Academician TONG Xiaolin's Understanding and Experience in Treating Severe Cases of COVID-19 / 中医杂志

This article highlighted the invaluable expertise of Academician TONG Xiaolin in managing severe cases of COVID-19， thereby providing ideas for the treatment of severe and critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection by integrating traditional Chinese and western medicine. It is believed that COVID-19 belongs to the “cold dampness epidemic” in traditional Chinese medicine， which is caused by pathogenic qi of cold and dampness. The course of the disease can be divided into four stages： constraint， block， collapse， and deficiency， and the severe cases are mainly in the block and collapse stages. The pathogenesis at the block stage is described as epidemic toxins blocking the lung， which should be treated by diffusing the lung and unblocking the bowels， resolving phlegm and unblocking collaterals. The primary formula used is Zilong Xuanbai Chengqi Decoction （子龙宣白承气汤） with modifications based on individual condition. The pathogenesis at the collapse stage is described as internal block and external collapse， which should be treated by restoring yang to save from collapse， boosting qi to relieve collapse， diffusing the lung and unblocking the bowels， resolving phlegm and unblocking collaterals， usually with the formula Poge Zilong Xuanbai Chengqi Decoction （破格子龙宣白承气汤） with modifications.

Acupoint Autohemotherapy Attenuates Atopic Dermatitis Lesions by Regulating Th1/Th2 Balance in DNCB-Induced BALB/c Mice / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the therapeutic effects of acupoint autohemotherapy (A-AHT) on 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD) in mice focusing on regulating T helper 1/T helper 2 (Th1/Th2) immune responses.@*METHODS@#Thirty BALB/c mice were divided into 5 groups by a random number table, including normal control (NC), AD model (AD), A-AHT, sham A-AHT (sA-AHT), and acupoint injection of normal saline (A-NS) groups, 6 mice per group. Mice were challenged by DNCB for the establishment of experimental AD model. On the 8th day, except for the NC and AD groups, the mice in the other groups received management once every other day for a total of 28 days. For the A-AHT and sA-AHT groups, 0.05 mL of autologous whole blood (AWB) was injected into bilateral Zusanli (ST 36) and Quchi (LI 11) and sham-acupoints (5 mm lateral to ST 36 and LI 11), respectively. The A-NS group was administrated with 0.05 mL of normal saline by acupoint injection into ST 36 and LI 11. Dermatitis severity for dorsal skin of mice was determined using the Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) every week. The total immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) cytokine levels in serum were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Spleen Th1/Th2 expression were analyzed via flow cytometry and immunohistochemical assay was used to detect T-box expressed in T cell (T-bet) and GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA3) expressions in skin lesions of mice.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the AD group, both A-AHT and sA-AHT reduced the SCORAD index and serum IgE level (P<0.05 or P<0.01); A-AHT, sA-AHT and A-NS down-regulated serum IL-4 level and upregulated IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio (P<0.05 or P<0.01); A-AHT regulated the Th1/Th2 shift specifically and increased the related transcription factors such as T-bet expression and T-bet/GATA3 ratio (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#A-AHT showed significant effectiveness on the AD model mice, through regulating Th1/Th2 immune responses.

E.faecium QH06 alleviates TNBS-induced colonic mucosal injury in rats / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of Enterococcus faecium QH06 on TNBS-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in rats and explore the mechanisms in light of intestinal flora and intestinal immunity.@*METHODS@#Thirty-six male Wistar rats were randomized equally into control group, UC model group, and E.faecium QH06 intervention group. The rats in the latter two groups were subjected to colonic enema with 5% TNBS/ethanol to induce UC, followed by treatment with intragastric administration of distilled water or E.faecium QH06 at the dose of 0.21 g/kg. After 14 days of treatment, the rats were examined for colon pathologies with HE staining. The mRNA and protein expression levels of IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, and IFN-γ in the colon tissues were detected using RT-qPCR and ELISA, and the expression of TLR2 protein was detected with immunohistochemistry and ELISA. Illumina Miseq platform was used for sequencing analysis of the intestinal flora of the rats with bioinformatics analysis. The correlations of the parameters of the intestinal flora with the expression levels of TLR2 and cytokines were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#The rats with TNBS- induced UC showed obvious weight loss (P < 0.01) and severe colon tissue injury with high pathological scores (P < 0.01). The protein expression levels of IFN-γ, IL-12, and TLR2 (P < 0.01) and the mRNA expression levels of IFN-γ, IL-12 and IL-10 (P < 0.05) were significantly increased in the colon tissues of the rats with UC. Illumina Miseq sequence analysis showed that in UC rats, the Shannon index (P < 0.05) ACE (P < 0.01)and Chao (P < 0.05) index for the diversity of intestinal flora both decreased with a significantly increased abundance of Enterobacteriaceae (P < 0.01) and a lowered abundance of Burkholderiaceae (P < 0.05). Compared with the UC rats, the rats treated with E. faecium QH06 showed obvious body weight gain (P < 0.05), lessened colon injuries, lowered pathological score of the colon tissue (P < 0.05), decreased protein expressions of IFN- γ, IL- 12, and TLR2 and mRNA expressions of IFN- γ and IL-12 (P < 0.01 or 0.05), and increased protein expressions of IL- 4 (P < 0.05). The Shannon index ACE (P < 0.05) and Chao (P < 0.05) index of intestinal microflora were significantly increased, the abundance of Enterobacteriaceae was lowered and that of Burkholderiaceae and Rikenellaceae was increased in E.faecium QH06- treated rats (P < 0.01 or 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that IFN-γ was positively correlated with the abundance of Enterobacteriaceae, and IFN-γ was negatively correlated with the abundance of Prevotellaceae, Desulfovibrionaceae, norank_o_Mollicutes_RF39 and Clostridiales_vadinBB60_group; TLR2 was negatively correlated with Clostridiales_vadinBB60_group, norank_o_Mollicutes_RF39 and Prevotellaceae.@*CONCLUSION@#E.faecium QH06 can alleviate TNBS-induced colonic mucosal injury in rats, and its effect is mediated possibly by increasing the abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria such as Prevotellaceae and inhibiting abnormal immune responses mediated by TLR2.

Effect of Acupuncture on Constipation in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To observe the effect of acupuncture on constipation in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods:From January, 2019 to November, 2020, 50 ASD children with constipation from Rehabilitation Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine were admitted and randomly divided into acupuncture-rehabilitation group (n = 25) and medicine-rehabilitation group (n = 25). For constipation, the acupuncture-rehabilitation group used scalp acupuncture, body acupuncture combined with rehabilitation; the medicine-rehabilitation group took probiotics orally combined with rehabilitation. Both groups received conventional rehabilitation for constipation and the core symptoms. Constipation was treated for eight weeks, and ASD symptoms was treated for twelve weeks. After eight weeks and twelve weeks, the efficacy of constipation and the scores of main symptoms of constipation were compared, and they were also evaluated with Autism Child Behavior Scale (ABC) and Autism Treatment Evaluation Scale (ATEC). Results:Before treatment, there was no significant difference in the main symptoms of constipation, nor the scores of ABC and ATEC between two groups (P > 0.05). Eight weeks after treatment, the main symptoms of constipation significantly improved (t > 5.473, P < 0.001); twelve weeks after treatment, the efficacy of constipation and the main symptoms of constipation were better in the acupuncture-rehabilitation group than in the medicine-rehabilitation group (Z = 2.848, t = -2.139, P < 0.05). Eight weeks after treatment, the scores of ABC and ATEC significantly decreased (t > 7.139, P < 0.001), and there was no significant difference between two groups (P > 0.05); the score of behavior of ATEC significantly decreased in the acupuncture-rehabilitation group (t = 3.849, P < 0.01), and was lower than that of the medicine-rehabilitation group (t = -2.643, P < 0.05), and no significant difference in other items was found between two groups (P > 0.05); twelve weeks after treatment, the scores of ABC and ATEC were lower in the acupuncture-rehabilitation group than in the medicine-rehabilitation group (|t| > 2.156, P < 0.05). Conclusion:Acupuncture-rehabilitation can improve the longer-lasting effect of constipation, and also improve the core symptoms of ASD, which is superior to medicine-rehabilitation.

Establishment of UPLC-PDA Fingerprint of Baoyuantang Substance Benchmark and Identification of Its Chemical Constituents / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To establish the fingerprint of Baoyuantang substance benchmark， and to analyze and identify the common peaks. Method:A total of 15 batches of Baoyuantang substance benchmark were prepared， ultra performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector method （UPLC-PDA） was used to establish the fingerprint of the substance benchmark， and the methodology was developed. The chromatographic conditions were as follows：ACQUITY UPLC BEH Shield C₁₈ column （2.1 mm×100 mm， 1.7 μm）， mobile phase of 0.05% formic acid solution （A） and 0.05% formic acid acetonitrile solution （ B） for gradient elution （0-0.5 min， 5%-19%B； 0.5-6 min， 19%B； 6-10 min， 19%-27%B； 10-20 min， 27%-45%B； 20-20.1 min， 45%-95%B； 20.1-23 min， 95%B）， the flow rate of 0.4 mL·min^-1， the column temperature of 30 ℃， the detection wavelength at 203 nm and 260 nm， and the injection volume of 2 μL. Similarity evaluation system of traditional Chinese medicine fingerprint （2012 edition） was used to establish the fingerprint and generate the control fingerprint. The chemical constituents of Baoyuantang substance benchmark were identified by comparison of standard substances and UPLC-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry （UPLC-ESI-MS/MS） with full information tandem mass spectrometry （MS^E） and scanning range of <italic>m</italic>/<italic>z</italic> 50-1 200. Result:The similarities of 15 batches of Baoyuantang substance benchmark were above 0.90 by comparing with the control fingerprint. There were 37 common peaks， 22 of which were identified through UPLC-ESI-MS/MS， including liquiritin， violanthin， ginsenoside Rg₁， ginsenoside Rb₁， ginsenoside Re and so on. These components were all from Astragali Radix， Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma， Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. Conclusion:This method is accurate， stable and reliable， which will basically reflect the overall chemical composition characteristics of Baoyuantang， and it provides experimental basis for development of the granules of this famous classical formulas.

Establishment and Application of Identification Method for Fishy Odor of Cordyceps Based on HS-SPME/GC-QQQ-MS/MS / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To establish and apply a new practical analytical method for identifying the fishy odor of Cordyceps based on headspace-solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry （HS-SPME/GC-QQQ-MS/MS） technique. Method:The InertCap Pure-WAX capillary column （0.25 mm×30 m， 0.25 μm） was used for chromatographic separation. The injection port temperature was set at 250 ℃. The injection mode was split injection with a ratio of 5∶1. High purity helium was used as the carrier gas and control mode was set to constant pressure. The column flow rate was 1.43 mL∙min^-1， the linear velocity was 43.3 cm∙s^-1， and the purge flow rate was 3.0 mL∙min^-1. The chromatographic column temperature program as follows：maintained the initial temperature at 50 ℃ for 5 min， and increased the temperature at a rate of 10 ℃∙min^-1 to 250 ℃， held for 10 min. The column equilibrium time was 2.0 min. The ion source of mass spectrographic analysis was electron ionization with ion source temperature of 200 ℃， and the monitoring mode was set to multiple reaction monitoring. Result:Seven batches of Cordyceps samples were collected， including 3 batches from Sichuan， 3 batches from Qinghai and 1 batch from Tibet. There were six batches of counterfeits， including 3 batches from Sichuan， 2 batches from Guizhou and 1 batch in Xinjiang. A total of 81 volatile compounds were screened out in Cordyceps， which could be divided into 13 types （esters， ketones， aldehydes and others） according to the compound structure， indicating that the fishy odor of Cordyceps was a complex odor. There was no significant difference in the types of volatile compounds of Cordyceps from different regions， which suggested that these volatile compounds in Cordyceps produced in Tibet （Naqu）， Qinghai （Yushu and Guoluo） and Sichuan （Litang， Rangtang and Seda） were relatively consistent. However， the contents of some volatile compounds in Cordyceps produced in different regions were quite different， and 16 volatile compounds with significant difference were screened out， including 1-methoxy-2-propyl acetate， <italic>γ</italic>-octalactone， hexyl acetate and others， those compounds maybe could been used as the quality markers for identification of regions of Cordyceps. There was a large difference in volatile compounds between Cordyceps and its counterfeits， and 34 volatile compounds were screened out， including ethyl acetate， acetophenone， 2-ethyl-1-hexanol and others， those compounds maybe could been used as the quality markers for authenticity identification of Cordyceps. Conclusion:In summary， the established method for identifying the fishy odor of Cordyceps in this paper has the characteristics of high sensitivity， accuracy and simplicity， which can provide reference for the analysis of volatile compounds in other Chinese herbal medicines.

Clinical evaluation of Compound Chamomile and Lidocaine Hydrochloride Gel for postoperative hypospadias in children / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Compound Chamomile and Lidocaine Hydrochloride Gel for postoperative hypospadias in children.@*METHODS@#From January to December 2020, we treated 116 children with distal hypospadias in the Department of Urology, Department of Pediatrics and the Seventh Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital, 58 by primary Snodgrass urethroplasty only (the control group) and the other 58 with Compound Chamomile and Lidocaine Hydrochloride Gel smeared on the penis postoperatively in addition (the trial group). We compared the operation time and postoperative pain score, edema regression and incidence of infection between the two groups, followed by statistical analysis using T test and Chi-square test.@*RESULTS@#All the operations were successfully completed by the same surgeon under general anesthesia. There were no statistically significant differences between the trial and control groups in age (［2.5 ± 0.8］ vs ［2.4 ± 0.6］ yr, P > 0.05) or operation time (［95.6 ± 14.5］ vs ［97.1 ± 15.2］ min, P > 0.05). No incision infection occurred in any of the cases. The pain scores at dressing removal were remarkably lower in the trial than in the control group at 2 hours (1.4 ± 1.0 vs 2.6 ± 1.3, P < 0.05), 24 hours (2.2 ± 1.3 vs 3.9 ± 1.6, P < 0.05), 48 hours (1.2 ± 0.7 vs 1.6 ± 0.9, P < 0.05) and 72 hours after surgery (2.5 ± 0.8 vs 3.7 ± 1.8, P < 0.05). Significantly more cases of edema regression were achieved in the trial than in the control group at 2 weeks postoperatively (35 vs 19, P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Compound Chamomile and Lidocaine Hydrochloride Gel can effectively relieve pain, reduce edema and accelerate edema regression after surgery in children with hypospadias, and therefore deserves wide clinical application.、.

Explore Ying and Wei Regulating Therapy on Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy from Perspective of Neural Microenvironment / 中国实验方剂学杂志

A good neural microenvironment is an important basis for improving the damaged nerves and promoting axonal repair and regeneration. The destruction of neural microenvironment， closely related to the lack of neurotrophic factors， microcirculation disorders and immune abnormalities， is the key pathogenesis leading to diabetic peripheral neuropathy （DPN）. In traditional Chinese medicine， disharmony between Ying and Wei is considered as the key pathology in the development of DPN. It may be manifested as Ying and Wei deficiency， or Ying and Wei impassability， or Ying， Wei， Qi and blood intersection disorders， all of which may cause body fluid condensed into phlegm， blood into blood stasis， further leading to the mutual knot of phlegm and blood stasis， meridian obstruction， numbness and pain of limbs. "Regulating Ying and Wei and tonifying spleen and stomach" is the main therapeutic idea to promote intersection between Ying and Wei and unblock Qi and blood. The method has a significant effect on DPN. However， the current studies on the mechanism of regulating Ying and Wei in the treatment of DPN are still in lack of in-depth discussion， and the studies are mostly limited to the microcirculation disorders. Numerous studies have confirmed that the courses and distribution， physiological characteristics， functions of Ying and Wei are closely related to nerve， immune， metabolic substances and microcirculation. Based on the modern medicine essence of Ying and Wei， the author thinks that the discussion on connotation of the Ying and Wei from the perspective of neural microenvironment has a scientific basis， and regulating Ying and Wei is not only inherited from the traditional Chinese medicine theory， but also conforms to the modern understanding on DPN pathogenesis and treatment. Regulating Ying and Wei and smoothing middle-jiao can improve neural microenvironment and give play to the role of restoring damaged nerve， and its mechanism may be related to regulating neurotrophic factors， immune active substances， metabolites， and microcirculation dysfunction.

Industry Status and Development Strategies of Chinese Ethnic Medicine / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Ethnic medicine is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine, which has encountered many problems in the development process, such as the lack of effective inheritance of valuable experience and practice, weak basic research and lack of talents, serious destruction of ethnic medicine resources, uneven quality of medicinal materials, weak intellectual property protection, etc. To sum up, these seriously restrict the development of ethnic medicine. Here, the authors propose some corresponding suggestions according to these problems. Firstly, we should try our best to protect and mine relevant professional books for promoting national medicine culture, establish complete system of national and local standards, strengthen the construction of standardized planting bases and germplasm resource banks, build a well-known brand of ethnic medicine and give full play to the leading role of the brand. Secondly, we should strengthen basic research on ethnic medicine and build an integrated system of production-study-research. By integrating the strength of culture, scientific research, talents and industry, this paper hopes to promote the vigorous development of ethnic medicine.

Analysis on Pathogenesis of Diabetes Mellitus Based on Theory of Ascending and Descending of Qi Movement of Gut Microbiota / 中国实验方剂学杂志

The gut microbiota and its metabolites play a critical role on health maintenance, because they are involved in the absorption and metabolism of nutrients in the human bodies. This is also similar to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) view that the ascending and descending of Qi movement affects Yin-Yang, Qi-blood, pneuma and body fluid, viscera and meridians of our bodies. More and more studies have demonstrated that gut microbiota is closely related to the development and progression of diabetes and its complications. Gut microbiota disorder could affect host metabolic signaling pathways, thereby promoting the formation and development of diabetes. The smooth ascending and descending of Qi movement is the basic form of maintaining host metabolic homeostasis, whose dysfunction however can lead to internal environment disturbance. Based on the theory of ascending and descending of Qi movement, this paper focuses on the pathogenesis of imbalanced intestinal flora in the process of the induction of diabetes mellitus from a dynamic perspective. It is assumed that the imbalance of Qi ascending and descending may act as a trigger for such symptoms as lung Qi impairment, spleen deficiency to dissipating essence, liver Qi stagnation and kidney Yang deficiency. Under this circumstance, gut microbiota will be out of balance, which will further lead to the nutrient substance metabolic disturbance in the body, and thus induce diabetes. Thus, it is significant to explore the regulatory mechanism of gut microbiota and its metabolites on diabetes based on the theory of ascending and descending of Qi movement, so as to reveal the scientific connotation of TCM in regulating substance metabolism homeostasis in the body.

Effect of electroacupuncture on muscular atrophy and expression of microRNAs and muscle satellite cell proliferation related proteins in denervated gastrocnemius muscle rats / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on muscular atrophy and expression of microRNAs (Mir-1, Mir-133a, Mir-133b) and some proliferation-related factors of muscle satellite cells as histone deacetylase4 (HDAC4) and the paired box transcription factor Pax7 (Pax7) in skeletal muscle atrophy rats. METHODS: Twenty-four male SD rats were randomly and equally divided into sham operation, model and EA groups. The skeletal muscle atrophy model was established by transection of the right sciatic nerve. EA (2 Hz, 1 mA) was applied to the right "Zusanli"(ST36) and "Huantiao"(GB30) for 10 min, once a day, seven times a week for 2 weeks. The wet weight of bilateral gastrocnemius muscles was measured to calculate the ratio of weight between the affected gastrocnemius muscle and healthy gastrocnemius muscle. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the gastrocnemius muscle on the affected side was measured after H.E. staining. The expression levels of Mir-1, Mir-133a, Mir-133b, HDAC4 mRNA and Pax7 mRNA in the gastrocnemius muscle tissue were detected using quantitative real time-PCR. RESULTS: Compared with the sham operation group, the ratio of wet weight and CSA of the gastrocnemius muscle, and the expression levels of Mir-1 and Mir-133a were significantly decreased in the model group (P<0.01, P<0.05), while the expression levels of HDAC4 mRNA and Mir-133b significantly up-regulated in the model group (P<0.05). Following EA intervention, the decreased levels of the ratio of wet weight and CSA of the gastrocnemius muscle were significantly suppressed (P<0.01), suggesting an inhibition of the skeletal muscle atrophy, and the expression levels of Pax7 and HDAC4 mRNAs were notably up-regulated (P<0.05), and those of Mir-1, Mir-133a and Mir-133b were significantly or further significantly down-regulated relevant to the model group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: EA intervention can delay muscular atrophy in rats with denervated gastrocnemius muscle, which may be related with its function in up-regulating the expression of Pax7 and HDAC4 mRNAs and down-regulating the expression of Mir-1, Mir-133a and Mir-133b.

Research progress of traditional Chinese antidepressant herb-pair / 药学学报

@#Depression, a global disease with various pathogenic factors, is seriously affecting human physical and mental health. In Chinese traditional medical theory, the disease belongs to the category of "Yu Zheng". At present, on the one hand, adverse reactions to antidepressant western medicine are becoming more and more prominent. On the other hand, the study of their antidepressant active ingredients and compatibility mechanisms has become a difficult field in the traditional Chinese medicine compounds due to their complexity. The Chinese antidepressant herb-pairs has become a hot topic in the field of antidepressant research. Herb-pair is the core of traditional Chinese medicine compound. In addition, the compound itself is a herb-pair. The study of traditional Chinese antidepressant herb-pairs is more conducive to clarify the compatibility mechanism of herb interaction and the mechanism of antidepressants on the body.Therefore, this paper systematically expounds antidepressant herb-pairs from the study of material, pharmacokinetics and efficacy, which aims at providing theoretical support for the compatibility mechanism of antidepressant herb-pairs and the research of new antidepressant drugs.

Effect of Electroacupuncture on Blood-brain Barrier in SAMP8 Mice / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture on blood-brain barrier to promote intake of drugs into brain of SAMP8 mice. Methods:The male SAMP8 mice (30-week-old) were randomly divided into model group (n = 7), drug group (n = 7), acupuncture group (n = 7) and combined group (n = 7). Other SAMR1 mice were as control group (n = 7). The acupuncture group and the combined group accepted electroacupuncture at Baihui (DU20) and Yintang (EX-HN3), the drug group and the combined group accepted Donepezil, for four weeks. They were observed hippocampus tight junction (TJ) under transmission electron microscope. The activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in hippocampus were detected with immunohistochemistry. The mRNA expression of ZO-1, Claudin-5 and Occludin was detected with real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results:TJ and basement membrane in the control group, the acupuncture group and the combined group were better than those in the model group and the drug group. AChE was the most in the combined group, and then the drug group and the control group, the acupuncture group and the model group (P < 0.001). The expression of mRNA of ZO-1, Claudin-5 and Occludin was more in the acupuncture group and the combined group than in the drug group (P < 0.01). Conclusion:Electroacupuncture could ameliorate blood-brain barrier disruption and promote drug to enter the brain in SAMP8 mice, which may relate to the adjustion of ZO-1, Claudin-5 and Occludin.

Electrical and histological remodeling of the pulmonary vein in 2K1C hypertensive rats: Indication of initiation and maintenance of atrial fibrillation.

OBJECTIVE: Hypertension is a significant risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF). The role of pulmonary vein (PV) remodeling in the mechanistic association between hypertension and AF is not definitive. In this study, we aimed to identify changes in the electrophysiology and histology in PVs in two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C) hypertensive rats. METHODS: Fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats were classified into the 2K1C and sham-operated groups. The systolic blood pressure was measured every 2 weeks. The left atrial diameter was measured by transthoracic echocardiography. Left superior PV (LSPV) and left atrial (LA) fibrosis was evaluated by Masson's trichrome staining. The expression of fibrosis markers [angiotensin II (Ang II), transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and collagen I (Col I)] and ion channels [Kir2.1, Kir2.3, Cav1.2, and Nav1.5] in LSVP was quantified by western blot. Conventional microelectrodes were used to record the action potential duration at 90% repolarization (APD90) and effective refractory period (ERP) in isolated LA. RESULTS: At 4 months, the 2K1C hypertensive rats developed LA dilation. Col deposition in LSPV and left atrium and expression of TGF-ß1, MMP-2, and Col I in LSPV were significantly increased in 2K1C hypertensive rats. In addition, hypertension reduced the expression of Nav1.5 and Kir2.1, although there were no significant differences in APD90; ERP; and expression of Ang II, Kir2.3, and Cav1.2 between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Hypertension may lead to changes in the electrophysiology and histology of rats PVs, which is characterized by significant reduction in the expression of Nav1.5 and Kir2.1 and increase in interstitial fibrosis. These observations may clarify the role of PVs in the mechanistic association between hypertension and AF.

Protective Effects of Danlou Tablet () against Murine Myocardial Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury In Vivo / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the in vivo effect of Danlou Tablet (, DLT) on myocardial ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>DLT effects were evaluated in mouse heart preparation using 30-min coronary occlusion followed by 24-h reperfusion and compared among sham group (n=6), I/R group (n=8), IPC group (ischemia preconditioning, n=6) and DLT group (I/R with DLT pretreatment for 3 days, 750 mg•kg•day, n=8). The effects of DLT were characterized in infarction size (IS) compared with risk region (RR) and left ventricle using the Evans blue/triphenyltetrazolium chloride double dye staining method in vivo. Furthermore, the dose-dependent effect of DLT on I/R injury was evaluated by double staining method. Five different concentrations of DLT (0.625, 1.25, 2.5, 5 and 10 g•kg•day) were chosen in this study, and dose-response curve of DLT was obtained on these data.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The ratio of IS to left ventricle was significantly smaller in the DLT and IPC groups than the I/R group (P<0.05 or P<0.01), the ratio of IS to RR was also reduced in the DLT and IPC groups (P<0.01), while there were no differences in RR among the four groups (P>0.05). Experiments showed incidence of arrhythmias was reduced in the DLT group (P<0.01). Furthermore, DLT produced a dose-dependent inhibitory effect with a half maximal inhibitory concentration of 1.225 g•kg•day.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Our research concluded that DLT was effective in reducing I/R injury in mice, and provided experimental supports for the clinical use of DLT.</p>

An analysis on curative effect of Biafine combined with routine drugs in retention enema treatment for radiation proctitis of cervical cancer / 中国医学装备

Objective: To observe and analyze the clinical efficacy of Biafine combined with routine drugs in retention enema treatment for radiation proctitis of cervical cancer. Methods: 80 patients with cervical cancer who have complications of acute radiation proctitis after radiotherapy were divided into observation group(Biafine combined with routine drugs in retention enema treatment, 40 cases)and control group(routine drugs in retention enema treatment, 40 cases). The curative effects of two methods for radiation proctitis of cervical cancer were compared and researched. Results: The effective rate of observation group for curing radiation proctitis was 95% , and it was 75% in control group. The difference of effective rate between the two groups was significant(x2=7.333, P<0.05). Conclusion: It is significant that Biafine is applied to combine with routine drugs in retention enema treatment for radiation proctitis.

Study on preparation and quality evaluation of standard decoction of Gentiana Radix based on traditional decocting process / 中草药

Objective To evaluate the extraction ratio, content determination, transfer ratio, and feature maps or fingerprints by establishing 15 batches of standard decoction of Gentiana Radix from five different places. Methods The Gentiana Radix was dissolved in water based on the traditional decoction process, the content of gentiopicroside was determined by UPLC-DAD, the transfer ratio, the extraction ratio, the fingerprints and the common peaks were evaluated by UPLC/Q-TOF-MS/MS. Results The determination of gentiopicroside of 15 batches of standard decoction was in the range of 1.57-2.81 mg/mL, the transfer ratio of gentiopicroside was in the range of 50.71%-67.70%, the average transfer ratio was 59.20%, and the standard deviation was 7.31%. The extraction ratio was in the range of 15.72%-25.52%, the average extraction ratio was 19.20% and the standard deviation was about 2.85%. Ten peaks of fingerprint were confirmed in this research, such as lilac glucoside, 1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy)-phenyl- 1,2,3-glycerol or isomer, loganate, secologanoside, gentiopicroside, naptho(2,3-c)furan-1(3H)-one-9-(acetyloxy)-6-methoxy-8- [(2,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-6-O-(2,3,4-tri-oacetyl-β-D-xylopyranosyl)-β-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy] or isomer, C46H54O28 (unknown compound), C46H54O27 (unknown compound), macrophylloside B, and isomacrophylloside. Conclusion The preparation method in this paper conforms to the traditional decoction method, the analyzed samples had representiveness, the batches fit the fingerprint research requirements, the content of quality evaluation covers a wide range and the data obtained are representative. It can be used for the standard preparation and quality evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine and providing basic data for the quality and the industrialization of dispensing granules.

Danshensu protects against ischemia/reperfusion injury and inhibits the apoptosis of H9c2 cells by reducing the calcium overload through the p-JNK-NF-κB-TRPC6 pathway.

Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) plays an important role in myocardial injury. In the present study, we aimed to examine the protective effects of Danshensu (DSS) against I/R injury and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. For this purpose, H9c2 cells were cultured in hypoxic solution in a hypoxic incubator for 2 h, and then cultured in a high oxygen incubator for various periods of time and pre-treated with or without DSS, ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) or SP600125 [a c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor]. Cell apoptosis and cytosolic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) levels were analyzed by flow cytometry. The protein expression levels of JNK, phosphorylated (p-)JNK, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily C, member 6 (TRPC6) were measured by western blot analysis. The mRNA expression levels of JNK were measured by RT-qPCR. The results revealed that TRPC6 protein expression, the cell apoptotic rate and the [Ca2+]i levels increased in a time-dependent manner in the H9c2 cells following the induction of I/R injury. The apoptotic rate and TRPC6 protein expression decreased when the cells were treated with DSS prior to the induction of I/R injury. The knockdown of JNK expression by siRNA decreased the p-JNK and TRPC6 protein expression levels in the H9c2 cells subjected to I/R injury. The protein expression levels of p-JNK and NF-κB in the nucleus increased significantly when the H9c2 cells were subjected to I/R injury, whereas NF-κB expression in the cytoplasm decreased in a time­dependent manner. However, p-JNK, NF-κB and TRPC6 protein expression, the [Ca2+]i level and cell apoptosis decreased when the H9c2 cells were pre-treated with DSS or SP600125. Therefore, our data suggest that DSS prevents myocardial I/R injury by inhibiting p-JNK activation and NF-κB translocation, which potentially upregulate TRPC6 expression, increase the [Ca2+]i level, and result in the apoptosis of H9c2 cells.

Effect of Ginkgo biloba Tablet on the Expression of Scavenger Receptor A of the Aortic Wall in Atherosclerotic Rats / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the expression of Ginkgo biloba Tablet (GbT) on scavenger receptor A (SRA) of the aortic wall and changes of serum inflammatory factors in atherosclerotic rats, and to explore its new mechanism for fighting against atherosclerosis (AS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 45 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the control group, the model group, the GbT group, 15 rats in each group. Levels of blood glucose, blood lipids, blood calcium, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (slCAM-1), and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) were measured in all rats. The expression of SRA in the aortic wall of atherosclerotic rats was observed by immunohistochemical assay. The correlation between the expression of SRA and levels of in-flammatory factors was also observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the control group, blood glucose and blood calcium obviously increased (P < 0.05); levels of TG, TC, and LDL-C were significantly elevated (P < 0.01); neointimal areas were significantly thickened, increased intima percentage was significantly enlarged, narrowed lumen index was significantly reduced; levels of CRP, sICAM-1, and sVCAM-1 were significantly elevated in the model group (all P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, blood glucose and blood calcium obviously decreased (P < 0.05); levels of TG, TC, and LDL-C significantly decreased (P < 0.01) in the GbT group. Aortic lumens were obviously narrower in the model group than in the GbT group (P < 0.05). SRA expressed at the aortic wall. The aforesaid 3 indices were significantly improved in the GbT group than in the model group (P < 0.01). Serum levels of CRP, sICAM-1, and sVCAM-1 were significantly decreased in the GbT group than in the model group (P < 0.01). Serum levels of CRP, sICAM-1, and sVCAM-1 were positively correlated with the percentage of SRA positive expression area (r = 0.701, 0.604, 0.581, all P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Serum levels of inflammatory factors in atherosclerotic rats were elevated, and the expression of SRA in the aortic wall was enhanced. The expression of SRA was closely correlated with serum levels of inflammatory factors. GbT could decrease serum levels of inflammatory factors and inhibit the expression of SRA.</p>

Bushen Huoxue Recipe Inhibited Vascular Calcification in Chronic Renal Failure Rats by Regulating BMP-2/Runx2/Osterix Signal Pathway / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of Bushen Huoxue Recipe (BHR) on inhibiting vascular calcification (VC) in chronic renal failure (CRF) rats by regulating BMP-2/Runx2/Osterix signal pathway, and to explore its possible mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into the normal group, the model group, and the BHR group, 10 in each group. Rats in the model group and the BHR group were administered with 250 mg/kg adenine suspension by gastroagavage and fed with 1.8% high phosphorus forage, once per day in the first 4 weeks, and then gastric administration of adenine suspension was changed to once per two days in the following 5-8 weeks. Rats in the BHR group were administered with BHR at the daily dose of 55 g/kg by gastrogavage in the first 8 weeks, once per day. Equal volume of normal saline was given to rats in the normal group by gastrogavage for 8 weeks. Histological changes in renal tissue and aorta VC were observed by HE staining and alizarin red staining respectively. Levels of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), serum creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) in serum were detected. Protein expression levels of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP-2), Runt related transcription factor (Runx2) , and Osterix were detected by Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>HE staining showed that compared with the normal group, disordered glomerular structure, tubular ectasia and dropsy, intracavitary inflammatory cell infiltration, dark brown crystal deposition in kidney tubules, renal interstitial fibrosis, and decreased number of renal blood vessels in the model group. Compared with the model group, normal glomerular numbers increased more, reduced degree of tubular ectasia, decreased number of inflammatory cells, and reduced adenine crystal deposition in the BHR group. Alizarin red staining showed that compared with the normal group, calcified nodes could be found in the model group, with extensive deposition of red particle in aorta. Compared with the model group, calcified nodes were reduced in the BHR group. Compared with normal group, serum levels of P, SCr, BUN, and iPTH significantly increased, serum Ca level significantly decreased, protein expressions of BMP-2, Runx2, Osterix also increased in the model group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, serum levels of P, SCr, BUN, and iPTH levels significantly decreased, serum Ca level significantly increased, protein expressions of BMP-2, Runx2, Osterix also decreased in the BHD group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>BHD could improve renal function, Ca-P metabolism, and renal histological changes in CHF rats, down-regulate the expression level of BMP-2/Runx2/Osterix signal pathway in vascular calcification of CRF, which might be one of the mechanisms for inhibiting VC in CHF.</p>