The Tian-Men-Dong decoction suppresses the tumour-infiltrating G-MDSCs via IL-1ß-mediated signalling in lung cancer.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Tian-Men-Dong decoction (TD) has been able to effectively treat lung cancer in China for thousands of years. TD improves the quality of life in lung cancer patients by promoting nourishment of yin and reducing dryness, clearing the lung and removing toxins. Pharmacological studies show that TD contains active antitumour ingredients, but its underlying mechanism remains unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aims at exploring potential mechanisms of TD in the treatment of lung cancer by regulating granulocytic-myeloid-derived suppressor cells (G-MDSCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: An orthotopic lung cancer mouse model was generated by intrapulmonary injection with LLC-luciferase cells in immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice or immunodeficient nude mice. TD/saline was orally administered once to the model mice daily for 4 weeks. Live imaging was conducted to monitor tumour growth. Immune profiles were detected by flow cytometry. H&E and ELISA were applied to test the cytotoxicity of the TD treatment. RT-qPCR and western blotting were performed to detect apoptosis-related proteins in G-MDSCs. A neutralizing antibody (anti-Ly6G) was utilized to exhaust the G-MDSCs via intraperitoneal injection. G-MDSCs were adoptively transferred from wild-type tumour-bearing mice. Immunofluorescence, TUNEL and Annexin V/PI staining were conducted to analyse apoptosis-related markers. A coculture assay of purified MDSCs and T cells labelled with CFSE was performed to test the immunosuppressive activity of MDSCs. The presence of TD/IL-1ß/TD + IL-1ß in purified G-MDSCs cocultured with the LLC system was used for ex vivo experiments to detect IL-1ß-mediated apoptosis of G-MDSCs. RESULTS: TD prolonged the survival of immune competent C57BL/6 mice in an orthotopic lung cancer model, but did not have the same effect in immunodeficient nude mice, indicating that its antitumour properties of TD are exerted by regulating immunity. TD induced G-MDSC apoptosis via the IL-1ß-mediated NF-κB signalling cascade leading to effectively weaken the immunosuppressive activity of G-MDSCs and promote CD8+ T-cell infiltration, which was supported by both the depletion and adoptive transfer of G-MDSCs assays. In addition, TD also showed minimal cytotoxicity both in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSION: This study reveals for the first time that TD, a classic TCM prescription, is able to regulate G-MDSC activity and trigger its apoptosis via the IL-1ß-mediated NF-κB signalling pathway, reshaping the tumour microenvironment and demonstrating antitumour effects. These findings provide a scientific foundation the clinical treatment of lung cancer with TD.

[Breeding-system comparison between alien invasive Solanum rostratum and its non-invasive congener S. americanum]. / å¤–æ¥å ¥ä¾µæ¤ç‰©é»„èŠ±åˆºèŒ„ä¸Žå ¶è¿‘ç¼˜éžå ¥ä¾µæ¤ç‰©å°‘èŠ±é¾™è‘µç¹è‚²ç³»ç»Ÿçš„æ¯”è¾ƒ.

Solanum rostratum is a severely invasive alien plant species in China. Using four S. rostratum populations and non-invasive congener S. americanum, we conducted a common garden experiment to compare their breeding systems. No significant difference in average seed set between the two species under open pollination and supplementary pollination conditions. However, under the bagged self-pollination condition, S. rostratum had significantly lower average seed set (29.5%) than S. americanum (47.0%). No fertile seeds were detected in the emasculation treatments for both species, suggesting no autonomous apomixis in them. S. rostratum had a lower average autofertility index (0.38) than S. americanum (0.64). S. rostratum had higher average pollen limitation index (0.29) and average pollinator's contribution index (0.49) than S. americanum (0.08 and 0.31, respectively). S. rostratum was found in 12 provinces of China and in 3835 locations globally, which were lower than S. americanum with 18 Chinese provinces and 10897 locations globally. The invasive alien S. rostratum had lower self-compatibility than the non-invasive alien S. americanum. Thus, the invasiveness of those two species was not significantly correlated with their self-compatibility, but positively correlated with their distribution range.

Anti-Tumor Efficacy of an Adjuvant Built-In Nanovaccine Based on Ubiquitinated Proteins from Tumor Cells.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: We have previously identified ubiquitinated proteins (UPs) from tumor cell lysates as a promising vaccine for cancer immunotherapy in different mouse tumor models. In this study, we aimed at developing a highly efficient therapeutic adjuvant built-in nanovaccine (α-Al2O3-UPs) by a simple method, in which UPs from tumor cells could be efficiently and conveniently enriched by α-Al2O3 nanoparticles covalently coupled with Vx3 proteins (α-Al2O3-CONH-Vx3). METHODS: The α-Al2O3 nanoparticles were modified with 4-hydroxybenzoic acid followed by coupling with ubiquitin-binding protein Vx3. It was then used to enrich UPs from 4T1 cell lysate. The stability and the efficiency for the UPs enrichment of α-Al2O3-CONH-Vx3 were examined. The ability of α-Al2O3-UPs to activate DCs was examined in vitro subsequently. The splenocytes from the vaccinated mice were re-stimulated with inactivated tumor cells, and the IFN-γ secretion was detected by ELISA and flow cytometry. Moreover, the therapeutic efficacy of α-Al2O3-UPs, alone and in combination with chemotherapy, was examined in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice. RESULTS: Our results showed that α-Al2O3-UPs were successfully synthesized and abundant UPs from tumor cell lysate were enriched by the new method. In vitro study showed that compared to the physical mixture of α-Al2O3 nanoparticles and UPs (α-Al2O3+UPs), α-Al2O3-UPs stimulation resulted in higher upregulations of CD80, CD86, MHC class I, and MHC class II on DCs, indicating the higher ability of DC activation. Moreover, α-Al2O3-UPs elicited a more effective immune response in mice, demonstrated by higher IFN-γ secretion than α-Al2O3+UPs. Furthermore, α-Al2O3-UPs also exhibited a more potent effect on tumor growth inhibition and survival prolongation in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice. Notably, when in combination with low dose chemotherapy, the anti-tumor effect was further enhanced, rather than using α-Al2O3-UPs alone. CONCLUSION: This study presents an adjuvant built-in nanovaccine generated by a new simple method that can be potentially applied to cancer immunotherapy and lays the experimental foundation for future clinical application.

Efficacy of Long-term Selenium Supplementation in the Treatment of Chronic Keshan Disease with Congestive Heart Failure.

Few effective treatments for chronic Keshan disease have been available till now. The efficacy of long-term selenium supplementation in the treatment of chronic Keshan disease with congestive heart failure is inconclusive. This study aimed to determine whether selenium supplementation is associated with a decreased risk of cardiac death in chronic Keshan disease with congestive heart failure by ten years of follow-up. A retrospective long-term follow-up analysis was performed on a monitored cohort consisting of 302 chronic Keshan disease patients with a mean age of 40.8±11.4 years. Of the 302 chronic Keshan disease patients, 170 (56.3%) were given selenium supplementation until the end point of follow-up. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to identify the independent predictors of cardiac events. Our results showed that during the follow-up, there were 101 deaths of patients with chronic Keshan disease in the selenium supplementation group (101/170, 59.4%) and 98 in non-selenium supplementation group (98/132, 74.2%). Multivariate analyses suggested that selenium supplementation was associated with a decreased risk of cardiac death (HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.28-0.53) after adjustment for baseline age, sex, cigarette smoking, family history of Keshan disease, body mass index (BMI), heart rate, electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities, blood pressure, initial cardiothoracic ratio, left ventricular ejection fractions (LVEF) and whole-blood selenium concentration. Our ten-year follow-up analysis indicated that selenium supplementation, specifically combined with the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and beta blocker therapy, improved the survival of patients with chronic Keshan disease with congestive heart failure. BMI, selenium deficiency, male, combined ECG abnormalities, LVEF, and fast heart rate increased the risk of cardiac events.

Vx3-Functionalized Alumina Nanoparticles Assisted Enrichment of Ubiquitinated Proteins from Cancer Cells for Enhanced Cancer Immunotherapy.

A simple and effective strategy was developed to enrich ubiquitinated proteins (UPs) from cancer cell lysate using the α-Al2O3 nanoparticles covalently linked with ubiquitin binding protein (Vx3) (denoted as α-Al2O3-Vx3) via a chemical linker. The functionalized α-Al2O3-Vx3 showed long-term stability and high efficiency for the enrichment of UPs from cancer cell lysates. Flow cytometry analysis results indicated dendritic cells (DCs) could more effectively phagocytize the covalently linked α-Al2O3-Vx3-UPs than the physical mixture of α-Al2O3 and Vx3-UPs (α-Al2O3/Vx3-UPs). Laser confocal microscopy images revealed that α-Al2O3-Vx3-UPs localized within the autophagosome of DCs, which then cross-presented α-Al2O3-Vx3-UPs to CD8+ T cells in an autophagosome-related cross-presentation pathway. Furthermore, α-Al2O3-Vx3-UPs enhanced more potent antitumor immune response and antitumor efficacy than α-Al2O3/cell lysate or α-Al2O3/Vx3-UPs. This work highlights the potential of using the Vx3 covalently linked α-Al2O3 as a simple and effective platform to enrich UPs from cancer cells for the development of highly efficient therapeutic cancer vaccines.

[Progressive Risks of Latent Keshan Disease: a Long Term Follow-up Study].

OBJECTIVE: To observe ten-year prognosis of patients with latent Keshan disease (KD) and to determine its associated risk factors. METHODS: A total of 448 patients with newly diagnosed latent KD were monitored and followed up for 10 years. Their ECG abnormalities were classified as major or minor using the Minnesota Code. COX proportional hazards regression models were established to identify risk factors associated with the development of chronic KD. RESULTS: A final sample of 414 cases was included in analyses, with an average of (112.9 ± 17.5) months of follow-up. At the end of follow-up, 92 (22. 2%) patients developed chronic KD. Older age (> 15 years), male, family history of KD, smoking, lower level of blood selenium (< 60 µg/L), major ECG abnormalities, and 18.5 kg/m² ≤ body mass index (BMI) 23.9 kg/m² were associated with higher cumulative incidence of chronic KD. The COX regression models showed that major ECG abnormalities, BMI, selenium deficiency, hypertension, and ventricular premature complex (VPC) abnormalities contributed to increased risk of chronic KD. A positive linear correlation (r = 0.719, P < 0.01) between GPx activity and blood selenium concentration was found. CONCLUSION: Major ECG abnormalities, BMI, selenium deficiency, hypertension and VPC abnormalities are associated with the development of chronic KD.

[Simultaneous determination of seven alkaloids and three flavonoids in Sophorae Tonkinensis Radix et Rhizoma by HPLC].

In this study, an HPLC method was developed for simultaneous determination of seven alkaloids (cytosine, oxymatrine, N-oxysophocarpine, N-methylcytisine, sophoranol, matrine, and sophocarpine) and three flavonoids (trifolirhizin, fermononetin, and maackiain) from different samples of Sophorae Tonkinensis Radix et Rhizoma. Samples were analyzed on a Welch XtimateTM C18 column (4. 6 mm× 250 mm, 5 µm) eluted with the mobile phase of acetonitrile (A) and 0.01 mol•L⁻¹ ammonium acetate solution (pH 8.0) (B) in a linear gradient mode as follows: 0-20 min,4%-14% A;20-30 min,14%-25% A;30-45 min,25%-40% A;45-65 min,40%-55% A;65-75 min,55% A. The flow rate of the mobile phase, the column temperature, and the PDA detector wavelength were set at 1.0 mL•min⁻¹, 30 ℃, and 225 nm, respectively. For the method validation, these ten compounds showed good separation and satisfactory linearity (r≥0.999 7) within the concentration ranges tested. The mean recoveries were in the range of 98.60% to 102.6% with the RSD (n=6) between 0.60% and 3.7%. This method was proved to be simple, accurate and repeatable. The quantitative results showed that there were significant differences in the contents of seven alkaloids and three flavonoids among the different samples. This result revealed that the quality of Sophorae Tonkinensis Radix et Rhizoma varied widely. This method could be used for the simultaneous determination of the multi-ingredients from Sophorae Tonkinensis Radix et Rhizoma, which might provide scientific evidences to evaluate/control the quality of Sophorae Tonkinensis Radix et Rhizoma, comprehensively.

[Treatment of hepatic cancer in mice by beta-elemene combined DC/Dribble vaccine: an immune mechanism research].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effects of beta-elemene combined DC/Dribble vaccine in treating mice with hepatic cancer, thus exploring their anti-tumor mechanisms. METHODS: Dentritic cells were derived from Balb/c mice's spleen and their phenotypes were identified. Using hepatic cancer cell line BNL1MEA.7R.1 (abbreviated as BNL) originated from Balb/c mice as target cell, DC/Dribble vaccine was prepared via raising the antigen representing carrier autophagosomes (DRips in Blebs, DRibbles), which were rich in tumor antigen information. The mice previously immunized were divided into 4 groups, i.e., the control group, the beta-elemene group, the vaccine group, and the combined group. The PBS was subcutaneously and intraperitoneally injected to mice in the control group. The beta-elemene was intraperitoneally injected at the daily dose of 50 mg/kg to mice in the beta-elemene group and the combined group for 7 successive days. DC/Dribble vaccine was injected into the lymph node of mice in the vaccine group and the combined group on the 1st day, and DC/Dribble vaccine was subcutaneously injected on the 3rd day and the 5th day. All the mice were sacrificed on the 10th day. Their spleens were obtained sterilely, and the suspension was incubated with or without Dribble. The cells were inoculated for 72 h. The contents of IFN-gamma in the supernatant were measured by ELISA. In addition, the spleen cells obtained from the combined group were incubated with different stimulations for 72 h, which were then divided into the control group, the DRibble group, the DC group, and the DC/Dribble vaccine group. The supernatant of cultured cells were collected and the contents of IFN-gamma were measured by ELISA. The liver tumor-bearing mouse model was established, and then the BNL bearing mice were randomly divided into 4 groups, i.e., the control group, the beta-elemene group, the vaccine group, and the combined group. The treatment ways were the same as the immune ways. The tumor size and the survival period were observed in each group. On the 23rd day the mice were sacrificed. The tumor tissue was stripped and stained by HE staining. The pathomorphological manifestations of the tumor tissue were observed by light microscope. RESULTS: In vitro detection of mice immunized previously by different ways showed that the secretion of IFN-gamma was significantly higher in the combined group than in the rest groups (P < 0.01). The secretion of IFN-gamma was significantly higher in the beta-elemene group and the vaccine group than in the control group (P < 0.01). The spleen cells could be stimulated to secrete a large amount of IFN-gamma in the vaccine group and the Dribble group (P < 0.01). When the beta-elemene was 10 microg/mL as the stimulating dose, the secretion of IFN-gamma obviously increased (P < 0.01). In vivo observation showed that the growth velocity of tumors in mice of the combined group was slowed down. There was statistical difference in the tumor area or the survival period of mice in the combined group, when compared with the other groups (P < 0.01). In HE staining, the surrounding connective tissues of the tumor were wrapped tightly and compactedly, with infiltration of a large amount of inflammatory cells. CONCLUSIONS: beta-elemene combined DC/Dribble vaccine could induce specific immune cells to secrete secretory cells, thus exerting its anti-tumor effect. Its immunological effects might be associated with enhancing the DC antigen presenting function.

[Effect of integrative medical therapy on the prognosis of patients suffering from yin syndrome type acute ischemic stroke].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of integrative medical therapy on the prognosis of patients suffering from yin syndrome type acute ischemic stroke (YS-AIS). METHODS: A multi-center, prospective, random and parallel controlled clinical trial was carried on 606 patients of YS-AIS. Excepting the 15 patients being excluded and dropped out in the trial period, all patients were assigned to the treatment group (274 patients) treated with integrated medical protocol (i. e. Chinese medical therapy plus conventional Western medical treatment), and the control group (263 patients) treated with conventional Western medical treatment plus placebo. Patients' quality of life (QOL) and their disability level were assessed by scoring based on SS-QOL and modified Rankin scale (mRS) respectively at the terminal of the 21-day treatment (T1) and at the ends of 60-day (T2) and 90-day (T3) following-ups. RESULTS: Patients' disability level, showed by mRS scores, was not significantly different between the two groups at T1 and T2 (P > 0.05), but with significant difference at T3 (P < 0.05). The recovery in the treatment group were more significant. Although the SS-QOL scores showed no statistical significant difference between groups (P > 0.05), improvement of QOL could be seen in the treatment group and the difference between groups was more significant as the time went by. CONCLUSION: Integrative medical therapy could reduce the severe disability rate in patients after YS-AIS, and showed an improving trend on patients' QOL at T3.

[Effects of Changjishu soft elastic capsule in treatment of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel patients with liver-qi stagnation and spleen deficiency syndrome: a randomized double-blinded controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Changjishu soft elastic capsule, a new Chinese herbal medicine for smoothing liver, invigorating spleen and regulating qi activity, on diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (D-IBS) patients with liver-qi stagnation and spleen deficiency syndrome. METHODS: A randomized, double-blinded, and positive control method was adopted. One hundred and four cases of D-IBS conforming to the inclusive criteria were randomly divided into treatment group (78 cases) and control group (26 cases). Patients in the treatment group were treated with Changjishu soft elastic capsule, four capsules once daily and three times a day. Patients in the control group were treated with glutamine compound enteric capsule, three capsules once daily and three times a day. After 21-day treatment, the efficacy of Changjishu soft elastic capsule was evaluated by the changes of single symptom such as abdominal pain or discomfort, defecation frequency, and stool characteristics. The safety of Changjishu elastic capsule was assessed by laboratory data and adverse events. RESULTS: Abdominal pain or discomfort scores at days 7, 14, 21 and the declined score at day 21 in the treatment group significantly decreased as compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Defecation frequency score at day 14 and the declined score at day 21 in the treatment group significantly decreased as compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Stool characteristics score and the declined score at day 21 in the treatment group significantly decreased as compared with those of the control group (P < 0.05). Rugitus scores and the declined scores at days 14 and 21 significantly decreased as compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The total response rates in the treatment and control groups were 71.62% and 40.91%, and the recovery rates were 20.27% and 13.64%, respectively. There existed significant differences between the two groups in therapeutic effect (P < 0.01). The therapeutic effect of Changjishu elastic capsule was better than that of glutamine compound enteric capsule. Side effects and adverse events were not found in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Changjishu soft elastic capsule is effective and safe for treatment of D-IBS patients with liver-qi stagnation and spleen deficiency syndrome.

[Effect of a traditional Chinese medicine compound on chronic heart failure in guinea-pigs].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of a traditional Chinese medicine compound (CTMC) on chronic heart failure (CHF) in guinea-pigs. METHODS: The CHF of guinea-pigs were induced by repeated injection of hyodemic isoproterenol. The hemodynamics, organ (heart, lung, liver and kidney)/body weight ratio, pathological changes, and serum cTn-I and CK-MB were measured to determine the effectiveness of the traditional Chinese medicine treatement. RESULTS: The LVDP and LVEDP were decreased and the absolute value of + dp/dt(max) and - dp/ dt(max) were increased by the administration of 10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg of the compound tablets. The effect increased with doses. The traditional Chinese medicine also decreased the area of myocardial necrosis and the degree of injury to myocardiacyte. The intervention group had lower serum cTn-I and CK-MB levels than the controls. CONCLUSION: The compound tablets can improve the left ventricular diastolic function of CHF and reduce the myocardial damage in a dose-dependent manner.

[Effect of Tongxinluo on nestin and vascular endothehal growth factor mRNA expression in rat brain tissue after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expressions of nestin and vascular endothehal growth factor (VEGF) mRNAs in rat brain tissue after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and their changes in response to Tongxinluo (a traditional Chinese herbal preparation) treatment. METHODS: Cerebral ischemia was induced in rats by temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) followed by treatment with Tongxinluo at high and low doses. On days 3, 7, 14 and 21 after MCAO, nestin and VEGF mRNA expressions in the ependyma, subventricular zone (SVZ), and hippocampal subdentate gyrus zone (HDG) in the ischemic hemisphere were quantitatively analyzed using immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. RESULTS: Compared with the sham-operated group, the rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury showed significantly increased nestin-positive neurons and VEGF mRNA expression in the SVZ and HDG 7, 14 and 21 days after MCAO (P<0.05). Treatment with Tongxinluo, especially at high doses, significantly increased the number of nestin-positive neurons and VEGF mRNA expression in the rats 7, 14 and 21 days after MCAO (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Focal cerebral ischemia in rats results in rapid response and proliferation of neural stem cells in the SVZ and HDG in the ischemic hemisphere possibly by increasing VEGF mRNA expression in the adjacent tissues around the ischemic focus. Tongxinluo may enhance the differentiation and proliferation capacity of the neural stem cells after MCAO by inducing the expression of VEGF mRNA.

[Effect of Tongxinluo on the proliferation and differentiation of rat embryonic neural stem cells].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Tongxinluo in on the proliferation and differentiation of rat embryonic neural stem cells (NSCs). METHODS: NSCs were isolated from 12- to 14-day SD rat embryo and treated with Tongxinluo at different doses, and the proliferation and differentiation of the cells were observed by immunofluorescence staining at different time points. RESULTS: The ratio of embryonic NSCs labeled with nestin decreased soon after Tongxinluo treatment, but increased afterwards. Significant difference was noted in the number of cells labeled with beta-tubulin between Tongxinluo group and the control group 3 and 7 days after the treatment, and also between high-dose and low-dose Tongxinluo groups at 7 days. CONCLUSION: Tongxinluo can induce the proliferation and neuronal differentiation of rat embryonic NSCs, and the effect is related to the dose of Tongxinluo administered.

[Serum hyaluronic acid, tumor necrosis factor -alpha, vascular endothelial growth factor, NO, and Se levels in adult patients with Kashin-Beck disease].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of serum levels of hyaluronic acid (HA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), NO, and Se with the clinical manifestations in adult patients with Kashin-Beck disease (KBD). METHODS: Total 216 adults were selected for KBD screening from the KBD-prevalent areas in Yongshou county and the non-KBD areas of Chang'an county, Xi'an city, ShaanXi Province. According to the National Diagnostic Criteria of Kashin-Beck Disease in China, the diagnoses of KBD was established in 25 adult patients (11 men and 14 women, average age of 47.88+/-11.16 years), and 20 healthy control subjects from the KBD areas (8 men and 12 women, average age of 47.85+/-12.05 years) and 20 from the non-KBD areas (8 men and 12 women, average age of 47.45+/-11.24 years) were also selected to serve as controls. There was no significant difference in the average age and gender distribution between the 3 groups. The serum levels of HA, TNF-alpha, VEGF, NO and Se were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, nitrate reductase method and griphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. RESULTS: Serum NO level was significantly higher in KBD group (41.7+/-21.89 micromol/L) than in the health controls from KBD areas (17.1+/-13.01 micromol/L) and non-KBD areas (17.58+/-11.48 micromol/l, F=13.11, df=2, P<0.001). Serum TNF-alpha level in KBD group (32.7+/-3.55 pg/ml) was significantly higher than that in the control subjects from the non-KBD areas (30.95+/-2.22 pg/ml, F=3.672, df=2, P=0.031), but similar with the control subjects from the KBD areas (32.7+/-3.55 pg/ml). Serum TNF-alpha and NO levels were identified as the indices that differed between adult KBD patients and the controls from both KBD and non-KBD areas by differential analysis (the function of differentiation was 0.062xNO+0.173xTNF -7.218). CONCLUSION: Serum TNF-alpha and NO levels are significantly increased in adult KBD patients and are associated with the clinical manifestations of KBD.

[Clinical observation on effects of acupuncture at Dazhui (GV 14) for abating fever of common cold].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Dazhui (GV 14) for abating fever of common cold. METHODS: Two hundred and sixty-one cases were randomly assigned to a treatment group of 133 cases and a control group of 128 cases. The treatment group were treated with electroacupuncture at Dazhui (GV 14) and the control group with antondine injection. The transient effect of abating fever within 24 h was observed. RESULTS: After treatment, the body temperature at all observation time points in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.01). The effect-appearing time (1.42 +/- 1.79) h in the treatment group was shorter than that in the control group (3.44 +/- 5.10) h (P < 0.01). The cured rate and the abating fever rate were 27.8% and 75.9% in the treatment group, and 10.9% and 55.5% in the control group, with significant differences between the two groups, the treatment group being better than the control group (P < 0.01). The abating fever rate for the wind-heat type common cold was 75.3% in the treatment group and 50.0% in the control group, with significant difference between the two groups, the treatment group being better than the control group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The method of acupuncture at Dazhui (GV 14) has a definite therapeutic effect on high fever of common cold, and for wind-heat type common cold, Dazhui (GV 14) first may be chosen to abate high-fever and the treatment should be taken as early as possible.

[Randomized multicenter control clinical study on acute ischemic stroke treatment with traditional Chinese medicine].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of a comprehensive protocol of integrated Chinese and Western medicine (ICWM) in treating with acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: A multi-center, prospective, random and control clinical trial was adopted with 606 patients of acute ischemic stroke. They were divided into the treatment group (274 cases) treated with ICWM protocol, and the control group (263 cases) treated with Western medicine plus placebe, and BI, mRS were assessed after treatment. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the 90th day assessment showed that the severe disability rate was lower (BI <75) (P <0.05), the complete reabilitation and mild disability rate (BI> or =95, P < 0.05), and the disability level (modified Rankin scale mRS) were improved (P <0.05) in the treatment group than those in the control group. CONCLUSION: The ICWM protocol used in this study may improve neural function and quality of life of acute ischemic stroke patients, and reduce the severe disability rate in those after 90 days treatment.

[The inhibitory effect of Hydrilla verticillata culture water on Microcystic aeruginosa and its mechanism].

This paper studied on the effect and mechanism that the growth of M. aerugonsa was markedly inhibited by the H. verticillata culture water. During treatment, the photosynthetic rate of M. aerugonsa declined, while its respiratory rate and SOD activity increased firstly, then decreased as the treatment went on. Its membrane permeability also increased significantly. TEM photographs showed that the ultrastructure of cell membrane, thylakoid lamella and pith nucleoid of M. aerugonsa were destroyed severely. Inhibitory effects could be observed only when the extracts were extracted by ether. The more extracts from ether, the better inhibitory effect observed. It suggested that the inhibitory effects of H. verticillata on M. aeruginosa were through excreting substances into water. GC/MS analytic result showed that the ether extract mainly consisted of 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid diisooctyl ester, dibutyl phthalate, and 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid butyl 2-methylpropyl ester.

[Nestin activation after rat cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and its changes in response to Tongxinluo treatment].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate nestin activation in rat brain subjected to ischemia-reperfusion injury and its changes in response to Tongxinluo treatment. METHODS: Cerebral ischemia was induced by temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats. At 3, 7, 14 and 21 days after MCAO, nestin expression in the ependyma, subventricular zone (SVZ), hippocampal subdentate gyrus zone (HDG) of the rats treated with Tongxinluo were guantified by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Compared with the sham operation group, nestin was significantly increased 7, 14 and 21 days after MCAO (P<0.05), and immunofluorescence of BrdU+nestin-positive neurons significantly increased in the SVZ. After treatment with Tongxinluo, the number of BrdU-positive neurons and BrdU+nestin-positive neurons significantly increased as compared with MCAO group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Focal cerebral ischemia in the rat results in rapid response and proliferation of neural stem cells in the SVZ and HDG in the ischemic hemisphere, and Tongxinluo may enhance the differentiation and proliferation capacity of the neural stem cells after MCAO.

Clinical application of plasma shock wave lithotripsy in treating impacted stones in the bile duct system.

AIM: To verify the safety and efficacy of plasma shock wave lithotripsy (PSWL) in fragmenting impacted stones in the bile duct system. METHODS: From September 1988 to April 2005, 67 patients (26 men and 41 women) with impacted stones underwent various biliary operations with tube (or T-tube) drainage. Remnant and impacted stones in the bile duct system found by cholangiography after the operation were fragmented by PSWL and choledochofiberscopy. A total of 201 impacted stones were fragmented by PSWL setting the voltage at 2.5-3.5 kV, and the energy output at 2-3 J for each pulse of PSWL. Then the fragmented stones were extracted by choledochofiberscopy. The safety and efficacy of PSWL were observed during and after the procedure. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-nine of 201 impacted stones (99.0%) in the bile duct system were successfully fragmented using PSWL and extracted by choledochofiberscopy. The stone clearance rate for patients was 97% (65/67). Ten patients felt mild pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, and could tolerate it well. Eleven patients had a small amount of bleeding from the mucosa of the bile duct. The bleeding was transient and stopped spontaneously within 2 min of normal saline irrigation. There were no significant complications during and after the procedure. CONCLUSION: PSWL is a safe and effective method for fragmenting impacted stones in the bile duct system.

[Function of MMP/TIMP on airway remodeling of bronchial asthma and treating effects of Zhichuan capsule].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of the bronchial asthma and to study the treating effects of Zhichuan Capsule on the airway remodeling of asthmatic model rats. METHODS: The rat model was established by being sensitized and activated with different density of ovalbumin through prolonged and repeated exposure for 8 weeks. The rats were randomly divided into model group, Zhichuan Capsule treated group, dexameson treated group, and Zhichuan Capsule and dexameson treated group. Another group of normal rats were taken as control. General histological changes were observed by hematoxylin and eosin stained sections. Being standardized by internal perimeter (Pi), the wall thickness (d), internal area (Ai), outer area (Ao) and wall area (WA) of the airway were quantified by computer-assisted image analysis system. The express of MMP-9, TIMP-1, Col I, Col III and ColV in the airway were examined by immunocytochemical methods. During the course of airway remodeling, the dynamic changes of model rats were observed at different time points (2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after the activating). Statistical comparison was performed by ANOVA followed by Fisher LSD test. RESULTS: (1) Histologic examination showed eosinophil infiltration within the airway walls, epithelial damage, excessive mucus in the lumen and edema in the submucosa of the airways in model rats, and that the collagen deposition increased accompanied by increasing of TIMP-1. In the model rats, MMP-9 increased at the time point of 2 weeks, but it decreased in the late stage (8 weeks after activating) of airway remodeling. And the level of TIMP-1 was far higher than MMP-9 at the time point of 8 weeks. (2) Zhichuan Capsule could down-regulate the level of TIMP-1 in the airway wall, as well as the thickness of airway wall and the collagen deposition. And there were progressing effects when it was used together with dexameson. CONCLUSION: (1) The early increase of MMP-9 is a key point to start remodeling; and the increase of TIMP-1 in the late stage, which inhibits collagenase activity, may play an important role in developing airway fibrosis. Imbalance between MMP-9 and TIMP-1 is a marker of airway remodeling. (2) Zhichuan Capsule can decrease the deposition of collagen and suppress the airway remodeling by inhibiting the TIMP-1 expression.