Effects of Aloe Gel on Lactating Women with Nipple Trauma.

Background: To investigate the efficacy of aloe gel in reducing pain and promoting wound healing in postpartum women with nipple trauma. Method: There were 80 postpartum women who took part in this study having developed nipple trauma during breastfeeding in the obstetrics department of a tertiary grade A hospital in Suzhou from January to December 2021. Postpartum women with nipple trauma whose hospital bed numbers ranged between 15 and 33 were included in the test group, whereas those whose hospital bed numbers ranged between 35 and 53 were included in the control group. Both groups received health education and breastfeeding guidance. The control group applied lanolin cream to their nipple trauma, whereas the test group used aloe gel. We used a nipple trauma severity assessment table to determine the severity of nipple trauma in lactating women and a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to determine the level of nipple pain and referred to the Traditional Chinese Medicine Standard for Diagnosis and Therapeutic Efficacy for Diseases and Syndromes to determine the healing time of their wounds. Results: The test group scored 3.70 ± 1.24 and 1.65 ± 0.74 points on the VAS on the first and third days following the intervention, whereas the control group scored 4.30 ± 0.94 and 2.23 ± 1.07 points, respectively. It took 3.75 ± 1.08 days and 4.45 ± 1.15 days for the nipple pain to completely disappear in the test group and the control group, respectively. The healing period for nipple trauma was 5.28 ± 1.26 days for the test group and 6.03 ± 1.61 days for the control group. All of the aforementioned distinctions were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Aloe gel can significantly alleviate the pain associated with nipple trauma in lactating women, accelerate wound healing, and reduce the duration of nipple trauma.

Pharmacokinetic herb-drug interactions: Altered systemic exposure and tissue distribution of ciprofloxacin, a substrate of multiple transporters, after combined treatment with Polygonum capitatum Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don extracts.

Background: Combination of Polygonum capitatum Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don extract (PCE) and ciprofloxacin (CIP) was commonly prescribed in the treatment of urinary tract infections. Their pharmacokinetic herb-drug interactions (HDIs) were focused in this study to assess potential impact on the safety and effectiveness. Methods: A randomized, three-period, crossover trial was designed to study the pharmacokinetic HDI between PCE and CIP in healthy humans. Their pharmacokinetic- and tissue distribution-based HDIs were also evaluated in rats. Gallic acid (GA) and protocatechuic acid (PCA) were chosen as PK-markers of PCE in humans and rats. Potential drug interaction mechanisms were revealed by assessing the effects of PCE on the activity and expression of multiple transporters, including OAT1/3, OCT2, MDR1, and BCRP. Results: Concurrent use of PCE substantially reduced circulating CIP (approximately 40%-50%) in humans and rats, while CIP hardly changed circulating GA and PCA. PCE significantly increased the tissue distribution of CIP in the prostate and testis of rats, but decreased in liver and lungs. Meanwhile, CIP significantly increased the tissue distribution of GA or PCA in the prostate and testis of rats, but decreased in kidney and heart. In the transporter-mediated in vitro HDI, GA and PCA presented inhibitory effects on OAT1/3 and inductive effects on MDR1 and BCRP. Conclusion: Multiple transporter-mediated HDI contributes to effects of PCE on the reduced systemic exposure and altered tissue distribution of CIP. More attention should be paid on the potential for PCE-perpetrated interactions.

Pharmacokinetics of gallic acid and protocatechuic acid in humans after dosing with Relinqing (RLQ) and the potential for RLQ-perpetrated drug-drug interactions on organic anion transporter (OAT) 1/3.

CONTEXT: Relinqing granules (RLQ) are being used alone or in combination with antibacterial drugs to treat urological disorders. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the pharmacokinetics of RLQ in humans and the potential for RLQ-perpetrated interactions on transporters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve healthy subjects (six women and six men) participated to compare single- and multiple-dose pharmacokinetics of RLQ. In the single-dose study, all 12 subjects received 8 g of RLQ orally. After a 7-d washout period, the subjects received 8 g of RLQ for seven consecutive days (t.i.d.) and then a single dose. Gallic acid (GA) and protocatechuic acid (PCA) in plasma and urine samples were analysed using LC-MS/MS. The transfected cells were used to study the inhibitory effect of GA (50-5000 µg/L) and PCA (10-1000 µg/L) on transporters OAT1, OAT3, OCT2, OATP1B1, P-gp and BCRP. RESULTS: GA and PCA were absorbed into the blood within 1 h after administration and rapidly eliminated with a half-life of less than 2 h. The mean peak concentrations of GA (102 and 176 µg/L) and PCA (4.54 and 7.58 µg/L) were lower in males than females, respectively. The 24 h urine recovery rates of GA and PCA were about 10% and 5%, respectively. The steady-state was reached in 7 d without accumulation. GA was a potent inhibitor of OAT1 (IC50 = 3.73 µM) and OAT3 (IC50 = 29.41 µM), but not OCT2, OATP1B1, P-gp or BCRP. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: GA and PCA are recommended as PK-markers in RLQ-related pharmacokinetic and drug interaction studies. We should pay more attention to the potential for RLQ-perpetrated interactions on transporters.

Altering the inhibitory kinetics and molecular conformation of maltase by Tangzhiqing (TZQ), a natural α-glucosidase inhibitor.

BACKGROUND: Tangzhiqing (TZQ), as a potential α-glycosidase inhibitor, possesses postprandial hypoglycaemic effects on maltose in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms by which TZQ attenuates postprandial glucose by interrupting the activity of maltase, including inhibitory kinetics and circular dichroism studies. METHODS: In this study, we determined the inhibitory effect of TZQ on maltase by kinetic analysis to determine the IC50 value and enzyme velocity studies and line weaver-burk plot generation to determine inhibition type. Acarbose was chosen as a standard control drug. After the interaction with TZQ and maltase, secondary structure analysis was conducted with a circular dichroism method. RESULTS: TZQ showed notable inhibition activity on maltase in a reversible and competitive manner with an IC50 value of 1.67 ± 0.09 µg/ml, which was weaker than that of acarbose (IC50 = 0.29 ± 0.01 µg/ml). The circular dichroism spectrum demonstrated that the binding of TZQ to maltase changed the conformation of maltase and varied with the concentration of TZQ in terms of the disappearance of ß-sheets and an increase in the α-helix content of the enzyme, similar to acarbose. CONCLUSIONS: This work provides useful information for the inhibitory effect of TZQ on maltase. TZQ has the potential to be an α-glycosidase inhibitor for the prevention and treatment of prediabetes or mild diabetes mellitus.

Alleviating the Hydrolysis of Carbohydrates, Tangzhiqing (TZQ) Decreased the Postprandial Glycemia in Healthy Volunteers: An Eight-Period Crossover Study.

Tangzhiqing (TZQ), a Chinese herbal medicine, has been widely used to treat diabetes mellitus in China. TZQ works as a potential α-glucosidase inhibitor to reduce the absorption of glucose from dietary carbohydrates. The main aim of this study was to investigate the postprandial glucose-lowering effect of TZQ on the common carbohydrates in healthy humans. Meanwhile, the possible types of the inhibited α-glucosidase enzymes were predicted in this study. Glucose, sucrose, maltose, maltodextrin, and starch were chosen as investigated carbohydrates. The baseline incremental area under the curve (IAUC) and glycemic index (GI) values of the investigated carbohydrates were evaluated. Then, thirty-six subjects were randomly assigned to three groups to assess postprandial hypoglycemic effects of 3-, 6-, and 9-tablet TZQ. The subjects in each group were randomized to eight subgroups. An eight-period, eight-sequence, crossover design was performed to investigate the postprandial glucose-lowering effect of TZQ after drinking each carbohydrate. A significant decrease was observed on the postprandial glucose IAUCs (279.41 ± 111.31 vs. 203.86 ± 61.08) and GIs (124.91 ± 48.54 vs. 91.69 ± 27.47) of maltose after oral administration of 6-tablet TZQ, as well as IAUCs (145.05 ± 55.01 vs. 110.23 ± 57.03) and GIs (84.87 ± 33.40 vs. 65.50 ± 33.89) of sucrose after administration of 3-tablet TZQ. The glucose IAUCs (109.15 ± 55.92 vs. 57.68 ± 46.09) and GIs (49.09 ± 25.15 vs. 25.94 ± 20.73) of starch statistically reduced following the administration of 6-tablet TZQ. The lowering postprandial blood glucose effect of TZQ did not increase proportionally with increasing doses in humans. There were no significant changes in the glucose-lowering effect of glucose and maltodextrin after the administration of 3-, 6-, or 9-tablet TZQ, respectively. TZQ is a potential treatment for postprandial hyperglycemia, which can probably make α-glucosidases inhibit maltase, sucrase, and α-amylase in the digestive organs.

Simultaneous removal of nitrogen and phosphorous by heterotrophic nitrification-aerobic denitrification of a metal resistant bacterium Pseudomonas putida strain NP5.

A novel strain NP5 with efficient heterotrophic nitrification, aerobic denitrification and phosphorus accumulation ability was isolated and identified as Pseudomonas putida strain NP5. The removed ammonium and phosphate were mainly converted into intracellular components by assimilation, and negligible nitrification intermediates and N2O were accumulated during heterotrophic nitrification. In addition, the optimal conditions for nutrient removal were: succinate as carbon source, C/N 10, P/N 0.2, temperature 30 °C, salinity 0% and shaking speed 160 rpm. Besides, strain NP5 possessed an exceptional heavy metal and nanoparticles resistance. Cr6+ was found to be the most toxic among the tested metals, and it could be removed simultaneously. Moreover, an obvious phosphorus release was observed under anaerobic condition, and repeated exposure to the anaerobic/aerobic conditions could significantly improve the nutrient removal. Furthermore, the successful expression of key enzymes for nitrogen and phosphorous removal provided additional evidence for possibility of simultaneous nitrification, denitrification and phosphorus removal.

Neuroprotective Effect of Optimized Yinxieling Formula in 6-OHDA-Induced Chronic Model of Parkinson's Disease through the Inflammation Pathway.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN)-striatum circuit, which is associated with glial activation and consequent chronic neuroinflammation. Optimized Yinxieling Formula (OYF) is a Chinese medicine that exerts therapeutical effect and antiinflammation property on psoriasis. Our previous study has proven that pretreatment with OYF could regulate glia-mediated inflammation in an acute mouse model of PD induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine. Given that PD is a chronic degeneration disorder, this study applied another PD animal model induced by striatal injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) to mimic the progressive damage of the SN-striatum dopamine system in rats. The OYF was administrated in the manner of pretreatment plus treatment. The effects of the OYF on motor behaviors were assessed with the apomorphine-induced rotation test and adjusting steps test. To confirm the effect of OYF on dopaminergic neurons and glia activation in this model, we analyzed the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and glia markers, ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the SN region of the rat PD model. Inflammation-associated factors, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), were further evaluated in this model and in interferon-γ- (INF-γ-) induced murine macrophages RAW264.7 cells. The results from the in vivo study showed that OYF reversed the motor behavioral dysfunction in 6-OHDA-induced PD rats, upregulated the TH expression, decreased the immunoreactivity of Iba-1 and GFAP, and downregulated the mRNA levels of TNF-α and COX-2. The OYF also trended to decrease the mRNA levels of IL-1ß and iNOS in vivo. The results from the in vitro study showed that OYF significantly decreased the mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, iNOS, and COX-2. Therefore, this study suggests that OYF exerts antiinflammatory effects, which might be related to the protection of dopaminergic neurons in 6-OHDA-induced chronic neurotoxicity.

Imaging appearance of myelopathy secondary to nitrous oxide abuse: a case report and review of the literature.

Purpose The abuse of nitrous oxide (N2O) can induce Vitamin B12 deficiency that subsequently leads to central nervous demyelination, myelopathy and peripheral neuropathy. Although myelopathy has been reported in the past, the specific locations and prognosis of the disease are still unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report the case of a 22-year-old male who presented with quadriplegia that began after a 3-month history of inhalation of N2O. We summarized the clinical data of this entity and performed a comprehensive literature review of various presentations and MRI features of myelopathy secondary to N2O abuse. RESULTS: In combination with previous reports of 14 cases, we found that the onset of the disease was usually subacute, and the majority of patients (92.85%) were young men. There was no definite relationship between myelopathy and the amount or duration of N2O inhalation. The most common clinical manifestation was sensory ataxia, and the cervical spinal cord was the most frequently impaired area of the whole spinal cord. The spinal cord lesions had a high signal intensity on T2-weighted MRI and usually involved more than three spinal segments and impaired the posterior column more significantly. Most patients recovered well after vitamin B12 supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: Myelopathy secondary to N2O abuse is generally seen in young men. The clinical diagnosis mainly depends on a history of N2O inhalation and the characteristic imaging changes in the posterior cervical spinal cord. Early diagnosis and intervention are important for a satisfactory prognosis.

Metabolomics-Based Clinical Efficacy and Effect on the Endogenous Metabolites of Tangzhiqing Tablet, a Chinese Patent Medicine for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Hypertriglyceridemia.

Tangzhiqing tablet (TZQ) is derived from Tangzhiqing formula, which has been used to regulate glucose and lipid metabolism in China for hundreds of years. However, as a new Chinese patent medicine, its clinical indication is not clear. To explore the clinical indication and effect on the patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a pilot clinical trial and metabolomics study were carried out. In the clinical study, T2DM patients were divided into three groups and treated with TZQ, placebo, or acarbose for 12 weeks, respectively. The metabolomic study based on UPLC Q-TOF MS was performed including patients with hypertriglyceridemia in TZQ and placebo groups and healthy volunteers. The clinical results showed that TZQ could reduce glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting insulin. For patients with hypertriglyceridemia in TZQ group, the levels of HbA1c all decreased and were correlated with the baseline level of triglyceride. Metabonomics data showed a significant difference between patients and healthy volunteers, and 17 biomarkers were identified. After 12-week treatment with TZQ, 11 biomarkers decreased significantly (p<0.05), suggesting that TZQ could improve the metabolomic abnormalities in these participants. In conclusion, the clinical indication of TZQ was T2DM with hypertriglyceridemia, and its target was related to glycerophospholipid metabolism.

Mulberry leaf extract reduces the glycemic indexes of four common dietary carbohydrates.

BACKGROUND: 1-Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), a component of mulberry leaf extract (MLE), reduces postprandial hyperglycemia by inhibiting intestinal a-glycosidase. The aim of this exploratory study was to investigate the effects of MLE on the glycemic indexes (GI) of common dietary carbohydrates. METHODS: This single-center, randomized, open-label, 7-cycle self-controlled crossover study enrolled 15 healthy volunteers at the National Drug Clinical Trial Institution, Second Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (June 2014 to December 2014). The participants were randomized to receive glucose (3 occasions), glucose+MLE, sucrose+MLE, maltose+MLE, and maltodextrin+MLE orally during 7 visits (every 3 days). Blood glucose level was tested at 15 minutes before and at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after carbohydrate intake. The GI of each carbohydrate relative to glucose (GI = 100) was calculated using the incremental area under the curve method. Safety was assessed at each visit. RESULTS: All participants completed the protocol. After carbohydrate ingestion, blood glucose level peaked at 30 minutes (glucose, glucose+MLE, sucrose+MLE, and maltose+MLE) or 45 minutes (maltodextrin+MLE) before returning to preprandial levels at 120 minutes. At 30 minutes, the change in blood glucose level was lower for sucrose+MLE, maltose+MLE, and maltodextrin+MLE than for glucose or glucose+MLE (P < .05). GI was lowest for sucrose+MLE (43.22 ±â€Š17.47) and maltose+MLE (49.23 ±â€Š22.39), intermediate for maltodextrin+MLE (75.90 ±â€Š26.01), and higher for glucose+MLE (91.88 ±â€Š27.24). MLE reduced the GIs for maltose, sucrose, maltodextrin, and glucose by 53.11%, 33.51%, 31.00%, and 8.12%, respectively. MLE was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Coconsumption of MLE with sucrose, maltose, or maltodextrin can reduce the GI values of these carbohydrates. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Platform, no. ChiCTR-IPR-15006484. Registered on May 28, 2015.

Determining the optimal parameters of 420-nm intense pulsed light on Trichophyton rubrum growth in vitro.

The effect of and the optimal parameters for intense pulsed light (IPL) with a 420-nm filter on an isolate of the fungus Trichophyton rubrum (T. rubrum) were examined in vitro. Colonies of T. rubrum were irradiated by using 420-nm IPL with various pulse numbers and energies. Colony areas were photographed and compared with those of untreated colonies to assess growth inhibition. Statistically significant inhibition of T. rubrum growth was detected in colonies treated with 12 pulses of greater than or equal to 12 J/cm2. The optimal parameters of 420-nm IPL were 12 pulses of 12 J/cm2. However, more in vitro and in vivo studies are necessary to investigate and explore this mechanism to determine whether IPL would have a potential use in the treatment of fungal infections of the skin.

Identify super quality markers from prototype-based pharmacokinetic markers of Tangzhiqing tablet (TZQ) based on in vitro dissolution/ permeation and in vivo absorption correlations.

BACKGROUND: A quality marker (Q-marker) is defined as an inherent chemical compound that is used for the quality control of a drug. Its biological activities are closely related to safety and therapeutic effects. Generally, a multiple-component herbal medicine may have many Q-markers. We therefore proposed a concept of "super Q-marker" satisfying both the criterion of Q-markers and PK-markers to be used in more effective quality control of herbal medicine. PURPOSE: The first aim was to find suitable prototype-based PK-markers from Tangzhiqing tablets (TZQ), a Chinese patent medicine. Then super Q-markers were expected to be identified from the prototype-based PK-markers based on an in vitro-in vivo correlation study. METHODS: Potentially eligible prototype-based PK-markers were identified in a single- and multiple-dose pharmacokinetic study on TZQ in 30 healthy volunteers. The in vitro dissolution and permeation profiles of the prototype-based PK-markers of TZQ were evaluated by the physiologically-based drug dissolution/absorption simulating system (DDASS). An in vitro-in vivo correlation analysis was conducted between the dissolution/permeation behaviors in DDASS and the actual absorption profiles in human to test the transferability and traceability of the promising super Q-markers for TZQ. RESULTS: In human, plasma paeoniflorin and nuciferine as prototype-based PK-markers exhibited the appropriate pharmacokinetic properties, including dose-dependent systemic exposure (AUC, Cmax) and a proper elimination half-life (1∼3h). In DDASS, it was predicted that paeoniflorin and nuciferine are highly permeable but the absorption rates are primarily limited by the dissolution rates. Moreover, the established in vitro-in vivo correlations of paeoniflorin and nuciferine were in support of the super Q-markers features. CONCLUSION: Paeoniflorin and nuciferine are identified as the super Q-markers from the prototype-based PK-markers of TZQ based on findings from a combination of in vitro, in vivo, and in vitro-in vivo correlation studies. This method is practical for optimal identification of qualified Q-markers, thus helping improve the quality control of herbal medicines.

Nuciferine and paeoniflorin can be quality markers of Tangzhiqing tablet, a Chinese traditional patent medicine, based on the qualitative, quantitative and dose-exposure-response analysis.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a chronic disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Tangzhiqing tablet (TZQ), a Chinese traditional patent medicine, has been in phase 2 clinical trial for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. However, the current quality evaluation of TZQ still remains rather obscure. PURPOSE: The promising quality markers (Q-markers) of TZQ will be sought for its quality assessment and process control based on the qualitative, quantitative and dose-exposure-response analysis. METHODS: The fingerprint analysis of TZQ was carried out through ultra high performance liquid chromatography- quadrupole time-of-flight/ mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) assay. Multicomponent quantitative analysis was implemented to the main ingredients of nuciferine, paeoniflorin, salvianolic acid B, hyperoside and rutin in TZQ by means of LC analysis. The dose-exposure-response relationship of TZQ was revealed by a placebo-controlled, 5-way crossover study in healthy Chinese subjects. The potential Q-markers in plasma were determined by a liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. The therapeutic effect of TZQ was expressed as the glucose-lowering profile. The exposure-response relevance was developed between the concentration of Q-markers and the glucose-lowering effect of TZQ. RESULTS: 46 compounds were identified or tentatively characterized from TZQ. The contents of paeoniflorin, nuciferine, salvianolic acid B, hyperoside and rutin in TZQ were 6.40, 1.75, 1.70, 0.004, and 0.006 mg, respectively. However, salvianolic acid B, hyperoside and rutin could hardly be detected in human plasma under the current LC-MS/MS condition. The exposures of nuciferine and paeoniflorin (AUC0-3, Cmax) were dose-proportionality in human at the studied dosage ranges. The glucose-lowering effect appeared to increase proportionally with increasing TZQ dose in healthy volunteers. A clockwise hysteresis was displayed between the exposure of nuciferine and paeoniflorin and the glucose-lowering effect of TZQ. CONCLUSION: Nuciferine and paeoniflorin were identified as the promising Q-markers of TZQ based on the fingerprint qualitative analysis, multicomponent quantitative analysis and dose-exposure-response analysis. The two Q-markers are meaningful to ensure the quality assessment and process control of TZQ.

Post-marketing safety surveillance and reevaluation of Motherwort injection: A clinical study of 10 094 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety profiles of Motherwort injection (MI). METHODS: A multi-center, prospective and drug- derived hospital intensive monitoring method was conducted to assess the safety of MI in real world applications. This study was based on a very large population after the injection was approved and marketed in China. All patients using the injection in participating hospitals were monitored to determine the incidence, pattern, severity and outcome of associated adverse events. RESULTS: The post-marketing surveillance was performed in 10 094 female patients from April to December, 2015. The incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) was 0.79¡ë(8/10 094). Among the 8 patients, the reported adverse events mainly included systemic abnormalities, such as fever, chills and eyelid edema; skin and appendages disorders, such as pruritus and rash; gastrointestinal disorders, such as nausea, abdominal distension and pain; heart rate and rhythm disorders, such as palpitation and increased heart rate. All of these ADRs were mild in severity. CONCLUSION: In this study the ADRs incidence rate of MI is very low, which supports that it is generally safe for use in obstetric and gynecological diseases. However, the total number of 8 ADRs recorded over a relatively short time span seems limited, and the low number of reports could not represent an absolute guarantee of safety.

[The regulatory mechanism of songling xuemaikang capsule on PPARgamma in spontaneously hypertensive rats: an experimental study].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of Songling Xuemaikang Capsule (SXC) on blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and regulatory mechanisms for peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma). METHODS: Totally 24 10-week-old SHR rats were randomly divided into the blank control group, the Chinese medicine (CM) group, and the Western medicine (WM) group, 8 in each group. Rats in the CM group were administered with SXC at the daily dose of 20 mg/kg by gastrogavage. Those in the WM group were administered with ramipril at the daily dose of 1 mg/kg by gastrogavage. Those in the blank control group were administered with equal volume of normal saline. The blood pressure was measured once per week. The cardiac ultrasound was performed 4 weeks later. Rats were killed and then blood was sampled from abdominal aorta. mRNA expressions of liver PPARgamma and angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) were detected by fluorescence real-time quantitative PCR. Protein expressions of PPARgamma and AT1R were detected using immunohistochemical assay (SP). The contents of PPARgamma and AT1R were quantitatively analyzed by Western blot. RESULTS: After 4 weeks of treatment, the blood pressure decreased in the CM group, showing statistical difference when compared with the blank control group (P < 0.01). CM was inferior to WM in lowering blood pressure. But as a whole, CM was more stable and could maintain blood pressure at a relatively stable level. The cardiac ejection fraction increased in the CM group, showing statistical difference when compared with the blank control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of liver PPARgamma were up-regulated in the CM group, showing statistical difference when compared with the blank control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). CM could obviously inhibit the AT1R mRNA expression, and down-regulate the protein expression of AT1R, showing statistical difference when compared with the blank control group and the WM group respectively (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: SXC decreased blood pressure and improved the cardiac ejection fraction, which might be partially achieved by up-regulating the PPARgamma mRNA expression and protein synthesis, and inhibiting the AT1R mRNA expression and AT1R protein synthesis.

Regulation of podocalyxin expression in the kidney of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats with Chinese herbs (Yishen capsule).

BACKGROUND: Diabetic nephropathy is an emergent issue in China with increase in patients with type II diabetes. There are several successful Chinese herbal products for the treatment of patients with diabetic nephropathy in China. However, the mechanisms mediating the biological activity of these products are still unclear. Podocalyxin is a sialoprotein critical to maintaining integrity of filtration function of glomerulus. METHODS: By employing streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and a Chinese herb formulation (Yishen capsule), we examined the regulation of podocalyxin expression in the kidney by Yishen capsule through immunofluorescent staining and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: After injection of STZ, there were significant increase in both blood glucose and urinary protein. Serum creatinine and BUN were also increased in rats with injection of STZ. Moreover, expression of podocalyxin in the glomerulus was gradually reduced after injection of STZ. There was also a loss of podocyte foot processes in the glomerular basement membrane. However, Yishen capsule or benazepril was able to restore the expression of podocalyxin and podocyte foot processes in the kidney. Although Yishen capsule could reduce urinary protein level, it has little effect on blood glucose level in the rats injected with STZ. CONCLUSIONS: Yishen capsule could attenuate the loss of podocalyxin in the glomerulus of rats injected with STZ.