ,artificial feeding times ,the artificial feeding volume and the neonatal urination frequency ,there was a significant differ‐ence between the treatment group and the two control groups (P<0 .05) .Conclusion Ginseng cream stick by acupoint application could significantly relieve lack of lactation ,meet the need of breastfeeding ,and increase the breast‐feeding rate .

Research Progress in Prevention and Treatment of Postoperative Abdominal Adhesions by Ligustrazine / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

Ligustrazine is one of the active ingredients of chuanxiong. Modern medical research indicated that ligustrazine had the effect of improving microcirculation, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrosis, which showed the potential function of ligustrazine in the prevention and treatment of postoperative abdominal adhesions. The basic theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) also believed that ligustrazine had the unique double effect of regulating both qi and blood. Therefore, ligustrazin had broad research and application prospects in the prevention and treatment of postoperative abdominal adhesions. This article reviewed studies of ligustrazine in the prevention and treatment of postoperative abdominal adhesions in recent years from four aspects, which were theoretical basis, clinical application, mechanism research and pharmaceutical dosage forms. It identified the research status and advantages of ligustrazine in the prevention and treatment of postoperative abdominal adhesions. It also pointed out shortages in the clinical application, such as unstandardized medication, small sample size study and etc. There were insufficient deep and clear studies in the research of mechanism. In the aspect of pharmaceutical dosage forms, the thinking should be expanded with innovation. It will provide basis and direction for research and application in the future, in order to further elucidate mechanisms in the prevention and treatment of postoperative abdominal adhesions as well as provide theory basis, research thinking and methods for the real display of advantages in TCM.

Role of media guidance in popularization of reading ancient books on traditional Chinese medicine and its enlightenments / 中华医学图书情报杂志

The popularization of reading ancient books on traditional Chinese medicine has been in abasinstate due to their contents , their readers and the reading competence of their readers .The role of media guidance in popu-larization of reading ancient books on traditional Chinese medicine was thus elaborated with the exhibition of ancient books on traditional Chinese medicine in Library of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine as an exam-ple, which may provide certain reference for changing the ideas of libraries and popularizing the reading of charac-teristic documents .

Optimal dose of Ligustrazine nanoparticles in a rat model of experimental peritoneal adhesion / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Ligustrazine can effectively prevent and treat peritoneal adhesion and adhesive ileus after surgical treatment. OBJECTIVE:To prepare Ligustrazine nanoparticle spray which is prepared to achieve sustained release and improve clinical efficacy and to explore its optimal dose for preventing experimental peritoneal adhesions in rats. METHODS:Eighty rats were randomly divided into five groups:model group, sodium hyaluronate group, high-, medium-and low-dose Ligustrazine nanoparticle groups, with 16 rats in each group. After peritoneal adhesion model was established with rasp method, model group was immediately subject to abdomen-closing, while sodium hyaluronate group and Ligustrazine nanoparticle groups received sodium hyaluronate smearing and Ligustrazine nanoparticle spray (2.5, 5, 10 mg/kg), respectively. Al rats were kil ed at 1 and 2 weeks after modeling, to observe adhesions. The adhesion score was recorded. The adhesive tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin for pathological changes. The level of transformation growth factor-β1 in peritoneal fluid of rats was detected with ELISA assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Ligustrazine Nanoparticle spray had a sustained release effect, and prolonged the duration of action of drugs, thus achieving a better anti-adhesion effect post-surgery. The medium-and high-dose Ligustrazine nanoparticle sprays exhibited better anti-adhesion effects, and improved the rise of transformation growth factor-β1 level in the peritoneal fluid. As the drug concentration is low, the intraperitoneal administration in a spray manner is preferred. Because the total dose is limited, we define the optimal effective dose as 5 mg/kg.

Synthesis and identification of rutin complete antigen and analysis its immunogenicity / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Synthesis and identification of complete antigen of rutin, the traditional Chinese medicine active ingredient, and develop rapid detection of rutin using enzyme-linked immunoassay method (ELISA). Immunogenicity of the complete antigen was also studied.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Prepare the complete antigen by sodium periodate solution and identified by UV scanning and SDS-PAGE test. Male New Zealand white rabbits were immunized by the antigen to obtain the antiserum.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The results of UV analysis showed that the coupling ratio of complete antigen is 13: 1. SDS-PAGE display of the artificial antigen was delayed compared with bovine serum protein. The titer of rutin antibody is 1:4 000. The sensitivity of IC50 was 5.37 mg x L(-1), the lowest detection limit was 1 mg x L(-1), the average recovery was 102%, the intra and interspecific RSD were less than 10%, cross-reactivity rate of antibodies and other analogs were less than 1%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Rutin complete antigen was synthesized successfully, and the rapid detection of rutin by ELISA method was successfully established.</p>

Monitoring of chemical components with different color traits of Tussilago farfara using NMR-based metabolomics / 药学学报

The quality and grade of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs were assessed by their characteristics traditionally. According to traditional experience, the quality of the purple Flos Farfarae is better than that of yellow buds. NMR-based metabolomic approach combined with significant analysis of microarray (SAM) and Spearman rank correlation analysis were used to investigate the different metabolites of the Flos Farfarae with different color feature. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed clear distinction between the purple and yellow flower buds of Tussilago farfara. The S-plot of orthogonal PLS-DA (OPLS-DA) and t test revealed that the levels of threonine, proline, phosphatidylcholine, creatinine, 4, 5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, rutin, caffeic acid, kaempferol analogues, and tussilagone were higher in the purple flower buds than that in the yellow buds, in agreement with the results of SAM and Spearman rank correlation analysis. The results confirmed the traditional medication experience that "purple flower bud is better than the yellow ones", and provide a scientific basis for assessing the quality of Flos Farfarae by the color features.

Correlation between Chinese medicine syndromes and the NPHS1 gene and NPHS2 gene polymorphism as well as corticosteroid sensitivity in patients with minimal change disease / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the correlation between Chinese medicine (CM) syndromes and the NPHS1 gene and NPHS2 gene polymorphism as well as corticosteroid sensitivity in patients with minimal change disease (MCD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 94 MCD patients were recruited, including 58 steroid-sensitive nephritic syndrome (SSNS) patients and 36 steroid-resistant nephritic syndrome (SRNS) patients. Genomic DNA was obtained from peripheral blood lymphocytes and sequence analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes was performed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) The SNPs of G349A-3 in NPHS1 gene was found in MCD, but the SNPs of G686A-5 and C695T-5 in NPHS2 gene were not discovered in MCD. (2) When comparing the frequency of genotype AA and allele A in NPHS1 gene (G349A-3), genotype AA and allele A were higher in the SRNS group than in the SSNS group (P < 0.05). (3) When compared with the SRNS group, qi yang deficiency syndrome had a higher incidence in the SSNS group, and yin deficiency syndrome and qi-yin deficiency syndrome had a less incidence in the SSNS, but with no statistical difference (P > 0.05). The rheumatism syndrome had a higher incidence in the SSNS group (P < 0.05). The blood stasis syndrome had a lower incidence in the SSNS with statistical difference (P < 0.05). (4) There was no statistical difference in the correlation between GG, AA, GA and CM syndromes (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Homozygous mutations of AA and allele A in NPHS1 gene were correlated to SRNS patients of MCD. Rheumatism syndrome patients were prone to be sensitive to corticosteroids, while patients of blood stasis syndrome were prone to be insensitive to corticosteroids. We didn't discover the correlation between NPHS1 gene polymorphism and CM syndrome distribution.</p>

Metabolomic study of flower buds of Tussilago farfara in different development stages by GC-MS / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Plant metabolomics combined with GC-MS was used to investigate metabolic fingerprinting of Tussilago farfara at different growth stages.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Dried Samples were extracted by two-phase solvent system to obtain polar and nonpolar parts, which were subjected to GC-MS analysis. Metabolites were identified by NIST data base search and comparison with the authentic standards. The data were introduced into SIMCA-P 11.0 software package for multivariate analysis after pretreatment.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Fifty-four metabolites were identified, including 35 polar metabolites and 19 nonpolar compounds. The score plot for PCA showed clear separation of the different development stages of flower buds of T. farfara, showing a trend of gradual change. Samples of October, November, December were in close proximity on the plot, indicating that the metabolome of these three periods was similar, samples from September (early development) and March (after flowering) were far away, showing big chemical differences. Content comparison results of some representative metabolites reveals that, the content of proline, lysine and linoleic acid increased gradually to the highest in the medium term, but sharply decreased to the lowest after flowering; the content of malic acid and citric acid were the lowest in the medium term; sucrose content decreased gradually, and then reached the lowest level after blooming.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>It is obvious that metabolites of the early development and flowering stage were quite different with those of the traditional harvest time, suggesting that they can not be used as traditional medicine. This study will provide a research basis for harvest time determination and bioactive compounds of T. farfara.</p>