Fangji Huangqi Decoction alleviates rheumatoid arthritis through regulating HIF-1α mediated the angiogenesis and the balance between autophagy and apoptosis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Fangji Huangqi Decoction (FHD) is frequently prescribed for the clinical treatment of wind-cold and wind-dampness pathogenic superficial deficiency syndrome. It also has a notable curative effect on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aimed to explore the possible mechanism of FHD against RA and provided a theoretical basis for alternative therapies for RA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used UPLC-Q-TOF-MS to analysis the ingredients and absorbed blood components of FHD. At the same time, the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model was established to estimate the therapeutic effects on FHD by considering body weight, arthritis score, paw swelling, autonomous movement ability, and synovial microvessel counts. Subsequently, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot were employed to detect the anti-angiogenic capacity of FHD in vivo, as well as the levels of apoptosis and autophagy in the synovial tissue. In addition, flow cytometry and Western blot were used to assess the effects of FHD on apoptosis and autophagy in MH7A cells. The effects of FHD on the proliferation and migration of MH7A cells were measured by CCK8 assay, cell migration and, invasion experiments. Finally, a tube formation assay was performed to evaluate the angiogenic capacity of FHD in co-cultures of MH7A cells and HUVEC cells. RESULTS: Through testing of FHD's original formula, a total of 26 active ingredients have been identified, with 17 of them being absorbed into the bloodstream. FHD significantly improved the pathological symptoms and synovial hyperplasia of CIA rats. FHD could suppress the expression of HIF-1α, promote apoptosis in CIA rat synovial tissue, and suppress autophagy and angiogenesis. In vitro experiments showed that serum containing FHD inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of MH7A cells, and also suppressed the expression of autophagy-related proteins while promoting apoptosis. FHD markedly repressed the expression of HIF-1α protein in TNF-α-stimulated MH7A cells and inhibited the tube formation capacity induced by MH7A cells in HUVEC cells. CONCLUSIONS: The study had proven that FHD played an excellent anti-RA role, which may be attributed to its potential mechanism of regulating the balance between autophagy and apoptosis in RA FLS by suppressing the HIF-1α, thus contributing to its anti-angiogenic activities.

The mechanism of action of safflower total flavonoids in the treatment of endometritis caused by incomplete abortion based on network pharmacology and 16S rDNA sequencing.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Safflower is a traditional Chinese medicine used for treating gynaecological diseases. However, its material basis and mechanism of action in the treatment of endometritis induced by incomplete abortion are still unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to reveal the material basis and mechanism of action of safflower in the treatment of endometritis induced by incomplete abortion through comprehensive methods, including network pharmacology and 16S rDNA sequencing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Network pharmacology and molecular docking methods were used to screen the main active components and potential mechanisms of action of safflower in the treatment of endometritis induced by incomplete abortion in rats. A rat model of endometrial inflammation by incomplete abortion was established. The rats were treated with safflower total flavonoids (STF) based on forecasting results, serum levels of inflammatory cytokines were analysed, and immunohistochemistry, Western blots, and 16S rDNA sequencing were performed to investigate the effects of the active ingredient and the treatment mechanism. RESULTS: The network pharmacology prediction results showed 20 active components with 260 targets in safflower, 1007 targets related to endometritis caused by incomplete abortion, and 114 drug-disease intersecting targets, including TNF, IL6, TP53, AKT1, JUN, VEGFA, CASP3 and other core targets, PI3K/AKT, MAPK and other signalling pathways may be closely related to incomplete abortion leading to endometritis. The animal experiment results showed that STF could significantly repair uterine damage and reduce the amount of bleeding. Compared with the model group, STF significantly down-regulated the levels of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-1ß, NO, TNF-α) and the expression of JNK, ASK1, Bax, caspase3, and caspase11 proteins. At the same time, the levels of anti-inflammatory factors (TGF-ß and PGE2) and the protein expression of ERα, PI3K, AKT, and Bcl2 were up-regulated. Significant differences in the intestinal flora were seen between the normal group and the model group, and the intestinal flora of the rats was closer to the normal group after the administration of STF. CONCLUSIONS: The characteristics of STF used in the treatment of endometritis induced by incomplete abortion were multi-targeted and involved multiple pathways. The mechanism may be related to the activation of the ERα/PI3K/AKT signalling pathway by regulating the composition and ratio of the gut microbiota.

[Effect of electroacupuncture on the expression of Iba-1 in spinal dorsal horn and hippocampus of chronic pain rats with knee osteoarthritis].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) on pain-ralated behaviors, morphology of hippocampus, concentrations of inflammatory cytokines and expression of ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1(Iba-1) in dorsal horn of the spinal cord and the hippocampus, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in hippocampus of rats with knee osteoarthritis (KOA), so as to explore the mechanism of EA in improving chronic pain of KOA. METHODS: Forty SD rats were randomly divided into blank group, saline group, model group and EA group, with 10 rats in each group. Monosodium iodoacetate(MIA, 80 mg/mL, 50 µL) was injected into the left knee joint cavity of rats in the model group and EA group to establish the chronic pain model of KOA, while the same volume of normal saline was injected into the left knee joint cavity of rats in the saline group. Rats in the EA group received EA stimulation(2 Hz/100 Hz, 1-2 mA) at left "Yanglingquan"(GB34) and "Neixiyan"(EX-LE4) for 15 min, 14 d after MIA injection. The treatment was given once daily, 5 d as 1 session and 2 sessions of treatment were required. Methanical withdrawl threshold(MWT) and weight-bearing capacity tests on left hind limbs were carried out 1 d before, 7 d，14 d, 20 d and 26 d after MIA injection. At the 27th day, rats were sacrificed and HE staining was used to observe the morphology of hippocampal CA1 area. Concentrations of interleukin(IL)-1ß and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α in the left L3-L5 spinal dorsal horn and hippocampal CA1 area were detected by ELISA, the expressions of Iba-1 in the spinal dorsal horn and hippo-campal CA1 area were detected by immunofluorescence, and the expression of BDNF in left hippocampal CA1 area was detected by Western blot. RESULTS: The HE staining results of the hippocampal CA1 area showed reduced number of neurons, unclear cell contour and boundary between nucleus and cytoplasm, and nuclear pyknosis in the model group, which was relatively milder in the EA group. Compared with the blank group, MWT and weight-bearing capacity of rats' left hind limbs, and expression of BDNF protein in hippocampal CA1 area were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while the contents of IL-1ß and TNF-α, the expression of Iba-1 in spinal dorsal horn and hippocampal CA1 area were significantly increased (P<0.01) in the model group. In comparison with the model group, MWT and weight-bearing capacity of rats' left hind limbs, and protein expression of BDNF in hippocampal CA1 area were significantly increased (P<0.01), while the contents of IL-1ß and TNF-α, and the expression of Iba-1 protein in spinal dorsal horn and hippocampal CA1 area were significantly decreased after EA intervention(P<0.01). CONCLUSION: EA at GB34 and EX-LE4 can alleviate the pain-related behaviors of KOA rats. The mechanism might be related to the inhibition of inflammatory reaction mediated by microglia in spinal dorsal horn and hippocampus, and the up-regulation of BDNF expression in hippocampus.

The Traditional Chinese Medicine "Hu-Qian-Wan" Attenuates Osteoarthritis-Induced Signs and Symptoms in an Experimental Rat Model of Knee Osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a chronic, low-grade inflammatory disease that affects knee joints and causes functional disability in the elderly. KOA is typically treated with oral NSAIDs, which are commonly associated with gastrointestinal side effects or cardiovascular complications. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is widely used by patients with KOA in Taiwan; the Hu-Qian-Wan (HQW) formula is typically prescribed. We investigated the therapeutic role of a modified version of the HQW decoction in Sprague-Dawley rats with KOA induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) of the right knee. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty rats were randomly assigned to five groups (six animals each): arthrotomy alone (sham surgery, controls), ACLT only, ACLT + low-dose (1,000 mg/kg) HQW, ACLT + high-dose (3,000 mg/kg) HQW, and ACLT + celecoxib (30 mg/kg). All study groups underwent weight-bearing behavioral testing, micro-computed tomography (CT), and histological examinations of the knee joint cartilage, as well as immunohistochemical analyses of levels of interleukin (IL) 1ß and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α expression in articular cartilage. RESULTS: At 6 weeks, compared with ACLT group only, ACLT rats administered high-dose HQW or celecoxib exhibited the fewest weight-bearing deficits, the greatest improvements from baseline in articular cartilage architecture, and the lowest amounts of TNF-α and IL-1ß staining in cartilage and synovial sections (all values were significant compared with the ACLT-only group). The only values that were significantly increased by ACLT + low-dose HQW compared with ACLT alone were bone mineral density and trabecular numbers. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that high-dose HQW improves weight-bearing asymmetry, decreases bone loss, and reduces levels of TNF-α and IL-1ß in the affected joint in ACLT-induced KOA rats. More evidence is needed to support our findings.

Schizophrenia patients and their healthy siblings share decreased prefronto-thalamic connectivity but not increased sensorimotor-thalamic connectivity.

The pattern of decreased prefronto-thalamic connectivity and increased sensorimotor-thalamic connectivity has been consistently documented in schizophrenia. However, whether this thalamo-cortical abnormality pattern is of genetic predisposition remains unknown. The present study for the first time aimed to investigate the common and distinct characteristics of this circuit in schizophrenia patients and their unaffected siblings who share half of the patient's genotype. Totally 293 participants were recruited into this study including 94 patients with schizophrenia, 96 their healthy siblings, and 103 healthy controls scanned using gradient-echo echo-planar imaging at rest. By using a fine-grained atlas of thalamus with 16 sub-regions, we mapped the thalamocortical network in three groups. Decreased thalamo-prefronto-cerebellar connectivity was shared between schizophrenia and their healthy siblings, but increased sensorimotor-thalamic connectivity was only found in schizophrenia. The shared thalamo-prefronto-cerebellar dysconnectivity showed an impressively gradient reduction pattern in patients and siblings comparing to controls: higher in the controls, lower in the patients and intermediate in the siblings. Anatomically, the decreased thalamic connectivity mostly centered on the pre-frontal thalamic subregions locating at the mediodorsal nucleus, while the increased functional connectivity with sensorimotor cortices was only observed in the caudal temporal thalamic subregion anchoring at the dorsal and ventral lateral nuclei. Moreover, both decreased thalamo-prefronto-cerebellar connectivity and increased sensorimotor-thalamic connectivity were related to clinical symptoms in patients. Our findings extend the evidence that the decreased thalamo-prefronto-cerebellar connectivity may be related to the high genetic risk in schizophrenia, while increased sensorimotor-thalamic connectivity potentially represents a neural biomarker for this severe mental disorder.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Rhodiola rosea L.: A review.

Rhodiola rosea L., a worldwide botanical adaptogen, has been confirmed to possess protective effects of inflammatory injury for many diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, sepsis, and cancer. This paper is to review the recent clinical and experimental researches about the anti-inflammatory effects and the related mechanisms of Rhodiola rosea L. extracts, preparations, and the active compounds. From the collected information reviewed, this paper will provide the theoretical basis for its clinical application, and provide the evidences or guidance for future studies and medicinal exploitations of Rhodiola rosea L.

[Effects of electroacupuncture on pain behavior and pain-related factors in spinal cord dorsal horn and dorsal root ganglia of rats with knee osteoarthritis].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) on the pain behavior and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP) in the spinal cord dorsal horn and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of rats with knee osteoarthritis (KOA), so as to explore the mechanisms of EA underlying improvement of chronic pain in KOA rats. METHODS: Thirty-two female SD rats were randomly divided into blank group, control group, model group and EA group, with 8 rats in each group. Rats in the control group were injected with 50 µL of 0.9% sodium chloride solution into the left knee joint cavity, and rats in the model and EA groups were injected with 50 µL of Monosodium iodoacetate in the left knee joint. EA(2 Hz/100 Hz, ＜2 mA) was applied to left "Yanglingquan"(GB34) and "Neixiyan" (EX-LE4) for 15 min, once daily, 5 days a course with a total of 2 courses. Paw withdrawal latency (PWL) and mechanical pain threshold (PWT) were tested by Plantar Test and Von Frey, separately. After the last pain test, the contents of PGE2, CGRP and SP in the left lumbar (L) 3-L5 DRG and L3-L5 spinal dorsal horn were detected by ELISA. RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, the PWL and PWT of the rats in the model group were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the contents of PGE2, CGRP and SP in the DRG and spinal dorsal horn were significantly increased (P<0.01, P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in PWL, PWT, contents of PGE2, CGRP and SP in DRG and spinal dorsal horn between the blank group and the control group (P>0.05). Compared with the model group, the PWL and PWT of rats in the EA group were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the contents of PGE2, CGRP and SP in the DRG and spinal dorsal horn were significantly decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: EA of GB34 and EX-LE4 can reduce the levels of pain-related factors PGE2, CGRP and SP in the DRG and spinal dorsal horn, thereby relieving spinal hyperalgesia in rats with KOA.

Baicalein attenuates pancreatic inflammatory injury through regulating MAPK, STAT 3 and NF-κB activation.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common acute abdominal disease with local or systemic inflammatory response, caused by abnormal activation of digestive enzymes. Baicalein has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects and to attenuate the pathological changes of AP. The aim of the research was to investigate the effects of baicalein on caerulein induced pancreatitis, and to elucidate the putative underlying mechanism. In this study, the therapeutic potential of baicalein and its mechanism were investigated in a caerulein-induced AP in vivo and in vitro model. The results indicate that baicalein treatment alleviates the caerulein-induced pathological damage in the pancreas. Baicalein decreased the expression level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines of the pancreas in caerulein treated mice and of isolated pancreatic acinar cells. Moreover, baicalein inhibited the expression of NF-κB p65 and the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) as well as STAT 3, which indicates that baicalein exerts its anti-inflammatory effects via dampening the NF-κB, MAPK and STAT 3 signaling pathways. Together, this study provides experimental evidence for the clinical application of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi or baicalein and indicates that baicalein may be a promising candidate for treatment of AP patients in the future.

Core decompression, lesion clearance and bone graft in combination with Tongluo Shenggu decoction for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head: A retrospective cohort study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effect of core decompression (CD), lesion clearance, and bone graft in combination with Tongluo Shenggu decoction for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH).A total of 75 patients (92 hips), with ONFH at Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) stages II to IIIA, were studied and divided into treatment group and control group. In control group, patients were treated with the CD in combination with autologous or artificial ceramic bone graft. In treatment group, patients were treated with the above method combined with Tongluo Shenggu decoction. Patients were followed-up at 1 month, 6 months, and 24 months after surgery. The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, Harris Hip Score (HSS), and total effective rates were measured and recorded.The total effective rate of the treatment group was significantly higher than that of the control group (97.2% vs. 89.9%, P < .05). Compared with preoperative, the VAS and HSS scores were both improved at final follow-up, and there was significant difference between 2 groups (P < .01).The combination of CD, lesion clearance, and the bone graft with Tongluo Shenggu decoction is safe and effective for the treatment of ONFH, owing to which it can provide higher postoperative functional outcomes, reduce pain, and achieve smaller osteonecrosis area and better bone changes.

Baicalein inhibits acinar-to-ductal metaplasia of pancreatic acinal cell AR42J via improving the inflammatory microenvironment.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive cancers. Recent research has demonstrated that chronic pancreatitis (CP) is associated with an increased risk of PDAC, partly due to acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM). Baicalein has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects for CP or PDAC, respectively. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of baicalein, and the putative underlying mechanism, on inflammatory cytokines-induced ADM of rat pancreatic acinar cell line AR42J. To investigate ADM and baicalein effects in vitro, AR42J were treated with recombinant rat Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (rTNFα) with or without baicalein for 5 days. Results showed that rTNFα-induced AR42J cells switched their phenotype from dominantly amylase-positive acinar cells to dominantly cytokeratin 19-positive ductal cells. Moreover, expression of the transcripts for TNFα or Hes-1, a Notch target, was up-regulated in these cells. Interestingly, baicalein reduced the population of ADM as well as cytokines gene expression but not Hes-1. Baicalein inhibited NF-κB activation induced by rTNFα in AR42J, but no effect on Notch 1activation. Moreover, baicalein suppressed the secretion of TNFα and Nitric Oxide (NO) in macrophages stimulated with LPS and further inhibited ADM of conditional medium-treated AR42J cells. Baicalein also suppressed the inflammatory response of LPS-activated macrophages, thereby inhibited ADM of AR42J by altering their microenvironment. Taken together, our study indicates that baicalein reduces rTNFα-induced ADM of AR42J cells by inhibiting NF-κB activation. It also sheds new light on Chinese material medica therapy of pancreatitis and thereby prevention of PDAC.

Targeting tumor-associated macrophages by anti-tumor Chinese materia medica.

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a key role in all stages of tumorigenesis and tumor progression. TAMs secrete different kinds of cytokines, chemokines, and enzymes to affect the progression, metastasis, and resistance to therapy depending on their state of reprogramming. Therapeutic benefit in targeting TAMs suggests that macrophages are attractive targets for cancer treatment. Chinese materia medica (CMM) is an important approach for treating cancer in China and in the Asian region. According to the theory of Chinese medicine (CM) and its practice, some prescriptions of CM regulate the body's internal environment possibly including the remodeling the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here we briefly summarize the pivotal effects of TAMs in shaping the TME and promoting tumorigenesis, invasion, metastasis and immunosuppression. Furthermore, we illustrate the effects and mechanisms of CMM targeting TAMs in antitumor therapy. Finally, we reveal the CMM's dual-regulatory and multi-targeting functions on regulating TAMs, and hopefully, provide the theoretical basis for CMM clinical practice related to cancer therapy.

Traditional Chinese medicine in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

To evaluate whether the use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM; zhong yi) influences symptoms or functional outcomes in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee ( xi guan jié yán). A systematic review of randomized control trials was conducted. Searches for studies in PubMed that were performed between 1965 and August 2013, and retrieved studies were subjected to reference screening. The types of studies included in our review were 1) placebo-based or comparative studies; 2) open label, single-blinded or double-blinded studies; 3) studies evaluating the efficacy of TCM for treating OA of the knee; and 4) studies evaluating only TCM or combination preparations. Trials were conducted with participants over 18 years of age with knee pain and at least three of the following characteristics: 1) an age greater than 50 years; 2) morning stiffness lasting for fewer than 30 min; 3) a crackling or grating sensation; 4) bony tenderness of the knee; 5) bony enlargement of the knee; or 6) no detectable warmth of the joint to the touch. Studies were rated for risk of bias and graded for quality. After screening, 104 studies that satisfied the eligibility requirements were identified, and only 18 randomized control trials were included in the quantitative and qualitative synthesis. Upon review, we found "moderate-quality" evidence of effects from acupuncture ( zhen jiǔ) on pain, which was measured using a visual analogue scale, and physical function, which was measured using qigong ( qì gong) with motion. "Low-quality" evidence was found regarding the effects of acupuncture on physical function, and no evidence was found regarding the effects of herbal medicine on pain or physical function. Herbal patches ( yào bù) appeared to affect pain and physical and function, but these effects were not found to be significant. The initial findings included in this review suggest that acupuncture is a promising intervention according to the primary outcome measure, pain, and qigong with motion is an effective method for treating physical function. However, according to the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria, only moderate-quality evidence was found in these studies. Further rigorous studies are warranted to investigate the application of TCM in treating OA of knee.

The History, Mechanism, and Clinical Application of Auricular Therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Auricular therapy includes acupuncture, electroacupuncture, acupressure, lasering, cauterization, moxibustion, and bloodletting in the auricle. For 2500 years, people have employed auricular therapy for treating diseases, but the methods have been limited to bloodletting and cauterization. Only after 1957, the international scientific community became aware that the map of the ear resembles an inverted fetus, its introduction has led to auricular acupuncture (AA) becoming a more systemic approach, and, following the identification and standardization of more precise points, AA has been employed in clinical applications. The mechanisms of AA are considered to have a close relationship with the autonomic nervous system, the neuroendocrine system, neuroimmunological factors, neuroinflammation, and neural reflex, as well as antioxidation. Auricular therapy has been applied, for example, for pain relief, for the treatment of epilepsy, anxiety, and obesity, and for improving sleep quality. However, the mechanisms and evidence for auricular therapy warrant further study.

Emodin enhances osteogenesis and inhibits adipogenesis.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that the formation of osteoblasts in bone marrow is closely associated with adipogenesis, and the balance between osteogenesis and adipogenesis differentiation of MSCs (mesenchymal stem cells) is disrupted in osteoporosis. In order to improve the treatment of osteoporosis, available agents with roles of regulating the balance is highly desirable. Emodin is a natural anthraquinone derivative extracted from Chinese herbs, which have been used to treat bone diseases for thousands of years. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of emodin in modulating osteogenesis and adipogenesis remain poorly understood. METHODS: The molecular mechanisms of emodin on the processes of osteogenesis and adipogenesis in ovariectomized mouse and BMSCs (bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells) have been studied. We have analyzed the effects of emodin in vivo and in vitro. Female ICR mice were assigned to three groups: sham group, ovariectomy group, emodin group. Efficacy was evaluated by H&E, immunohistochemical assay and Micro-CT. In vitro, we analyze the effect of emodin--at concentrations between 0.1 µM and 10 µM--on the processes of inducing osteogenesis and inhibiting adipogenesis in BMSCs by ALP, Oil red O staining, real time RT-PCR and western blot. RESULTS: As our experiment shows that emodin could increase the number of osteoblast, BMD (bone mineral density), BV/TV (trabecular bone volume fraction), Tb.N (trabecular number) and Conn.D (connectivity density) of OVX (ovariectomized) mice and decrease the bone marrow fat tissue and adipocytes. The genes and proteins expression of osteogenesis markers, such as Runx2, osterix, collagen type I, osteocalcin, or ALP were up-regulated. While, the genes and proteins involved in adipogenesis, PPARγ, C/EBPα and ap2 were down-regulated. CONCLUSION: It proves that emodin inhibits adipocyte differentiation and enhances osteoblast differentiation from BMSCs.

[Preparation technology optimization of xiaozhong cataplasm by central composite design-response surface method and preliminary clinical effect evaluation].

OBJECTIVE: To optimize the preparation technology of Xiaozhong Cataplasm and to evaluate its preliminary clinical effect. METHODS: The viscosity, residue and appearance were selected as evaluation indexes. The central composite design-response surface methodology was applied to optimize the amounts of Skeleton material, tackifier and crosslinking agent. Clinical effect of Xiaozhong Cataplasm was observed. RESULTS: The optimal formulation was HQ841: PVP k120: PVPP: aluminium glycinate: water: glycerin: ethanol = 4:3:2:0.15: 60:25:10. The effective rate of the cataplasm was 97.22% and 91.67% had marked effect. CONCLUSION: Prepared by the optimal preparation technology, the cataplasm has the moderate viscosity and little residue with good clinical effect.

Preventive administration of juanbi capsules for knee osteoarthritis: effects on serum MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels and cartilage repair.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of action of Juanbi Capsules, a Chinese medicine for invigorating the kidney and replenishing qi, in preventing osteoarthritis of the knee in rabbits. METHODS: Seventy-two 4-month-old, Japanese long-eared white rabbits were randomly divided into 6 groups: control (group A), model (group B), Chinese drug; high-dose (group C), Chinese drug; mid-dose (group D), Chinese drug; low-dose (group E), and drug control (group F). With the exception of the rabbits in group A, each rabbit was subjected to plaster cast fixation for 6 weeks to induce osteoarthritis. In addition, rabbits were administrated with an intragastric injection of the Chinese drug (groups C, D and E) or an aminoglucose hydrochloride capsule (group F) for 4 weeks. Blood was drawn from the central ear artery for serum MMP-2 and MMP-9 concentrations, and the knee joint cartilage was harvested for gross observation and light microscopy. RESULTS: There were significant differences in serum MMP-2 and MMP-9 concentrations between group B and groups C, D and E (P < 0.05), with no significant differences between groups D and F. Histological results showed various changes in tissue staining with treatment, with osteophyte and bone cyst formation, and superficial erosion in the articular surface of the cartilage; in some cases, the defect reached the mid-layer of the cartilage, and these changes were lower than those in the model group. CONCLUSION: Juanbi Capsules assist in preventing osteoarthritis in the rabbit, possibly by decreasing serum MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels.

Effects of preventive administration of juanbi capsules on TNF-alpha, IL-1 and IL-6 contents of joint fluid in the rabbit with knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To probe into the mechanism of the Chinese herbs with functions of reinforcing kidney and supplementing qi for preventing knee osteoarthritis of the rabbit. METHODS: Totally 72 healthy Japan long-ear white rabbits, aged 4 months, were randomly divided into 6 groups, blank group (A), model group (B), high dose Chinese herb group (C), middle dose Chinese herb group (D), small dose Chinese herb group (E), aminoglucose hydrochloride capsule control group (F), 12 rabbits in each group. All the rabbits in the groups, except the group A, were fixed with plaster cast for six weeks to establish rabbit knee osteoarthritis. At the same time of modeling, the different doses of Juanbi Capsules and aminoglucose hydrochloride capsule were administrated intragastrically in the group C, D, E, F, respectively, for 4 weeks, for preventive treatment. In the group B, the rabbit was administrated intragastrically with equal volume of normal saline to the medication groups, twice each day, in the morning and the evening, and in the group A, nothing was administrated. After modeling for 6 weeks, the joint fluid was taken and TNF-alpha, IL-1 and IL-6 contents were detected with ELISA method, and the articular cartilage was taken for macroscopic and microscopic examinations. RESULTS: In all the preventive treatment groups, the articular cartilage color changed to varying degrees with formation of osteophyte and bone cyst, superficial erosion on the chondral articular surface, and the cartilage defect reached to the mid layer in a part of specimens with cartilage exfoliation, but which in the extent were significantly lower than those in the model group. There were significant differences between the group A and B in TNF-alpha, IL-1 and IL-6 contents in the joint fluid (P < 0.05), indicating that the modeling is successful; and there were significant differences as group B compared with the group C,D, E, F, showing that TNF-alpha , IL-1 and IL-6 contents are decreased in all the medication groups; and significant differences between group C, D, E suggests that the increase of Chinese herb doses strengthened the effect of reducing TNF-alpha, IL-1 and IL-6 contents in joint fluid. CONCLUSION: The Juanbi Capsule prevents osteoarthritis possibly through decreasing serum TNF-alpha, IL-1 and IL-6 contents.

[Effect of the mixed liquor of danshen and magnesium sulfate injection on IgG and IgM in serum of rabbits with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of the mixed liquor of danshen and magnesium sulfate injection on inflammatory reaction caused by autoimmune response of rabbits with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation. METHODS: Sixty rabbits were divided into blank group (10 rabbits), sham operation group (10 rabbits), model group (40 rabbits) according to method of random digits table. Then model group was divided into made group (group A, 10 rabbits), normal saline group (group B, 10 rabbits), aescin natrium group (group C, 10 rabbits) and danshen and magnesium sulfate injection group (group D,10 rabbits). After model success of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation, different drugs were given to rabbits with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation by ear margin vein. The rabbits of the group C,B,D were respectively given aescin natriu (0.5 mg/kg), normal saline (5 ml/kg), danshen and magnesium sulfate injection (2.0 mg/kg). The rabbits of blank group, sham operation group and group A were not given any disposal. The IgG and IgM level in serum of different groups were determined with ELISA method in fourteen day after model success and drugs given. RESULTS: The level of IgG and IgM in the group A was higher than that of blank group and sham operation group (P < 0.05). The level of IgG and IgM in the group D was lower than that of group B,C (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The mixed liquor of danshen () and magnesium sulfate injection could inhibit inflammatory reaction caused by autoimmune response of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation,which provides a new alternative for lumbar intervertebral disc herniation.

Effect of the mixed liquor of danshen and magnesium sulfate injection on IgG and IgM in serum of rabbits with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of the mixed liquor of danshen and magnesium sulfate injection on inflammatory reaction caused by autoimmune response of rabbits with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty rabbits were divided into blank group (10 rabbits), sham operation group (10 rabbits), model group (40 rabbits) according to method of random digits table. Then model group was divided into made group (group A, 10 rabbits), normal saline group (group B, 10 rabbits), aescin natrium group (group C, 10 rabbits) and danshen and magnesium sulfate injection group (group D,10 rabbits). After model success of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation, different drugs were given to rabbits with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation by ear margin vein. The rabbits of the group C,B,D were respectively given aescin natriu (0.5 mg/kg), normal saline (5 ml/kg), danshen and magnesium sulfate injection (2.0 mg/kg). The rabbits of blank group, sham operation group and group A were not given any disposal. The IgG and IgM level in serum of different groups were determined with ELISA method in fourteen day after model success and drugs given.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The level of IgG and IgM in the group A was higher than that of blank group and sham operation group (P < 0.05). The level of IgG and IgM in the group D was lower than that of group B,C (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The mixed liquor of danshen () and magnesium sulfate injection could inhibit inflammatory reaction caused by autoimmune response of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation,which provides a new alternative for lumbar intervertebral disc herniation.</p>

[Effect of Xianlong granules on immunological function in rats of adjuvant arthritis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of Xianlong granules (XLG) on immunological function in the rat of adjuvant arthritis (AA). METHOD: Rats were randomly divided into normal group, AA model group, prednisone group and low, middle and high dose XLG groups, 10 rats in each group. All rats were treated by intragastric administration from the 18 days after arthritis was induced by the complete Freud's adjuvant and the effect of XLG on toes swelling was observed. On the 30th days after modeling, proliferation of the splenic and thymic lymphocytes, and IgG secreted by splenocytes were detected respectively by MTT assay and ELISA. RESULT: Compared with the model group, both the high and middle dose XLG groups had significant therapeutic effects on toes dwelling in the rat of AA (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01); The low, middle and high dose XLG groups strengthened the PHAM-inhibited proliferation of splenic lymphocytes (P < 0.05), and inhibited the PHAM-augmented proliferation of thymic lymphocytes (P < 0.05); XLG did not significantly effect on IgG level secreted by splenocytes in rats of AA. CONCLUSION: XLG can cure toes swelling in rats of AA, which is related with regulation of the abnormal immunlological function.