Considering traditional Chinese medicine as adjunct therapy in the management of chronic constipation by regulating intestinal flora.

Chronic constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders worldwide. Due to changes in diet, lifestyle, and the aging population, the incidence of chronic constipation has increased year by year. It has had an impact on daily life and poses a considerable economic burden. Nowadays, many patients with chronic constipation try to seek help from complementary and alternative therapies, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is often their choice. The intestinal flora play an important role in the pathogenesis of constipation by affecting the body's metabolism, secretion, and immunity. Regulating the intestinal flora and optimizing its composition might become an important prevention and treatment for chronic constipation. TCM has unique advantages in regulating the imbalance of intestinal flora, and its curative effect is precise. Therefore, we reviewed the relationship between intestinal flora and chronic constipation as well as advances in research on TCM as adjunct therapy in the management of chronic constipation by regulating intestinal flora. Some single Chinese herbs and their active ingredients (e.g., Rheum palmatum, Radix Astragalus, and Cistanche deserticola), some traditional herbal formulations (e.g., Jichuan decoction, Zengye decoction, and Zhizhu decoction) and some Chinese patent medicines (e.g., Maren pills and Shouhui Tongbian capsules) that are commonly used to treat chronic constipation by regulating intestinal flora are highlighted and summarized. Moreover, some external forms of TCM, and especially acupuncture, have also been found to improve intestinal movement and alleviate constipation symptoms by regulating intestinal flora. We hope this review can contribute to an understanding of TCM as an adjunct therapy for chronic constipation and that it can provide useful information for the development of more effective constipation therapies.

Eudesmane-type sesquiterpenoids from the aerial parts of Artemisia lavandulaefolia and their anti-pancreatic cancer activities.

Five undescribed eudesmane sesquiterpenoids, artemilavanins A-E, and one undescribed rearranged eudesmane sesquiterpenoid, artemilavanin F, were isolated from the 95% ethanol extract of the aerial parts of Artemisia lavandulaefolia DC., along with ten known compounds. The structures and configurations of undescribed compounds were mainly elucidated by spectroscopic analyses and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Among all isolated compounds, artemilavanin F exhibited inhibitory activity on PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells with IC50 of 9.69 ± 2.39 µM. Artemilavanin F inhibited PANC-1 cell proliferation by induction of G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis mediated by downregulation of cyclin-dependent kinases and accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Moreover, artemilavanin F inhibited the colony formation, cell migration and sphere formation of PANC-1 cells, indicating the suppression of stem-cell-like phenotype of PANC-1 cells. Further results confirmed that the expression of cancer stem cell markers such as Bmi1, CD44, CD133 were inhibited by artemilavanin F. Downregulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers such as N-cadherin and Oct-4 indicated the potential of artemilavanin F in prevention of metastasis.

Moxibustion attenuates inflammation and alleviates axial spondyloarthritis in mice: Possible role of APOE in the inhibition of the Wnt pathway.

Background and aim: Moxibustion is widely used in China and other East Asian countries to manage the symptom of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). This study investigated the effects of moxibustion intervention on protein expression through proteomics analysis in AS mice. Experimental procedure: Proteoglycan-induced spondylitis (PGISp) was established in Balb/c mice. PGISp mice were intervened with daily moxibustion at ST36, BL23, and DU4 for four weeks. Various biochemical (including pro-inflammatory cytokines and bone metabolism indexes) and histopathological parameters were determined. The effects of moxibustion on protein changes in AS mice were analyzed using data-independent acquisition-mass spectrometry (DIA-MS). The target proteins were then confirmed by Western blot analysis. Results: Moxibustion significantly decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine expression including IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-17, and IL-6, reduced the mRNA expression of RANKL, RANK, ALP, and OCN, and improved the histopathological examination in AS mice. DIA-MS proteomic technique has identified 25 candidate proteins involved in the mechanisms of moxibustion for AS mice, most of which are mainly associated with the regulation of Wnt/ß-catenin. Integrated pathway analysis revealed that glycine, serine and threonine metabolism together with lipid metabolism were the most important canonical pathways involved in the anti-AS effect of moxibustion. In line with the multi-omic data, the levels of BPGM, APOC2, APOE, and GPD1 modified in the AS mice, intervened with moxibustion as confirmed by Western blot. In particular, APOE may play a key role in linking the lipid metabolism and the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway of new bone formation. Conclusion: In conclusion, moxibustion may reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and improve bone erosion for AS mice. The regulation of APOE by moxibustion may have a potential inhibitory effect on the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway in AS mice. However, due to the lack of silencing or overexpression of key molecules of the signal pathway, whether the beneficial and positive effect of moxibustion involved in the regulation of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway by APOE or other aspects, needed to be explored in further study.

Effect of Ramie on the Production Performance of Laying Hens, and the Quality, Nutrient Composition, Antioxidation of the Eggs.

Ramie (Boehmeria nivea), which is rich in protein, fatty acid, vitamins and minerals, has become a potential alternative feed resource for poultry, and has attracted more and more attentions in nutrition research. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of dietary ramie at different concentrations on the production performance of the hens, and the quality, nutrient composition, and antioxidation of the eggs. A total of 432 34-week-old Lohmann commercial laying hens were divided into four groups, that were fed with corn-soybean meal-based control diet, control mixed with ramie at concentrations of 3, 6, or 9% separately for 8 weeks. Results showed that dietary ramie did not affect production performance. And egg yolk color gradually deepened as the inclusion levels of ramie increased. Ramie at tested concentration could significantly reduce the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) (p = 0.002) and 3% ramie supplementation significantly increased total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC) concentrations in egg yolk compared to the control group (p = 0.033). In addition, dietary supplementation with 6% ramie significantly reduced total cholesterol (T-CHO) content (p < 0.05) compared with controls. For egg nutrient composition, compared with the control group, the addition of 6% ramie significantly increased (p < 0.05) total omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFA) and phenylalanine (Phe) in yolk. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of 6% ramie was most effective in improving the color, antioxidative capability, and reducing T-CHO contents of the egg yolks without any negative impacts on the production performance of the hens.

The positive role of traditional Chinese medicine as an adjunctive therapy for cancer.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), especially Chinese herbal medicines and acupuncture, has been traditionally used to treat patients with cancers in China and other East Asian countries. Numerous studies have indicated that TCM not only alleviates the symptoms (e.g., fatigue, chronic pain, anorexia/cachexia, and insomnia) of patients with cancer and improves their quality of life (QOL) but also diminishes adverse reactions and complications caused by chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or targeted-therapy. Therefore, Chinese herbal medicines and acupuncture and other alternative therapies need to be understood by TCM physicians and other health care providers. This review mainly summarizes the experimental results and conclusions from literature published since 2010, and a search of the literature as been performed in the PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Springer, ScienceDirect, and China Hospital Knowledge Database (CHKD) databases. Some Chinese herbal medicines (e.g., Panax ginseng, Panax quinquefolius, Astragali radix, Bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang (TJ-41), Liu-jun-zi-tang (TJ-43), Shi-quan-da-bu-tang (TJ-48), and Ban-xia-xie-xin-tang (TJ-14)) and some acupuncture points (e.g., Zusanli (ST36), Zhongwan (CV12), Neiguan (PC6) and Baihui (GV20)) that are commonly used to treat cancer-related symptoms and/or to reduce the toxicity of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or targeted-therapy are highlighted and summarized. Through a review of literature, we conclude that TCM can effectively alleviate adverse gastrointestinal reactions (including diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting) to these anti-cancer therapies, decrease the incidence of bone marrow suppression, alleviate cardiotoxicity, and protect against chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and radiation-induced pneumonitis. Moreover, TCM can alleviate epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI)-related acneiform eruptions, diarrhea, and other adverse reactions. The hope is that this review can contribute to an understanding of TCM as an adjuvant therapy for cancer and that it can provide useful information for the development of more effective anti-cancer therapies. However, more rigorously designed trials involving cancer treatment must be conducted in the future, including complete quality control and standardized models at the cellular, organic, animal and clinical levels, in order to study TCM in multiple forms and at multiple levels.

Restitution of epithelial cells during intestinal mucosal wound healing: The effect of a polysaccharide from the sclerotium of Lignosus rhinocerotis (Cooke) Ryvarden.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Lignosus rhinocerotis (Cooke) Ryvarden cultivar TM02, also known as tiger's milk mushroom, is regarded as important folk medicine in Malaysia, while is used for the treatment of liver cancer, chronic hepatitis, gastric ulcer in traditional Chinese medicine. However, there is no compilation of scientific evidence that its protection for gastric, and no attempts have been made to understand how polysaccharides in Lignosus rhinocerotis might promote intestinal mucosal wound healing. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of ß-glucan prepared from L. rhinocerotis using an enzymatic method on epithelial restitution during intestinal mucosal damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on FT-IR, MALDI-TOF-MS, HPSEC-MALLS-RID, and AFM, the structure of polysaccharides from L. rhinocerotis was analysed. In addition, polysaccharides were used to test for wound healing activity in IEC-6 cells by measuring cell migration, proliferation, and expression of cell division control protein 42, Rac-1, RhoA, and Par-3. RESULTS: ß-glucan was extracted using enzyme-assisted extraction, and a yield of approximately 8.5 ± 0.8% was obtained from the dried biomass. The ß-glucan extracted by enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE) of polysaccharides was composed entirely of D-glucose with a total carbohydrate content of 95.5 ± 3.2%. The results of HPLC, FTIR, and MALDI-TOF-MS analyses revealed EAEP to be confirmed as ß-glucan. The molecular weight of prepared ß-glucan was found to be 5.315 × 104 g/mol by HPSEC-MALLS-RID. Furthermore, mucosal wound healing studies showed that the treatment of IEC-6 with a ß-glucan concentration of 200 µg/mL promoted cell migration and proliferation, and it enhanced the protein expression of cell division control protein 42, Rac-1, RhoA, and Par-3. CONCLUSIONS: The present study reveals that the prepared ß-glucan accelerates intestinal epithelial cell proliferation and migration via activation of Rho-dependent pathway. Hence, ß-glucan can be employed as a prospective therapeutic agent for the treatment of diseases associated with gastrointestinal mucosal damage, such as peptic ulcers and inflammatory bowel disease.

Metabolomic analysis of biochemical changes in the tissue and urine of proteoglycan-induced spondylitis in mice after treatment with moxibustion.

BACKGROUND: Moxibustion is widely used in East Asian countries to manage the symptom of rheumatic diseases. The aim of this study was to identify potential metabolic profiles of moxibustion on relieving ankylosing spondylitis (AS) mice through UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS metabolomic study. METHODS: Thirty-two female Balb/c mice were randomized into healthy control (HC), AS model, moxibustion at acupuncture points (MA) in AS model, and moxibustion at non-acupuncture points (MNA) AS model groups. Moxibustion was administered daily at GV4, bilateral BL23 and bilateral ST36 acupuncture points for four weeks in the MA group. The overall health status, the thickness of hind paws and the tissue concentrations of IL-1ß, PGE2, IL-6 and TNF-α were assessed. The UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS was used to explore the perturbations of endogenous metabolites in tissue and urine of AS model mice intervened by moxibustion. RESULTS: Compared with the AS group, the overall health status was significantly improved after 4-week moxibustion intervention (p < 0.05). The results also showed that MA significantly reduced the levels of paw thickness and decreased the levels of four cytokines in the tissue (p < 0.01). Thirty-seven endogenous metabolites identified by the OPLS-DA were considered to be contributing to therapeutic effects of moxibustion. Moreover, metabolic pathway analysis further revealed that the identified metabolites were mainly involved in TCA cycle, Lipid metabolism, Amino Acid metabolism, Intestinal flora metabolism and Purine metabolism. CONCLUSIONS: UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS based metabolomics approach, as a novel and powerful tool, can help us to gain the insights into potential mechanisms of action of moxibustion for AS.

Home-based traditional Chinese medicine nursing interventions for discharged patients with COVID-19: a rapid review of Chinese guidelines.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this review was to comprehensively summarize and analyze the current guidelines on home-based traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) nursing interventions for discharged patients with COVID-19. METHODS: Eight data sources were searched until June 28, 2020. The frequency of home-based TCM nursing interventions and the use of specific acupuncture points recommended in Chinese guidelines for discharged COVID-19 patients were computed and analyzed. RESULTS: In total, we identified 5 Chinese guidelines that provide for home-based TCM nursing interventions for discharged patients with COVID-19. Moxibustion and acupressure were singled out as the most frequently used intervention of the 11 home-based TCM nursing interventions recommended by these guidelines. RN12 and ST36 were the 2 most promoted acupuncture points for moxibustion and acupressure interventions for these patients. CONCLUSIONS: The present review showed the important role of home-based TCM nursing interventions for discharged COVID-19 patients. However, direct evidence of their efficacy is still insufficient.

Mixtures of Tea and Citrus maxima (pomelo) Alleviate Lipid Deposition in HepG2 Cells Through the AMPK/ACC Signaling Pathway.

Tea and citrus maxima are natural, medicinal homologous plants, typically used for making beverages, which have anticancer, antiobesity, and antioxidation properties. Green tea, yellow tea, and black tea were combined with citrus maxima to obtain green tea and Citrus maxima (GTCM), yellow tea and Citrus maxima (YTCM), and black tea and Citrus maxima (BTCM). The biochemical components of these mixtures were analyzed, and their possible effects and mechanisms on relieving liver lipid deposition were explored. The tea polyphenols, free amino acids, phenolamine ratio, and caffeine were comparable in YTCM and GTCM, being significantly higher than those in BTCM. In addition, the content of esterified catechins, nonesterified catechins, and total catechins in YTCM was significantly higher than those in GTCM and BTCM. All three mixtures of Citrus maxima tea significantly reduced lipid deposition in HepG2 cells, with GTCM and YTCM being slightly more effective than BTCM. Regarding the possible mechanism, Western blot analysis revealed that the three Citrus maxima tea mixtures could activate the AMPK/ACC signaling pathway, upregulate the expression of p-AMPK, p-ACC, and CPT-1 proteins, and downregulate the expression of SREBP1c and fatty acid synthase proteins to inhibit fat synthesis, thereby relieving lipid deposition in liver cells. In conclusion, as a novel and healthy beverage, Citrus maxima tea has the potential to alleviate liver lipid deposition, and further could be responsible for obesity treatment.

Polysaccharides from Gracilaria lemaneiformis promote the HaCaT keratinocytes wound healing by polarised and directional cell migration.

In this study, we evaluated the wound healing activity of polysaccharides fractions from Gracilaria lemaneiformis. Three purified fractions, namely, GLP-1, GLP-2 and GLP-3 were obtained from anion-exchange chromatography and were evaluated for their cell proliferation activity. Among the three fractions, the fraction GLP-2 promoted cell proliferation at a concentration of 100 µg/mL. Further, chemical and structural analysis of GLP-2 revealed it to be a homogenous and repeating structure of alternating 4-linked 3,6-anhydro-α-L-galactopyranosyl and 3-linked ß-d-galactopyranosyl units with sulfate residues. Further, we analysed the wound healing activities of the fraction GLP-2 and its underlying mechanisms. The results showed that GLP-2 promotes cell proliferation and migration through activation of PI3 K/aPKC signaling during human keratinocytes wound healing. Based on the findings in this study, we concluded that the wound healing activities of the GLP-2 fraction can provide the scientific basis for the development of G. lemaneiformis polysaccharides based product for wound management.

Metal-catechol-(amine) networks for surface synergistic catalytic modification: Therapeutic gas generation and biomolecule grafting.

Regarding the high requirement of cardiac and vascular implants in tissue engineering, a novel concept of surface chemistry strategy featuring multiple functions is proposed in this study, which provides glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-like catalytic activity and allows secondary reactions for grafting functional biomolecules. The suggested strategy is the fabrication of a metal-catechol-(amine) network (MCAN) containing copper ions with GPx-like activity, amine-bearing hexamethylenediamine (HD) and wet adhesive catechol dopamine (DA). With a simple one-step molecular/ion co-assembly, the developed copper-DA-HD (CuII-DA/HD) network can be used to catalyze the generation of therapeutic nitric oxide (NO) gas in a durable and dose-controllable manner. The primary amine groups in the CuII-DA/HD network facilitate the secondary immobilization of bivalirudin (BVLD) to further provide an antithrombotic activity as supplement to the functions of NO. The CuII-DA/HD + BVLD coating functionalized on cardiovascular stents successfully improved thromboresistance, anti-restenosis, and promotes re-endothelialization in vivo. With regard to the ease of operation and low cost, the synergetic modification using MCAN strategy is of great potential for developing multifunctional blood-contacting materials/devices.

Mussel-inspired "built-up" surface chemistry for combining nitric oxide catalytic and vascular cell selective properties.

Specific selectivity of vascular cells and antithrombogenicity are crucial factors for the long-term success of vascular implants. In this work, a novel concept of mussel-inspired "built-up" surface chemistry realized by sequential stacking of a copper-dopamine network basement, followed by a polydopamine layer is introduced to facilitate the combination of nitric oxide (NO) catalysis and vascular cell selectivity. The resultant "built-up" film allowed easy manipulation of the content of copper ions and the density of catechol/quinone groups, facilitating the multifunctional surface engineering of vascular devices. For example, the chelated copper ions in the copper-dopamine network endow a functionalized vascular stent with a durable release of NO via catalytic decomposition of endogenous S-nitrosothiol. Meanwhile, the catechol/quinone groups on the film surface allow the facile, secondary grafting of the REDV peptide to develop a selectivity for vascular cells, as a supplement to the functions of NO. As a result, the functionalized vascular stent perfectly combines the functions of NO and REDV, showing excellent antithrombotic properties and competitive selectivity toward the endothelial cells over the smooth muscle cells, hence impressively promotes re-endothelialization and improves anti-restenosis in vivo. Therefore, the first mussel-inspired "built-up" surface chemistry can be a promising candidate for the engineering of multifunctional surfaces.

Physicochemical characterization and antioxidant activity of sulphated polysaccharides derived from Porphyra haitanensis.

This study was designed to fully characterize Porphyra haitanensis polysaccharides, and to evaluate their antioxidant activity. The polysaccharides primarily contained galactose and 3,6-anhydrogalactose in a molar ratio of 1.2:1.0, respectively and sulfate content about 3.8%. The molecular weight of polysaccharides is 2.5 × 105 Da. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy of the polysaccharides pointed towards an irregular network with more or less hexagonal and a few rectangular pores. The chemical structure was confirmed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance structural characterization wherein â†’ 4-3,6-anhydro-α-L-galactopyranose-(1 â†’ 3)-ß-D-galactopyranose segments. The extracted polysaccharides revealed relatively high 2, 2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radical scavenging activity (53.16% at 2 mg/mL), moderate 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging efficacy (34.63% at 2 mg/mL), and low hydroxyl radical scavenging potential (23.80% at 2 mg/mL). Further purification of these polysaccharides, hence, is advised for their potential role as antioxidants in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industry.

Jie-Du-Hua-Yu Granules Promote Liver Regeneration in Rat Models of Acute Liver Failure: miRNA-mRNA Expression Analysis.

PURPOSE: Jie-Du-Hua-Yu (JDHY) granules are a traditional Chinese medicine with known therapeutic effects for the treatment of acute liver failure (ALF). This study explored the potential molecular mechanism(s) of JDHY granules in promoting liver regeneration and preventing ALF. METHODS: Rat models of ALF were constructed through administration of D-galactosamine (D-GalN) (600 mg/kg) and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) (20 µg/kg). Rats were gavaged with JDHY granules, and serum and liver samples were collected at 12 h post-D-GalN/LPS administration. The degree of liver injury was evaluated through hepatic pathology and alanine/aspartate aminotransferase (ALT/AST) activity. miRNA chips were used to detect the miRNA expression profiles of rat models. Bioinformatics analysis was used to identify the biological processes and cell signaling pathways mediating the therapeutic effects of JDHY. Real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and western blotting were used to validate the data. RESULTS: JDHY granules could effectively decrease the levels of ALT and AST, relieve D-GalN/LPS-induced liver injury, and improve hepatic function. JDHY granules were found to regulate the expression of 20 miRNAs and 19 mRNAs, which influenced 21 biological processes and 9 signaling pathways. Upon analysis of the therapeutic mechanism(s) governing the effects of JDHY granules on liver regeneration, enhanced DNA replication and an improved cholesterol metabolic ratio were identified. JDHY granules were also found to increase the expression of MCM3, CDK4, and TC, confirming the involvement of these pathways. Moreover, JDHY granules were found to promote hepatocyte mitosis and inhibit the progression of ALF. CONCLUSION: JDHY granules protect against D-GalN/LPS-induced ALF in rats by promoting liver regeneration through enhanced DNA replication and an improved cholesterol metabolic ratio.

The toxicity and safety of traditional Chinese medicines: Please treat with rationality.

For a long time, many people have believed that traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) are safe because they derive from natural products. However, this belief has been greatly challenged in recent years especially after some reports on aristolochic acid involved in the genesis of cancer. According to the Chinese pharmacopoeia, many TCMs are known to be toxic, causing damage to the nervous, liver, renal, respiratory, and reproductive system. How to reduce the toxicity of TCMs and how to avoid abuse of TCMs in daily practice is the question? Here, we will give a brief summary and some tips on these issues. First, the accurate differentiation of a specific syndrome is the foundation of an effective and individualized treatment strategy, as well as the key to applying TCMs. Second, through standard processing, proper compatibility, rational decoction, and appropriate dose for TCMs, the harm of TCMs can be effectively avoided. Third, it should be remembered that Chinese herbs cannot be taken continuously as dietary supplements. Finally, Chinese patent medicines should be used with caution. In addition, the dosage of TCMs should not exceed the limit prescribed by the current China Pharmacopoeia, which will ensure the balance of efficacy and toxicity. Taken together, it is necessary to treat the toxicity and safety of TCMs with rationality. The more toxicity we can find, the more safety patients will have.

Biomimetic engineering endothelium-like coating on cardiovascular stent through heparin and nitric oxide-generating compound synergistic modification strategy.

Co-immobilization of two or more molecules with different and complementary functions to prevent thrombosis, suppress smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation, and support endothelial cell (EC) growth is generally considered to be promising for the re-endothelialization on cardiovascular stents. However, integration of molecules with distinct therapeutic effects does not necessarily result in synergistic physiological functions due to the lack of interactions among them, limiting their practical efficacy. Herein, we apply heparin and nitric oxide (NO), two key molecules of the physiological functions of endothelium, to develop an endothelium-mimetic coating. Such coating is achieved by sequential conjugation of heparin and the NO-generating compound selenocystamine (SeCA) on an amine-bearing film of plasma polymerized allylamine. The resulting surface combines the anti-coagulant (anti-FXa) function provided by the heparin and the anti-platelet activity of the catalytically produced NO. It also endows the stents with the ability to simultaneously up-regulate α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression and to increase cyclic guanylate monophosphate (cGMP) synthesis of SMC, thereby significantly promoting their contractile phenotype and suppressing their proliferation. Importantly, this endothelium-biomimetic coating creates a favorable microenvironment for EC over SMC. These features impressively improve the antithrombogenicity, re-endothelialization and anti-restenosis of vascular stents in vivo.

The underlying mechanisms of Jie-Du-Hua-Yu granule for protecting rat liver failure.

OBJECTIVES: Jie-Du-Hua-Yu (JDHY) granule is a combination of six traditional Chinese medicines with known therapeutic effect in treating acute liver failure (ALF). The aim of this study was to investigate the amelioration efficacy of JDHY in lipopolysaccharide/D-galactosamine (LPS/D-GalN)-induced ALF in rat and explore the possible molecular mechanism underlying the therapeutic efficacy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The efficacy of JDHY was determined by assessing hepatic pathology and function in LPS and D-GalN challenged Wistar rat. We also evaluated the effect of JDHY on LPS-induced Kupffer cells by measuring inflammatory cytokines and determining the phenotypic function. By means of bioinformatics analysis of liver tissue and validation in Kupffer cells, we identified possible pathways involved in the pharmacologic action of mechanism of JDHY. RESULTS: JDHY could attenuate LPS-induced liver injury in rat by inhibiting apoptosis and increasing hepatic activity. In vitro study showed that JDHY could decrease the production of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, IL6, and interferon-γ), increase anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL10, IL13), and promote cell survival and proliferation, possibly due to inhibition of IκB/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway and expression of CD14 and CXCL2, which was consistent with the findings from bioinformatics analysis. CONCLUSION: Our results revealed that JDHY protected against LPS-induced liver damage both in vitro and in vivo, by inhibiting the NF-κB-mediated inflammatory pathway, indicating its potential function to treat liver diseases.

[Clinical Trial of Electroacupuncture Treatment for Relieving Stress Responses in Patients Undergoing Gastrointestinal Surgery].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at Zusanli (ST 36) and Neiguan (PC 6) on stress responses of patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery. METHODS: A total of 40 patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery were randomized into conventional treatment group (control) and EA group (n＝20 in each group). Patients of the EA group received conventional treatment (pre- and post-surgical fasting, measures for gastrointestinal decompression, parenteral nutrition support, and patient controlled analgesia pump, etc.) and EA stimulation (2 Hz, 30 min) of bilateral ST 36 and PC 6 (twice after surgery, at an interval of 6 h), and patients of the control group received conventional treatment only. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to assess the patients' pain severity and the blood glucose levels were detected once every 4－6 h within 24 h after operation. Serum cortisol (Cort) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels were detected by chemiluminescence method, and serum D-lactic acid level (for assessing gastrointestinal mucosal injury) was assayed by ELISA. RESULTS: After the treatment, the levels of serum Cort, ACTH, D-lactate acid and the highest blood glucose were significantly lower in the EA group than those in the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01), suggesting a reduction of stress reactions after EA. But no significant difference was found between the control and EA groups in the VAS score (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: EA at ST 36 and PC 6 can alleviate stress responses and reduce intestinal mucosal damage in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery.

Analysis of gene expression and functional changes of adrenal gland in a rat model of kidney yang deficiency syndrome treated with Sini decoction.

Sini decoction (SND), a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, has been used to treat kidney Yang deficiency for ~1,800 years. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of SND treatment on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hormones in a rat model of Yang deficiency and to explore the molecular mechanisms using microarray analysis of adrenal glands and in vitro adrenocortical cell culture systems. The results indicated that SND treatment recovered circulating serum cortisol, adrenocortical hormone (ACTH) and testosterone levels in a yang deficiency model. Immunohistochemical analysis of pituitary and hypothalamic tissues confirmed increased expression of ACTH and corticotropin-releasing factor, respectively, in response to SND treatment. Microarray analysis identified a marked upregulation of genes involved in ≤metabolic and stress response pathways in rat adrenal tissues in response to SND treatment, exemplified by cyclooxygenase-2 and nuclear factor (NF)-κB. In vitro, SND exerted a protective effect on mitochondria in response to H2O2 exposure also activated NF-κB and cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein reporter gene activity. These results contributed towards an improved understanding of how SND effectively alleviates the symptoms of kidney Yang deficiency syndrome at the molecular level.

Fumigation treatment of Four Yellow Qing Ling Water with artificial tears for dry eyes / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

·AIM: To observe the clinical efficacy of fumigation treatment of traditional Chinese medicine(Four Yellow Qing Ling Water) for dry eye, and to provide the reference for clinical treatment of dry eye. · METHODS: Totally 82 patients (164 eyes) were randomly divided into two groups from June 2016 to December 2016 in Ophthalmology Department of our hospital. The patients in control group were given artificial tears;the patients in the observation group were given artificial tears and fumigation treatment of traditional Chinese(Four Yellow Qing Ling Water) once a day. After treatment for 14d, the SchirmerⅠtest (SⅠt), break-up time (BUT), cornea fluorescein staining (FL) and clinical efficacy of two groups were compared. ·RESULTS:The efficiency rate of observation group was significantly better than the control group (87. 8% vs 70.7%,P<0.5). The SⅠt and BUT in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (8.43 ± 2.51mm/5min vs 6.38 ± 2.52mm/5min, P<0.05;8.60±2.47s vs 6.35±2.29s, P<0.05); the FL in the observation group (0.84 ± 0.75 vs 1.26 ± 0.84, P<0.05) significantly lower than those in the control group. ·CONCLUSION: The fumigation treatment of traditional Chinese medicine (Four Yellow Qing Ling Water) combined with artificial tears for dry eyes can improve the clinical symptoms of dry eye syndrome.