Study on mechanism of curcumin in treatment of acute pancreatitis based on regulation of PI3K-Akt signaling pathway by miR-198 / 中国中药杂志

Curcumin was used to interfere with acute pancreatitis model rats to explore its possible mechanism. One hundred and twenty rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, model+curcumin group, model+mock+curcumin group, model+antagonist+curcumin group and model+curcumin+LY294002 group, with 20 rats in each group. The wet/dry weight ratio of pancreatic tissue was measured and the pathological changes of pancreas were observed by HE staining. The apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining; the levels of serum amylase, lipase, Bcl-2 and Bax were detected by ELISA, and the levels of PI3 K, Akt and p-Akt in pancreatic tissue were measured by Western blot. HE staining showed that curcumin could improve the pathological changes of pancreas and reduce the pathological score of pancreas, while ELISA results showed that curcumin could decrease the levels of amylase, lipase and Bax in peripheral serum and increase the concentration of Bcl-2. Western blot results showed that the expression levels of PI3 K and p-Akt in pancreatic tissue of model rats were up-regulated after the intervention of curcumin, and the apoptosis rate of pancreatic cells decreased in TUNEL staining. The above effects could be weakened by miR-198 antagonist and PI3 K-Akt signal pathway inhibitor LY294002. In conclusion, curcumin has an ideal effect on acute pancreatitis, and its mechanism may be mediated by miR-198-PI3 K-Akt axis.

Cloning and functional characterization of farnesyl diphosphate synthase in Senecio scandens / 中国中药杂志

As a secondary metabolite, sesquiterpenes are not only have important functions in plant defense and signaling, but also play potential roles in basic materials for pharmaceuticals, cosmetic and flavor. As a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, Senecio scandens exhibits effects of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive, as well as invigorating the blood and removing extravasated blood. Over 600 sesquiterpenes with diverse structures were isolated from S. scandens and related species in the same genus. To characterize sesquiterpenes synthesis, two FPS genes(SsFPS1 and SsFPS2) were identified in S. scandens through transcriptomic analysis. Bioinformatic analysis showed that both SsFPSs have conserved motifs for FPS function. Both SsFPSs exhibited constitutive gene expression in S. scandens tissues and SsFPS2 accumulated higher transcript in leaves and roots than SsFPS1. Meanwhile consistent with constitutive sesquiterpene accumulation in S.scandens tissues, most of these sesquiterpenes were detected in leaves and roots more than stems and flowers. Recombinant expression through Escherichia coli metabolic engineering, SsFPS1 or SsFPS2 was co-transformed with ZmTPS11(maize β-macrocarpene synthase) into BL21 competent cells. The results showed that the content of β-macrocarpene was increased by co-transformation with SsFPSs. It is demonstrated that SsFPS1 and SsFPS2 catalyzed E,E-FPP formation and provided FPP precursor for downstream sesquiterpene synthases. Characterization of SsFPSs provided the foundation for the exploration of biosynthesis of sesquiterpenoid with diverse structures and potential pharmaceutical values in S.scandens, and provide an important theoretical basis for the development of S. scandens abundant resources.

Identification of stable reference gene by qRT-PCR in Senecio scandens / 中国中药杂志

As a traditional Chinese medicine, Senecio scandens is rich in important compounds such as flavonoid and sesquiterpenoid. Based on the transcriptome data of S. scandens, 15 candidate reference genes were selected including ABCT, ACT1, ACT2, ACT3, ACBP, ARF, ATPS, EF-H, EF-1α, ETIF, GAPDH, GTPB, MPS, UCE and 60S. Firstly, 9 candidate genes with relatively stable expressions such as ACT1, ACBP, ARF, ATPS, EF-1α, GAPDH, MPS, UCE and 60S were screened from different tissues of S. scandens by RT-PCR. Then, qRT-PCR was used to quantitatively analyze gene expression of these nine candidates in S. scandens with or without stress treatments. Further analysis of these gene expression data by geNorm and NormFinder showed that ACT1 exhibited the stablest expression in all samples and could serve as a reference gene for future study of S. scandens, and provide an endogenous control for gene expression analysis.

Progress in regulation effect of aromatic refreshing traditional Chinese medicine on BBB permeability and its mechanism / 中国中药杂志

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) protects the brain against unwanted substances, while, at the same time, limits the transport of many drugs into the brain. Aromatic refreshing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can induce resuscitation and modify the permeability of BBB, promoting other drugs entering into the brain with brain protection effect. This paper mainly reviews the research progress in regulation effects and mechanism of usual aromatic refreshing TCM, such as borneol, moschus, styrax, benzoinum and Tatarinow Sweetflag Rhizome, on BBB permeability. To broaden the application of these drugs in modern pharmaceutics in the future, the relatively research should emphasis on combining aromatic refreshing TCM with new formulations and technologies in pharmaceutics, providing novel promising strategies for brain diseases therapy.

WU Xiao-ren: an outstanding physician of acupuncture and moxibustion / 中国针灸

WU Xiao-ren devoted his whole life into acupuncture practice and education. During his 50 years clinical practice, teaching and researching, he focused on standardization and application of acupuncture manipulations. Through the integration of western and Chinese medicine as well as technique innovation, he developed new therapies for hypertension, stroke and various pain syndromes with the combination of acupuncture and materia medica and various acupoint prescription. He was against parochial prejudice by advocating absorption of others successful experiences and integration of different schools. Moreover, being conscientious and meticulous, WU Xiao-ren was always strict with his followers. He set up examples for his students with both precept and practice, and made great contribution to the inheritance of both acupuncture theory and practice.

Nodule and eminence on frenulum labii superioris: diagnostic markers for metastatic colorectal cancer / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine whether the nodule and eminence on the frenulum labii superioris, location of Yinjiao (DU28) according to the meridian theory, could be used to prognosticate the recurrence of patients with colorectal cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The data of 101 patients with colorectal cancer in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital from May 2011 to November 2011 was analyzed. The photos of all patients' frenulum labii superioris were taken. Nodule and eminence on frenulum labii superioris were the positive standard. Biopsy and pathological testing for the nodule were carried out on one patient with large nodule on frenulum labii superioris.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Patients with positive frenulum labii superioris had a higher risk of recurrence and/or metastasis than patients with negative frenulum labii superioris. There were no significant differences in diagnosis of recurrence and/or metastasis between the status of frenulum labii superioris and the traditional diagnostic criteria (P =0.238). The Kappa was 0.606 (P <0.001). The sensitivity was 76.0% and the specificity was 85.4%. The pathological report demonstrated that the nodule on frenulum labii superioris was mucosal excrescence with normal structure.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Nodule and eminence on frenulum labii superioris are potential diagnostic markers for metastatic colorectal cancer.</p>

Study on intestinal absorption of tilianin in rats of single-pass perfusion model / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the intestinal absorption mechanism of tilianin in rats.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The single-pass perfusion model was established in rats. The concentrations of tilianin with in situ intestinal perfusion were determined by HPLC. The impact factors, such as verapamil, reserpine, phloridzin and rifampicin, on Ka and Papp of tilianin in rat jejunum were investigated.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Compared with the control group, Ka and Papp in rat jejunum were significantly higher after being added with verapamil and reserpine (P < 0.05). Papp of tilianin in rat jejunum was significantly lower after being added with phloridzin (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, both Ka and Papp of tilianin in rat jejunum were not significantly higher after being added with rifampicin.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Tilianin is the substrate of P-gp, BCRP and SGLT1. The effluent effect of P-gp and BCRP is the main mechanism of tilianin in intestinal absorption, indicating that tilianin can realize intestinal absorption and transport by relying on SGLT1. Tilianin is not the substrate of bile salt transporter protein.</p>

The screening and the functional pathway analysis of differential genes correlated with coronary heart disease of blood stasis syndrome / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the function and target pathway of the correlated differential gene of coronary heart disease (CHD) of blood stasis syndrome (BSS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Patients of the genealogical CHD of BSS (group A) and the genealogical CHD of non-BSS (group B), the genealogical non-CHD of BSS (group C), the genealogical healthy subjects (group D), the non-genealogical CHD of BSS (group E), the non-genealogical healthy subjects (group F) were recruited in this study. The differential gene expression spectrums were studied using gene chip technique. The molecular functions of differential genes were analyzed and illustrated by gene ontology (GO) analysis. The differential gene pathways were found out at BioCarta and KEGG. The meaningful target pathways were screened by hypergeometric distribution statistical method. The differential genes were verified using Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) By screening the gene chip data (with FC > or =3), we found the expressions of differential genes of CHD of BSS were mainly involved in chemokine, interleukin cytokine, alexin system, matrix metal proteinase system, fibroblastic growth factor, endothelial cell adhesion molecule, and so on. (2) By GO analysis of related differential genes (P < 0.05), we found the molecular functions of differential genes associated with CHD BSS. (3) By BioCarta and KEGG pathway analysis, we found the target pathways of the hereditary correlated differential genes of CHD BSS with significance were mainly involved in inflammation, plaque formation, endothelial injury, and so on. The results of Real-time fluorescent quantitative RT-PCR proved the accuracy of the gene chip.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The hereditary correlated differential genes of CHD BSS were closely associated with inflammation, plaque formation, and endothelial injury.</p>

Fluorimetric analysis of camptothecin in Chinese herbal medicine common Camptotheca fruit / 药学学报

Three-dimensional (3D) fluorescence spectra and thin layer fluorescence chromatogram of common Camptotheca fruit (CCF) crude drug, camptothecin (CPT) and 10-hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT) have been studied, and a novel fluorimetric method for determination of CPT in CCF crude drug has been established. In 3D fluorescence spectra, CPT presented 3 fluorescence peaks with excitation wavelengths lambdaex of 215, 255 and 365 nm, separately, and all peaks with emission wavelength lambdaem of 430 nm. HCPT presented 4 fluorescence peaks with lambdaex of 220, 265, 325 and 375 nm, separately, and all peaks with lambdaem of 555 nm. The fluorescence of CPT is much stronger than that of HCPT. Comparison of 3D fluorescence spectra and analysis of thin layer fluorescence chromatogram revealed that the main fluorescent component of CCF is CPT. HCPT and other components basically do not interfere with the fluorescence of CPT. Under the condition of pH 3.0-6.7, CCF aqueous solution can produce strong and steady fluorescence. Using methanol as solvent, the extracting solution of CCF was prepared, and diluted properly with water, then measured fluorescence intensity at lambdaex/lambdaem = 365/430 nm to determine the content of CPT. A linear calibration curve covered the concentration range 0.002 35-0.235 microg x mL(-1). The regression equation was IF = 9 + 30,844 c, with correlation coefficient r = 0.999 (n=9). The method has been applied to the analysis of CPT in a CCF sample, with a result of 0.127% and a spiked recovery rate of 102%. The reliability of the method has been verified by a thin layer chromatography-fluorescence scanning method. Experimental results demonstrated that this method can be used for quality evaluation of CCF crude drug.

Key contents of disease prevention in Chinese medicine: to understand, regulate and take care of meridians / 中国针灸

The key contents of disease prevention through 3 aspects of understanding, regulating and taking care of meridians were expounded in this article. It discussed how to understand meridian through its main functions of relating with life and death, concerning various diseases, regulating deficient and excessive conditions, and also the importance of being kept smooth. It also expounded how to check the affected meridians through the diagnostic methods of inspection, pulse feeling, pressing along meridians, fixed pressing and palpation, how to regulate meridians through scribing, sucking, cutting, pulling and twisting etc., and how to take care of meridians through removing stagnation from meridians and collaterals, regulating emotions, diet and living style, so as to reach the aim of diseases prevention and inherite and develop the theory of meridians and collaterals of the past generations.

Postmenopausal osteoporosis of liver and kidney deficiency type treated with acupoint catgut embedding by stages / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the better treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis of liver and kidney deficiency type.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and five cases were randomly divided into an observation group, a control group A and a control group B equally. In control group A, Calcichew D3 tablets were taken with oral administration; in control group B, Calcichew D3 tablets and Xianling Gubao capsule were taken with oral administration. In observation group, Calcichew D3 tablets and acupoint catgut embedding were applied; Shenshu (BL 23), Ganshu (BL 18), Jiaji (EX-B 2) and Weizhong (BL 40) etc. were selected at acute stage; Shenshu (BL 23) and Ganshu (BL 18) etc. were selected at remission stage, once every half a month and 6 months treatment in all. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), bone mineral density(BMD), estradiol (E2) and clinical effects were compared among groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After 3 and 6 months treatment, the scores of VAS were reduced among groups (all P < 0.01); the reduction in observation group and control group B was superior to that in control group A (all P < 0.001), and it was more obvious in observation group than that in control group B (both P < 0.001). After 6 months treatment, lumbar BMD and the serum level of Ez improved obviously in observation group and control group B (all P < 0.01). The comparison among groups after treatment showed that the BMD in observation group and control group B was superior o o that in control group A (P < 0.01, P < 0.05); the serum level of E2 in observation group was superior to that in control group B and control group A (both P < 0.001), and it in control group B was superior to that in control group A. The total effective rate was 91.4% (32/35) in observation group, superior to that in control group A (57.1%, 20/35); and the total effective rate was 82. 9% (29/35) in control group B, superior to that in control group A.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Calcichew D3 tablets and acupoint catgut embedding therapy can relieve the pain caused by postmenopausal osteoporosis of liver and kidney deficiency, improve the bone mineral density and serum level of estradiol; in brief, it is the better method.</p>

Meridian differentiation of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation / 中国骨伤

Based on the location of disease and its clinical manifestations, the symptoms and signs of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation are categorized to the pathological changes of Du Meridian, Gallbladder Meridian of Foot Shaoyang, Bladder Meridian of Foot Taiyang, and Kidney Meridian of Foot Shaoyin. As to differentiations, they can be classified into blood stagnation syndrome of Du Meridian, damp-heat syndrome of Gallbladder Meridian, wind-cold-damp obstruction syndrome of Bladder Meridian, kidney-yang deficiency syndrome. Thus the therapeutic effect could be enhanced by methods of manipulation, acupuncture-moxibustion and usus internus of Chinese medicinal and the like under the guidance of meridian differentiation.

Influence of therapeutic effect of acupoint sticking at Shenque (CV 8) for treatment of stroke patients / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the therapeutic effect of acupoint sticking therapy for treatment of stroke.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Two hundred and forty-six cases were randomly divided into a non-acupoint sticking group (control group, n=122) and an acupoint sticking group (n=124). The control group was treated with routine ward treatment of stroke (acupuncture combined with routine western medicine). The acupoint sticking group was treated with basis ward treatment of stroke (similar to the control group), and acupoint sticking therapy was applicated on Shenque (CV 8). The scores of Stroke-Specific Quality of Life (SS-QOL) and WHOQOL-100BREF were adopted to evaluate the therapeutic effects and the cysteine of patients were tested before and after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were significant differences in scores comparison of SS-QOL and WHOQOL-100BREF before and after treatment in both groups (both P < 0.001); there was no significant difference after treatment between two groups (P > 0.05); there was a significant difference in thinking items of SS-QOL after treatment between two groups (P < 0.05), the acupoint sticking group was superior to that of control group; SS-QOL score of patients with abnormal cysteine of acupoint sticking group was superior to that of the control group after treatment, with a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The acupoint sticking therapy can improve the thinking ability of stroke patients, and improve the life quality of high cysteine stroke patients.</p>

A new method for safety monitoring of natural dietary supplements--quality profile / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>A new method for safety monitoring of natural dietary supplements--quality profile was proposed. It would convert passive monitoring of synthetic drug to active, and guarantee the security of natural dietary supplements. Preliminary research on quality profile was completed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>HPLC was employed to analyze chemical constituent profiles of natural dietary supplements. The separation was completed on C18 column with acetonitrile and water (0.05% H3PO4) as mobile phase, the detection wavelength was 223 nm. Based on HPLC, stability of quality profile had been studied, and abnormal compounds in quality profile had been analyzed after addition of phenolphthalein, sibutramine, rosiglitazone, glibenclamide and gliclazide. And by MS, detector worked with ESI +, capillary voltage: 3.5 kV, cone voltage: 30 V, extractor voltage: 4 V, RF lens voltage: 0.5 V, source temperature: 105 degrees C, desolvation temperature: 300 degrees C, desolvation gas flow rate: 260 L/h, cone gas flow rate: 50 L/h, full scan mass spectra: m/z 100-600. Abnormal compound in quality profile had been analyzed after addition of N-mono-desmethyl sibutramine.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Quality profile based on HPLC had good stability (Similarity > 0.877). Addition of phenolphthalein, sibutramine, rosiglitazone, glibenclamide and gliclazide in natural dietary supplements could be reflected by HPLC, and addition of N-mono-desmethyl sibutramine in natural dietary supplements could be reflected by MS.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Quality profile might monitor adulteration of natural dietary supplements, and prevent addition of synthetic drug after "approval".</p>

Assessment and investigation of therapeutic effects of different needling methods for treatment of spastic state of post-cerebrovascular disease / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study on rehabilitation therapeutic effect of different needling methods on spastic state of apoplectic hemiplegia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>With unified diagnostic criteria, enrolled criteria and unified needling methods, 152 patients with apoplectic hemiplegia were randomly devided into body acupuncture (BA) group (A group). BA plus scalp acupuncture (SA) group (B group), BA plus abdominal acupuncture (AA) group (C group) and BA+ SA+ AA group (D group). Spastic degrees, motor function level, daily life ability were assessed by using modified Ashworth spastic rating, Brunnstrom rating, brief Fugl-Meyer and Barthel's ADL indexes assessment methods, and to investigate therapeutic effects of different needling methods on apoplectic hemiplegia.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>B group, C group and D group in improvement of spastic state, motor function level and daily life ability were superior to A group (P < 0.01), with the D group being the best (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Combined needling method has an unique advantage in improvement of spastic state, increasing motor function and daily life ability of the patient.</p>

Clinical application of acupoint sticking therapy / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To summarize clinical application of acupoint sticking therapy in various fields of Chinese medicine.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Review acupoint selection, drug selection and problems of clinical studies in acupoint sticking therapy.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupoint sticking therapy has a good therapeutic effect with no adverse effect, safety and convenient manipulation.</p>

Systematic evaluation on acupuncture and moxibustion for treatment of dysphagia after stroke / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the therapeutic effect and potential adverse effect of acupuncture in treatment of dysphagia after stroke.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A systematic review including all the relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs of acupuncture and moxibustion for treatment of dysphagia after stroke were performed using the method recommended by the cochrane collaboration.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Seven papers including 506 cases met the enrolled criteria. All of the trials were of lower methodological quality. Meta-analysis of enrolled 6 trials showed that the acupuncture group had a better therapeutic effect on dysphagia after stroke than the control group (RR 1.17, 95% CI 1.08, 1.27, Z=3.78, P=0.0002). The mortality and the occurrence of pneumonia were similar between acupuncture and control groups (RR 0.25, 95% CI 0.03, 2.18 and RR 3.02, 95% CI 0.093, 23.10, respectively). The treatment group significantly reduced in time of the thick barium through pharynx examined by videofluorography (WMD -7.23, 95% CI -13.18,-1.28).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>A reliable conclusion can not be drawn from the present data because of the defects in methodological quality, especially no long-term terminal outcome events, although it appears a tendency that acupuncture can improve dysphagia after stroke in short-term with no adverse effect. Therefore, it is necessary to perform more multi central randomized controlled trials in good internal validity and high quality in future.</p>

Observation on therapeutic effect of abdominal acupuncture on spastic paralysis after cerebrovascular disorder / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe clinical therapeutic effect of abdominal acupuncture on spastic paralysis after cerebrovascular disorder.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty cases of spastic paralysis after cerebrovascular disorder were randomly divided into an abdominal acupuncture group and a body acupuncture group, 30 cases in each group. They all were treated for 5 times each week, for a 3 consecutive weeks, and then the therapeutic effects were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The spasm in the abdominal acupuncture group improved significantly, but in the body acupuncture group did not significantly improve. The therapeutic effect in the abdominal acupuncture group was significantly better than that in the body acupuncture group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Abdominal acupuncture is a safe and effective therapy for spastic paralysis after cerebrovascular disorder.</p>

Effect of ginsenoside Rg2 on chemical myocardial ischemia in rats / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the protective effect of Ginsenoside Rg2 on Chemical myocardial ischemia.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The models of myocardial ischemia were built in rats with isoproterenol, sodium nitrite,pituitrin. Ginsenoside Rg2 (iv 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 mg x kg(-1)) were intravenously administered.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Ginsenoside Rg2 could improve the abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG), reduce the arca of myocardial ischemia and improve the abnormal zymologic value of myocardial.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Ginsenoside Rg2 has inhibitory function on myocardialischemia.</p>