Effective fraction from Simiao Wan prevents hepatic insulin resistant by inhibition of lipolysis via AMPK activation.

Simiao Wan (SMW) is a traditional Chinese formula, including Atractylodis Rhizoma, Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix, Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex and Coicis Semen at the ratio of 1:1:2:2. It can be used to the treatment of diabetes. However, its bioactive compounds and underlying mechanism are unclear. This study aimed to screen the antilipolytic fraction from SMW and investigate its therapeutic mechanisms on hepatic insulin resistance. Different fractions of SMW were prepared by membrane separation combined with macroporous resin and their antilipolytic activities were screened in fasted mice. The effects of 60% ethanol elution (ESMW) on lipolysis were investigated in 3T3-L1 adipocytes stimulated by palmitic acid (PA) and high fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. In our study, ESMW is the bioactive fraction responsible for the antilipolytic activity of SMW and 13 compounds were characterized from ESMW by UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. ESMW suppressed protein kinase A (PKA)-hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) related lipolysis and increased AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation in PA challenged 3T3-L1 adipocytes. AMPKα knockdown abolished the inhibitory effects of ESMW on IL-6 and HSL pSer-660, revealing that the antilipolytic and anti-inflammatory activities of ESMW are AMPK dependent. Furthermore, ESMW ameliorated insulin resistance and suppressed lipolysis in HFD-fed mice. It inhibited diacylglycerol accumulation in the liver and inhibited hepatic gluconeogenesis. Conditional medium collected from ESMW-treated 3T3-L1 cells ameliorated insulin action on hepatic gluconeogenesis in liver cells, demonstrating the antilipolytic activity contributed to ESMW beneficial effects on hepatic glucose production. In conclusion, ESMW, as the antilipolytic fraction of SMW, inhibited PKA-HSL related lipolysis by activating AMPK, thus inhibiting diacylglycerol (DAG) accumulation in the liver and thereby improving insulin resistance and hepatic gluconeogenesis.

A generalized kernel machine approach to identify higher-order composite effects in multi-view datasets, with application to adolescent brain development and osteoporosis.

In recent years, a comprehensive study of complex disease with multi-view datasets (e.g., multi-omics and imaging scans) has been a focus and forefront in biomedical research. State-of-the-art biomedical technologies are enabling us to collect multi-view biomedical datasets for the study of complex diseases. While all the views of data tend to explore complementary information of disease, analysis of multi-view data with complex interactions is challenging for a deeper and holistic understanding of biological systems. In this paper, we propose a novel generalized kernel machine approach to identify higher-order composite effects in multi-view biomedical datasets (GKMAHCE). This generalized semi-parametric (a mixed-effect linear model) approach includes the marginal and joint Hadamard product of features from different views of data. The proposed kernel machine approach considers multi-view data as predictor variables to allow a more thorough and comprehensive modeling of a complex trait. We applied GKMAHCE approach to both synthesized datasets and real multi-view datasets from adolescent brain development and osteoporosis study. Our experiments demonstrate that the proposed method can effectively identify higher-order composite effects and suggest that corresponding features (genes, region of interests, and chemical taxonomies) function in a concerted effort. We show that the proposed method is more generalizable than existing ones. To promote reproducible research, the source code of the proposed method is available at.

Yangxin Decoction combined acupuncture on blood lipid metabolism in Qi Deficiency and Blood Stasis type of Chest Bi-Syndrome: A protocol of systematic review.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, clinical studies about Yangxin Decoction combined acupuncture (YXDA) for the treatment of Qi Deficiency and Blood Stasis type of Chest Bi-Syndrome (CBS-QDBS) has been increased, but the results are different. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of YXDA on blood lipid metabolism (BLMB) in patients with CBS-QDBS. METHODS: We will collect any randomized controlled trials that assess the effect of YXDA on BLMB in CBS-QDBS from PUBMED, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. All of these databases will be searched from their initial time to the present. All language limitation will be imposed. Literature selection, information collection, and risk of bias assessment will be performed independently by two authors, respectively. All data analysis will be undertaken using RevMan 5.3 Software. RESULTS: This study will summarize the systematic nature of the literature search and its methods for assessing study quality and analyzing all relevant outcome data. Considering the inconsistent results, this study will improve the existing evidence on the effect of YXDA on BLMB in CBS-QDBS. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study will present the latest evidence of YXDA on BLMB in patients with CBS-QDBS. STUDY REGISTRATION: INPLASY202070047.

[Effectiveness of different maintenance methods for codonopsis radix].

OBJECTIVE: To observe different maintenance methods including vacuum-packing, storage together with tobacco, storage together with fennel, ethanol steam and sulfur fumigation for the protection of Codonopsis Radix against mildew and insect damage, and to analyze the content of polysaccharide and flavonoids of Codonopsis Radix tested in this studies, so as to look for the scientific maintenance methods replacing traditional sulfur fumigation. METHODS: Except for the sulfur fumigation, naturally air-dried Codonopsis Radix was used to investigate the maintenance effectiveness of the above methods, respectively. Mildew was observed by visual inspection, and the content of polysaccharide and flavonoids were determined by ultra-violet and visible spectrophotometer. Comprehensive evaluation was given based on the results of the different maintenance methods. RESULTS: Low-temperature vacuum-packing, ambient-temperature vacuum-packing and sulfur fumigation could keep Codonopsis Radix from mildew and insect damage for one year, but ambient-temperature vacuum-packing showed flatulent phenomenon; ethanol steam could keep Codonopsis Radix from mildew and insects for over half a year; storage together with tobacco or fennel did not have maintenance effect. The difference of polysaccharide and flavonoids contents of all tested Codonopsis Radix was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Low temperature vacuum-packing maintenance can replace traditional sulfur fumigation, and it can maintain the quality of Codonopsis Radix to a certain extent.

Radix Hedysari polysaccharide suppresses lipid metabolism dysfunction in a rat model of non­alcoholic fatty liver disease via adenosine monophosphate­activated protein kinase pathway activation.

Oxidative stress and excess hepatic lipid accumulation contribute to non­alcoholic fatty liver disease. Radix Hedysari polysaccharides (RHP) have attracted interest due to their antioxidant properties and immunomodulatory effects. However, the effect of RHP on hepatic lipid metabolism remains to be elucidated. In the present study, the response of Sprague­Dawley rat livers to a high­fat diet and RHP treatment was investigated by evaluating body weight, liver histology, hepatic lipid content, adenosine monophosphate­activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity and lipid metabolism gene transcriptional profiles. The present study demonstrated that RHP ameliorated lipid metabolism disorders, regulated hepatic lipid content, improved liver inflammation and damage, activated AMPK via phosphorylation, upregulated peroxisome proliferator­activated receptor α and downregulated the mRNA expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein­1c in rat livers, which reduced lipogenesis and increased lipolysis. Taken together, these results suggested that RHP effectively ameliorates lipid metabolism disorders in rat livers; thus, RHP may be a potential therapeutic agent in the prevention of hepatic steatosis.

[Effect of Codonopsis Radix maintained with sulfur fumigation on immune function in mice].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the immune function of mice being given the extract of Codonopsis Radix maintained with sulfur fumigation. METHODS: Mice were divided into five groups. Except the normal control group, the mice were fed with the extract of Codonopsis Radix maintained with sulfur fumigation at the high,medium and low doses, as well as medium dose of Codonopsis Radix maintained with low-temperature vacuum method, respectively. Mice were treated once a day for 10 continuous days. Weight change,organ indexes, blood cell indices, macrophage phagocytic function, and IL-2 and IFN-γ levels were measured. RESULTS: Compared with normal control group, Codonopsis Radix maintained with sulfur fumigation at medium and high doses inhibited body weight increase of mice; white blood cell count of high dose group was significantly increased; significant increase of macrophage phagocytosis were observed for all groups except the normal control group; and spleen index and IFN-γ level of Codonopsis Radix maintained with sulfur fumigation medium dose group were increased significantly. CONCLUSION: Codonopsis Radix maintained with sulfur fumigation can promote mouse immune function to a certain degree. There was no difference in immune effect between Codonopsis Radix maintained with sulfur fumigation and low-temperature vacuum method during experimental period. However,taking the extract of Codonopsis Radix maintained with sulfur fumigation can exert negative effect on appetite and body weight in mice.

Effect of zibu shenjing fang (see text) on growth and development of the mouse with kidney-essence insufficiency and study on the mechanism.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate effects of Zibu Shenjing Fang (see text) on growth and development of the mouse with insufficiency ofkidney-essence and the mechanism. METHODS: Total 50 mice were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a Jingui Shenqi Wan (see text) group, a Zibu Shenjing Fang high dose group and a Zibu Shenjing Fang low dose group, 10 mice in each group. The kidney-essence insufficiency mouse model was established by use of threat-injuring the kidney combined with over-fatigue. At the same time of modeling, the mice in the model group were intragastrically administrated with saline 20 mL x kg(-1) x d(-1), in the Jingui Shenqi Wan group with suspension of the Jingui Shenqi Wan 2.7 g x kg(-1) x d(-1), in the Zibu Shenjing Fang high dose group with Zibu Shenjing Fang 20 g x kg(-1) x d(-1) and in the Zibu Shenjing Fang low dose group with Zibu Shenjing Fang 10 g x kg(-1) x d(-1), for 21 consecutive days. The general state was observed, the body weight was weighted, and serum growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) contents were detected. RESULTS: Compared with model group, Zibu Shenjing Fang groups and Jingui Shenqi Wan group could improve manifestation of the mouse with kidney-essence insufficiency, increase body weight of the mouse and serum GH and IGF-1 contents, especially in the high dose group. CONCLUSION: Zibu Shenjing Fang gives play to the function of tonifying the kidney and replenishing essence through regulating GH and IGF-1 levels, so as to influence growth and development of the mouse.

[Effects of blueberry on the expression patterns of heme oxygenase-1 in rats with hepatic fibrosis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the protective effect of Blueberry against rat hepatic fibrosis and the effect of Blueberry on HO-1 expression patterns. METHODS: A total of 45 SD rats were randomly divided into five groups namely control group (group A), model group (group B), blueberry group (group C), Dan-shao-hua-xian (DSHX) capsule group (group D) and blueberry +Dan-shao-hua-xian group (group E). Fibrous liver models in rats were induced by subcutaneous injection of CCl4 and high-lipid/low-protein diet for 8 weeks except the control group which accepted saline alone. The level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in serum was examined. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver homogenates were determined. by the xanthine oxidase method and the thiobarbituric acid method. The pathology of hepatic fibrosis was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) staining. The Expression of HO-1 was detected by real-time RT-PCR, immunohistochemical techniques and western blotting. RESULTS: Serum ALT levels in every prevention group was lower than the group B [(149.44+/-16.51), (136.88+/-10.07), (127.38+/-11.03) vs (203.25+/-31.62) U/L, F = 92.498, P < 0.05], the SOD of liver homogenate in prevention group was significantly higher and the MDA was lower compared with the group B [SOD: (1.36+/-0.09), (1.42+/-0.13), (1.50+/-0.15) vs (1.08+/-0.19) U/mg, F = 13.671, P < 0.05; MDA: (0.294+/-0.026), (0.285+/-0.025), (0.284+/-0.028) vs (0.335+/-0.056) nmol/mg, F = 20.809, P < 0.05]. The pathological stages of hepatic fibrosis were all significantly reduced in prevention group (Chi2 test = 24.956, P < 0.05). Compared with group A, the mRNA and protein expressions of HO-1 were elevated (F = 4.549, 22.926, P < 0.05) in group B and increased in group C-E, but there is no significant difference existed. CONCLUSION: Blueberry may have preventive and protective effects on CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis by reducing lipid peroxidation. However, these effects may not be related to the activation of HO-1 during long-term of CCl4.

Effects of blueberry on hepatic fibrosis and transcription factor Nrf2 in rats.

AIM: To investigate the effects of blueberry on hepatic fibrosis and NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) transcription factor in rats. METHODS: Forty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control group (A); CCl(4)-induced hepatic fibrosis group (B); blueberry prevention group (C); Dan-shao-hua-xian capsule (DSHX) prevention group (D); and blueberry + DSHX prevention group (E). Liver fibrosis was induced in rats by subcutaneous injection of CCl(4) and a high-lipid/low-protein diet for 8 wk (except the control group). The level of hyaluronic acid (HA) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in serum was examined. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver homogenates was determined. The degree of hepatic fibrosis was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining. Expression of Nrf2 and NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1 (Nqo1) was detected by real-time reversed transcribed-polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemical techniques, and western blotting. RESULTS: Compared with group B, liver indices, levels of serum HA and ALT of groups C, D and E were reduced (liver indices: 0.038 +/- 0.008, 0.036 +/- 0.007, 0.036 +/- 0.005 vs 0.054 +/- 0.009, P < 0.05; HA: 502.33 +/- 110.57 ng/mL, 524.25 +/- 255.42 ng/mL, 499.25 +/- 198.10 ng/mL vs 828.50 +/- 237.83 ng/mL, P < 0.05; ALT: 149.44 +/- 16.51 U/L, 136.88 +/- 10.07 U/L, 127.38 +/- 11.03 U/L vs 203.25 +/- 31.62 U/L, P < 0.05), and SOD level was significantly higher, but MDA level was lower, in liver homogenates (SOD: 1.36 +/- 0.09 U/mg, 1.42 +/- 0.13 U/mg, 1.50 +/- 0.15 U/mg vs 1.08 +/- 0.19 U/mg, P < 0.05; MDA: 0.294 +/- 0.026 nmol/mg, 0.285 +/- 0.025 nmol/mg, 0.284 +/- 0.028 nmol/mg vs 0.335 +/- 0.056 nmol/mg, P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the stage of hepatic fibrosis was significantly weakened (P < 0.05). Compared with group A, the activity of GST liver homogenates and expression levels of Nrf2 and Nqo1 in group B were elevated (P < 0.05). The expression level of Nrf2 and Nqo1 in groups C, D, and E were increased as compared with group B, but the difference was not significant. CONCLUSION: Blueberry has preventive and protective effects on CCl(4)-induced hepatic fibrosis by reducing hepatocyte injury and lipid peroxidation. However, these effects may not be related to the activation of Nrf2 during long-term of CCl(4).

[Effects of light quality on microtuber induction of Solanum tuberosum L].

With the detoxified test-tube seedlings of two Solanum tuberosum L. varieties as test materials, this paper studied their development and microtuber induction under effects of different light quality (red, blue, and white lights). Under red light, the seedlings leaf net photosynthetic rate, soluble sugar content, and biomass were the highest, and the leaf number was the greatest. Blue light increased the seedlings dry matter content and microtuber number, advanced the date of microtuber initiation, but inhibited seedlings height. Under white light, the seedlings had the lowest net photosynthetic rate and dry matter content. Different S. tuberosum varieties had definite differences in the demand of light quality for their microtuber induction. Applying red light at seedlings development stage and supplying blue light at microtuber induction stage could gain higher productivity.

[A review of research on sustainable use of medicinal plants cropland in China].

In China, about 40% of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) comes from cultivation in agrarian systems. The cropland is fundamental to the productions of medicinal plants, and the sustainable soil management is essential for sustainable using of the TCM resources, furthermore it affects the local economies of the medicinal plant production regions and the sustainable development of TCM agriculture. In this paper, the concept of the sustainable use of TCM cropland was discussed and the problems on sustainable soil management in China were analyzed from the aspects of resources and quality. The research advances in sustainable use of the medicinal plants cropland were reviewed from the aspects of continuous cropping obstacles, faming systems and degraded soil remediation. The strengthening research fields in the further were suggested.

[Effects of acupuncture on diabetic peripheral neuropathies].

OBJECTIVE: To observe therapeutic effect of acupuncture on diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and explore the mechanism. METHODS: Sixty-eight cases of DPN were treated with acupuncture at Jianyu (LI 15), Quchi (LI 11), Waiguan (TE 5) etc. and their blood sugar, blood lipids and hemorrheologic indexes and nerve conductive velocity before and after treatment were determined. RESULTS: After treatment, 43 cases were markedly effective, 20 cases were effective and 5 cases were ineffective, with a total effective rate of 92.6%; the nerve conductive velocity, plasma insulin, C-peptide, opioid peptides increased significantly (P<0.01) and blood viscosity significantly decreased (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture has a definite therapeutic effect on DPN and the increase of nerve conductive velocity is possibly related with the increase of plasma opioid peptides.

[Determination of complanatoside A in semen Astragali complanati by HPLC].

OBJECTIVE: To establish the determination method for complanatoside A in seeds of Astragalus complanatus. METHOD: An HPLC method has been developed to separate complanatoside A on ZORBAX EXTEND-C18 (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) column with acetonitrile-water-phosphoric acid (20:80:0.2) as mobile phase and UV detection at 267 nm. RESULT: The good linearity of complanatoside A ranged 0.086-0.430 microg, r = 0.9999. An average recovery of 99.8% (n = 5) was obtained with a RSD of 1.0%. CONCLUSION: The established method is proved to be stability, fast, accurate and can be used for quantification of Complanatoside A in Semen Astragali Complanati.

[A study on the rotation of crops among Panax quinquefolium, Perilla frutescens and Coix lacryma-jobi].

OBJECTIVE: To provide evidence for establishing an efficient method of growing Panax quinquefolium by rotation of crops. METHOD: Four-year old P. quinquefolium was cultivated in water and soil cultures. Biological assays were conducted with the aqueous extracts of P. quinquefolius, Fructus Perillae and roots of Coix lacryma-jobi. P. quinquefolium was cultivated in the soil where purple Perilla frutesens and C. lacryma-jobi were grown previously. The effects of rotation were determined. RESULT: The stems, leaves and fibrous roots of Panax quinquefolium contained allelopathic substances. When the concentration of the allelopathic substances exceeded 1g per kg soil, P. quinquefolius could not grow. On the other hand, when the concentration of allelopathic substances fell below 0.2 g per kg soil, the rate of seedling growth was decreased by 25%. When P. quinquefolius was cultivated in the soil in which purple Perilla frutesens had previously grown, or in the soil supplemented with Fructus Perillae, the rates of seedling growth and the yield were raised by 26.8% and 11.5% tively, in comparison with the controls. CONCLUSION: Rotation of Panax quinquefolium and Perilla frutesens was shown to be a good way for the cultivation of the former. During the growing process, application of Fructus Perillae to the soil could further enhance the growth and of Panax quinquefolium.