[Comparison of therapeutic effect of moxibustion materials from different places and storage periods on knee osteoarthritis].

Osteoarthritis(OA) is a kind of osteoarticular degenerative disease. The most common joint involvement of OA is knee and hip joint. The incidence rate of OA increases with age. Meta analysis shows that moxibustion is superior to other therapies in treating knee osteoarthritis(KOA). In this study, the effects of moxibustion materials from different places of origin(Hubei Qichun, Henan Nanyang, Hunan) and storage periods(5, 3, 1 years) on knee osteoarthritis in rats were compared. The swelling degree of knee joint and the histopathology of knee joint cartilage were measured. The mechanism of moxibustion in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis was discussed from the perspective of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway. The results showed that the swelling degree of knee joint in the moxibustion material group of Hubei Qichun and Henan Nanyang was significantly lower than that in the model group, the diffe-rence was statistically significant(P<0.05), and it was better than that in the moxibustion material group of Hunan Province; compared with the model group, the degeneration and pathological change of knee joint cartilage tissue in the moxibustion material group of different origins were alleviated to different degrees, the Mankin's score was significantly reduced, and that in the moxibustion material group of Qichun in Hubei Province and Nanyang in Henan Province was significantly reduced and better than Hunan moxibustion material group. The effect of moxibustion materials with different storage years on the swelling degree of osteoarthritis in rats was the earliest in Qichun 5-year group, and there was significant difference between Qichun 5-year group and model group after 3 days of treatment; the improvement of histopathological changes in Qichun 5-year and 3-year moxibustion materials group was better than that in Qichun 1-year moxibustion materials group. The study on the mechanism of action showed that moxibustion materials from different places could reduce the mRNA expression of ß-catenin, BMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9 and MMP-13 genes in knee cartilage, suggesting that moxibustion could inhibit cartilage base by regulating Wnt/ß-catenin signal pathway. It may be one of the mechanisms of moxibustion in the treatment of OA.

[Study on syndrome differentiation of ancient arthralgia syndrome and drug use rules based on latent structure model].

In this study, the ancient doctors' concentrated prescriptions for arthralgia syndrome were collected and Lantern 3.2 software was used to construct and analyze the latent structure model of ancient arthralgia syndrome. A total of 10 syndrome types of ancient arthralgia syndrome were obtained, namely, cold-coagulation meridian syndrome(partial Yang deficiency), cold-dampness obstruction syndrome(cold weight), damp-heat obstruction syndrome, liver and kidney deficiency syndrome, essence deficiency syndrome, phlegm and blood stasis syndrome, spleen and stomach Qi deficiency syndrome, dampness evil accumulation syndrome, arthralgia meridian syndrome, cold-dampness binding lung syndrome, meridian obstruction syndrome, and wind-cold-dampness arthralgia syndrome(both wind-cold and dampness). This syndrome differentiation method further strengthened the thought on eight-class syndrome differentiation, and showed the characteristics of different syndrome differentiation types of the core drugs in the latent structure model, which was mainly reflected in paying attention to removing blood stasis and eliminating phlegm with use of pungent taste products having dispersing effect, emphasizing the effect of nourishing Yin and generating marrow to supplement congenital deficiency, invigorating spleen and replenishing Qi to regulate the spleen and stomach functions, nourishing vital energy and expelling evil. In addition, Python 3.7 software was used to mine the frequent item sets and association rules for the frequently used drugs for ancient arthralgia syndrome. The drug compatibility law is characterized by making good use of blood-nourishing drugs. Blood-activating drugs are often compatible with cold-dispelling drugs, liver and kidney tonifying drugs, and wind-dampness-dispelling drugs, following the compatibility principle of dispelling wind and dispelling cold as well as tonifying liver and kidney. The induction of syndrome differentiation types of ancient arthralgia syndrome and the discussion on the characteristics of drug use and compatibility law provide a new way for clinical syndrome differentiation and treatment, with certain reference value for the research and development of new Chinese patent medicines.

[Effects of estrogen and remifemin on neuronal nitric oxide synthase and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 in submandibular gland of ovariectomized rats].

Objective: To investigate the effects of estrogen and remifemin on the expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), muscarinic acetylcholine receptor, member 1 and 3 (M1 and M3 receptor) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the submandibular gland of rats. Methods: Forty SD female adult rats were divided into SHAM group (sham operation), OVX group (ovarian removal), OVX+E group (ovarian removal + estrogen treatment) and OVX+ICR group (ovarian removal + remifemin treatment), 10 per group. The rats were recovered for 2 weeks after operation. The SHAM group and the OVX group were treated with distilled water, the OVX+E group and the OVX+ICR group were treated with ß-estradiol and remifemin respectively. After 4 weeks, the location and expression of nNOS, TRPV1, M1 and M3 receptors in the submandibular gland were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The changes of AChE expression in rat submandibular gland were observed by AChE staining. Results: Compared with SHAM group (0.23±0.02, 0.28±0.01, 0.25±0.03, 0.19±0.03), the expression of nNOS, TRPV1, M1 and M3 receptors in OVX group (0.16±0.01, 0.21±0.01, 0.15±0.02, 0.09±0.02) were significantly lower (P<0.05); there were no significant difference between OVX+E group (0.23±0.01, 0.28±0.02, 0.23±0.03, 0.19±0.01) and SHAM group (P>0.05). But compared with OVX group, the expression of nNOS, TRPV1 and M3 receptors in OVX+ICR group were no significantly changed (P>0.05), and only M1 receptor expression (0.22±0.03) was significantly increased (P<0.05). The expression of AChE in OVX group (0.14±0.01) was significantly higher than that in SHAM group (0.10±0.01) (P<0.05). The expression of AChE in OVX+E group (0.15±0.01) was significantly higher than that in SHAM group (P<0.05). The expression of AChE in OVX+ICR group (0.09±0.01) was not significantly different from that in SHAM group (P>0.05). Conclusions: Estrogen can significantly increase the expression of nNOS and TRPV1 in the submandibular gland of rats, suggesting that estrogen may regulate the salivary secretion function of the submandibular gland through nNOS and TRPV1. The mechanism of remifemin is different from that of estrogen, and remifemin does not play a regulatory role by nNOS and TRPV1.

Effects of black cohosh and estrogen on core body and tail-skin temperatures in ovariectomized rats by telemetric monitoring with dual thermistor probes.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of black cohosh and estrogen on the temperature in ovariectomized rats, the core body temperature (CBT) and tail-skin temperature (TST) were simultaneously monitored and the relationship between these two temperatures was explored. METHODS: Twenty-four female Sprague-Dawley rats aged 8 weeks were randomly divided into four groups: sham-operated (SHAM), ovariectomized (OVX), OVX treated with estradiol valerate (OVX + E), and OVX treated with isopropanolic black cohosh extract (OVX + ICR). Rats were sham-operated or ovariectomized and were implanted with telemetry transmitters with dual thermistor probes. Two weeks after surgery, the animals were treated with drugs for 4 weeks. During the last week of the treatments, the dynamic temperature profiles of the CBT and TST were collected. RESULTS: The average CBT and TST, TST fluctuation frequency, and the average amplitude fluctuation were significantly higher in OVX than in SHAM rats. In addition, dramatic fluctuations of TST in OVX rats occurred at the time points of the day when the CBTs were lower in OVX rats than in SHAM rats. Treatment of OVX rats with estradiol valerate or isopropanolic black cohosh extract markedly decreased the average CBT and TST, TST fluctuation frequency, and the average amplitude fluctuation. Moreover, CBT was found to be significantly higher, while TST was lower in OVX + E than in OVX + ICR rats. CONCLUSIONS: Both black cohosh and estradiol treatments ameliorated the abnormal thermoregulation in OVX rats. In particular, black cohosh reduced CBT better than estradiol and estradiol reduced TST better than black cohosh.

Effects of Milk Proteins Supplementation in Older Adults Undergoing Resistance Training: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Control Trials.

BACKGROUND: Older adults experience age-related physiological changes that affect body weight and body composition. In general, nutrition and exercise have been identified as potent stimulators of protein synthesis in skeletal muscle. Milk proteins are excellent sources of all the essential amino acids and may represent an ideal protein source to promote muscle anabolism in older adults undergoing resistance training. However, several randomized control trials (RCTs) have yielded mixed results on the effects of milk proteins supplementation in combination with resistance training on body weight and composition. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane databases were searched for literature that evaluated the effects of milk proteins supplementation on body weight and composition among older adults (age ≥ 60 years) undergoing resistance training up to September 2016. A random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of effect sizes. RESULTS: The final analysis included 10 RCTs involving 574 participants (mean age range from 60 to 80.8 years). Overall, the combination of milk proteins supplementation and resistance training did not have significant effect on fat mass (0.30, 95% CI -0.25, 0.86 kg) or body weight (1.02, 95% CI: -0.01, 2.04 kg). However, a positive effect of milk proteins supplementation paired with resistance training on fat-free mass was observed (0.74, 95% CI 0.30, 1.17 kg). Greater fat-free mass gains were observed in studies that included more than 55 participants (0.73, 95% CI 0.30, 1.16 kg), and in studies that enrolled participants with aging-related medical conditions (1.60, 95% CI 0.92, 2.28 kg). There was no statistical evidence of publication bias among the studies. CONCLUSION: Our findings provide evidence that supplementation of milk protein, in combination with resistance training, is effective to elicit fat-free mass gain in older adults.

Association between advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and vascular calcification in uremic patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between serum advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and vascular calcification in uremic patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The general data of included subjects were collected, and the serum AOPP, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), creatinine (Cre), Urea, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterin (LDL-C), hemoglobin (Hb) and albumin (ALB) were detected. Coronary artery computed tomography (CT) scan was performed and the coronary arterial calcification score (CACS) was calculated; the whole abdomen CT scan was performed and abdominal aortic calcification index (AACI) was calculated. SPSS l9.0 software was used for data analysis. RESULTS: The coronary artery CT and detection of serum indexes showed that AOPP in positive coronary arterial calcification group was significantly increased compared with that in negative coronary arterial calcification group (59.14 ± 14.57 vs. 37.59 ± 5.31) µmol/L. The whole abdomen CT and detection of serum indexes showed that AOPP in positive abdominal aortic calcification group was significantly increased compared with that in negative abdominal aortic calcification group (60.32 ± 15.43 vs. 39.57 ± 6.25) µmol/L. AOPP in severe calcification group was significantly higher than negative group (70.72 ± 18.18 vs. 39.57 ± 6.25) µmol/L. There were no significant differences in AOPP between hypertension and non-hypertension groups, diabetic nephropathy and non-diabetic nephropathy groups. Correlation analysis showed that AOPP of uremic patients had a significantly positive correlation with logl0[CACS+1] and had a significantly positive correlation with inferior AACI. CONCLUSIONS: AOPP in positive coronary arterial calcification group and positive abdominal aortic calcification group was higher than that in negative group and AOPP in severe calcification group was significantly higher than that in negative group. AOPP of uremic patients has a significantly positive correlation with CACS and AACI.

[Prediction and preventive strategies for recurrence after surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma].

Many advances have been achieved in the clinical and basic studies on metastasis and recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) over the past 20 years. The achievements mainly include the following aspects: (1) a group of molecules related to metastasis and recurrence including osteopontin have been identified, and multi-molecular predictive models for metastasis have been established and optimized; (2) it has been found that the imbalance of immune response in tumor microenvironment is important in promoting metastasis and can be used to predict metastasis and recurrence; (3) it has been found and confirmed that interferon can prevent postoperative recurrence, and patients with a lower miR-26a expression level can achieve greater benefits; (4) the breakthroughs in liquid biopsy and immunotherapy bring a promising future for the prediction, prevention, and treatment of HCC metastasis and recurrence. However, these predictive models still need to be validated by multi-center studies, and the effects of adjuvant transarterial chemoembolization and targeted therapy with sorafenib still need further evaluation.

Effect of whey protein on blood lipid profiles: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Previous studies have suggested that whey supplementation may have beneficial effects on lipid profiles, although results were inconsistent. A literature search was performed in March 2015 for randomized controlled trials observing the effects of whey protein and its derivatives on circulating levels of triacylglycerol (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). A meta-analysis was subsequently conducted. The meta-analysis results of 13 trials showed that whey supplementation significantly reduced the circulating TG level by 0.11 mmol/l (95% CI: -0.21, 0 mmol/l), whereas the whey protein had no effects on circulating TC (-0.11 mmol/l, 95% CI: -0.27, 0.05 mmol/l), LDL-C (-0.08 mmol/l, 95% CI: -0.23, 0.07 mmol/l) and HDL-C (0.01 mmol/l, 95% CI: -0.04, 0.05 mmol/l). Subgroup analysis showed that significant TG reduction disappeared in participants with low body mass index, low supplemental whey dose or under exercise training/energy restriction during the trial. No evidence of heterogeneity across studies and publication bias was observed. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that the effects of whey protein supplementation were modest, with an overall lowering effect on TG but no effect on TC, LDL-C and HDL-C.

Prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency among adolescents and its correlation with bone parameters using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography.

UNLABELLED: Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are highly prevalent among adolescents in Hong Kong, which is a sub-tropical city with ample sunshine. Vitamin D level is significantly correlated with key bone density and bone quality parameters. Further interventional studies are warranted to define the role of vitamin D supplementation for improvement of bone health among adolescents. INTRODUCTION: The relationship between bone quality parameters and vitamin D (Vit-D) status remains undefined among adolescents. The aims of this study were to evaluate Vit-D status and its association with both bone density and bone quality parameters among adolescents. METHODS: Three hundred thirty-three girls and 230 boys (12-16 years old) with normal health were recruited in summer and winter separately from local schools. Serum 25(OH) Vit-D level, bone density and quality parameters by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) and High-Resolution peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (HR-pQCT), dietary calcium intake, and physical activity level were assessed. RESULTS: Sixty-four point seven percent and 11.4 % of subjects were insufficient [25 ≤ 25(OH)Vit-D ≤ 50 nmol/L] and deficient [25(OH)Vit-D < 25 nmol/L] in Vit-D, respectively. The mean level of serum 25(OH)Vit-D in summer was significantly higher than that in winter (44.7 ± 13.6 and 35.9 ± 12.6 nmol/L, respectively) without obvious gender difference. In girls, areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) of bilateral femoral necks, cortical area, cortical thickness, total volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), and trabecular thickness were significantly correlated with 25(OH)Vit-D levels. In boys, aBMD of bilateral femoral necks, BMC of the dominant femoral neck, cortical area, cortical thickness, total vBMD, trabecular vBMD, BV/TV, and trabecular separation were significantly correlated with 25(OH)Vit-D levels. CONCLUSION: Vit-D insufficiency was highly prevalent among adolescents in Hong Kong with significant correlation between Vit-D levels and key bone density and bone quality parameters being detected in this study. Given that this is a cross-sectional study and causality relationship cannot be inferred, further interventional studies investigating the role of Vit-D supplementation on improving bone health among adolescents are warranted.

Thermotherapy-induced reduction in glioma invasiveness is mediated by tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

Thermotherapy has been proven to be effective for the treatment of various tumors, including glioma. We determined whether tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is involved in the regulation of the biological processes of glioma development. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunocytochemistry were used to investigate the levels of TNF-α mRNA and heat shock factor-1 (HSF1) protein, respectively, in glioma cells. Radioimmunoassay was used to dynamically monitor the contents of TNF-α in the nutrient fluid of C6 cells after thermotherapy treatment. Crystal violet staining was used to determine glioma invasiveness. The most obvious increases in HSF1 protein and TNF-α mRNA in C6 cells were observed at 30 and 60 min after thermotherapy, respectively. In addition, the radioactivity of TNF-α in the culture fluid of the C6 cells reached a peak after 120 min of thermotherapy. In addition, glioma invasiveness decreased and the concentration of TNF-α reached a maximum after 120 min of thermotherapy. Our results show that the decrease in thermotherapy-mediated glioma invasiveness is due to the accelerated release of TNF-α, which could promote the release of HSF1 from neurospongioma cells.

Acute restraint stress alters sound-evoked neural responses in the rat auditory cortex.

Stress is known to elicit various adaptive or maladaptive responses in the nervous system function. Psychophysical studies have revealed that stress exposure induced the changes in auditory response that can be interpreted as a transient, stress-induced hypersensitivity to sounds. However, the underlying neural mechanism remains unresolved. Thus, in this study, we explored the neural activities of the auditory cortex (AC) in response to stress. We elicited stress by physically immobilizing rats and recorded the extracellular single-unit activities through the electrodes chronically implanted in the AC of rats. By comparing the spike activities of the same rat before, during and after immobilization, we found temporal and significant changes in the sound-evoked neural activities. In most cases, acute restraint stress enhanced neural responses evoked by pure-tones and click-trains, but in a minority of neurons, stress suppressed responses. The immobilization-induced enhancement was more frequently found in the neurons that originally had a low responsibility for sound stimuli. The enhancement effects on pure-tone response were reflected by an increase of response magnitude, decrease of response latency, and extension of bandwidth of tuning curve (BW). But the spontaneous firing rate and best frequency (BF) remained unchanged. Stress also increased the ability of neural response to synchronize to click-trains, even in the neurons whose response magnitude was not significantly increased. Taken together, these results provide direct evidence that stress alters the function of auditory system at the level of AC.

Combined magnetic fields accelerate bone-tendon junction injury healing through osteogenesis.

The objective of this study was to explore the effect of combined magnetic fields (CMFs) on osteogenesis and the remodeling of newly formed bone at bone-tendon (BT) junction. Forty-eight mature rabbits in whom partial patellectomy was performed were used to establish a BT junction injury model at the patella-patellar tendon (PPT) complex and were then allocated to CMF treatment group (CMF group) or placebo treatment group (control group). Daily CMF therapy was delivered continuously from post-operative day 3 to weeks 4, 8, and 16. At each time point, the animals were sacrificed, and the PPT complexes were harvested for radiographic, histological, peripheral quantitative computed tomography, and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) evaluation. The area, length, and bone mineral density of the newly formed bone in the CMF group were significantly greater than the control group at post-operative weeks 8 and 16. The micro-CT results showed that the newly formed bone in the CMF group contained more and thicker trabeculae than the control group at weeks 8 and 16. Histologically, the CMF group showed better remodeling of the BT junction. In conclusion, CMF treatment was able to accelerate osteogenesis during BT junction repair, thus facilitating the healing of BT junction injury.

PLGA/TCP composite scaffold incorporating bioactive phytomolecule icaritin for enhancement of bone defect repair in rabbits.

Bone defect repair is challenging in orthopaedic clinics. For treatment of large bone defects, bone grafting remains the method of choice for the majority of surgeons, as it fills spaces and provides support to enhance biological bone repair. As therapeutic agents are desirable for enhancing bone healing, this study was designed to develop such a bioactive composite scaffold (PLGA/TCP/ICT) made of polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) and tricalcium phosphate (TCP) as a basic carrier, incorporating a phytomolecule icaritin (ICT), i.e., a novel osteogenic exogenous growth factor. PLGA/TCP/ICT scaffolds were fabricated as PLGA/TCP (control group) and PLGA/TCP in tandem with low/mid/high-dose ICT (LICT/MICT/HICT groups, respectively). To evaluate the in vivo osteogenic and angiogenic potentials of these bioactive scaffolds with slow release of osteogenic ICT, the authors established a 12 mm ulnar bone defect model in rabbits. X-ray and high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography results at weeks 2, 4 and 8 post-surgery showed more newly formed bone within bone defects implanted with PLGA/TCP/ICT scaffolds, especially PLGA/TCP/MICT scaffold. Histological results at weeks 4 and 8 also demonstrated more newly mineralized bone in PLGA/TCP/ICT groups, especially in the PLGA/TCP/MICT group, with correspondingly more new vessel ingrowth. These findings may form a good foundation for potential clinical validation of this innovative bioactive scaffold incorporated with the proper amount of osteopromotive phytomolecule ICT as a ready product for clinical applications.

Dynamic QTL analysis for fruit lycopene content and total soluble solid content in a Solanum lycopersicum x S. pimpinellifolium cross.

Fruit lycopene content and total soluble solid content are important factors determining fruit quality of tomatoes; however, the dynamic quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling lycopene and soluble solid content have not been well studied. We mapped the chromosomal regions controlling these traits in different periods in F(2:3) families derived from a cross between the domestic and wild tomato species Solanum lycopersicum and S. pimpinellifolium. Fifteen QTLs for lycopene and soluble solid content and other related traits analyzed at three different fruit ripening stages were detected with a composite interval mapping method. These QTLs explained 7-33% of the individual phenotypic variation. QTLs detected in the color-changing period were different from those detected in the other two periods. On chromosome 1, the soluble solid content QTL was located in the same region during the color-changing and full-ripe periods. On chromosome 4, the same QTL for lycopene content was found during the color-changing and full-ripe periods. The QTL for lycopene content on chromosome 4 co-located with the QTL for soluble solid content during the full-ripe period. Co-location of lycopene content QTL and soluble solid content QTLs may be due to pleiotropic effects of a single gene or a cluster of genes via physiological relationships among traits. On chromosome 9, the same two QTLs for lycopene content at two different fruit ripening periods may reflect genes controlling lycopene content that are always expressed in tomato fruit development.

The first multicenter and randomized clinical trial of herbal Fufang for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

UNLABELLED: This multicenter and randomized clinical trial showed that daily oral herbal formula Xian Ling Gu Bao (XLGB) was safe in postmenopausal women over a 1-year treatment. Those patients (n ∼ 50) treated with XLGB at the conventional dose demonstrated a statistically significant increase in dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) bone mineral density (BMD) at lumbar spine at 6 months and a numerically increased BMD at 12 months. INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to examine the safety and efficacy of a herbal formula XLGB in postmenopausal women (ChiCTR-TRC-00000347). METHODS: One hundred eighty healthy postmenopausal women (≥60 years old) with BMD T-score ≤ -2.0 (lumbar spine or femoral neck) were recruited from four clinical centers to receive low-dose (conventional dose) XLGB (L-XLGB group, 3 g/day, n = 61) or high-dose XLGB (H-XLGB group, 6 g/day, n = 58) or placebo (CON group, n = 61). Women received daily calcium (500 mg) and vitamin D (200 IU) supplementation. Primary endpoints were lumbar spine BMD and safety; secondary endpoints were femoral neck BMD and bone turnover markers measured at baseline and at 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: Of 180 women recruited, 148 completed the study. The compliance in each group was comparable. Prominent adverse events were not observed in either group. In the L-XLGB group at 6 months, lumbar spine BMD by DXA increased significantly from baseline (+2.11% versus CON +0.58%, p < 0.05), but femoral neck BMD did not; at 12 months, BMD in the L-XLGB group decreased from 6-month levels yet remained higher than baseline, but without difference from the CON group. There was no dose-dependent response. Bone turnover marker levels declined during the first 6 months after XLGB treatment. There was no significant difference in the overall incidence of side effects among treatment and control groups. CONCLUSION: XLGB over 1-year treatment at the conventional dose demonstrated safe and only a statistically significant increase in BMD at lumbar spine at 6 months in postmenopausal women.

Oleanolic acid inhibits hypertrophic scarring in the rabbit ear model.

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic scarring, a common proliferative disorder of dermal fibroblasts, results from an overproduction of collagen and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix. Although treatment with surgical excision or steroid hormones can modify the symptoms, numerous treatment-related complications have been described. AIM: To investigate the effects of oleanolic acid (OA), a naturally occurring triterpenoid, on hypertrophic scarring in a rabbit ear model. METHODS: A rabbit ear model of hypertrophic scarring was used, with wounds produced with a biopsy punch. Oleanolic acid (2.5%, 5% and 10%) was applied once daily to the scars for 22 days. On postoperative day 28, the scars were excised, and the tissue used for histological examination and assays of the levels of collagens I and III, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß(1). The scar elevation index (SEI) was also determined. RESULTS: Treatment with different concentrations of oleanolic acid (OA) for 22 days significantly inhibited hypertrophic scarring in rabbit ear tissue. Levels of TGF-ß(1), collagen I and collagen III were significantly decreased and levels of MMP-1 significantly increased in the scar tissue. SEI was also significantly reduced. Histological findings showed significant amelioration of the scar tissue. CONCLUSIONS: OA suppresses hypertrophic scarring in the rabbit ear model and may be an effective cure for human hypertrophic scarring.

Bioactivity-guided fractionation for analgesic properties and constituents of Vitex negundo L. seeds.

This study was undertaken to ascertain the analgesic properties of Vitex negundo L. seeds and to isolate and characterize the active constituents. Among the 80% ethanol extract and some fractions with different polarity, the acetoacetate fraction showed the highest anti-nociceptive activity in acetic acid-induced writhing test in ICR mice. The analgesic bioguided isolation of the acetoacetate fraction yielded two major lignans: 6-hydroxy-4-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)-3-hydroxymethyl-7-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2-naphthaldehyde (1) and vitedoamine A (2). Given orally, compound (1), which was more productive, produced significant inhibitions on chemical nociception induced by intraperitoneal acetic acid and subplantar formalin injections and exhibited notable anti-inflammatory activities in dimethyl benzene-induced ear edema test in a dose-dependent manner. Since co-administration of naloxone fails to antagonize the analgesic activity of compound (1) in the formalin test, we suggest that compound (1) possesses potent analgesic effects which are most likely to be mediated by its anti-inflammatory activity rather than through opioid receptor system and therefore could partially explain the anti-nociceptive effect of V. negundo L. seeds.

Curculigo orchioides, a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, prevents bone loss in ovariectomized rats.

OBJECTIVE: Natural medicines derived from plants have aroused increasing interest in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. This is due to their unique characteristics as these are more suitable for long-term use compared with synthesized chemicals and have apparently fewer adverse effects. Curculigo orchioides (CO) has a long history in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in traditional Chinese medicine. The present study was designed to investigate the protective effects of ethanol extracts of CO on ovariectomy-induced bone loss. METHODS: Sixty female (4.5-month-old) Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to sham and OVX groups. The OVX rats were further divided into five subgroups treated respectively, with vehicle, nylestriol (1 mg/kg, i.g.) and CO extract (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g/kg, i.g.) for 12 weeks. Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) were measured by peripheral quantitative computerized tomography (pQCT) densitometry. Serum phosphorus, calcium, ACTH, corticosterone, deoxypyridinoline crosslinks to creatinine ratio (DPD/Cr), alkaline phosphate (ALP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), osteoprotegerin (OPG), IL-6, and TNF-alpha were also determined. RESULTS: Administration of CO extract prevented bone loss in the trabecular bone of the tibia in ovariectomized rats without affecting the weight of the body and the uterus, and increased serum phosphorus, calcium, and OPG levels, decreased serum DPD/Cr, TRAP, ACTH, and corticosterone levels, but did not alter serum TNF-alpha, IL-6, and ALP levels in ovariectomized rats. CONCLUSION: CO ethanol extract has a definite protective effect on bone loss in ovariectomized rats by inhibiting bone resorption and increasing serum phosphorus and calcium levels, without affecting bone formation. Therefore, CO can be considered a potential antiosteoporosis herbal plant, although more studies are needed to clarify its real potential chemical constituents and their mechanism of action.

Estrogen-like activities in Vitex species from China determined by a cell based proliferation assay.

Ethanolic extracts of four Chinese medicinally used Vitex species were selected and tested for their estrogen-like activities, using an ERalpha-positive MCF-7 cell based proliferation assay (E-screen assay) and cell cycle analysis (flow cytometry). Vitex negundo displayed the highest estrogenic-like activity, and could be useful in hormone replacement therapy (HRT).